Enduring Light: Skeletons in the Closet IV
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Li Hotel's secret
You: Journalist Pearce, when did you find out about the Li Hotel's secret?
You: And why have you never mentioned it?
Unease flashes across Journalist Pearce's eyes.
Luke: It's not that I didn't want to mention it. It's that I didn't know if I should.
Luke: In the greater scope of things, I'm just a small reporter... My courage alone may not be enough to back me in making the right choice.
Luke: I'm sorry, Little Boss. I might've disappointed you.
You understand where the helpless look on Journalist Pearce's face is coming from...
In a world of chaos, maybe the only way for an ordinary person to stay safe is to "say nothing at all."
After all, staying alive is the only thing that matters.
You: I understand.
You: But... when you decided to share everything... Does that mean you had a change of heart?
Luke: ...
"Journalist Pearce" doesn't respond for a while. The lost look on his face slowly morphs into calmness. And after a few more seconds, he takes a deep breath.
A look of determination rises on his face, and his eyes are filled with purpose.
Luke: You're right, I'm no longer who I used to be.
Luke: After all this time, I've finally understood something.
You: Which is?
Luke: Living scared like this won't save anyone, including myself. Not only that... it will only allow the evil to thrive.
Luke: So, I've decided. I'm going to be like him...
Luke: No matter what may come, I will expose the crimes of Boss Qian and the Guangjie Union.
Luke: I will show those who are unaware of the ugly truth beneath their "hypocritical" masks!
"Journalist Pearce" is very excited at the moment. You can't tell who's talking—"Journalist Pearce" or the Luke that you know.
But one thing is certain for both of them... And that's their pursuit of justice.
His commitment moves you as well.
You: (Someone who's able to say such things is probably not the murderer...)
You: I believe in you, Journalist Pearce. I believe that you will find success in what you aim to do.
Luke: Thank you, Little Boss.
"Journalist Pearce" bats his eyes at you and beams. You can feel a warmth tickle your insides.
You: (I... didn't misplace my trust this time, did I?)
Worry
You: Is there something on your mind, Journalist Pearce? You didn't look to be yourself at the pier...
Luke: Yeah, I've been thinking about something lately...
Luke: Little Boss, don't you think there is something suspiciously strange about Interpreter Richter?
You: Are you talking about... how Consultant Wing claimed that he was at the hotel at 3:00 PM?
Luke: Yeah. He was already at the hotel at 3:00 PM, but he told us he didn't arrive until 5:00 PM. This alone makes him extremely suspicious.
Luke: But that's not the only thing I find suspicious about him.
Luke: When we were talking about our findings in the lobby, did you notice that there were hidden suggestions in the things that he said?
"Journalist Pearce" frowns and stares at you, eager to hear your answer.
You: Yeah, I can tell that he kept a lot of information to himself.
You: And when Consultant Wing said those things, I can't help but feel...
Luke: It makes sense if Consultant Wing believes that it's an internal conflict within the Yingxing Trading Company. But...
Luke: Evidence doesn't lie. I've also looked into his claim about Interpreter Richter secretly contacting people outside the group.
Luke: According to my findings, I find Consultant Wing's suggestions to be believable.
You: You're... investigating as well!?
Luke: Yeah, I'm worried I'll fall into Interpreter Richter's trap.
He shrugs with a helpless look on his face.
Luke: Although my investigations aren't as detailed as Consultant Wing, some of the specifics still match up.
Luke: So, I believe that Interpreter Richter has been making moves behind everyone's back.
You can understand what he means. "Journalist Pearce" has said before that he's afraid of being used as the scapegoat.
So, in order to protect himself, he has no choice but to do his best to find the culprit that may try to frame him.
Luke: One more thing, it's also the thing that I'm most worried about.
You: Are you talking about... the Guangjie Union?
Luke: The Guangjie Union.
The two of you speak in near unison.
