Salted Fish is a Rebellious Person – Chapter 41

Yan Feng was the second person to find the letter.

He arrived at the rest area and saw Fu Xiuning and Xing Shi sitting side by side under a parasol, each holding a bowl of shaved ice.

The finely shaved ice was piled into a tower, topped with rich ingredients, making it mouthwatering at first sight.

Yan Feng glanced at it indifferently, took a sip of the water handed to him by his assistant, then walked up to Xing Shi and asked, “You found the letter so quickly?”

Xing Shi replied modestly, “I was just lucky and found it fast. Brother Feng, have you finished searching too?”

Yan Feng nodded. “Not bad luck.”

Seeing that he didn’t seem to care about the ranking at all, Xing Shi guessed it might be because this variety show wasn’t as competitive as talent shows. He didn’t continue the conversation, instead scooping a spoonful of ice into his mouth with a satisfied expression.

Yan Feng took another look and asked his system, “Is there a shaved ice stand nearby?”

The system quickly checked and responded, “Yes, there’s one at the entrance. He and Fu Xiuning got the signature dish from that stand. It’s pricier since it’s in a scenic area—50 yuan per bowl.”

Yan Feng sneered. “50 yuan is expensive? How can something so cheap be any good? It looks overly sweet and unhealthy.”

The system remained silent.

Its host was picky about everything but ended up buying nothing.

In human terms: stingy.

Yan Feng took another sip of water and ordered, “Check my stocks.”

The system obediently scanned them and said nothing.

Yan Feng waited a few seconds. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Did they crash?”

The system replied nervously, “…They dipped a little.”

Yan Feng remained calm. “That’s normal. Stocks go up and down.”

The system quickly agreed, “That’s right! They might go up again in the afternoon!”

Yan Feng hummed in acknowledgment, stood silently for a moment, then pulled out his phone. “Making money this way is too slow. I need to contact my agent and pick up another job.”

The system panicked, immediately trying to dissuade him. “Boss, please take a break! You haven’t had a single day off since your debut. You’re already overloaded—one more job and you might collapse!”

Yan Feng sneered. “What nonsense. I won’t drop dead.”

The system internally screamed, You’re human! Humans can suffer burnout!

It pleaded, “There’s a real risk! We already have plenty of money. There’s no rush!”

Yan Feng remained firm. “No, I can’t stand working for others. I need to accumulate wealth and turn it into capital as soon as possible. Once I become capital, no one can talk down to me, and I can start recruiting over twenty younger brothers.”

He typed quickly, his tone resolute. “I must take another job.”

The system: “…”

Nearby, Fu Xiuning listened in calmly.

To be honest, Yan Feng was a bit ridiculous, but undeniably useful.

He hoped to help him make more money before he burned himself out.

After Yan Feng briefly conveyed his requirements to his agent, he put his phone away. Catching sight of the refined and elegant Fu Xiuning standing nearby, a sense of conquest stirred within him.

Although he hadn’t paid much attention to Fu Xiuning before, he and his system had frequently discussed strategies to “subdue” him, updating and refining their plan multiple times.

Now, seeing the man up close, he began plotting with his system again.

Just imagining how this young master—who had resisted for over five years—would one day yield and be loyal to him gave Yan Feng an immense sense of satisfaction.

Fu Xiuning, accustomed to this type of delusion, felt nothing at all.

Regardless of their approach, every transmigrator host seemed fixated on him.

Yu Shu and Yu Yi wanted to win him over. Yan Feng wanted to control him.

To Fu Xiuning, there was no real difference.

Xing Shi, happily eating his shaved ice, vaguely noticed Yan Feng glancing over occasionally. When he looked up, he caught Yan Feng’s gaze lingering on Fu Xiuning—calm yet laced with determination, as if he had already claimed victory.

Xing Shi narrowed his eyes, swallowed his bite of ice, and was about to speak when he saw Qi Changyi and Lu Fengya approaching.

Accompanying them was Xiao Qin, their life assistant, carrying shopping bags.

Since the boss was visiting, he naturally couldn’t come empty-handed.

Worried the shaved ice would melt, Xiao Qin had only brought a few servings initially—for the boss, Xing Shi, the director, and others. Now, he was back with cold drinks and a second batch of shaved ice.

However, due to its short lifespan, there still weren’t many portions.

Qi Changyi took one with a smile. “Perfect, it’s my favorite flavor. Thanks, boss! You’re so generous.”

