Chapter 7 The Seventh Day of Starting a Business

Xia Xi wasn’t a fool—she wouldn’t do two jobs for one paycheck.

Unless they paid extra.

If the production team insisted on making her a mentor, that was fine too. Xia Xi had already expanded her thinking—being a mentor should come with a decent fee, bringing her one step closer to opening her own Martial Arts School.

The venue fell into momentary silence. This completely caught them off guard.

The mentors: So all that hesitation wasn’t because you were scared, but because the money wasn’t right? Being a mentor is a separate charge, is that it?

The live audience burst out laughing.

[Damn, what a plot twist! Teacher Wan Jun, you’ve met your match. Xixi, I’m loving this—just for that response, I’m voting for you!]

[Of course being a mentor costs extra. Did you think you could freeload off my husband? Hey, new hubby, how you doing?]

[Who’s calling her hubby? Are you even close to Xia Xi? Hubby, don’t listen to them. Hubby must have great core strength… I mean, with that kind of Core Strength, there’s gotta be some abs, right? *drools*]

[Where’s the director? Hurry up and pay Xia Xi her mentor fee! Do you know how much risk she’s taking? She can’t even sneak Gummy Bears anymore!]

[Actually, eating them openly at the mentor table would be its own kind of thrill, no?]

…

After that impressive performance, Xia Xi’s title had shifted from “wife” to “husband.”

Wan Jun wore a pained expression, gripping his seat tightly to show he wasn’t going anywhere, adding to the comedic effect.

The other mentors stifled their laughter and moved things along. “Xia Xi, do you have a song or rap prepared?”

This was an additional test for more screen time.

Xia Xi nodded. She had a song ready—Chao Ge had anticipated she might get an extra segment after her debut stage performance.

“But my rap isn’t great. I only practiced for a few days.”

First was the singing portion. Xia Xi wasn’t very familiar with this world’s songs, so the company’s vocal coach had hastily picked a ballad for her. As the spotlight fell on her face, she quieted down. Her voice had a nice texture, and she stayed perfectly on pitch without faltering.

When it came to the rap, everyone realized Xia Xi wasn’t being modest—she really wasn’t good at it.

It was a tongue-twisting mess.

Since Xia Xi had warned them, the mentors weren’t too harsh. The rap instructor even encouraged her, saying she’d improve with more practice.

After some deliberation, Wan Jun received the final results. Instead of announcing them outright, he smiled and asked Xia Xi, “What grade do you think you’ll get?”

Someone from the contestants’ seats shouted, “A!”

Xia Xi replied, “I think it’s a C.” She knew her limits.

Wan Jun looked surprised as he flipped the card over. “Congratulations… you’re right!”

He actually felt a little sorry for Xia Xi. Her debut stage performance had been A-level, but her singing wasn’t outstanding, and her rap was too weak.

Xia Xi accepted the result calmly, bowing to thank the judges before heading back to the contestants’ seats—this time not to the F-class section but to the higher C-class seats.

“Xia Xi!”

Before she could reach her seat, someone called her name. She looked up, and the other contestants turned toward the source of the voice.

Zhao Tianqi stood at the highest point of the contestants’ seating area, looking down at Xia Xi. “I’ll be waiting for you in A-class.”

Xia Xi paused for a moment, then smiled. “Okay.”

“Want to go for a morning run together tomorrow?” Xia Xi extended this running invitation to Zhao Tianqi.

Zhao Tianqi nodded in understanding as she returned to her seat in Class A, knowing Xia Xi had recognized her.

The audience was practically dying of suspense: What’s this morning run inside joke about? What kind of Sherlock code are you two using?

Hey, production team! As esteemed viewers, we demand you investigate immediately—what are we missing here?

Even the director was urgently asking staff what crucial moment he might have overlooked.

Zhao Tianqi interacting with Xia Xi was something he hadn’t anticipated, but this unscripted moment proved more effective than any planned scenario.

The initial stage recording concluded amidst various unexpected developments. Xia Xi was placed in Class C, while Rui Ziyue and others from the same company—who initially sat in Class A seats—ultimately received F ratings.

Their performance was likely affected by nerves—vocal cracks, forgotten dance moves—throwing off the entire rhythm.

Rui Ziyue: “…”

…

Initially, the production team planned to market Xia Xi based on her looks. But after witnessing her practicing martial arts during auditions, they switched strategies—first hinting at her short training period to mislead viewers into thinking she was just a “pretty face,” saving the real surprise for later.

This approach succeeded based on Xia Xi’s performance, but the real viral moments came from unexpected sources: [“Xia Xi as instructor would require hazard pay”] and especially [“Xia Xi & Zhao Tianqi”].

For Summer CP fans, the live broadcast alone was pure bliss.

“Zhao Tianqi initiated conversation by offering Xia Xi gummy bears,” “Zhao Tianqi wanted praise from Xia Xi,” “Xia Xi requested staff record her evaluation of Zhao Tianqi,” their “I’ll wait for you in Class A” promise, the morning run arrangement, whispered exchanges…

Which of these moments wouldn’t make CP fans scream in delight?

The edited version managed to uncover even sweeter moments—the morning run reference was cleverly decoded, and the show revealed Xia Xi’s habit of avoiding cameras.

Summer CP fans: “She avoids cameras, yet asked staff to film her praising Zhao Tianqi!”

!!!

All words condensed into one sentiment: We’re deceased from sweetness.

Just from the initial stage recording, Summer CP fandom rapidly expanded, proudly waving its banner.

…

Though the initial evaluations ended, exhausted trainees couldn’t relax—theme song training began immediately.

“Only two days? 48 hours to learn both dance and vocals? The production team wants us dead—this is impossible!”

