Want to Make a Big Splash

Xia Ke'an's mind was a mess inside the hospital room, and Xia Wuyou outside wasn't doing much better.

In fact, it was even worse—at least Xia Ke'an had something to talk about with Xu Shi, while she had absolutely nothing to say to Su Lin, who sat beside her.

The atmosphere turned icy, and the pressure emanating from the other woman left her feeling flustered.

So.

On a whim, she offered the watermelon in her hand.

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

"..."

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

Xia Wuyou realized her mistake belatedly, her cheeks flushing involuntarily.

What are you doing, Xia Wuyou!

This is so rude... Fortunately, Su Lin eventually took the watermelon and replied softly, "...Mm, thank you."

But that was all. She just held it without eating it, and didn't say anything else.

"...Does Director Su hate me?"

Seeing this, Xia Wuyou tilted her head and, looking at Su Lin's expressionless face, managed to regain some composure and tentatively asked the question.

"..."

Su Lin paused, clearly surprised by her direct question.

However, she was also straightforward. Since she was asked, she answered frankly, "Yes, I do find you somewhat disagreeable."

With the conversation reaching this point, the distance between them actually felt less than it had at the start.

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

"I think you know the answer to that 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 benevolent, but if he were to handle this matter, you, and your aunt, would likely be reduced to nothing."

She stated calmly, "Instead, it's the Young Master who, after learning of your betrayal, is willing to give you a chance and has offered you such favorable terms."

"Although I can't fully understand the Young Master's intentions, I don't think it's entirely due to your abilities."

This was true. With the strength of "Serpent Coil," there was no need to cherish an A-class "Ascendant" like a treasure.

Therefore, in Miss Su Lin's view, Xia Wuyou, who received such special treatment from Xu Shi yet remained hesitant, appeared somewhat ungrateful.

"I... I just..."

Xia Wuyou couldn't refute her words because they were entirely accurate.

At least her aunt's condition had been brought under control, and her own troubles had lessened considerably.

She no longer had to worry about piles of overdue bills, and her work had become much easier.

Xu Shi had never restricted her freedom—he hadn't used Xia Ke'an to threaten her or anything like that. She could visit whenever she wanted... In fact, she had been sleeping on the hospital bed provided for visitors these past few days.

Not only could she be by her relative's side, but the environment here was also much better than her own rented place.

This was all after she had betrayed the company. To be honest, describing Xu Shi's actions as "benevolent" wasn't an exaggeration at all.

Digging deeper, Xia Wuyou could clearly sense the gratitude she felt towards him deep down.

Frankly, she really had no reason to resist him... but she also knew why. It was merely the filter of her childhood sweetheart.

"Hasn't Director Su ever encountered a similar situation?"

Xia Wuyou sighed inwardly and changed the subject.

"No, I don't have those messy entanglements you do," Su Lin replied crisply. "Even if I did, I would make the right choice."

"Because I know what I am loyal to."

Well, you really are... Hearing this, Xia Wuyou couldn't help but mutter to herself, thinking Su Lin was perhaps too blindly loyal.

But then again, she felt a bit envious of Su Lin. If she could be like her, she would undoubtedly have a much easier time.

The right choice... huh?

Xia Wuyou blinked and began to think seriously.

"What are you two talking about?"

However, just as she started to ponder, her thoughts were interrupted by Xu Shi's voice.

"Some work-related issues," Su Lin answered first. "Young Master, did your conversation with Miss Xia go well?"

"Very well," Xu Shi said with a playful smile. "Let's go, Su Lin. Time to head home. I won't disturb Team Leader Xia and your aunt's time together."

"But don't get too relaxed. Either tomorrow or the day after, you'll be assigned a mission."

"Wha— Yes, I understand."

Xia Wuyou wanted to ask what kind of mission it was, but stopped herself before the words could leave her mouth.

She wanted to try thinking from Su Lin's perspective.

And her hesitant, almost-speaking demeanor naturally didn't escape Xu Shi's notice.

Looking at her, then at Su Lin, he could guess about seventy to eighty percent of what had happened between them.

It seemed Miss Su Lin always managed to give him a helpful assist without even trying.

As for how much her nurturing could spur the flower to bloom, that was anyone's guess.

While Xia Wuyou's thoughts were put aside for now, one person's transformation was truly visible day by day.

In the basement room, Gu Yi's hands flew across the keyboard, transforming into an elegant pianist commanding the game with her music.

So good, living here is so good!

This place was equipped with the top-tier equipment she could only dream of before. For someone like her, it was practically paradise.

The living environment was also impeccable. Since moving in, she had been eating and living with Xu Shi and Su Lin... Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat, even the most expensive seafood from Night Sin City, were standard fare at Xu Shi's table.

Coupled with Sister Su Lin's exquisite cooking, Miss Black Rabbit always felt like she could swallow her own tongue when eating.

Over this period, she had visibly gained a little weight, at least reaching a state of being well-proportioned, no longer looking as gaunt and malnourished as before.

As for her current mood, it could probably be summarized in four words.

I'm so satisfied.

Was this what living like a rich patron was like?

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

"Playing games during work hours. I'm deducting a month's salary."

"...Y-you, shouldn't you knock before entering the room..."

Caught slacking off by Xu Shi, Gu Yi stiffly turned her head, stammering in her struggle, "Besides, I've already finished everything I need to do. What's wrong with playing games..."

This wasn't untrue.

Over the past month, the security system of "Serpent Coil" had undergone upgrades and iterations thanks to her efforts. According to Miss Black Rabbit, even the top three hackers on the hacker rankings might not be able to breach it.

Xu Shi had no doubts about this, as he believed Gu Yi possessed such capabilities.

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

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

"Get it straight. Even though you're working from home, you're still a formal employee of 'Serpent Coil.' Even if you're just staring blankly at the computer, you should wait until after work to do things unrelated to your job."

"Huh? Isn't that a bit... Eeeeek!"

Gu Yi was about to retort when the electric current from her collar interrupted her "spellcasting." "*Civility... Eeeeek!"

The intensity of the current had no real effect on her body, but it was enough to make her suffer a bit.

Xu Shi knew well that this kind of kid would climb the walls if left unchecked for three days; she needed to be disciplined from time to time.

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

The current ceased, and Miss Black Rabbit agreed miserably, inwardly cursing Xu Shi as a big bully who only knew how to pick on people.

"Good that you understand. Don't let it happen again."

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

"Yes, I have a mission for you."

"...Go ahead." Gu Yi didn't dare to argue anymore.

"Do you want to make a comeback as 'Black Rabbit' and stir up some major trouble?"