Enduring Light: Exploration II
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Hotel Exploration
Script
Although the body has been moved somewhere else, the air is still filled with a faintly unpleasant smell.
You walk toward the closet in an attempt to search for clues that you've missed.
Marius: Little Boss, come here, look at what I found.
Marius discovers a suitcase at the bottom of the closet. He opens it to find a qipao inside.
[Obtain Clue Card: High-end Cheongsam]
You: Huh? This is...
Not only is the qipao trendy and of great quality, but it's also wrapped in a beautiful ribbon. It's clearly a present that was waiting to be gifted to someone.
Marius: Is this a gift for someone? This is the newest design on the market... It must've cost a fortune... Hmph, the old man is quite the spender.
Artem: President von Hagen, you seem to understand quite a bit about qipaos.
Marius: A bit, I suppose. I've attended a lot of social business gatherings, and I've seen my fair share...
Luke: I feel like I've seen this design somewhere before... But...
Luke looks at the purple qipao and falls deep into thought. The words seem to be on the tip of his tongue, but he shakes his head and remains silent.
Luke: Never mind. I must've been mistaken.
You: (Why did Journalist Pearce have such a strange expression on his face? Could there be some kind of hidden message behind the qipao?)
Marius runs his fingers across the ribbon and a mischievous smile appears on his face.
Marius: Too bad, it looks like Boss Qian's lady friend is never going to receive this surprise...
Ever since Manager Duan revealed their relationship, Marius has been very straightforward and sarcastic about it.
Marius: Consultant Wing, you've accompanied the old man to many banquets and events... so you must know who "she" is, right?
[Obtain Intel: Consultant Wing > Accompany Boss Qian]
Artem: To my knowledge, Madame Liu of the Hongshen Dance Hall and Boss Qian seem to be more than just ordinary friends.
Artem speaks gently and directs the topic in a new direction.
You: The Hongshen Dance Hall? The... dancing place?
Marius: It's not just a place to dance, it's "the most popular dance hall of all of Xuzhou Town."
[Obtain Clue Card: Hongshen Dance Hall]
Artem: Madame Liu is Hongshen Dance Hall's star singer right now. A good number of people from Xuzhou Town are in love with her voice.
[Obtain Clue Card: Madame Liu]
Luke: Ahh... now that you mention it, I remember now... You're talking about the lady known for her golden voice, aren't you...?
Luke: There have been scandals involving her and Boss Qian for a while...
"Journalist Pearce" speaks with palpable excitement.
Marius: However, rumor has it that Madame Liu and Boss Qian have grown distant in recent years...
Marius: I thought they were just meaningless rumors, but from the look of things, it doesn't seem like she was invited to the birthday banquet.
Marius: Seems like the rumors aren't entirely false...
Although Marius looks to be talking about unrelated gossip, in reality, he has actually introduced new characters and locations to the conversation.
You: (Madame Liu... A woman who shares a past with Boss Qian... I wonder what her story is...)
You: (Is what Marius said really the reason why she wasn't invited to the birthday banquet?)
You: (And most importantly...)
A rising suspicion grows as you look at Artem, who is focused on searching for clues.
You: (Consultant Wing seems to accompany Boss Qian at business gatherings and banquets often...)
You: (So, wouldn't he know where Boss Qian will be at all times? Did he purposely mention Madame Liu to... misdirect me?)
You: (However... no matter what his intentions are, it seems like I'll have to pay a visit to the Hongshen Dance Hall.)
You: Whew...
After the long search for clues, you feel slightly fatigued and sit down on the sofa to rest and sort out your thoughts.
Just as you're about to lean back on the sofa, a hard object presses against your waist.
You: What is that?
You stand up to look for the object between the sofa cushions. You then discover a booklet.
You: Well, looks like it's my lucky day...
You open the booklet and don't find anything special about its contents.
The only thing worth looking into is a clipping from the Xuzhou Daily that's placed between the pages.
You: This is an... obituary?
[Obtain Clue Card: Weird Obituary]
The obituary is from half a month ago, just before Boss Li went missing. The timing feels suspicious and catches your attention.
"A descendant of the Li family suffered a heart attack while visiting the Yang family and unfortunately passed away. We are filled with grief and sorrow..."
You: (Why is the obituary so strange...?)
If it were a normal obituary, shouldn't it include the name and other basic information of the deceased?
But there's nothing there. It barely mentions anything.
You: (Could it be that the obituary isn't the main point? The main point is...)
Vyn: What are you focusing so hard on, Little Boss?
Before you realize it, "Interpreter Richter" appears next to you and takes the clipping. He then begins to read.
Vyn: Could this be a special way that the Mayfly Association uses to communicate with one another?
