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Lin Mingchang tapped his fingers lightly on his knee. "I deduce that Qi Songtao's death was likely a case of silencing. Either he knew something he shouldn't have, or he wanted to withdraw from the Gui Xu Society."
"Well, regardless, Qi Songtao brought this upon himself; harming others ultimately leads to one's own downfall." Shen Tong leaned against the window, still able to see faint wisps of azure energy lingering around the hospital bed.
Outside, the sky had shifted from inky black to a grayish blue. "It's almost dawn," Shen Tong murmured, turning his gaze toward Ruan Xiaoshuang on the bed.
Almost as soon as Shen Tong finished speaking, Ruan Xiaoshuang stirred slightly. Her eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes, gazing around in confusion before finally focusing on the two people beside her.
"Where am I?"
Shen Tong immediately stepped forward and took Xiaoshuang's hand. "You're in the hospital. How do you feel? Are you still uncomfortable?"
Ruan Xiaoshuang shook her head slightly, trying to prop herself up. Shen Tong quickly adjusted her pillow for her.
"I feel much better, just a bit weak all over. Thankfully... those terrifying shadows are gone."
Shen Tong smiled and poured her a cup of warm water. "While you were sleeping, we went over the current clues and made some progress."
Lin Mingchang briefly recapped their earlier discussion, including the Gui Xu Society, the mysterious deaths of wealthy individuals, and the secret donations.
After hearing this, Xiaoshuang perked up. "Gui Xin Gallery? I've heard of that place!"
"Quickly tell us more!" Lin Mingchang and Shen Tong leaned in closer.
"The gallery's owner is Fang Yun, a well-known figure in Spring City's art scene," Ruan Xiaoshuang explained. "Due to my work, I've been there several times to shoot exhibitions. That gallery is quite famous in Spring City and often hosts various art events, inviting local dignitaries and celebrities."
Shen Tong pondered for a moment. "So it's possible that all six deceased attended events at the gallery?"
"That's likely," Ruan Xiaoshuang nodded before suddenly recalling something. "Oh! I saw Qi Songtao at an exhibition once; he was chatting with Fang Yun. At that time, I thought they were just ordinary friends."
Lin Mingchang jumped up excitedly. "That means Fang Yun could very well be a member of the Gui Xu Society. The gallery serves as both a venue for their interactions with wealthy individuals and a hub for funds. We need to investigate Fang Yun and Gui Xin Gallery!"
Shen Tong looked at Lin Mingchang gently. "You're right, but we all need to rest now. Officer Lin, you haven't slept all night either."
Lin Mingchang rubbed his temples and reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's take a break and check out Gui Xin Gallery this afternoon. Xiaoshuang can stay here in the hospital for observation."
Upon hearing this decision, Ruan Xiaoshuang immediately pouted in dissatisfaction. "What? I'm fine now! I want to go with you!"
Lin Mingchang instantly adopted a stern expression. "No! Your condition is still unstable; who knows if it might relapse? If you don't listen, I won't take you along next time!"
"But—" Ruan Xiaoshuang tried to argue.
Shen Tong gently pressed her shoulder down. "Xiaoshuang, listen to us; you really do need more observation time. We're just going to check things out first. Once you're feeling better, we can investigate together, alright?"
Ruan Xiaoshuang felt that Shen Tong was the gentlest and the best, but she still felt a bit reluctant. She muttered, "Then you have to tell me every detail."
"Of course," Shen Tong promised with a smile.
After a brief rest, Shen Tong and Lin Mingchang arrived at the Gui Xin Gallery located in Nancheng, a pure white Western-style building.
"This used to be a trading house, but it was later converted into a gallery," Lin Mingchang explained in a low voice.
As they approached the gallery entrance, Shen Tong suddenly stopped a few steps away. She sensed that familiar azure aura seeping through the cracks of the gallery door. Unlike Yongtai Photography Studio, this azure aura was entwined with a layer of thick red malevolence, resembling a blood serpent writhing in the dark night.
"It seems we found the right place," Shen Tong whispered. "This place is even more dangerous than Yongtai Photography Studio."
Lin Mingchang gestured for Shen Tong to follow him closely. "Be careful. If you feel anything off, let me know immediately."
They entered the gallery, which was elegantly decorated with various paintings adorning the walls, and several guests were admiring the exhibits.
"Welcome to Gui Xin Gallery. Are you two here to see the paintings?" A middle-aged man in a deep blue suit emerged from inside. He had a slender face and an elegant demeanor.
Lin Mingchang took out his identification from his pocket. "Spring City Police Station, Lin Mingchang. I’d like to inquire about something; may I ask who you are?"
The middle-aged man shook Lin Mingchang's hand politely. "Ah, Officer Lin, my apologies. I am Fang Yun, the owner of this gallery. How may I assist you?"
"So you are Boss Fang. Do you know Qi Songtao from Yongtai Photography Studio?" Lin Mingchang asked directly.
Fang Yun initially showed a hint of surprise before his expression turned sorrowful. "Yes, Songtao is a dear friend of mine. I was very saddened to hear about his sudden illness and passing. May I ask why Officer Lin is inquiring about him?"
Shen Tong stood quietly behind Lin Mingchang, observing Fang Yun closely. She noticed that he too was enveloped in that azure aura and gently tugged at Lin Mingchang's sleeve.
Understanding Shen Tong's implication immediately, Lin Mingchang remained calm as he replied to Fang Yun, "We suspect that Qi Songtao did not die from sudden illness as reported. Since you were close to him, we would like to learn more about his connections."
Fang Yun maintained his smile. "I see. Why don’t we discuss this in my office? It’s not convenient here with so many people around."
He gestured for them to follow him through the exhibition hall to the corridor at the back.
Fang Yun's office was at the end of the corridor; it was spacious with paintings hanging on all four walls. He invited them to sit down and began preparing tea.
"Officer Lin, may I ask what specific information you are seeking? I assure you, I will share everything I know." Fang Yun pushed the teacups toward the two.
Lin Mingchang and Shen Tong did not touch the teacups but instead asked directly, "Boss Fang, according to our investigation, several wealthy businessmen who were friends with Boss Qi of Yongtai Photography Studio have recently died from sudden illnesses. Strangely, they all left behind wills donating part of their estates to your Gallery. Could you please explain this?"
Fang Yun's expression stiffened for a moment but quickly returned to normal. "So Officer Lin is asking about this. Those wealthy friends have always been very supportive of my Gallery, and I never expected them to leave donations specifically before their passing. Such acts of kindness truly move me."
At that moment, Shen Tong noticed a sudden surge of intense killing intent emanating from Fang Yun and his room.
She jumped to her feet. "Officer Lin!"
However, Shen Tong was a step too late; Fang Yun had already pressed a button under the table, and the door to the room was instantly locked tight.
Lin Mingchang lunged toward Fang Yun, but the latter was prepared. At the same time he pressed the button, Fang Yun leaped up and swiftly dodged into a concealed secret door, completely sealing Shen Tong and Lin Mingchang inside the enclosed room.
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