The location and guests chosen for this episode of Weird and Strange Adventure were both highly controversial, causing quite a stir online.
Many paranormal enthusiasts also posted on Weibo to fill in viewers who did not know the truth.
Ding Linglingling: Revealing the mystery behind the location of Weird and Strange Adventure's second episode! All I can say is that the production team is incredibly bold. Not only did they buy temporary rights to use it, they even turned it into an escape room.
South Wind Mountain Villa was the home of a wealthy family during the Republican era. Just two months after they moved in, something suddenly happened, and everyone in the family died over the course of two nights.
It caused quite a stir at the time, too. According to rumors that later circulated around the area, there was a father eating brain matter, a beheaded baby, and things like that... Anyway, the place was seriously sinister.
Netizens quickly pushed this Weibo post to the top, and it began gaining traction.
They bluntly said Chen Xianyu had a death wish. Apparently, the lesson from the old mansion had not been enough, since he had actually picked an even more sinister place.
"South Wind Mountain Villa. Pretty interesting."
Jiang Nuo propped up his chin as he scrolled through his phone, then slowly glanced at the listless figure wrapped in a blanket on the couch.
"Si Yan, are you feeling any better?"
He had suddenly received a call early that morning. Yang Hong said Si Yan had passed out, his whole body was cold, and he kept murmuring Jiang Nuo's name.
God knew how terrifying that had been. He had almost thought his mission target had just croaked.
In the end, it was still spiritual energy blocking his meridians, and Jiang Nuo had unceremoniously absorbed another helping.
"Mm."
Si Yan was half-hidden beneath the blanket, his face still somewhat pale.
"You came to save me, so... you need me, right?"
His tone was a little obstinate, as though he stubbornly wanted to hear Jiang Nuo's answer.
"Of course you're useful." Jiang Nuo nodded solemnly.
Not only could he help stabilize Jiang Nuo's soul, he could also earn him points.
"That's good... Sorry for the trouble." Si Yan answered softly, his eyes lowered, seemingly a little guilty.
Yet receiving an affirmative answer also left him faintly delighted.
Jiang Nuo took a sip from the glass of water in his hands. At those words, his eyes shifted, and he smiled. "It's no trouble. But you're weak, and the location for the next episode is strange. Why don't you get some things to keep on you for protection?"
"Things for protection?"
Si Yan frowned, his slightly reddened eyes fixed on him. "Aren't you going to protect me?"
"Huh? That's not what I meant."
Assailed by that pitiful beauty, Jiang Nuo weakly offered reassurance. "There'll always be times when I can't cover everything."
So that was it.
Only then was Si Yan satisfied. He pulled the blanket a little tighter around himself. "What things?"
"These!"
Smiling, Jiang Nuo pulled a jumble of things from his pocket. Although he now had points, most of the items in the warehouse still could not be redeemed.
To keep up appearances, he had spent ages wandering the antiques market and picked up piles upon piles of treasures.
"You have a weak constitution, so a string of evil-dispelling copper coins on a white cord would be best. These talismans are pretty useful, too."
He fiddled with the things on the table, arranging them one by one to show Si Yan.
Si Yan's gaze drifted toward Jiang Nuo's coat pocket.
Could all those things fit in there...?
After finishing his introduction, Jiang Nuo cleared his throat and sat up straight. "Since we know each other so well now, I'll give you a friendship price of a hundred thousand."
Yang Hong, who had just pushed open the door: "..."
She looked at the pile of junk on the table.
Was Jiang Nuo here to rob him?
She was just about to speak when she heard Si Yan say, "Okay."
"I'll have Auntie Hong transfer it to you in a moment."
Si Yan seemed to feel that was not quite enough, and asked with concern, "Have you been... short on money lately?"
Recalling how much he had spent hunting for antiques, Jiang Nuo nodded honestly.
He had maxed out three cards. Brother Cui had nearly ended up in the ICU from anger.
Si Yan silently took note, then tilted his head up toward Yang Hong as she approached and blinked.
The corner of Yang Hong's mouth twitched. "All right, I know."
