Chapter 186: Xu Shi, Are You Scaring Me Again, You Scoundrel?! - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 186: Xu Shi, Are You Scaring Me Again, You Scoundrel?! I was kissed forcibly... I was kissed forcibly?! Feeling the unfamiliar warmth on his lips, Xu Shi's eyes widened in shock as he looked at Tang Shuang in front of him. What's going on, sister?! How did you just go ahead and do that? Yesterday, I was joking when I said you were abusing your power to tease innocent young men, and today you're taking it seriously? My first kiss! I'm not pure... no, I guess I haven't had that for a while... But he had rarely been taken by surprise like this. In the past, he was the one leaving beautiful soft girls dizzy and breathless, never the other way around! And what's with you, Tang, even using your tongue, geez... However, this shock only lasted a moment; he quickly regained his composure. After all, he wasn't some tender green boy experiencing love for the first time. Why fear a kiss? Especially since Tang Shuang was such a beauty. It was definitely worthwhile. Speaking of which, her technique wasn't that great. Maybe he should take the initiative and kiss her back? Just as Xu Shi was considering this, Tang Shuang abruptly pulled away as if shocked by electricity, retreating to her seat. Her expression was complicated, a mix of shyness and a hint of a smile. "Tang Shuang, you..." This was an expression Xu Shi had never seen on her face before, prompting him to blurt out the question. Things that need to be clarified should be clarified. "Hey, don't misunderstand, okay?" Tang Shuang instinctively touched her lips, struggling to explain calmly, "Consider it a thank you gift for saving me earlier... yeah, a gift." At first glance, her words seemed reasonable. She owed him for saving her life; after all, she had only vented at Xu Shi out of a confused mind earlier, not in genuine anger. He deserved her gratitude. But who thanks someone like this? The way you repay a life-saving act is with a life, aligning more with Director Tang's style. This daughter-like offering of herself seemed out of character, lacking any coolness. This feeble excuse didn't even convince herself. The truth was she acted on impulse, kissing without considering other factors. "Just like that?" Xu Shi's voice carried a hint of doubt. "What else could it be?" Tang Shuang avoided his gaze, wary of him noticing her increasingly flushed cheeks. "Did you think I liked you or something?" "Oh~~~" Xu Shi responded with a teasing tone, blinking mischievously. "Even if you did like me, it's normal. I'm quite charming, getting liked by others is only natural." "No! Shut your mouth and drive!" Tang Shuang flatly denied, a mix of shame and anger, unable to utter such words herself. And he had the nerve to ask like that... Who does he think he is, sitting so comfortably? It was said that Xu from 'Serpent Ring' had a thick skin, and today she could confirm that. "Alright, alright." Seeing this, Xu Shi refrained from teasing further, assuming the role of a diligent driver. Humming a tune, he restarted the car as if nothing had happened. Tang Shuang sat composed and serene, holding a water cup, pretending to rest like a senior official. But this was merely a façade. Director Tang actually felt immense embarrassment, her mind screamed like a choir of groundhogs. Ahhhhhh! What was I just saying?! That was probably the best opportunity, right? Fighting side by side, then the candid moment, followed by the kiss... and finally! What do you mean, "Did you think I like you"? Didn't I just close off any path? Tang Shuang, what's wrong with you? Now everything's muddled and back to normal, grr... Tang Shuang suddenly felt a bit wronged. She knew Xu Shi was a notorious flirt, with God knows how many entanglements with women. There were those she knew for sure, like Xie Qing Yan from "Prism," his fiancée, and that young girl she met at the banquet, named something Gu... This meant she wasn't the only one, and might not even have any competitive advantage—Director Tang's private life, in some sense, was quite eccentric. Her psychic abilities came with a complication of rising desires, but when it came to real relationships, she was a novice. Someone like her surely couldn't interest him, right? Seeing his indifferent demeanor, she felt certain it was all over... "What should I do now..." She whispered to herself, regretting not seizing the opportunity with her clumsiness. But Director Tang refused to admit defeat easily. After contemplating, she wasn't willing to let things end here. He's still here, so there must still be a chance! She immediately began planning how to salvage the situation, visibly nervous to the point of