Chapter 1939
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Also a little embarrassed by the atmosphere of the scene, Lu Weiwei held back for a long time, and finally couldn't help complaining to the phone:
"I said Zhang Liang, what good things have you done? You made Uncle Xiao cry, and I thought you were a love interest? Unexpectedly, you are just a bastard with a double appearance... ..."
"Comrade policeman, I... I also have difficulties." Zhang Liang, who was on the phone, was also very depressed at the moment after being scolded bloody by this female policeman whom he had never met.
But Lu Weiwei doesn't care about these things, she hates Xinlang the most in her life.
Especially when Zhang Liang treated Lao Xiao's daughter, he was ruthless and ungrateful at the beginning.
Although I said that I finally came to attend the funeral of Lao Xiao's daughter, and knelt down to admit my mistake, and was forgiven by Lao Xiao.
Even when he finally left, he asked Lao Xiao to leave his daughter's posthumous work as a thought, no matter how you look at it, he looks like an infatuated man.
But it is such a character design that has always existed in Lao Xiao's impression for 15 years.
But today, 15 years later, people like Zhang Liang collapsed so quickly that people were almost caught off guard.
It's no wonder that Lao Xiao has such an emotional breakdown.
Yes, if it is said that in the past 15 years, there are still people who miss their daughter, that can be regarded as a comfort to myself.
But now, Zhang Liang shattered all of Lao Xiao's fantasies with his actual actions.
It's no wonder that everyone's current emotions are almost on the side of Lao Xiao.
"Zhang Liang, why did you sell Master Xiao's daughter's posthumous work?" While everyone was agitated, only Gu Chen remained calm and continued to ask for relevant clues.
"Reason? The reason is because...there is no money to buy a house." Zhang Liang said.
Gu Chen frowned, and continued to ask on the phone: "I don't have money to buy a house. Could it be that if you sell this painting, you will have money to buy a house?"
"That's right, although you may find it unbelievable, and even I myself may find it unbelievable, but in fact it is so." Zhang Liang on the other end of the phone tried his best to calm himself down, and then continued to explain:
"I sold that painting, so I got a lot of wealth. In this way, I got together the down payment and bought the current apartment, which relieved me a lot of burden."
"Wait a minute." As soon as Zhang Liang finished speaking, Gu Chen asked him directly:
"Can you tell me how much you sold that painting for?"
"Two...two hundred thousand." Zhang Liang stammered.
"what?"
Hearing this, Police Officer Wang couldn't help being stunned, and he was instantly shocked and said, "You...you sold that painting for 200,000 yuan? It's just a manuscript drawing. Are you sure you're not defrauding others?"
"No...no, absolutely not." Seeing that Police Officer Wang was so excited, Zhang Liang panicked immediately, and quickly clarified for himself:
"I didn't know before, so my ex-girlfriend's drawings are so valuable?"
"Zhang Liang, please speak clearly." Seeing that Zhang Liang was agitated, Gu Chen urged him.
Zhang Liang on the phone took a deep breath, calmed down, and said involuntarily:
"You may think that this is incredible, right? Yes, I also think that I just wanted to keep this painting as a memory."
"I didn't expect that my life would be a mess later, and my career would suffer from Waterloo."
"At that time, I had to bear the pressure of buying a house, so when I didn't know what to do, I suddenly saw a post on the Internet about my ex-girlfriend."
"What is it?" Lu Weiwei asked him nervously.
"It's...it's about a serialized manga, why did it stop here?" Zhang Liang said.
Lu Weiwei thought of Lao Xiao's daughter, who had been cooperating with a comic magazine in an island country in East Asia, so she asked Zhang Liang again:
"Is that serial comic a serial work of Neon Kingdom?"
"Yes." Zhang Liang admitted.
"Then the author of this serialized work is your ex-girlfriend?" Lu Weiwei asked again.
"Yes, it's her. The pseudonym she is creating for this serial comic is 'Chopin is not as sad as I am', and that post is about her work."
"I read the entire post thoroughly, only to realize that my ex-girlfriend is not well-known in China because of the subject matter."
"However, her works are mainly serialized in Neon Country, so she is well-known there."
"Because the creation is a ghost work, and the style of the work is vivid and high-quality, once serialized, it became popular in the entire neon country comics market, and its popularity even approached the top cartoonists in the neon country at that time."
"At that time, she was also one of the most popular overseas cartoonists outside the neon country."
"However, on that day 15 years ago, after she handed in her last manuscript, she didn't produce any more works."
"And that work has not been finished yet, and it has been in a state of permanent interruption."
Sniffing, Zhang Liang also continued: "So, the fans of Neon Country have been discussing this matter, and the reminder index has reached a new high."
"And the host who posted this post on the domestic forum had been studying in Neon Country before. After learning that the author of the cartoon 'Chopin is not as sad as me' is Chinese, the host has been posting on various forums to search. "
"The reason is to remind the author face to face, and continue to serialize that work in Neon Country."
"Then what happened afterwards?" Gu Chen continued to ask.
"Later?" Zhang Liang sighed and said helplessly:
"Later I told the author that I knew 'Chopin is not as sad as I am', and told the author that the author was my ex-girlfriend."
"However, the ex-girlfriend committed suicide by jumping into the river, so this comic will never be updated again."
Speaking of this, Zhang Liang seemed to be touched by the scene, and his nose was slightly sour.
During the phone call, everyone could clearly feel Zhang Liang's regret.
Lu Weiwei sighed, and asked helplessly, "So what happened later? How did the landlord react?"
"The landlord is shocked." Zhang Liang choked up a few times, and then said slowly:
"The landlord said that this was the best spiritual food during his study abroad in Neon Country."
"Because the country does not allow such extremely scary comics to be released, this creepy comic has been selling well in the Neon Country and has a large number of loyal fans."
"Even if the comic book has been discontinued for more years, it will still receive high rewards from many fans."
"So, after I got to know the situation, I finally figured out that the fame of my ex-girlfriend has long been known in the Neon Country, but she has been keeping a low profile so that I don't know."
"But later, the landlord questioned me again, asking if I would lie to him? To prove otherwise, I told the landlord that I attended the funeral of my ex-girlfriend."
"And, after the funeral, I asked the ex-girlfriend's father, that is, Uncle Xiao, for a piece of her posthumous work, that is, the sketch of the ghost head."
"But this made the landlord extremely excited, and he immediately asked to buy that drawing."
"But after all, this is my ex-girlfriend's relic, and I always wanted to keep it as a thought, so I didn't agree."
"Since you didn't agree, why did you sell it later?" Director Xu Feng also felt a little strange.
It stands to reason that this kind of thing has a high premium.
But for Zhang Liang's value, it is obvious that it is more of a collection value.
Zhang Liang was a little helpless, and said with shame: "I didn't want to sell it at first, but I told the host with a firm attitude that it was what I wanted to keep by my side, and it was the only thing my ex-girlfriend could keep."
"Afterwards, no matter how the landlord approached me, I didn't agree, but the landlord seemed to be very persistent."
"Until later, while I was distressed about getting the down payment for buying a house, I talked about it with my current lover."
"Of course, I didn't say it belonged to my ex-girlfriend, I just said it was a relic left by a friend."
"Besides, I said that I went to my ex-girlfriend's funeral as my friend's funeral, so my wife has always thought that my 'friend' was a cartoonist who died young."
"She didn't even know that this painting could be sold for money? So I also revealed to her that someone came to me and wanted to buy that painting. I didn't agree to it."
"Then what's your lover's attitude?" Officer Wang asked.
"My love, she... She wants to sell that painting, and she thinks it would be nice to buy it for one or two thousand."
"After all, that painting looks very scary. She has seen it before, so she is determined not to let that manuscript paper stay at home, so I keep it in the basement."
"Originally, she wanted to throw it away several times, but it was probably my friend's relic, so she didn't do that."
"But now, there is just an opportunity to dispose of this painting and make a small profit."
"So, under the pressure of my lover, and the landlord at that time, he sent me a message again."
"As soon as I got hotheaded, I asked the landlord how much he could pay?"
"Then what do you say over there?" Gu Chen asked.
"Over there? The landlord over there asked me if I could see the photo? So I took a photo and sent it to the landlord."
"And tell the landlord that this manuscript paper is the manuscript paper for the finalized ghost head pattern of 'Chopin is not as sad as I am'."
"The structure gave me a number that I couldn't refuse, 150,000."
"150,000? Isn't it 200,000?" Lu Weiwei was shocked when she heard the number.
Officer Wang clicked his tongue twice: "Don't you go to the vegetable market to buy vegetables and don't bargain?"
"It's not used in supermarkets." Lu Weiwei retorted.
Officer Wang was speechless for a moment, and didn't know what to say.
At this time, Zhang Liang continued: "When I saw the price, I was completely confused, so I hurriedly asked the landlord, what I said was the national currency, the genuine Mao Zedong, not the Japanese yen. "
"Lou Shuo told me that he was talking about Grandpa Mao. The host said that he wanted to buy it. If he bought this thing in Neon Country, maybe he could make a small profit himself."
"Because he knew some of my ex-girlfriend's serial works in Neon Country at that time, many big sponsors, big iron fans."
"Those fans are very willing to pay for this kind of author's posthumous work."
"When my wife saw this number, his eyes were straightened, and he felt that he had picked up a big deal."
"So, she started a business with this landlord, saying that there is no 200,000 interviews."
"I was angry when I heard it. I said no matter how much money I gave, I would not sell it."
"But later, the landlord asked for 180,000 yuan, saying that my husband and I would stop acting, and the price was 180,000 yuan. If he sold it, he could come to my city the next day to complete the transaction."
"But I just didn't agree at the time, so a conflict broke out with my lover after we got married. We had a fierce quarrel. I didn't know that a painting would look like this."
"A drawing that was once pressed at the bottom of the basement box is worth 180,000 yuan?"
"To be honest, I'm very excited. Maybe if I miss this opportunity, 180,000 will be gone in a flash."
"And my wife also meant the same thing at the time. She said, is there any brain-dead guy who would spend 180,000 yuan to buy this drawing, and if we don't sell it, then we are out of our minds."
"She has been nagging in my ear, saying that if I don't make a move, maybe people will change their minds."
In the end, Zhang Liang was also very depressed, he couldn't help sniffing, choked up and said:
"I was in a lot of pain and seemed to be in a dilemma."
"One is that I once promised Uncle Xiao that I will keep this painting forever as one of my thoughts."
"But the other is facing the embarrassment of the family. In addition, my family's conditions were not good when I was young, and my career was frustrated. Therefore, it is difficult to buy a house at a high price. Even if I buy it, the high mortgage will make me breathless. .”
"But you have to know that 180,000 yuan more than ten years ago is still quite valuable."
"Faced with this dilemma, I finally did not withstand the pressure and compromised with reality."
"So, in another urging from the landlord, I told him that I wouldn't sell it without 200,000."
"The landlord agreed?" Gu Chen said.
"Yes, he agreed, and "He gave me 200,000 yuan, and I handed him the manuscript of the ghost head that was specially framed with exquisite borders. "
"But he left with the painting and I left with the money, and that's it, we both got what we needed."
