The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(221-225)

Chapter 221: Mistaken for a Female Pervert


Perhaps this person was the one who called her room and arranged to meet on the deck?


Jiang Chenchen hesitated for a moment, then retreated to her original position. She watched as the man looked around, as if searching for someone. His gaze briefly paused on her before moving away. He then sat back in the spot where the bulky man in the trench coat had been.


Observing this, Jiang Chenchen thought that if this person was the one who called, there must have been a mistake. She intended to approach and clarify the situation but saw the blond man on the phone. He seemed to be arguing about something, appearing impatient, but she couldn't make out the words.


After he hung up, a woman holding a glass of red wine approached and sat in a nearby chair. Jiang Chenchen walked over and interrupted their conversation.


"Excuse me, did you use a gentleman's phone to call a room upstairs this afternoon, arranging to meet here at midnight? If it was you, I want to say that you dialed the wrong number and called me."


The blond man looked at her and responded with a somewhat wary expression, "I don't know what you're talking about. You must be mistaken."


The attractive woman beside him, holding a red wine glass, teased, "This is quite a unique way to strike up a conversation, unlike my direct approach."


Jiang Chenchen ignored the banter. Since there was a mistake, it meant there was another blond crew member.


However, it was now about fifteen minutes past midnight. If they were supposed to meet here and didn't show up, it could mean they realized the error and decided not to come.


Thinking this, she felt there was no need to worry about the phone call anymore. She nodded, "Sorry for the disturbance."


She didn't linger and turned to leave. Before taking the elevator, she went to the restroom. When she came out, she heard unusual noises from the adjacent restroom, like the sound of a heavy object hitting the floor.


Before long, a man walked out.


It was the bulky man in the leather jacket, still carrying the same suitcase, passing by her.


His gaze swept past her and quickly disappeared.


However, Jiang Chenchen smelled a strong scent of blood from him. But on his black leather jacket, there were no visible traces of blood. Because of the hat, she couldn't see his eyes clearly.


Where did the smell of blood come from?

Could it be from the restroom...


Feeling that something was off, she decisively rushed into the men's restroom. Clean floor tiles showed no suspicious marks.


However, she could still detect a faint smell of blood.


Had it been cleaned up?

She was about to push open every stall door when the man who had just entered stopped her.


"Hey, what are you doing?"


Jiang Chenchen turned around unexpectedly to find the blond man in uniform, squinting at her with an expression of disbelief.


"There may have been a murder here!"


"Huh?"


The blond man raised an eyebrow, looking as if she was joking.


"Where?"


"It may be in one of these stalls." Jiang Chenchen expressed what she wanted to say.


"Do you smell a faint scent of blood?" she continued.


"Really?"


He went on to push open each door, finding no deliberately lurking figure.


"How could it..." Jiang Chenchen began.


"Please leave; this is the men's restroom." The blond man said impolitely.


He probably thought of her as a female pervert.


However, Jiang Chenchen felt very surprised. What on earth was going on?


The restroom lights suddenly flickered, as if there was a poor connection. Suddenly, with a click, the lights went out.


The restroom door was suddenly closed, and in the darkness, someone attacked Jiang Chenchen. The person held an axe and swung it at her. She dodged to the side, but at that moment, the blond man illuminated the area with his flashlight, revealing the face of the person holding the axe.


It was a man wearing a black felt hat and a mask.


The man shielded his face with one hand and redirected his attack toward the blond man. Due to the close distance, the blond man managed to evade, but not without getting his sleeve and skin cut. The flashlight was knocked away, and a beam of light rolled off to the side.








Chapter 222: Test or Fright


Jiang Chenchen, seeing this, said, "Hmm?"


She didn't reach out to take it, just feeling a bit puzzled.


Lan Ze, noticing her expression, suddenly realized and somewhat awkwardly swung the piece of paper in his hand, self-deprecatingly saying, "I thought you wanted my contact information. Since the encounter on the deck, I probably overthought it myself."


Nevertheless, he still handed her the contact information.


"Take it. If anything happens, contact me. After all, that guy with the axe could be hiding anywhere. Be vigilant for your safety at all times."


Jiang Chenchen took a look at the phone number. If he had a phone, he wouldn't have borrowed someone else's phone to call this room. It seems he indeed made a mistake.


