Enduring Light: Skeletons in the Closet II
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Qipao gift
You: Journalist Pearce, do you still remember where you saw the identical qipao gift box?
You: You seem to be very interested in it.
Luke: I wouldn't say I'm interested. I'm just a little surprised.
Luke's brows tense up slightly. It looks like he's trying to recall something.
Luke: The last time I saw this qipao was also at the Li Hotel. It was in the same luxury suite that Boss Qian met his demise in.
You're the one that's feeling surprised now.
You: Can you be more specific?
Luke: I think it was about three years ago. It wasn't long after I first became a reporter...
Luke: A senior reporter from the news agency brought me along to attend the birthday banquet for Boss Yang from the Guangjie Union.
Luke: I remember it vividly. Boss Yang's wife was wearing the exact same purple qipao.
[Obtain Intel: Journalist Pearce > Seen the cheongsam, High-end Cheongsam > Same style cheongsam]
You: (In the Li Hotel... and also at a birthday banquet?)
You: What is the Guangjie Union...?
Luke: The Guangjie Union is an association that connects people from all places. You can see it as a business organization larger than the Association.
[Obtain Clue Card: Guangjie Union]
Luke: Boss Yang, the person that runs the organization, made his fortune by doing business...
Luke: As his business got bigger, numerous smaller merchants began to rely on him for business...
Luke: And thus, the Guangjie Union was formed.
[Obtain Clue Card: Boss Yang]
You: (Sounds like he's not aware of the secrets behind the Guangjie Union...)
You play along, making a sudden gasp.
You: It sounds like a really large organization...
Luke: Not only is the Guangjie Union large, but it also controls half of Xuzhou Town's economy.
[Obtain Intel: Guangjie Union > Control of economic lifeline]
You: And the rest?
Luke: Half of the rest is controlled by President von Hagen's business association. And the other half...
Luke: Is the group formed by people surviving off the benefiting network of the Guangjie Union, known as the Mayfly Association.
You're not sure if Luke is doing it on purpose or if you're just feeling guilty. He stops to look at you as if he's waiting for you to say something.
You: *Sigh*... The factions in Xuzhou Town are really complicated.
You: So, what you're saying is that the Mayfly Association, the Association, and the Guangjie Union have been butting heads for a long time?
Luke: Yup. So, as you can see, Little Boss... it's not easy doing business in Xuzhou Town.
You: Thank you, Journalist Pearce. I'll watch out.
You: Oh, and you said that Boss Yang's wife was wearing that purple qipao at the birthday banquet.
You: Then... does that mean that Boss Qian saw it too? Is that why he wanted to have the same qipao at his own birthday banquet...?
Luke: No. Yingxing Trading Company wasn't big enough at the time to catch Boss Yang's attention. Boss Qian wasn't even on the invitation list.
Luke: Besides... Boss Li was the one that personally went over the invitations. I was on there when he did it.
You: Hmm? You sound like you knew Uncle Li quite well...
Luke: Boss Li was a good person. When I was a reporter, I often missed meals when I was chasing news...
Luke: Whenever I hung around the Li Hotel for interesting news, he would always bring food for me to eat.
[Obtain Intel: Journalist Pearce > Boss Li's warmth]
Luke: He would always say, "Young man, you've got a long road ahead of you. Health should always come before work"...
[Obtain Intel: Boss Li > Philanthropist]
Luke: But now... although the Li Hotel is still the same as it was before... the owner is no longer the same.
The world remains the same, but those in it come and go.
People and things are often not as simple as they appear to be.
Luke: I have another warning for you, Little Boss.
Luke: My instincts as a reporter tell me that Boss Qian's death... is not as simple as the Xiangjin Gang seeking revenge.
Luke: You should... be careful.
His gaze changes into one of wariness and concern.
This is no longer an ordinary conversation. It's just as he said — it's a warning.
Although you're unsure whether he is speaking from his heart or if it's the kindness of "Journalist Pearce," you nod anyway in response.
