The Salted Fish is Rebellious – CH40

Chapter 40

Xing Shi splashed his face with water, letting the droplets drip down as he lowered his head.

In his rush to get up earlier, he hadn’t realized he had pressed his hand against Fu Xiuning’s chest. Even now, he could still feel the warmth lingering on his fingertips.

He couldn’t help but flex his fingers slightly.

The system lamented, “If you hadn’t run off, the two of you might already have kissed by now.”

Xing Shi stayed silent.

The system, delighted, said, “Look at you getting all flustered over the privacy feature. You definitely have feelings for him, and they’re not small~”

Xing Shi remained silent.

The system, rarely seeing its mischievous and bold Host in such a state, teased him affectionately. “Ah, youth. Being shy is perfectly normal—nothing to be embarrassed about. This is Fu Xiuning we’re talking about. Anyone with a sense of beauty would have thoughts about him. And clearly, you do too. Just look at him—he’s already fallen for you.”

Getting more and more excited, it continued, “You two are a perfect match!”

Xing Shi said, “Shut up.”

The system pressed, “Aw, come on. Open up a little—tell me how you really feel!”

Xing Shi replied, “I’ve decided to move out and cut ties with him. We’ll part ways and forget about each other.”

The system: “!!!”

Xing Shi added, “Are you going to shut up, or not?”

The system gave in. “Fine, I’m shutting up.”

Xing Shi dried his face and stepped out of the bathroom.

Glancing at the open door of his bedroom, he hesitated for a few seconds before heading back to the living room.

Fu Xiuning was still seated where he had been earlier, but now he was on his phone instead of reading.

As Xing Shi got closer, they both heard the sound at the same time.

[Ding Ding] [Current Favorability: 59]

The system immediately clicked its tongue. “Just one accidental hug, and it shot up this much? He’s so in love with you.”

Xing Shi asked, “Hmm?”

The system went silent again.

Xing Shi sat back on the sofa and picked up the project details again, flipping to the section on the variety show.

The show was called Time-Space Agents and centered around a group of people with time-space abilities who received letters from different timelines, requesting their help to resolve various issues in alternate worlds.

The show featured four regular cast members, with two guest stars joining each episode. Thanks to its creative storylines, the show had gained significant popularity and a large audience.

Xing Shi said, “This one works. Filming starts next week—can I still join this episode?”

Fu Xiuning replied, “Yes.”

Xing Shi was surprised. “But shouldn’t the guest list have already been finalized?”

Fu Xiuning nodded. “It has, but the guests for this episode are from our company. Swapping resources is easy to negotiate.”

Reassured, Xing Shi asked, “Are there any other shows? I’d like Feng Zifan to take a break as well.”

Fu Xiuning nodded. “There are. Once the contract is ready tomorrow, I’ll send you the details. Bring him to my office then.”

Xing Shi responded with a quick “Alright,” and the topic was dropped.

He searched for news about the variety show on his phone, scrolling idly for a while before looking up at the person beside him.

Fu Xiuning, calm and composed, sat quietly in his loungewear. The casual attire softened his usual aloof demeanor. Even while he was on his phone, his refined and elegant presence remained as captivating as ever.

A thought suddenly crossed Xing Shi’s mind: If he hadn’t transmigrated, and if Fu Xiuning hadn’t encountered these Hosts and systems, under what circumstances would they have met? And what kind of relationship would they have now?

Fu Xiuning quickly noticed the gaze on him and turned his head. Xing Shi was staring at him intently, his eyes catching the light like shattered stars, dazzling yet serene—just like the first time they had met.

Their gazes met and lingered; neither looked away.

[Ding Ding] [Current Favorability: 60]

Xing Shi’s expression shifted slightly, and he said, “Brother, I’m going to bed now. Goodnight.”

Under the warm light, Fu Xiuning’s gaze softened, more gentle than usual. “Goodnight,” he replied softly.

The next afternoon, Xing Shi received a message and brought Feng Zifan to Fu Xiuning’s office during their class break.

