Without a moment's hesitation, Lu Fei said, "Do we even need to guess? It must be someone connected to the original developer. Most likely one of the people involved in the demolition."
"Master Lu, you really do have a sharp mind!" Chen Jinfa gave a thumbs-up.
The killer was indeed one of the people sent to persuade the old lady to move. He confessed that, in an attempt to force her to agree to the relocation, he had used violence in a moment of rage. The old lady had struggled to escape and ended up falling into a water tank, where she drowned.
To cover up the crime, he had buried the old woman along with the tank deep underground.
He never expected that, six or seven years later, the mall would be rebuilt and her remains would be unearthed.
Knowing he couldn't evade responsibility, he decided to come forward and confess.
"Even if that bastard was a scapegoat, at least we've removed a menace from society! Just as you suggested, I bought a grave for the old lady and the two clay dolls as well. Haha, now my construction can finally proceed smoothly!" Chen Jinfa beamed with joy, his face glowing.
"Master Lu, I've booked a table at a nice spot today. You absolutely must come! Or else, you'll be looking down on me, Chen Jinfa!"
"Mr. Jinfa, no need to rush to dinner. We haven't finished our business yet."
Lu Fei pulled out the small coffin and the pawn ticket.
"Are you planning a permanent or temporary pawn? What price are we talking about?"
"I already told you, Master Lu, this is my gift to you. Why bother with prices when you've done me such a huge favor?" Chen Jinfa waved his hand dismissively.
"Mr. Jinfa, it's the rule at Evil Pawnshop. We can't break it," Lu Fei said calmly, holding the paper and pen.
Chen Jinfa scratched his head, eyeing Lu Fei. "You guys at Evil Pawnshop are different. Everyone else just takes money to fix problems, but you guys refuse money and instead collect these eerie objects. Are they actually worth anything?"
Tiger chimed in proudly, "Of course! Haven't you heard? We at Evil Pawnshop have the ability to turn evil into fortune. What's a cursed object in someone else's hands can become a treasure in my boss's hands."
"Whoa! That's impressive!" Chen Jinfa clicked his tongue in amazement, curiosity piqued. He examined the small coffin and asked, "Master Lu, what will this coffin turn into?"
"Sorry, Mr. Jinfa, but that's confidential. Another rule at Evil Pawnshop," Lu Fei replied with a smile and a shake of his head.
Though the small coffin wasn't something he could use, there were those who would pay handsomely for it. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been worth the effort.
"No offense meant! I understand—every trade has its secrets, especially for someone as skilled as you."
"You flatter me, Mr. Jinfa. I'm just running a small business on the side," Lu Fei said, steering the conversation back. "How would you like to pawn this item?"
Chen Jinfa dropped the banter and said, "This thing has value to Evil Pawnshop, so let's make it a permanent pawn. As for the price, how about 1.68 yuan—lucky for prosperity!"
"Agreed."
Lu Fei filled out the pawn ticket, had Chen Jinfa sign it, and completed the transfer.
There were two copies of the ticket, and the transaction was complete.
"Done! Now, Master Lu, can we head to dinner?" Chen Jinfa seemed determined not to leave without Lu Fei.
Unable to decline, Lu Fei called for Liu Fugui to join them.
Liu Fugui beamed with excitement and wasted no time befriending Chen Jinfa. By the time they arrived at the dining spot, the two were already chummy, like long-lost brothers.
The place was called Moon-Gazing Manor. The name was nice, but the facilities were rather ordinary—like a countryside dining establishment.
But the business was thriving, with almost every table occupied and even a queue outside.
Tiger couldn't help but feel skeptical.
An invitation to dinner, and this was it? If not a top-tier club like those the Su family frequented, at least something more upscale would've been expected.
Chen Jinfa had booked a private room in advance.
"Don't let the looks deceive you, Master Lu. You need to book ahead if you want to eat here. Ordinary folks can't even get a spot!"
"If you say so, Mr. Jinfa." Lu Fei smiled politely.
Liu Fugui's eyes sparkled with excitement as he chimed in, "Mr. Jinfa, is this the place known for serving the famous Moon-Gazing Eel?"
"Exactly! You know your stuff!" Chen Jinfa looked pleased.
Liu Fugui swallowed hard, eyes wide. "I've heard that these eels are much larger than usual, some even as thick as a baby's arm, and that they're particularly special. On full moon nights, they're said to come out of their water holes to worship the moon! Hence the name Moon-Gazing Eel."
"Yes, yes! And eating them isn't just delicious—it's rejuvenating! A powerhouse for men and a beauty elixir for women!" Chen Jinfa roared with laughter.
"Is it really that amazing?" Tiger, now intrigued, looked expectantly at the dishes.
Just as no one can have too much money, who wouldn't want to be stronger?
"The owner here used to work for me. When he heard I was treating Evil Pawnshop's master, he made sure to reserve the best. He's got some issues he hopes Master Lu can help with, and I promised to introduce you."
"Since you refuse money, Master Lu, let me show my gratitude in other ways. If I can help you gain new business and more items to collect, it's a win-win."
Chen Jinfa looked earnestly at Lu Fei.
"You may be young, but a bit of extra vigor won't hurt. A strong man is always better!"
Lu Fei's curiosity piqued. He'd heard of a Moon-Gazing Eel, but not one that was edible.
But the booming business spoke for itself, with every seat taken.
Before long, the food arrived.
Along with other dishes, each person had a large plate in front of them, the lid barely containing the rich aroma.
Just the smell was enough to whet one's appetite.
"I got each of you a premium eel! Dig in! And don't worry, there's more if this isn't enough!" Chen Jinfa clapped his hands as the servers lifted the lids.
Each dish revealed an eel as thick as a baby's arm, coiled in the plate, steamed with ginger and scallions.
The rich aroma filled the room, almost magical in how it stirred hunger.
"I heard a top-grade Moon-Gazing Eel can go for over ten thousand a piece. Looks like I'm tagging along with the right people today," Liu Fugui said, swallowing his saliva.
"Wow, how many years must it take for one to grow this big? Could it have gained sentience?" Tiger exclaimed, eyes wide at the sight of the massive eel.
"Eat up! You'll see what's so special about it!" Chen Jinfa urged them on enthusiastically. "Especially you, Master Lu—eat plenty!"
Everyone reached eagerly for their chopsticks, even Ah Long's usually stoic face showing a glimmer of anticipation.
Only Lu Fei's expression remained serious as he stared at the Moon-Gazing Eel on his plate, hesitating to dig in.