Zhang Miaomiao had completely let loose since joining this program!
With a flick of the spatula, any talk of delicate beauties could be put aside! From now on, the culinary world had to acknowledge her existence!
To the other members of the program, she was an unexpected asset.
After breakfast, Director Huang prepared to lead everyone to explore the wooden pavilions behind them. He had noticed them upon arrival; the rows of empty structures didn't look like they were inhabited.
Everyone got ready, with a call to assemble in half an hour.
Situ glanced at Wai Shao several times before finally asking, "What are you doing?"
"Going to a place like that, how can I not be fully prepared?"
Wai Shao, without even looking up, first smeared cinnabar on his forehead and eyelids, then hung a portrait of Zhong Kui around his neck. He also put on dog teeth, a玳瑁 (dài mào - tortoiseshell) ring, and a string of Five Emperors' coins around his waist. Gripping a peach wood sword in his hand, he stood there. Forget evil spirits; even normal people wouldn't want to go near him.
Mikoy glanced over, unhurriedly remarking, "Haven't you heard of birds of a feather flocking together? The more you make yourself look spooky, the more you attract those things."
Wai Shao: "..."
He then hastily removed all the equipment, keeping only the玳瑁 (dài mào - tortoiseshell) ring.
This was passed down from his ancestors, said to be very effective for expelling evil. Ordinary evil entities wouldn't dare approach him when he wore it.
Wai Shao then beckoned to Situ and Mikoy, "Each of you pick something to wear. It's better to be safe than sorry; wearing them can only do good."
Qixi Village was renowned, and the tour guide had said it wasn't just rumor; perhaps they might actually encounter something!
Mikoy was still rolling his eyes, "I won't! If you're timid, that's your problem, but we're different from you..." Before he could finish, Situ quietly walked over, picked up the dog teeth from the pile, and put them around his neck. In another instant, he grabbed the string of Five Emperors' coins and, without a word, tied them around his waist.
Mikoy was utterly shocked, "Situ! You don't believe in this stuff, do you?"
"No," Situ replied decisively, "I just think they look good."
He hadn't forgotten they were filming a program. If this was later broadcast as promoting superstition, he wouldn't be able to handle such a heavy accusation.
Director Huang called everyone to set off, and the group departed in a grand procession.
After all, it was daytime, and with so many people, there wasn't much to be afraid of.
Everyone divided into groups. Director Huang had instructed them to only observe from the outside. After all, they hadn't requested permission from the village chief, nor did they know the full situation. Any further incidents would be difficult to explain.
Xia Weiliang remained in her original group. They headed west, with Situ on her left and Mikoy on her right. Both were very close to her, like guardian deities.
Xi En and Zhang Miaomiao walked behind. Zhang Miaomiao's eyes widened with curiosity, "This place... doesn't look like it's meant for people to live in~"
She voiced everyone's thoughts. Although these houses showed signs of repair, the place was too quiet. Forget people; there wasn't even a single domestic animal in the courtyards, truly making them look like... haunted houses.
Xi En suddenly stopped, looked up at the building directly opposite, and without a word, strode inside.
Little Huang, carrying the camera, quickly followed. His rapid, short breaths could be heard through the camera, adding to the suspense and horror.
Knowing what he intended, Xia Weiliang stepped forward to stop him, "Little Huang said not to... uh, unless we get lost."
Her excuse made Xi En chuckle. He didn't hesitate, walking up the steps. Before entering, he politely knocked on the door.
Everyone held their breath, their gazes fixed on the door. It was as if something unspeakable would appear from behind it the next second!
Receiving no response, Xi En remained silent for a moment.
Suddenly, he pushed the door open directly.
Xia Weiliang's heart leaped into her throat, her eyes wide, "This child's curiosity, how can it be so rampant?"
Situ and Mikoy also followed, as if fearing something might rush out, so they could provide support immediately!
Xi En's voice came from inside, "You all come in."
Everyone exchanged glances, but still followed his words and walked into the room.
"This is..."
Xia Weiliang stared blankly at the living room, frozen in place.
Inflatable dolls!
They were so similar to the dolls found by the river earlier. If not the same batch, they were certainly close.
The inflatable dolls were dressed in clothes, in very local styles, and even wore reading glasses, sitting leisurely in rocking chairs. A small bamboo basket lay on their laps, containing sewing needles and thread.
The scene was incredibly eerie. Zhang Miaomiao, considering herself quite open-minded, still shivered at the sight of such terrifying inflatable dolls here.
"Let's... go, this place is too scary!"
During this time, Situ had already searched the surroundings. Apart from these inflatable dolls, there were indeed no other suspicious people or objects.
Mikoy wasn't scared at all, "It's rare to come here, such interesting things don't happen every day."
Xia Weiliang frowned, "Let's go, let's check out the next one."
Zhang Miaomiao tugged at her sleeve, "Still going? What if..."
At this moment, Mikoy walked over and grabbed her wrist. Zhang Miaomiao tried to break free, "What are you doing? Taking advantage of me in this situation? Even if you have good taste, I..."
Something cold was placed in her palm.
She stared wide-eyed, "This is... copper coins?"
Mikoy pouted, "You should read more books. These are Five Emperors' coins, a treasure for warding off evil!"
"Really?"
Zhang Miaomiao quickly clutched them in her hand, "You gave these to me?"
"Mm," he nodded seriously. Before Zhang Miaomiao could say thank you, he said solemnly, "You're too weak. I'm afraid you'll drag us down."
Zhang Miaomiao: "..."
Soon, she calmed down and said, "We can reduce the dinner portion by one person."
Mikoy was taken aback. He took a deep breath and smiled decisively, "Actually, it's mainly because you look too delicate. A young lady like yourself is quite endearing."
Zhang Miaomiao sneered, "That's more like it."
With their banter, the atmosphere wasn't quite so tense.
Xia Weiliang led them to the next wooden house. As she was about to push the door open, her wrist was grabbed.
She looked back; it was Xi En.
"No need! I can do it! I'm very brave!"
He frowned, "I told you to stay behind. Why so much talk?"
Zhang Miaomiao looked at her, then at Xi En, and vaguely sensed something was amiss.
"I'll do it."
Xi En stood in front of her and pushed the door open first...