Enduring Light: Skeletons in the Closet III
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Pearl and intel You: Journalist Pearce, can you tell me about the pearl?
You: I got a close look at it before, over at Officer Zhong's place. The bottom of the pearl seems to have... the emblem of The von Hagen Association...
Upon hearing your question about the pearl, Luke begins to speak after pausing for a moment and sighing.
Luke: Would you believe me if I told you I found it?
You: You... found it in the hotel lobby?
Luke: No. I was actually there that afternoon when President von Hagen and Boss Qian had the argument.
You: What!?
Marius said that he had an argument with Boss Qian around 3:00 PM. Could it be that... Journalist Pearce was also...
You: You were in Boss Qian's room at that time?
Luke: Yeah... It was about 3:00 PM. I was hiding in the closet, so I got a good look at things.
You: (No wonder the clothes in the closet were all over the floor. Someone was hiding there...)
You: (Wait... No... I clearly remember...)
You: When we were in the lobby, you were lying when you said you saw President von Hagen enter Boss Qian's room after the chef had delivered the sweet lotus soup...?
Luke: Yeah... I wanted to scare him a little, but he didn't take the bait.
You: (Hmm, I can't believe everything at face-front value. I have to stay alert...)
You: Wait, why were you hiding in the closet?
Luke has a forced smile on his face.
Luke: To be honest, we reporters have our own channels and sources for information. I knew that Boss Qian might be doing business with someone from the Guangjie Union...
Luke: So, I thought that I might be able to sneak into the room and hide somewhere to get a big scoop.
Luke: My mentor might've wanted me to do it as well... After all, I didn't back then...
You: (Back then?)
Luke continues before you can give it more thought.
Luke: I never thought President von Hagen would be the one to show up. They exchanged a few words and started arguing. Afterward, President von Hagen stormed out of the room.
Luke: Then someone brought something into the room and got yelled at by Boss Qian.
You: (Something got brought up? Hmm, it must be the chef that brought the sweet lotus soup at 3:30 PM!)
Luke: I heard the sound of a wine bottle being knocked over, and someone repeatedly apologizing in the room. Then...
Luke: Boss Qian walked into the closet...
You: (This matches up. The wine on the table was knocked over.)
You: The wine must've spilled onto Boss Qian's clothes. He had to attend a birthday banquet at night, so he had to get a change of clothes.
You: He went to the closet to grab a new set of clothes, but instead, he found you.
Luke nods.
Luke: I was admittedly panicking a little at the time... As I was trying to break free from Boss Qian, I grabbed something and knocked him out.
You: Could it have been the phonograph on the closet shelf!?
You: I remembered that... there were blood stains on it.
Luke frowns and nods helplessly.
Luke: Yes... After I knocked him out with the phonograph, I left through the window of the small bedroom on the other side of the closet.
You: When did you leave?
Luke: I can't remember, but it was soon after. I didn't stay for anything.
Luke: Afterward, I made up an excuse and returned to the hotel lobby with the crowd. You know how the rest goes, Little Boss.
[Obtain Intel: Journalist Pearce > "Accident"]
You: (I remember it was 3:30 PM when the chef delivered the sweet lotus soup. If he left right after, then it must've been after 3:30 PM?)
You: (Everything he just said...)
You: I don't understand why you're willing to tell me all of this, Journalist Pearce.
You: It's highly likely that you wouldn't be found out based on a single pearl if you didn't tell me anything.
Luke: Because I don't want to lie to you... And... I wanted you to have this.
Luke takes out a key from his pocket. It looks to be a key to a safe.
[Obtain Clue Card: Antique Copper Key]
[Obtain Intel: Antique Copper Key > Safe Key]
Luke: This is something I grabbed in my panic to escape. The pearl that Officer Zhong found was also something I grabbed in a hurry...
Luke: I never expected to grab something so expensive... I wanted to return it, but I didn't want to get myself in trouble.
You: Do you have any other clues?
