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墨書 Inktalez
The Shark People, also known as merfolk, primarily inhabit the sea, with a few residing in rivers, lakes, and even underground lakes that connect to the ocean.
They have slender, streamlined bodies that resemble humans but are slightly taller and leaner. Their upper limbs are connected to their bodies by semi-transparent, leathery wings and flowing tendrils. From their waists down, they are adorned with multiple long, skirt-like transparent ribbons that wrap around their legs as they swim.
Having lived in the sea for a long time, Shark People can transform into human form when they come ashore. They not only speak human languages but also possess melodious voices and graceful figures, showing a fondness for music.
"So you're saying a Shark Person committed the crime?" Wan Shaobai said, feeling somewhat troubled after hearing Ting Yu's words.
If it were a human committing the crime, it would be easy to resolve—just capture them. But if it were a Shark Person, who would be responsible for dealing with it?
Ting Yu watched Wan Shaobai lost in thought and waved her hand in front of him. "We don't even know where the Shark People are right now, and you're already worrying about how to solve the case. Isn't that a bit overly anxious?"
Wan Shaobai snapped out of his reverie and replied slowly, "You're right. But how do we identify a Shark Person?"
Ting Yu shook her head helplessly. "I only heard a beautiful song in the middle of the night. The quality of that voice is something no ordinary person could match. It was the poem I just gave you; if it was indeed a Shark Person, then they must be quite the lovesick one!"
"If it truly is the work of a Shark Person, and considering what you said about them singing at midnight, then they must have feelings for Bai Residence."
Wan Shaobai silently made up his mind. He clasped his hands respectfully towards Ting Yu and said politely, "Thank you, Ms. Ting Yu. I need to return to report to my superior; I'll take my leave for now."
After saying this, he stood up to leave. Ting Yu played with the cup in her hands and casually remarked, "Hero Wan, you're going to Bai Residence tomorrow, right?"
Wan Shaobai paused and turned back to answer, "Yes."
Ting Yu suddenly jumped up and hurried over to him with an expression of exasperation. "You asked about this half a month ago and again today! I've already told you everything I could! Are you planning to go there tomorrow just to tell them stories about Shark People? Who knows, they might even share ghost stories with you! If you don't ask me to go with you today, I won't agree to it in the future."
With that, she returned to her wooden chair under the Peach Blossom Tree and sat with her back turned. Wan Shaobai looked at Ting Yu, who was upset due to his oversight, and couldn't help but smile. "So Ms. Ting Yu has such good intentions. I beg you; may I come by tomorrow to escort you there?"
“Not going,” Ting Yu replied coldly.
Wan Shaobai stepped in front of Ting Yu, cupping his hands and bowing sincerely. “I beg you, Miss.”
Ting Yu couldn’t help but smile but quickly suppressed it, saying, “I have one condition.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“From now on, don’t call me ‘Miss.’ Call me Ting Yu. And whatever I call you, you must agree to it.”
“... Yes.” Wan Shaobai looked at Ting Yu, who had resumed her scheming smile, and felt an unexpected warmth in his heart. His gaze softened without him realizing it.
Ting Yu nodded in satisfaction and waved her hand. “Then you can go back now.”
As Wan Shaobai turned to leave, Ting Yu called out, “Brother Wan, Shaobai, Little Bai…”
Watching Wan Shaobai’s stunned figure, Ting Yu’s triumphant and clear laughter echoed gently in the courtyard.
The next day, Wan Shaobai brought Ting Yu to the entrance of Bai Residence. He instinctively addressed her, “Ms. Ting Yu?”
“Hmm?” Ting Yu glanced at him sideways.
Suddenly remembering what he had promised last night, Wan Shaobai hurriedly corrected himself. “Uh… Ting Yu… let’s wait here for a moment. The doorman will notify the steward, and once the steward leads us in, we’ll be fine.”
Ting Yu nodded in satisfaction and smiled. “This Bai Residence really has an impressive facade and so many rules.”
