Chapter 73: Joyful Wedding, Mourning Cry 4 Part 1
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Since the second episode of the “Heart-Pounding Journey of Ninety-Nine Days” program aired, the show has completely transformed from being relatively unknown to becoming the darling of social media and video platforms.
Even before the third episode of the show was released, it was already prominently featured on video platforms, with extensive promotion and hype. Social media platforms also created a dedicated section on their homepages for discussions and interactions among the rapidly growing audience, which reached millions after just two episodes.
The reason behind this phenomenon was the unorthodox approach taken by the production team, which made even seasoned platform officials, accustomed to traditional marketing strategies, secretly worried. After all, this show had become a cash cow for them!
In the world of entertainment, it’s all about the flow.
But what did the production team do differently?
They had a rookie director, Zhang Wubing, who had no prior experience in the world of variety shows or the entertainment industry. The directorial team was a hasty creation, lacking cohesion, and seemingly clueless about utilizing official social media accounts for marketing and promotion. It was as if they had forgotten about it entirely until other guests from the show mentioned it sporadically in their own posts.
As for the guest who currently enjoyed the highest popularity on the show, Yan Shixun, he displayed an astonishing power that defied explanation during two critical moments for the production team, shattering countless people’s worldviews.
What’s even more astonishing is that he doesn’t even have any social media accounts.
The customer service and helpline of the social media platform had been inundated with fans inquiring about Yan Shixun’s specific social media accounts, why Yan Shixun hadn’t opened social media accounts, and similar questions during this period.
Meanwhile, the official social media platform itself was growing anxious. After all, without Yan Shixun opening social media accounts, managing fans, or running promotional campaigns, the number of people who had received the Yan Mai fan badge had already reached ten million.
These were real numbers, with no manipulation or marketing involved. The experienced officials at the platform could now see just how high Yan Shixun’s commercial value was. If Yan Shixun were to officially join the social media platform, it would be an absolute win-win situation for the platform.
However, despite sending invitation after invitation to Yan Shixun and the production team’s email, it seemed like they were throwing messages into the void, receiving no response whatsoever.
With the third episode about to be released, the official social media platform had become somewhat numb to the situation.
Platform: You don’t want traffic at all, do you? :)
Nevertheless, since the social media platform had actively created a discussion area for the show and Yan Shixun had only participated in this particular show as an unknown, many of Yan Shixun’s fans felt like they had found a home. They made it a habit to hang out in the discussion area every day, eagerly awaiting the next episode and discussing topics related to Yan Shixun.
Many of Yan Shixun’s early fans were accustomed to discussing the show under the social media account of the variety show’s prominent Vlogger, Brother Goose, who was known for posting humorous comments and critiques about the show.
Recently, Brother Goose had developed many new habits.
For example, he had completely transformed his social media profile into a shrine dedicated to Yan Shixun, adorning it with various screenshots and images of Yan Shixun. Every time he posted updates, he would include a picture of Yan Shixun. Even at home, when he was alone, he had already replaced the artwork on his walls with screenshots of Yan Shixun and set Yan Shixun’s screenshots as his phone wallpaper.
—To anyone unaware of the situation, it might seem like Brother Goose was a creepy stalker with an obsession for surveillance.
Brother Goose was genuinely terrified.
He had originally been a staunch atheist but had his worldview shattered by Yan Shixun’s actions time and time again, turning him into a devout believer.
Especially in the last episode, when Yan Shixun was in the Mountain God Temple, Brother Goose firmly believed that it was not his imagination, nor was it a psychological suggestion from the criminals, as Yan Shixun had explained. He had indeed heard the voice in his ears, saying things that were dear to his heart and addressing his thoughts.
He couldn’t resist the temptation and made a wish, only to be frightened by Yan Shixun’s later statement that people who make wishes tend to have a period of bad luck, leaving him quite alarmed.
Brother Goose, through friends in the media industry, found a young master who was said to be a disciple of Haiyun Temple and asked that master to check for him. Master Lu confirmed what Yan Shixun had said, that recently he was indeed more likely than ordinary people to encounter unclean things.
Hearing this, Brother Goose was so scared that he almost lost his soul right there.
Fortunately, Yan Shixun didn’t forget that many people had seen the evil creature in the Mountain God Temple. After the second episode of the show, he even started his own live stream on the video platform. He would live stream himself doing homework and reciting Taoist classics at home every day, in a way to help these people dispel any evil spirits.
“Originally, it’s something that can’t show up in a proper setting. Even if it’s transmitted through screens and radio waves, it loses most of its power. Most of you might experience a minor decrease in your luck at most. If I were to personally exorcise all of you one by one, it might actually backfire.”
In the live stream, Yan Shixun supported himself with one hand, doing a handstand exercise, while casually responding to the audience’s questions in a relaxed manner.
“You haven’t done anything wrong, so why fear ghosts knocking at your door?”
Sweat dripped from his forehead, forming small pools on the floor in front of him. Yan Shixun, who was upside down, read the barrage of comments scrolling on his phone screen with ease and chuckled, “Of course, for those who have committed murder or arson, I suggest you surrender to the local authorities and seek official protection as soon as possible. You wouldn’t want to know how easily those people you’ve killed can get close to you when your energy is low.”
