Each of their classes lasted 45 to 60 minutes.
After the last class of the afternoon, they approached the dance teacher to discuss the Z University anniversary celebration and asked for help choreographing a dance.
Several teachers exchanged glances, their expressions subtly shifting.
No wonder the boss had been asking about Xing Shi’s situation—it turned out the two of them were alumni.
With the boss’s alma mater hosting a prestigious anniversary celebration and his attendance all but guaranteed, the teachers naturally took the matter seriously and agreed without hesitation.
The trainees cheered, their excitement palpable. They surrounded Xing Shi, eager to treat their “selfless brother” to a meal. After all, without him, they wouldn’t have this golden opportunity.
However, the “selfless brother” dodged their arms slung over his shoulders and said, “Not tonight. I’ve got something else going on.”
He emphasized, “But don’t think I’m letting you off the hook—I’ll owe you this meal for now, so don’t forget it.”
Everyone laughed and teased him. “Fine, fine, we won’t forget! Now get out of here already.”
When Xing Shi arrived at the parking lot, he sent a message to Fu Xiuning.
Not long after, Fu Xiuning got out of his car and looked up, his gaze landing on the figure standing in front of his vehicle. Almost immediately, Xing Shi turned to meet his gaze.
Xing Shi smiled brightly and waved enthusiastically.
Under the warm glow of the streetlamp, his eyes seemed to shimmer. Paired with his casual, warm-colored outfit, he looked radiant and full of youthful energy.
He greeted him cheerfully, “Boss~”
[Didi]
[Current Favorability Value: -9]
Xing Shi: “?”
System: “!”
Fu Xiuning’s eyes darkened slightly. He responded with his usual calm demeanor, opened the door, and got into the car.
Xing Shi followed, settling into the passenger seat. He reached out to fasten his seatbelt, his movements casual.
The system murmured, “What’s going on? Did he finally remember that you’re his savior?”
Xing Shi, sensing an opportunity, issued a command: “I’m feeling sleepy. Give me a second-level punishment.”
The system fell silent.
Xing Shi waited for three seconds. “Well? Do it.”
The system finally responded, “Why don’t you just tell Fu Xiuning you have something urgent to do and head back to sleep?”
Xing Shi frowned. “I’m already in the car. If I bail now, won’t that drop my points even more?”
The system hesitated. “Not necessarily… I mean, with him, we can’t rely on common sense.”
Clinging to its precious -9, it added anxiously, “But one thing’s clear: the longer you spend with him, the more he’ll dislike you. Let’s just go back and regroup.”
Xing Shi: “?”
Is this some sort of trauma from dealing with Fu Xiuning?
He refused outright. “No. I want to eat.”
The system, realizing there was no convincing him, resigned itself to living in fear.
Knowing he wouldn’t get his second-level punishment, Xing Shi turned to Fu Xiuning and asked, “Boss, what are we eating tonight?”
Fu Xiuning slowly drove out of the parking lot. “Do you have anything in mind?”
Xing Shi replied, “I’m fine with anything. I’ll leave it up to you.”
Fu Xiuning said, “Then I’ll take you to Linlan Garden.”
Xing Shi didn’t recognize the name but agreed easily. “Alright.”
Consulting the system, he learned that Linlan Garden was a high-end, membership-only Chinese restaurant. This immediately piqued his interest.
With Fu Xiuning’s reputation as an upstanding student and leader, Xing Shi figured that when the boss said he wanted to treat someone to dinner as thanks, he wouldn’t skimp on the bill—whether or not he was genuinely grateful.
This was a major factor in Xing Shi’s sudden change of heart.
More than twenty minutes later, they arrived at Linlan Garden.
The restaurant was styled like an ancient Chinese courtyard, complete with rock gardens, flowing water, pavilions, and elegant towers.
At night, the winding corridors were lit with lanterns, casting a soft glow that enhanced the artistic ambiance. The private dining rooms were scattered throughout the grounds, and the attentive waitstaff moved gracefully as they served tea, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.
When asked about his preferences, Xing Shi simply said, “Whatever you decide.”