Qi Changyi was there as well. Having wrapped up his own work temporarily, he had been planning to take Xing Shi on a variety show outing but found out Xing Shi had already chosen one.

When they walked in, Qi Changyi asked, “You’re doing Time-Space Agents?”

Xing Shi nodded. “Yeah, it seems pretty interesting.”

Feng Zifan followed him in, politely greeting the two bosses.

Qi Changyi, already aware of Yu Yi’s backstabbing antics, wasn’t surprised that Yu Yi hadn’t joined them.

Nodding at Feng Zifan, Qi Changyi turned back to Xing Shi. “Want me to go with you?”

Xing Shi reminded him, “The filming starts next week.”

Qi Changyi replied, “I know. I can make arrangements.”

Xing Shi agreed readily. “Alright then.”

The Hosts had been too busy lately, and Xing Shi hadn’t been able to meet them.

This time, he was taking the initiative to interact with Yan Feng. He wanted to assess Yan Feng’s personality to better plan his next steps. With Qi Changyi being both a company executive and a top-tier celebrity, even someone as prideful as Yan Feng would have to show some respect. Going with Qi Changyi would likely increase his opportunities to interact with Yan Feng.

Seeing that Xing Shi had no objections, Qi Changyi instructed his manager to contact the show’s director.

Given his status in the entertainment industry, the production team wouldn’t refuse him as a last-minute guest. Even if the guest list had been finalized, they could easily move someone to a later episode.

While Qi Changyi was on the phone, Xing Shi took the contract Fu Xiuning handed him, skimmed through it, and signed without hesitation.

Fu Xiuning said, “I’ll have Xiao Qin accompany you. Let him handle anything that comes up.”

Xiao Qin was Fu Xiuning’s personal assistant, and Xing Shi was already on friendly terms with him, so he had no objections.

Fu Xiuning then looked at Feng Zifan and gestured toward the documents on the desk. “Pick one for yourself.”

Feng Zifan had never imagined that, even before debuting, he’d have the luxury of choosing his projects. Despite preparing himself mentally, the moment felt surreal.

Trying to maintain a calm expression, he walked over and began flipping through the options.

Most of the shows were ones he had heard of, and there was a wide variety. Feeling uncertain, he hesitated.

Seeing this, Qi Changyi, now off the phone, said, “You don’t have to decide today. If you’re unsure, take some time to think it over—or ask for my opinion.”

Feng Zifan quickly agreed. Brother Qi had been in the industry for years; taking his advice was a no-brainer.

Qi Changyi asked about his preferences and selected the show that best suited him at this stage. “I’ll assign you a manager. They’ll handle the follow-up arrangements with you.”

Feng Zifan expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Brother Qi.”

Since both trainees still had classes, they didn’t stay long and soon headed back.

They took the elevator during their break, and many people saw them. When they returned, everyone’s curiosity was piqued.

Now that Xing Shi’s family background was common knowledge, he casually replied, “Oh, just signed on for a variety show.”

Everyone: “!”

As expected of a boss—deciding to join a show just like that. So carefree!

They glanced at Feng Zifan and asked, “Brother Zifan is going too?”

Xing Shi replied, “Yeah, he’s doing a different show.”

The others were envious, some more openly than others. Hou Zhang, in particular, was practically itching to call Xing Shi “Dad.”

Still, amidst the envy, many cast sidelong glances at Yu Yi, silently thinking, Serves you right. If you hadn’t stirred up trouble, you’d have gotten a chance too.

Finding someone worse off than themselves, they felt a bit better.

Life returned to its usual rhythm of monotonous training.

Meanwhile, the internet was in an uproar after an official statement about Yu Shu’s death was released.

Forensic analysis confirmed that Yu Shu had died from sudden cardiac arrest, with no signs of external trauma or drugs involved.

The police conducted a thorough investigation, including releasing Yu Shu’s itinerary. He had just finished work and was supposed to have two days off. However, after seeing messages in a group chat, he had gone to meet up with the others. Records from Bei Jinrong and the others’ phones showed they hadn’t invited Yu Shu—he had gone of his own accord.

