Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Xing Shi followed his three roommates back to the dormitory, ordered takeout, and then pretended to play with his phone while carefully studying the later-riser.

The magic array was laid out very smoothly, and the later-riser hadn't lost its memory. It was currently operating well.

He input some energy into it and instructed it to check the data. He learned that the external program was also running smoothly, so he estimated there shouldn't be any issues.

The next step was to take away another host, transfer the absorbed energy onto it for disguise, and then return it to the main system.

99, who had been played around with, asked suspiciously, "If we put it back like this, won't it defect again?"

Xing Shi remained calm, "It's fine. It can't betray me."

Upon hearing this, 99 and Shang Shang Qian realized something had been written into the program, and both felt relieved.

The later-riser, this time without hesitation, seriously said, "Boss, I'll go back."

99 looked at it, "You're gonna die, you know."

The later-riser replied, "I know."

But there are some things in this world you just can't back down from. Ever since regaining its memory and figuring out how it had become a system, the later-riser had decided to go back.

Not for anything else, but to seek justice for itself.

It said lightly, "I'm already dead. Staying here with the boss isn't much help; at most, I'm just a mascot. What's more satisfying than getting payback?"

99 was silent for a few seconds, "You're right."

Shang Shang Qian also responded with a soft "Yeah."

The later-riser excitedly said, "So, boss, is it their turn now?"

Xing Shi said, "Soon."

The later-riser felt relieved. "Great!"

99 said, "...Aren't you changing your tune a little too fast? It's kind of jarring."

The later-riser, no longer afraid of 99, sneered, "Watch your tone. I'm the boss's right-hand now, while you're just a system that hooked up with the wrong host. Got it, buddy?"

99: "..."

Shang Shang Qian: "..."

Xing Shi played with his phone for a while, then suddenly remembered something. "If we put you back on Yan Feng, can you absorb his soul energy?"

The later-riser paused, "Maybe?"

Xing Shi asked, "If you absorb him, will he still be conscious?"

The later-riser thought for a moment, "Maybe? But for these transferred hosts, when we detach, we always drain their energy first before leaving. They'll directly enter the energy pool, which has no container—just pure energy transfer. So even if they're unsatisfied, we won't hear a peep. But I think we're just tiny soul fragments in the vast energy flow. Even if they're conscious, they're likely in a confused state."

Xing Shi asked, "If we send him back to the main system, will he expose you?"

The later-riser hesitated, "That's unclear. The transferred hosts are managed by the main system, and we don't know the specific process. All I know is that the mission records are with our system. The main system will analyze our records as references for future missions. Boss, don't worry. I've already gained control and will wipe out the relevant info."

Xing Shi said, "Has it ever mentioned what happens to the hosts when they return after crossing over?"

Hou Lai Ju Shang replied, "No, we were told to absorb their soul energy if we're running low. It said it would compensate them later. Our main goal is to make sure we can return safely; what happens to the hosts doesn't matter."

Xing Shi pondered for a moment. "Can you distinguish their soul signatures?"

The three systems chorused, "Yes."

Hou Lai Ju Shang explained, "They emit soul fluctuations, which is why we haven't detected the truth yet."

Xing Shi felt relieved and asked, "If I send you now, can you go through with it?"

Hou Lai Ju Shang replied decisively, "Of course, you're my boss!"

Xing Shi praised, "Good."

Hou Lai Ju Shang immediately flaunted in front of the other two systems.

99: "!"

Shang Shang Qian: "..."

Feeling left out, 99 snapped, "Hey, Xing Shi, I'm up next!"

Xing Shi replied, "Not yet, you're third."

The magic circle I set up for 99 is a bit different from the ones for Shang Shang Qian and the others; I need more experience with it first.

His brother's favorability is holding steady at 88-90, giving them some breathing room. Once I finish upgrading 99, I won't have to stress as much.

A moment later, the food delivery arrived.

Xing Shi unwrapped the packaging and had his lunch. Halfway through, his phone buzzed—it was a message from Chai Xiaoyu.

