Chapter 140: Do You Have No Family? Do You Have No Friends? - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 140: Do You Have No Family? Do You Have No Friends? It turns out that children of the elite often have their unique hobbies. Just like Xu Shi enjoys racing, he knows Qi Maoyang has a passion for photography. This might have something to do with the nature of the conglomerate he belongs to. "Virtual" is best at media and entertainment, isn't it? Qi had even worked at the grassroots level as a journalist, honing his exceptional photography skills and gaining a strong footing. Of course, his claim that "women will only slow down my shutter speed" is purely an excuse. This guy is far from being a monk chanting scriptures and refraining from worldly pleasures. The tales of him and his father being kindred spirits are still much talked about. Especially since "Virtual" owns numerous entertainment companies, getting a few big or small celebrities to join the fun is incredibly easy. It seems his indifference might be genuine—perhaps he's seen too much and finds all the same. Of course, it could also be that someone like He Yuxia doesn't suit his taste. Just because they both love photography doesn't mean they have to be a match; it's hard to say. Xu Shi had no intention of pairing them up, merely teasing casually, so he didn't pursue the topic further. "What's so great about it? Chairman Xu, why don't you share?" Qi Maoyang, shameless as ever, kept probing Xu Shi for details. "That's enough. Weren't the five major conglomerates serving your family a good thing before?" Xu Shi replied irritably, "Go back and write your article, and remember to dedicate some space to praising me." "Alright, alright." Not pressing further, Qi Maoyang grinned and took off swiftly. In truth, when it comes to the situation of “The Forgotten,” the benefits "Virtual" could gain are indeed limited. It wasn’t just because they were previously pushed out as villains, but because among these people, very few talents matched their company. As a major media and entertainment conglomerate, aside from necessary combat power, what he really wanted were journalists, managers, planners, and people with potential as celebrities, male or female. Unfortunately, such promising talent was truly scarce among “The Forgotten.” In the end, besides the basic technology resources that the six major conglomerates could share, there wasn’t much left for "Virtual." Not to mention, the public pressure on “The Forgotten” continues... As long as this persists, the two sides are on opposing fronts visibly, and it’s fortunate if these people don't curse the Qi family. In this context, the previously agreed-upon profit sharing became crucial. After doing the math, Qi Maoyang realized he wasn’t at a loss. In fact, what he could get was more than he expected. So, he wasn't bothered, and looking at it from another angle, if they couldn’t squeeze anything from “The Forgotten,” then falling out wouldn’t be a big problem. "Virtual" isn't a pushover... We might rank at the bottom of the six conglomerates, but we can handle others just fine. He was even quite grateful to Xu Shi. At least this guy considered things thoroughly. He didn’t just make the horse run without providing feed, especially as he didn't exploit the concessions from "Serpent Ring." His commercial integrity was commendable. What’s there to be dissatisfied with, then? Qi Maoyang’s friendly attitude towards Xu Shi confirmed this point. There’s no harm in befriending the right people. Watching Qi Maoyang's departing back, Xu Shi couldn't help but smile. He hadn’t definitively decided his stance towards Qi Maoyang yet. This person or "Virtual" has always been on the fringes, neither aligning with one camp nor the other in both the original work and reality. However, there’s no significant conflict of interest between "Serpent Ring" and "Virtual," and Qi Maoyang hasn’t shown signs of duplicity, so Xu Shi is more inclined towards forming an alliance. If things can be resolved diplomatically, why bother with conflict? But he'd still keep an eye on things. He wasn’t in a hurry, preferring to wait and watch as the situation unfolded... The most pressing thing on his agenda seemed to be answering someone else’s call. "Director Tang sought me out earlier; what does she wish to discuss?" He found Tang Shuang, who hadn’t left and was patiently waiting nearby. As for the procedural matters, like taking He Yuxia's statement, Tang Shuang entrusted those to her deputy. "...Can we talk at my place?" Tang Shuang cautiously asked, "This isn’t the right place." "Sure." Xu Shi didn't have any immediate tasks, so he followed her direction and got into the Inspection Bureau's car—he hadn’t brought anyone else today. Upon hearing the news that He Yuxia was found, Tang Shuang personally came to pick him up. It was his first time visiting the Inspection Bureau in person—despite his rebellious youth dotted with a few records, someone