Chapter 43
The system was full of anticipation, ready to hear a big secret, only to be hit with something so anticlimactic.
It muttered in exasperation, “If you’re going to say it, just say it already. Why all the buildup?”
Xing Shi had seen his fair share of odd behavior, so he remained calm.
Looking at the man across from him, he replied, “Of course I do.”
Yan Feng, still serious, asked, “What’s your dream?”
Xing Shi answered without hesitation, “To become a superstar.”
Yan Feng’s eyes showed a trace of appreciation. That was an excellent dream—perfect for a future little brother working under him.
He ordered the system to bump Xing Shi up to slot 12 and said with ambition, “I have a dream too.”
Xing Shi asked, “What’s your dream, Brother Feng?”
Yan Feng’s tone was firm. “I want to reach the top and become the biggest star.”
He analyzed his situation aloud, “Most of my fans are from my talent show days. I’m decent at singing and dancing, but not so much at acting. Over the past year, I’ve taken a few acting jobs—supporting roles like the second or third male lead. Most of those projects haven’t even aired yet. Right now, most of my work comes from variety shows and miscellaneous gigs.”
Xing Shi sincerely remarked, “To have so much work just a year after debuting is already amazing.”
Yan Feng replied, “But it’s not enough. Consistent exposure keeps you in the spotlight, and that attention brings influence and commercial value. My current contract terms aren’t great. If I want better resources and treatment, I have to climb higher.”
He wasn’t naive enough to completely bare his soul to Xing Shi, but he painted the picture he needed to paint. “Once I reach the top and become more powerful, I can give back to the company. For instance, I’ll be able to pass resources down to you, giving you more opportunities. Who knows? One of those might make you famous.”
Xing Shi let out an “Oh” and helpfully suggested, “A lot of your dramas and variety shows haven’t aired yet. That’s already sustained exposure. No one’s going to forget you. Taking a break before returning to work would be just as effective.”
Yan Feng shook his head. “I can’t do that. As long as my dream isn’t realized, I won’t rest.”
“The doctor didn’t tell me to stop working entirely. I can reduce my workload intensity and make sure I get enough sleep each day. See? I’m fine now.” He softened his tone slightly. “Help me convince the boss to reconsider. If I succeed, it’ll be good for the company too. It’s a win-win.”
Xing Shi looked at him.
Yan Feng met his gaze, resolute.
After a moment, Xing Shi simply said, “I see.”
Yan Feng’s hope rekindled, and he began to find Xing Shi even more agreeable.
Then Xing Shi added, “So, Brother Feng, you’re planning to strike out on your own?”
Yan Feng: “!”
System: “!!”
Both man and system were instantly thrown into chaos.
Yan Feng asked, “How did he figure that out?!”
The system stammered, “I have no idea! But the files did mention he’s very clever…”
Yan Feng pressed, “Was it something I said that gave me away?”
The system reviewed their exchange. “Uh… no? Not really?”
Yan Feng forced his expression to remain neutral as he denied it. “What are you talking about? The company has invested so much in me. How could I be ungrateful?”
Xing Shi replied, “You didn’t hide your emotions fast enough just now. Now I’m sure.”
Yan Feng fumed internally. How can someone be so devious and sharp? He stared at Xing Shi without moving.
Xing Shi wore an understanding expression. “It’s normal to have ambition. There’s nothing wrong with that. Look at our company—Brother Qi left his former agency to establish it. Once someone reaches a certain height, they naturally have more choices. You’re just confident in your success and making plans in advance.”
Yan Feng scrutinized him, half-doubting and half-believing, but didn’t bother pretending anymore. He asked, “How did you figure it out?”
Xing Shi replied casually, “You don’t seem to regard my Brother or Brother Qi as your bosses. With that attitude, when you said you wanted to give back to the company, it made me suspect you were lying.”
Yan Feng: “…”
Xing Shi added, “Don’t worry. I think we get along well. I said I’d keep your secret, and I won’t go back on my word.”
