Tricked 018: Reward

Niao Niao was saved, and Xia Qing reincarnated, so the mission was over.

Everything that happened in Silkworm Village was about to enter the public eye.

The show’s bus was already waiting at the village entrance. Shen Huanhuan ran back to Xia Qing’s home to collect the book meant for Niao Niao, along with many of Xia Qing’s textbooks.

Jiang Yuqing stepped off the bus, spoke a few words to the camera, shut down all the contestants’ livestreams, then pasted a talisman to the stone at the village boundary inscribed with “Insect Village.”

Jiang Yan asked Shen Huanhuan, “What’s she doing?”

“Forcing those tragically dead children to reincarnate,” Shen Huanhuan replied. “Their wishes could never be fulfilled. In such cases, the Bureau uses Reincarnation Talismans to send them on.”

Shen Xiaoxiao added: “This talisman doesn’t harm the soul. It’s specifically for spirits who can’t reincarnate due to unfulfilled obsessions. They’re super rare. The Bureau is really splurging this time~”

Jiang Yan was puzzled: “So what do you do when there are no Reincarnation Talismans?”

Shen Xiaoxiao spread her hands: “If it’s someone who did a lot of evil—say, held a grudge against one person but killed the whole family—those are generally dispersed. If there’s an obsession that just can’t be solved, like these sacrificial kids, normally we seal them in a container, send them to the Bureau for storage, assign a number, get in the queue, and when extra talismans come up, then they can use one.”

“So best case is still like Xia Qing—help the spirit fulfill their obsession, let them reincarnate satisfied, and no talisman is needed!”

Jiang Yan nodded.

Shen Huanhuan watched the faint golden talisman glow from afar and gave a light sigh.

Jiang Yan: “What’s wrong?”

“As a rule,” Shen Huanhuan said softly, “no matter how strong a soul’s obsession, it’s usually dragged to reincarnation by force. Staying on earth ought to be a kind of twisted blessing.”

“These sacrificed children, probably bound up with gods and faith, were all left behind without rebirth, stuck here with wishes that are, by nature, impossible. In life and death, they never had luck at all.”

Jiang Yan didn’t answer. No one else spoke either. Jiang Yuqing still had work to finish, so there was no rush to get on the bus. Shen Huanhuan stood a while, looking at the sky, then put her umbrella away.

Shen Xiaoxiao closed her umbrella too: “The rain actually stopped. Thought it would keep going.”

Shen Huanhuan: “Wonder how Niao Niao’s doing. We’ll ask the Bureau, and giver her the book at the hospital tonight?”

“Of course, and after that…” Shen Xiaoxiao paused, then grinned, “As usual—finish the mission and eat hot pot!”

Shen Huanhuan broke into a smile and turned to Jiang Yan: “Jiang Yan, want to eat with us? Yuan-yang hot pot.”

Jiang Yan refused: “You guys go. I plan to go back and shower.”

Only then did Shen Huanhuan notice how Jiang Yan’s long hair was soaked, her calves muddy, and compared herself—equally a mess. Shen Xiaoxiao was in the worst shape, her face covered with ancestral hall dust, mud dripping from her clothes.

“Sigh, Xiaoxiao and I better wash up first, really too filthy…” Shen Huanhuan invited again, “Why not have hot pot at home? Order food online, we’ve got all the sauces—eat together.”

“Thanks,” Jiang Yan saw Jiang Yuqing boarding the bus and made to leave. She glanced down at Shen Huanhuan, half a head shorter, “I’m tired, so I’ll pass.”

Shen Huanhuan watched her leave, pressing her lips.

Shen Xiaoxiao scratched her head: “Feels like everyone’s going their separate ways after the task.”

Shen Huanhuan flicked her forehead: “What are you saying? Get on.”

Everyone boarded the bus, sitting in the same seats as before. Jiang Yan leaned against the window. The mountain roads were winding and muddy, the speed slow. No one spoke except Jiang Yuqing, calling in her report.

Jiang Yan sat with her legs crossed, using wipes to clean the mud on her ankles. Her black hair brushed her cheek; she tucked it behind her ear. As a wedding dress spirit, staying clean was instinct. If she hadn’t promised He Qingyuan not to reveal her identity, she’d have tossed everyone out and changed clothes right in the car.

Cheng Guang sneaked a glance at her, saw she was engrossed in cleaning and not talking, so edged closer, whispering: “Top three get prizes each round. My master asks if you’re free tomorrow—if yes, come pick a reward.”

“Didn’t the task just end?” Jiang Yan didn’t even look up.

“Anyone can tell—” Cheng Guang never wasted a chance to flatter, “You’ll definitely win a prize!”