always cleaned up after him, so he never thought much of it. It's a bit shabby. That was his first thought stepping into Tang Shuang's office, silently critiquing the environment. Nominally, they were both leaders, head figures, yet the setting was starkly different... Basic desks, chairs, sofas, and file cabinets cluttered with various documents. Compared to his office, equipped with a relaxation area and gym, this place was like a doghouse without room for argument. Never mind himself, even Su Lin had a better office, despite her rarely working there. "Sorry for the shabby hospitality, Chairman Xu, make do." Tang Shuang perceived his thoughts, offering a self-deprecating smile as she prepared him some tea. "Oh, come on, Director Tang." Xu Shi didn’t mind, playfully suggesting, "This place could use some redecorating. Need any help from me?" "No, thanks. It's just an office. There's no need for luxury." Tang Shuang countered, "The Inspection Bureau doesn't have that kind of budget. Better to save for something else, right?" "Are you insinuating something?" The sensitive Chairman Xu feigned offense. "Take it how you will." Tang Shuang smiled slightly. Though aware he wouldn't be easily offended, having the upper hand delighted her. "I won't argue with you." Xu Shi rolled his eyes at her, "Alright, what's this about?" "Well… I mainly wanted to thank you." As she began the real conversation, Director Tang stumbled over her words, pausing before continuing, "Over the past few months, both Night City and Crime City have seen a drop in crime rates, thanks to you." He indeed deserved thanks. On one hand, his equipment aid made case handling much smoother for the Inspection Bureau. Possessing quality tools not only stiffened their spines but improved efficiency. On the other hand, his strategic moves among the six major conglomerates. Frequent crimes were an issue primarily in Crime City, and ever since the "Disga" faction was taken down, other gangs have also quieted down. Though incidents like the riot at "Sawtooth" warehouse still happen, overall, the trend is positive. While she didn't know every detail, she was aware Xu Shi had a role in this. His aim might not have been solely to assist her, but she was grateful for the outcome. Of course, if she knew the major riot had been orchestrated by the very man in front of her, she might have had quite an opinion. "That's all due to Director Tang's effective policing. I'm just a businessman." Xu Shi waved off the compliments, feeling a smidgen of guilt—though only a tiny bit. "Say what you will." Tang Shuang let it go, "Including Miss He's incident this time, it was you to thank." "Alright, then?" Xu Shi mused, finding it peculiar that Director Tang brought him here seemingly just to flatter him. That doesn’t seem like your style. “…Nothing beyond that. Would you like the Inspection Bureau to issue a commendation?” Seeing his impassive demeanor, Tang Shuang shot him a fierce glare, oozing sarcasm. "If you're offering, I'll gladly take it. A little public praise never hurts." Xu Shi shrugged, "Still, there was plenty of noise but little substance about this incident. Doesn’t Director Tang find anything off?" "I didn't see anything amiss." Tang Shuang replied frankly, "It's just a rich girl losing her head and running off... I should be asking you, shouldn't I? Aren't you more familiar with her?" "Funny enough, I’m not." Xu Shi shook his head, "Just got this nagging feeling something’s off... But maybe it's just me being paranoid?" They found He Yuxia, and naturally, comforted her, but didn’t find anything wrong. She detailed the incident clearly and truthfully. "Isn’t it better if there’s nothing to worry about?" Tang Shuang shrugged, drinking her tea in a single gulp. "But in the grand scheme, 'The Forgotten' has been behaving under your influence—quiet and obedient." "They’d only hurt He Yuxia if they lost their minds." Xu Shi remained noncommittal, genuinely unsure who this "Luotian" really was. "For them, studying hard and working diligently in the mines to earn a ticket to Night Crime City is the real priority." "I suppose Director Tang must feel somewhat relieved?" "Seems like I owe you another thank you." Tang Shuang nodded, her smile a mix of helplessness and gratitude. The security issues surrounding Night Crime City and “The Forgotten” were, of course, part of her responsibilities. Allocating personnel, patrolling day and night, and preventing unauthorized entry into the city were all tasks on her plate. It was a huge undertaking, but not the mess she had feared. The anticipated chaos was short-lived, quickly giving way to orderliness. This was largely thanks to Xu Shi, saving her a lot of trouble. "You're welcome." Xu Shi didn't downplay it this time, as it truly was his accomplishment... Yet, after sitting for so long, he still couldn't grasp what Tang Shuang wanted to discuss, so he frowned and asked, "Is there anything else? If not, I'll be on my