Chapter 138: Can You Go with Me? - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

### Chapter 138: Can You Go with Me? He Yu Xia has gone missing! To be fair, this isn't a minor matter, but Xu Shi didn't expect that the first person to inform him about it was Tang Shuang. Practically at the same moment, just as he returned from Sin City, Director Tang arrived, even faster than others like "Fictitious" Qi Mao Yang, or Su Lin's contacts within. "Alright, alright, He Yu Xia has gone missing." This puzzled him a bit, but he still welcomed her in. "Director Tang, sit down and take your time to explain. It's rare to see you so flustered." Indeed, it's rare. As the esteemed Director of the Inspection Bureau, she usually presents herself as composed and steady. Even now, she wasn't all over the place, but Xu Shi, with his acute sense for emotions, could distinctly feel her internal anxiety. "You seem quite composed." Tang Shuang slightly furrowed her brow. "As if this has nothing to do with you." "What are you implying?" Xu Shi gave her a sidelong glance. "From your tone, are you suggesting I'm behind He Yu Xia's disappearance? Don’t pin this on me, Director Tang." "After all, she's my brother-in-arms' sister, a student dear to family and friends. Why would I do something so lowbrow?" The second point was reasonable; the first was just nonsense. Even if He Yu Qiang was truly his brother-in-arms, it would only be a centipede’s insignificant connection... But as small talk, it worked quite well. "...Sorry, that's not what I meant." Tang Shuang paused, realizing her words were inappropriate, and quickly explained, "My expression was wrong... What I meant was, this matter should also be significant for you, right?" "Maybe so?" Xu Shi blinked, his expression changing from dark to bright. He Yu Xia's disappearance, in essence, wasn't a major issue for him. In the original text, she was a peripheral character, and even in the current messy state of "Shark Tooth", she remained irrelevant. But because "Shark Tooth" was in a period of change, any issue related to them couldn't be underestimated. You may think He Yu Xia is insignificant, but others might not. Many knew that "Snake Ring" harbored ambitions towards "Shark Tooth". Some might genuinely suspect him, questioning whether seeing He Jia Yuan aging, he intended to force him to take a stand prematurely. Although, upon closer thought, this wasn’t realistic; there were more efficient methods—if he truly aimed to do something significant, he might as well coax He Lao San to make a direct move against his father. Why bother kidnapping the inconsequential He Yu Xia? That would be overkill. Yet, as long as rumors spread, they could affect him inevitably. The Six-Eyed Flying Fish posed a genuine threat; while he could constrain Qi Mao Yang from spreading rumors, he couldn't control people's thoughts. Especially concerning Wen Sheng Kui—clearly, the old man favored He Yu Xia more than her family did. If relations hadn't thawed, "Feather Pen" might hold grudges against him. So, he couldn't just watch idly. And he knew that Tang Shuang coming to him was a gesture of returning favor. Previously, he had provided her much convenience on the chip matter. With this issue arising, she quickly informed him, allowing him a heads-up to prepare. Rather kind of her, indeed. "So, I wonder if you have any clues." Director Tang gradually calmed down. "Or if you have any... suspects?" "Investigating isn't my forte; that's your expertise." Xu Shi rubbed his chin. "Those I can think of wouldn't do such a thing." If he really had to suspect anyone, there'd be two possibilities: Long Tian Ding or Xie Qing Yan. But upon deeper analysis, neither seemed likely. As for Long Tian Ding, he had just returned from there; the situation between "Snake Ring" and "Dragon City" was barely stable. He wouldn't do anything self-damaging unless he lost his mind. As for Xie Qing Yan, this woman was adept at scheming behind the scenes, but like him, she had the card of He Lao Da in hand. If she wanted to deal with "Shark Tooth", she wouldn't need such trouble. Could there be other possibilities... Apparently not. Xu Shi found himself stumped. "Your Inspection Bureau should have searched thoroughly; how’s it going?" "Nothing." Tang Shuang shook her head. "If He Yu Xia were still in Night City, it’d be less troublesome. But we've even checked Sin City, and