The favorability program worked diligently, providing real-time updates as the target moved into scanning range.
[Beep Beep]
[Current Favorability Value: -8]
The system was immediately stunned. Seeing Fu Xiuning approaching, his gaze fixed on the host, it exclaimed, “Open your eyes! Fu Xiuning is coming! And his favorability has increased!”
Xing Shi remained motionless, not because he was being difficult, but because he was genuinely tired.
He wasn’t sure how others adapted from living in high-risk environments to peaceful ones, but he was struggling. His sleep quality had been poor since arriving in this world, and even the slightest disturbance woke him. As a result, he tried to rest whenever he could.
The sun was warm, the leaves rustled softly in the breeze, and Xing Shi was feeling drowsy.
The system was practically vibrating with excitement. “He’s either passing by or coming for you!”
Xing Shi reluctantly responded, his voice weak even in their telepathic connection. “Don’t make noise… just pretend he doesn’t exist…”
The system was shocked. “Are you seriously about to fall asleep?”
Before it could say more, Fu Xiuning stopped in front of Xing Shi.
He reached out, intending to lift Xing Shi’s hood so he could feel the full warmth of the midday sun.
But the moment his fingers brushed the fabric, his wrist was grabbed.
Small animals are quick to sense danger, and the stray cat lying beside Xing Shi bolted.
Xing Shi opened his eyes, raising his head slightly to look at the person in front of him.
Their gazes met. Fu Xiuning noticed the corners of Xing Shi’s eyes were faintly red, but there was no drowsiness in his expression. Instead, his gaze was sharp and clear, like an unsheathed sword.
But the intensity only lasted for a moment before it disappeared.
Xing Shi let go of Fu Xiuning’s wrist, adjusted his hood, and sat up straight. His voice carried a lazy sleepiness as he greeted, “Hello, senior.”
Since they were on campus, he addressed Fu Xiuning according to their student hierarchy. Fu Xiuning was dressed casually today, his light-colored outfit making him look both gentle and handsome.
Fu Xiuning smiled faintly. “Have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet,” Fu Xiuning replied.
Feigning surprise, Fu Xiuning asked, “How did you know I’m your senior?”
“Senior is so famous, of course I know,” Xing Shi said with a smile.
“When did you find out?” Fu Xiuning pressed.
Xing Shi, who had recently learned more about “himself,” knew that he’d heard of Fu Xiuning last semester. He replied vaguely, “I forgot when exactly. I just thought it was amazing.”
He added casually, “What a coincidence. Let me treat you to a meal.”
The system nearly applauded. Finally, some progress!
Xing Shi, however, had only said it out of politeness, fully expecting to be rejected. To his surprise, Fu Xiuning replied, “Alright.”
Momentarily stunned, Xing Shi quickly recovered. “But it’s limited to the cafeteria or restaurants where the average price is under 200 yuan per person. I’m just a poor student, so don’t expect much.”
Fu Xiuning, who had been planning to take advantage of the offer, paused slightly before commenting, “I thought trainees received stipends.”
“They do, but it starts next month,” Xing Shi said. “How about I owe you this meal for now?”
Fu Xiuning didn’t respond, simply turning to leave. “Come with me.”
The system, caught off guard by this sudden development, was ecstatic but still couldn’t help pointing out flaws.
“The money in your account is enough to cover four years of college, and you’ll start earning a salary next month. How are you poor? You missed such a great opportunity!”
Xing Shi asked, “Do you really think this is an opportunity for me?”
“Of course! His favorability has gone up to -8!” the system exclaimed.
Xing Shi smiled faintly. “I admire your optimism. Hold on to it.”
The system defended itself, “Hating someone takes effort. Unless the hatred reaches a certain level, the favorability value won’t stay that low forever. I thought it would return to -10 after your performance, but it’s at -8 now!”
