After arriving at the pavilion within the residential complex and exchanging a few pleasantries with the security guard, Zhao Liang began formally questioning him about the details of the alleged haunting.
Yan Qi, however, did not focus her attention on the guard’s explanation. Instead, she closed her eyes and concentrated on sensing any supernatural energy in the vicinity.
“Hmm, I’m not detecting any fluctuations of supernatural power. Looks like we’ve made a wasted trip again today.”
Not sensing any supernatural activity here at Happiness Residential Complex, Yan Qi figured the so-called haunting was probably just another case of rumors blown out of proportion. She couldn’t help but mutter to herself in mild frustration.
But just then, she suddenly perceived a strange ripple of supernatural energy within the complex.
“Huh, now things are getting interesting.”
Yan Qi, who had found today’s assignment rather boring up until now, felt the corner of her mouth curl up involuntarily as she thought to herself.
“Xiao Qi, what are you smiling about?”
After gathering some information about the situation at Happiness Residential Complex from the guard, Zhao Liang noticed the smile on Yan Qi’s face. Lacking the power to sense such faint supernatural fluctuations himself, he asked with some confusion.
Faced with Zhao Liang’s inquiry, Yan Qi, as his partner assigned to investigate here with him today, naturally wouldn’t hide her discovery. She promptly replied, “Zhao Liang, the reason I smiled just now is that I’ve detected supernatural energy fluctuations here at Happiness Residential Complex.”
“Supernatural energy fluctuations? So, the haunting incident here isn’t the false alarm we anticipated?” Zhao Liang paused briefly, then quickly sought confirmation from Yan Qi.
Yan Qi nodded in response and affirmed with certainty, “Yes, the haunting at Happiness Residential Complex is definitely linked to supernatural forces. It’s absolutely not the misunderstanding we initially expected.”
Upon hearing Yan Qi’s confirmation, Zhao Liang’s expression immediately turned serious. He lowered his head in thought for a moment, then looked at her and asked, “Since we can confirm a supernatural connection to the haunting, should we request backup from the bureau?”
“No need. The supernatural energy I sensed isn’t strong. Even you, Zhao Liang, could easily resolve this issue on your own.”
“Really?” Zhao Liang asked, a clear lack of confidence in his voice.
“Of course, it’s true. I never lie about matters like this.” Yan Qi patted her flat chest reassuringly, making a promise to Zhao Liang.
“Since you’ve put it that way, Xiao Qi, I won’t call for backup from the bureau.” After saying this to Yan Qi, Zhao Liang paused, then continued, “By the way, Xiao Qi, where exactly did the supernatural fluctuation you sensed originate from?”
“Over there, about a hundred meters away from us.” Pointing in the direction from which she had felt the supernatural pulse, Yan Qi answered.
Following the direction of her finger, Zhao Liang quickly spotted a residential building to the direct east, noting the sign above its entrance that read: Happiness Residential Complex, Building 3.
“Happiness Residential Complex, Building 3? Xiao Qi, are you certain it’s here?”
“Yes, I’m certain.”
“In that case… Sir, could you please lead the way for us?” Since Zhao Liang had deliberately stepped away from the guard and lowered his voice while speaking with Yan Qi earlier, the guard was unaware of their previous whispered conversation. Hearing Zhao Liang’s request now, the guard didn’t hesitate and readily agreed.
And so, Yan Qi and Zhao Liang followed the security guard towards the nearby Building 3 of Happiness Residential Complex.
After entering Building 3 and unsure whether they should go upstairs or somewhere else, Zhao Liang crouched down slightly and asked Yan Qi in a hushed tone, “Xiao Qi, where should we go next?”
“Just a moment, let me sense it first.” Replying to Zhao Liang, Yan Qi closed her eyes voluntarily and began earnestly feeling out the supernatural fluctuations around her.
After about ten or so breaths, she once again perceived the exact same supernatural energy pulse as before. Yan Qi immediately opened her eyes and pointed upwards, saying, “Upstairs.”
“Upstairs, understood. Sir, we need to go upstairs. Please continue leading the way.”
“Alright, follow me, you two.”
Led by the security guard, Yan Qi and Zhao Liang soon began ascending the staircase, step by step.
“Hmm, wait. Turn right here and head towards the door at the very end of the hallway.” Upon reaching the third floor of Building 3, clearly sensing the source of the supernatural energy, Yan Qi quickly grabbed hold of Zhao Liang, who was about to continue climbing, and alerted him.
Hearing this, Zhao Liang immediately stopped in his tracks and didn’t forget to signal the guard ahead to halt as well.
“Officer Zhao, why have you suddenly stopped?” The guard, somewhat frightened and not fully understanding why they had asked him to guide them or why they were stopping now, couldn’t help but ask with a puzzled look.
“Don’t worry about that for now. Tell me, is that apartment at the very end of the hall occupied?” Without answering the guard’s question directly, Zhao Liang pointed towards the door Yan Qi had indicated and asked him.
Hearing the question, the guard quickly caught on, and an uneasy feeling began to stir within him. Yet, remembering that there were two Supernatural Affairs Bureau operatives present, he mustered his courage, overcame his fear, and craned his neck to take a look at the door at the corridor’s end.
Once the guard got a clear view of the door at the far end of the hallway, a look of surprise flashed across his face, followed by a sigh of relief as he said, “Officer Zhao, the apartment you just pointed out? Yes, a family lives there.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m very sure. After all, the family living in that unit is a widow and her child, surnamed Chu. Everyone in Happiness Residential Complex knows them.”
Hearing the guard’s answer, a puzzled expression appeared on Zhao Liang’s face. He immediately turned his head to look at Yan Qi beside him.
Noticing Zhao Liang’s gaze fixed upon her, Yan Qi didn’t say anything in explanation. She simply lifted her head, her eyes reflecting firm resolve, silently urging him to trust her judgment.
