506 Investigations (1/2)
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!”