almost crushing the cup in her hands... Got it. "Xu Shi, Xu Shi, Xu Shi." She took a deep breath, trying to appear calm, "How did you feel... about it?" "Hmm?" Xu Shi didn't understand her abrupt question, "About what?" "Well... how did you feel earlier?" Tang Shuang forced herself to ask, "I, hmm, this is the first time I've ever kissed someone, no experience whatsoever, so, so I'm asking you." This was true; Xu Shi wasn't her first kiss, but she was his. Miss Tang Shuang, at age twenty-six, probably never imagined her first would happen like this. "Well..." Xu Shi stifled a laugh, licking his lips before responding, "It wasn't bad? Quite pleasant, actually." Indeed, it was. Her lips were sweet like flower petals, the elder sister's shyness tinged with a faint mint flavor, a delightful experience. "Oh, so you were fairly pleased?" Tang Shuang was secretly delighted but did not show it. "Well, at least it wasn't too embarrassing." She did her best to act like a seasoned expert. However, the next second, Xu Shi's words promptly broke her composure. "Whether I'm pleased or not isn't really important, is it? You don't like me, so why do you care about my feelings?" "I..." Director Tang was at a loss for words, momentarily disoriented. How did the conversation quickly reach this sharp point again? Shouldn't there be a bit of preamble, one step at a time? She hadn't even figured out what to say... She hadn't realized that the very topic she chose was problematic. "We're almost at the inspector's office." Xu Shi appeared unaware of her conflicted expression and continued driving. "I've informed Deputy Yu, um, Director Yu about your scare today, remember to rest well when you get back. Speaking of which, do you need—" "Shut up! Listen to me!" Seeing how seemingly indifferent he was to her, Tang Shuang couldn't be bothered with the struggle and yelled, sitting up straight. "I, Tang Shuang, do like you, Xu Shi. What's so wrong with that?! Can't I?! Yes or no?!" A sudden quiet fell over the atmosphere. Tang Shuang panted heavily. She never thought speaking could be so exhausting, especially voicing such heartfelt truths under pressure, a few short words enough to drain her. "...Of course it’s okay." Xu Shi abruptly braked, then turned to look at her, "I already mentioned, I'm quite the charmer. Not liking me would be odd." "You..." Such a response caught Director Tang off guard, his smile leaving her momentarily stunned. Looking around, they weren't at the inspector's office. There was still nearly fifteen minutes to drive... "You, you did this on purpose?" Realizing everything, she pointed at Xu Shi, flustered. "Sort of?" Xu Shi's smile grew even more radiant. "Not hearing your true feelings would've been a bit of a pity." "Then you..." Tang Shuang felt a rush of dizziness. Did he want to hear her say she liked him? So does that mean he...? "I never said I didn't like you, did I?" Xu Shi's expression showed a gleeful sense of achievement. "But I'm quite shy, afraid to reveal my feelings first. Hearing you say it reassures me." This was pure nonsense. If Xu Shi was shy, there wouldn't be any bold people left in this world. Ultimately, it's because he’s too mischievous, enjoying peeling away layers of emotions like an onion. He prefers when girls make the first move, a testament to his persistent mischief. "Who believes your nonsense..." Of course, Tang Shuang would not fall for his words, glaring at him with resentment. Is watching me like this amusing? "You were the one being prideful first. Trust me, being tsundere isn't in vogue anymore." Xu Shi chose to toss the blame back, occupying the moral high ground, "But regardless, doesn't it feel better having voiced it?" "Mmm..." Director Tang didn't object to his words. Even hearing a mutual affection might have seemed like a dream, or even if Xu Shi had said he wasn't interested, it would still have spared her any regrets. The fact that he liked her too... that just made everything better. Cautiously, she reached out her hand to Xu Shi, and without hesitation, he took it firmly, both of them exchanging a smile. Especially now, Tang Shuang felt unburdened. Just moments ago, she was worried about potential future disputes with Xu Shi, but after hearing his comforting words and promises, her concerns had largely dissipated, leaving only joy in her heart. Or rather, everything naturally fell into place — speaking their feelings out loud led to everything that followed. "Shall we head back?" "Mmm, mmm." Tang Shuang nodded vigorously, the imposing aura of a city leader completely replaced by that of a girlish demeanor. "Then maybe let go for now, otherwise, could this be considered illegal driving?" Xu Shi teased her, prompting Director