"I used the 200,000 yuan to pay the down payment of the house, which relieved a lot of pressure on buying a house."
"As for him, did he sell this manuscript and make a small profit? I don't know, and I don't want to know."
"All I know is that I'm a bastard. I've failed Uncle Xiao's trust in me. I'm just a bastard, a bastard with duplicity."
At the end, Li Laoxiao, who played the video on Zhong Fakui's mobile phone, was already in tears.
And Zhang Liang on the other end of the phone was also crying.
The atmosphere at the scene suddenly became sad.
After a long time, Lu Weiwei took a deep breath and asked Zhang Liang on the phone, "Zhang Liang, have you contacted the buyer since then?"
"No, I dare not get in touch because I'm afraid he won't sell and regret it later." Zhang Liang said.
Hearing Zhang Liang's remarks, Gu Chen turned to look at Police Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei, and said meaningfully:
"It seems that this matter has to start with the ghost manga."
"That's right, but our prerequisite is that we need to know the situation of that work." Lu Weiwei said.
So Gu Chen asked Zhang Liang on the phone again: "Zhang Liang, do you know what your ex-girlfriend's work is called?"
"It's called the Ghost King." Zhang Liang said.
"Are you sure?" Gu Chen continued to ask him for confirmation.
"I'm very sure, because I also went to find out, and indeed found that the work is very popular in the neon country."
"It's just a pity. If it wasn't for me, maybe my ex-girlfriend should be a cartoonist who draws fresh works. It's all my fault."
Zhang Liang also blamed himself in various ways.
But this kind of self-blame is worthless in Lao Xiao's eyes.
After all, he sold what he valued most as a commodity.
This also means that when I forgave him at the beginning, I was blind.
Afterwards, Gu Chen asked some more clues about "Ghost King" before hanging up the phone.
But at this moment, Lao Xiao, who has been listening to everyone's conversation, is still silently wiping tears in Zhong Fakui's mobile phone video.
When Gu Chen and the others saw this, they also looked at each other.
Lu Weiwei comforted the video: "Master Xiao, don't be sad. After all, people always look forward. Your daughter can't come back. However, what Zhang Liang did is really chilling."
"Forget it." Hearing what Lu Weiwei said, Lao Xiao in the mobile phone video also waved his hands, saying indifferently:
"Let the past go, and I won't dwell on it forever. Zhang Liang also wants to live. A drawing of my daughter can improve his life. Maybe Zhang Liang is lucky."
"If he hadn't left a drawing of my daughter as a memory, he probably wouldn't have the 200,000 yuan. After all, it was Zhang Liang's fortune."
"Maybe somewhere, my daughter is helping him, what else can I say?"
"Then do you regret it?" Officer Wang asked.
Lao Xiao raised his brows: "You mean... I threw away my daughter's other drawings, which cost a lot of 200,000 yuan? Or do you mean... I forgave Zhang Liang, but found that Zhang Liang kept the original drawings with me, Directly resell it to someone else?"
"It's all there." Officer Wang said.
"Hehe, it doesn't matter anymore." Wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes, Lao Xiao choked up a few times, and then said again:
"It's getting late, I have to rest. If you need my help or assist in the investigation, you can call me at any time. Although I am away from home, my heart is still in Wangchao Town."
"Okay, then thank you, Master Xiao, good night, Master Xiao."
"Good night."
Also after a few simple greetings with Gu Chen, Lao Xiao hung up the video call.
At this time, Zhong Fakui also let out a long sigh, and said in a bad mood: "Damn! What is this Zhang Liang? A villain who is not what he looks like, a hypocrite."
"Back when the old Xiao's daughter committed suicide by jumping into the river, I told Lao Xiao that Zhang Liang was not a good guy."
"But Lao Xiao is an honest man after all. He doesn't hate anyone at all. The reason why Zhang Liang came to Jiangnan City to develop was to test Zhang Liang's determination."
"What I got in exchange was Zhang Liang's betrayal of his daughter."
Scratching his scalp, Zhong Fakui seemed to have not recovered from the conversation between the few people just now. He also slapped the table and said:
"When Old Xiao held the funeral for his daughter, I was also there. If it wasn't for that guy named Zhang Liang who knelt in front of Old Xiao and begged for forgiveness, I would have rushed up and slapped him a few times."
"But Lao Xiao is soft-hearted. Seeing this guy kneeling and confessing again, it doesn't feel good."
"In addition, it was also because of his own factors that the two were separated. Therefore, Lao Xiao ignored the previous suspicions."
"Not only that, but also agreed to Zhang Liang's request and gave Zhang Liang his daughter's painting."
"At first I thought that Zhang Liang was affectionate and righteous, but it was really my own stubbornness that broke up the relationship between my daughter and Zhang Liang."
"But now it seems that this Zhang Liang is a white-eyed wolf, a heartless hypocrite, everything is fake, a hypocritical dog."
"Ahem." Seeing Lao Zhong scolding non-stop in the office, the director Xu Feng couldn't help coughing twice, and quickly interrupted his speech:
"Well, Old Zhong, don't get angry, it's not worth it for this kind of person."
"Isn't it?" Hearing what Xu Feng said, Lao Zhong was also very angry, and said in a bad mood:
"Just because Lao Xiao is an honest person, should an honest person be used to be bullied? If Zhang Liang dares to stand in front of me now..."
After waving his hand, Lao Zhong said again: "You don't need him, Lao Xiao, I just slap and slap my face twice when I go up, and the dog who hit me must kneel down and beg for mercy."
"Okay, Boss Zhong, we know that you are a man of love and righteousness, but... this is not a problem that can be solved by beating someone." Lu Weiwei also saw Zhong Fakui's showmanship, and was a little immersed in the anger just now, unable to extricate herself, so she hurried Come and say a few words.
Zhong Fakui put his hands on his hips, and said in a bad mood: "I'm so mad, really, how many years have I been friends with Lao Xiao? I am really sad to see him not doing well."
"Now the business of my blueberry planting base is getting better every year. I also persuaded Lao Xiao not to leave his hometown and come back to work with me. I can give the shares."
"But because of face, Lao Xiao has always been estranged from the neighbors here, so he has been reluctant to go home. In the final analysis, it was all for Zhang Liang's harm, so to find a son-in-law, you must find a son-in-law. reliable."
"Okay, old Zhong, it's getting late, you should go back and rest." Seeing that Zhong Fakui seemed to regard the director's office as a storytelling scene, Xu Feng was also quite embarrassed. He put his hands on Zhong Fakui's shoulders and was about to send him out. mean.
Lao Zhong is also a sensible person, knowing that Gu Chen and the others have to deal with the case overnight, so it is not easy to delay, so he hurriedly said:
"That's fine, then I'll go back first, if you need help from my old Zhong, just call me."
"Then thank you, Boss Zhong." Seeing that Boss Zhong has indeed helped everyone a lot, Gu Chen also feels that Boss Zhong is a warm-hearted person.
So he said again: "In fact, there is not yet, but there is one thing, I hope Boss Zhong can remember, that is, everything that happened in the office tonight, including what you heard, don't say a word."
"It's okay, I promise not to tell." Zhong Fakui patted his chest and assured after hearing the words.
Lu Weiwei, who had experience in this area, immediately vaccinated Zhong Fakui in advance, and said, "Boss Zhong, why don't you say that you won't tell anyone, and then tell your family when you go back?"
"Then your family also said they wouldn't tell anyone, but turned around and told others, and within a day, the whole Wangchao Town knew about it, right?"
"Damn! Who do you think I am, Old Zhong?" Seeing that Lu Weiwei seemed to have said something, Lao Zhong, who almost wanted to go back and tell his family, immediately expressed his position:
"Old Xiao is my good friend. If I tell other people, it will be unfair to Lao Xiao. Don't worry, I will keep the secret and never say a word."
"Okay." Seeing that Zhong Fakui had been educated, Officer Wang walked up to Zhong Fakui, patted Zhong Fakui on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "We trust you, Boss Zhong, and your blueberries are delicious. "
"Ha ha……"
In a word, all kinds of embarrassment at the scene were resolved. Everyone smiled at each other, and then Zhong Fakui left the director's office in a pleasant tone and returned home.
On the other side, after Zhong Fakui was sent away, everyone sat together again, ready to discuss the situation.
"Junior Gu, since this old Xiao's daughter, what is her name..."Chopin is not as sad as me", and her serial works are overseas, so should we find this comic through some channels?"
"Perhaps, what we want can be found in this comic? After all, this ghost head pattern seems to have been circulated in the Neon Kingdom for a long time. Then this is the same as the pattern left on the coffin." With the pattern on the bamboo piece, are they all related?"
"Very likely." Gu Chen took a deep breath and couldn't help but glance at his watch.
Seeing that the time had already reached one o'clock in the morning without knowing it, Gu Chen also reminded: "Why don't we stop here today, everyone hurry back and have a rest, we will talk about the rest tomorrow."
"Okay." It was also reminded by Gu Chen that Xu Feng, the director, realized that his eyelids seemed to be extremely heavy.
If it wasn't for Gu Chen's reminder, I'm afraid I didn't realize it. In fact, I was already exhausted.
After a few brief explanations, Gu Chen, Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei returned directly to the rest area.
...
...
next morning.
When the police officers sleeping on the mats under the lounge woke up one after another, they found that Gu Chen had already woken up, standing by the window alone, looking at the rising sun in the distance, and seemed to be lost in thought.
Yuan Shasha rubbed her eyes, walked up to Gu Chen and whispered, "Brother Gu, Senior Sister Lu already told me what happened last night. Are you worried about that comic?"
"That's right." Gu Chen nodded slightly, and said helplessly, "That manga is banned in China, so I couldn't find it after searching for a long time last night."
"But if you don't know the content of that comic, I think, if you want to find more important clues, it will be as difficult as going to heaven."
Turning his head to look at Yuan Shasha, Gu Chen wanted to come: "You have to know, since we found the bamboo piece with the ghost head pattern in the jungle last night, and the ghost head pattern on the coffin, it's all here. Tell us, it looks like the killer did it on purpose."
"The purpose is to let us find the meaning of the answer, but last night, we have already figured out that this ghost head pattern is derived from the work of Lao Xiao's daughter during her lifetime."
"But her works have been selling well in the neon country, but they are rarely known in China."
"In this case, how did the murderer get this ghost head pattern? And he can draw this ghost head so vividly? It's worth our investigation."
"That means finding that comic, right?" Yuan Shasha asked.
"Yes." Gu Chen also nodded and replied: "The most important thing at the moment is to find the original manga, and then find out what kind of role does this ghost play in the manga? What exactly does the murderer want to tell us? "
"Uh, let's do this." Seeing that Gu Chen was still worrying about the cartoon "Chopin is not as sad as I am", Yuan Shasha volunteered:
"I have a few friends who are studying abroad in Neon Country. I think they should be able to use their convenience to find that serialized work."
"I can ask them to send the comics back, if that's not possible, I can also ask them to take pictures of the comics and send them to me."
"And then, we can print all these things out for analysis, what do you think?"
