Wind Chime Illusion
When Lin Chaoying opened her eyes, four heads were huddled together on top of her, their glasses twirling around, which startled her so much that she closed her eyes again.
"Oh dear, why are her eyes closed again!" Qin Ming grabbed Kong Yue's arm and asked, "Could there be poison in the food?"
Kong Yue pushed him away, "Boss? You didn't eat? We all ate!"
Qian Fei then shoved Qin Ming aside, saying, "Get out of the way! Maybe it's because A-Ying saw you that she has a headache!"
Jiang Chuan Gu poured himself a cup of hot water and said helplessly, "Let's not crowd around here anymore."
As Lin Chaoying closed her eyes to rest and pondered where the wind chime was coming from, she suddenly realized that she could no longer hear sounds from a greater distance!
Even without consciously using her supernatural abilities, her hearing is far more acute than that of ordinary people; she can detect the slightest rustling sound. But now, even with her eyes closed and her thoughts drifting outside the room, she can only hear the voices of a few people nearby...
She sat bolt upright. "Kong Yue! My hearing ability is gone!"
"Huh?" Kong Yue turned around, opened her suitcase, took out a compass for detecting supernatural abilities, and found that the pointer on it was spinning wildly. "The supernatural magnetic field here is chaotic."
Jiang Chuan Gu sat on the edge of the bed and asked, "What about when your soul leaves your body?"
Lin Chaoying lay on the bed, closed her eyes, and found that it was extremely difficult for her soul to leave her body. In the past, leaving her body was as easy as picking up an empty plastic bag. Now, it felt as if her soul was being weighed down by a thousand-pound jack. It took a lot of effort to separate her upper body.
She sat up, covered in sweat, and shook her head.
Seeing this, Qin Ming and Qian Fei tried to use their superpowers, and they both used one-tenth of their strength with extremely painful expressions.
Qian Fei took out three small bottles of 'Brad' potion and gave them to the three people to drink, but it had no effect.
Lin Chaoying said, "I just heard the sound of wind chimes. Could it be related to the sound of these chimes?"
Qin Ming: "If there really is a problem, then we've really fallen into a wolf's den."
Kong Yue looked at the light rain pattering on the bluestone bricks in the courtyard. The layers of door frames seemed like endless shackles, and the air was filled with a damp, earthy smell. She said with unease, "We have to be extra careful this time."
Lin Chaoying recalled the message Cen Ting had sent, "That's not right. Your compass was showing a glitch, but when Cen Ting and the others came in, they said there were superhumans here, which means the compass was working, right? It could even identify superhuman magnetic fields back then?"
Qin Ming: "It's very likely that the superpowered individuals in the manor are trying to cover up the changes in their abilities here."
Qian Fei, resting his chin on his hand, said, "It sounds like it's the wind chimes that's causing it, otherwise Lin Chaoying wouldn't have fainted!"
Jiang Chuan Gu thought about it carefully and found Zhang's behavior strange. He said, "When Zhang left, after he finished saying his last words, it started raining and the wind chimes rang. The timing was perfect. It was aimed at us."
"Then is there any point in us acting?" Qian Fei's mental strength was extremely weak, making her both anxious and angry. She sat on the stool, feeling frustrated. "Let's just go out and negotiate. Let them hand over Cen Ting, Feng Yang, and Chi Jiang!"
Lin Chaoying asked doubtfully, "If it really is the effect of the wind chimes, then they would hear it too, right? Does that mean the people with supernatural abilities in the manor aren't considered people with supernatural abilities?"
Kong Yue: "That's possible."
Qin Ming: "Was Wu Liang involved in the affairs of people with superpowers?"
“He was involved.” Jiang Chuan Gu said, “When he was drinking and chatting, his expression was fake, but you could tell that he was very immersed in playing the role of a businessman who had failed in business. When he heard about the travel blogger, his expression changed obviously. He lost his composure. To put it bluntly, it’s like when the director yells ‘cut’ during filming, the actor suddenly loses his composure and reveals his true personality.”
Lin Chaoying: "I also think he knew. Otherwise, how could he escape responsibility if three grown men suddenly disappeared from their own homes? Either he was in control of this matter, or his subordinates had the ability to manipulate everything."
Kong Yue: "So, the Ghost General Huang Sheng will only be either Wu Liang or Steward Zhang?"
