Chapter 1460: Chapter 898: Fierce Ghost Claims Lives_2
When first hearing the name "Chen’s Strange Film Industry", Yang Xiao noticed a brief unnatural expression on Xu Yan’s face. However, not wanting to lose the business deal, he decided to go along with Zhou Mingxiao’s act. In this back and forth, Zhou Mingxiao indeed managed to extract a lot of information.
Xu Yan admitted that their company had previously collaborated with Chen’s Strange Film Industry, providing them with various professional props. She was the contact person until the company encountered an accident.
"I’ve heard that the movies they make are of that kind, is it true?" At this moment, it was Jiang Qingluan’s turn to step in. She put on a look of being both scared and curious.
Being Zhou Mingxiao’s secretary, Xu Yan naturally wouldn’t neglect her, nodding and saying, "That’s right, their company specializes in horror and thriller films, mainly targeting audiences not within the country but in Japan, Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia."
"Because the films are very realistic, their business is very good. Of course, this is also related to the high quality of the props we provide. Their boss is very satisfied with our company’s service." Xu Yan answered the question while not forgetting to praise her own company.
"Do you have any information on their company in this regard? We also plan to shoot a short film of this kind, so we could use it as a reference." Zhou Mingxiao said.
"This... you can’t manage this." Hearing this, Xu Yan visibly became nervous.
"Why not?" Zhou Mingxiao frowned, appearing dissatisfied with Xu Yan’s rejection.
Noticing the change in Zhou Mingxiao’s attitude, Xu Yan immediately waved her hand nervously, "No, I don’t mean it like that, President Zhou. It’s not that I don’t believe in your ability. I just don’t recommend you make this type of film. First, it’s not encouraged domestically. Secondly... moreover..."
Xu Yan hesitated momentarily, but then gritted her teeth and told the truth, "Let me be straight with you. There were rumors that the fire at Chen’s Strange Film Industry was unusual. It wasn’t an accident but... a Fierce Ghost claiming lives!"
"Do you really believe in such tales?" Zhou Mingxiao extinguished his cigarette with a disdainful smile.
Seeing his disbelief, Xu Yan got a bit anxious, "Really, don’t not believe it. That company has a reputation. The films they shoot are documentary-style with a high degree of reconstruction. Those terrifying things actually happened, all... all are based on real events!"
"And the creepiest part is their insistence on extreme scene reproduction. Many of the films are shot with actors at the original sites of the tragic events!"
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiao and the others were all startled. They hadn’t expected these folks to be so bold, daring to reshoot horror films at the scenes of tragedies, truly fearless!
The most shocked had to be Zhou Mingxiao; after all, he had personally seen those terrifying movies on the office walls last night, each with an extraordinarily eerie background, not realizing they were real!
"No way, this is all just for show, right?" Yang Xiao pretended to be clueless, being the first one to express disbelief.
"No, no, it’s true. I once asked one of their managers the same thing, and at that time, they were shooting a film right in the city, near a reservoir. The place is notoriously eerie, known by locals, where several people had drowned."
"I was responsible for delivering props for them. I personally went to see it, and they were indeed shooting there. The actress playing the female ghost was submerged in water, hair disheveled, pulling on the male actor’s leg!"
"They say that the drowned were claimed by Water Ghosts seeking replacements, ensnaring and dragging them underwater!"
"Has your company worked with them often?" Zhou Mingxiao pursued.
"Quite a bit, probably around ten films altogether. As long as they shoot locally or in nearby counties, our company essentially provides the props." Xu Yan recalled.
"Your company should have kept a list, right? Can I take a look?" Zhou Mingxiao asked.
"Well..." Xu Yan appeared somewhat hesitant since this fell under company records.
"If it’s difficult, forget it."
Resolutely decisive, Zhou Mingxiao leaned back on the sofa, retracting his gaze while glancing subtly at Jiang Qingluan. She instantly caught on, smiling as she took over the conversation, first soothing the boss, "Boss, don’t be mad. I think it’s not like what Ms. Xu Yan meant. If you’re interested, why don’t you just ask Ms. Xu Yan to tell you the film titles? That shouldn’t be against any rules, right?"
