No one can resist the temptation of fame. Nor can anyone free himself from the pursuit of others and be out of the world.

The moment Shen Mingde got out of the car, he was surrounded by a group of students and flowers in school uniforms. Several "leaders" in suits and leather shoes took the initiative to shake hands with him. The villagers in the audience all stood up and applauded him. Shen Mingde understood that the flowers, applause, and warm welcome were not prepared for him. However, he had to admit that at that moment, he was intoxicated by this atmosphere. Within minutes of getting out of the car, he had almost forgotten the purpose of his trip. Flowers and applause, flattery and flattery, admiration and pursuit almost murdered Shen Mingde's ambition, ambition, and curiosity. In these few minutes, he completely regarded himself as Chen Yongyi's "own person". He even began to fantasize about whether his future self would be touted every day if he had made great contributions to Chen Yongyi's plan.

An old man with white hair and white clothes walked a few steps to Shen Mingde. That's right, this old man is Gao Bowen. He held Shen Mingde's right hand tightly with both hands, and the smile on his face squeezed out a few wrinkles on his otherwise smooth cheeks.

Seeing that Shen Mingde didn't say anything, Gao Bowen approached him and whispered, "Brother, brother, I'm sorry." I was frustrated by the old man, and I didn't know that you were Mr. Chen's person. Just now, Mr. Chen also instructed me to take good care of you. We're all our own people. Everything is easy to say. ”

Shen Mingde nodded, gave Gao Bowen a kind smile, and gently patted his right arm a few times with his left hand. Then he was surrounded by the crowd and followed Chen Yongyi to the "rostrum".

There are already two rows of people sitting on the rostrum, and the first row should be the "VIPs" invited by Chen Yongyi. The back row should be the entourage brought by this group of VIPs. Chen Huaizhi brought two empty chairs for Shen Mingde and Xiao Jing and placed them in the first row. Xiao Jing, on the other hand, dragged her chair to the second row and placed it behind Shen Mingde. Chen Yongyi warmly greeted the two of them and several VIPs on the stage to get to know each other. In addition to the Chen family's father and son, there were six other VIPs in the first row. Among them are bigwigs in politics and business, as well as the "new generation of rich people" who are not a few years older than Shen Mingde. One of the elderly people shocked Shen Minde very much. The old man used to be the CEO of a steel company. What shocked Shen Mingde was not his identity, but just some time ago, it was rumored that the old man was terminally ill and was dying. However, tonight, just now, the old man sat firmly in the VIP seat and shook hands with Shen Mingde with great strength. Another person who caught the attention of the two was a female artist named Chu Yao. Chu Yao, an artist, was born in this city and became a popular dancer all over the country twenty years ago. After that, she wanted to get involved in film and television, and became a "goddess" in the eyes of many people. Although Chu Yao has stopped acting in recent years, she still appears on the covers of many fashion magazines. Although the woman claimed to be in her forties, many legend has it that she was over fifty years old. Chu Yao, who appeared here tonight, was still dazzling. This female artist is like having cultivated the "rejuvenation technique", and she still maintains the appearance of her thirties. After Chu Yao answered Xiao Jing's question with a sentence of "plastic surgery", the two women chatted enthusiastically.

Moments later, the music played. Everyone stopped talking and took their seats. Shen Mingde sat on the far right side of the rostrum, Xiao Jing's position was behind Shen Mingde, and Shen Mingde's left hand side was the female artist Chu Yao. The host took to the stage. She looked like she was only about twenty years old. From that childish face, Shen Mingde judged that she should still be a student. The host kicked off the celebration with a sentence of "promoting national culture and maintaining historical treasures". To be honest, Shen Mingde thinks that this "celebration" is a rural literary evening, and there is nothing new to speak of. Moreover, this theatrical evening also has such a "local atmosphere", so he really can't understand why these "rich people" would come here to watch this kind of party. After a while, Xiao Jing really couldn't hold on. After whispering a few words next to Shen Mingde, she walked off the rostrum alone. Actually, Shen Mingde didn't want to leave together. But for the sake of face, he still sat in his place.