But...


"Are there any other blond men among your crew members?"


"No, just me."


Jiang Chenchen found it strange after hearing this. Either the owner of that phone played a prank, or the person in front of her was lying.


But was there any reason for him to lie?


She pondered for a moment.


Lan Ze said, "I won't disturb you anymore. I can handle this little injury myself. Don't trouble yourself. Lock the door and get some sleep. Remember, if you sense anything wrong, call me or contact the guards."


After giving his instructions, he hesitated at the door to this room for a few seconds before leaving.


Jiang Chenchen felt that he seemed to be hiding something. Upon entering the room, the hair tucked in the door was gone, indicating that someone had entered. The footprints left at the door were not clear, but it could be seen that they belonged to a man with a foot size of about fifty-something.


There seemed to be no signs of the room being ransacked, but a magazine was missing, the one with Sheng Mingsi on the cover.


She searched everywhere but found nothing. There was no one in the room, and no surveillance cameras were found.


Did that person come in just to steal a magazine, one that every room had?


No matter how she thought about it, it seemed unlikely. Yet, it happened. Could all of this be orchestrated by Mrs. Sheng to deliberately confuse her?


She called the front desk service. The service manager suggested that she change rooms, and the tone of the manager's voice sounded somewhat strange.


She asked the manager to come up.


After several inquiries, she learned from the manager that someone had died in this room last month, a suicide. Originally, the room was sealed and not available to guests. Somehow, it was booked this time, and the reservation was made by a specific guest.


Jiang Chenchen didn't know whether this was a test from Mrs. Sheng to examine her courage or an intentional attempt to scare her.


The service manager was afraid that something might happen again, so he strongly advised her to change rooms. This time, Jiang Chenchen didn't insist and changed rooms.


Moved to the eleventh floor.


Although it was still on the same level, nothing strange happened until dawn.


However, in this room, there were no magazines with Sheng Mingsi or the article related to the A country newspaper on the small bookshelf next to the sofa—only some fashion magazines.


She went down for breakfast and ran into Lan Ze, who was also having breakfast.


The breakfast buffet was very rich, and Jiang Chenchen chose several items. When she sat down, Lan Ze also came over.


Jiang Chenchen noticed that he had changed into another uniform. The wound on his arm was no longer visible, and he was using his left hand while eating.


"How was last night? Nothing strange happened, right?" Lan Ze asked her.


After thinking for a moment, Jiang Chenchen said, "I changed rooms. I heard that someone committed suicide in that room last month?"


Lan Ze gestured for her to keep her voice down, even though her voice was always gentle. But if news of suicide spread on the ship, it would make people fearful.


He lowered his voice, "Although I've only been working here for a month and haven't seen that incident, my colleagues have mentioned it. The person who committed suicide was a girl, very beautiful. It seemed like she came here for a trip with the intention of ending her life, treating this place as the end of her life.


Originally, it wasn't a big deal. After the police handled it, the matter came to an end. But later, the guests who moved in said there were still other people in the room, spreading rumors like it was haunted. To minimize the impact, that room was temporarily taken out of profitable use.


But unexpectedly, you moved in. I see you didn't sense anything unusual in the room. So, I didn't mention it, fearing you'd get scared. It seems you've already noticed something abnormal, so you changed rooms, right?"

Jiang Chenchen nodded, "It's artificial. I was lured to dinner, and there was a surveillance camera installed in the room. The magazine was taken, and there were footprints at the door, indicating that a man did it."


"And that call that came into the room... Do you have a mobile phone? Can I borrow it?"


Lan Ze knew she mistook the person from that call.


He took out his phone, opened the dialer, and handed it to her. Jiang Chenchen still remembered the number, entered the digits, and made the call.


It rang for a long time without anyone answering.


Until the voicemail prompt, "The person you are calling is not available. Please leave a message after the beep."


Jiang Chenchen put down the phone. Although it wasn't answered this time, she planned to call again after finishing breakfast.


"No one answered?"


"Yeah."


"Maybe it's turned off or on silent, sleeping."


Jiang Chenchen glanced at the time on her phone. It was eight o'clock, and indeed, some people on the ship wouldn't wake up so early.


Lan Ze had to leave because of work.


