The image of the Unlucky Immortal Troupe plummeted, and they became the target of public criticism, becoming the epitome of negative cases in the industry. Fellow peers rushed to distance themselves, avoiding them like the plague, fearing contamination if they didn't evade them in time. Major agents and sponsors also announced the termination of cooperation with the Unlucky Immortal Troupe. Some even sued the Unlucky Immortal Troupe and Gogolniky Entertainment Limited, demanding apologies and compensation for the adverse effects they brought to the world.
In order to appease public anger, the Unlucky Immortal Troupe had no choice but to admit their mistakes. In the days that followed, they constantly apologized and compensated. Combined with the cancellation of contracts and the payment of astronomical penalties to merchants, both the Unlucky Immortal Troupe and Gogolniky Entertainment Limited not only lost all the money they had earned over the years but also ended up deeply in debt. Sadly, while the Unlucky Immortal Troupe tirelessly fulfilled their responsibilities, repenting and compensating the entire world, no one cared about the pain they suffered as a result of the accident.
Haoyun, with his once flowing locks, now suffered massive hair loss due to burns, transforming from a handsome youth into a disheveled middle-aged man with a face marked by hardship. Jiamei, the lead singer of the group, besides her unparalleled beauty, was most prized for her seductive voice akin to a heavenly melody. Although she preserved her beauty in the accident, her throat suffered fatal damage. Now, while still visually stunning, her hoarse and feeble voice was enough to instantly extinguish the interest of any man lusting after her beauty.
Uncle Mei suffered the least damage in the accident, with the electric shock only further impairing the nerves in his already damaged hands due to long-term alcohol abuse. However, this was enough to condemn him, ensuring he could never play enchanting music again. Thus, this phenomenon, once brimming with talent and sweeping the world, fell into decline, never to rise again.
Since the accident, the Unlucky Immortal Troupe gradually faded from the public eye, and the curses against them slowly disappeared. However, from time to time, some would dredge up old grudges, feeling aggrieved that they hadn't received legal sanctions. Yet, as time passed, many calmed down and began to speak up for the Unlucky Immortal Troupe. They believed that it was the fault of the construction contractor responsible for the venue that led to the tragic event. The Unlucky Immortal Troupe became scapegoats solely because of their fame.
For a while, the world once again erupted in a national debate about the electrical accident, to reconsider whether the blame should be solely attributed to the Unlucky Immortal Troupe. This time, more voices stood by the Unlucky Immortal Troupe, showing signs of vindication. Unfortunately, by now, the damage had been done, and even if the Unlucky Immortal Troupe were exonerated, what difference would it make? Could the three exhausted by injuries and curses still prove their worth on stage? In the eyes of many, the answer was evidently no.
Equally tormented were Haoyun and his companions. Over these years, they not only keenly felt the roles their bodies played, enduring physical and mental torment, but also suffered the imprisonment of their consciousness, unable to break through that barrier and free themselves. However, this imprisonment did not break them but instead made them stronger. They never gave up the idea of reclaiming their bodies, trying to reintegrate their consciousness into their bodies tirelessly, failing once, then trying a second, third, and fourth time until they succeeded.
As the prominent subtitle formed by three clouds—Three Years Later—crossed the sky, the scene before Haoyun and his companions continued to fast-forward like the shifting of constellations. In the blink of an eye, the luxury mansion where they lived turned into ruins. Over these three years, Haoyun and his companions, battered by negative emotions, also aged considerably. All of this indicated that the present was vastly different, and they seemed forgotten by the world, only able to hide in this old mansion, quietly watching the sunrise and sunset outside the window, silently wasting away the years ahead.
Although Haoyun had been trying hard to reclaim his body, it did not stop him from sympathizing with Haoyun's plight, even developing an inexplicable resonance with him. Haoyun recalled the hardships of starting a business after graduation, his girlfriend heartlessly breaking up with him, the devastating blow of natural disasters to businesses around the campus, and various strokes of misfortune that almost overwhelmed him at the same time, leaving him unable to see a future, unable to see any hope, feeling strongly abandoned by the world.
Thinking of this, Haoyun couldn't help but sigh deeply, "Alas—!"
It was this sigh that unexpectedly brought Haoyun a pleasant surprise. Because, just as Haoyun sighed, the character played by Aryun also sighed helplessly at the same time. It was in that moment that Haoyun felt a surge of electricity connecting his consciousness with his body, allowing him to briefly regain control of his body and experience the true sense coming from his body.
Haoyun immediately informed Dao Lao and Dream Jia of his situation. Although the feeling of reclaiming his body by Haoyun was fleeting, it was enough to reignite hope in all three of them— as long as they could find a way to break through the imprisonment of their consciousness, there was a chance for them to reclaim their bodies. With Haoyun detailing his feelings in that fleeting moment, the three of them began to continuously immerse the emotions of their consciousness into the current state of the characters they played in their bodies.
