Enduring Light Investigation: Hongshen Dance Hall 1
Overview
- Stage Cost:
Gasoline x20 - First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Li Hotel Entrance
Time flies. Soon, it's a new day.
Since Hongshen Dance Hall is usually open in the evening, you all make arrangements to head out later.
However, when the agreed-upon time arrives, you only see Luke and Artem.
You: Journalist Pearce, Consultant Wing... how come it's just the two of you? Where are Interpreter Richter and President von Hagen?
Luke: They won't be coming with us today.
Luke: Consultant Wing and I went to get them just now. As it happens, people from the Association came looking for President von Hagen because he needed to be present at a business negotiation.
Artem: President von Hagen couldn't refuse and had to go...
Artem: And there were several foreigners among the guests, so President von Hagen "spontaneously invited" Interpreter Richter.
You: A spontaneous invitation? I can already picture it.
You: Well, it's fine. The three of us can handle it. Should we go?
Luke: Okay.
Artem: Sure, I'll drive.
Shortly after, the three of you arrive at Hongshen Dance Hall.
Stopping at the entrance, you are greeted by a valet who offers to park the car...
Another fashionably-dressed young man greets you with a warm welcome.
Hongshen Dance Hall
You walk on a red carpet through the massive front hall, countless crystals decorating the ceiling.
Dance music accompanied by chatter comes from all directions. It is incredibly lively...
The young man leading the way plays with his slightly-curled hair and introduces himself gallantly.
Manager Zhao: Welcome to the Hongshen Dance Hall. I am Manager Zhao. Please feel free to call me Zhao.
Manager Zhao: We are the number-one dance hall in all of Xuzhou Town. Food, drinks, entertainment—you name it, we got it!
Manager Zhao: Anything your heart desires, I will get for you...
Manager Zhao: Now then, what kind of entertainment might interest you?
Manager Zhao ended with an upward intonation, dragging his sentence out. He looks at you with a smile, awaiting further instructions.
However, the air becomes awkwardly silent...
Artem: *Cough* I've never been to a place like this before...
Luke: Don't look at me either. I can't afford to come here on my salary.
You: (These guys...)
At this moment, Manager Zhao's burning gaze lands on you.
You: H-how about something quieter...
Manager Zhao: Quieter?
You: Yes, we would like a private room where we can talk and enjoy some drinks.
Manager Zhao: That's it?
The manager's question reminds you of what Uncle Li asked Lu Sheng to tell you...
"...You could visit the Hongshen Dance Hall when you have time. There are several great singers there."
You: Hmm... then find two singers with great voices to sing for us.
Manager Zhao: ...As you wish.
Hearing your proposal, Luke and Artem are stunned for a moment before their expressions return to normal. They suddenly understand why you asked for singers.
There is a hint of disappointment in Manager Zhao's eyes, but a few seconds later, he bursts out with joyous compliments.
Manager Zhao: I expected as much from you guys! It's all about class and discernment!
Manager Zhao: Today's arrangement can be described only with one word—simply elegant!
Manager Zhao: It just so happens that we renovated a few private rooms for our guests recently. Please allow me to show you there.
You: (This manager changed his expression faster than I expected... And isn't "simply elegant" two words?)
VIP Room
After following Manager Zhao through a long corridor and across an enormous dance floor, you arrive at what he described as a VIP room.
The layout of the private room is luxurious and romantic, with Western-style decorations. It's clear that a lot of thought went into the interior design.
Manager Zhao: Now then, please have a seat, everyone. I will return shortly with food and drinks.
You: Okay, thank you.
Manager Zhao: There's no need for that. It is my job.
After a while, Manager Zhao returns with various drinks and snacks, followed by two girls dressed in gorgeous outfits.
He places the refreshments on the table and pushes the girls behind him forward.
Manager Zhao: Everyone, these two are Moli and Mei, our best singers.
Manager Zhao: Once you hear them, you'll never forget their voices!
Artem: Great, let's hear them.
Manager Zhao: S-Sure. Then I'll take my leave. Please feel free to call me for anything.
You: Okay.
Manager Zhao understands and leaves.
With that, Mei and Moli head over to the karaoke monitor and skillfully adjust the background music and sound effects...
Mei: Do you guys have any song requests?
Artem: No.
Luke: Me neither.
Mei: ...
You: Just sing your favorite song. We're fine with whatever.
Mei: Oh...
The beautiful melody and romantic music of a few songs ease the atmosphere in the private room.
Perhaps Mei and Moli find you guys to be friendly, and they start gossiping about the dance hall.
Gossip such as Manager Zhao coming to work here in an effort to distract himself after getting his heart broken...
Or a guest falling in love with one of the dancers here, but failing to woo her...
Upon listening to everything carefully, it seems that "love" is fleeting and fragile within the walls of the luxurious Hongshen Dance Hall.
You: Speaking of which... do you guys know Boss Li?
Moli: Boss Li? Which Boss Li?
Mei: Who else could she be talking about? The one from the Li Hotel.
You: Yeah, do you know him?
Mei: Moli and I don't... but A-Lan was close with Boss Li.
Luke: A-Lan? Is she another singer?
When the topic of the gossip changes to Boss Li, Luke and Artem suddenly show interest.
Moli: Yeah, her voice isn't as good as Mei's or mine, but she isn't too bad...
Moli: And Boss Li is good to her. He asks for her every time he comes!
Moli: He also gives her expensive gifts from time to time, which we're all jealous of.
Mei: Yeah, we were wondering if Boss Li could be A-Lan's "sugar daddy"...
Mei: But for some reason, A-Lan got super mad and said she "wouldn't allow us to talk like that behind her back." I don't get her.
Artem: And where is Miss A-Lan now?
Mei: Oh... I'm not sure. She hasn't been here in a while. Manager Zhao said she wasn't feeling well and requested a long break.
Upon hearing this, the three of you exchange a look.
You: Do you know where she lives?
Moli: Yeah, we sure do. But it's far from the dance hall, so I'll draw you a map.
You: Okay.
Moli hands you the map she drew on a piece of paper. With Hongshen Dance Hall in the center, she also marked the building and room where A-Lan lives.
You look at Luke and Artem, nodding. They understand immediately.
You: Thank you. We have to go now.
You: You guys can have everything in the room. As for the bill, have Manager Zhao send it over to the Li Hotel.
Moli: The Li Hotel... Eh!?
Before they can react, the three of you leave.
Under the glowing neon lights, you follow the map...
Summary
