Chapter Thirty-One: The Fall of the Great Detective
“Li, what’s that sound?” Zou Yameng asked.
“I don’t know.” Lu Li turned to see the girls staring at him expectantly, and he felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. If it were just him and An Baili, he could calmly assess the situation, but with so many girls relying on him, he felt a surge of anxiety.
“Did someone break into the hotel?” Wen Hupo offered a rational explanation.
Lu Li picked up the wooden bar he’d used to prop open the window and swung it experimentally, a makeshift weapon. He disliked violence; human society had evolved beyond the need for brute force to solve problems. But sometimes, a lack of force could put one at a disadvantage.
The metallic scraping sound outside continued intermittently, Lu Li’s nerves on edge. This was the first time he’d taken so many girls on a trip, and each one was precious to him. He couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to them. And Lu Li wasn’t one to leave his fate to chance.
“I’ll go check it out. Sister Yameng, take care of them. Don’t make any noise.” Lu Li was confident in his reflexes and agility. He had been exceptionally quick in his youth; his homeroom teacher in his past life had even suggested he become a pilot.
“Lu Li, wait…” An Baili called out, but he had already slipped out the door. “Why does he always do this… taking matters into his own hands without saying anything…”
The corridor was pitch black. Lu Li gripped the wooden bar, peering towards the source of the heavy footsteps. He could make out a tall, moving figure. With each movement, the metallic clanging grew louder. He was certain that the hotel didn’t have any staff members of that size. In that split second, the faces of Sister Yameng, An Baili, Chu Jingyi, Wen Hupo, and Chen Jianing flashed through his mind. Driven by a sense of responsibility, he slowly raised the wooden bar…
“I’m so sorry, my little brother caused you so much trouble.” Zou Yameng bowed deeply. “He overreacted. I’ll discipline him when we get back.”
Across from her, the tall electrician rubbed his head. “Ouch, that kid really didn’t hold back… I thought I was going to be knocked out cold. I thought someone had broken into the Qingshan Hotel…”
Lu Li knelt beside Sister Yameng, his face burning with shame, his head bowed in apology. In both his lives, he had never felt so embarrassed. Even being mocked by his classmates for wearing Sister Yameng’s flesh-colored stockings as a child hadn’t been this humiliating.
He had seen the moving figure, swung the wooden bar without hesitation, and only realized his mistake after hearing a cry of pain. It wasn’t a murderer, it was just a person. The cleaning lady and the receptionist, alerted by the commotion, rushed over. They shone their flashlights, revealing the kindly electrician rubbing his head, leaning against the wall, muttering, “A burglar! A burglar!” Lu Li stood there, mortified.
He racked his brains for an excuse. He’d been influenced by An Baili’s ghost stories, and the cleaning lady’s suspicious behavior earlier that day hadn’t helped. He had also been subconsciously distrustful of this raffle-prize hotel. It was all a huge misunderstanding. The electrician had just arrived, carrying a bag full of metal tools, which explained the clanging sound. And he hadn’t turned on his flashlight because he’d been reaching into his bag for it.
The electrician, a sturdy man in his forties with a kind face, said, “It’s okay, it’s just a misunderstanding. I was worried there was an intruder. Don’t worry, I’m a tough guy. It’s just a flesh wound, nothing serious.”
The hotel was now brightly lit; the electrician had replaced the fuse.
His reassurances only deepened Lu Li’s shame. Sister Yameng, knowing him well, quickly transferred some money to the electrician, urging him to go to the hospital, despite his protests. “There’s no need, miss. Really, there’s no need.”
After a flurry of apologies, the electrician finally left. Lu Li remained kneeling beside Zou Yameng, the four girls behind them exchanging glances, some wanting to laugh, some wanting to comfort him, some fidgeting with their fingers in shared embarrassment.
The cleaning lady hadn’t left. She sat silently for a moment, then asked, “Is there something you’re not satisfied with about our service?”
“…What?”
“You didn’t contact the hotel immediately. You didn’t trust us, did you?”
An Baili jumped in. “It’s not Lu Li’s fault. It’s my fault. I read some rumors online, which made him nervous.”
“What rumors?”
“That… that there’s a murderer in this hotel, that someone was burned alive here…” An Baili’s gaze flickered, her hands clasped behind her back.
The cleaning lady was silent for a moment, then said softly, “There was a fire at the Qingshan Hotel, and someone did die in that fire.”
“Huh? Really?”
