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

Xu Shi shrugged, effortlessly changing the subject, "But before that, could you ask Ning Wei when it would be convenient for him to go to 'Feather Pen'?"

Although the conversation with Xia Ke'an just now had somehow turned into a domineering CEO scene with lines like "Woman, you're not allowed to die without my permission," the issues discussed before that were indeed not to be underestimated.

However, one must eat one bite at a time and do one thing at a time. Talking about the so-called "unknown formidable enemy" may be a bit far off. There are still many things to deal with right now... Xu Shi knew in his heart that compared to the previous minor skirmishes with "Spark", "Dragon City" was definitely not so easy to deal with.

As a conglomerate-level entity, it has a large territory, abundant equipment, and a large number of "Ascensioners" under its command. Even if the "Serpent Ring" has recovered its strength, a direct confrontation would still result in mutual destruction.

In this situation, it is necessary to have a backup plan and find an ally to accompany you. After all, "Shark Tooth" cannot be relied on right now, and that dog of a woman, Xie Qingyan, always has ill intentions towards me.

Of the remaining two conglomerates, "Feather Pen" was naturally the first choice, not only because it was related to Wen Shengkui by blood, but also because "Feather Pen" and "Dragon City" had always disliked each other.

The original work doesn't mention this much, but this situation does exist—the main reason being that the two conglomerates have completely opposite philosophies and can't see eye to eye.

"Feather Pen" primarily focuses on academic and information preservation, and has never been particularly competitive. It is also committed to supporting various academic talents, striving for a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous development in Night City.

On the contrary, "Dragon City" is located in Sin City and makes a living through a gang model. Their main business is to do dirty work for the people of Night City... In other words, they hope that Night City will become more and more chaotic, because the more chaotic it is, the more profit they can make.

They also disregarded the various actions of "quill pen", regarding them as useless hypocritical behavior.

With this premise, the grandfather and grandson can be said to have a common goal.

Of course, the other company, "Imaginary Number," isn't entirely out of the question, but firstly, their strength isn't as good as "Feather Pen," and secondly, there was a slight friction between them before because of the "Long Knife Party" incident. During the press conference, their young chairman, Qi, even complained to me a little...

It's best not to contact them about matters concerning Sin City, to avoid creating unnecessary complications.

Besides, we had already made plans to go, so I had to pay a visit to this unfamiliar grandfather of mine.

"Mr. Ning did email me before, saying that you can come anytime."

Su Lin nodded and said, "Just give me a heads-up... Now?"

"Then now."

Xu Shi didn't want to delay, so after confirming that the other party was available, he prepared some gifts and headed to District 19.

In fact, District 19 is a very special area in Night City, and even seems somewhat out of place compared to other districts.

If you really count it, District 19, along with part of District 20, are all private property under the name of "Feather Pen".

Unlike others, they did not transform these lands into commercial uses as much as possible. Instead, they built many cultural buildings such as concert halls, theaters, museums, and libraries.

Gatherings of the upper class are often held here, such as the last chip launch event.

It's clear that "quill pen" is deliberately maintaining a certain cultural atmosphere, so that the city doesn't become a wasteland in this regard.

Unfortunately, even so, the situation is not much better. The fact is that very few people will specifically go to this place. For most working people, it is better to spend their time running more dungeons in "God's Descent" than to spend time on such things.

As for capitalists, there's no real need for these kinds of buildings; they don't generate much profit anyway. It would be much better to convert them into bars or entertainment venues—that's a much better way to make money. We have our own forms of entertainment; it's no big deal if they don't come…

However, since the land is in their hands, they can't really interfere.

The headquarters of the "Feather Pen" group is also located in these buildings full of artistic atmosphere.

It looked like a manor from the outside, with excellent landscaping, even giving Xu Shi a feeling of a past life, as if the "rust mist" had been excluded...

So even though it was his first time here, he felt a strange sense of familiarity.

"Chairman Xu."

Ning Wei, dressed as a butler, was already waiting at the door and opened the car door for him.

"Mr. Ning."

Xu Shi nodded in acknowledgment. "Could you take me to see Chairman Wen... my maternal grandfather?"

You may have to wait a little while.

Ning Wei led him to Wen Shengkui's office and arranged for him to stay in the reception room. "Master has some things to attend to, but it won't be long."

Xu Shi nodded, sat quietly on the sofa, and thought about how best to talk to the other party later.

The reception room and the inner room were separated by only one wall. As he was thinking, he heard rustling sounds coming from inside.

Oh?

Xu Shi blinked. With his current A-level promotion level, he could clearly hear this level of noise if he paid a little attention.

then.

He heard those words.

"Aren't you a lowly dog? Huh? Aren't you? I gave you some food, and look how high you're sticking your ass up, huh?"