[Obtain Intel: Boss Qian > Mayfly Association member, Weird Obituary > Method of communication]
He thinks out loud, then hands the clipping back to you.
You: (Huh!? How would he know that...? Is he connected to the Mayfly Association?)
You: (No, if he were a member of the Mayfly Association, he wouldn't tell me that this is the secret way they use to communicate with each other.)
Artem: Oh? And why do you think this would have information regarding the Mayfly Association, Interpreter Richter?
Artem: Isn't this just an ordinary clipping?
You: (Hmm? When did Consultant Wing get here...?)
Vyn: I stumbled upon the knowledge of the Mayfly Association favoring such methods of communication... There might be a hint in here somewhere...
[Obtain Intel: Interpreter Richter > Familiar with the Mayfly Association]
Artem: What is it hinting at?
Vyn looks at the obituary again. He then shakes his head.
Vyn: Like I said, it was just a guess. Do you expect results from mere theories, Consultant Wing?
The atmosphere grows tense, and you quickly interrupt their conversation.
You: Why don't we... hold on to it and take a look at it again later?
You grab the clipping out of Vyn's hand and put it away.
This is when you realize that there is a letter behind the clipping.
[Obtain Intel: Mayfly Association > Newspaper cipher]
The only thing in the letter is a drawing of a person wearing a straw hat, fishing by himself.
[Obtain Clue Card: Doodle Paper]
You: (This is... The old man with the straw rain hat? "The old man alone on a raft, fishing in the winter snow...")
The poem from your memories has gained a special meaning ever since you found out about your identity.
You: (Could it be that this is a secret message left for me? But... what is it trying to tell me?)
[Obtain Intel: Little Boss > Snow River, Doodle Paper > Message from companion]
With that in mind, you look to Vyn again, but he doesn't react.
As you look further into the distance, you notice Artem staring at the clipping in your hand.
Your eyes meet, but he doesn't look away. He nods and finally turns away.
You: (Could it be... Consultant Wing?)
The cabinet wasn't thoroughly searched because there wasn't enough time.
Now that you have another opportunity, you retrace your memories and open the drawers you missed before.
You: There are... three safes?
Marius: You won't be able to open them. They're all locked.
Marius is standing not too far away. He speaks without looking up.
You give it a try, but it's just as he said. It seems like a special key is required to open it.
You: How'd you know?
You look at him with suspicion. He stands up and avoids eye contact.
Marius: It was just a guess.
You: Really?
Marius: Really.
Marius gives you his response and quickly walks away to search somewhere else.
You: (How did he know...?)
Various thoughts fly through your mind. You take a closer look at the safes in front of you, trying to see if you can spot any secrets from the outside.
You: Come take a look at this, Consultant Wing...
You spot a strange marking. It reminds you of the ring blade that you and Artem found before.
You: Do you think that this could be done with a ring blade?
Artem runs his finger over the marking on the box, tracing it from the lock to the top of the box. The marking is extremely obvious.
Artem: It does look like it was done by the ring blade. The person that did it tried to force the lock open, but failed.
You: (Force the lock open? Who could it be...? Could it be the murderer?)
You: Do you know what's in Boss Qian's safes?
Artem: No, but... Manager Duan might.
You and Artem find Manager Duan and inform him about the situation. After listening to you, he shakes his head helplessly.
Manager Duan: I'm sorry. I do not have the keys.
Manager Duan: Those are safes that Boss Qian had custom-made. Nobody knows about the contents that are stored inside.
Manager Duan: Even when he leaves them at home, no one is allowed to touch them...
Manager Duan: Also, the three keys are kept separately. No one other than Boss Qian knows their whereabouts...
[Obtain Intel: Boss Qian > Custom safe]
You: They're that important? Then why would he bring them here?
Manager Duan: Yeah... I found that odd as well...
Manager Duan: But it's not our place to be questioning Boss Qian.
It doesn't seem like Manager Duan has any more useful information. You and Artem walk to the side.
You: Seems like the contents of the safes are extremely important. If only we knew where the keys were.
Artem: Yes. We will need to keep our eyes open in the following investigations. Maybe we'll be able to find the keys.
Hongshen Dance Hall
Note: Some Enduring Light: Skeletons in the Closet II topics must be discussed before this becomes available.
Script
You: (However... no matter what his intentions are, it seems like I'll have to pay a visit to the Hongshen Dance Hall.)
You: (Could it be... Consultant Wing?)
You: Seems like the contents of the safes are extremely important. If only we knew where the keys were.
As you enter the Hongshen Dance Hall, you immediately see countless customers and a songstress dressed up and singing a tune onstage.
Men and women are enjoying themselves and dancing on the dance floor. "The most popular dance hall in all of Xuzhou Town" really does live up to its name.