“The hotel was newly built at the time, and the fire safety measures weren’t adequate. A fire broke out while the owner, his wife, and their daughters were staying here. The owner’s wife, the receptionist’s mother, died in the accident. Her younger sister is still in the hospital.” The cleaning lady’s eyes filled with sadness. “After the fire, the owner renovated the hotel, but he lost his passion for running it. He spends all his time at the hospital, caring for his younger daughter, who suffers from severe depression. He left the hotel to his older daughter, who is still in school, so the business naturally suffered.”
An Baili’s jaw dropped, speechless.
“I was working at the hotel at the time. I suffered burns and developed a high fever. After I recovered, I developed facial paralysis.” The cleaning lady’s voice was flat, as if she were recounting someone else’s story. “The stories online are probably just rumors. I hope you won’t hold any prejudice against us.”
“…I… I’m sorry…”
Lu Li’s throat was dry. He asked, “Then what about the human-shaped bundle I saw you putting into the incinerator this afternoon…?”
“You must be referring to the promotional standees we used to use. If you don’t believe me, there are still a few left in the storage room.” The cleaning lady replied calmly.
So it was all a misunderstanding… Lu Li hung his head in shame, realizing he had jumped to conclusions.
After the cleaning lady left, the girls exchanged glances, no one daring to speak. Lu Li’s embarrassment was contagious. An Baili said pitifully, “It’s all my fault. I told those ghost stories and made everyone paranoid.”
Sister Yameng added, “I’m also at fault. As Li’s elder, I should have corrected him. It’s my responsibility.”
Silly Goose chimed in, “I’m also responsible. I shouldn’t have joined in with the ghost stories.”
Chen Jianing looked from one girl to another, then mumbled, “I shouldn’t have believed the little country bumpkin. It’s my fault for getting scared and dragging everyone down.”
Wen Hupo looked at them and suddenly smiled. Chen Jianing glared at her. “What are you smiling about? Everyone’s reflecting on their mistakes, and you’re laughing?”
“I’m laughing because someone just got incredibly lucky.” Wen Hupo looked at Lu Li, a twinkle in her eye.
Lu Li’s heart swelled with emotion, understanding that the girls were trying to protect him by taking the blame themselves. His eyes stung; their affection brought tears to his eyes. How embarrassing…
Chapter Thirty-Two: A Summer of Clamor
After their shared “crisis,” the girls’ relationships improved, and they found more common ground. The main topic of conversation was Lu Li’s reaction that night. They privately discussed his serious expression and dramatic pronouncements, giggling amongst themselves, then quickly changing the subject whenever he glanced their way. Lu Li didn’t mind; he was happy to see them bonding.
Their seven-day trip to the Maoming Tourist Resort felt shorter than it actually was. He spent the first few days swimming and sunbathing with the girls, the remaining days strolling through the concrete jungle of Maoming City. At night, he occasionally had to deal with An Baili’s “night raids” and Sister Yameng’s “room inspections.” One night, they both came to his room, resulting in an event best left undescribed.
Sometimes, seeking solitude, Lu Li would wrap himself in a light robe and wander onto the silver beach, encountering the cat under the moon. Wen Hupo often sat alone on the rocks late at night, singing an unfamiliar song, the melody beautiful, her voice ethereal. He could listen to her all night.
Free from the pressures of school, work, and the future, this life felt like a preview of his retirement. Speaking of which, Lu Li planned to retire before he turned thirty.
Happy days always fly by, and soon it was time to leave.
Lu Li had grown accustomed to sleeping in past eight o’clock. During their stay at the resort, he usually woke up around eleven or twelve, roused by the warmth of a naked An Baili slipping into his bed. That was the downside of summer; cuddling often resulted in a sticky, sweaty mess.
He ran a hand through his hair, realizing he hadn’t had a haircut in a while. It was now long enough to tie back in a small ponytail. Long hair was inconvenient and made him look unkempt. He decided to ask Sister Yameng for a haircut when they returned to Chuanhai. He dragged his small suitcase towards the exit, surprised to find the girls, led by Sister Yameng, already waiting in the lobby. They had changed back into their own clothes, looking youthful and vibrant.
They hadn’t noticed him yet, still engrossed in their conversation. What were they talking about? Lu Li listened closer. It seemed that the girls, excluding Wen Hupo, were asking Chu Jingyi for beauty tips, inquiring about the brands and shades of makeup she used. Silly Goose happily shared her knowledge, often citing her mother’s advice, explaining which products were effective and gentle on the skin. Lu Li saw Chen Jianing and An Baili discreetly taking notes on their phones, even Sister Yameng listening attentively.