Lu Fengya had arrived at the hotel late the previous night. This was her first time meeting Fu Xiuning, and she immediately noticed that he didn’t carry the aura of an artist.

She knew Qi Changyi ran a company with his friends, so she made a guess and asked, “Who is this?”

Qi Changyi introduced him. “Our boss at June Culture.”

Lu Fengya internally exclaimed, I knew it! She was shocked by his age and looks but quickly greeted him politely before receiving a bowl of shaved ice herself.

Xiao Qin then turned to Yan Feng and asked, “Teacher Yan, would you like some?”

Yan Feng had just finished scoffing about the dessert to his system. If he accepted now, he’d be slapping himself in the face. So, instead, he skillfully redirected, “Is this very sweet?”

Xing Shi, having noticed Yan Feng’s earlier glances, responded playfully, “Brother Feng, do you not like sweet things?”

Yan Feng replied calmly, “Sweet is fine, but too sweet isn’t great.”

Xing Shi scooped another spoonful into his mouth and smiled brightly. “Then you’re out of luck—this is super sweet~”

Yan Feng: “…”

This guy really had no tact!

His system, already skilled at damage control, quickly chimed in: “Dessert is fine. The weather is too hot, boss. Just endure it. There’s still filming later.”

Yan Feng thought, If you’d said that two minutes earlier, I wouldn’t have argued!

He endured Xing Shi’s playful gaze, frowned slightly, and ultimately settled for a cold drink instead.

Soon, the last two guests also found their letters, and the six of them gathered at the designated meeting spot.

The location was a conference room, its decor filled with an air of mystery, featuring intricate magic arrays carved into the walls.

As the eldest among them, Yuan Xinyu habitually took the lead in discussions.

He glanced around and said, “We’ve all received our letters of commission. What do you think?”

Lu Fengya pondered for a moment and suggested, “It’s probably someone from the harem.”

Yan Feng and Wen Zixin looked at the two visiting guests, signaling for them to speak first.

Qi Changyi, in turn, gave Xing Shi a look, encouraging him to answer.

During the break earlier, he had already checked some details on his phone.

In every episode of this variety show, one participant received a unique commission. However, the production team was notorious for stirring up drama, making the clues deliberately vague…

Each letter was different, and the guests were reminded to keep their letters safe and not reveal their contents to anyone.

Since the guests were in a competitive yet cooperative relationship, they remained cautious in the early stages of sharing information.

After thinking for a few seconds, Xing Shi said, “There will be a palace banquet. That will be our opportunity.”

Qi Changyi added, “The client’s status is likely not low.”

Wen Zixin continued, “The matter is very secretive. If we’re not careful, we might get into trouble.”

Yan Feng speculated, “It could involve love, hatred, and revenge.”

Yuan Xinyu waited for them to finish speaking before adding, “The client’s family also holds a high rank in court.”

He continued, “It’s highly likely that a heretical faction has also received a commission and infiltrated the palace. If they succeed, the consequences will be irreversible. Everyone needs to stay vigilant.”

The other five nodded in unison.

As usual, Yuan Xinyu proceeded to read out the time travel rules.

They were traveling back in time.

As individuals with special abilities, they could influence the memories of people around them for a limited period, allowing them to assume reasonable identities.

However, each identity came with flaws. If discovered or accidentally exposed, they would be instantly removed from time and space—eliminated.

Yuan Xinyu concluded, “Alright, let’s begin.”

The five others stood up. No further actions were needed—special effects would be added later to simulate a teleportation array.

Following this, the guests assumed their new identities in the order in which they had found their commission letters. More special effects would be applied—stepping through a glowing portal, beams of light would swirl around them, and their attire would change instantly.

Xing Shi reviewed his options.

With the palace banquet approaching, all officials and their children were invited. Therefore, the available identities were all ministerial heirs. Scanning the choices, he selected the role of a young general.

The other five made their selections one by one, and the director called, “Cut!”

After the scene wrapped, the six guests proceeded to change into their historical costumes.

Fu Xiuning was casually scrolling through his phone when he caught sight of a figure approaching from the corner of his eye. Looking up, he saw Xing Shi.

The young general was not clad in armor but in a crescent-colored riding outfit, a whip fastened to his waist.

His hair was styled in a high ponytail, his appearance dazzling. He was strikingly handsome, exuding a refined and noble aura, as if he had just dismounted from a horse after a grand entrance through the city streets.

【Didi】

[Current Favorability Value: 61]

The system immediately cheered, “Ha! I knew he’d get extra points!”