You: Thank you, I'll be careful.
Ciphered code
You: Journalist Pearce, do you have... something on your mind?
Luke: Little Boss. I was just wondering if all the investigations we've been doing recently mean anything?
Luke: Maybe it'd be better if we handed the entire case over to Officer Zhong and waited patiently at the hotel.
Luke has his head down. His eyes are clouded by conflict and hesitance.
You: Did... something happen?
Luke: Not really. It's just that it feels like the more we investigate, the more complicated everything gets.
Luke: I'm a little... afraid.
Whether it's the Luke that you know, or the "Journalist Pearce" that you've just met, neither of them would ever feel hesitation like this.
You capture the message he's trying to send you.
You: Afraid? What happened? Can you tell me about it?
Luke: Do you still remember the person I told you about...? The senior reporter that brought me to Boss Yang's birthday banquet three years ago?
You: Yes.
Luke: He's not with us anymore...
Luke: He insisted on filming on-site for an incident... I tried stopping him. But he...
You: Did an accident happen during an investigation?
"Journalist Pearce" hesitates to speak. He has a complicated expression on his face.
Luke: That's all in the past now. It's not important anymore.
Luke: All I want to say is... sometimes, it's not so bad to stand on the sidelines and do what we can.
Luke: You have to be extremely careful, especially when conflicts between different "forces" get involved.
[Obtain Intel: Journalist Pearce > Careful of the "forces"]
Luke: The police are already on the case anyway. Why not just hand the contents in the box to Officer Zhong and have him deal with it?
You: Forces?
His emphasis on the word is a clear signal.
You: You mean... the content inside Boss Qian's booklet... may involve other forces?
Luke: No, it's only a reminder... A reminder of sorts.
Before you can finish your sentence, Luke interrupts you and winks. His usual smile returns.
Luke: You didn't hear anything from me, okay, Little Boss?
You: Right...
He didn't say anything, but his words suggested everything.
It's obvious that in "Journalist Pearce's" mind, the booklets inside Boss Qian's safe are definitely connected to his death.
But... are they really the reason for the tragedy that took place?
More and more mysteries gather inside your mind, waiting for you to unravel the truth.
Abnormal attitude
You: Consultant Wing, you recognized that obituary as a secret message from the Mayfly Association as well, didn't you?
Artem looks at you and nods after a long pause.
Artem: I know a thing or two about it.
Artem: As far as I know, the people from the Mayfly Association employ special methods of contacting their partners.
Artem: However, these methods aren't exactly hard to notice, therefore, the messages they contain aren't crucial either.
Artem: So it wouldn't matter even if ordinary people saw it.
His resolute tone suggests that he has already formed a theory in his mind.
However, his attitude toward this makes you feel like he already knows a little about how things in the Mayfly Association work.
You: (Strange. Is that all he wants to tell me? Hmm... Maybe I should probe further.)
You: I've only just arrived in Xuzhou Town... There's a lot I don't know.
You: Consultant Wing, what kind of organization is the Mayfly Association?
You: Why does it seem like a lot of people talk about it, but it's so mysterious at the same time?
Artem presses his lips together and smiles.
Artem: From my point of view, the Mayfly Association... is not mysterious at all.
Artem: It's just that things are a mess right now. The influential powers in and out of Xuzhou Town are complicated... and many things remain unstable...
Artem: There are many things that can't be done openly.
Artem: For example, if people knew about how much money the Yingxing Trading Company makes a year...
Artem: Or if someone unrelated found out about how business is going at the Li Hotel... It may cause unnecessary trouble.
You: I can understand what you're saying.
Artem: In all honesty, I think they're just a group of people that have gathered under a certain belief...
Artem: They're just ordinary people who hope to do something for the people of Xuzhou Town.
Artem: They are no envoys of justice. They're just people who are doing what they can.
You: Just... ordinary people?
Artem: Yes, ordinary, decent people with a sense of justice.
