CH 25

Lu Fanghong continued, “The exchange between the two of them was only during exams at first, and later, it developed into classes that Chen Yanyan didn’t want to attend, parties that Chen Yanyan didn’t want to attend, etc., and sometimes even social activities that Chen Yanyan didn’t want to go to. They were all thrown to Fan Xin.”

“Their bodies are similar. Fan Xin is a very serious person as well. As long as she wants to imitate, there will be almost no flaws. She also taught Chen Yanyan quite a few. She told Chen Yanyan how to imitate mannerisms, little movements, oral habits, preferences, and after a long time, I gradually couldn’t tell the two of them apart….”

The ghost exorcist leaned forward slightly, “Why have you never mentioned this matter?”

“Because Chen Yanyan said that if any of us speak out, we will ‘pay the price’.” Lu Fanghong closed his eyes, “We are just ordinary people, we don’t know exorcism and those things, who knows how Chen Yanyan will retaliate. The four of us seem to be friends on the surface, but we are actually quite hypocritical.”

He laughed a few times, “Besides, I think the matter of swapping identities has nothing to do with the extermination case, thus I didn’t mention it.”

“The reason why I want to talk today, it can be regarded as a settlement of my worries.” He took a long breath, “Speaking out, I really feel much more relaxed.”

Lu Fanghong finally smiled, “However, Fan Xin has been dead for so many years, and talking about her, I still miss her very much.”

****

Four Hole Slaughterhouse.

Chen Yanyan stared fixedly at Lu Yingjiu.

There were more than ten meters between her and the three of them, and the icy air seemed to freeze around it.

Lu Yingjiu’s expression was very calm, as if he was simply waiting for an answer, Xiao Li was at a loss, and Jing Xian right next to Lu Yingjiu——He didn’t have much expression, but that kind of fear that made Chen Yanyan’s scalp tingle surged back into her heart.

Chen Yanyan suppressed her thumping heartbeat, took a deep breath, and said word by word, “There are exceptions to everything, aren’t there? Can you guarantee that that ghost didn’t made a mistake?” She eased her tone again, and said lightly, “Mr. Lu, let’s settle things one by one, let’s get rid of the ghost first. Besides, you three big men, you won’t do anything to me, right?”

Lu Yingjiu spread his hands, “Indeed, after all, you are not a ‘threat’ to me now. But for safety purposes, please follow me to be investigated later. I know a few people from the Chen family, as long as you can prove your identity, there will be no problem.”

The human skin mask must have been made by someone from the Chen family in private. Generally speaking, the atmosphere of the Chen family was very upright. If there was a problem within the family, there would be a fast speed thorough investigation and elimination. If violations of discipline were found, they would definitely be dealt with.

The few people Lu Yingjiu knew had been friends with him for many years, and they were completely trustworthy.

Chen Yanyan gritted her teeth tightly.

In the next second, she turned around and ran away!

Without a shoe, she started to run with a limp, her white feet trampling the rough ground. Before she could run a few steps, she was thrown down by the black fur ball!

The furball looked small, but its weight was not light at all. “Chen Yanyan” screamed crazily, scratching the ground, and the movement raised a large cloud of dust, which danced wildly in mid-air, and landed on her white clothes again.

She screamed, “B***h! Chen Yanyan is a b***h! You all are!! Go to hell! Die for me!!”

****

15 hours later, Lujiang Central Hospital.

Outside the ward, Lu Yingjiu saw the girl lying quietly on the hospital bed through the one-way glass. She still had a plaster cast on her right hand, while her left hand was handcuffed to the hospital bed.

After a whole night of tossing, she fell asleep.

The light from the window shone on her face, making her skin look slightly rough and lacking in moisture, she no longer looked radiant.

A lot of talisman papers were pasted on the wall, and a member of the Chen family was guarding beside her to prevent her from escaping.

Last night, they brought “Chen Yanyan” all the way from the Four Hole Slaughterhouse to this hospital.

The hospital had cooperated with exorcists; they had separated a floor for receiving such special patients.

Xiao Li registered in his own name, and reported it to the Green Lantern Association, so that people in the association could contact the Chen family. Lu Yingjiu also found contacts in the Chen family, and discussed the matter with them.

Thus, in the early morning of this day, several people from the Chen family came over and used a series of talisman papers amidst the screams of “Chen Yanyan”.

The talisman paper burned, and the skin on her face seemed to become too dry, slowly forming a layer of skin. Finally, one person gently lifted it and took off the entire human skin mask.

Her small nose, her red lips, her soft black hair were all gone.