Fu Xiuning ordered a few dishes, gestured for the waiter to leave, and then picked up his teacup, taking a sip.
Xing Shi happened to catch this moment. He couldn’t help but think that, personality aside, this target really was pleasing to the eye. With his refined temperament and upbringing, Fu Xiuning exuded the kind of elegance that only came from a wealthy background.
Noticing his gaze, Fu Xiuning looked up and met his eyes.
Xing Shi asked, “Boss, do you come here often?”
Fu Xiuning replied, “Occasionally.”
Reassured that the food here would be excellent, Xing Shi relaxed.
Fu Xiuning added, “Their chopped pepper fish head is a specialty. You should try it later.”
Xing Shi’s eyes lit up. “Okay!”
Satisfied, Fu Xiuning lowered his gaze and took another sip of tea.
Fu Xiuning had spent the entire afternoon weighing his options.
He suspected that the anomalies surrounding Xing Shi might be deliberate—a trap set by the main system after discovering his ability to hear the voices of hosts and their systems.
But if it wasn’t a trap, then Xing Shi, as the first true exception in five years, was worth further investigation.
The main system seemed to place great importance on energy. Xing Shi’s repeated requests for second-level punishments might attract its attention. If the main system detected something unusual, it could correct the anomaly and recall Xing Shi.
Unless… Fu Xiuning stayed close to Xing Shi, making the main system believe that Xing Shi was still useful, thereby delaying any drastic actions.
There were two paths before him.
The first was to treat Xing Shi like any other host. He could invest resources, help him debut, and turn him into a money-making tool. With Xing Shi’s looks and potential, even if he didn’t become a superstar, he could at least make it as a minor celebrity. Eventually, like all the others, Xing Shi would be recalled by the main system.
The second path was riskier.
If Xing Shi was a trap, Fu Xiuning could observe the main system’s next move.
If Xing Shi wasn’t a trap, this path would still be dangerous. Increased contact with Xing Shi meant more frequent fluctuations in favorability values, which could expose Fu Xiuning’s secret.
Fu Xiuning’s thoughts were interrupted by Xing Shi’s voice.
“Senior Lin is very supportive, and the teacher agreed to help us choreograph,” Xing Shi reported, his tone casual.
Fu Xiuning could tell this was just Xing Shi’s way of slacking off. “Good. Make sure you all rehearse properly.”
Seeing no signs of displeasure on Fu Xiuning’s face, Xing Shi abandoned his probing and focused on the food.
Just then, a message came from Lin Kecheng:
[Junior, I told the president and others about your idea to bring in external help. They’re taking it very seriously. Please create a group chat with me and the participating trainees so we can coordinate rehearsals and stage effects later.]
Xing Shi: [Got it! I’ll set it up tonight.]
Lin Kecheng: [Also, I still owe you a meal. When are you free?]
Xing Shi: [Senior, there’s no need for that. Really.]
Lin Kecheng: [No, I insist. And if you run into Senior Fu at the company, try to invite him along. Our ‘Survivor Group’ has to have a drink together, right? [laughs]]
Xing Shi relayed the message to Fu Xiuning, who immediately saw through Lin Kecheng’s intentions.
“Don’t get too close to him,” Fu Xiuning advised.
“Hmm?” Xing Shi looked curious.
Fu Xiuning explained, “Lin Kecheng’s rise to the position of Minister of Literature and Art wasn’t exactly clean. He’s ambitious and manipulative. What happened today was also his doing. Let’s wait for the police investigation to confirm the details.”
Xing Shi mulled over this information and nodded obediently.
Then he called out to the system: “Didn’t you say there were other hosts besides me?”
The system replied, “Yes.”
“Do you know who they are?”
“No. I’m only responsible for you.”
“Oh…” Xing Shi trailed off. “Then do you think Lin Kecheng might be—”
Before he could finish, Fu Xiuning handed back his phone.
As Xing Shi reached out to take it, their hands briefly touched.
“—a host?”
[Didi]
[Current Favorability Value: -8]
The system squealed with joy.
“You guys touched hands, and he actually gave you a point!”
“It’s New Year’s Day!”
“My -8 is back!”
