Chapter 137: Director Su, Learn Some New Tricks Already! - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 137: Director Su, Learn Some New Tricks Already! The conversation finally took a serious turn at this point. "What do I want?" Xu Shi furrowed his brows, thinking it over. "What I want is simple, really. Sin City should behave and stop targeting me." "But to be honest, shouldn't it be me asking this question?" He quickly switched gears, "You invited me here, City Lord Long. Shouldn't you be the one who wants something and therefore talks to me?" "..." Long Tian Ding remained silent, his mouth twitching slightly. It seems... that's right, isn't it? Typically, it's the inviter who seeks something from the invitee, not the other way around. Whether it's a meeting or a meal, the logic doesn't change. From this perspective, his question was indeed poorly crafted. This was enough to show he was a bit off-kilter—this kind of conversation is a battle of endurance, where the first to lose their composure is at a disadvantage. Once Xu Shi realized it, he would exploit it for a better deal... Being cornered like this could become a laughingstock if word got around. But even if Xu Shi didn't exploit it, and instead steered the conversation back on track, Long Tian Ding found himself still slightly unsettled. What do I want? I want you to return areas six and seven, otherwise, why did I come to you? Yet, clearly, the other side wasn't inclined, having just cornered me with words... "Actually, I thought City Lord Long invited me here to discuss equipment purchases. I didn't expect it to be over such a trivial matter." Seeing his silence, Xu Shi subtly smirked, "If there's nothing else, should I just take my leave?" "…Please wait, Chairman Xu." This comment jogged Long Tian Ding's memory, and he hastily stopped him, "What I mentioned earlier was one aspect, but regarding equipment… I do need to make some purchases." "Oh." Xu Shi tempered his expression and hid his smile, "Then let's talk business?" "Alright." Long Tian Ding sighed quietly. Upon reflection, he even felt a bit of fear. Damn, this was his original intention, to leverage Xu Shi's involvement in Sin City's affairs and gain some benefits; yet Xu Shi's maneuvering made him completely forget it! He felt as if he had lost his mind, his head spinning. However, since the conversation had come this far, it had, in a sense, returned to the correct path. Xu Shi had extended an olive branch, and he had to accept it, otherwise, there was no way to continue this discussion. It's just that he was also quite clear that bringing it up himself was wholly different from Xu Shi doing so. The former was a means of utilizing a pretext, while the latter had to be seen as a normal transaction, with Xu Shi holding the reins. This young man is terrifying... Yet surprisingly, Xu Shi did not take further advantage but genuinely began discussing equipment procurement in detail, talking models, prices, everything with earnest focus. Not using the opportunity to squeeze further? Long Tian Ding found it odd, but he couldn't pinpoint anything suspicious. On the flip side, isn't this advantageous for me? Would you really want him to give you a hard time? He temporarily set aside his doubts, gradually feeling at ease. "City Lord Long seems much more refreshed?" Xu Shi remarked with a teasing tone, "Now you don't have to worry about your subordinates outshining you?" He knew all too well that if there were a core issue for Long Tian Ding, this was definitely up there. With all those top-quality gears in Ding Jun's possession, anyone in Sin City would envy them. This one here wasn’t an exception, perhaps feeling dissatisfaction even more than others. He's the boss of Sin City, and Ding Jun is but a subordinate. Yet here’s his subordinate with fancy cars like a Benz or Rolls Royce while he's still driving a Mazda. Of course, anyone would feel stuck... "…Forgive me, but I'm not quite following what you mean, Chairman Xu." Long Tian Ding paused, shaking his head. While he certainly had those thoughts, he couldn’t reveal them, as doing so would diminish his stature. He thus diverted the topic, "As you're aware, many 'Forgotten Ones' are flooding into Sin City lately. I urgently need more equipment to handle the situation, and my good mood is because you're alleviating some pressure." "Including those remnants of 'Sparks' within Sin City, these new weapons will keep them in check… Should I try out Chairman Xu's new toys on them?" "No need, really." Xu Shi blinked, "I've already handled the 'Sparks' issue. What's left doesn't warrant City Lord Long’s attention. Things are fine as they are." His words carried a hint of irony. Back when Shen He was colluding