After Lu Qingjia and the others received the call and arrived at the police station, they were greeted by the sight of Director An and a group of thugs hurling accusations at each other.
“Comrade police, I have no idea what’s going on. His selling adult products without a license has nothing to do with me. It’s all a misunderstanding. In this day and age, what’s so hard to buy? You can wholesale a bunch on X Treasure, anything you want is available. Why would I go looking for them? These people all have criminal records!”
“Shut your mouth!” One thug spat back, “You think you can find such a complete variety of sizes on X Treasure? You can cross the river and tear down the bridge, but you can’t question my source of goods.”
“Am I just a walking department store with a reputation for nothing? My brothers and I have been in this area for years, relying on our reputation to make a living. You think you can just slander me with your mouth? Do you believe my brothers will let you ruin our little production team?”
“Watch your mouth!” A nearby police officer slammed his hand on the table, warning the thug, “Threatening people in the police station, huh? You think you can say that again?”
The thug immediately backed down, changing his tone to a sheepish smile, “Comrade police, it really has nothing to do with us.”
“We’re just a few guys doing small business, flipping some uncommon items to make a little pocket money. You can say we’re operating without a license, but it’s not a serious crime, right?”
“It’s all this bastard’s fault! He had his men grind me down for days, saying the usual adult products were too ordinary and not stimulating enough for their production team.”
“They insisted I bring in some new goods that aren’t even on the market yet, and I have no idea what kind of heavy stuff they’re filming. Just look at the sizes of those items; they’re enough for a man to wear.”
“When I was stocking up, the supplier thought I was drinking too much and mixing in too many antibiotics, ruining myself and ending up as a plug for perverts. When I left with the goods, I even heard them making jokes about me. If it weren’t for this bastard paying well and begging me, which big man would want to lose face like this?”
“Then you all saw the scene, right? Oh, now you want to push the blame around. When I opened my coat, that idiot with the camera almost shoved it right in my face. If I were a flasher in a windbreaker, I wouldn’t even dare zip it up after seeing his expression. What a pervert.”
“Comrade police, I’m just forced by life’s circumstances. If I had another chance, I’d never do this perverted business again.”
This thug was quite eloquent, quickly finishing his side of the story.
Several police officers, pretending to drink water, slipped out, while the more composed ones struggled to hold back their laughter.
The thug had basically cleared his side, and it matched up with the testimony from the so-called ‘negotiator’ on the other side—the thief player.
Director An glared at the thief player, whispering angrily, “What the hell is going on? Don’t tell me you’ve been messing around for days just to pull this stunt on me.”
The thief player looked equally furious, “What do you want me to do? What else do you expect?”
“Am I supposed to become a junkie just to act in your lousy movie? How can you guarantee that no one will care? There are plenty of people using, but where are we right now?”
“Let me tell you, An, it’s a good thing I’m smart. Don’t you just want to capture the tension and thrill of underground transactions? I’ve set up the same effect, and the atmosphere in those previous shots was pretty good, right? You can just edit it into a film later!”
“See, I had my own ideas and didn’t listen to you. Otherwise, I’d be sacrificing my whole life just to shoot your lousy movie.”
“Go ahead, glare at me. You think I’m not the one responsible for this? If we had done it your way, we wouldn’t even be able to call anyone to help us out; we’d just be waiting to sit in jail.”
Now that they were all in the police station, Director An naturally had no ground to argue.
However, he never expected that after the pervert actor, another actor would play tricks on him.
Indeed, because the other party didn’t follow orders, he had escaped arrest at this moment, but it was not good for the movie. After all, if they didn’t get their hands dirty, how could they draw out those items?
The director made a silent decision in his heart: once they got out, he would replace the disobedient ones, and if necessary, he would find real junkies to act.
Just as he was pondering, he heard the police officer’s question: “What are you mumbling about? No whispering. Honestly explain, what do you need these items for?”
Director An knew that at this moment, all the evidence was against him. It was useless to keep pushing the blame like before; otherwise, if the police dug deeper and the thief actor couldn’t hold it together and confessed, he wouldn’t be able to shoot his movie anymore.
So he simply gritted his teeth and admitted to buying those items, after all, buying adult props wasn’t illegal these days.
“Comrade police, it was me who had someone buy them. I’m just too embarrassed to say. There’s no other meaning; I just bought them as props for the movie.”
The police looked at the previous testimonies and stared at him, “Do you know you’re filming a movie? Is it registered? Is the crew legitimate? What kind of theme are you shooting?”
