Chapter 49
Xing Shi leisurely munched on some snacks and interrupted their conversation. “How is it going?”
Top Draw replied, “According to plan.”
As it spoke, it summarized Yan Feng and his group’s plan in detail.
99 let out a disdainful “Tch” and sneered, “You think such a petty trick can kill someone? Keep dreaming.”
Having witnessed Xing Shi’s abilities firsthand, Top Draw knew that Yan Feng’s plan was doomed to fail. Even if Xing Shi were completely unaware, the chances of success were slim. But with preparations on their side, failure was practically guaranteed.
Top Draw added, “Before I left, they just finished reviewing the plan details. I’m not sure if they’ll make any last-minute changes.”
Xing Shi replied, “No problem.”
After finishing his snack, he grabbed a napkin to wipe his hands. “The two of you, don’t go causing trouble.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, 99 and Top Draw felt a surge of energy approaching.
99 shrieked immediately, “Ahhhh! Xing Shi, what are you doing?!”
Xing Shi said calmly, “Getting to know you better.”
Top Draw realized this was preparation for system capture.
Since Top Draw’s own inner structure was composed of similar energy, it had grown accustomed to it over the past few days and remained calm, floating steadily in the air.
99, on the other hand, was terrified, trembling as it felt the advanced energy swirling around it. It was as if the energy could swallow it whole at any moment. With a shaky voice, it pleaded, “X-X-Xing Shi, stay calm! I’m still useful!”
Xing Shi said, “If you scream a few more times, I might accidentally dismantle you.”
99 immediately forced itself into silence.
Xing Shi circled them carefully a few times before finally retracting the energy.
At the same time, Yan Feng was confronting his own system.
Top Draw had intentionally left before the plan’s final review was completed, aiming to exacerbate the tension between Yan Feng and his system.
Yan Feng couldn’t sense his system’s energy and assumed Top Draw had left. He resumed discussing the plan’s final details with his system, but to his surprise, the system didn’t respond for a full thirty seconds.
Annoyed, Yan Feng asked, “What were you doing?”
Latecomer Surpasses gathered its thoughts and replied, “Watching it leave.”
Yan Feng frowned. “I just called you, and you didn’t hear me?”
Latecomer Surpasses admitted honestly, “I heard you, but I was a bit slow to respond. My apologies, Boss.”
Yan Feng snapped, “That was more than just a slow response.”
Latecomer Surpasses explained, “It’s just… I never thought I’d experience coexisting with another system in the same host. I got distracted, and that was my mistake. I shouldn’t let emotions affect me, especially at such a critical time.”
Yan Feng sneered, “You’d better not just be making excuses.”
Latecomer Surpasses declared, “Of course not! My loyalty to you, Boss, is unwavering!”
Yan Feng sneered again but decided to let it go for now.
The group traveled by car for over two hours before arriving at their destination.
The place was picturesque, with lush mountains and clear waters. The temperature was cooler than in the city, making it a perfect spot for recreation.
It was the tail end of summer vacation, so many people were eager to make the most of the remaining days, and the area was bustling with activity.
The group got off the car one by one, carrying their luggage into the hotel lobby.
Fu Xiuning had arrived earlier, thanks to his private car. He gave the king-sized room Yan Feng had booked for him to his assistant and instead reserved a luxurious presidential suite with two bedrooms, sharing it with Xing Shi.
Yan Feng, happy to save money on Xing Shi’s hotel expenses, quickly dropped off his luggage and led the group to their first activity—water rafting.
The course started at the mountaintop and wound its way down in a series of turbulent rapids with numerous rocks on either side.
While most rafts seated two people, Yan Feng, who was in charge of purchasing tickets, deliberately chose a larger raft under the pretense that it would be more “fun with more people.”
He carefully calculated the seating arrangement, making sure to share a raft with Xing Shi. His plan was to “accidentally” knock Xing Shi off the raft during the ride. With no surveillance underwater and plenty of rocks, he hoped to find an opportunity to get rid of Xing Shi.