Jiang Yan: “True.”

“…….…..”

Ten minutes later, Jiang Yuqing finished her call. All contestants’ livestreams were now closed; only the host’s view remained.

She stood and smiled: “Congrats to everyone for completing the first task. The detectors confirm energy here is stable again.”

“Anyone want to say anything? Or have questions?”

Jiang Yan didn’t feel a bit like giving a closing speech. She tossed her dirty wipe and took a fresh one to clean her hands.

Shen Xiaoxiao checked left and right, saw no one else, and raised her hand: “Host sis, my sister and I need Niao Niao’s hospital room address.”

Jiang Yuqing tapped at her phone: “Sent. You going to visit?”

Shen Xiaoxiao nodded earnestly.

Jiang Yuqing looked at everyone else: “Further questions?” She cued Cheng Guang, “Cheng Guang, say a few words.”

The two clearly knew each other. Cheng Guang’s face fell, “Come on, sis-in-law, I’m in college. Why do I still get cold-called?”

Jiang Yuqing laughed: “No family talk, get on with it.”

Cheng Guang leaned back theatrically: “Then I’ll campaign—please, all viewers, vote for me! I really didn’t get to show my skills yet, I need the next round to prove myself!”

Jiang Yuqing rolled her eyes: “This show is strictly fair and impartial, zero favouritism.”

The car burst into good-natured laughter. Cheng Guang got along with everyone, plus his background was impressive—the Bureau’s deputy director was his master, the Security Head was his brother, the Coordination Head was his sister-in-law—these folks often showed him off, and many in the chat recognized him. The mood was light and lively.

Jiang Yuqing looked to Jiang Yan: “Jiang Yan, anything you want to say?”

Jiang Yan paused in wiping her hands, surprised to be addressed.

Cheng Guang immediately tensed up, frantically winking at Jiang Yuqing, who was at a loss.

She tried, quieter: “Jiang Yan?”

Jiang Yan thought a moment, then looked up, “There is something I want to ask.”

Jiang Yuqing: “Don’t be shy—ask ahead.”

Jiang Yan: “About the show’s difficulty.”

Jiang Yuqing: “Was it too hard…”

Jiang Yan cut in, “This round was pretty AFK… easy. Are they all this easy?”

Everyone: “?”

Jiang Yuqing’s next words caught in her throat.

An odd silence fell upon the bus.

Xiong An’s silly smile faded. Shen Huanhuan stared quietly out the window. Shen Xiaoxiao pretended nothing happened, nibbling on bread. Zhao Chong fished out his phone, scrolling through fake news.

After a while, Cheng Guang muttered, “Shit, nothing worse than show-offs!!”

【Jiang Yan’s line just left me speechless QAQ】

【Easy? With those twists, who else but you would make those connections!?】

【Looking forward to her next round (death glare.jpg)】

【But honestly, Jiang Yan really is the only one qualified to say this…】

【Doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter. I was just griping to my friend how tough this was, then Jiang Yan drops that! Damn, I hate show-offs the most!!】

Jiang Yan looked up, still waiting. No reply. She repeated her question, and this time, Jiang Yuqing finally hesitated, “The crew will… try to improve?”

Jiang Yan felt they weren’t talking about the same thing, but gave an “Mm,” and went back to cleaning her hands.

Jiang Yuqing: “………….”

Cheng Guang, seeing Jiang Yan finish chatting, noticed Jiang Yuqing still staring at her. He rolled his eyes hard toward his sister-in-law.

Jiang Yuqing: “?”

Cheng Guang’s eyes were about to flip up into his skull as he mouthed: Don’t stare, don’t—stare—at—her—

Jiang Yuqing frowned and finally looked away, going to chat with the twins in the back.

Cheng Guang breathed a long sigh of relief.

Another day keeping world peace.

*

Past noon, the bus stopped at Jiang Yan’s apartment complex.

She got off, wheeling her suitcase inside. By the pond, old folks feeding fish paused, staring in surprise.

“Hey, girl, how’d you get so muddy?” one shouted for all to hear.

Eyes snapped her way as Jiang Yan deadpanned: “Fell in a sewer.”

The old lady instantly stopped and retreated several steps, calling out, “Go wash up quick. Never mind, girl, everyone’s got to fall a few times before they’re whole!”

Jiang Yan: “You ever fall in one?”

Old lady: “Well, no.”

Jiang Yan: “Whole life…”

Old lady: “Ai, ai, ai…”

Jiang Yan stepped closer; the old lady’s wig nearly fell off as she scrambled back, urging, “Go, go!”