Luke: Hmm... That's about it. I've also seen the files that Officer Zhong got from Consultant Wing.
Luke: I don't know what the files have to do with Boss Qian, but...
Luke: We can't rule out the possibility of him entering Boss Qian's room after I left, right?
You: Hmm... It would seem so.
If "Journalist Pearce" is telling the truth, then it'd make sense to suspect "Consultant Wing." But...
You: (Where did Luke get his information? What information network is he working off of...?)
You: Journalist Pearce, may I ask where you got this information of yours?
Luke: Umm...
You: Are you unable to tell me?
You thought he'd refuse, but he just shakes his head and smiles.
Luke: I wouldn't have been able to share it with anyone else. But if it's you, then that's a different story. I'm fine with telling you everything.
Luke: Three days ago, I received a telegram from the Mayfly Association.
[Obtain Intel: Boss Qian > Transaction]
You: (The Mayfly Association? But I was told that the Mayfly Association's telegram network went down after Uncle Li went missing.)
You: (If so, then the telegram that Luke received might not be from the Mayfly Association.)
Luke: What is it? You've got a heavy look on your face.
Seeing that you're not talking, Luke reaches out and waves his hand in front of your face.
You: I-it's nothing. I'm just confused about something. I need some time to sort it out.
Luke: Yeah, the case is really getting complicated. Don't be too hard on yourself. Make sure you get enough rest as well.
You: Yeah, you too.
Suspicious Figure
You: When we were with President von Hagen in the closet... There was something else you wanted to say, wasn't there?
You: Your expression at the time seemed...
Luke: I guess I can't hide it from you.
Luke lets out an embarrassed laugh. He then speaks after a moment of hesitation.
Luke: I remembered something, but I wasn't sure if it was related to Boss Qian. So, I decided not to share it.
You: Can you tell me about it?
Luke: Well, actually... I think I saw someone enter the room before I went out the window
Luke: I was panicking at the time, so I might've been mistaken...
You: You saw someone? Can you recall any details?
Luke's words take you by surprise. You quickly pursue the topic.
Luke: I'm not sure, but I think it might've been... Interpreter Richter.
You: Interpreter Richter!?
You: How could that be...
You remembered clearly that...
You: (Interpreter Richter said that he arrived at the hotel at 5:00 PM, and Luke jumped out the window after 3:30 PM... So, how could that be possible?)
You: Are you sure it was him?
Luke: I'm not certain, but my gut tells me that he's not someone to be trusted.
You: I understand. You're suggesting that there's a possibility that Interpreter Richter lied about the time he arrived at the hotel?
Luke: Yes. If Interpreter Richter really did lie, then the biggest reason for him to lie is...
You: To cover up the fact that he's the murderer!
You: (However, in this scenario, it is possible for everyone to lie and for anyone to hide things from one another...)
Just as you're about to persuade Journalist Pearce not jump to conclusions...
A glint of mischief appears in his eyes.
Luke: He's also able to find the perfect scapegoat.
You: Scapegoat?
You immediately understand what Luke means.
You: You mean, you. He wants to push the blame onto you?
Luke: Of course... If he was the person I saw... then he may have seen me too.
[Obtain Intel: Interpreter Richter > Figure]
Luke: So, he would easily have known that...
You: Boss Qian was in the room. Because you would have no reason to escape through the window otherwise.
You finish Luke's sentence and he nods.
Luke: And something must've happened to Boss Qian.
Luke: Because if he was fine, I wouldn't have been able to get away, and jumping out the window isn't something that one would logically do. Something must've happened.
After listening to everything Luke said, all the following events start to fall into place.
Luke: He cautiously walks into the room to find Boss Qian already knocked out. It's perfect for what he came to do.
Luke: Afterward, all he needs to do is make up a random alibi, and he would have absolutely nothing to do with it. And if that doesn't work, he can easily push the blame onto me.
You: (Journalist Pearce's theory does make sense...)
You: (However... this is all based on the assumption that the person he saw was Interpreter Richter.)