Shen Mingde was bored to talk to Chu Yao beside him, and this female artist was very "amiable". She was neither restrained nor stingy with her words, and chatted with Shen Mingde with a smile. Chu Yao used a professional eye and a slightly joking tone to evaluate almost every program performed on the stage. Especially when a girl dressed in white and wearing a red ribbon around her waist danced solo on the stage, a "hum" sound came out of Chu Yao's nose. Then, in an incomparably complex tone, she said, "This is my student." It's a far cry from when I was younger. ”

Shen Mingde heard jealousy, pride, envy, and nostalgia from Chu Yao's tone. He took advantage of the situation and looked at the stage. It was a dance that Shen Mingde had never seen before, but it made him feel familiar. Judging from the actors' clothes, Shen Mingde vaguely felt that this solo dance would not be the one that Gao Shan Xing had performed. He turned around, looked at Chu Yao, who seemed to be a little intoxicated by dancing or memories, and tried to ask, "What does this dance mean?" ”

Shen Mingde actually didn't expect Chu Yao to respond to his question. However, after a while, Chu Yao's faint voice came to his ears: "Almost all dances have meanings, but this dance is more special to me." Because I made this dance. ”

Seeing that Shen Mingde seemed to be very interested in this solo dance, Chu Yao pointed out the actors on the stage with great interest and introduced him to this dance. Chu Yao used to be a dancer of the "new generation", and she was very good at studying folk dance and modern dance. She has tried to add many modern elements to her folk dance, but she has attracted criticism from many people in the industry. It's not all professionals who deliberately make things difficult for themselves to think too high. Although there are a very small number of dances that have been adapted to be more successful, the vast majority of dances have lost that "verve" after being adapted. Until she saw an ancient and mysterious dance. Later, it was introduced that this dance was called "Nu Dance". It is an almost forgotten traditional dance form with strong religious overtones. Dancers wear masks to ward off evil spirits and pray for good fortune. Later, Chu Yao consulted a lot of relevant information and went to various places to watch the performances of the Nu dance. Although she gradually learned about the art form of "Nu Dance". But to her disappointment, almost all the folk artists who performed the "Nu Dance" were unable to reproduce how she felt when she saw the first "Nu Dance". Later, Chu Yao once again watched the "Wu Dance" that had given her a lot of inspiration. And in his own rehearsal room, he broke down this "Nu dance" and added elements, such as the relaxation of Mongolian dance, the rigidity and softness of Tibetan dance, and the softness of some ethnic minority dances. In the end, this dance, which was named "Wishing for Blessing", made Chu Yao a household name.

"Nu culture" and "Nu dance" are not unfamiliar to Shen Mingde, who loves curiosity. When he recalled the dance "Wishing Blessing", he felt that it had nothing to do with the traditional "Nu dance". But Chu Yao told him that this is called "the form is gone, and the god is there". Why do the dances performed by those folk artists seem to have no "soul"? It is because they only imitate the dance steps and movements of the ancestors, but they do not believe that their dance will bring people the ability to "exorcise evil spirits" and "bless".

"The dance you're seeing now is called 'Prayer', and it's actually the full version of 'Wishing for Blessing'. The dancers are dressed in plain white costumes, symbolizing 'purity'. This costume is an evolution of 'Hanfu', which makes the dancer look more like a fairy. Although this garment with a wide robe with large sleeves and a long skirt is not suitable for such a wide opening and closing dance, it is necessary. The dancers wear a red ribbon around their waists, symbolizing 'life'. The hair is decorated with gold gleaming hair ornaments, symbolizing 'worldliness'. The masks on the dancers' faces are smiling rather than smiling, and they seem to be sad rather than mourning, symbolizing the various emotions of the world, such as "joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness". At the beginning of the dance, the soothing movements symbolize a person's 'birth and growth'. The action that is similar to removing the clouds or the curtains just now means that this person has seen the 'eye of the mountain' by some chance. It is the eye of the mountain. ”

As he spoke, Chu Yao turned his head to look directly at Shen Mingde, pointing his index and middle fingers into his eyes. Shen Mingde was very curious, so he asked what the "Eye of the Mountain" was? Chu Yao used a sentence, "It's the eye of the mountain." help you see the world" to take this question.

