13: There will be no poisonous snakes!

At 8:50 PM, Xie Yunxuan meticulously checked his hairstyle in the mirror while calling his assistant, “Did you buy the mosquito net?”

“What? Director Liu said we can’t decorate our own rooms? Is this a cultural variety show or a survival one? Forget it, do you have mosquito repellent? Give it to me after the recording.”

Xie Yunxuan grumbled, hung up the phone, and pushed open his door.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw a figure from two doors down, wearing a grey undershirt and loose blue pants, with sneakers on, strolling out leisurely. Xie Yunxuan thought it was an old man visiting the crew. He closed his door and was about to turn around when the person walked into the light. Xie Yunxuan’s eyes widened, “Chen Fang?!”

Chen Fang smiled, “Teacher Xie, shall we go together?”

Xie Yunxuan’s eyelid twitched as he scrutinized him.

These clothes were full of wrinkles, just pulled out of his suitcase, right? Did he just wake up and not have time to change?

“You’re going in that?”

“Yes.”

“It’s not live, but it’s still recorded. Why don’t you go back and change? I’ll tell them you have diarrhea and will be five minutes late.”

“It’s fine, I deliberately wore this. Let’s go.”

Xie Yunxuan’s eyelid twitched. Under the cover of darkness, he curled his lips in disdain.

He knew he was going to meet Master Tian, yet he dressed sloppily, inviting criticism from the audience. Is this what life is like after a scandal? He’s really desperate for attention.

The homestay was directly opposite Master Tian’s house. The two sat down on the platform in front of Master Tian’s house, where a strong scent of mosquito repellent filled the air.

Soon, the production team set up the scene and turned on the cameras.

Under the warm yellow lights, four guests sat on wicker chairs on the concrete platform, with Tian Gangwu sitting opposite them.

After a signal from Director Liu, he began, “You all are here to experience it, but since our show will be broadcast, I’ll explain the normal apprenticeship process and also our upcoming schedule.”

Pan Pengpeng smiled and nodded, “Please, go ahead.”

Tian Gangwu stood up, wearing black sneakers, and slowly walked back and forth, “We never take apprentices indiscriminately. Since ancient times, parents must first sign a written agreement, and then there’s an interview.”

“Huh? There’s an interview too?” Zhao Jin placed her hands on her knees, feigning surprise in cooperation.

Master Tian nodded, stood still, and his gaze swept over the four. “You all don’t quite meet the conditions, but in terms of temperament…”

Tian Gangwu’s gaze stopped on Chen Fang. He raised his hand and pointed at him, “He’s acceptable.”

“Hmm? Why?” Xie Yunxuan felt indignant.

Why him?

Chen Fang took first place in the morning; Xie Yunxuan admitted he couldn't have thought of such a flashy move, so he accepted the loss. But why, after dressing so carefully, was he still inferior to him?

Tian Gangwu seemed to understand his confusion and explained, “Because the three of you are too refined. One of our conditions for selecting apprentices is to be a bit ugly in appearance. None of you are ugly, but he… at least he’s dressed shabbily.”

Master Tian looked at Chen Fang’s sneakers and wrinkled shirt and trousers, smiling with satisfaction.

Chen Fang politely nodded in response.

He had intended to quietly listen to Master Tian, but at that moment, a notification sound of [Xie Yunxuan Negative Emotion Value +166] came from his mind. Combining this with his understanding of this score-obsessed person, he instantly guessed Xie Yunxuan’s thoughts.

Chen Fang feigned the appearance of a well-behaved student and said, “I saw this saying, so I specifically brought this outfit from home.”

[Xie Yunxuan Negative Emotion Value +166]

Master Tian smiled with satisfaction and continued, “There’s such a requirement partly because our ancestors believed that ugly people are less likely to be entangled by evil spirits and ghosts, and can even scare them away. On the other hand, being ugly doesn’t easily attract attention, keeping people at a respectful distance, saving us from scaring passersby, and avoiding unnecessary trouble and contact. We are here to experience the culture, so try to dress more down-to-earth, at least don’t wear heavy makeup.”

The other three knew that Master Tian’s words must have been approved by the production team, and they all nodded in agreement.

Tian Gangwu sat down, placed his hands on his knees, and continued, his gaze sweeping over the four:

“The interview, besides appearance, requires passing three tests. First is courage, second is distinguishing directions, and third is physical endurance.”

“Over these 17 days, we will mainly focus on these three points and simulated corpse driving, interspersed with cultural explanations.”

“You all will rest tomorrow during the day. Tomorrow night at 8:00 PM, we will set off for the first item—courage training!”

“Generally speaking, this needs to be done individually. But for fun and mutual support, I discussed with the production team. Tomorrow, you’ll pair up, and take two different paths up the mountain. Whichever group retrieves the leaf I place at a specific location first will win.”

“Director Liu said the winning group will receive a mosquito repellent gift package.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jin and Xie Yunxuan’s eyes lit up, both looking determined to win.

“Then everyone get some good rest. Tomorrow night at 7:50 PM, wear clothes suitable for climbing and gather here.” Tian Gangwu stood up, bowed slightly to greet everyone, and turned to go home.

Chen Fang and the others saw the cameraman turn off the camera and also stood up, preparing to leave.

Just as they were about to leave, Director Liu Yang walked over with a cheerful smile, “Four of you, please wait a moment.”

“We have a sudden situation that we need to inform you about.”

“As you know, our show combines live and recorded broadcasts. Tonight is recorded, but tomorrow night’s competition will be live. However, the leadership is somewhat dissatisfied with this morning’s data, finding it too bland. They’ve asked us to adjust tomorrow’s courage challenge. So, we will release some small animals into the mountain.”

Pan Pengpeng’s brow furrowed, “Small animals?”

“Yes, so tomorrow everyone should wear long sleeves and long pants. The production team will provide high-top shoes.”

Pan Pengpeng’s mouth twitched, “It won’t be snakes, will it?”

Director Liu smiled faintly, “Don’t worry, they’re not venomous. The production team has already scouted this mountain and cleared out the snakes. But at the company’s request, we found a dozen non-venomous small snakes and released them back. This is the Year of the Snake, so don’t be so afraid.”

Pan Pengpeng still wanted to argue, looking at the other three.

Xie Yunxuan looked dazed, Zhao Jin was pensive, and Chen Fang seemed… quite excited?

Finally, he turned his gaze to Zhao Jin, “Little Zhao, you’re scared, right?”

Zhao Jin calmly turned her head and said, “I’m not afraid of snakes.”

Pan Pengpeng felt like crying.

Master Tian told him to practice interacting with people, not with snakes.

“Director Liu, you’re sure they’re not venomous, right?”

Director Liu looked serious, “Not venomous, truly not venomous!”

Chen Fang tentatively asked, “Director Liu, what about the original snakes on the mountain?”

“We’ve cleared them out. There were no venomous snakes before either, so don’t worry!”

“What if there are?”

Director Liu looked at him helplessly, “If there are, I’ll call you ‘Dad,’ alright?”

“Okay.” Chen Fang nodded.

[Director Liu Negative Emotion Value +266]

“Director Liu, I believe you.” Chen Fang smiled brightly, showing all eight teeth.