EM CH42

Chapter 42: The Eldest Miss

Underground Railway Rapid Response Team Leader’s Office.

Team Leader Duan sat in his swivel chair, scrutinizing a document until his mouth went completely dry.

“Handing the Grey Crow Company commission entirely over to Zhao Ran—now that old bastard gets to hog all the credit once again.”

“Master, water.” Huo Yangui handed over a glass of water.

“Mm.” Taking the glass, Duan Ke pressed it briefly against Huo Yangui’s cheek to heat it up. The glass hissed faintly, and scalding steam immediately rose from the water inside.

“Are you cold, Master?”

“Cold my ass! With you standing right here in the dead of winter, the room is pushing thirty degrees without the air conditioning even turned on. Stand farther back—go roast Yuan Xiaoying instead.”

“Who told him to have such a sharp eye and pick out a formidable intern?” Reclining diagonally across the sofa, Urban Patrol Team Leader Yuan Xiaoying let her bowl-thick long braid trail across the floor, propping her temple with a finger as she sneered coldly. “Hey, tell me, what’s that kid’s name again—Yu An? How is he so sinister? Kids his age are either still in school or just starting their first jobs, playing petty mind games at worst. Look at Yu An: even in life-or-death situations with real blades and blood, he goes straight for the kill.”

Duan Ke scoffed lightly: “Imagine what he’ll be like when he’s fully grown. I’ve seen plenty of bad seeds—you think you can reform him and keep him under control, when in truth kids like that are rotten to the root and can never be changed.”

“I can do it too, Master!” Huo Yangui couldn’t resist shouting out. “You keep praising him, when he wouldn’t even stand a chance against me in a fair one-on-one fight!”

“Who said fighting relies solely on brute force? Idiot—he’d scheme circles around you until you couldn’t tell north from south, leaving you with all that strength and nowhere to swing it. Now that’s suffocating.”

A brisk click of high heels approached the office. Ni Lan pushed open the door, her waterfall of black hair swaying in the draft: “Oh? Still rehashing the assessment meeting?”

Leaning close to Yuan Xiaoying, she flicked at the woman’s earrings with her fingertips: “Sister, say a few words less, or people will think we’re sore losers. What’s there to fuss over anyway? Last night I bought you a pair of peacock-feather earrings from the Midnight Merchant that match your hair color—go take a look.”

“Hmph…” Coaxed into a better mood, Yuan Xiaoying finally rose slowly to her feet. “You’re young with a vast world ahead of you, so naturally you don’t care. Folks like us are stuck here for the rest of our lives—fighting over matters large and small is the only fun left.”

“You really need to drop that old-lady attitude. Come shopping with me this afternoon—that qipao you’re wearing is already three seasons out of date.”

“I’m free, sure, but where would you find time to shop? You and that little fireball go get ready; tonight you’re deploying alongside the Emergency Order Team.”

As the two stepped out the doorway, a young woman happened to walk past them. Her posture was poised and steady, carrying the dignified bearing of a noble heiress blended with decisive, lightning-swift authority.

Four of the boss’s personal bodyguards trailed behind her, yet every one of those tall, rugged tough guys appeared visibly wary of the woman.

“Hey, Eldest Miss,” Ni Lan greeted her. She was the boss’s eldest daughter, Kong Shenwei. Since coming of age, she had been learning to manage company operations, and had recently been occupied with a public welfare campaign administering free anti-aberrant radiation chip injections to citizens; it seemed she had returned today to report on her work.

Pausing slightly, the woman looked back over her shoulder, curving her lips into a faint smile: “Good day, Team Leader Yuan. Xiao Lan is here too.”

Miss Kong could remember every single person she had met once along with their name, regardless of rank—even a security guard she merely brushed past was committed to memory. Thorough in her work, bold yet meticulous, she was a remarkably capable woman.

Team Leader Yuan was thoroughly satisfied with the company’s future helmswoman—wasn’t she infinitely better than the big boss, who acted on whatever whim popped into his head?