It continued, “See? This is what it feels like when you can’t suppress your affection for someone.”

Xing Shi ignored the system and turned to Fu Xiuning. “How does it look?”

Fu Xiuning answered, “It looks good.”

Xing Shi sat down beside him and asked casually, “So, if I dance a little street dance in this outfit, would that count as paying off my debt?”

Fu Xiuning curled his lips slightly. “No.”

Xing Shi sighed, “Then what do you want as repayment?”

Fu Xiuning, clearly in a good mood, gave him a once-over, but before he could respond—

【Didi】

[Current Favorability Value: 62]

Xing Shi: “…”

System: “Tsk.”

Fu Xiuning: “…”

Maintaining his usual calm, Fu Xiuning simply said, “I haven’t decided yet.”

This time, Xing Shi refrained from pressing further. He feared that forcing the issue might backfire, possibly alerting the system that something was off.

Instead, he asked in a deliberately casual tone, “Brother, I am your younger brother. You wouldn’t be too harsh on me, right?”

Fu Xiuning hummed in response, his tone gentle. “Don’t worry, that won’t happen.”

【Didi】

[Current Favorability Value: 63]

Xing Shi: “…”

System: “Hehe~”

Fu Xiuning: “…”

Xing Shi immediately regretted bringing up the topic.

Just as he debated whether to excuse himself, Qi Changyi stepped out of the dressing room.

Qi Changyi had chosen the role of a prince from a royal palace. Holding a paper fan, his lazy, fox-like eyes were filled with mischief. He had the perfect look of a carefree and extravagant noble.

Settling down beside them, he fanned himself and asked, “By the time we finish everything, it’ll probably be noon. What do you guys want for lunch?”

Both Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning subtly exhaled in relief.

The tension in the air dissipated instantly.

Xing Shi asked, “Aren’t there boxed lunches?”

Qi Changyi, well-acquainted with the film and television city, replied, “There are quite a few great restaurants around here.”

Xing Shi, not wanting to change in and out of his costume just to grab food, decided, “We’ll eat out later tonight. Let’s just have the boxed lunch for now.”

Historical costumes were time-consuming to put on, and just as Qi Changyi had predicted, they weren’t done until noon.

The director announced a break for lunch, with the remaining scenes to be shot in the afternoon.

The program team had ordered boxed meals. Xing Shi found the food passable and began eating quietly.

Yuan Xinyu and the others also received their boxed lunches. They were a little surprised to see that Fu Xiuning, the boss, was still sticking around.

They subtly observed his interactions with Xing Shi, speculating about their relationship.

Meanwhile, Yan Feng’s system was equally puzzled and remarked, “Boss, don’t you think Fu Xiuning is too good to Xing Shi?”

Yan Feng dismissed it casually. “They’ll all be my little brothers eventually. A good relationship is a good thing.”

The system hesitated. “…You do have a point.”

It briefly considered planting seeds of doubt regarding Fu Xiuning and Xing Shi’s relationship but was interrupted by a special alert tone.

Opening the system’s internal group chat, it saw a new announcement: “Boss, we have a newcomer.”

At the same time, System 99 informed Xing Shi, “A newcomer just arrived.”

Xing Shi paused mid-bite. “Hmm?”

The system scanned the group list and confirmed, “A new system has joined.”

Fu Xiuning heard this exchange and remained unsurprised.

Not all hosts were bound in his presence. A significant number were assigned when he wasn’t around, only revealing themselves once they officially “checked in” by interacting with him.

Lin Kecheng’s system had vanished for two months—it was only natural that the main system would send a replacement. However, whether the main system found the circumstances of its disappearance suspicious was another matter entirely.

For now, they could only wait until they encountered the new host and gauge the system’s reaction before drawing any conclusions.

The system monitored the chat in real time and reported, “The new one took the ID ‘Mung Bean Paste.’”

It guessed, “Maybe when the host was just bound, they were eating mung bean paste?”

The group chat instantly became lively again.

Gong Xi Fa Cai: [Welcome, newcomer!]

Come from Behind and Win: [Now that you’re in this group, we’re all brothers from here on out.]

Long Live Face Control: [Throws flowers]

You Are All Concubines: [Honestly, I’d rather not have any more newcomers—sooner or later, they all have to leave—but whatever. Welcome, newbie. Hope you enjoy your time here.]

Come from Behind: [Tsk, you guys can leave. I’ll be here until the end.]

