Lin Kecheng and his system were on the verge of another breakdown.
For a brief moment, his system considered reporting this to the main system to request anti-fraud software.
Neither of them had doubted Xing Shi’s words.
After all, Xing Shi had recently saved Fu Xiuning and had such a dazzling appearance. Even getting invited to dinner involved Fu Xiuning personally dropping him off at the school gate. Who would’ve guessed his score was actually -8?!
Lin Kecheng shut the screenshot and reopened it, still seeing -8.
Logically, he should’ve been happy that his competitor’s score was lower, but the expectation had been built so high that the truth was downright infuriating.
He asked his system, “Are you sure this can’t be photoshopped?”
The system replied, “Positive.”
Lin Kecheng frowned. “He’s a transmigrator. Could his system be special?”
His system, now feeling its capabilities questioned, lamented, “All hosts use the same system. They’re assigned by the main system, and the sharing feature is also controlled by the main system. It can’t be faked.”
At that moment, the server brought their dishes to the table.
Seeing Lin Kecheng still had his eyes closed, Xing Shi picked up his chopsticks and began eating.
Instead of diving into his mind, he relied on his system to know Lin Kecheng’s score and commented, “Just the baseline, huh?”
“Fu Xiuning’s favorability score rarely fluctuates. It’s only high when you’re involved,” the system noted, then added a mocking, “Ha. Lin Kecheng’s system bragged so much in the group chat. I thought his score would at least be -4 or higher. Turns out it’s just this?”
Hearing the disdainful tone, Xing Shi reminded, “You’re at -8 right now.”
The system chirped back warmly, “But you’re different.”
From the moment the alliance was formed, Xing Shi had been observing his system closely and was ready with an excuse: if asked, he’d claim ignorance and challenge it to find the missing energy itself.
Luckily, the system seemed unaware of his small trick.
Cheerfully, Xing Shi shoveled more food into his mouth and asked, “What group?”
“The system group chat,” it replied.
At that moment, Lin Kecheng opened his eyes.
His system quickly summarized the earlier conversation and sought his input before opening the chat.
The usually quiet group was unexpectedly lively today.
Lin Kecheng’s system had earlier exploded into the chat, wanting to warn the others of a powerful competitor. Even if they didn’t band together, the host would eventually become everyone’s enemy.
But after learning about Xing Shi’s alliance proposal, it regretted its earlier outburst and sent another message to smooth things over.
[Heaven’s Blessing]: “Never mind, false alarm. Disperse.”
The chat fell silent for a moment before erupting again.
[Late Bloomer]: “Do you believe that?”
[All Hail the Concubines]: “Nope.”
[Congratulations Galore]: “Not a chance.”
[Top Pick]: “I suspect they’ve formed an alliance.”
[All Hail the Concubines]: “@LongLiveLooks what’s going on? You’ve been silent for ages.”
[Late Bloomer]: “Let’s see the favorability score. Only then will we know if it was really a mistake.”
[Top Pick]: “@LongLiveLooks.”
System 99, having already consulted with its host, shared the favorability score in the group.
When the others opened the screenshot, they were greeted with -8.
A stream of ellipses filled the chat before the systems began addressing the matter.
[Late Bloomer]: “Bro, what happened?”
[Top Pick]: “What did your host do?”
[LongLiveLooks]: “Sigh. I don’t want to talk about it. Stop tagging me.”
[All Hail the Concubines]: “@Heaven’s Blessing.”
[Heaven’s Blessing]: “My bad.”
[LongLiveLooks]: “It’s alright. Not your fault. [Crying]”
Heaven’s Blessing: It’s obviously not my fault! Your host started this mess!
It thought about how Xing Shi had casually revealed everything, misled others with his words, and caused endless chaos. He was a menace!
Serves him right to be at -8!
With that, the two systems closed the chat, refocusing on their hosts’ conversation.
Xing Shi was explaining his score. “I’m not very bright, so I needed a teammate to guide me.”
He gestured with his fingers, creating a small gap, and sheepishly added, “To get you to agree, I might’ve fudged the truth a little.”
The host-system duo across from him: “…”
That’s what you call “a little”?
Lin Kecheng stared at Xing Shi.
This guy had just pretended to be innocent and naive, fooling him completely. Yet the one who’d been outplayed was him.
Feeling unsettled, he asked his system if transmigrator hosts had traversed multiple worlds. After learning Xing Shi had only crossed into this one, he felt a bit relieved.
“You’re hopeless. I probably can’t guide you,” Lin Kecheng said.
Xing Shi smiled. “Sure you can. Look at me—I’ve got the looks. Even if Fu Xiuning finds me annoying, he won’t kick me out. He’ll even train me well.”
Lin Kecheng felt a pang of jealousy and asked his system, Do transmigrator hosts get to choose their bodies?
The system hesitated before replying, “It’s random. The main system picked you because of your limitless potential. You might even be more capable than them. What’s good looks worth anyway? He’s still at -8.”
That reassurance calmed Lin Kecheng slightly. Regaining focus, he asked, “What made your score drop?”
“I sang a song to Fu Xiuning,” Xing Shi replied.
Lin Kecheng and his system: “?”
Are you messing with us?
Lin Kecheng pressed, “Junior, if we’re in an alliance, you need to be honest.”
“I am! I sang during the trainee division event, and he deducted points right after. Want me to sing it for you after dinner?” Xing Shi offered earnestly.
