Chapter 506: Investigations
Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations
The missing servant was Xia He.
Her room was neat and tidy. There was not a single speck of dust to be seen. Detective Ma examined a photo frame. The photo in it was a smiling young lady with two dimples by her cheeks. "What a pity..."
After having a sumptuous lunch, he started on his detective works.
The first stop was the servant's room.
"How is it? Did you find anything?"
After examining every single thing in the room to its finest detail, Detective Ma gazed towards Xiaoling with anticipation.
This daughter of his was rumoured to possess the Yin Yang Eye. She was able to see things others could not and was being utilized by Detective Ma as his own secret weapon.
"Nope..."
Ma Xiaoling spoke in a soft voice. She still seemed to be in shock after seeing that white shadow previously.
Previously, she only used her Yin Yang Eye to help her father pick up clues in the crime scene, for she was able to examine things up to an incredible detail.
This was the first time she had encountered a ghost!
"If that is so, let's walk around the building!"
Detective Ma was in deep thoughts. "We could have some findings there... Interestingly, Mister Chen has a background. I found out that his jade business was rather large in the past. However, as his business peaked, he unknowingly pulled out and brought his family here to live in seclusion... Eh, why have we not seen his family members? Let's ask him!"
"You must be talking about Missus Chen and Young Mistress!"
The housekeeper, Uncle Chen wore a tailored western suit and a tie. His hair was perfectly combed. As soon as he heard that Detective Ma was about to enquire about the whereabouts of Mister Chen's family members, he quickly replied. "Because of this incident, the both of them are scared to their wits and have already returned to the city!"
"Ah, I see!"
Detective Ma nodded his head but inside, he was exclaiming to himself. 'This is suspicious indeed!'
If a normal person were to encounter a haunted house like this, even if they were not superstitious, they would still shift elsewhere to live first, right? This had to be especially so for the rich.
However, Mister Chen Xinbo had decided to stay behind. His act was even more suspicious after considering the fact that someone had just gone missing.
"Sigh... Missus Chen had advised Mister Chen before she left. However, he was insistent in staying behind and claims that he wants to accompany Elder Mistress!"
Uncle Chen added.
"So, it seems like another mistress is unwilling to leave!"
Detective Ma nodded his head. The reason for her unwillingness to leave was most likely that she was either brave or that she was showing an attitude.
"Alright, we will like to take a look at your residences. Housekeeper, please lead the way for us."
"No problem! Mister Chen has reminded us to provide assistance to you whenever possible!"
Uncle Chen revealed a wide smile as he led the way for the duo to start their inspections.
The residence was huge. Other than the main living room, the study and the bedrooms, there was also a backyard, a horse stable and a kitchen for the servants. There was even enough rooms for each servant to have their own.
"Master is... too kind. He always fought for the best for us servants and was willing to fork out the money to expand this place so that we can have better living conditions."
Uncle Chen sighed. After bringing Detective Ma around the garden, he brought him to the master bedroom.
The corridors were paved with high-quality red sandalwood and art pieces decorated the shelves along the corridor. There were old paintings hung up on the walls as well and the entire residences had an artistic vibe to it. Chen Xinbo must have been a person who appreciated art.
"This..."
Detective Ma noticed the jade pieces displayed on a shelf. Through the glass panel, he could see the brilliant green hue of the jades. "Are these uncut? Straight from the emerald quarry?"
"Keke... Detective Ma, you have good taste. This piece is one of Master's most valued treasure!"
Uncle Chen chuckled as he pointed towards one of the gems. "This rock variant is extremely valuable. It was mixed together with a few worthless rocks before Master identified and bought it. He had a friend who offered 8 million for it, but Master nevertheless rejected the offer."
"8... 8 million?"
Detective Ma's mouth was agape. It took a few moments for him to snap out of his trance as he swallowed his saliva.
If not for the fact that security was tight here, he might even think of stealing the rock.
"Of course, that offer was only an estimate since the rock is still intact. Therefore, it's value is still uncertain. Who knows, it might be filled with worthless rocks..."
Uncle Chen laughed. "However, some people like this thrill! Detective Ma, do you have knowledge of emerald?"
"Cough cough... Of course!"
Detective Ma straightened his back and appeared serious. "The crystal emeralds have a unique power of the mind. The people of the West use it for divination."
"Keke..."
Uncle Chen forced a smile.
The topic was on the value of the gems. Why would anyone talk about anything related to the supernatural?
"Father..."
At this point in time, Ma Xiaoling tugged at his pants. She had made a discovery.
"What have you discovered?"
Detective Ma whispered.
"There..."
Ma Xiaoling pointed to a door. The door was exquisitely designed and the ancient bronze handles had a brilliant glow to it.