Escorted by her bodyguards, the Eldest Miss stepped into the elevator leading to the big boss’s office. Walking down the antique-styled corridor into the spacious chamber, she found the big boss seated behind his desk, leisurely watching his computer monitor.

Playing on screen was a recorded livestream VOD. The streamer’s ID was “Coal Blackie”—seemingly a newcomer, yet his channel’s popularity was blazing hot.

The streamer only interacted with viewers once in a blue moon, and his cool, world-weary voice stood out effortlessly amidst a sea of affected, high-pitched voices.

“Listen. What sound is that?” Wearing an expression of pure bliss, the big boss asked with half-closed eyes.

Listening intently for a moment, Miss Kong replied, “The sound of the streamer’s commentary.”

“No,” the big boss sighed contentedly, “it’s the sound of money.”

“I didn’t hear it.” Miss Kong wore a puzzled look.

Moments later, Coal Blackie suddenly spoke up on screen: “Does the streamer game full-time? No… It’s an assignment from my boss.”

“Because the boss is stingy and wants to split one person into three. I wanted to resign, but my superior keeps gaslighting me, threatening me with an indifferent attitude… mmph, mmph…”

Lacing his fingers together to prop up his chin, the big boss stared at the monitor in deep contemplation.

“I hear it now.” Covering her face, Miss Kong burst into laughter.

“Ahem.” Turning down the computer volume, the big boss leaned back into his chair. “You handled the citywide anti-aberrant radiation chip campaign exceptionally well; the Mayor is very pleased. You must be exhausted—look how thin you’ve gotten. Don’t go dieting like young girls nowadays; without a strong constitution, how will you help Dad guard our empire?”

“I actually gained three pounds, Dad.”

“Oh… oh, I did notice your face looked rounder lately.” The big boss let out a dry chuckle.

Keeping her gaze fixed on the recorded stream, Miss Kong suddenly asked, “I heard you gave the Armor-Piercing Awl to the new intern? Shenyan spent half a month crafting that carefully as a gift for you.” The Tier 2 Red core inlaid within it had been personally harvested from a slain Aberrant by the Eldest Miss herself, and polished and carved by the Second Miss, Kong Shenyan.

“The new intern is named Yu An, currently working under Zhao Ran. I intend to groom him properly—you should keep a close eye on him as well.”

“He doesn’t look particularly willing to do the job you assigned him.” Unmatched at reading expressions and moods, how could the Eldest Miss fail to notice how agonizing Yu An found livestreaming?

“Just smoothing down his rough edges. Someone I plan to leave for your future use can’t be so disobedient—it’s a headache.”

The Eldest Miss let out a light laugh: “From what I gather, Yu An doesn’t listen to you at all. He only listens to Zhao Ran.”

“Yes, it truly is a headache.” Massaging his brow, the big boss said, “Remember this: if someone like that proves unusable, don’t let him walk out of the company alive.”

A human Vessel capable of swapping Aberrant Cores—even if they couldn’t retain him for themselves, they could never leave him for a rival company to become a future threat.

“I understand.” Nodding calmly, the Eldest Miss added, “However, don’t show too much favoritism toward Yu An alone. The other interns are quite outstanding too; alongside their bonuses, you should gift them a few items as well—not for the monetary value, just as a gesture of goodwill so the team leaders feel at ease.”

“Hah, I had that exact thought, just got busy and forgot.” Tapping his forehead lightly, the big boss continued, “There is one more task I need you to handle.”

“Aberrants are running rampant in the neighboring city, and the municipal government has opened bidding for contracts. Originally, Underground Railway was the strongest contender, yet our rival company barged right in. The trouble Grey Crow Game Company ran into was orchestrated by them—stirring up chaos on our turf, and choosing the internet, the easiest medium to ferment public opinion, to tank our reputation at this critical juncture. Unlike ordinary commercial bids, Aberrant-hunting companies can’t win through money or connections alone; whoever best reassures citizens and gives the public a sense of security takes the prize.”

