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墨書 Inktalez
Lin Mingchang took out the Wu Mian Puppet from the bag. "Boss Xu, did you make this puppet? Or have you seen it somewhere?"
Xu Ruicheng's expression changed slightly at the sight of the Wu Mian Puppet. He reached out to touch it but hesitated and withdrew his hand, instead rubbing his fingers together. "It's not made by me. You can see that all the puppets in my shop have faces, and I... I've never seen this kind of puppet before."
"Are you sure?" Lin Mingchang pressed on. "The craftsmanship of this puppet is quite similar to those in your shop."
Xu Ruicheng shook his head. "There are many woodworkers in Spring City. Although each family has its own techniques, outsiders can't tell the difference. Besides, I never make faceless puppets; they are considered unlucky."
Fang Zigui walked over to a side rack of puppets and pointed to one of the theatrical figures. "Boss Xu's skills are indeed superb. The joints are handled so flexibly; it must be years of practice."
"Of course. I've been in woodworking for over thirty years, and you won't find another who can compare in this city."
"I heard that a foreign customer has been visiting you frequently lately?" Ruan Xiaoshuang suddenly asked.
Xu Ruicheng glanced at Ruan Xiaoshuang, surprised, and took a step back, leaning against the counter. "How do you know that? Yes, there has been a German man who has come by a few times."
Lin Mingchang noticed Xu Ruicheng's subtle retreat and pressed further, "What did he buy?"
"Not much... just browsing and asking about the craftsmanship. I was busy polishing items and didn't pay him much attention."
Shen Tong, who had been standing slightly behind, suddenly spoke softly, "Boss Xu may not know, but like you, I have inherited skills; I'm a Wang Qi Master. Your fingers seem a bit off, as if you've touched something you shouldn't have. May I take a look?"
Xu Ruicheng's expression suddenly grew tense. He quickly shoved his hands into his sleeves. "No need, no need! Woodworkers' hands always get banged up; it's nothing serious. If you've finished your questions, I still have work to do."
Seeing they couldn't extract more information, the four reluctantly took their leave.
"He’s lying," Shen Tong said quietly once they were outside the workshop. "He knows that puppet; I could sense a similar aura wrapped around his fingertips—one of deep attachment and care."
Lin Mingchang nodded. "Hmph, his earlier demeanor was full of holes. Let's circle back after a while and keep an eye on this place; we don't want to scare off any snakes before we've stirred the grass."
As night fell, the lights in Rui Cheng Wood Workshop suddenly dimmed.
Xu Ruicheng stepped out, locked the shop door, put on an old felt hat, glanced around cautiously, and then hurriedly left down the alley.
What he didn't know was that four pairs of eyes were closely watching his every move.
"He’s gone," Lin Mingchang whispered. "Shen Tong and I will follow him; Zigui and Xiaoshuang should check out the shop. Be careful; Xu Ruicheng has an apprentice living here too."
Fang Zigui and Ruan Xiaoshuang nodded in agreement.
Shen Tong softly reminded, "You two be very careful. We'll meet at the Police Station in a bit." After saying this, she quietly followed Lin Mingchang as they trailed Xu Ruicheng.
Xu Ruicheng walked quickly, weaving through the narrow alleys and occasionally glancing around.
To Lin Mingchang and Shen Tong, his actions clearly indicated he was ensuring no one was following him; Xu Ruicheng was certainly not heading anywhere aboveboard.
Both of them had some skills, moving lightly and maintaining a cautious distance, so Xu Ruicheng remained completely unaware of the tail behind him.
He walked for about half an hour, crossing several streets, and finally headed straight for the upscale residential area of Spring City—Foreigners' Street—where he stopped in front of a two-story Western-style building.
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