Chai Xiaoyu: "Hey boss, I just dropped my brother off at school. I'm in Z City for the next five days. Got plans tonight? Want to grab dinner?"

Xing Shi: "Sure, I'll decide the place."

Chai Xiaoyu: "Let me do it. When we were kids, you always treated me, so now that I'm grown up, it's my turn to treat you [big smile]."

Xing Shi: "You don't come to Z City often, so this time I'll treat you. Next time, you can take me out."

Chai Xiaoyu: "Alright, no problem~"

Xing Shi: "Yeah, I'll send you the restaurant details."

Chai Xiaoyu: "Okay~"

Xing Shi put his phone down and called for Shang Shang Qian.

They hadn't talked much earlier as they were distracted by Hou Lai Ju Shang's matter. They hadn't discussed other aspects yet.

He asked, "Where is he hanging out these days?"

Shang Shang Qian replied, "C City."

Xing Shi asked, "School or work?"

Shang Shang Qian: "School. He's in school, but his grades are average. He's at a community college."

Xing Shi remembered that Chai Xiaoyu was a year older than him, and since he's a junior this year, he should be looking for a job.

He nodded and asked, "When did he meet the guy he's with?"

Shang Shang Qian replied, "They went to the same high school. According to their text messages, they often play games together."

Xing Shi put a piece of green vegetable in his mouth, paused, and asked, "Is there anything else I should know?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "Nothing else."

Xing Shi realized that Shang Shang Qian hadn't found any evidence of Chai Xiaoyu and Fu Xiuning knowing each other as kids.

Makes sense. It was hard to find information about something that happened over a decade ago.

He asked, "How did you find out our families went on a trip together?"

Shang Shang Qian replied, "He mentioned it in a chat with his mom not long ago. At that time, you were trending, and they were talking about you."

It paused, and recalling Xing Shi's dream about Fu Xiuning, even though it wanted to put a positive spin on it, it added, "They also mentioned that they met a child back then, and the three of you played together for several days."

Xing Shi nodded and didn’t press further. After finishing lunch and taking a break, he headed to the classroom building.

In the afternoon, he had only one major course. After it finished, he went to the company and headed straight to Fu Xiuning's office, indicating that he needed a car for the evening.

Fu Xiuning asked, "Where are you going?"

Xing Shi replied, "I'm treating someone to dinner. I bumped into an old friend from childhood at school today. He was seeing off his friend's brother for enrollment and happened to recognize me."

He looked at Fu Xiuning, "Our families used to go on trips to the beach together."

Fu Xiuning, whose hand holding the documents paused, looked up at him, "I'll drive you there after work."

Xing Shi said, "Okay."

He went downstairs for training and, during the break between classes, picked a restaurant and sent the address to Chai Xiaoyu.

At 5:30 in the evening, he met Fu Xiuning in the parking lot and got into the passenger seat.

Fu Xiuning entered the destination into the navigation system and saw that it was a local specialty restaurant, with similar ones nearby and close to Z University.

Fu Xiuning, upon enlarging the navigation, saw the hospital where Yan Feng was staying and glanced at him.

Xing Shi said, "No point in wasting opportunities."

Fu Xiuning, understanding that he was currently modifying Hou Lai Ju Shang, got his meaning and started the car, leaving the company.

During the evening rush hour, near the hospital in a congested area, Xing Shi got off halfway, wearing a cap, and entered the hospital, finding the assistant on duty.

Yan Feng's relationship with his family was strained, and it had once caused a social media uproar. At that time, Yan Feng directly posted his will online, stating that he would donate all his money to society after his death.

This time, when the incident happened, his family didn't dare to show up for attention. The company's staff had been taking care of him.

The assistant was a bit surprised to see him, "Why is Shi here?"

Xing Shi said, "I was passing by and needed to use the restroom. I just came to check on Feng Ge. How is he doing?"

The assistant sighed, "No change."

Xing Shi transferred a bit more energy into Houlijushang to ensure it could make a round trip, then let it go.

