Can You Bark Like a Dog for Me?

That Su Lin and Xu Shi lived together was hardly a secret in the eyes of many veteran employees of "Serpent Coil."

After all, everyone knew she was a retainer of the Xu Family, adopted by Xu Cheng since childhood and trained in elite butler-style education.

Before joining the company, she had appeared before everyone as a maid.

Clearly, the old director knew full well how unreliable his son was and had arranged this in advance, ensuring someone would be there to take care of him later.

But Gu Yi was obviously unaware of this, and as a result, she couldn't help but conjure up all sorts of strange ideas.

A playboy scumbag and an icy female subordinate having an office romance? Or... failing to repay a debt and paying with her body?

Realizing that this big sister seemed to stick close to Bastard Xu every step of the way, even words like "Star Fury" flashed through her mind a few times.

Holy crap, that's a lot of information.

That only made her more panicked. She was already resistant to moving into Bastard Xu's house, and now this on top of it...

I'm not going to end up like that, am I? No way, no how!.jpg

But that mood was quickly pushed aside by what lay before her eyes.

The luxury of Xu Shi's home far exceeded her imagination—a three-story duplex mansion, with decor and furniture all selected from the most advanced and expensive options, every inch of space reeking of money.

And the various collectibles scattered everywhere perfectly dispelled any sense of vulgarity, blending classical and technology seamlessly.

Though she had no eye for such things, Gu Yi knew these items were worth a fortune.

A billion-dollar appraisal: certified nouveau riche.

Xu Shi had no idea what she was thinking; all this was ordinary to him.

And for once, he was generous enough to let her pick any room she wanted, except for the three on the right side of the third floor.

Those were occupied—one was Su Lin's, one was his parents' (no one had gone in since they passed away), and the last was naturally his own... though that one was negotiable. If Miss Black Rabbit insisted, he could consider it.

But she clearly had no such intention, instead choosing the basement, the farthest from his room.

That was probably the most suitable place Gu Yi could find for herself.

Not only was it the farthest from Bastard Xu, but more importantly, it was packed with high-end electronic equipment. The moment she saw it, she couldn't tear her eyes away.

"This one. Is it okay?"

"Whatever you like."

Xu Shi smiled, not telling her that this was actually his game room.

He used to spend more time here than anywhere else.

Miss Black Rabbit probably didn't realize that she'd thought she picked the farthest room, but it was actually the closest.

Once she was fully settled in, she shut the door and wanted nothing to do with anyone.

Xu Shi sat down on the sofa and let out a long sigh. Su Lin handed him a cup of hot tea at just the right moment, then sat nearby and started working on her tasks.

Aside from the times Xu Shi used to stay out all night, this was probably the most common way they interacted in private.

Though he always treated her like a servant, he had never done anything extreme like humiliating or beating her.

So far, that kind of thing was rare. In the story, the original body only started venting his anger on her after going mad from paranoia.

So where did Gu Yi get all those complicated ideas? His relationship with Su Lin was just a normal master-servant one.

"Come to think of it, how long have I known you? Twenty years?"

Xu Shi took off his glasses, closed his eyes, and asked casually.

"Twenty years, four months, and sixteen days."

Su Lin didn't look up, answering without hesitation.

"That long?" Xu Shi was even a little surprised.

"Yes."

Su Lin nodded. The Young Master might not remember, but her memory was very clear.

After all, the one who had proposed adopting her back then wasn't the Old Master—it was him, at only five years old.

To Xu Shi, it might have just been a casual childhood remark.

But to her, it was the beginning of a new life.

That was why, all these years, her loyalty had never wavered in the slightest.

And things were getting better now, too.

Whether he had been hiding his abilities before or had suddenly woken up didn't matter to her, but seeing this change in Xu Shi, she was genuinely happy for him.

"Hm..."

"What's wrong?"

Seeing her hesitate, Xu Shi asked curiously.

"...Nothing."

Su Lin smiled and sighed. "I just wanted to say that no matter what happens in the future, I will always be by your side, Young Master."

Xu Shi was stunned for a moment, then let out a wry laugh.

It wasn't like he had suddenly transmigrated here; he had only recently awakened his past-life memories.

Should this be called a reincarnation birth?

Regardless, he didn't treat the people and things around him as two-dimensional paper cutouts, so he naturally felt pleased by such a vow.

But speaking of which, this kind of trope was truly a classic of classics.

—No matter how brainless or utterly despicable the villain was, there was always a loyal dog by their side who never abandoned them, with abilities and intelligence perpetually on point.

So...

"Su Lin, can you bark like a dog for me?"

"Huh?"

Miss Su Lin tilted her head, not catching what Xu Shi had said.

"...Never mind."

Xu Shi suppressed his laughter and waved a hand, turning to business. "That dormitory Gu Yi used before—did you send someone?"

"All arranged. They're mechanical soldiers from the Field Operations Department."

Su Lin nodded. "If Lin Wenhua really intends to assassinate Miss Gu, he'll definitely—"

Before she could finish, a new file was sent to her wristband.

Inside were photos of an assassin lying in a pool of blood, along with a brief interrogation video.

"I'll talk, I'll talk! It was Old Lin, no, no, that old bastard Lin Wenhua who sent me! Said to kill whoever was stationed here... Don't kill me... Ugh..."

"Good."

Xu Shi was quite satisfied. "Keep it for now. We'll settle the full account with the old man later."

I knew what you were up to all along, you old bastard.

And according to his estimation, the news of Xu Anbang's unexplained disappearance would soon reach the ears of the "Serpent Coil" crew.

Anyone with half a brain would figure out he was behind it, but that was exactly the effect he wanted.

Before a complete overhaul of the company, this kind of killing-the-chicken-to-scare-the-monkey act would surely boost work morale across departments.

(＾?＾) If you don't work hard, you might die, you know?

And if it could intimidate some wavering shareholders, that would be icing on the cake.

Besides, he wasn't worried about anyone leaking it. Got any evidence? He had full confidence in Xia Wuyou's ability to handle things—no loose ends left behind.

"Then that's settled."

Xu Shi yawned. "Speaking of which, what's on the schedule for tomorrow?"

"On the company side?"

Su Lin pulled up her memo and glanced at it. "...There is one thing. The Inspection Bureau sent me an email saying they'd like to have a face-to-face talk with you, Young Master."

Huh?

The Inspection Bureau?