You: Hmm... Where would Madame Liu be?
You look around but fail to spot her. You approach an employee that's cleaning up.
You: Excuse me, do you know where Madame Liu is?
Staff: You're looking for Madame Liu? Young lady, I strongly advise you against stalking idols...
You: No, no, you're mistaken. I'm the owner of the Li Hotel. I'm here to speak to Madame Liu about business.
Action speaks louder than words, so you give him your business card. After taking a look at the card, the waiter's attitude instantly changes.
Staff: So, you're the Little Boss. I'm sorry, I did not recognize you...
Staff: Madame Liu should be resting by the bar at this hour. Would you like me to take you there?
You: Ah, it's all right. I can find it myself.
After declining the waiter's offer to lead the way, you walk in the direction that he points you to.
As you walk by the stage, you notice that a few people next to it aren't watching the performance.
You: (What could they be looking at?)
You follow their gazes. It looks like they're looking at a woman in a qipao sitting lazily at the bar.
The silhouette of her back is enough to seduce a man.
You: (This person... is worth every second spent looking at her...)
You: (There's a unique, seductive air about her...)
You look around to find Artem talking to an employee in a hidden corner. The person he's talking to stands in the shadows with their face concealed.
[Obtain Intel: Hongshen Dance Hall > Mysterious employee]
What's even odder is that Artem seems to have taken something out of his pocket to hand to the person.
You: (Consultant Wing? What's he doing...?)
You make your way over as quickly as possible, but the person Artem was talking to swiftly leaves the scene.
You: Consultant Wing, what were y—
Artem: Oh, that was just an employee that works here. I was trying to see if they had any valuable information.
You: So, did you get anything?
Artem: Unfortunately, no.
He looks to be at ease. You begin to suspect that you are imagining things.
You: (I'm pretty sure he just handed something over though...)
Artem: Let's go look around some more.
You nod, push your doubts to the back of your mind, and continue with the investigation.
Some people do possess an aura that elevates them from the rest, even when they're surrounded by a crowd. This goes for Madame Liu as well.
You briefly introduce yourself. She gently swirls the champagne in her glass, glances at you, and begins to speak slowly.
Madame Liu: So, the new owner of the Li Hotel. What business do you have with me?
You: Well, it's about Boss Qian...
You carefully select a few details from the murder case that you feel are appropriate to share. She remains silent for a while, then places the glass back on the table.
Although she still has a smile on her face, her fluctuating emotions are exposed by the ripples in her drink.
You: Are you... okay?
She shakes her head and finishes the rest of her drink in one swift gulp. She then sits upright and looks at you.
Madame Liu: You said you had something to ask. Go on, ask away.
You: Madame Liu, I've heard that you had a close relationship with Boss Qian. So... why did you not attend the birthday banquet?
Madame Liu: A close relationship? Is that how everyone views us...
She bows her head, mumbling to herself. She seems to be making great effort to suppress her emotions, before looking up once more.
Madame Liu: I wanted to go, but Boss Qian told me not to.
Madame Liu: He must have had an appointment with someone that he didn't fully trust... That's why he told me not to attend.
You: (An appointment with someone? Could it have been President von Hagen?)
In addition, Madame Liu revealed more important information with her words, and you immediately recall the code case from earlier.
You: Is it true that Boss Qian entrusted you with something important?
Madame Liu: Oh? As expected of the next owner of the Li Hotel. You're very sharp for someone your age.
Madame Liu: How did you guess?
You: Boss Qian specifically asked you not to go, which means he didn't want you, or something in your possession, to be discovered by the people at the banquet...
You: I'm guessing he kept some kind of ace in the hole in your possession. That way, he wouldn't lose everything even when faced with people he didn't trust.
Madame Liu: Very clever.
Madame Liu: That's probably what he had in mind when he gave it to me. Unfortunately, he still ended up losing it all.
Her mood sinks again at this point. After a while, she pats her face a few times, then retrieves a packet of files from the nearby dressing room.
Madame Liu: Since he's gone, his ace in the hole doesn't matter anymore. You can have it.
You had already prepared a long argument to persuade Madame Liu, but her candidness leaves you speechless.
Madame Liu: Didn't you say you were searching for the killer? Maybe this will prove helpful.
You: Thank you.
Since Madame Liu put it like that, you don't hesitate to open the file bag.
You: This is...
When you take out the items, Madame Liu sighs.
Madame Liu: It doesn't seem like anything particularly valuable. Just a key and some gold nuggets...
Upon closer inspection, the gold nuggets have special marks on them, and the pattern on the key seemed to match the lock cylinder on the code case.
But you can't confirm anything until you get back.
You: Thank you, Madame Liu. I will go back and look over everything again.
Madame Liu nods, acquiescing to your idea.
