48: Unaccustomed Glory

The morning after Lin Feng turned off his livestream, his phone completely exploded.

There were 137 missed calls and 999+ WeChat messages. Even high school classmates he hadn't contacted in ages were tagging him in group chats. Wang Dalong approached him with his phone held out, a look of intense discomfort on his face.

"Brother Feng, we're on the trending searches again."

Lin Feng was packing his luggage and didn't even look up. "As expected."

"No," Wang Dalong shoved the phone screen in front of his eyes. "Look at this heat! We're number one on Weibo's trending search, number one on Bilibili's daily rankings, and we've dominated Douyin's local charts for three days. The video of our 'Old Crow Mountain Adventure' has already surpassed two hundred million views!"

Lin Feng glanced at the exaggerated string of numbers on the screen, pushed the phone away expressionlessly, and continued folding his clothes.

"And that's not all," Wang Dalong grew more excited as he spoke. "The official media outlets have stepped in! People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and CCTV News have all reposted our video. The comment section is full of praise, calling you things like 'Guardian of Cultural Relics for a New Era,' 'Role Model for the Youth,' 'Example of Patriotic Youth'..."

Lin Feng's hands paused, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

"Stop reading them," he said softly. "I'm going to wash my face."

After saying that, he grabbed a towel and walked toward the bathroom.

Wang Dalong watched his back and scratched his head. Having known Lin Feng for so many years, he understood the guy too well. The calmer he appeared on the surface, the more panicked he was inside.

Ten minutes later, Lin Feng emerged from the bathroom. Without even drying the water droplets on his face, he walked straight to the computer and logged into the Bilibili backend.

*Ding—*

The moment the system notification sounded, Lin Feng's pupils contracted slightly.

[Data settlement for video "Old Crow Mountain · 1863—The Forgotten Other Side" complete]

[Views: 217,630,000]

[Likes: 18,920,000]

[Coins: 5,670,000]

[Favorites: 9,340,000]

[Shares: 3,120,000]

[reputation points Settlement: +25,100]

Lin Feng stared at that number, remained silent for a few seconds, and then opened the System Mall.

A golden interface expanded at the edge of his vision, with a dazzling array of goods neatly arranged. His gaze quickly swept over familiar options—Physical Enhancement Potion, Mastery of Combat Techniques, Language Talent Pack... Finally, it stopped at an inconspicuous corner.

[Perception Potion (Elementary)]

[Effect: Significantly enhances the user's danger perception, allowing for the anticipation of potential threats 3-5 seconds in advance]

[Price: 100,000 reputation points]

Lin Feng's finger lingered on the mouse for a few seconds.

This item wasn't cheap; it would cost him more than half of his savings. However, the experience at Old Crow Mountain had taught him one thing—in truly dangerous places, no amount of equipment or preparation could compare to a few seconds of early warning.

"Exchange."

He whispered.

*Ding—*

[Exchange Successful]

[Remaining reputation points: 25,100]

An icy liquid appeared out of thin air in Lin Feng's hand, contained in a thumb-sized glass bottle. The liquid was light blue and emitted a faint fluorescence under the light.

Without hesitation, Lin Feng unscrewed the cap and tilted his head back to drink it all in one gulp.

The taste was strange, like mint mixed with a certain metallic astringency. The moment the potion entered his mouth, a bolt of electric-like stinging pain spread from the tip of his tongue to his entire body. Lin Feng's body tensed involuntarily, and fine beads of sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.

"Brother Feng?!" Wang Dalong was startled by his reaction. "What's wrong?"

Lin Feng raised his hand, signaling him not to come over.

Three seconds later, the stinging pain faded. It was replaced by an indescribable sense of "transparency." It was as if the world, which had been covered by a veil, suddenly became clear. He could feel the flow of air, hear the roar of car engines on the street below, and even perceive the rise and fall of Wang Dalong's chest as he breathed.

"It's nothing," Lin Feng took a deep breath, his voice returning to calm. "I just drank something to refresh myself."

Wang Dalong looked at him suspiciously but didn't ask further.

Just then, Lin Feng's phone rang.

Caller ID: Jiang Wanqing.

Lin Feng picked up the phone.

"Hello, Lin Feng, congratulations," Jiang Wanqing's voice came through the receiver, carrying a clear smile. "You're an internet celebrity now."

"...Mm." Lin Feng's response was as brief as possible.

"The National Cultural Heritage Administration has officially released an announcement," Jiang Wanqing continued. "The Old Crow Mountain site has been listed as a 'Major Historical Discovery.' Preliminary statistics show three hundred and seventy-two unearthed cultural relics, including eighteen first-class relics. This is all thanks to you."

Lin Feng was silent for two seconds. "It's what I should have done."

"By the way," Jiang Wanqing's tone became formal. "The Cultural Relics Bureau has decided to hold a press conference in Chengdu, along with an archaeological results summary meeting. The bureau's intention is to invite you to attend so they can present you with an honorary certificate and a cash prize."

Lin Feng's brow furrowed instantly.

"...Can I not go?"

Jiang Wanqing's helpless laughter came from the other end of the line. "I knew you would say that. But this time you really can't decline. This is recognition at the national level, and the media will all be there. If you don't go, it will cause unnecessary speculation instead."

Lin Feng pursed his lips and said nothing.

"How about this," Jiang Wanqing said, as if she had already anticipated his reaction. "If you really don't want to show your face, you can let Wang Dalong accept the award on your behalf. You two have always been partners anyway, and the public knows that."

Lin Feng's eyes lit up instantly. "Is that allowed?"

"Yes. I'll just coordinate with the bureau."

"Then let's do that," Lin Feng said quickly, for fear she would change her mind. "Thanks."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Feng let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted.

Wang Dalong, who had overheard most of it nearby, widened his eyes. "Brother Feng, you're not seriously going to make me go accept the award, are you?!"

"Mm."

"Holy crap!" Wang Dalong slapped his thigh. "Chengdu! The Cultural Relics Bureau! And a cash prize! Don't you worry, Brother Feng, leave this to me. I'll make sure it's handled beautifully!"

Lin Feng glanced at him. "Don't embarrass me."

"Don't worry, don't worry!" Wang Dalong patted his chest. "I'm someone who has seen the world alongside you, after all!"