Yan Feng stared at him a bit longer, then calmly admitted it.
A qualified leader needed to show ambition when necessary. “What do you think of me?” he asked.
Xing Shi praised him, “Exceptionally driven. Makes the rest of us feel unworthy.”
Yan Feng’s confidence grew. “If I start a company, I’ll maintain the same drive, but I won’t expect my people to work at the same intensity. I’ll make sure no one under me ever goes hungry as long as I have food on my plate.”
A faint smile curled his lips, full of assurance. “Of course, it’s too early to talk about this now. Let’s take things step by step. I hope you’ll consider joining me in the future. Believe me, building a new dynasty together will be a joy.”
Xing Shi: “?”
System: “?”
The system let out a hiss. “He knows you’re Fu Xiuning’s younger brother. You even called Qi Changyi ‘cousin’ in front of him during the variety show. With connections like that, he’s lucky we’re not exposing him, and he still wants to poach you? What’s his deal?”
Xing Shi replied, “Maybe it’s confidence.”
Recalling Fu Xiuning’s assessment of Yan Feng and the faint malice he’d detected during the variety show, Xing Shi pieced it together. So, the plan is to climb high enough to go after Fu Xiuning. This relentless career focus makes sense now.
He said to Yan Feng, “We’ll see. I’ll ask my Brother to reconsider, but whether it works is up to him.”
Yan Feng, seeing Xing Shi stand to leave, invited him, “How about grabbing your food and eating with me?”
Xing Shi declined. “No, I’m going to sit with my Brother.”
After a moment of thought, Yan Feng stood with his tray. “Fine, I’ll eat over there too.”
Feeling regret for not fostering a better relationship with Fu Xiuning earlier, he decided to make an effort. “You go ahead. I’ll wait over there.”
Fu Xiuning was waiting for Xing Shi to finish his chat when someone suddenly sat down across from him. He looked up and said, “This seat is taken.”
Yan Feng shifted further into the booth, leaving the outer seat open, and smiled faintly. “I’m here to join you for lunch.”
Fu Xiuning declined curtly, “Not necessary.”
Yan Feng: “…”
After a few seconds of silence, Fu Xiuning raised his voice slightly. “Hmm?”
Yan Feng grabbed his tray and left.
Since transmigrating, this was the first time he’d been snubbed by Fu Xiuning. He fumed, “Me agreeing to eat with him was me giving him face! What kind of attitude is that?”
The system chimed in, “That’s just how he is. If he were that easy to win over, no one would’ve failed for over five years.”
Yan Feng sneered. “He’s been flattered too much. Just wait until I’ve subdued him. Let’s see how arrogant he is then!”
The system cheered him on. “That’s right! Boss is the best!”
When Xing Shi returned, only Fu Xiuning was at the table.
It wasn’t hard to guess what had happened. Xing Shi chuckled and sat down.
Fu Xiuning asked, “What did you two talk about?”
Xing Shi replied, “Dreams.”
Fu Xiuning asked, “Details?”
Xing Shi said, “Can’t say. I promised to keep it confidential.”
Fu Xiuning, already familiar with Yan Feng’s spiel, nodded and didn’t press further.
Xing Shi conveyed Yan Feng’s request to return to work. Fu Xiuning responded with a noncommittal “Mm.”
Meanwhile, Yan Feng instructed the system to monitor their conversation.
Upon confirming that Xing Shi hadn’t betrayed him and had indeed put in a word on his behalf, Yan Feng grew even more fond of him. “This little brother is great. Move him up to slot 10.”
The system replied, “Got it.”
Knowing he could do nothing but wait for a decision, Yan Feng finished his meal and went home.
Three days later, he received a call from his manager. “The boss wants you to teach a class for the trainees.”
Yan Feng thought he’d misheard. “What?”
The manager explained, “You have talent show experience. The boss wants you to give them a session to share your insights.”