Like a painted skin ghost, the original shape was revealed little by little, revealing its original appearance.

The lovely “Chen Yanyan” disappeared, replaced by a girl with yellowish complexion and chapped lips, someone that could easily blend in the crowd. There was a spiteful, terrifying light in her eyes.

After comparison, it was basically confirmed that she was the “dead” Fan Xin.

But she refused to say anything.

Lu Yingjiu stared at her silently for a while.

There was some movement behind him, he turned his head and saw Jing Xian carrying porridge and deep-fried dough sticks in his hands.

Jing Xian smiled at him, “Have breakfast first, continue later.”

The two of them went to the end of the corridor and found a place to have breakfast.

Lu Yingjiu took a sip of the century egg and lean meat porridge, it was delicious, not too salty nor too bland. Jing Xian next to him ate a red bean paste bun and said, “This is delicious, try it.” After speaking, he stuffed a bun into his hand.

Lu Yingjiu accepted Jing Xian’s feeding, the steamed bun was hot in his hands.

Lu Yingjiu was about to speak, when suddenly there was a sound of footsteps at the end of the corridor, a large group of people came in noisily.

Looking up, a man in a suit and leather shoes with well-cut hair came with a group of ghost exorcists.

As usual, when Chu Banyang saw Lu Yingjiu, the expression on his face was very subtle, as if he wanted to laugh, but wanted to keep his face taut, as if he wanted to speak up, but was proud and awkward.

In short, he was entangled to death.

He looked at Lu Yingjiu, and finally said, “Why are you still here?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed Jing Xian again.

Jing Xian sat beside Lu Yingjiu, his profile was handsome and tough.

He didn’t know why, but at this moment, the alarm bell in Chu Banyang’s heart rang loudly – that kind of feeling, like a beautiful male peacock with its train spread, simply raised its head and chest, walked past, and then suddenly bumped into another male peacock.

Chu Banyang subconsciously stood up straighter, with many thoughts that flashed in an instant.

My hairstyle is definitely fine.

My clothes are definitely fine.

What else?

My shoes are definitely fine as well.

After this, he was sure that his appearance was impeccable, and immediately felt much more comfortable.

“Isn’t this the look of waiting for someone to speak out.” Lu Yingjiu answered him, leaning back in the chair comfortably, “I don’t have the slightest clue about the mask yet.” (TL: waiting for Chen Yanyan to speak out.)

“The members of the Chen family are coming soon.” Chu Banyang said, “President Chen will also come tomorrow. We will let you know when the results come out.”

It seemed to be tactfully chasing customers away.

As a suspect, Lu Yingjiu found “Chen Yanyan” by himself, the situation had already become very serious.

Although he sent Fan Xin back to the hospital in the name of Xiao Li, and called the Chen family to uncover the mask; the exchange of identities between Fan Xin and Chen Yanyan undoubtedly brought more doubts to the case, no one dared to jump to conclusions.

But in the final analysis, theoretically speaking, he should not have anything to do with this matter. Leaving now without being seen by more people was the best choice.

Of course Lu Yingjiu knew this.

But he only took a sip of soy milk and said slowly, “Don’t worry, I’m not in a hurry. If I wait for Chen Zheng to come over, maybe I can give him some ideas. The two of us haven’t had tea together for a long time, just in time to do some catching up.”

He pretended not to know that he was being investigated.

—If he hadn’t received a text message at Lane East Bar, he really wouldn’t know.

Chu Banyang was slightly stunned for two seconds.

He was almost taken aback.

To be honest, Young Master Chu was very confused: It was clearly stated in the text message, he told Lu Yingjiu in clarity, why is Lu Yingjiu not acting tactfully again now? Isn’t this guy usually very smart and quick-witted?

This demeanor was quickly restrained by him.

But Lu Yingjiu had already seen it.

Chu Banyang frowned, and continued, “Look, it’s not very good if you are present in this kind of investigation. Even I will try my best to avoid it, after all, it involves the secrets of the Chen family. Let me speak bluntly, you’d better go home and wait for the result.”

He was trying his best to drive Lu Yingjiu away, so as not to be seen by other people in the meeting.

Chu Banyang didn’t show it on his face, seeing that Lu Yingjiu didn’t answer for a long time, and was even concentrating on drinking the soy milk that Jing Xian was feeding, his brows frowned even deeper, “Lu Yingjiu, what on earth are you……..”

After drinking the last sip of soy milk, Lu Yingjiu stood up and smiled, “Okay, I’m leaving now.” He turned around and called, “Jing Xian, let’s go.”

Chu Banyang didn’t know why he changed his mind.

