During the Republic of China era, I achieved unparalleled success by returning to the past.

In the stillness of the night, the occasional mournful howl of a wild cat could be heard in the distance.

Shen Daguan tossed and turned, then jumped up and groped in the darkness to light the kerosene lamp.

He got out of bed and took a colorful poster from the bottom of the bamboo basket where he kept his clothes. He stared at the woman on the poster for a while and said softly, "Ayou is right, beauty is often short-lived. Farewell, my dream lover."

He held the poster close to the kerosene lamp, watching the flame lick it, burning it into layers of black ash. The beautiful woman on the poster, charred and twisted, eventually turned to ashes.

Shen Daguan seemed to have put his mind at ease. He dressed, took out five silver dollars and put them in his pocket, quietly closed the door, and slipped out like a thief.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he found his way to Taomi Street, hid in a corner and stared at the door that wasn't fully closed under the red lantern, licking his lips.

He observed for a while, and seeing that no one was around, he mustered his courage and suddenly darted out, running straight towards the red lantern. Just as he reached the door, he smelled a strong scent of perfume, and his heart pounded with fear. He turned to run away.

The door opened, and a hand grabbed his sleeve: "Now that you're here, what are you afraid of?"

Shen Daguan was led into the house by Cui Jie's warm little hand. Several brightly dressed women were playing mahjong, and when they saw him come in, they all gave him flirtatious glances.

Sister Cui led him to the inner room. Seeing that his face was flushed and he didn't dare to lift his eyes, she poked his forehead and laughed, "Look at you, so cowardly. What are you afraid of?" She leaned down and blew hot air into Shen Daguan's ear, saying, "I know you're a virgin. I'll find you the youngest one."

Shen Daguan suddenly reached out and grabbed Cui Jie, who was turning around: "No, it's not necessary."

Sister Cui raised an eyebrow: "What's wrong? Now that things are coming to a head, you're backing down? Once you're inside my door, I'll charge you."

Shen Daguan's face flushed red. Suddenly, he opened his arms and hugged Cui Jie tightly, his breathing rapid: "I want you."

Sister Cui, her petite frame suddenly enveloped in a tight embrace, exclaimed in surprise, "You brat, what are you doing! I stopped taking customers a long time ago. Let go!"

Shen Daguan was punched a few times in the chest, neither lightly nor heavily. His courage vanished, and he sheepishly released his grip, lowering his head and remaining silent.

Sister Cui was amused by his appearance and chuckled, "You've been drinking tonight? Go home, I won't take your money."

Shen Daguan said sullenly, "When Sister Cui came here three years ago, I hid you in my heart... and dreamed about you every night."

Sister Cui crossed her arms. This virgin was actually confessing his feelings to her. She couldn't help but smile and ask, "What did you dream about me about?"

……

The next day, at dusk.

In the old town, on Donghua Road, a six-story brick and wood arcade building rises from the ground. Blue bricks, red doors, and Western-style lanterns adorn the eaves. Revolving floor-to-ceiling glass doors add to the bright and luxurious atmosphere.

Song Beiyou, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit and a top hat, pushed open the glass door and walked in. His leather shoes clicked crisply on the terrazzo floor.

Overhead, a crystal chandelier casts a warm, golden light down, and the smooth, mirror-like marble floor reflects the shimmering light throughout the hall, creating an atmosphere of luxury and fantasy.

However, the hall was deserted at this moment.

"Sir, how can I help you?" The waiter in the front hall, wearing a dark blue short jacket, immediately came over.

"I want a room to rest."

"Okay, no problem. Please register here, sir." The waiter gestured, leading him to the front desk. There was a middle-aged manager and an accounting clerk.

"What is your surname, sir?"

"Song Beiyou"

"Mr. Song, the room is arranged on the fifth floor, is that alright?"

Song Beiyou tapped his fingers on the sandalwood cabinet, hesitated for a moment, and said, "No problem." He immediately paid for the room. The hostess from earlier enthusiastically led him upstairs.

