Popularity is everything; I play a super genius

Huo Mu's powerful and resolute shout rang out like thunder in the quiet corridor in the early morning!

At the same time, this guy skillfully bent his legs and was about to kneel down in front of Qi Ji with great momentum.

Fortunately, Saki was prepared.

"No kneeling allowed!"

With lightning speed, just a second before Huo Mu's knees were about to hit the ground, Qi Ji suddenly reached out, grabbed the back of his collar, and lifted him up like a chick.

"Don't kneel down so easily! A man's knees are worth their weight in gold, don't you even know that?!"

Upon hearing this, Huo Mu became even more determined, struggling to "cash out" the gold and give it to Qi Ji:

"Saki-kun, if I truly possessed gold beneath my knees, when would be a better time to use it? Please accept my gold!"

"..."

Qiji was defeated.

He had never seen a male protagonist in an anime like Hiki, who actually used "kneeling" as a tactic...

If viewers drop the show because they think the protagonist is too weak or spineless because this guy kneels down all the time...

How are you going to compensate me for the popularity points I lost, you bastard!

In short, Sakiji admits defeat.

"Alright, alright! Stop it, stop it! Whatever it is, I promise you, okay?"

Saki loosened his grip on Koki's collar, his tone suggesting a helpless compromise.

Of course, this part is just acting.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that Saki is eager to "guide" Hōki and help him become stronger.

After all, in the original storyline, Lao Yue's most popular scenes were "critical rescues" and "guiding Huo Mu to break through".

Now, it's his turn to take over the latter's "role"!

It can advance the plot, gain popularity, improve Huomu's favorability, and even save trouble for Laoyue who hates trouble. It's a win-win situation!

A world where everyone wins has been achieved!

Because it was still early, there weren't many people in the live stream, and the comments were just drifting by sparsely.

"Holy crap, the streamer's starting broadcast so early today? (Shocked)"

"Lao Ji, just spoil him!"

"Hey streamer, why is your hair wet?"

"Upstairs, is that even a question? It's obvious he just took a shower! But speaking of which, is Hagiji washing his face while wearing a mask the whole time?"

Qi Ji glanced at the comments section briefly, and the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily beneath his mask.

This group of viewers really has some rather peculiar points of interest.

Of course he washed his face!

Please wash every day!

Who says you can't wash your face while wearing a mask?

Are masks really such inconvenient things?

……

Seeing that his "sure-win method" had indeed worked, Huo Mu didn't forget to turn around and give Setsuna a look that said, "I told you Saki-chan is a really nice guy."

He was speechless for a moment, then gave her an undisguised eye roll.

Huo Mu didn't mind, turned around, and began to organize his thoughts to explain his purpose to Qi Ji.

He took a deep breath, his expression becoming unusually serious:

“Saki-kun, you asked me yesterday ‘why I have no power’, and I’ve been thinking about that question all night since I got back!”

"Oh?" Qi Ji leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, gesturing to listen.

"Have you figured it out yet?"

Huo Mu nodded vigorously, his face beaming with pride.

Then, in a tone brimming with "wisdom," he loudly proclaimed:

"Because I'm an idiot!"

Therefore, the conclusion I've reached is—

I can't figure it out with my own brain!

Huo Mu paused here, his gaze fixed intently on Qi Ji, his tone filled with unreserved trust and admiration:

"But, Saki, you're very smart! You're the smartest and most brilliant person I've ever met!"

So, if it were you—

You must be able to tell me how to become stronger!

When Shaya, who was standing to the side, heard Huomu's "proud" statement, she was shocked and her beautiful eyes widened.

"?!"

What the hell?! Seriously!

So you thought about it all night and came up with nothing?!

Is your conclusion any different from not thinking at all?!

What are you so smug about?!

Huomu's logic was already baffling enough to Setsuna.

But Saki's reaction next made her start to question the meaning of life.

Upon hearing what Huo Mu had said, Qi Ji did not complain or remain speechless. Instead, he seemed to have heard some profound truth, and with an expression of approval and even praise, he reached out and patted Huo Mu on the shoulder.

"Hmm, not bad!"

Saki's voice carried a sense of satisfaction, as if he were pleased that the student was teachable.

"It's good that you've figured it out."

moment:"???"

No! What did he finally figure out?!

Why can't I understand your conversation anymore?!

Of the three, Saki is an absolute genius.

And now, the statement that Huo Mu made, which she thought was extremely idiotic, actually received Qi Ji's approval.

Could it be that……

Am I the real idiot among the three?!

In an instant, I was plunged into deep self-doubt.

Then, the girl watched helplessly as the two, who seemed to have reached some kind of "consensus," strode confidently toward the academy's training ground.

Realizing what had happened, she could only follow along with a blank expression.

……

When we arrived at the training ground, the spacious area was empty except for a few people doing their morning exercises.

Throughout the journey, Saki was pondering one thing—

In the original storyline, how exactly did Tsukimi teach Hōki to become stronger quickly?

Unfortunately, all that Saki has is a synopsis of the anime series.

Many things are only mentioned briefly.

Therefore, Saki was unaware of the specific training methods and details.

Anyway-

Let's get into a stance first!

Qi Ji walked to the center of the training field, stood with his hands behind his back, and the morning breeze blew the hem of his trench coat.

He slightly raised his head, looked into the distance, and adopted a mysterious and inscrutable demeanor.

Huo Mu stood ramrod straight opposite him, his gaze burning with eager anticipation.

It seems to be saying—

Please teach me!

I'm fully prepared!

……

……

Chapter Forty-Eight: The Mindset of a Genius

Saki paused for a moment, then looked at Hoki.

Huo Mu stood at attention with his head held high and his face full of anticipation.

then--

The two of them stared at each other for several minutes.

He yawned in an instant.

I really don't understand what those two guys are doing.

She hadn't eaten breakfast yet and was hungry.

Looking at the two who were still "communicating with each other in their minds," she decided not to torture her stomach any longer.

He whispered, "I'm going to buy some food," and left the training ground alone.

About ten minutes later, she returned, carrying two servings of soy milk and fried dough sticks.

However, the "targeted training" between Qiji and Huomu is still stuck in the "staring at each other" stage.

Saki looked at the breakfast in Setsuna's hand, and the latter naturally handed her a portion, saying:

"Here you are, Saki-san."

Qi Ji took a sip of soy milk: "Sweet?"

Saki doesn't like sweet soy milk.

He belongs to the Ham Party.

"Huh? Is Saki-kun salty?" Setsuna paused for a moment, then quickly asked.

"Sorry... I'll go get you a replacement."

"No, no need to trouble yourself." Qi Ji waved his hand.

Although he personally prefers salty food, when it comes to just filling his stomach, the taste is not important.

He doesn't like waste.

Seeing the two people next to him eating breakfast, Huo Mu couldn't help but swallow hard and looked at Setsuna expectantly, his meaning quite clear.

What about his share?

However, Setsuna merely glanced at him and said, "Buy it yourself."

"Oh..." Huo Mu scratched his head, not minding at all, and immediately turned around and ran out of the training field at a speed even faster than before.

He returned shortly afterward, carrying two servings of soy milk and a serving of fried dough sticks.

He respectfully handed the salty soy milk to Qi Ji, even bowing deeply as he spoke:

"Master! Yours!"

Just as Saki was about to accept it, upon hearing the address, her hand trembled involuntarily, and she quickly stopped herself.