Chapter 14

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Lin Kecheng asked, “This is called -8? Fu Xiuning treats him much better than me!”
The system replied, “Last time it was indeed -8.”
Lin Kecheng immediately understood its meaning.
-8 was the initial value sent when they formed their second alliance. Recently, he had been busy with the school anniversary preparations, while Xing Shi was rehearsing; their alliance had expired three days ago. In other words, Xing Shi was -8 ten days ago, but that might no longer be the case.
He said, “Once the alliance is formed, immediately have the other side send over the favorability points.”
After giving the instruction, he smiled at Xing Shi and asked, “Junior, how’s the preparation going?”
Xing Shi answered, “Pretty good.”
Lin Kecheng leaned forward slightly, reaching out his hand: “Good luck, hope your rehearsal goes smoothly.”
Understanding, Xing Shi put down his fork and shook his hand.
Both systems immediately began working, signing the contract.
Their hands hovered slightly above the table, right in Fu Xiuning’s line of sight.
Fu Xiuning looked over; this was the first time a host had openly formed an alliance right under his nose, and it was his first time witnessing it live.
He already knew the ceremony of alliance and thought it was nothing special, but the next moment he sensed an energy flow.
It was very subtle—if he hadn’t dealt with enough hosts, he wouldn’t have noticed.
Every time he witnessed a system leaving its host, he could feel a wave of energy fluctuation, just like this one.
But when systems were punished, he never felt this, assuming only departure caused it—turns out alliances did too.
This was probably because of the biological barrier; punishments didn’t spill over, but no matter how tightly two hands were clasped, there were always gaps, which he detected.
Could this be the reason Xing Shi formed the alliance?
Xing Shi once again successfully drew a small stream of energy and retracted his hand, satisfied.
The system, requested by the other side to share favorability points, asked the host’s opinion and sent them over.
Worried someone might come looking for him, Lin Kecheng didn’t dare to delve into his consciousness and asked the system, “How much?”
The system replied, “-8.”
Lin Kecheng was puzzled: “How is that possible?”
The system said, “The sharing program can’t fake it. Maybe… Fu Xiuning found the cake annoying and gave it to someone he disliked even more?”
Lin Kecheng didn’t believe it and wanted Xing Shi to offer a piece as well.
So he pushed all the desserts toward Xing Shi: “It’s your first rehearsal, I’ve got a lot to do. You two eat and chat.”
Xing Shi smiled in thanks, saw him wink, and gestured toward Fu Xiuning, recalling his dream of becoming an artist. He then politely picked one up and offered it to Fu Xiuning: “Boss, want some?”
Fu Xiuning’s mind was still on the previous event. Hearing this, he looked at him.
Xing Shi smiled and moved the cake slightly forward.
Fu Xiuning took it, quietly appraising him, and made small talk: “Which number is your performance?”
Xing Shi replied, “In the middle.”
Fu Xiuning asked, “They didn’t let you close the show?”
Xing Shi explained, “The president and others considered it at first, but since most of the trainees besides me aren’t from our school, it wasn’t appropriate. So they placed us in the middle to ensure the event has a continuous climax.”
Fu Xiuning responded with a noncommittal “Hmm,” unconcerned.
He thought that Xing Shi likely formed the alliance just for that energy flow; otherwise, there was no reason to do it weekly.
So currently, Xing Shi was either continuously experimenting or… had already found a clue?

【Beep beep】
【Current favorability value: -7】
Xing Shi was about to pick up some fruit from the cake but paused, glancing at Fu Xiuning.

