The Salted Fish is Rebellious – CH9

Chapter 9

Xing Shi and the trainees’ classes lasted 45 to 60 minutes each.

After their last class, they approached the dance instructor to discuss the Z University anniversary celebration and asked for help choreographing a routine.

The instructors exchanged a look at Xing Shi.

No wonder the boss had been asking about him—it turned out they were schoolmates.

Since it was the boss’s alma mater hosting the celebration and he’d be attending, the instructors understood the importance and agreed readily.

The trainees cheered, thanking the instructors before seeing them off. Excited, they clamored to treat their “good brother” to a meal, insisting that without him, they wouldn’t have had this opportunity.

The “good brother” deftly avoided their attempts to drape arms over his shoulders. “Not tonight—I’ve got plans.”

He emphasized, “Just tonight, though. Rain check, alright? Don’t forget.”

The group laughed and shouted, “We won’t. Now get going!”

Xing Shi arrived at the parking lot and sent a message to Fu Xiuning.

When Fu Xiuning came down, he immediately spotted Xing Shi standing by his car. Almost as soon as he noticed him, Xing Shi looked back and flashed a radiant smile, waving enthusiastically.

Under the lights, his eyes seemed to reflect a soft glow. Paired with his warm-toned clothes, he looked positively dazzling.

He greeted, “Boss~”

[Beep Beep]
[Current Favorability: -9]

Xing Shi: “?”

The system: “!”

Fu Xiuning’s eyes darkened slightly as he replied with a composed nod and got into the car.

Xing Shi climbed in after him and reached for his seatbelt.

The system muttered, “What’s going on? Has he finally remembered you saved his life?”

Sensing an opportunity, Xing Shi made a bold request: “I’m sleepy. Give me a Tier 2 punishment.”

The system fell silent.

Xing Shi waited three seconds. “Do it.”

The system suggested hesitantly, “Why don’t you just tell Fu Xiuning something came up and go home to sleep instead?”

Xing Shi countered, “…I’m already in the car. If I ditch him now, won’t I lose points?”

“Not necessarily,” the system replied. “I’ve realized we can’t predict his reactions using common sense.”

Clutching onto the precious -9 score, it added, “But one thing seems clear: the longer you spend with him, the more he dislikes you. So let’s just go back and regroup.”

Xing Shi: “?”

Has Fu Xiuning traumatized you or something?

He refused. “No, I want to eat.”

The system knew there was no hope of changing his mind and braced itself nervously.

Realizing the Tier 2 punishment request wasn’t going to happen, Xing Shi turned to Fu Xiuning. “Boss, where are we eating?”

Fu Xiuning smoothly drove out of the parking lot. “Do you have any preferences?”

“I’m fine with anything. Your call,” Xing Shi replied.

“Then I’ll take you to Linlan Garden,” Fu Xiuning said.

Xing Shi didn’t recognize the name but agreed. “Alright.”

After consulting the system, he learned it was a members-only Chinese courtyard restaurant and was satisfied.

Fu Xiuning had a stellar reputation at school. If he publicly announced he was treating someone to thank them, whether he truly felt grateful or not, he wouldn’t risk losing face by picking a cheap place.

This was one of the main reasons Xing Shi had changed his mind about refusing.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at their destination.

Linlan Garden boasted a traditional courtyard style, complete with rock formations, flowing water, and pavilions. The night had fallen, and the winding corridors were lit with lanterns, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Private dining rooms were scattered throughout the grounds, and the attentive staff moved with practiced grace. The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air.

When Fu Xiuning asked about Xing Shi’s food preferences, Xing Shi simply said, “I’ll leave it to you.”

Fu Xiuning ordered a few signature dishes, dismissed the server, and picked up his teacup, sipping lightly with his eyes lowered.

Xing Shi happened to catch this moment and genuinely thought, Setting aside his personality, this strategy target is really good-looking. Everything about him exudes the elegance of a privileged upbringing. He’s a delight to the eyes.

Sensing Xing Shi’s gaze, Fu Xiuning looked up and met his eyes.

Xing Shi asked, “Boss, do you come here often?”

“Occasionally,” Fu Xiuning replied.

That reassured Xing Shi—if it was one of his regular spots, the food shouldn’t be bad.

Fu Xiuning added, “Their chopped pepper fish head is exceptional. You should try it.”

Xing Shi’s eyes lit up. “Great!”

Fu Xiuning withdrew his gaze.

The afternoon spent deliberating reached a conclusion the moment he sent Xing Shi that message.

He suspected that the many exceptions surrounding Xing Shi might be a deliberate ploy by the main system. Perhaps it had finally realized that Fu Xiuning could hear the systems and hosts and had intentionally brought Xing Shi into the picture to lure him in.

However, if it was all truly coincidental, then Xing Shi, as the first exception in five years, warranted further investigation.

There was just one problem. Based on Fu Xiuning’s years of observations, the main system seemed to place significant importance on energy. If Xing Shi kept requesting Tier 2 punishments, the main system might notice the anomaly, correct the oversight, and recall him.

Unless… Fu Xiuning maintained close contact with Xing Shi, convincing the main system that Xing Shi was valuable and postponing any decision.

This left Fu Xiuning with two options.

The first was to disregard whether Xing Shi’s exceptions were a trap and immediately throw resources at him to fast-track his debut.