The heavy look on Journalist Pearce's face disappears after seeing how in sync the two of you are. He looks to be more relaxed.
Luke: Yeah, I've been wondering how the Guangjie Union got here so fast.
Luke: From the looks of things, maybe there has been a "mole" hiding among us, and acting with us the whole time...
Luke: That's the only way to report every detail about our progress to the Guangjie Union.
Luke: He...
Really? Is "Interpreter Richter" the "mole" that's been hiding among us?
Luke: Have you never suspected it, Little Boss?
Although he poses it as a question, the anticipation in his eyes tells you that he is already "certain" of the theory.
[Obtain Intel: Interpreter Richter > "Spy"]
You trust that the expression on your face has already exposed your thoughts.
You: I... can't make an accusation before I've seen enough evidence.
You: But now, I'm not too sure myself.
Mayfly Association
You: I never expected Boss Qian to be a mole in the Mayfly Association...
You: All these years... How much crime has he used the Mayfly Association for...?
Your hatred towards Boss Qian increases every time you think about the entries inside the safe.
Artem: It's not too late.
"Consultant Wing's" gentle voice is comforting, but it sounds like a form of guidance instead.
Artem: Now that Boss Qian is dead and we are in possession of evidence of his crimes, these illegal activities will come to an end...
You: Yeah...
Artem: But...
"Consultant Wing" frowns. You can see the worry on his face.
You: What is it, Consultant Wing?
Artem: Nothing, I'm just reminded of something.
Artem: Not too long ago, the association received a message from Boss Qian...
Artem: Boss Qian states that after the birthday banquet, he plans on donating everything in his bank account to the Mayfly Association to be our expansion funds.
You: Donations? But isn't he...?
Artem: Yes. We didn't know his true identity when we received the message...
Artem: Now that I look at it, the "donation" that he spoke of was nothing more than just bait.
Artem: He used it as an excuse to have the Mayfly Association send someone to attend his birthday banquet and make contact. But in reality... it was a setup so the Guangjie Union could get their hands on them.
You: !?
Following "Consultant Wing's" words, images of Secretary Gou looking down on others flashes through your mind.
The people from Guangjie Union came at such a perfect time... If Boss Qian didn't suspect this from the very start... someone must've tipped them off.
You: According to Consultant Wing, Boss Qian really had a grand plan laid out in front of him.
You: If he succeeded, not only will he be able to get rid of the Mayfly Association, but the Guangjie Union will also owe him a favor.
Artem: That is correct.
Artem: Unfortunately, he died right before the most critical moment.
"Consultant Wing" has a very indifferent tone with not a hint of sympathy to be heard.
Suddenly, a suspicion crosses your mind. You look at "Consultant Wing" and he holds your gaze.
You: (If Boss Qian really did have the people of the Guangjie Union ready for the Mayfly Association...)
You: (Wouldn't that mean Boss Qian would've been able to find out who the person from the Mayfly Association was?)
You: (But if the only people from the Mayfly Association in the hotel are me and Consultant Wing... Could it be that he accidentally exposed himself... and then...?)
Artem: Is there something you'd like to say, Little Boss?
You: (I should probably hold on to my thoughts until later.)
You: No, I'm just thinking about Boss Qian's connection to the Guangjie Union.
Artem: Is that so...
"Consultant Wing" responds briefly. He then looks away as if he's made up his mind about something.
Artem: I will help you protect the Li Hotel no matter what, Little Boss.
Artem: You don't have to worry about anything.
You: Consultant Wing...
At this moment when you are closest to the truth, you find yourself feeling more uncertain than you have ever before.
Evidence
You: Consultant Wing, were you still organizing the shipping manifests after you came back?
Artem: Yes. After I referenced the shipping manifests from the pier with the information I found at Boss Qian's place...
Artem: I finally discovered evidence that is more definitive.
Consultant Wing is wearing his usual calm expression, but there is a resolute determination in his eyes.
