absurd deduction game.

"Good morning, Mr. Carlos," Mrs. Furnel said, her voice like a clear silver bell, carrying just the right amount of enthusiasm and politeness. "I hope I haven't bothered you."

Her gaze then fell on another person in the room, a hint of undisguised amazement and curiosity flashing in her eyes: "Who is this?"

“This is my colleague and friend, Mr. Yu Xing. He is an extremely excellent investigator, and since he happens to be free today, he might be able to offer you some assistance.” Carlos introduced him with a smile, always maintaining a flawless and respectable demeanor in front of outsiders.

Yu Xing stood up and nodded slightly: "Hello, Mrs. Funel."

His gaze swept calmly over the other person.

“Mr. Yu Xing, hello.” Mrs. Furnel returned the smile with grace and sincerity in her eyes. “I have long heard that the investigators of the Ideal Kingdom are all extraordinary individuals, and meeting them today, I can see that their reputation is well-deserved. The demeanor of both of you is truly impressive.” Her praise was natural and unpretentious, making it easy for people to feel good about her.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group sat down on the sofa, while the maid stood quietly to the side.

Mrs. Fernail accepted the black tea offered by Carlos, took a small sip, and then gracefully set down the teacup. She got to the point, her smile fading slightly, but she maintained her composure: "Mr. Carlos, regarding the matter I entrusted to you for investigation… how is it progressing?"

Carlos recounted what he had previously told Yu Xing in more tactful and professional terms, mentioning the suspicious circumstances surrounding Professor Anthony's close relationship with a female student and their multiple outings together, but also admitting that there was currently a lack of conclusive evidence.

Mrs. Fernal listened quietly, a complex emotion flashing in her azure eyes, like disappointment, or perhaps a sense of "I knew it" relief.

She didn't become hysterical, nor did she defend herself; she simply sighed softly, a sigh as light as a feather.

“I understand.” She nodded, her tone calm. “Actually, I had a premonition. But I still held onto a sliver of hope that even without love, Anthony and I could still respect each other and give each other dignity.”

She raised her eyes, her gaze becoming firm and sharp: "Thank you, Mr. Carlos, what you have provided is enough to explain many things. But I need more conclusive evidence, enough to leave him with no room to deny it in the divorce settlement. He was unfaithful to me, yet he enjoys the wealth I brought from home and the connections I built with that wealth. I will not allow this to continue. He broke the facade first, and I will expose his true colors to everyone."

She took a bulging money pouch from her elegant clutch, placed it on the coffee table, and pushed it over with a crisp, decisive motion: "Here is the final payment we agreed upon, plus an additional fifty gold pounds as advance payment for the follow-up investigation. Please, Mr. Yu Xing, continue to help me uncover the truth."

Her attitude was clear and decisive—she was not wallowing in grief, nor was she deceiving herself; she simply felt regret over the once passionate but now coming to an end love affair, and she was keenly aware of how to protect her own interests and dignity.

Yu Xing looked at her but couldn't discern anything from the lady's behavior and expression. Her logic was consistent and she was charming. She was neither the kind of parasitic vine that pretended to be weak nor the social butterfly that used her beauty to win the hearts of different men.

When she came to the firm to commission an investigation, she only revealed what she needed to reveal, without exploring the privacy of the two investigators or inquiring about their findings.

It seems like there's absolutely no problem.

But Yu Xing still had a question: Mrs. Funer possessed such beauty and wealth, and her personality and manners were among the best in the upper class of this small town. Why did her husband not love her and instead have an affair with his female student?
Is it simply because he's tired of it? Or is Professor Anthony just that kind of fickle person, where even the prettiest flowers at home can't compare to the wildflowers outside?

Or perhaps Professor Anthony prefers knowledgeable women, those with whom he can resonate intellectually, rather than those with physical beauty and wealth?

Of course, whatever the reason, if Anthony really cheated, then even if he is a professor, he will be severely punished by Mrs. Furnell and pay the price he deserves.

While thinking these things to herself, Yu Xing remained outwardly calm and composed, not trying to take over Carlos's authority in the firm, but simply listening quietly.

Carlos and Mrs. Fernell discussed some more details.

After a while, the schedule for the subsequent commissions was finalized.

