Failed to Transmigrate, I’m Back Again - Chapter 9

When Tang Wuyun realized her teammate was Shi Zhimiao, not “that other person,” she was both shocked and overjoyed. She couldn’t contain her happiness, but it quickly turned to panic as she remembered what she had said about Shi Zhimiao earlier…

Tang Wuyun briefly recalled the conversation, then abruptly cut off the memory. Her legs moved backward in rapid retreat. I want to die! I want to die right now!

Shi Shuwu turned to find Tang Wuyun hiding behind her, their eyes locking in a wide-eyed stare.

Shi Shuwu was curious. Was Shi Zhimiao some kind of monster? Why else would Tang Wuyun be hiding behind her?

Pei Yinxi and Bai Jin also froze in surprise when Shi Zhimiao’s face was revealed.

“Ahhh!” Lu Ya exclaimed excitedly, throwing her arms around Shi Zhimiao in a bear hug. “How could it be you?!” she asked, beaming.

Shi Zhimiao stumbled backward several steps before regaining her balance. She patted Lu Ya’s arm and explained to the other two, who were already tugging at her vest and hat, “It wasn’t supposed to be me. I’m just filling in.”

She dodged their hands. “Hey! What are you doing? This vest belongs to the staff—keep your hands off! Hey! Jinjin, don’t take my hat!”

Shi Zhimiao, who had originally come to confront Tang Wuyun, completely lost her momentum.

She took a moment to politely wave and greet the guests: “Hello, everyone.”

Tang Wuyun: Not good! She’s not good at all!

Ji Mingyin grabbed Shi Shuwu’s sleeve, stomped her foot, and squealed in an excited whisper, “Awwwww!”

Hiding behind them, Tang Wuyun demanded, “How many people do you even stan?!”

Ji Mingyin’s eyes lit up, her voice ringing with unwavering conviction: “I’m a group stan!”

Tang Wuyun: “……”

Bai Jin returned Shi Zhimiao’s hat, turning to cast a pointed glance at Tang Wuyun. “How long have you been pretending to be a cameraman?”

Wearing such heavy layers in this heat?

Pei Yinxi chimed in, “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

They were in frequent contact; there was no reason Shi Zhimiao wouldn’t have mentioned her visit, especially since they had been analyzing Tang Wuyun’s situation together just days ago.

As Shi Zhimiao removed her vest, she explained, “I arrived while you guys were still forming teams. I was just here to watch the drama unfold.”

Bai Jin nodded thoughtfully. “So you were roped in as a last-minute replacement?”

In such a short time, if Shi Zhimiao hadn’t been available, they probably wouldn’t have found anyone else.

Shi Zhimiao nodded. “Like being forced into a role you’re not prepared for.”

After all, there were no other celebrities nearby who could quickly step in to save the day. Except for her, who had simply come to cause trouble for Tang Wuyun and enjoy the spectacle, only to get caught up in it herself.

The director interrupted the group’s discussion, explaining further based on Shi Zhimiao’s words: “Yes, our other guest suddenly had an urgent matter and has already left. Shi Zhimiao is the final member of the Blue Team.”

“After reviewing the Mission Cards, please proceed to explore the Summer Villa independently. Tang Wuyun will remain paused in place for ten minutes.”

Tang Wuyun, still lost in thought, snapped back to reality when her name was called. She looked up and found herself face-to-face with Shi Zhimiao, who had just approached her. Overwhelmed with guilt, Tang Wuyun quickly averted her gaze.

Shi Zhimiao sneered. “I thought you were tougher than this. Why can’t you even look at me?”

Shi Shuwu quietly observed from the sidelines. Shi Zhimiao’s expression was dark and unyielding. Unlike Tang Wuyun’s other three teammates, who could be easily appeased with a few soft words, Shi Zhimiao seemed genuinely furious—the kind of anger that couldn’t be easily soothed.

