Chapter 119: The Humiliation of Today, Xu Shi, You Shall Repay a Hundredfold! - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

**Chapter 119: The Humiliation of Today, Xu Shi, You Shall Repay a Hundredfold!** Upon hearing Xu Shi's words, the expressions of Shen Qin and the other two softened somewhat. Three became two. On the surface, it seemed like only a small concession, but the difference was fundamentally significant. If "The Forgotten" could leave behind even one of their own leaders, it wouldn't be considered a complete severance. Should any situation arise subsequently, they could address it promptly, ensuring it doesn't spiral out of control beyond reach. However. "At the moment, it's the initial stage of 'The Forgotten' integrating with Nightcrime City. Leaving behind only one person might still be a bit unstable?" Shen Qin gritted her teeth and said, "Perhaps there's no need to rush so hastily? Maybe one of us goes first, and once things stabilize, then we can..." "There's no need for concern, Chief. Once the outlying shelters are built, the gap between both sides will only narrow." Xu Shi waved his hand to interrupt her, his tone calm yet indisputable, "The city hall will also dispatch personnel to assist in managing the remaining 'Forgotten.' Leaving just one of you is entirely sufficient." These words were rather domineering. The notion of sending help when they could manage on their own clearly suggested interference, and from the perspective of "The Forgotten," their ambitions were evident. But as they are at a disadvantage, they must bow their heads in acceptance. The previous conditions have been agreed upon, and this final concession by Nightcrime City shouldn't be pushed further. Refusal would mean denying everything and retreating with "The Forgotten," which clearly wasn't an option. If it were, there'd be no need for negotiations. "…President Xu's right. For peaceful coexistence, we must set an example." Song Chen echoed, "Two people work fine; I have no issue with it." "Much appreciated." Xu Shi nodded with a smile, shaking hands with him. It had been mentioned before, as long as self-interested individuals like Song Chen were around, everything became much simpler. Both Shen Qin and Zhao Yuan naturally expressed displeasure at his comment, seeing it as betrayal and lack of unity. Yet, in this context, his remark left them without any substantial counterargument. Moreover, it blocked their way forward; insisting further would make them seem ungrateful. So, after some brief discussion, Shen Qin and Zhao Yuan reluctantly agreed. This was precisely what Xu Shi wanted. His additional demand served this exact purpose. In broader terms, it was indeed about bridging gaps between the two parties. No matter who among these three leaders of "The Forgotten" took the lead, it would undeniably set a precedent: even your leaders are willing to humble themselves to reside in Nightcrime City; what more can others expect? Or, since they're seeking refuge in Nightcrime City, they should behave humbly. Could they possibly get all the perks? In narrower terms, it was a strategic move aimed directly at Shen Qin. He never intended for all three to come; it would be better to let them retain some autonomy rather than have the city impose total control. Yet even with two coming, the one left behind would absolutely not be Shen Qin. The reasoning was simple: Song Chen was clearly an ally, one of the spots would undeniably be his. Without giving it to him, he'd surely take it himself. Between Shen Qin and Zhao Yuan, the latter harbored more pure resistance to Nightcrime City; he probably wouldn't even be willing to come. On the contrary, Shen Qin, with the situation concerning Shen He, would surely attend. How else would she achieve a gradual infiltration? With her brother overseeing things, her concerns were fewer. "...There aren't any other requests from Nightcrime City, right?" Shen Qin naturally didn't know his thoughts, or perhaps she hadn't caught up with Xu Shi's strategy, so she asked a bit uneasily. "None." Xu Shi smiled, "Prepare to return, and regarding your settlement, we can start anytime." "We... warmly welcome the arrival of 'The Forgotten.'" The proceedings unfolded exactly as Xu Shi anticipated. When it came to choosing who would head to Nightcrime City, the final decision landed on Shen Qin and Song Chen. “Well then, I'll leave the rest at the base in your hands, Zhao Yuan,” Song Chen remarked with a tinge of sentiment, half-jokingly adding, “Finally, the three of us won’t be competing against each other. Isn’t this what you wanted?” “I feel like you’re the one who’d be thrilled to rush into living in Nightcrime City, Song Chen,” Zhao Yuan retorted with a cold smile. “Are you secretly pleased?” He scorned Song Chen’s earlier pandering to Xu Shi, his honest temperament making his disdain evident. Or perhaps he was already being restrained, refused to become a second-class citizen in Nightcrime City unless utterly desperate. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have compromised at all. Being left in charge was actually his preference, solving survival problems without having to rely on others. Song Chen wasn’t wrong, though. With those two gone, being in command alone was certainly gratifying. Not that the two wouldn’t deploy control measures, but comparatively, the influence of the other factions would significantly diminish. He was quite pleased with this arrangement. “Now’s not the time to be bickering,” Shen Qin chided, exasperated. “Nightcrime City will definitely meddle; you must handle them carefully, Zhao Yuan.” “…Alright, I understand.” His tone softened after her words, “I won’t let them succeed.” “As for you two… take care.” “…You’re going to Nightcrime City as a citizen?” Shen He was hesitant hearing the decision. "Is it truly a good idea, going alone? I worry…” He genuinely felt anxious, especially recalling his past defeat at Xu Shi’s hands, making him uneasy. Moreover, this wasn’t what he had envisioned. He had hoped Song Chen and Zhao Yuan would go instead. That way, he and his sister could consolidate strength from those "Forgotten" left behind, re-establishing their influence and significantly easing their future endeavors. “It’s okay, brother, don’t worry.” Shen Qin had seen through it, “According to our negotiations, most technical personnel will slowly migrate to Nightcrime City. In contrast, those left will hold diminishing value. Without early arrangements, we’d lose the initiative.” “Also, I need this identity to engage with other factions in Nightcrime City.” “The six major corporations have their agendas. If they plan to dissolve us internally, why can’t we use their methods against them?” “Most importantly, Xu Shi doesn’t know my identity yet.” She pointed out the crux, “Which is our greatest opportunity.” In her view, Xu Shi wouldn’t possibly know she was Shen He’s sister. Not even among "The Forgotten" did many know her true identity, except for Li Tang, whose loyalty she trusted implicitly. Perhaps, Xu Shi didn't realize his seemingly thorough plan still had gaps... With this, Shen Qin regained some confidence. Whether it was the grudge against her brother or the humiliation she suffered, She intended to repay it all! (End of Chapter)