Tomb raiding live stream: Starting as the mute Zhang

In Shazaoyi, someone knocks on the door just as dawn breaks.

Lin Guoce stood in the corridor of the guesthouse, looking at the closed door in front of him. Behind him were two soldiers carrying breakfast—steamed buns, porridge, and pickled vegetables, still steaming hot.

The door opened.

The one who opened the door was Hei Xiazi, still wearing sunglasses, his hair a mess. He glanced at Lin Guoce, then at the tray in the soldier's hand behind him, and grinned: "Oh, Captain Lin, so polite?"

"I'm bringing everyone some breakfast," Lin Guoce said. "And... I'd like to have a talk with Mr. Zhang and the others."

Hei Xiazi stepped aside. Inside the room, Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, Xie Yuchen, and Huo Xiuxiu were all awake and tidying up. The two beds were empty, with the bedding neatly folded.

"Where are they?" Lin Guoce asked.

"Let's go," Black Bear said.

"Gone?" Lin Guoce was taken aback. "When?"

"Half an hour ago," Xie Yuchen said, coming out of the restroom and wiping his hands. "He just grabbed his bag and left without saying a word."

Lin Guoce's expression changed. He put down his breakfast, turned around, and ran downstairs. Two soldiers followed.

The car was still parked in front of the guesthouse. But the SUV that belonged to Zhang Qiling and "Zhang Qiling" was gone. There were fresh tire tracks on the ground, pointing out of town.

"Team Leader Lin, should we give chase?" a soldier asked.

Lin Guoce stood still, stared at the tire tracks for a few seconds, and shook his head: "We can't catch up. Even if we did, if they don't want to come back, who can stop them?"

The soldier fell silent.

Upstairs, Hei Xiazi stood at the window, watching Lin Guoce's retreating figure, and chuckled, "Well, the officials are dumbfounded."

"That's normal," Xie Yuchen said. "With those two guys' personalities, it would be strange if they sat down and talked to you."

"What about us?" Fatty Wang asked while munching on a steamed bun. "Should we retreat too?"

"Let's retreat," Xie Yuchen said. "Pack your things, we'll leave in half an hour. Back to the city."

Wu Xie stood by the window, looking at the gray streets outside. In the distance, on the edge of the desert, the sun was rising, painting the sky golden red. He touched the red spot on his neck; it wasn't obvious, but he could feel it.

"Stop looking." Fatty Wang patted him on the shoulder. "Hurry up and eat, then go home. I'm dying to get back to my bed."

Half an hour later, two SUVs drove out of Shazaoyi. Hei Xiazi drove one, carrying Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi. Xie Yuchen drove the other, carrying Huo Xiuxiu. The two vehicles, one after the other, drove onto the highway.

In the rearview mirror, Shazaoyi grew smaller and smaller until it became a tiny dot on the horizon.

Inside the car, Fatty Wang slumped in the passenger seat and let out a long sigh: "Finally out. I never want to go to that desert again."

"That thing around your neck is a reminder," said Black Bear.

"I know, I know," Fatty Wang waved his hand. "Three years is enough. With these two young men around, what's there to be afraid of?"

"Where did they go now?" Wu Xie asked.

"Who knows?" Black Bear said. "The mute Zhangs are elusive. But they definitely haven't gone far; they'll contact us if anything happens."

"How did you know?" Wu Xie asked.

"I get the feeling," Black Bear laughed. "They're the type of people who, once they've made a promise, won't renege on it."

Wu Xie thought about it and agreed. He took out his phone, wanting to send a message, but didn't know what to say. Finally, he typed: "Brother, we're heading back to the city now. Contact me if anything comes up."

Sent. No reply.

He put away his phone, leaned back in his chair, and watched the scenery rushing past the window. The Gobi Desert, barren land, with only a few scattered trees. The sky was a deep blue, and the sunlight was blinding.

After a day's drive, as evening fell, I caught sight of the city's outline. Skyscrapers, traffic, neon lights. The long-lost warmth of everyday life.

"I'm home," Fatty Wang sighed.

The car drove into the city, crossed the streets, and finally stopped in front of an old residential area. This was the house that Fatty rented; it was a detached house with its own yard, old but spacious.