Earlier, in the hotel room, Fu Xiuning had asked Xing Shi about Yan Feng’s intentions. But Xing Shi, wary of losing control of the Favorability Score, had simply told him, “You’ll see when the time comes.”
Now, as they sat in the raft, Fu Xiuning glanced at Yan Feng sitting across from them and quickly deduced the gist of his plan.
Yan Feng discreetly assessed everyone’s positions and felt satisfied with the arrangement.
His system, too, was full of praise, “As expected of you, Boss. Your choices are always spot on! This time, we’re just testing the waters. It’s okay if it doesn’t work. No need to be nervous, Boss.”
Yan Feng scoffed, “Who are you talking to? Do I look nervous to you?”
The system quickly backtracked, “I meant me! I’m the one who’s nervous. I…”
Before it could finish, the familiar notification sound interrupted them.
[Ding Ding] [Current Favorability Score: -6]
Yan Feng was startled. “?”
The system was even more shocked. “What the hell?!”
Yan Feng glanced at Fu Xiuning, who seemed to be observing the other passengers on the raft, and suddenly understood. “Is this because he thinks we’re third-wheeling?”
The system also noticed Fu Xiuning’s gaze and fell silent for a moment before regaining composure. “No worries, Boss. This is just an isolated incident. Once we’re past this moment, everything will be fine… Wait, no. If Xing Shi really ends up dead because of us, this score might drop even further.”
Yan Feng snorted coldly. “Who cares? Once I’ve subdued him, it’ll climb back up eventually.”
The system agreed, “Exactly! Boss, you’re unstoppable!”
The raft was soon pushed down the course.
The ride began with a series of steep drops, sending waves crashing into the raft and drenching everyone from head to toe.
Yan Feng was very satisfied. Spotting another rapid ahead, he intentionally pretended to lose his grip and lunged forward toward Xing Shi—only to stop mid-motion.
The raft was small, and Fu Xiuning casually stretched out his long legs, planting a foot against Yan Feng. With a slight push, he sent Yan Feng tumbling back into his seat.
The people next to him quickly reached out to steady him.
Fu Xiuning ordered coolly, “Hold on tight.”
Suppressing his frustration, Yan Feng forced a smile and said, “The rapids caught me off guard.”
Xing Shi added, “Brother Feng, hold on tight next time!”
Yan Feng nodded but wasn’t ready to give up.
The turbulent sections alternated with calm zones, which were designated for water fights. Even strangers would join in, splashing water at each other in good fun.
On their raft, Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning’s striking appearances drew all the attention. Most passengers couldn’t even notice anyone else, leaving Yan Feng feeling overshadowed.
Before long, their raft became the primary target for everyone’s water attacks. One person recognized Yan Feng, which only fueled the enthusiasm of the crowd.
Yan Feng seized another opportunity.
Feigning eagerness in the water fight, he held onto his plastic water scoop tightly even as they exited the calm zone and re-entered a rapid section. When the raft jolted suddenly, he pretended to lose his balance again.
This time, Fu Xiuning let it happen.
He grabbed Xing Shi and pulled him close, causing Xing Shi to lean against him.
Meanwhile, Yan Feng’s momentum carried him straight past them—and into the water with a loud splash.
As the icy water enveloped him, Yan Feng faintly heard a voice near his ear.
[Ding Ding] [Current Favorability Score: -8]
The raft ignored the passengers’ exclamations and drifted several meters downstream in the blink of an eye.
Yan Feng was pulled out of the water by the lifeguards on both sides and placed onto a trainee’s raft waving from behind.
Catching a mouthful of water had him furious beyond belief.
Latecomer Surpasses quickly tried to soothe him. “It’s fine. This plan was risky from the start. Whether Xing Shi drowned unconscious or smashed his head and died accidentally, it was never easy to pull off. Worse, we might’ve been held accountable. If it didn’t work, so be it. Besides, if Xing Shi only got lightly injured, it might delay tomorrow’s plans.”
Yan Feng felt irritable and more foolish than he ever thought possible—utterly foolish.
Seeing his silence, Latecomer Surpasses continued, “Tomorrow is the main event. Let’s just enjoy ourselves for today.”