Though Xing Shi’s foundation was weak, he could learn gradually. With enough backing and his physical attributes, even if he couldn’t achieve massive stardom, minor fame would be attainable. Xing Shi would then follow the path of past hosts, working tirelessly to generate profit until the main system eventually summoned him back.

The second option was to keep Xing Shi around.

If Xing Shi was a trap, Fu Xiuning could observe and uncover what the main system was plotting. If he wasn’t a trap, the choice would be risky. Fu Xiuning would inevitably have more frequent interactions with Xing Shi, and his favorability score fluctuated wildly in Xing Shi’s presence.

His true feelings of like or dislike were beyond his control, increasing the risk of exposure.

In fact, that risk had already materialized today.

At lunch, he lost one point while drinking congee. This happened because his thoughts wandered after hearing Lin Kecheng’s schemes. Xing Shi and the others had no idea and could only make random guesses. But the one-point drop in the elevator was genuinely problematic. From Xing Shi’s perspective, it might not seem strange given previous inexplicable point deductions, but next time might not be so lucky.

If Xing Shi’s system figured it out, the main system and all other systems would know instantly.

Fu Xiuning took another sip of tea, his gaze calm and steady.

He was no longer the high schooler who, upon realizing he was being targeted for a strategy, anxiously tried to distance himself from relentless hosts while pretending to be composed. Back then, he was consumed with adjusting his emotions, terrified of slipping up.

Even if he were once again attempting to exploit his proximity to a host to extract someone from the system, he was no longer the naïve fool he had been in high school. He held no expectations for human nature, felt no fear of being backstabbed by a host, and wouldn’t be disappointed if it happened again.

He chose the second path.

Xing Shi’s decision to suddenly change his mind tonight stemmed partly from curiosity about Fu Xiuning’s motives.

Unfortunately, despite observing for half the evening and nearly finishing the meal, Xing Shi couldn’t discern Fu Xiuning’s intentions. It really did seem like a simple gesture of gratitude for saving his life.

Was that why their first meeting had earned a one-point increase in favorability?

Yet Xing Shi hadn’t heard any notification after saving Fu Xiuning earlier, revealing the latter’s cold indifference. He doubted any delayed gratitude was genuine.

Reflecting on the day, Xing Shi reported his progress: “Senior Lin was very supportive, and the instructor agreed to help choreograph our routine.”

Fu Xiuning, recognizing Xing Shi’s laziness, replied, “Mm. Make sure to practice well.”

Seeing no trace of displeasure on Fu Xiuning’s face, Xing Shi abandoned further probing and focused on eating.

It was then that Lin Kecheng’s message arrived.

[Lin Kecheng]: Junior, I told the president about you inviting outside performers. Everyone’s really invested in your program. Could you find time to create a group chat and add me and the participating trainees? That way, we can coordinate rehearsals and stage effects more efficiently.

[Xing Shi]: Sure, I’ll set it up tonight.

[Lin Kecheng]: Great. By the way, I still owe you a meal. When are you free?

[Xing Shi]: You’re too polite, Senior. No need.

[Lin Kecheng]: That won’t do. I insist. If you run into Senior Fu at the company, try to bring him along too. Our ‘survivors’ club’ deserves at least one celebratory drink, don’t you think? [Laughs]

Xing Shi replied with an “Okay” and relayed the message to Fu Xiuning.

Fu Xiuning instantly understood Lin Kecheng’s intentions—it was an attempt to use Xing Shi as a bridge to arrange a meeting with him.

As someone who was both Fu Xiuning’s employee and savior, Xing Shi was a new piece on Lin Kecheng’s chessboard.

Lin Kecheng believed himself to be the chosen one. His system, not wanting to dent his confidence, hadn’t revealed the existence of other hosts. While Xing Shi’s system had informed him, Xing Shi clearly hadn’t paid attention to who the others might be.

Fu Xiuning extended his hand. “Mind if I take a look?”

Xing Shi handed over his phone.

Fu Xiuning scanned the group chat discussion. Lin Kecheng clearly intended to infiltrate, turning the trainees in the chat into pawns for his schemes.

He advised, “Don’t get too close to him.”

Curious, Xing Shi asked, “Hm?”

Fu Xiuning explained, “He rose from an unknown, introverted nobody to become the arts department head in a short time. His methods were far from clean. Try to minimize contact with him. Today’s incident was also his doing. He claims it was for my benefit, but let’s wait for the police investigation to confirm.”

Pondering the layers in that statement, Xing Shi nodded obediently.

He then called out to his system, “You mentioned there were other hosts besides me, right?”

“Yes,” the system replied.

“Do you know who they are?” Xing Shi asked.

“No. I’m only assigned to you.”

“Oh,” Xing Shi murmured. “Do you think…”

Fu Xiuning returned the phone at that moment.

As Xing Shi reached out to take it, he continued, “Could Lin Kecheng possibly be…”

The phone slipped slightly, and Xing Shi instinctively reached forward. Fu Xiuning lifted his hand to steady it, and their hands ended up touching over the phone.

“…a host?”

[Beep Beep]
[Current Favorability: -8]

Having planned to reveal Lin Kecheng’s background, Fu Xiuning had anticipated a potential fluctuation in favorability and preemptively taken the phone.

The timing was impeccable.

He calmly pulled his hand back, his ears filled with the system’s jubilant cries.

“You touched hands, and he gave you a point!”

“Ahhh, it’s like New Year’s!”

“My -8 is back!”