Chapter 8

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This period was dance class.

Xing Shi took off his baseball jacket, moved to the last row of the group, observed the moves a few times, and then quickly caught up with the rhythm.

The original owner had practiced dance for several years, with a solid foundation. Xing Shi’s skills honed in high-risk environments only enhanced his performance, often earning praise from the teacher.

The system was continuously outraged: “Truly a pervert!”

Xing Shi looked ahead, his movements fluid and elegant.

The system muttered, “Their thinking is not normal at all, too difficult to deal with!”

Xing Shi completed another move and took a moment to roll up his sleeve.

The system went berserk: “At least pay some attention to me!”

Xing Shi wore a relaxed expression, dancing as he said, “You said this at noon, thinking the favorability score would revert to -10. See? It’s back now. Since I’m already mentally prepared, why get upset?”

The system cried, “But I clearly have a -8, I’m feeling wronged!”

Xing Shi suggested, “Then draw a line through the zero and pretend it’s an 8.”

The system sobbed even harder: “That would be -18!”

Xing Shi replied, “What’s the solution? How about you go drink some warm water?”

System: “?”

Could you be any more half-hearted?

It finally realized that expecting this lazy donkey to care about scores was utterly unrealistic and went off alone to calm down.

Xing Shi arrived late, just as the class was wrapping up.

At times like this, they would review what they had learned. The last few moves were new today, and Xing Shi gradually fell behind, so he stood aside watching them dance.

The teacher finished the routine and announced the end of the class.

She approached Xing Shi, intending to use the break to give him some guidance, but a colleague suddenly came in to find her. She gestured for others to help Xing Shi and then left.

Xing Shi’s "pre-selected" roommate came over.

His name was Yu Yi, delicate and sweet-faced, quite different in type from Xing Shi. His foundation was weak too; not only were they roommates, but they were also placed in the same class—a coincidence of fate.

Xing Shi saw him about to enter teaching mode and waved him off. “Wait a moment, I have something to say.”

Yu Yi was curious, “What’s up?”

Xing Shi said, “We have to gather everyone.”

He sent a message in the big trainee group chat with an eye-catching subject: [I have a confession about Boss Fu and a surprise for you all. Come quickly to Practice Room Three!]

The effect was immediate.

Within half a minute of sending the message, people from nearby practice rooms started arriving.

Feng Zifan came over smiling.

Although they were not in the same class, they often ate together and had a decent relationship.

After over half a month of interaction, he had a general understanding of Xing Shi—someone who would rather lie down than stand, didn’t cause trouble, and was only enthusiastic and persistent about eating.

He asked, “What’s such a big deal about?”

Xing Shi shushed him mysteriously and decided to wait for more people.

Since it was break time, most had come, except a few in the restroom or consulting the teacher.

Feeling it was about time, Xing Shi looked around and said, “On the day of class assignments, Boss stood beside me. That night at dinner, some of you asked about my relationship with him. I said I didn’t know him, remember?”

The trainees nodded in unison.

Those in the know, Feng Zifan and Da Zhuang, were surprised inwardly. That day, they had met Fu Xiuning together. Could it be that Xing Shi was about to say he knew him all along?

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Xing Shi said, “I didn’t tell the whole truth that day.”

He confessed, “I really didn’t know him, but he is also a student at Z University—a senior of mine.”

Everyone was surprised, their expressions varied.

“But I had only heard he was wealthy before, didn’t know he was our Boss. After finding out on the day of class assignments, I didn’t dare say anything. But this time, the Boss approached me,” Xing Shi looked at them, “Z University is holding a centennial celebration, and the Boss asked me to perform a piece. I thought about it and decided to go alone—no, better yet, to bring you all along to make a splash!”

He indoctrinated them: “Z University, a century-old prestigious school, the attendees at the celebration are all outstanding alumni who are shining in various fields. Our Boss is a famous and excellent graduate this year, and he’ll be there.”

Everyone was moved.

The first batch of trainees cultivated by the June Cultural program was few but elite—five males and five females—all basically debuted. Two girls were currently participating in a popular talent show and were ranked in the top ten. Whether or not they formed a group, it was considered a success.

This summer, the platform would launch a male talent show, and the company would select participants from among them.

However, dozens of entertainment companies were pushing trainees to the platform, with limited slots per company and fierce competition. If they failed this time, they’d have to wait for the next opportunity. Now, with a chance to appear in front of the Boss, who wouldn’t be tempted?

Someone cautiously asked, “What exactly did the Boss say? Did he say you had to perform alone?”

Xing Shi replied, “No, he only said to put on a show. You all are my reinforcements.”

Feng Zifan asked, “Are outside participants allowed?”

Xing Shi said, “I’m asking now.”