Yan Feng snapped, “What if tomorrow he dodges again—or worse, ends up throwing me off instead… Wait, where’s my water scoop?”
Latecomer Surpasses hesitated. “It… seems to have fallen into the water with you. It probably drifted away.”
Yan Feng roared, “That thing cost money! Why didn’t you remind me?!”
Latecomer Surpasses fell silent. “…”
At such a critical moment, who would care about something like that?
The rafting boats had no paddles and relied entirely on the water current. Whether or not the trainees’ rafts would meet was purely a matter of luck.
Watching Yan Feng get thrown into the water, Xing Shi wasn’t surprised. He figured Yan Feng likely wouldn’t return.
With the troublemaker out of the picture, he finally focused on enjoying the water.
The raft soon reached another calm zone, much larger and more crowded than the previous one.
Unsurprisingly, they became the center of attention once again.
Unfazed, Xing Shi dove right into the action, ready to fight back at anyone who dared challenge him.
At first, the surrounding people were a little hesitant, but seeing his bold and spirited demeanor, they quickly got into the mood, cheering and joining the battle.
Fu Xiuning, feeling the water splashing in from all directions, silently glanced at the energetic Xing Shi beside him.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone lose their grip on their water scoop, sending it flying toward them. Acting quickly, he pressed Xing Shi’s neck and pulled him into his arms.
Xing Shi, his eyes stinging from the water, buried his face in Fu Xiuning’s shoulder to take cover.
Both of them were wearing life jackets, with a layer of material separating them.
Yet, Fu Xiuning still felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
Earlier, during their close proximity, all their attention had been on Yan Feng, leaving no room for other thoughts. But now, with the warmth under his hand, Fu Xiuning couldn’t help but swallow slightly.
[Ding Ding] [Current Favorability Score: 89]
99 exclaimed, “!”
Top Draw remarked, “…”
Xing Shi’s heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly sat up, avoiding eye contact with his brother.
Fu Xiuning, however, didn’t touch him again. He restrained himself, withdrew his hand, and handed the stray water scoop back to its owner when someone called out for it nearby.
The raft continued its descent, navigating the next set of slopes.
The two maintained a subtle distance and silently rode the raft all the way to the foot of the mountain.
At the changing room, Xing Shi switched into dry clothes and headed to the service area to buy a drink. There, he spotted a row of electric rocking chairs near the entrance.
He picked a Lazy Goat-themed chair and glanced at his brother. “Want to give it a try?”
Fu Xiuning gave him a warm but silent look.
Xing Shi added, “Not to play, just to sit for a moment.”
Fu Xiuning replied, “There’s no point.”
Xing Shi countered, “Do it for me. Maybe it’ll have some point.”
Fu Xiuning stared at him in silence.
Xing Shi met his gaze with a serious expression. “I’m your little brother, after all. Think of it as an early birthday gift for me.”
Fu Xiuning studied him for a moment longer, then turned and walked toward the chair.
Of course, sitting down was out of the question. Young Master Fu merely stood next to the Lazy Goat chair.
Xing Shi’s reflexes were quick, snapping a photo the instant he saw him.
Fu Xiuning paused mid-step when he noticed.
[Ding Ding] [Current Favorability Score: 87]
Xing Shi exclaimed, “!”
99 added, “!”
Fu Xiuning sighed, “…”
Top Draw remarked, “…”
Xing Shi gave an enthusiastic thumbs up. “Perfect.”
He asked sincerely, “Brother, are you sure you don’t want to give it a try?”
Fu Xiuning glanced at the chair beside him, picturing himself sitting in it.
He imagined being photographed by Xing Shi in such a position, then seeing the image printed and hung in their house by this rascal.
[Ding Ding] [Current Favorability Score: 86]
Fu Xiuning replied, “Not sitting.”
Xing Shi knew his brother had probably “sat” in the chair in his mind and figured this was as far as he could push.
From recent experiments, Xing Shi had learned that no matter how annoyed Fu Xiuning got, his Favorability Score wouldn’t drop below 86.
Satisfied, Xing Shi put his phone away and went to rejoin the group.
By now, it was midday. They found a nearby farmhouse-style restaurant for lunch.