You can feel a level of approval in "Consultant Wing's" tone. It seems genuine.
You: (So... I guess at least Consultant Wing isn't fully on the side of the opposition.)
You: I understand what you mean.
He seems to be comforted by your approval. The smile on his face widens.
Artem: That's good.
The "secret" in the code case
You: Consultant Wing, you talked with an employee back at the dance hall, didn't you?
You: I saw you... hand something to that person.
Sometimes, the best way to deal with doubt is to face it head-on.
And so, you immediately find and inform Artem about your concerns after returning to the hotel.
You: Were you... making some kind of a deal with him?
Artem frowns and looks somewhat at a loss.
Artem: I didn't give him anything. Madame Liu sent him to look for me to deliver a message, saying that she wanted to talk to me in private.
You: !!!
You: (Did Consultant Wing and Madame Liu make contact in private? But... I don't remember him going off by himself...)
You: Now that you've told me about meeting Madame Liu on your own... Are you willing to tell me what the two of you talked about?
Artem: I told you because you asked. I wouldn't say I'm willing.
He's chuckling, but there's a resigned look in his eye.
Artem: Madame Liu told me that Boss Qian opened a vault in her name at a bank in Xuzhou Town.
Artem: Boss Qian would visit the vault every once in a while to make withdrawals and deposits.
Artem: Boss Qian left the contents with her the last time he made a withdrawal... But he's no longer around now...
Artem: Madame Liu is worried that there won't be anyone tending to the remaining items in the vault.
Artem: Coincidentally, she knows that I am familiar with the financial industry and have a few friends at the bank. So she just consulted me for a bit.
Artem responds with an honest tone, making it hard for anyone to believe he's lying.
You continue discussing the topic at hand.
You: Did Madame Liu want to talk about the ownership of the vault with you?
Artem: Yes, I suppose you could say that.
Artem: However, I needed time to speak with my friend at the bank before I could give her a reply.
Artem: So we didn't really get into details at the time.
You: Then... does Madame Liu know what else is in the vault?
Artem holds his chin in thought, the furrow between his brows deepening.
Artem: Unfortunately, she doesn't.
Artem: She only remembers that the last time the vault was opened... was five days ago.
[Obtain Intel: Consultant Wing > Asked about vault]
You: Five days ago? So, that means Boss Qian accessed the vault recently, but nobody knows what he withdrew?
[Obtain Intel: Boss Qian > Vault]
Artem: Yes...
You: Consultant Wing?
You stare at Artem, trying to come up with something else to talk to him about.
However, he is frowning and seemingly lost in his own thoughts, so he doesn't respond to you.
It's clear that "Consultant Wing" has his own secrets.
The information Artem is able to share is limited to the information that "Consultant Wing" is willing to share.
You: (Maybe I should find another time to speak to him...)
Newspaper clipping of obituary
You: Interpreter Richter, you seem to be... very informed about the events that took place in Xuzhou Town.
Vyn: Oh? And what makes you think so, Little Boss?
Vyn's golden eyes are as calm as usual. It's as if your inquiry isn't even a question to him.
You: When I found the newspaper clipping in the guest room before... your view of it was very unique.
You: I don't think someone could have such a deep understanding unless they were on top of the news and familiar with the moving pieces in Xuzhou Town.
Vyn: If you believe so, then I suppose it is true.
Vyn's answer is ambiguous. He neither admits nor denies your assumption.
Vyn: After all, I have only taught in Xuzhou for half a year. Naturally, I would pay more attention to the surroundings of my students so that I can get to know them better.
Vyn: I do have a theory regarding the clipping... Are you interested in hearing it?
You eagerly nod.
You: Of course. Please do share, Interpreter Richter.
Vyn: I am assuming that you are curious as to why I am capable of recognizing the obituary as a message left by a Mayfly Association member, am I right?
Your heart skips a beat, and you fail to reply in time. Vyn continues as if he already heard your answer.