“That just means his dislike for me has faded slightly over time,” Xing Shi said calmly. “But considering his baseline attitude toward others is -5, I’m still more annoying to him than most people. So why do you think he agreed to eat with me?”
The system replied firmly, “It doesn’t matter why. You’ve got a meal with him—use it to your advantage!”
Xing Shi didn’t argue. “You’re right. I’ll try my best. Now shut up.”
The system immediately muted itself, fearing that Xing Shi might lose his patience and quit.
The school’s living area was well-equipped, with numerous shops and restaurants.
Fu Xiuning walked into a café, and Xing Shi followed, overhearing snippets of conversation.
“Fu Xiuning is here. Don’t miss this chance!”
“I know.”
A thin boy stood up and greeted, “Senior.”
Fu Xiuning nodded and approached.
Xing Shi glanced around. There were three people at the table: the boy who greeted Fu Xiuning, a man, and a woman. Coffee, a laptop, and documents were spread across the table.
As Xing Shi looked them over, the three turned their attention to him. His striking appearance made it impossible to ignore him.
With sharp features, a well-proportioned frame, and a casual outfit of jeans, a baseball jacket, and a thin hooded sweatshirt, he exuded a refreshing aura that drew every eye.
The girl, clearly a fan of good looks, felt her heart flutter. Seeing two of the school’s most handsome men together was a visual feast that could sustain her for years.
She recognized Xing Shi as a freshman, though he was rarely seen on campus due to his busy schedule. Rumor had it that he was difficult to approach, but she hadn’t expected to see him here.
Softening her tone, she asked, “Boss, who’s this?”
Fu Xiuning introduced Xing Shi. “He’s a freshman who signed with my company as a trainee. He’ll be adding a program for the school anniversary.”
He then introduced the trio to Xing Shi: the president of the student union, the director of the propaganda department, and the head of the art department.
The president offered warmly, “Order whatever you’d like, junior.”
“Thank you, senior,” Xing Shi replied politely, pulling over a chair and sitting down.
Seeing Fu Xiuning reviewing documents, Xing Shi reminded him, “Boss, I don’t know anything about this yet.”
“It’s fine,” Fu Xiuning said. “There’s plenty of time to practice.”
Xing Shi suspected Fu Xiuning had dragged him here just to make his life harder. Still, he replied obediently, “Okay.”
Fu Xiuning, recalling Xing Shi’s singing, warned, “There are three rehearsals for the anniversary. If you’re eliminated, you’ll have to start over with a new program. Don’t embarrass me.”
“I understand,” Xing Shi said with a nod.
After the meeting ended, Fu Xiuning stood up.
“What are you treating me to?” he asked.
“Anywhere under 200 yuan per person,” Xing Shi replied.
The system, unable to hold back any longer, blurted, “Didn’t you say you’d treat him to something nice?”
“I crossed out the cafeteria option,” Xing Shi said matter-of-factly.
The system: “…”
Fu Xiuning took him to a porridge shop near campus.
Seated by the window, Fu Xiuning scrolled through his phone while Xing Shi slouched in his chair, gazing outside.
The system, growing impatient, asked, “What are you doing? Say something!”
“He’s busy with messages,” Xing Shi replied.
“He’s not anymore!” the system retorted.
Sighing, Xing Shi muttered, “But I’m so sleepy…”
Before the system could push him further, a familiar voice interrupted.
“Senior?”
Lin Kecheng, the head of the art department, approached with a smile.
The system panicked. The host finally has a meal with Fu Xiuning, and now there’s a third wheel?
It shouted in Xing Shi’s mind, “Don’t fall asleep! Wake up!”
Xing Shi groaned, “I almost did…”
The system, desperate, asked, “Can you handle this?”
“Not really,” Xing Shi admitted. Slowly adjusting his posture, he added, “How about this—give me a few level 2 punishments to wake me up.”
The system: “???”
Fu Xiuning: “???”
Since the launch of this mission, neither had heard such an outrageous request.
