With each conversation revealing more layers to the mystery, Elder Lin next sought out Justine, the fan-fiction writer whose imaginative world often overlapped with the realities of Pinecrest Village. Her perspective, he hoped, might offer a fresh angle on the motivations and behaviours that could lead to such a crime.
Justine's home was a vibrant collage of creativity. Manuscripts, sketches, and various cultivation artefacts that inspired her stories filled the space. She welcomed Elder Lin with a curious gaze, her mind seemingly weaving another narrative.
"Elder Lin, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Justine asked, her voice tinged with intrigue.
Elder Lin got straight to the point. "Justine, your stories often explore the darker aspects of human nature. In your opinion, could someone in our village be capable of taking a life?"
Justine pondered the question, her eyes reflecting the complexity of her thoughts. "In fiction, characters often act on desires and fears hidden beneath the surface. In real life, it's not so different. People can surprise you, Elder Lin. Even the most seemingly peaceful person can harbor a storm within."
Elder Lin considered her words. "Did you notice anything unusual at the festival? Any interactions that struck you as noteworthy?"
"I saw Mike, of course, being his unpleasant self," Justine replied. "I noticed Becca seemed particularly affected by him. And then there's Mich, always hovering around, trying to catch my attention."
"And what about you, Justine? How do you view Mike's demise?" Elder Lin asked, watching her closely.
Justine sighed softly. "Mike's death is a tragedy, not for the loss of the man he was, but for the ripples it has caused. It's like a story where the antagonist suddenly disappears, leaving chaos in his wake."
Justine's insights into the human psyche added a new, almost philosophical dimension to the investigation. Her ability to see beyond the façade, to understand the underlying motivations and fears, provided Elder Lin with a broader canvas to examine the villagers. The lines between fiction and reality blurred, as the characters in Justine's stories mirrored the complexities of the villagers, each capable of a narrative twist as shocking as the one in Pinecrest Village.