Chapter 378: Mountain Villa
Chapter 378 Mountain Villa
Dennis steered the car with one hand while engaging Feng Bu Jue in casual conversation from the back seat. After all, Feng was a complete stranger who had appeared less than five minutes ago—there was no way Dennis could let his guard down entirely. This exchange was, in essence, a trial.
Feng Bu Jue struggled to keep up with the conversation. With no knowledge of the era or location, and unable to recall basic personal details like his birthday, address, or family ties, he felt like he was constantly grasping at empty air.
Fortunately, Feng’s sharp instincts kicked in quickly. After a few awkward exchanges, he placed a hand to his temple and said, “I might have suffered a mild concussion during the accident. My memory seems to be affected.”
With this excuse established, whenever he faced a question he couldn’t answer, he simply replied, “I’m sorry, I can’t remember,” while feigning discomfort with a pained wince.
Thus, during the short trip, Feng only revealed three pieces of information: his name, gender, and class. Meanwhile, Dennis and his wife unknowingly spilled far more details to him.
First, the current timeline was 1985. The location was a small, seemingly fictional European country called Yasali.
Second, Dennis Lovecraft, the tall, rich, and handsome man beside him, was a businessman specializing in industrial piping. His wife, Carol, had adopted his surname, but subtle hints in their dialogue suggested she came from a considerably more prestigious background than Dennis himself.
This revelation alone sparked several theories in Feng Bu Jue’s mind. A man of charm and stature marrying a woman of unremarkable appearance but significant social status? In detective novels, such setups were often breeding grounds for murder plots. Common motives included an extramarital affair or, failing that, an impending inheritance grab after eliminating the spouse—both highly plausible scenarios.
Additionally, Feng’s keen observations picked up on the couple’s subtle unease. Their so-called “family gathering” was clearly no ordinary reunion. Something far more intricate was at play.
“Look, we’re here,” Dennis announced, snapping Feng out of his thoughts.
As the car rounded the bend, a mountain villa came into view. The road split into a side lane leading directly to the estate. Dennis turned in and stopped at the gate, honking twice.
A man in a traditional black tailcoat opened the door. About sixty, his hair was completely white but meticulously combed, his posture rigidly upright.
“Oh! Young Master Dennis, welcome back!” he greeted, striding forward.
“We were slightly delayed on the road. How are you feeling, Henderson?” Dennis replied.
“Don’t worry, Young Master. My bones are still strong,” Henderson assured him as he opened the passenger door for Carol. “Good evening, Miss Carol.”
“Thank you, Henderson,” Carol stepped out.
Dennis exited as well, catching the butler’s curious glance toward Feng.
“Oh, let me introduce,” Dennis said. “This is Butler Henderson, and this is Mr. Feng Bu Jue.”
“How do you do?”
“The pleasure is mine.”
Feng nodded politely.
“Mr. Feng had an accident on the mountain road,” Dennis explained. “He lost his car and luggage, but fortunately, he’s unharmed. Could you ask Oliver to prepare a guest room and some clean, suitable clothes for him?”
“Of course, Young Master. I’ll see to it immediately,” Henderson replied, already hauling two heavy suitcases from the trunk as he headed inside.
“Please don’t go to any trouble, Mr. Lovecraft,” Feng said formally, though inwardly he mused: Two adults watching an elderly man struggle with heavy luggage without lifting a finger… This could easily become a brewing murder motive.
“Nonsense. You’re our guest now,” Dennis replied. “Hospitality is the least we can offer.”
As they spoke, a short man in a white shirt and overalls emerged from the house. Around forty, with a ruddy face and thick beard, he briskly approached. “Young Master Dennis, Butler Henderson asked me to park the car for you.”
“Here,” Dennis tossed him the keys. “This is Gardener Barton. Please come inside, Mr. Feng.”
Feng nodded and followed the couple through the villa gates.
At that moment, Feng’s system prompt chimed: 【Current task completed, main quest updated】. But he didn’t rush to check the menu.
Inside, Feng immediately surveyed the environment. The first-floor hallway was spacious, with furniture arranged in perfect order. The cold-toned wallpaper and decor hinted at the owner’s personality. The vaulted oak ceiling soared overhead, and the wooden floor was partially covered in a golden-threaded carpet with a chaotic pattern. The windows featured Venetian glass framed in slate-gray. At the far end, seven or eight meters away, a grand staircase led to the upper floor.
Just then, a woman descended the staircase. She appeared no older than thirty, dressed in a low-cut green gown. Her fair skin contrasted with her curvaceous figure, her waist improbably slender.
“Dennis, Carol,” she greeted warmly, offering each a polite embrace.
“Odette, it’s good to see you,” Carol replied.
Her tone was warm, but Feng noticed no genuine happiness in her eyes.
Dennis asked bluntly, “How is Father’s health?”
Odette’s expression dimmed instantly. “Well… Perhaps Doctor Powell should tell you himself.” Changing the subject, she turned to Feng. “And who is this?”
Dennis introduced Feng briefly. Notably, he referred to Odette as “my father’s third wife” when explaining her identity to Feng.
(End of Chapter)
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