Chapter 1889: Chapter 1073:
This scene was all too familiar. Everyone immediately thought of the same image that appeared in Sasaki Sakura’s memory. The difference was that Sasaki Sakura was the one who had experienced it, while Watanabe Gou stood from the observer’s perspective.
This time, the experiencer was Mimura Kaori, and she disappeared right after.
No one would guess she was still alive; that was just self-deception. She was taken by the Ghost Train and would never come back.
"What do you remember about that ticket?" Yang Xiao had already realized that the mysteriously appearing ticket was the key to everything. Mimura Kaori seemed to have received some kind of invitation; she was "invited" onto the train.
Mentioning the ticket, the otherwise calm Watanabe Gou suddenly became a bit agitated, his hands instinctively clenching into fists. "I was too nervous at the time, and later... when I tried to piece my memories together, I seemed to recall some words on the ticket’s cover. It looked like a name, but I... I’m not sure if it was."
"Hurry up and tell us!" Takagi Reina was also speechless with this guy.
"It appeared to be the name of a station," Watanabe Gou recalled. "Youjian Mountain Station, it seemed... it seemed to be that name!"
As soon as this name appeared, Yang Xiao knew it was correct. The missing Mimura Kaori was also taken by the Ghost Train to this Youjian Mountain Station, just like Sasaki Sakura, who got off at the wrong station.
This was a station that shouldn’t exist and a Ghost Train full of Fierce Ghosts.
"First, let’s have breakfast and then get moving," Yandeta Chiyoda solemnly commanded. "The investigation direction is still the train line where Sasaki Sakura disappeared, the Renhe Line, with focus around Shirahata Station, specifically Old Valley Town, Shirahata, and West Renhe, including the areas between these stations."
Yang Xiao added: "Investigating the stations might be difficult. We can start with that Ghost Train. Both Sasaki Sakura and Mr. Watanabe mentioned that the train is loaded with Fierce Ghosts. I think it’s highly likely a major accident caused a mass casualty event."
"An incident of this scale could not have happened without leaving any traces. If we conduct a thorough investigation in the nearby area, we’re bound to find some clues."
"I propose we split into three groups: the first group to investigate at the stations for clues about Youjian Mountain Station. Don’t just ask the young ticket inspectors; find the senior train staff, with at least 20 years of service, preferably the station master. That rusty train has a long enough history."
"The second group should visit the shops along the train line, looking for local family-operated businesses. Ask the old owners if any major accidents occurred around here, including but not limited to train collisions, cliff falls, or derailments. I think we can preliminarily consider events spanning over 20 years."
"The third group should stay at the Detective Agency, acting as the central command, waiting for any new clue characters or key phone calls."
Meanwhile, Yang Xiao recounted his and Takagi Reina’s thrilling encounter last night with the Water Ghost.
Upon hearing that the Water Ghost could find people using water reflection without even opening the door, everyone’s expression varied. It was clear that experiencing two life-threatening attacks in one night, especially since it was just the first night, exceeded everyone’s expectations for the task’s intensity.
Everyone introspected and, putting themselves in the same situation, few could confidently claim they would survive such an attack.
Yang Xiao didn’t want to waste any more time with them. He simply stepped up and acted as the leader. Being the only "outsider" here, to survive, he had to show his value.
As expected, after listening to Yang Xiao’s analysis and last night’s experience, everyone looked at Yang Xiao with a much more eager gaze.
Valuable and capable people are respected everywhere, especially in such a Nightmare World where lives are constantly at risk.
Having one more reliable teammate was one more hope of survival, and at that moment, Yang Xiao’s presence gave many people hope.
"Mr. Chu, you’re amazing!" Ogawa Haruka crossed her arms across her chest in admiration, looking at Yang Xiao with adoration, providing immense emotional value to him.
"Hahaha, Chu Jun is really a master. With you here, I feel much more at ease." Suzuki Takashi was in a good mood. To him, he and Yang Xiao were akin to comrades in distress, both dealt a rough hand by the Slap Girl as soon as they came in.
Meanwhile, Slap Girl Yamamoto Chunai’s expression darkened significantly. She stammered as if trying to explain something to Yang Xiao but didn’t know how to start, her face turning red with anxiety.
"Miss Yamamoto, the past is in the past, don’t worry about it. I know you meant no harm." Yang Xiao smiled at Yamamoto Chunai, signaling her to be at ease. He was a magnanimous person, never petty.
Seeing Yang Xiao winning people over in just a few words, someone couldn’t stand it anymore. Yandeta Chiyoda always saw herself as the team’s core. Yang Xiao’s actions undeniably stole her thunder, especially since... she didn’t like Yang Xiao from the start.
To be precise, she didn’t like the people represented by Yang Xiao’s lineage.
"Chu Xi, since you see things so clearly, why don’t you stay at the Detective Agency this time as well? That way, even if a ghost appears during the day, you’ll have the experience to handle it. No one is more suitable than you," Yandeta Chiyoda said coldly.
Yang Xiao knew Yandeta Chiyoda didn’t like him, but to express it so blatantly without pretense was unexpected. This guy was too much.