Tang Wuyun’s behavior was also off; she was acting extremely timid, a clear sign she’d made a major mistake.

Even after being mocked, Tang Wuyun didn’t dare get angry. She glanced left and right before weakly turning to Shi Zhimiao, whose expression remained stern. “Um… aren’t you guys leaving yet?”

Shi Zhimiao didn’t believe she’d get the explanation she wanted from Tang Wuyun’s lips right now. Her gaze lingered on Tang Wuyun’s face for two seconds before she turned to Shi Shuwu and Ji Mingyin, signaling them to leave. “Let’s go. Don’t bother with her.”

Shi Shuwu hesitated for a moment before nodding, glancing back at Tang Wuyun.

Tang Wuyun returned her gaze, then looked at the group preparing to leave.

Lu Ya stuck her tongue out triumphantly. “Stay put!”

Qiao Mian, who was in the same group as Lu Ya, stood just a few steps away from Tang Wuyun and sneered coldly.

Qiao Mian and Tang Wuyun had once acted together and had been on good terms. Tang Wuyun tilted her head, trying to recall what she might have said to Qiao Mian back then. She’d blocked so many friends in the past that she couldn’t remember the specifics, but it was undoubtedly something unpleasant.

Scratching her cheek awkwardly, Tang Wuyun said to Qiao Mian, “I apologize for what happened before. Don’t be mad, okay?”

Tang Wuyun’s relationship with Qiao Mian wasn’t close enough for her to expect the same patience and understanding she received from her teammates. She knew she had to admit her mistake quickly; Qiao Mian might not be willing to listen to her explanation, nor would she care about her circumstances.

Qiao Mian froze, her mouth agape. She blinked, swallowing the provocative retort she had been about to make, mindful of the live broadcast.

Why was Tang Wuyun suddenly apologizing?

All eyes immediately turned to them, leaving Qiao Mian speechless.

Wait, Tang Wuyun wasn’t apologizing to anyone else—why just to her?

Tang Wuyun had completely thrown Qiao Mian off balance.

The other guests, who had already taken a few steps inside, were equally bewildered. They were witnessing something unprecedented: Tang Wuyun, who had been playing dead the entire time, suddenly bowing her head. What was going on?

Zhang Rui: “What about me? Did you not see me?”

Lu Ya snapped: “You’ve got some nerve, Tang Wuyun! Why aren’t you apologizing to us?”

Luo Xiting: “So you’re just picking and choosing who to apologize to?”

Jiang Wenfei: “Even if you apologize, I won’t forgive you. Hmph.”

Because they were filming a variety show, everyone forced a smile as they delivered these remarks, pretending it was all in good fun, despite their simmering anger.

Who understands this? I have to smile and act friendly even when I’m furious. Tang Wuyun deserves to die!

Tang Wuyun had been shrinking under the questioning until she heard Jiang Wenfei’s snicker. Her eyes narrowed instantly.

He’s really pushing his luck.

She forced a fake smile and looked up at him. “Hmm? I’ll take the criticism from the others, but you…”

Sensing the danger in her tone, Jiang Wenfei’s pupils dilated. He frantically raised his hand to cut her off, his expression panicked.

“Yes, yes, it’s my fault! I won’t say another word! Sis, calm down! Please, just calm down!”

Please don’t lose it here and spill my secrets.

Tang Wuyun had seemed so easy to manipulate today that he’d momentarily forgotten she was prone to outbursts.

The others: “……”

Hard to comment. Can’t watch. Seriously, can’t watch.

Tang Wuyun froze, too. Is this really necessary? I’m not going to kill anyone. I’m perfectly calm, okay?

The crowd silently averted their gazes and turned to leave, as if they’d made a collective decision.

Yes, it’s absolutely necessary! Everyone has secrets. What if Tang Wuyun starts blabbing again? This time it’s live on air!

