"You're the security guard here. You must know about the old case!"
Kane's expression was stern, radiating an almost genuine aura of authority. His tone brooked no argument.
"I-I'm new here, but I've heard things. Didn't you guys already investigate Mr. Liu? Said he was innocent."
The young guard was visibly intimidated by Kane's presence, his belief in Kane's identity solidifying. But the blood-stained apron was impossible to ignore, and his eyes kept darting towards it.
"Hmph, stop staring. It's part of the disguise. 'Plainclothes' doesn't just mean wearing normal clothes; it means blending into the crowd." Kane spotted the guard's confusion and smoothly spun his lie to cement his credibility. "This apron stands out at first glance, but think about it: who would suspect a *Plainclothes Officer*? They'd just think I'm some lunatic. Even if I seem dangerous, they'd never peg me for law enforcement. Perfect for catching them off guard!"
The guard listened, Kane's logic seeming strangely sound at first listen. It felt off, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. He was completely sold. "Hmph. That's called reverse psychology. Learn something new," Kane added, seeing the last flicker of doubt vanish from the guard's eyes. He gave a satisfied nod.
"Now, tell me everything you know about Alan. I still have doubts about that old case. If your information helps crack it, I'll see you get a special commendation!"
The prospect of aiding an investigation instantly fired up the young guard. Eagerly, he spilled everything. "I've only been here three months, but I've heard plenty about Mr. Liu and that big urban legend that blew up years ago." His voice dropped, turning conspiratorial. "People used to whisper that maybe Mr. Liu staged the whole thing himself, that he hid it so well the cops never found out."
"But," he continued, his expression earnest, "over time, everyone living here saw he wasn't that kind of man. He's kind, always helps the neighbors, and… he's devoted. Heartbroken. At first, he cooperated fully with your investigation. Then, even after you guys hit a dead end and were ready to give up, *he* kept searching. They say he put up tens of thousands of missing person flyers. And every single day, he plants flowers in the complex – his wife's favorite kind, I hear." The guard sighed, casting a sympathetic look towards the distant figure tending flowers.
"Oh! Eve had a sister," he suddenly remembered. "Su Xueqing, I think? Looked a lot like her sister, seemed nice too. Used to visit Mr. Liu often with gifts, sometimes shared them around. But that was before my time."
He sighed again, deeper this time. "But that was ages ago. Then… well, you must know the rest, Officer. The place got haunted. The young folks fled. Only the elderly, with not many years left, or those too poor to move stayed. But Mr. Liu? He refused to leave. He believes that female ghost *is* his wife. While everyone else stopped planting anything, he doubled down. Hoping she'd come home to see the flowers." The guard shook his head, deeply moved by such obsessive devotion.
"Hmm… The legend says the ghost smashes flowerpots, searching for her own remains. Didn't the police ever check?" Kane mused, the pieces starting to form a troubling picture of Alan in his mind.
"Huh? Shouldn't *you* know that better?" The guard gave Kane a suspicious glance.
Kane instantly realized his slip, but didn't miss a beat. "I just took over this case. I know nothing about the previous investigation. That's why I'm asking you."
"Oh, I see…" The guard bought it easily. "Well, someone *did* come to check. But Mr. Liu went ballistic. Fought them tooth and nail, I heard. Some officer accidentally broke a pot, and Mr. Liu just lunged at them. His wife's sister had to step in to calm things down. Since it blew over, they must've found nothing, right?"
"Hmm…" Kane nodded, mentally sorting the jumble of information. Outwardly confident, his mind was pure chaos. Detective work clearly wasn't his forte. "Good. Thanks for your cooperation. Oh, your name? If this info helps, I'll have my colleagues send a commendation banner and a cash reward."
Stuck, Kane decided to bail on thinking. He grasped the guard's hand like an approving senior inspector. "I'm Jake. Just helping out is reward enough, sir! Forget the banner and cash!" Jake's smile was earnest and simple. He genuinely meant it.