News of celebrities visiting the area had already spread, and the restaurant owner, delighted to see them walk in, offered them a discount in exchange for a group photo.
Yan Feng finally experienced something good, holding himself with the detached air of a celebrity as he agreed to both a group photo and a solo shot with the owner.
The trainees admired him. “Brother Feng, you’re amazing!”
Yan Feng said, “You’ll get there one day too.”
He’d gone all out this time, primarily to take down Xing Shi but also due to his system’s advice to win over the others.
Feeling like he was laying the groundwork for future subordinates, Yan Feng discreetly tried to poach people right in front of Fu Xiuning. “Train hard, work seriously, and you’ll get everything you want. If you ever encounter anything difficult or confusing after your debut, you can always reach out to me.”
The trainees responded enthusiastically, “Got it!”
Fu Xiuning pretended not to notice his intentions, leisurely using hot water to clean his and Xing Shi’s utensils before passing them to his brother.
They dined in a private room. By the time they finished, more tourists had arrived outside, many of them fans or social media influencers eager to catch a glimpse of the stars.
Quickly, the group left and returned to the hotel.
Yan Feng hadn’t planned anything for the afternoon. Firstly, constantly scheming would make his intentions too obvious. Secondly, the facilities in the area were expensive, and he didn’t want to waste money.
Faced with the crowd, he seized the chance to announce, “We can’t move around as a group this afternoon—it’ll attract too much attention.”
He said, “We all woke up early this morning. Take the afternoon for yourselves. If you want to nap, head back to your rooms. If you want to explore, feel free, but remember to stay safe. Get a good night’s rest. We’ll be hiking tomorrow morning.”
Everyone agreed and dispersed to their rooms.
Fu Xiuning’s room had the best view. Neither of them was sleepy, so they sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking in the scenery.
Their phones were left charging in the bedroom. Xing Shi quietly told Fu Xiuning what Yan Feng was planning for the next day.
Yan Feng, who rose to fame through a talent competition, had a few obsessive private fans and a group of fervent supporters. Using an alternate account, he’d leaked the next day’s itinerary to them, intending to stir up chaos on the mountain and shove Xing Shi off during the commotion. This way, he could shift the blame onto the fans.
Fu Xiuning looked at him. “Are you going?”
Xing Shi replied, “I can head there later.”
Fu Xiuning nodded, reassured.
They took an afternoon nap before strolling around the nearby area.
The mountain was serene and peaceful. Without a certain annoying individual, it would’ve been the perfect spot to unwind.
For dinner, Fu Xiuning didn’t join Yan Feng and the others. Instead, he took Xing Shi to a specialty restaurant in the area.
The next morning, everyone gathered in the hotel lobby at the agreed time.
Yan Feng scanned the group but didn’t see Xing Shi. He called him, and Fu Xiuning answered. “You all go ahead. We’ll come later.”
Yan Feng said, “It’s fine. No rush. We can wait. There’s a temple up there with decent offerings. We can all go pray together.”
Fu Xiuning replied firmly, “Go ahead.”
Before Yan Feng could argue, Fu Xiuning hung up.
Yan Feng and his system were both stunned. “!”
Yan Feng stared at his phone, feeling like lightning had struck him on a clear day.
Latecomer Surpasses panicked, its entire program feeling like it was about to crash. “We went over so many details, and now the protagonist isn’t even showing up?”
It asked, “Boss, what do we do now?”
Yan Feng, unwilling to give up, had someone from the second group contact Xing Shi.
The response was the same: “The boss said we should go ahead.”
The group began persuading Yan Feng collectively.
Yan Feng was on the verge of exploding but forced himself to keep his composure.
Seeing him storm silently up the mountain, Latecomer Surpasses reminded him dutifully, “The fans are definitely already there, Boss. Be careful.”
Yan Feng didn’t want to talk.
Latecomer Surpasses tried to persuade him. “Um… how about we wait for them on the mountain? Maybe we can find another opportunity?”
Yan Feng erupted. “Those two are sharper than ghosts! What opportunity could I possibly find? You want me to play the idiot like yesterday?!”