Initially, the barrage was filled with admiration for Yan Shixun’s strength and the intensity of his daily workouts. However, it was suddenly inundated with exclamation marks as they were taken aback by what Yan Shixun said.
Many viewers immediately started questioning themselves, wondering if they had ever accidentally bumped into someone without apologizing or if they had stolen something when they were younger, and what consequences might arise from that. Some viewers, on the other hand, dismissed Yan Shixun’s words as fearmongering.
Yan Shixun didn’t engage with the barrage’s arguments; he simply said, “When something does happen to you, I’ll come for a follow-up — don’t worry. If you end up in a hospital, I can calculate which hospital and which bed you’re in. Even if you die, I can summon your spirit to ask you.”
[…………]
The barrage, which had previously been challenging Yan Shixun and reacting strongly, suddenly disappeared without a trace. No matter how other viewers inquired, they no longer appeared, remaining as quiet as a mouse.
The barrage was filled with surprise and even a sense of horror.
[That person’s reaction was so extreme. Could it be that he really did something like that? Maybe he denied what Brother Yan said because he knows he caused someone’s death and wanted to disprove it? Did he think that by refuting Brother Yan’s words as false, he wouldn’t be visited by the deceased?]
[Arguing with someone who can calculate things, did he really not expect that Brother Yan could calculate? Have the extensive classics Brother Yan has shown us in his livestreams these past few days not been enough to make the point? I, who used to look down on this kind of cultural stuff in our country, now have a respectful attitude and am even thinking about buying a book to read this weekend.]
[I’m dying of laughter, so what Brother Yan meant was that if that person were truly visited and killed by a ghost, Brother Yan could also find that person’s soul to confirm the truth of what he said, right? This is the most hardcore way of proving things I’ve ever seen.]
[Although Brother Yan only livestreams for a short time each day, just doing his homework in the morning and evening, I really feel like the tiredness I’ve been feeling has disappeared. It’s warm. Even though Brother Yan hasn’t done anything specific, I just leave the screen on and do my own things, not doing anything extra. It’s really magical. Is this the influence of subtle and gradual change? With Brother Yan around, I really don’t feel afraid anymore.]
[But I’m a bit worried. Brother Yan isn’t streaming on the regular channel for the show, and he’s using a newly registered video platform account. He’s only using a phone, and he hasn’t mentioned anywhere else that he’ll be doing a live stream. So, the live stream’s popularity is very low right now, and not many people are tuning in. Brother Yan, could this miss a lot of people? What about those who made wishes after hearing the voice? What if they don’t see this live stream?]
“Don’t worry. If those people really need to drive away evil spirits, there will be some kind of resonance guiding them to see the live stream, or they will find other ways to ward off evil,” Yan Shixun calmly replied.
Having finished today’s exercise routine, Yan Shixun smoothly transitioned from his inverted position back to standing on his slender legs. Sweat flowed down from his forehead and through his black tight-fitting tank top, causing his skin to glisten in the sunlight, like honey, alluring and beautiful.
This scene left many viewers stunned, and they stared at the screen in a daze, forgetting what they had wanted to say.
Some viewers, once they snapped out of it, remembered to take screenshots frantically.
Yan Shixun noticed the questions that appeared in the barrage and calmly answered, “The heavens and the earth have their own calculations and guidance. Those who are destined to see it will naturally do so. As for those who don’t, they simply don’t need it.”
Someone who had accidentally stumbled into Yan Shixun’s live stream instead of clicking on the edited highlights of the show, almost cried upon hearing Yan Shixun’s words. They typed in the chat with trembling hands: [Yes, yes! I was just worrying about being cursed. I even went to a master at Haiyun Temple to help me check. But when I entered the video platform, I ended up in Brother Yan’s live stream. This is fate! I’m one of those who need it!]
Brother Goose, who had already completely surrendered to Yan Shixun, felt all his previous anxiety and fear disappear after watching the live stream. He immediately shared the live stream on his social media platforms and posted an update.
@TodayI’mAlsoAFanboyBrotherGoose: Are there any other Yan Mais who were worried about not being able to see Brother Yan’s broadcast before it started? Did anyone experience a decrease in luck after hearing the voices during the show? I solemnly tell you some good news—Brother Yan is live now, ahhh!!! (Live stream link below.)
After Brother Goose’s account became a gathering place for early joined Yan Mais, his followers also skyrocketed. Many Yan Mais followed Brother Goose to get first-hand information. As a result, Brother Goose has become one of the most-followed Vlogger accounts in his category, which has significantly increased his status in the media industry and raised his commercial endorsement fees.
Brother Goose himself has become a functional source of information for Yan Shixun’s scattered Yan Mais.
Upon seeing Brother Goose ‘s post, Yan Mais quickly rushed to Yan Shixun’s live stream.
After the news spread massively on social media, it was soon mentioned in discussion forums, making more and more viewers of the show aware of the news, and a growing number of people started pouring into Yan Shixun’s live stream.
