The Salted Fish is Rebellious – CH19

Chapter 19

This wasn’t Qi Changyi’s first time seeing Xing Shi. He had caught sight of him twice before from a distance.

But even before meeting him, Qi Changyi had heard plenty about Xing Shi.

Bad temper, extremely headstrong.

Most teenagers could end up at a disadvantage for being too stubborn, but not Xing Shi. He had a sharp mind and a knack for wild maneuvers. Despite two years of careful efforts, Director He had seen little improvement in their relationship.

Many people had offered Director He advice over the years, including Qi Changyi. None of it had worked.

But to say Xing Shi was entirely impervious wasn’t accurate either.

At least, he held no grudge against his stepmother. When she and Director He returned from abroad and informed Xing Shi of their relationship and intent to marry, his opposition was directed solely at Director He.

After spending half a year together, Xing Shi and his stepmother developed a casual friendship. They could occasionally shop or eat out together—provided Director He wasn’t present and his stepmother refrained from speaking on his behalf.

When Xing Shi didn’t oppose their decision to register their marriage, Director He thought he had finally won his son over. That wasn’t the case. Xing Shi simply didn’t mind his stepmother but remained resentful toward his father.

Qi Changyi hadn’t been aware of all this at the time.

It wasn’t until he overheard his stepmother sharing her concerns about the father-son relationship with his own mother that he learned of the situation.

Back then, Qi Changyi had thought, How hard can it be to win over a teenager? So he started offering Director He suggestions, only to witness them all fail spectacularly. That was when he gained a clear understanding of Xing Shi’s personality.

Over time, as he juggled his busy schedule, he continued to hear updates about Xing Shi until today, when they officially met.

Knowing Xing Shi wasn’t easy to approach, Qi Changyi had imagined several possible scenarios for their first encounter.

Perhaps this kid would wear a cold expression and barely acknowledge him. Or maybe, knowing his connection to his stepmother, he’d react indifferently. Or, if Xing Shi had heard his music or seen his work, he might be willing to chat a little.

What Qi Changyi hadn’t expected was for this kid to greet him with a calm and composed “Hello, cousin.”

Qi Changyi stared at him. “You know who I am?”

Xing Shi replied, “I found out by chance.”

Qi Changyi was curious about how long Xing Shi had known and asked, “When?”

Xing Shi said, “Can’t remember.”

Qi Changyi rephrased, “Before or after you joined the company?”

Xing Shi offered two words again: “Secret.”

Qi Changyi’s attractive almond-shaped eyes curved with amusement. “Then…”

He didn’t finish his sentence.

Having removed his mask to appear more approachable, he had unfortunately been recognized.

There weren’t many people near the VIP passage, but news spread quickly. They hurriedly left the area.

Halfway through their departure, Fu Xiuning suddenly heard Lin Kecheng’s voice.

“…Why is the boss here too!” Lin Kecheng exclaimed. “If he sees me, he’ll know I have ulterior motives!”

The system quickly said, “Hide! Don’t let him—”

The voice cut off, but its meaning was clear.

Fu Xiuning wasn’t even interested enough to glance around and followed Director He’s group into the parking area.

Several assistants checked to ensure no one was tailing them, then collectively sighed in relief.

Director He, still feeling like this was all a dream, cautiously tried to strike up a conversation. “Are you settling in well at the company?”

Xing Shi gave a short “Mm.”

Fu Xiuning added warmly, “The teachers all praise him, saying he’s very talented.”

Everyone, including Director He, turned to look at Fu Xiuning.

Qi Changyi had mentioned Fu Xiuning’s status when they deplaned.

He was the sole heir of the Fu family and owner of June Culture. No one expected him to possess such an outstanding appearance and demeanor as well.

Director He glanced at Xing Shi first, noting no change in his expression, then couldn’t help but ask, “What else did they say?”

Fu Xiuning replied, “They also said he’s very diligent in training. Oh, by the way, did you see the hot search from a few days ago?”

“I watched it several times! The performance was excellent!” Director He immediately said.

Fu Xiuning remarked, “The choreography was his idea.”