Tang to reluctantly release her grip. She didn’t want to let go; she wanted to hold on a little longer... But breaking laws knowingly wasn’t in her nature, as the formidable head of the inspection bureau and the city governor. She stayed clear-headed about that. Perhaps I should revise the law when I get back? For instance, allowing only her and Xu Shi to hold hands while driving... Alright, forget I said that. Women in love indeed have a tendency for their intelligence to sharply decline. Love-stricken women also seem prone to asking endless questions. Even though she let go of his hand, Tang Shuang couldn't help but curiously inquire, "Xu Shi, when did you... start liking me?" This seemed like something every girl wanted to know. "I don’t know, I just gradually fell for you?" Xu Shi truly couldn't pinpoint an exact moment. "If I had to say, it might’ve been when you compensated me for the cup? Before that, I mostly just disliked you." Or more bluntly, it might have been the novelty affecting him—not in terms of physical attributes like height or weight, but the unique feelings Director Tang stirred in him. After all, unlike her, others like Yu Xingchuan practically flung themselves at him, or like Xia Wuyou and Gu Yi, slowly succumbed under his influence. She was the only one, not influenced by his abilities, who transitioned from mutual annoyance to their current state like a comedy duo, a trait even Su Lin didn’t possess, as she was more of a childhood friend — a completely different concept. "Tsk, as if you haven’t used me enough. I disliked you too, and I still find numerous things about you unbearable." Tang Shuang retorted, though she found it amusing as she spoke, unable to suppress a smile. "Weren’t we supposed to embrace compromise and tolerance?" Xu Shi chuckled with resignation. Yet, there was a question on his mind. "Speaking of which, I've been curious, how did you come to like me?" He genuinely wanted to know because before today, he didn’t believe Tang Shuang's feelings for him had reached this depth—being friends seemed plausible, but not such intense feelings. It wasn’t until he saw her frenzy that he realized the significance. "I..." Thus his question inadvertently hit a nerve in Tang Shuang, causing her to stutter, unable to speak. "What's the matter? Finding it embarrassing to like me?" Xu Shi felt slightly miffed. When I confessed, I did it openly, while you're hesitating? Such a downer, people, can anyone relate... "Alright, alright, I'll tell you!" After a brief internal struggle, Tang Shuang resigned with a sigh and leaned in, whispering hesitantly in his ear. So embarrassing, what if he thinks I’m a lovestruck fool... Xu Shi may not think so, but he was certainly surprised, "So that's it?!" Good heavens, you actually used the thought of me, drenched in sweat, to alleviate that complication? Previously, he couldn’t definitively determine this, it was merely a suspicion, and such matters aren't casually mentioned. Directly asking her would be impossible... It's not like he could openly query, "Hey Tang, do your nights include thinking of me in your dreams?" If he did, sparing him a couple of Russian slaps would be considered merciful. Honestly, though, it was a rather intriguing beginning, possibly stemming from a stark contrast. After all, he was ostensibly the one to embarrass her to such a rude point initially... Nevertheless, the evolution into their current state was undeniably a pleasant affair. Reflecting on her earlier gradual guiding actions probably stemmed from this realization, which even touched him slightly. "You don’t think I’m, you know, strange, do you?" Tang Shuang still felt a bit uneasy. Leaving a bad impression because of this would be unfortunate. "I just finally understand why you insisted I wear the inspection bureau uniform once." Xu Shi chuckled dismissively, clearly untroubled. When it came to tolerance in such matters, he likely had few equals, and Director Tang's behavior seemed like child's play to him. "So, um, could you change into other uniforms in the future?" Seeing his expression, Tang Shuang felt relieved and tentatively asked, "The city hall has more departments, and more uniform options..." Yet she got stuck mid-sentence, suddenly realizing it might no longer be necessary, or if done, wouldn’t be for self-consolation, but a shared experience...? No, no! Just thinking about it turned Tang Shuang's face red-hot again, too stimulating to handle... Not to mention, isn't it rumored to be painful, and what if something leads to children? She wasn't ready for such ideas... Xu Shi silently watched her little show, finding the once awe-inspiring director so adorably foolish. Perhaps it's time to prepare a deputy