Chapter 123: I Want You to Lose to Her - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

**Chapter 123: I Want You to Lose to Her** Honestly, Su Lin felt she came at the wrong time. There are some things better left unseen, easy to talk about when you're oblivious. But seeing them firsthand can be awkward, especially when entering as an "interrupter." It amplifies the awkwardness… She deeply regretted not knocking before entering. For the first time, the privilege she had with Xu Shi, due to their close relationship, seemed less advantageous. "You're back?" Xu Shi remained as nonchalant as ever, adjusting quickly with no change in expression. "Have the 'Forgotten Ones' been selected?" As he spoke, he gently patted Xia Wuyou on the back, signaling her to wake up and get dressed. While it was said, "You two together isn't a problem," the situation called for propriety. Su Lin was here for business; discussing anything else was inappropriate. Thus, he refrained from making cliché comments like "No, you're right on time," instead calmly inquiring about the situation. "…Yes." Xu Shi's nonchalance quickly diffused Su Lin's embarrassment, shifting her focus back to reporting, "We've selected about a hundred individuals for interviews." The six major corporations and the 'Forgotten Ones' agreed to initially integrate around ten thousand people. Although the number seems large, in reality, only one or two thousand might end up working under Xu Shi due to the need for distribution among different factions. Though the company needed people, it wasn't quite ready to accommodate such a large number. Moreover, selecting candidates is a meticulous task. Capability is one aspect, but physical health is another. Despite exaggerated rumors about "mutated deformities," it's undeniable that long-term exposure to high concentrations of "rust mist" has impacted the physical condition of the 'Forgotten Ones,' making them less robust compared to Night Sin City's residents. Thus, we had to thoroughly screen them to ensure their health is adequate. They mustn't join only to meet their demise in the company. Infectious diseases were a definite disqualifier—treatment considerations aside, cost is a factor as well. Therefore, "Prism" had already arranged comprehensive medical check-ups, the same ones conducted before Shen Qin and her team's negotiations. Despite this, the review process wouldn't be swift, estimated to take around two weeks. The hundred individuals Su Lin selected were the top-tier candidates who passed the screenings. The elite talents would naturally be snatched by the six conglomerates, while secondary and tertiary businesses would consider the remaining pool. Given "Serpent Ring's" rising status among the conglomerates, Xu Shi also had an advantage. "The two leaders, Nan Qian and Li Si, also participated in the selection." Su Lin continued, "Following your instructions, I've secured Ms. Nan Qian, while Li Si has been chosen by 'Prism.'" In front of Xia Wuyou, she refrained from revealing Shen Qin's true identity. "You two didn't get into a fight, did you?" Xu Shi appeared unsurprised by the result, casually joking. He had already grasped the situation: within the 'Forgotten Ones,' Matsugu was focused on the medical field, just as Xie Qingyan needed such talents, similar to his own requirement for Shen Qin. In comparison, Zhao Yuan's group lacked leverage, mostly comprising blue-collar workers. They lacked competitive edge or motivation; even if they desired inclusion, it wasn't assured they'd be noticed. Actually, Xu Shi preferred this; physical laborers might as well stay mining, avoiding unnecessary involvement. "Of course not. Secretary Ye is quite amiable." Su Lin shook her head, a barely perceptible smile playing on her lips. In truth, Ye Shanshan, dispatched by "Prism" to select candidates, indeed hoped to contend for Shen Qin. Unfortunately, she lacked the capability. Su Director merely pointed at her face, evoking Ye Shanshan's memories of fear from the day she drew a tiny turtle on it. She dared not protest further. "That's good. I'll conduct the interviews myself later. Go make the preparations." Xu Shi nodded, giving his instructions. "Understood." Su Lin acknowledged and swiftly departed. "Then, should I head back…?" After she left, Xia Wuyou hesitated to speak softly. She was utterly embarrassed. This was her first experience, and it was abruptly interrupted just as things were becoming harmonious. The internal embarrassment was understandable. She appeared nonchalant, dressing herself. In reality, she had kept her head buried in Xu Shi's embrace, too embarrassed to make eye contact. The fact she didn't find a hole to jump into was already commendable. This interruption meant they couldn't resume where they left off. Xu Shi had official matters to tend to, and for her, the momentum she had built was abruptly shattered, making it challenging to get back in the mood. She almost wanted to cry — what a predicament… TAT "No rush, come with me later." Xu Shi smiled, pinching her cheek. "Especially that Nan Qian. I need you to assess her personally." "Me?" Xia Wuyou was puzzled. "Wouldn't Su Director be better suited for that?" Her understanding of the 'Forgotten Ones' wasn't as comprehensive as Xu Shi's. However, as one of their leaders, Xia Wuyou knew about Nan Qian. Xu Shi indeed valued her highly. Now, it seemed, he hadn't planned for her to join the engineering department. Otherwise, it should have been Jiang Chengcheng conducting the assessment… Even if it were combat testing, Su Lin should still be the first choice. Despite not having formally fought her, Su Lin's reputation was well-known. Her experience was substantial; she even conducted Xia Wuyou's entry interview… "Su Lin could handle it, but I think you're more suitable." Xu Shi sighed lightly, "Don't you know? Nan Qian is actually Shen He's younger sister, Ms. Shen Qin." "…Eh?" Xia Wuyou was astonished. So that's why? When "Tianhe" fell years ago, she had heard that Shen He wasn't the only one to escape. Shen He indeed had a sister around her age; they had interacted before… "Do you need me to defeat her completely?" Yet she was indifferent. She didn't particularly care about Shen He, let alone his sister. She'd do whatever Xu Shi instructed, without questioning. "Not at all." Xu Shi smiled slyly. "I do want you to test her, but don't win." "Even if you can, don't win. No matter what, let her win, but make it subtle. Convey the impression that you're slightly inferior." "I understand." Xia Wuyou, sharp as ever, immediately grasped the situation and further understood Xu Shi's mischievousness. This guy could indeed be wicked. But her concern wasn't this; it was the earlier, abruptly disrupted incident that persistently nagged at her. So. Before leaving. She blinked thoughtfully, then took the initiative to wrap her arms around Xu Shi's neck, kissing him intensely. Otherwise, it might impact her later… she justified it to herself. It wasn't because she found the earlier experience lacking. With this temporary release, she finally departed Xu Shi's side, satisfied. "I'll go change then." Xia Wuyou patted her flushed cheeks, quickly leaving the office. Xu Shi hadn't expected her to be so forward, watching her leave for a while before laughing helplessly. (End of Chapter)