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Fu Xiuning’s expression was calm; he looked away toward the stage and put the dessert down on the table.
The system was excited: “He’s been looking at you; see, the points just increased again!”
Luckily, after forming an alliance, neither side could see each other’s favorability changes; otherwise, it would have definitely stopped Xing Shi from forming the alliance, since Xing Shi’s favorability with Fu Xiuning always fluctuated, and anyone could tell he was special to Fu Xiuning.
It was also fortunate this increase came after the alliance; otherwise, they’d have to find a reason for the increase, and if next time the alliance reset to -8, Lin Kecheng would have to ask again—such a hassle.
Lin Kecheng was feeling frustrated.
He watched helplessly as Fu Xiuning accepted the dessert, his mindset collapsing: “So last time it was also because Xing Shi gave it to him—why!”
The system struggled to explain, “Because Xing Shi is someone from his company, no matter how much he dislikes him, it’s still better than a stranger…”
Lin Kecheng said, “When he was president, I was also under him, yet he never accepted anything from me!”
The system advised, “Look, he put it back, didn’t eat it.”
Lin Kecheng said, “But he didn’t refuse; he took it!”
The system was silent; if it could accurately analyze Fu Xiuning’s psychology, it would have helped the host succeed in the conquest long ago, not be stuck at -5.
Lin Kecheng tried to maintain a calm expression but, hearing someone call him, immediately went over, deciding to take it slow.
Fu Xiuning was used to hosts studying and comparing his minor actions and felt indifferent.
Last time he accepted Xing Shi’s bag in public and took a piece of cake, though he didn’t eat it; this time, he also didn’t intend to eat.
Meanwhile, Xing Shi was happily eating.
Seeing the president and others come to feed him made him even happier.
Halfway through the cake, Yu Yi approached and asked, “Did the teacher send you?”
Yu Yi shook his head, politely greeted the boss, and, after receiving a response, sat beside Xing Shi quietly: “The backstage is packed; everyone’s watching us.”
Knowing Yu Yi was introverted and only relaxed after getting familiar with people, Xing Shi pushed a dessert toward him: “Have some sweets to calm down.”
Yu Yi glanced at the boss.
Xing Shi said, “Senior Lin bought it.”
Yu Yi felt reassured and unwrapped it.
They didn’t stay long and left after finishing.
Lin Kecheng adjusted his mood and returned to watch the rehearsal with Fu Xiuning, asking, “Senior, what do you think?”
Fu Xiuning said, “It’s okay.”
Lin Kecheng offered some critiques and then talked about some creative small designs for the event, trying to demonstrate his abilities.
Fu Xiuning listened absentmindedly.
He was pondering how to get Xing Shi even closer.
Day students’ routines were mostly classes and training; weekends meant practicing at the company from morning till night, so they didn’t meet often.
His favorability toward Xing Shi fluctuated, but lately, he wasn’t worried about the system recalling him. Yet many exceptions remained unexplained—mainly because they spent too little time together.
He thought for a moment and recalled something.
Xing Shi’s body had a father who, according to the system, seemed to have significant status in the industry, though their relationship was unclear.
If it wasn’t irreconcilably hostile, learning Xing Shi was at his company might prompt him to ask Qi Changyi to help look after him.
Qi Changyi was busy, so naturally, he’d delegate the task, making things straightforward.
The stage performance ended, and the auditorium grew lively as most backstage staff moved forward.
Lin Kecheng straightened up: “Next up is the junior’s group.”
Fu Xiuning snapped back to reality and heard the music start as the first group of trainees came on stage.
Overall, it was decent, though some trainees lacked stage experience and were visibly nervous facing the screaming crowd, causing slight disconnection.
But this was only the first rehearsal; two more were planned, so they should adjust well.
Lin Kecheng finally saw an opportunity: “On the actual day, once they wear their costumes, they’ll look even better.”
Fu Xiuning replied with a “Hmm.”

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Lin Kecheng sighed, “I’ve been hanging out with them a lot lately, hearing their hopes for the future. It’s making me want to be an artist too.”
Half-joking, he said, “But I’m not as talented as they are, so I’d probably just do variety shows. Senior, do you think I have what it takes?”
Before today, Fu Xiuning might have considered this seriously.
But after today, he thought Lin Kecheng was better off staying at school and forming an alliance with Xing Shi weekly.
He said, “You’re more suited to planning.”
Lin Kecheng’s expression stiffened; he forced a smile: “Planning all the time is tiring. I want to try something new.”
Fu Xiuning made no comment.
Lin Kecheng called the system: “Does that mean he doesn’t want me?”
The system was not optimistic either.
Xing Shi had mentioned it to Fu Xiuning once before, and now the host brought it up again. If Fu Xiuning had genuine intentions, he wouldn’t react like that.
The system thought for a moment: “If this path doesn’t work, we’ll try another.”
Lin Kecheng asked, “What do you mean?”
The system said, “The other boss at June Culture is Qi Changyi. If he approves you, you can get in. Once you make a name for yourself, Fu Xiuning will see you again.”
Lin Kecheng naturally knew Qi Changyi—the top star and best actor, hugely popular. He asked, “How do I meet him?”
The system checked its data: “He has a movie coming out soon and will be doing a roadshow nearby. Try to win him over then.”
Fu Xiuning didn’t even furrow his brows.
Qi Changyi had been savvy since entering showbiz at 17 and wouldn’t be easily fooled.
He came today mainly to try to understand the alliance matter.
Having successfully kept Xing Shi with a piece of cake, he had already uncovered the truth and left after watching the company’s show.
Lin Kecheng saw him out, not mentioning the artist matter to avoid annoyance.
He watched Fu Xiuning drive away and instructed the system to message Xing Shi, having him probe Fu Xiuning’s attitude, but to consult him first on what to say.
At this moment, Xing Shi had just gotten into the company car.
Normally, participants had to stay until the rehearsal ended, but due to their special status, they left early.
After hearing the system’s report, he said, “Looks like his artist path isn’t smooth.”
The system commented, “Average looks, unlucky in lotteries, destined for -5, no chance.”
Xing Shi chuckled and was about to close his eyes and relax when his phone rang.
He took it out and saw a message from a famous international director: [Sui Sui, Dad’s new movie is about to release and will be touring near you. Want me to save you a spot?]
He paused silently, then replied, [Okay, sure.]
On the other side, Director He, hearing how quickly the notification came, thought it would be a sarcastic “Hmph.”
He sighed, opened the message, closed it after two seconds, then reopened it and, seeing the message unchanged, was shocked that the kid actually agreed.
No, it couldn’t be that simple!
He called his assistant: “Get extra security for the Z City event.”
The assistant responded, “Don’t worry, we’ll definitely ensure the artist’s safety.”
Director He, feeling like he was defusing a bomb, looked stern: “No, you don’t understand. Get even more.”
The assistant was puzzled: “?”