The crisp sound of footsteps echoed in the stairwell. Reaching the fifth floor, the waiter greeted him with a fawning smile, "Mr. Song, 507, it's over here."

Song Beiyou took out a silver coin, fiddled with it in his hand, and stared at him, asking, "I heard there was a murder here a few days ago? I'm a bit superstitious..."

The waiter immediately laughed and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Song, it was just an accident and it won't bother you at all." He then lowered his voice and said, "The woman died on the sixth floor, in room 618, which is on the far east side and far from room 507."

Song Beiyou nodded in satisfaction, flicking the silver coin into the waiter's pocket. "Is there a dance hall here?"

"In reply to Mr. Song, there is no formal ballroom. However, there is a stage for performances in the grand banquet hall on the third floor."

Could it be that he died in the banquet hall on the third floor and was then moved to the sixth floor?

After the waiter left, Song Beiyou closed the door tightly. The room was indeed luxurious, with dark carpets, carved mahogany tables, and off-white walls with gold-painted grass patterns, no wonder it cost ten silver dollars a night.

With a thought, the Book of Impermanence flew out. On the third page, blood mist spread, neon lights flashed, colorful lights swirled, smoke swirled below the stage, and Su Xiaowan sang passionately with her eyes lowered. The last wisp of blood mist was fading—the time was tonight.

……

"Take care, sir. If you'd like some late-night snacks, we're always ready to serve you until midnight."

Song Beiyou waved his hand and strolled out of the restaurant. He glanced at his wrist; it was 7:20. He had just gone to the banquet hall on the fourth floor, but the scene displayed in the Book of Impermanence was different.

"Looks like I was misled by the newspaper." Song Beiyou strode up to the sixth floor. This floor was even more deserted; apart from the corridor lights, not a single room was lit, like a row of silent coffins.

Reaching the end of the corridor, he found himself in room 618. Through the crack in the door, he saw only darkness and stillness inside. Suddenly, a pair of dark eyes appeared within, staring back at him through the doorway!

Song Beiyou felt his hair stand on end. He exerted force in his feet and darted backward, using the "Reverse Branch Step" technique from the Cloud Ascending and Leaping Technique, instantly covering more than ten feet.

Almost simultaneously, from that door, a dark figure leaped out like an arrow, its toes stomping on the door frame, using the momentum to launch a flying kick, the force of which swept towards its face!

Song Beiyou sprang to his feet, his figure flashing behind the shadowy figure. His five fingers, like hooks, gripped the man's shoulder and slammed him forward!

The shadowy figure, finding no foothold in mid-air, was caught off guard and immediately tumbled backward. Song Beiyou's fist, as big as a sandbag, carrying a powerful gust of wind, was already striking head-on—

"Is it you?"

"It's you!"

Song Beiyou abruptly pulled back his fist, which was only inches away from the other man's face. He asked in surprise, "What are you doing here?" The man in front of him was Shi Feng, who had slanted bangs and wore a black trench coat.

"I'm a police officer, here to investigate a case. What are you doing here?" Shi Feng's hand left the holster, a cold sweat breaking out in his chest—that punch just now could have hit him before he could draw his gun.

Song Beiyou withdrew his hand and took a few steps back: "I came here to stay. I heard some noise upstairs, so I came to check."

Shi Feng sneered, "Do you know how much a regular room costs per night here? You're here to stay? I think you're up to no good."

Song Beiyou raised an eyebrow slightly: "I live in 507. You can ask the front desk. By the way, Detective Shi, this doesn't seem to be your jurisdiction. What case are you investigating?"

"This is none of your business. You'd better not fall into my hands, or I'll arrest you no matter who's behind you."

Song Beiyou grinned, revealing his white teeth, but his eyes were as deep and cold as a still pool. "In that case, I won't bother Detective Shi any longer. Farewell."

The matter is shrouded in mystery.