Chapter 197
Yesterday’s late night grind had the whole crew working until the wee hours, so today’s show didn’t hit the
yee until two hours behind schedule.
Winnie, a creature of habit, was up with the roosters, despite the delay.
As the crew and the day’s guests scrambled to prep for the broadcast, the local chief, along with a group of villagers made their way over.
Aware that the crew planned to trek Into the woods, the chief decided to bring along a few sturdy young villagers for backup.
After all, it was a matter of local concern. Plus, they were itching to find out why the wolves in the woods had it out for the village.
It wasn’t like their ancestors hadn’t coexisted with those creatures, planting apple orchards and berry bushes without issue.
Realizing everyone was keyed up about the wolf situation, Winnie didn’t dawdle after breakfast. She led the crew and villagers into the forest.
Joseph, still rattled from last night’s scare, and another cameraman were no–shows.
Gentry, though shaken too, insisted on joining the mountain foray.
The procession marched into the mountain, with Winnie and her crew in the lead. Sean walked beside her, holding a rope with six wolves tethered to it.
Somehow, he’d managed to keep them docile, and they trooped along, leading the way without a hint of rebellion.
Viewers had camped out in the live stream chat, eager for a glimpse of the so–called werewolves.
The chat exploded with excitement.
“Finally, the legendary werewolves? Can’t wait..”
“Be careful up there, guys. Don’t get hurt.”
“Hope no danger comes their way.”
“Hopefully, these wolves are as chill as the ones up front.”
“Chill? Wolves are not pets, folks.”
“Winnie said today’s hike is about diplomacy, figuring out why the wolves are ticked off. We’re not here to
start a brawl.”
“When it comes to negotiations, our man Gentry’s the expert.”
“Gentry’s up to bat today.”
“All hail the Fox Spirit.”
As tensions mounted, Bagot suggested lightening the mood by interacting with the live audience.
The guests glanced at their phones, only to see a flood of messages summoning the Fox Spirit.
Under normal circumstances, Gentry would’ve eaten up the attention, playing a summoning ritual.
But having witnessed last night’s eerie encounter with the otherworldly wolves, Gentry wasn’t about to bluff.
If this were just a script, fine.
1/3
11:39
Overstepping how could mean a real amackdown
Suit, Gentry couldn’t bluntly dismiss his fans enthusiasm He feigned helplessness, scratch
Truth be told, the reason I came out unscathed last night is all thanks to my guardian spirit gra rom the wolves until Sean here chased them off. The Spint’s resting now, and i can’t just stammonit
He added, “Besides, the Fox Spirit and wolves never did get along. Can’t guarantee it’d help our case.
The fans, though disappointed, understood Gentry’s reasoning and let it slide.
The other villagers didn’t hold high hopes for Gentry. Instead, they trusted the spunky young lady and the lad beside her, who’d managed to nab six wolves on their first night in town.
They clearly had some tricks up their sleeves.
After fielding a few more questions from the chat, Mervin reminded everyone that if things turned south, like if the wolves got aggressive, the villagers and crew should hightail it out of there first.
As they talked and trekked, the group reached a thicket halfway up the mountain.
The six wolves suddenly halted. The group froze in step.
The woods around them were quiet, save for the occasional bird song and the rustle of something moving through the underbrush.
Everyone held their breath, the tension palpable.
Then, someone gasped. They all turned to see a wolf’s head poking out from the bushes, followed by another, and then another. Before they knew it, over a dozen wolves had emerged, their eyes locked on the group, a clear mix of wariness and defiance in their gaze.
The scene was a grim reminder of the previous night, albeit in broad daylight. Still, being surrounded by a pack of wolves was unnerving, causing villagers to grip their hidden sticks tighter, ready to defend themselves if necessary.
In the standoff’s thickening tension, Winnie’s voice cut through, serene as a mountain stream, “Everyone stay calm, and don’t show any aggression. We’re here to talk, not fight.”
Her words eased the group’s nerves. Some even attempted to smile at the wolves to show their peaceful
intentions.
The live audience, though unable to see each face, was caught in the on–site tension.
“Oh man, I’m scared. Too many animals together is intimidating.”
*Joseph faced this last night? No wonder he couldn’t make it today. I’d be flat on the ground.”
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