"We'll make do here for a few days," said Fatty Wang. "We'll move when we find a suitable place."

"Okay." Wu Xie had no objections.

The group got out of the car and carried their luggage into the house. The yard was the same as before, with tools piled up haphazardly. The house was a bit dusty, but still relatively clean.

"Let's get ready first, we'll have a good meal tonight!" Fatty Wang rolled up his sleeves.

The group busied themselves sweeping, dusting, and making the beds. Hei Xiazi, Xie Yuchen, and Huo Xiuxiu also helped. They worked until dark, and finally, the place looked presentable.

"Let's go eat out!" Fatty Wang waved his hand.

The group went outside and found a hot pot restaurant nearby. They booked a private room and ordered a table full of dishes: lamb, beef, tripe, shrimp paste, and various vegetables. The broth was red oil, bubbling away.

"Come on, let's have one first." Fatty Wang raised his beer.

The group clinked glasses. The cold beer felt refreshing all over.

"I'm finally alive." Fatty Wang picked up a slice of mutton and dipped it in the broth. "Those few days in the desert, my mouth was so bland it was practically tasteless."

"You're just greedy," Wu Xie said.

"Nonsense, aren't you tempted?" Fatty Wang glared.

Wu Xie smiled but didn't reply. He dipped a piece of tripe in the hot pot, then dipped it in sesame oil and minced garlic before putting it in his mouth. Fragrant, spicy, and hot. Comfortable.

Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu ate politely, but they still ate quite a bit. Hei Xiazi said between bites, "This tastes good, a million times better than those compressed biscuits in the desert."

While we were eating, the door to the private room opened.

The waiter brought in a plate of food—a whole roasted chicken. It was golden brown, crispy, and glistening with oil.

"We didn't order this," said Fatty Wang.

"It was delivered by a gentleman outside," the waiter said.

"Who is it?" Wu Xie asked.

The waiter shook his head: "He didn't leave his name, he paid and left. He just said it was for this room."

The group exchanged glances. Black Bear stood up, walked to the door of the private room, and looked outside. The corridor was empty; no one was there.

"Interesting." He closed the door.

The roast chicken sat on the table, its aroma filling the air. Fatty Wang swallowed hard. "Who cares who sent it? Let's eat first."

He tore off a chicken leg, took a bite, and his eyes lit up: "Delicious! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!"

Wu Xie also tore off a piece of meat; it tasted really good. He glanced at the roast chicken, then suddenly remembered something and smiled.

"What are you laughing at?" Fatty Wang asked.

"It reminds me of Xiao Ge," Wu Xie said. "He seems to really like eating chicken."

"Really?" Fatty Wang was taken aback. "How did you know?"

"During the few days I was at Fatty's house, I noticed that he took a lot of chicken with his chopsticks," Xie Yuchen said.

"It seems that's true." Black Bear laughed. "Dumb Zhang also loves to eat chicken. Interesting."

Just then, the door to the private room opened again.

Two people came in this time.

They were both dressed in black, tall, and ramrod straight. One had more defined features, the other a thinner face. They were Zhang Qiling and "Zhang Qiling".

The room fell silent for a second.

"Holy crap!" Fatty Wang jumped up. "Hey buddy! How did you guys find us?"

"I can smell it," Black Bear said.

Zhang Qiling didn't say anything, walked in, and sat down in an empty seat. "Zhang Qiling" also sat down, the two moving almost simultaneously.

"Have you eaten?" Wu Xie asked.

Zhang Qiling shook his head.

"That's perfect, let's eat together." Fatty Wang quickly called the waiter to add more bowls and chopsticks.

Bowls and chopsticks were brought out, and Zhang Qiling picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of roast chicken. "Zhang Qiling" also took a piece. The two ate quietly, but at a fast pace.

"Did you send this chicken?" Xie Yuchen asked.

Zhang Qiling nodded.

"You two like to eat chicken too?" Fatty Wang asked.

"It's alright," said Zhang Qiling.

"Then buy more in the future," Fatty Wang laughed.

