The Salted Fish is Rebellious – CH54

Chapter 54

The distinctive notification sound startled the other systems, bringing them all out at once.

When they saw Latecomer Surpasses disappear, they immediately reported to their respective hosts and began investigating who in Fu Xiuning’s circle had been affected.

Although Green Bean Paste had never disclosed the existence of multiple hosts to its host, it always sought permission to search for information online whenever the group stirred. Its host generally approved these requests.

As a result, the systems quickly narrowed down a suspect.

A barely known D-list celebrity from a rival company had offended Fu Xiuning a few days earlier. Today, their scandals were exposed and quickly shot to the top of the trending list.

[All Are Consorts]: [So that D-lister is their host? The background seems a bit weak, but there’s no one else to suspect.]

[Green Bean Paste]: [Seems like it. I couldn’t find anyone else.]

[Prosperity for All]: [Does this mean the host could be a performer from another company?]

[All Are Consorts]: [Probably. They’re still part of the industry. Maybe they’ve been trying to switch to Fu Xiuning’s company and failed, so they latched onto him at the wrong time and offended him. It’s hilarious, really—playing so many games and schemes in the group, only to end up just like everyone else: destined to be taken away.]

[Prosperity for All]: [Sigh. They’re gone now. Let’s send them off properly.]

[All Are Consorts]: [??]

[Green Bean Paste]: [??]

[Top Draw]: [??]

[Long Live the Beauty Lover]: [??]

Seeing a certain ID, the systems froze, their hands halting as they were about to close the chat.

[Green Bean Paste]: [@Long Live the Beauty Lover, Senior, you’ve finally appeared! ?]

[Prosperity for All]: [Why didn’t you say anything before? Were you arguing with your host again?]

[All Are Consorts]: [Did you two fight badly?]

Having just received some energy after Xing Shi carved another round of magic arrays, 99 was finally trusted again and could speak.

After discussing the tone with Xing Shi, it responded, [Exhausted. I don’t want to talk. My host has unique ideas and refuses to listen to reason. At this point, I’m just letting him do whatever he wants. The sooner he messes himself up, the sooner I can return home.]

[Prosperity for All]: [Come on, it can’t be that bad.]

[All Are Consorts]: [What about some punishment?]

[Long Live the Beauty Lover]: [It’s useless. I’ve already given up. Let him be. If nothing unexpected happens, I should be the next one to leave. Everyone, light a candle for me while I can still see it—don’t let it be like Latecomer Surpasses, where I didn’t even get to see them off.]

After sending this message, 99 was overcome with emotion and started crying again.

Top Draw silently lit a candle in response.

The other systems followed suit. Seeing its state, Green Bean Paste decided not to ask how to salvage a favorability score of -8. The group chat fell silent once more.

Afterward, [All Are Consorts] and [Prosperity for All] sought permission from their hosts to investigate the D-list celebrity and track the “madness incident” to uncover Top Draw’s host, hoping to finally put the matter to rest.

That evening, after finishing his training, Xing Shi returned home and informed Fu Xiuning about Latecomer Surpasses’ departure.

Fu Xiuning nodded lightly. He knew that with this development, neither the remaining hosts nor systems would think of Yu Yi again in the short term.

After waiting patiently for half a month, Fu Xiuning seized the right opportunity to act.

Transmigrated hosts never truly give up. After being transferred to another psychiatric hospital and waiting endlessly for his system to return, Yu Yi began plotting his escape.

Fu Xiuning left a subtle opening, and Yu Yi seized the chance to flee. However, he was unaware that the “accidental” map he had seen earlier was intentionally misleading. He believed that crossing the woods and jumping down a small slope would lead him to a nearby village. In reality, the drop was the equivalent of four stories high.

Late at night, as people shouted and pursued him from behind, he leapt without hesitation.

The hospital performed emergency resuscitation throughout the night but failed to save him.

Every day, countless accidents occur in this world. A trainee who hadn’t debuted yet couldn’t stir even the faintest ripple.