Yan Feng let out a derisive snort. “A bunch of nobodies who haven’t even debuted. Can they even understand my experience?”
The manager replied, “You can simplify it for them.”
Yan Feng refused outright. “Not going.”
Having dealt with his temper for years, the manager got straight to the point. “If you won’t even follow the boss’s instructions, do you plan to stay unemployed forever?”
The system chimed in too. “Boss, trainees are great! We can scout some promising underlings!”
Yan Feng was persuaded. “Fine. When is it?”
The manager said, “Tomorrow afternoon at 3:30.”
When Fu Xiuning first mentioned this matter to Xing Shi, it was mainly to divert the conversation.
But lately, after thinking it over, Xing Shi felt the idea had merit and brought it up with Fu Xiuning.
From the perspective of System 99, Yan Feng and Yu Shu were different cases. First, Xing Shi “didn’t know” Yan Feng was a host. Second, at this stage, Xing Shi had no particular designs on Fu Xiuning.
Thus, they couldn’t frequently discuss Yan Feng without arousing suspicion from the system. When they did talk about him, it was usually with a specific purpose in mind.
Fu Xiuning thought for a moment and locked in on one person: Yu Yi.
They had speculated that Lucky Draw might be with Yu Yi, but they had never caught a direct conversation.
The Lucky Draw system was clever. It would likely consider the possibility of collaboration between Fu Xiuning and Xing Shi. If the system was injured or low on energy and couldn’t return on its own, it would have no choice but to seek help from other hosts.
Since Xing Shi rarely took on jobs, if Lucky Draw learned that Xing Shi had recently gone out to film a variety show with Yan Feng, it would likely suspect Yan Feng’s identity and push Yu Yi to make contact with him.
Thus, Xing Shi bringing this up wasn’t about creating opportunities for himself to interact with Yan Feng—it was about creating opportunities for Yu Yi.
That said, there was no need for Yan Feng to actually teach the class. As long as Yu Yi knew Yan Feng would be at the company, they could observe his reaction and deduce the answer.
Fu Xiuning looked at Xing Shi.
Xing Shi said with anticipation, “I’ve heard that Brother Feng is really good at singing and dancing. In addition to sharing his experience, I hope he can teach us a singing and dancing class.”
Fu Xiuning noted that Xing Shi had brought this up in two parts. It seemed he wasn’t just probing Yu Yi.
Xing Shi asked, “What do you think, Brother?”
Fu Xiuning nodded slightly. “That works.”
He then messaged Yan Feng’s manager to arrange it.
The next morning, Xing Shi excitedly shared the news with his classmates.
Feng Zifan had left the previous day to film a variety show, so Hou Zhang, sensing an opportunity, eagerly approached Xing Shi, clinging to him while showering him with over-the-top compliments. “Really? That’s amazing! The boss is so considerate, always thinking about us. I have a feeling I’ll learn a lot from this class!”
Xing Shi noticed out of the corner of his eye that Yu Yi was looking over and said, “Yeah, my Brother has always been very attentive to us.”
Hou Zhang added, “True, but this is definitely thanks to Brother Shi. We’re just lucky to be riding on Brother Shi’s coattails!”
Although the others disliked how Hou Zhang’s flattery often included “we,” they had to admit he wasn’t wrong this time.
One of them asked, “When is Brother Feng coming?”
Xing Shi replied, “My Brother will have the training department adjust the schedule today. It’ll probably be in the next couple of days.”
As it turned out, he wasn’t wrong.
After discussions among all parties, the date was quickly set: tomorrow afternoon at 3:30.
When Yu Yi heard the news, he immediately started calling for his system in his mind.
Last time, the system hadn’t commented on his actions, but he had still sensed its dissatisfaction.
Since it had yet to restore its data, it simply instructed him to investigate the artists who had gone to film the variety show with Xing Shi, then went back into hibernation.
For the past few days, Yu Yi had been scouring the internet for information but found nothing. It wasn’t until Xing Shi returned from the shoot and Hou Zhang began gossiping out of curiosity that Yu Yi learned they had filmed Temporal Commissioners.