As for the mysterious energy blast… it was deemed unexplainable. The official explanation attributed it to turbulence encountered by the yacht, combined with the shock of Yu Shu’s death, which had caused two people to lose their balance and get injured.

The statement dispelled earlier speculation about “spoiled rich kids playing with fire,” “drug-fueled parties,” and “violent brawls.” Of course, conspiracy theories lingered, with some claiming the rich had bribed their way out, but these voices were in the minority. The second-generation heirs’ families were closely monitoring public opinion, ready to sue anyone who spread defamatory rumors.

Yu Shu’s fans were devastated. They mourned his passing and lamented how his unrequited feelings had gone unanswered. Their grief reignited their anger at Qi Changyi, sparking another round of chaos on the internet.

Xing Shi didn’t pay much attention to the uproar and didn’t participate in the discussions.

The trainees all assumed Xing Shi’s fever and fainting spell had been caused by the shock of the incident, so they avoided mentioning it in front of him.

A week later, it was time for Xing Shi to record the variety show. He packed his things and got ready to head to the airport.

As he wheeled his suitcase to the door, he looked up and saw Fu Xiuning with a suitcase of his own. Xing Shi raised an eyebrow.

The system immediately got excited. “Wow, he’s not even waiting for you to miss him at home! Is he starting to chase you already?”

Ignoring the system, Xing Shi asked, “Brother, are you coming too?”

Fu Xiuning replied calmly, “Mm.”

Fu Xiuning knew Xing Shi was just going to meet Yan Feng, but plans couldn’t always keep up with changes. If something unexpected happened and Xing Shi had to act on the spot, someone needed to be there to clean up the aftermath.

“I don’t feel comfortable letting you go alone,” Fu Xiuning said.

Xing Shi, fully understanding his implication, feigned being moved. “Brother, you’re so good to me.”

Fu Xiuning replied, “After all, you’re my only younger brother.”

Xing Shi looked even more touched. “And you’re my only older brother!”

Fu Xiuning glanced at him. “Isn’t Qi Changyi waiting downstairs?”

Xing Shi responded seriously, “That’s different. He’s just a cousin without blood ties. You and I, on the other hand, are real brothers, unrelated by blood or marriage.”

Fu Xiuning shut the door and escorted him downstairs.

Qi Changyi sat in the nanny van, watching the two approach. At first, he thought Fu Xiuning had come to see Xing Shi off, but then Fu Xiuning climbed into the van with him.

Not only that, but after greeting Qi Changyi, the two passed him and sat together in the same row.

Qi Changyi: “…”

He glanced back silently, beginning to suspect that the two might already be together.

For the rest of the ride, he felt like an outsider, watching the brothers act all warm and harmonious—like being kicked repeatedly in the gut.

The variety show was being filmed at a film city in H City.

The sprawling complex featured architecture from various historical periods and hosted countless production crews year-round. It was also a hotspot for tourists, bustling with energy.

Xing Shi spent the car ride gazing out the window. When they arrived at the hotel reserved by the production team, his eyes lit up as he turned to Fu Xiuning.

Fu Xiuning understood immediately. “I’ll take you out to explore later.”

Xing Shi beamed. “Alright!”

Qi Changyi couldn’t help but cut in, ruining the moment. “I’ll take you to meet the crew first.”

Xing Shi nodded obediently, took his luggage upstairs, and followed Qi Changyi to meet the director.

The director of Time-Space Agents was surnamed Jiang. In his thirties, he was slightly balding but had a kind and approachable face.

Director Jiang had already looked into Xing Shi’s profile. He recognized him as the lead from Yu Shu’s MV, impressed by his exceptional looks. He was also pleased with the casting change. However, hearing that Qi Changyi was personally accompanying Xing Shi made him feel that this wasn’t just an ordinary situation.

A trainee who had only shot an MV had replaced an established artist and was now being personally escorted by Qi Changyi? It didn’t add up.

Then again, there was another possibility: Qi Changyi, having been involved in the fallout of the Yu Shu incident, might be openly bringing the MV’s lead to the show as a way of distancing himself from Yu Shu’s rumored unrequited love.

