Chapter 183: "Oh no, someone help! The governor is abusing her power to tease an innocent young man!" - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 183: "Oh no, someone help! The governor is abusing her power to tease an innocent young man!" The arrival of summer brought with it stifling heat outside that was notably oppressive. But stepping outside at least offered a slight comfort, as the tension in the air seemed to dissipate with more open space. In the garden behind City Hall, Tang Shuang walked with her head down, heavy with thoughts, a silent parallel beside Xu Shi. She didn't speak, and neither did Xu Shi. Awkwardness wasn't something he experienced often, and he barely noticed Tang Shuang as he admired the garden in front of him, feeling rather nostalgic. He couldn't help but think it lacked the elegance of a "quill pen"… Though it was to be expected; if City Hall outshone the corporations, the whole city might very well turn on its head. Suddenly, Tang Shuang seemed to reach a decision. She took a deep breath, looked up seriously at him, and said, "…Thank you, Xu Shi." “Hm?” Her voice was softer than a mosquito’s buzz; Xu Shi almost missed it. "I said, thank you, Xu Shi." Tang Shuang repeated, sincerity in her eyes. Then, she let out a self-deprecating laugh. "Do you think I'm ungrateful? Benefiting so much from your help and yet showing nothing for it, almost starting a fight with you just now..." “If you voice it, then I won’t think it.” Xu Shi came to himself, smiling as he replied, "As for favors… don't overthink it. It's simply because you're suitable. To be more blunt, it’s a matter of mutual benefit." "Even if you say that, to me, it's a tremendous favor." Tang Shuang shook her head. "Isn't this the pinnacle for any ordinary person outside of the corporations? Anyone else might be on their knees in gratitude. But here I am, defying you, standing up against you." “This is why I'm more grateful for Chairman Xu's magnanimity.” There was no sarcasm in her words, just honesty. “Some people opposing me isn't new; I'm used to it.” Xu Shi waved it off, indicating she shouldn’t dwell on it. “Besides, this position would have been yours eventually. Even if I didn’t give a nudge, it wouldn’t change a thing. To be humble, I merely sped up the process.” “Really?” Governor Tang asked. “Why not?” Xu Shi countered, “You know well yourself, the public opinion polls over these years in Night Sin City—your numbers have consistently been high.” “But that's not decisive.” Tang Shuang blinked. “Regardless, if nothing happens, how long can Yue Chizheng stay as governor? Even if he retires as expected, there will be others fighting their way up, right?” Xu Shi was noncommittal. From some perspectives, Tang Shuang indeed had many competitors. City Hall wasn’t just a handful of people; it was an extensive system. Overthrowing Yue Chizheng implicated many, bringing others up as well. However, those people didn't concern him. For Tang Shuang, though, it was unavoidable. Had this not transpired, her chances of succeeding would have been slim—her straightforward nature earned her the nickname "Tiger Venom" within the Inspection Bureau, and other departments saw her as even more daunting. Networking wasn’t her strength, nor did she care for it. “Say what you will.” Despite the dust settling, Xu Shi wasn’t worried, “The outcome’s favorable nonetheless. For me, having you as governor is reassuring.” “Oh? Weren't there some who said that if I didn’t agree, they’d take office themselves just for kicks?” Tang Shuang couldn't help but tease, finding amusement in his words. “Nonsense, I’d much rather be a free agent enjoying my life than taking on such a burden.” Xu Shi denied his own jest. The rationale was clear; he’d never actually take on such a role—it would be trading gold for pennies. Even placing a puppet wouldn’t do; he’d end up orchestrating from behind regardless, which wasn’t much different. “So I’m the one who has to endure the hardships, right?” Tang Shuang shifted to a serious tone, “Do you know, Xu Shi? This is my biggest inner conflict.” “Hm?” “I know this is a good outcome, for you and for me. Setting aside other matters, I always aspired to be the governor.” The governor led Xu Shi to a seat by the flowerbed. “I’m confident I’d make a better governor than that old turtle Yue Chizheng.” “But I can’t resort to all means just for an outcome like you do. Even if it's tough, I wanted to fight fairly for it.” "When I have to fabricate charges to arrest Yue Chizheng, it feels like cheating." In some sense, it was taking a shortcut—ease she never imagined, but it constituted proof she belonged in this game. Yet, achieving a dream not by one’s own meticulous efforts doesn’t feel like a true dream to Tang Shuang. “Are you blaming me?” Xu Shi asked with interest. “No, it’s my own problem.” Tang Shuang denied, “I can't fully align with your methods because our viewpoints and starting points differ. But essentially, what we pursue isn’t so far apart.” “No matter your motives, I can’t deny that what you’ve done benefits the city. So, I must accept your approach without blame.” Despite what she said, her emotions weren't in check. Her mixed feelings regarding Xu Shi's indifferent coolness explained it all—she couldn’t say she didn’t have affections for Xu Shi, otherwise, their clashing views wouldn't cause distress. If it were a straightforward partnership, accepting everything would be more straightforward. Indeed, Xu Shi was infuriating! Tang Shuang knew the Xu Shi in her dreams was nothing like the real him; the real Xu Shi was sometimes close yet sometimes distant, leaving her in discomfort. “In this world, nothing is perfect, Miss Tang Shuang.” Xu Shi addressed her directly, like she had done moments