Chu Yao turned her head, looked at the dancers on the stage blankly, and continued to chant: "These flipping and moving movements are the struggles of the girl. However, it was not the maiden who prayed for peace, but the priest with the crown on his head. ”

Shen Mingde glanced at the man wearing a golden crown on his head, a red horror mask on his face, and his hands raised. It turned out that this man played the role of "priest". The priest stood motionless in the northwest corner of this square stage "sitting east and facing west", facing the audience and looking west. For a while, Shen Mingde seemed to recall that in the story of Wang Lu and Wang Qi, there was also such a priest.

Shen Mingde's ears continued to hear Chu Yao's whisper as if chanting: "The priest prays for peace." The 'little ghosts' lying on the stage and wearing masks were at peace. But the girl got nothing. She is a vessel full of fear, pain, sorrow...... Then, after a while, they will offer this instrument to God. Some utensils can only be discarded once they have been used. Some utensils can be used over and over again. I really don't know, is it a blessing or a curse for that vessel that has been used repeatedly?

Xiao Jing, who had already changed into casual shoes in Shen Mingde's car, walked back to the celebration venue alone. Every pair of heels is a "baby" to her, so she definitely doesn't want the cobblestones of the countryside to spoil her shoes.

Xiao Jing had no idea of returning to the rostrum. At the same time, she was in no hurry to find a place to sit in the audience. She just watched from afar at the crowd at night and the brightly lit open-air stage. In this way, she has a sense of detachment from the world. She loved it.

A figure in white clothes, white pants, and white hair walked towards her. It's Gao Bowen again. The old man's vigorous steps were not worthy of his pale hair. Xiao Jing pondered in her heart.

Gao Bowen came to Xiao Jing in a few steps and asked kindly: "Is the show not able to enter the girl's 'magic eye'?" “

Xiao Jing bit her lower lip lightly and did not reply. She pondered in her mind what the old man was trying to do and how she could get some information out of her mouth that she wanted to know.

The old man didn't care. He suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly and said, "I'm really old foolish." How can you let someone as knowledgeable as you watch this rustic celebration in the countryside? But I don't know if you two came with Mr. Chen today to ask for blessings? Or do you want to get rich? “

Xiao Jing lowered the face that was looking up at the tall and thin old man just now, she didn't want Gao Bowen to see her blank expression. Such a "dumb riddle" really made Xiao Jing fed up. She muttered in her heart: "Could it be that Chen Yongyi and Gao Bowen have made up a set of 'black words' for this 'business'?" Ay? Business? Yes! Since it is a business, what Chen Yongyi brings must be buyers. Gao Bowen must have regarded himself as a buyer. And the phrase 'seeking blessing or wealth' must be the type of 'commodity'. “

Xiao Jing made up her mind and said: "As the old saying goes, 'goods are sold at home'. But those who know the goods again have to take a look first. ”

Gao Bowen smiled, laughing so much that Xiao Jing's heart was furious. Her mood at this time is like that of a student waiting for the results of the college entrance examination. In her heart, she has recited the names of Buddha, Guanyin, Jesus, Our Lady, and all the gods and goddesses she knows at home and abroad.

Gao Bowen gradually restrained his smile and said, "Okay, good." I understand. Many people who come to 'pray for blessings' initially thought that the lake was just a legend. Even if Mr. Chen brings you, it is 'your own person'. Just ask whatever you want. ”

Xiao Jing looked at Gao Bowen's playful raised eyebrows expressionlessly, and her heart blossomed. I passed the exam, and sure enough, it had something to do with the lake. Xiao Jing didn't jump up except for her own people, and the cells in her whole body were cheering. So, she calmed down and asked, "How can you see that lake?"

