I really don't want to work in the world of weird rules!

Gu Changyuan felt a loud bang in his ears and told him to wait a moment.

But! Mr. Deer's answer is absolutely brilliant! It's even more logical than the original answer, isn't it?!

The audience erupted in deafening cheers, and the host opened his arms as if embracing the whole world.

[In that case, this question is naturally considered completely correct! Full marks! Well done!]

Gu Changyuan gritted his teeth. In any case, his life was saved. Recalling his self-righteous answer, he wished he could slap himself.

Over-interpreting the rules almost led him astray. He painfully closed his eyes, swallowing back the scream that nearly escaped his throat. When he opened them again, his back was ice-cold.

The host seemed to take this as some kind of joyful tears reaction, and strode forward, hugged Gu Changyuan tightly, and patted his back heavily. The warmth from that body made Gu Changyuan feel a chill run down his spine.

That was amazing! Absolutely amazing!

"...Thank you." Gu Changyuan forced a stiff smile.

The host let go of him, grabbed the microphone, and shouted at the top of his lungs.

So tonight!

[A miracle has occurred again! All three of our challengers have cleared the level! They have continued their winning streak!]

boom--!

Confetti exploded above the stage, and screams nearly lifted the roof off the studio. The seniors on the other two metal platforms visibly relaxed their tense shoulders, and you could feel their relief even through their masks.

However, only one MVP can take home the grand prize tonight!

A sudden burst of rapid drumbeats brought the atmosphere to a climax, and the host abruptly turned around, pointing his finger at Gu Changyuan.

That's Mr. Deer!

The band enthusiastically played a deafening victory march.

Congratulations! This is your loot!

"Thank you, thank you." Gu Changyuan accepted the beautifully packaged small gift box from the host.

A surge of ecstasy welled up inside me, but of course, it wasn't because of that blind box that contained who-knows-what kind of weird stuff.

It's over. As soon as the red light on the camera goes out, they can finally leave this awful place.

At this moment, Gu Changyuan's mind was filled with nothing but the air-conditioned, brightly lit office desks of modern cities. The overtime work life that he once loathed now seemed so familiar and charming.

[Happy times always fly by, and tonight's "Tuesday Quiz Show" is coming to an end.]

Tomorrow night, we'll be inviting even more incredible guests to kick off Wednesday... huh?

Click! Without warning, a blinding spotlight suddenly shone on the four previously empty metal platforms, and Gu Changyuan's fingers tightened sharply.

From within those beams of light, four figures suddenly appeared: four men dressed in full black suits, wearing animal masks, and looking around with blank expressions.

Are they colleagues from the bureau? Without a doubt, they are from other teams in the on-site investigation group. One of the figures wearing a zebra mask looks familiar; he is probably a new recruit who joined the company at the same time as him. Why would they run into each other?

In the records of exploring bizarre phenomena, there has never been a precedent of two teams simultaneously entering the same instance. Even if they could squeeze in halfway through... this is a live broadcast where interference is absolutely prohibited.

A suffocating silence instantly enveloped the entire studio. One second, two seconds, three seconds, the air seemed to solidify into cement. The zebra mask standing on the metal platform next to Gu Changyuan was clearly aware of the eerie atmosphere.

"W-What's going on? How come there are people in front of us...?"

【Ahhh!】

Without warning, a pale white flame shot into the sky. Gu Changyuan bit his tongue hard, forcing himself not to make a sound through the excruciating pain, not even having time to let out a scream.

The newcomer wearing the zebra mask, still with his mouth slightly open in astonishment, collapsed and vanished completely in the white flames, like a graffiti erased by an eraser, leaving only a pile of ashes that barely retained the shape of a leather shoe.

The camera lens suddenly turned around at an almost insane speed.

【......Surprise!】

Surprised? Unexpected? These are the new guests who will be appearing next Tuesday!

The extremely upbeat jazz music seemed to be covering up some kind of crime, impatiently sweeping over the entire venue, while the scarlet camera indicator lights were once again locked onto Gu Changyuan.

Cold sweat trickled down Gu Changyuan's forehead and temples. He used all his strength to control his muscles, which were trembling slightly with fear, and raised the small gift box in his hand, waving it wildly in front of the camera, like a fanatical fan who had just won the lottery jackpot.

boom!

The second wave of confetti exploded with a deafening roar, mixed with thunderous drumbeats. The host, like a frenzied conductor, frantically extracted hysterical cheers from the audience.

[We'll bring you an even more immersive entertainment experience tomorrow night at the same time!]

Well then... goodnight everyone!

Clang—!

With the final, cheerful guitar strum, the red light on the camera went out completely. It's over, it's over...? Why hasn't this damn scene ended yet?

[Phew, my goodness! We almost messed up the stage! Luckily, we salvaged the situation, right?]

The cameras were definitely off. Faceless staff rushed onto the stage to pack up the props, and all the overhead lights in the audience area were turned off.

The band area was now empty, with the sounds of footsteps and faint conversations echoing in the studio. The cold steel frame structure was exposed under the dim lighting, all foreshadowing the end of a show.

But this group of people was the only ones who remained rooted to the spot and were not teleported out.

[Mr. Lu! Your quick thinking just now was amazing! Have you ever considered becoming a regular guest on our show?]

"...I already have a job." Gu Changyuan tried his best to make his voice sound calm.

【That's a pity! But it's okay, as long as you've changed your mind, our application forms are always open for you!】

The reason why the strange phenomenon did not end was actually not complicated: the highly professional host was eager to explain to the contestants the cause of the sudden incident.

Oh, and here are some new friends over here!

[You almost caused a live stream mishap just now, you must have been terrified! I know you didn't mean it, please don't feel guilty!]

And don't be too discouraged, the production team will definitely give you a chance to make amends!

The TV head approached the other surviving "new contestants" with an extremely familiar manner, speaking in a gentle tone like a caring older brother.

It was as if there had only been the three of them here from the very beginning. In the brief moment he turned to exchange pleasantries, several faceless staff members, with brooms and dustpans, skillfully swept the ashes of the newcomer into the trash can. Gu Changyuan felt his rational defenses were teetering on the brink of collapse.

[I really wish I could let you guys show off your skills right now, but rules are rules, and the live stream is over. See you next week!]

As long as he turns and leaves, that's fine. Gu Changyuan's fingers twitched wildly at his side. Go, I'm begging you, let's end it like this!

Well then, everyone, head back for tonight... um?

At this critical moment, a figure holding a megaphone rushed onto the stage like a whirlwind.

In the dim light, the man's features were blurred into a mosaic. The only thing that could be seen was a pair of dark sunglasses perched on his nose. The man in sunglasses grabbed the host, leaned close, and whispered something at a rapid pace.

【…! Oh dear, this is really…】

The host slowly turned around to face Gu Changyuan and the others.

Um... I have some bad news, and I really don't know how to bring it up.

On the television screen, a giant, mournful face made up of emoticons appeared.

Just now, our talk show was canceled by the station.