Nie Qiuyuan wouldn’t let me enter the assembly hall, and they couldn’t just leave me alone. So, Holy Mother and Han Meilan accompanied me to ensure my safety.
It was then that I realized, despite Han Meilan’s timid demeanor, her martial arts skills were quite impressive. The Han family’s so-called “Jade Maiden Sword Technique” or “Jade Maiden Heart Sutra” was indeed very sophisticated. Being a serious person, she had learned it well.
We listened in on the discussions happening in the assembly hall from behind a curtain.
After a long while, and with occasional questions to the two of them, I finally began to understand the relationships among the people involved.
It wasn’t too complicated. My “father” was forty-eight this year, and my “mother” had passed away many years ago. In recent years, my “father” hadn’t been idle either; he had married three concubines, but the position of the main wife remained vacant, indicating he had a strong bond with my “mother.”
Since the concubines were married only in recent years and we were already so grown up, it seemed that Nie Qiuyuan and I were likely born of the same “mother.” The good relationship between my parents made my heart sink a little more, as if another layer of my dreams had shattered. Sigh!
Second Concubine Qianrihong was a bold and capable woman who had been managing most of the affairs in the Village. Hong advised me not to get close to her because Chief trusted her the most and had the best relationship with her. Thus, my relationship with her was particularly strained.
Thinking about how I didn’t get along with such a handsome brother made me realize others would be even less harmonious.
As for Third Concubine Li Bao'er, how could I describe her? There didn’t seem to be any suitable adjectives; in short, she was quite an inconspicuous person.
Then there was Fourth Concubine Seven Mile Fragrance, who was simply enchanting. At that moment, all three of them were sitting in the Assembly Hall, and when I saw Seven Mile Fragrance, my eyes widened slightly. Her eyes seemed to speak for themselves, unintentionally radiating charm that left the surrounding men dazed.
I had a rather cliché premonition.
Next came the four major halls; beneath them were flags with names like Master Luo, flag bearers, and so on. Aside from Luo Dachun, I couldn’t be bothered to remember any of them. Watching Nie Qiuyuan patiently ask each one where they were last night, what they were doing, and who could vouch for them while Luo Dachun’s sharp eyes darted around trying to absorb all the information made me anxious inside.
Damn it! You haven’t even figured out the cause of death yet; why are you looking for alibis?
In fact, I already knew who the murderer was.
Just one sentence I got from Hong revealed everything clearly.
"These days, Chief has not been well. He has been having trouble sleeping at night. Yuan Kui and Master Luo sent a kind of elixir, and after taking it, he was able to sleep soundly. After a period of recovery, Chief's health improved, and last night, Yuan Master Luo held a banquet to invite Chief to enjoy the moon. Who would have thought that after returning home, Chief fell ill again and passed away!"
The one who sent the sleeping potion and hosted the banquet—if my judgment about the medicine is correct, then Yuan Kui is undoubtedly the murderer.
But the problem is that I have no evidence. Moreover, I cannot share my suspicions with Nie Qiuyuan. First of all, even if I did, he wouldn't understand what a barbiturate is. Secondly, if he knew I was onto this, how could I continue to maintain my position in front of him?
What type of woman do men love most? Absolutely, it’s the kind of woman who is like a vase!
Before coming here, I had a clear understanding of my role. I must be gentle, kind, beautiful and charming, delicate and understanding—this persona must be convincingly portrayed. Such a woman is the most lethal to a normal man.
And Nie Qiuyuan's caliber is far above that of ordinary men. Therefore, I need to possess a Linglong heart; a seemingly casual remark could greatly benefit his career and earn me his appreciative gaze.
Only then would it be intriguing and special enough to capture his heart firmly.
Thus, all my "Golden Finger" talents must be deeply concealed. Just like the most beautiful woman wearing a Cheongsam—wrapped tightly yet revealing her curves; an unintentional glimpse of spring can stir the deepest strings of ambiguity within him.
I would never be foolish enough to proudly approach Nie Qiuyuan to take credit for anything; that would only make him see me as a monster.