The atmosphere relaxed. The group ate and chatted, mainly Wang Pangzi and Hei Xiazi talking, with Wu Xie and Xie Yuchen occasionally chiming in. Zhang Qiling and "Zhang Qiling" listened quietly, nodding occasionally.

They talked about the desert, about curses, about maps.

"I've looked at that map," Xie Yuchen said. "Shepan Mountain is in southern Yunnan, near the border. I've been there; it's very remote, and the roads are difficult to travel."

"When are we leaving?" Fatty Wang asked.

"No rush," Zhang Qiling said.

"Yes, let's rest first," Wu Xie said. "Everyone is cursed, but we still have time. Let's get our spirits up before we talk about it."

"Shall we stay here?" Fatty Wang asked Zhang Qiling.

Zhang Qiling nodded.

"Alright!" Fatty Wang slapped his thigh. "Then I'll go buy a bed tomorrow and clean up the guest room."

"No need," said Zhang Qiling.

"Huh?" Fatty Wang was taken aback.

"We'll stay outside," Zhang Qiling said.

"Where is it outside?" Wu Xie asked.

"Nearby," said Zhang Qiling.

"Why?" Fatty Wang asked. "There's room here, we can squeeze in."

Zhang Qiling glanced at him, his gaze calm, but Wang Pangzi inexplicably felt glared at. The "Zhang Qiling" beside him also glanced over, his lips twitching downwards by a mere 0.5 millimeters.

The meaning is clear: I don't want to squeeze in.

"Alright, alright, you can stay outside." Fatty Wang raised his hands in surrender, "but it has to be close by, so we can look after each other if anything happens."

Zhang Qiling nodded.

After finishing our meal, we paid the bill and went out. It was late, and the streets were nearly deserted. The streetlights cast long shadows.

"Where do you live?" Wu Xie asked.

Zhang Qiling pointed across the street. There was a small hotel across the street; the sign was old, but the lights were still on.

"There?" Fatty Wang asked.

"Hmm," Zhang Qiling replied.

"Alright," said Fatty Wang. "See you tomorrow. Get a good night's sleep."

Zhang Qiling nodded, turned, and walked across the street. "Zhang Qiling" followed. The two crossed the street and entered the inn. The door closed.

Wu Xie and the others stood there, looking out the hotel window. After a while, a light came on in a room on the third floor.

"He really lives there," said Fatty Wang.

"That's good," Xie Yuchen said. "They like peace and quiet."

The group walked back. Once back at Fatty's house, they each washed up and rested.

Wu Xie lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The red mark on his neck didn't hurt or itch, but it was very noticeable. He picked up his phone and glanced at it again. No messages.

He thought for a moment and sent a message: "Goodnight, bro."

A few minutes later, my phone vibrated.

One word: "Mmm".

Wu Xie smiled, put down his phone, closed his eyes, and went to sleep.

At the same time, on the other side of the city.

Lin Guoce sat in his office, a report in front of him. It was a summary of the exploration of the Jingjue Ancient City, along with a report on casualties and the extent of the curse. He rubbed his temples; his head ached.

The door opened, and Professor Zhou Xu'an walked in, his face grave.

"Captain Lin, I just spoke with the higher-ups," the professor said. "They take the curse very seriously and have ordered us to fully cooperate with Zhang Qiling and his team to find the Muchen Pearl."

"How can we cooperate?" Lin Guoce asked, "Everyone's gone."

"We can contact them," the professor said. "Wu Xie and Fatty Wang are still around. We should be able to get in touch with them."

Lin Guoce was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Let's give it a try. But don't have too high hopes. Those two... are beyond our control."

"I know," the professor sighed, "but we have to try. This curse... three years, time is running out."

Lin Guoce remained silent, gazing out the window. The night was deep, but the city lights shone brightly.

The terminal screen of the floating live-streaming sphere has been turned off. But online discussions about "The Ancient City of Jingjue," "The Curse of the Ghost Eye," and "The Black Qilin" are in full swing.

The prophet posted: "Next dungeon, Snake Coil Mountain in southern Yunnan. Those who know, know."

The expert's response to any dissent was: "What are you going there for? To find the Muchen Pearl?"

The male model's fan club flooded the screen with messages: "My husbands, please stay safe!"

The night is still long.

But some people are already asleep.