Jiang Yan left coldly, and no one came within three meters after that. She entered her building, unlocked her door, and stripped right in the entrance; the door closed, she strode to the shower, washing herself three times in a row.

Half an hour later, Jiang Yan, towel-drying her hair, entered in pajamas. She opened the fridge—empty. Checked the coffee table—still nothing to eat.

She remembered Shen Huanhuan’s earlier invite.

What did she say they’d eat?

Yuan-yang hot pot? What was that?

Jiang Yan googled it, rested on the sofa, changed into clean clothes, and used her GPS to find the nearest hot pot restaurant.

Business was booming at the hot pot spot, the menu loaded with claims like “800 locations nationwide” and “xxx passionately recommended.” Jiang Yan ordered everything marked “hot seller” and sat waiting alone.

A server came over: “How many in your party? Should we wait before serving?”

Jiang Yan: “Just me.”

For some reason, she felt the server’s eyes went softer, his voice gentler: “Alright, let me clear the surplus settings.”

“Mm.”

This was Jiang Yan’s first restaurant meal since she took human form. While waiting, she carefully counted her cash—He Qingyuan had only given her cash, and she had 2,200 yuan left. She set aside 300 on the table.

From the moment she started counting, the neighbouring table kept glancing over. Jiang Yan put her money away and looked back. The man across looked awkward, stammered, “I just thought… it’s not too safe to carry so much cash…”

Jiang Yan: “I don’t think so.”

Man: “…Haha, okay.”

At last, the food arrived. Jiang Yan’s attention returned to eating, and from the other table came a sigh of relief.

Jiang Yan gave the server her money and focused on the food, even going to mix herself a dipping sauce mid-way.

She didn’t notice the two figures at the door.

Shen Xiaoxiao, as always after streaming, wanted hot pot to celebrate; the sisters, after washing up, felt their home lacked atmosphere, so they found a highly rated place online and came by taxi.

And right away, saw Jiang Yan in the window, eating alone.

“Heh, saying she wouldn’t come, but she’s here!” Shen Xiaoxiao started to run over, “Sis, so lonely to eat hot pot alone. Let’s join Jiang Yan!”

Shen Huanhuan quickly stopped her: “Don’t.”

Shen Xiaoxiao braked: “Why?”

“This is a coincidence. She’s not waiting for us,” Shen Huanhuan pulled her upstairs. “If we say hi, even if Jiang Yan wanted to eat alone, she’d be embarrassed to refuse.”

Shen Xiaoxiao pouted: “Why would she refuse? We shared a bed!”

“She’d still want a quiet meal!” Shen Huanhuan mimicked her tone, “You’re just too noisy.”

*

The Silkworm Village incident was quickly summarized. On the day their task finished, the case appeared on Jiangcheng’s evening news. There were eight trafficked children left in the village; five matched missing child records, and the broadcast included the sound of real parents weeping with joy at the calls. Many were moved.

Jiang Yan wandered Jiangcheng after her meal and caught the same news on the bus home. Through the swaying handles, she watched the strangers around her; all touched by the story, quietly sighing, saying “how wonderful,” their spirits unified by this collective warmth—like old friends.

That’s humanity.

Jiang Yan looked away.

Back home, she threw on pajamas and crashed on the bed. When she woke, it was already the next day.

A vintage wooden window split the white wall in two; outside, lush green trees swayed, and warm orange sunlight poured in, splashing across the white carpet. Jiang Yan stepped through the light, pushing the window open.

The morning wind was still cool. Jiang Yan relaxed by the window, enjoying the breeze and picking up her phone. There was one unread message, with a ranking and prize location.

Last night, the Bureau worked late, using each contestant’s solo livestream viewership, overall performance, and votes to produce a composite ranking: top three.

No surprise, Jiang Yan was first.

No telling what the prize was.

She tossed her phone aside, went through her routine, then got some sweet-scented rice balls at a street stall before strolling to the address from the text.

It was an ordinary, even rundown, three-story office block, with peeling paint and a shabby air.

Cheng Guang was out front, holding sliced bread and a phone, eyes glued to the screen. Jiang Yan stopped beside him, glancing over, “What are you watching?”

Cheng Guang was hypnotized, replying, “Lightning-Struck Timber went live.”

Jiang Yan: “Lightning-Struck Timber?”

Cheng Guang replied as a matter of fact: “Yeah, you gotta watch, or you’ll regret it for a hundred years.”

Jiang Yan: “What is it? How do I watch?”

“No way, you don’t know—” He started to turn, but recognizing Jiang Yan, his face turned horrified.

Jiang Yan nodded: “I don’t.” Curious: “What is it?”

