Ghost Detective Records

Chapter 54

I exhaled deeply, relaxing my entire body. The warm sunlight streaming in from the window bathed me. The weakness I had developed from dehydration and fasting in the secret passage was gradually fading away, and I felt my strength returning.

I sat up and looked out the window at the black hanging coffins on the cliff face, which had stood for centuries in the mountain winds, a strange feeling I couldn't quite describe welled up inside me. The scenes in the secret passage felt like unreal nightmares, yet undeniably real. After An Yi died, we thought we were doomed too, but unexpectedly, after the effects of the sleeping potion wore off, we found the exit with surprising ease, and even the long-missing Old Gentou was found.

Closing my eyes, I recalled An Yi's horrific state before his death: the blood spurting out as pieces were torn from a living person, the withered hands clutching flesh, and the screams emanating from An Yi's body due to extreme pain, fear, and despair. The images flashed before my eyes like a movie, and just thinking about them made me tremble uncontrollably.

Torn apart alive by countless wet corpses, this was the final fate of An Yi, the illegitimate son of An Zhengbei, the youngest son of the An family. According to Li Yang, this was the retribution he deserved for murdering Zhang Yuqiang, Hu Rui, Jiang Tao, and An Zhengxi. But…did he really kill them? He only admitted to killing An Zhengxi; the deaths of the other three are merely our speculation. I don't know why, maybe it's intuition, or maybe not, but I always feel that An Yi wasn't responsible for those three deaths. Judging from An Yi's behavior before his death, he didn't possess any magic. So, who was the masked man I saw in Jiang Tao's old-style apartment building? How did he just vanish into thin air?

Sigh, I decided to stop thinking about it. I got out of bed. The provincial police were on their way to handle An Zhengxi and An Yi's bodies. I was really having a headache. How was I supposed to explain An Yi's death?! His body was mangled beyond recognition by those wet corpses. Were we really supposed to say he was killed by a mummy? But the problem was, after committing the crime, those wet corpses crawled back into the stone coffin, and no matter what we tried, we couldn't open the lid! This was really frustrating! I ran my fingers through my hair and paced back and forth in the room like a trapped animal!

"Lin Xiao!" Fang Lei suddenly appeared at the door and called to me.

"Ah, Fang Lei, come in!" I nodded to her, and Fang Lei walked in with a smile, took my hand, and asked, "What's wrong? Still upset?"

"Yes!" I sighed anxiously, "How are we supposed to explain An Yi's death?"

"Let's just say it was caused by a trap in the secret passage," Fang Lei suggested. It wasn't really a good idea, but there was no other way.

Looking at Fang Lei's face, which had regained its rosy hue, I thought for a moment and finally tentatively asked, "Do you... believe that this case is over?"

"And what about you?" Fang Lei didn't answer me, but instead asked me a question in return.

“I don’t know!” I shook my head and replied, “Actually, I do hope that An Yi is the murderer who killed everyone, but some things are hard to explain. If he killed An Zhengxi because she blackmailed him, then what about the other three? They just went to an abstract art exhibition. Of course, we can’t rule out some deeper reasons that we don’t yet know. But, in Jiang Tao’s apartment, I clearly saw a man wearing the same mask of the dead. He shouldn’t be An Yi! Who is he? Also, I still don’t understand An Yi’s last words before he died!”

"Mother, I'm here to be with you! Does your left eye still hurt?" Fang Lei repeated An Yi's last words.

“Not bad, the first half of the sentence is understandable, but what does the second half mean? Left eye? Did his mother’s left eye also get gouged out? Who is his mother?” I shook my head vigorously. Although his words were nonsensical, at least we understood one thing: his mother’s left eye might have been gouged out by someone.

"Alright, let Li Yang and the others worry about these things!" Fang Lei patted my shoulder reassuringly and said, "As long as you're alright, that's all that matters."

"Fang Lei!" I looked at her gratefully. I knew she had been worried about me, but I always managed to do one thing or another to make her worry. A boyfriend who keeps causing trouble like this must be really unfit!

Actually, I really wanted to stay with her. There were no ghosts, no murderers, and no dead people! But a voice inside me prevented me from leaving. Yes, I still didn't want to leave Zuomu Village, even though everything seemed to be over. The provincial police would be sending people over soon, and Li Yang might have to leave to assist them with the investigation. Meanwhile, Abao had developed a high fever due to excessive fright and needed to be transferred to a provincial hospital immediately.

"How about I stay? Let Li Hai accompany A Bao to the hospital!" Fang Lei suddenly threw herself into my arms and hugged me tightly.

