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Xu Wanxue was the kind of sister who would do anything for her younger brother. In front of others, she was the cold, decisive vice president of Kang Tao Corporation's Night City division—a woman capable of crushing someone's future with a single decision, or advancing cutting-edge research with an emotionless precision that made her seem almost mechanical. But in front of Lin Mo, she was different. She shed all her masks. The "aloof corporate ice queen" facade was gone, and in its place was a sister whose warmth and affection were as boundless as her ambition.Even the hardest hearts would melt in the face of Xu Wanxue's love for her brother. No one could refuse a sister so wholly devoted to them, and Lin Mo was no exception. When their eyes met, the twinkle of her star-filled gaze—full of hope—almost made him reconsider his path.
But Lin Mo turned away, staring out at the neon-lit skyline of Night City. His voice was firm:
"Sorry, sis. I have my own things to do. Playing the obedient little brother isn't who I am."
After sixteen years in this world, Lin Mo knew what he wanted. He had his own path, and nothing—not even his beloved sister—could deter him from it.
Xu Wanxue's hopeful expression faded. Her eyes clouded over, like a sun being obscured by thick, dark clouds. She followed his gaze, staring out at the electric splendor of Night City. The glimmering lights reflected in her dimmed eyes. Slowly, she seemed to understand his resolve.
"Is that so?" she whispered softly, her voice barely audible.
Then she reached out, gently pulling Lin Mo's head against her chest, and closed her eyes. Lin Mo didn't resist. He simply leaned into her warmth.
"You can't keep scaring me like this, Lin Mo. When I heard you'd called in SSI security, I was terrified. I've never been that afraid in my life. Even if the company ever fires me, I don't think I'd panic like I did then."
She spoke gently, kneeling down in front of him, her hands cupping his face as she gazed into his eyes. There was a vulnerability in her expression, something Lin Mo wasn't used to seeing.
"Lin Mo, promise me. Don't be reckless. Night City is a deep abyss—it lures people in with its lights, with promises of fame and fortune. But at the bottom are only the bones of those who came before, those who chased the same dreams."
"As long as you're safe, I'll support anything you want."
"Anything? Even chasing my dream?" Lin Mo asked, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
Xu Wanxue let out a soft laugh. It wasn't clear whether she was agreeing with him or simply comforting herself.
"If that's really what you want, how could I ever stop you?"
Xu Wanxue stood up, her demeanor changing instantly. The gentle, vulnerable sister from moments before was now the composed and powerful corporate executive once again. She gazed out over the city, her hand resting on Lin Mo's shoulder, her smile softening.
"If my little brother wants to march into battle, then as your sister, I'll make sure you're armed with the best gear, the best weapons, and the fastest ride."
Lin Mo blinked, still processing her words when Xu Wanxue suddenly turned and walked back inside the villa. A minute later, she returned with a small key, which she tossed over to him. Lin Mo caught it, staring at the metal object in his hand.
"Back when I shut down your 'little base,' I knew this day would come. So, I prepared two plans for you. One of them is waiting for you in that base."
Lin Mo stared at the key, confused. It felt heavy, like a key to some hidden vault.
Years ago, when his secret hideout had been discovered, Xu Wanxue had shut it down, posting a note on the door that read: "Enter, and you'll be grounded for life." It wasn't hard to figure out who that note was meant for. After that, Lin Mo had reluctantly turned his focus to school, leaving the base untouched.
"What's inside?" Lin Mo asked, still unsure of what his sister was up to.
"You'll have to find out yourself," Xu Wanxue teased, a sly smile on her face.
Lin Mo shook his head. "I really have no clue."
Xu Wanxue grinned, clearly enjoying the moment. Then she started listing off:
"The latest Kang Tao Dragon-class exoskeleton armor, a case of military-grade Militech equipment, several crates of ammo, a Trauma Team Platinum membership, a Shion 'Cinderblock' for everyday driving, and a heavily armored Chevillon Emperor 720 for when things get dicey."
