Translator: CinderTL
Jiang Cheng had some understanding of the profession of an illustrator, as he had a regular client who worked in this field. It was a job that involved drawing illustrations for a living.
At first glance, it seemed like a leisurely occupation, but in reality, it came with significant pressure and the constant risk of being chased for deadlines, much like writing mystery novels.
Based on the information they had pieced together about Lin Chen, Jiang Cheng mentally sketched a profile of her and felt that this job suited her well.
"If we keep investigating like this, we might run out of time," Hua Luo said, visibly anxious, perhaps due to the information he had received. "We can't wait any longer. I suggest we take a look at Room 808 in Building 3 before the people there return."
Everyone understood his urgency, as the mission had a strict seven-day deadline, and more than half of that time had already passed.
"But we don't have the key," Fatty pointed out.
"We can go to the landlord," Hua Luo quickly suggested. "He must have a spare key."
"Right," Banana Wolf suddenly remembered something and looked at the group. "Not all the men who entered Sister Qing's room were killed. The landlord is still alive, but not because he's a good person. It's because Sister Qing found him useful."
Wan Yuanning frowned slightly. "So the injuries on the landlord... were they done by Weng Qing?"
"Yes," Banana Wolf swallowed hard. He had seen the injuries on the landlord's body and face, and they were quite horrifying. "Actually, the landlord used to be quite good-looking, but he was also someone who played with women's feelings. To prevent him from harming others, Sister Qing..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but everyone understood. Given the landlord's current condition, it would be nearly impossible for him to seduce any women.
As soon as Banana Wolf finished speaking, he noticed everyone looking at him with strange expressions. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" he asked, feeling suspicious.
"Nothing," Jiang Cheng said with a smile, changing the subject. "It seems you and Weng Qing get along quite well."
"Do we?" Banana Wolf's cheeks visibly reddened, and he began to avoid eye contact. "I don't think so. I haven't noticed anything."
Chu Jiu, with her innocent voice, exposed Banana Wolf's facade. "Brother Tai Lang," she blinked and asked, "You were in there for almost two hours. Were you just chatting with her the whole time?"
Everyone had already found it odd. When mentioning Weng Qing, everyone either called her by her name or referred to her as "her." Only Banana Wolf was different, constantly calling her "Sister Qing" and talking about how pitiful and difficult her situation was. This made everyone question his stance.
Whose side was he really on?
"We... we were really just discussing important matters," Banana Wolf stammered, licking his lips nervously.
"Did you see that!" Fatty exclaimed as if he had discovered something new, pointing at Banana Wolf. "He just licked his lips! I seriously suspect this old pervert has sold us out!"
"No, I really didn't!" Banana Wolf hurriedly defended himself. "I just think Sister Qing is a good person and truly pitiful. Moreover, she also wants to catch Li Maoshen. In that regard, our goals align!"
"Alright, alright," Hua Luo, feeling a headache coming on, decided to change the topic. "Let's go downstairs and find the landlord to get the key to Room 808."
"No," Jiang Cheng said bluntly.
Hua Luo had already turned to leave but turned back upon hearing Jiang Cheng's objection. "Why not? If we wait any longer, things might go wrong!"
Jiang Cheng pondered for a moment and, without arguing, calmly said, "Have you thought about what might happen if we actually open the door to Room 808?"
Wan Yuanning chimed in, "Are you worried that Lin Chen might also be in Room 808?"
Jiang Cheng glanced at her. His interest in this woman had shifted from her figure to her identity, but he hid it well and nodded. "If Weng Qing can appear during the day, why can't Lin Chen?"
Hearing this, Fatty's expression changed slightly. If what the Doctor said was true, then opening the door to Room 808 might lead to something terrifying.
Weng Qing in Room 717 was clearly not the strongest entity in this scenario. The man in black, or Lin Chen, who was closely related to the man in black, was.
"Mr. Hao," Hua Luo looked at him and said, "Anyone can point out problems, but the real challenge is solving them. I understand the risks, but I think it's worth it. If you disagree, please present your plan, and we can discuss it."
Fatty mentally translated this to mean, "Stop just talking; if you can do better, then do it."
But Fatty knew that the Doctor was someone who always had a clear plan in mind. If he said something, he must have already thought it through.
"Let's go downstairs first," Jiang Cheng stood up and said to the others. "We'll go ask the landlord about Room 808."
When they arrived at the landlord's door, they found it locked, and there was no response when they knocked.
Hua Luo asked everyone to step back, then lifted the hem of his skirt, focused his strength in his waist, and delivered a clean side kick, breaking the door open.
Due to the severe aging of the door frame, wood splinters flew everywhere.
Fatty hadn't expected this cross-dressing man to be so ruthless, despite his gentle appearance.
After searching the room, they found that the landlord was not there. Wan Yuanning speculated that he might have fled, fearing that they would come back for revenge.
On the large table, even the big teacup and the tin can for tea leaves were gone, indicating that he wouldn't be returning anytime soon.
They rummaged through the room. The wooden table was covered with a glass panel, under which were photos and flyers for Peace Apartment.
They looked quite old, and among them were a few photos of a somewhat handsome middle-aged man.
He appeared to be in his early forties, with a clean crew cut, wearing a floral shirt, distressed jeans, and canvas shoes. He tilted his head and looked up with a sly expression.
This must have been the landlord in his earlier days.
Jiang Cheng pulled open one wooden drawer after another, finding only miscellaneous items until he came across a locked drawer.
Looking at the locked drawer, Jiang Cheng remembered that this was the drawer where the landlord kept the keys.
The keys to their rooms had been taken from this drawer last time.
"Fatty," Jiang Cheng turned to Fatty, who was holding a large screwdriver, and said, "Pry this drawer open."
"Alright."
Once the drawer was pried open, everyone gathered around. Inside, it was very clean, with only a large curved plastic tray.
The tray had clearly been used for a long time, with worn edges and some areas turning yellow.
There were several hooks on the tray, each holding a set of keys.
(End of the Chapter)
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