"Good man, Comrade New Leaf! We'll skip it then!" Kane beamed even wider. He'd briefly considered sharing any potential reward, but now? All his! "Huh?" Jake blinked, confused, before Kane smoothly asked for more help. He needed to observe Alan up close. "Right, which building and floor is Alan in? Take me to the landlord. I need to talk to him."
"Sure! Follow me." Jake didn't hesitate, leading the fake officer towards the community rec room, enthusiastically pointing out facilities along the way.
Kane was impressed. Jake was genuinely helpful. Even under the loose uniform, his muscular build was apparent – definitely strong, young, and full of life. Kane idly thought about recruiting him as a bodyguard for the agency. "Ah… forget it," he sighed inwardly. "Barely keeping my own head above water. Bodyguards can wait."
They soon reached the noisy rec room, filled with the shouts of elderly residents and the constant clatter of mahjong tiles. "Marcus! Someone to see you!" Jake was discreet, knowing a Plainclothes Officer needed anonymity. He fetched the man without explanation.
Marcus was slightly stooped, making him seem shorter. His skin was mottled, hair sparse, but his deep, thoughtful eyes radiated calm experience. A man who'd weathered storms. *Yikes. Sharp as a tack. My Peppa Pig badge won't cut it here,* Kane thought, nervous but keeping a confident smile firmly plastered on his face.
"Jake, head back to work. I need a private word with Marcus." Kane gave Jake a look. The young guard nodded understandingly, leaving after discreetly slipping Kane his contact info.
"What is it, young man?" Marcus's voice was steady, more robust middle-aged than frail old man. Kane glanced past him at three ladies watching from a mahjong table and silently admired the old guy's stamina. "Got ladies waiting for mahjong. Make it quick."
"Ah, well, sir," Kane began, dropping the cop act entirely. "I'm a rather well-known Demon Hunter." He handed Marcus one of his agency cards. "I've long heard the legends about this place. And I *definitely* sense an evil presence here." His tone was grave, the blood-stained apron and business card completing the picture. 'Demon Hunter'? Plausible. 'Well-known'? Debatable.
"I imagine it's quite the burden for you too? Properties you can't sell or rent? I can attempt an exorcism for you. But I'll need the apartment next to Mr. Alan's. Just for two nights, maximum." Kane's gaze was sincere. "It's a small ask – lending an empty room for two nights. In return, I'll do my utmost to cleanse this place. Succeed, and I guarantee the stigma lifts. Your properties regain value. You get your price." His argument was logical. Marcus considered it.
"Hmm… You make sense," Marcus conceded, then chuckled. "But why the song and dance? Why not just ask to rent it? I'd have rented it to you." The question floored Kane. He couldn't admit he was broke and hoping for a freebie – that would shatter his 'well-known Demon Hunter' image instantly.
"Hahaha! Young man, I get it." Marcus laughed, recognizing Kane's predicament. It wasn't mocking. He simply tossed Kane a key. "Go on. Building 3, 13th floor, Unit 1304. Alan's in 1303. It's on the house." Marcus smiled warmly. "That place was meant for my kid's wedding. Then… everything happened. Forget a wedding; couldn't even sell it cheap. Solve this, lad, and not only is the stay free, I'll pay the exorcism fee." His smile turned shrewd. "*But*… if I find out you're just scamming a free place to crash? This old man won't be pleased." He pocketed Kane's card.
*Whoa. He's basically given me a mission… or an ultimatum,* Kane thought, pressure mounting, but his face remained supremely confident. "Don't you worry, sir! If I fail? May I be haunted for the rest of my life!" Kane declared solemnly.
Marcus nodded, impressed. That was one potent oath. Proof of commitment. "Good! That's the spirit! I'll await your news." Satisfied, Marcus returned to his flirtatious mahjong game with the ladies.
He didn't know Kane's oath was as substantial as flatulence. Haunted for life? For Kane, that was already destiny.