Chapter 27: Secret Room
Chen Jiayan's gentle smile froze as she watched this scene. What was wrong with Chen Taining? Even if he hadn't seen the answers, he couldn't possibly be unable to play a single note!
She tried to hint to Chen Taining with her eyes, but Chen Taining still looked dazed and couldn't remember anything.
The time for answering the questions passed quickly, and Chen Taining still failed to play a single note.
The staff member sighed and announced, "The competition is over. Chen Taining played 0 correct notes and received 0 points."
Chen Taining suddenly woke up after hearing the result announced by the staff. He had lost to Gu Beiming again! And in such a humiliating way.
He returned to Chen Jiayan in a daze, and then saw the dissatisfaction and resentment flashing in Chen Jiayan's eyes.
If it were normal, if someone looked at Chen Taining like that, he would have cursed back, but now he knew that he had messed up everything, so he naturally didn't have the confidence to do so.
No, this can't go on. He must find a way to get out of this embarrassing situation.
Suddenly, the 1.8-meter-tall boy who was full of energy just now suddenly rolled his eyes and fell straight towards Chen Jiayan beside him.
Chen Jiayan quickly realized that Chen Taining was pretending to be sick, but then she thought that this could be considered as an excuse for their loss to the Gu siblings, so she immediately decided to go along with Chen Taining's act.
She shouted anxiously, "Doctor! Call a doctor! Xiao Ning fainted!"
After this sound, everyone at the scene no longer cared about other things and gathered around Chen Taining.
Soon, the doctor accompanying the variety show arrived. After some operation, Chen Taining slowly opened his eyes and said weakly, "I'm sorry to have worried everyone. I suddenly felt dizzy during the competition just now. It might be heatstroke. I thought I would be fine after a while, but I didn't expect..."
As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately aroused the sympathy of fans in the live broadcast room.
Poor Xiao Ning, it turns out she was feeling unwell earlier. I was wondering why she was acting so strangely during the match.
Xiaoning is so strong. She insisted on competing even though she was feeling so uncomfortable.
Those haters who mocked Xiao Ning before were heartless. Isn't it normal for him to not perform well because he's not feeling well?
This show is hilarious. With the sun so strong, the guests are forced to wear such heavy ancient costumes. How could they not get heatstroke?
Xu Bo also arrived at this time. He had a hunch that Chen Taining was not really sick, but he couldn't say anything harsh to Chen Taining who was still unconscious on the ground. He could only say, "How about Liang Yan take Taining back home to rest for a while, and you two won't participate in the next recording. We can talk about it after you get better."
Chen Jiayan was not willing to do that. If she didn't participate in the recording, she would not get any attention at all.
It’s all Chen Taining’s fault for being useless. Now he’s resorting to such despicable tricks as pretending to be sick.
She acted embarrassed and said, "Director, I understand your good intentions, but it wouldn't be a good idea for us to just sit out. Xiao Ning just has a mild heat stroke, and she should be fine after a while of rest."
Chen Taining just wanted to pretend to be sick to shirk responsibility, he didn't want to withdraw from the recording, but it was a good opportunity for him to establish himself as a dedicated person who worked while sick.
He immediately agreed, "Director, don't worry, I'm much better now. I should be completely fine after a while of rest. I can hold on for the rest of the recording."
When these words were spoken, Ning fans were heartbroken.
[Wow, Xiao Ning is so dedicated to his work. He doesn't want to miss work even when he's sick.]
[I had period pain today and asked for leave to rest. Compared to Xiao Ning, I'm so weak.]
[I'm a fan of Xiao Ning because he's always so dedicated. Looking at him, I've decided to stay at the library until closing time tonight!]
Xu Bo, a seasoned veteran, could see what the Chen siblings were up to, but he couldn't refuse. He simply said, "How about this, it's almost noon now, everyone should take a break and have some food, and the afternoon recording will be postponed an hour until three o'clock."
Xu Bo's words were the final word. The guests cared about Chen Taining for a while before returning to their own residences.
Of course, Gu Beiming and Gu Nansheng were not among those who cared about Chen Taining. They saw through Chen Taining's tactics at a glance, and as soon as Xu Bo announced the lunch break, they turned around and went back to the hotel.
Their action was once again attacked by water armies and black fans.
What kind of people are these Gu siblings? A colleague fell ill and fainted, yet they showed no concern and just went home.
Look at how the Chen siblings treat them. It's really frustrating to compare yourself to others. I just want to say to Xiaoning and Jiayan: some people really aren't worth it.
[They are so cold-blooded. How can they not have any love for their colleagues?]
However, in this era, there are more and more netizens who can think rationally. In addition, Gu Beiming and Gu Nansheng now have quite a few fans, so someone soon responded.
