Chapter 213: The Fog
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
As if she had found some precious clues in the darkness, Ruan Yesheng hurriedly asked, "What has your uncle been investigating all this time?"
She already had a guess in her heart, and whispered, "Could it be your mother..."
Xi Mo nodded slowly: "That's what I guessed too. But he has never actively revealed anything, so I can't be 100% sure. My uncle is usually very busy, and we don't see each other often. But every time we meet, he gives me a large sum of money, even more during the New Year. He says it's from my mother, and I have to accept it, otherwise Mom will be sad."
With Xi Mo’s wealth and income, even she called it “a huge amount of money.” Ruan Yesheng could roughly guess what kind of number it was.
“If he really is investigating the truth behind your mother’s death, then why would he trace it to this kind of serial number?” Ruan Yesheng thought it over. “Your mother died when you were five years old, so that was more than twenty years ago. But when something happened to my parents, it was only a few years ago when I was in university. There is more than ten years between those two incidents. What connection could there possibly be?”
“I want to directly ask Uncle.” Xi Mo said, “The third and fourth day of the new year are the times I visit elders. I already arranged to go eat at Uncle’s house on the third day.”
"This is indeed an opportunity. But will your uncle tell you?" Having found a new breakthrough, Ruan Yesheng felt a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness, and worry.
“Whether he says anything or not ultimately depends on Uncle himself. But first we should prepare as much as possible and organize copies of all the information we already know. Then we will act according to the situation.” Xi Mo said.
Ruan Yesheng froze. “We… together?”
“I’d like you to come with me, is that alright?” Xi Mo asked her sincerely. “I know the serial number is important to you, and you probably want to know as soon as possible. Moreover, if you’re there, you can add some details.”
"Of course, I'd be happy to," Ruan Yesheng said, touched. She truly hoped to get closer to the truth hidden behind the fog.
Xi Mo knew that Ruan Yesheng was good at handling interpersonal relationships, so she wasn't worried that Ruan Yesheng would be nervous. Still, she proactively told Ruan Yesheng some information so she could use it as reference. “Besides us, Sister Jian Hui will also be there. Sister Jian Hui is cheerful and generous, and she has good relationships with almost everyone in the Jian family. Uncle Jian Sun is more silent and basically only trusts Sister Jian Hui. He also asks her for advice, so Sister Jian Hui will most likely know some things about Uncle’s investigation. You can talk more with Sister Jian Hui. Maybe you can learn some important information.”
"Is Sister Jian Hui also in the antique business?" Ruan Yesheng knew many people around Xi Mo, and those people all liked Ruan Yesheng, but she knew almost nothing about Jian Hui.
“Sister Jian Hui is in archaeology. She is already an associate professor.” Xi Mo meaningfully said, “She stays outside all year round and rarely comes back, so you can't possibly become close friends with her behind my back. That is normal too.”
Ruan Yesheng: “…”
“Are you hinting at me?” Ruan Yesheng rested one hand under her chin and glanced at Xi Mo.
Xi Mo said, “…Sort of?”
“I’m about to become close friends with her,” Ruan Yesheng said.
Xi Mo: "..."
After that, Xi Mo told Ruan Yesheng more things about Jian Sun and Jian Hui. Once Ruan Yesheng understood enough, Xi Mo added, “You said before that the person in the baseball cap saw someone who looked a lot like your mother at Changsha Hospital, and there was also that person with the serial number tattoo. Did you investigate the hospital afterward?”
“I asked Tinghuan to go there.” Ruan Yesheng said somewhat sadly, “But there was no name Ruan Xijian in the outpatient record that day. We thought it was possible that they saw her when she was discharged that day, so we took my mother’s photo to ask the inpatient department. A nurse said that she had seen a patient who looked somewhat like the one in the photo and had stayed in the hospital for three days. Unfortunately, the information still didn’t match up. It was not my mother’s name, and the age is different.”
“And that patient had chestnut-colored hair dyed, but my mother never dyed her hair before.” Ruan Yesheng added.