But considering Qi Changyi’s seasoned nature and reputation, it seemed unlikely he’d care about such trivial matters.

While Director Jiang was mulling over various theories, Xing Shi stepped forward to greet him. Seeing Xing Shi in person, the director silently marveled at his looks.

With a warm smile, he said, “Welcome to Time-Space Agents.”

Xing Shi, quick on the uptake, replied, “I’ve been a fan of this show for a while. It’s an honor to have the chance to participate.”

Pleased with the response, Director Jiang chatted with him briefly and became even more satisfied.

Regardless of whether this newcomer had backing, at least his emotional intelligence was intact. He wasn’t the type to act arrogant just because of his looks or connections, which meant he’d be easy to work with. Before meeting Xing Shi, the director had worried that Qi Changyi might have come to supervise a difficult personality.

After Xing Shi finished speaking with the director, Qi Changyi said, “We’ll be counting on your care for him this time.”

Director Jiang laughed. “No need to say that. It’s an honor to have you join us as guest stars. Of course, we’ll take good care of you.”

Qi Changyi asked, “Have the other guests arrived?”

Director Jiang replied, “Yan Feng and Zi Xin are already here. Xin Yu and Feng Ya won’t arrive until tonight.”

Qi Changyi nodded, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and left with Xing Shi.

Xing Shi knew Qi Changyi wouldn’t go out of his way to introduce him to the other artists but would instead arrange a more natural meeting during filming. A special introduction would be unnecessary and excessive.

He asked, “The ‘Yan Feng’ the director mentioned—that’s our company’s Yan Feng, right?”

Qi Changyi confirmed, “Yes, he debuted through a talent show. He’s been doing well this past year.”

Xing Shi inquired, “Have you interacted with him much?”

Qi Changyi replied, “I’ve met him a few times.”

Xing Shi continued, “What’s your impression of him?”

Qi Changyi said, “He’s very professional and ambitious. Why, do you want to meet him?”

Xing Shi thought for a moment. “We’re from the same company and about to film together. Should I invite him out for dinner tonight?”

Qi Changyi glanced at him, sensing some interest in Yan Feng. “Alright, I’ll call him.”

They had eaten lunch on the plane, and it was now mid-afternoon.

Despite the sweltering August heat, Xing Shi couldn’t resist the urge to explore. He returned to find Fu Xiuning, and the two prepared for the sun before heading out.

As they turned a corner in the hotel corridor, a door ahead opened, and out stepped a young man in a black T-shirt and shorts. His features were handsome, his expression indifferent—it was Yan Feng.

As Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning looked at him, Yan Feng also glanced in their direction.

Fu Xiuning heard a familiar voice speaking in his mind.

Yan Feng said, “You’re the one who begged me to do this.”

His system responded, “Yes, yes, we’re just lowering ourselves to greet him. Nothing more.”

Yan Feng snorted lightly. “Don’t let it happen again.”

The system quickly fawned, “Thank you, boss. You’re the best!”

Yan Feng gave a faint “Mm” and then looked at Fu Xiuning. His tone carried a hint of surprise. “Boss? What are you doing here?”

Fu Xiuning replied, “I’m here with him.”

Yan Feng and his system both turned to Xing Shi, genuinely surprised. Fu Xiuning’s personality was not the type to willingly accompany someone—yet here he was.

Taking two steps forward, Yan Feng asked, “And who is this?”

Fu Xiuning answered, “My younger brother.”

He then introduced Yan Feng to Xing Shi, who politely greeted him. “Hello, Brother Feng.”

Yan Feng seemed pleased with the title and nodded in acknowledgment.

Meanwhile, his system grew anxious.

Its Host had never paid much attention to Fu Xiuning, and they were likely the last among the Hosts to learn that Fu Xiuning had a new “younger brother.”

The system said, “A new player? Boss, should I look him up?”

Yan Feng replied, “Go ahead.”

The system quickly gathered the information and shared it.

Yan Feng remarked, “Not bad. This one can be one of my underlings. What number are we at now?”

The system answered, “Number 27.”

Yan Feng considered. “He’s Director He’s only son… move him up the priority list. Make him number 12.”