Lu Yingjiu got up to leave, and when he passed him, he stood still and said in a low voice, “There is one thing I didn’t tell you. Before us, someone went to the mask processing room. He took some things, but the smell was still there and attracted a bunch of cockroaches.”

Chu Banyang was stunned for half a second, “Do you know what it is?”

“I suspect that it’s a human skin mask.” Lu Yingjiu said, “No matter the smell or the fact that it attracts cockroaches, it’s consistent.”

Chu Banyang nodded, his face remained calm, “Okay, I understand.”

Lu Yingjiu nodded slightly: “Thank you for your messages.”

Chu Banyang was shocked.

His reaction: My astonishment just now exposed myself!

Perhaps, Lu Yingjiu has already suspected that the text message was sent by him, coupled with his obviously abnormal sense of dumbfoundedness……

“Wait!” Chu Banyang said.

“Hm?” Lu Yingjiu looked back at him.

Chu Banyang said in a deep voice, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” 

Lu Yingjiu merely smiled lightly, “Then, you don’t know.”

He and Jing Xian left, and their figures disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Chu Banyang stood where he was, and after a few seconds, he realized that his earlobe was terribly hot. He suddenly turned around, grabbed Xiao Li and asked, “Who is that person next to Lu Yingjiu?”

“Ah—” Xiao Li was taken aback, “It seems that his name is Jing Xian, and he is an old friend of Brother Lu.”

“Old friend.” Chu Banyang thought about this phrase, “Where is his old friend from, his childhood friend, isn’t it only Ye Feng?” 

“I don’t know either.” Xiao Li scratched his head, “But the two of them seem to have a good relationship. However Master, how do you know that he had only one childhood friend……you really know Brother Lu.”

Chu Banyang: “…….”

Chu Banyang: “Xiao Li, you haven’t finished copying the book last time, have you?”

“Ah?” Xiao Li was stunned, “That’s right.”

Chu Banyang patted him on the shoulder, “Copy it three more times to consolidate knowledge points.”

Xiao Li: ???

Chu Banyang brought people to Fan Xin’s ward.

He turned around and said, “You all, don’t come in yet.” Then he pushed open the door alone.

The room was quiet, the handcuffs shone with silver light under the cold light while the girl’s eyes were still closed.

Chu Banyang pulled a stool, sat down in front of her, and said, “You are awake, right.”

This sentence was not a question, but a statement.

Chu Banyang continued, “In fact, I only have one simple question: On the day of the extermination case, the one that went to the Lane East bar to meet the Chen family, was it Chen Yanyan or you?”

Fan Xin still had her eyes closed, her expression was very relaxed, as if she was still in a deep dream.

Then, she heard a rubbing sound.

It seemed that something soft was gently rubbing against her, but she couldn’t tell, she simply felt wind blowing on her face.

Something lightly scratched her cheek.

It’s itchy.

Fan Xin could hardly control her expression, the thing was also persistent that it made her skin itchy. The tingling sensation was unbearable, and when the thing passed her eyelids for the second time, Fan Xin couldn’t help it, and opened her eyes.

The thing rubbing against her was a……..peacock?

The peacock was about the size of a cat, blue-green all over, blinking its golden eyes, standing by the pillow and tilting its head to look at her. And on its tail feathers, every inch of the eye spot was turning, just like real eyes!

Just now, it had scratched her face with its feathers.

Fan Xin wanted to get up and stay away from it, she turned her head only to unexpectedly meet a pair of golden green eyes.

Chu Banyang invited the Peacock God, and at this moment, the color of his pupils became exactly the same as the peacock.

Fan Xin and him looked at each other, she got dizzy, as if seeing the colorful tail feathers of a peacock after spreading its tail, constantly changing like a kaleidoscope, almost dragging her into an illusion.

Chu Banyang leaned forward and asked word by word, “Who went that day, was it Chen Yanyan or you?”

****

“I think the person who went to the bar that day was Fan Xin.” Lu Yingjiu said.

Jing Xian was driving.

He wanted to try as a beginner, and by the way, also show off his financial resources in front of Lu Yingjiu, therefore he changed to a Maybach and threw the already “no value” Aston Martin away.

Perhaps the pursuit of speed and strength was engraved in every man’s heart. Jing Xian really liked car racing: this thing is not worse than any hook snake, Zhu Long, and ghost qilin in the ghost world! This is much more handsome!

When Lu Yingjiu saw his new car, before getting inside, he said leisurely, “I think you don’t need to come to my office to work.”

“Why?” Jing Xian was taken aback.

