NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter 1: I becoming Bi Gan?
Zhang Hao, an ordinary college student, was sitting in front of his computer in the dormitory, watching the TV version of "Investiture of the Gods" with rapt attention. He was a fanatic fan of the series, knowing the plot and characters inside out. The story, set in ancient China, told of a loyal minister named Bi Gan, who was forced by the tyrannical King Zhou to offer his heart as a cure for the king's consort, Daji. Bi Gan, known for his sincerity and loyalty, was said to have a 'seven-hole heart,' a symbol of his purity and wisdom. However, his tragic end came when he was unable to find the answer to a riddle posed by a mysterious old woman selling 'heartless vegetables,' leading to his demise.
As the story unfolded, Zhang Hao couldn't help but sigh, "If only I could cross into the world of Investiture of the Gods, I would definitely change Bi Gan's destiny. I wouldn't let him be tricked and harmed by Daji and her cruel schemes."
At that moment, a flash of lightning split the night sky, and the computer screen suddenly exploded. Zhang Hao's world went black as he lost consciousness.
When he woke up again, he found himself lying on an antique bed, with a guard dressed in ancient attire anxiously calling out to him, "Lord Bi Gan, you're finally awake!"
Zhang Hao was stunned. He touched his face and looked around at his surroundings, exclaiming in his heart, "Am I dreaming? Have I really become Bi Gan?"
He quickly accepted the reality and secretly rejoiced, "Since fate has given me this opportunity, I must make the most of it and change Bi Gan's destiny."
Zhang Hao, now Bi Gan, was filled with doubts. He remembered Bi Gan's fate in the "Investiture of the Gods"—forced by King Zhou's command to lend his heart. After lending his heart, Jiang Ziya, an immortal, gave him a talisman that kept him alive for three days, instructing him to ask a woman selling "heartless vegetables" whether a person could live without a heart. The woman's negative response led to Bi Gan's demise. Now, he had to face King Zhou's command to lend his heart to cure Daji. Zhang Hao knew that both refusing and accepting could lead to immediate death.
He decided to seek out the wise men of the Shang Dynasty, hoping for guidance. But at this point in time, Jiang Ziya had not yet appeared, and he wasn't even sure if Jiang Ziya was real. He could only rely on his own intelligence to handle the situation.
Zhang Hao paced back and forth in his study, deep in thought. He needed to come up with a way to protect himself without angering King Zhou. His gaze fell on an ancient scroll on the bookshelf, and an idea flashed through his mind.
Back at the palace, before Bi Gan could catch his breath, King Zhou's command arrived. He was to lend a piece of his exquisite heart to cure Daji. Bi Gan sneered inwardly; in this life, he would not let Daji succeed.
He entered the throne room, where King Zhou sat on the dragon throne with Daji by his side, a sly glint in her eyes. Bi Gan bowed and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, you must be joking, right? How can one lend a heart?"
King Zhou frowned, "Bi Gan, this is serious business, no joking."
Bi Gan continued with a smile, "Your Majesty, look, my heart is just this big." He gestured with his hands, "If I lend out a piece, I'll truly be heartless."
Daji was amused by Bi Gan's words, and King Zhou's expression softened. Bi Gan seized the opportunity, "Your Majesty, how about this: I'll find a divine physician who can cure Daji's illness."
King Zhou considered it and finally agreed to Bi Gan's proposal. Bi Gan felt secretly pleased; in this life, he would take the initiative.
Three days later, Zhang Hao couldn't find the so-called divine physician and had to lend his heart to King Zhou as ordered. The pain was unbearable as Zhang Hao cut into his heart. He left immediately after lending his heart, expecting Jiang Ziya to appear, but no one came. Fortunately, Zhang Hao found the life-sustaining talisman in a peculiar book, left by an unknown person.
Bi Gan knew he must avoid the vegetable seller to prevent the curse of fate. But he was curious about why she would say such a thing. So he decided to approach her in a humorous way.
He dressed in a ridiculous outfit, put on a big nose, and went to the market like a clown. He found the vegetable seller and asked her in a funny voice, "What if a person has no heart?"
The woman looked at him and laughed, "If a person has no heart, they would be like you, a jester."
Bi Gan laughed heartily, relieved that he had successfully avoided the curse of fate.
He decided that next, he would find a way to get close to Daji, understand her weaknesses, and then try to win her over as his girlfriend. He knew it would be a tough battle, but he was ready.
Bi Gan strolled through the palace, contemplating how to approach Daji. He knew that only by getting close to her could he find her weaknesses. Suddenly, he saw Daji walking in the garden, her figure graceful and her beauty stunning. Bi Gan's heart stirred, and he came up with a plan.
He decided to use his modern knowledge to create some novel gadgets to attract Daji's attention. He found the palace craftsmen and had them make some simple mechanical toys according to his design. These toys were unprecedented in ancient times and quickly piqued Daji's curiosity.
Daji was enamored with these novelties and took an interest in Bi Gan. He took the opportunity to get close to her, winning her favor with humor and wisdom. He discovered that beneath Daji's enchanting exterior, she harbored unknown loneliness and vulnerability. He decided not only to uncover Daji's secrets but also to try to change her, to make her a better person.