Jiang Chenchen sat there, eating slowly. Suddenly, someone sat across from her and greeted her.


"Hi."


She looked up and saw the handsome waiter from yesterday afternoon.


"Hello."


She responded with a sentence and lowered her head to eat.


Seeing her like this, the guy dragged his cheek, sighing, "Beauty is so heartless. Even your friend, we were having a pleasant conversation, and suddenly she acted so cold. She wouldn't answer the phone either."


Jiang Chenchen, upon hearing this, looked at him, "Where did you go yesterday?"


The waiter began to talk, clearly feeling his emotions rising, "Found a place to drink. She's quite a drinker. Almost got me drunk. Later in the evening, we went to the dance hall together, and then we, hehe..."


He reached out and touched his own lips, his expression a bit oily.


"I sent her back to her room, and since then, she hasn't answered my calls or opened the door. Can you help me out? I'm worried about her. I don't know how she's doing after getting drunk last night!?"


"Help you?"


"Yes, just go upstairs with me. You knock on the door to get her to open it. I'm just worried about her. I don't know how she is after getting drunk last night!?"


Jiang Chenchen didn't agree but said, "I'll go up and check on her. If she's fine, I'll call you."


After the refusal, the guy wanted to persuade her again but found that this girl didn't listen to persuasion at all. She even looked over indifferently, making him feel like she was easy to deceive, but in reality, she was not at all easy to deceive!


The guy left disappointedly.


After finishing breakfast, Jiang Chenchen went upstairs to check on Xiao Qiu. There were two other girls waiting outside the door. They were also socialites who came together, seemingly impatient, ready to leave.


"What happened?"


"She won't open the door, and I don't know how she can sleep so soundly!"













Chapter 223: Disappearance


Jiang Chenchen knocked on the door and asked the two girls, "Did you make an appointment?"


The girl with shoulder-length hair, named Shasha, furrowed her brows and said, "Yes, we agreed to have morning tea at this time. I don't know what's going on. No matter how we knock, she won't open the door!"


"Maybe let it go. Let's go downstairs. Maybe she drank too much last night and is sleeping soundly now." Another girl named Kong Yu, who seemed impatient, suggested.


"That makes sense. Let's not wait for her. Let's go."


The two girls looked at Jiang Chenchen, "Do you want to join us for morning tea?"


"No, thank you. I've already had breakfast."


Jiang Chenchen politely declined, stood aside, and watched them leave. She focused her gaze on the room number plate, feeling that something was not quite right. Just a moment ago, despite knocking on the door, even if she was sound asleep, the noise should have woken her up.


A waiter happened to be pushing a food trolley down the hallway. Jiang Chenchen called him over to help open the door.


The waiter recognized Jiang Chenchen, the one who originally stayed next door and later moved to the floor above. Upon hearing her mention that her friend might be drunk and something might have happened, he thought for a moment and decided to help open the door. He stood by the door and gestured for her to enter.


Jiang Chenchen called Xiao Qiu's name and walked inside. No one answered; the room was empty. No one in the bathroom either. No one anywhere.


Did she go out?


But that's not right. The high heels were on the windowsill, the pair she wore during the day. The prepared luggage didn't include shoes. If she went out, she must have worn shoes. It was impossible for someone of their status to go barefoot.


The windows in this room couldn't be opened unless broken. However, the window was intact, ruling out the possibility of jumping out into the sea.


So, where was she?


Jiang Chenchen realized something was very wrong. She quickly asked the waiter to go to the security room and retrieve surveillance footage. However, the surveillance system had been damaged since last night, and it hadn't been fixed yet.


The security team on the cruise ship immediately initiated a search.


Jiang Chenchen also contacted the assistant leading the game and informed her about Xiao Qiu's disappearance. The assistant expressed regret, "Do you now understand why this game is cruel? This is it."


"Is this for real?"


"Of course, it's real. With every step you take, you have to consider the consequences; it might cost your life."


Jiang Chenchen spoke with a serious tone, "This is not legal. You can't play games with people's lives."


The assistant shrugged, "You chose to enter on your own. I warned you twice that once you enter, you can't escape until the end of the game."


Jiang Chenchen felt her cold and indifferent eyes, "Do you know where she is?"


"No, I don't. I'm only responsible for bringing you all onto the ship. I have no idea about the progress of the game. But let me remind you to be extremely careful!"