"No, Abao is so sick, she absolutely has to go to the hospital. Besides, she's a girl, it'll be more convenient if you go with her. Don't worry, Li Hai and Bai Yun are with me too, aren't they?" I patted Fang Lei's shoulder. I felt that she had completely lost the straightforwardness of a chivalrous woman, and was more like a spoiled little girl. But this only moved me more. Men, no matter how strong their women appear on the outside, what they truly like is a gentle woman they can protect and cherish. Therefore, gentle women are often more popular with men. Just like me at this moment, the desire to protect her that rose from the bottom of my heart made me want to hold the lovely girl in my arms forever and never let go.

The soft touch on my hands made me tighten my grip slightly, unconsciously wanting to caress her entire body. My hands began to wander, eliciting weak, breathless gasps from the beauty in my arms. Perhaps trying to break free, she squirmed restlessly. But I wouldn't let her have her way, tightening my arms around her even more. One hand was already inside her clothes, the real skin-to-skin contact sending shivers down my spine as if an electric current had passed through it, the smooth, silky skin trembling slightly.

"Ugh...someone...someone will see us!" Fang Lei breathed weakly in my ear, but her warm breath only fueled my excitement. I squeezed her slender waist hard, hugged her tightly, and almost roughly pushed her towards the door. Then I quickly closed the door behind her, pinning her against it.

"Lin Xiao!" Fang Lei seemed a little scared as she placed her hands against my chest, her breathing becoming rapid.

I didn't speak; the surging desire within me rendered me speechless, as if I were bewitched. I gently rested my head against her forehead, my breath falling on Fang Lei's face, and I felt her cheeks rapidly turning red. Fang Lei slightly raised her head, her body involuntarily tilting upwards, her red lips intentionally or unintentionally touching mine, a faint feminine fragrance emanating from her.

Looking at her luscious lips so close to mine, I kissed them without hesitation. I felt a soft, warm sensation coming from her small mouth, making it hard for me to breathe.

I slipped my hand under the hem of her clothes and felt her trembling all over. The electric-like stimulation from her skin made me press my hard lower body against her lower abdomen. This action immediately elicited a soft moan from the beautiful Fang. Whether she was struggling or deliberately teasing me, she began to sway her hips slightly, rubbing against my lower body as she moved. I felt as if I were about to burst, and my hand was already grasping her breasts. Struggling to get past the barrier between her breasts, I pinched the nipples with my fingers, which only caused Fang Lei to twist her body even more violently.

Releasing her swollen red lips from my kisses, I gently bit her small earlobe. Though it was a small spot, it was one of the most sensitive parts of a woman's body. Judging from Fang Lei's eyes, which were gradually filled with desire, I knew I could be bolder.

Pulling open her clothes, the disheveled state made Fang Lei even more alluringly sexy, innocently deadly. Swallowing hard, I continued to kiss her gently downwards, her slightly protruding collarbone incredibly captivating. I extended my tongue and gently licked the hollow of her collarbone; her skin seemed coated with a layer of honey, surprisingly sweet.

I felt the person in my arms tremble even more violently, her constantly rising and falling abdomen rubbing tightly against my body. The soft panting from her throat made my hands roam more freely over her delicate body. One hand had already moved to her pert buttocks, the full and elastic flesh bouncing in my palm.

I bent down slightly, pressing my chest tightly against Fang Lei's already exposed breasts. The softness of those mounds made me dizzy with desire, and I felt Fang Lei's grip on my back tighten. My erect penis was grinding against Fang Lei's private parts, and I felt all the blood in my body rush to one place. I grabbed Fang Lei's small hand and guided it there. There was only a slight jolt, but Fang Lei obediently complied. Even though she was just covering her there without moving, it was enough to make my blood boil.

Just as I was preparing to conquer Fang Lei in one fell swoop, Li Yang's tactless shouts and knocking suddenly came from behind the door.

"Lin Xiao, come out quickly! People from the provincial government are here!"

Damn it! I gritted my teeth in hatred. Right now, all I wanted to do was chop this huge third wheel and troublemaker into eight pieces and throw them into the Pacific Ocean to feed the fish! No, the Pacific Ocean is too far. This place will do. Anyway, it seems those wet corpses are carnivores too! Achoo! Li Yang's loud sneeze immediately came from outside the door.

"Let...let me go!" Fang Lei suddenly pushed me shyly, her entire body flushed an alluring pink, especially her breasts, which heaved with nervousness, creating ripples that swayed in front of me, reigniting my desire that had just subsided.

"Ugh!" Fang Lei frowned at me, pretending to be angry, but there was no blame in her tone. Instead, she seemed a little disappointed, just like me.

I gave her a mischievous smile, straightened her clothes, and then yelled at the light bulb outside the door in an annoyed tone, "Okay, I'm coming right now!"