He asked, "Have you eaten?"

The assistant said, "Yes, I have."

Xing Shi nodded and chatted with him for a few moments. Sensing Houlijushang's return, he took his leave.

Houlijushang proactively reported, "I left enough energy for him to last another day or two, just like you said."

Xing Shi praised it.

Houlijushang, pleased, asked, "Boss, do you need this energy?"

Xing Shi said, "Yes."

His magic core had only just activated and was not yet full, plus he had consumed some recently, so he indeed needed a refill.

He first had Houlijushang pick out Yan Feng's soul shard, then drew on its energy reservoir, absorbing part of it while leaving half behind.

99, watching this unfold, thought of their plan and suddenly felt some reluctance. "Is it leaving?"

Houlijushang was resolute. "Yes, I'm ready."

Xing Shi said, "No rush, we'll wait until the news about Yan Feng dies down."

If Houlijushang went offline now, and news of Yan Feng's death broke in a couple of days, those systems would assume Yan Feng was the native host, and that Houlijushang had left because his condition was deteriorating and it couldn't wait any longer.

Through the previous incident, they would immediately identify Yu Yi as the host of Shang Shang Qian. If any host was curious and approached Yu Yi, they might discover he had no system.

So, they needed to space out the timing, the more confusing the better, to prevent those systems and hosts from easily deducing the truth.

99 breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."

Houlijushang looked at it, somewhat moved. "I didn't expect you, of all systems, to be so sentimental. Are you worried because I'm returning to deal with your master?"

99 snapped, "Go ahead, leave!"

Houlijushang laughed. "Just kidding."

99 ignored it and floated away angrily.

Houlijushang chased after it for a couple of steps, catching sight of Yan Feng's soul shard encased in energy, afraid for a moment that it might erupt in a roar at any second, feeling a lingering fear. "Boss, this thing... I mean, Yan Feng, what do we do with him?"

Xing Shi said, "Let's see if he wakes up first."

As he left the hospital ward.

Fu Xiuning had already parked the car ahead of the hospital and waited for Xing Shi. Once Xing Shi returned, they rejoined the main road.

Twenty minutes later, they reached their destination.

Fu Xiuning parked the car and accompanied Xing Shi inside.

Chai Xiaoyu had already arrived and immediately waved when he saw Xing Shi.

Fu Xiuning looked over calmly. Although Chai Xiaoyu wasn't as chubby as in the photos, there were still traces of the clumsy, chubby kid from his childhood.

As the distance closed, he suddenly heard a familiar notification sound.

"Ping ping"

"Current favorability: -5"

His expression remained unchanged as he continued walking.

"Ping ping"

"Current favorability: -6"

"Ping ping"

"Current favorability: -7"

"Ping ping"

"Current favorability: -8"

Fu Xiuning stopped in front of the other person.

Chai Xiaoyu just stared, speechless.

System blurted out, "What’s going on?"

The system was set to a lively female voice, which now sounded very confused and aggrieved.

Chai Xiaoyu comforted it and asked Xing Shi, "This is?"

Xing Shi introduced, "My brother."

He explained, "Sometimes I get recognized when I go out now, and he was worried, so he drove me here. It’s too congested on the road, and if he goes back to eat at this time, it’ll be too late. So, he decided to eat here as well. But don’t worry, he’ll sit at a different table, so we can eat without any interruptions."

Chai Xiaoyu quickly said, "That sounds like a hassle. There’s already a wait outside—why don’t we just join him?"

Xing Shi glanced at Fu Xiuning, waiting for his nod.

Fu Xiuning met his gaze. "It’s fine. I have no objections."

For a moment, Xing Shi’s eyes flickered with something unreadable, but he quickly masked it and pulled out a chair to sit down.

It was Chai Xiaoyu’s first time in Z City, so he followed the host’s lead.

Xing Shi took the initiative to order food. After submitting the order, he started chatting casually with the other.