The assistant paused and leaned in a bit, saying, "Because, it seems like three people have already gone missing."


Out of the fifteen who came together, three were missing, leaving only twelve now.


Jiang Chenchen wanted to talk more with her, but the assistant didn't seem inclined to chat further.


"Take care of yourself. I've already given the necessary warnings. There are still two more nights. If you're afraid, don't come out, because I don't know what will happen later."


Jiang Chenchen watched her leave and stood in place, contemplating for a moment.


Jiang Chenchen watched the assistant's figure leave and stood in place, lost in thought for a moment.


It all felt too absurd, but she had experienced even more absurd things. In this world, what couldn't she accept?


However, she still couldn't understand Ms. Sheng's intention in arranging things this way.


The man with the axe last night and the man in the leather jacket, did they play some role in all of this? But using an axe to harm people was real, and it seemed like a dangerous game!


A game where lives might actually be lost.


She organized her jumbled thoughts and returned to Xiao Qiu's room to carefully search for clues. Under the small sofa, she found a magazine. Jiang Chenchen pulled it out and discovered it was the one with Sheng Mingsi on the cover.


The handsome man on the cover, now had a knife slashing across his face, and a small knife stabbed into his eye.


It emitted strong resentment, vented on paper!


Jiang Chenchen's heart tightened inexplicably. Who could harbor such intense hatred against Sheng Mingsi?


Did every room have such magazines and newspapers?


But the room she switched to didn't have them.


The other magazines and books on the small bookshelf were the same, but she didn't find the newspaper about Country A. Could the missing magazine be the one taken from her room?


She couldn't confirm it for a while. She asked the room service attendant, and he said the arrangements for rooms on the 10th floor and above were similar. The books on each shelf were uniformly arranged, and new orders were made every month with the latest dates.


However, the Sheng Mingsi magazine was from January of last year, not part of their standardized arrangement.


So, it was strange. The room had been sealed off after the suicide incident until she came to stay, so who put this magazine in there?


This was a question, but one thing was certain: this was the magazine taken from her room, now appearing in Xiao Qiu's room. This meant the person who took Xiao Qiu away was the same person who invaded her room last night.


She reported this information to Captain Li of the ship's security team. Captain Li collected the evidence, looking very serious. He seemed to suspect her, as her presence was noted in all the events from last night until now. This strong presence made people inevitably suspicious.


"How well do you know Xiao Qiu?"


"Just an acquaintance."


"Why did you go to her room?"


"Someone asked me to check on Xiao Qiu's condition, so I went."


"Who?"


"A waiter from the restaurant."


Jiang Chenchen recounted the morning's events, and Captain Li nodded. Although he still had suspicions, the next step was to investigate the waiter.


"Is there anything else you can tell us?"


"Can we identify the person from the footprints found yesterday?"


"We can estimate the height and weight but can't confirm the appearance."


"Height is approximately 175-190 cm, weight around 180."


Many people fit this description on the ship, and conducting a search would not be easy. To avoid causing panic, the information had not been made public. Therefore, people on the ship were unaware. However, with three people missing now, the situation had to be reported to keep everyone vigilant and provide timely clues.


The magazine with Sheng Mingsi's face slashed had been confiscated. Jiang Chenchen left from there, feeling uneasy. She wanted to call Sheng Mingsi.














Chapter 224: Suitcase


However, she didn't have her cellphone, and the landline in the room couldn't make outgoing calls. Communication was limited to within the range of the ship.


Jiang Chenchen really wanted to hear Sheng Mingsi's voice, even though contacting the outside world was not allowed within the rules of the game. She just felt uneasy, and hearing his voice would help alleviate that feeling.


So, she called Lan Ze and asked to borrow his phone.


Lan Ze, currently on duty, couldn't leave temporarily and asked her to come find him.


Jiang Chenchen went to the duty room and saw Lan Ze repairing equipment, wearing a black sailor hat, focusing on his work. "The phone is on the table; take it. I can't free my hands right now. The unlock password is six 4s."


"Thank you."


Jiang Chenchen took the phone and walked out of the duty room. At the door, she dialed Sheng Mingsi's number. The maritime signal wasn't great, but she finally connected. Unfortunately, no one answered.


