The Salted Fish is Rebellious – CH75

Chapter 75

Although 99 wasn’t particularly bright, after spending almost a year with Xing Shi, it had come to understand him—if not completely, then at least in part.

Xing Shi was indifferent toward anyone other than Fu Xiuning. Normally, he wouldn’t talk so much, which made this behavior seem off.

Curious, it asked, “Why are you suddenly telling him all this?”

Xing Shi didn’t hide anything. “The Main System is on him.”

99 was stunned. “What?”

Then it quickly added, “But that doesn’t make sense—he doesn’t fit the requirements for a host.”

After the Chai Xiaoyu incident, Xing Shi had asked 99 to go over the trainees’ profiles. There were indeed a few with poor family backgrounds, but Feng Zifan wasn’t among them.

Feng Zifan’s parents were both teachers; his family background and social connections didn’t match the usual profile.

Xing Shi speculated, “Maybe it’s because it’s the Main System and carries more energy.”

99 fumed. “That thing is such trash! Let’s destroy it!”

Xing Shi responded with a quiet “Mm” before chatting with Feng Zifan a bit longer. When the teacher entered the room, he stood up and returned to his spot.

That morning, there was a class scheduled at school, but it wasn’t a major course.

Not wanting to make the trip back and forth, Xing Shi decided to skip it and stay at the company.

After the second lesson ended, he was debating whether to continue training or use the “class” excuse to go upstairs and chat with Fu Xiuning. Just then, the sound of commotion echoed in the hallway.

Moments later, Sang Chenhao entered the training room with two trainees.

That morning, Sang Chenhao had contacted his agent, saying he wanted to come to the company to read scripts.

After a quick review in the lounge, he made his way to the third floor, saying he wanted to find someone to play games with.

With the system’s assistance, he easily locked onto Class 2’s members and followed them into the room. Upon spotting Xing Shi, he walked over with a smile.

“Fortune Awaits,” initially assuming he wouldn’t do anything outrageous, was shocked to see him boldly approach Xing Shi. “What are you doing?”

Sang Chenhao replied, “I’m asking him to play games.”

“Fortune Awaits” warned, “He’s not easily fooled. Approaching him during this sensitive time will likely make him suspicious.”

Sang Chenhao reasoned, “The Main System is already here, and Fu Xiuning knows about the strategy. The probability of completing the task is very low. I’m not from this world, and I’ll have to leave sooner or later. What does it matter if I play a game with him now?”

“Fortune Awaits,” though reluctant, was convinced. Still, it couldn’t help but probe. “You’re not just playing, are you? You’re trying to test if the Main System is on him.”

Sang Chenhao admitted, “Something like that.”

When Xing Shi saw Sang Chenhao approach, he greeted him politely. “Brother Sang.” After hearing the reason for his visit, he said, “I haven’t played in a long time.”

Sang Chenhao smiled. “That’s fine. I’ll carry you. Want to join?”

Xing Shi agreed readily. “As long as you don’t mind me dragging the team down.”

Feng Zifan also played this game and decided to join. After deciding on their positions, they sat in a circle and started the match.

As they played, Sang Chenhao asked casually, “No classes at school today?”

Xing Shi replied, “There is, but I skipped it.”

Sang Chenhao chuckled. “I see.”

He continued naturally, “I saw your trending topic a few days ago. You weren’t hurt, right?”

Xing Shi answered, “I was lucky. I dodged everything.”

Sang Chenhao nodded. “That’s good. Have the police made any progress?”

Xing Shi replied, “No, it’ll probably end up as a cold case. You’ve seen my brother’s trending topic too, right? My opinion aligns with his. What do you think, Brother Sang?”

Sang Chenhao said, “It’s definitely abnormal, but I can’t think of any organization capable of brainwashing people like that. Do you have any guesses?”

Xing Shi responded, “A few, but nothing conclusive yet. What does everyone else think?”

There were other trainees watching nearby, in addition to the ones gaming.

When Xing Shi’s brother’s trending topic had blown up, the trainees thought it was horrifying but didn’t dare ask too much, fearing bad luck. They only discussed it in private.

Now, hearing Xing Shi ask, they shared their speculations enthusiastically.

Xing Shi replied to each one. “Got it. I’ll think it over.”

Sang Chenhao also threw out a couple of wild guesses, glancing at Xing Shi during a lull in the game. In his mind, he said, “The Main System isn’t on him.”

“Fortune Awaits” agreed.

Given Xing Shi’s relationship with Fu Xiuning and the fact that he’d nearly been killed three times, if the Main System were really on him, Xing Shi wouldn’t be this calm—no matter what excuse it gave.

“Fortune Awaits” remarked, “It seems he truly can’t be bound.”

Sang Chenhao, eyes on the screen, suddenly asked, “Have you ever wondered why the Main System can’t bind him?”

“Fortune Awaits” answered, “Of course. It’s because of his strong background.”

Sang Chenhao said, “But the Main System is the world’s ruler.”

“Fortune Awaits” retorted without hesitation, “Even so, the world has its own rules. The Main System can’t act recklessly—it’s only here to oversee and maintain the world, not own it.”

Sang Chenhao chuckled softly. “Oh, I see.”

The match was a casual one and didn’t take long.

When the game ended, it was time for training.

The teacher walked in and was surprised to see Sang Chenhao.

Sang Chenhao explained himself, saying he’d come to the company for scripts and games but wanted to sit in on the lesson.

The teacher, smiling, nodded. These classes were designed for their artists, so of course, he could stay.

Sang Chenhao leaned against the wall and quietly observed.