Artem: In the information on the Guangjie Union members we found in Boss Qian's room, a number of names match the shipping manifest records.
Artem: Also, some of the shipping dates, pricing, and other details match as well.
You: In other words, Boss Qian has been working with the Guangjie Union all this time?
Artem: Yes. He's been using the Yingxing Trading Company's channels to deal in illegal trade with the Guangjie Union.
He was clear, and you heard him clearly.
However, a specific point in all the key information pricks your heart like a sharp needle.
You: Found in... Boss Qian's room?
You remember "Journalist Pearce" saying that he remembers seeing a file that looked similar to the one in "Consultant Wing's" hand as he ran out of the room.
"Consultant Wing" unintentionally confirmed the claim in his words.
You: So... You really were in Boss Qian's room that day.
Artem: Yes, I went in there once.
[Obtain Intel: Consultant Wing > Compelled]
Consultant Wing nods. His eyes are still calm and determined, with a hint of relief.
Artem: I often do things because I have no choice. But there are also things... I do because I believe in it.
You: Like investigating Boss Qian?
Artem: Yes. Getting to the bottom of this, and ridding the worries of the Mayfly Association is the purpose for my actions.
Artem: If I am given the chance, I will give all the information I have gathered to the police.
Artem: However... now is not the time.
You: What are you planning on doing? Do you... need my help?
Artem: You don't need to worry about me.
Artem: In fact, none of this has a direct connection to you, right? You've only just arrived in Xuzhou Town.
Even though "Consultant Wing" is trying to be discreet, after repeating his words in your head, you start to understand what he's really trying to say to you.
Although you may be companions... There is no actual connection or substance between the two of you.
His goal has been Boss Qian from the very beginning, and yours is to look after the Li Hotel and its secrets.
You: I see.
All you can do now is suppress the uncertainty in your heart and nod.
Law of the Jungle
You: Interpreter Richter, don't you have anything to say?
Vyn: What do you mean, Little Boss?
"Interpreter Richter" raises his brow as he looks at you. There is confusion in his eyes.
It takes a while for you to judge if he really doesn't know anything, or if he's such a great actor that he's pretending not to know anything.
You: At around 3:00 PM, why were you near the hotel?
You: And why weren't you surprised by the findings from Boss Qian's safe?
Vyn: I know what you are suspecting, Little Boss.
Vyn: However, all I have to say is I did not murder Boss Qian.
"Interpreter Richter" avoids the crucial points in your question and responds with an answer. He then pauses.
Vyn: As for why I was not surprised...
Vyn: I believe I have told you the answer to that question before.
You: Huh?
Vyn: Do you still remember our previous conversation, Little Boss?
Vyn: I said that... only when you are strong enough will you be able to protect yourself and others.
"Interpreter Richter" words bring back your memories. The terrified child at the relief hospital emerges in your mind again...
He seems to still be living in that state of mind... He's never been able to escape.
You: You did, but what does that have to do with anything?
"Interpreter Richter" looks up into the distance. He speaks with an indifferent tone.
Vyn: Heh, to you, the records may be proof of his crimes.
Vyn: To me... they are proof of his strength.
You: ...!
Vyn: I have known about Boss Qian's operations for a long time. However, I do not think that he is in the wrong.
Vyn: What is wrong with pursuing power and authority? In this world where the powerful dictate the weak, only the strong are able to live the life that they desire.
You: Interpreter Richter...
At this moment, a chill creeps up from within. It feels like an unspeakable sadness.
You: Does power have to be built upon the pain of others?
You: The things that Boss Qian did... None of them are forgivable!
Vyn: I think you are mistaken about something.
Vyn: The powerful have no need for forgiveness.
Vyn: If power requires a price or a special deed to obtain it, I believe... I would do the same.
You: !!!
You: (Seems like Interpreter Richter has a strong conviction for this idea... Then, does that mean...?)
