With the puzzle growing more intricate, Elder Lin turned his attention to Mich, whose open admiration for Justine had always been a subject of village gossip. Mich, often seen as a simple admirer, might hold more depth in his role in this intricate web.
Mich's dwelling was modest, with hints of his fascination for Justine scattered throughout — copies of her fan-fiction, posters from her readings, and even sketches that seemed inspired by her stories. His world seemed to orbit around her creativity.
Mich greeted Elder Lin with a mixture of respect and nervousness. "Elder Lin, this is an unexpected honour. How can I help?"
"I'm here about Mike's murder," Elder Lin said, observing Mich's reaction. "Your feelings for Justine are well known. Did your admiration ever bring you into conflict with Mike?"
Mich's expression shifted uncomfortably. "Mike... he used to mock me for it. Said I was living in a fantasy world. But I never confronted him. I prefer to avoid conflict."
Elder Lin noted the sincerity in his voice. "Did you see anything during the festival that could help us? Any interactions involving Mike that seemed out of the ordinary?"
Mich thought for a moment, his gaze distant. "I try to stay away from Mike's negative energy. But I did see him arguing with someone in a hood. I couldn't see who it was, but it looked intense."
"Interesting," Elder Lin mused. "And your relationship with Justine, did Mike ever interfere in that?"
"No, he didn't care enough to do that," Mich replied, a hint of sadness in his voice. "I just admired her from afar. That's all it ever was."
Mich's role in the unfolding drama added another layer of complexity. His unrequited love for Justine and passive demeanour painted a picture of a man caught between his idealized world and the harsh realities of village life. His observations, though limited, provided another piece in the ever-growing jigsaw puzzle of Mike's murder. The village, once a harmonious blend of cultivation and technology, now seemed like a stage where each resident played a part in a much darker tale.