Although I had seen right through her, Fang Lei still shyly turned around and began to straighten the clothes I had messed up. Looking at Fang Lei hurriedly tidying her clothes, I felt like she was a small, easily embarrassed wife. I felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and happiness and stepped forward to hug her from behind.

"No..." Fang Lei struggled slightly, probably worried that Li Yang would come knocking on the door again.

"Don't worry, I'm just giving you a hug." Burying my face in her shoulder, inhaling her scent, I felt a real, tangible happiness. Compared to my time with Yin Xue, Fang Lei gave me more real and attainable joy and happiness. Unlike Yin Xue, I always felt a sense of unreality and etherealness when I was with her. Although I was happy then, I was always worried that one day these happy days would leave me.

We held each other silently, a quiet joy and contentment washing over me as I let out a long sigh. The events of the secret passage seemed like a nightmare, completely forgotten. Now, we only had each other in our hearts…

********

"Brother, are you really going to stay?" Li Yang glanced at the car that was about to start. The people from the provincial police station needed his assistance, and A Bao's condition really couldn't be delayed any longer.

"There's no other way, someone doesn't want to leave!" Li Hai gestured towards me with his chin and said, "You know this guy always causes trouble, so of course someone has to keep an eye on him!"

"I just want to stay a few more days!" I replied with a helpless shrug.

"Okay, I know!" Li Hai patted my shoulder knowingly and said with a smile.

"Fang Lei, you must take good care of A Bao!" I said with concern, looking at Fang Lei and A Bao whom she was supporting. A Bao's face was very pale; it was clear that those events and the three days without food or water had taken their toll on her, and she was still trembling slightly.

"Okay, take good care of yourself too!" Fang Lei looked at me, then at Bai Yun beside me, and said with a smile, "I'll leave Lin Xiao to you."

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of him." Bai Yun seemed to deliberately emphasize the word "take care" and gave me a meaningful look, making me feel like prey being watched by a hunter, which gave me a bad feeling.

"Hehe! I'm not a child anymore." I scratched my head, trying to shake off this strange feeling.

"You!" Fang Lei frowned at me, and I knew she was concerned about me.

"Alright, we're leaving." Li Yang walked over to Fang Lei, helped A Bao up, and said goodbye to us.

"Goodbye, drive carefully!" We watched Li Yang and the others get into the car and gradually disappear from our sight. Of course, at this moment, Li Yang and the others had no idea that this would be their final farewell to Li Hai.

After the car had completely disappeared, I looked back at the distant white clouds and asked, "Aren't you going back to help?"

"What?!" Bai Yun turned to me and winked, saying, "I specifically asked for leave, and besides, Fang Lei told me to take good care of you!"

"Oh dear!" I waved my hand and said, "I'm not a child, I don't need anyone to take care of me."

"Don't talk!" Li Hai suddenly hooked his arm around my shoulder from behind and said to Bai Yun, "He's the one we need to take care of the most!"

"If you don't speak, no one will think you're dead!" I turned around and glared at Li Hai.

"Hehe, let's go back to the temple, it's getting dark." After saying that, Baiyun had already taken the lead and walked up the mountain.

Looking at Baiyun's somewhat lonely figure, I didn't turn to Li Hai and ask, "Do you think it's over?"

"What do you mean?" Li Hai asked me in return.

"It's not over yet!" I stretched my arms and looked up at the sky. Perhaps it was the setting sun, but the entire sky was dyed a blood-red color, as if... the color of blood. A bad omen. I stared blankly at the sky. The blood-red clouds pressed down like thick blankets, layer upon layer, making it hard to breathe. It seemed as if drops of blood were falling from those clouds, and an uneasy feeling immediately filled my heart...

***********

Author's Note: There's a reason I haven't updated for two days. As you can see, there was a particularly difficult passage in this chapter that I revised repeatedly, afraid of going too far! When I showed it to my friend, she mocked me, calling me a pervert! Seriously... it made me so angry I almost vomited blood! :(

As a girl, it's quite difficult to write well about a man's impulses, so please bear with me! :) Feel free to offer suggestions! Criticism is welcome, but please don't throw bricks at my face! ^_^

Volume Two: The Devil's Left Eye, Chapter Thirty: Tang Jing's Memories

Volume Two: The Devil's Left Eye, Chapter Thirty: Tang Jing's Memories

The village looked peaceful under the setting sun, everything shrouded in a thin red veil. The blood-red Left Eye Village! I sighed, momentarily stunned.

"Hello, Uncle Tang!" Li Hai suddenly greeted an old man behind me. I looked closely and realized that this was Tang Jing, the one who had taken us to the temple for the night.

"Oh, it's you guys!" Tang Jing walked over with a smile and asked us, "Are you alright?"

