Salted Fish is a Rebellious Person – Chapter 02

“Don’t run away, I’ve already warned you!”
“Activating first-level punishment procedure!”
“What’s happening today is important. You can’t just run off—stop now, ahhhh!”
“…Activating second-level punishment procedure!”

As the last announcement echoed, pain surged through Xing Shi’s limbs.

He was only two steps away from the wall but made a sharp turn into a nearby corridor. A restroom sign hung overhead, something he had noticed earlier.

He dashed to the sink, rinsed his hands, and looked up at the mirror. The face staring back at him wasn’t unfamiliar—it was his own.

Xing Shi stared for a few seconds, then turned and left.

Back in the restaurant, he observed his surroundings. Judging by the lack of recognition from others, it seemed no one knew him here. Taking advantage of this, he slipped off his coat, effectively changing his “skin,” and returned to the dining area as if he hadn’t been the one running moments ago.

The second-level punishment had ended. The pain was manageable, and the system couldn’t control his body or carry out “annihilation” at will. Apart from punishment, it seemed there wasn’t much it could do to him.

Calmly sorting out his thoughts, Xing Shi walked to the beverage station.

The system, nearly scared offline, watched him nonchalantly pour a drink. Collapsing under the pressure, it exclaimed, “The second-level punishment doesn’t work on you?!”

If it were any other host, they’d have collapsed the moment it activated. How was he completely unaffected?

The system asked hesitantly, “Is there something wrong with your nervous system?”

Xing Shi sipped his juice. “My pain threshold is high. Want to try level three?”

The system went silent.

Xing Shi smirked, thinking this punishment mechanism only activated under specific conditions. “So hitting the wall wouldn’t hurt me, right? Should I demonstrate?”

“Wait!” the system blurted. “I’ll tell you what you want to know!”

Satisfied, Xing Shi poured another glass of juice and nodded for the system to continue.

“Xing Shi, 19 years old, freshman at Z University.”

The system’s tone regained its usual calm. “During your winter break, you were scouted while working a part-time job. You signed a contract with June Culture Media as a trainee. Today is your re-evaluation and class placement day.”

Xing Shi interrupted, “So I’m not going to college anymore?”

The system replied, “You’ll still attend. The company is close to your school, so you can balance both.”

June Culture Media, though only two years old, had rapidly gained prominence.

The company managed several high-profile artists, including newly crowned film stars and popular young idols. Last year, their trainees dominated a viral talent show, securing first and fifth places.

With another wave of auditions this year, the company had begun aggressively recruiting. Those who passed the initial screening were re-evaluated, and successful candidates, including pre-scouted talents like Xing Shi, would be placed into classes for specialized training.

After detailing the company’s background, the system added, “Feng Zifan and his friend referred to this as an ‘internal appointment.’ The scouts sign people with exceptional looks in advance, like you.”

“How long is my contract?” Xing Shi asked.

“Five years,” the system replied.

“And how much is the termination fee?”

“Over a million yuan, but June Culture is reasonable. Negotiations can bring it down. Still, if you want to rely on your looks to get out, you’re looking at at least six figures.”

Xing Shi sighed. “Do I have that kind of money?”

The system: “You don’t.”

Returning to his seat with a plate of small cakes and fruit, Xing Shi noticed the system’s unease. Worried he might pull another stunt, it tried to coax him: “Being a celebrity is great. People will adore you, and you’ll make lots of money.”

At another table, Fu Xiuning overheard the system’s voice but didn’t look up.

He recalled the figure that had dashed into the corridor earlier—black pants, denim jacket. Though the person had run too fast for him to get a good look, the truth would be revealed when classes were assigned later.

Feng Zifan and his friend had finished eating. When they saw Xing Shi return, they moved closer, taking the empty seats beside him.

“Why’d you run off earlier?” Feng Zifan asked. “What happened?”

Xing Shi casually moved his plate to the middle, offering them some food. “I suddenly felt nauseous but felt better before I even made it to the restroom.”

Seeing him calmly munching on a cake, Feng Zifan shifted the topic back to class placements.

Xing Shi explained, “It’s not really an ‘internal appointment.’ I just signed earlier than you guys. If the scout had seen you, they might’ve signed you too.”

Feng Zifan laughed but waved it off. “There’s a difference in levels of handsomeness. We can’t compare to you.”

Feng Zifan then gestured toward another table. “See that guy over there? White shirt, two tables behind us. That’s your competition. Go ahead, take a look.”

Xing Shi turned and spotted the person immediately.

It was early spring. The man’s windbreaker was neatly folded over the chair next to him, leaving him in a crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled up to reveal elegant wrists. His pale complexion added a delicate charm to his refined demeanor.

“White shirt?” Xing Shi confirmed.

Feng Zifan nodded. “Isn’t he striking?”

Xing Shi hummed in agreement.

The system chimed in, urging him: “That’s Fu Xiuning. Go make friends with him. He’s the boss of June Culture. If you get on his good side, he might take care of you in the company.”

Xing Shi nibbled his cake, replying, “He doesn’t seem like the type to make friends easily.”

The system tried again: “You’re good-looking. What if he likes you?”

Xing Shi retorted, “So you admit he’s difficult to approach.”

The system sighed, concluding Xing Shi was as stubborn as a mule. “He’s a mission target. Of course, it won’t be easy. But your appearance gives you an advantage. Try talking to him.”

“No need. I’ll fail anyway,” Xing Shi replied.

The system was speechless.

As the restaurant cleared out, Fu Xiuning exited. The system suddenly shouted, “Fu Xiuning!”

Xing Shi raised his head, locking eyes with Fu Xiuning.

Their gazes met for only a second before Fu Xiuning looked away, his expression darkening.

[Beep Beep]
[Current Favorability Value: -4]

Xing Shi: “?”
System: “!”

Fu Xiuning’s steps faltered as he thought to himself: How did I just give a point to a host?

But his momentary appreciation turned to disdain. This face may be handsome, but it’ll be ruined soon enough.

[Beep Beep]
[Current Favorability Value: -10]

Xing Shi: “…”
System: “?!”

The system, elated at the initial gain, was crushed by the sudden loss. “Why?!”

Xing Shi chuckled. “Simple. He saw me and thought, ‘Wow, he’s handsome,’ so I gained a point. But then he realized I’m even more handsome than him and got jealous. Bam, -10 points.”

The system: “…”
Fu Xiuning: “…”