[This is hilarious! I went back to rest just like Sister Gu and the others. We're not that close, we've only known each other for a few days.]
[Sister Gu and Xiao Ming are not doctors, what's the point of them staying at the scene?]
[This is hilarious! If you didn't know, you'd think Chen Taining had some terminal illness. Is it necessary to make such a big fuss over a minor case of heatstroke?]
I can't stand some of those internet saints. They haven't forgotten how Chen Taining previously slandered Xiao Ming and Sister Gu, right? Sister Gu and Xiao Ming were very kind to just leave without any gloating.
Seeing that few real passers-by netizens agreed with them, the water army immediately changed the topic and retreated.
At the same time, they were complaining in their hearts that the Chen siblings were really unpopular with the public, and even when they were sick, few people sympathized with them.
*
After Gu Nansheng and Gu Beiming returned to the hotel, they ordered a big meal first, and then took a good nap in the king-size bed.
At the moment when Gu Nansheng's consciousness gradually became blurred, he suddenly felt that Chen Taining's pretending to be sick was not completely useless. At least it could allow them to have more rest at noon, right?
After the nap, a new round of recording began. However, this time, just as they walked out of the hotel gate and Gu Nansheng was about to ask the staff where the meeting place was in the afternoon, a carriage stopped in front of them and they were blindfolded and taken on the carriage.
What is the production team doing? Why is it suddenly so scary?!
[I feel like this round of challenges will be very exciting and won't be easy.]
Gu Nansheng was a little confused, but soon calmed down.
The program team did this mostly because the next challenge task would include a scary part, and blindfolding them was to make them fall even more into the fear of the unknown.
As long as they are calm and not afraid, the blindfold will not have much effect.
Thinking of this, since she couldn't do anything else, she just lay down against the backrest and continued to rest.
Compared to Gu Nansheng, Gu Beiming was much more nervous.
He naturally knew that the production team would not really harm them, but his mind couldn't help but think of those prank variety shows.
Wouldn't the production crew take them to a glass plank road thousands of meters high or to some remote wilderness to see snakes?
He nervously held onto the wall of the carriage, trying to calm himself, while at the same time comforting himself in his heart that with his sister there, the production team would not be able to succeed.
Thinking of this, his hand hanging by his side began to grope around, trying to grab the person he trusted most at the moment.
However, just as he touched Gu Nansheng's hand and was about to grab it, he was slapped away by someone. "Xiao Ming, why are you holding my hand in such a hot day?"
Although Gu Beiming was afraid in his heart, he couldn't express his fear directly. He could only stammer, "I want to confirm whether you are still there."
Gu Nansheng never imagined that a teenager over 5'8" tall would be afraid of the production crew's pranks. Furthermore, she was blindfolded, so she naturally believed him. She smiled helplessly, "Of course my sister is here. Can't you feel that there's someone sitting next to you and can't hear my breathing?"
Gu Beiming could only reluctantly withdraw his hand, and then grip the carriage railing even tighter.
However, he could not hide this appearance from netizens in the live broadcast room.
[Hahaha, I can see that Xiao Ming is very scared.]
[Sister Gu is still Sister Gu, as calm as ever.]
Aren't boys at his age fearless? Why is Xiaoming like this?
[I'm dying of laughter. I feel like there's going to be something interesting to watch in the mission later.]
The ancient town was not big, and the carriage stopped after more than ten minutes.
The two were pulled out of the car and continued to walk for four or five minutes before stopping.
Gu Nansheng could clearly feel that there were quite a few people around him. It was obvious that the program crew had brought all the guests here.
Then a mechanical voice sounded in their ears, "Guests can take off their blindfolds now."
As the voice fell, Gu Nansheng reached out and took off the blindfold, but she did not see the expected light. The surroundings were still pitch black, and the whole space was filled with a gloomy and terrifying atmosphere.
Is this a haunted house? Or a secret room?
At the same time, several screams were heard from the dark room, and it sounded like both men and women were screaming.
She turned her head and saw several figures hugging each other in the darkness.
Are you so scared? Gu Nansheng thought of Gu Beiming and quickly called out, "Xiaoming, where are you?"
Gu Beiming's voice rang out, "Sister, I'm here. Where is this? Is it scary? I haven't dared to take off the blindfold yet."
Gu Nansheng was speechless. What was he most afraid of? He was so scared that he didn't even dare to take off the blindfold.
She followed the voice and walked towards Gu Beiming, and then was hugged tightly by Gu Beiming's hands, "Sister, you are finally here."
Night vision was used in the live broadcast room, so netizens could see the guests clearly and immediately burst into laughter.
[Hahaha, this is the first time I've seen big stars in such a mess.]
[Actually, the dark room isn't particularly scary, but I have to admit, darkness is the scariest thing.]