"If that's the case." Seeing Yuan Shasha's solution, Gu Chen breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"But, is your friend reliable?"
"I don't know, maybe it's unreliable?" Yuan Shasha also laughed at herself, then took out her mobile phone and reminded:
"I'll go get in touch and see if they can help?"
"Alright, thank you for your hard work, Xiao Yuan." Gu Chen said.
"You're welcome." Yuan Shasha smiled and turned to leave, before disappearing in the corridor.
As more and more officers woke up, everyone began to exercise in the lounge.
Not long after, Police Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei, with the help of Zhang Wenxia, brought a basket of breakfast to them.
Zhang Wenxia also said with a smile: "Everyone has worked hard. This is a breakfast prepared for everyone. Each person has one portion, which is tied in a bag. Everyone can eat whatever they want. If there is not enough, you can take more. There are 5 extra portions in it."
"Thank you, Miss Zhang."
Seeing that Zhang Wenxia was so polite, everyone expressed their thanks one after another.
For a moment, the police officers who had finished washing up sat cross-legged together and enjoyed this simple breakfast.
Gu Chen saw the last tea egg peeled and put it in his mouth, only then did he realize that Yuan Shasha came in from the outside.
"Xiao Yuan, your breakfast." Gu Chen reminded him with a breakfast.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Gu." Yuan Shasha took the breakfast from Gu Chen and began to enjoy it.
Lu Weiwei, who was drinking soy milk, asked in confusion: "Xiao Yuan, where did you go just now? I didn't see you in the bathroom."
"If Junior Brother Gu hadn't brought you a copy in advance, those starving ghosts would have to wipe out your breakfast too."
"Haha, is that right? I just went to contact my friends in the Neon Kingdom and asked them to help find that comic."
"Really?" Hearing Yuan Shasha's words, Police Officer Wang was also very curious and asked, "Where is Xiao Yuan still friends from the Neon Kingdom?"
"Yes, some students studying and working in Neon Country." Yuan Shasha said.
Officer Wang nodded silently, then asked, "Then what did they say?"
"They said, help me find this comic now, and it must be very slow to send it by airmail."
"So they decided to buy the comic books, take pictures one by one, and send them to me."
"After receiving the pictures, we can print them out for reference."
"These photos can also be projected according to the serial number for interpretation and analysis."
"That would be great." Hearing what Yuan Shasha said, Lu Weiwei said in relief:
"In this way, it seems that significant progress can be made in solving the riddle of the ghost head."
Several people also nodded to each other, then stood in a row and enjoyed breakfast by the window.
At 8 o'clock in the morning, when everyone came to the meeting room to prepare for today's investigation, Yuan Shasha's mobile phone began to receive news.
So Yuan Shasha immediately raised her hand and said, "Brother Gu, the pictures of the comic works from Neon Kingdom have already started to be transmitted."
"Is it mail?" Gu Chen asked.
"Yes." Yuan Shasha nodded.
Gu Chen glanced at a computer in the meeting room, and asked Xu Feng, the director of the office: "Brother Xu, can I borrow the equipment in the office?"
"Of course, you can use whatever you want, the password is AE86110."
When hearing this number, many police officers at the scene held back their laughter, but Yuan Shasha ignored it. She immediately went to the computer, entered her password, logged into her email account, and began to receive emails from Neon Kingdom.
Gu Chen, Lu Weiwei, Police Officer Wang and Xu Feng surrounded Yuan Shasha, keeping an eye on the files.
"Emails are sent by stream. Every time they take a group of photos, they will send a file first, and the subsequent photos will always be sent according to the number."
While talking, Yuan Shasha has already clicked on the file numbered 001, and after decompressing the file, click on the picture.
Suddenly, on the projection screen in the meeting room, a cover photo of a ghost head pattern suddenly appeared.
Many police officers of the criminal investigation team at the scene, when they saw this pattern for the first time, were not shocked by the horrifying style of painting.
The weather is hot, but everyone feels cold.
It's not because of the air conditioner, but because the work of "Chopin is not as sad as I am" is so horrifying that it makes everyone feel a chill down their backs.
"Isn't this too scary?" A third-level police superintendent shrank his neck and said in horror, "I've never seen such a style of painting. It's scary to see."
"Yeah, this is a horror comic, right?" Another second-level superintendent couldn't help but frowned, feeling that he couldn't accept this style of painting.
Seeing this, the other police officers also started talking.
But Yuan Shasha didn't care about these, but continued to retrieve pictures.
Soon, Yuan Shasha began to flip through the photos on the projection screen according to the order of arrangement.
At the same time, all the police officers in the conference room were forced to read cartoons.
Since the characters in the manga are all in Japanese, everyone can only guess the meaning of them through a small number of Chinese characters that appear in Japanese.
But through the pictures, everyone can actually see a lot of storylines.
The story tells the story of the growth of a generation of ghost kings.
The story takes place in a virtual world. It probably means that the ghost king was a human being before, but was bullied, excluded, and even betrayed by his own race. He became ferocious and started his own path to the evolution of the ghost king.
"What is this? Do people in Neon Country like this style of painting?" Lu Weiwei trembled when she saw it.
Before, I only felt that ghost head was scary.
But now, after seeing this kind of horror cartoon, Lu Weiwei feels that there is no need for air conditioners and watermelons to relieve the heat this summer, and reading this horror cartoon can solve everything.
Officer Wang couldn't stand it anymore, and he said in a bad mood: "Fortunately, this kind of horror cartoons are not spread here, otherwise, if my daughter Xiaobei reads it, she will definitely be so scared that she can't sleep at night. Isn't it too scary?"
"That's why this kind of work is forbidden to circulate here." Gu Chen reminded.
Officer Wang thought for a moment, then looked at Gu Chen and said, "Gu Chen, you said that Lao Xiao's daughter hates life so much that she draws this kind of work?"
"The name is still called "Ghost King"? Looking at the cover, I can't stand it, it feels too strong."
"Especially the unsuitable painting style for children, it is simply unacceptable, and TV dramas dare not shoot such horrible pictures."
"Maybe, this is the most direct psychological characteristic and reaction of Lao Xiao's daughter at that time?" Gu Chen said.
Just after everyone read the first folder, Yuan Shasha took advantage of the opportunity to open the decompressed No. 2 file.
Immediately, another series of pictures flashed on the projection screen one after another.
Everyone is still forced to watch it. Many police officers, because they have never been exposed to this kind of horror and strange comics, have a few police officers even begin to show symptoms of discomfort.
Some simply don't look at it directly and divert their attention.
However, Gu Chen is immune to these.
Gu Chen has seen many kinds of corpses. Therefore, although this horror comic is somewhat surreal, the style of painting is touching.
It seems that while reading this comic, the whole person will feel a short-term suffocation, but after a short pause, he feels at ease again.
This may be the strength of the deceased cartoonist "Chopin is not as sad as I am". She can firmly grasp the content of the painting and grasp people's hearts.
It seems that all kinds of ghosts are painted on the surface, but in fact, the prototype is human beings themselves.
The experience with a strong sense of substitution has caused many police officers to immediately fall in love after watching it.
At this moment, Lu Weiwei, who was looking around, suddenly noticed something unusual, and quickly pointed to one of the photos and said, "Junior Brother Gu, take a quick look, the 76th picture in folder No. 2 is a coffin."
"On the side of the coffin, there is a ghost head pattern, exactly the same as when we found it on the mountain?"
"Really." Gu Chen quickly found the photo after following Lu Weiwei's prompt.
But in the photo at this time, the side corner of the coffin with a strange style of painting, the ghost head pattern is so lifelike, it seems to be the same as the real thing.
...
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Also a little embarrassed by the atmosphere of the scene, Lu Weiwei held back for a long time, and finally couldn't help complaining to the phone:
"I said Zhang Liang, what good things have you done? You made Uncle Xiao cry, and I thought you were a love interest? Unexpectedly, you are just a bastard with a double appearance... ..."
"Comrade policeman, I... I also have difficulties." Zhang Liang, who was on the phone, was also very depressed at the moment after being scolded bloody by this female policeman whom he had never met.
But Lu Weiwei doesn't care about these things, she hates Xinlang the most in her life.
Especially when Zhang Liang treated Lao Xiao's daughter, he was ruthless and ungrateful at the beginning.
Although I said that I finally came to attend the funeral of Lao Xiao's daughter, and knelt down to admit my mistake, and was forgiven by Lao Xiao.
Even when he finally left, he asked Lao Xiao to leave his daughter's posthumous work as a thought, no matter how you look at it, he looks like an infatuated man.
But it is such a character design that has always existed in Lao Xiao's impression for 15 years.
But today, 15 years later, people like Zhang Liang collapsed so quickly that people were almost caught off guard.
It's no wonder that Lao Xiao has such an emotional breakdown.
Yes, if it is said that in the past 15 years, there are still people who miss their daughter, that can be regarded as a comfort to myself.
But now, Zhang Liang shattered all of Lao Xiao's fantasies with his actual actions.
It's no wonder that everyone's current emotions are almost on the side of Lao Xiao.
"Zhang Liang, why did you sell Master Xiao's daughter's posthumous work?" While everyone was agitated, only Gu Chen remained calm and continued to ask for relevant clues.
"Reason? The reason is because...there is no money to buy a house." Zhang Liang said.
Gu Chen frowned, and continued to ask on the phone: "I don't have money to buy a house. Could it be that if you sell this painting, you will have money to buy a house?"
"That's right, although you may find it unbelievable, and even I myself may find it unbelievable, but in fact it is so." Zhang Liang on the other end of the phone tried his best to calm himself down, and then continued to explain:
"I sold that painting, so I got a lot of wealth. In this way, I got together the down payment and bought the current apartment, which relieved me a lot of burden."
"Wait a minute." As soon as Zhang Liang finished speaking, Gu Chen asked him directly:
"Can you tell me how much you sold that painting for?"
"Two...two hundred thousand." Zhang Liang stammered.
"what?"
Hearing this, Police Officer Wang couldn't help being stunned, and he was instantly shocked and said, "You...you sold that painting for 200,000 yuan? It's just a manuscript drawing. Are you sure you're not defrauding others?"
"No...no, absolutely not." Seeing that Police Officer Wang was so excited, Zhang Liang panicked immediately, and quickly clarified for himself:
"I didn't know before, so my ex-girlfriend's drawings are so valuable?"
"Zhang Liang, please speak clearly." Seeing that Zhang Liang was agitated, Gu Chen urged him.
Zhang Liang on the phone took a deep breath, calmed down, and said involuntarily:
"You may think that this is incredible, right? Yes, I also think that I just wanted to keep this painting as a memory."
"I didn't expect that my life would be a mess later, and my career would suffer from Waterloo."
"At that time, I had to bear the pressure of buying a house, so when I didn't know what to do, I suddenly saw a post on the Internet about my ex-girlfriend."
"What is it?" Lu Weiwei asked him nervously.
"It's...it's about a serialized manga, why did it stop here?" Zhang Liang said.