Mrs. Furnel gently set down her teacup, the porcelain making a crisp, light sound as it touched the wooden coffee table. A fleeting, almost imperceptible weariness crossed her azure eyes, quickly replaced by a perfect, social smile.

“By the way, gentlemen,” her voice was still pleasant, but with a touch more pragmatism, “an important art exhibition opening banquet will be held tomorrow night at the ‘Gallery of Flowing Light’ in town. As you probably know, things have been rather unsettled in town lately, and many social events have been canceled. This is one of the few events that has been carefully considered and decided to proceed as scheduled. Most of the town’s prominent figures will be in attendance.”

Her slender fingers were elegantly crossed on her knees, her gaze shifting between Carlos and Yu Xing, eventually settling more on Yu Xing with a perfectly balanced expression that mixed admiration and pleading.

“I know this request may be a bit presumptuous, but… I need a bodyguard to ensure my safety during nighttime operations. And Mr. Carlos is investigating some private matters for me, which is no secret in the industry,” she said, giving a slightly bitter smile, appearing both frank and somewhat helpless. “If he attends as my male companion tomorrow night, it will inevitably attract some unnecessary attention and gossip, which is not what I want.”

Her gaze brightened and became sincere again as she looked at Yu Xing: "And Mr. Yu Xing, you... you are a newcomer, your face is unfamiliar, yet your demeanor is so extraordinary. If you would be willing to accompany me as my temporary bodyguard and male companion, it would not only ensure my safety but also minimize any unnecessary speculation."

After all, investigators hold a noble position and always do the most dangerous work. Few fools would portray an investigator as someone easily seduced by beauty. If someone did, the others in the conversation would probably stay away from him quietly, lest the fool offend the investigator and everyone get into trouble.

“Of course, I will never let you work in vain,” Mrs. Furnell added.

She took out another velvet money pouch from her handbag and gently placed it next to the previous pouch of gold pounds. Judging from its shape, it was probably half banknotes and half gold coins. It made a heavy, pleasant clinking sound when she pushed it.

"Here is one hundred gold pounds as payment for your company tomorrow night. I wonder if Mr. Yu Xing would be willing to do me this favor?"

Her wording was extremely appropriate, pointing out the inconvenience that Carlos might face due to the known commission, while also highly praising Yu Xing's unique advantages and offering extremely generous compensation. She packaged a potential employment relationship as a mutually beneficial cooperation invitation, fully taking into account the other party's identity and feelings.

Carlos gave a knowing smile and winked at Yu Xing, indicating that he could decide for himself.

Yu Xing's gaze swept over the two bags of gold pounds, finally settling on Mrs. Funer's blue eyes, which were filled with shrewdness and sincerity.

Great, just when you're sleepy, someone brings you a pillow. For Yu Xing, this was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to infiltrate the core social circle of tomorrow and observe those "big shots" up close. Those nobles, whose spirits may have already been nourished by various desires and secrets to an exceptionally "delicious" degree, were themselves excellent subjects of observation, not to mention the clues that the art exhibition itself might contain.

“Okay.” He smiled, which made Fernail, who had thought he was a cold and unsmiling man, pause for a moment.

But then, Mrs. Furnell snapped out of her daze and broke into an even brighter smile, as if she had breathed a sigh of relief: "That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Mr. Yu Xing."

She glanced at the exquisite watch on her wrist: "Then, at seven o'clock tomorrow night, I'll have a carriage pick you up from the office? Or, if it's convenient for you, you can come directly to my residence, and I'll ride with you to the gallery by carriage. According to the scheduled banquet time, this commission can be completed before eleven o'clock."

“Okay, you can have your maid pick me up from the office, and then I’ll go to your place to find you. To avoid any misunderstandings, I won’t go inside.” Yu Xing smiled. “I’ll go to the gallery first to check out the surroundings. Would it be convenient for your maid to show me the way?”

If you go to the gallery in advance, someone still needs to explain the reason, otherwise you may be refused entry to the gallery, or the people inside may become wary of the investigator.

Mrs. Fernail paused for a moment, then said understandingly, "Of course, caution is necessary. It's a pity I have an appointment with a tailor to alter my dress for tomorrow night, otherwise I would really like to accompany you myself."