I think the funniest thing was Gu Beiming. The other guests took off their blindfolds and screamed when they saw pitch black, but Gu Beiming was so scared that he didn't dare to take it off.
[I have to say Sister Gu is still awesome, she's so calm.]
Looking at the people huddled together, Gu Nansheng felt helpless. Is it really that scary?
The most terrifying thing in the darkness is the unknown. She still has to find a way to turn on the lights and let these people return to normal.
Thinking of this, she began to move, trying to find the switch. However, as soon as she moved, Gu Beiming, who was holding her, began to yell, "Sister, don't leave me!"
Gu Nansheng explained helplessly, "I'm looking for the light switch. Do you want to stay in this pitch-black place forever? Either come with me or stay here and wait."
Gu Beiming struggled with his conscience for a long time before finally saying, "Then I'll go with you, sister."
If I die, I want to die with my sister!
Thinking of this, he bravely took the first step following Gu Nansheng.
Gu Nansheng felt the person following him, so he immediately stopped paying attention to him and focused on finding the switch.
Finally, after about ten minutes, Gu Nansheng finally touched something similar to a switch by the door. She pressed her finger, and the whole room instantly lit up, and then the whole room appeared in front of her.
Even with the lights on, the room wasn't particularly bright, and was filled with dim light, making it difficult to see clearly.
The door of the room was closed. On the carved desk were placed pens, ink, paper and inkstone. On the antique shelf were placed antique vases and various books. Various wedding characters were posted on the windows on the wall.
Looking at this scene, Gu Nansheng was sure that the program team was letting them play an escape room game, and it seemed that today's theme was related to the wedding.
At this time, the other guests had gradually returned to normal and started discussing.
Song Shuyi smiled and said, "So this afternoon's challenge is for us to play in an escape room? My studio staff had a team-building event where they said they were going to play in an escape room. I felt I was too old and would hold them back, so I didn't go. I didn't expect to play in an escape room on the show."
Ye Ze complained, "I played it once before, and I never want to play it again. The escape room is not only brain-burning but also terrifying."
Chen Jiayan also pretended to be still a little scared at this moment. "I've never played it before, but it looks like it should be quite interesting. I will try my best not to hold you back."
Chen Taining had lost so much face this morning, so he naturally had to hurry up and show off. He said to Chen Jiayan, "Sister, don't worry, I will definitely protect you."
Chen Jiayan smiled gently and pleased when she heard this, "Thank you, Xiaoning."
…
The only one who was not quite normal at this time was Gu Beiming. He still hadn't taken off his blindfold and asked, "Sister, is it scary? Should I take off my blindfold?"
Gu Nansheng remembered that when she was little, every time there was thunder, Gu Beiming would come to her room with a pillow and would rather sleep on the floor than go back to sleep in his own big bed.
It would have been fine if he was a child, but this kid is still so timid even though he is so old.
But she also understood that everyone has their own fears. Some people are afraid of the dark, some are afraid of heights, and some are afraid of the deep sea...
She thought that as a sister, she should be tolerant, so she sighed and said, "Don't worry, there's nothing scary."
Gu Beiming then carefully took off the blindfold and opened his eyes. Seeing that there was nothing scary in the room, he breathed a sigh of relief, still looking frightened.
His performance was once again criticized by Chen Taining's fans.
Gu Beiming is so old, yet he's still afraid of the dark. He's so timid. Xiao Ning is the same age as him, and she wants to protect her sister, but he just hides behind her.
[He's so scared, maybe he's done a lot of bad things. Otherwise, I really can't understand why a grown man would be like this.]
"I think some people are crazy. Does fear of ghosts have to be gender specific? Some people are just naturally afraid of them."
My dad is in his 40s and 50s, but he's still afraid of the dark. Is that okay?
The two groups of fans in the live broadcast room were arguing more and more fiercely. Fortunately, Xu Bo's voice sounded at this time and diverted the fans' attention.
"I believe everyone has already guessed today's challenge. It's an escape room. You'll need to carefully observe and solve the mystery."
"You are now in the study of this house. Once you unlock the study, you will see two paths. You need to form two teams and choose different paths to proceed. At the same time, the points you earned in the morning competition can be exchanged for secret room hints. One hint can be exchanged for every 10 points."
"Please carefully form your team. Your choice is crucial to your final result."
Everyone naturally understood the meaning of Xu Bo's words. How they formed a team meant how many points they could get, and the points meant how many hints they could get. The more hints they had, the faster they could unlock the secret room.
The group with the most points at this time was naturally Gu Nansheng's group, who scored 70 points. The second most points was Chen Jiayan's group, who scored 60 points. The third was Song Shuyi's group, who had a total of 20 points. As for the Ye Ze brothers' group, they only had a pitiful 10 points.