Lu Weiwei thought of Lao Xiao's daughter, who had been cooperating with a comic magazine in an island country in East Asia, so she asked Zhang Liang again:
"Is that serial comic a serial work of Neon Kingdom?"
"Yes." Zhang Liang admitted.
"Then the author of this serialized work is your ex-girlfriend?" Lu Weiwei asked again.
"Yes, it's her. The pseudonym she is creating for this serial comic is 'Chopin is not as sad as I am', and that post is about her work."
"I read the entire post thoroughly, only to realize that my ex-girlfriend is not well-known in China because of the subject matter."
"However, her works are mainly serialized in Neon Country, so she is well-known there."
"Because the creation is a ghost work, and the style of the work is vivid and high-quality, once serialized, it became popular in the entire neon country comics market, and its popularity even approached the top cartoonists in the neon country at that time."
"At that time, she was also one of the most popular overseas cartoonists outside the neon country."
"However, on that day 15 years ago, after she handed in her last manuscript, she didn't produce any more works."
"And that work has not been finished yet, and it has been in a state of permanent interruption."
Sniffing, Zhang Liang also continued: "So, the fans of Neon Country have been discussing this matter, and the reminder index has reached a new high."
"And the host who posted this post on the domestic forum had been studying in Neon Country before. After learning that the author of the cartoon 'Chopin is not as sad as me' is Chinese, the host has been posting on various forums to search. "
"The reason is to remind the author face to face, and continue to serialize that work in Neon Country."
"Then what happened afterwards?" Gu Chen continued to ask.
"Later?" Zhang Liang sighed and said helplessly:
"Later I told the author that I knew 'Chopin is not as sad as I am', and told the author that the author was my ex-girlfriend."
"However, the ex-girlfriend committed suicide by jumping into the river, so this comic will never be updated again."
Speaking of this, Zhang Liang seemed to be touched by the scene, and his nose was slightly sour.
During the phone call, everyone could clearly feel Zhang Liang's regret.
Lu Weiwei sighed, and asked helplessly, "So what happened later? How did the landlord react?"
"The landlord is shocked." Zhang Liang choked up a few times, and then said slowly:
"The landlord said that this was the best spiritual food during his study abroad in Neon Country."
"Because the country does not allow such extremely scary comics to be released, this creepy comic has been selling well in the Neon Country and has a large number of loyal fans."
"Even if the comic book has been discontinued for more years, it will still receive high rewards from many fans."
"So, after I got to know the situation, I finally figured out that the fame of my ex-girlfriend has long been known in the Neon Country, but she has been keeping a low profile so that I don't know."
"But later, the landlord questioned me again, asking if I would lie to him? To prove otherwise, I told the landlord that I attended the funeral of my ex-girlfriend."
"And, after the funeral, I asked the ex-girlfriend's father, that is, Uncle Xiao, for a piece of her posthumous work, that is, the sketch of the ghost head."
"But this made the landlord extremely excited, and he immediately asked to buy that drawing."
"But after all, this is my ex-girlfriend's relic, and I always wanted to keep it as a thought, so I didn't agree."
"Since you didn't agree, why did you sell it later?" Director Xu Feng also felt a little strange.
It stands to reason that this kind of thing has a high premium.
But for Zhang Liang's value, it is obvious that it is more of a collection value.
Zhang Liang was a little helpless, and said with shame: "I didn't want to sell it at first, but I told the host with a firm attitude that it was what I wanted to keep by my side, and it was the only thing my ex-girlfriend could keep."
"Afterwards, no matter how the landlord approached me, I didn't agree, but the landlord seemed to be very persistent."
"Until later, while I was distressed about getting the down payment for buying a house, I talked about it with my current lover."
"Of course, I didn't say it belonged to my ex-girlfriend, I just said it was a relic left by a friend."
"Besides, I said that I went to my ex-girlfriend's funeral as my friend's funeral, so my wife has always thought that my 'friend' was a cartoonist who died young."
"She didn't even know that this painting could be sold for money? So I also revealed to her that someone came to me and wanted to buy that painting. I didn't agree to it."
"Then what's your lover's attitude?" Officer Wang asked.
"My love, she... She wants to sell that painting, and she thinks it would be nice to buy it for one or two thousand."
"After all, that painting looks very scary. She has seen it before, so she is determined not to let that manuscript paper stay at home, so I keep it in the basement."
"Originally, she wanted to throw it away several times, but it was probably my friend's relic, so she didn't do that."
"But now, there is just an opportunity to dispose of this painting and make a small profit."
"So, under the pressure of my lover, and the landlord at that time, he sent me a message again."
"As soon as I got hotheaded, I asked the landlord how much he could pay?"
"Then what do you say over there?" Gu Chen asked.
"Over there? The landlord over there asked me if I could see the photo? So I took a photo and sent it to the landlord."
"And tell the landlord that this manuscript paper is the manuscript paper for the finalized ghost head pattern of 'Chopin is not as sad as I am'."
"The structure gave me a number that I couldn't refuse, 150,000."
"150,000? Isn't it 200,000?" Lu Weiwei was shocked when she heard the number.
Officer Wang clicked his tongue twice: "Don't you go to the vegetable market to buy vegetables and don't bargain?"
"It's not used in supermarkets." Lu Weiwei retorted.
Officer Wang was speechless for a moment, and didn't know what to say.
At this time, Zhang Liang continued: "When I saw the price, I was completely confused, so I hurriedly asked the landlord, what I said was the national currency, the genuine Mao Zedong, not the Japanese yen. "
"Lou Shuo told me that he was talking about Grandpa Mao. The host said that he wanted to buy it. If he bought this thing in Neon Country, maybe he could make a small profit himself."
"Because he knew some of my ex-girlfriend's serial works in Neon Country at that time, many big sponsors, big iron fans."
"Those fans are very willing to pay for this kind of author's posthumous work."
"When my wife saw this number, his eyes were straightened, and he felt that he had picked up a big deal."
"So, she started a business with this landlord, saying that there is no 200,000 interviews."
"I was angry when I heard it. I said no matter how much money I gave, I would not sell it."
"But later, the landlord asked for 180,000 yuan, saying that my husband and I would stop acting, and the price was 180,000 yuan. If he sold it, he could come to my city the next day to complete the transaction."
"But I just didn't agree at the time, so a conflict broke out with my lover after we got married. We had a fierce quarrel. I didn't know that a painting would look like this."
"A drawing that was once pressed at the bottom of the basement box is worth 180,000 yuan?"
"To be honest, I'm very excited. Maybe if I miss this opportunity, 180,000 will be gone in a flash."
"And my wife also meant the same thing at the time. She said, is there any brain-dead guy who would spend 180,000 yuan to buy this drawing, and if we don't sell it, then we are out of our minds."
"She has been nagging in my ear, saying that if I don't make a move, maybe people will change their minds."
In the end, Zhang Liang was also very depressed, he couldn't help sniffing, choked up and said:
"I was in a lot of pain and seemed to be in a dilemma."
"One is that I once promised Uncle Xiao that I will keep this painting forever as one of my thoughts."
"But the other is facing the embarrassment of the family. In addition, my family's conditions were not good when I was young, and my career was frustrated. Therefore, it is difficult to buy a house at a high price. Even if I buy it, the high mortgage will make me breathless. .”
"But you have to know that 180,000 yuan more than ten years ago is still quite valuable."
"Faced with this dilemma, I finally did not withstand the pressure and compromised with reality."
"So, in another urging from the landlord, I told him that I wouldn't sell it without 200,000."
"The landlord agreed?" Gu Chen said.
"Yes, he agreed, and "He gave me 200,000 yuan, and I handed him the manuscript of the ghost head that was specially framed with exquisite borders. "
"But he left with the painting and I left with the money, and that's it, we both got what we needed."
"I used the 200,000 yuan to pay the down payment of the house, which relieved a lot of pressure on buying a house."
"As for him, did he sell this manuscript and make a small profit? I don't know, and I don't want to know."
"All I know is that I'm a bastard. I've failed Uncle Xiao's trust in me. I'm just a bastard, a bastard with duplicity."
At the end, Li Laoxiao, who played the video on Zhong Fakui's mobile phone, was already in tears.
And Zhang Liang on the other end of the phone was also crying.
The atmosphere at the scene suddenly became sad.
After a long time, Lu Weiwei took a deep breath and asked Zhang Liang on the phone, "Zhang Liang, have you contacted the buyer since then?"
"No, I dare not get in touch because I'm afraid he won't sell and regret it later." Zhang Liang said.
Hearing Zhang Liang's remarks, Gu Chen turned to look at Police Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei, and said meaningfully:
"It seems that this matter has to start with the ghost manga."
"That's right, but our prerequisite is that we need to know the situation of that work." Lu Weiwei said.
So Gu Chen asked Zhang Liang on the phone again: "Zhang Liang, do you know what your ex-girlfriend's work is called?"
"It's called the Ghost King." Zhang Liang said.
"Are you sure?" Gu Chen continued to ask him for confirmation.
"I'm very sure, because I also went to find out, and indeed found that the work is very popular in the neon country."
"It's just a pity. If it wasn't for me, maybe my ex-girlfriend should be a cartoonist who draws fresh works. It's all my fault."
Zhang Liang also blamed himself in various ways.
But this kind of self-blame is worthless in Lao Xiao's eyes.
After all, he sold what he valued most as a commodity.
This also means that when I forgave him at the beginning, I was blind.
Afterwards, Gu Chen asked some more clues about "Ghost King" before hanging up the phone.
But at this moment, Lao Xiao, who has been listening to everyone's conversation, is still silently wiping tears in Zhong Fakui's mobile phone video.
When Gu Chen and the others saw this, they also looked at each other.
Lu Weiwei comforted the video: "Master Xiao, don't be sad. After all, people always look forward. Your daughter can't come back. However, what Zhang Liang did is really chilling."
"Forget it." Hearing what Lu Weiwei said, Lao Xiao in the mobile phone video also waved his hands, saying indifferently:
"Let the past go, and I won't dwell on it forever. Zhang Liang also wants to live. A drawing of my daughter can improve his life. Maybe Zhang Liang is lucky."
"If he hadn't left a drawing of my daughter as a memory, he probably wouldn't have the 200,000 yuan. After all, it was Zhang Liang's fortune."
"Maybe somewhere, my daughter is helping him, what else can I say?"
"Then do you regret it?" Officer Wang asked.
Lao Xiao raised his brows: "You mean... I threw away my daughter's other drawings, which cost a lot of 200,000 yuan? Or do you mean... I forgave Zhang Liang, but found that Zhang Liang kept the original drawings with me, Directly resell it to someone else?"
"It's all there." Officer Wang said.
"Hehe, it doesn't matter anymore." Wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes, Lao Xiao choked up a few times, and then said again:
"It's getting late, I have to rest. If you need my help or assist in the investigation, you can call me at any time. Although I am away from home, my heart is still in Wangchao Town."
"Okay, then thank you, Master Xiao, good night, Master Xiao."
"Good night."
Also after a few simple greetings with Gu Chen, Lao Xiao hung up the video call.
At this time, Zhong Fakui also let out a long sigh, and said in a bad mood: "Damn! What is this Zhang Liang? A villain who is not what he looks like, a hypocrite."
