Due to the various coincidences and doubts, the public debates grew increasingly heated, with many demanding an explanation from the live-streaming platform. People wanted to know if Zhao Ang’s death was due to negligence on the part of the production team, which may have also involved the actors on the boat, explaining the photos of passengers being taken to the hospital.
At present, this seemed to be the most reasonable hypothesis.
The live-streaming platform, initially pleased with the surge in traffic, began to panic. The situation was reported to the higher-ups and eventually reached the CEO.
The CEO, feeling the pressure, wiped his forehead and contemplated whether to call the authorities. If things continued like this, the platform could indeed face repercussions, especially since life was at stake.
As if by coincidence, a sudden phone call startled him. Normally, he wouldn’t have been so nervous, but after watching those videos, he was acutely aware of things beyond ordinary understanding.
Now that he had wealth and a good life, he valued his life even more. After taking a moment to steady himself, he answered the call, and his expression gradually relaxed. Speaking with respect and caution, he asked, “So, should I just announce this through the official account?”
The person on the other end agreed.
The conversation ended. The CEO breathed a sigh of relief, realizing he was sweating. He couldn’t help but laugh wryly. It had been years since he felt this kind of nervousness and apprehension, not since his early days negotiating contracts.
Steadying himself, the chairman personally logged into the official account and carefully explained the circumstances surrounding Zhao Ang’s death.
【We are deeply sorry and saddened to announce that our excellent streamer, Mr. Zhao, passed away due to an abnormal accident on [date]. Contrary to online rumors, this was not due to negligence on our part. This is untrue. Furthermore, out of humanitarian concern, we have provided a compensation of one million to Mr. Zhao’s family. We hope they find solace.】
Everyone following the official account immediately saw the post and began to speculate. Was the account trying to deflect blame out of fear or were they genuinely confident in clearing their name?
People also noted the phrase “abnormal accident” and pondered its implications. Soon, the comments started flowing in under the post.
【Can someone explain what this really means?】
【Here to spectate.】
【I find the term ‘abnormal accident’ intriguing. Does it refer to an accident caused by the production team’s negligence resulting in multiple injuries? The statement is ambiguous and doesn’t clearly convey the true meaning.】
【If it wasn’t related to the platform, why compensate the family? Not being confrontational, just curious if there’s something to it.】
【I believe the platform’s statement. If this had been a serious incident with casualties, the local authorities couldn’t have kept it quiet. The platform can’t be powerful enough to cover something like that up.】
【I tend to believe the platform too, but the term ‘abnormal accident’ is definitely intriguing.】
The statement quickly trended, leaving many confused and others arguing or questioning it. Ultimately, the issue remained unresolved.
Xu Dongyou suspected the official response was directed by the Bureau to prevent further public scrutiny of the platform. Although some doubts lingered, they were fewer now.
Zhao Ang’s family knew the platform wasn’t directly responsible, but they acknowledged that the platform had gained attention because of Zhao Ang’s stream. The platform insisted on giving the money, viewing it as an opportunity to bolster their public image. The family accepted the compensation under these terms.
As night fell and the incident’s buzz died down, Xu Dongyou lay down to rest. Before sleeping, he thought about the ancient Zhulong sealed in the array. He wondered if it had awakened and noticed the beef and water left for it.
His thoughts then wandered to his adoptive parents and many other things. Gradually, he drifted into a dreamlike state, feeling weightless and surrounded by shimmering golden light. It was a surreal and breathtaking scene, unlike anything describable in words—like witnessing the most incredible sight in the world.
Xu Dongyou woke up, dazed for a moment before realizing it was already morning. The time was eight o’clock. He sat up, yawned softly, and noticed his roommate looking at him with a peculiar grin.
Xu Dongyou rubbed his eyes and asked, his voice slightly nasal from the yawn, “Why are you laughing so weirdly?”
His roommate stifled a chuckle and said, “Weird? Not really, but you—hehe.”
Xu Dongyou, confused and curious, asked, “What about me?”
He glanced down at himself. His plain pajamas seemed normal enough.
The roommate replied, “You should check out your hair in the mirror. It’s all messy, like a bird’s nest.”
Xu Dongyou was puzzled, then quickly ran his fingers through his hair. But one stubborn lock stuck up, wobbling with his movements like a stray feather. Normally ethereal in appearance, Xu Dongyou finally looked a bit more human with this touch of disarray.
Carefully, Xu Dongyou got out of bed and went to freshen up. However, no matter how much water he used, that stubborn tuft of hair refused to lie flat.
He stared at himself in the mirror for a while, pressing the lock down with his fingers for several seconds, only to see it spring back up the moment he released it. It seemed to mock him.
Frustrated, Xu Dongyou’s ears turned slightly red. He puffed out his cheeks and stared at the mirror before calling out to his roommate, “Can I borrow some hair spray?”
His roommate sat up in surprise. “Did you hit your head?”
Everyone knew Xu Dongyou was famous for his looks, topping the school’s beauty rankings and even surpassing the campus heartthrobs. People agreed that his appearance could easily outshine many celebrities known for their good looks.
Despite this, Xu Dongyou never bothered to dress up and usually kept his face hidden under a hood, much to the disappointment of many admirers.
As a result, photos of him circulated widely in private groups, as people were naturally drawn to beautiful things. The thought of what Xu Dongyou might look like if he ever made an effort was a topic of frequent speculation.
