Li Zumei

Translator: CinderTL

Qiao Yu!

The call was actually from Qiao Yu!

"What... what's going on?" The man's reaction was more intense than anyone else around him. His younger brother Qiao Yu was dead, and he knew this better than anyone.

This had even been confirmed by the police.

A normal person would have hung up this video call immediately, even if someone had hacked the account for a prank. But the man seemed to be in a trance, his hand trembling as he answered the video.

Hua Luo, who was closest to him, reached out to stop him, but it was too late.

"Scratch—"

"Scratch—"

Strange scratching sounds came from the video, giving everyone an uncomfortable feeling, as if someone was dragging their feet across a rough surface without lifting them.

At this point, the group mustered their courage and leaned in, staring at the phone screen.

The video was dark, seemingly taken in an underground parking lot. There were even echoes around, and everyone held their breath.

No one appeared. The scene looked like someone was holding the phone, live-streaming.

The turning point came about half a minute later. The screen shifted, and the person live-streaming entered a dimly lit stairwell.

Near the door of the stairwell was a light blue sign. Although the image lingered for less than two seconds, everyone could clearly see the words on it.

Hezong Cultural Group.

It was marked with the number 9.

"It went to Hezong Cultural Group," Fatty slammed the table and stood up, agitated. "It wants... it wants to destroy the clues!"

Although they knew this was most likely a Ghost's scheme to lure them there, they had no better option at the moment.

Because only there could they find the last urban legend.

Without delay, the group immediately set off, but the man grabbed Banana Wolf's clothes. "I'm coming with you. This has something to do with my brother."

It was clear that the man had never given up on investigating the true cause of his brother Qiao Yu's death over the years. It wasn't until these people appeared that he felt there was progress.

The events of the past few days gave him a premonition that the truth was about to be revealed.

"You're not like us," Banana Wolf gripped the man's hand, trying to make him let go. "I can't explain the reason to you, but you should be able to see that this is more complicated than you think," he consoled.

But the man's determination exceeded his expectations. "I know there might be danger, but Qiao Yu is my brother, my own brother! I must know what exactly killed him!"

The man was emotional, his voice rising.

The argument in the room attracted the attention of a waiter outside, as well as a man in a suit who seemed to be the manager.

Chu Jiu, sensing potential trouble, immediately got up and walked to the door.

"It's fine, it's fine," she smiled and explained to the people outside, closing the door as she did so. "We're from a film crew, here for a meal. The director is also guiding the actors through a rehearsal."

Perhaps because the girl looked too innocent, people instinctively believed she wouldn't lie, and those outside dispersed.

The manager kindly reminded her to keep the noise down and not disturb others.

Chu Jiu readily agreed.

"This is dangerous. You might die. Think carefully," Jiang Cheng reached out and patted the man's arm that was gripping Banana Wolf, signaling him to let go.

The man slowly released his grip.

"And if you're in danger, we won't risk our lives to save you," Jiang Cheng looked at him calmly. "We all only have one life."

"I know. I can take responsibility for my actions!" the man panted heavily.

"Then there's no problem," Jiang Cheng turned and opened the door. "Let's go. We're broke, so you're paying for the ride."

"Alright."

Hua Luo looked up the location of Hezong Cultural Group online and immediately called two taxis. After getting out, they were faced with a lead-gray building.

Once inside, they learned that Hezong Cultural Group occupied the 9th and 13th floors of the building.

When they saw everyone heading toward the stairs, the man glanced at the elevator not far away and asked, "There's an elevator here."

"Just follow us," Fatty interrupted before the man could say more. "Don't ask why."

The man thought for a moment and chose to remain silent.

In a hurry, they climbed up to the 9th floor. The video Liu Guo left had mentioned room 910. The letter had been sent from this room.

After knocking on the door and without waiting for a response, Hua Luo pushed the door open and entered.

Inside was an office, relatively large but very messy. The left side was somewhat normal, with a small sofa and a desk facing the door. The desk was cluttered with books and stacks of kraft paper envelopes.

Jiang Cheng walked over and saw that one of the envelopes had been opened, with its contents spread out on the desk.

"It's a draft of a drawing," Jiang Cheng picked it up and skimmed through it.

"Who are you?" The door was pushed open, and a woman dressed casually walked in. She wasn't old, wearing black-framed glasses, but her tone was authoritative.

Especially when she saw the drafts in Jiang Cheng's hands, her expression immediately changed, and her voice rose. "What are you doing? How dare you..."

Hua Luo calmly took out a police badge, walked forward a few steps, and waved it in front of the woman. "We're here today mainly to gather some information. Please cooperate."

"Police..." The woman's eyes scanned Hua Luo's little skirt. Clearly, this wasn't the image of a police officer she had in mind.

"We're on official duty," Hua Luo's serious demeanor completely overwhelmed the woman. She casually pointed at Fatty and the man who had followed them, saying coldly, "They are suspects we've apprehended. I'm dressed like this to confuse them."

Jiang Cheng also played along, while Banana Wolf sternly ordered Fatty and the man to stand against the wall and not eavesdrop.

After some intimidation, the woman actually believed them. Jiang Cheng took out a small notebook and pretended to question her.

The woman's name was Li Zumei, the editor-in-chief of Hezong Cultural Group, mainly responsible for receiving and reviewing manuscripts. This was her office.

"Do you know Lin Chen?" Jiang Cheng looked up and glanced at Li Zumei with a detached tone.

That glance further convinced Li Zumei of their identity. She swallowed and whispered, "Actually, after you revealed your identities, I had a rough idea that you were here for that matter. The officer who came last time already told me."

Jiang Cheng stopped writing and looked at her without responding.

Saying too much at this point could expose them.

Banana Wolf remained vigilant about the movements outside the door. After all, the guy who had called hadn't shown up yet. Who knew if the Ghost might be lurking outside the door, waiting to pounce the moment it opened.

(End of the Chapter)

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