Chapter 6

Fu Xiuning had witnessed level-two punishments firsthand, but very rarely—only nine times in five years. Those hosts would collapse or faint from the pain, yet this was the first time someone intended to use it to snap someone out of a daze.

Not wanting to miss the spectacle, Xing Shi said to Lin Kecheng, “Aren’t you going to order?”

Lin Kecheng, sensing the mood, headed to the front desk.

The system also snapped back to attention.

“Level-two punishment doesn’t affect you, does it?” it said. “Last time, you didn’t react.”

Xing Shi replied, “I can still feel the pain, just that it’s too brief. Make it longer this time.”

The system responded, “The regulation only allows five seconds.”

Because once pain reaches a certain threshold, every second stretches painfully long. Five seconds were enough to leave a deep impression.

Xing Shi said, “Then just do it a few more times.”

The system was momentarily confused, feeling as if they were ordering food rather than discussing a punishment that terrified countless hosts.

Speechless, it stammered, “...That’s against the rules, including using it to wake you up.”

Xing Shi argued, “It’s within the rules. Isn’t the purpose of the level-two punishment to guide hosts to win over Fu Xiuning? I want the punishment now for the same reason—to win him over. What’s wrong with that?”

The system found it hard to refute, “You’re surprisingly clear-headed.”

Xing Shi said, “I analyzed this beforehand. So, can I or can’t I? If not, I’m not sure how I’d perform today.”

The system hesitated, and with Lin Kecheng returning soon, it relented, “Fine. Get ready—countdown three seconds.”

On Fu Xiuning’s screen flashed brief news snippets, easy to exit anytime.

He set his phone on the table and looked across. “Getting used to the company?”

The level-two punishment arrived just as he spoke, energy flooding Xing Shi’s body in an instant.

The flush faded from Xing Shi’s face, but his posture and tone remained steady: “It’s okay.”

Fu Xiuning studied his state, surprised that the system’s punishment seemed diluted on him. “You’re going back and forth between school and the company frequently. Can you keep up?”

Xing Shi said, “I’ll try.”

Fu Xiuning asked, “Not too tiring?”

Without hesitation, Xing Shi replied, “I’m young—that’s the time to work hard.”

The level-two punishment ended. Seeing the host’s condition recovering, the system was moved, only to hear him call again.

“Once more.”

“No,” the system said firmly.

Xing Shi heard Fu Xiuning ask him, “Where’s your home?” He replied, “City C,” then reasoned with the system, “We already did it once. What’s wrong with doing it again?”

“No means no. The interval between two level-two punishments is too short. I have to file a report. The main system won’t approve using it to wake someone. I’ll get penalized.”

Xing Shi felt regret but was glad to have an answer.

Last time, he sensed something familiar, but he was running at full speed, the punishment was too brief, and just after crossing over, his spirit seemed to drift in another world—he worried it was an illusion.

Now, with the second occurrence, he was certain: it was like magic source poisoning.

In the magical world, everyone possessed a magic core that generated magic energy, which in turn produced magic.

There was a rare type of mage whose magic energy was toxic. If struck by their magic, their own magic source would become infected, wildly spreading and causing excruciating pain—just like level-two punishment.

Xing Shi’s magic core was special: it could function like a traditional mage, releasing magic energy to form elemental magic, but also operate inversely, absorbing others’ magic energy for his own use.

When his magic source was infected before, he simply absorbed the poison inside himself and transformed it. He was very familiar with this process.

But now, in a new body, he wasn’t sure if it still worked. Regardless, this gave him a way to study and dismantle the system.

In good spirits, he said kindly, “Boss.”

Fu Xiuning looked at him, “Hmm?”

Xing Shi unlocked his phone, manipulated it a bit, then held it out. “Add me as a friend?”

Fu Xiuning scanned the QR code and sent a request.

Xing Shi approved it instantly, pleased.

With “Erasure” around, it wasn’t wise to openly cross the system. He had to use Fu Xiuning as an excuse to request level-two punishments—so they would inevitably need to stay in contact.

---

When Lin Kecheng returned, he found this scene and teased, “You’re colleagues and alumni, and you’re only just adding each other now?”

Xing Shi explained, “We rarely see each other. Today’s the first chance.”

Lin Kecheng laughed, “I see.”

Noticing Fu Xiuning’s gaze shift to him, he said, “Work’s important. You two talk—I won’t disturb.”

Before leaving, he advised Xing Shi, “Our senior’s busy. If you have trouble, come to me. I’ll help.”

Xing Shi nodded obediently, “Thanks, senior.”

Lin Kecheng replied, “No problem,” and moved to another seat.

The system grumbled, “What important work could a boss and a newly signed trainee discuss?”

Lin Kecheng said, “Excuses or not, I can’t stay. Didn’t you see Fu Xiuning looking over? I need to be discreet.”

The system understood, “He’s a senior in his final year next semester. Few classes then, even harder to see him. You have to seize the chance. You can’t wait until graduation, join his company, and slowly climb the ladder—that’s too slow.”

Lin Kecheng acknowledged, picked up the tabletop sign, took a photo of the restaurant’s logo, and posted it online, explaining the slow service and asking friends to cover for him if he was late to class.

Fu Xiuning had exhausted his amusement with Lin Kecheng; compared to that, the newcomer was more worthy of study.

He asked, “Have you thought about which direction you want to develop in?”

Xing Shi replied promptly, “I’ll follow the company’s arrangement.”

Fu Xiuning said, “The company considers personal wishes. Do you have any ideas?”