Qin Ming pulled out his phone and said, "Not necessarily. There are still many people in this villa that we haven't met yet. On the surface, Butler Zhang manages everything, but what if there are other people with even greater hidden power?"
Qian Fei only cared about one thing and asked, "So we still have to act? Well, I'll take my camera and go take a picture around the villa first, to check things out!"
"No way!" Jiang Chuan Gu stopped her, "What photographer goes out to scout locations in the rain without any protection for the camera? Besides, we haven't reached a cooperation agreement with Wu Liang yet. If you act rashly, you might give them an opening."
Lin Chaoying: "I'll ask Wu Liang tonight if we can have dinner together again and see if he still has any complaints about the cooperation." She then sent a WeChat message to the housekeeper: [Hello Housekeeper Zhang, I'd like to ask if Mr. Wu is free tonight? We'd like to have dinner together to discuss the cooperation further.]
Qian Fei took a moment to complain: "I don't know why I disagree with so much money."
Qin Ming was annoyed by the sound of rain in the yard. He closed the doors and windows, leaned back in his chair and said, "Generally speaking, people who have been rich for generations should be the least short of money, but I feel that Wu Liang is unconsciously showing that he is short of money."
"Oh right." Qian Fei realized there was a wealthy person here and asked, "Boss, your family must have been rich for generations, right?"
Qin Ming instantly put on a fake expression, "Of course!"
Kong Yue exposed him, "The eldest brother doesn't lack money, but he looks like he does."
"Hey! Kong Yue!" Qin Ming pouted, his expression conveying his dissatisfaction, and muttered, "My dad isn't short of money... and my grandpa isn't short of money either..."
Jiang Chuan Gu said, "He must be short of money, otherwise he would have hesitated when he saw the price on the contract. He needs money, but there is obviously a bigger secret here that he needs to spend time covering up."
“That’s right, he will definitely waver.” Lin Chaoying held up her phone to show them the chat box and said, “Otherwise, why would he be willing to discuss cooperation twice in one day?”
Kong Yue asked worriedly, "Jiang Chuan Gu, what if we have to pay a deposit?"
Jiang Chuan Gu: "Don't worry about the deposit. Even if he doubles it, I can still get the deposit out that night. It's just that I don't have that much cash in my current account right now. It will take some time to free up some money in investments and fixed deposits."
Qian Fei felt he was being cheated and shouted, "You should really give him the money!"
Jiangchuan Valley: "Money is not important as long as it can save lives."
Qin Ming suggested, "If we really have to give it to you, let's sign a contract first. We can pretend to go through an internal company process, which will delay the payment for at least half a month!"
“Sure,” Qian Fei said. “Half a month! Maybe we’ll find the three of them and then run away!”
After a brief discussion about the money, the five of them gathered to talk about assigning rooms for the night. They finally agreed that everyone would stay in the main house, with the women sleeping in the beds and the men sleeping on the sofa and the floor. The men would use the adjacent side room for daily washing and grooming.
During this period when they lose their spiritual power, they cannot be separated.
At six o'clock in the evening, Butler Zhang, carrying an umbrella and followed by a little girl, knocked on the door and entered the courtyard, only to find several people arguing in the room.
Lin Chaoying opened the door. "Butler Zhang? Is it time for dinner?"
Butler Zhang nodded stiffly, glanced around the room, and asked, "Is the arrangement uncomfortable? I heard you arguing."
“Of course not!” Lin Chaoying opened the door wide. “We often argue about filming issues, it has nothing to do with the house. In fact, our screenwriter was overjoyed after we moved in! His inspiration exploded!”
Butler Zhang: "That's good."
The little girl behind her stepped forward and handed several umbrellas to the people inside, saying, "Please come to the South Courtyard for a meal, everyone."
Before leaving, the others pretended to be at odds and exchanged a few sarcastic remarks.
The group passed through the main hall, crossed three thresholds, went through a stone wall passage, and entered a courtyard. Moss was faintly visible in the cracks of the weathered stone walls, and rainwater kept pattering on this ancient and quiet house, leaving slippery, damp traces.
Lin Chaoying couldn't count how many peeling thresholds she crossed, how many narrow doors she walked through, or how many courtyards she passed through. She only remembered a faint fragrance that reached her nose, like the scent of plants.