"Back when the old Xiao's daughter committed suicide by jumping into the river, I told Lao Xiao that Zhang Liang was not a good guy."
"But Lao Xiao is an honest man after all. He doesn't hate anyone at all. The reason why Zhang Liang came to Jiangnan City to develop was to test Zhang Liang's determination."
"What I got in exchange was Zhang Liang's betrayal of his daughter."
Scratching his scalp, Zhong Fakui seemed to have not recovered from the conversation between the few people just now. He also slapped the table and said:
"When Old Xiao held the funeral for his daughter, I was also there. If it wasn't for that guy named Zhang Liang who knelt in front of Old Xiao and begged for forgiveness, I would have rushed up and slapped him a few times."
"But Lao Xiao is soft-hearted. Seeing this guy kneeling and confessing again, it doesn't feel good."
"In addition, it was also because of his own factors that the two were separated. Therefore, Lao Xiao ignored the previous suspicions."
"Not only that, but also agreed to Zhang Liang's request and gave Zhang Liang his daughter's painting."
"At first I thought that Zhang Liang was affectionate and righteous, but it was really my own stubbornness that broke up the relationship between my daughter and Zhang Liang."
"But now it seems that this Zhang Liang is a white-eyed wolf, a heartless hypocrite, everything is fake, a hypocritical dog."
"Ahem." Seeing Lao Zhong scolding non-stop in the office, the director Xu Feng couldn't help coughing twice, and quickly interrupted his speech:
"Well, Old Zhong, don't get angry, it's not worth it for this kind of person."
"Isn't it?" Hearing what Xu Feng said, Lao Zhong was also very angry, and said in a bad mood:
"Just because Lao Xiao is an honest person, should an honest person be used to be bullied? If Zhang Liang dares to stand in front of me now..."
After waving his hand, Lao Zhong said again: "You don't need him, Lao Xiao, I just slap and slap my face twice when I go up, and the dog who hit me must kneel down and beg for mercy."
"Okay, Boss Zhong, we know that you are a man of love and righteousness, but... this is not a problem that can be solved by beating someone." Lu Weiwei also saw Zhong Fakui's showmanship, and was a little immersed in the anger just now, unable to extricate herself, so she hurried Come and say a few words.
Zhong Fakui put his hands on his hips, and said in a bad mood: "I'm so mad, really, how many years have I been friends with Lao Xiao? I am really sad to see him not doing well."
"Now the business of my blueberry planting base is getting better every year. I also persuaded Lao Xiao not to leave his hometown and come back to work with me. I can give the shares."
"But because of face, Lao Xiao has always been estranged from the neighbors here, so he has been reluctant to go home. In the final analysis, it was all for Zhang Liang's harm, so to find a son-in-law, you must find a son-in-law. reliable."
"Okay, old Zhong, it's getting late, you should go back and rest." Seeing that Zhong Fakui seemed to regard the director's office as a storytelling scene, Xu Feng was also quite embarrassed. He put his hands on Zhong Fakui's shoulders and was about to send him out. mean.
Lao Zhong is also a sensible person, knowing that Gu Chen and the others have to deal with the case overnight, so it is not easy to delay, so he hurriedly said:
"That's fine, then I'll go back first, if you need help from my old Zhong, just call me."
"Then thank you, Boss Zhong." Seeing that Boss Zhong has indeed helped everyone a lot, Gu Chen also feels that Boss Zhong is a warm-hearted person.
So he said again: "In fact, there is not yet, but there is one thing, I hope Boss Zhong can remember, that is, everything that happened in the office tonight, including what you heard, don't say a word."
"It's okay, I promise not to tell." Zhong Fakui patted his chest and assured after hearing the words.
Lu Weiwei, who had experience in this area, immediately vaccinated Zhong Fakui in advance, and said, "Boss Zhong, why don't you say that you won't tell anyone, and then tell your family when you go back?"
"Then your family also said they wouldn't tell anyone, but turned around and told others, and within a day, the whole Wangchao Town knew about it, right?"
"Damn! Who do you think I am, Old Zhong?" Seeing that Lu Weiwei seemed to have said something, Lao Zhong, who almost wanted to go back and tell his family, immediately expressed his position:
"Old Xiao is my good friend. If I tell other people, it will be unfair to Lao Xiao. Don't worry, I will keep the secret and never say a word."
"Okay." Seeing that Zhong Fakui had been educated, Officer Wang walked up to Zhong Fakui, patted Zhong Fakui on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "We trust you, Boss Zhong, and your blueberries are delicious. "
"Ha ha……"
In a word, all kinds of embarrassment at the scene were resolved. Everyone smiled at each other, and then Zhong Fakui left the director's office in a pleasant tone and returned home.
On the other side, after Zhong Fakui was sent away, everyone sat together again, ready to discuss the situation.
"Junior Gu, since this old Xiao's daughter, what is her name..."Chopin is not as sad as me", and her serial works are overseas, so should we find this comic through some channels?"
"Perhaps, what we want can be found in this comic? After all, this ghost head pattern seems to have been circulated in the Neon Kingdom for a long time. Then this is the same as the pattern left on the coffin." With the pattern on the bamboo piece, are they all related?"
"Very likely." Gu Chen took a deep breath and couldn't help but glance at his watch.
Seeing that the time had already reached one o'clock in the morning without knowing it, Gu Chen also reminded: "Why don't we stop here today, everyone hurry back and have a rest, we will talk about the rest tomorrow."
"Okay." It was also reminded by Gu Chen that Xu Feng, the director, realized that his eyelids seemed to be extremely heavy.
If it wasn't for Gu Chen's reminder, I'm afraid I didn't realize it. In fact, I was already exhausted.
After a few brief explanations, Gu Chen, Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei returned directly to the rest area.
...
...
next morning.
When the police officers sleeping on the mats under the lounge woke up one after another, they found that Gu Chen had already woken up, standing by the window alone, looking at the rising sun in the distance, and seemed to be lost in thought.
Yuan Shasha rubbed her eyes, walked up to Gu Chen and whispered, "Brother Gu, Senior Sister Lu already told me what happened last night. Are you worried about that comic?"
"That's right." Gu Chen nodded slightly, and said helplessly, "That manga is banned in China, so I couldn't find it after searching for a long time last night."
"But if you don't know the content of that comic, I think, if you want to find more important clues, it will be as difficult as going to heaven."
Turning his head to look at Yuan Shasha, Gu Chen wanted to come: "You have to know, since we found the bamboo piece with the ghost head pattern in the jungle last night, and the ghost head pattern on the coffin, it's all here. Tell us, it looks like the killer did it on purpose."
"The purpose is to let us find the meaning of the answer, but last night, we have already figured out that this ghost head pattern is derived from the work of Lao Xiao's daughter during her lifetime."
"But her works have been selling well in the neon country, but they are rarely known in China."
"In this case, how did the murderer get this ghost head pattern? And he can draw this ghost head so vividly? It's worth our investigation."
"That means finding that comic, right?" Yuan Shasha asked.
"Yes." Gu Chen also nodded and replied: "The most important thing at the moment is to find the original manga, and then find out what kind of role does this ghost play in the manga? What exactly does the murderer want to tell us? "
"Uh, let's do this." Seeing that Gu Chen was still worrying about the cartoon "Chopin is not as sad as I am", Yuan Shasha volunteered:
"I have a few friends who are studying abroad in Neon Country. I think they should be able to use their convenience to find that serialized work."
"I can ask them to send the comics back, if that's not possible, I can also ask them to take pictures of the comics and send them to me."
"And then, we can print all these things out for analysis, what do you think?"
"If that's the case." Seeing Yuan Shasha's solution, Gu Chen breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"But, is your friend reliable?"
"I don't know, maybe it's unreliable?" Yuan Shasha also laughed at herself, then took out her mobile phone and reminded:
"I'll go get in touch and see if they can help?"
"Alright, thank you for your hard work, Xiao Yuan." Gu Chen said.
"You're welcome." Yuan Shasha smiled and turned to leave, before disappearing in the corridor.
As more and more officers woke up, everyone began to exercise in the lounge.
Not long after, Police Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei, with the help of Zhang Wenxia, brought a basket of breakfast to them.
Zhang Wenxia also said with a smile: "Everyone has worked hard. This is a breakfast prepared for everyone. Each person has one portion, which is tied in a bag. Everyone can eat whatever they want. If there is not enough, you can take more. There are 5 extra portions in it."
"Thank you, Miss Zhang."
Seeing that Zhang Wenxia was so polite, everyone expressed their thanks one after another.
For a moment, the police officers who had finished washing up sat cross-legged together and enjoyed this simple breakfast.
Gu Chen saw the last tea egg peeled and put it in his mouth, only then did he realize that Yuan Shasha came in from the outside.
"Xiao Yuan, your breakfast." Gu Chen reminded him with a breakfast.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Gu." Yuan Shasha took the breakfast from Gu Chen and began to enjoy it.
Lu Weiwei, who was drinking soy milk, asked in confusion: "Xiao Yuan, where did you go just now? I didn't see you in the bathroom."
"If Junior Brother Gu hadn't brought you a copy in advance, those starving ghosts would have to wipe out your breakfast too."
"Haha, is that right? I just went to contact my friends in the Neon Kingdom and asked them to help find that comic."
"Really?" Hearing Yuan Shasha's words, Police Officer Wang was also very curious and asked, "Where is Xiao Yuan still friends from the Neon Kingdom?"
"Yes, some students studying and working in Neon Country." Yuan Shasha said.
Officer Wang nodded silently, then asked, "Then what did they say?"
"They said, help me find this comic now, and it must be very slow to send it by airmail."
"So they decided to buy the comic books, take pictures one by one, and send them to me."
"After receiving the pictures, we can print them out for reference."
"These photos can also be projected according to the serial number for interpretation and analysis."
"That would be great." Hearing what Yuan Shasha said, Lu Weiwei said in relief:
"In this way, it seems that significant progress can be made in solving the riddle of the ghost head."
Several people also nodded to each other, then stood in a row and enjoyed breakfast by the window.
At 8 o'clock in the morning, when everyone came to the meeting room to prepare for today's investigation, Yuan Shasha's mobile phone began to receive news.
So Yuan Shasha immediately raised her hand and said, "Brother Gu, the pictures of the comic works from Neon Kingdom have already started to be transmitted."
"Is it mail?" Gu Chen asked.
"Yes." Yuan Shasha nodded.
Gu Chen glanced at a computer in the meeting room, and asked Xu Feng, the director of the office: "Brother Xu, can I borrow the equipment in the office?"
"Of course, you can use whatever you want, the password is AE86110."
When hearing this number, many police officers at the scene held back their laughter, but Yuan Shasha ignored it. She immediately went to the computer, entered her password, logged into her email account, and began to receive emails from Neon Kingdom.
Gu Chen, Lu Weiwei, Police Officer Wang and Xu Feng surrounded Yuan Shasha, keeping an eye on the files.
"Emails are sent by stream. Every time they take a group of photos, they will send a file first, and the subsequent photos will always be sent according to the number."
