Already... Can't Go Back

"Young Master, are you sure you still want to assign the escort mission to her?"

The atmosphere in the restaurant returned to calm, and Su Lin, her guard down, asked softly.

"What's wrong with giving it to her?"

Xu Shi smiled and retorted, "There's no one more suitable than her."

In fact, the moment he sensed Xia Wuyou's inner wavering, he knew he had this in the bag.

Not to mention that the conditions he offered were impossible for her to refuse, but more importantly, Xia Wuyou's only weakness was now firmly in his grasp.

Under such circumstances, how could she not obey him obediently?

But speaking of which, Xia Wuyou's mental fortitude was indeed strong. Even after being pressured for so long, her first reaction wasn't to surrender, but to fight him to the death.

This was also within Xu Shi's expectations – she had suffered a tragedy in her childhood, witnessing her loved ones die before her eyes, and then was forced to learn to bear the burden of life on her young shoulders.

After joining "Serpent Coil," she had also been engaged in dangerous work on the front lines of life and death in the Field Operations Department... Such experiences were truly incomparable to a mere child like Gu Yi.

Fortunately, he had been prepared. Using "Malice Entropy," he easily broke through her final defenses and completely controlled the situation.

Otherwise, it would have been really troublesome... Xu Shi muttered to himself as he scanned the restaurant. The people still dining were all deathly silent, completely unwilling, and too afraid, to voice any opinions about the recent commotion.

Ah, this was the proper reaction for normal people when facing a villainous young master like him.

Su Lin didn't think in that direction. In her understanding, abilities had too many uncertainties, and there was no such thing as "because I know what my ability is, I'm eager to awaken it."

It was likely a coincidence that happened to add the finishing touch.

But she was still very surprised because she had no idea when Xu Shi had become so thoroughly aware of Xia Wuyou's background.

It was the same with Gu Yi last time... He had never mentioned these things before!

Was this still the same Young Master who only knew how to indulge in debauchery, drive recklessly, and throw parties?

If she still had some doubts before, after this incident, she could be completely certain that Xu Shi had been holding back his true capabilities before.

"Young Master, how did you know Xia Wuyou's true identity?"

She still couldn't help herself and asked cautiously.

"As a group director, isn't it normal to know the situation of your subordinates?"

Xu Shi naturally wouldn't answer directly, simply finishing his tea calmly.

"...It was my oversight."

Su Lin paused upon hearing this, then lowered her eyes with a hint of apprehension, "Please punish me, Young Master."

It was clear that although she inwardly considered it a good thing, Xu Shi's suddenly revealed capabilities made her somewhat uneasy.

The words he used to placate her were also taken as a warning to her as the HR Director.

After all, this was supposed to be her responsibility... If something had gone terribly wrong, she wouldn't have escaped unscathed.

"What are you doing?"

Xu Shi was somewhat surprised by her reaction, "I'm not blaming you, you don't need to be so... uh..."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt a wave of dizziness.

His heart rate instantly surged, and a tearing sensation spread through his mind. The surrounding sounds became distorted and blurred as they reached his ears.

Looking at Su Lin again, he suddenly had a strange thought.

Speaking of which, although it wasn't mentioned in the original novel, was she really that trustworthy?

He knew his own past behavior very well. Would someone truly follow such a dissolute young master with unwavering loyalty?

Did she also have some ulterior motives? Should he investigate her as well...

Thinking this, Xu Shi's mind became somewhat chaotic, and his breathing unconsciously quickened.

"Young Master?"

Su Lin looked flustered by this, but she quickly realized what was happening and hurriedly took out a medicine bottle, feeding him a capsule.

The medicine took effect quickly. Within a minute, Xu Shi had sobered up, and the distracting thoughts in his mind receded like a tide.

"Hoo..."

He steadied his breathing, still feeling a lingering fear, "I just..."

"I apologize, Young Master. It was my lack of foresight."

Su Lin said with worried concern, "It should be a complication caused by your ability. Since it's your first time, the reaction is even stronger."

"I should have reminded you earlier. Fortunately, I always carry the inhibitor..."

"...It's fine, you're thoughtful."

Xu Shi regained his senses. So that was it.

Knowing the plot, besides his own ability, he naturally also knew what complications were.

Suspicion.

More professionally, delusional paranoia.

However, the original host never cared about that. Coupled with his continuous string of eye-watering operations that kept hitting new lows, this complication ultimately left him with no subordinates to command, plunging him into a state of severe madness.

It could be considered one of the key factors leading to his failure.

As for the blocking agent Su Lin took, it was a targeted medication to alleviate her condition.

Of course, this only worked for mental illnesses; it couldn't alleviate physical ailments.

"...If I recall correctly, Su Lin, you also have a mental complication?"

Speaking of which, he suddenly felt curious. "And you're an A-class Ascendant, so your symptoms should be more severe... but I don't recall ever seeing you take medication?"

"Yes, after using my Ability, I fall into a state of extreme mania."