Cheng Guang nervously tilted his phone toward her, pointing at the stream named 【Lightning-Struck Timber】, “He’s a top streamer, showed up three years ago, reached Red Pillow’s official top ten in a year, now he’s ranking third—really awesome.”

“And not just awesome, super hardworking—three years, never once a day off, but a week ago vanished suddenly, so everyone was worried. Just now, I got a stream alert…and couldn’t help watching…” he explained his distraction.

Jiang Yan: “Understandable.”

Cheng Guang brightened: “Right, right.”

Jiang Yan: “Shall we?”

Cheng Guang: “Of course.”

The outside of the Supernatural Administration Bureau was shabby, and the inside not much better—more like a condemned block. Jiang Yan followed Cheng Guang to the end of the first floor and into the elevator. Outside the elevator sat an old man with a radio playing opera; he grinned at them: “Where to?”

Cheng Guang: “Going to Xiangxi to learn corpse herding.”

The old man rummaged in a drawer, took out a peachwood talisman, and tossed it in the elevator: “Go up.”

Cheng Guang explained: “You always need the code to go upstairs. Without the talisman, the elevator traps you in a ghost loop.”

Jiang Yan nodded to show she understood.

Up on the third floor, Cheng Guang led the way to the prize room, Jiang Yan glancing about as they went.

The whole third floor was huge, stretching beyond sight, nothing like the traditional Chinese aesthetic she’d imagined. No redwood, no Bagua mirrors, no peachwood swords. The floor was shining marble; overhead, a giant screen displayed dozens—hundreds—of split-screen livestreams. Three people stood by the screen, two men and a woman, looking elite, fingers flicking from stream to stream, whispering.

Soon, they stopped, and magnified one stream: 【Lightning-Struck Timber】

Jiang Yan paused, watching this officially third-ranked psychic.

On the livestream, only a pair of pale hands showed, sweatshirt sleeves pushed up, a single slender red thread on the wrist. Cheng Guang noticed her pause and explained, “Solo streams are like that—first person, no face. Most will greet the camera at the end, but this one never does and never shows his face.”

“That’s why people think he has a sensitive identity that can’t be revealed.”

Jiang Yan: “Or maybe he’s just shy.”

“…” Cheng Guang laughed awkwardly, “haha, you’re funny.”

Jiang Yan ignored him, crossing her arms and watching. 【Lightning-Struck Timber】’s stream was extremely fast-paced. After entering a building, he exchanged a few words with a man, shoved a rag in his mouth, hauled him upstairs, then returned for the next.

He repeated this five times. At last, five burly men were lined up on the rooftop. The young man faced them, his voice pleasant but clearly young and impatient.

“Talk.”

The five mumbled, either feigning death or struggling; none were speaking.

Patience wearing thin, the streamer’s hand went to his pocket and produced a battered little knife, the blade worn, the handle smeared with dried blood—clearly a weapon with history.

The knife unsettled the men; lips quivered. Suddenly, the central man twisted violently, contorting, finally using his tongue to spit out the rag.

“I’ll talk, I’ll talk! My mouth was blocked, that’s all, I wasn’t refusing! That’s all the Liang family’s fault, I was just scared of revenge, so I didn’t call the police!!”

The streamer paused, then slowly put the knife away, removing the rags from the remaining four, voice awkward, “S-sorry, you guys talk too.”

Jiang Yan burst out laughing.

Cheng Guang was embarrassed. It’s like hyping your idol, only for him to make a fool of himself before your friend. He hurried, “Pick your prize, pick your prize.”

Having seen what kind of guy Rank 3 was, Jiang Yan stopped watching and followed Cheng Guang to the prize room. He handed her a peachwood token at the door: “The prizes are on the rack farthest left. Any of them are fair game. The token is one use; pick what you want, place the token, and it’s yours.”

Since Cheng Guang hadn’t made the top three, only Jiang Yan entered to choose.

She picked quickly, just three or five minutes before leaving the building.

Not long after Jiang Yan left, the old man on the stairs rushed into the room. He went straight to the leftmost rack, rummaging up and down several times, then ran out to grab Cheng Guang in the hall.

“Cheng Guang, you little wastrel!” He stamped and poked Cheng Guang’s forehead. “Told you to guard the room, and all you do is watch streams!”

Cheng Guang was bewildered: “What’s up, shishu?”

He Qingguang began tugging his ear: “Who went into the room today?!”

“Only Jiang Yan. She was first in the fan poll and came to pick a prize,” Cheng Guang howled in pain, “Shishu, easy! My ear’s coming off!”

Hearing the name, He Qingguang eased up, “That girl your master secretly took on?”

“Yeah, yeah!” Cheng Guang replied quickly.

He Qingguang let go and rushed outside to make a call.