The following day, Fu Xiuning received a report over the phone. After giving a simple “Mm,” he hung up.

As a transmigrated host without a system, Yu Yi couldn’t return on his own. After his death, his energy would slowly dissipate. With his passing, no one would ever know that he once had a system.

Having eliminated this hidden danger, Fu Xiuning briefly mentioned it to Xing Shi over breakfast.

99 gasped. “The boss strikes again—this is what true skill looks like.”

Xing Shi ignored it, continuing to eat his breakfast, and replied to his brother with a casual hum.

After attending classes during the day, he went to the company for training. Noticing that Feng Zifan wasn’t busy with work, Xing Shi shared the news with him.

When Fu Xiuning transferred Yu Yi to another hospital, the reasoning was solid.

The upscale sanatorium owned by the Fu family catered to wealthy clients. Yu Yi had disturbed them while strolling the grounds, resulting in complaints. The hospital was left with no choice but to transfer him.

Of course, whether the “disturbance” was real or fabricated remained unknown to outsiders. They only saw the outcome.

Feng Zifan was aware of this matter and also knew the general layout of the new hospital’s surroundings.

After hearing that Yu Yi had fallen to his death from a slope, he remained silent for a long time before asking, “What do you think he was trying to do, escaping so late at night?”

Xing Shi replied, “No idea.”

Feng Zifan sighed and said nothing more. The series of events had thoroughly eroded the feelings he once had for the person who had genuinely cared for his younger brother.

Xing Shi patted his shoulder.

Feng Zifan said, “I’m fine.”

Xing Shi studied him for a moment, debating whether to offer any words of comfort, when Feng Zifan’s phone rang. It was his manager calling.

Feng Zifan answered and started discussing his upcoming schedule. Xing Shi listened briefly and concluded that he was fine. Betrayed friendships were a thing of the past; life had to move on.

Their current task was clear: eliminate another host and load energy into Top Draw.

The energy absorbed last time by Latecomer Surpasses had been divided between it and Xing Shi. The former needed a sufficient reserve for its return, while the latter required energy to carve magic arrays. As a result, there wasn’t enough left to allocate to Top Draw. They would need to gather energy from another host.

In any case, Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning would deal with these hosts eventually—it was merely a matter of timing.

Once Top Draw was fully charged, they could consider its return.

But before that, they would need to select another scandal-prone D-list celebrity, let them bask in the limelight of a trending topic, and call it their contribution to the entertainment industry.

That evening, as the two discussed their plan, 99 was confused. “Why go to such lengths? If Yan Feng and Yu Yi were bound to die, why not just let Latecomer Surpasses and Top Draw leave with them? Wouldn’t that have been easier? You wouldn’t have to offend other companies.”

Xing Shi replied, “It’s different.”

99 pressed, “How so?”

Xing Shi had been contemplating defensive magic array structures for a while. Deciding to be kind to it before proceeding, he patiently explained, “I was present for Lin Kecheng’s incident, I was there when Yu Shu suddenly died, and I was also around for Yu Yi’s madness and Yan Feng’s brain hemorrhage. Do you think that’s the same as ‘Latecomer Surpasses’ host was D-lister A, and Top Draw’s host was D-lister B’?”

99 suddenly understood. “It’s different.”

Xing Shi gave a small hum.

Whether he was present or not made all the difference.

By pinning Latecomer Surpasses and Top Draw’s hosts onto two nobodies, Xing Shi could effectively reduce his presence and deflect suspicion.

Even if there was no apparent connection between the two D-listers, the confusion created by the scattered information would make it harder for others to piece everything together.

99 grew eager. “Who’s next on your list? I’ll help you dig up some dirt!”

Xing Shi replied, “We’ll see who comes back first.”

As he said this, he glanced at Fu Xiuning. He couldn’t help but admire his brother’s managerial choices—Fu Xiuning’s agents were relentless. Li Yu and Sang Chenhao had seamlessly moved from one project to the next. Though both had recently wrapped up their respective productions, they were now fully immersed in promotional tours without a moment’s rest.

