Chapter 148: Never Seen Such an Audacious Elder! - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 148: Never Seen Such an Audacious Elder! How infuriating! This is unacceptable! Xie Qingyan realized that her current state of mind was indeed quite unsettling. Initially, she was already displeased when Xu Shi asked her to treat Xia Ke'an. But to find out that this wretched man also had a thing for the younger women? She doubted Xu Shi would be so attentive if it were another man... Only to then see him being equally close with Xia Wuyou, which undoubtedly caused her blood pressure to spike by several points. So, does he not spare a single one? Being caught up in the midst of all these people was uncomfortable. Xie Qingyan even felt her thoughts were somewhat chaotic, as if she came at the wrong time... She knew very well that this had nothing to do with Xu Shi's peculiar abilities. No matter how skilled he was, he couldn't possibly use his powers to affect her—this was purely because of the change in him that created an enough charismatic aura to sway people. There must be something to that. In the past, when Xu Shi talked nonsensically about imparting this or that, she would just scoff and dismiss it. But now, seeing him close with other girls made her uneasy, clearly demonstrating her sentiment. This diverged greatly from what she initially envisioned—someone her age managing a colossal entity like "Prism" was all thanks to absolute rationality and composure. Emotions were never supposed to sway her. Including between her and Xu Shi, even though she was aware of his changes, her idea was to maintain a good and equal partnership. Even the so-called engagement should merely be a bargaining chip, nothing more than a bargaining chip. But if viewed from this perspective, being "jealous" would be utterly ridiculous. Yet now, even she can't deceive herself. Clearly, she's been subtly influenced. Tsk... Thinking about this made Xie Qingyan feel a headache coming on. Unconsciously, she rubbed her temples. "Xie sister, are you tired?" Xia Ke'an noticed her actions, blinking her innocent big eyes, and spoke sweetly, "You've been taking care of me these days, it must be exhausting, right? Thank you." "Sister" is indeed appropriate. Xie Qingyan's eye twitched slightly. Being called 'sister' by an old aunt feels strange any way you think, but with that little loli’s appearance, there’s no sense of incongruity… On the contrary, she seemed adorable by addresses like that, and it felt rather pleasing... "No worries, just doing my job." She didn’t dwell on it much, smiling as she waved her hand, "Alright, all the necessary check-ups have been done. You two chat away, I’ll head back first." "Take care, sister." Xia Ke'an waved her chubby little hand, and it has to be said, the treatment here was really good, she visibly put on some weight… When Xie Qingyan had briskly left, the white-haired loli turned to Xu Shi, calling him gege enthusiastically, “Xu Shi gege, Xie sister doesn’t seem too happy, it’s probably because you said you’d spank her butt, right? A boy with a smart mouth is definitely minus points." "That’s enough." Xu Shi had a ghostly expression, grabbing her round face and giving her a rub. “Addicted to pretending, aren’t you? Can you at least act your age, old aunt?” He had witnessed the gradual change of this dog woman, but what about you? After some time, how did you end up like this? What are you selling these cute antics for? “Ow, hitting a sore spot and you freak out, Xu Shi gege bullies people…” Xia Ke'an flailed powerlessly with her turtle punches, making a futile resistance. Watching this unfold, Xia Wuyou felt like she was the one who had seen a ghost. Was it her oversight? Since when did Xu Shi and her aunt get along so well… Was it just after closing the door and chatting a few times? Is this what you’ve been discussing all along? And how do you explain calling him gege? Am I supposed to call him uncle now? "Wuyou, why are you just standing there, come over, come over." The white-haired loli, having finally managed to escape from Xu Shi's clutches, waved to her little niece. “It’s been quite a while since you all visited, as a punishment, play with me today to the fullest.” “Oh.” Xia Wuyou, slightly bewildered, walked over. As for what three people can play, it was undoubtedly... poker. Though nowadays, the term might have over-exaggerated associations, they were genuinely just playing cards. Playing Dou Di Zhu, to be exact. Xia Ke'an even childishly suggested that the loser had to stick paper on their face, truly embodying childlike fun. Or perhaps this was merely the white-haired loli’s way of warding off loneliness—there was certainly some disappointment during the period when Xu Shi and Xia Wuyou didn’t come to see her. After