To solve the expression ( 131.546 - 1968 - \frac{978 - 699}{8} ), we'll break it down step by step.

First, calculate ( 978 - 699 ):

[
978 - 699 = 279
]

Next, divide that result by 8:

[
\frac{279}{8} = 34.875
]

Now, substitute this value back into the original expression:

[
131.546 - 1968 - 34.875
]

Next, combine the first two terms:

[
131.546 - 1968 = -1836.454
]

Now, subtract ( 34.875 ):

[
-1836.454 - 34.875 = -1871.329
]

So the final result is:

[
\boxed{-1871.329}
]