Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Calamity of Peach Blossoms

Radiant sunlight streamed into Mary’s boudoir. She lay prone on the soft bed, a photograph from her school days clutched in her hand. In the picture, Liu Sixue, Mary, Song Xiaowan, and Wen Hui surrounded Lu Hehuan, yet Lu Hehuan gazed with deep affection at Ling Yan, who stood alone in the corner. This sight stirred jealousy in Mary, who had always longed for Lu Hehuan. She glared fiercely at Ling Yan in the photo, tearing her image away bit by bit.

“You’ll be mine, sooner or later,” Mary murmured, stroking Lu Hehuan’s face in the photograph.

A knock sounded at the door. Mary hurriedly hid the photo beneath her pillow.

Her mother, an Englishwoman whose features bore resemblance to Mary’s, stood outside, holding a steaming bowl of porridge.

“Mary, I’ve made your favorite eight-treasure porridge.”

“I don’t want it!” Mary refused bluntly.

Her mother’s emerald eyes rippled with concern. “You haven’t eaten in two days. If you keep this up, your health will suffer.”

Mary frowned irritably. “Please, just leave me alone!”

“Mary, your uncle has come to see you. Don’t be difficult.”

“Mum, I’ve said it several times! I don’t want to eat, and I don’t want to see anyone, OK?”

Her mother sighed, torn between worry and pity. “Ever since she had dinner with that boy, Lu Hehuan, she’s locked herself in her room and refused to eat.”

Gordon, standing nearby, gave Mary’s mother a comforting pat on the shoulder. “Let me talk to her.”

Mary’s mother nodded helplessly.

Gordon knocked gently. “Mary, Uncle wants to talk to you about Lu Hehuan—” Before he finished, Mary flung open the door and pulled Gordon inside. “Uncle, come in. Mum, you’re not allowed,” she said, then closed the door again.

Mary’s mother looked at the closed door and sighed once more.

Inside, Gordon regarded Mary with loving concern. “What’s wrong? Tell Uncle what’s on your mind.”

Mary sat on the edge of the bed, tearfully confiding, “Uncle, I like Hehuan. I really like him, but it seems he doesn’t feel anything for me.”

Gordon patted her head indulgently. “Silly girl, why cry? Uncle understands your feelings.”

“Uncle, I want to marry Hehuan. You must help me.”

Gordon smiled. “Alright, alright. Uncle will handle this matter for you.”

Mary instantly broke into a smile through her tears. “Thank you, Uncle.”

The door to the police morgue was open. Bao Rong was conducting an autopsy on Ling Yan’s body. Lu Hehuan stood nearby, his face still marked by sorrow.

After a while, Bao Rong spoke. “The talisman marks on the deceased’s face, judging by the wounds, were carved while she was still alive.”

“Who could be so cruel, so merciless to Ling Yan?” Lu Hehuan’s lips trembled.

Bao Rong pondered for a moment, her brows furrowing in confusion. “Strangely, there are no signs of homicide on the body’s surface.” She paused, pointing to the faintly upturned corners of the corpse’s mouth. “The last expression of the deceased is a smile, as if she found release in death.”

Lu Hehuan stared blankly at the talisman marks on Ling Yan’s face.

“Hehuan, could Ling Yan really have committed suicide?” Bao Rong’s words struck Lu Hehuan like lightning.

Hehuan shook his head. “No, I don’t believe Ling Yan would take her own life. Besides, if it was suicide, who carved the talisman on her face?”

As soon as he finished, Ying Xi entered. “Maybe she did it herself.”

Both Lu Hehuan and Bao Rong looked at Ying Xi.

Ying Xi shrugged and continued. “I’ve already researched the meaning of these talismans. They’re part of an ancient Southeast Asian evil curse. Roughly translated, it invokes the heavens and earth to vanquish evil, resolve hardship, ensure safety, and if the gods are angered, the soul is scattered to ashes.”

“What does that mean?” Bao Rong was baffled.

“On a shadowy day, at a shadowy hour, slicing the neck in suicide, talismans carved all over the face, dressed in a white cheongsam, letting the blood drain—this is the long-lost Southeast Asian blood garment curse, the most vicious of evil arts. Those who die practicing it will henceforth become relentless killers.”

Bao Rong furrowed her brows, half-understanding. “You mean, if Ling Yan committed suicide, she must have suffered some grave injustice, and chose the blood garment curse to end her life, seeking vengeance?”

She thought for a moment, then exclaimed, “If so, my deduction might be correct.”

“What deduction?” Ying Xi now looked puzzled.

“Ling Yan may have become a murderer due to some injustice, so she chose suicide, but wanted revenge on those who harmed her. She followed the blood garment curse ritual, entrusting vengeance to the spirits.”

Ying Xi nodded. “There’s some sense in what you say.”

Throughout their conversation, Lu Hehuan stood by, frowning in deep thought, his grief intensifying.

By noon, the Mingyue Restaurant was packed, bustling with people. Yet, thanks to Gordon’s power and wealth, the proprietor reserved a private room for him.