all, they’re the only important people to her now; what’s with none of them coming? Truth be told, Xu Shi technically had once reprimanded her, that’s what made her behave... As for previously crucial “analyzing situations,” this time, it was merely a side talk amidst the card games and jokes... In the past, Xia Ke'an enjoyed giving a few pointers, but ever since Xu Shi made a promise, her interest in this area waned considerably, mostly just habitually brushing through it as she always did. Moreover, Xu Shi apparently considers everything quite carefully, and the current changes in City of Night Crimes are undoubtedly related to him anyway, so there’s really nothing much to say. “Hehe, I won again. Bomb double!” Her focus was more on the card game, with a subtle determination to see these heartless fellows’ faces covered in slips of paper. “Alright, Ms. Ke'an, you’re really impressive.” Xu Shi secretly rolled his eyes at her childishness... but despite his thoughts, he didn’t mind it, sometimes even intentionally losing a couple of rounds, letting her have her fun. Truth be told, this method was quite considerate, and Xia Ke'an was thoroughly enjoying it. It seemed becoming the poker king was a huge achievement, and her gaze towards Xu Shi softened considerably. How thoughtful, this little boy. In contrast, Xia Wuyou appeared a little clumsy in this regard. She didn’t grasp the underlying intricacies, simply accompanying her little aunt for fun. But the fact remained her card skills were lacking, quite the opposite of her usual high combat prowess—she was no match for Xu Shi and Xia Ke'an in this form of entertainment. In the end, she became the biggest loser, her face a canvas of white papers... “Oh my, you little rookies!” Once the game ended, the white-haired loli, as the ultimate winner, stood proudly on bed with her hands on hips, declaring victory, “Not playing with you all anymore, this is just boring!” “Auntie, you should rest early, it’s getting late.” Xu Shi voiced unamusedly, “If you’re going to be a patient, at least act like one. Skipping dinner, what’s that about?” “…Shall I walk you out?” Xia Wuyou finally realized it was already evening. Truth be told, this playing did seem to pass time quickly… So she got up, took off the papers on her face, and looked at Xu Shi. Yet Xu Shi's response was not what she anticipated. “Walk me out?” Xu Shi raised an eyebrow, “Who said I was going back?” “Hmm?” “Firstly, this is technically my ward after all?” Xu Shi leaned back on the chair, “Secondly, vacation isn't just granted to you, I need a proper rest as well.” With those words, what could Xia Wuyou add? She couldn’t possibly interfere with Xu Shi’s decisions... It was simply that previous routines had become habits—Xu Shi would join her, stay about half a day, then head back. Staying overnight was a first. And then this brings up a particular issue—there weren't enough beds. This ward might be luxurious, but ultimately there were only two beds, the one in the outer room for the patient, and one inner-room bed for a companion. So how should the three of them distribute... huh? Group Leader Xia belatedly realized the dilemma. So, he wants me to... share a bed with him? After all, the patient's bed belonged solely to Xia Ke'an, oh my goodness...    “Is there a problem?” Seeing her looking slightly at a loss, Xu Shi, feigning ignorance, asked. “…No.” Xia Wuyou gathered her thoughts, then shook her head. Truthfully, there wasn’t much to fret over… In reality, similar occurrences weren't new, except last time it got interrupted. Thinking back, it seemed trivial. In fact, she even felt a bit regretful about last time, silently harboring the thought to finish what started... But. At that exact moment, Xia Ke'an timidly raised her hand. “I’m afraid of the dark, can we all sleep together tonight?” ? ? Hearing this, both Xu Shi and Xia Wuyou looked at her simultaneously. Afraid of the Bull Demon King! Xu Shi was inexplicably irked. Does this reason even hold water? Afraid of the dark, really? Is this your first night alone in a hospital room, or are you truly five or six years old? One interruption was already enough, but she's at it again just as we change locations? Could it be said that Xia Wuyou is indeed blessed by fate? Wanting to sleep with her seems to require overcoming countless trials? Xu Shi felt an urge to open the window and toss this little troublemaker out. Not to mention, he was well aware that the white-haired loli was absolutely doing this on purpose, which made it all the more infuriating. Xia Wuyou was also at a loss, on the verge of tears; every time anything was about to happen, it would be interrupted. She almost wanted to punch the wall. The last time was different since it was Su Lin, and she had official business to attend