You: (We're not sure who that person actually was...)
You: (We're not even sure if there was a person who entered the room at that time. These are all just his one-sided words.)
You: (What is the truth behind it all...?)
Is "Interpreter Richter" lying and causing someone to take the fall? Or is "Journalist Pearce" trying to create diversions so he can escape the blame?
Your thoughts become more entangled. Everything is much more complicated than you had expected.
Secret list of names
You: Consultant Wing, I read the file that Officer Zhong found.
You: The contents don't seem like something that could be gathered in a short period of time. You must've spent a lot of time investigating the Guangjie Union, right?
Artem: I have. However, Boss Qian already had someone gather a portion of the files beforehand...
Artem: I just added and organized the files based on what he originally had.
Artem's posture and gaze look to be relaxed. It's as if he knew you were going to ask him these questions.
You: So... Boss Qian was secretly investigating the Guangjie Union?
You: (Was Boss Qian investigating the Guangjie Union for the Mayfly Association?)
You: (If so, then why didn't the Mayfly Association know about any of this beforehand...?)
You toss the racing thoughts out of your head, focus on Artem, and continue to listen.
Artem: It is simple. Anyone that does business in Xuzhou Town will be influenced by the Guangjie Union.
Artem: Boss Qian wanted to expand the Yingxing Trading Company. Therefore, he needed to avoid conflict with the people from the Guangjie Union.
Artem: The file was just to get to know his enemies better.
Artem: As the financial consultant of Yingxing Trading, it is natural that he would give me the files, wouldn't you agree?
You: Yeah, but...
Your attention moves from the information on the Guangjie Union to a list of names.
Officer Zhong may not be aware, but after matching it with the list that you have, you are certain that there are more than just Guangjie Union members on the list...
There are the names of a group of secret Mayfly Association members, and there is a small marking next to each of their names.
You: (Only high-ranking members of the Mayfly Association would know something like this.)
You: (How did Consultant Wing get his hands on this information? And why is he taking note of it on the roster of Guangjie Union members?)
If only one was marked, it would make sense that he might have made a mistake. But now, you have no choice but to believe that "Consultant Wing" has other plans of his own.
You push the list of names in front of him and tap on it with your finger.
You: And where did you get this list of names? You're not going to tell me that Boss Qian gave it to you, are you?
You: Also, there are special markings on the names on the back... What special meaning do they hold?
Artem glances at the markings on the list and laughs.
Artem: The truth is, Boss Qian gave me the list...
Artem: The people that are marked are hiding in various places in Xuzhou Town. They're part of the Mayfly Association. Members that are operating secretly.
A chill runs down your spine. You suppress your nervousness and put on a calm and curious expression.
You: Huh? Why would he give you a list like this? Aren't these lists usually top secret?
Artem has a complicated look on his face. He frowns and thinks for a moment before speaking.
Artem: Maybe because Boss Qian thinks highly of me and is trying to persuade me to join.
[Obtain Intel: Consultant Wing > Roped in by Boss Qian]
You: Giving you part of the Mayfly Association list to persuade you to join?
You: (That's a ridiculous reason for doing so.)
Artem: I can't think of another reason.
Although Artem looks to be calm, you still feel that something's off.
You: However, even if Boss Qian wanted you to join, there's no need for him to give you a list like this.
You: All he has to do is show you around the Mayfly Association and make some introductions. Wouldn't that be safer and easier?
Artem: To be honest, I'm also curious as to why he gave me the list.
Artem sighs helplessly. He looks to be confused by Boss Qian's decision as well.
You: (Consultant Wing is a tough nut to crack. I don't think I'll be able to get anything out of him right now. Maybe I should try something else.)
Origins of Li
You: Consultant Wing... There's something that I've been wanting to ask you. What connection do you have to our hotel?
You've pondered it through and through, but Artem's reaction when he mentioned the Li Hotel keeps resurfacing in your thoughts.
On top of that, there's also his reaction toward the Mayfly Association and the list of names that he has...
