Popularity is everything; I play a super genius.

Chapter 47 Her Questioning of Life

"You're right, my foot!" Setsuna finally snapped.

"I'm not kneeling! If you want to kneel, go kneel yourself!"

She made up her mind that she would treat Saki to a meal today.

She still owed Qi Ji a meal, but hadn't had the chance to treat him.

She completed the task yesterday, and the academy settled her payment, leaving her with some extra money, which she used to repay the favor.

Hiding in the shadows, Saki heard their conversation clearly.

Upon realizing that they had indeed come for him, he quickly slipped away and returned home before the two of them.

I took a quick shower and lay down on the bed.

I had just closed my eyes when there was a knock on the door.

Saki pretended to have been woken up:

"Who is it... so early in the morning..."

Saki yawned and just opened the door—

"Saki-san! This is a once-in-a-lifetime request, please grant it!!!"

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 Huo Mu'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, Hōki didn't forget to turn back and give Chō a look that said, "I told you Saki-kun 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 don't you have any power?' I've been thinking about that all night since I got back!"

"Oh?" Saki leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, in a listening posture.

"Have you thought it through?"

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 Setsuna, 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 admiration, 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."

At that 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?!

He was instantly 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!

……

……