He briefly explained, “Both of us attended Z University. I’m his senior. Originally, I suggested he perform a number for the anniversary. He decided to give everyone a chance to showcase their talents.”

Director He was moved. “Really?”

Fu Xiuning nodded affirmatively.

Xing Shi silently glanced at him.

With Fu Xiuning’s mischievous personality, his main reason for bringing Xing Shi along was probably to enjoy the drama.

What’s going on here? Could it be he heard something from Qi Changyi and is trying to ease the awkward atmosphere? Is he really this kind-hearted?

They soon reached a junction in the parking area.

Qi Changyi had arranged for a company van ahead of time, which wasn’t parked in the same section as Fu Xiuning’s car.

Without hesitation, Xing Shi stayed by Fu Xiuning’s side. Naturally, Director He and Qi Changyi followed, while the remaining group headed for the van.

As usual, Xing Shi took the passenger seat.

He listened as Fu Xiuning casually chatted about his experiences at the company and school, quietly observing him all the while.

Director He and Qi Changyi chatted with Fu Xiuning while occasionally glancing at the figure ahead. Something about Xing Shi seemed unusually calm today.

Qi Changyi handed his phone forward. “Mind adding me as a friend?”

Xing Shi turned his head, took a look, and added him.

Qi Changyi checked Xing Shi’s WeChat profile: username “Struggling is Overrated; Just Eat” with a profile picture that seemed to be… a roasted sweet potato?

He smiled and turned off his phone.

The two cars arrived one after another at Linlan Garden.

Not long after they entered, Lin Kecheng’s car arrived nearby.

He and his system had devised a plan.

Step one was to catch Qi Changyi’s attention, leave a good impression, and leave. Step two involved piquing his curiosity further, continuing to bait him, and only during the third encounter would he formally initiate contact.

Staring at the Linlan Garden restaurant in the distance, he brimmed with confidence.

With Fu Xiuning present, they were definitely dining in a private room. Qi Changyi would have to visit the restroom at some point, which would be his golden opportunity.

He pulled out his phone to call some friends and asked, “What’s the average spending here?”

The system had tracked Qi Changyi’s navigation and confirmed the destination was a restaurant, not a private residence, so they decided to follow.

It began meticulously researching the restaurant’s details and provided Lin Kecheng with a figure.

Lin Kecheng winced at the expense. But ever since binding with the system, he had earned a decent side income and could afford it.

Suddenly, the system exclaimed, “Wait, this is a membership-only restaurant.”

Lin Kecheng replied, “Then I’ll sign up for a membership.”

The system hesitated. “…Whether you can even get one is another matter. Plus, every private room here has its own restroom.”

Lin Kecheng: “…”

The cool night breeze carried a hint of chill.

Man and system fell into a stunned silence, simultaneously despairing.

Unaware that his “ally” was currently fuming outside, Xing Shi was eagerly awaiting dinner.

He and Fu Xiuning had visited Linlan Garden once before, but it had just been the two of them, and they hadn’t ordered much. This time, the table was filled with dishes!

The private room was larger than the last time, with a round table. Xing Shi sat beside Fu Xiuning, next to Qi Changyi, with Director He on the other side. The remaining seats were occupied by three assistants and the film’s supporting actor.

The supporting actor quickly pinpointed the evening’s focal point. “Director He, your son is so handsome.”

Director He laughed. “Of course.”

He then introduced the supporting actor to Xing Shi.

After listening, Xing Shi greeted him, “Brother Zhang.”

The supporting actor responded enthusiastically, “I saw the hot search too. Have you officially debuted?”

“I’m still a trainee,” Xing Shi replied.

Hearing this, Qi Changyi turned to him. “Any variety shows you like? I can take you to one.”

“I don’t watch much variety,” Xing Shi said.

“Then I’ll pick a few good ones, and you can choose?” Qi Changyi offered.

“I still have classes and training,” Xing Shi declined politely.

Qi Changyi understood this as a refusal and tried a different approach. “What about acting? Are you interested?”

“I’m still learning,” Xing Shi replied.

“Practical experience on set teaches you more. I can find you some scripts and personally mentor you,” Qi Changyi suggested.

Director He interjected, “I have plenty of scripts too. Pick whichever you want.”