You: (Maybe... I should take a gamble?)
You look at Artem, hoping to glean some information from his expression.
Artem: What are you trying to say? If you want to talk about my connection...
He chuckles in slight exasperation.
Artem: Boss Li helped me out in the past... So, I hope to help you protect the hotel in his absence.
Artem: It's just a little sentiment of mine.
You: Is that all?
You: (I'm sure that's not all... With how much attention he places on the Mayfly Association, there has to be more to it than this.)
His response was too calm and composed. You have no choice but to try again.
You: I remember now. I've seen your messages on the Li Hotel message booklet, Consultant Wing.
[Obtain Intel: Guest Book > Consultant Wing's message]
You: I think you said that... you liked to fish? And that you wanted to go and fish with Uncle Li if an opportunity arose?
Artem: Yes, but... it wasn't fishing. It's ice fishing. Have you not heard Boss Li mention it before?
You: !!!
Your heart instantly speeds up, beating fiercely within your chest.
You: (He knew after all!)
[Obtain Intel: Mayfly Association > Dead drop]
You try your best to suppress your emotions and continue with your questions.
You: Yeah, I remember now. Uncle Li liked to ice fish.
You: He always said that he enjoyed the feeling of fishing by the pond on a freezing winter day...
Artem: The "old man alone on a raft" must be "alone" while fishing in the snow.
[Obtain Intel: Consultant Wing > Mayfly Association member]
He looks into your eyes and recites each word that has been ingrained in your mind.
You: (It fits. Everything matches up now.)
You look at "Consultant Wing" as he continues to smile ever so faintly. Your racing heart settles.
You: (So... he really is my... companion...)
In this complicated case... and this giant, empty, hotel...
You're burdened with unspeakable secrets and surrounded by a group of liars with their own secrets.
And now, you've finally found a companion. You're no longer in this alone.
He sees that you understand what he means and gently nods in response.
You: (The truth is still out there. I can't expose my emotions. If Consultant Wing and I are exposed, then everything would've been for nothing.)
You continue to ask about the case and make a hard segue.
You: So... do you know what the obituary meant?
Artem: It means "Boss Li is in trouble. The hotel may be being monitored by the Guangjie Gang. Keep the radio safe at all costs."
[Obtain Intel: Weird Obituary > Warning]
He gave a clear and immediate answer. It's as if he knew you were going to ask that, and prepared for it in advance.
You: (Looks like the decoder is really with him. Then, that means...)
You: Was the obituary for you? Then why did Boss Qian...
Artem: No, it was actually meant for you.
Artem: I originally planned on leaving the message and the drawing in the message booklet at the front desk for you so you would notice the information placed around the hotel.
[Obtain Intel: Doodle Paper > Hint cipher]
Artem: But Boss Qian coincidentally took the information I had placed in the files... So, the clipping and the letter...
Artem pauses, slightly hesitant.
Artem: Good thing he didn't have the decoder with him and didn't know what the code meant.
Even with his position, sending a simple piece of information to the correct person is still quite a task.
You: I understand... But I still have another question.
You: Journalist Pearce said that the list of the Mayfly Association names... The one that was found in your room...
You: He saw the exact same list when he entered Boss Qian's room.
You: So... did you go to Boss Qian's room to steal the document?
Artem: I did get my copy from Boss Qian.
Artem: What Journalist Pearce said are but his own words. It's not enough to prove anything.
Artem doesn't give a straight answer to your question and returns to his normal, serious expression.
Artem: However, it is true that I've been spying on Boss Qian. I won't deny that.
Artem: And while doing so, I've also discovered some pretty unexpected things.
You: Like what?
Artem: Boss Qian and the Guangjie Union have been secretly working together. You could say that they're accomplices.
You: What???
Surprise overtakes you for a second, but you quickly find your composure.
You: (It's true... There's definitely something shady going on at the Renhui Relief Hospital, and Boss Qian is undeniably involved.)
