After hearing Shen Xing Chen's words, Xing Sui instinctively retorted, "It must be a coincidence."

Shen Xing Chen replied, "But why do all these coincidences happen to you?"

Xing Sui struggled to find an answer. On one hand, he felt a tinge of happiness for the beautiful scenario Shen Xing Chen had painted. On the other, he knew such a reality was unattainable. Though circumstances seemed slightly different from his previous life, he didn't expect significant changes.

He was just a minor character in the grand scheme. In his previous life, it was his lack of self-awareness that led to his downfall. Death had given him clarity, and he was no longer naive enough to chase dreams that weren’t meant for him.

"Perhaps it's because I've never seen anyone poorer than me," Jian Xingsui said with a hint of self-mockery, "so I took a longer look."

Shen Xingchen chuckled, "Look at that ambition of yours."

Fu Jinxiao has wandered the world for years, having met both the rich and the poor. Such trivial matters aren't even worth his attention. How could he possibly regard someone differently over a mere twenty thousand?

Yet, as if this incident reminded him of something, Shen Xingchen scrutinized Jian Xingsui from head to toe, hesitating before remarking, "To be honest, there really isn't anything special about you."

Wen Shengge leaned in with a smile, "At first glance, one might think Xingsui is difficult to get along with."

"He's actually quite naive," Shen Xingchen tapped Jian Xingsui's forehead lightly, laughing, "Maybe it's true what they say about fools having good fortune."

Jian Xingsui covered his head, "I'm already silly, and yet you still hit my head."

Shen Xingchen laughed heartily, "What if I do hit your head? Going to tattle to the teacher? Here, I fear no one. Think you can summon Brother Fu?"

Jian Xingsui shot him an exasperated glare.

Just then, a soft knock sounded from the door. Although faint, it was distinctly audible in the quiet night.

A refined voice echoed, "Excuse the intrusion."

The room fell into immediate silence.

The previously boisterous grin on Shen Xingchen's face froze. Disbelieving, he turned to see the tall figure at the door. Off the formal stage, Fu Jinxiao had shed his suit jacket, which now hung casually over his arm, revealing a simple white T-shirt underneath. His current attire, contrasting with his usual refined elegance, oozed nonchalance and a hint of roguishness.

Fu Jinxiao quirked an eyebrow, leisurely inquiring, "Were you looking for me?"

Shen Xingchen, wishing he could vanish, stammered, "No, not at all, brother. Perhaps you misheard."

"Did I?"

Fu Jinxiao's gaze settled on Jian Xingsui, he asked, "Did I mishear?"

Why's he asking me?!

Flustered, Jian Xingsui struggled for words, "Uh, well... I mean..."

Stepping inside, the crisp sound of Fu Jinxiao's leather shoes echoed as he approached Jian Xingsui. This was their closest encounter yet. From above, a voice commanded, "Look up."

Obediently, Jian Xingsui lifted his gaze, meeting those enchanting eyes. Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, "Do I look like I bite?"

Jian Xingsui hurriedly shook his head.

Fu Jinxiao chuckled lightly, "Then why the panic?"

In truth, Jian wasn't the only one feeling uneasy. The entire room was on edge. The appearance of Fu, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, was as startling as a principal suddenly entering a student dormitory.

As the occupants puzzled over the situation, crew members from the program entered with cameras, one of them announcing, "We're here for a dormitory check. Everyone, please open your suitcases. We'll be inspecting for prohibited items."

Being the first room, it was naturally chosen to set the example.

Shen Xingchen wailed, "Really? Another inspection?"

Fu Jinxiao cast a glance, "What are you howling about?"

Shen Xingchen clammed up immediately; that look was more effective than tape.

The staff, along with everyone else, dared not cross this prince. They had invited Fu Jinxiao to host the event. True to his title, his mere presence was enough to intimidate.

The luggage of several individuals was now open, and the contents laid bare for the audience. By nine in the evening, many had tuned in, curious and excited.

"It feels a bit immoral, but I'm so excited!"

"Hahaha, wondering what the male celebrities have packed."

"Perhaps musical instruments or dance costumes?"

Clearly, the audience's expectations were a tad naive.

As each suitcase was opened, an array of unexpected items was revealed: game consoles, tablets, dumbbells, and even a bottle of Lao Gan Ma chili sauce.

Fu Jinxiao's gaze coldly landed on that chili sauce bottle.

Jian Xingsui sheepishly remarked, "It's really tasty with rice."

A crew member tried, unsuccessfully, to stifle a laugh. Everyone knew of the boy who'd humble himself for twenty thousand, but none expected his living standards to be so tight. In Jian's suitcase, they found Lao Gan Ma, bean paste, pancakes, and even a thermal flask.

They asked, "Why bring such a large flask?"

Jian Xingsui honestly replied, "This way, I don’t have to buy water outside. Everything here is pricey. They only sell Baisuishan."