“What reason was she hospitalized for?” Xi Mo asked.
“They said it was poisoning.” Worry appeared on Ruan Yesheng’s face. “Luckily she recovered after being hospitalized, and nothing happened.”
“That tattooed person, what identity did they claim? Did the nurse say?”
Ruan Yesheng said, "The tattooed person was a woman who claimed to be the sister of the patient who looked like my mother. She stayed by her side the whole time, and the nurse even said she was very good at taking care of people."
“It would be strange if she stayed by the patient’s side every step of the way.” Xi Mo said, “Many family members can’t do that. This might not be care, but rather… surveillance. She might be afraid that the patient will run away.”
“That’s what I’m worried about.” Ruan Yesheng’s tone became anxious again: “The two just disappeared, and the investigation has just stopped. There has been no progress since then.”
Xi Mo placed her hand on Ruan Yesheng's shoulder and patted her gently, reassuring her, "Let's continue the investigation. The most important thing right now is to find out about the numbers. If Uncle really knows something, maybe there will be clues about your mother again.”
Ruan Yesheng nodded. Xi Mo then asked her many more questions about the past, and Ruan Yesheng told her everything truthfully. Xi Mo learned more about how Ruan Yesheng and Yan Tinghuan had conspired to deceive her, and how she had been completely fooled by the two of them.
As the things she "confessed" came to light one by one, Xi Mo's expression darkened. Ruan Yesheng, observing her expression, immediately seized the opportunity to beg for mercy.
However, much of the conversation that evening was rather heavy, and Ruan Yesheng was somewhat downcast. Xi Mo couldn't bear to say anything to her; otherwise, normally, Xi Mo would have definitely "demanded repayment" from her this time.
The next day, the second day of the new year, the two first went to see Feng Tangtang and ate lunch at her house.
Feng Tangtang never imagined that Sister Xi would one day visit her home. She started preparing nervously early in the morning. When her mother heard that besides Ruanruan, Feng Tangtang's boss would also be coming to eat, she became even busier preparing everything carefully.
Halfway through, Feng Tangtang found a chance to secretly talk with Ruan Yesheng. Sure enough, just as Xi Mo expected, she told her Xi Mo had once asked about Ruan Yesheng’s parents’ names on New Year’s Eve.
Feng Tangtang also said, “Ruanruan, when Sister Xi asked that, maybe she had some reason. She treats you so well, so she definitely did not mean anything bad. But I still felt I should tell you. If it is convenient, you should talk with her about it. What do you think?”
“I think Tangtang is especially good.” Ruan Yesheng said.
No matter what happened, Feng Tangtang was always there for her. Ruan Yesheng comforted Feng Tangtang, saying that she had already spoken to Xi Mo about it and that she shouldn't worry. Only then did Feng Tangtang breathe a sigh of relief.
In the afternoon, the two went to Shen Qingbie's house.
Shen Qingbie was even more excited than Feng Tangtang. Ruan Yesheng had been to her house many times before, but this was Xi Mo's first time visiting Shen Qingbie's home. Moreover, Xi Mo had brought New Year's gifts. Shen Qingbie excitedly led Xi Mo and Ruan Yesheng around to see everything. In the end, it was only after Ruan Yesheng secretly sent her a text message reminding her to be careful that she managed to restrain herself a little.
Shen Qingbie introduced Xi Mo to her collection of many limited-edition items, which were practically collections of strange and unusual things, and there was even a matryoshka doll set inside.
The outermost matryoshka doll was extremely huge. Shen Qingbie specially demonstrated it for Xi Mo, opening layer after layer. It was dazzling to watch, and impossible to count how many layers were inside.
Shen Qingbie was like a puppy wagging its tail, wishing she could spin like a whirlwind top.
“What do you think?” Shen Qingbie eagerly looked at Xi Mo.
“Pretty good.” Xi Mo said.
“I’ll give it to you!” Shen Qingbie was extremely generous.
Xi Mo: “…”
…Thank you, no need.