Her question was met with a mysterious smile from the other party. Then, Gao Bowen said: "There are some questions I don't know, some questions I can't say, and some questions that Mr. Chen won't let me say." Could you please change the question? ”

The first problem hit a nail, which made Xiao Jing very frustrated. So, she tried to ask, "Is that legend true?" ”

What legend? Xiao Jing didn't know it herself. But Xiao Jing pondered that if Chen Yongyi wanted to sell the "goods" to customers, he would have to make up a set of rhetoric. If Gao Bowen really asked her "what legend", Xiao Jing could answer "what Mr. Chen said".

Gao Bowen didn't ask questions, kept nodding his head, and affirmed: "It's true, it's true, it must be true." Otherwise, how could there be so many distinguished guests like you coming to our village? “

Seeing Gao Bowen say this, Xiao Jing recalled the group of people sitting on the rostrum tonight, and seemed to have an answer in her heart. After Xiao Jing was mentally prepared, she asked, "How did the people in that lakeside village know this secret?" ”

The old man replied, "According to the old man, the people of that village have always known that they are believers in Shanmira. After that, Gao Bowen pointed to the mountain in the distance with his chin, and continued: "Those believers firmly believe that there is a 'great god of mountain Mira' living in this mountain. That lake is the eye of the "Yamamira Okami", which they call "Yama Eye". The "mountain eye" is usually closed, so that only those who are destined can see it. If you are lucky enough to see the "mountain eye" open, you can "sacrifice and make a wish" in the lake. Exchange a living person's life for one's own health and longevity. ”

Xiao Jing asked with a little surprise: "Do I still have to find someone, can I kill it?" Why does another person have to die? ”

The old man waved his hand and replied, "Hehehe." Those believers say that the 'Great God of Yamamira' can help people change their lives. But after changing his life, the person's lifespan will be very long. Then, the 'Great God of Yamamira' is not easy to explain in front of the king of Hades. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a stand-in for this person who wants to change his life and increase his life. Although this is a superstitious statement for those believers. However, it is still worth exchanging a life for a 'cheap life' for the 'life' of a noble guest like you. Of course, you don't need to bother looking for a 'sacrifice'. Hehe, now we are no longer called 'sacrifice', but 'Fugong', which is the 'tribute' offered to the 'great god of Shanmira' when you 'ask for blessing'. We will have 'Fugong' ready for you. When it's time to ask for blessings, our people will also help, and you only need to move your hands a little to complete the whole ritual of asking for blessings. After that, we will take care of everything to ensure that God does not know and ghosts do not know. ”

Xiao Jing hid her clenched fist behind her back, pretending to be casual and asked, "Hasn't it been discovered since ancient times?" ”

Gao Bowen rolled his eyes upward, made a reminiscence, and then replied, "Never." Actually, it wasn't that long. I heard that it started at the end of the Qing Dynasty. At first, it seemed that anyone could see the lake, but gradually no one could see the lake, and eventually even the people in the village near the lake could not see it. After that, the Japanese devils came in. The believers sealed the village with 'quacks,' which were hanging from the trees. She did not allow anyone to leave the village to 'preach,' so no one could find the lake. This letter, decades have passed. It wasn't until 20 years ago that the guess started again. On the one hand, this thing sounds bizarre. No one believed it. On the other hand, Mr. Chen is a cautious person. The guests she introduced were all 'her own people'. ”

Xiao Jing saw that Gao Bowen really trusted the people brought by Chen Yongyi, so she relaxed a little, and then asked: "If only people who can see the lake can 'ask for blessings', then how can you guarantee that the guests brought by Mr. Chen can see the lake?" Wouldn't it be better if these people prepared 'Fugong' on their own? ”

The old man replied confidently: "I will see it, please rest assured, I will see it in the end." As for 'Fugong', it has to be someone who can see the lake. Look at your expression and still don't believe me. In fact, we have a special 'school', and as long as you enter that 'school', everyone is 'destined to be a person'. ”

Gao Bowen suddenly gasped and asked suspiciously, "Look at the two of you before you came here, did you already go to find the lake?" At the same time, the old man pointed to his right wrist.