After enduring a frustrating journey, Tang Wuyun suddenly felt her confidence surge back. She crossed her arms, jutted her chin toward the retreating figures, and called out loudly, “Hey! I’m giving you a ten-minute head start. Don’t let me catch up and find you’ve made no progress! Get moving, got it?”

The others bristled with anger: Arrogant!

Shi Shuwu smiled, recognizing Tang Wuyun’s true gaming persona—confident and flamboyant.

Tang Wuyun’s casual gaze flicked toward Shi Shuwu.

“What are you staring at? Aren’t you leaving?”

Shi Shuwu: “……”

Definitely arrogant!

She couldn’t resist asking, “Are you finally letting loose?”

Just moments ago, Tang Wuyun had been timid and withdrawn, but now she was suddenly brimming with energy.

Tang Wuyun didn’t answer, instead reminding her, “They’re all gone.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Shi Shuwu said, “We’ll meet up later.”

Tang Wuyun remained silent, watching her depart.

Though Lu Ya had misused the Pause Card, it only benefited Tang Wuyun. She was finally free from having to stay with Shi Shuwu.

As Shi Shuwu left, the tension that had been gripping Tang Wuyun’s nerves finally began to ease.

Life had finally taken a turn for the better. Tang Wuyun, true to Shi Shuwu’s words, began to let go and embrace her newfound freedom. She wanted to savor every moment, cherish every experience, knowing that her world had glitched and might one day revert to its original state.

Tang Wuyun walked over to the rest area marked with the show’s logo and settled into a seat. She stretched languidly, gazing up at the clear azure sky.

The cloudless sky was truly invigorating. Tang Wuyun murmured softly, “Of course, we should seize the day and enjoy life to the fullest.”

The ten minutes passed quickly. Tang Wuyun even recorded a promotional voiceover for the show.

Only after officially entering the Summer Villa did she discover that everyone had been issued smartwatches.

Tang Wuyun put on the last remaining blue team smartwatch and tapped the icon to open the social app.

There was only one group chat and three friends listed.

The group chat contained just a few messages:

Tidal Academy Team

Shi Zhimiao: [1]

Ji Mingyin: This typing is so awkward.

Shi Shuwu: Let’s just use voice messages. We can also call each other.

Shi Shuwu: @Tang Wuyun, are you in yet?

Tang Wuyun, seeing the message from a minute ago, replied: No.

Shi Shuwu: ……

Feeling refreshed after her brief moment of self-indulgence, Tang Wuyun began reviewing the Mission Card they had received after disembarking. Because her time had been paused, she hadn’t even been able to glance at it earlier.

Legend has it that within the Summer Villa lies a hidden River of Time, concealed in another dimension. It is said that those whose time is nearing its end can extend their lives by drinking water from this river.

Mission 1: Explore the villa’s secrets. The group with the highest exploration progress will each gain 1 hour of time, while the group with the lowest progress will each lose 1 hour.

Mission 2: Find clues to the River of Time.

Mission 3: xxxxxx

Tang Wuyun was utterly confused. What exactly was the story setting?

She had assumed this was just a field trip with teachers and students, not some fantastical adventure.

Just as Tang Wuyun was about to fan herself with the Mission Card, a voice suddenly called out from beneath the camphor tree to her right: “Still not done reading?”

Tang Wuyun’s hands froze mid-motion as she turned toward the voice. A familiar figure came into view, and her expression stiffened, her composure momentarily cracking.

“Why are you still here?”

This was the starting point. Why hadn’t Shi Shuwu left after putting on her watch? When did she become my shadow?

Shi Shuwu replied casually, “Waiting for you.”

Her sharp eyes had spotted a palm-sized treasure chest hidden beneath the tree, tucked into a crevice between exposed roots. While solving the puzzle to unlock it, she figured she might as well wait for Tang Wuyun.

Shi Shuwu was about to tell Tang Wuyun about her discovery, eager to hear her praise, but before she could speak, Tang Wuyun confidently declared:

“Are you trying to ride my coattails?”