“Usually, those who need these items aren’t making ordinary films, right?”
“How did the crew come together? Are there female members? Are they adults? Did they participate voluntarily? We have reason to suspect you may have harmed women. Even if all the crew members are adults and voluntarily participating, you’re still suspected of producing and distributing obscene videos.”
Director An quickly waved his hands, “No, comrade police. We are a legitimate crew; there’s really no harm to women.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the thief player chimed in, “Yeah, those props were for the director’s own use.”
As soon as this was said, the entire interrogation room gasped, looking at Director An with a mix of curiosity and subtle respect.
After all, those props and costumes were not your average heavy stuff.
Director An was almost stunned by the comment, turning stiffly to look at the thief player.
The thief player shrugged, “Otherwise, why are they all male sizes? You can tell they’re all things the director can wear.”
He awkwardly scratched his head, “Actually, I’ve suspected for a while that the director was using the movie as an excuse to satisfy his own kink.”
“Earlier, he even asked us crew members to harass men. If you don’t believe me, comrade police, you can check the camera; there should still be a record.”
“See the injuries on his face? He got them from barging into the bathroom to film someone peeing and got beaten up. The key is this bastard is a coward; he doesn’t dare do it himself, just likes to film, then sends the actors to charge in and act like perverts, making a fool of themselves.”
“Hey, did you see how he glared at me just now? He must have been planning to fire me as soon as we got out. Of course, I won’t serve him anymore; I’m just saying this has nothing to do with me. I was just forced to buy some embarrassing items.”
He looked like he had completely lost hope in the production team and was eager to distance himself.
This sudden betrayal and blame-shifting left Director An dumbfounded.
Not to mention the police, even the thugs beside him were bewildered, especially the one who had been hit in the groin earlier, who quickly covered himself.
Feeling a chill run down his spine, he looked at Director An, “You bastard, so you really are a pervert. I thought something was off back then; I almost got scared out of my wits by your creepy look. Turns out you really were filming me, little brother.”
He was so furious he wanted to hit someone but was stopped.
However, the police naturally didn’t find the video the thief player mentioned in the camera, but according to the assistant, there should still be a recording left in the director’s room.
What Lu Qingjia and his group saw upon arriving at the police station was this scene.
Seeing Lu Qingjia, Director An immediately grabbed onto him like a lifeline, “Brother, hurry, get me out of here.”
Lu Qingjia, holding his phone and pretending to be on a call, looked at Director An with disappointment, “I didn’t expect you to delay the entire crew’s progress for this. Director, why would you do this?”
Director An thought this guy was afraid of being implicated, so he pretended to be unaware.
With his personality, of course, he thought, if I’m in trouble, you shouldn’t expect to be fine either.
But with the movie’s progress already at this point, time waits for no one; he couldn’t be locked up in the station.
The only person capable of getting him out was the pretty boy named Lu, whom he didn’t dare offend, so he had to endure the other’s pretense of ignorance.
Sure enough, Lu Qingjia cooperated with the police’s inquiries, repeatedly stating that their crew had not broken any laws, at most, the director had some undisclosed kinks, which could be considered unethical but not illegal.
Lu Qingjia said, “All of us in the crew are here, and we welcome the police to investigate on set.”
His communication was polite, and the police were also friendly, but based on the current testimonies, further investigation was still needed to confirm that no illegal activities had occurred.
Therefore, during this period, Director An still had to be detained, and he wouldn’t be released until the investigation was over.
Director An was on the verge of breaking down, “We’ve cooperated with the investigation; why aren’t you letting us go?”
“I’ve said we’re a legitimate crew, and we haven’t produced or distributed any obscene material. You can investigate, but at least let me go back to work!”
The thief player chimed in coolly, “Yeah, the only thing unserious about our crew is the director messing around with the female lead; everything else is fine.”
The director knew this kid was deliberately retaliating and spat, “Shut up! You’re fired right now!”
He was still not satisfied, “You idiot, I’ve never liked you. Are you jealous that I can sleep with beautiful women?”
“Hey, Director—” Lu Qingjia opened his mouth but hesitated.
But there was no stopping Director An’s mouth: “You’re such a loser that you can’t even get a guaranteed salary; even a sow wouldn’t pay you any attention.”
“You’re just envious and jealous that your grandpa has beautiful women warming his bed at night, so you’re retaliating, right? Let me tell you, you’re the one violating the contract now; you won’t get a single cent. Once you’re out, pack your things and get lost.”
