Salted Fish is a Rebellious Person – Chapter 12

Lin Kecheng and his system were utterly shaken.

For a moment, the system even considered reporting to the main system to request an anti-fraud program.

They never doubted Xingshi’s words.

After all, Xingshi had saved Fu Xiuning not long ago, had a dazzling appearance, and even had the rare privilege of being sent out of the school gate by Fu Xiuning himself after a dinner date. Who would have thought his favorability score would be -8!

Lin Kecheng closed the screenshot and reopened it, only to see the same number: -8.

Logically, he should feel relieved that his competitor’s score was lower than his, but his expectations had been too high, making this revelation a hard pill to swallow.

He asked his system, “Are you sure this can’t be photoshopped?”

The system replied firmly, “Confirmed.”

Lin Kecheng then speculated, “Could it be that the system he’s bound to is special because he traveled through time?”

This was the first time he questioned the system’s performance. The system, feeling wronged, responded, “The systems used by all hosts are identical, issued by the main system. The sharing program is also set by the main system and cannot be tampered with.”

At this moment, the waiter brought their food.

Seeing Lin Kecheng still frozen in disbelief, Xingshi picked up his chopsticks and began eating.

He didn’t let his consciousness sink but learned Lin Kecheng’s score through his own system. “It’s the initial value,” he said.

The system added, “Fu Xiuning’s favorability value rarely fluctuates, and it’s only high when he’s with you.”

It chuckled, “His system acted so high and mighty in the group. I thought his score would at least be -4, but this is it?”

Xingshi listened to its mocking tone and reminded, “You’re at -8 right now.”

The system softened, “But you’re different.”

Xingshi had been on high alert since the moment the alliance was formed and had already prepared an excuse: if Lin Kecheng or his system noticed anything, he’d deny everything and claim ignorance. If they wanted to find out about the energy flow, they’d have to figure it out themselves.

Fortunately, after some probing, it seemed neither of them had noticed his little trick.

Feeling reassured, he happily took a bite of rice and asked, “What group?”

The system replied, “The system’s communication group.”

As soon as it said this, Lin Kecheng opened his eyes.

The system briefly explained the situation and asked for Lin Kecheng’s input before opening the group chat.

The usually silent group was exceptionally lively today.

Lin Kecheng’s system had initially wanted to expose Xingshi as a strong competitor, thinking it would unite the other systems against him. However, after learning about the alliance, it regretted its actions and sent a message to try to smooth things over.

God Feeds Me: [It’s okay, I made a mistake. Let’s move on.]

The group went silent for a few seconds before the screen refreshed with more messages.

Coming from Behind: [Do you all believe this?]

You Are All Concubines: [Don’t believe it.]

Congratulations and Good Fortune: [Don’t believe it.]

Best Fortune: [I suspect it’s a trick.]

You Are All Concubines: [@Long Live Beauty, what’s going on with you? We’ve been calling you for ages, and you’re not responding.]

Coming from Behind: [Show us the favorability score. Only then will we know if it’s real.]

Best Fortune: [@Long Live Beauty]

These were the messages System 99 saw when it opened the group chat. It had already asked its host for permission and shared the favorability score with the group.

The other systems opened the screenshot and saw the number: -8.

After a moment of stunned silence, the screen filled with ellipses before the systems began to express their disbelief.

Coming from Behind: [Brother, what did you do?]

Best Fortune: [What did your host do?]

Long Live Beauty: [I really don’t want to talk about it. Don’t @ me.]

You Are All Concubines: [@God Feeds Me]

God Feeds Me: [I’m sorry.]

Long Live Beauty: [It’s okay, it’s not your fault. [crying emoji]]

God Feeds Me: “…”

Of course, it’s not my fault, the system thought bitterly. It was your host who caused all this trouble!

He appeared out of nowhere, spouted misleading nonsense, and completely blindsided us. He deserves that -8!

Both systems ended the discussion, closed the group chat, and focused on their respective hosts’ conversation.

Xingshi was explaining his score: “I’m too dumb to figure this out on my own. I needed a teammate to guide me.”

He gestured with his fingers to indicate a small crack and added sheepishly, “I exaggerated a little to get you to agree.”

The person across from him was stunned. “…”

Is that what you call “a little” exaggeration?

Lin Kecheng stared at Xingshi.

This kid had seemed so innocent earlier. He thought he was dealing with someone naive, but it turned out he’d been completely outplayed.

Feeling unsettled, he asked his system whether these time-traveling hosts had lived through multiple worlds. When the system confirmed that they had only lived in this one, he felt slightly relieved.

He said, “I’m afraid I can’t handle someone like you.”

Xingshi smiled and replied, “Yes, you can. Look at me—just my appearance alone is enough. Even if Fu Xiuning is annoyed with me, he won’t scold me. He’ll just train me harder.”

Lin Kecheng felt a pang of envy and asked his system, “Can these time-traveling hosts choose their own bodies?”

The system remained silent for a moment.

Its host had once been confident, believing he was superior to everyone else.

Now, after repeatedly hearing the word “time traveler,” his confidence was completely shattered.

The system tried to comfort him: “It’s random. The main system chose you because your potential is limitless, even greater than theirs. What’s the point of being good-looking? He’s still at -8.”

