Chapter Six: You All... Have Truly Tormented Me!
“Excellent, that was perfectly explained! I understand now—it’s Wang Sulong’s fault,” Song Dan said, coming back to her senses and showing support.
“Yes, yes, it’s my fault. This time, I’ll definitely follow Dan Ma’s leadership,” Wang Sulong chimed in.
“We absolutely support Dan Ma. Following Dan Ma means we’ll have everything—food and drink,” others joined in.
“...”
The rest nodded in agreement, livening the atmosphere once more.
At that moment, Wang Chuanjun’s gaze towards Xu Xiu was somewhat peculiar.
“You... you also read Archimedes’ books? I really enjoy his works,” he said.
Xu Xiu was momentarily stunned.
“Uh... just occasionally, when I have time,” she replied.
“That’s wonderful! I think we can really hit it off. It’s fate—we not only came in the same car but also share hobbies!”
Seeing Wang Chuanjun’s eyes light up like a parched field meeting rain, Xu Xiu had no idea how to respond.
Should she tell him she was talking nonsense just now? Surely not. Could anyone really believe that? This guy’s a bit gullible!
Fortunately, Song Dan spoke up with a plan, allowing Xu Xiu to escape Wang Chuanjun’s persistence.
“Since I’m the oldest here, I suggest we first elect today’s dock chief. The old dock residents won’t participate; are any newcomers willing to take the role?”
“Just to be clear, because this is a social variety show, this will help everyone get to know each other quickly.”
It was clear Song Dan had been wary of online backlash and now spoke more cautiously.
Unexpectedly, after her suggestion, silence fell. No one wanted to be the bold pioneer; everyone glanced around nervously.
Seeing this, Xu Xiu shook her head helplessly, realizing no one wanted to step forward.
Slowly, he stood up.
“I’ll do it! If no one else will, I’ll take it. I had a red flower in kindergarten, was the Chinese class monitor in elementary, sports commissioner in middle school, and an ordinary student in high school...”
At first, everyone listened seriously, but as he went on, it felt off.
“Wait! Hold on. You’ve never been a class monitor?”
“The first few sounded plausible, but how did you become just an ordinary student in high school?”
“Yeah, and what about university? Why no mention of college?”
Xu Xiu shook his head.
“I never said I was a class monitor, and I didn’t attend university. What else am I supposed to say? Can’t just make something up. I became a trainee right after high school.”
“...”
“...”
“...”
[Notification: Host’s abstract behavior detected, exposure level +69… +69…]
The audience was once again stunned by Xu Xiu’s candidness.
“Mr. Xu Xiu’s withdrawal from the literary world was something I strongly opposed; it was a great loss to our sphere!”
“Seriously? No college? You’re really honest!”
“To be fair, Xu Xiu has a unique personality. I like how straightforward he is—unlike some who fake their education, height, or age.”
“Zhang Tian’ai: Why don’t you just take my ID card then? Why be so subtle?”
Just as Xu Xiu sat down, Song Dan said, “Alright, it’s you then!”
“Exactly. I think you’re suitable. Just for your courage to volunteer, you’ve got my support.”
“Long live the dock chief! Please lead us to a happy life,” others cheered.
“???”
Xu Xiu wore the expression of a weary subway commuter.
I was just trying to lighten the mood—I never said I wanted to be dock chief!
Elect me? Are you out of your minds?
Before Xu Xiu could react, Wang Sulong said to La Mu, “You, hurry up and give your seat to the dock chief. Is that really where you belong?”
“Yes, yes. I’ll get up right now. That was presumptuous of me. Oh, dock chief, please have a seat. I was just worried you might be cold, so I was helping with the cushion,” La Mu said with a servile look.
By now, Xu Xiu was being lifted up. He finally understood the predicament Zhao Kuangyin once faced.
“Sigh—what are you doing? You’re really troublesome to me…”
Though protesting verbally, Xu Xiu’s body was honest, stepping briskly to the center.
Once seated, he crossed his legs.
“Is this the kind of aura a leader should have?”
“Right! You really do look the part sitting there.”
“Hahaha, you look like a tyrant. Want me to find you two beauties to go with you?” Wang Sulong glanced at Xu Xiu.
“That sounds great. Who wouldn’t want to make that sacrifice? I don’t mind,” Xu Xiu said hurriedly.
“Go away! What are you dreaming about? Beauties? Do you want this old lady instead?” Song Dan waved dismissively.
Confirmed by the look in their eyes: this is a true leader.
Unapproachable...
Pass!
“Hahaha, his look kills me. This is just too funny,” Meng Ziyi laughed heartily.
Xu Xiu shot her a serious glance.
“What are you laughing at? Keep it down!”
Meng Ziyi immediately stopped laughing, then pouted, “Why are you being mean? Waaah~”
“Ha ha ha ha!” ×13
Xu Xiu’s antics thrilled Meng’s fans.
“Fun! Meng Jie’s being disciplined again. The silly beauty is getting scolded once more~”
“Meng Jie: Waaah~ Big bad! Always bullying me. Why not pick on someone else? Just because I’m easy to tease?”
“Finally, someone can put Meng Jie in her place. If it were anyone else, I’d say it’s wrong, but please, go harder on Meng Jie. Haven’t you eaten?”
“Xu Xiu! You’re simply diabolical.”
The hall was filled with laughter and joy.
The atmosphere revived once more thanks to Xu Xiu.
La Mu leaned close to Meng Ziyi and said loudly, “I like this dock chief! Awesome!”
Meng Ziyi’s personality was truly good-natured. Even with La Mu’s close proximity, she smiled and said,
“Huh? La Mu! What do you mean? Is it because he’s doing what you always wanted but never dared?”
“No, I never said that. Don’t pin that on me,” La Mu waved his hand.
“Hmph!” Meng Ziyi pouted.
Then she stood, hands on hips, and said to Xu Xiu, “I’ll have you know, I was a dock chief last season.”
Xu Xiu smirked. Childish!
Who are you trying to scare with that? Such childish talk—I’m not going to bother with it.
That kind of talk would be juvenile even for elementary school kids!
But… for someone Xu Xiu’s age, it was just right!
He grinned crookedly and said, “Oh? So what? Now it’s my turn!”
“Sorry... for the interruption!” Meng Ziyi was dumbfounded by her own silliness.
“Ha ha ha ha!” ×13
The crowd was thoroughly entertained by the two lively spirits.