The system replied, “Got it.”

Having found a potential new follower, Yan Feng displayed uncharacteristic patience and asked with a smile, “Where are you headed?”

Xing Shi replied, “Just going out for a stroll.”

He figured Yan Feng had already looked up his background. As they chatted, Xing Shi sized him up. Yan Feng smiled, but his attitude wasn’t particularly warm. Unlike Yu Shu’s familiarity, Yan Feng’s demeanor felt condescending, as if he were lowering himself to mingle.

Just as Fu Xiuning had said, his arrogance ran deep.

Feigning admiration, Xing Shi said, “I watched your talent show. You came in fourth or fifth, right? You were really popular—so impressive!”

Yan Feng: “!”

His system: “!!”

In Yan Feng’s mind, he raged, “He dares to bring up that humiliation?!”

The system tried to calm him. “Boss, stay calm. He’s just a rookie who doesn’t know better—he genuinely thinks you’re amazing!”

Yan Feng snapped, “There’s no such thing as ‘fifth’ in my dictionary!”

The system quickly took the blame. “It’s our fault for arriving late. If we had bonded with you earlier, first place would’ve been yours without question!”

Yan Feng scoffed, “Oh? So you’re aware of that.”

The system quickly explained, “It was our oversight, definitely our fault. Let’s not dwell on it. They’re heading out to play. How about we tag along for a bit of fresh air?”

Yan Feng sneered again. “Say that one more time. What makes them worthy of my company?”

The system clarified, “Boss, I didn’t mean you should keep them company. I just thought you might be bored staying cooped up in the room and wanted to suggest getting some fresh air. That’s all.”

Yan Feng wasn’t interested. He casually brushed Xing Shi off, saying, “Well then, I won’t disturb your outing.”

Xing Shi clearly noticed the brief flicker of tension on Yan Feng’s face and replied, “Alright. See you later, Brother Feng.”

Yan Feng gave a slight nod and turned back toward his room.

Xing Shi raised an eyebrow. “What was Brother Feng coming out for just now? Why is he going back in already?”

Yan Feng paused mid-step and said, “Almost forgot something.”

Xing Shi watched him change directions and walk off, uninterested in where he was headed. He followed Fu Xiuning out of the hotel.

They chose to visit an area designed to look like an ancient city.

The weather was hot but manageable. The two strolled leisurely, taking breaks here and there, enjoying their afternoon. After returning to the hotel, they showered and went to the restaurant.

Yan Feng, summoned by Qi Changyi, was already seated and nodded in acknowledgment when they arrived.

Xing Shi deliberately chose the seat directly across from Yan Feng and asked with curious enthusiasm about his talent show experience.

Once again, Yan Feng’s sore spot was prodded. He wanted nothing more than to shove Xing Shi’s head into his bowl. But with Fu Xiuning and Qi Changyi watching, he restrained himself and answered with forced patience.

In his mind, Yan Feng vowed, “One day, I’ll make this brat cry and beg for forgiveness.”

The system chimed in, “Absolutely! And we’ll stand at the top together, reclaiming the glory that was always yours!”

Feeling slightly appeased, Yan Feng muttered, “He’s ignorant now, but he’ll fall in line eventually.”

The system eagerly agreed, “Exactly!”

Xing Shi noticed the sudden, fleeting softness in Yan Feng’s gaze. He blinked innocently, then threw in another jab. Seeing Yan Feng’s composure hold, he decided to let him off the hook for now.

After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms. They rested for the night and arrived at the filming location the next day.

The four regular cast members of Time-Space Agents were Yuan Xinyu, Lu Fengya, Yan Feng, and Wen Zixin—two men and two women.

Yuan Xinyu and Lu Fengya were older, while Yan Feng and Wen Zixin were rising stars in the idol scene.

Qi Changyi brought Xing Shi over to greet them, then left him to get his makeup done. Once Xing Shi was ready, he was taken to his designated starting point.

As the guest stars for this episode, Xing Shi and Qi Changyi were given a simple “prologue” by the production team.