“The rival company’s CEO invited me to meet over a casual meal—I reckon he’s looking to negotiate terms. They want jurisdiction over Hongli City’s South District, because the ruins of the breeding base sit there, along with vast deposits of buried experimental waste ripe for excavation and processing. That waste is heavily irradiated; if it spreads across the urban area, the roots we spent decades planting in Hongli City will be destroyed. Therefore, the South District is non-negotiable.”

Pondering briefly, the Eldest Miss asked, “If I appear on your behalf, won’t the rival CEO feel slighted?”

Raising an eyebrow disdainfully, the big boss replied, “Having the future head of Underground Railway meet them hardly counts as a slight. Have Duan Ke lead a squad to escort you.”

“No need. Taking Ni Lan alone is plenty.” Raising an index finger to press against her lips, the Eldest Miss said, “Seasoned veterans act with too many scruples and restraints. I need someone who isn’t afraid of drawing blood or stirring up trouble.”

“Then bring the little fireball along too. If they bring heavy numbers, he’ll come in very handy.”

In the afternoon, the rendezvous was set inside a private dining room at an upscale hotel downtown. The rival company, named Drift Racers, was jointly managed by a husband-and-wife duo operating primarily out of Hongli’s East District bordering Enxi City. Their desperation to attack a competitor through underhanded means stemmed from the fact that if Underground Railway continued establishing sprawling subterranean branches in neighboring cities, their future expansion would be severely choked—forcing them to secure either Hongli’s South District or Enxi City at all costs.

Guided by a server, the Eldest Miss entered the third floor, which had been booked out in advance, and took her seat inside the private suite. Dressed in her croupier skirt suit, Ni Lan stood with arms folded beside the Eldest Miss, the die earrings on her earlobes swaying and spinning gently.

Leaning against the wall by the door, Huo Yangui rested a hand casually against the side of his neck, taking great care not to scorch the hotel wallpaper black.

A tall man wearing spectacles rose to greet them with a beaming smile, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the Eldest Miss.

“Good afternoon, Miss Kong. Our CEO Xiong rushed back from out of town specifically for this banquet, but hit heavy traffic on the way and will arrive slightly late. We hope you’ll forgive the delay.”

“Not at all—your company’s sincerity in these negotiations is plain to see; an urgent delay is a minor matter. You must be Mr. Fang, the pharmacist? Drift Racers owes much of its growth from a small motorcade into an established Aberrant-hunting firm to your contributions.” Seated poised at the table, the Eldest Miss cast a razor-sharp gaze around the room; the thugs lurking behind decorative screens and stationed upstairs and downstairs had nowhere to hide in her eyes.

Flattered by the praise, the tall man hastily poured tea for the Eldest Miss. The eldest daughter of that old fox Kong carried a formidable reputation and was certainly no pushover, requiring utmost caution. Both bodyguards flanking her were unfamiliar faces and strikingly young—could they both be interns recruited this year?

The instant she stepped into the suite and caught the scent of gunpowder hanging in the air, the Eldest Miss already knew CEO Xiong wouldn’t be showing his face today.

“Since CEO Xiong has a long journey ahead of him, I won’t intrude here any longer. Please pass a message along for me, Mr. Fang: we will not yield the South District, nor will we back down from bidding on the Enxi City project. If CEO Xiong insists on competing by hiring Aberrants to disrupt civic order, we will not simply swallow the provocation to keep the peace.”

The tall man furrowed his brow slightly: “Eldest Miss, is there truly no room for negotiation?”

“Interests must be traded for interests—that is true sincerity. As for violence, it will be suppressed with violence.” Lifting her teacup, the Eldest Miss signaled softly. Letting out a cold scoff, Ni Lan slowly drew a silver laser blade from her left pinky.

Mr. Fang’s expression shifted subtly—dual core slots, dual silver-grade cores. Already itching for action, the thugs behind him drew their weapons and charged out from the shadows the moment they saw her unsheathe her blade. Per CEO Xiong’s orders, they were meant to pressure Miss Kong and give the young lady a harsh show of force, though the time hadn’t come to actually lay lethal hands on her yet.