You: You seem to trust me, or perhaps it was Boss Qian that you trusted...
Madame Liu: What do you mean?
You: After all, this was something that Boss Qian entrusted to you. It must be very important.
You: And yet, you handed it over to me so easily. Are you not afraid of what unspeakable secrets it might lead to?
Madame Liu: Ah, he's not that type of man...
Madame Liu: I know that with his status and power, there's no way that Boss Qian's hands would've been completely clean.
Madame Liu: But in all the years I've been with him, I've never seen him do anything awful...
[Obtain Intel: Madame Liu > Confidante, Boss Qian > Trust and entrust]
Madame Liu: *sigh*... How could this happen...?
With a gentle sigh, she motions for the bartender to pour her another drink, which she promptly gulps down.
Swallowed along with the drink are her unspoken sorrow and melancholy, all to be consumed by silence.
You: All right, that would be all the questions I have. Thank you, Madame Liu.
[Obtain Intel: Madame Liu > Trust and entrust]
Madame Liu: It's okay. I hope to catch the murderer as soon as possible too.
Just as you're about to turn around and leave, you notice Madame Liu's hesitation. It's as if there is something else she wants to tell you.
You: Is there anything else?
Madame Liu: Is the murderer... really from the Xiangjin Gang?
You: I'm sorry, I'm not sure yet...
Madame Liu: I suppose it'd be a good thing if it really was one of them.
Madame Liu: They're the ones responsible for ruining Xuzhou Town. Maybe this is the perfect time to get rid of them.
She seems to be muttering to herself and ignores your response. She begins to drink again.
Before leaving, you turn around to look at her again. This time, you notice that her thin and lonely stature stands out, looking out of place in an area filled with drinks, song, and dance.
Wrapup
With the key from Madame Liu in hand, you immediately return to the guest room. After giving it a try, the key opened one of the boxes.
The box opens with a click, and you discover a booklet and a stack of photos inside.
[Obtain Clue Card: Ledger, A Stack of Photographs]
You: What is this...?
The pictures are of various children in uniform. They're smiling at the camera with joy on their faces.
A large Renhui Relief Hospital logo can be seen on their uniforms.
[Obtain Intel: A Stack of Photographs > Relief hospital children]
You quickly recall that there is one half of a photograph in your purse that looks very similar to this one.
However, the yellowed paper reminds you that the photo is from many years ago.
The one in front of you looks rather new. It seems to have been taken just a few years ago.
Vyn: These are kids from the Renhui Relief Hospital...
You: (Could it be that the photo I have is also of kids from Renhui Relief Hospital? But... why would I have something like that?)
[Obtain Intel: Little Boss > Stayed at relief hospital]
Vyn: Put it away for now.
Vyn looks away after a slight glance at the photo. He has a complicated expression on his face.
You: (What's going on with him?)
You place the photo back in the box and open the booklet...
Inside are verses of poems that are familiar to most, written with a fountain pen in handwriting that is mediocre at best. Each poem has the date of the entry written on the side.
You: I don't see anything special about these poems...
Luke: Maybe the poems are connected?
Luke approaches without you noticing. He takes a look at the booklet, and the gears in his head begin to turn.
Luke: Hmm... There doesn't seem to be a pattern...
Without a lead, the two of you bring the booklet to Manager Duan, hoping that he will know something about it.
You: Manager Duan.
Manager Duan: Little Boss, Journalist Pearce. What can I do for you two?
Manager Duan is standing to the side with an empty gaze, though he looks much calmer than before.
You: Do you know what this is?
You give him the booklet. He quickly flips through it, looking unfazed.
Manager Duan: Oh, this? Boss Qian is big on maintaining his health. He said that reciting and writing famous poems of scholars of the past helps him ease his mind.
[Obtain Intel: Boss Qian > Loves poetry]
Manager Duan: Sometimes, he would even bring the booklets to the relief hospital and read poems to the children.
A nostalgic look appears on his face again. Seems like he's about to share his thoughts about the tragic loss of Boss Qian again.
Luke: That's it? What does the date to the side mean?
Manager Duan: That's... the date Boss Qian wrote down the poem.
Manager Duan: Each poem was written down at a different time. It takes time and patience to improve the body, you catch my drift?
Luke: That's it? If it really were that simple, then... why would this booklet be locked up?
Manager Duan: Well... I don't know.
Manager Duan isn't able to answer Luke's series of questions and waves his hand to show that he really didn't know anything.
This is also the first time you've ever seen Luke behave this way.
You: What's the matter, Journalist Pearce?
Luke: It's nothing... There's a lot of information to digest. Let me process it first.
You nod and watch as Luke walks to the side.
Summary
Location(s)
Boss Qian's Room
Hongshen Dance Hall