Vyn: People always say that seeing is believing... But, sometimes, seeing the real thing does not mean that it is real.
Vyn: For example, the obituary clipping... Formulating those words in a different order will form a completely different message when using the same pattern.
Vyn: This is a typical coded communication technique.
Vyn: I believe that... the Mayfly Association members all have a decoder in their possession...
[Obtain Intel: Weird Obituary > Codebook Decipher]
Vyn: The obituary text will mean something different when referenced with their decoder.
Vyn: Words that do not look to be of any importance might be extremely vital to the person decoding them.
During his intentional pause, you finally find a loophole in his words.
You: So, if we go according to what you just said, this is a common code... Then, why would you, Interpreter Richter, be so sure that it's from the Mayfly Association?
You: Is it simply because Boss Qian was a member of the Mayfly Association?
Vyn: Yes... That is definitely an extremely important factor.
Vyn: However, it is merely a theory with no evidence to back it up. Just take it as something you heard in passing.
Vyn: I just think that in Xuzhou Town...
Vyn: Only the members of the Mayfly Association need to use a secretive method to communicate due to their hidden identity and movement.
Vyn: Besides, even if I am right, we will only be able to find out the secrets within after we have found the decoder.
Vyn: So, for me, everything is just speculation at this point.
You: (Was it really just a guess? I suspect that you're trying to fool me, but I have no proof of it.)
Vyn: But, there is still one other question...
Vyn: Are you not curious about what the drawing on the other piece of paper means?
You: ...
The drawing is of an old man fishing by himself.
This was a message sent from an unknown companion. You're not sure why it was in Boss Qian's possession.
However, all you can do is pretend to be curious in front of "Interpreter Richter."
You: Is this... another one of the Mayfly Association's ways of sending messages?
Vyn looks up and gazes calmly into your eyes.
Vyn: No, I am unable to ascertain that.
Vyn: However, the drawing is neither a famous piece, nor is it a valuable heirloom...
Vyn: Why would someone with Boss Qian's resources place such a "worthless" drawing in his collection?
Vyn: Maybe it would not be too bold to assume that it is some kind of important clue.
Vyn: And that is why Boss Qian had it in such a safe place. Maybe... it was even the reason for the tragedies to follow.
You keep the expressions on your face in check. All you can do is go along with the conversation and try to end it as soon as possible.
You: That does make sense...
Seemingly having read your mind, Vyn stops pressing further.
You: (This is so difficult... But it's way harder to wring out information from Interpreter Richter...)
Renhui Relief Hospital
You: You didn't look too good after seeing the photo just now, Interpreter Richter. Is there something on your mind?
Vyn: The relief hospital...? Hmm...
Vyn seems immersed in his own thoughts and does not respond to you.
You continue looking for other things to talk about, wanting to strike up a conversation.
You: I remember you saying that you would occasionally go and visit the kids at the relief hospital...
Vyn: Oh, worry not... Some thoughts just came over me when I saw the photo.
Vyn pauses, and the previous expression on his face is substituted by his usual faint smile.
Vyn: The Yingxing Trading Company has been providing unconditional financial support to the relief hospital these past couple of years.
Vyn: But now that Boss Qian is dead... The financial support may also be affected.
You: (So, the photos that Boss Qian collected... are from him helping the relief hospital?)
You: (But if that's the case, why would Boss Qian not be in the photos himself?)
You: (Could he be the one that's taking the photos? No, that doesn't make any sense...)
Just as you begin to ruminate over it, you notice that the voice by your ear has also disappeared.
You look up to see Vyn quietly looking at you, just as you were doing to him previously.
You: Sorry... So, you're worried about the children?
Vyn: I am simply unsure who will take over the Yingxing Trading Company, and if that person will continue with some of Boss Qian's decisions.
Vyn: After all, no one can be certain of the future.
Vyn: What do you think, Little Boss?
You: (He looks to be really worried about the kids.)