It was a sincere response.

Online, the audience was in stitches:

"I noticed they only sell Baisuishan at the cinema!"

"Yes, some places sell water at exorbitant prices."

"Buddy, seems you really need that twenty thousand!"

A crew member inquired, "And this dumbbell?"

The reticent Ning Ze stepped forward, "Mine. I have a habit of exercising before sleep."

"But we have a gym here."

"I've had this dumbbell since childhood. It's a habit."

Crew member: "..."

Yet these items weren't really contraband. Instead, it was Shen Xingchen's game console and tablet that were prohibited. As they were confiscated, Shen Xingchen wailed, grabbing the hem of Fu Jinxiao's clothing, "Please don’t take them! I'll only play for a bit tonight. Can your heart be this cold? I’ll tell my older brother about this..."

The same individual who just threatened Jian Xingsui with tattling now acted like a schoolboy, trying to wheedle in front of Fu Jinxiao.

However, Fu Jinxiao seemed adept at handling this clingy annoyance. He paused, lowering his gaze, "Are you sure you want to continue your wailing?"

Shen Xingchen: "Ah..."

"If you're any louder, the other dorms will hear," Fu Jinxiao remarked, slightly lowering his voice and smiling gently. "By then, they'll have hidden their items, and only yours will be confiscated..."

He spoke with the amused whisper of a devil.

Without any further persuasion, Shen Xingchen's lament ceased immediately. He looked understanding and even urged, "Go ahead, check the next room quickly, brother. We're running out of time."

Everyone watched in astonishment.

Those further away didn't catch the specifics but felt that Fu Jinxiao was truly impressive, handling the young master with ease.

The live stream audience got the gist and filled the screen with laughter:

"My man Fu is the best."

"This guy's cunning is on another level."

"This group is so adorable. Love them all!"

Throughout the evening's proceedings, many electronic devices were confiscated. All four mentors participated in the event. Howls could be heard from various dorms, but not from the row under Fu Jinxiao's watch. When the "Film Emperor" stood at the entrance, all contestants chose to comply, not daring to defy him.

After the event, an announcement echoed, "All items have been collected. We will now distribute 'Star Beans', the universal currency of the 'Starlight' show, based on everyone’s performance today. Star Beans can be used to unlock various perks and, when accumulated, can be used to 'redeem' your confiscated items. One representative from each dormitory should come to the first-floor hall to collect the Star Beans."

The announcement reached Dormitory 403 as well.

Shen Xingchen, still feeling dejected, declared, "I'm not going."

Ning Ze only had his dumbbell exercise on his mind.

Wensheng Ge, a bit embarrassed, said to Jian Xingsui, "Actually, I do my beauty exercises every evening at this time."

"..."

So it's only me?

Resignedly, Jian Xingsui said, "Alright then."

He never liked to rush. By the time he reached the hall, most dormitories had already collected their beans. He thought he’d be among the last, but to his surprise, a few mentors were still present. Since Fu Jinxiao was the one who had confiscated their items, he headed to the "Film Emperor" for collection.

For Jian Xingsui, this was another nerve-wracking challenge.

He approached leisurely and greeted, "Hello, Brother Fu."

Fu Jinxiao was lazily leaning in his chair with a list in front of him detailing Star Bean amounts, alongside a box. Jian Xingsui signed, claimed, and then handed the sheet to him, saying, "I've filled it out."

Fu Jinxiao took the form, responding nonchalantly, "There are star beans in the box. Take them according to the count."

Jian Xingsui nodded obediently, "Okay."

As he bowed his head, he appeared earnest, reminiscent of that boy in the rice cake shop who kept working despite an injured hand. On a certain afternoon, in a place where no one was aware, he was also stubbornly and seriously defending his idol.

Fu Jinxiao glanced at the form and casually inquired, "Did Shen Xingchen bully any of you in the dorm?"

Jian Xingsui hesitated, recalling the playful fight they had that night. He gently shook his head, "No."

Fu Jinxiao chuckled ambiguously.

For some reason, Jian Xingsui felt a sudden unease. Some people truly have a formidable presence that commands respect without any overt display of power.

"I'm familiar with his temperament. Shen's family is affluent, and the young lad's whims have always been indulged. Sharing a dorm with him, it's inevitable that you'll bear some of his antics," Fu Jinxiao said languidly, his long legs crossed. His words felt like casual banter, "Sending him here was to temper him. So, don't cover for him. If he ever oversteps, feel free to report to me."

...

Jian Xingsui's eyelashes fluttered. Did Fu Jinxiao notice and care about the scene in their dorm?

But surely it wasn't for his sake. It must have been about teaching Shen Xingchen a lesson, reminding himself not to overestimate his own importance.

"Of course," Fu Jinxiao put down the form, looked up, and smiled teasingly, "If he bullies you, you can report that too."