Chapter 120: Need Some Relaxation? - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

### Chapter 120: Need Some Relaxation? The negotiation terms had been finalized, and the integration of the "Forgotten Ones" was promptly set into motion. The main body handling this was, of course, the city hall, yet the six major financial groups were also displaying a significant level of enthusiasm, each dispatching people to assist. Everyone understood that the initial selected group wouldn't be lacking in talent, and recruiting them would lead to substantial improvements. Xu Shi even sent Su Lin personally to oversee matters, demonstrating just how much importance he placed on this. Given that the "Serpent Ring" was in a phase of rapid growth, they needed to expand, and this was a perfect opportunity to leverage and attract these exceptional talents. Additionally, "Try to recruit Shen Qin into our company," he instructed earnestly. "We can't let anyone else make the first move." He didn't conceal Shen Qin’s true identity from Su Lin, explaining it clearly. "I understand, young master," Su Lin nodded in agreement. She had also done some research on Shen Qin’s situation. The fact was, her capabilities weren't weak. Within the "Forgotten Ones," Shen Qin and her team mainly focused on weapon research and development—the previous handgun being her handiwork. This aligned perfectly with the "Serpent Ring’s" area of expertise. Moreover, Shen Qin was an "Ascender" herself. During the second negotiation meeting, when Su Lin accompanied Xu Shi, it was apparent that Shen Qin's level of ascension was quite high, arguably comparable to her own. Not to mention, Shen Qin was a leader within the "Forgotten Ones." Even if she assumed the status of a regular citizen upon entry, her influence and leadership wouldn't fade anytime soon. Given these advantages, she was undoubtedly a sought-after asset. However. "Perhaps the most crucial reason is because she's Shen He’s sister?" Su Lin teased with interest. "Since you know, shouldn’t you put more effort into it?" Xu Shi responded playfully. Of course, that was merely a jest. Regardless of Shen Qin being Shen He's sister or not, he absolutely needed to secure such talent. Honestly, ever since Shen He was crushed by Xu Shi in their last encounter, his importance in Xu Shi's eyes had diminished. Currently, more pressing matters included streamlining company operations, elevating the company’s standards, and vying for greater influence and standing among the six major financial groups. They weren't even on the same level of playing field. These days, he had been focusing on these tasks: suppressing "Shark Tooth," fostering alliances with "Feather Pen," and keeping "Dragon City" in check, all with these considerations in mind. The emergence of the "Forgotten Ones," on the other hand, had somewhat disrupted his plans. Perhaps one could say it was Shen He’s protagonist luck? Just when he seemed at a dead end, here came another boost, like wildfire that wouldn’t be snuffed out—a persistent annoyance. Xu Shi also knew that Shen He was likely hiding among the "Forgotten Ones," and wouldn’t reveal himself anytime soon. The only one he would be dealing with was Shen Qin. That was fine, since the situation presented itself, it could all be dealt with at once. As for the "Forgotten Ones," what were they really to him? Just another set of pawns ripe for the picking. The opponent hadn't even begun taking action and he was already maneuvering them skillfully. "But remember, for now, we shouldn't let Shen Qin realize we know her identity," he added with a smile. It must be said, "Miss Nan Qian" did consider things thoughtfully, seeming more mature in how she conducted herself compared to her brother. Might as well play along with her a bit? When she can’t escape any longer, revealing the truth would undoubtedly be a more entertaining scenario. "I understand," Su Lin comprehended with a knowing smile, teasingly remarking, "Young master’s mischievous taste is quite..." "Serving a mischievous young master like you, Director Su, isn't any better," Xu Shi teased, leaning in close to her ear. "...I’m just following your instructions," Su Lin retorted, feigning annoyance. She wasn’t much affected by Xu Shi's teasing, having grown accustomed to him after spending a lot of time together... Upon further reflection, she pondered if this was why she seemed out of place compared to others? Hmm... With those thoughts, Director Su proceeded with her tasks. Xu Shi, seizing a rare moment of leisure, reclined on the sofa for a short nap. The company’s steady development was a good thing, but there was no denying the exhaustion from excessive contemplation. Though it wasn’t the same kind of weariness as Jiang Cheng-Cheng experienced, free time had certainly diminished noticeably... The plan to play games with Little Black Rabbit had been postponed indefinitely. He hadn't returned home much lately. Whether it’s called fulfilling one’s duties or bearing greater responsibilities with more power, in any case, avoiding it wasn’t an option. Since escape wasn't possible, slowly adapting was the only course of action. In a groggy state, he heard a knock at the office door. "Come in," Xu Shi muttered, assuming it was Su Lin returning. "Back so soon? Is there something else?" Having received no response for a moment, it dawned on him that something wasn’t right; Su Lin usually wouldn’t knock... she didn’t need to. Opening his eyes, he saw it was Xia Wuyou in casual attire. "… It’s me." Noticing Xu Shi mistook her entrance, Xia Wuyou felt a bit embarrassed. "Ahem, just a bit muddled," Xu Shi blinked, sitting up. "Anything you need, Supervisor Xia?" "Not really, just some field department reports... Supervisor Du was on leave, and I couldn’t find Director Su, so I thought I’d deliver them personally." Xia Wuyou spoke softly, "Apologies for disturbing your rest." In the field department, Xia Wuyou wasn’t the top dog. She was still in the same position, merely a supervisor. The department head was an elder called Du Wei, one of the talents left by his father. Fairly neutral in demeanor, in past faction disputes, he remained unbiased, diligently performing his duties, and under his leadership, the field department stayed on track without incident. His only shortcoming was his age. Being in a high-risk department had taken a toll, and frequent leave was common. He had expressed a desire to step back multiple times, but given past circumstances, approval was impossible. Something to consider, no doubt. "...No problem," Xu Shi contemplated. "Just set them on the table, and thank you for your effort." "It’s my duty," Xia Wuyou shook her head. This wasn’t much of an endeavor... But she took note of Xu Shi's fatigue, hence choosing to inquire gently after setting the documents down. "I noticed you seem quite worn out... Need some relaxation?" (End of chapter)