governor? Aside from being adorably foolish, Director Tang also had her concerns. "If you and I... would others have objections? Don’t pretend, I know I'm not your only one." She wasn't particularly bothered, but she couldn't guarantee others would share her indifference. Not to mention, she knew Xie Qing Yan well from frequent interactions, easily recognizing her as a top-tier petty person. "Whether others have objections, I can't say." Xu Shi shook his head, "All I can tell you is that the world shouldn't be this small..." Though Tang Shuang didn't fully grasp his meaning, his clear intention that she wouldn't be carelessly discarded reassured her. I'm in a relationship with him, not with his flings. Let them be damned. Amidst this amorous atmosphere, they returned to the inspection bureau together. “Um, you…” Before stepping out of the vehicle, Tang Shuang shyly pointed at her cheek. She hadn't even considered bringing Xu Shi home or anything deeper, it was just pure reluctance to part with him, wishing for an expression of his affection. Xu Shi, understanding her cue, leaned in for a kiss. An experienced gentleman indeed, a mere kiss from him felt like being on cloud nine for Director Tang. It's a different sensation compared to kissing him, truly a bad boy to be so skilled... Xu Shi also found delight in it, genuinely entertained. Leaving Su Lin aside, Tang Shuang was undoubtedly the oldest among his confidants, yet interacting with her felt most like a pair of adolescent lovers, adorably timid with half-hidden affection... A grown woman's figure with a girlish heart in military attire was the best. "Well, I’m off now." After a sweet moment, Xu Shi opened the door to leave, "By the way, should I come again tomorrow?" "Yes! You still owe four days of community service, skip and I'll break your leg!" Tang Shuang snapped back, putting on a stern inspector’s demeanor. Indeed, four days remaining, calling it one hundred twenty hours when it averaged to five days was accurate. "Alright, see you tomorrow then." "Mhm, see you tomorrow." Watching him walk away, Tang Shuang then cheerfully headed into the inspection bureau to return the items. Indeed, forcing him into community service was a good move, she thought proudly. "Tang Bureau?" She hadn’t noticed Yu Xingchuan gazing at her as if witnessing an apparition, “What happened here…” The events in Crime City with Xu Shi had been reported to her here, intending to inquire further, yet Tang Shuang's expression startled her. Who on earth are you supposed to be? Could it be a switch occurred? "Huh? I’m alright, nothing major." Tang Shuang snapped back to reality with a shake of her head, "Xingchuan, make sure to send a team to sweep through Crime City again, ensure no such incidents happen again." "Yes." The Adjutant readily agreed, quickly sensing something amiss, "Director Tang, are you and Chairman Xu…" Given their rapport, sharing private matters seemed normal. "Of course not, don't talk nonsense… Actually, yes, so what?" Director Tang initially sought denial but reconsidered, changing her tone. Was this something to be ashamed of? Absolutely not, I’m happy and proud! "Nothing, it’s actually quite nice..." Yu Xingchuan felt embarrassed, thinking to herself that maybe Tang Shuang should see this, as a love-struck brain seemed too out of place for her. "I think it's quite nice too." Tang Shuang lifted her chin proudly. "By the way, Xingchuan, can you cook?" "I have no idea how to do that..." The Adjutant shook her head; she was a seasoned takeout enthusiast. "Why are you suddenly asking this? You aren't planning to cook for Chairman Xu, are you?" "That's exactly what I plan to do." Tang Shuang didn't deny it; she considered it a great little trick to strengthen their relationship. "Is that really necessary..." Yu Xingchuan, the tactician, quietly suggested, "Just saying, being nice to him is one thing, but you should maintain a bit of reserve. Being too eager might put you at a disadvantage." "I used to think the same as you." Tang Shuang acknowledged, but corrected with earnest, "But Xu Shi said something true—tsundere doesn't appeal anymore. So, might as well be generous, right?" "That's true, tsundere isn't appealing anymore." The Adjutant watched her with interest. "But that's when your relationship isn't confirmed, that kind of golden retriever failing with lifelong regret... Since you already have him, why worry about that?" Hopeless, maybe I should talk to Xu Shi about handling both duties of governor and supervisor? Could she manage with her current love-struck state... "..." Tang Shuang was dumbfounded, realizing the truth. "So, you were just scaring me again, weren't you?! Xu Shi, you'd better wait for me!" (End of Chapter)