You Are All Concubines: [Ha.]

Gong Xi Fa Cai: [Hey, don’t fight.]

A moment later, Come from Behind almost subconsciously typed out: Are you telling me how to do my job?

But before sending it, they snapped back to their senses. They realized they were about to be assimilated by their own host’s personality and quickly deleted the message.

They coldly eyed the systems in the group, mentally assessing them based on their own experience.

They figured these systems were probably putting on a front for their hosts and were secretly suffering the same way they were. Only then did they feel a bit of relief.

Come from Behind: [Alright, I’ll give you guys some face. Where’s the newbie? Join the chat?]

Mung Bean Paste: [Hello, everyone~ Please guide me well in the future~]

Gong Xi Fa Cai: [Of course, if you have any questions, just ask us.]

Mung Bean Paste: [Okay~ I haven’t met Fu Xiuning yet, but if nothing unexpected happens, I’ll probably have the lowest score in the group. You’re all my seniors~]

Gong Xi Fa Cai: [Ah, well… not really.]

Come from Behind: [You’re actually not.]

You Are All Concubines: [@Long Live Face Control, you have the lowest score.]

Long Live Face Control: [That’s right, it’s me. Cries]

Mung Bean Paste: [Huh?]

Gong Xi Fa Cai: [The host they encountered is… a difficult one.]

Long Live Face Control: [Yeah, it’s hard to put into words. Cries]

Mung Bean Paste quickly offered words of comfort, then noticed that one more system had yet to respond.

Come from Behind: [It’s always like this. You’ll get used to it.]

Gong Xi Fa Cai: [@Shang Shang Qian, there’s a newcomer in the group. Why don’t you come say hello?]

You Are All Concubines: [@The Best Fortune, don’t always be so cold.]

System 99 anxiously watched the chat box while relaying the messages to Xing Shi.

Fortunately, after waiting a while, Shang Shang Qian still hadn’t spoken.

Xing Shi felt a little more at ease. He figured that system was likely in an inconvenient situation and signaled his own system to keep watching while he focused on eating.

At the same time, Shang Shang Qian vaguely heard the notification sounds and slowly woke from its slumber.

Its data was still disorganized, and fragments of unfamiliar memories floated through its consciousness, but they failed to form a complete picture.

Suppressing its doubts, it opened the group chat, took a quick glance, and remained silent.

Suddenly, it regretted its past silence. If it had been a little more active before, these systems might not have suspected something had gone wrong.

Not wanting to watch the face-obsessed system act out again, it closed the group chat and turned its focus to its current surroundings.

It was noon. The trainees were all eating in the cafeteria, and the environment was bustling with noise.

It called out, “Host.”

Yu Yi was caught off guard, his hand shaking as he almost dropped his food.

He steadied himself and asked in his mind, “You’re awake?”

Shang Shang Qian responded, “Not fully. I was woken up by a group message. A new system arrived today, which means we have a new host.”

Yu Yi clenched his chopsticks tightly, his voice carrying a hint of resentment. “Really? I’m the only one without a system.”

Shang Shang Qian reassured him, “I’ll find a way to fix that. Have you seen Fu Xiuning recently?”

Yu Yi replied, “No, it’s really hard to see him.”

Shang Shang Qian reminded him, “Xing Shi has a good relationship with him. You’re Xing Shi’s friend. You should learn to use that to your advantage.”

Yu Yi fell silent for a few seconds, then evasively responded, “I will.”

Shang Shang Qian asked, “What has Xing Shi been up to recently? Still just training every day?”

Yu Yi said, “He took on a variety show and left for the recording.”

Shang Shang Qian immediately followed up, “Did Fu Xiuning go with him?”

Yu Yi hesitated. “Probably. I heard he wasn’t at the company yesterday, and he’s not here today either.”

Shang Shang Qian narrowed its focus.

Previously, it had suspected that Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning had joined forces.

Xing Shi wasn’t a host selected by the main system, meaning he wasn’t subject to its constraints. Although he was bound to a system, he was clever enough to possibly figure out how to communicate with Fu Xiuning.

What baffled it was that someone like Fu Xiuning would actually trust someone else—especially someone connected to the systems.

However, the Yu Shu incident made it doubt that theory.

Of course, there was another possibility—Fu Xiuning had simply turned against Yu Shu and wanted to eliminate him, just like he had with previous hosts.

If that were the case, Xing Shi might have merely suspected Yu Shu was a host and wanted to get rid of him, leading to a temporary alignment of their goals.