Su Lin nodded, not hiding her weakness from him. "However, I've undergone training and can now control myself without medication."

Xu Shi became even more curious. "Control yourself? How do you manage it?"

"...Listening to music. Soothing songs help calm my mood."

Su Lin gestured to the earphones she wore on her left ear. "If Young Master wishes, I can share my experience with you... but it takes time. For now, it's best if you take the blocking agent promptly after using your Ability to avoid unnecessary assimilation."

"Alright, I understand."

Xu Shi took the medicine bottle and sighed with a smile.

There was no need to doubt her... In fact, Su Lin had been with the Xu family since she was seven years old, diligently staying by his side all these years.

From a household servant to a bodyguard, and now his right-hand woman in the corporation... Even in the original story, no matter how much Shen He tried to win her over, she remained steadfastly loyal to him, even to the point of sacrificing her life.

Her loyalty was beyond question. If he couldn't even trust her, then there was no one in this world worth trusting.

But then again, he realized he had never really gotten to know her before, only treating her as a servant.

Thinking this, Xu Shi secretly rolled his eyes. No wonder the original host was so easily defeated; could he really blame others entirely for that...

"Are you done eating? Would you like me to order you another black coffee?"

With that thought, he gently shook his head and then looked at his childhood friend with a smile.

Huh?

Hearing this, Su Lin appeared somewhat surprised.

Did Young Master actually know her preferences?

He had never said anything like this before... It truly made her feel a bit overwhelmed with joy.

After a brief silence, Su Lin unconsciously broke into a smile.

"Yes."

Serpent Coil Heavy Industries, 18:00

Xia Wuyou always left work right on time, not a minute to spare, like a precision machine.

Today was no exception, but she seemed even more hurried than usual, as if trying to escape the place.

However, she usually kept to herself, so her colleagues in the Field Operations Department didn't notice anything unusual.

Anxiously taking the subway back to her residence, Xia Wuyou opened her computer as instructed by Spark, downloaded, and launched a game.

Divine Arrival

The high pressure of Night Sin City made many working people rely on video games as a cheap and effective way to relax.

Divine Arrival was the most popular MMORPG at the moment; you could see over a hundred thousand people online at any time.

However, Xia Wuyou wasn't particularly interested in it, so she simply created a character and then controlled her avatar to the agreed-upon location.

Someone was already waiting for her in the dimly lit alley.

[Galaxy: You're here. Did you bring what I need?]

[ahsiaoshd: Yes, the personnel deployment for tomorrow's operation is...]

Mid-typing, Xia Wuyou inevitably faltered.

She still felt some hesitation... But after a moment of silence, she finally forced her gaze away from the inhibitor on the table and picked up the note Xu Shi had given her.

[ahsiaoshd: Three IV-type combat teams, forty TC-II Tactical Drones, the cargo will be transported in four heavy-duty trucks, and I will lead the team personally.]

As she typed this, Xia Wuyou felt as if her fingers were dipped in lead; every keystroke seemed to drain her of all her strength.

However, the person she was meeting wouldn't know any of this.

[Galaxy: (′▽`)? That's great! It's just as I estimated. Serpent Coil has indeed strengthened its defenses... Thank you so much, otherwise, we would have suffered a great loss.]

[ahsiaoshd: ...Mm.**]

[Galaxy: I'll inform the operation personnel. You should be careful too, or I'm afraid you'll be in danger... Oh, speaking of which, after this is done, can I treat you to a meal?

Actually, I quite miss it. When we were kids, Uncle Xia always brought you to Tianhe to play. Back then, we didn't have to worry about anything, and you always fought with me for snacks...]

[ahsiaoshd: Mm-hmm, we'll talk about it then. I'm going to take a shower, and you... should also get some rest.**]

After sending this message, Xia Wuyou quickly went offline and turned off the screen.

Her haste didn't arouse Shen He's suspicion. After logging out of the game, he quickly summoned the man in the hoodie from before.

"The Serpent Coil has strengthened its personnel. Old Chen, are you alright on your end? Do you want me to transfer Lei Song back to help you..."

"No need, I can handle this situation."

The man in the hoodie, named Chen Fang, patted his chest and shook his head. "Trust me, Leader Shen, I'll be the one to kick off the first battle to overthrow the consortium!"

"...Alright, then good luck!"

Shen He paused, then forcefully bumped fists with him.

It was clear he was very happy at the moment.

However, what he didn't know was that inside the rental apartment, Xia Wuyou had collapsed weakly onto her chair, closing her eyes in despair as tears uncontrollably slid from the corners of her eyes.

Why, why did they have to bring up those past events...

I'm sorry...

But... I can't go back...

PS:

Serpent Coil Internal File

[Name: Su Lin]

[Identity: Serpent Coil Group Human Resources Director]

[Ability: Phase Shift - Can lock onto any object within fifty meters and instantly appear behind the target]

[Ability Rating: A]