Time flew by, and it was a Sunday afternoon.
Jian Jing changed into a long boho dress and went with Kang Mu Cheng to the new exhibition hall opened by Qin Zong.
The weather that day was not ideal. Raindrops pitter-pattered on the car window while the cloud layer hung low and gray, like clumps of damp toilet paper.
“Why is the exhibition hall located in such a remote area?” Jian Jing leaned her head against the window, utterly confused by the location. “It’s so far out. Will people really come?”
“Because the building itself is a priceless collectible,” Kang Mu Cheng kept one hand on the steering wheel while changing the radio channel with the other. Soothing light music floated around the cabin. “It’s an old Western-style villa from the Republican era that he bought for over 100 million yuan.”
The rainy weather made driving difficult, and they got stuck in heavy traffic. He simply slowed down and started explaining.
It turned out Qin Zong was the boss of an art collection company, specialized in art transactions, and opened exhibition halls around the world.
Five years ago, he had his eyes on “Yuhui Villa” and bought it at a premium price. However, instead of keeping it as a residence, he redesigned it to exhibit his art collection while also serving as an art salon club.
“Many treasures will be exhibited at today’s opening. You’ve been cooped up at home, so why not go take a look and get some inspiration?” Kang Mu Cheng explained why he wanted her to come along.
Jian Jing had to remind him, “I write mystery novels.”
“Theft and murder cases happen all the time, don’t they?” Kang Mu Cheng gave her ideas. “Might come in handy for your next book. Got any inspiration yet?”
Jian Jing: “...No.”
She used to be passionate about writing too, but was unsure if she had “it” like others, and had always wavered over whether to give up.
“Perfect. Take this chance to have some fun. Otherwise, once you start writing, I’ll have to call you every day at mealtimes again.” Kang Mu Cheng seized the opportunity to poke at someone’s living habits.
Jian Jing: Pretended not to hear.
The car slowly drove through the rain curtain and finally arrived at its destination after 3pm.
Yuhui Villa featured the typical American villa style, with alternating red and white exterior walls. Lush green gardens nestled the three-story small building in the center, half-concealing and half-revealing it in an utterly picturesque way.
As soon as she got out of the car, Jian Jing overheard a passing lady ask, “Have you heard the rumors about Yuhui Villa?”
The man linked arm-in-arm with her asked, “What rumors?”
“It’s said a murder took place here before.” The lady lowered her voice mysteriously and smiled.
Jian Jing halted in her steps.
The rain grew heavier.
Yuhui Villa was shrouded under the dense rain curtain. Though it wasn’t dark yet, the lights inside the house all turned on.
Qin Zong and his wife chatted with guests on the sofa in the hall, looking utterly normal. Chief Editor Guo laughed and talked on the other side. Nothing seemed amiss.
After greeting them, Jian Jing pretended to appreciate the Chinese ink paintings hung around the room, when she was actually secretly taking out her phone to search “Yuhui Villa murder case”.
She couldn’t help it. What she overheard made her very curious.
Passersby said a murder took place here before.
An ancient Western-style villa, a past murder case, extramarital affair... Based on her many years watching Detective Conan, this was definitely an omen that a case would occur!
Even though the system hadn’t issued a mission, it was better to be safe than sorry.
There was a lot of news on Yuhui Villa, mostly promotional articles from Qin Zong’s company, explaining the villa’s long history and profound cultural value, how he renovated it, wanting to make it the city’s cultural center, and so on.
Sifting through the redundant information took up quite some time before she finally found some relevant posts on a gossip forum.
The title was creepy: The injustice case in 818 Old Villa.
One of the places mentioned was Yuhui Villa.
It was said a wealthy businessman in the Republican era spent a fortune building it in his twilight years, wanting it to be a retirement home for his family. However, the year after moving into the villa, tragedy struck the family.
A group of bandits heard the businessman hid treasures in his home. They colluded with the servants, raided the villa on a rainy night, killed the businessman and his young son, assaulted the businessman’s wife, snatched the treasures, and fled in a panic.
Ever since, whenever it rained at night in Yuhui Villa, wandering shadows could often be seen, inexplicable bloodstains would appear on the floor, and occasionally a child’s cries could be heard.
More importantly, the businessman was beheaded by someone back then, his body left in the bedroom, but his head was never found.
...
After reading the rumors, Jian Jing actually felt relieved instead.
Such horror stories could be found everywhere, all following similar tropes. Plus, the system didn’t issue any missions, so she wondered if she was being paranoid.
Upon returning to the social area, Screenwriter Xu whom she was acquainted with also asked about it, and added, “Rumors say the bandits didn’t find any treasures, and killed in anger. Boss Qin, did you find any old artifacts when renovating this place?”
“There were quite a few copper coins buried in the ground. A fengshui master said it was some kind of formation for attracting wealth. But treasures?” Qin Zong scoffed. “Digging three feet into the ground, I didn’t even see a silver dollar. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Mrs. Qin looked around forty, plain-looking with light makeup, yet very elegant. “That’s right. I personally oversaw the construction and didn’t see any good stuff.” She paused, then smiled. “But I can understand why such rumors exist.”
Screenwriter Xu’s senses sharpened and he immediately grew interested. “What do you mean?”
Jian Jing also stepped closer to listen.
Mrs. Qin said, “The villa had quite a number of mechanisms and secret passages designed. If not for taking measurements, I wouldn’t have discovered so many hidden spaces.”
“No wonder. Secret chambers must have been used to hide stuff. It’s likely some servant noticed it, things led to another, and the rumors spread.” Screenwriter Xu flicked off some cigarette ash and smiled again. “Great inspiration.”
The others laughed too.