You: (It would've been hard for Boss Qian to pull off everything on his own. It's understandable for there to be outside forces at play as well.)
You: (But... why the Guangjie Union? And what did they do together?)
The joy of "reuniting" with Artem dies off as more and more doubts arise.
Secret list of names
You: What's on your mind, Interpreter Richter?
Vyn: Why do you ask?
You: You look like you've had something on your mind this whole time. Did you think of something?
Vyn gently chuckles after hearing your words. He looks to be in a better mood.
Vyn: Thank you for your concern, Little Boss. I am fine.
Vyn: I am just thinking... Did Consultant Wing really collect those files and the list of names by himself?
Vyn: There is highly sensitive information in those documents, and they do not seem to be accessible to ordinary people. How did Consultant Wing get hold of them...?
You: (Highly sensitive... Does he mean the list of names!?)
Your heart skips a beat. You look up at Vyn and see the usual faint smile on his face.
You: (Calm down. Let's hear Interpreter Richter out first.)
You: Interpreter Richter, do you think that it's strange that Consultant Wing would be able to get information on the Guangjie Union?
You toss the question to Vyn, hoping to find something new from his perspective.
Vyn: Not only that information, but there is also a list containing the names of certain members.
Vyn: Normally, the member list is extremely well-hidden. Why would Consultant Wing be able to dig up such a thing? What is his true identity?
Vyn: Do you not find that to be interesting?
You: (Certain members? Looks like he doesn't know who the people on the list are.)
You: So, you suspect Consultant Wing of being... a member of the Guangjie Union?
Vyn: I am not certain, but it is a possibility.
Vyn: If the theory stands true... Then there may be another possibility for the incident.
Vyn: If Boss Qian is a member of the Mayfly Association, rumor has it that he also is connected to Boss Yang...
Vyn: Then maybe his death is not a backlash from his conflicts with the Guangjie Union and Xiangjin Gang. It may be the doings of the Mayfly Association.
You: (Huh!? Boss Qian and Boss Yang's connection... Didn't Journalist Pearce tell me about that? How did he know...?)
You: Why? Isn't Boss Qian a member of the Mayfly Association? Why would they kill one of their own?
Vyn's theory is extremely bold. You can't help but question him about it.
However, he continues, as if he knew that you would react this way.
Vyn: Yes, but people change. After all, the Mayfly Association does not share the same interests as the merchants.
Vyn: If Boss Qian wanted to expand the Yingxing Trading Company, he would want to get rid of the obstacle known as the Mayfly Association, correct?
You: Are you saying that Boss Qian is a traitor?
Vyn: A traitor? Little Boss, your choice of wording is...
A smile seeps out from Vyn's golden eyes. You realize you've chosen the wrong word, and try your best to salvage your position.
You: No, it's because I never thought that someone as great as Boss Qian would... That he would betray his own companions.
Vyn: People are hard to read. You may be overestimating him, Little Boss.
The smile on his face remains. However, a strange obscured emotion begins to emerge in the depths of his eyes...
You gaze into "Interpreter Richter's" eyes and lapse into thought.
You: (Who is he referring to? Is he talking about Boss Qian, or is he referring to Consultant Wing, who collected the information for Boss Qian?)
Childhood Memories
You: What's wrong, Interpreter Richter?
You: You haven't been yourself since the visit to the relief hospital. Did something happen?
Vyn: I...
He unexpectedly remains silent for a while before speaking again. He seems hesitant.
Vyn: Little Boss? What is your impression of the Renhui Relief Hospital?
You don't know why, but there is a look of anticipation on Vyn's face.
You: It really didn't make much of an impression to me.
You: However, I feel like there's something strange about the Renhui Relief Hospital after visiting.
You: The kids there all wear brand-new clothes, but they aren't even the right size.
You: Plus, I also toured the facilities and saw that they're really old. It doesn't look like a relief hospital that receives frequent donations.
Vyn: ...
Vyn chuckles as if having just thought of something funny.