ago, “If everything unfolded as one imagines, everyone would just be a dreamer.” “I’m not a child; I get that.” Tang Shuang nodded, “So I’ve accepted it instead of stubbornly rejecting. Otherwise, it’d truly be a needless quarrel.” “As you put it, it’s about mutual benefit, right?” “Exactly.” Xu Shi was content with her response. How to describe Tang Shuang? At first, he quite disliked her, even found her annoying, since she had condemned him without understanding. But later, he found her increasingly admirable. Tang Shuang harbored genuine ambitions to reform the city, somewhat like his grandfather, which perfectly matched his current needs. Such integrity was rare, she was the only one remaining constant despite the tumultuous changes in the narrative, even Su Lin had changed. Maybe it was because he hadn’t exerted any influence over her. Otherwise, no matter the resolve, it wouldn’t be as it is now. Rationally, using his ability would have been beneficial… a compliant puppet would certainly be simpler. Unfortunately, he hadn’t done that initially, and now it seemed too late. Perhaps it’s just human nature. (doge) “You… sigh.” Seeing his nonchalant demeanor, Tang Shuang chuckled. “Always this way, making it impossible to genuinely dislike you.” Even knowing it herself—as she classed him—he’d be the mischievous type, selling favors while appearing indifferent. It indirectly pressures the benefactor to think of repayment. Perhaps this is the legendary NBA? “Do I?” Xu Shi played dumb, your thoughts are your own, they have nothing to do with me. “Regardless, I owe you a huge favor.” Tang Shuang did not shy away from speaking her mind. "But that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want in the future. If you go too far, I'll still have to deal with you." "Absolutely," Xu Shi raised his hands in mock surrender, "I'm a very well-behaved citizen." The truth was, there was no need for Xu Shi to clash with Tang Shuang again—like she had mentioned, they shared similar objectives. As long as this premise held, their efforts could be unified. After all, even when they had their conflicts before, she couldn’t really touch him, and that would be even less likely now… letting her have her say wasn’t a problem; there was no reason to nitpick every detail. Governor Tang still believed she was the big sister to Xu Shi, though in truth, she had long become the bratty little sister. "Alright, since you said so, I'll choose to believe you." Tang Shuang let out a sigh of relief and extended her hand to him with a smile. "Then as the Governor of Night Sin City, here's to a promising future working with Chairman Xu." "Sure." Xu Shi felt equally uplifted and gave her hand a firm shake. "Looking forward to it." Then. He realized he couldn’t pull his hand back. "What are you doing?" A sense of foreboding crept into Xu Shi's mind. "Is this harassment? Help, the governor is abusing power to tease an honest young man!" “Oh? You’re in such a hurry to leave? I haven’t finished speaking yet.” Governor Tang dismissed his theatrics, a mischievous grin on her face. "Earlier was as the governor. Now I'm speaking as the Chief Inspector." “What?” Xu Shi was momentarily baffled. “What I mean is, although the handover is complete, I haven’t officially stepped down yet. Nominally, I’m still the Chief Inspector.” Tang Shuang explained seriously. “So?” Xu Shi's eyes twitched involuntarily, no wonder she hadn’t changed her clothes… "So, I need to take advantage of this time to finish the last task on my list." Tang Shuang’s grin grew more impertinent. “If I remember correctly, someone still owes 120 hours of community service.” “You’re not serious, are you?” Xu Shi finally understood her implication. So she wasn’t just letting it go, she was waiting for this moment, retaliating? “Don’t forget, before being a governor or chief inspector, I’m a woman.” Tang Shuang squeezed his hand intentionally, “Petty is a woman’s prerogative, so are you going to comply or not?” “... Alright, alright, I give in.” Xu Shi took a sharp breath; geez, her grip was strong… The disadvantage of not being a combat personnel was evident here—he couldn’t outmatch her strength. “Humph, that’s better.” Hearing him, Tang Shuang released his hand with satisfaction. Finally, I got back at that bratty brother! Of course, she knew that if Xu Shi truly refused, she wouldn’t be able to force him to do anything. You couldn’t exactly count on Yu Xingchuan to continue supervising, could you? Restraint with Xu Shi was hardly in her nature. This was essentially an excuse. The main goal was to set aside everything else and spend some time with Xu Shi, against her own contradictions—unable to fully accept his values but equally unable to sever ties with him. Faced with such internal conflict, this was her only makeshift solution. To her surprise, he actually agreed—it went more smoothly than she anticipated. Could it be out of consideration for her feelings? Or maybe he felt the same? Regardless, Governor Tang, or more aptly for now, Chief Inspector Tang, wasn't going to reveal her heart at this critical point. Firstly, her feelings were a tangled mess, and secondly, admitting it would render her previous words meaningless. Yes, she could use this opportunity to test the waters. “So, what do you need me to do?” Xu Shi shook his hand and asked, acknowledging that he couldn’t claim complete innocence in their affair. After all, he did push her into this position, so a small demand from her wasn't unreasonable. “Simple.” Tang Shuang gleefully dragged him back to her office, tossing him a set of Inspector uniforms. “Tomorrow morning, wear this and report to the Inspection Bureau!” Since last time, you only wore it briefly, and our inventory is already low... (Chapter End)