Lin Kecheng felt slightly reassured and adjusted his mood to focus on the present.

He asked, “How did you lose that point?”

Xing Shi replied, “I sang a song for Fu Xiuning.”

Lin Kecheng and his system: “?”

Are you trying to fool us?

Lin Kecheng frowned. “Junior, we’ve formed an alliance now, so you need to be honest.”

Xing Shi said earnestly, “I’m serious. It happened the day the trainees were divided into classes. I sang, and he deducted points. How about I sing it for you after dinner?”

Lin Kecheng found this explanation absurd but nodded in agreement, wanting to see for himself. Then he asked, “You saved him, though. Didn’t that earn you any extra points?”

Xing Shi shook his head. “No.”

Lin Kecheng’s frown deepened. This confirmed his suspicion that even if he had taken the hit for Fu Xiuning that day, it likely wouldn’t have increased his favorability. Fu Xiuning was truly difficult to deal with.

Xing Shi asked, “Senior, how long have you been here? Why are you still at the initial value?”

Lin Kecheng avoided mentioning the real reason and simply said he wasn’t sure what was going on.

Xing Shi commented, “I see.”

The system couldn’t resist chiming in: “Gaining 1 point in half a year is really impressive. No wonder his system is acting so smug.”

Xing Shi relayed the compliment to Lin Kecheng, adding, “Senior, you’re really amazing. I didn’t choose the wrong person to ally with.”

After a series of blows to his confidence, Lin Kecheng finally regained some self-esteem.

Since Xingshi had training in the evening, the two of them finished their meal quickly.

To show his appreciation, Lin Kecheng bought a few small cakes for Xingshi, who had been eyeing a dessert shop.

Xingshi accepted them with a bright smile and sang a song in return. However, instead of using the adjusted pitch that had proven effective, he sang the original version he had used that day.

The result was so confusing that Lin Kecheng and his system nearly lost their sanity. They walked away with bewildered expressions.

A Surprise Encounter

Xingshi strolled back to the company.

As he stepped onto the third floor, he heard the ding of another elevator behind him.

The system immediately alerted him, “Fu Xiuning is behind you.”

Xingshi turned around and called out, “Boss.”

Fu Xiuning had already prepared an excuse to check on the school anniversary program, but he unexpectedly ran into Xingshi as soon as he got off the elevator.

“Just got back?” Fu Xiuning asked.

Xing Shi nodded and raised the bag in his hand. “Senior Lin bought these. Want one?”

Fu Xiuning glanced at the bag. “So many?”

“Maybe he’s trying to bribe me,” Xingshi joked.

Fu Xiuning took the bag and asked casually, “What’s he trying to bribe you for?”

Xing Shi replied, “He’s thinking about entering the entertainment industry and becoming an artist.”

Fu Xiuning picked up a cake, examined it, and then put it back. His response was calm: “Hmm.”

Lin Kecheng’s Ambitions

In the car earlier, Lin Kecheng and his system had discussed how joining Fu Xiuning’s company after graduation would take too long.

But Fu Xiuning didn’t think highly of Lin Kecheng’s first-level planning skills. Everyone in his planning department had at least two years of work experience, and Lin Kecheng’s abilities were mediocre at best. He was only good at stirring up trouble and wouldn’t qualify to join the company.

However, if Lin Kecheng wanted to become an artist, that might be worth considering.

Strategic Conversations

The system was confused. “Why did you tell him that outright instead of keeping it vague?”

Xing Shi replied, “It doesn’t make a difference. If Fu Xiuning doesn’t want him, it won’t matter how many times I bring it up.”

He smiled mischievously. “Besides, I have to maintain my image. Lin Kecheng thinks I’m stupid and easy to manipulate, so he’ll keep allying with me after a week.”

The system still didn’t understand. “Why do you even want to form an alliance with him? Is there anything you actually need him for?”

Xing Shi sighed dramatically. “If I tell you, you won’t believe me.”

The system hesitated. “Say it anyway.”

Xing Shi sighed again, this time more softly. “Because I’m lonely. I’m in this strange world with no one to turn to. Having someone on my friend list who’ll stand by me makes me feel less alone.”

The system: “…”

Fu Xiuning: “…”

The system remained silent for five seconds before finally asking, “Are you lying to me?”

Xing Shi replied, “No.”

The system was skeptical. “I don’t believe you. If that’s true, why are you pretending to be so innocent and silly?”

It suddenly perked up. “Wait, do you think Fu Xiuning would like someone with this kind of character? He’s been through so much, maybe he’d appreciate someone simple. It might not work for others, but it could work for you. You should try it.”

Xing Shi flatly refused. “No.”

The system insisted, “Just give it a try.”

After repeated refusals, Xingshi finally relented, saying, “Fine, just this once.”

A Bold Move

The system was elated. “Great!”

Xingshi found a pair of cat ears that had been left behind in the practice room from someone’s birthday party. He put them on and walked out.

Coincidentally, Fu Xiuning was walking over after chatting with the teachers.

The two met at the door, their eyes locking.

[Didi]
[Current Favorability Value: -6]

Xingshi: “…”

The system: “!!!”

Fu Xiuning: “…”