You: So, in your eyes, finding someone from the Mayfly Association and using them as a traded favor to the Guangjie Union is also part of a "special deed"?
Vyn: ...
Interpreter Richter does not answer. He gently chuckles as his golden eyes shine with an inexplicable emotion.
Something seems to be secretly brewing in the silence.
Shipping
You: Interpreter Richter, there are things we have to talk about...
Vyn: Your tone suggests that I will not be enjoying this talk.
Vyn: Tell me, what is it that you would like to ask? Is it about the pier?
You: You already knew what I was going to ask you? Then... can you tell me?
"Interpreter Richter" pushes on his glasses and chuckles.
Vyn: The sailor that said I looked familiar is a transporter for Boss Qian...
Vyn: I would expect even ordinary people to find that suspicious.
A playful look flashes past "Interpreter Richter's" eyes. You have no idea what he has on his mind.
Vyn: So, I do not think that there is need for me to explain anything.
Vyn: I admit that I have been to the Yuying Pier for business previously. I have also helped Boss Qian send cargo to another city.
[Obtain Intel: Interpreter Richter > Worked for Boss Qian]
You: So... You already knew about Boss Qian's operations and even assisted him?
Vyn: Precisely.
You: Interpreter Richter, you have repeatedly kept things hidden from us time and time again. Who are you, really!?
Vyn: Consider me... a member of the Guangjie Union.
You: (So my previous speculation turned out to be true...)
Interpreter Richter is so straightforward with his answer that it almost seems inconceivable.
You: (For some reason, it doesn't feel like he's playing by the rules...)
You: Why would you do that? I thought you hated people who were pretentious and fake!
You: Don't you detest everything the Guangjie Union and Boss Qian do?
You: Why would you help him...?
You can't help but think back to his expression when talking about the Renhui Relief Hospital. The hatred in his expression didn't seem fake...
But why would he be willing to help Boss Qian when he knew everything?
Hearing this, Interpreter Richter shakes his head.
Vyn: I hate cowardly people.
[Obtain Intel: Interpreter Richter > Guangjie Union member]
Vyn: Those who go to the relief hospital to proclaim their goodness are cowards at their core. They are afraid of being judged and disguise themselves with charity.
Vyn: And... hating a person and working for him are two entirely different matters...
Vyn: Before you can replace or destroy a person, you have to become stronger, no?
Vyn: As I said before, I will spare no effort to become strong.
You: You...
For a moment, you choke on your words, staring at Interpreter Richter in the eyes.
You: (Wait... destroy a person? Was he... responsible for Boss Qian's death?)
After falling silent for a few seconds, Interpreter Richter speaks again. He seems to have seen through your thoughts.
Vyn: Little Boss, I would like to remind you once again.
Vyn: I was not responsible for Boss Qian's death.
You: ...
Is that the truth or a lie?
The confusion has turned into an impenetrable mist in his golden eyes...
Key to the code case
You: President von Hagen, regarding the key, I believe you owe us an explanation.
Marius: What would you like me to explain, Little Boss?
Marius raises his brow at you, and speaks with the arrogance of "President von Hagen."
You: You said that you would tell me anything that I asked...
You: So, I'd like you to tell me where this key came from, President von Hagen... and why you decided to give it to me only just now.
Marius: You remembered what I said-what an honor.
You don't know if "President von Hagen" really meant those words, or if they are just a part of his character.
He shrugs and has a indifferent look on his face.
Marius: I'm fine with telling you about it. It's nothing big, to be honest.
Marius: The key to the safe that was in my possession did belong to Old Qian.
Marius: But I didn't get it from making some kind of deal with him. I got people to go to his place and took it.
Marius: He really knows how to enjoy life... My people had to go through his huge house to look for it. They didn't find it until today...
Marius: Or, we would've known the true nature of the "great philanthropist" a long time ago.
You: You went to Boss Qian's place and took it?
You: I didn't think the famous President von Hagen would do such a thing...
