Chapter 74: One Should Read More Books

Cloud Fu found herself inexplicably shifting from solo play to a four-person team, but she didn’t comment; it made little difference to her. Either way, victory was hers in a sweeping, overwhelming fashion.

When Mu Bai first debuted, his company cast him as a high-ranking cool guy, but as the years passed and his popularity soared, he shed that persona entirely. Fans all knew by now: the aloofness was a façade; the real Mu Bai was a clown. At this moment, he was riding Cloud Fu’s coattails to easy wins. “Oh my god! Miss, are your eyes like an eight-times scope? How did you spot someone over there?” he exclaimed. “Amazing! Gu-ge, you’re incredible too. Please, both of you legends, carry me in future games!” “Miss, keep going! Just three more enemies and we win!” “Let’s play another round after this one!”

Mu Bai demonstrated perfectly what it meant to be a mediocre player with an insatiable appetite for gaming.

Ouyang Ting couldn’t stand it any longer. “Stop playing, the guests are about to arrive, we should—” She looked up, only to see Xi Rou’er standing nearby, her expression complex and hard to decipher.

Because Cloud Fu had once saved her, Ouyang Ting felt a deep gratitude and even a hint of admiration toward her. As for the nation’s goddess Xi Rou’er, she felt nothing. Mu Bai, meanwhile, was nothing but a game-obsessed child. Gu Haoyuan seemed above worldly matters; when gaming with them, he never spoke and certainly paid no mind to Xi Rou’er standing by.

So only Ouyang Ting glanced at Xi Rou’er, while the others’ attention remained wholly on the game.

The barrage of live comments began to criticize them.

[This isn’t right, four people gaming and leaving someone else out.]
[Exactly, our goddess has never been treated like this. What’s up with those four? They should at least greet her.]
[So rude. The goddess must feel awkward.]

But Xi Rou’er wasn’t the only idol with fans watching; the others’ fans weren’t about to let their favorites be slandered.

[They just didn’t notice her, and they started gaming before your goddess arrived. It’s not like they’re intentionally ignoring her.]
[Yeah, if you’re so sensitive, maybe don’t join reality shows. Everyone’s meeting for the first time—how come those four get along so well?]
[How arrogant. Even so, Emperor Gu and King Mu are just as famous as Xi Rou’er—why didn’t she greet them first?]

As the comment section erupted, the four finally finished their game and Cloud Fu slowly put away her phone. Mu Bai, still eager, pressed her, “Miss, what’s your name? Let’s add each other on WeChat! We can duo in future games!”

Worried Cloud Fu might refuse, Mu Bai pitched himself: “I’m not great at gaming, but at least as your duo partner I can support you if you fall, or just keep you company…”

Cloud Fu’s ears hurt from his chatter; she quickly pulled out her phone and opened her QR code. Ouyang Ting, seeing this, hurried over as well. “I can join as a third! I’m pretty good too.”

Gu Haoyuan glanced at Cloud Fu, then at Mu Bai, silently pulled out his phone and scanned in as well.

[Why do I think… they’re kind of cute?]
[Hello? What am I watching? A friendship convention?]
[I can’t stop laughing, Cloud Fu’s expression is priceless.]
[Cloud Fu: Please, let me shine alone, hahaha.]

Xi Rou’er never expected to be the one left out. She wasn’t about to add Cloud Fu, and she didn’t know the others. She certainly wouldn’t lower herself to initiate conversation. Fury filled her heart; with her status, she should always be the center of attention, yet thanks to Cloud Fu, the spotlight had shifted away from her.

Hmph, she would never let Cloud Fu climb above her.

[Host, what are you planning to do?]
[Relax. Men—they’re all the same. Is there a man I can’t handle?]
[True, Host, you have me, and you can exchange for tools.]

Hearing the voice in her mind, Xi Rou’er’s lips curled. Yes, she was a woman with a system. These men—her gaze lingered on Mu Bai and Gu Haoyuan—would be hers sooner or later.

Just then, the final guest arrived. As a veteran in their circle and a renowned host, the atmosphere changed instantly. At last, the group introduced themselves.

Mu Bai hovered around Cloud Fu, full of excitement. “Miss, so your name is Cloud Fu! We both have two-character names—what a coincidence!”

Cloud Fu: “…” She didn’t want to talk to idiots.

The comment section erupted in laughter.

[Mu Bai, what a goofball—grasping at fate just to team up for games. I can’t even, hahaha.]
[Miss is so cold, but also so beautiful. They actually look pretty good together.]
[Please protect our little Fu’er, she’s still a kid—don’t try to ship them.]
[Protect our Mu Bai, he’s just a game-obsessed straight guy. Fu’er is nice, but we’re not interested in pairing.]

Fans of Cloud Fu and Mu Bai reached an understanding, and seeing such civility, the comment section became more harmonious than ever.

The six sat together, chatting while waiting for the plane to take off. With He Fang present, the mood never grew awkward. He Fang glanced at the quiet Cloud Fu and couldn’t help but ask, “Cloud Fu, how old are you today? Still in university?”

Cloud Fu shook her head, calm and dignified. “No, I haven’t attended.”

In the entertainment world, plenty start out early without formal education. He Fang nodded, not pressing the issue. Xi Rou’er picked up the thread, smiling gently like a caring sister. “Little Fu is probably eighteen or nineteen, right? At that age, you should read more books. For girls, broadening your horizons is important.”

Among the six guests, the rest were all university graduates. Xi Rou’er herself had graduated from a prestigious foreign art university, admitted with high marks. Ouyang Ting was a sophomore at the National Film Academy. Gu Haoyuan and Mu Bai were both top graduates from universities ranked in the global top ten. Teacher He Fang was the most impressive—he graduated from the Imperial Capital University, a truly elite institution.

[Looks like only Cloud Fu is a high school graduate. Can she really keep up on a trip abroad with that education?]
[With her education, she probably can’t even buy a loaf of bread.]
[Connections really are connections—how did she get on this show? Can she introduce herself in English?]
[Girls these days are restless, not well educated, but think highly of themselves.]
[And she’s supposed to be an idol? What’s she teaching people, to graduate high school and start working?]