At that moment, I heard Master Luo from Zhongtong Hall sigh: "Nephew, we all understand your feelings. But right now, there’s no way to prove that your elder brother was schemed against. He already had preexisting conditions; last time he was almost..."
Nie Qiuyuan's elegant voice interrupted: "Second Uncle, my doubts are certainly justified; I hope you will..."
Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by hurried footsteps.
"Young Master! The guard A Gui may have seen the murderer!"
The hall instantly fell into chaos, and I perked up my ears. This matter should have been conducted secretly without any signs; there was no need for any overt actions. Could it be that I overlooked something?
A Gui trembled as he said, "I... I saw Night Phantom come to our Village last night!"
Night Phantom?
Who is that?!
Han Meilan whispered an explanation: Night Phantom is one of the four most famous Master Thieves in the country. Each of these Master Thieves possesses exceptional skills and unique talents, often robbing the rich to help the poor, which has earned them the title of "Thief" among the common folk. The names of these four Thieves are Cold Blood, Ruthless, Chasing Fate, and Night Phantom.
I nearly spat out blood again. Aside from Night Phantom, the other three names were quite familiar; it seemed like the Four Great Detectives had crossed over as well.
Night Phantom is the most formidable of the four Thieves, known as the Jin Yi Phantom Thief. As his name suggests, he always appears dressed extravagantly, completely disregarding the professional ethics of a thief who should be stealthy and inconspicuous. He enjoys stealing rare gems and has a particularly arrogant personality, often sending a letter in advance to announce his arrival, taking treasures with great pride while challenging others' dignity.
I felt blood rising in my throat once more. This was also someone I recognized—he was Kid the Phantom Thief from Detective Conan!
I pinched myself hard to confirm I wasn't dreaming.
"Even if Night Phantom has been here, he only steals; he doesn't kill," Nie Qiuyuan said.
Voices began to rise in a cacophony.
"We never received a notice from Night Phantom!"
"Why did Night Phantom appear just as the Chief passed away?"
...
For some reason, I felt that Nie Qiuyuan seemed to be defending Night Phantom. If that was the case, then I naturally stood with him.
I suddenly stumbled into the Assembly Hall and threw myself into Nie Qiuyuan's arms (taking the chance to get a little close to the handsome guy). Nie Qiuyuan was surprised but still opened his arms to embrace me. The people around us were in shock, their jaws dropping, as they all knew how poor our relationship was. I burrowed deeper into his warm embrace, intoxicated by his comforting presence. It was only at moments like this that I could take advantage of him, and thinking about it made me feel a bit down.
"Brother, it's not Night Phantom..." My tears fell like an Oscar-winning actress, and then I scanned the room, suddenly bursting into a look of panic. With a delicate gasp, I "fainted" in the arms of my idol.
Smart as he was, he immediately understood my intentions. He shook me gently with acting skills that matched my own, urgently calling out, "Liuying, Liuying, wake up!"
Nie Qiuyuan picked me up and hurriedly said, "Let's pause here for now! Liuying must have seen that Murderer; once she wakes up, everything will be clear!"
***Author's Heart***
As usual, I want to express my gratitude. Thank you to all the friends who have visited—those who walked by, those who stopped, those who left traces and those who didn’t. Your presence is my happiness.
Thanks to Hello Kitty for her two lengthy reviews; she always writes so eloquently that I often find myself copying snippets into my own work. Youyou's long review is so delightful because she candidly shares her feelings in the moment; such comments make it clear that some familiar emotions are indeed like this—a precious treasure. Brother Silin Yuzheng's long review is profound and sharp; it's obvious he's a PhD... haha!
Thanks to Big Shot, Hua Ying, and Dynasty for their support in the PK votes. Thanks to Big Shot for his passionate heart. And to the generous Dada who silently supports me; I’m at a loss for how to express my gratitude. I remember when I was writing National Medical Hall, this Dada also passed by like a gentle breeze, leaving a deep impression on my heart.
Just at this moment with these two chapters. Everyone's unwavering support makes me feel quite anxious. I want to strive harder but worry that my efforts may fall short. Nevertheless, everyone’s kindness is something I cannot repay; all I can do is keep working hard!
Wishing everyone good moods~!
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