"Oh, it's all alright now. Thank you!" I replied with a smile.

"That's great! By the way, would you like to come over to our house for a visit?" Tang Jing extended an invitation to us.

I looked up at the sky; it didn't seem too late. It might get dark halfway up the mountain path! After thinking about it, I decided it would be better to go to Tang Jing's house another time. But Li Hai said very happily, "Okay, okay! Sorry to bother you!"

"Haha~~ Then follow me!" Tang Jing said, and walked ahead to lead the way for us.

Seeing Tang Jing and Li Hai's enthusiasm, I shrugged helplessly and followed Tang Jing dejectedly. Unexpectedly, Li Hai suddenly lowered his voice and whispered in my ear, "Let's go see, maybe we'll find something!"

It seems Li Hai wants to start with the people in Zuomu Village! Alright, let's go with him! I raised my eyebrows and went to Tang Jing's house with Li Hai.

This family is considered relatively well-off in the village, at least the furniture in their house is quite complete. But once you compare them to those in the city, you'll understand why so many migrant workers go to the city to work every year.

Tang Jing's wife is an old woman with a full head of white hair, but she still looks quite healthy. Her face is covered with wrinkles as dry and hard as the rocks in the mountains.

After exchanging pleasantries and sitting down, Li Hai started chatting idly with Tang Jing. I never knew Li Hai could be so talkative; it was truly an eye-opener for me.

"Uncle Tang, do you remember the fire at the An family's house thirty years ago?" After discussing which family's sweet potatoes were the biggest, Li Hailian finally got down to business. I quickly straightened my body, which felt like it was about to fall apart.

"The An family?" Tang Jing's previously cheerful face immediately darkened. After thinking for a long time, he said, "It's terrible! So many people died all at once!"

"So, do you know anyone from the An family?" I asked hurriedly.

"I guess you could say we know each other, since they used to live here too. But they suddenly moved here more than forty years ago! Back then, the people in our village were puzzled. Rich people always want to stay in the most bustling places, so why did they keep moving to such remote places like ours?" Tang Jing seemed to be reminiscing.

"Then, do you know why they moved here?" I continued to ask. Although An Zhengxi had mentioned that her family moved here when she was young, I didn't know why they moved to Zuomu Village. I had been wondering if the An family was also after the Moonshadow Clan's treasure of the dead? Although I already knew from An Yi that they were actually members of the Moonshadow Clan who had been separated from their clan, if that was their identity, why hadn't they found the treasure of the dead all these years?

"It seems they're saying the scenery here is beautiful, perfect for a secluded life," Tang Jing replied.

"Seclusion? Who said that?" Li Hai asked.

“It must be An Zhengdong, the eldest son of the An family! He said that he and his wife have always been in poor health and want to find a beautiful place to live in seclusion.” Tang Jing finished speaking and nodded confidently.

"Oh, I see!" Li Hai winked at me. Of course, we knew that this was not the real reason; it was just An Zhengdong's excuse.

"Oh, right!" I suddenly remembered something and asked, "How do the An family members usually get along? And how do they get along with the people in the village?"

“They get along quite well with the villagers, but…” Tang Jing paused, then said, “There seems to be some problem between the brothers.”

"Oh? What do you mean?" I immediately perked up. Great, finally we have another clue.

"Although I'm not entirely sure, I've heard from some other people in our village that An Zhengdong doesn't seem to like his fourth brother, An Zhengbei."

An Zhengbei? An Yi's father? I frowned. Why didn't An Zhengbei tell his family about An Yi's situation, preferring to let his own son bear the stigma of being an illegitimate child? Was it really because of his discord with his older brother, An Zhengdong? But of course, they are brothers; what deep-seated hatred could they possibly have?

"Do you know why An Zhengdong doesn't like An Zhengbei?" I thought for a moment and asked.

"I don't know about that!" Tang Jing shook his head helplessly, but then immediately said "Oh," as if he remembered something, and said, "But someone once heard the two of them arguing in the woods. It seemed like An Zhengdong was calling his brother a beast, worse than an animal, and that he even dared to touch her or something. Then An Zhengbei yelled back, saying something like, 'If you don't love her, then let me love her.' I really can't remember the specifics, after all, it's been so many years!"

Is it "he" or "she"? If it's something that can make two men argue about this, then it must be "she"! But who is this "she"?

"Then may I ask," Li Hai suddenly interjected, "what is the relationship between An Zhengdong and his wife, Mu Wanrong?"

"With his wife? I really don't know anything about that!" Tang Jing smiled apologetically and said, "How can outsiders know about what's going on between a husband and wife?"

"This... are you talking about Mu Wanrong?" Tang Jing's wife, who had been sitting quietly to the side, suddenly spoke up timidly.