Xing Shi said, “Not for now.”

Fu Xiuning nodded and chatted casually, silently assessing him.

He liked to eat, stayed calm under pressure, was sharp, seemed even-tempered. But judging by how he behaved when bound to the system the other day, he was innately strong-willed and didn’t submit easily.

And he appeared immune to some of the system’s punishments, for reasons unknown.

Xing Shi was also sizing up his target.

His personality was definitely difficult, but he wore a “kind” facade and didn’t act like a boss.

Though he asked many questions, they seemed casual and without deeper intent. Today, aside from toying with him, no other motives were apparent.

They chatted a while longer before the seafood porridge was finally ready.

The clay pot sat in the center of the table, generously filled, tempting the appetite.

Fu Xiuning scooped a bowl, when suddenly a conversation buzzed in his ear.

Lin Kecheng’s system warned, “Don’t let that lunatic come over. He…”

Then it realized something: “You did it on purpose! You deliberately included Fu Xiuning in the photo to bait Shao Jianbo!”

Lin Kecheng said, “I was just careless.”

The system refused to listen: “Why have you been contacting Shao Jianbo so much, pretending to help Fu Xiuning with potential crises? He’s getting crazier because you’re provoking him to attack Fu Xiuning! I told you, if Fu Xiuning dies, we all suffer!”

Lin Kecheng said, “Then we won’t let him die. I’ll protect him.”

The system panicked, “What if you die instead?”

Lin Kecheng said, “Don’t you know how to analyze someone’s habits and environment to predict their attack route, then avoid vital spots? Fu Xiuning’s difficult, but if I save his life, won’t that count?”

The system fell silent.

Lin Kecheng said, “Better to take a gamble than play it safe. I wasn’t sure Shao Jianbo would see my post. I won this round. Shall we do another?”

After a few seconds, the system replied, “Okay.”

Fu Xiuning listened to their tactical talk with no reaction.

Some hosts, like Xing Shi, were souls crossing over; others were natives chosen and bound by the system.

Lin Kecheng was the latter—once shy and invisible, after being bound, he saw himself as chosen, transformed, and became adept at navigating all social circles.

When one’s relationship with the world shifts from participant to an aloof player, new doors open.

Flowers, applause, adulation—Lin Kecheng progressed with the system’s help, like completing game tasks. Everyone was expendable. With a low baseline, one gradually lost respect for life.

Fu Xiuning had seen such people often and felt no surprise.

He glanced across.

He’d met many who opposed the system—not the first, nor the last. No matter their beginnings, they all eventually revealed different faces.

This young man handled things with ease now. What he’d become remained uncertain.

---

[Beep beep]

[Current favorability: -9]

Tempted by the aroma, Xing Shi scooped a spoonful of porridge.

Just as he tasted it, a notification sounded. “Why?”

The system, always monitoring Fu Xiuning, scolded, “Because you drank his porridge!”

Xing Shi retorted, “...Ridiculous. One person can’t finish that portion. I drank a bit—what’s wrong? I used a ladle to scoop into my bowl, not drinking straight from the pot.”

The system objected, “Put it down! Aren’t you full? Stop eating!”

Xing Shi said nothing, scooped more into his bowl.

System: “!”

He picked some seafood, then set the ladle down, took a sip, and stared across.

The system, unable to scold, nervously watched Fu Xiuning.

Xing Shi didn’t notice any change in favorability, ate a piece of seafood, then looked up again.

The system continued to watch with him.

This time Fu Xiuning didn’t ignore him, lifting his eyes: “What is it?”

Xing Shi raised his bowl: “I’m having some too. Don’t mind, right?”

Fu Xiuning said, “You’re the host here. Help yourself.”

Xing Shi chastised the system, “See? He’s more sensible than you.”

The system broke down, “Then why did he deduct points again?”

Xing Shi thought a moment, “Maybe after spending more time with me, he doesn’t like me. Being too handsome is a burden, sigh.”

The system wanted to cry, “Then figure it out!”

Xing Shi said, “I’m trying.”

The meal ended, favorability remained at -9.

Xing Shi scanned to pay, and he and Fu Xiuning headed out, spotting a young man entering.

A habit formed in dangerous environments—he always glanced at new people nearby.

That glance revealed a problem.

The young man’s expression was tense, eyes resolute, left hand clenched in his sleeve, palm inward.

With Xing Shi’s experience, there was likely a knife hidden there.

Lin Kecheng, seeing Shao Jianbo appear, immediately hurried over.

Fu Xiuning listened to Lin Kecheng’s system analyzing the approach while thinking how to send Lin Kecheng to his demise.

The three met in a flash.

Both Lin Kecheng and Fu Xiuning reacted to Shao Jianbo flashing a blade.

Lin Kecheng panicked and quickly shielded Fu Xiuning. Fu Xiuning’s expression turned serious as he grabbed Lin Kecheng, dragging him aside—seemingly protective, but in truth, trying to expose Shao Jianbo’s attack.

But in the next moment, the scene blurred, and Shao Jianbo vanished from his original spot.

Disarmed, captured, knocked down—Xing Shi pressed the man to the ground with ease, accompanied by the warning “Senior, be careful.”

Fu Xiuning: “...”

Lin Kecheng: “???”

Xing Shi looked at the two before him.

Fu Xiuning and Lin Kecheng maintained their aggressive stances, staring at him.

They exchanged a silent gaze for several seconds.

Xing Shi said, “Don’t just stand there. Call the police.”