At the same time, Jiang Qingluan gave an encouraging glance to Xu Yan, who seemed to have found a lifeline, nodding repeatedly, "No, not against the rules, not against the rules. President Zhou, you are a big client. If you’re interested, I’ll go find it now. I remember they are all stored in the warehouse outside, and it won’t take long to find."
"Then I’d trouble you for that." Zhou Mingxiao picked up his cup, taking a light sip of tea.
"No trouble, no trouble."
Xu Yan immediately stood up, walked quickly out the door, not forgetting to close it behind her.
Once the door was completely closed, Zhou Mingxiao immediately looked at Yang Xiao, whispering, "Chu, what’s your take on this?"
"The ghost is in these films. The origin of the ghost likely comes from this city, at most including a few adjacent counties."
Yang Xiao’s reasoning was simple. If the ghost’s background originated from overseas or a place very far from this city, it would mean that they wouldn’t have enough time for on-site exploration. This was a reverse deduction.
Moreover, they had to leave enough manpower nightly to keep vigil at the Rongjin Building’s office.
"I agree with his viewpoint." Jiang Qingluan nodded after thinking it over.
"I agree too." Liu Yang chimed in.
As for Chen Nang, he maintained his usual calm demeanor, as if he had already predicted this.
"I feel the same. We’ll act according to circumstances later." Zhou Mingxiao whispered.
About ten minutes later, high heels sounded from outside the door, followed by its opening. Xu Yan returned holding a piece of paper, "Sorry for the wait. Here’s a transcription of the film titles, along with the props we provided for them during those shoots and their charges for your reference, President Zhou."
Xu Yan is a competent employee, never forgetting to retain customers for the company. In addition, she kindly attached amounts behind the props, clearly marking rental and purchase prices.
With time pressing, they prepared to leave swiftly after obtaining what they wanted. However, at this point, the usually friendly Xu Yan stepped forward, blocking the office door, "President Zhou, were you sincerely here to negotiate cooperation today?"
Xu Yan looked doubtful. After all, she had held this position for ten years and was good at reading people. She could tell this President Zhou was not an ordinary person, held social stature, had no financial issues. But she also sensed that his cooperative intent wasn’t strong, more like probing for information.
From Xu Yan’s conjecture, President Zhou’s words held some truth. They likely wanted to make alternative films, taking this list to compare prices from other peers.
Dealing with such people, Zhou Mingxiao knew very well what to do. To maintain this connection, he straightforwardly left a deposit of 500 gold without further ado.
The effect of this gesture was immediate. Xu Yan immediately returned to her prior friendly demeanor, calling President Zhou in an endearing manner, offering to drive them herself.
Yet this offer was declined by Zhou Mingxiao, as they had more pressing matters to attend to, no time to waste.
Spending 500 is a lot, but not deeply impactful. Last night, while Jiang Qingluan was inspecting the room reserved at the detention center, she stumbled upon an old pair of men’s shoes with a noticeably raised insert on one side.
When she removed the insert, she found 700 in spare cash hidden underneath.
This money gave them significant confidence, as they literally couldn’t afford transport without funds.
Once the group exited the mansion, they gathered at the entrance of a side alley. This place was relatively secluded, and Zhou Mingxiao took out that piece of paper listing the filmed movie titles.
A total of 9 films, each title more spine-chilling and eye-catching than the last. Titles like "Psychiatric Hospital Ghost Push Incident," "Reservoir Drowned Ghost Incident," etc. According to Xu Yan, these events actually happened, whether or not ghosts exist; at the very least, people indeed died.
"How do we investigate so many films?" Liu Yang leaned in to look at the paper and asked.
"Look for fires." Yang Xiao stared at each name, decisively concluding.
"Right, the 18th floor of Rongjin Building was a fire, killing many people." Liu Yang mentioned.
Following Yang Xiao’s logic, they quickly identified two films related to fire, one named "Demolition of New Village Ghost Fire Incident," and the other, "Xinmin Middle School Women’s Apartment Self-immolation Incident Full Record."