Liuyue Media’s only regular cast member on that show was Yan Feng. Now, with Yan Feng coming to teach a class, Yu Yi didn’t want to mess up again and tried desperately to wake his system.
Unfortunately, he called for it all day to no avail.
The next afternoon, Yu Yi entered the designated classroom with the rest of the group, his heart filled with nervous anticipation.
This was a session where an experienced talent show alum would share their success story. Almost all the trainees came, including the girls from the fourth floor.
The classroom was packed. As soon as Yan Feng walked in, he was greeted with thunderous applause and cheers. Some even expressed concern for his health.
Standing at the front of the room and looking at the adoring gazes below, Yan Feng suddenly found this task quite enjoyable. If only these people were his subordinates, it would be even better.
But no matter. He could charm them with his charisma and leave a lasting impression, making it easier to recruit them later.
He smiled faintly. “Hello, everyone. I’m Yan Feng.”
The room erupted with another round of applause and cheers.
Yan Feng continued, “My body’s fine now. Thank you all for your concern. I’m very happy to have this opportunity to share my experiences with you…”
Xing Shi sat quietly in the audience, his gaze fixed on the front.
After more than a day of observation, he was certain now—Lucky Draw was with Yu Yi.
Their seats had been arranged by Fu Xiuning, strategically placed near the aisle. Xing Shi was certain Fu Xiuning was listening just a wall away.
The session lasted over an hour. Toward the end, Yan Feng veered off-script. The system had to remind him several times about the time before he reluctantly concluded.
But the trainees weren’t ready to let him go just yet. They swarmed him, asking for photos and autographs.
Xing Shi noticed Yu Yi trying to rush forward as well. He stood up, stepping into the aisle with a natural movement that blocked him.
That one move left Yu Yi behind. Before he could squeeze through, the instructors stepped in, helping Yan Feng leave the room while shielding him.
Frustrated, Yu Yi called out, “Teacher Yan!”
But Yan Feng had already left and didn’t look back. Instead, Hou Zhang and the others turned to Yu Yi with skeptical eyes.
Hou Zhang couldn’t resist a jab. “Wow, that’s unexpected. Isn’t Brother Qi your idol? Why the sudden interest in Brother Feng? And calling out so passionately, too?”
Yu Yi’s expression shifted slightly. Remembering the system’s instruction to keep a low profile, he steadied himself and said, “No, it’s just that I didn’t get an autograph, so I was a bit anxious.”
Hou Zhang snorted. “Let’s hope that’s all.”
System 99 had also witnessed this scene and asked, “What’s he scheming this time?”
Xing Shi replied, “Maybe he really just wanted an autograph.”
The system didn’t buy it. “With a heart as devious as his? You think that’s possible?”
Xing Shi strolled forward at a leisurely pace. “Even the worst people can be fans. Haven’t there been news stories of wanted criminals being caught at concerts because they couldn’t resist seeing their idols?”
The system paused. “Fair point.”
As Xing Shi passed by Yu Yi, he mulled over his thoughts.
That earlier move of his hadn’t seemed deliberate, but it had undeniably blocked Yu Yi’s path. Yet Yu Yi didn’t seem to hold any grudge against him.
Recalling Yu Yi’s demeanor and expressions around him recently, Xing Shi had a sudden realization: Did Lucky Draw not tell Yu Yi he’s a host?
He sent a message to Fu Xiuning before heading to the cafeteria in a rush.
Although it wasn’t yet time for employees to clock out, Fu Xiuning, as if reading Xing Shi’s mind, was already seated and waiting for him.
Noticing the small plate of snacks in front of Fu Xiuning, Xing Shi asked, “Brother, are they good?”
Fu Xiuning shook his head.
Xing Shi was surprised. Did that mean he hadn’t overheard their conversation? Was it because he wasn’t bound to the system, or was Lucky Draw too injured?
