Chapter 1005: Chapter 704: Ghost-faced Skin_2
Based on the contact information left by Boss Sun, Yang Xiao dialed the number. After a few seconds, the phone was answered, and a deep voice came from the other side. It was a woman, but she definitely sounded older than she was, deliberately lowering her voice.
After Yang Xiao stated his purpose, the other party told him that Zheng Churou had confided in her more than once, saying that her husband used to be a gambler, owed a lot of money, but had changed after moving here a few years ago. Although he no longer gambled, he had become suspicious and paranoid, often nervously asking her if she had heard any strange noises.
"What noise?" Yang Xiao asked.
"A bell, the sound of a bell." The person’s breathing on the other end became rapid. "Once, Zheng Churou was beaten because of this. Her radio suddenly played the sound of a bell. After her husband domestically abused her, he smashed the radio. The injuries on her face looked terrifying.
"Have you ever been to Zheng Churou’s house?"
"No, her husband is a writer, a recluse who dislikes being disturbed. Once, I passed by her house intending to say hello, but before I got close, I saw her husband standing behind the upstairs window, glaring angrily at me. After that, my contact with Zheng Churou dwindled, probably because... probably because her husband didn’t like me."
After confirming that the other party had no additional clues to offer, Yang Xiao thanked her and was about to hang up when she suddenly stopped him, asking if what he had agreed to still held. Yang Xiao immediately guessed it was Boss Sun’s promise.
"Of course, you can find the person who contacted you. Also, I’ll keep our conversation confidential. Rest assured."
Yang Xiao knew what she was worried about - money and reputation. Money was not an issue; Boss Sun wouldn’t break his word. But if it got out that a church’s confidant sold out a confession, this person would be ruined.
Sure enough, after hearing Yang Xiao’s response, the other party thanked him and hung up.
Now the problem was clearer. The disaster was caused by Yin Kun. He brought his wife here to escape trouble, but the female ghost’s vengeful spirit followed them.
The two urgent matters now were to confirm the female ghost’s identity so they could address it properly, and to find the secret cave of the Japanese, acquire that ghost face skin. He didn’t intend to use the skin to harm anyone, but he couldn’t guarantee the other team would have such good intentions, even if Captain Zhou was among them.
Indeed, when the case first showed signs of unraveling, someone couldn’t sit still. Dou Jie insisted that speed was crucial, and they should immediately head to Border Province Ning City. He was convinced they could find clues about the ghost through the psychiatric hospital, and according to Boss Sun, Ning City was quite far from their location, at least a 6-7 hour drive.
If they set out now, they could arrive before 3 PM, leaving them ample time to find clues at the hospital. But if they continued to delay, they’d either waste another day or risk traveling at night.
"Wait a bit longer; we need to get what’s inside that box." Yang Xiao pointed to the empty wooden box on the table.
"It’s not fair to risk all our lives for something we know we can’t get!" Dou Jie plucked up the courage, hoping to change Yang Xiao’s mind due to his personal stake in the matter.
Yang Xiao slowly nodded, then stood up and walked to the office door, pulling it open. "Anyone who doesn’t want to wait can leave. I’ll arrange for Boss Sun to send a car to take you ahead. Please."
"Yu, let’s go first. Splitting up isn’t a bad idea." Dou Jie looked at Yu Kai, trying to persuade him.
"Dou, stop joking. Come back." Yu Kai shook his head.
Dou Jie then looked at Qu Hong, but she didn’t give him any face, crossing her arms, and sneering, "Go die with you, a rash boy?"
Instinctively, Dou Jie then glanced at Xi Huijun, who lowered her head and silently moved her chair closer to Qu Hong, clearly trying to curry favor.
Seeing this, Dou Jie hesitated for a long time but didn’t have the courage to step out. He quietly walked back to his seat and sat down.
Given his abilities, going to the hospital alone was almost certain death. Xiao Yaqin’s death last night had confirmed that.
Yang Xiao closed the door and returned to the sofa. He hadn’t rested well last night and now continued to rest his eyes while waiting for Boss Sun’s news.
When he returned last night, Yang Xiao bought some old-style bread, milk, and sausages from the corner store. They shared the food, eating just enough to fill their stomachs.
As time ticked by, Yang Xiao grew impatient but couldn’t show it. He was the anchor for everyone. If he wavered, morale would crumble.
Two hours later, as Yang Xiao was resting with his eyes closed, he suddenly opened them. The phone rang, and it was indeed Boss Sun, whose excited voice told him he had figured out the purple electric 013 tag’s secret. The Purple Lightning was a special investigation team from a local geological survey unit, and 013 was the number of the cave they were exploring. The team had been disbanded ten years ago, but Boss Sun contacted a knowledgeable person who used to work in the team and was now a Mountain Guardian. This person recalled that the 013 cave was on the west side of Cuixi Mountain, and he knew the routes. If they moved quickly, they could get there in two hours.
"Great, have this person lead us. He should have weapons as a Mountain Guardian. Tell him to bring as many shotguns and hunting knives as he has, the more, the better."
Previously intimidated by Yang Xiao, Boss Sun dared not question him, assuring he would relay the message and have them ready. He’d pick them up in half an hour.
Although the Japanese were likely dead, they had to prepare for any possibility. Once inside, shoot at any living thing they encounter. Yang Xiao believed the risk was worth it this time.
Boss Sun was efficient. Right on time, he arrived in the same white van, picking up the five of them and speeding towards the outskirts.
Over an hour later, they saw lush mountains, and in a small iron house at the foot, they met a sturdy man.
The man, around 60 years old, showed no signs of old age. His eyes were bright, his movements nimble, with a long-barreled shotgun on his back and a well-polished Mountain Splitter Blade at his waist.
"If we want a round trip up the mountain, we need to set out now. The mountains aren’t like the city; walking at night is not an option," the man said with a heavy nasal tone.
Yang Xiao politely greeted the man, then looked at Boss Sun, "Boss Sun, you’re so inconsiderate. Can’t you see the elder’s shoes are falling apart?"
"Take off your shoes and give them to him. You can’t climb the mountain with your body anyway," Qu Hong signaled to Boss Sun with her eyes.
Boss Sun was glad he didn’t have to climb the mountain. He quickly swapped his shoes with the elder, who didn’t expect such good fortune, immediately taking off his smelly, tattered boots and putting on Boss Sun’s hiking shoes.
They fit perfectly.
Seeing the elder barefoot, Yang Xiao was somewhat relieved. The elder had no marks between his toes from wearing wooden clogs for years, suggesting he wasn’t one of the Japanese in disguise. Yang Xiao excluded Boss Sun and Xi Huijun from this climb, having them stay in the Mountain Guardian’s iron house.
Fortunately, the Mountain Guardian had two shotguns, with one spare for Qu Hong. Seeing her skillfully handle the shotgun, even the Mountain Guardian praised her, "What a fine girl!"
"My father taught me. Elder, you lead the way, I’ll cover you. Let’s move!" Qu Hong tied her hair back, raised her head, and smiled boldly.