“With just one call from me, there are plenty of stupid women who want to make movies and rise to fame. You, a pathetic loser, can only watch with envy.”
After saying this, he turned back with satisfaction, only to see Lu Qingjia and the others looking at him with complex expressions.
A bad premonition flashed through Director An’s mind: “What’s with your expressions?”
Lu Qingjia sighed, speaking in a tone of disappointment, “I just spoke with your wife. She’s very worried about you.”
Director An’s heart sank as he saw Lu Qingjia press the speakerphone button on the phone he had been holding.
A familiar voice came through, “You bastard An, I’ll fuck your mother…”
Director An’s scalp tingled, and he almost lost control, glaring at Lu Qingjia, “You bastard—”
Lu Qingjia shook his head, looking as if he didn’t want this to happen, “With such a big issue as being in the police station, I thought as a producer, I have an obligation to contact your family so she wouldn’t worry, right?”
“So I checked the emergency contact number you left in the contract, to let your wife not worry. Besides, we didn’t know if we would need family assistance before coming here.”
This reason was indeed sufficient, but Director An still felt that this pretty boy was more trouble than he was worth.
If it weren’t for his own phone being searched, and if the pretty boy hadn’t put it on speaker, that mother tiger’s voice would have drowned him.
While feeling anxious, Director An also became ruthless; after all, he planned to leave his yellow-faced wife behind once the movie succeeded, so he didn’t care about the scolding. The movie wouldn’t take long to shoot anyway, and with a son to hold him back, the mother tiger wouldn’t be able to come over for a while. As long as he didn’t answer the phone, everything would be fine.
So before Lu Qingjia left, he repeatedly emphasized that the crew’s progress couldn’t be delayed and urged him to assist the police in finishing the investigation quickly, finding a way to get him out sooner.
Lu Qingjia quickly promised, “Don’t worry, I’m the investor; I’m the last person who wants to see work come to a halt.”
Once they reached a consensus, Lu Qingjia led the group out the door.
As soon as they exited the police station, he put the phone back to his ear and spoke gently, “Sister-in-law, don’t be too upset. Trust that Brother An is just confused for a moment.”
“Of course, I don’t mean to take his side. Although he, as a man, bears the responsibility of supporting the family, the hardship of taking care of parents and children while managing household chores is no less than this. He has wronged you, and no matter what, it’s his fault.”
On the other end, a voice filled with grievance cried, “Jiajia, it’s not that I’m unreasonable; it’s that An is simply not human. He’s messing around outside, relying on that lousy movie to deceive women. What’s he pretending for? The money for filming the movie was all scraped together from our family’s savings, and he’s out there spending it lavishly.”
Lu Qingjia patiently comforted her, “Sister-in-law, you’re a good woman. It’s An who doesn’t deserve you. Don’t worry; I’ll fire the female lead right away. I don’t want the crew to be so chaotic.”
“If you’re still worried, you can bring the kids over to keep an eye on him. I’ll cover the travel expenses; I also want to taste your cooking—”
“How could that be? Being able to make home-cooked meals is a skill. Just look at Brother An; he’s chubby and well-fed, so you must be a good cook. Hahaha, I’m not just trying to make you happy.”
“Hey, who says otherwise? We don’t know so many film bases and old apartments. Why did Brother An choose this place, which is more than a thousand miles from home? But sister-in-law, don’t say that; he definitely didn’t choose this place to mess around. I have to say something fair about him; the place he chose is indeed suitable.”
“Oh? He started scouting this area a year and a half ago? That’s indeed quite insightful, and the details are well arranged. Actually, you don’t have to think too negatively; regarding the filming, Brother An is still serious and responsible, and he hasn’t wasted the money raised.”
Lu Qingjia guided the conversation here, and sure enough, Director An’s wife began to complain about the difficulties of raising funds, mentioning who she borrowed from and how some were already urging repayment.
Seeing that it was about time, Lu Qingjia said, “Sister-in-law, the pressure you’re under is indeed not small, but being able to support Brother An’s career with all your might, you’re truly a good woman with foresight and courage. Many who claim to be shrewd and capable don’t have your level of courage.”
Director An’s wife was flattered by the young handsome voice, her vanity swelling, and she humbly replied, “Oh, I’m not as you say.”
“It’s just that bastard. When he came back from his uncle’s, he insisted on going far away. I told him that after struggling for so many years, he hadn’t made a name for himself, yet he insisted on quitting his job to start over.”
