The First Time and the Countless Times

To be honest.

Calling Jiang Chengcheng a "newborn" now is absolutely the most fitting description.

The shackles of past suffering were broken by her own hands, and the gloom in her heart was swept away.

In their place were hope for the future, and... fervent loyalty to Xu Shi.

"Thank you... Chairman Xu."

Nestled in Xu Shi's arms, she felt nothing but happiness and warmth. "From now on, I will only be loyal to you. My wealth, my body, and... my soul, until death do us part."

Xu Shi smiled without speaking, quietly listening to her oath. He wasn't surprised. Under the influence of "Malice Entropy," this was how it was supposed to be. This could be considered a complete practical application of his own Ability, from nothing to something, from zero to one.

In fact, although it wasn't much help in improving combat power, this Ability was truly not weak. Just B-class could make people sincerely submit, and after completing the closed loop, there would be unwavering submission no matter what. Of course, the premise was that it could be used properly and not turn one into a lunatic due to complications. If it were truly like the original body in the novel, its effectiveness would be less than one-tenth.

Moreover, everyone's situation was different. This method could be used on Jiang Chengcheng, but for someone else, like Gu Yi or Xia Wuyou, it would be a different situation. However, what was certain was that everyone had a threshold in their hearts. As long as it could be found and broken, the same effect could be achieved.

As for the "Ascension" of "Malice Entropy"... I'm very sorry, but the original novel didn't mention it, but I imagine it wouldn't be too bad. Well, at least there was some sense of anticipation. Thinking this, and looking at Jiang Chengcheng before him, Xu Shi couldn't help but smile a little wider.

What could this be considered? The villain's subordinate boss gained a new villainous female executive? Oh, ho ho.

And I must say, with Jiang Chengcheng's submission, his gains were truly significant. Not to mention her personal abilities, the gold coins dropped by Jiang Fengshan were also a very important part. Although "Feather Pen" took away some of his illegal income, the overall impact was not significant. The company shares and his personal assets, with his death, would also be transferred to Jiang Chengcheng's name according to inheritance law.

It would be no different from giving it to him. As long as he asked, the other party would probably hand it over without hesitation. Plus, the engineering department would naturally fall under his control... Thinking about it, it was all great news. He was winning big.

This put Xu Shi in a very good mood.

However, just as he was about to leave with Jiang Chengcheng, Tang Shuang, who was leaning against the corridor, blocked his path. It seemed she had been waiting there for a long time, and her complicated expression proved she had something to say to Xu Shi.

"...You go wait for me outside first." Xu Shi thought for a moment and sent Jiang Chengcheng away.

"Okay."

"Thank you so much this time, Director Tang." After she left, Xu Shi smiled and nodded at Tang Shuang, showing unprecedented politeness.

"...Just this once, and no more." Tang Shuang's eyes flickered. "Even if you encounter such a situation again... I won't let you do such things anymore."

Here's a side note – in the laws of Night Sin City, there is no death penalty. But that's only on the surface; private retribution is another matter... Public prisons are also good places for backroom dealings, where countless people have lost their lives. However, such situations have greatly improved since Tang Shuang took office—the Director is very righteous. As for why she turned a blind eye this time... it was probably out of dissatisfaction with pressure from superiors and sympathy for Jiang Chengcheng's tragic fate.

"Understood." Xu Shi replied flippantly, not taking her words to heart. He knew very well that this was probably the first time Tang Shuang had bent the rules for someone in this kind of matter... He was fortunate that the recipient was him and not Shen He, and he hoped that she would only do this for him. He figured it wouldn't be too difficult—there's only a first time and countless times for such things. Once it starts, it's not so easy to backtrack.

Thinking this, and with the lingering effects of the Ability Complication still present, Xu Shi couldn't help but get an idea. He extended his hand to Tang Shuang, politely inviting her, "Need a ride? I can take you home."

"...Don't even think about it." Tang Shuang froze, then recoiled as if shocked. "Remember this, I'll let this slide this time, but, but you'd better be careful. If you do anything you shouldn't, I, I will still bring you to justice!" As she spoke, she even struck a dramatic fighting pose, her face involuntarily flushing slightly.

This made Xu Shi frown involuntarily. Really, if you're not going to agree, fine, but why such an extreme reaction? He of course didn't know that this was because the Director had unconsciously considered him a side dish... It was fine when she was handling official business, but now that she was relaxed and alone, she couldn't help but think about it again.

"Director Tang, rather than focusing on law-abiding citizens like me, you should direct your attention to Sin City."

So, he waved his hand dismissively, "Things have been rather unsettled there lately."

Yes, Xu Shi, a law-abiding citizen harboring two S-class fugitives, said this without any pressure.

"...Then, that's for the best!"

Director Tang stomped her foot indignantly, "If you ever fall into my hands, I... I won't let you off!"

With that, the Director hastily fled.

Fine, fine.

Good intentions mistaken for ill will, Xu Shi sighed helplessly and walked out of the prison gates.

Su Lin was already waiting there. Jiang Chengcheng held her hand, feeling even more excited than before.

"Did you tell her?"

Seeing the two suddenly become close, Xu Shi guessed a few things.

"Mhm."

Su Lin nodded.

Ever since Xu Shi mentioned it that day, she had followed up on the idea and investigated.

The results were exactly as they had estimated – the two were indeed old acquaintances, having been close playmates in the same orphanage.

It could be said that they had supported each other back then... It was just a pity that neither of them had names back then, only prisoner-like numbers.

After being adopted one after another, they lost contact with each other.

This undoubtedly made the investigation a bit difficult, and it was precisely because of this that Su Lin hadn't shown herself much these past few days.

Fortunately, the outcome was good, and she was quite happy about their reunion.

Jiang Chengcheng was even more thrilled. Having just experienced a new life and then immediately learning such news, she didn't know how to describe her feelings at the moment.

Not to mention that the two shared the same stance, which made her feel so happy she could faint.

Sitting in the car, Jiang Chengcheng leaned carefully against Xu Shi's shoulder, tightly clutching his sleeve, afraid that this beautiful moment was just a dream.

"Get some good rest, all the past unhappiness is over,"

Xu Shi comforted her. "By the way, Su Lin, remember to help her contact a psychologist."

Although her emotional knot had been untangled, her mental illness could not be ignored. In her current state, he was not entirely at ease about letting her immediately start researching the "Overlimit Project."

Not to mention considering the issue of awakening her Ability – this process often required stimulating the brain, and if her state was unstable, it could easily lead to disaster.

"Yes, I understand."

Su Lin replied, glancing at their affectionate behavior in the rearview mirror, and unconsciously pursed her lips.

Logically speaking, this was a good thing... but why did it feel a little off?

As she pondered, a message came through her communicator.

Glancing at it casually, her expression became even stranger.

"Young Master, Young Master He of 'Shark Tooth' has had an accident."

Hm?