to... But being interrupted this time by her own aunt, and for such a silly reason... So frustrating! Frankly speaking, she also wanted to toss Xia Ke'an out. "I'm a patient!" The white-haired loli quickly played her immunity card, protesting pitifully, "Take care of me..." "...Alright, alright." In the end, Xia Wuyou couldn't truly throw her aunt out, so after thinking for a moment, she reluctantly agreed. Thus, once the lights were out and it was time to rest, the scene on the large bed in the inner room turned like this: Xu Shi and Xia Wuyou lying on each side with the little Xia Ke'an sandwiched in the middle. This left Xu Shi feeling as though he were taking care of a child... He's not even married yet and he’s already experiencing this kind of life? Sharing a glance with Xia Wuyou, they both heaved a sigh. Xia Ke'an, on the other hand, was blissfully content, clutching each of their hands as she fell into a sweet sleep. ... Xu Shi's holiday life wasn't quite ideal. This deviated significantly from his original plan; taking a break under the pretense of caring for Xia Ke'an while indulging in a passionate affair with Xia Wuyou was what he imagined. Otherwise, why wouldn't he have brought Su Lin over? Simply leave the company's affairs to her, just like before. Everything was relatively stable during that period, so no problems were expected… But since Director Su's last blunder messed things up, this was the punishment—not only docking her salary but also making her handle the heavy work. The ugly face of the capitalist was fully exposed. And now, Xia Ke'an entered the picture... not only sticking around all day long but even taking the initiative to snuggle at night. Even a fool would understand her intentions. Truly speechless, does anyone get it? “You, don’t be angry…” It was now time for Xia Ke'an’s radiotherapy, and since they couldn’t stay in the room, Xu Shi and Xia Wuyou were taking a walk in the garden below. Xia Wuyou held onto his hand, softly comforting him. “Not angry.” Xu Shi waved his hand; he wasn't a creature driven solely by his lower instincts. Although it was frustrating not getting his way, he wasn't about to throw a tantrum. The old aunt wasn't completely reassured? It's likely there was a hint of “elder scrutiny” in there, but whose elder scrutinizes by snuggling in between young lovers? She's certainly one of a kind. But truthfully, walking hand in hand in the garden was charming in its own way… Turning back to a youthful campus romance theme, with the person beside him being the lofty high-over-flower type. It's common knowledge in the company that the ice queen is Jiang Cheng Cheng, but once upon a time, it was Xia Wuyou carrying that title. Having turned an ice-cold mountain into tender warmth, the contrast was something wonderful. Even turning to a secluded corner, Xia Wuyou took the initiative to press her lips against his, her unpracticed attempts surprisingly endearing. Anyway, she thoroughly enjoyed building emotions in this context; it felt like really being in a relationship. Doing this and that like a young couple spurred more interest than some rote expression of love, even though they hadn't quite gotten there yet… After some secretive teasing and flirting, the two reluctantly returned. ... Such days didn’t last long; in just a few days, the time for Xia Ke'an's formal operation arrived. Despite any irritation caused by her previous interferences, this time, they were put on hold. “What if I can’t see you all again?” Though under the professional team's plan, the success rate was nearly guaranteed, the white-haired loli seemingly couldn't shake her habit of viewing things from a pessimistic angle. “You keep talking like that, I might not wait until after the operation to spank your butt.” Xu Shi playfully flicked her forehead, suddenly realizing that perhaps her antics were indeed out of concern. If worst came to worst, her last moments would still be spent with her closest ones. “I don’t believe you’d really do it.” Xia Ke'an chuckled, lowering her voice, “But it seems I've dampened President Xu’s spirits these past few days. After a successful operation, maybe I’ll let you spank... a couple of times.” “You said it.” Xu Shi grinned. “Mm.” The white-haired loli nodded, then waved Xia Wuyou over, whispering something into her ear with a lowered voice. Though Xu Shi didn't catch what was said, he watched Xia Wuyou's face gradually turn red… “Alright, alright, why make it seem like some tragic farewell?” Xie Qingyan interjected, somewhat exasperated, “Have faith in Prism's technology, would you?” Hearing this, Xia Wuyou finally stepped aside from her aunt, watching Xia Ke'an being wheeled into the operating room. As the red light flickered on, she grabbed Xu Shi's hand involuntarily. (End of this chapter.)