with Third Brother He to give him trouble, Long Tian Ding wasn't so proactive. Now, it’s pointless to act retroactively. Additionally, this served as a declaration of his authority, implying that Long Tian Ding should abandon any ideas about areas six and seven. Those are now his domains, and any conflicts should be handled by him, rather than others like Long Tian Ding. Moreover, Long Tian Ding was unaware that Xu Shi had designated those as a training ground for Lin Yue, treating it as his nurturing game, not wanting anyone to interfere and mess it up. "Chairman Xu's generosity is as vast as the sea, what a magnanimous demeanor." Long Tian Ding mumbled to himself, quietly snapping back. Did he not grasp the implications? Of course, at first, he didn’t see Xu Shi as a considerable threat, viewing 'Serpent's Loop' as being in decay, thinking others might try to find opportunities to intervene or claim a share. Yet, Xu Shi's transformation and actions since took everyone by surprise, proving the saying: tables turn. So now, even if Xu Shi was being sarcastic, he really had no other option but to take it on the chin. "…Additionally, I need a batch of 'Dual-Core' chips." Long Tian Ding decided to press on with business, "There are many 'Ascended' in Sin City, ordinary weapons aren't enough." "Certainly." Xu Shi nodded, "But I have a condition." "Hmm?" "Why are you so startled, City Lord Long?" Xu Shi laughed, "Didn’t you ask what I wanted earlier? I actually do have a request… Don't worry, it's not a big deal." "Let's hear it first then." Long Tian Ding didn’t entirely trust him, as if suffering from PTSD. "It's somewhat aligned with City Lord Long’s concerns." Xu Shi explained, "With 'Forgotten Ones' residing in Sin City, even though we’re working hard to prevent them from fragmenting, we must guard against those looking to attack from the shadows… Especially someone like me, who’s taken the blame for everyone else, I must be extra cautious." "So, my condition is simple. If there are any nefarious individuals planning to use you against me, you would lend a hand." You took the blame for everyone? More like you claimed all the spotlight... Long Tian Ding internally retorted, yet he knew Xu Shi wasn't joking. Xu Shi genuinely had such concerns. Since everyone knew there was another player, Lin Wen Hua, within 'Serpent's Loop,' a figure far from being reticent or easy to control. Xu Shi’s worry is likely about Lin Wen Hua stirring up trouble, thus cutting off potential avenues in advance? "Chairman Xu underestimates me. I’m not a shortsighted person." This condition was quite acceptable, and Long Tian Ding agreed readily, stating outright, "Messing up the good situation for a mere Lin Wen Hua, wouldn’t be a wise trade." "Then thank you in advance." Xu Shi exaggeratedly sighed in relief, "Any benefits to come will be ours to share." "What benefits could I possibly get?" Long Tian Ding teased or perhaps was driven by curiosity. "Well..." Xu Shi contemplated, scribbling across his scrap of paper calculating costs, "Here, say there's a remainder of two hundred and forty-two thousand. It seems untidy, let's round it off." "That's it?" Long Tian Ding was frank; such an amount meant little to them. "A benefit is a benefit." Xu Shi shrugged. Long Tian Ding paused, realizing that perhaps this was just the beginning, and from Xu Shi’s tone, more was in store… Alternatively, even if it were merely minor benefits like this, they would accumulate significantly over time. The two exchanged a knowing glance, bursting into laughter simultaneously. ... Seeing Xu Shi dominating the exchange, Su Lin felt both reassured and pleased. After leaving the first district, she even made a playful jab, "I thought Young Master would end up at odds with Long Tian Ding, maybe even fighting." "There aren’t that many fights to be had." Xu Shi shot her a look, "If you enjoy fighting so much, should I transfer you to the Field Department to replace Supervisor Du?" The truth is, most of the time, everyone prefers negotiation over combat. Even when it comes to it, most are reluctant to strike first—after all, that course of action will incur losses, whether financial or reputational. Possessing a nuclear arsenal doesn’t mean you lob them at every disagreement; it's mainly about showing you’ve got the power, not using it recklessly. People who love to brawl are just delinquents, and that mindset needs correcting. "If Young Master truly feels that way, then I'll go." Su Lin replied softly, now realizing not to oppose Xu Shi's playful remarks directly; rather, agreeing smoothly seemed to be better. "Alright, report in tomorrow then." Xu Shi nodded in satisfaction, "I'll have to go back and see who's fit to take over your