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The three continuously hinted at their bodies, "You're not wrong, you've been through a lot lately, you're innocent. I've been in pain like this too, my life has been miserable."
Afterward, they all mourned in sadness. However, to the disappointment of Haoyun's trio, no matter how they struggled, nothing happened again. The three unlucky eggs of the Unlucky Immortal Troupe still stared blankly out the window, continuing to reminisce about their glorious moments.
"Knock, knock, knock! Knock, knock, knock!"
A series of urgent knocks awakened both the reminiscing Aryun trio and the Haoyun trio, who were still trying to establish a connection with their bodies. They all turned to see Daddy Cat, playing the role of the company landlady, entering excitedly, with high heels clicking, and a face full of excitement.
"Kids! Good news! Good news! Our chance for a comeback has arrived!" Daddy Cat shouted loudly as soon as he entered, his words filled with undisguised joy. When he got excited, Daddy Cat even danced on the spot in his high heels. However, after Daddy Cat's words, the Aryun trio sighed again and sank back into the large sofa, continuing to admire the sunset outside with waning interest.
"Well! The best news right now is that those people outside haven't torn us to pieces. A comeback? I feel like lying down like this is just fine, there's no need to move our bodies again." Haoyun said pessimistically.
"Hey there, kids! You don't know yet! People have been discussing the accident that happened at our concert again recently! And, recently, public opinion seems to be turning in our favor. So, we should seize this opportunity, play up our misfortunes to the media, tell them that we knew we were also victims at the time, yet we did our best to raise money to help the injured audience, which not only ruined ourselves but also donated all the money for treating your injuries. Now, we're penniless and destitute!" Daddy Cat poured himself a glass of water, finished it in one gulp, and continued, "You know, in today's world, people sympathize most with the weak! Since we're the weak ones now, we must seize this opportunity, make some economic gains, and give our wallets a good blood transfusion! I bet you guys don't want to just lie here, idling away in poverty for the rest of your lives, right?"
Daddy Cat's talk about enjoying wealth and glory again finally aroused the interest of the Aryun trio because they had borne too much of the undeserved blame over the years. However, facing almost unanimous public opinion, they could only suffer in silence, hiding in their old mansion, wasting their time. Therefore, when they heard that more and more people were coming forward to speak up for them and they had a chance to make a comeback, the three already drained hearts seemed to be injected with fresh vitality, and their eyes regained a glimmer of hope, all looking at Daddy Cat with anticipation.
"Although many people still hold onto the idea that 'since it was our concert, we should bear all the consequences,' it cannot stop more people from coming forward, especially with the story and investigation reports. With the increasing outcry for our vindication, the Unlucky Immortal Troupe's popularity has been rising again. Just now, a reality show contacted me specifically because of the increasing popularity of the Unlucky Immortal Troupe and invited us to participate in their new season!" Daddy Cat said excitedly.
"A reality show? What's it called?" Elina, with her husky voice, exclaimed with great excitement. It was the first invitation the Unlucky Immortal Troupe had received from a program after being ostracized by the industry for three years, so much so that, in their excitement, they even suspected Daddy Cat of deliberately deceiving them.
"It's this one!" Daddy Cat said, pulling out a black invitation card with bold, arrogant font that read—Accept the challenge of fate!
Seeing this black invitation card, the surprised expressions on the faces of the Aryun trio instantly froze, Elina's slender jade hand reached out to grab the invitation card, but it froze in mid-air, unsure whether to take the invitation from Daddy Cat or retract her hand. Haoyun, who was quietly watching the development of the situation, was now puzzled by the sudden change in attitude of the Aryun trio.
Because to Haoyun, as three artists who had been out of the public eye for many years and still bore the burden of significant negative influence, receiving an invitation from the program group was an absolute stroke of luck! Many artists plagued by negative news couldn't even beg for such good luck. So why did the Aryun trio seem so serious and full of resistance after seeing the invitation? Could it be that the fame of this reality show is too small? Come on! What are you guys now? You're not in a position to choose programs! Being able to participate in something and have a chance to make money is already good! Haoyun couldn't understand.
"I heard that this program is very dangerous, and most participants end up either dead or injured. It's rare for anyone to pass smoothly! Alas! I said with the current market, how could a program group actively send us an invitation?" Elina spoke with a tone full of worry and helplessness.
"Yeah! I've heard those rumors before. And, this program is very mysterious. Even though I used all my contacts, I couldn't find any real information about this program group. But, considering the popularity of this variety show and our current situation. Perhaps, this program is the best choice for us to redeem ourselves and make a comeback!" Daddy Cat said with some helplessness. According to Daddy Cat and the subsequent conversation with the Unlucky Immortal Troupe, Haoyun's trio also understood what the variety show was all about. In simple terms, the program that invited the Unlucky Immortal Troupe was a variety show that aimed to redeem wrongdoers through a challenge-type show. This challenge show was specifically tailored for a unique group of people, those who had made mistakes but were not severe enough to face legal sanctions, and who had a certain degree of fame in society.