"Whose room does this belong to?"
Detective Ma cleared his throat and enquired.
"That room..." Uncle Chen appeared conflicted. "That is Elder Mistress's room!"
"Can we take a look?"
"I'm sorry... Our Elder Mistress doesn't like to see strangers!"
"I see!"
Detective Ma did not insist. However, he secretly made a decision.
...
It was nightfall.
"Father... I still don't think this is a good idea. That is a girl's room!"
Ma Xiaoling had a conflicted look as she gazed at the tools which Detective Ma had prepared.
"It's alright! Since you feel that the room has a problem, there must be something dirty in there!"
Detective Ma spoke loudly. "I shall do my investigations. This is for the sake of Elder Mistress too."
"Is that so?"
Ma Xiaoling seemed to have suspected something. "Are you thinking of laying your hands on the Chen Family's assets and at the same time get a stepmother for me?"
"Pui! Cough cough!"
Detective Ma almost choked on his own saliva. "What nonsense are you spouting? I... Am I such a person?"
As he spoke, he nervously touched his neck and tidied his clothes.
"If this was a simple detective mission, you wouldn't have changed your clothes intentionally..." Ma Xiaoling rolled her eyes.
"Be good. Look after the house and I will get you some lollipops!"
Detective Ma wiped his sweat off before flipping out of the window.
As a detective, he had a few detective tricks up his sleeves. He traced the path which he had walked through in the daytime and arrived at a place near the master bedroom.
At this point in time, another door creaked open. Chen Xinbo held a candle in his hands and arrived at this elder daughter's room before whipping out a pair of keys. "Wei'er, I've come to see you!"
"It's already so late and yet he is still visiting his daughter. There must be something wrong!"
Detective Ma cursed under his breath as though he had imagined a certain scene in his mind. "This is worth my time to investigate..."
He made his way forward slowly and gingerly. However, he was unaware that a pale palm was following him behind...
...
"Eh? Who are you?"
At the same time, Ma Xiaoling examined the child before her suspiciously.
He was about the same age as her. However, he was covered in mud and fallen leaves. His clothing was tattered as though he had just returned from the wilderness.
Most importantly, his palms were purple and appeared frozen as though he was suffering from frostbite. However, he did not care a single bit as he began to pick up the dessert on the table and started munching on it.
"Are you from the village? Are you being bullied?"
Ma Xiaoling noticed the young boy's hands. "Do you want me to apply medication for you?"
"It's alright, it will heal by itself!"
Fang Yuan rubbed his tummy. "Ha... I am finally half-full. However, I still want some meat. Do you know where the kitchen is? Oh, wait, who are you? Do you belong in this house?"
"No... No! I had followed my father here. He is a superb detective and he has come here to conduct a paranormal incident!"
Ma Xiaoling was confused. Was it a good idea to reveal what her father was doing?
"Paranormal?"
Fang Yuan's eyes glistened, revealing his excitement as he began to mumble to himself. "I was only looking for the biggest house here. Could it be so coincidental? This is great... I have yet to see ghosts in the outside world. The stuff in my old mansion is too creepy."
After escaping from the Tantai Family, he had randomly chosen a direction and this was the first time he had found a settlement.
Why didn't the happenings in the Chen Residences attract the attention of the Tantai Family?
It was likely that the Tantai Family was too focused on dealing with their own curse. Why would they bother themselves with other stuff?
Furthermore, they were secretive about the location of their own mansion and would be worried of revealing their location if they came out too often to help families like the Chen Family.
"Hey, are you sure its a ghost?"
Fang Yuan glared at Ma Xiaoling.
"That's right... I've seen it for myself!"
Ma Xiaoling bit her lips.
"Your eyes..."
Fang Yuan examined her eyes and nodded his head. "I believe you! However, let me tell you a piece of bad news. If you really encounter a ghost, your father might not be able to survive!"
"You..."
Ma Xiaoling was about to cry. "What should I do? Boohoo..."
"Very simple! Hire me!"
Fang Yuan patted his chest. "I can guarantee that your father will be safe!"
A paranormal detective would be useful! To Fang Yuan, the normal case studies which a paranormal detective would take up would be good practice for him.
'Anyway, I don't have anywhere else to go. I shall let this detective help me make a fake identity and allow me to stay with them before helping them deal with some paranormal stuff... eh? Why do I feel like there are ghosts everywhere I do?'
At this point in time, Detective Ma had slowly arrived at the door. Through the seams of the door, he could hear Chen Xinbo speaking:
"Daughter... Let me see you again!"
He spoke with a soft voice and started to caress the long hair of a girl leaning against the door.
"That is..."
Detective Ma's pupils contracted and his hair stood on its ends!