Let's Play a Game, the Prize Is

The operation to abduct Luo Zhikang was covert and swift.

Not only did the Inspection Bureau fail to notice, but even passersby were oblivious to what had transpired.

Speaking of which, the Inspection Bureau had been swamped lately.

With everything piling up – Spark's two consecutive riots in Night Sin City, the public and media's harsh criticism of the Inspection Bureau's credibility, and two new S-class fugitives added to the wanted list – each issue was a major headache.

Director Tang Shuang was no exception; she was never one to delegate everything. In fact, she was probably the most dedicated person in the entire Inspection Bureau.

Between her demanding duties, numerous meetings, and press conferences that required her personal attendance, she was completely swamped.

Even so, she had to divert some of her energy to closely monitor Serpent Coil's movements. It was exhausting.

There was no other way. Although Xu Shi's attitude towards the escape of the criminals was surprisingly lenient, she still couldn't rest easy.

"There's no way I'll give you a chance to find fault, don't even think about it!"

Furthermore, she hadn't given up on digging for dirt on Xu Shi, having gone through his files multiple times in the past few days.

Unfortunately, she found nothing.

It wasn't that Xu Shi had no skeletons in his closet, but his past offenses had all been settled and closed, minor issues that weren't enough to be used against him.

Coupled with the excellent public relations capabilities of the major conglomerates, Tang Shuang couldn't find a single flaw.

It was incredibly frustrating.

This was likely the most difficult person Director Tang had encountered since joining the Inspection Bureau.

Not only was she humiliated and manipulated by him at will, but she was also completely powerless against him.

"Sigh..."

Putting down the documents, she let out a long sigh. While feeling helpless, Tang Shuang's eyelids felt heavy and wouldn't stay open.

"Director Tang, are you alright?"

Her adjutant, standing nearby, keenly noticed her poor condition. "Perhaps you should rest for a bit? Otherwise, you'll ruin your health."

"I..."

Tang Shuang intended to say she was fine, but by the time the words reached her lips, she lacked the strength to utter them.

She hadn't undergone any physical modifications. Several days of high-intensity work without sleep had pushed her to her limit.

Not to mention the complications from activating her ability. Honestly, the fact that she was still conscious was purely due to willpower.

"...Then I'll go back and rest for half a day. I'll leave the bureau's matters in your hands."

So, she finally relented, asking her adjutant to take her back to her residence – a studio apartment in District 15.

It was rather amusing that, given her status, living in such a place was quite beneath her.

After all, even the Miss adjutant beside her had managed to buy a large house in District 16 through her own efforts.

But this was enough to prove just how incorruptible the Director was.

As soon as she got home, she collapsed onto the bed, too tired to even take off her clothes before preparing to sleep.

However.

Just as her consciousness began to blur, a strange sensation suddenly spread throughout her body.

She involuntarily began to tremble, her cheeks flushing red with sweat.

"Damn it, it's happening again..."

Although her mind was foggy, Tang Shuang was acutely aware of what was happening.

This was a complication of her ability – a surge in desire.

It was all due to her previous intense barrage against Lei Song, which had caused the complications to trigger a hormonal imbalance that broke through her threshold.

While working these past few days, her judgment and thinking abilities had been frequently affected.

However, if she had to say, compared to other complications, this one wasn't difficult to manage. It could even be classified as "the mildest" – no inhibitors were needed, and it could be easily suppressed with over-the-counter medication.

Normally, Tang Shuang would alleviate it this way.

But today's situation was different from usual; clearly, it wouldn't be solved by simply taking medicine.

Then there was only one option...

However, at this moment, a hazy figure appeared before the Director's eyes.

A man wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with a wicked grin – an annoying fellow who made her angry just by looking at him.

"I... Why am I thinking of him at a time like this?!"

In that instant, Tang Shuang felt she must be going mad.

"Mmm..."

While Director Tang was enjoying a pleasant dream, Luo Zhikang on the other side was awakened by a splash of cold water.

The side effects of the sedative gave him a headache, but what lay before him filled him with even greater alarm.

This was clearly a prison cell!

And definitely not a prison set up by the city hall, as he had personally participated in its construction.

In comparison, this place was darker, dirtier, and in worse condition.

His hands and feet were also bound by electronic shackles, making movement extremely difficult.

"Who exactly are you?!"

Luo Zhikang roared, "Why did you bring me here?!"

Snap.

"It's nice to meet you for the first time, Old Mr. Luo."

The cell light was turned on, and Xu Shi slowly emerged from the shadows, "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Xu Shi."

Hearing the name, Luo Zhikang froze on the spot.

He hadn't exactly failed to anticipate this situation, after all, he had just been in the process of cracking a new drone from "Serpent Coil."

But he also knew very well what being caught by the other party meant.

"Calm down, I've also heard a lot about you, Old Mr. Luo, which is why I wanted to invite you for a chat."

Xu Shi sighed, "But honestly, finding you was quite difficult."

If he hadn't known the plot, he would never have guessed that the other party would be hiding in such a place.

"Is this how you invite someone?"

Luo Zhikang wasn't buying it, stubbornly asking with indignation.

"That depends on who is being invited."

Xu Shi's lips curled into a sneer as he looked at him, "And don't you know what you've done?"

"A petty thief trying to illegally modify scientific research results, do you expect me to roll out the red carpet for you?"

"..."

Luo Zhikang remained silent, clearly understanding that every move he made had already been fully grasped by Xu Shi.

And any show of defiance he displayed would be useless against him.

"So what do you plan to do? Send me to the Inspection Bureau to be convicted? Or kill me with torture?"

However, he was also a man who had weathered many storms, and he quickly regained his composure, standing up straight, "Or perhaps you intend to recruit me? If so, you'll be disappointed..."

"It's not that complicated."

Xu Shi waved his hand, interrupting him, "I brought you here because I want to play a game with you."

"Hm?"

Luo Zhikang was momentarily confused and hadn't even recovered his senses when he saw Xu Shi place the "Sea Crane" back in front of him.

"Unlock it, and the prize is... your freedom."