“If you really work under me to drive away ghosts, I can only give you 6,000 a month as a salary.” Lu Yingjiu said, “If you work for over a thousand months, you can buy another car like this.” He then supported his forehead, “To be honest, getting to know Chu Banyang and you cause me to have a great misunderstanding of the average income and economic level of the people, I feel like I am poverty-stricken and needed assistance.”

Unexpectedly, Jing Xian suddenly became alert, “That person named Chu is also very rich?”

“That’s right.” Lu Yingjiu said, “The Chu family is the richest man in the south, he is also the only son of his father, so he must be like a local tycoon.”

Jing Xian murmured, “It’s getting cold, let the Chu Group go bankrupt.”

Lu Yingjiu: “Ah?”

He obviously didn’t get Jing Xian’s brain circuit.

Jing Xian recalled the many masterpieces of novels brought back by Bai Wuchang, and remembered the famous saying “a bamboo horse can’t beat an airborne”, he couldn’t help feeling alert—although he didn’t figure out for a while whether he was the bamboo horse or the airborne. (TL: childhood friend can’t beat a new comer)

He shook his head sadly, “Hurry up and get in the car.” After speaking, he took out a bag of snacks from the back seat and stuffed it into Lu Yingjiu’s hand.

On their way, they went back to “Wednesday 50% Discount Office”.

While eating a bag of sandwich biscuits, Lu Yingjiu said, “I still insist on my point of view. A simple four-corner game can’t summon such a strong ghost. If it were replaced, like someone deliberately taking the obsession of that fierce ghost, and taking it to the private room, it’s much more reasonable.” (TL: LY meant the Lane East Bar private room.)

He continued, “Chen Yanyan has no motive to do this. Therefore, I can’t figure it out.”

“However, if it was Fan Xin who went to the private room, it would make sense.”

Jing Xian: “In other words, it is very likely that Fan Xin cooperated with someone to complete the case of exterminating the family.”

“Yes.” Lu Yingjiu nodded approvingly, “It’s obvious that such a detailed plan can’t be done with just a young girl who is an amateur. Moreover, the human skin mask she wears needs to be replaced constantly.”

“Six years have passed since the extermination case. I have a few friends in the Chen family. They said that the human skin mask can only be kept for one and a half to two years at most. That is to say, during these years, someone is still making new masks for Fan Xin.”

With a smooth arc, the Maybach overtook several cars in a row.

Jing Xian: “Just ask the Chen family to investigate.”

“This case is related to me, I can’t let it go completely.” Lu Yingjiu opened a box of fruit juice, “Besides, this case is quite interesting, isn’t it? If I don’t investigate, I will have nothing to do.”

His usual entertainment activities were extremely limited.

One was because they were not interesting, and the other was that the supernatural commissions were already taken over.

Jing Xian hesitated for a few seconds and said, “Besides the investigation, there are still many other things.”

“For example?” Lu Yingjiu looked sideways at him.

“For example, going to see the sea, going to a shooting range, climbing mountains, or riding a roller coaster.” Jing Xian said, “I think amusement parks are good.”

“Amusement park.” Lu Yingjiu remembered something and smiled, “The only time I went to an amusement park was to accompany Ye Feng and his cousin. His cousin was timid and wanted to go to the haunted house, so we accompanied her. As a result, she yelled all the way, while Ye Feng and I almost fell asleep. The roller coaster was not bad either.”

“Then let’s solve this problem, and go to the amusement park after.” Jing Xian stepped on the accelerator, “Isn’t there a big amusement park in Lujiang City?” 

“Yes, Yunxiao Amusement Park.” Lu Yingjiu drank the grape juice in his hand, “I thought you were not interested in these.”

Jing Xian said with a smile, “How can I not be interested? I am interested in many things and want to try them one by one.”

As long as it’s with you.

He didn’t say the last half of the sentence.

Lu Yingjiu hummed and said, “Go if you want. If this case is over and I’m not a wanted criminal anymore, I’ll accompany you.”

Jing Xian thought to himself: it doesn’t matter if he becomes a wanted criminal, when the time comes, he will make the whole amusement park haunted, he will put real ghosts in the haunted house, spray some blood on the fountain, with the ferris wheel moving by itself, so that no one will dare to play anymore, which will be more convenient for him and Lu Yingjiu to spend time together.

……..just thinking about it, he felt a little excited.

Lu Yingjiu glanced at him, “What are you laughing about?” He had a bad feeling.

“It’s nothing.” Jing Xian flatly denied it, and drove the car even faster. Lu Yingjiu simply smiled and lowered his seat to catch up on sleep.