After meeting, the seven guests officially embarked on their journey.
Director Huang gave them a brief introduction on the plane, explaining that Baqi Village, their destination for this shoot, differed slightly from previous filming locations. The local customs here were rather insular, and the villagers were not fond of outsiders entering their village. Director Huang had to go to great lengths, even enlisting the platform's help and making numerous promises, before the county finally agreed to the filming.
It's important to note that it was the county that agreed.
This meant that Baqi Village itself was unwilling. In reality, the county hoped that through this program, they could influence Baqi Village's customs and traditions, thereby improving the lives and economy of the villagers. Due to certain special circumstances, the village had been in a semi-closed state for centuries. Like most ethnic minority villages, its inhabitants had their own beliefs and way of life, living in peace and stability to this day.
This was precisely why, despite wanting to improve the local economy, the authorities also wished to preserve its unique lifestyle. Faced with this contradiction, they made the unprecedented decision to agree to the program's filming request.
Xia Weiliang received the information on Baqi Village and flipped through the pages. Judging by the architecture, the houses were in the style of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. However, in the few available photographs, occasional villagers appeared, their faces unclear and their figures blurred. Yet, one could sense an unfriendly gaze from them… Su Dan Novel Network
She couldn't help but shiver and rub her arms.
Zhang Miaomiao, sitting beside her, also saw the photos and exclaimed, "It feels like this place wouldn't need any sets for a horror film, they could just use what's there! Grabbing any villager as an extra would be perfect!"
Wai Shao nodded vigorously, "Exactly! I felt scared just looking at these photos, I can't explain why, but I felt like they were glaring at me…"
He dared not say more, the more he spoke, the more frightened he became.
Director Huang approached, rolled up a piece of paper, and lightly tapped him on the head, as casually as a parent disciplining their child.
"Don't talk nonsense! If the locals hear this, they'll kick us out!"
Mikoy then chimed in, "No need to scare ourselves. Baqi Village is already listed as one of the top ten most terrifying places in China online. Now I understand why the program didn't dare to reveal the filming location."
Situ nodded, "Yes, basically, they've gone bad."
Director Huang smiled wryly but didn't deny it. "Regarding the filming location for the second season, the platform actually gave me several options, all beautiful places with tranquil lives. I'm sure they would have turned out beautifully on screen. But these weren't what I wanted. I want to make the program that I truly, wholeheartedly want to make."
Xi En, who had been reading, slowly lifted his head and glanced at Director Huang.
He had heard for a long time that Huang Yan Yan was an anomaly, someone who could stick to their convictions in this circle was extremely rare, especially one who could maintain their original intentions after becoming famous. Such individuals were few and far between.
Director Huang continued, "Actually, I've long yearned for Baqi Village. I've always wanted to make a documentary about them. It's not about any hype; I simply want to understand them. This filming might be a bit unusual, so I understand if anyone wants to back out midway. You can tell me directly."
Everyone knew Director Huang well enough; perhaps he was the embodiment of refusing to bow to pressure for meager gains. They all immediately expressed their commitment. Since they had come this far, there was no turning back. Even the new members, Zhang Miaomiao and Xi En, had no intention of withdrawing; the plane tickets were quite expensive after all~
After disembarking the plane, their local guide was already waiting for them. On the way, he briefed them on some local customs and taboos.
The guide's surname was Zhang, and everyone called him Xiao Zhang. He was in his early twenties and looked sharp. He wasn't intimidated by meeting so many celebrities. From the moment they got into the car, his chatter didn't stop.
"I live in a neighboring village to Baqi Village, though it's separated by two mountains. We rarely interact. We only see people from their village coming out to buy supplies in town during the monthly market. It's always just those two brothers… Oh right, I heard that this task of purchasing supplies is passed down through generations! Meaning, it was first the grandfather, then the father, and now the son… I find it fascinating, it's like they're buying an empire! They even have hereditary succession!"
The others listened, dumbfounded.
It was indeed novel, hard to believe that in this new century and era, such phenomena still existed! It was simply unheard of!
Xia Weiliang couldn't help but ask curiously, "Besides the people who come out to buy supplies, you haven't seen any other villagers? Then… how do you confirm that the other villagers actually exist?"
As soon as she asked, the car fell into silence.