Following the team’s instructions, Xing Shi filmed a few short scenes before heading to the predetermined meeting point.

Once all six “time-space agents” had assembled, Yuan Xinyu introduced Qi Changyi and Xing Shi, allowing them to introduce themselves before diving into the main plot.

The storyline was straightforward: each of the six had been plagued by dreams involving a tale of love and betrayal in an ancient dynasty.

Following clues, they arrived at a historical site, where they needed to find the letter of request from the client. Using their abilities, they would then travel to the client’s era to resolve the issue.

The group split up to search for the letter.

Before parting ways, Qi Changyi glanced at Xing Shi. “You’ll manage, right?”

“Relax,” Xing Shi replied. He picked a random direction and began his search. It didn’t take long for him to find a clue, leading him to a wooden box containing the letter.

Opening it, he scanned the letter quickly, his eyes landing on the signature.

Client: Gamma Alien

Beneath that was a line of text: You are the sole chosen agent. Please ensure your identity remains hidden!

Xing Shi: “?”

The system: “?”

Xing Shi looked at the production director. “Are you sure this isn’t a mistake?”

The director smiled without answering.

Resigned, Xing Shi tucked the letter away and thought to himself, They sure know how to spice things up. A solemn and ancient royal palace, and there’s an alien in the mix? If it turns out to be a concubine, does the emperor know he’s sharing his bed with an alien?

Returning to the meeting point, Xing Shi found that he was the first to locate a letter.

The production director filmed him for a while before signaling that he could take a break while waiting for the others to finish.

Xing Shi noticed Fu Xiuning nearby and walked over to stand with him.

Fu Xiuning asked, “The director mentioned you’d be changing into ancient costumes later?”

Xing Shi nodded. “Yes, this episode’s story is set in an ancient background. Once we’ve filmed the group discussion, we’ll ‘time travel’ to that era.”

Curious about Xing Shi’s costume, Fu Xiuning asked, “What did the request letter say?”

Xing Shi’s interest piqued. He held up the letter and teased, “Guess who wrote it. You have three chances. If you guess correctly, I’ll grant you any request.”

Fu Xiuning raised an eyebrow. “Any request?”

“Mm-hmm,” Xing Shi confirmed.

Fu Xiuning said, “That’s quite a broad promise. I don’t know your story’s context.”

Xing Shi offered a hint. “It’s limited to people within the palace.”

Fu Xiuning clarified, “Can I give general answers? Like a prince or a concubine?”

Xing Shi generously agreed. “That’s allowed.”

Fu Xiuning observed his confident demeanor and asked, “Does the plot involve court officials outside the palace?”

“I’m not sure,” Xing Shi replied. “Probably not.”

Fu Xiuning took note. This meant Xing Shi’s letter likely wasn’t from an official outside the palace.

He pondered for a moment.

If Xing Shi was willing to make such a bold wager, it probably wasn’t something as obvious as a maid, eunuch, or concubine.

Then again… was it possible Xing Shi was trying to mislead him?

Testing the waters, Fu Xiuning guessed, “A maid?”

“Wrong,” Xing Shi replied.

Fu Xiuning immediately pivoted. “A spirit or monster?”

Xing Shi and the system both inhaled sharply. Xing Shi said, “Not quite, but close.”

Fu Xiuning followed up, “What do you mean by ‘close’? Does the show allow supernatural elements?”

Xing Shi shook his head. “No supernatural beings.”

Fu Xiuning guessed again, “Someone from the heavens?”

Xing Shi paused. “Are you trying to say a celestial being?”

Seeing Xing Shi’s reaction, Fu Xiuning knew he was getting warmer. A faint smile curved his lips. “Someone from the heavens. So, who wrote the letter?”

Xing Shi handed him the letter.

Fu Xiuning opened it and fell silent.

Who would’ve thought an ancient setting would involve an alien?

After a moment, he closed the letter and handed it back.

“Well,” he said, “an alien could count as someone from the heavens. You allowed general answers. Your words.”

Smiling faintly, he looked at Xing Shi. “Now, about that ‘any request.’ A deal’s a deal.”