The busy tone made her heart tighten. What could have happened?


Nothing should have happened, right?


But that magazine cover with Sheng Mingsi's face slashed seemed to harbor intense hatred, making her unable to calm down.


She dialed again.


Still, no one answered.


Jiang Chenchen comforted herself repeatedly, telling herself that he probably didn't see the phone or had it on silent during a meeting at the company!


"What's wrong? No signal?" Lan Ze came out of the duty room, took off his gloves, and asked her.


Jiang Chenchen handed him the phone, shaking her head. "No, no one answered."


Lan Ze's deep blue eyes gazed at her. "Is it someone important?"


"How did you know?"


"Because last night, facing that axe, you didn't show any ripples, but now you seem a bit anxious."


He took the phone back. "Let me try calling again. Perhaps my luck is a bit better right now."


Although Jiang Chenchen knew it was a comforting statement, she still held a glimmer of hope.


Lan Ze dialed the phone, but it still couldn't be answered.


"It seems that the person important to you is very busy. I'll lend you the phone, and when he's done, he'll call you back."


He handed the phone to Jiang Chenchen and went into the duty room to get two bottles of drinks, giving her one. "I heard something happened again?"


Jiang Chenchen took the drink and nodded. "Three girls who came together are missing. The security team is currently searching for them."


Lan Ze unscrewed the drink and took a big sip, his gaze falling on the sea outside the glass window. "The guy with the axe from yesterday hasn't been found. I suspect he might have jumped into the sea."


Jiang Chenchen was slightly shocked. Could Xiao Qiu and the others have been thrown into the sea?


If they continued to find no traces, would such a thing happen?


The game was now tainted with blood and had become terrifying!


She didn't want to think about the worst-case scenario and asked him, "If someone is hiding in a room, can they be found?"


Lan Ze: "The surveillance has been hacked now. As long as they don't come out, they can hide until the ship docks."


"Can't we search the rooms?"


"We don't have the authority to search the rooms of guests unless there's evidence."


"What about the man in the black windbreaker? He's very suspicious!"


"Do you still insist that there's a smell of blood on him?" Lan Ze glanced at her. "But his room has been searched, and nothing suspicious was found."


"He definitely has an accomplice. The man with the axe is one of his accomplices. But how did the man with the axe get on the ship without a ticket?"


"If he has an accomplice, someone must have assisted him."











Chapter 225: Adventurous Room Entry


"It seems like a big guy wearing a black windbreaker!"


Hearing this, Jiang Chenchen leaned forward slightly and asked him, "Did he also wear a black hat, a black top hat?"


"It seems so. Do you know this person too?"


"Did he have a suitcase in his hand at that time?"


"Suitcase?"


The waiter carefully thought, "Maybe, not sure. Why? Do you know this person? Is he the one who kidnapped Xiao Qiu?"


"I don't know. I'm just asking."


Jiang Chenchen lowered her head in thought. It was around 3 a.m. at that time, and the trench coat guy was still carrying the suitcase. What was he planning to do? Could the suitcase magically fit an adult inside and take them away like a magic trick?


The more she thought about it, the more absurd and suspicious it seemed.


The waiter interrupted her thoughts, "Hey! What are you thinking? Did you remember something important? Is that guy the one who abducted Xiao Qiu?"


Jiang Chenchen looked up at him, "Do you want to save Xiao Qiu?"


"Of course! I definitely want to save her!" The waiter, Ao Zhao, clenched his fists, showing great excitement. "You must know something, right?"


"Right now, it's all just suspicions. I can't be sure, but I need your cooperation. Can you do that?"


"You say! What do you need me to do?!"


Jiang Chenchen approached a bit, lowering her voice, "First, we need to know his room number and whether he's in the room. Especially pay attention to whether he has a hand-carrying suitcase; that's the most suspicious. I need to find a way to sneak in and see if there are any clues inside!"


"Checking the room number is not a problem. We can act now!"


"Aren't you off work?"


"I took a leave!"


Ao Zhao stood up and said to her, "Wait for me. I'll be right back."


Jiang Chenchen didn't have to wait long; he returned quickly. Together, they went to the Guest Services Headquarters. Ao Zhao knew some people there, so checking the room number and posing as room service for cleaning were relatively easy tasks.