[Obtain Intel: Interpreter Richter > Particularly concerned about the relief hospital]
You: Life throws curveballs at you... Hopefully, whoever takes over Yingxing will do the right thing...
Vyn: I hope so.
Suspicious movements
You: President von Hagen, you lied.
You: When we went to Boss Qian's room to investigate, that wasn't your first time in that room, was it?
Marius raises his brow and laughs.
Marius: Of course not. Come on, Little Boss, stop accusing me of things.
You: If I recall correctly, you were on the other side of the closet when we all went to the house last time. You wouldn't have had a chance to check the drawers on your own.
Marius: Geez... How are you able to remember such a precise detail? Your memory is honestly something else.
He seems to be trying to change the subject with his usual tricks. However, you don't plan on letting him off the hook this time.
You: So, if you never had the opportunity to be around the drawers, how did you know... that the safes inside the drawer would be locked, President von Hagen?
Marius: It was just a guess. You said they were safes... And, naturally, safes would be locked.
You: No, if you were just guessing, then it wouldn't have sounded so natural.
You: If my theory is correct, you were in Boss Qian's room before 5:00 PM and opened the drawer as well.
You: What were you doing in the room? Were you talking to Boss Qian about some secret business?
Marius: I regret doing what I did. I won't give you any more kind reminders from now on.
Marius: Everything would've been fine if I had just kept my mouth shut.
You: So, am I right?
Marius sighs helplessly.
Marius: Yes, I went over in the afternoon.
Marius: I got into an argument with Old Qian in the lobby. I kept thinking about it and it only made me angrier...
Marius: Then, I barged into his room to continue the conversation. It's an understandable move, all right?
Marius: You're aware of my past with that old man, right?
It's true, with President von Hagen's explosive temper, barging into Boss Qian's room to argue with him is something that's likely to happen
But... he just had to barge into a room where a murder took place in.
You: Are you talking about... your family residence being taken away?
Marius: Yes. I didn't finish explaining it to you last time. My father realized that he had been swindled, and fell ill from his anger. He passed away soon after.
Marius: My mother didn't make it over the hurdle either... She joined him shortly later...
[Obtain Intel: President von Hagen > Death of parents]
He pauses while carrying a dark look on his face.
Marius: After I grew up, I spent a lot of time investigating the matter and found out that Qian was the one messing with the deal back then.
Marius: He thinks that my family residence is in a good location, and can be sold for a good price. However, my father wasn't willing to sell. And so came the rest of the story.
Marius: Don't you agree that I should at least be able to ask him about it face to face after I found out the truth?
You: ...
Although it was posed like a question, Marius does not give you time to answer.
Marius: Qian used to live in my family residence...
Marius: His business hasn't been doing so well recently, so the idea of selling my family home crossed his mind again. That's why he moved out.
Marius: However, he somehow got the money from someone else, and his business got back on track. He then donated my family residence to maintain his reputation...
Marius: Hmph, someone would have to be crazy to think they could get away with something like that.
You: I see. So you entered Boss Qian's room to stop him from donating the family residence?
Marius: That's right.
Marius: When I entered the room, I saw him opening the drawer to lock the safes.
Marius: The old man was furious that I had barged in. Hmph, how ridiculous.
This time, Marius admits to it extremely willingly.
You: I see. So that's how you knew... But why didn't you just tell me...?
Marius scoffs and fiddles with his thumb ring. It looks like he's purposely avoiding your question.
Because of his action, your attention is drawn to his thumb ring again.
The uneven metal surface of his ring reinforces your theory.
You: The strange scratches on Boss Qian's hand. Were they left from your argument with him?
You: You were worried that your presence in the room and the argument with Boss Qian would be used as evidence against you. Is that why you didn't want to tell me?
Marius: Hmph...
Marius scoffs again. However, this time, he sounds a little nervous.
Marius: You've already figured everything out, Little Boss. What else are you expecting me to say?
You: (Looks like I was right on the money.)
Mysterious guest
Marius: Little Boss? Why have you been staring at me ever since you got back to the hotel? Is there something on my face?