way." "Are you in a hurry?" Tang Shuang quickly blocked his path, "If you’re not, why not stay a bit longer?" "Then tell me, what exactly did you call me here to talk about?" Xu Shi was exasperated. "I’m just sitting here drinking tea and listening to endless thanks. What am I supposed to do here?" Or perhaps you could give me something like SwordNewNew, that would at least show your sincerity in thanking me. What he didn't expect was Tang Shuang lightly nodding in response, "Mm." ? Xu Shi was stunned for a few seconds before realizing that she really just wanted to chat. "Seriously, sir? If you wanted someone to chat with, couldn't you choose someone else? Why me?" Xu Shi sweated, unable to comprehensively realize that her motives were this simple... "Because, I... I... I don't know who else to turn to." Tang Shuang looked at him with a face full of grievance. "Do you not have friends?" Director Tang shook her head. "What about family?" "My parents were both in the Inspection Bureau. They died on duty years ago." "......" Xu Shi had nothing to say. He didn’t recall much about Tang Shuang's background. Maybe it was mentioned in the original work? If it had, it must’ve been briefly, because he couldn’t remember it at all... So another one from the starting point orphanage, is it? Xu Shi was puzzled. Are all the female protagonists like this in the original? Xia Wu You is the only exception with an aunt, but even that is not much different. I've heard that only authors lacking in skill write like this, so what was I even reading in my past life? Despite his complaints, upon reevaluating, Director Tang seemed quite pitiful too. You’d think her position would be significant, but she’s still as much of a loner? Of course, he knew it partly had to do with her personality. She's a breath of fresh air in the City Hall, earnest and righteous, so naturally, she doesn’t align with those who just muddle through. Reflecting on this, her being won over by Shen He in the storyline makes sense—Shen's silver tongue and persuasive words resonated well with Director Tang, resulting in them becoming confidants over time... "Alright, alright, no need to look so pitiful. I'll stay and chat." Xu Shi sighed, "Isn't this the time you used to declare you'd bring me to justice?" "I didn’t know you back then." Tang Shuang was matter-of-fact, "After interacting with you more, I realized you're not as bad as I imagined." In fact, from a broad perspective, labeling him a good person wouldn’t be exaggerating. At least many of Xu Shi's actions were beneficial to the development of Night Crime City. As for underhanded dealings, she had seen them not only related to Xu Shi. Comparatively, he was quite restrained. The one time he acted violently in front of her, she had tacitly allowed it... "Understanding is everything." Xu Shi smiled, "I used to think you were an airheaded woman who didn’t think things through, but after getting to know you better..." "What?" "I found out you really are like that." "You!" Tang Shuang shivered with anger, her slight anticipation instantly fading. This man never says anything nice! He's always picking moments to ruin the atmosphere! Xu Shi had wondered why Tang Shuang's attitude toward him had become increasingly strange when he didn’t really do much... The answer was obvious only to Tang Shuang herself. Because she had been filling in the blanks. It was a lingering effect; she couldn’t help thinking about Xu Shi. It wasn’t really Xu Shi's fault... The more she indulged in her imagination, the deeper Xu Shi’s imprint became in her mind. Initially, there was a dissonance between the dream and reality, knowing they weren't the same man. But now, Xu Shi's actions aligned more appealingly, making the real and the imagined more cohesive. Especially during this period, when work was overwhelming—while “The Forgotten” caused no ripples, the Inspection Bureau's workload was significant. More work meant more stress, and without family or friends, how else would Director Tang relieve it? This method seemed best. Initially, she had to because of the lingering effects, but now it just seemed an easy choice... Seeking him out for a chat was partly for stress relief, and partly because she wanted to get to know this man better. Of course, Tang Shuang would never disclose this to Xu Shi—she'd die from embarrassment. But she knew dream Xu Shi wasn’t this irritating; he was a gentle, high-quality man. "Sometimes I wonder, if you weren't the chairman of ‘Serpent Ring’ and were just an ordinary person, how nice it would be." She sighed deeply. "In that case, I imagine your future might involve joining the City Hall or the Inspection Bureau? If that were so, I’d spare no effort to bring you under my wings." Think of all the trouble she'd save, plus the added bonus of being able to boss her subordinate around. Saying this, she opened a cabinet, retrieving and extending a brand-new Inspection Bureau uniform toward him. "Want to try it on?"