Rebirth of the Innkeeper's Wife: She's Not to Be Messed With

Chapter 22 Mysterious Case

Whether Chongyang was genuinely tired or noticed Xu Yan's gaze, he offered to go back to his room to rest.

I was also planning to go back to my room to sleep when Xu Yan noticed my intention and hurriedly called out to me, "Boss lady, won't you stay a little longer?"

"You must be tired after a long day! I'd like to get some rest. You can sit for a while longer. By the way, would you like me to check you in?"

It's been hundreds of years since I made my own food, and today this movement has made my body a little sore.

"No need, thank you, ma'am. Actually, I came here to ask you for a favor," Xu Yan said politely.

Since we can't leave, let's see what you're up to in the end. "Oh? What is it?"

"Well, I heard there's been a strange case here recently, and I'd like to know more about it," Xu Yan said seriously.

I shook my head. "The case? I'm not quite sure about it..."

"It's said that a young man was murdered in an alley nearby, and the police haven't been able to find any clues. I happen to be quite interested in this kind of thing, so I wanted to help investigate," Xu Yan explained.

I glanced at Xu Yan, picked up a persimmon from the table, and asked, "Physical characteristics?"

Xu Yan stared at me intently, not missing a single change in my expression. "You know this person too."

After thinking about it for a while, I suddenly remembered what Chongyang had said a while ago: Wang Qiang was murdered in a trash can, and Chongyang had even suspected me of being the murderer.

But what does Wang Qiang's death have to do with Xu Yan? What is his identity? Logically speaking, Wang Qiang's case shouldn't be considered a mystery. She was surprised, but remained calm and asked, "I don't know many people. I don't know who you're talking about?"

"It was... Wang Qiang, who was recently found dead in a trash can." Xu Yan gripped her peach wood sword tightly as she spoke. We looked at each other in silence, and the quiet night reached its peak at that moment.

I broke the silence, lowered my eyes apologetically, and said, "So it was him. But I've only heard about him from others; I don't know the specifics." Looks like I guessed right! But what I'm wondering is, wasn't this just a very ordinary murder case?

“It’s alright, ma’am. Could you tell me where Wang Qiang was last seen? Or were there any other witnesses?” Xu Yan continued to press.

I rested my chin on my hand and tilted my head, saying, "Don't you already know? Why are you pretending not to know?"

However, I can tell you that the last place Wang Qiang was seen was at my inn. He ran away in the middle of the night, and the witnesses don't know the details.

I know you suspect I did it. If I wanted to kill him, you probably wouldn't even find his ashes. As for why he was killed, you'll have to ask him.

Xu Yan touched her nose, feeling guilty, and said, "Well... actually I'm not really sure either. I was just thinking of asking the landlady."

Even if I knew what happened, I wouldn't tell you everything. It's karma, and I can't interfere.

“You should know the time of Wang Qiang’s death better than I do, so there’s no point in asking. But you could ask Wang Qiang’s cronies; they might know something,” I suggested.

“We’ve already questioned him! There were no other findings, and what’s particularly strange is that Wang Qiang has no soul; he’s just a corpse.” Xu Yan stared at me intently, angrily rebuking me.

I covered my ears and said frankly, "No need to speak so loudly, I can hear you. I have a grudge against him, but it's not enough to kill him."

“But the only person I can think of who could do this right now is you.” Xu Yan also knew that she had acted too hastily and lost her composure.

"So, according to you, it's my fault that I have the ability!" I sneered, mocking him.

Xu Yan realized she had been judging others by her own petty standards! "No... I just wanted to investigate further, please forgive my intrusion!"

I thought to myself that I had no choice but to do it, and I wouldn't have done it if I had other clues.

"Never mind, I know you're anxious, but there are many unknown things in this world, don't limit your vision." I can't explain things that transcend the mundane.

Xu Yan knew that if she didn't tell the truth, she would only leave empty-handed today. "Boss lady, I came here today for two reasons: first, I want to ask you about the situation; second, I want to ask you to come with me to see Wang Qiang's body, who knows, we might find some new clues."

I thought about it for a while. I wouldn't get involved in an ordinary case, but the situation was complicated and related to me, so I nodded.

Xu Yan immediately picked up her peach wood sword, stood up excitedly, and looked at me with anticipation.

I looked at him in surprise and said helplessly, "Xu Yan, look up and see what time it is! Even oxen and horses need to rest!"

Xu Yan touched her head in annoyance and said awkwardly, "Oh! Right, you see, I got so excited that I forgot everything!"

I yawned, stood up, and said, "Why don't you come find me tomorrow morning, and I'll go with you to take a look?"

"No need, I'll stay here tonight. Please give me a room, landlady. We'll go first thing tomorrow morning." Xu Yan's face was full of joy. Thinking about the new clues that were about to come, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.

If Huan Yuechu knew what Xu Yan was thinking, she would definitely think he was making a mountain out of a molehill. And even if she went herself, how could he be so sure that there would be new clues?

I led Xu Yan to the front desk, and just as we were about to check in, Chongyang opened the door and came out. We stared at each other, a little stunned.

"Sister Yuechu, have you finished talking?" Chongyang spoke first, breaking the silence.

I yawned loudly and instructed, "Okay, since you're still awake, go check Xu Yan in. I'm going upstairs to sleep." At this hour, I was already asleep.

Chongyang was clearly used to my laziness and took the initiative to go to the front desk to check Xu Yan in. "Brother Xu Yan, your room is the first one on the right on the second floor. Here is your room card. Have a good dream."

Chongyang handed the room key to Xu Yan, then went to close the inn's main gate, returned to his room, closed the door, and went to sleep.

Xu Yan was stunned by what she saw. Other hotels were open all day, unlike the Phantom Inn which closed on time to let people sleep. But when she thought that it was the shop opened by Huan Yuechu, all the inconsistencies became clear!

Chongyang got up early to buy groceries and cook. When he saw Xu Yan, he was startled. "Brother Xu Yan, did you not sleep all night? Your dark circles are so heavy."

Just as she had expected, Xu Yan couldn't sleep all night. "I haven't slept all night, I haven't slept for several days! By the way, when does the landlady get up?"

Chongyang thought for a moment, considering her sister's sleep schedule at the beginning of the month, and how she had gone to bed so late last night. "It should be breakfast time. You're up so early, do you want to go back to sleep for a while? I'll wake you up after I've made breakfast."

"No need, I can't sleep anyway, I'll go grocery shopping and cook with you!"