"Oh, and an AV-4 from the '40s. It's a bit old, but you'll love it. The newer models cost billions. I couldn't afford one even if I sold myself," she said, still smiling.
"No cyberware, though. I don't want my brother turning into a cyberpsycho. But maybe we can look into bioware, something from Scandinavia. They're the best in the world."
Lin Mo stood there, mouth agape. He never expected his sister to go this far. This wasn't just indulgence—this was overwhelming. He knew Xu Wanxue was serious, but this? This was beyond anything he had ever imagined.
Sure, he had the money to buy some of these things himself. But many of the items she mentioned weren't just expensive—they were nearly impossible to obtain.
"You… spent how much on all of this?" Lin Mo asked, still in shock.
"Eh, a few million, I guess. Most of the stuff I got through company channels, so it wasn't that bad. The AV-4 was the priciest, though," she said nonchalantly.
Lin Mo: ...
He knew Xu Wanxue's yearly salary was around 30 million eddies, but spending that much on him? It probably drained her savings.
It was in that moment Lin Mo realized why, in his first life simulation, he had been targeted by scavengers for his high-end gear. With a sister like Xu Wanxue, it made sense why carrying gear worth millions would attract attention.
Xu Wanxue, noticing his dumbfounded expression, smiled and walked over to him, ruffling his hair. She activated the villa's systems, and a glass dome began to rise around the balcony, shielding them from the cool night breeze.
Above them, the stars shone brightly in the clear sky.
"Why do you go so far for me?" Lin Mo asked softly.
From his perspective, he understood Xu Wanxue's overwhelming love and devotion. Over the years, they had developed a bond so strong that words were often unnecessary. Just a glance, and they could understand each other perfectly.
But this? This level of support was beyond anything he could comprehend. It was heavy, both in weight and meaning, and he wasn't sure how to respond.
"Because I have no plans to get married or settle down," Xu Wanxue replied lightly. "And I don't care about what the old folks think either. So, where else would I spend my money? Besides, I'm always busy with work. The least I can do is make sure you have everything you need."
Lin Mo sighed, realizing how much Xu Wanxue had sacrificed for him. After a moment, something else crossed his mind.
"Earlier, you mentioned there were two plans. What was the other one?"
Xu Wanxue smiled, her eyes glinting.
"The other plan? That was for you to finish school, get top marks, and then I'd send you off to the best university in the world. From there, I'd help you secure a high position—whether in politics or the corporate world. I'd make sure everything was set for you."
She paused, her expression softening again.
"As your sister, I always wanted you to take that path. But... well, you're a stubborn brat."
Corporate life... Lin Mo thought, considering her words, but then shook his head.
It wasn't true freedom. He glanced at Xu Wanxue, understanding now that she was willing to sacrifice anything for him. But corporate life wasn't what he wanted—for either of them.
Xu Wanxue, there were eight years where I didn't live with you. Eight years I spent in the back alleys of Little China," Lin Mo said quietly.
"I know," she replied softly. "But we have many more years ahead of us. When we're both old, those eight years will seem like nothing."
Lin Mo's voice grew more resolute.
"But for me, those eight years were half my life. If I live to be 100, then sure, they might seem insignificant. But for now, those years shaped me. In Night City, no matter what title you have, people will still call you a 'corpo dog.'"
"But there's one exception—people like Saburo Arasaka. They're not called 'dogs'; they're called 'emperors.' Their children are princes and princesses... If you climb too high in the corporate world, you're bound to hit the ceiling."
Lin Mo clenched the balcony railing tightly, his voice calm but filled with determination.
"But there's another path—a path in the shadows. It's dark, dangerous, and lined with the bones of those who failed. But if you make it to the end, you become a legend. And if you take just one more step beyond that..."
"That's when you become the sun," Lin Mo said quietly.
In the corporate world, no matter how far you climb, there's always someone above you. But if you walk the path of the outcasts, those who dwell in the shadows, you can seize true power—the kind that outshines everything else, becoming the brightest light in a world of darkness.