Chapter 379: The Crime?
Chapter 379: The Crime?
When Feng Bu Jue heard Dennis' words, he immediately began brainstorming. Combining the three Npcs' earlier dialogue and mannerisms, he quickly came up with seventeen or eighteen hypothetical scenarios for this murder case...
"Regardless of which wife bore you, judging by your age, your father should be in his sixties or seventies", Feng Bu Jue mused inwardly. "Yet your stepmother appears quite young. That 'Powell doctor' must be the family physician here. Your father's health seems questionable at best. Barely five minutes in this house, and I've already been handed clues about both a locked-room murder and an inheritance dispute. The butler, gardener, and maid aren't just potential suspects or witnesses—they're practically the entire cast of suspects."
"Young Master, your guest room has been prepared", a red-haired woman with a robust build announced as she entered the foyer. She nodded respectfully to Dennis before acknowledging the other two women.
"Mr. Feng, you must be exhausted", Dennis said. "Please go with Oliver to your room first. All guest rooms have private bathrooms—you can freshen up and rest. If you remember family contact details or need anything else, ask Henderson for help. Make yourself at home."
"Of course", Feng Bu Jue replied. "Thank you for your hospitality."
After exchanging pleasantries, Feng Bu Jue bid farewell to his hosts and followed the maid down a first-floor corridor. Soon they reached a guest room on the villa's western wing.
Once Oliver left to resume her duties, Feng Bu Jue immediately began cautiously inspecting the room. After confirming there were no hidden threats, he finally relaxed and flopped backward onto the soft bed.
"Finally a moment to breathe", he murmured.
Maintaining a courteous, humble demeanor wasn't difficult for him—just tiring.
"Let's check the task list", he said, opening his game menu.
The objective "Reach the Lovecraft Family's Mansion in the valley" had been completed. The next task read: "Remain in the villa, await the crime."
"Ah, a truly simple assignment", Feng Bu Jue chuckled. "So basically, do nothing."
After resting half an hour and organizing the information he had, he sat up and stared at the clean clothes on the table. "Now, how exactly am I supposed to change...?" This posed a genuine problem—the game wouldn't let him appear nude.
"Shall I just claim I was too tired to shower and fell asleep fully clothed?" Even Feng Bu Jue found this excuse as flimsy as the "mild concussion" explanation.
After pondering, he decided, "I can remove the suit jacket, but not the pants or shirt. I'll take off the jacket, roll up my pant legs, wash up a bit with water, then put on this clean coat." This compromise seemed slightly more plausible.
As he reached for the clean suit, a system prompt appeared: [Consuming this item will reset your appearance status]
A confirmation window followed: [Would you like to consume immediately?]
"Whoa! So this is what 'legendary one-click outfit change' means?" Feng Bu Jue hesitated only a few seconds before selecting "Yes."
White light flashed. When it faded, he looked completely refreshed—not only wearing the clean suit and trousers, but also with all dirt and sweat magically vanished. His original soiled clothes neatly folded on the table.
"Convenient indeed", he remarked. "Now... what to do next? Maybe sneak a peek at the third concubine's bath?"
Beep-beep-beep—
A car horn abruptly shattered his thoughts.
Rushing to the window, he parted the curtains slightly. From this angle, he could see the villa's main entrance. A black Suv had just pulled up, and a man in a leather jacket was stepping out.
The man stood about 1.8 meters tall, early thirties, with bleached blonde hair, sunglasses perched on his nose, and a cigarette dangling from his lips—a street racer look without the motorcycle.
"Henderson! Old man, how are you?" The newcomer grabbed the butler in a bear hug.
"Welcome back, Young Master Jack", Henderson smiled warmly.
Without waiting for the butler, Jack threw a travel bag over his shoulder and strode inside, car keys still dangling from the ignition.
"That must be Dennis' younger brother", Feng Bu Jue thought. "Given the age difference, he's probably not from Odette either. I wonder if they're full brothers or half-brothers. The third wife appears no older than thirty-five. Unless she married into the Lovecraft family ten years ago, she couldn't possibly have children..."
Bang!
Without warning, a sharp gunshot exploded from somewhere upstairs.
"Ah, they've started already", Feng Bu Jue muttered—not with alarm, but with the weary resignation of a student who'd just heard his name over the school intercom: "Feng Bu Jue, please report to the principal's office immediately."
Sighing, he stood up and stretched casually before exiting the room. He followed the sound with the same calm demeanor he'd always shown when facing trouble—knowing something terrible would happen, yet choosing to face it head-on.
Turning into the staircase corridor, he encountered Henderson rushing in from the main entrance. The old butler had heard the shot outside and returned in a panic.
"It came from upstairs", Feng Bu Jue said calmly, pointing toward the second floor.
"God almighty!" Henderson gasped. "Master's room!" Without another word, he sprinted up the stairs.
Feng Bu Jue observed the butler's actions carefully, detecting no suspicious anomalies. Saying nothing, he simply followed Henderson toward the second floor.
(End of Chapter)
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