Vyn: Even if that is the case, it is still better than it was before.
Vyn: Even if the clothes do not fit, at least they have new clothes to wear. Did you notice how much the children cherished the clothes that they had?
You: Better than before...
Vyn: Did you forget, Little Boss? The children that were here before had it much worse.
Vyn: All they had were patched and repaired clothes. They did not even know if there would be a next meal... Living in constant fear...
You: I recall that the relief hospital would give out supplies to the kids...
Vyn: Of course... But do you know how much of it actually made it to the kids?
His golden eyes glimmer with slight resignation and regret.
Vyn: Whether it be donations or government aid...
Vyn: After it goes through the countless people that skim a little for themselves, there is barely anything left for the kids.
You: ...
You: But did no one notice anything after all these years? Did no one realize how the kids were living?
Vyn: It is not hard to keep it a secret. Today, for example, we could have chosen to go there in disguise or simply bribed them...
Vyn: Anyway, it is questionable how many people there are in Xuzhou Town who genuinely want to help the relief hospital.
Vyn: Most of them are just people that believe they are above it all, looking down on and pitying the less fortunate. And through it, they reap the self-satisfaction of "helping others."
You: Interpreter Richter...
You gently call out to him but have no idea how to soothe his current emotions.
Vyn: So, I came to understand something a long time ago. To never rely on anyone.
Vyn: Only when you are strong enough, will you be able to protect yourself and others.
Vyn: Else you are nothing but a lamb on the chopping board, unable to protect even yourself.
[Obtain Intel: Interpreter Richter > Obsession]
Vyn seems to have reinforced his beliefs even further. Nothing can change his mind.
Overdue account
You: President von Hagen, how many little secrets do you actually have...?
Marius: None. I've never held anything back from you, right?
Marius smiles with a relaxed look on his face.
You: I've seen the ledger that Officer Zhong found. There are a ton of records in there, but...
You: Many of them are accounts receivable from the Yingxing Trading Company.
You: How did you know about that? Don't tell me Boss Qian told you himself.
Marius: He did, actually.
You are at a loss for words. Marius shrugs, unbothered.
Marius: The people at the Yingxing Trading Company aren't really that loyal. A little cash here and there, and they start spilling everything. I had no choice but to listen.
You: President von Hagen! Stealing company information like that... Don't you think it's a little...
Marius: Don't be mad, Little Boss. It's all part of business, right? Besides, I had no choice.
Marius: If I didn't get a hold of this, I wouldn't have any leverage to persuade Old Qian into giving back my family residence.
It seems that Marius is reminded of the past... His complex expression is filled with, regret, anger, and a hint of... scorn.
You: So... you went and gathered information on Yingxing Trading Company's debt records so you could negotiate with Boss Qian?
Marius: Yup. I even went after the few that posed great issues for them.
Marius: Finding out about his mistakes is the only way I'm going to get what I want, wouldn't you agree?
Marius pauses while his expression turns to regret.
Marius: Unfortunately, the first round of negotiations went south.
Marius: I already told you the specifics. That old man is a really tough cookie...
You: (According to President von Hagen's previous statements...)
You: On the afternoon of the incident, you met with Boss Qian and had a big argument. In the end, he threw you out.
You: I suppose the ledger kind of makes sense... But what about the letters from Renhui Relief Hospital?
You: Don't tell me that's also for leverage over Boss Qian.
There were a few thank-you letters addressed, "To the man we've never met"...
They were obviously not written to Boss Qian. To be honest, it's more likely that they were meant for President von Hagen.
[Obtain Clue Card: Relief Hospital Letter]
[Obtain Intel: Relief Hospital Letter > To President von Hagen]
Marius: Those kids wrote them to me. I didn't get a chance to read them, so I kept them with me.
You: But you...
Marius: You don't have to show off and tell everyone about everything you've done, right?
Marius: I'm not a "great philanthropist" who likes to share these things to sweeten my reputation. All I did was donate some money. There's no need to tell the world about it.