While talking, Yuan Shasha has already clicked on the file numbered 001, and after decompressing the file, click on the picture.
Suddenly, on the projection screen in the meeting room, a cover photo of a ghost head pattern suddenly appeared.
Many police officers of the criminal investigation team at the scene, when they saw this pattern for the first time, were not shocked by the horrifying style of painting.
The weather is hot, but everyone feels cold.
It's not because of the air conditioner, but because the work of "Chopin is not as sad as I am" is so horrifying that it makes everyone feel a chill down their backs.
"Isn't this too scary?" A third-level police superintendent shrank his neck and said in horror, "I've never seen such a style of painting. It's scary to see."
"Yeah, this is a horror comic, right?" Another second-level superintendent couldn't help but frowned, feeling that he couldn't accept this style of painting.
Seeing this, the other police officers also started talking.
But Yuan Shasha didn't care about these, but continued to retrieve pictures.
Soon, Yuan Shasha began to flip through the photos on the projection screen according to the order of arrangement.
At the same time, all the police officers in the conference room were forced to read cartoons.
Since the characters in the manga are all in Japanese, everyone can only guess the meaning of them through a small number of Chinese characters that appear in Japanese.
But through the pictures, everyone can actually see a lot of storylines.
The story tells the story of the growth of a generation of ghost kings.
The story takes place in a virtual world. It probably means that the ghost king was a human being before, but was bullied, excluded, and even betrayed by his own race. He became ferocious and started his own path to the evolution of the ghost king.
"What is this? Do people in Neon Country like this style of painting?" Lu Weiwei trembled when she saw it.
Before, I only felt that ghost head was scary.
But now, after seeing this kind of horror cartoon, Lu Weiwei feels that there is no need for air conditioners and watermelons to relieve the heat this summer, and reading this horror cartoon can solve everything.
Officer Wang couldn't stand it anymore, and he said in a bad mood: "Fortunately, this kind of horror cartoons are not spread here, otherwise, if my daughter Xiaobei reads it, she will definitely be so scared that she can't sleep at night. Isn't it too scary?"
"That's why this kind of work is forbidden to circulate here." Gu Chen reminded.
Officer Wang thought for a moment, then looked at Gu Chen and said, "Gu Chen, you said that Lao Xiao's daughter hates life so much that she draws this kind of work?"
"The name is still called "Ghost King"? Looking at the cover, I can't stand it, it feels too strong."
"Especially the unsuitable painting style for children, it is simply unacceptable, and TV dramas dare not shoot such horrible pictures."
"Maybe, this is the most direct psychological characteristic and reaction of Lao Xiao's daughter at that time?" Gu Chen said.
Just after everyone read the first folder, Yuan Shasha took advantage of the opportunity to open the decompressed No. 2 file.
Immediately, another series of pictures flashed on the projection screen one after another.
Everyone is still forced to watch it. Many police officers, because they have never been exposed to this kind of horror and strange comics, have a few police officers even begin to show symptoms of discomfort.
Some simply don't look at it directly and divert their attention.
However, Gu Chen is immune to these.
Gu Chen has seen many kinds of corpses. Therefore, although this horror comic is somewhat surreal, the style of painting is touching.
It seems that while reading this comic, the whole person will feel a short-term suffocation, but after a short pause, he feels at ease again.
This may be the strength of the deceased cartoonist "Chopin is not as sad as I am". She can firmly grasp the content of the painting and grasp people's hearts.
It seems that all kinds of ghosts are painted on the surface, but in fact, the prototype is human beings themselves.
The experience with a strong sense of substitution has caused many police officers to immediately fall in love after watching it.
At this moment, Lu Weiwei, who was looking around, suddenly noticed something unusual, and quickly pointed to one of the photos and said, "Junior Brother Gu, take a quick look, the 76th picture in folder No. 2 is a coffin."
"On the side of the coffin, there is a ghost head pattern, exactly the same as when we found it on the mountain?"
"Really." Gu Chen quickly found the photo after following Lu Weiwei's prompt.
But in the photo at this time, the side corner of the coffin with a strange style of painting, the ghost head pattern is so lifelike, it seems to be the same as the real thing.
...
Also a little embarrassed by the atmosphere of the scene, Lu Weiwei held back for a long time, and finally couldn't help complaining to the phone: "I said Zhang Liang, what good things have you done? You made Uncle Xiao cry, and I thought you were a love interest? Unexpectedly, you are just a bastard with a double appearance... ..." "Comrade policeman, I... I also have difficulties." Zhang Liang, who was on the phone, was also very depressed at the moment after being scolded bloody by this female policeman whom he had never met. But Lu Weiwei doesn't care about these things, she hates Xinlang the most in her life. Especially when Zhang Liang treated Lao Xiao's daughter, he was ruthless and ungrateful at the beginning. Although I said that I finally came to attend the funeral of Lao Xiao's daughter, and knelt down to admit my mistake, and was forgiven by Lao Xiao. Even when he finally left, he asked Lao Xiao to leave his daughter's posthumous work as a thought, no matter how you look at it, he looks like an infatuated man. But it is such a character design that has always existed in Lao Xiao's impression for 15 years. But today, 15 years later, people like Zhang Liang collapsed so quickly that people were almost caught off guard. It's no wonder that Lao Xiao has such an emotional breakdown. Yes, if it is said that in the past 15 years, there are still people who miss their daughter, that can be regarded as a comfort to myself. But now, Zhang Liang shattered all of Lao Xiao's fantasies with his actual actions. It's no wonder that everyone's current emotions are almost on the side of Lao Xiao. "Zhang Liang, why did you sell Master Xiao's daughter's posthumous work?" While everyone was agitated, only Gu Chen remained calm and continued to ask for relevant clues. "Reason? The reason is because...there is no money to buy a house." Zhang Liang said. Gu Chen frowned, and continued to ask on the phone: "I don't have money to buy a house. Could it be that if you sell this painting, you will have money to buy a house?" "That's right, although you may find it unbelievable, and even I myself may find it unbelievable, but in fact it is so." Zhang Liang on the other end of the phone tried his best to calm himself down, and then continued to explain: "I sold that painting, so I got a lot of wealth. In this way, I got together the down payment and bought the current apartment, which relieved me a lot of burden." "Wait a minute." As soon as Zhang Liang finished speaking, Gu Chen asked him directly: "Can you tell me how much you sold that painting for?" "Two...two hundred thousand." Zhang Liang stammered. "what?" Hearing this, Police Officer Wang couldn't help being stunned, and he was instantly shocked and said, "You...you sold that painting for 200,000 yuan? It's just a manuscript drawing. Are you sure you're not defrauding others?" "No...no, absolutely not." Seeing that Police Officer Wang was so excited, Zhang Liang panicked immediately, and quickly clarified for himself: "I didn't know before, so my ex-girlfriend's drawings are so valuable?" "Zhang Liang, please speak clearly." Seeing that Zhang Liang was agitated, Gu Chen urged him. Zhang Liang on the phone took a deep breath, calmed down, and said involuntarily: "You may think that this is incredible, right? Yes, I also think that I just wanted to keep this painting as a memory." "I didn't expect that my life would be a mess later, and my career would suffer from Waterloo." "At that time, I had to bear the pressure of buying a house, so when I didn't know what to do, I suddenly saw a post on the Internet about my ex-girlfriend." "What is it?" Lu Weiwei asked him nervously. "It's...it's about a serialized manga, why did it stop here?" Zhang Liang said. Lu Weiwei thought of Lao Xiao's daughter, who had been cooperating with a comic magazine in an island country in East Asia, so she asked Zhang Liang again: "Is that serial comic a serial work of Neon Kingdom?" "Yes." Zhang Liang admitted. "Then the author of this serialized work is your ex-girlfriend?" Lu Weiwei asked again. "Yes, it's her. The pseudonym she is creating for this serial comic is 'Chopin is not as sad as I am', and that post is about her work." "I read the entire post thoroughly, only to realize that my ex-girlfriend is not well-known in China because of the subject matter." "However, her works are mainly serialized in Neon Country, so she is well-known there." "Because the creation is a ghost work, and the style of the work is vivid and high-quality, once serialized, it became popular in the entire neon country comics market, and its popularity even approached the top cartoonists in the neon country at that time." "At that time, she was also one of the most popular overseas cartoonists outside the neon country." "However, on that day 15 years ago, after she handed in her last manuscript, she didn't produce any more works." "And that work has not been finished yet, and it has been in a state of permanent interruption." Sniffing, Zhang Liang also continued: "So, the fans of Neon Country have been discussing this matter, and the reminder index has reached a new high." "And the host who posted this post on the domestic forum had been studying in Neon Country before. After learning that the author of the cartoon 'Chopin is not as sad as me' is Chinese, the host has been posting on various forums to search. " "The reason is to remind the author face to face, and continue to serialize that work in Neon Country." "Then what happened afterwards?" Gu Chen continued to ask. "Later?" Zhang Liang sighed and said helplessly: "Later I told the author that I knew 'Chopin is not as sad as I am', and told the author that the author was my ex-girlfriend." "However, the ex-girlfriend committed suicide by jumping into the river, so this comic will never be updated again." Speaking of this, Zhang Liang seemed to be touched by the scene, and his nose was slightly sour. During the phone call, everyone could clearly feel Zhang Liang's regret. Lu Weiwei sighed, and asked helplessly, "So what happened later? How did the landlord react?" "The landlord is shocked." Zhang Liang choked up a few times, and then said slowly: "The landlord said that this was the best spiritual food during his study abroad in Neon Country." "Because the country does not allow such extremely scary comics to be released, this creepy comic has been selling well in the Neon Country and has a large number of loyal fans." "Even if the comic book has been discontinued for more years, it will still receive high rewards from many fans." "So, after I got to know the situation, I finally figured out that the fame of my ex-girlfriend has long been known in the Neon Country, but she has been keeping a low profile so that I don't know." "But later, the landlord questioned me again, asking if I would lie to him? To prove otherwise, I told the landlord that I attended the funeral of my ex-girlfriend." "And, after the funeral, I asked the ex-girlfriend's father, that is, Uncle Xiao, for a piece of her posthumous work, that is, the sketch of the ghost head." "But this made the landlord extremely excited, and he immediately asked to buy that drawing." "But after all, this is my ex-girlfriend's relic, and I always wanted to keep it as a thought, so I didn't agree." "Since you didn't agree, why did you sell it later?" Director Xu Feng also felt a little strange. It stands to reason that this kind of thing has a high premium. But for Zhang Liang's value, it is obvious that it is more of a collection value. Zhang Liang was a little helpless, and said with shame: "I didn't want to sell it at first, but I told the host with a firm attitude that it was what I wanted to keep by my side, and it was the only thing my ex-girlfriend could keep." "Afterwards, no matter how the landlord approached me, I didn't agree, but the landlord seemed to be very persistent." "Until later, while I was distressed about getting the down payment for buying a house, I talked about