"Alright, you ate so cleanly, that's quite good. I'll reward you by letting me touch you. Aren't you happy...? Who told you to lick me!"

"You wretched dog, you really want me to hit you, don't you? Does it feel good to be hit? Otherwise, why is your tail wagging so happily? Come on, wag it again for me to see, oh my, it's quite beautiful..."

……

……

……

Was my grandfather really that kind of person?!

I didn't understand, but I was deeply moved!

"Hey kid, what are you staring at me for?"

Inside the study, Wen Shengkui, sitting in a wheelchair, frowned as he looked at Xu Shi, whose expression seemed a little strange.

"...Oh, it's nothing."

Xu Shi snapped out of his daze, smiled and waved his hand, "I just didn't expect that you, Grandpa, would have a hobby of keeping pets."

He had to admit that he was a little frightened before he came in.

Actually, keeping mistresses and sex dolls is one of the most beloved ways for nightclub owners to unleash their inner darkness.

Many people even have their own small circles to exchange ideas, share experiences, and do group activities... This is why "Disgae" exists; there is a market only when there is demand.

Even so, Xu Shi couldn't connect Wen Shengkui with this hobby.

The old man just didn't look like it—he was lean and strong, and although his legs were disabled, he was still very energetic. His brows also revealed a dignified and upright air. Even in the original work, he was a relatively positive character...

How could someone be that kind of person? Such a contrast?

When the door finally opened and he came in, he looked around the room for a long time but didn't find what he was looking for. He only saw Wen Shengkui holding a small black dog about the length of his forearm. The dog had wet eyes, looked aggrieved, and was whimpering adorably.

He then realized that he had made a blunder.

...Oh, so you really do have a dog.

I thought you were raising a dog... but if you're going to raise a dog, why are you doing that DirtyTalk thing?

—Don't blame me for being prejudiced and thinking such a complicated thing about you.

However, Xu Shi wouldn't actually say these words out loud, so he just muttered them to himself and silently cleared himself of all responsibility.

"..."

Wen Shengkui's eyes flickered, thinking to himself that there was something wrong with his eyes, and the way he looked around looking for things as soon as he came in was also very suspicious.

I'm just keeping a pet, it's not like you're making such a fuss, is it?

Did you hear something you shouldn't have?

He certainly wouldn't keep any sex dolls; the old man abhorred that kind of thing.

The reason he spoke to the little black dog like that was not due to any complications from his superpowers.

Simply because he named the dog Acheng.

The "cheng" in Xu Cheng's name.

It's clear that the old man still harbors resentment towards Mr. Xu, who took his precious daughter away.

However, he didn't want to talk about it in front of Xu Shi, so he simply changed the subject, "You... wanted to see me about something?"

"Didn't you tell me last time, Grandpa, that I should come and apologize in person?"

Xu Shi calmed himself down and said, "Of course I can't forget."

"I am also very grateful for your help in getting me out of that predicament before."

"Ha, at least you have a conscience."

Wen Shengkui hummed casually, "But it's nothing serious, I would have forgotten about it if you hadn't mentioned it."

really?I do not believe.

Xu Shi secretly rolled his eyes.

Did you really forget that you would have Ning Wei specifically remind Su Lin?

"But since you're here, I'll take this opportunity to say a few words to you."

Wen Shengkui stroked the dog's head, his tone becoming more serious, "That attack at the previous press conference, I'm afraid it wasn't a coincidence, was it?"

"Using high-value temptations to lure the people of Sin City into making a move, and then secretly taking over their territory... I really didn't realize you had any skill."

"It's all for the company's development."

Xu Shi replied with a smile that he wasn't too surprised by the act of speaking the truth to the public.

His methods weren't perfect or flawless; at least they couldn't hide them from a big shot like Wen Shengkui. Didn't Xia Ke'an see through them too? It would be strange if he didn't.

However, judging from the old man's tone, his understanding was not comprehensive. For example, he attributed the "Spark" attack to their covetousness of the "Twins," unaware that it was just a smokescreen to rescue Luo Zhikang.

He might not be able to pay attention to such things, and indeed many gangs in Sin City have an excessive sense of self, so it's reasonable for him to think that way.

"Whatever you say."

Wen Shengkui straightened up and reminded him, "But since you broke the rules first and damaged the interests of 'Dragon City,' don't expect others not to use the same methods against you."

There was no blame in his words; on the contrary, there was a hint of appreciation.

"Isn't it true that the very establishment of rules creates huge benefits for those who break them?"

Xu Shi nodded, "But Grandpa's reminder is right, that's why I came here specifically to find you."

"...You want my help?"

Wen Shengkui narrowed his eyes. "I knew you weren't here just to express your gratitude."

"Both are available, so there's no conflict between them."

Xu Shi did not deny it, saying, "I always have to prepare in advance... If the worst time really comes, I'll feel at ease knowing you're here to help."