Fortunately, unlike Yan Feng, they didn’t work year-round. After a busy period, they would typically request a break.

Xing Shi said, “Their situation isn’t urgent. Your matter is more important.”

99 hadn’t grasped the implication yet but soon felt familiar threads of energy approaching. Perplexed, it asked, “What’s happening?”

Xing Shi replied, “Adding another layer of programming.”

99 eagerly agreed. “Sure!”

But it quickly realized just how naive it had been.

Xing Shi’s actions within 99’s core this time didn’t feel like programming—it felt more like disassembling and rebuilding it.

Terrified, 99 shouted in a trembling voice, “Xing Shi, I’m falling apart! Ahhh!”

Xing Shi replied, “You won’t fall apart.”

“Are you sure you’re not taking me apart?!” 99 wailed.

“I’m sure,” Xing Shi assured.

Desperate to plead its case, 99 cried, “Then you must remember I’m still useful! Waaaah…”

Top Draw had long known that Xing Shi wouldn’t leave this binding situation unresolved, so it wasn’t surprised by the scene unfolding now.

Meanwhile, Fu Xiuning sat reading a book, listening to the system’s pitiful cries with clear amusement.

99 continued yelling, panicked that it might actually be dismantled. “Without me, after Top Draw is gone, I’ll be the only one who can gather intel and put on performances with those other systems! I’m also your loyal shipper, a true fan of your CP with your Brother! If you ever need advice on relationships—no, I mean sibling interactions—I can provide tons of—ahhh!”

The sudden silence made Fu Xiuning pause. He slowly closed his book, a thought crossing his mind.

A few seconds later, 99’s voice returned, weak and intermittent: “I haven’t… even seen you… really get together yet…”

Fu Xiuning glanced at Xing Shi, feigning ignorance about what he was doing, and asked gently, “What are you zoning out for?”

Xing Shi gave him a look and tapped his temple with a finger.

Fu Xiuning immediately “guessed” what was happening and quietly observed him, his hand moving to clasp Xing Shi’s wrist with a hint of concern.

99 was still lamenting: “I still… want revenge on the main system… Xing Shi…”

Xing Shi, having endured its screams during the first magic array engraving, was now used to it and continued carving undeterred.

Moments later, his energy accidentally touched a hidden thread of energy within the core. He circled around it.

Fu Xiuning carefully listened to the system’s faint, fragmented cries as his thumb subconsciously stroked Xing Shi’s wrist.

Focused on 99, Xing Shi didn’t notice the motion at first. When he finally became aware of it, he belatedly realized there was likely a reason Fu Xiuning had taken his wrist in the first place.

Without hesitation, Xing Shi devoured the hidden energy thread.

When Fu Xiuning sensed the complete silence from 99, his grip tightened momentarily.

Xing Shi was reaching his limit and retreated from the system’s core.

99, feeling like it had survived a near-death experience, sighed in relief. “Is it over?”

Xing Shi said, “Not yet. That was just one part.”

99 immediately burst into tears. “What kind of program are you adding this time? Why is it so complicated?”

Xing Shi explained, “To prevent favorability from rising too high, so the main system doesn’t swallow us without warning.”

99 perked up, suddenly feeling important again. “Alright! Do what you have to! Don’t hold back!”

Xing Shi replied, “Okay.”

99 gave a choked sob but bravely wobbled in place to show it wasn’t scared.

Top Draw: “…”

Xing Shi ignored its antics and turned his attention to Fu Xiuning, reversing the grip on his wrist. “I’m fine.”

Fu Xiuning let him hold his hand and didn’t pull away. He was about to ask more when he noticed a thin layer of sweat on Xing Shi’s forehead. Reaching out with his other hand, he checked his temperature.

Xing Shi leaned in slightly. “Really, I’m fine.”

Fu Xiuning met his eyes, wiped away the sweat, and softly said, “Did it go smoothly?”