“Jiajia, although I seem unreasonable, I’m not short-sighted. Since he speaks so confidently, I can only be his support. I didn’t expect him to repay me like this.”
Lu Qingjia revealed a meaningful smile, his tone still patient and gentle, “That’s why I said, without you managing things for Brother An, everything would fall apart.”
“You’ll have to come personally to keep things in check. We? We certainly welcome you; it wouldn’t be a bother at all. We’d be more than happy to have a virtuous person like you to take care of us.”
“Oh, by the way, sister-in-law, Brother An just mentioned calling his uncle, but his phone was searched, and now he’s restricted from communication. Can you send me his uncle’s number? I’ll relay the message.”
“Hmm, okay, I have that noted down. Where is Brother An’s uncle from? That’s quite far from you guys. Hey! Nephew and uncle, it’s only right to visit often. He’s also been here to help with the site selection; he’s quite knowledgeable about feng shui.”
“Alright, sister-in-law, you arrange things at home, and I’ll transfer the ticket money to you—no need to be polite; I’ll cover the expenses. Your payment will still count.”
After finishing the conversation and hanging up, Lu Qingjia glanced at the five female ghosts surrounding him, holding their breath in anticipation, and smiled, “We’ve got it.”
The girls jumped up in excitement, with two of them, who were good at jumping high, even embedding their heads into the ceiling.
The little ghosts also gathered around, admiringly saying, “Dad is amazing.”
The gambler puffed out his chest, mimicking his son, “Yes, yes, the boss is really amazing.”
They were thrown a bone, “Get to the corner and gnaw on it; you don’t get to talk.”
Several players asked, “How did you figure it out? I didn’t see the trick!”
Lu Qingjia shook his head, “The surname An’s ancestral home is a thousand miles away from here. After graduating from film school, he struggled in the industry for years for his movie dream but never made much progress. Finally, four years ago, he gave up and returned home to find a job with decent pay through connections.”
“Before this, the circles he mixed in weren’t in this city. I went through all the works he participated in as a gopher, and there was only one location shoot in this city, and it wasn’t even in the same district. Following the crew to catch up on progress, he definitely wouldn’t have had time to accidentally discover this ‘treasure,’ and that was years ago when the apartment hadn’t seen any major incidents, so it was completely unremarkable.”
“Then why did he abruptly quit his job over a year ago and start preparing funds for the movie? And how did he accurately find this residential building, which he probably hadn’t even heard of before, renting nearby for over half a year, waiting for the apartment to solidify its reputation as a haunted building, and not long after, renting it at a low price for set decoration?”
“I mentioned before that he knows this place too well. He probably has more clues about each case than the police station’s files, as if he had foreseen the tragedies that would unfold.”
“The timing was just right after Xiaoyu and the others were killed. We can boldly suspect that he learned about this murder case through some means, and it wasn’t from news sources but from more private channels.”
“Xiaoyu and the others admitted that their heavy resentment after death would affect the fortune of the entire building. Generally, people would start to have frequent misfortunes, let alone the residents who were already at risk, which is why people kept dying.”
“Director An clearly knows this, so the channel through which he learned about the murder case is intriguing. At the very least, we can be sure he has someone knowledgeable by his side, making judgments. If that person only deduced the causal relationship through news reports, that level of insight wouldn’t be enough for Director An to sell everything and quit his job to wait for the apartment to become his ideal sacrificial site.”
“At this point, we can completely speculate in a darker direction: the murder case that caused this resentment is likely related to that knowledgeable person, or perhaps he was entrusted afterward, or even that the developments leading to today were influenced by that person.”
As he spoke, he looked at the short-haired female ghost, “Xiaoyu, you also mentioned that after you died, the apartment owners united to find someone to perform a ritual, but not long after, another one was done, and that time, there were no owners present. However, the owners basically don’t live here; it’s all tenants. Based on the principle of ‘better to believe than not,’ everyone was happy to see it happen.”
Several female ghosts nodded, and Lu Qingjia continued, “I know some compassionate knowledgeable people will perform rituals for free, helping to guide resentful spirits and clear away resentment to avoid affecting ordinary people. But looking at the results, the effect is precisely the opposite.”
“Excluding the possibility that the mysterious ritualist was unskilled and made things worse, is it possible that he wasn’t calming the spirits at all but merely trapping the resentment within this building? From the tragic aftermath, it’s clear that the other party didn’t care about any innocents, and their motives were evidently not good. What could it be for?”