“I’m doomed—I might not even memorize the lyrics.”

“Vocals alone would be manageable, but my dancing… I admit the routine I performed today took me six months to learn…”

Groups of trainees walking to their dorms intermittently groaned with anxiety.

The announced theme song “Youth Journey” featured upbeat music and choreography, but presented challenges—high-pitched vocals and intricate dance sequences.

Chu Sisi reassured Xia Xi, whispering, “Don’t worry, I have special techniques for high notes—I’ll teach you.”

Xia Xi thanked her, effortlessly twisting open a bottle cap and handing it to Chu Sisi.

Nearby, Zhao Tianqi offered support too: “If you have any dance questions, come find me in Class A anytime.”

Both Chu Sisi and Zhao Tianqi received A ratings initially, so theme song training would proceed by class.

After coming down from the contestants’ seats, Zhao Tianqi and Xia Xi naturally walked together. Xia Xi had actually recognized Zhao Tianqi as the fellow contestant who ran with her in the mornings when she saw her sitting in Class F.

As for why Chu Sisi suddenly joined their group, it was because Chu Sisi wanted Xia Xi to open a bottle cap for her. Offering to teach Xia Xi high notes was her way of repaying the favor.

Xia Xi had joined the show purely to earn money for opening her Martial Arts School, never expecting to make friends. Yet since arriving, she’d encountered much kindness.

[Ding—]

Before she could say anything more, the long-absent mechanical voice sounded in her mind, making Xia Xi pause mid-step.

?

[Seagod Skill activated: Time Management Master]

[Time Management Master: An outstanding Sea King must possess excellent time management skills to energetically navigate between various targets and tasks.]

[This skill is exclusively attached to the book *The Mermaid Daughter*, designed to improve the host’s survival ability and living conditions. Restarting life? Don’t panic—the “Misfortune Compensation Department” will protect you throughout the journey.]

[Task: Host must use this skill within 24 hours.]

Xia Xi: ???

Ever since transmigrating to this world and receiving the system’s initial orientation, it had remained silent until now.

At first, Xia Xi had worried whether ignoring the “Misfortune Compensation Department’s” suggested path would have consequences—though even if it did, she wouldn’t have obeyed them. But as time passed without incident, she’d forgotten about that troublesome department.

Now it was pulling this resurrection stunt.

Xia Xi’s expression remained unchanged, but internally she scoffed: They’re absent when they should be protecting, but show up when they shouldn’t.

She’d deliberately refuse—what could they possibly do to her?

As if sensing her attitude, a tiny electric current passed through Xia Xi’s body, like punishment for an uncooperative student.

Xia Xi resumed walking with long strides: That’s it?

‘Did you not eat enough? Can’t even scratch an itch.’ The electrotherapy she’d received from overexertion hit harder than this.

Her reflection in the corridor glass showed—

A face of casual mockery, radiating wild defiance.

The next instant, a massive electric shock coursed through her body.

Xia Xi’s entire frame convulsed uncontrollably, her facial features twisting in agony.

Internal screaming: ‘Daddy! Your daughter was wrong!’

Chu Sisi was still marveling at today’s debut stage: “Liu Yutong’s Electric Shock Dance was amazing, though impossible to learn…”

Then she noticed Xia Xi lagging behind and gasped, “Wow, Xia Xi! You’ve already mastered the Electric Shock Dance!” Utterly impressed.

“……”

Xia Xi weakly waved her hand—she was literally being electrocuted.

…

It was Zhao Tianqi who noticed something wrong, seeing her trembling body, and urgently asked if she needed medical attention.

Xia Xi declined the offer, taking deep breaths. “Probably just exhausted from today. Some sleep will fix it.”

If this was the “Misfortune Compensation Department’s” doing, doctors would be useless.

The shocks only came twice, but Xia Xi had no doubt she’d keep getting zapped if she didn’t use the skill soon.

The next day, Xia Xi retrieved the original owner’s phone.

Not only did she get her phone back, but the other contestants did as well. Before entering the program’s arranged villa, all electronic devices had been confiscated. Now, the phones were temporarily returned for the contestants to learn the theme song.  

Xia Xi saw a message from Fish No. 1, Lu Chen. Without hesitation, she tapped into it.  

……  

Lu Chen was in a foul mood. Xia Xi hadn’t replied to him at all, and even his handsome face had darkened with irritation.  

After signing a new contract worth millions, Lu Chen reached to the side, groping for his phone.  

Had Xia Xi realized her mistake and come to apologize?  

The screen delivered the verdict: *President Lu, no—Xia Xi has blocked you!*  

Lu Chen: ???  

Furious, he checked repeatedly, but the glaring red exclamation mark on the chat page confirmed it—Xia Xi had really blocked him.  

Still, Lu Chen had her phone number. For the longest time, he had maintained his dignified restraint, refusing to call despite having the means. But now, he couldn’t sit still any longer.  

Had Xia Xi lost her mind?  

After several failed attempts to get through, Lu Chen had no choice but to send a text.  

*”Are you throwing a tantrum at me?”*  

*”I don’t like women who throw tantrums at me. I’ll allow it just this once. You have five minutes to unblock me.”*  

Fifty minutes passed, and he remained blocked. Worse yet, Lu Chen confirmed—Xia Xi had blacklisted his number too.  

……  

Xia Xi hadn’t just blocked Lu Chen. She had blocked every single one of the original owner’s “fish.”  

At that moment, she sat on the practice room floor, calmly marking up the theme song lyrics with a pen, her expression serene like an otherworldly sage—but in reality, she was defiantly provoking fate.  

*‘Go ahead, strike me dead.’*  

She would not be controlled. She would always be free.