Latecomer Surpasses immediately retorted, “How could Boss ever be an idiot?! I absolutely disagree with you calling yourself that! Boss is so powerful!”
Yan Feng snapped, “Shut up!”
Furious, he added, “Stop flattering me! You’re the one who suggested bringing this group along in the first place. And now? The money’s gone, and the target’s still alive!”
Latecomer Surpasses resigned itself to silence.
Yan Feng stormed ahead. Along the way, he ran into some fans, quickly finding himself surrounded.
This was not the location he had initially planned for his scheme. It seemed the fans hadn’t waited at the disclosed spot but had instead wandered further down.
He glanced at the surrounding environment and noticed that the scenic area’s safety measures were thorough, with railings and barriers in place. Falling wasn’t easy here. In other words, even if Xing Shi arrived, he likely wouldn’t get the outcome he wanted.
His anger boiled over, and he lashed out at the private fans, shouting at them on the spot.
The private fans weren’t having it and began yelling back.
The trainees, sensing the escalating tension, quickly stepped in to mediate. It took a long time to pull the two sides apart.
Latecomer Surpasses also tried to calm him down, reminding him to think about his public image.
Yan Feng sneered, “Ha, I’m already fighting for my life. You think I care about that?”
Latecomer Surpasses hesitated for a few seconds and then suggested, “Boss, if worse comes to worst, we can just hire someone. Spend some money and let professionals handle it.”
Yan Feng rejected the idea without a second thought.
It wasn’t about the money. Hiring a hitman would mean leaving evidence that could fall into his opponent’s hands.
The Fu family’s influence in the area was immense, and Fu Xiuning was a complete psychopath. If the hired hand couldn’t withstand Fu Xiuning’s revenge and spilled the truth, Yan Feng’s situation would be no better than it was now, with Xing Shi already holding leverage against him.
This was the kind of thing he couldn’t entrust to anyone. He only trusted himself.
Latecomer Surpasses pleaded, “Spending a little money is no big deal. You can always earn it back in the future.”
Yan Feng said, “It’s not about the money.”
Latecomer Surpasses internally scoffed at the excuse. “Then what is it about?”
Irritated, Yan Feng explained his concerns.
Latecomer Surpasses tried to reason with him. “That’s easy to fix. We can hire a professional and stage the scene to look like an accident. Otherwise, if we do it ourselves, there’s always a risk of being held accountable.”
Yan Feng asked skeptically, “How professional can they be?”
Latecomer Surpasses offered, “I can search around on the dark web for options.”
Yan Feng said, “Tell me how to access the dark web, and I’ll search myself when we get back.”
Latecomer Surpasses was helpless. Ever since Yan Feng had learned systems could absorb souls to recharge, he had grown wary and refused to let it help with sensitive matters. It wasn’t clear when or if that trust would ever be restored.
It sighed. “Fine.”
Meanwhile, as Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning made their way up the mountain, the video of Yan Feng berating the private fans had already begun trending on social media.
Fu Xiuning received a call from the PR department, who explained their plan to shift the narrative and direct public opinion against the private fans. He responded with a simple “Mm” to express his approval.
After ending the call, he pulled up the video online. Watching the chaotic scene, he remained calm and proceeded to the temple.
The two asked the trainees for Yan Feng’s location. Fu Xiuning signaled for Xing Shi to find Feng Zifan while he went ahead on his own.
Yan Feng had just finished an earnest prayer to the God of Wealth when he exited the temple and saw Fu Xiuning standing in the courtyard.
At the same time, the system notification rang in his ears.
[Ding Ding] [Current Favorability Score: -10]
Latecomer Surpasses exclaimed, “!!!”
Yan Feng walked over, muttering under his breath, “Is he insane?!”
Fu Xiuning said calmly, “The PR department called me. Follow me.”
Yan Feng bristled at Fu Xiuning’s commanding tone but swallowed his anger and followed him out to an open area outside the temple.
The area was dotted with a few low trees, their branches adorned with red blessing ribbons. Fu Xiuning glanced at the ribbons idly, letting Yan Feng stew.