After looking at a few more things, Shen Qingbie said, "This one's not bad either, is it?"
“Not bad,” Xi Mo said.
"It's yours!"
Xi Mo: "..."
After what seems to be a thoroughly enjoyable tour, Shen Qingbie pointed to one of the exhibits and asked, "What about this one?"
"It's fine," Xi Mo said, "Thanks anyway.”
Shen Qingbie: "..."
Whirlwind-spinning puppy Shen Qingbie stopped spinning.
Xi Mo saw her lowering her head dejectedly and could only reluctantly accept a few items.
Shen Qingbie's aunt and uncle warmly invited them to stay for dinner and busied themselves in the kitchen. Shen Qingbie was raised by her mother, and after her mother passed away, she was taken care of by her aunt's family. Later, Shen Qingbie became famous, and her cousin from her aunt's family went abroad to study and rarely came back. Shen Qingbie was afraid that they would be lonely at home, so every year during the Spring Festival, she would invite her aunt's family to come and celebrate the New Year together.
After having dinner at Shen Qingbie's house, Shen Qingbie reluctantly asked them to stay and said many more things. Finally, Shen Qingbie's aunt came out and said apologetically, "Ruanruan, Xi Mo, it's cold outside, go back and rest early. These are some local specialties that our friends from our hometown gave us. They are all homemade and very clean. Don't be shy, take them back and eat them."
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
"Thank you, Auntie." Ruan Yesheng and Xi Mo responded at the same time, taking the large and small bags and boxes handed over by Shen Qingbie's aunt.
“How about besides the local specialties, you also take some of my limited editions…” Shen Qingbie quietly discussed. “They’re all limited editions.”
“…Thank you.” Ruan Yesheng and Xi Mo said at the same time.
Shen Qingbie: “…”
The two drove away from Shen Qingbie’s villa. But not long after driving out, they saw a car parked by the roadside. Ruan Yesheng felt the car looked familiar. After taking a closer look, she realized it was Yu An’s car.
You An sat inside the car without getting out and blankly looking down at her phone.
“Should we stop and greet her?” Xi Mo slowed down in the driver’s seat and softly asked.
“Yu An seems to be busy, let’s not disturb her for now,” Ruan Yesheng said. “I’ll send her a message later to tell her that we’ve seen her.”
Xi Mo nodded and drove past Yu An. Yu An didn't look up and didn't notice the two of them at all.
“She came to find Shen Qingbie.” Xi Mo did not know what happened between Shen Qingbie and You An, but instinctively sensed something wrong. “Why isn’t she going inside?”
“Maybe she’s busy with work and will go in later.” Ruan Yesheng promised Shen Qingbie to keep it secret, so even facing Xi Mo, she could not say it unless Shen Qingbie agreed.
But in her heart, she knew with Shen Qingbie and Yu An’s current situation, she was most likely only staying outside to look at Shen Qingbie from afar.
On the morning of the third day of the new year, Xi Mo brought Ruan Yesheng to his Uncle Jian Sun’s house. Ruan Yesheng specially prepared gifts for Jian Sun and Jian Hui. The two rang the doorbell, and the door quickly opened. A graceful figure appeared at the entrance. The first thing Ruan Yesheng noticed was the smile on the woman’s face, like seeing sunlight in winter coldness.
"Xi Mo." The woman reached out and hugged Xi Mo. "It's been almost a year since I last saw you. I've missed you terribly. Have you missed me too?"
“…I miss you too.” Xi Mo nodded: “Sister Jian Hui.”
“You must be Miss Ruan Yesheng, right?” Jian Hui immediately looked at Ruan Yesheng again and stretched out her hand with a smile. “Xi Mo said she would bring a friend today. I was so happy. Our Xi Mo never brought friends home before. I even wondered whether she could not make friends. You are the first…”
Xi Mo coughed.
Jian Hui immediately changed her words. “Anyway, I’m very happy. Can I call you Ruanruan? Xi Mo said your friends all call you that.” that."
