In this cyberpunk era, why are you still playing the traditional villain?

Xia Ke'an's mind was in turmoil inside the ward, and Xia Wuyou outside the ward wasn't much better off.

It could be even worse—at least Xia Ke'an and Xu Shi could still talk, while she had absolutely nothing to say to Su Lin, who was sitting next to her.

The atmosphere froze, and the oppressive feeling emanating from the other person left her somewhat at a loss.

and so.

On a whim, she handed over the watermelon she was holding.

"Director Su...would you like some?"

"..."

Looking at the half-eaten watermelon in her hand, Su Lin's gaze towards Xia Wuyou became somewhat strange.

Xia Wuyou belatedly realized what was happening, and her cheeks involuntarily flushed red.

What are you doing, Xia Wuyou!

That was really rude... Fortunately, Su Lin finally took the watermelon and quietly replied, "...Yes, thank you."

But that was all. She simply held it in her hand without eating it or saying anything more.

"...Does Director Su dislike me?"

Seeing this, Xia Wuyou tilted her head, looked at the other person's expressionless face, barely regained her composure, and tentatively asked the question.

"..."

Su Lin paused, clearly surprised by her undisguised question.

However, she is also straightforward, and since she was asked, she didn't mince words, "Yes, I have some aversion to you."

As the conversation progressed to this point, the distance between the two wasn't as significant as it had been at the beginning.

Xia Wuyou even felt a sense of relief. "...Can I know why?"

"I think you know the answer to this question better than I do."

Su Lin met her gaze and said, "But if you insist on asking, I can only say it's because of your attitude towards the young master."

"Everyone says the master is kind and generous, but if he were to handle this matter, you, including your aunt, would probably be dead without a trace."

She calmly recounted, "On the contrary, it was the young master who not only gave you a chance after learning of your betrayal, but also offered you such generous terms."

"Although I can't fully understand your intentions, young master, I don't think it's entirely because of your abilities."

In Su Lin’s opinion, Xia Wuyou, who was being treated so specially by Xu Shi but was still hesitant, seemed somewhat ungrateful.

"I...I just..."

Xia Wuyou couldn't refute her words because what she said was completely correct.

At least my aunt's condition has been brought under control, and her worries have lessened considerably.

No longer bothered by a barrage of bills, my work has become much easier.

Xu Shi never restricted her freedom—he never used Xia Ke'an to blackmail her into doing anything, and she could visit him anytime she wanted… In fact, she had been sleeping on the caregiver's bed these past few days.

Not only can I stay with my family, but the environment here is also much better than where I rent.

This is still based on the fact that he betrayed the company first... To be honest, it is not an exaggeration to describe Xu Shi's actions as "forgiving".

Digging deeper, Xia Wuyou could clearly perceive the gratitude she felt for him deep in her heart.

To be honest, she really had no reason to dislike him... but she also knew why, it was simply because of the filter she had for her childhood sweetheart.

"Has Director Su never encountered a similar situation before?"

Xia Wuyou sighed inwardly and changed the subject, asking a question.

"No, I don't have any of your messy entanglements."

Su Lin answered decisively, "Even if it really exists, I can make the right choice."

"Because I know what I am loyal to."

"Then you really are..." Xia Wuyou thought to himself, feeling that she was being a little too blindly loyal.

But then she thought about it again and realized she was a little envious of Su Lin. If she could be like Su Lin, her life would be much easier.

Was it the right choice...?

Xia Wuyou blinked and began to think seriously.

"What are you talking about?"

However, she had barely begun when her thoughts were interrupted by Xu Shi's voice.

"Some work-related issues."

Su Lin answered first, "Young Master, did you and Miss Xia enjoy your conversation?"

"It was quite enjoyable."

Xu Shi smiled knowingly. "Let's go, Su Lin. Go home. We won't disturb you and your aunt and niece's time together any longer."

"But don't relax too much. You'll be assigned a task either tomorrow or the day after."

"What...yes, I understand."

Xia Wuyou wanted to ask what it was, but stopped herself from speaking.

She wanted to try using Su Lin's way of thinking.

Her hesitant manner did not escape Xu Shi's notice.

Looking at her and then at Su Lin, he could guess seven or eight parts of what had happened between them.

It seems that Miss Su Lin always manages to give herself a helping hand unintentionally.

As for how much her watering will encourage the flowers to grow, that's hard to say.

-

We'll leave aside what Xia Wuyou thinks for now, but one person's transformation is truly visible to the naked eye every day.

In the basement room, Gu Yi's hands danced across the keyboard, transforming into an elegant pianist, wielding her power in the game.

It's so comfortable here!

This place is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment that she could only dream of before; for someone like her, it's simply paradise.

She had no complaints about her living environment. After moving in, she lived and ate with Xu Shi and Su Lin... Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, and even the most expensive seafood in the City of Sin, were standard on Xu Shi's table.

With the addition of Sister Su Lin's superb cooking skills, Miss Black Rabbit almost wanted to swallow her tongue along with her food every time she ate.

Over this period of time, she has visibly gained some weight, at least reaching a well-proportioned standard, and is no longer as thin and malnourished as before.

If you were to ask her how she feels right now, it could probably be summed up in four words.

I felt really good.

Is this what life is like for a dog-owning tycoon?

Just as she was about to unwrap a lollipop, a hand landed on her shoulder from behind.

"Playing games during work hours will result in a deduction of one month's salary."

"...You, you, you, shouldn't you knock before coming in..."

Caught slacking off by Xu Shi, Gu Yi stiffly turned her head and stammered, struggling to say, "Besides, I've done everything I was supposed to do. What's wrong with playing games a little..."

That's true.

Over the past month, the security system of "Snake Ring" has been upgraded and iterated thanks to her efforts. According to Miss Black Rabbit, even if the top three hackers on the hacker list were brought in, they might not be able to break through it.

Xu Shi had no doubt about this, because he believed that Gu Yi had such ability.

"But that's no excuse for you to play games, Manager Gu."

"Then what do you want me to do...?"

"Get this straight, even though you're working from home, you're still a full-time employee of 'Snake Ring.' Even if you're just sitting in front of your computer daydreaming, you have to wait until after get off work to do anything unrelated to work."

"Huh? Isn't this a bit...eeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Gu Yi was about to retort when the electric current from the collar interrupted her spellcasting. "I'm so civilized... Eeeeee!"

This intensity of electric current has little effect on the human body, but it's enough to make her suffer.

Xu Shi was still clear that this little devil would get out of control if she wasn't disciplined every three days, and needed to be taught a lesson from time to time.

"Ugh, I... I know, Chairman Xu... I was wrong."

The current was released, and Miss Black Rabbit reluctantly agreed, inwardly cursing Xu Shi as a big jerk who only knew how to bully people.

"Good to know, but don't let it happen again."

"Oh, speaking of which, is there something you need?"

"Yes, I have a task for you."

“…You say it.” Gu Yi didn’t dare to argue anymore.

"Want to make a comeback as 'Black Rabbit' and stir up some big news?"

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 48 What? This isn't a cookie!

"Hey?"

Upon hearing Xu Shi's words, Gu Yi abruptly raised her head. "You mean, you want me to steal some kind of information or something?"

"More or less, roughly..."

Xu Shi explained the requirements to her in detail, "Can you do it?"

"Don't worry, it's not a big problem."

After mentally assessing the situation, Miss Black Rabbit smiled confidently, revealing two small fangs. "But this is extra work... Is there any reward, boss?"

How could you say such a thing?