After waiting a while, Yan Feng took the initiative to explain, “Those were private fans. They’ll be condemned by everyone. Public opinion won’t come after me.”
Fu Xiuning nodded, casually lifting a ribbon to examine it. With his palm facing himself and his mouth concealed behind his hand, he said, “Then explain the matter of the host.”
Both Yan Feng and Latecomer Surpasses froze. “!!!”
Yan Feng was utterly caught off guard, a chill running from his head to his toes. Stiffly, he asked, “What host?”
Fu Xiuning countered, “You don’t know?”
Yan Feng forced himself to remain calm. “I have no idea, Boss.”
Thinking quickly, he added, “I’ve only heard Xing Shi mention that term before, but isn’t that just some nonsense he made up?”
Fu Xiuning replied, “I don’t think it’s nonsense. It’s quite an interesting topic. I’ve got a list of potential hosts in mind. I’m considering calling them all over for a chat.”
Both Yan Feng and Latecomer Surpasses were in shock. “!!!”
If that happened, those hosts would immediately report the situation to the main system, and they’d be finished!
Yan Feng forced a stiff smile. “Boss, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”
Fu Xiuning said, “You’ll find out soon enough.”
He lowered the blessing ribbon, his gaze soft as he looked at Yan Feng. “Next time you run into private fans, don’t be so impulsive. Don’t let this matter weigh on you.”
With that, he walked past Yan Feng and left.
Yan Feng stood frozen. At this point, private fans were the least of his concerns. He urgently called out to his system.
Latecomer Surpasses didn’t respond.
As part of the main system, it instinctively resisted breaking ties with the larger entity. But its independent personality allowed it to make the most logical decisions in critical moments, like now.
Fu Xiuning already knew about the host situation and might contact the suspected hosts at any moment. Time was of the essence. With Yan Feng’s Favorability Score now at -10, his temper volatile, and his suspicion of the system growing, there was no point in attempting to salvage the situation.
Yan Feng grew increasingly agitated. “I’m talking to you! Are you deaf?!”
He continued, “Can’t you come up with some excuse in the group chat to stop them from bringing their hosts over? We—”
Latecomer Surpasses didn’t let him finish. It raised several barriers within itself and detonated its energy core without hesitation.
A silent explosion reverberated in Yan Feng’s mind.
Before he could finish his sentence, his entire body swayed violently. Wiping his nose, he was stunned to find it bleeding.
Xing Shi, who had been keeping a close watch to arrive at the scene immediately, never let Yan Feng out of his sight.
Seeing this unfold, he quickly approached Fu Xiuning, pretending to glance casually at Yan Feng. He exclaimed, “Brother Feng, what’s wrong?”
Fu Xiuning turned to look and immediately walked over with Xing Shi. The two supported the collapsing Yan Feng together.
A crowd of onlookers, many of whom had been covertly observing the celebrities, was stunned by the scene and quickly gathered around.
Feng Zifan and the others, who had been nearby, were also startled and hurried over.
Xing Shi placed his hand on the back of Yan Feng’s head, pretending to cushion him.
As he felt the energy leaking out in waves, he absorbed it while carefully analyzing the system, ensuring he didn’t accidentally harm Yan Feng.
Their meticulous plan had led to this moment. They intended to use Latecomer Surpasses as an experiment, infusing it with Xing Shi’s energy and sending it back to the main system as a test.
If the main system didn’t send out a group notification after some time, it would mean Top Draw could safely return as well.
Meanwhile, Latecomer Surpasses was utterly disoriented.
It had envisioned everything going smoothly: severing ties with the main system to escape punishment, absorbing Yan Feng’s soul for power, and hiding out for a long time. Perhaps it could even collaborate with other systems to target Fu Xiuning and earn back some favor.
But now, as events unfolded, it realized how naive it had been. First, without energy, it couldn’t run its programs, much less absorb a soul. Second, detonating itself in close quarters had made it the first victim of its own explosion.
Its data was in complete disarray, and it felt dizzy and confused.
In its final moments of consciousness, one thought crossed its mind: Top Draw, you treacherous bastard! I will never forgive you!
