This Setup Is Broken - This Setup is Broken Chapter 4: Differentiate

In the Aina Empire, everyone receives an ID when they are born. This card is linked to their DNA and also functions as a bank account. If it’s lost or damaged, it’s easy to report and get a new one after verification. It’s very convenient.

The identity card is a white card that only those at the bottom of society use. Some families with better conditions might request to upgrade theirs into communication devices worn as watches or necklaces for convenience. Many big cities have already stopped issuing white cards, opting for watch-style communication devices instead. However, it’s clear that the place where Bai Shi lives hasn’t reached that level yet.

Bai Shi recalls this information from his memory, holding the small white card with a sense of regret. “A big city, a good young master, a cool communication device—just like that, it’s all gone because of my big mouth!”

He feels like dying. Looking at the two people at the dining table, Bai Shi suddenly feels uneasy. They wouldn’t have been in such a dire situation if not for his words. Now they have to suffer alongside him. It’s truly an unexpected disaster.

As the guardian, Chi Haitian naturally has to be involved in this name-changing process. Seeing that Bai Shi has finished his meal and is eagerly waiting for him, Chi Haitian can’t help but smile for a moment. This child has never cared about his name before, but now he’s finally grown up and feels that “Gou Dan” doesn’t sound good anymore.

He asks, “Do you really want to change it?”

Bai Shi is serious. “Yes, it’s unlucky.”

Chi Haitian replies, “Actually, your father originally wanted to name you something else, but changed it last minute.”

Bai Shi is taken aback. “What was it?”

“Bai Gou Sheng.” (Usually noone name their child “dog”. But it’s even worse with “Sheng”, since it means leftover. Basically “leftover dog” :skull:)

Bai Shi: “…”

“That’s even worse than “Bai Goudan”! “Bai Dog” or “Bai Egg” would sound better, right?!”

Noticing Bai Shi’s dissatisfaction, Chi Haitian stops teasing him. “What do you want to change it to?”

If he changes to the protagonist’s name, will the twisted fate realign? But he’d have to change his surname too… Bai Shi hesitates, glancing at the stern elderly man in front of him. He estimates that if he says it, Chi Haitian might slap him, so he says: “Bai Shi”.

Pausing for a moment, he continues “Shi, as in time.”

Chi Haitian thinks he’s trying to remind himself to work harder and nods in agreement. The registration office is in Keli Town, they need to take a bus in between. To save time, Chi Haitian borrows a small motorcycle, which also has no tires. Bai Shi has grown calm and slowly sits on it.

Although Keli Town isn’t as prosperous as the original city, it’s not backward either. Perhaps because it’s working hours, there aren’t many people on the streets. As Bai Shi looks at the rows of shops, he suddenly feels a spark of inspiration and asks: “Grandpa, did my dad leave me some money?”

From this body’s memories, he knows his father was an ordinary villager who died young, so his impression of him is nearly nonexistent. However, Chi Haitian once mentioned an inheritance when they discussed food and accommodation fees, which informed him that he has some money.

Bai Shi thinks the inheritance probably isn’t much, but he is already very grateful. Also, he suspects that this father may not be his biological one because protagonists in harem novels usually have hidden backgrounds. He bets that people in the group will definitely write it this way. So even if the current setup deviates, he must have another identity. He just doesn’t know what happened to lead him to this situation.

Chi Haitian looks at him, curious. “Do you want to use it?”

“Yeah. Chi Zuo is starting school, and I want to buy him something.”

Chi Haitian’s eyes soften a little. “No need. I’ll buy it. Just save your money and don’t spend it carelessly.”

Bai Shi insists, “No, I have to give him a gift.”

The Youth Academy has excellent conditions, covering all expenses. Chi Zuo only needs to bring personal items, but there will always be situations where he can’t wear a uniform. So Bai Shi decides to buy his little brother some decent clothes. He also wants to make something by hand, hoping he won’t forget him. Chi Haitian tries to persuade him, but realizing he can’t change the child’s mind, he agrees. However, to prevent Bai Shi from overspending, he won’t give him too much. Bai Shi doesn’t plan on buying anything too expensive, so he readily agrees.

The two quickly finish changing the name. On the way back, Chi Haitian suddenly stops the motorcycle and instructs Bai Shi to get off. He searches Bai Shi’s pockets, inspecting him closely. “Is there any left?”

Bai Shi looks at him in despair, confused about why he suddenly turned aggressive, and stammers, “…No.”

Confirming that Bai Shi can’t take the bus, Chi Haitian hops back on the motorcycle, glancing at him. “You will run back to home”

As soon as he finishes speaking, he revs up the engine and speeds off.

Bai Shi: “………..”

“Oh, so that’s how it is! But this body is only ten years old! Old man, you’re so cold, cruel, and unreasonable! Abusing children is wrong, wake up!” Bai Shi stares at the small black dot in the distance, silent for several seconds. He wipes his face and resolutely starts to run back.

This road is longer than the usual distance. Even without sandbags, the training is tougher than usual. Bai Shi feels like he’s about to collapse. He thinks about stopping countless times but remembers he needs to pass the challenge, so he grits his teeth and continues. Finally, he stumbles into the courtyard, expressionless, and finds a spot to lie down, too exhausted to move.

Chi Zuo finishes his run and has just taken a shower when he waves at Bai Shi. “Gou Dan, you’re back!”

Bai Shi silently corrects him, “It’s Bai Shi.”