Xing Shi glanced back at him.

Sang Chenhao had a good temperament. His earlier probing had been casual and non-invasive, and he didn’t press after a few questions.

Both Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning had limited interactions with him and couldn’t quite figure out his intentions yet.

99 was puzzled. “What is he even here for? The Main System hasn’t told us to gather.”

Xing Shi said, “He probably guessed the Main System is in the company and came to check it out.”

99 sighed. “Fine.”

It turned its focus back to Feng Zifan, hoping to glean something from his expression, but it couldn’t detect anything unusual. “Are you sure the Main System is on Feng Zifan?”

Xing Shi replied, “Yes.”

99 decided to keep watching him closely.

The morning’s lessons ended quickly, and it was lunchtime.

As usual, Xing Shi walked with Feng Zifan. Spotting Sang Chenhao nearby, he asked where he was planning to eat.

Sang Chenhao said, “I’ll eat at the company. I’ve been signed here for so long but haven’t tried the cafeteria yet. Might as well take this chance.”

Feng Zifan, who’d had his worldview shaken several times that day, subtly studied Sang Chenhao and asked his system, “Is he one of yours too?”

The Main System gave a lukewarm affirmation.

Sang Chenhao had been a host in the previous world, delaying it slightly. After being sent here, he hadn’t made any progress.

While it was pleased to see Sang Chenhao getting along with Xing Shi, being too obvious wouldn’t do. Just as it debated whether to message Sang Chenhao’s system, its attention was suddenly drawn to someone at the cafeteria entrance.

Through the glass walls, sunlight poured in, outlining a figure in a thin jacket. His presence was warm yet distant, commanding attention effortlessly.

The person who had forced it to descend into this world: Fu Xiuning.

The Main System’s emotions roiled with hatred and greed as it coldly muttered, “Fu Xiuning.”

Feng Zifan’s heart leapt, terrified it would act, but to his relief, it didn’t make a move.

Xing Shi walked up and took Fu Xiuning’s hand. “Why are you standing outside?”

Fu Xiuning said, “I just got here. They said you were right behind, so I waited.”

He glanced at Sang Chenhao. “You came together?”

Sang Chenhao used his script review and class auditing as an excuse, adding that he wanted to grab a meal before leaving.

Just then, a few trainees greeted someone with, “Hello, Sister Li.” They looked over to see Li Yu walking toward them with a cool expression.

Li Yu paused when she saw the group, then continued forward.

Sang Chenhao greeted her with a smile. “Sister Li, you’re eating here today too?”

Li Yu studied him briefly before replying, “I was out for a walk and ended up nearby. I didn’t have anyone to eat with, so I came here. What about you?”

Sang Chenhao repeated his earlier excuse and offered, “How about I join you?”

Li Yu agreed easily. “Sure.”

After exchanging a few words, Xing Shi chimed in, “I received the souvenir you sent last time, Sister Li. I love it. Thank you.”

Li Yu’s expression softened slightly. “Glad you like it.”

Under the watchful eyes of onlookers, the group entered the cafeteria together.

As they walked, Fu Xiuning listened to two overlapping conversations.

In one, Sang Chenhao speculated that Li Yu had come for the Main System. In the other, Li Yu and her system discussed whether Sang Chenhao was a host of “Fortune Awaits” or someone directly chosen by the Main System, ultimately leaning toward the former.

Digesting this influx of information, Fu Xiuning glanced at Xing Shi.

Noticing the look, Xing Shi guessed Fu Xiuning had overheard both conversations. In response, he discreetly wrote the words “Main” and “Feng” in Fu Xiuning’s palm.

Fu Xiuning squeezed Xing Shi’s hand slightly, understanding his message.

Seeing Feng Zifan preparing to split off, Xing Shi called out, “You’ve debuted already—why head to the smaller cafeteria?”

Feng Zifan glanced at Fu Xiuning, noting no objection, and sought his system’s approval.

The Main System, pleased with his deference, instructed, “Go ahead and sit with Fu Xiuning’s group.”

Feng Zifan said, “I’ll try.”

The Main System, knowing Fu Xiuning disliked being crowded, found this acceptable. “If Xing Shi doesn’t invite you, sit with Sang Chenhao and Li Yu instead. They’re mine too.”

Feng Zifan held back a breath. “Got it.”

Pretending to admire them, he asked, “You have so many impressive people. Who else is on your side?”

The Main System retorted coldly, “Don’t ask. You’ll know when it’s time.”

Feng Zifan asked, “As a rookie, how can I sit at the same table as them?”

The Main System assured, “With me backing you, there’s no need to worry.”

Feng Zifan agreed and followed them into the smaller cafeteria.

In the end, the Main System didn’t need to intervene.

Xing Shi, still high from gaming with Sang Chenhao and grateful to Li Yu for her gift, felt like they were all one big family. Since it was such a rare coincidence, he suggested everyone sit together for a lively meal.

Looking expectantly at Fu Xiuning, he asked, “Brother?”

Fu Xiuning studied him for a moment. After two seconds, he nodded, perfectly embodying the image of someone reluctantly compromising for love despite being in a honeymoon phase.

Turning to the others, he said warmly, “Let’s eat together.”

The boss had spoken; naturally, Sang Chenhao and the others complied.

The small cafeteria’s round table finally saw some use as everyone picked up their food and took their seats.

Xing Shi was the last to return, bringing back his tray. Taking the utensils from Fu Xiuning’s hand, he discreetly exchanged a glance with him.

When they had decided to initiate the purge plan to force the Main System to reveal itself, they had already prepared for what came next.

Now, it was time.