Chapter 18

The moment Fu Xiuning saw Xing Shi, he sensed that the favorability score was likely to shift.

But resistance was futile; the notification sounded regardless.

He tried to look at Xing Shi calmly, to avoid jumping back too quickly, and asked, “Did you dye your hair?”

Xing Shi toned down his overly radiant smile.

Fu Xiuning thought to himself, being too handsome really is a curse; he was truly sinful, and said, “Yeah, the stylist said it would look good.”

He had no concept of “mi-jin” or “light wisteria pink” before today; only after seeing the wig samples did he understand the exact colors.

The stylist wanted to dye him light wisteria pink, claiming it gave a first-love vibe. But he found mi-jin resembled his hair color in the magical world, so he chose that, hoping for good luck. He planned to change it after he finished dismantling the system.

The stylist also liked the mi-jin color and promptly dyed it for him.

The pale gold with a creamy white base, somewhere between camel and white, was not as cool as silver-white but had a softer tone. Paired with Xing Shi’s clarity beyond his years, the overall effect was undeniably refined.

If the light wisteria pink Xing Shi appeared bright and lively, then the mi-jin Xing Shi was noble and mysterious. Yet, when he smiled, it was beautiful and full of spirit—captivating indeed.

Fu Xiuning suppressed the emotions flickering in his eyes. “There will be many people at the place we’re going. Is there a hat upstairs?”

Xing Shi said, “Yes, I’ll go get it.”

As he turned around, the notification sounded again.

[Beep Beep]

[Current Favorability: -5]

He stepped into the elevator, waited silently for a few seconds, and asked, “Did it disconnect?”

System: “Nope.”

Xing Shi: “So steady this time?”

System gave a sigh: “Once you dyed your hair, I figured the score might go up, and I knew he’d struggle, so there it goes again.”

It was unfazed: “Good news is it only dropped by 1 point. Now we’re tied with Lin Kecheng. Soon enough, we’ll surpass him. No rush—keep calm.”

Xing Shi thought, “Now you’re comforting me?” and said, “Yeah, no rush.”

The trainees had just finished class and, upon seeing him approach, immediately exclaimed, “Whoa!”

Feng Zifan looked at him as he came over and quietly inhaled: “Are you going to leave anyone else a chance?”

Xing Shi raised an eyebrow with a smile: “Can’t help it, it’s natural. Give me your baseball cap.”

Feng Zifan said, “Why bother with a hat? Just go eat.”

Xing Shi replied, “I have to go out.”

Hearing this, Feng Zifan not only handed over the hat but also gave him an unopened mask, reminding him to stay safe on the way.

Xing Shi grabbed both items and headed back to the parking lot.

Before exiting the elevator, he put on the hat, saw Fu Xiuning already in the car, and got into the passenger seat.

Fu Xiuning watched as he fastened his seatbelt.

Xing Shi looked down slightly; the brim of his hat obscured part of his brow and eyes, but the exposed half of his face was beautifully contoured—still very attractive.

Fu Xiuning withdrew his gaze.

He had long known that he liked this person’s face.

Fu Xiuning started the car and slowly drove out, his expression calm.

But by the time he realized this, the other’s soul had already dissipated—no chance to truly know him.

[Beep Beep]

[Current Favorability: -6]

Xing Shi kept his gaze straight ahead, calm as ever.

System shouted, “Why did it drop again?”

Xing Shi said, “He’s struggling.”

System: “But that’s too fast! How can he be so stubborn? There’s no shame in admitting love at first sight!”

Xing Shi returned the words to it: “No rush, keep calm.”

System: “...”

It was Friday evening rush hour; the road was congested, stopping several times before finally getting on the highway.

***

Xing Shi was curious: “Boss, where are we going?”

Fu Xiuning said, “The airport.”

Xing Shi asked, “Who are we picking up?”

Fu Xiuning’s lips curved slightly: “Director He and Qi Changyi.”

He patiently explained, “I told you a few days ago that Qi Changyi was coming for a roadshow, remember? Their flight is today.”

Xing Shi was surprised—he’d thought they’d arrive tomorrow.

He asked, “Are we having dinner with them tonight?”

Fu Xiuning nodded: “It’s a rare opportunity. I’m bringing you to meet them.”

Xing Shi looked at him. “Boss, actually, there’s something I haven’t told you.”

Fu Xiuning cooperated, “What is it?”

Xing Shi said, “Director He is my dad, really.”

Fu Xiuning’s face showed some surprise. “What?”

Xing Shi confirmed, “Really.”

After two seconds, Fu Xiuning asked logically, “If you have that background, why become a trainee?”

Xing Shi was curious about that too.

But the original’s profile, like Fu Xiuning’s, only briefly summarized life without subjective thoughts; many things he had to infer from the original’s actions.

He casually gave an answer: “I want to prove I can succeed without relying on my family.”

Fu Xiuning took it as truth and gently encouraged him, supporting his mindset.

Xing Shi was touched: “Thank you, boss. You’re really kind.”

Fu Xiuning responded with a simple “Mm,” accepting it calmly.

Xing Shi shifted the topic: “So when did you find out?”

Fu Xiuning’s expression remained unchanged. “Hm?”

Xing Shi reasoned, “The top students in Class 1 are the company’s main picks for the show. Shouldn’t you be planning for them?”

Fu Xiuning said, “They’re about to enter the factory, no need for me. This trending event has you with the most fans, so I want to nurture you.”

Xing Shi said, “But to maximize benefits, shouldn’t you bring along one or two more?”