Marius: Well, desperate times call for desperate measures. Qian's gone, no one would care about the key.
Marius: If I cared enough for the rules, then we wouldn't have been able to see those records today...
You: Yeah... You're right.
You: (Oh, President von Hagen... As expected of you. No wonder the von Hagen family was able to become a formidable force in Xuzhou.)
You: (But then again, why is President von Hagen so "passionate" about exposing Boss Qian's "true nature"...?)
You: (If he was the one that murdered Boss Qian, he wouldn't be so eager to get to the bottom of things, right?)
You take another look at "President von Hagen." Your gaze seems to have caught his attention.
Marius: Why are you looking at me like that, Little Boss? Is my explanation not sufficient for you?
You: No, I believe you.
You: I'm just wondering why Boss Qian would leave such an important key at home.
Marius: There's an easy explanation for that question.
He smiles mysteriously.
Marius: Old Qian hid the key in his house, meaning he didn't want to give up whatever's in the safe...
Marius: Most people would think the same way you do, Little Boss. That Boss Qian would keep a key as important as this one with him at all times...
Marius: With the stereotype in mind, it only makes the safe that much safer, wouldn't you agree?
You: Yes... That makes sense.
Marius: As for keeping the safe with him... Well, my guess is that...
Marius: He doesn't want people to know what's inside. Keeping it by himself makes him feel safer.
You: That's true... Any of the transaction records inside the safe are capable of turning things upside down...
You: Separating the key and the safe... is a logical move.
You: (There's nothing wrong with President von Hagen's overall explanation. Hmm... maybe he's really just trying to find out the truth behind it all...)
As you mull over the details, "President von Hagen" gently sighs. A complex look flashes across his eyes.
Marius: But whatever the case... Things are about to change in Xuzhou...
There's a hidden meaning in "President von Hagen's" words. As the fog begins to thin, you can feel the calm before the storm...
Regret
You: President von Hagen, you were in a bad mood back at the pier...
You: Are you willing to talk to me now?
Marius: ...
You: If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine.
Marius: No, I didn't say that.
A hint of sadness flashes across President von Hagen's eyes, and his voice seems to portray emotions that doesn't only belong to "President von Hagen"...
Then, he raises his eyebrows, his voice slightly hoarse.
Marius: Little Boss, I do have regrets.
Marius: I regret that at that moment, I almost made the same mistake as Old Qian.
You: President von Hagen... you aren't him though. You stopped in time, didn't you?
Marius: In the end, you shouldn't never, ever, touch dirty money.
Marius: It can only be used as a lesson to myself.
There is a great difference between the "boasting" in his voice back then and his voice now. You could feel the emotions surge in President von Hagen's words, stricken with grief.
Thinking back to what he did for the children at the relief hospital... he must have felt miserable.
But the past is the past, and it cannot be altered. If someone has regrets, they should be more courageous to face the future.
You: President von Hagen, I know you care about those children, and you regret what you've done.
You: Yes, you made a mistake in the past. But now, and in the future, you still have a chance to make up for your mistake.
Marius: Yes, with Old Qian gone, the Renhui Relief Hospital will lack financial support...
Marius: Something as trivial as this is not a problem for me.
The haze had all but faded from President von Hagen's face, replaced by a kind of relief.
Marius: I understand. I shouldn't let "regret"... occupy everything. There is so much more that I can do.
[Obtain Intel: President von Hagen > Hope]
Marius: Thank you, Little Boss, for helping me.
You: I guess this is my "reward" for your unbridled honesty earlier.
Marius: So the Little Boss is finally starting to believe me, huh?
You: Not really, it's just... At least for this moment, I hope you can see your heart.
Marius: Okay...
If there is a chance for a spark of hope for the future in the darkness of Xuzhou Town...
Then it will be meaningful for us, who are pursuing justice and peace here, right here, right now.
Summary
Location(s)
Li Hotel Lobby
