The local police intervened in the investigation, but could not find any traces of homicide. All the deaths and injuries seemed to stem from "accidents" and "coincidences".
However, the intelligence analysis department of Naihe Bridge reached a completely different conclusion.
This was not caused by human hands, but by some eerie cursed power at work.
The killer is highly likely to be a power user skilled in spiritual power, and the method used is very similar to the "Black Magic" popular in the Southern Ocean region.
"Black Magic..."
Fang Cheng murmured to himself, finishing the last bit of soup.
He raised his hand and placed the enamel bowl back on the coffee table with a "clunk", then leaned back into the soft sofa.
His body relaxed, but his mind was still racing at high speed.
Why did Uncle and the Professor get involved in this case?
Was it purely for the large bounty?
Doesnât seem like it.
Given the Professor and his teamâs style, they donât seem to be particularly interested in money.
Besides, if it was really for money, there are plenty of opportunities around the East Capital, no need to travel all the way to the frontier to take a risk.
So, do they have ulterior motives?
Or perhaps, the Chen Family actually knew them well?
Even the possible "killer" might have some connection to them?
Just like Bai Ling mentioned before, an old friend of the Professor?
Questions surfaced one by one in his mind, only to be dismissed by Fang Cheng.
Last night he called his uncle several times, but all he heard was the unreachable tone.
Anyway, with just this information, he couldnât make an accurate judgment and had to personally go to Tian Nan Province to see what was really going on.
Fang Chengâs eyes turned to the TV again.
The screen was showing the crowded scenes at the train station, with the "Tian Nan TV" logo particularly striking in the upper right corner.
As the news mentioned, the rush during Qingming Festival made it almost impossible to get train tickets to Tian Nan Province.
As for plane tickets, he checked yesterday, and the earliest available flight was the day after tomorrow at noon.
Fortunately, he had already booked a ticket in advance.
Seems like heâd have to wait patiently for two more days.
While pondering, the phone on the coffee table suddenly vibrated, the urgent ringtone breaking the silence of the living room.
Fang Cheng reached for his phone, and the three words "Lin Chuqiao" flashing on the screen made him pause slightly before pressing the answer button.
"Hey, our White Ghost boss, are you awake?"
Lin Chuqiaoâs voice came through the receiver with a hint of laughter, soft and pleasant.
Fang Cheng got up and walked to the window, pulling open the blinds, letting the warm sunlight instantly fill the room.
He looked at the scattered morning exercisers on the beach below and casually replied:
"Just got up."
"Then itâs just right, I bet you havenât had breakfast yet."
Lin Chuqiaoâs tone sounded very relaxed:
"How about I drive over and take you to the newly opened tea restaurant on Beach Road?"
"No need, your thoughtfulness is appreciated, maybe next time."
Fang Chengâs gaze fell on the distant shimmering sea, declining the slightly ambiguous invitation.
"Oh, I canât even treat you to something nice..."
Lin Chuqiao murmured softly on the other end of the phone, then her tone turned serious, no longer joking:
"Alright, letâs talk business. I heard from Bai Ling that Crow and the Professor seem to have lost contact?"
Her voice, with the light-hearted laughter gone, now had a trace of worry and concern.
"Hmm, we canât reach them for now."
Fang Cheng replied calmly.
"Do you have any leads on your side?"
"The night before last, I went to an agency and bought some related information."
Fang Cheng didnât hide it and spoke honestly.
"What a coincidence?"
Lin Chuqiaoâs voice carried a hint of surprise: "I just received a piece of intel here too."
As soon as she finished speaking, both of them simultaneously asked the next question:
"Where did you receive it from?"
"Where did you buy it from?"
Their voices, one steady and low, the other crisp and brisk, collided in the receiver.
After a brief moment of surprise, Lin Chuqiaoâs silver-bell-like laughter came first from the other end of the phone.
Listening to her laughter, a previously tight line at the corner of Fang Chengâs mouth also curved slightly, showing a hint of a smile in his eyes.
A tacit understanding flowed silently between them.
Lin Chuqiao spoke first, her tone regaining some of its lightness:
"Looks like we thought of the same thing. So, whatâs your plan? You canât just wait around, right?"
"I plan to take a trip to Tian Nan Province."
Fang Cheng said firmly.
"When are you leaving? Have you booked a ticket?"
"Flight the day after tomorrow at noon."
"Thatâs too late."
Lin Chuqiao immediately refuted:
"By the time we get there, itâll be too late.
She paused, then quickly added:
"Coincidentally, I have a friend who is going to Tian Nan Province for a vacation on a private plane, leaving early tomorrow."
"Iâve already spoken to him; he can take us along."
Clearly, she couldnât put her mind at ease either, planning to go to Tian Nan Province to find the Professor.
Fang Cheng heard this and pondered for a moment.
A private plane would undoubtedly be much faster than a commercial flight and would also avoid many unnecessary hassles.
A private plane would undoubtedly be much faster than a commercial flight and would also avoid many unnecessary hassles.
"Alright, see you tomorrow."
Without much hesitation, he agreed immediately.