"Old Master Bai's pearl business has been thriving in recent years, and this residence is a new acquisition."
"Is he selling pearls?" Ting Yu smiled meaningfully and said, "Interesting. We're looking for the Shark People; they made their fortune selling pearls."
Wan Shaobai suddenly understood. The Shark People, being adept in the waters and residing at the bottom of the sea, would naturally know where pearls could be found. Bai Haoran's pearl business had seen a remarkable turnaround in recent years, suggesting he might have received assistance from a benefactor, who could very well be the Shark People.
However, if the Shark People were helping the Bai family, why was there now a murder? Did Old Master Bai even know of the Shark People's existence?
Lost in thought, the butler arrived at the door to greet them. He looked at Ting Yu beside Wan Shaobai and asked curiously, "Who is this young lady?"
"Oh, I am Lord Chen's daughter. My father asked me to accompany him to take a look," Ting Yu said, subtly nudging Wan Shaobai. He understood her hint and nodded to the butler, secretly admiring Ting Yu's quick thinking in using the Magistrate's daughter as a guise.
Sure enough, the butler immediately relaxed and led them inside. Ting Yu told him, "Please only inform your master when the time comes. Chief Wan has already asked all necessary questions, so there's no need to trouble any other ladies."
"That would be excellent." This statement resonated well with everyone in Bai Residence; such frequent visits without any breakthroughs had indeed become tiresome.
After waiting for a while in the side hall, the butler brought them to the study. Bai Haoran stood with his hands behind his back by the window and turned around when he heard voices. He greeted them coolly. Upon hearing that Ting Yu was the Magistrate's daughter from the butler's introduction, his expression softened slightly as he invited them to sit.
Once the butler left, Wan Shaobai got straight to the point. "Old Master Bai, this young lady is not actually the Magistrate's daughter; she is a remarkable person I invited to assist us."
Bai Haoran's expression changed drastically as he grew somewhat angry. "Can just anyone wander into Bai Residence? Chief Wan, you are being rather bold!"
Ting Yu gently pressed down on Wan Shaobai's hand and continued his words, "If Old Master Bai wants to uncover the truth of this matter, you truly cannot do without me!"
Bai Haoran scoffed disdainfully and replied, "What can you do?"
Ting Yu slowly stood up and walked lightly towards old master Bai, her gaze fixed intently on his eyes. She spoke slowly and deliberately, "I will make people tell the truth."
And that was how it happened. Even old master Bai himself did not understand why, but once he met her gaze, he could not look away.
It felt as if her eyes had a deadly allure, like a bottomless pit that compelled one to pour out all their thoughts, as if only by speaking could one fill that void.
Ting Yu asked, "Is your pearl business managed by you?"
"No. Originally, it was managed by Yu Yao. Later, when Yu Yao went mad, it was handed over to Ru Qing."
"How did it become more successful?"
"I don't know. It started as a whim to enter this business and was quite ordinary before I met Yu Yao. Then Yu Yao accidentally discovered a sea area with excellent pearls, and good fortune followed one after another. After Yu Yao went mad, I thought our good days were over, but Ru Qing volunteered to take over the matter, and the good luck continued in her hands."
Ting Yu glanced at Wan Shaobai, who nodded in acknowledgment that it was sufficient. A flicker of light passed through Ting Yu's eyes, and Bai Haoran regained his senses. Realizing he had revealed even the secrets of his business, Bai Haoran felt regretful but also dared not underestimate the two before him any longer.
Ting Yu smiled and asked, " old master Bai doesn't think I'm just an idle person now, do you?"
"No, no," Bai Haoran hurriedly waved his hands.
Ting Yu turned her head and happened to meet Wan Shaobai's gaze; they exchanged a smile. Wan Shaobai said, " old master Bai must be wondering why our questions have nothing to do with the case. Now let me explain it clearly to old master Bai."
Bai Haoran nodded, signaling Wan Shaobai to continue.
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