Fu Xiuning asked, “How was the class?”
Xing Shi said, “It went well. I think Brother Feng has real potential as a teacher.”
Fu Xiuning nodded, understanding it was time to proceed with the plan.
Two days later, Yan Feng received another call from his manager, asking him to teach another class for the trainees.
This time, Yan Feng didn’t refuse. However, he was still more eager to get back to work, so he messaged Xing Shi to ask about the situation.
Xing Shi had been waiting for this and replied quickly: [I know my Brother well. He’s probably trying to teach you a lesson. Don’t provoke him for the next few days, and he’ll likely let it go.]
Yan Feng’s frustration over the past few days vanished instantly: [Got it. Thanks for this, Brother. I owe you one.]
Xing Shi replied: [You’re too kind, Brother Feng. Actually, there’s something I wanted to ask you for help with, but saying it out loud makes me feel a bit self-conscious.]
Yan Feng hesitated as he typed, adding “if you have time” to his earlier draft of “Let me treat you to a meal,” but upon seeing Xing Shi’s response, he erased it all and replied decisively: [It’s fine. Just tell me.]
Xing Shi then explained his past grievances with Yu Yi and got straight to the point: [That day after your class, he called out to you loudly. I have a feeling he’s up to something again, but I’m worried I might be overthinking it. Could you help keep an eye on him? If he really has ulterior motives, he’ll likely approach you again.]
After reading the entire message, Yan Feng was a bit shocked. “So that’s his connection to Fu Xiuning?”
The system went silent for a moment before replying internally, “What else? Congratulations on finally catching on.”
But it added cheerfully, “This is great! It means all the hosts pursuing a romance line have no chance now~”
Feigning surprise, it said, “Oh my, I had no idea it was like this!”
Yan Feng clicked his tongue. “What’s with all this nonsense about same-sex relationships?”
He added, “Whatever, as long as it doesn’t involve me.”
He replied to Xing Shi: [No problem. Leave it to me.]
Xing Shi discussed the specifics of the plan with him before putting his phone away.
The system, having observed the entire exchange, asked, “I thought you didn’t believe Yu Yi was scheming?”
Xing Shi replied, “I was just messing with you.”
The system: “…”
Again with the monkey tricks!
Two days later, Yan Feng returned to the company to teach another class.
This time it was a singing and dancing lesson, combining three male trainee classes into one.
Yu Yi was feeling slightly more confident today. After relentless effort, he had finally managed to wake his system yesterday. Though it remained largely silent and rarely interacted with him, at least he wasn’t entirely on his own anymore.
He patiently waited until the first part of the class ended. When Yan Feng declined to answer any questions, excusing himself to the restroom, Yu Yi immediately followed him out of the training room.
Hou Zhang, who had been suspicious of Yu Yi since the last time, hurriedly followed as well.
Feng Zifan, who had returned from filming the variety show, glanced at Xing Shi upon seeing this.
Xing Shi shrugged. “Let them be.”
In the hallway outside, Yan Feng had just reached the elevator when he heard someone call out behind him.
“Teacher Yan,” Yu Yi said, stepping forward with a look of admiration. “I’m your fan. I’ve always liked you.”
Yan Feng responded flatly, “Thank you.”
Yu Yi nervously asked, “I… I choreographed a dance myself. I’m not sure if it’s any good. Could I follow you to your office and have you take a look?”
Hou Zhang arrived just in time to hear this and let out a sarcastic chuckle.
But in front of Yan Feng, he refrained from openly mocking Yu Yi. Instead, he said, “Teacher Yan just said we should interact more with our classmates. Why don’t you show it during the next class? Everyone can give you some pointers.”
Yu Yi’s expression froze.
Yan Feng glanced at Hou Zhang, who left reluctantly, before turning back to Yu Yi. “What’s your name?”
Yu Yi’s eyes lit up, and he eagerly introduced himself.
