Chapter 13 – Luck Thief
The strategic alliance guaranteed Xiao Xi's success, but it also forced her into constant proximity with her main rival.
The producers of Stars and Survival milked the rising tension between the "sweet rookie" and the "reformed veteran" for ratings.
During a high-profile, televised fan meet, the inevitable confrontation occurred.
The event involved a segment where the stars walked a temporary ramp through a cheering crowd.
As Lin Yueran gracefully approached a corner, she executed her signature move—a dramatic, seemingly accidental trip.
She tumbled forward, her perfect posture dissolving into panic, sliding dramatically toward the edge of the stage.
The cameras zoomed in, and gasps erupted from the audience—it was a perfect, calculated bid for victim sympathy and massive luck transfer.
But before anyone could move, before the security team could react, Xiao Xi moved with the speed and decision of someone who understood physics and momentum.
She darted forward, not pulling Lin Yueran back by her shoulders (which would look aggressive), but by catching her wrist and holding it firmly.
She didn't haul her to safety; she simply stabilized her, then smiled warmly, sweetly, and reassuringly for the cameras.
The System roared with success:
[Luck Transfer Activated: +800 Points.]
The sheer audacity of stealing the luck from an attempted victim stunt resulted in a huge gain.
[Current Luck: 2300.]
Lin Yueran's fans cheered wildly, convinced that Xiao Xi had acted out of pure, spontaneous kindness.
The headlines would declare it a moment of grace.
Backstage, once they were safely out of immediate camera range, the illusion shattered.
Lin Yueran yanked her arm free, her face a mask of furious, undisguised hatred.
"You did that on purpose," Lin hissed, her usual sweet voice vibrating with suppressed venom.
"You stood right in the path."
"Of course I did," Xiao Xi said brightly, her smile still dazzling but carrying a dangerous edge.
She inspected her wrist where Lin had grabbed her.
"You should thank me.
That little tumble and my 'act of grace' just doubled your social media followers. It's fantastic content."
Then she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial, icy whisper that only Lin could hear.
"But so did mine.
You try to play the victim, I'll play the savior, and I'll still walk away with the lion's share of the profit.
Try harder next time, Lin."
The system chimed approvingly, recognizing the tactical superiority:
[Achievement Unlocked: 'Queen of Reverse Image.' (Successfully leveraged antagonistic action into positive public narrative.)]
[Skill Mastery: Charm of Persuasion level up.]
Later that night, Gu Yanzhou reviewed the footage in his suite, playing the scene back twice.
He watched the subtle difference in their expressions—Xiao Xi's calm focus versus Lin Yueran's veiled fury.
"She plays dirt like it's chess," he murmured, a genuine, appreciative smile curving his lips.
He understood her completely.
The world hated the greedy actor, but loved the selfless savior.
Xiao Xi was mastering the art of the publicly good, privately ruthless player.
It was exactly why he'd signed the Devil's Contract.