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墨書 Inktalez
Before the four of them met at Rui Cheng Wood Workshop, Lin Mingchang had already sent officers disguised as customers to conduct a comparison. The puppets in this shop were indeed as exquisite as Xiaoshuang had described, strikingly similar to those found at the crime scene.
They did not rush into Rui Cheng Wood Workshop but instead went to a nearby teahouse, choosing a seat by the window that provided a clear view of the workshop. It was evident that this was an old establishment; the street-facing display showcased various intricate wooden crafts, including several puppets. Even from a distance, one could appreciate the superb craftsmanship.
Unfortunately, business was slow. The four of them sat for half an hour without seeing any customers come in. Lin Mingchang approached a young attendant who was tidying up a table.
The attendant, in his early twenties with a lean face and a shrewd demeanor, paused his work when he saw Lin Mingchang approaching and greeted him with a smile. "Good sir, would you like some more tea?"
Lin Mingchang casually struck up a conversation about the business of nearby shops and soon skillfully steered the topic towards the wood workshop across the street. "How long has Rui Cheng Wood Workshop been around? It looks like it has some history."
"That’s an old brand," the attendant replied while wiping a teacup. "Boss Xu's craftsmanship is among the best in the city. It's just that business has been poor these past few years; those foreign goods have taken over."
Lin Mingchang nodded in agreement. "Indeed, kids these days prefer something new."
"Strangely enough," the attendant lowered his voice suddenly, "there’s been a foreigner coming here frequently lately, always dressed sharply in a suit and wearing gold-rimmed glasses."
Lin Mingchang maintained his composure and asked casually, "Really? Does the foreigner like puppets?"
"Who knows?" The attendant continued tidying up. "I've seen him three or four times; he always comes in the afternoon and stays for quite a while."
"Has he come recently?"
"I haven't seen him these past couple of days," the attendant shook his head.
Lin Mingchang smiled and poured another pot of tea before returning to his seat to share what he had learned with the others.
Fang Zigui stroked his chin thoughtfully. "A well-dressed foreigner? Interested in our traditional puppets..."
Xiaoshuang, who had been impatiently waiting, adjusted her camera strap and stood up to urge the other three. "Stop talking and let’s go take a look! Attendant! No need for more tea! We’re ready to settle the bill!"
The four crossed the street and pushed open the door to Rui Cheng Wood Workshop. Inside, it was empty, and the air was filled with the scent of wood shavings, paint, and a hint of tung oil.
On one side of the wall, a shelf was neatly arranged with various puppets, including characters from Peking opera, folk deities, different animals, and even articulated dolls.
"Is anyone there?" Lin Mingchang called out, raising his voice.
"Coming, coming," a man in his fifties emerged from the back room.
Though he was somewhat older, he appeared robust, standing tall with a strong voice. A closer look revealed his thick knuckles, calloused fingers, and small scars from years of woodworking.
He wore a slightly worn blue cloth jacket and had a dark apron around his waist, dusted with wood shavings, clearly indicating he had just been busy.
"Are you here to see the woodwork?" His gaze swept over the four visitors.
" Boss Xu?" Lin Mingchang took out his identification. "I am Lin Mingchang from the Spring City Police Station. These are my assistants, and we would like to ask you a few questions."
Xu Ruicheng squinted his eyes. "Police? What do you want with me?"
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