Qin Zong laughed. “Sometimes you have to admit, our ancestors really had some skills.”
Screenwriter Xu nodded in agreement and regretfully asked, “You didn’t keep one or two places?”
“One or two places?” Qin Zong guffawed and affectionately squeezed his wife’s shoulder. “You underestimate my wife too much. The new security system in the museum was modified based on the original mechanisms. If some shameless thief broke in, they wouldn’t find anywhere to hide.”
“That incredible?” Chief Editor Guo looked surprised, his gaze seeming to inadvertently flit toward Mrs. Qin.
Qin Zong’s expression was flawless as he enthusiastically acted out the loving husband role. “Of course. My wife has won several major architectural awards. She’s much more capable than me.”
“Oh stop that.” Mrs. Qin shook her head and modestly changed topics. “Why don’t I bring everyone upstairs to take a look?”
Chief Editor Guo smiled. “I just took a tour when I arrived. You all go ahead. I’ll grab a coffee.” He gestured at the cafe across the hall.
Mrs. Qin smiled and nodded, then chatted up Kang Mu Cheng. “I was in France last week and missed Gold Crow’s anniversary celebration. How is your mother doing?”
“She’s fine.” Kang Mu Cheng replied.
“When I have time at the end of the year, I’ll take her on vacation.” Mrs. Qin changed the subject, her tone gentle. “I haven’t seen you in so long either, Mu Cheng. When will you get a girlfriend? I have a talented and beautiful student I can introduce to you if you want.”
Kang Mu Cheng said, “I’m busy with work and not considering it for now.”
“Boss Kang has been busy with the entertainment division lately and gotten quite close with several actresses.” Screenwriter Xu dished. “Lots of people asked me about him.”
Qin Zong laughed. “Mu Cheng sure is lucky.”
Jian Jing noticed Mrs. Qin’s brows furrow slightly, though they soon relaxed as if nothing had happened. She casually said, “I’ll introduce you if there’s a chance. This way please.”
She walked upstairs and opened a door. “Sculptures here, paintings next door, ceramics across.
“Not many pieces. Take a look around freely.” Qin Zong added a bit of modesty before suddenly taking out his phone as if remembering something. “I have a call. Dear, I’ll step out for a bit. You entertain the guests.”
“Go ahead. I’ve got this.” Mrs. Qin didn’t mind at all. As he left, she happened to steady Jian Jing who was last going up the stairs. “Careful on the steps.”
Jian Jing held onto her arm. “Thank you, Mrs.”
“You’re welcome. You’re Jian Jing, right?” Mrs. Qin complimented. “So pretty and talented, truly remarkable.”
Jian Jing felt embarrassed from her praise. “You flatter me.”
Mrs. Qin smiled slightly. “You’re such a likeable girl. Come, let me show you around.”
The hostess was so gracious, Jian Jing didn’t want to decline her goodwill, so she had no choice but to tag along. However, it wasn’t an arduous process at all. Mrs. Qin was generous and gentle, explaining the exhibits eloquently without a hint of tedium.
Jian Jing was originally clueless about art, but listening to her explanations cleared up much confusion.
After going through the themed exhibits on the second floor, Mrs. Qin led them up to the third floor, saying Qin Zong collected many film reels and invited everyone to watch together.
Jian Jing’s legs were tired from all the walking, so she readily agreed.
The private theater was very small, with only seven or eight seats, but the chairs were very comfy. At the back stood a projector from the early years that had long disappeared. It instantly evoked the atmosphere of movie theaters from twenty, thirty years ago.
Elderly folks like Screenwriter Xu were already feeling nostalgic. “Haven’t watched film reels in ages. What movies did Boss Qin collect?”
“Many.” Mrs. Qin randomly picked out a reel and jokingly suggested, “How about Calabash Brothers Battle the Sea Monster?”
“Wonderful.” Screenwriter Xu reclined his seat. “It’s from the 70s, before I was born. Mu Cheng, have you seen this before?”
Kang Mu Cheng said, “I have.”
“What about you, Jian Jing? You definitely haven’t seen it before.” Screenwriter Xu said.
Jian Jing responded, “No, I haven’t.”
“Then you must watch properly. The old technology was poor, but the films they produced weren’t bad at all.” Screenwriter Xu succumbed to the common flaw of middle-aged men and couldn’t help lecturing.
Jian Jing politely kept silent.
“You all watch first. I’ll go get some drinks for everyone.” Mrs. Qin added, “Remember to put the reels back in their original spots if you change it. They’re all arranged in order.”
“Got it.” Everyone casually acknowledged.
Mrs. Qin left, and after a moment, she brought coffee and milk tea, and sat down with them to appreciate the paintings patiently.
During this time, Chairman Qin still didn't come back, and Editor-in-Chief Guo was naturally nowhere to be seen either.
Jian Jing suspected they went on a date.
"What's wrong?" Mrs. Qin sat right next to her and noticed her subtle expression.
Jian Jing concealed, "I want to go to the bathroom."
"Come with me." Mrs. Qin got up to show her the way.
Jian Jing was surprised by her enthusiasm and thoughtfulness, and had no choice but to follow along.
The bathroom was on the other side of the third floor. As they walked, Mrs. Qin said, "The rain outside is getting heavier and heavier. You won't be able to go back for a while. I'm really sorry everyone came on such a day."
"It's nothing. It was worth coming." Jian Jing was verbally polite, but quite concerned about the downpour in her heart.
Outside was already pitch black. Under the street lights, the rain curtain was dense like a white curtain. Amidst the "pitter patter" of the rain, it seemed like only the sky and earth remained. With weather this bad, she really didn't know how they would drive back later.
Boom.
A blue lightning flashed across the sky.