But Shang Shang Qian still trusted its own intuition and leaned towards the theory that they had truly joined forces.

Now that both of them were aware of the hosts’ existence, Xing Shi might struggle to pinpoint the next target—but Fu Xiuning, as the one being targeted, might be able to identify the next threat.

It immediately asked, “Are there any artists from your company in the variety show that Xing Shi is on?”

Yu Yi hesitated. “I don’t know.”

Shang Shang Qian pressed further. “Send a message now and ask.”

Yu Yi dodged again, making up a lie. “They don’t allow us to use our phones while recording.”

But Shang Shang Qian had worked with Yu Shu on many variety shows before and wasn’t so easy to fool. “It’s their lunch break. They should be able to check their phones now. Go ahead and ask.”

Yu Yi, backed into a corner, deflected with another question. “Why do you even care?”

Shang Shang Qian carefully worded its response, making sure to shift suspicion away from Xing Shi. It didn’t want Yu Yi to lose control and expose himself to Xing Shi, potentially leading to disaster.

It said, “Fu Xiuning has dealt with many hosts. I told you before—he’s not a good person. He could be chatting and laughing with you one moment, then attacking the next.

“The fact that he accompanied Xing Shi on this recording means one of two things: Either he cares about Xing Shi… or one of the other guests has host-like traits, just like Yu Shu did, which made him wary.”

Shang Shang Qian dangled a tempting offer: “Don’t you want a system? I can’t report your situation to the main system just yet, but if the artist in the variety show is a host, you can confront them directly. Their system might help you send a report.”

It then added a warning: “But you need to remember one thing. Xing Shi is extremely sharp. If you keep asking him for information, he’ll get suspicious and might talk to Fu Xiuning about you. If you don’t want Fu Xiuning to deal with you, you’ll have to handle this carefully. First, find out who the artist is, then test them gradually. Stay hidden.”

Yu Yi perked up.

He had been feeling restless, desperate for a way to break free from his stagnant situation. Now, finally, he saw a glimmer of hope.

But then reality hit—because he had already landed on Fu Xiuning’s list.

Shang Shang Qian was about to give further instructions when something felt off.

Yu Yi was eating alone.

Meanwhile, Feng Zifan was sitting not far away, chatting happily with the people around him—yet he seemed to be completely ignoring Yu Yi.

Shang Shang Qian asked, “Did something happen to you recently?”

Yu Yi hesitated for a split second before answering, “No.”

Shang Shang Qian caught the momentary pause and pressed coldly, “Then why isn’t Feng Zifan eating with you?”

Yu Yi tensed. “I was late for lunch today because of something else. There weren’t any seats left.”

Shang Shang Qian didn’t buy it. “Then he should have come over to sit with you.”

A sudden soreness welled up in Yu Yi’s eyes. He forced himself to remain stubborn. “He doesn’t eat with me every single meal.”

Shang Shang Qian shot back, “No, that’s not right. Yu Shu had me check into the company before, and your group was within my search range. I know that the three of you are close. Normally, Feng Zifan would save you a seat. Even if he didn’t, he’d at least come sit with you.”

Yu Yi fell silent.

Shang Shang Qian continued its analysis: “Because of your connection with Xing Shi, the other trainees are usually polite to you. But while we’ve been talking, five trainees have walked past you, and not a single one acknowledged your presence.”

Yu Yi: “…”

Shang Shang Qian’s suspicions grew stronger, and its voice turned icy. “The system and host are naturally on the same side. If something has happened to you, you need to be honest with me. Only then can I help you find a solution.”

Yu Yi hesitated.

Shang Shang Qian pressed further: “Or do you think you can keep it a secret from me?”

Yu Yi finally gave up struggling.

He recounted what had happened not long ago—cleverly framing himself as an innocent victim, emphasizing that everything was due to Fu Xiuning’s cunning nature and ruthless methods.

Shang Shang Qian: “…”

Why do love-brained fools like this even exist?

So… Fu Xiuning and Xing Shi had already noticed Yu Yi?

With those two working together, Yu Yi would never have another chance to make a move.

Yu Yi waited in silence. When the system didn’t respond, he grew anxious. “Are you still there? Do you have anything to say?”

Shang Shang Qian: I don’t even want to speak.

Yu Yi waited another moment before trying to deceive himself. “Did you… go dormant again?”

Shang Shang Qian: “…”

At this point, it would rather go to sleep and never wake up today.