Wen Feiran was shocked and dazed; she was almost dumbfounded.
Is he some kind of genius at lame jokes? Is he really that funny?!
Su Shangting was drawn outside by Zou Yuxing's exaggerated laughter and asked, "What are you doing? Why aren't you here yet?"
Wen Feiran was afraid this process would have to be repeated, and his lame joke made Su Shangting unable to straighten up. He waved his hand blankly, "It's nothing, let's get going."
The castle was vast, filled with locked rooms, and its layout was extremely complex, like a maze. They chose a direction and prepared to explore slowly, hoping to find new clues, piece together the whole truth, and discover their identities.
Everyone was caught up in the atmosphere, their nerves were on edge, and their faces were solemn. Only Zou Yuxing acted as if he were going on a spring outing, excited and curious, looking around curiously. When Wen Feiran saw him like this, her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, slowly settled back into place.
Zou Yuxing's energetic and sunny demeanor is practically a talisman against evil spirits!
Wen Feiran found the best way to use Zou Yuxing and said, "Can you walk in front and lead the way for everyone?"
Zou Yuxing responded immediately, walking at the front to clear the way for everyone in the pitch black.
Wen Feiran hunched over, curling up into a ball, wishing she wouldn't touch anything. Zou Yuxing, however, opened his arms, touching and groping around, his mouth never idle.
In the silence, even the slightest sound was amplified infinitely. At first, Wen Feiran could only hear its ever-increasing heartbeat, but later, the wind seemed to carry indistinct notes.
He tensed, about to speak, when Song Lindi's trembling voice rang out, "It sounds like someone is playing the piano, can you hear it?"
Everyone nodded in agreement, Zou Yuxing said casually, "Let's go find that voice."
This could be a clue, but it was too strange and might harbor danger. After discussing it for a while, the minority yielded to the majority and finally decided to risk going.
The sound grew clearer and clearer, consisting of simple musical notes that, when strung together, did not even form a melody. Each note struck with extraordinary force, as if filled with resentment and hatred, sending chills down one's spine.
Many terrifying images involuntarily surfaced in Wen Feiran's mind, while Zou Yuxing passionately commented:
"This person must be a beginner; their playing is awful."
"Couldn't he have chosen a different piece? He could have played 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,' that's the easiest to learn and sounds much better. He has absolutely no taste."
"Isn't this like smashing a piano? Do you think his fingers will hurt?"
"..."
Wen Feiran didn't know how to respond, and the atmosphere became somewhat comical.
His decision was indeed correct. Zou Yuxing was not only a powerful artifact for warding off evil spirits, but also a master at enlivening the atmosphere. He was practically the nemesis of any scary atmosphere.
Su Shangting had recovered and even had the energy to scold him, "Why do you talk so much? Can you shut up?"
The two chicks were arguing loudly. Wen Feiran rubbed his aching ears, suddenly felt bored, and yawned.
Viewers in the live stream. "..."
[Can you guys please respect the hard work of the production team and pretend to be a little scared?]
[Haha, the director silently shed a liter of tears.]
[I can tolerate arguing, but seeing Wen Feiran yawn, I really couldn't hold back anymore and burst out laughing in a second. Suddenly I felt safe going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.]
[Help! Watching the live stream under the covers is terrifying! Thank goodness for Zou Yuxing doge emoji*]
[This inexplicably hit a nerve with me; it's almost turned into a comedy, haha.]
Su Shangting and Zou Yuxing's argument escalated, and they started bringing up old grievances again. Wen Feiran, fearing they might hurt innocent bystanders, rushed to mediate. The others were also caught in the crossfire, and the scene descended into chaos. For a moment, everyone forgot where they were and what their purpose was, passing by the piano that could play and sing all by itself without even blinking.
Piano: "..." You guys are making me lose face!
Fortunately, Gu Suian was one of the reliable people among them. With Gu Suian's reminder, they realized they had missed their target and turned back.
Surrounded by complete darkness, the piano, bathed in red light, moved its keys automatically, as if a ghost were playing a terrifying melody, trapping the listener in a hellish abyss from which they could not escape.
The terrifying atmosphere returned, Wen Feiran's exposed arms broke out in goosebumps. She subconsciously shrank to the side, her shoulder bumping into Gu Suian's arm.
They were only wearing one piece of clothing, and the thin fabric could not completely insulate against body heat. When Wen Feiran felt Gu Suian's breath and body temperature, her body stiffened, her mind went blank, and she subconsciously moved to the side.
Gu Suian seemed oblivious, not turning to look at him, but gently grasping his shoulder with her hand, switching places with him and standing on the outermost side, like a reliable knight, shielding him from all danger and fear.
Wen Feiran didn't dare to look up at Gu Suian at his side, but she involuntarily curled them up slightly.
I tried to convince myself not to overthink it and to focus all my attention on the strange piano.
Zou Yuxing frowned and thought for a moment, then reached out and touched a piano key, his expression serious. "How about we take it apart and see where the problem is?"
"..." Wen Feiran looked at him in surprise, "You know about this?"
"I don't understand." Zou Yuxing's eyes revealed a clear sense of naiveté.
They had no tools at hand, so even if they wanted to take it apart, they didn't know where to start. After studying the piano for ten minutes, they decided to give up for the time being and continue on their way.
Under the red glow, they finally saw their surroundings and noticed a locked door in the frame.
Zou Yuxing walked over and took a look. "It's a combination lock, six digits, with no clues around it."
This is the biggest obstacle for them; if they can't overcome this hurdle, they'll just be stuck in the same place.