it with my current lover." "Of course, I didn't say it belonged to my ex-girlfriend, I just said it was a relic left by a friend." "Besides, I said that I went to my ex-girlfriend's funeral as my friend's funeral, so my wife has always thought that my 'friend' was a cartoonist who died young." "She didn't even know that this painting could be sold for money? So I also revealed to her that someone came to me and wanted to buy that painting. I didn't agree to it." "Then what's your lover's attitude?" Officer Wang asked. "My love, she... She wants to sell that painting, and she thinks it would be nice to buy it for one or two thousand." "After all, that painting looks very scary. She has seen it before, so she is determined not to let that manuscript paper stay at home, so I keep it in the basement." "Originally, she wanted to throw it away several times, but it was probably my friend's relic, so she didn't do that." "But now, there is just an opportunity to dispose of this painting and make a small profit." "So, under the pressure of my lover, and the landlord at that time, he sent me a message again." "As soon as I got hotheaded, I asked the landlord how much he could pay?" "Then what do you say over there?" Gu Chen asked. "Over there? The landlord over there asked me if I could see the photo? So I took a photo and sent it to the landlord." "And tell the landlord that this manuscript paper is the manuscript paper for the finalized ghost head pattern of 'Chopin is not as sad as I am'." "The structure gave me a number that I couldn't refuse, 150,000." "150,000? Isn't it 200,000?" Lu Weiwei was shocked when she heard the number. Officer Wang clicked his tongue twice: "Don't you go to the vegetable market to buy vegetables and don't bargain?" "It's not used in supermarkets." Lu Weiwei retorted. Officer Wang was speechless for a moment, and didn't know what to say. At this time, Zhang Liang continued: "When I saw the price, I was completely confused, so I hurriedly asked the landlord, what I said was the national currency, the genuine Mao Zedong, not the Japanese yen. " "Lou Shuo told me that he was talking about Grandpa Mao. The host said that he wanted to buy it. If he bought this thing in Neon Country, maybe he could make a small profit himself." "Because he knew some of my ex-girlfriend's serial works in Neon Country at that time, many big sponsors, big iron fans." "Those fans are very willing to pay for this kind of author's posthumous work." "When my wife saw this number, his eyes were straightened, and he felt that he had picked up a big deal." "So, she started a business with this landlord, saying that there is no 200,000 interviews." "I was angry when I heard it. I said no matter how much money I gave, I would not sell it." "But later, the landlord asked for 180,000 yuan, saying that my husband and I would stop acting, and the price was 180,000 yuan. If he sold it, he could come to my city the next day to complete the transaction." "But I just didn't agree at the time, so a conflict broke out with my lover after we got married. We had a fierce quarrel. I didn't know that a painting would look like this." "A drawing that was once pressed at the bottom of the basement box is worth 180,000 yuan?" "To be honest, I'm very excited. Maybe if I miss this opportunity, 180,000 will be gone in a flash." "And my wife also meant the same thing at the time. She said, is there any brain-dead guy who would spend 180,000 yuan to buy this drawing, and if we don't sell it, then we are out of our minds." "She has been nagging in my ear, saying that if I don't make a move, maybe people will change their minds." In the end, Zhang Liang was also very depressed, he couldn't help sniffing, choked up and said: "I was in a lot of pain and seemed to be in a dilemma." "One is that I once promised Uncle Xiao that I will keep this painting forever as one of my thoughts." "But the other is facing the embarrassment of the family. In addition, my family's conditions were not good when I was young, and my career was frustrated. Therefore, it is difficult to buy a house at a high price. Even if I buy it, the high mortgage will make me breathless. . "But you have to know that 180,000 yuan more than ten years ago is still quite valuable." "Faced with this dilemma, I finally did not withstand the pressure and compromised with reality." "So, in another urging from the landlord, I told him that I wouldn't sell it without 200,000." "The landlord agreed?" Gu Chen said. "Yes, he agreed, and "He gave me 200,000 yuan, and I handed him the manuscript of the ghost head that was specially framed with exquisite borders. " "But he left with the painting and I left with the money, and that's it, we both got what we needed." "I used the 200,000 yuan to pay the down payment of the house, which relieved a lot of pressure on buying a house." "As for him, did he sell this manuscript and make a small profit? I don't know, and I don't want to know." "All I know is that I'm a bastard. I've failed Uncle Xiao's trust in me. I'm just a bastard, a bastard with duplicity." At the end, Li Laoxiao, who played the video on Zhong Fakui's mobile phone, was already in tears. And Zhang Liang on the other end of the phone was also crying. The atmosphere at the scene suddenly became sad. After a long time, Lu Weiwei took a deep breath and asked Zhang Liang on the phone, "Zhang Liang, have you contacted the buyer since then?" "No, I dare not get in touch because I'm afraid he won't sell and regret it later." Zhang Liang said. Hearing Zhang Liang's remarks, Gu Chen turned to look at Police Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei, and said meaningfully: "It seems that this matter has to start with the ghost manga." "That's right, but our prerequisite is that we need to know the situation of that work." Lu Weiwei said. So Gu Chen asked Zhang Liang on the phone again: "Zhang Liang, do you know what your ex-girlfriend's work is called?" "It's called the Ghost King." Zhang Liang said. "Are you sure?" Gu Chen continued to ask him for confirmation. "I'm very sure, because I also went to find out, and indeed found that the work is very popular in the neon country." "It's just a pity. If it wasn't for me, maybe my ex-girlfriend should be a cartoonist who draws fresh works. It's all my fault." Zhang Liang also blamed himself in various ways. But this kind of self-blame is worthless in Lao Xiao's eyes. After all, he sold what he valued most as a commodity. This also means that when I forgave him at the beginning, I was blind. Afterwards, Gu Chen asked some more clues about "Ghost King" before hanging up the phone. But at this moment, Lao Xiao, who has been listening to everyone's conversation, is still silently wiping tears in Zhong Fakui's mobile phone video. When Gu Chen and the others saw this, they also looked at each other. Lu Weiwei comforted the video: "Master Xiao, don't be sad. After all, people always look forward. Your daughter can't come back. However, what Zhang Liang did is really chilling." "Forget it." Hearing what Lu Weiwei said, Lao Xiao in the mobile phone video also waved his hands, saying indifferently: "Let the past go, and I won't dwell on it forever. Zhang Liang also wants to live. A drawing of my daughter can improve his life. Maybe Zhang Liang is lucky." "If he hadn't left a drawing of my daughter as a memory, he probably wouldn't have the 200,000 yuan. After all, it was Zhang Liang's fortune." "Maybe somewhere, my daughter is helping him, what else can I say?" "Then do you regret it?" Officer Wang asked. Lao Xiao raised his brows: "You mean... I threw away my daughter's other drawings, which cost a lot of 200,000 yuan? Or do you mean... I forgave Zhang Liang, but found that Zhang Liang kept the original drawings with me, Directly resell it to someone else?" "It's all there." Officer Wang said. "Hehe, it doesn't matter anymore." Wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes, Lao Xiao choked up a few times, and then said again: "It's getting late, I have to rest. If you need my help or assist in the investigation, you can call me at any time. Although I am away from home, my heart is still in Wangchao Town." "Okay, then thank you, Master Xiao, good night, Master Xiao." "Good night." Also after a few simple greetings with Gu Chen, Lao Xiao hung up the video call. At this time, Zhong Fakui also let out a long sigh, and said in a bad mood: "Damn! What is this Zhang Liang? A villain who is not what he looks like, a hypocrite." "Back when the old Xiao's daughter committed suicide by jumping into the river, I told Lao Xiao that Zhang Liang was not a good guy." "But Lao Xiao is an honest man after all. He doesn't hate anyone at all. The reason why Zhang Liang came to Jiangnan City to develop was to test Zhang Liang's determination." "What I got in exchange was Zhang Liang's betrayal of his daughter." Scratching his scalp, Zhong Fakui seemed to have not recovered from the conversation between the few people just now. He also slapped the table and said: "When Old Xiao held the funeral for his daughter, I was also there. If it wasn't for that guy named Zhang Liang who knelt in front of Old Xiao and begged for forgiveness, I would have rushed up and slapped him a few times." "But Lao Xiao is soft-hearted. Seeing this guy kneeling and confessing again, it doesn't feel good." "In addition, it was also because of his own factors that the two were separated. Therefore, Lao Xiao ignored the previous suspicions." "Not only that, but also agreed to Zhang Liang's request and gave Zhang Liang his daughter's painting." "At first I thought that Zhang Liang was affectionate and righteous, but it was really my own stubbornness that broke up the relationship between my daughter and Zhang Liang." "But now it seems that this Zhang Liang is a white-eyed wolf, a heartless hypocrite, everything is fake, a hypocritical dog." "Ahem." Seeing Lao Zhong scolding non-stop in the office, the director Xu Feng couldn't help coughing twice, and quickly interrupted his speech: "Well, Old Zhong, don't get angry, it's not worth it for this kind of person." "Isn't it?" Hearing what Xu Feng said, Lao Zhong was also very angry, and said in a bad mood: "Just because Lao Xiao is an honest person, should an honest person be used to be bullied? If Zhang Liang dares to stand in front of me now..." After waving his hand, Lao Zhong said again: "You don't need him, Lao Xiao, I just slap and slap my face twice when I go up, and the dog who hit me must kneel down and beg for mercy." "Okay, Boss Zhong, we know that you are a man of love and righteousness, but... this is not a problem that can be solved by beating someone." Lu Weiwei also saw Zhong Fakui's showmanship, and was a little immersed in the anger just now, unable to extricate herself, so she hurried Come and say a few words. Zhong Fakui put his hands on his hips, and said in a bad mood: "I'm so mad, really, how many years have I been friends with Lao Xiao? I am really sad to see him not doing well." "Now the business of my blueberry planting base is getting better every year. I also persuaded Lao Xiao not to leave his hometown and come back to work with me. I can give the shares." "But because of face, Lao Xiao has always been estranged from the neighbors here, so he has been reluctant to go home. In the final analysis, it was all for Zhang Liang's harm, so to find a son-in-law, you must find a son-in-law. reliable." "Okay, old Zhong, it's getting late, you should go back and rest." Seeing that Zhong Fakui seemed to regard the director's office as a storytelling scene, Xu Feng was also quite embarrassed. He put his hands on Zhong Fakui's shoulders and was about to send him out. mean. Lao Zhong is also a sensible person, knowing that Gu Chen and the others have to deal with the case overnight, so it is not easy to delay, so he hurriedly said: "That's fine, then I'll go back first, if you need help from my old Zhong, just call me." "Then thank you, Boss Zhong." Seeing that Boss Zhong has indeed helped everyone a lot, Gu Chen also feels that Boss Zhong is a warm-hearted person. So he said again: "In fact, there is not yet, but there is one thing, I hope Boss Zhong can remember, that is, everything that happened in the office tonight, including what you heard, don't say a word." "It's okay, I promise not to tell." Zhong Fakui patted his chest and assured after hearing the words. Lu Weiwei, who had experience in this area, immediately vaccinated Zhong Fakui in advance, and said, "Boss Zhong, why don't you say that you won't tell anyone, and then tell your family when you go back?" "Then your family also said they wouldn't tell anyone, but turned around and told others, and within a day, the whole Wangchao Town knew about it, right?" "Damn! Who do you think I am, Old Zhong?" Seeing that Lu Weiwei seemed to have said