Xu Shi was lucky today; the people he wanted to see were all in this hospital.

The ward door opened, and Xia Wuyou was sitting next to Xia Ke'an, the two chatting and laughing.

There was a plate of freshly cut watermelon next to her.

It's clear that her quality of life has improved considerably now that she no longer has to worry about hospital bills—after all, fresh vegetables and meat are luxuries in the City of Night Sin.

The impact of "rust fog" on animal husbandry and agriculture is quite terrifying. While blocking out the sun and moon and affecting the crop growth environment, the corrosive rain and snow that fall are also deadly... This phenomenon has only been around for less than a year, and the original agriculture and animal husbandry have already almost withered away.

To this day, only six major conglomerates have the resources to construct simulated aquaculture environments. The land that was abandoned due to the "rust fog" was acquired by them at low prices for commercial use.

This watermelon would probably cost more than a month's wages for an average worker, and very few people would actually spend that money—at most, they would occasionally buy a slice or two to satisfy their craving, and the missing nutrients could be easily supplemented with various inexpensive pills.

Many people cannot even afford the pills. According to surveys, at least 65% of residents in the 12th district and below rely on protein blocks made from cockroaches as their staple food.

That kind of thing only serves the most basic function of survival.

"...Chairman Xu."

Upon hearing the noise and seeing who it was, Xia Wuyou quickly stood up, greeted him respectfully, and even brought him a stool, saying, "Please sit down."

"I just happened to be passing by, Team Leader Xia, there's no need to be so nervous."

Xu Shi smiled and sat down, half-jokingly saying, "It seems Miss Ke'an is recovering very well... I hope I didn't disturb you?"

The white-haired loli is much more energetic now than when I first met her—her face has a rosy complexion, and she no longer has to pant three times after every sentence she speaks, clearly she has received good care.

At least compared to the pale doll from before, it looks more like a real person now.

"Not at all, it's all thanks to Chairman Xu."

She was even more enthusiastic than her little niece, smiling as she handed over the fruit platter, "This watermelon is very sweet, would you like a slice?"

"OK."

Xu Shi didn't stand on ceremony, forked a piece and put it in his mouth, "...Hmm, it is indeed very sweet, where did you buy it?"

"The fruit shop near the company."

Xia Wuyou replied, his words tinged with emotion.

She couldn't even remember the last time she had eaten fresh fruit, and this was also the first month she didn't have to send money to the hospital as soon as she got her salary.

When she passed by the shop while visiting someone in the hospital, after hesitating for a long time, the girl finally mustered the courage to go in and even bought a whole one.

"If you like, I can have some delivered every day."

Xu Shi was fairly satisfied with her performance; it was clear that she had taken Xia Ke'an's advice to heart.

Or perhaps it's because her own circumstances are constantly improving, so her resistance to herself will naturally decrease... Who knows?

Although one can still catch a glimpse of the girl's subtle resentment in her eyes, her gradual descent into depravity is undeniable.

"No need for that, Mr. Xu. We can't trouble you with everything."

Xia Ke'an clasped her hands together and said, "You have already helped us so much... Wuyou, would you like to go out for a moment? I have some words of thanks that I would like to say to Chairman Xu alone."

"Oh... Oh."

Xia Wuyou's reaction was a little slow, but he quickly responded after regaining his senses.

Actually, she wasn't too happy about it. How could she let her aunt and Xu Shi be alone together? She was worried no matter what.

But she didn't dare disobey Xia Ke'an's words, so she reluctantly walked out the door with Su Lin.

With only Xu Shi and the other person left in the ward, it was much easier to talk. "What does Miss Ke An want to say?"

"I really didn't expect things to turn out this way."

Xia Ke'an leaned back and sat up straight. Although she still had a smile on her face, there was a hint of resentment in her tone, "Making Wuyou a wanted criminal... was that something you planned all along, Chairman Xu?"

Although Xia Wuyou never told her these things, with her abilities, she could still analyze everything she wanted to know from those veiled fragments.

What I want to say is that choices are always a part of life.

Xu Shi gave an irrelevant answer: "When Team Leader Xia made her choice, she should have known what she would have to pay for it."

"...Yes, so I won't, and I don't have the ability to, stop it."

Xia Ke'an remained noncommittal; how could she not understand this principle?

However, as an elder, although she had long known that such things were unavoidable, the white-haired girl still felt a little uneasy when she actually saw her niece appear on the news as a wanted criminal.

So she still wanted to try, "But if possible, I still hope that Chairman Xu can treat her a little better... even just a little bit."

"Compared to what she once tried to do to me, I think I've been quite forgiving, haven't I?"

Xu Shi became serious. "At least I'm still willing to give her a chance to prove her worth."

"And an S-class wanted criminal whose identity cannot be verified is always safer than the 'Xia Wuyou' in the open, right?"

"Perhaps."

Xia Ke'an did not deny it, and she also knew the meaning behind Xu Shi's actions.

The more similar incidents occur, the more firmly he can control Xia Wuyou.

In addition, her niece recently told her that while her workload was reduced, her salary was increased... This was clearly intended to cultivate her into his personal servant like Su Lin, rather than "Team Leader Xia of the 'Snake Ring' field team".

well.

The white-haired loli sighed helplessly, and then tentatively asked, "So, to you, Chairman Xu... am I considered part of your 'value'?"

"...After saying so much, Miss An must be thirsty, right?"

Hearing her ask that, Xu Shi simply forked a piece of watermelon and held it to her lips, "Come on, open your mouth, ah—"

This action has already demonstrated his attitude.

Only children make choices.

"...Don't really treat me like a child."

Xia Ke paused for a moment, then whispered reproachfully, "Age-wise, I'm a year older than your mother... um!"

Before she could finish speaking, Xu Shi stuffed a watermelon into her mouth without saying a word.

"Take good care of yourself, Miss Ke'an."

Xu Shi smiled and stood up. "You should know very well what I want."

It's clear, but not entirely clear.

Savoring the sweetness in her mouth, Xia Ke'an silently toyed with the fork in her hand, her mind in turmoil.

She knew, of course, that Xu Shi valued her abilities; otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered to go to such lengths to treat her.

But... is it just ability?

This was something she couldn't be sure of, and Xu Shi's attitude was also something she couldn't figure out.

Clearly, Miss Xia Ke'an doesn't understand a certain principle.

Some things are often bundled together; when you acquire one, the other will come along with it.

Guh...