If we ignore personal grudges, the combination of first and second place is naturally the optimal solution, almost securing victory.
Chen Jiayan naturally thought of this. She knew that Gu Nansheng would definitely not team up with her, but that didn't mean she couldn't pretend to be friendly.
When Gu Nansheng rejects her harshly, she can let her internet trolls lead the charge again.
Thinking this way, she walked over to Gu Nansheng and said with a smile, "Sister Nansheng, I've always admired you. You're really strong and amazing. I've always wanted to work with you. May I have the honor of teaming up with you?"
Gu Nansheng was a little surprised at Chen Jiayan's shamelessness, but then he knew what she was planning. She just wanted him to reject her in public, and then netizens would sympathize with her and scold him.
It has to be said that she had a good plan, because even if she knew this, she would never agree to Chen Jiayan.
She smiled and said, "Jia Yan, I really want to team up with you, but this is a variety show after all. If the first and second place winners team up, the result of the competition will be clear at a glance, and the variety show will lose its effect. I don't think you will just ignore it, right?"
Chen Jiayan's smile suddenly froze on her face. Gu Nansheng actually found such a reason to reject her. If she still wanted to team up with her, she would be disregarding the overall situation!
She was furious, but still forced a smile and said, "Sister Nan Sheng, you are right. I was inconsiderate." After that, she turned and left.
The criticism that Chen Jiayan had expected did not come true, and Gu Nansheng was praised again in the live broadcast room.
[Sister Gu is so thoughtful. Most guests only think about winning.]
[Sister Gu must be incredibly capable to consider so many things.]
Compared to Sister Gu, Chen Jiayan was a bit selfish. She was ranked second in points, but her first thought was to find the first team.
[She always acted like she was very considerate of everyone, but it turns out she only sees a person's true colors when her own interests are affected.]
Are you over-interpreting this? Jiayan might just have been slow to react.
[Yeah, didn't she give up in the end? Some people shouldn't go too far.]
In the end, Gu Nansheng and his team formed a team with Song Shuyi and her son, while Chen Jiayan's team formed a team with Ye Ze brothers.
The study was not difficult as the first level. They soon found the code of the door lock from a painting hanging on the wall and opened the study.
After they pushed open the study door, they saw the two roads Xu Bo mentioned.
Both roads were very dark, and they could vaguely see that there was a gloomy and terrifying atmosphere on the road. They could even feel a gust of cold wind blowing.
Seeing this scene, everyone who had just returned to normal started to get nervous again, and Gu Beiming even rushed directly behind Gu Nansheng.
Gu Nansheng remained calm. As a staunch materialist, she knew that these were all made by the program crew using props.
She looked at Chen Jiayan and the others who were gathered together and asked, "Which path do you plan to take? Choose first."
Although Chen Jiayan already knew the theme of the escape room and the method to solve the puzzle, she was still a little scared when she saw the eerie and terrifying layout.
She thought carefully for a moment, then pointed to a less terrifying path in her memory. "Sister Nansheng, since we're all going to choose blindly, any path is about the same. Let's stick to the left, or we can just take the path on the left."
The others didn't care which path to choose, so they naturally agreed with Chen Jiayan's choice.
Seeing this, Gu Nansheng did not argue with them and took the other three people into the passage next to him.
The passage was still very dark, and only vague shadows could be seen. There were various obstacles on the road from time to time.
Gu Nansheng took the lead and walked in front, while Gu Beiming followed behind, holding the corner of her clothes. Behind him were Song Shuyi and her son. The four of them lined up in a row and walked forward, led by Gu Nansheng.
After walking about ten meters, a door appeared in front of them. Gu Nansheng stretched out his hand, and the door was pushed open with a creak. What came into view was a huge "囍" character.
Is this the wedding hall?
The four of them entered one after another, and then they heard a "click" and the door behind them was locked.
Gu Beiming, who was already terrified, was startled and yelled at Gu Nansheng, "Sister, what should I do? The door is locked!"
Although she really wanted to understand her timid brother, Gu Nansheng was still quite speechless. She sighed and said, "Xiao Ming, this is an escape room. What if you leave the door unlocked and walk out directly?"
Gu Beiming suddenly realized, "So that's how it is~"
After Gu Beiming's interruption, everyone felt much more relaxed and began to look for a way out.
Looking around, everything seemed to be sealed off. Apart from the main door they had come in through, not even a window could be seen.
Gu Nansheng was not surprised, as the exit must be hidden.
She carefully searched every corner, trying to find a place where the exit could be hidden, and soon her eyes fell on the word "囍" in the center.
Such a large character is perfect for hiding a door. Thinking of this, she walked to the character "囍", stretched out her hand and tentatively lifted it up. Sure enough, a small door appeared in front of her.
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