Hey! The Criminal Assistance System Can Even Be Used Like This? 44

Sometimes, in extreme terror, one’s voice might fail, leaving them wide-mouthed, unable to utter a single syllable. That’s how Lin Yu felt at that moment. Her hands clamped onto Xu Zhizhi’s lower leg, her eyes wide with terror as she stared in the direction of the sound. This house definitely had something fishy going on!

Hearing it once could be dismissed as a mistake, as the mind easily conjures up all sorts of nonsense. But the second and third times? That couldn’t be explained away as a simple mistake or hallucination. At least, Lin Yu was certain now: she had truly heard it, and the house had indeed emitted a terrifying sound.

She gripped Xu Zhizhi tightly, taking a long time to regain her voice. She crawled across the sofa to Xu Zhizhi, shaking the sleeping woman awake, her eyes filled with fear and terror. “Zhi… Zhizhi, wake up!” Her voice was choked with sobs.

Xu Zhizhi was awakened by the commotion and shaking. Opening her eyes, she saw Lin Yu, her eyes red-rimmed, crying and terrified.

“What’s wrong?” Sleepiness vanished from Xu Zhizhi’s eyes as she sat up, staring at Lin Yu. Lin Yu wasn’t usually timid, although she had a gentle personality, but she’d never cried this hard before. This caused Xu Zhizhi’s face to show a hint of worry.

With a clear-headed companion, Lin Yu’s crying subsided. Grasping Xu Zhizhi’s arm, she slowly recounted what had happened. “I definitely didn’t mishear it. There’s definitely a sound in here. When I heard it the first time, I thought I was just getting sleepy. But the second time…it wasn’t. She said it word for word, and my sleepiness completely disappeared.”

“Zhizhi, believe me, I’m sure there was a sound.”

After Lin Yu’s repeated emphasis, Xu Zhizhi nodded, her gaze sweeping across every corner and piece of furniture in the room. She got off the sofa, put on her shoes, and walked towards the balcony, looking up at the wind chime Lin Yu had initially mentioned as being strange.

The white seashell wind chime hung rather high; even with outstretched arms, Xu Zhizhi couldn’t reach the bottom. She then thoroughly searched the entire living room.

Lin Yu asked, “Zhizhi, do you believe me?”

In movies and TV dramas with ghost stories, when someone says they heard or saw something, their friends and family usually don’t believe them, often thinking the person is imagining things. Xu Zhizhi’s thorough investigation—did she actually believe her?

“Because I heard the same sound last night, just before I fell asleep,” Xu Zhizhi said concisely.

“What!” Lin Yu’s expression was one of terror and shock. “We both heard the sound?” Seeing Xu Zhizhi still searching, Lin Yu abruptly stood up, ran off the sofa, and grabbed Xu Zhizhi’s hand. “Let’s move out! This house is definitely haunted. Who knows what kind of people lived here before and what they did?”

Money, at this moment, seemed like a distant dream.

Xu Zhizhi nodded, patting Lin Yu’s hand. “Let’s move out, but we should still tell Director Qian and cancel the rental so no one else moves in.”

“Should I call Director Qian?” Lin Yu immediately turned to get her phone.

Xu Zhizhi waved her hand. “No, don’t call…it’s too late…”

By then, Lin Yu had already picked up her phone. Hearing this, she nodded. But she had already opened her phone, saw the time displayed on the screen, and then looked at Xu Zhizhi in surprise. “12:09. We went to bed around 11:30 last night. Could it be that the sound started at twelve o’clock?”

It wasn’t that Lin Yu was being fanciful; movies, TV shows, and novels often mention ghosts and certain taboos. For example, ghosts are said to appear at midnight, as that’s when the yin energy is at its strongest.

“Yes…the sound started around twelve o’clock last night,” Xu Zhizhi confirmed Lin Yu’s guess.

Lin Yu pondered this, a chilling possibility occurring to her. She looked at Xu Zhizhi hesitantly. “Zhizhi, do you think…is it a wronged spirit? Asking us for help?!”

The more Lin Yu thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Besides the cries of pain, the female voice had been calling for help; it felt like a ghost asking for assistance.

“Don’t overthink it,” Xu Zhizhi rubbed her forehead. She wasn’t particularly superstitious about ghosts. Any belief she had stemmed from the inexplicable awe inspired by superstitious practices in rural life.

Forgetting her previous rationalizations, Lin Yu quickly gathered her and Xu Zhizhi’s everyday belongings, carrying some herself and giving some to Xu Zhizhi. “Let’s move out. We’ll come back to the crew tomorrow morning.”

Older residential areas often had surprisingly good commercial development nearby. For example, across from their building was a newly built complex with several hotels. Even at midnight, they should be able to find a room.

Xu Zhizhi didn’t help pack. Instead, she grabbed a chair from the room and took down the seashell wind chime Lin Yu had mentioned. Her mood darkened, her face becoming grim. During the removal process, the Criminal Assistance System kept reporting malice value increases.

[Malice Value +15]

[Malice Value +10]

[Malice Value +12]

She took it down because of something Lin Yu had said: that the wind chime wasn’t there when they arrived yesterday. Whether it was an illusion or not, it was better to be safe than sorry. Xu Zhizhi didn’t remember the wind chime, as she hadn’t looked up at the balcony.

“Let’s go,” Xu Zhizhi said, holding the wind chime that tinkled as she moved, along with Lin Yu’s packed belongings.