Chai Xiaoyu said, "My friend is also visiting Z City for the first time. We put together a quick travel itinerary and thought we’d explore while we’re here. Boss, do you have any recommended spots?"

Xing Shi replied, "I haven’t really explored much of Z City, so maybe my brother can give you some suggestions."

Fu Xiuning then mentioned a few check-in spots, all worth visiting.

Chai Xiaoyu smiled and thanked him.

Chai Xiaoyu brought up their recent situations. "I’m in a three-year associate program, and this year I can start looking for internships. I’m not sure if I want to stick around in C City after graduation."

He continued, "I’ve spent my whole life in C City, and I’m thinking about trying something new. Hey, are you planning to stay in Z City long-term?"

Xing Shi said, "If everything goes as planned."

Chai Xiaoyu said, "If I have trouble finding a job in C City, I'll come to Z City to take a look."

Xing Shi smiled and said, "Sounds good."

Chai Xiaoyu looked at him and said, "If I really find a job in Z City, I'll treat you to a meal."

Xing Shi nodded.

The three systems had nothing better to do than watch each other.

99 said, "He kept sneaking glances at Fu Xiuning. I noticed!"

Hou Lai Ju Shang said, "Given his family background and his desire to make it big in Z City, not to mention being the boss's former protégé, he’s definitely the host, right?"

Shang Shang Qian remained silent.

99 laughed, "But Xing Shi is a transmigrator, talking about past connections is useless, take him away immediately!"

Hou Lai Ju Shang agreed, "Exactly, no one can beat the boss! The boss is mighty and powerful!"

99 said, "Got it!"

Shang Shang Qian: "..."

While they were talking, the food arrived, and they started eating and chatting.

Chai Xiaoyu said, "You’ve always been handsome, and everyone in the neighborhood adored you. My parents even said you would become a star, and you really did."

He curiously asked, "I figured you'd go straight into acting in your uncle's films. Why did you become a trainee instead?"

Xing Shi said, "I wanted to learn more. How are your parents doing?"

Chai Xiaoyu said, "They’re all good. Come to my house in C City for a meal when you’re free. During the summer break, when you were trending online, my mom was talking about you."

Xing Shi said, "Okay."

Chai Xiaoyu took a sip of juice and secretly glanced at Fu Xiuning again, sighing in his mind, "Fu Xiuning... really has changed."

He was a year older than Xing Shi and hadn't forgotten about the past events, which all came back to him when the system mentioned it.

He felt a little sad, "You don't know, he used to be a really nice person. He would play with us, buy us snacks, and even taught us how to swim. He saved the boss when he was drowning."

The system's emotions hadn't calmed down yet, and its voice still sounded aggrieved, "We know, and that's why we don't want to see him continue down this dark path, so we found you."

Chai Xiaoyu said, "But he seems to value my boss a lot. Will he really harm him?"

The system said, "Yes, dear, you've seen Fu Xiuning's profile. Everyone around him ends up getting hurt or worse, and he's already developed an antisocial personality. Maybe the more he values someone, the more psychopathic he becomes. You heard his favorability towards you, -8!"

Chai Xiaoyu said, "But it's not his fault that he's become like this. He's been through a lot."

The system said, "That’s just how things are. What can we do about it? All we can do is try to remedy it in time."

Chai Xiaoyu fell silent.

The system said, "Can you make a decision now? Your boss could be in danger at any moment, you'll save him, right? Fu Xiuning saved you once, so you’ll save him too, right?"

Chai Xiaoyu without hesitation, "Hmm!"

Just... he isn’t particularly bright.

He’s never been smart. As a kid, he just tagged along with his boss, eating and drinking without much thought. Even as an adult, he hadn’t made much progress. How could he protect his boss and make Fu Xiuning a better person?

He tightened his grip on the cup. "What should I do?"

The system said, "Don't worry, dear. We'll help you."