there’s still no trace." Actually, she was under the most pressure. Though she seemed to be discussing with Xu Shi cordially, their statuses differed by at least two tiers. If something indeed happened to He Yu Xia, she'd be the first held accountable. So, apart from alerting him, she was also hoping for his insights, figuring this clever guy might help her deduce something. "Shouldn't you be less worried? Isn’t it said that Miss He has bodyguards?" Xu Shi tried to ease her mind. "At least her safety is ensured; she's unlikely to encounter harm easily." "...This situation was reported to us by her bodyguards." Director Tang gritted her teeth. "They said she vanished while they followed, and they don't dare inform 'Shark Tooth'. The leader begged me repeatedly to keep it under wraps." "..." Xu Shi was at a loss, utterly speechless before such irony. Fair enough, such is the pressure. It's human nature. He Jia Yuan assigned bodyguards for his daughter, but they likely weren't too concerned. First, they didn’t believe she'd actually face danger; second, He Yu Xia, being insignificant, had no influence—borderline worthless—no future following her. Naturally, they slacked off. But when this actually happened, they'd have to deal with the consequences. Xu Shi could even envision those people pleading with Tang Shuang, probably tearfully. In an ancient setting, they might've even kowtowed... though, who's to say they can't do it now? "Alright then, let me help you out." Xu Shi pondered for a moment before issuing instructions to Su Lin to send some people from the field department to collaborate with the Inspection Bureau, even reaching out to Gu Yi, noting the usefulness of the Network Security Department at such times. He also informed Wen Sheng Kui, who, unsurprisingly, showed much concern and was willing to assist. It was quite amusing, actually. He'd informed so many yet never thought about notifying "Shark Tooth". It wasn't out of concern for those bodyguards’ futures; he couldn't care less if they perished. The truth was, notifying them might not help; He Lao Da and He Lao San were hardly attentive towards this relative. They might even welcome any misfortune that befell He Yu Xia, as it could become a tool for manipulation later. "Thank you, Chairman Xu." Seeing him organize everything so systematically, Tang Shuang felt significantly relieved, acknowledging internally that turning to him had been the right call. "Consider it a favor you owe me." Xu Shi was candid, "I might seek your return someday." Indeed, that was his goal. In broader terms, if he harbored ambitions for uniting Night and Sin City under one banner, he had to consider all facets. While the Inspection Bureau didn’t weigh as heavily as the Six Great Corporations, it wasn't insignificant. On a smaller scale... having Director Tang, a heroine in the original work, owe him favors wasn’t a bad thing—better if she accumulated more favors, really. Hearing this, Tang Shuang didn't respond, though her expression turned a bit peculiar. Having such things laid out plainly left her unsure how to react... "Of course, considering your bureau's capabilities, failing to locate her after these days likely suggests another scenario." Xu Shi continued, for he hadn’t forgotten that He Yu Xia's "Artistic Journey" exited several days ago, "That possibility is, He Yu Xia isn't in the city at all." "...You think she might have left the city?" Tang Shuang immediately grew alert. "Impossible, isn't it? Since the 'Forgotten Ones' incident, the passages outside cities are strictly monitored by the bureau, with significant restrictions on entry and exit..." "Entering might be tough, but leaving, perhaps not as much." Xu Shi shook his head. "I simply suggest considering this possibility." "...You're right." Director Tang acknowledged after reflection, "I’ll personally search outside the city. If that's the case, she could indeed be in danger." "Then I won't keep you any longer. Safe travels, Director Tang." Xu Shi nodded, "Or rather, a speedy one." "I must indeed hurry." Tang Shuang responded with a jest but paused at the door, turning back towards him. "Anything else?" Xu Shi inquired, intrigued. "Chairman Xu, could you... accompany me?" Tang Shuang hesitated before tentatively posing the question. "No!" Su Lin interjected before Xu Shi could respond, firmly denying the request. Su Lin could remain silent when the