The moment you step into the hotel, "President von Hagen" welcomes you with the smile that you are all too familiar with.
You: President von Hagen, you've been at odds with Boss Qian for some time, so why were you willing to attend his birthday banquet?
You: Wouldn't that be... unpleasant for you?
Marius: Obviously, it has to do with the von Hagen Family residence. The old man wants to donate it, so I was there to ruin the vibe.
[Obtain Intel: President von Hagen > Make enemies with Boss Qian]
Marius: Are you finding my reason to be insufficient, Little Boss? Or... do you think I'm the most suspicious person that was there that night?
Marius is always at ease in the face of your suspicions.
You: (Was I wrong? He's not the "person Boss Qian didn't fully trust" that Madame Liu spoke of...?)
Marius: Are you thinking that Old Qian didn't dare invite Madame Liu because he asked for me to come here?
You: I...
You wanted to say, "No, that's not what I think," but the expression on your face betrays you.
"President von Hagen" sighs.
Marius: All right, I'm willing to share a piece of information with you so you can rid your mind of these pointless worries.
Marius: Originally, Old Qian invited Boss Yang from the Guangjie Union to his birthday banquet...
Marius: But as you can see, Boss Yang never came.
You: So you're saying... the" person" Madame Liu spoke of is Boss Yang!? But...
You: (Boss Yang wasn't on the VIP list, and the Yingxing Trading Company never mentioned anything about cooperation between Boss Qian and the Guangjie Union...)
Marius: To my knowledge, Boss Yang and Boss Qian knew each other for a long time. The two often engaged in shady business together.
[Obtain Intel: Boss Yang > Secret Meetings, Boss Qian > Secret Meetings]
You: Where did you get all this information from?
Marius: I have my channels. Without information like this, it's impossible to do business nowadays.
Marius does not directly answer your question. He merely adds a suggestive tone to his voice.
Marius: If there are no other forces supporting the Yingxing Trading Company...
Marius: Then how were they able to make a name for themselves in just a few years? It's obvious, isn't it?
You: (Boss Qian and Boss Yang are acquaintances...?)
If the information he provided is true, then things have just gotten a lot more complicated.
Boss Qian is a member of the Mayfly Association, but he's connected to the Guangjie Union boss. Could that mean that in between it all...
Marius: You don't believe me?
You: President von Hagen, whatever the case, the truth is that Boss Yang and the people from Guangjie Union never showed up at the birthday banquet.
Marius: How do you know that?
Marius: What if they did show up, but you didn't know about it...?
You: (There might be... guests from the Guangjie Union!?)
Marius: That's just how it is with some people, Little Boss... They act differently when they are in front of different people. It's hard to tell who's sincere and who's not. You should be careful.
"President von Hagen" smiles as he speaks kindly. Although you are aware that part of it is just an act, it still doesn't stop you from feeling all fuzzy inside.
You: But... why are you willingly telling me this information?
You: I don't have anything to give in exchange.
Marius: Call it instinct, I guess... I've felt a certain connection to you ever since I first saw you. That's why I wanted to help.
You: Huh?
Marius: When I was little, my family lost everything because of Old Qian. I was so sad I squatted on the side of the street and cried...
Marius: A little girl who was slightly older than me came over to comfort me. She even gave me a few purple bellflowers.
[Obtain Intel: President von Hagen > A flower during childhood]
Marius: I might just be imagining things, but I keep getting the feeling that you look very similar to the little girl in my memories...
Purple bellflowers, comforting a child...
You recall that there was a dried petal in your purse when you first arrived at the Li Hotel.
The petal was from a bellflower.
You: President von Hagen...
There are things you want to say, but Marius looks the other way and doesn't seem to want to continue the conversation.
You: (Could it be that great of a coincidence...?)
You might feel that way, but once the seed of doubt is planted, it grows rapidly and becomes impossible to ignore.
Summary
Location(s)
Li Hotel Lobby