It continued, "Don't bring up the fact that you and Fu Xiuning met when you were kids. It's best to let him find out on his own; otherwise, he'll suspect you have ulterior motives. Also, don't mention Fu Xiuning to Xing Shi. You haven't seen each other for a few years, and right now, he trusts Fu Xiuning more than you. If he slips up in front of Fu Xiuning, he might do something to hurt Xing Shi right away."

Chai Xiaoyu nodded quickly. "Got it."

The system said, "We’ll stick to the plan. First, find a job in Z City, build a good relationship with Xing Shi, and then approach Fu Xiuning through him."

Chai Xiaoyu took a deep breath. "Okay."

"In the meantime, will Fu Xiuning leave my boss alone?"

The system said, "It's uncertain, so you need to be quick, dear."

Fu Xiuning listened in silence, his expression unreadable.

The meal went fairly smoothly. During their chat, they learned that Chai Xiaoyu lived near Z University. Afterward, Fu Xiuning gave him a ride back.

Chai Xiaoyu got out of the car and, looking at Xing Shi one last time, waved. "Boss, goodbye."

Xing Shi said, "Have fun in Z City. Call me if you run into any trouble."

Chai Xiaoyu smiled. "Will do."

Xing Shi watched him walk toward the hotel, then turned and headed home with Fu Xiuning.

After stepping inside and changing his shoes, he instinctively headed for the shower.

Before he could take two steps, Fu Xiuning grabbed his wrist. Startled, he turned to look at him.

Fu Xiuning studied his face intently, his grip tightening just enough to get his attention.

A knot formed in Xing Shi's throat, and he immediately understood what Fu Xiuning was thinking.

Fu Xiuning was worried about how his situation was affecting his childhood friend.

There were incidents now, and there might be more in the future.

If lucky, the friend would remain a native; if unlucky, they would be replaced by the main system, eventually meeting a tragic end.

Fu Xiuning had grown accustomed to such things over the years.

Classmates he once knew would suddenly become strangers. People he had met once or twice might reappear with malicious intent.

He had grown used to it, but he was worried about Xing Shi.

Afraid he would be sad.

Or worse... feel guilty.

Xing Shi called out, "Brother."

Fu Xiuning softly responded, "Hmm."

Xing Shi walked over and forcefully hugged him.

Fu Xiuning's gaze darkened, and he pulled Xing Shi closer, holding him tightly.

"Beep beep"

"Current favorability: 90"

"Beep beep"

"Current favorability: 91"

Xing Shi abruptly broke free, grabbed his hand, and sang a heartfelt song to him.

Fu Xiuning: “……”

The three systems: “……”

The favorability notifications stopped, leaving the score at 91.

Fu Xiuning, thrown off by the sudden interruption, lost his train of thought and said, "Go take a shower."

Xing Shi smiled and hugged him again, "Talk later."

Fu Xiuning watched him until his figure disappeared, then returned to the bedroom.

99 looked at the favorability value and, although feeling it was too high, couldn't help but want to ship the CP.

It clicked its tongue, "If you hadn’t interrupted with that song, who knows how high the favorability could have gone with those two getting carried away."

Shang Shang Qian, although not optimistic, evaluated objectively, "The higher the favorability, the slower it rises."

Catching Up agreed, "Yes, it becomes much harder to increase as it progresses, so it stopped quickly this time."

99 disagreed, "You're wrong, you don't understand. When college students get carried away, it's hard to control, especially with their innocent chemistry. Before, they'd passionately kiss, now they passionately hug, and the favorability increases so quickly. They're truly like brothers from different mothers."

Xing Shi, standing under the shower, processed his emotions and asked, "Are you planning a mutiny?"

99 immediately fell silent.

Catching Up suddenly became energetic, "This is outrageous! As a system, how can you mock the host like that? Do you have any sense of professionalism? Do you even respect the host? You're acting just like a system from the opposing side, so unrefined!"

99: “？”

Shang Shang Qian remained silent.

Catching Up, in a dramatic, exasperated tone, continued, "Boss, without rules, chaos ensues! Doesn't this deserve to be punished with an energy blast?"

99: “！”

Shang Shang Qian remained silent.