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墨書 Inktalez
Lin Mingchang and Shen Tong followed Hong Baoshan to a long table deep within the shop, where various sheets of paper and samples of paper crafts were neatly arranged.
"This is our specially made 'San Tai Paper,' designed specifically for sacrificial offerings," Hong Baoshan said, picking up a stack of golden-yellow paper. "And this is 'Wu Gong Paper,' used for honoring ancestors..."
After finishing his introductions, he finally picked up a stack of unique yellow paper, its surface adorned with intricate watermarks. "This is our family heirloom, the 'Evil-Repelling Yellow Paper.' It can ward off evil spirits and protect the home."
Shen Tong took the stack of 'Evil-Repelling Yellow Paper' and gently rubbed her fingers over it, noting that it felt just like the material from the crime scene's Paper Man.
Seemingly casual, she asked, "This yellow paper is quite special, isn't it? It feels different to the touch."
Hong Baoshan smiled as he replied, "This is our shop's treasure. This paper is made from a blend of mulberry bark, ramie bark, and paper mulberry bark, processed through dozens of steps and finally infused with special fragrances."
Lin Mingchang pretended to admire a paper-crafted sedan chair nearby and casually inquired, "I’ve heard that your shop’s Paper Man is also exceptional. My young master specifically instructed me to order some paper figures so that the master will have attendants in the afterlife."
Hong Baoshan's expression momentarily faltered but quickly returned to enthusiasm. "What you may not know, Steward Lin, is that we at Fu Yuan Zhai do indeed have some skills when it comes to Paper Men. However, custom orders take time and are not inexpensive."
"Price is not an issue," Lin Mingchang waved his hand dismissively. "My young master is a devoted son; this amount of money is nothing to him. The master's funeral must be conducted with great splendor."
"In that case," Hong Baoshan turned to retrieve several samples, "if Steward Lin wishes to place an order, a deposit must be paid first, and then we can discuss the quantity and styles in detail."
Seizing the opportunity, Shen Tong scanned the shop interior and noticed a faint purple aura of 'Controlling Qi' permeating from a direction behind the store.
She casually strolled over and discovered a tightly closed small door at the back of the shop, through which a strong fragrance wafted through the cracks.
"Miss Shen," Hong Baoshan had appeared behind her without her noticing, his tone somewhat unfriendly. "That area is our private workshop; no unauthorized personnel are allowed."
Shen Tong turned around and smiled politely. "I apologize, shopkeeper; I am sensitive to certain scents. I noticed something unusual earlier and was simply curious."
Hong Baoshan guided Shen Tong back to the front room. "Oh, that's just some incense used in making talismans; it can be quite pungent for those unaccustomed to it."
Shen Tong then selected some regular joss paper along with the 'Evil-Repelling Yellow Paper,' while Lin Mingchang finalized the style and quantity for the custom Paper Man order. They agreed to return the next day to pay the deposit before bidding farewell.
Once outside Fu Yuan Zhai, they didn’t speak until they had turned two corners and entered the car that had been waiting for them.
Lin Mingchang glanced back. "Hong Baoshan's demeanor was off—too alert; he doesn’t seem like an ordinary shopkeeper at all. Did you notice anything?"
"The fragrance coming from that door..." Shen Tong whispered. "It resembles the scent on the Paper Man from the crime scene, and the 'Controlling Qi' behind that door was quite strong. I’m certain that’s where they make these Paper Men. And..."
Shen Tong searched for the right words before continuing, "Hong Baoshan gave me a strange feeling—especially when he looked at my Right Eye; it was as if he were looking at a rare treasure..."
Lin Mingchang started the car. "It seems we need to find an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the secrets behind that door."
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