Lu Xiang sat by the window, looking both flattered and nervous as he faced Gordon. The table between them was laden with delicacies, but neither touched their chopsticks, engrossed in their discussion.

Lu Xiang cautiously ventured, “Chief Inspector, are you serious about what you just said?”

“Of course, Deputy Commissioner Lu. What do you mean—”

Before Gordon finished, Lu Xiang eagerly agreed, “This is a stroke of good fortune! Naturally, I am delighted!”

Gordon nodded in satisfaction. “I have only one niece, Mary, whom I cherish dearly. I hope you can understand my feelings.”

Lu Xiang nodded and bent over obsequiously. “I understand, I understand. Rest assured, I promise Mary won’t suffer at all in our family.”

“Your promise isn’t enough. Lu Hehuan must guarantee it himself.”

Lu Xiang nodded hurriedly. “Yes, yes, Chief Inspector, rest assured. I’ll talk to Hehuan tonight.”

“In three days, we’ll discuss the engagement details.”

“Three days? So soon?” Lu Xiang was overjoyed.

Gordon misinterpreted his reaction, assuming Lu Xiang thought it was too rushed. “If you feel it’s too soon, we can postpone the engagement.”

Lu Xiang waved his hands quickly. “Not at all, the sooner the better.”

Basking in the afternoon sun, humming a tune, Lu Xiang strode triumphantly toward the police office, but collided headlong with Bao Kang, who had just stepped out.

“Commissioner Bao, as an adult, shouldn’t you watch where you’re going?” Lu Xiang said confidently.

Bao Kang, who disliked Lu Xiang, rolled his eyes. “Clearly you bumped into me, and you still have the nerve?”

Lu Xiang snorted. “I’ve got important business, no time to argue.”

“You think I have time to argue with you?” Bao Kang retorted angrily.

Just as Lu Xiang was about to respond, he spotted Lu Hehuan, Ying Xi, and Bao Rong emerging from the morgue. He hurried over. “Hehuan, Hehuan…”

He dashed in front of Lu Hehuan. “Son, I have something important to tell you.”

“Dad, what is it? I need to investigate the case.” Lu Hehuan’s mind was on Ling Yan’s case.

Lu Xiang, excited, grabbed his arm. “A great windfall has landed on your head! Why bother with the case?”

“What windfall?” Lu Hehuan was puzzled.

“Mary’s your schoolmate, right?”

Hehuan nodded. “Yes. What about it?”

Lu Xiang glanced at Bao Kang, deliberately raising his voice. “Her uncle, Chief Inspector Gordon, spoke to me personally about you two. We’ve decided, in three days, to discuss your engagement to Mary.”

Bao Rong was stunned; even Ying Xi’s jaw dropped. “Three days?”

Lu Xiang glared at Ying Xi. “Do you have any objections?”

Ying Xi quickly shook his head. “No, I’m happy for Hehuan.”

Bao Rong’s face fell.

Lu Xiang saw Bao Kang standing there in a daze and felt secretly pleased.

Lu Hehuan, surprised by the sudden marriage arrangement, frowned helplessly. “Dad, please tell Chief Inspector Gordon, I do not agree to this marriage.”

“Are you out of your mind? That’s the Chief Inspector’s niece!” Lu Xiang was furious.

Lu Hehuan’s expression hardened. “Dad, I’ve told you my views. Even if you agree to this behind my back, I will not marry Mary. It will only end in embarrassment.”

“You…” Lu Xiang was speechless with anger.

“Dad, I have things to do. I’ll be going now.” With that, Lu Hehuan turned and left.

Ying Xi nodded to Lu Xiang and followed Lu Hehuan.

Bao Rong sighed gloomily, trailing after them.

Bao Kang, gloating, sneered at Lu Xiang. “So the falling flower longs for the flowing water, but the water is indifferent. Deputy Commissioner Lu, I doubt your dream of climbing the ranks will come true.”

Lu Xiang’s face was twisted with rage.

As dusk approached, Xiangfei Road bustled with people and vehicles, the roar of cars, the ringing of bicycles, and the calls of vendors mingling in the air.

Liu Rushuang sat at her desk, chin in her hands, gazing out the window, lost in thought. Bai Yulou sat beside her, also propping up her chin and watching Liu Rushuang.

Liu Rushuang noticed Bai Yulou’s gaze and felt nervous. “Bai Bai, why are you looking at me?”

Bai Yulou withdrew her gaze, flustered. “There’s nothing else worth looking at in this room, besides you.”

Liu Rushuang felt awkward and quickly changed the subject. “My sister’s elopement has become the talk of Old Zhaji. My father feels humiliated and forbade me from going to the police station, saying if he finds out, he’ll shut down my detective agency.” She lowered her head in frustration. “I wonder how Brother Xi is doing lately. Bai Bai, have you heard anything?”

“Oh.” Bai Yulou gathered herself. “I heard that the woman Lu Hehuan always liked, Ling Yan, has died. They’re investigating the case.”