position in Human Resources." "This..." Director Su was taken aback. Why was he changing the game again? Neither opposing him nor agreeing seemed effective. What was she supposed to do moving forward? Just let him tease her at will? That would be too much. "…I'm sure Young Master already has someone in mind for Supervisor Du's position." Thankfully, she understood Xu Shi wouldn't really send her to the Field Department, so she huffed and directly pointed out his intentions, "I'm not competing with her for it." "Oh, so you knew." Xu Shi was, of course, just teasing, "And yet you still said it, deliberately trying to rile me up?" "The person" was undoubtedly Xia Wuyou, who was destined to take over as the head of the Field Department. Supervisor Du had applied for retirement several times already, and once this period was over, the transition would be seamless. "I meant to praise you, Young Master." Su Lin pouted, "Anyway, with this, 'Dragon City' seems stable, saving you quite a bit of trouble." "It's stable, yes, but I wouldn't call it trouble-free." Xu Shi stretched lazily, "Long Tian Ding is a schemer; it’s not something a single discussion could resolve entirely." Because he hadn't offered conditions satisfying enough for Long Tian Ding. Long Tian Ding hadn't gotten what he wanted—control over areas six and seven. This would always be a sore point. Even if Xu Shi said he wasn't interested and wouldn't interfere, it wouldn't resolve the issue for Long Tian Ding. The same went for the equipment. Though the talks seemed pleasant and they rounded off a few details, Xu Shi knew that Long Tian Ding wanted more than just that. Starting from the mindset of "keeping up with Ding Jun," as his subordinate rode in Benz and Rolls Royce, why should Long Tian Ding be content with merely matching up? He should be aiming for a private jet rather than just being on par. During their conversation, Long Tian Ding showed interest in 'Serpent's Loop's’ latest equipment iteration and the upcoming rust-fog technology use by 'The Forgotten.' But Xu Shi certainly couldn't give those out freely. It needed to be like squeezing toothpaste—bit by bit, not all at once, lest it becomes overwhelming. "Have you decided on your stance towards him?" Su Lin was well aware and inquired earnestly, "Will you ally with him or... eliminate him?" Her words were blunt, but that was the reality. If they weren't friends, they’d have to consider them enemies, and she believed that if Xu Shi wanted, he could achieve it. Without realizing it, she had placed Xu Shi on a pedestal where he could seemingly accomplish anything. "Honestly, I haven’t decided yet." Xu Shi shook his head candidly, "Initially, I considered removing him, but now I'm not sure it's necessary." At least for now, 'The Forgotten's instability is one factor, while removing him might not even stabilize Sin City, considering he is currently working with 'Quill Pen' to improve the lives of its citizens. Stirring the waters now could hinder progress. "So... observe him a bit longer?" Su Lin understood his intention, "Use Lin Wen Hua?" "Yes." Xu Shi didn't deny it. Though he hadn’t decided what to do with Long Tian Ding, Lin Wen Hua had to be eliminated. Whether Xu Shi acted or not, he had to force him to act. Conveniently, Lin Wen Hua had in his hands the second-gen chips provided by Xu Shi, which made it easy to gauge Long Tian Ding's genuine intentions. Decisions could wait until then. "Indeed, more observation would be prudent." Su Lin wholeheartedly agreed, "Consistent stability would be good. Otherwise, I fear you might face significant burdens, Young Master." Human energy has its limits; it's impractical to grasp at everything. "If everyone were like you, I'd have much less stress." Xu Shi sighed, half-jokingly. "If everyone really were like me, you probably wouldn't think so." Su Lin hesitated for a moment before teasing, "It'd be pretty dull, wouldn’t it?" It was a bit self-deprecating. Xu Shi certainly didn’t have the fresh interest in her that he had for other girls, given their constant company which stifled such emotions. But upon reflection, she felt a bit pleased and even proud. After all, Xu Shi had said "everyone like her," which implied a great degree of affirmation and trust—it’s not like he suggested everyone be like Xia Wuyou, no one else held that privilege. "Director Su is irreplaceable" wasn’t just empty words. "You’re right." Xu Shi smiled, "So, Director Su, learn some new tricks quickly. That way, even if everyone turned into you, I'd never be bored." What am I supposed to learn? Su Lin rolled her eyes, again feeling teased by Young Master... But just then, a sudden message arrived. "Xu Shi, Miss He has gone missing!" (End of Chapter)