Following Xing Shi’s instructions, Yan Feng said, “Yu Yi, I’ll remember you. I’ve seen plenty like you. Keep your schemes to yourself and focus on your training. That’ll get you further than anything else.”
Yu Yi’s face turned pale.
Yan Feng didn’t spare him another glance and stepped into the elevator.
Some trainees nearby overheard the exchange. When Yu Yi returned to the classroom, he was met with curious stares and Hou Zhang’s mocking laughter.
Standing in the corner with his head down, Yu Yi was on the verge of breaking down. He spoke to his system, “How am I supposed to get close to him now? He’s not giving me any chance!”
Lucky Draw replied coldly, “Then test him directly.”
Yu Yi was startled. “But you said not to expose myself! What if he’s not a host? What do I do then?”
Lucky Draw responded, “If he’s not, then he’s not. It’ll just be the two of you. He’ll think you’ve lost your mind.”
Yu Yi: “…”
Lucky Draw added, “So, what will it be? Social death or taking the risk to test him? Your choice.”
The second part of the class began shortly after.
This time, Yan Feng didn’t rush to leave after class. He patiently handled the enthusiastic trainees, taking quite a while before finally heading out.
Despite the disapproving gazes of the others, Yu Yi followed him again.
Yan Feng stopped and looked at him. “Didn’t I already tell you…”
“I lied just now,” Yu Yi interrupted anxiously. “I actually have something very important to tell you. It’s not some ridiculous confession—it’s serious! I swear on my life, it’s extremely important. Please give me a chance to explain!”
Yan Feng thought to himself that Xing Shi had been right—after failing twice, Yu Yi was now desperate on his third attempt.
He nodded, signaling Yu Yi to follow.
The two of them walked one behind the other to a break room upstairs.
Since Yan Feng didn’t have his own exclusive break room at the company, he had asked the boss for access earlier. During the time he had been dealing with the trainees, Xing Shi had slipped into the break room to hide.
Scanning the room briefly, Yan Feng tried to guess Xing Shi’s position. Then, turning back to Yu Yi, he wondered what this kid was up to. Given his distant relationship with Fu Xiuning, what could he possibly want to accomplish?
Carrying a faint sense of curiosity, Yan Feng asked casually, “What do you want to say?”
Yu Yi took a deep breath and quickly said, “I recently read a novel I’d like to share with you. It’s about a group of hosts bound to systems, all working together to conquer one person.”
Yan Feng: “!”
System: “!!”
Lucky Draw, having been watching Yan Feng closely, caught the change in his expression and immediately concluded, “He’s one of them.”
Yu Yi almost burst into tears. Finally, I’ve found someone on my side! Choked with emotion, he said, “You’re a host, aren’t you? So am I. Our target is…”
Yan Feng interrupted coldly, “What nonsense are you spouting?”
But it was too late.
In the next moment, Xing Shi burst out of the side room.
Yu Yi: “!!!”
Lucky Draw: “…”
Yan Feng and his system: “…”
System 99 was shocked. “Yu Yi is a host?”
Xing Shi replied calmly, “Yep, pretty shocking.”
After placating the system with this response, Xing Shi turned to Yu Yi.
His setup wasn’t just aimed at Yu Yi—it was targeting more than one person.
He questioned sharply, “What did you mean by that? Who are you trying to conquer? My Brother?”
Yu Yi’s face went deathly pale, and he started trembling.
If Xing Shi knew, that meant Fu Xiuning would know. If Fu Xiuning learned about the conquest mission, the main system would impose punishment… and the blame would fall on him.
Would he… would he die?
Yan Feng and his system had the same thought.
They both understood Xing Shi’s sharp mind. Even though Yu Yi’s words were incomplete and sounded crazy, they couldn’t afford to underestimate him.
Fu Xiuning’s repeated encounters with extreme events over the years were highly unusual. If Xing Shi were to even hint at the truth, Fu Xiuning would connect the dots, and it would all spiral out of control.
Xing Shi… could not be allowed to remain!