This was just a formality, of course. She turned to the maid who had been standing quietly behind her and said, "Martha, did you hear that? You will accompany Mr. Yu Xing to the Flowing Light Gallery and follow his arrangements."

The middle-aged maid named Martha bowed respectfully: "Yes, madam."

Once the matter was settled, Mrs. Furnell gracefully rose to take her leave.

Carlos escorted her to the door, where a beautifully decorated four-wheeled carriage had been quietly waiting for some time. With the help of her maid, Madame Furnel boarded the carriage, smiled and nodded again through the window to Carlos and Yu Xing, who was standing at the door, before instructing the driver to leave.

"This lady is quite shrewd," Carlos said to Yu Xing with a smile as he returned inside, tidying up the gold pounds on the table. "How about it, not bad for a little extra money, right?"

Yu Xing nodded in agreement: "It's not bad. It would be even better if something happened at the art exhibition."

After all, this is a copy.

It's always better for things to come out in the open than to be caught off guard. If a major event occurs without warning, many predictors will miss the opportunity to participate due to bad luck, and their contribution ranking will drop.

"Good luck finding a surprise in the gallery that will 'add a treat' for you." Carlos waved his hand jokingly. "I'm now waiting for a new commission. There's an art exhibition going on, and maybe Fernell won't be the only one looking for a bodyguard."

His visionary approach and early establishment of firms will make them the top choice for wealthy individuals who have already established connections with him.

Of course, the maid Martha, who stayed behind, did not hear their conversation. She remained outside the door, waiting for Yu Xing to come out with her.

Yu Xing said goodbye to Carlos and left the agency.

There were few horse-drawn carriages for rent in the town, and most of the wealthy people owned their own carriages. Since Funel had already taken the carriage, Yu Xing, guided by Martha, hailed a rickshaw parked on a nearby street corner, and the two of them boarded it one after the other.

The streets of Yolikev are much more vibrant during the day than at night.

Sunlight streamed down the clean street, and the shop windows on both sides displayed a dazzling array of goods. Well-dressed gentlemen and ladies strolled along the street or chatted leisurely at small tables outside cafes. The bells of horse-drawn carriages and rickshaws jingled, and newsboys ran around hawking the latest newspapers.

If it weren't for the occasional glimpse of the solemn expressions of the patrolling church guards, and the barely concealed worry in the eyes of the people as they talked, one would almost forget that this town was shrouded in an eerie shadow.

Martha sat next to Yu Xing, her posture reserved and respectful. At Yu Xing's request, she gave a brief introduction to the background of the art exhibition.

“The art exhibition tomorrow night features the works of Mr. Evan Clifford. Mr. Clifford is the most sought-after young painter in town in recent years, and his paintings are highly sought after.” Martha’s voice was steady, with a well-trained submissiveness. “Mr. Clifford, with his talent and unique charm, has already gained the appreciation of many gentlemen and ladies and integrated into high society. So even though the situation is special now, everyone is willing to give him face and attend the exhibition, both to maintain social relationships and… well, to admire art.”

She paused, then added, "This Flowing Light Gallery was actually opened by Mr. Clifford with funding from some investors, specifically to exhibit and sell his own paintings."

"That's really interesting. This painter must be exceptionally skilled," Yu Xing said with a smile, trying to elicit a compliment amidst the sound of the wheels rolling.

This happened to fall within his area of ​​expertise, so he asked a few more questions.

As Mrs. Fernail's personal maid, Martha often had the opportunity to attend high-society events. She carried a lot of information and interesting stories with her. Since her mistress said she would follow all arrangements, and this person was also an investigator, she didn't hide anything and shared many interesting stories that weren't exactly secrets.

The driver for them was a poor man who couldn't even read, so even if he heard it, it wouldn't affect him at all.

During the conversation, the rickshaw driver had already taken the rickshaw to the vicinity of the destination.

The Flowing Light Gallery is located in a relatively culturally rich neighborhood, surrounded by several old bookstores, a low-key music store, and a Georgian-style building with a bar association sign.

The streets are lined with lush plane trees, casting dappled shadows.

Yu Xing alighted from the carriage and looked up. (End of Chapter)