This unexpected beach trip had erased the subtle tensions between them, perhaps because they were all inherently good people.
Zou Yameng suddenly asked, “Jingyi, can you eat lipstick?”
“Huh?” Silly Goose was taken aback. “Who would eat lipstick?”
Zou Yameng blushed; she’d never used lipstick before. “I mean, if you’re wearing lipstick, is it harmful if you accidentally ingest it?”
Silly Goose still didn’t understand. “Why would you accidentally ingest lipstick? You don’t lick your lips…”
An Baili whispered, “You can eat it. Lipstick doesn’t affect kissing.”
Lu Li chuckled. “What are you all talking about? Have you checked out yet?”
Zou Yameng quickly stood up, flustered. “Li, you were eavesdropping again!”
“Sister, do you want to buy some lipstick?”
“No. I’m not used to it.”
As she spoke, her pink lips moved slightly. Lu Li studied her face, deciding that she didn’t need lipstick. Her natural complexion was rosy and vibrant.
“Lu Li, we’ve already checked out. We’re just waiting for you,” Chu Jingyi said, her smile sweet. She had enjoyed this seven-day trip immensely. She’d seen Lu Li every day, eaten with him, held his hand while strolling through the city… In her innocent mind, this was the epitome of a perfect relationship.
Lu Li nodded, turning to the only “outsider.” “Jianing, did you have fun these past few days?”
Little Tiger, surprised that he was talking to her directly, simply stared at him blankly. When he repeated her name, she finally replied, “It was alright…” Was that sarcasm or not?
“Alright, since everyone’s ready, let’s go!” Lu Li clapped his hands, deciding not to dwell on the question, leaving Chen Jianing feeling slightly disappointed.
Just then, the receptionist, looking reluctant, approached them carrying a bag filled with gift boxes. “Wait, there are souvenirs for our guests. One box per person.”
Lu Li took the heavy bag and distributed the boxes. Soon, he heard An Baili’s excited voice. “These shoes are so pretty!” He turned to see her holding a pair of canvas shoes with a unique print, one side depicting a silver beach, the other bearing the Qingshan Hotel logo. They were the perfect size, as if custom-made.
The other girls also opened their boxes, each finding a pair of canvas shoes with different prints: a beach, a small sun, a little house. Lu Li opened his box, then called out to the receptionist, “There’s only one shoe in my box.”
The receptionist frowned and walked over, looking at the single shoe in his box. “The warehouse staff must have made a mistake. I’ll get you another pair. Do you wear size 41 or 42?”
“Size 42, please.” Size 42 was a bit large for him, but 41 was too tight.
The receptionist rummaged under the counter. “Do you want canvas shoes with laces or slip-ons?”
Slip-ons? Lu Li was indeed lazy; he liked the convenience of not having to tie his shoes. He was about to ask for slip-ons when he suddenly remembered Zhu Xi’s cryptic words: “Remember to tie your shoelaces; loose shoelaces can cause tripping.” Wen Hupo whispered, “Canvas shoes with laces look more formal.”
Lu Li glanced at Wen Hupo, then said, “I’ll take the same canvas shoes as them.”
As he took the new canvas shoes from the receptionist, he felt a strange sensation, as if something had shifted in the universe. The feeling was fleeting, disappearing as quickly as it came.
As they left the hotel and boarded the bus to the high-speed rail station, the girls continued their lively debate about whose shoes were the prettiest. An Baili, ever the drama queen, whined and begged Chu Jingyi to trade shoes with her. They wore the same size, and she insisted that Silly Goose’s shoes were nicer. Chen Jianing muttered to herself; Lu Li couldn’t hear what she was saying, but he assumed she was complaining about An Baili. They were the only passengers on the bus, yet it was filled with their chatter. They say three women make a crowd; what about six?
Lu Li rested his chin on his hand, counting the small black dots on the bus window, when a sudden brightness filled his vision. The bus had left the resort area and entered the open countryside, where the brilliant summer sun could freely unleash its light and heat. He gazed at the world outside, listening to the girls’ chatter, feeling that this summer couldn’t get any more boisterous.
He looked at his faint reflection in the window and smiled, thinking, If only these days could last forever.
The bus honked its horn and, bid farewell by the metaphorical dancing Khampa men, disappeared down the road, leaving behind the silent, silver beach, waiting for its next visitors.
Would they also talk about the legend of the murderer?