“Of course you can,” Ruan Yesheng said with a smile. “Sister Jian Hui.”
Jian Hui led the two into the house. Jian Sun's house was spacious and simple, with a very large living room and a desolate and cold decor.
"Ruanruan, what do you like to drink?" Jian Hui said, "Xi Mo, help yourself."
"Tea is fine, thank you," Ruan Yesheng said quickly.
Jian Hui made tea and chatted with Ruan Yesheng beside the sofa. During that whole time, Jian Sun never appeared. Xi Mo asked Jian Hui, “Where’s Uncle?”
“He’s in the study.” Jian Hui said. “Don’t mind him. He’ll naturally come out when it’s time for lunch.”
After saying that, Jian Hui looked toward Ruan Yesheng again and did not hide it at all, honestly saying, “Ruanruan, don’t mind it. Jian Sun is just like this. Once he knows guests are coming, he deliberately stays in the study pretending to be busy. He does not know you and does not know what to say to you. He’s afraid it will become awkward, so he simply does not come out.”
Ruan Yesheng smiled. “I understand."
“Jian Sun is just like that, his temper is a bit strange, but he’s very good to Xi Mo. You’re Xi Mo’s good friend, so he’ll definitely be good to you too. Don’t feel pressured. When we have lunch later, you don’t need to say anything to him. Let’s just eat. If he talks to you, just answer him normally.” Jian Hui continued introducing things to Ruan Yesheng so the atmosphere at lunch would not become awkward.
Jian Hui is very talkative and likes talkative people. She and Ruan Yesheng have a lot to talk about.
Gradually, Ruan Yesheng learned a lot about Jian Hui. Jian Hui asked Ruan Yesheng about filming, which she listened to with great interest, and then talked to her about her archaeological work.
Ruan Yesheng sensed Jian Hui's enthusiasm for archaeology and took the initiative to ask her about it. Sure enough, Jian Hui was very happy and said, "Many of our excavations are confidential and it's not convenient to tell you, Ruanruan. However, some of the work has already been completed and even made into an exploration-themed TV program, so there's nothing to hide about that."
“I’ve seen similar programs before,” Ruan Yesheng said with a smile. “I really enjoy watching them.”
"You have good taste," Jian Hui said with satisfaction. “The content in those programs are all things allowed to be broadcasted. But there are more things not allowed to be broadcasted. Things often happen inside tombs. There are many supernatural phenomena that cannot be explained by science. But archaeology itself is a humanities science, so how can it involve unscientific things? Yet some things are too mysterious and keep refreshing our understanding. Back when I was studying, my classmates were mainly divided into two groups. One group always believed in science. No matter what strange phenomenon appeared, it had to be explained scientifically. The other group somewhat believed in metaphysics.”
"Sister Jian Hui, which faction are you on?" Ruan Yesheng already knew the answer, but she still asked her with great interest.
“Of course I believe in metaphysics to some extent,” Jian Hui said quietly. “Before I set off to participate in the excavation work, I will burn incense and pray. There’s no harm in it. I have a very good friend who is an archaeology professor. She is a thorough scientist and does not approve of my burning incense. When I was in school, I would always burn incense in secret from her.”
"Did you encounter any frightening phenomena in the tomb?" Ruan Yesheng asked. "For example, do you feel that there are things in this world that are not human but look like people?"
She kept thinking about the photo of that hand, always feeling that it didn't belong to a human being.
Rather, it falls into the category of "non-human".
"Are you trying to ask if there are any 'non-human' beings in this world?" Jian Hui saw through Ruan Yesheng's thoughts.
Ruan Yesheng nodded.
“Of course there are.” Jian Hui said with a very serious expression, “This world is too vast and immense. We humans are nothing more than a tiny speck of dust within it. There are beings of lower dimensions than us, and of course, there are also ‘non-humans’ of higher dimensions.”
I once saw one before.” Jian Hui’s voice lowered. “If you believe it.”
Author's Note:
Very good, very spirited, they already became close friends.[。]