Seeing Xiao Jing nodding, he turned from doubt to smile, revealing the face of a profiteer, and said, "It's okay." Many customers were skeptical and wanted to see for themselves. But it is generally difficult to find the lake on your own without the help of the 'school'. If you are already 'fated' to see the 'mountain eye' open, I can also give you a reasonable discount. However, that Boss Shen had to plan ahead. Once he is entangled by the resentful spirit of the high mountain apricot, Boss Shen's life is in danger. ”

Xiao Jing suddenly gasped, raised her eyes, and asked, "How do you say this?" ”

Gao Bowen made a dejected expression and said, "Gao Shan Xing is a good child, but she is dead. But she didn't know it. In that village, in addition to serving the 'great god of Yamamira', the believers were also responsible for the work of guarding the evil spirits. The 'quacks' hanging from the trees not only sealed the believers, but also the evil spirits from leaving the village. Believers will constantly drive away the spirits so that they do not disturb passers-by. However, there must be a mistake in the hundreds. There will always be a moment when two people are branded with a 'mark' like Boss Shen' by the resentful spirit. Soon after, at the first opportunity, the wraiths would sneak out of the village to harvest their prey. At that time, the believers could not stop it. I can only wait for the resentful spirit to eat enough, and make enough trouble, and go back to the village and return to its original position. Boss Shen can only break this 'curse' by 'asking for blessings' as soon as possible. Old man, when I saw the mark on Boss Shen's wrist in the afternoon, I didn't want to pay attention to it. Because it's not 'our own people', doesn't this say expose our secrets? Later, I saw that you were distinguished guests brought by Mr. Chen. I can't help but talk about it. ”

Xiao Jing thought to herself, if Gao Shan Xing is really a "ghost", it is not you people who have harmed her. If you can really bring Takayama out of the apricots, I'll kill you scoundrels. However, she tried her best to remain quiet and said: "Mr. Shen does have plans to 'ask for blessings' in the near future. But what he is most worried about is not people, because there is Mr. Chen and you. Moreover, no one will believe it. What he is afraid of is a resentful ghost like Gao Shan Xing......"

Gao Bowen interrupted Xiao Jing's words with a hearty laugh, and then took over the conversation and said, "Don't worry about this. For their own sake, the believers also have to take care of the 'evil spirits'. Boss Shen only needs to remove the marks on his body, and those 'resentful spirits' can't see people outside at all. Moreover, taking a step back, even if Gao Shan Xing came out, it was Yushugou Village that she wanted to take revenge on, and it could not be the guests who came to 'ask for blessings'. ”

Hearing this, Xiao Jing still pretended to ask a series of questions with a suspicious face. For example: After she and Shen Mingde came into contact with Gao Shan Xing, what did they learn about the "Seven Sacrifices"? If Lao Yu and the troupe deceived Yushugou, then is the "blessing" of the guests also fake? What is the legend among the villagers? What happened to Zhang Baoshan after he rescued Lao Yu? Also, how did Elm Gully discover the secret of the lake?

After hearing this bunch of questions, Gao Bowen said with a sad face: "Of course. I could talk about these questions, but it's a bit long. I'm just afraid of you......"

Xiao Jing understood what Gao Bowen meant. She folded her arms around her chest, then changed to a "resting" position and stood in place. I was secretly glad that I had replaced my high heels with casual shoes. When she was ready, she said, "What I have is time and energy. Just tell me. ”

So, Gao Bowen used a tone like telling a bedtime story to a child, and told the past 20 years of Yushugou Village......