something, Lao Zhong, who almost wanted to go back and tell his family, immediately expressed his position: "Old Xiao is my good friend. If I tell other people, it will be unfair to Lao Xiao. Don't worry, I will keep the secret and never say a word." "Okay." Seeing that Zhong Fakui had been educated, Officer Wang walked up to Zhong Fakui, patted Zhong Fakui on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "We trust you, Boss Zhong, and your blueberries are delicious. " "Ha ha" In a word, all kinds of embarrassment at the scene were resolved. Everyone smiled at each other, and then Zhong Fakui left the director's office in a pleasant tone and returned home. On the other side, after Zhong Fakui was sent away, everyone sat together again, ready to discuss the situation. "Junior Gu, since this old Xiao's daughter, what is her name..."Chopin is not as sad as me", and her serial works are overseas, so should we find this comic through some channels?" "Perhaps, what we want can be found in this comic? After all, this ghost head pattern seems to have been circulated in the Neon Kingdom for a long time. Then this is the same as the pattern left on the coffin." With the pattern on the bamboo piece, are they all related?" "Very likely." Gu Chen took a deep breath and couldn't help but glance at his watch. Seeing that the time had already reached one o'clock in the morning without knowing it, Gu Chen also reminded: "Why don't we stop here today, everyone hurry back and have a rest, we will talk about the rest tomorrow." "Okay." It was also reminded by Gu Chen that Xu Feng, the director, realized that his eyelids seemed to be extremely heavy. If it wasn't for Gu Chen's reminder, I'm afraid I didn't realize it. In fact, I was already exhausted. After a few brief explanations, Gu Chen, Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei returned directly to the rest area. ... ... next morning. When the police officers sleeping on the mats under the lounge woke up one after another, they found that Gu Chen had already woken up, standing by the window alone, looking at the rising sun in the distance, and seemed to be lost in thought. Yuan Shasha rubbed her eyes, walked up to Gu Chen and whispered, "Brother Gu, Senior Sister Lu already told me what happened last night. Are you worried about that comic?" "That's right." Gu Chen nodded slightly, and said helplessly, "That manga is banned in China, so I couldn't find it after searching for a long time last night." "But if you don't know the content of that comic, I think, if you want to find more important clues, it will be as difficult as going to heaven." Turning his head to look at Yuan Shasha, Gu Chen wanted to come: "You have to know, since we found the bamboo piece with the ghost head pattern in the jungle last night, and the ghost head pattern on the coffin, it's all here. Tell us, it looks like the killer did it on purpose." "The purpose is to let us find the meaning of the answer, but last night, we have already figured out that this ghost head pattern is derived from the work of Lao Xiao's daughter during her lifetime." "But her works have been selling well in the neon country, but they are rarely known in China." "In this case, how did the murderer get this ghost head pattern? And he can draw this ghost head so vividly? It's worth our investigation." "That means finding that comic, right?" Yuan Shasha asked. "Yes." Gu Chen also nodded and replied: "The most important thing at the moment is to find the original manga, and then find out what kind of role does this ghost play in the manga? What exactly does the murderer want to tell us? " "Uh, let's do this." Seeing that Gu Chen was still worrying about the cartoon "Chopin is not as sad as I am", Yuan Shasha volunteered: "I have a few friends who are studying abroad in Neon Country. I think they should be able to use their convenience to find that serialized work." "I can ask them to send the comics back, if that's not possible, I can also ask them to take pictures of the comics and send them to me." "And then, we can print all these things out for analysis, what do you think?" "If that's the case." Seeing Yuan Shasha's solution, Gu Chen breathed a sigh of relief and said: "But, is your friend reliable?" "I don't know, maybe it's unreliable?" Yuan Shasha also laughed at herself, then took out her mobile phone and reminded: "I'll go get in touch and see if they can help?" "Alright, thank you for your hard work, Xiao Yuan." Gu Chen said. "You're welcome." Yuan Shasha smiled and turned to leave, before disappearing in the corridor. As more and more officers woke up, everyone began to exercise in the lounge. Not long after, Police Officer Wang and Lu Weiwei, with the help of Zhang Wenxia, brought a basket of breakfast to them. Zhang Wenxia also said with a smile: "Everyone has worked hard. This is a breakfast prepared for everyone. Each person has one portion, which is tied in a bag. Everyone can eat whatever they want. If there is not enough, you can take more. There are 5 extra portions in it." "Thank you, Miss Zhang." Seeing that Zhang Wenxia was so polite, everyone expressed their thanks one after another. For a moment, the police officers who had finished washing up sat cross-legged together and enjoyed this simple breakfast. Gu Chen saw the last tea egg peeled and put it in his mouth, only then did he realize that Yuan Shasha came in from the outside. "Xiao Yuan, your breakfast." Gu Chen reminded him with a breakfast. "Thank you, Senior Brother Gu." Yuan Shasha took the breakfast from Gu Chen and began to enjoy it. Lu Weiwei, who was drinking soy milk, asked in confusion: "Xiao Yuan, where did you go just now? I didn't see you in the bathroom." "If Junior Brother Gu hadn't brought you a copy in advance, those starving ghosts would have to wipe out your breakfast too." "Haha, is that right? I just went to contact my friends in the Neon Kingdom and asked them to help find that comic." "Really?" Hearing Yuan Shasha's words, Police Officer Wang was also very curious and asked, "Where is Xiao Yuan still friends from the Neon Kingdom?" "Yes, some students studying and working in Neon Country." Yuan Shasha said. Officer Wang nodded silently, then asked, "Then what did they say?" "They said, help me find this comic now, and it must be very slow to send it by airmail." "So they decided to buy the comic books, take pictures one by one, and send them to me." "After receiving the pictures, we can print them out for reference." "These photos can also be projected according to the serial number for interpretation and analysis." "That would be great." Hearing what Yuan Shasha said, Lu Weiwei said in relief: "In this way, it seems that significant progress can be made in solving the riddle of the ghost head." Several people also nodded to each other, then stood in a row and enjoyed breakfast by the window. At 8 o'clock in the morning, when everyone came to the meeting room to prepare for today's investigation, Yuan Shasha's mobile phone began to receive news. So Yuan Shasha immediately raised her hand and said, "Brother Gu, the pictures of the comic works from Neon Kingdom have already started to be transmitted." "Is it mail?" Gu Chen asked. "Yes." Yuan Shasha nodded. Gu Chen glanced at a computer in the meeting room, and asked Xu Feng, the director of the office: "Brother Xu, can I borrow the equipment in the office?" "Of course, you can use whatever you want, the password is AE86110." When hearing this number, many police officers at the scene held back their laughter, but Yuan Shasha ignored it. She immediately went to the computer, entered her password, logged into her email account, and began to receive emails from Neon Kingdom. Gu Chen, Lu Weiwei, Police Officer Wang and Xu Feng surrounded Yuan Shasha, keeping an eye on the files. "Emails are sent by stream. Every time they take a group of photos, they will send a file first, and the subsequent photos will always be sent according to the number." While talking, Yuan Shasha has already clicked on the file numbered 001, and after decompressing the file, click on the picture. Suddenly, on the projection screen in the meeting room, a cover photo of a ghost head pattern suddenly appeared. Many police officers of the criminal investigation team at the scene, when they saw this pattern for the first time, were not shocked by the horrifying style of painting. The weather is hot, but everyone feels cold. It's not because of the air conditioner, but because the work of "Chopin is not as sad as I am" is so horrifying that it makes everyone feel a chill down their backs. "Isn't this too scary?" A third-level police superintendent shrank his neck and said in horror, "I've never seen such a style of painting. It's scary to see." "Yeah, this is a horror comic, right?" Another second-level superintendent couldn't help but frowned, feeling that he couldn't accept this style of painting. Seeing this, the other police officers also started talking. But Yuan Shasha didn't care about these, but continued to retrieve pictures. Soon, Yuan Shasha began to flip through the photos on the projection screen according to the order of arrangement. At the same time, all the police officers in the conference room were forced to read cartoons. Since the characters in the manga are all in Japanese, everyone can only guess the meaning of them through a small number of Chinese characters that appear in Japanese. But through the pictures, everyone can actually see a lot of storylines. The story tells the story of the growth of a generation of ghost kings. The story takes place in a virtual world. It probably means that the ghost king was a human being before, but was bullied, excluded, and even betrayed by his own race. He became ferocious and started his own path to the evolution of the ghost king. "What is this? Do people in Neon Country like this style of painting?" Lu Weiwei trembled when she saw it. Before, I only felt that ghost head was scary. But now, after seeing this kind of horror cartoon, Lu Weiwei feels that there is no need for air conditioners and watermelons to relieve the heat this summer, and reading this horror cartoon can solve everything. Officer Wang couldn't stand it anymore, and he said in a bad mood: "Fortunately, this kind of horror cartoons are not spread here, otherwise, if my daughter Xiaobei reads it, she will definitely be so scared that she can't sleep at night. Isn't it too scary?" "That's why this kind of work is forbidden to circulate here." Gu Chen reminded. Officer Wang thought for a moment, then looked at Gu Chen and said, "Gu Chen, you said that Lao Xiao's daughter hates life so much that she draws this kind of work?" "The name is still called "Ghost King"? Looking at the cover, I can't stand it, it feels too strong." "Especially the unsuitable painting style for children, it is simply unacceptable, and TV dramas dare not shoot such horrible pictures." "Maybe, this is the most direct psychological characteristic and reaction of Lao Xiao's daughter at that time?" Gu Chen said. Just after everyone read the first folder, Yuan Shasha took advantage of the opportunity to open the decompressed No. 2 file. Immediately, another series of pictures flashed on the projection screen one after another. Everyone is still forced to watch it. Many police officers, because they have never been exposed to this kind of horror and strange comics, have a few police officers even begin to show symptoms of discomfort. Some simply don't look at it directly and divert their attention. However, Gu Chen is immune to these. Gu Chen has seen many kinds of corpses. Therefore, although this horror comic is somewhat surreal, the style of painting is touching. It seems that while reading this comic, the whole person will feel a short-term suffocation, but after a short pause, he feels at ease again. This may be the strength of the deceased cartoonist "Chopin is not as sad as I am". She can firmly grasp the content of the painting and grasp people's hearts. It seems that all kinds of ghosts are painted on the surface, but in fact, the prototype is human beings themselves. The experience with a strong sense of substitution has caused many police officers to immediately fall in love after watching it. At this moment, Lu Weiwei, who was looking around, suddenly noticed something unusual, and quickly pointed to one of the photos and said, "Junior Brother Gu, take a quick look, the 76th picture in folder No. 2 is a coffin." "On the side of the coffin, there is a ghost head pattern, exactly the same as when we found it on the mountain?" "Really." Gu Chen quickly found the photo after following Lu Weiwei's prompt. But in the photo at this time, the side corner of the coffin with a strange style of painting, the ghost head pattern is so lifelike, it seems to be the same as the real thing. ...
