The Lost Tomb 2 : Explore with the Note Episode 9 Recap
> The Lost Tomb 2 : Explore with the Note Recap
Wu Xie continued to be plagued by persistent nightmares, most recently encountering a terrifying "Forbidden Woman" that left him waking in a cold sweat. He reflected on his past adventures, recognizing that the thrilling experiences in ancient tombs had completely reshaped his understanding of archaic traps and geomancy. He realized that many of life's mysteries seemed inherently linked to these very tombs, solidifying his resolve to uncover their truths.
To aid his investigation, Wu Xie had asked a friend to gather information on an old photograph. His friend called to report results, noting that an online search for the image yielded only one entry, posted from Beijing. The photo depicted an archaeology team from decades ago, which included Wu Xie's uncle. The friend had found a surprisingly detailed list of team members, noting he had never seen such a comprehensive roster before.
This list was published by a user named "Island 701," whose last known activity was within the system of Taraxacum, an information technology headhunting company based in Hangzhou. Wu Xie summoned Wang Pangzi from Beijing to Hangzhou, where they embarked on a covert mission. Disguised as a business delegation, with Wang Pangzi posing as the boss of "Sunflower Turing Robot Development Company" and Wu Xie as its creative director, they sought out Xiao Yu at Taraxacum.
Wang Pangzi, perplexed, questioned the importance of "Island 701" compared to their previous focus on Wang Zang Hai and the Sky Palace. Wu Xie explained that "Island 701" was their only current lead. During their meeting, Xiao Yu was dismissive of their partnership proposal, stating that his company's business nature was misunderstood. Wu Xie then deliberately mentioned "Island 701," illustrating how such a unique term would be recorded in their big data and could be analyzed.
Xiao Yu's demeanor immediately hardened; he stated unequivocally that he could not provide what Wu Xie sought and that no cooperation was possible, then had them escorted out. Outside, Wang Pangzi expressed his frustration, questioning why Wu Xie had exposed their intentions by mentioning "Island 701." Wu Xie explained it was intentional, a test to observe Xiao Yu's reaction. He then showed Wang Pangzi the detailed name list provided by "Island 701," which included a name: Xiao Da.
Wu Xie deduced that Xiao Yu must be related to Xiao Da, and his strong reaction to "Island 701" confirmed this connection. Wu Xie believed Xiao Yu's reluctance to share information stemmed from deeply personal reasons, perhaps to protect his family. He dismissed Wang Pangzi, telling him he could return to Beijing, but Wang Pangzi, having just arrived that morning, protested being sent back so quickly.
Wu Xie then suggested Wang Pangzi stay in Hangzhou, offering to cover his expenses while he pursued another immediate plan. Later, Wu Xie secretly returned to Taraxacum and attempted to access Xiao Yu's computer. Xiao Yu, however, returned unexpectedly and caught him. Wu Xie then revealed his true identity, explaining he meant no harm but urgently needed the truth about the underwater tomb.
He disclosed that his uncle, Wu Sansheng, had been missing for over a month, last seen at the underwater tomb, and that Xiao Yu was his only remaining lead. Xiao Yu, while expressing sympathy for Wu Xie's plight, reiterated that he only possessed information about past events that would be of no help and requested to be left undisturbed. Undeterred, Wang Pangzi followed Xiao Yu to a nursing home where his mother resided.
A doctor there informed Xiao Yu that his mother's intermittent abnormality and amnesia were worsening and advised him to avoid sensitive topics. Unaware of the mother's delicate condition, Wang Pangzi approached her, attempting to gain information by mentioning "archeology" and "underwater tombs." This immediately agitated her, causing her to become emotionally distressed. Xiao Yu quickly intervened to calm his mother.
Wang Pangzi later returned to Wu Xie with a hard drive, explaining that he had managed to appeal to Xiao Yu's emotions. Xiao Yu had revealed that his father was Xiao Da, the only member of the archaeology team who never descended into the underwater tomb. Xiao Da had developed a high fever the day before the expedition and was left at sea by the team. He awoke three days later and returned to Beijing alone.
For the next two to three years, Xiao Da made at least three trips annually to the Paracel Islands. Eventually, Wu Sansheng sought him out, inquiring about the whereabouts of the other team members. In a recording on the hard drive, Wu Sansheng and Xiao Da were heard arguing. Wu Sansheng insisted they must find their lost teammates, believing they were alive and possessed a key, while Xiao Da countered that Xie Lian Huan was already dead.
Wu Sansheng expressed a strong desire to find the missing individuals, "dead or alive," and to "see the person or the body." On the hard drive, Wu Xie also discovered a drawing of a "Snake Eye Copper Fish." He asked Wang Pangzi to inquire with Xiao Yu about its origin. Xiao Yu confessed he didn't know who drew it but remembered his father and Wu Sansheng frequently arguing over it.
He suspected this "Snake Eye Copper Fish" was connected to his father's disappearance. Seeking further leads on the Snake Eye Copper Fish, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi arranged a meeting with Xiao Hua (Xie Yuchen), who also possessed one. The meeting was set aboard a boat, transformed into a lively party scene. While Wang Pangzi eagerly immersed himself in the festivities, Wu Xie was led to Xiao Hua. Wu Xie showed Xiao Hua the photo of the archaeology team.
Xiao Hua pointed to one of the figures, identifying him as his own uncle, Xie Lian Huan, who bore a striking resemblance to Wu Xie's Uncle Sansheng. Xiao Hua clarified that both men, being cousins from intermarried families, looked remarkably alike in their youth, so much so that they could be mistaken for twins. He recounted how his uncle's ship went missing and his body was never recovered, preventing his burial in the family tomb.
Xiao Hua revealed he had been investigating the "Snake Eye Copper Fish" to uncover the true cause of his uncle's accident. He implored Wu Xie to share any truths he might discover. Wu Xie offered to send Xiao Hua his own Snake Eye Copper Fish, believing that possessing two of the three known artifacts might aid in finding the third. Xiao Hua, however, stated he was not interested in the copper fish's secrets, only in solving his uncle's disappearance.
On their return journey, Wu Xie confided in Wang Pangzi that he had deliberately withheld information about the blood writings found in the underwater tomb. He feared that if Xiao Hua learned of them, he would immediately conclude that Wu Sansheng was responsible for Xie Lian Huan's death.
Wu Xie admitted he felt sorry for Xiao Hua and was determined to uncover the truth of the case, both to provide Xiao Hua with answers and to clear his uncle's name, ensuring Xie Lian Huan did not die in vain. Suddenly, Wu Xie received an unexpected message containing a photo of a "Snake Eye Copper Fish" and a location. Convinced he had found a new lead to help Xiao Hua, he excitedly instructed Wang Pangzi to book flights.
They traveled to Kokang, Myanmar, and, upon arrival, rented bicycles to race to the Hendry Museum. Wu Xie won the race, using his video recording as proof, and Wang Pangzi, accepting his loss, promised to grant Wu Xie one wish whenever he decided what it would be.