However, when they called from the service desk, the person in the room refused cleaning but ordered room service.


Ao Zhao didn't miss this chance. "I want to see where this guy is hiding someone!"


Jiang Chenchen advised him to stay calm. "You can deliver the meal, but we need to plan. Don't waste this opportunity. You must remain clear-headed and put on a performance.


Because last night at three in the morning, even if you were drunk, you could remember his appearance, and he would surely remember you. So, when you open the door, pretend to recognize him, observe his expression, even chat with him. Mention Xiao Qiu's disappearance. If he's a criminal, there will be a different reaction.


Can you do that?"


"Tell me! How should I cooperate?!"


Ao Zhao eagerly nodded, even admiring the girl in front of him. In such a situation, she remained composed, appearing unruffled. "Good! I will stay calm. I can do anything to save her!"


"Very well. Listen to me. During your conversation, the meal cart will be pushed into the room. At that moment, you need to cover for me. I will come out from under the cart cover and hide in an invisible corner, so the placement of the meal cart is crucial. Make sure I can hide quickly.


Under the bed is the best hiding spot, so focus on that direction.


Before that, we must figure out a way to make his food less clean. After he eats, he'll likely go to the bathroom, and during that time, I will come out from hiding and look for his suitcase for inspection!"


"You've thought of everything, but it's risky for you to stay in the room if that guy is a criminal!"


"It'll be fine. I'll be cautious. If I can't find the suitcase, I'll leave without taking risks."


Jiang Chenchen tried to convince him. "If you're not at ease, wait outside the door. If you hear anything unusual, call the security team and then knock on the door!"


Finally, Ao Zhao agreed.


He felt that the girl in front of him was not just a beautiful face; she was an exceptionally calm person, so calm that it made people hesitate to easily provoke her!


Everything was ready, and Jiang Chenchen hid under the cover of the meal cart.


Chapter 225: Adventurous Room Entry


He always felt that the girl in front of him wasn't just a pretty face but an exceptionally calm person, so calm that it made people hesitate to easily provoke her!


With everything ready, Jiang Chenchen hid under the cover of the meal cart.


Ao Zhao pushed the meal cart to Room 1107, a high-class room similar in layout to those on the 10th floor and above.


The plan was underway.


He knocked on the door, feeling a bit nervous. However, when he thought about the calm expressionless face of the girl hiding under the meal cart cover, he couldn't help but feel embarrassed. He couldn't even match up to a woman.


He couldn't let a girl look down on him.


As the trench coat guy opened the door, Ao Zhao regained his composure.


"Sir, hello. I've brought your meal."


Even when in the room, the guy didn't take off his black felt hat. How vigilant was he?!


He was scanning Ao Zhao's face but showed no reaction.


Trying to follow the plan, Ao Zhao suddenly acted as if he had recalled something, "You look so familiar; let me think... You're the gentleman I met in the elevator last night, right?"


"You must be mistaken."


The trench coat guy's gaze was hidden under the black hat, coldly saying.


"Let's get the items inside."


He opened the door and started to walk back.


Jiang Chenchen, hidden under the cover, listened to the guy's voice. Even without seeing his face, she could imagine the cautious and cold demeanor.


Nevertheless, she seized the opportunity to lift a corner of the cover and took a peek. It was indeed the trench coat guy.


Living on the 11th floor but going to the 10th floor at 3 a.m., carrying a suitcase—it all seemed suspicious.


She quickly put down the cover, waiting for the right moment to enter.


Unexpectedly, the trench coat guy pretended not to recognize Ao Zhao. But the more he denied it, the more suspicious it seemed. Why was he so cautious? Ao Zhao couldn't help feeling a burst of anger. He couldn't let a woman look down on him.


He pushed the cart inside and began executing the plan. However, the trench coat guy, without wasting any time, directly denied any previous acquaintance and ordered, "Just leave the things here; you can go now."


This disrupted Ao Zhao's rhythm, and he felt an urgency. He placed the trays on the table while trying to figure out a solution.


The last dish was placed on the table, along with a bottle of red wine. In a hurry, he pulled out the corkscrew. "Sir, let me open this for you. Please wait a moment."


As he opened the bottle of red wine, the cork slipped from his hand, and the red wine accidentally spilled on the trench coat guy!