“We’re both Aberrant-hunting companies—surely you wouldn’t dare use firearms?” Propping her chin in her hand, the Eldest Miss arched an eyebrow at him, her eyes curving into fox-like crescents with upturned corners—a spitting image of her cunning father.

Releasing the palm pressed against his neck, Huo Yangui let the golden-red draconic eye at his throat swivel eerily as it scanned the room. High-temperature flames erupted across the floor, scorching the opposing thugs into disarray, before he cautiously leaned in to whisper to the Eldest Miss: “How well-done do you want them?”

Ni Lan charged first into the encirclement of black-clad thugs: “Mr. Fang, the Eldest Miss instructed me not to hurt you, but my sword is long and the crowd is chaotic—gamble on your own luck whether you get sliced!”

“Is this how Underground Railway negotiates partnerships?! Hey, stop hitting—” Clutching his head, Mr. Fang scurried wildly for cover.

Inside the amusement park’s circus Illusion Chamber, the linking equipment was fully prepped and ready.

Yu An was checking whether the linking sensors attached to his body were secured tightly, while Zhao Ran stood beside him snickering at his phone.

“What are you looking at?”

“The Eldest Miss took a couple of people and started brawling with Drift Racers.”

“What?”

“Drift Racers, our rival company. The reason you and I are stuck here working overtime is all thanks to them—they’re the ones who brought those Aberrants into the game.”

“Oh?” Leaning over to steal a couple of glances, Yu An inexplicably formed a decent impression of the Eldest Miss. “She only took Ni Lan and Huo Yangui—why didn’t she call me along?”

“Bringing those two is for imposing presence, not for quietly offing people without a sound like you do. Did Drift Racers really think paying with a single life settled the score for torturing and murdering our operative?”

“However, this makes our job considerably more perilous.” Pointing at the linking gear strapped to his body, Zhao Ran said, “Drift Racers will pull out every stop to obstruct us.”

A cold electronic voice chimed through their earpieces: “Preparing link. Scanning cranial nerves—please remain stationary.”

The abandoned circus tent was packed wall-to-wall with technicians from the Security Technology and Mechanical Logistics teams, while Urban Patrol Team operatives surrounded the amusement park inside and out in tight layers, barring any possibility of interference during the link.

Zhao Ran put on a linking headset alongside him. Although entering the scenario would balance out his innate abilities, facing two Aberrants simultaneously in an unfamiliar environment meant he couldn’t possibly let the interns go in alone.

Their brains felt a distinct pulse of electric current, briefly plunging into unconsciousness.

Upon awakening, all sense of time had vanished. Dusk blanketed a small town, dim amber hues spilling downward from the overcast clouds to settle over cobblestone streets in a hazy mist.

Atop the town’s lighthouse flew a circular banner fluttering in the wind, emblazoned in the center with an intricate sun motif.

This was one of the scenarios from Grey Crow: Dollhouse—Lost Town.

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Qixi Festival Mini-Theater

Last night, Zhao Ran had spent half the night indulging in that long-coveted body, and the second half savoring the exquisite sensations of having done so.

However, he hadn’t walked away entirely unscathed.

His back was covered in bright red claw marks, and his neck was littered with both teeth marks and hickeys—that brat truly held nothing back, leaving Zhao Ran battered from head to toe after a single round.

Only while changing him into pajamas did Zhao Ran notice that Yu An had threaded the silver ring he polished by hand onto a chain and hung it around his neck. While the boy slept, Zhao Ran tried measuring the ring’s band against his own finger.

“Tsk, so tight. Little menace is trying to take my life…”

Rolling over in his sleep, Yu An draped an unguarded arm across Zhao Ran’s waist, a lingering flush still tinting his eyelids and the tip of his nose.

“Actually looks well-behaved when he’s asleep.” Zhao Ran brushed the back of his hand gently against the boy’s cheek.