“Ling Yan is dead?” Liu Rushuang was surprised.

Bai Yulou paused, “You know her?”

Liu Rushuang nodded, then shook her head. “She was my sister’s classmate, a few grades above me. I only know she was the one my sister disliked most. My sister used to bully her whenever she could. Later, Ling Yan resented my sister and brought a venomous snake to get revenge. The snake bit my mother…” Liu Rushuang’s voice faltered, tinged with sadness. “The snake’s poison was so strong, my mother died on the spot. After that, Ling Yan disappeared.”

“So that’s how your mother passed away.” Bai Yulou looked at her sympathetically.

Thinking of her late mother, Liu Rushuang felt a burning ache in her heart and bowed her head in dejection. “My mother loved me dearly when she was alive.”

Bai Yulou spoke hesitantly. “Do you hate Ling Yan?”

Liu Rushuang sighed. “What’s the use of hate? My mother can never come back.”

Bai Yulou gazed at Liu Rushuang with tender affection. “Sister Shuang, you are truly kind.”

Liu Rushuang sighed, sorrow clouding her face.

Bai Yulou tried to comfort her. “Let it go, it’s all in the past.”

Liu Rushuang nodded. “Yes, it’s all over, but my mother will never return.”

Bai Yulou looked at her, face full of pity.

Night fell, and Lin Zhi leaned against the bed, weighed down by worries. After a while, Lu Xiang, humming, entered the bedroom.

He lay down, unconcerned. “Time to sleep.”

Lin Zhi looked at him, her tone serious. “I don’t think we should decide for our son this time. You should listen to his opinion.”

Lu Xiang stretched out lazily. “What opinion? If he says he won’t marry, should I just let him? That’s the Chief Inspector’s niece—many would kill for such a match.”

“But it’s our son’s lifelong happiness. We should consider his feelings.”

Lu Xiang grew impatient. “Hehuan is still young, he doesn’t know what he needs. By the time he’s my age, regrets will be too late.”

Lin Zhi glared at him. “So you regret marrying me? Or regret not marrying into power?”

Lu Xiang made a helpless face. “Oh, why do you have to make everything about you? We’re talking about Hehuan. If he marries Mary, Gordon becomes our family’s backer, and both my and my son’s careers will flourish.”

“I just can’t stand your obsession with officialdom!”

“That’s not obsession, it’s ambition.”

Lin Zhi lay down, retorting sourly. “Ambition, my foot!”

“You…” Lu Xiang was exasperated, but powerless against Lin Zhi. He switched off the light impatiently. “Sleep, sleep.”

The moon was sparse and stars faint, moonlight filtering through the gauze window into the police dormitory. Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan lay side by side, sleep eluding them both.

Ying Xi turned to Lu Hehuan. “Have you thought carefully about what your father said?”

“What about?” Lu Hehuan’s face was grave.

“About your engagement to Mary.”

Lu Hehuan said nothing, shaking his head woodenly.

Ying Xi was silent for a moment, studying him carefully. “Hehuan, you were tied to Ling Yan before, but now she’s gone. Shouldn’t you think about yourself?”

Lu Hehuan’s face darkened. “Inspector Ying, Ling Yan’s body isn’t even cold, I don’t want to discuss this.”

“‘Not even cold’—people die, and the living must move on.” Ying Xi said, nudging Lu Hehuan. “Mary’s uncle is the Chief Inspector, great for your career prospects.”

Lu Hehuan sighed. “Honestly, with Ling Yan gone, it feels like my heart has died too. I don’t want to talk about love anymore.”

Ying Xi grew anxious. “That won’t do. Life is short, you can’t let one Ling Yan make you renounce the world.”

Lu Hehuan rolled over stubbornly. “I really have no mind for these things now. If you think Mary’s so great, I’ll tell Chief Inspector Gordon you should marry her.”

“Forget it. Mary’s temper is fiery and her mind narrow. Xiao Rong is much better.”

Ying Xi deliberately shifted the topic to Bao Rong.

“You don’t need my help with Xiao Rong, do you? You can pursue her yourself.”

Ying Xi glared at him. “Fool, Xiao Rong’s heart is full of you. What’s the use of me chasing her?”

Lu Hehuan was helpless. “Inspector Ying, I don’t want to think about this now. I just want to solve the case and find Ling Yan’s murderer.”

Ying Xi kept persuading him. “Ling Yan’s case is clearly suicide. Don’t waste your energy on it, focus on your feelings instead.”

Lu Hehuan turned, earnestly meeting Ying Xi’s gaze. “I think brotherhood is enough.”

Ying Xi smiled. “That’s true. Brotherhood is stronger than gold.”

“Exactly,” Lu Hehuan replied firmly.

After a while, Ying Xi seemed to remember something, his smile fading. “How do you plan to deal with your father?”

“I’ll talk to Mary and make it clear she should give up her hopes for me.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you tomorrow.”

Lu Hehuan allowed himself a faint smile. “Sleep now.”

Ying Xi closed his eyes with a smile.