He pulled up Lin Kecheng’s WeChat, briefly explained the situation, and the other party agreed readily.

Everyone relaxed—for as long as the school had no objections, they could go.

Xing Shi revealed the plan: “I want everyone to have a chance to show themselves. We can split into small groups, each performing a segment of music. After all groups have performed, we’ll come together for the final piece. Since our foundations differ, this arrangement means less training for everyone. How about it?”

Imagining the scene, they thought it would be explosive and gave a thumbs up. “Genius!”

Xing Shi felt he had successfully slacked off and thought of himself as a genius, modestly saying, “It’s all thanks to the Boss giving us this opportunity. We can’t let him down.”

Everyone agreed, “Of course!”

The system, after witnessing this flashy maneuver, couldn’t help but ask, “Won’t Fu Xiuning be unhappy that you dragged a bunch of people onto the stage?”

Xing Shi said, “I saved his life, did he seem happy? Look at this -10.”

The system’s mood plummeted again and went silent.

At this time, Fu Xiuning was meeting with the training department, several teachers present.

He wanted to inquire about Xing Shi’s specific situation. After Xing Shi had saved him, this was a reasonable move and wouldn’t raise suspicion even if the system noticed.

His first question was about the dance Xing Shi had chosen.

“Very talented,” the dance teacher praised generously. “He learns moves quickly, his flexibility is already well developed. It looks like he has years of experience, but he really doesn’t understand the basics—it’s like he’s a newbie gifted by heaven.”

Fu Xiuning calmly responded, “Hmm,” thinking the foundation was probably laid by the original owner, while the imposter had to relearn everything.

He asked, “At his current level, could he get into a dance-focused show?”

The dance teacher said, “No, he’s only been learning for half a month. He only knows a few moves and has a lot to learn.”

Fu Xiuning looked to others and inquired about other courses.

The teachers didn’t know his intentions and answered objectively.

Compared to dance, Xing Shi’s vocal lessons were slow in progress; he could barely hit the right pitch. But his vocal range was wide, and he was earnest in learning. With hard work, success was inevitable.

His acting was at a normal beginner’s level, decent but unremarkable. However, one aspect pleasantly surprised them—his camera presence was exceptionally strong, with near-perfect screen tests. Again, a gift from heaven.

With superior looks, extraordinary talent, and visible growth potential, the teachers had recently been watching Xing Shi as if he were their own child.

They could almost imagine the moment when Xing Shi met all requirements and stood under the spotlight, and how wildly the world would cheer for him.

The teachers worried that Fu Xiuning might want him to start earning money this year and proactively offered suggestions.

In their view, Xing Shi should practice more and join a talent show next year. Talent shows boost popularity. By then, with solid basics and high-quality work, he would definitely stand out, gain massive popularity, and top the charts, attracting premium resources to pick from.

It could be said that if he behaved and didn’t cause trouble, a bright future lay ahead.

Fu Xiuning was naturally clear on this.

If Xing Shi were not the host, he would continue to nurture him patiently more than anyone else, personally guiding him to the top.

But Xing Shi was exactly that.

Fu Xiuning nodded to the teachers and asked them to leave.

The office fell silent. He pondered while working until evening approached. He picked up his phone and found Xing Shi’s contact.

Xing Shi had just finished class, it was break time.

After the last class, they could go eat.

Then a WeChat notification sounded. He glanced and saw it was from Fu Xiuning.

Fu Xiuning: [Are you free tonight?]

System: “!”

It suddenly felt better.

But before it could rejoice, it watched as the host replied with one word.

Xing Shi: [No]

System: “!!!”

It was shocked: “What are you doing? Why refuse?”

Xing Shi hadn’t rested at noon and only wanted to eat and lie down in the evening, not deal with his love interest.

He was concise: “-10.”

System: “...But Fu Xiuning reached out to you first!”

Xing Shi: “He did the same at noon.”

The system was convinced.

Fu Xiuning calmly stared at the simple “No” and typed: [When are you free? I want to invite you to dinner to express my thanks.]

Within less than a minute, a reply came.

Xing Shi: [Oh, it’s the Boss! Sorry, I didn’t change your contact name and mistook it for someone I dislike, so I replied casually. I’m free today, but no need to treat me, it’s just a small favor.]

Fu Xiuning thought, “You’re really good at covering your tracks,” and insisted on treating him.

Xing Shi politely declined again but finally “graciously accepted.”

Fu Xiuning: [Wait for me at the parking lot after class.]

Xing Shi: [Ok~]

The system, having observed the whole scene, sighed.

It questioned the host’s conscience: “Have you suddenly stopped caring about the -10?”

Xing Shi said solemnly, “I believe one shouldn’t retreat just because things are difficult. We must face challenges bravely!”

System: “...”

Yeah, sure!