After entering the South Courtyard, Steward Zhang gave a brief introduction to the secondary courtyard and led the group to the main hall in the main courtyard. The tables and chairs inside were decorated in an elegant and sophisticated style. Copper incense burners were placed on the mahogany tables around the room, and two calligraphy and paintings hung on the north and south walls.
Butler Zhang arranged for the five people to sit down, saying, "This is the dining room in the South Wing. Please wait a moment; the host will be here shortly."
As they were talking, several young women in their early twenties walked in, carrying dishes and placing them on a rotating tray on the round table, while introducing the dishes.
Lin Chaoying felt that not only were the dishes arranged in a particular way, but the tableware in front of them was also extraordinary. Under the main light, it shimmered and shone, unlike the cheap tableware in restaurants, which was lucky to be free of scratches and plastic feel, let alone shiny.
Wu Liang carried the little girl through the inner courtyard gate. "Sorry to keep you waiting! My daughter is a bit fussy! I'm sorry."
The little girl was cute and adorable, but she could only babble incoherently. Her light-colored pupils were crystal clear, like uncarved jade.
Behind them followed a young woman with long, straight black hair cascading down her back; her traditional cheongsam accentuated her simple yet elegant demeanor.
After Wu Liang sat down, he said, "This is my wife, surnamed Tang, Tang Xianglan."
Jiang Chuan Gu politely stood up and shook hands, "Mrs. Tang, I apologize for disturbing you."
Tang Xianglan smiled and said softly, "No."
Wu Liang handed the child to Tang Xianglan and continued talking to Jiang Chuangu: "Mr. Jiang's alcohol tolerance is indeed quite good. I'm still a little dizzy, but you look fine."
Jiangchuan Valley: "Due to professional reasons."
Wu Liang: "Everyone ate something greasy at noon, so I specifically asked Butler Zhang and the chef to say that dinner should be light. I hope you won't mind."
Jiang Chuan Gu picked up his teacup and said, "How could that be? We shouldn't disturb Mr. Wu's family."
Qin Ming and Qian Fei sat closer and closer, chatting quietly.
Qian Fei: "When will this pretense end? I'm going to investigate tonight!"
Qin Ming: "Does it have to be now? Although I'm a little tired too..."
Qian Fei: "You're tired? Aren't you the one who loves to pretend? The main thing is that I feel so oppressed here, and I feel uncomfortable all over."
Qin Ming: "Where am I pretending!"
Kong Yue kicked him without changing her expression, "Shut your mouth and eat!"
"What do you think?" Jiang Chuan Gu made a '1' gesture. "Or could you tell me your concerns? After all, we don't have time to waste here any longer. If we can't finalize the scene this week, the director and I will have to consider a plan B."
Wu Liang hesitated for a long time without saying a word.
Lin Chaoying gave Qin Ming a look.
Qin Ming deliberately sighed and complained, "Jiangchuan Valley! You said this place was okay, that you could get it at the lowest price and in the fastest time, that's why I agreed to come. Don't make things difficult for Mr. Wu. I think there are a few nice courtyards in Changjing, and they're even cheaper than here! We'll go back tomorrow, and we can finalize things the day after!"
"Tsk!" Lin Chaoying interrupted him, saying, "Director Qin, we agreed that Jiang Chuan Gu's ideas would come first in this project. Don't forget, without us, you wouldn't even have a chance to start filming, let alone have a camera crew, right?"
Enraged, Qin Ming stood up, pointed at her, and shouted, "Say that again!"
"Enough!" Jiang Chuan Gu shouted, warning, "Are you going to argue in front of outsiders?"
Butler Zhang, with great tact, said, "Summer heat is intense, and today's rain and humidity can easily cause people to feel hot and uncomfortable inside. I'll have the kitchen prepare some cooling soup to quench your thirst and soothe your mind."
Wu Liang waved his hand, signaling her to go.
Tang Xianglan, holding the child, left the table, and an awkward atmosphere gradually filled the room.
Wu Liang said, "Of course I am willing to cooperate, but I do have some concerns. I hope your crew can give me some time, and we can enter the resort to set up and film in half a month."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Chaoying heard a clear, crisp sound of wind chimes coming from the inner courtyard.
Not only her, but everyone present heard it.
Jiang Chuan Gu glanced at Lin Chao Ying, then continued, "I'm willing to start pushing the project forward a little later, but I hope our team can conduct site scouting this week first."
Wu Liang laughed heartily, "Great! Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Jiang! Come to my study tomorrow to sign the contract!"
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