[So should I thank that annoying voice from earlier? If it weren’t for that thing, how could Brother Yan have started the live stream? Wow, did Brother Yan just finish exercising? He looks so handsome. So, Brother Yan’s previous strength in the show came from his regular workouts. Okay, this makes more sense now.]
[This courtyard looks quaint, filled with green plants, and pleasing to the eye. Is this Brother Yan’s home?]
[Wait a minute, the camera just turned around, did it show a person? It looks like the assistant director from the previous show. Did I see it wrong?]
[Brother Yan, don’t shake the camera. It seems like it’s shot on a phone without a stable gimbal? I’m going to get motion sickness from the screen QAQ]
[I’m dying of laughter, previously in the show, Brother Yan was advising us to believe in science. Now that he’s live-streaming himself, he’s saying whatever he wants. He’s not treating us as outsiders at all.]
Yan Shixun glanced at the barrage and coolly said, “Because if the program’s live streaming rights are revoked due to superstitious content, Zhang Wubing would cry. But if mine gets revoked—then so be it, I don’t care.”
[!!!]
[Darn it! I forgot about this. Ahhh, please don’t get banned. I believe in science, is that not enough!]
However, it was already too late.
Due to the influx of a large number of viewers, which exceeded the capacity of Yan Shixun’s newly opened account, and because of the previous discussions and barrage that triggered an automatic review mechanism, the live stream was revoked almost immediately after the barrage of cries. The screen went black.
Yan Shixun shrugged indifferently, turned around to change out of his sweat-soaked clothes, took a shower, and then, while drying his wet hair, accessed the live stream backend. He found the previous barrage that had a strong reaction due to his phrase “those who have committed murder and arson will be visited by the deceased.” Using the other person’s ID number and the time the barrage was sent, he directly started a divination to determine the other person’s situation.
Harm to the Officer Star indicates imprisonment and the presence of bloodshed.
Yan Shixun, who had been casually drying his hair, tightened his expression upon hearing this.
So, it seemed someone here had committed murder.
Although it had nothing to do with him personally, Yan Shixun, upon seeing it, couldn’t help but calculate the city and approximate location of the person, along with their facial features. He sent this information to the official in charge of handling special supernatural incidents, whom he had previously contacted privately, explaining the situation.
The official promptly replied to Yan Shixun, assuring him that they would coordinate with local authorities to investigate the matter.
“I thought you were already an adult? It’s cold in the autumn wind. Not drying your hair, do you want to get sick? Even if you’re incredibly strong, the living body is fragile, and illness, like an avalanche, can take a life.”
A chilly hand plucked the towel from Yan Shixun’s hand. Before he could react, the hand was already using the towel to dry his hair, which was still dripping.
“Live for many more years, Yan Shixun.”
Your brilliance, I haven’t seen enough of it.
Yan Shixun frowned at the sudden, silent approach of Ye Li, uncomfortable with the physical contact. He directly sidestepped, avoiding Ye Li’s hand.
The soft towel passed over his hair, causing his originally damp hair to become slightly disheveled. It partially covered Yan Shixun’s narrow, upturned eyes, unexpectedly softening the sharpness and lending him a captivating sense of beauty.
Ye Li was momentarily struck by the enchanting sight, instinctively holding his breath. His hand, holding the towel, hung in mid-air, momentarily forgotten.
Upon sensing the guarded look in Yan Shixun’s eyes, Ye Li quickly snapped out of it and casually asked, “That person you found outside the breakfast shop owner’s house yesterday, he’s here again today, sitting outside. Should I chase him away?”
The annoying Taoist, who he had driven away once yesterday, had now appeared again at their doorstep, disturbing the time he and Yan Shixun spent together.
He had originally intended to handle the situation alone and efficiently, but upon considering Yan Shixun’s wariness towards him, he hesitated.
Yan Shixun still didn’t trust him and appeared to be quite perceptive, with formidable abilities. Even if he could ensure that he handled the situation cleanly, he couldn’t guarantee that Yan Shixun wouldn’t eventually detect any traces and uncover this matter.
And once Yan Shixun discovered that he had concealed something from him, regaining his trust would likely become even more difficult.
Ye Li had rarely hesitated when it came to anything. He was always accustomed to solving problems swiftly and decisively.
However, since meeting Yan Shixun, it seemed like he had to consider Yan Shixun as an important influencing factor in many things, and he enjoyed it, without any discomfort.
Yan Shixun raised an eyebrow at the comment. “I’m starting to suspect that Zhang Wubing gave you my home address to supervise me and prevent me from running away and not participating in the next episode.”
Ye Li smiled. “How could that be? Zhang Wubing can’t order me around.”
Only you can influence me.
When Yan Shixun opened the gate of the courtyard, he indeed saw a young man squatting pitifully at his doorstep.
Still dressed in carefully coordinated clothes, looking trendy and fashionable, it was none other than Lu Xingxing. He was crouching on the steps below the gate, sniffing the scent of food coming from the courtyard, sadly nibbling on bread, and simultaneously texting someone on his phone.
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