young master discussed business with others, but in matters like this? Impossible. "Director Tang knows the situation outside the city better than we do, and young master isn't a combat person. Would you take responsibility if something happens?" Even though she overstepped by answering on Xu Shi's behalf, the fact that she didn't scold Tang Shuang reflected her good upbringing as Director Su. "...Right, my mind is still a bit muddled." Tang Shuang paused for a moment, then waved a hand. "Sorry, Chairman Xu and Director Su, please don't take it to heart." "It's alright." Xu Shi chuckled softly. "Let's focus on finding her first. As for everything else... we can discuss that when you return." Honestly, Xu Shi found Tang Shuang’s hands-on approach to personally going outside the city a bit inappropriate. A dignified director of the Inspection Bureau attending to every little thing personally didn’t seem quite right. But, apparently, she had always been this way. Is she a diligent director, maybe? And he had this odd sense that her invitation wasn't genuinely about seeking help in searching. Surely, who am I to do such a thing? How ridiculous that would sound. Her true intention was probably to have a private conversation with him? Xu Shi had noticed that though there hadn't been much interaction lately, Tang Shuang seemed more favorable towards him—not in the beneficial sense resulting from past collaborations, but in her demeanor when they were together. From initial tension to gradual easing; she even gave him small gifts... and now she wanted to chat privately? This was rather perplexing for Xu Shi, as he felt he hadn’t put much effort into Tang Shuang, if any at all. He hadn’t even sown a single seed... What led to the continual shift in her attitude towards him? Yes, it's surely my personal charm. Some shameless thoughts crossed his mind. Anyway, once she returns for a proper talk, he’d soon learn everything, wouldn't he? —— In parallel to Xu Shi's mild confusion, Shen He, who had been lying low at the temporary outpost of the "Forgotten Ones" outside the city, was having similar thoughts. What can be said? Over time, his condition improved, and his status wasn’t as awkward as initially. At least Li Tang, under Shen Qin, now treated him with great respect—an indication that his "All Stand United" ability was gradually warming up again. Not only Li Tang but the entire branch line of his sister stationed outside the city, including some from Song Chen Zhao Yuan's group, whom he managed to contact and build good relations with. As for his sister, they maintained contact, and she also informed him about finding some connections and potential alliances. Overall, everything seemed to be heading in a positive direction. Yet, despite all this, he didn’t feel he had enough strength to topple Xu Shi. His decayed state now allowed him to view the clear disparity—the "Forgotten Ones" technical elite might not even catch the opponent's eye, while he was still entangled with the remnants left behind. Reluctantly admitting it, they weren’t on the same level. But he couldn’t swallow the humiliation he suffered at the hands of that person back then. Could he truly live his entire life here, or return to Night and Sin City as an ordinary regulated citizen? He couldn't accept that. Yet, what else could he do… he currently saw no solution. Irritated, he decided to take a walk near the camp for a change of pace and to clear his mind. And that's when it happened. Shen He spotted a discordant scene at the foot of a nearby mountain. Hm? Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a person? It was a girl in a pale yellow dress. She seemed to have fainted, sprawled on the ground, her backpack open, scattering photography and art supplies all around. Ah, this? This wasn’t one of the "Forgotten Ones," surely—perhaps someone from Night and Sin City... After some thought, Shen He decided to carry her back to the camp and had someone check on her condition. Turns out it wasn’t too bad; she had fainted due to the effects of the "Rust Fog"—the concentration outside the city wasn’t something city dwellers could withstand, akin to oxygen intoxication. Without protection, such situations could arise, but fortunately, her symptoms were mild and manageable with medication. Under his care, she gradually regained consciousness within a few hours. "Ugh... Where am I?" (End of Chapter)