The supporting actor listened in amazement, but Xing Shi, uninterested in the fuss, said, “Maybe after I’ve studied a bit longer.”

For once, Director He didn’t face rejection. “Alright, I’ll have scripts ready whenever you’re ready.”

After chatting for a while, the food finally arrived.

Xing Shi perked up instantly, picked up his chopsticks, and focused on eating, occasionally responding to the conversation.

Director He observed him closely. Tentatively, he placed some food on Xing Shi’s plate and watched him eat it. Sighing quietly, he confirmed that something was definitely off with his son.

The small gestures and habits were unchanged—this was undeniably his son. He hadn’t been swapped or replaced.

His expression was clear, his behavior normal, and his responses fluent. He wasn’t possessed or cursed.

But it still didn’t make sense.

The last time Director He saw Xing Shi, the boy had been sharp-tongued and defiant, his energy brimming with boldness. Even sitting quietly, he exuded a sense of defiance.

Now, he was calm, composed, and peaceful.

This demeanor gave Director He the unsettling impression that his son must have endured great suffering—an unimaginable amount of it.

But how could that be possible?

While Xing Shi rarely responded to his messages, he had maintained regular contact with his grandparents, who reported nothing unusual. Besides, his son was never one to suffer silently—he always turned the tables on others.

And it hadn’t even been that long since they last met. How had he changed so much?

Director He frowned deeply.

Qi Changyi was also observing Xing Shi, equally puzzled.

The boy’s behavior didn’t match the stories he had heard over the past several months. It felt like he was meeting an entirely different person.

The system was on edge. “Stop eating! Your dad and Qi Changyi are staring at you—they’re definitely suspicious!”

Xing Shi swallowed his bite and looked up to meet both their gazes. “Is there something on my face?”

Director He reflexively shook his head.

Qi Changyi smiled and explained, “You just seem to enjoy your food so much. I couldn’t help but watch.”

“Why don’t you eat as well” Xing Shi said.

Director He and Qi Changyi withdrew their gazes.

Satisfied, Xing Shi continued enjoying his meal.

When he finished, he slumped back in his chair, too full to move.

Fu Xiuning, already familiar with this habit, had been waiting for this moment. He turned his head slightly and asked, “Tired?”

“Not really,” Xing Shi replied.

Fu Xiuning offered some advice. “Get to bed early tonight. Sleep in a little tomorrow morning. I hear you’ve been waking up very early every day.”

Director He’s anxiety spiked again. Convinced something was wrong with his son, he asked, “Are you having trouble sleeping?”

“No,” Xing Shi answered.

“Really? You used to sleep until almost noon,” Director He said skeptically.

The system nearly froze from panic, but Xing Shi remained calm, offering an explanation. “Everyone else gets up early, so I started waking up early too. Over time, it became a habit.”

Knowing how grueling trainee life could be, Director He frowned again and said, “Don’t stay in the dorms anymore. I’ll buy you an apartment near the company.”

Qi Changyi interjected, “Once the apartment is bought, it’ll need renovations. In the meantime, stay at my place. It’s in a high-end community, quiet, and I’m rarely there.”

“That’s a bit far,” Fu Xiuning said gently. “Journalists occasionally stake out the area. It’s easy to get photographed.”

Qi Changyi: “?”

Whose side are you on?

Fu Xiuning hadn’t spent the evening playing the role of a kind boss and supportive senior just to mediate conflicts.

Director He, with his next roadshow stop scheduled immediately after tomorrow’s event, had limited time. He intended to leave a good impression. Typically, parents, before parting ways with their child’s employer, would say something like, “Please take care of them,” paving the way for future discussions.

He hadn’t anticipated that the conversation would immediately shift to relocating.

Things are escalating too quickly.

Fu Xiuning thought to himself, Xing Shi is smart, but this move is too rash.

However… opportunities like this shouldn’t be missed.

I’ll find a way to smooth things over later if necessary.

“My place is close to both the school and the company,” Fu Xiuning said, looking directly at Xing Shi. “It’s spacious and offers enough room for us to not disturb each other. How about… you stay with me?”

Xing Shi: “?”

System: “!!!”