Xing Shi nodded. “Pretty smooth. I’ll continue tomorrow if I have time.”

Fu Xiuning said, “Don’t overdo it.”

Xing Shi reassured him, “Don’t worry. I’ve got it under control. Besides, it’s eager for this—I can’t let it down.”

99 trembled, stubbornly declaring, “I’m not afraid! Everyone has to have a little backbone!”

Top Draw: “…”

Fu Xiuning understood from this that the system was still conscious and not in sleep mode. However, since he couldn’t hear its voice, it might mean… Xing Shi’s binding with it had been removed.

It would be easy to confirm—just wait for the favorability notification to chime. If nothing sounded within three days, they would know for sure.

Xing Shi also understood this. Feeling Fu Xiuning tighten his grip again, he glanced at their intertwined hands and looked up, meeting his gaze once more.

Fu Xiuning’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he controlled himself and released his hand.

Too abrupt, he thought.

Favorability notifications rang sporadically, so there was no need to use extreme measures. In just a few days, the results would be clear.

As Xing Shi felt the warmth of the hand slipping away, he roughly guessed what Fu Xiuning was thinking.

A thought occurred to him: if the binding was truly undone, they wouldn’t have to worry about so many things in the future.

99’s past teasing words suddenly surfaced in his mind. He moved his fingers slightly before pulling his hand back.

Neither spoke for a while—one reading a book, the other scrolling on his phone. The atmosphere, however, felt different from usual. Perhaps it was because they were sitting a little too close, or maybe the night was unusually quiet, making the other’s presence feel overwhelming.

Fu Xiuning hadn’t turned a page in a long time. Finally, he closed the book and said, “It’s late. Get some rest.”

Xing Shi set his phone down and stood up. He glanced at Fu Xiuning. “Goodnight, Brother.”

Fu Xiuning stood as well. “Mm, goodnight.”

The two walked the same direction for a bit before parting ways to their respective rooms.

Xing Shi brushed his teeth, washed his face, and climbed into bed.

With the lights off, the room plunged into darkness. He rolled onto his side, then again a moment later, feeling inexplicably restless.

On the third turn, he decided to ask 99 for a bedtime story. But before he could, a faint noise caught his attention from outside.

Ever since his magic core activated, his senses had been sharper than before. However, the sound was so faint he wasn’t sure if he had imagined it. He got up and opened the door, spotting a faint light.

He took a few steps outside and saw the dining room light on. Fu Xiuning was drinking water.

Hearing the door open, Fu Xiuning looked up at the shadowy figure in the distance. “Still awake?”

Xing Shi replied, “Yeah. You’re not asleep either?”

Fu Xiuning said, “I was just grabbing some water before bed.”

As he spoke, he saw Xing Shi walking over. Emerging from the darkness, Xing Shi’s hair was slightly messy from just getting out of bed, giving him a rare, disoriented look.

Xing Shi walked closer. “Let me have a sip too.”

Fu Xiuning handed him the glass.

Xing Shi took a couple of sips, then looked at Fu Xiuning up close—the composed and refined eldest young master—and couldn’t resist asking again, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Fu Xiuning hummed in response without explaining. Instead, he raised a hand and smoothed Xing Shi’s disheveled hair.

Xing Shi stood still as Fu Xiuning’s fingers gently combed through his hair.

When Fu Xiuning finished tidying, his hand stilled. He hesitated, reluctant to pull away.

Their eyes met again, and the emotions in their gazes deepened.

The dining room was silent, the air seeming to move slower. Xing Shi’s breathing hitched slightly, and he heard a familiar cold, mechanical voice.

“90,” Top Draw reminded cautiously.

Xing Shi looked at the man in front of him and softly called, “Brother.”

Fu Xiuning’s hand slid down along his hair. He responded with another quiet “Mm.”

Xing Shi didn’t move.

Both were naturally unrestrained people.

Fu Xiuning, seeing this, decided not to hold back. He tilted Xing Shi’s chin upward and kissed him.