Sweat drips down his face, and his dark eyes sparkle like a small animal’s, making him look unexpectedly cute despite his lack of expression. Chi Zuo smiles and pats his head. “Gou Dan, do you want to take a shower?”

“It’s Bai Shi.”

This time, Chi Zuo finally understands. “Then I’ll call you Xiao Bai from now on.” (Xiao Bai is like Little Bai, nicknames for family member)

Bai Shi continues to maintain his poker face. “…You’re the little one. Your whole family is little.”

Chi Zuo is taken aback. “You’re also part of my family.”

Bai Shi falls silent for a moment. Seeing that Bai Shi doesn’t want to talk anymore, Chi Zuo thinks he must be tired and pulls him into the bathroom.

Life continues as usual. Bai Shi keeps a regular schedule. When Dejie and the others learn he has been eliminated, they feel a bit wary, but they’re still kids. Eventually, they can’t help but tease him, and he reflects that the plot hasn’t changed at all.

One day, he claims he isn’t feeling well and skips work. After Chi Zuo leaves, he asks his grandpa for money to go to Keli Town. Chi Haitian gives him a small amount, but combined with what he has saved over a year, it’s enough. He buys four sets of clothes and chooses two slightly larger sizes to account for growth. Looking at the money in his hands, he is satisfied with the prices. If it were the real world, it would only be enough for one outfit.

Chi Zuo worries about Bai Shi’s health and returns before evening. When he sees Bai Shi’s hand wrapped in bandages, he hurriedly asks what happened. Bai Shi quickly brushes it off, saying he accidentally bumped it, then pulls out the clothes for him. Chi Zuo is overjoyed, wanting to save two sets for Bai Shi. Bai Shi refuses, saying he can buy more later. Chi Zuo sniffs and says, “Gou… A Bai, I…”  (A + surname is also a kind of nickname)

“We’re family, no need for pleasantries.” Bai Shi interrupts, thinking that his little brother must remember him well and follow him. He’ll have him handle tasks in the future. “Young boy, I believe in you!”

Chi Zuo, unaware of his thoughts, folds the clothes and treasures them.

Time flows slowly, and finally, it’s the first day of school. Bai Shi takes Chi Zuo to Keli Town and hands him a necklace. He made it after buying the clothes. He went to Chi Haitian’s workplace and asked him to melt the materials down to make it. Although it’s not very pretty, it’s a heartfelt gesture. “Here, consider this my company with you. Don’t start trouble, but if someone bullies you, don’t hold back. The more you endure, the worse they’ll get. Go tell the teacher if necessary, okay?”

Chi Zuo has felt terrible since Bai Shi was eliminated. Now, seeing Bai Shi not only distance himself from him but treat him so well. He can’t help but cry, “I’m not going! I want to take the military exam with you, woaaaaa!”

Bai Shi: “……”

What?! Not knowing how the plot will unfold, he’s briefly stunned. Luckily, Chi Haitian is firm and insists that Chi Zuo go. Bai Shi understands what to do. He thinks it makes sense, how could he let his good brother give up such a great opportunity when the protagonist isn’t sure about his own future? He patiently persuades Chi Zuo, finally convincing him to drop the idea. As the aircraft is about to take off, Chi Zuo hugs him, crying, “I’ll bring you good food when I get back…”

“It won’t help, once you leave, I’ll have to wander. After today, we probably won’t see each other until the mecha competition in a few years. So you must remember me!”

Bai Shi pats his shoulder. “You should go now.”

Chi Zuo hugs him again, his eyes full of tears as he carries his small backpack, glancing back every few steps. With a loud roar, he finally leaves the place he has lived for ten years. Soon, Chi Zuo disappears from view. Bai Shi holds the pendant in front of his chest, reluctant to let go. Made of metal, it’s of average quality, maybe even a bit poor, but he has always treasured it and continues to wear it.

Back home, Bai Shi reviews the information he knows but still doesn’t know where to go. However, he knows he must leave home. With that thought, he calls out to Chi Haitian, who has finished eating and is about to take a nap. He asks for money.

Chi Haitian looks at him. “What are you planning to do this time?”

Bai Shi is serious. “Grandpa, I want to go wander!”

Chi Haitian: “……”

He carefully questions Bai Shi, almost laughing out of anger. He sternly says, “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll take you to school tomorrow. Study hard and aim for the military academy. You’re still so young and can’t take care of yourself. Going out is like looking for death.”

Bai Shi knows that going to school is the best choice, but he can’t choose it. So he decisively refuses, saying, “No. Chi Zuo will receive professional training, while I’m still learning useless things. It’s a waste of time, I need to find another path!”

Chi Haitian knows this child is stubborn, so he explains slowly. But no matter how he tries to persuade him, Bai Shi doesn’t listen. Eventually, out of patience, he gives Bai Shi a beating and takes away his ID.

“Old man, you’re abusing children again! You’re out of your mind! My real-life grandpa is much better than you, I’m his beloved, he cares for me!” Bai Shi rubs his sore bottom, squatting silently in a corner, sulking.

Chi Haitian stares at him for a while, then stands up. “Follow me.”

Bai Shi is surprised, thinking that perhaps this old man is secretly a wise master or knows one. But if that were true, he wouldn’t need to send Chi Zuo away to study elsewhere. So why is that?

Chi Haitian takes a few steps and looks back at Bai Shi. “What are you standing there for?”

No matter what, he decides to follow and see. so Bai Shi quickly gets up and catches up.