Fu Xiuning replied leisurely, “Maybe because you’re my junior, bringing you along seems less opportunistic?”

Xing Shi said, “Then just meet at the restaurant. Qi Changyi is a company executive, not only the lead actor but also related to Director He. Having him there is enough. Do you really need to personally pick them up? You’re so eager to bring me along, it’s like you want to give me a warm welcome.”

Fu Xiuning’s smile deepened instantly.

[Beep Beep]

[Current Favorability: -5]

Fu Xiuning knew this kid was smart and wouldn’t be so reckless.

He sold the others without hesitation: “Qi Changyi asked me about you a few days ago. I asked.”

Xing Shi said, “...What did he say?”

Fu Xiuning replied, “He said you’re his younger brother he’s never met, and he wants to build a good relationship with you.”

Xing Shi and the system: “...”

So, the visitor did not come with good intentions?

He responded with an “Oh,” slumping in defeat and didn’t ask further.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the airport.

Director He’s flight landed on time, but before Xing Shi saw him, he received a message saying they had arrived in Z City tonight.

He didn’t reply, waiting at the VIP entrance. He saw a group of six people emerge: two were heavily covered with hats and masks, while the other four were less cautious—some only wearing hats or masks, some none at all.

Xing Shi’s gaze landed on a middle-aged man wearing only a hat.

As the man drew closer, his features became clearer.

He was of standard height, slightly plump, but handsome, smiling warmly as he spoke to the people beside him, seemingly good-natured.

A sudden sourness flooded Xing Shi’s nasal cavity.

***

He couldn’t control it, nor did he know why.

In an instant, he felt transported back to the magical continent: the first bloodied dagger fight; hiding in the dark swamp to escape pursuit; cold nights filled with pain and sleeplessness; the blood-moon valley where death was narrowly avoided.

He had met many people— a witch searching for her sister, supportive brothers, a hunter braving demonic lairs for his wife, a father avenging his child… He walked forward through the city’s myriad lights, but none felt like home.

Xing Shi pressed the brim of his hat down and suddenly closed his eyes tightly.

The system immediately sensed something was wrong, puzzled: “Are you crying?”

Fu Xiuning paused, slightly turning his head to glance sideways at him.

He heard Xing Shi’s voice, as calm as usual: “What am I thinking about? I’m brewing emotions.”

System didn’t understand: “Brewing what emotions?”

Xing Shi said, “Holding Director He and crying, saying ‘Dad, I was wrong, I won’t cause trouble anymore. Let’s live well together,’ and smoothly changing his personality to what it is now—does that work?”

System was horrified: “No, don’t joke!”

Previously, it had casually suggested the host go home and bow his head, only mentioning it occasionally because it feared he might break character and Qi Changyi might cause trouble.

But the host was already trying to make a major break.

It said, “Calm down. If they get suspicious, I’m not sure what they’d do. Director He is very busy. We just have to get through this time. Remember to keep a sour face.”

Xing Shi said, “I’ll try.”

After a few words, his emotions eased, and he lifted his hat slightly.

Fu Xiuning glanced at him casually, seeing no trace of tears, his expression normal.

Director He and his party approached during this time.

Xing Shi had been looking down, so they only saw the refined Fu Xiuning—only now did they realize he was there too.

Director He’s strong frame trembled: “Suì Suì?”

Xing Shi looked at him.

After the sudden emotional strike, he felt certain he was the original—no reason, just a gut feeling.

Losing his memories didn’t matter; he had read the original’s profile.

The conflict between the original and Director He was simple. When he was eight, his mother died in a car accident; Director He raised him alone until he was ten, then focused on his career and rarely cared for him. Later, filming abroad, he was almost absent throughout his middle school years.

Until the second year of high school, when Director He wanted to remarry, the original thought, “If you have no time to raise me but time to fall in love, then I don’t need a dad.”

Director He felt guilty and had been making amends in the past two years.

Xing Shi thought that, if he truly was the original, given his current state of mind, it really wasn’t a big deal.

Kids have their own lives; parents have theirs. Though Director He was somewhat neglectful, he always made time to visit each year and stayed longer when possible. Grandparents and a nanny cared for him; he never lacked food or drink—he had a safe upbringing.

In the face of life and death, these were trivial matters.

He called out, “Dad.”

Director He hadn’t been called that in years. He hurried over and looked him up and down. “You’ve lost weight.”

Xing Shi said, “It’s okay.”

Seeing his steady mood, Director He tentatively reached out to touch his son. At that moment, someone approached.

Qi Changyi removed his mask, smiling broadly: “So this is Suì Suì. I’ve heard so much from Director He. Truly a fine young man.”

Director He regained composure and introduced: “Ah yes, this is Qi Changyi. You should know him. Let him take care of you at the company.”

Director He and Qi Changyi had already finished talking.

Family tension was a problem. Qi Changyi was a few years older than Xing Shi, with less of a generation gap, so he decided to take the lead in persuading Xing Shi. Director He knew Qi Changyi was trustworthy and would never deliberately harm his son, so he agreed.

Qi Changyi understood Xing Shi’s position—he was not at fault. But his aunt often worried about the troubled relationship between her stepson and husband, which had also affected her. He hoped for his aunt’s happiness and planned to build a good relationship with this kid, steadily and carefully resolving conflicts.

Xing Shi looked at him and said, “I know you.”

He greeted politely, “Hello, cousin.”

Director He and Qi Changyi, who had planned to reveal this identity at dinner, found themselves at a loss.

He called out so naturally, and suddenly they didn’t know how to continue.