Lin Kecheng didn’t believe the absurd explanation but nodded. “And when you saved him? No points for that?”
“None,” Xing Shi confirmed.
Lin Kecheng frowned. If saving Fu Xiuning didn’t earn points, his own plan to shield him during the stabbing wouldn’t have worked either. Truly a tough nut to crack.
“Senior, how long have you been at this? Still at the baseline score?” Xing Shi asked.
Lin Kecheng admitted it had only recently dropped, avoiding further details.
“I see,” Xing Shi said.
His system commented, “Six months to gain one point? That’s pretty fast. No wonder his system is so cocky.”
Xing Shi relayed this observation, adding, “You’re impressive, Senior. I chose the right teammate.”
Lin Kecheng’s repeatedly battered confidence finally recovered a little.
Xing Shi had a training session that evening, so the two finished their meal before his class started.
Since Lin Kecheng needed Xing Shi to work for him, he bought a few small cakes for Xing Shi after noticing him eyeing a dessert shop.
Xing Shi smiled in thanks and repaid the favor by singing him a song—not with the improved pitch he had been working on but the original version from that fateful day.
Lin Kecheng and his system were left in a state of complete disarray, their souls nearly leaving their bodies as they walked away in a daze.
Xing Shi leisurely strolled back to the company.
The moment he reached the third floor, he heard the elevator behind him open.
“Fu Xiuning is right behind you,” his system informed.
Xing Shi turned around and called out, “Boss.”
Fu Xiuning, aware of the trainees’ schedules, had deliberately timed his arrival.
He already had an excuse prepared: checking on the progress of the school celebration program. But as soon as he stepped out of the elevator, he ran into Xing Shi.
“Just got back?” Fu Xiuning asked.
“Yeah,” Xing Shi replied, lifting the bag in his hand. “Lin Senior bought these. Want one?”
Fu Xiuning glanced at the bag. “So many?”
Xing Shi shrugged. “Probably trying to bribe me.”
Fu Xiuning took the bag and casually asked, “What’s he trying to bribe you for?”
“He’s thinking about entering the entertainment industry as an artist,” Xing Shi answered.
Fu Xiuning picked up a cake, examined it briefly, and then put it back. His expression remained calm as he murmured, “I see.”
Lin Kecheng and his system had already discussed this plan in the car, believing that waiting until graduation to join Fu Xiuning’s company would take too long.
But they had miscalculated. Lin Kecheng’s Tier-1 planning skills weren’t even on Fu Xiuning’s radar. His planning department only accepted individuals with a minimum of two years of experience, and Lin Kecheng, with his ordinary abilities and penchant for stirring trouble, wouldn’t make the cut.
However, if Lin Kecheng switched to becoming an artist, Fu Xiuning figured he might consider it.
“You’re being too blunt. Couldn’t you soften it a little?” the system asked.
Xing Shi replied, “It makes no difference. If Fu Xiuning doesn’t want him, no amount of sugarcoating will change that.”
He grinned. “Besides, I have to maintain my persona. Lin Kecheng thinks I’m gullible and easy to manipulate. Only after this week will he consider extending our alliance.”
The system sounded exasperated. “Why do you even want to ally with him? Do you really need him for something?”
“If I told you, you’d think I’m messing with you,” Xing Shi said.
“Try me,” the system insisted.
Xing Shi sighed softly. “It’s because I’m lonely. In this unfamiliar world, with no one I can truly call my own, having someone in the ‘Friends’ tab who’s in this with me makes me feel less alone.”
“…”
Fu Xiuning: “…”
After a pause, the system accused, “You’re just messing with me, aren’t you?”
Xing Shi shook his head. “I’m not.”
“I don’t believe you. If that were true, why keep up this naïve persona—”
It broke off, suddenly inspired. “Wait, do you think Fu Xiuning might actually like this persona? He’s been through so much, maybe he appreciates simplicity. Most people wouldn’t make it work, but you’re different! You should try it.”
“No,” Xing Shi replied.
“Come on, just give it a shot!”
When the system continued to badger him, Xing Shi finally relented, amused by his good mood. “Fine.”
He turned to Fu Xiuning with an innocent smile. “Boss, have you picked one yet?”
Fu Xiuning scoffed internally, casting a glance at Xing Shi before showing no further reaction.
Noticing the instructors exiting the office, Fu Xiuning casually selected a flavor and handed the bag back.
When Xing Shi heard no notification, he carried the desserts away. “Satisfied now?”
“This isn’t enough!” the system protested.
“What do you want, then?” Xing Shi asked.
The system hesitated before speaking again. “The other day, someone left cat ears here for a birthday celebration. They’re probably still lying around. Put them on and walk past him. And make sure your expression is pure.”
Xing Shi flatly refused.
Despite its coaxing, he wouldn’t budge. Feeling wronged, the system complained, “Fine, ally with whoever you want—I won’t stop you. But can’t you try this one thing for me?”
Xing Shi didn’t care much either way but, remembering the alliance, gave in. “Just this once.”
The system perked up. “Deal!”
In a corner, Xing Shi found the cat ears, adjusted them on his head, and walked out.
Fu Xiuning had just finished his discussion with the instructors when the two crossed paths at the door.
Their eyes met directly.
[Ding]
[Current Favorability: -6]
Xing Shi: “…”
The system: “!!!”
Fu Xiuning: “…”