[Obtain Intel: President von Hagen > Silent help]
You: (But Officer Zhong said that President von Hagen never funded the kids at the relief hospital... Could there be some kind of misunderstanding?)
Marius: From the look on your face, I'm guessing you don't believe me yet. What's the problem?
You: Hmm...
His delicate choice of words insult Boss Qian while elevating himself...
However, it is true that what he says makes a lot of sense. You'll have to change the subject to get more information...
You: I actually have another question that I've been meaning to ask. What time was it when you had the argument with Boss Qian?
You: Are you sure nothing else happened?
Marius: Hmm... I can't remember the specific time, but it was before the chef delivered the sweet lotus soup.
Marius: I recall the chef serving something when I was on my way out.
You: (I remember... According to Manager Duan, the chef brought the sweet lotus soup to Boss Qian at around 3:30 PM.)
You: (However, Boss Qian and Consultant Wing's conversation ended around 3:00 PM. That means...)
You: (The only window for President von Hagen and Boss Qian to be alone was between 3:00 and 3:30 PM.)
Completing a series of actions while avoiding being discovered, and escaping from inside the room in such a short period of time would be difficult.
You: (This is really hard... I feel like I'm still missing key information... I think I need to go over everything in detail.)
Shadows of the past
You: President von Hagen, are you the man in the white shirt that the child said he saw at the relief hospital that night?
Marius: What do you think, Little Boss?
He doesn't directly respond to your question and instead, turns it back on you.
You are familiar with "President von Hagen's" slippery personality now. You refuse to play along.
You: I don't really care, one way or another. What's important is what you think.
After a brief moment of silence, "President von Hagen" nods without hesitation.
Marius: Yes, it was me that visited the relief hospital that night.
You: What was the reason for the visit?
Marius: Well... How should I put it... I wasn't thinking straight.
Marius: Back then, the Association was newly founded and in need of money. I went to the Guangjie Union for funding.
Marius: I had to do some unspeakable things.
You: (The Guangjie Union again!)
Marius: The people from the Guangjie Union told me that they'd assembled a transport channel near the Renhui Relief Hospital.
Marius: All I had to do was move the stuff out, and we'd be paid a hefty commission. So...
[Obtain Intel: President von Hagen > Tainted with Sin]
You: So you agreed?
Marius smiles and nods.
Marius: I was just thinking that... dirty money is money nonetheless... Having money is better than the alternative.
Marius: I thought it would just be some illegal trading. I didn't think...
Marius: After several runs, I started noticing that the "midnight" business wasn't just dirty—it was despicable.
Marius: I got out of it afterward... and haven't spoken to the people from the Guangjie Union ever since.
[Obtain Intel: Guangjie Union > Illegal transaction]
You: You...
Marius: Don't ask. I won't utter a word about the money and whatever is being sold.
Marius: Some things are better left unknown, wouldn't you agree, Little Boss?
You remember the countless thank-you letters Officer Zhong found from "President von Hagen's" place.
Add that to his attitude right now, and you can't help but form new theories and connect some dots.
You: President von Hagen, are your donations to the children of the relief hospital... a way of atoning for your crimes?
Marius: ...
The varying emotions of regret, self-mockery, and even hatred behind Marius' eyes betray him.
Marius: No, I just want to help the kids. There's no need to talk about the rest.
Marius: As for the others... They will pay for what they did one day.
You: (So, the reason for President von Hagen's willingness to help the Renhui Relief Hospital is clear now. But...)
You: (Boss Qian has been proactive in participating in all kinds of charity as well. The purpose of all his work seems to be for the benefit of the relief hospital. What's the reason behind that?)
You: (Is it really just as I assumed at first? That he's doing it out of the kindness of his heart? Or could it be that... he was also part of it...?)
The mere thought of some things can chill a person to the core.
Now that you think about it, the kind and generous wealthy merchant has been behaving questionably for a long time.
Summary
Location(s)
Li Hotel Lobby