She did not understand all this supernatural stuff, but she could at least tell that Jiang Nuo could treat Si Yan.
For that kindness alone, they could not shortchange him.
It was Si Yan's money they were spending anyway.
Having successfully sold his treasures, Jiang Nuo was clearly in an excellent mood and happily threw in a few more paper talismans for Si Yan.
He had learned all of them by grabbing an old Taoist NPC in a dungeon and getting him to teach him! They were very useful.
He just did not know why their style differed a little from the talismans here.
"I'll head back, then. Rest up over the next couple of days. See you on the show the day after tomorrow."
Jiang Nuo waved a paw in farewell.
He was finding Si Yan more and more pleasing to the eye.
He would change his contact name to Little Lucky Star in a bit!
South Wind Mountain Villa remained on the trending list for three days. Talk of ghosts and spirits was eerie to begin with, especially when this seemed like a story that had actually happened.
It certainly piqued the public's curiosity. People flocked online to leave comments, and when the day of the broadcast finally arrived, a huge wave of viewers poured in the moment the livestream opened.
It's here, it's here!! I can't wait to see South Wind Mountain Villa!
Messy shipper reporting in! I want to see the love-triangle tug-of-war!
The guests are coming in!
The six guests arrived at the villa gates at the same time, their hair and makeup all done.
Si Yan still followed Jiang Nuo closely, never leaving his side.
"Si Yan, long time no see."
Lin Yu stepped forward to greet him, dressed in the standard white shirt, the smile on his lips perfectly measured.
The bullet comments immediately erupted in celebration.
Si Yan frowned at him, then looked away, seemingly thinking about something.
Two seconds later.
"Who are you?"
Lin Yu's smile stiffened.
What did he mean?
Did Si Yan not remember him at all?
"It's been a while, but surely you haven't forgotten me? That's so heartless, Si Yan."
Lin Yu gave a helpless smile.
Si Yan took half a step back, hiding a little behind Jiang Nuo.
"I don't know you."
This guy wasn't good-looking, either. Nothing memorable about him.
Lin Yu: "..."
He could no longer maintain his smile at all, but at least he remembered the cameras were there. His expression fell, and he lowered his head forlornly.
"All right. I thought... we were already good friends."
Then he looked toward Jiang Nuo, who was surveying the villa beside them and seemed completely unconcerned with what was happening here, and held out a hand.
"Hello, Jiang Nuo. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I watched the last episode. You were amazing."
Jiang Nuo came back to himself and followed the hand up to Lin Yu's face before leisurely taking it and giving it a shake.
"Hello, hello."
Brother Cui had told him to be polite.
The instant their hands met, Jiang Nuo's eyes darkened slightly, and he took another look at Lin Yu's face.
Strange. Why did this person feel...
He could not put the feeling into words, but he kept sensing a kind of instinctive aversion.
What a strange person.
Jiang Nuo withdrew his hand first, then turned to find Si Yan staring at him unhappily.
"What's wrong?"
Si Yan silently held out his hand.
In a flash of inspiration, Jiang Nuo took it and swung their arms as well. "Hello to you too, hello to you too. It's been a few days. I've missed you dearly."
He spouted a whole string of nonsense.
Who knew which word had struck a chord with Si Yan, but his eyes immediately curved into a smile, and he was no longer aggrieved.
Lin Yu walked behind them forlornly. Only when Tian Dong came over to comfort him did he rally enough to respond.
Messy shippers stay winning!! Huge points for Nuo Yan!
Hahahahaha, this is so fucking funny. Weren't Lin Yu's fans making such a fuss? Si Yan doesn't even know your fave!
Why is Jiang Nuo here again!! Can he just get lost?!
I feel so reassured... Si Yan, you really do care about your good bro Jiang Nuo!
Yang Xiaoxiao covered her mouth and giggled, raising a hand to greet them before going to find the new female guest, Chu Xiu.
She had also debuted as an idol, but she was extremely brave despite looking like a cute girl with twin ponytails.
Once the six guests had finished getting acquainted, they heard the production team's loudspeaker.