Lin Yu looked at the things in Xu Zhizhi’s hands, her eyes a little fearful, but seeing Xu Zhizhi beside her, she nodded in agreement. Lin Yu thought, *Xu Zhizhi is doing this for our own good. We can’t just jump to ghost conclusions!*

Xu Zhizhi showed no fear, carrying the wind chime downstairs and out of the building, towards the street opposite the residential complex. Several hotel signs stood there. Lin Yu quickly pulled out a face mask, put it on Xu Zhizhi, and they chose a larger hotel to check into. Luckily, it wasn’t peak tourist season, otherwise rooms would have been expensive and hard to find.

As there were two of them, they booked a nice double room with two beds. They settled in, and Xu Zhizhi continued her self-massage. After relaxing, she examined the seashell wind chime, finding nothing unusual before putting it aside and going to sleep.

Lin Yu, deeply impressed by Xu Zhizhi’s courage, felt instantly reassured sharing a room with her and soon fell asleep. After washing up, Lin Yu handed Xu Zhizhi her skincare products, waiting for her to finish her skincare routine before putting on her mask and hat to leave.

Passing the front desk, Xu Zhizhi noticed the lingering gaze of the young woman at the desk. She suspected she’d been recognized, since she had registered with her ID card. Fortunately, she was an actress, not an idol, otherwise she might be mobbed.

Arriving at the filming set, the elderly residents doing morning exercises hadn’t dispersed yet; it was still over ten minutes before the scheduled start time. Xu Zhizhi decided to sit next to the group of people playing chess and doing exercises. Small backpacks and wooden swords were placed there, so Xu Zhizhi sat down in the small empty space. She removed her mask, curiously watching them for a while before joining the group practicing Tai Chi. She had learned a bit in her martial arts class, not much, but her movements were correct.

Xu Zhizhi’s beautiful appearance quickly attracted the attention of the older people. She joined them for a few minutes, until they finished their session – partly because it was over, and partly to make space for the film crew. Xu Zhizhi found a seat and sat down next to a woman who looked to be in her sixties, behaving naturally.

“You look so healthy! You look forty? Are you going to work after this?” Xu Zhizhi didn’t waste time, starting with compliments. People of that age are especially receptive to compliments about their youth and health, immediately increasing their goodwill.

Sure enough, the woman immediately smiled kindly and warmly. “You’re quite good with words, young lady. Do I really look that young?”

Lin Yu stood beside her, watching and saying nothing.

“You’re not in your early forties? I was afraid I’d be too honest and offend you,” Xu Zhizhi continued to compliment.

The woman laughed, patting Xu Zhizhi’s arm. “Young lady, you’re so good at talking.”

Xu Zhizhi smiled without replying. Everyone likes to be complimented on their youth, regardless of gender. Timing her words carefully, Xu Zhizhi chatted for a couple more sentences, then, looking at the building closest to the set, the one where she was staying, she asked, “Auntie, do you know Building 12, Unit 2, Room 303? I passed by once and felt a tingling sensation all over, so scared.” Xu Zhizhi rubbed her arm, her voice full of fear.

Hearing this, the woman’s expression changed slightly. “No… nothing. You’re just overthinking things, young lady.”

“Oh, okay, I just passed by,” Xu Zhizhi said indifferently.

The woman looked at Xu Zhizhi, then at her surroundings, before leaning in to whisper gossip. “Don’t go near there. That place is cursed. Lots of bad things happened after the renovation, not long after they moved in. I heard the landlady had a mental breakdown and ran away. The police even came, but nothing came of it.”

“…Okay, Auntie.” Xu Zhizhi said softly.

The woman smiled. “You’re a good girl. I haven’t seen you around before. Are you here for filming?”

“Yes, I’m filming,” Xu Zhizhi smiled slightly.

The woman patted Xu Zhizhi’s hand. “You’re sweet-talking and kind-hearted. You’re going to be a star!”

Xu Zhizhi nodded.

Lin Yu smiled; this auntie was interesting.

Ten minutes passed quickly, and the crew members started to arrive. Xu Zhizhi went to the makeup room the crew rented, changed into her costume, and started her makeup.

Qian Qian yawned, walked into the makeup room, dragged a chair over, and sat down to watch the actors put on their makeup. Xu Zhizhi had already put on her wig, as her character had grayed about a tenth of her hair due to events ten years ago. Then she picked up a mirror, carefully applied foundation to change her skin tone, and used a pencil to add freckles and carefully draw wrinkles.

The last step was the hardest. Wrinkles are dynamic and three-dimensional, and under a high-definition camera, it’s difficult to make them look truly realistic. Many makeup transformation bloggers online can only change facial contours, facial features, and mimic movements and expressions, but it’s difficult to add the wrinkles that age bestows.

After applying the makeup, Xu Zhizhi used double-eyelid tape, pulling and shaping before refining. Then, she made her hands look rough and naturally aged. She didn’t neglect her neck, though she didn’t intentionally make it dark, as her character wasn’t a manual laborer.

When she finished, Xu Zhizhi looked completely different. Appearance could greatly enhance one’s acting, sometimes even significantly. Just her appearance alone made her look five points similar to the character.

After changing her gaze, movements, and expressions, Xu Zhizhi became the protagonist of the book – Lu Lan. The male lead’s image was that of a traditional middle-aged male police officer. Beyond minimal makeup, his portrayal focused on portraying integrity and stubbornness.

The other extras were also finished with their makeup, and after confirming their positions, they began filming. The morning scene showed the child’s disappearance being reported by local media and then trending on social media after being shared by a major influencer, followed by interviews from internet celebrities and media personalities. Around ten people were involved, plus a few dozen onlookers in the background.

This scene primarily showcased the protagonist’s numb grief, and the others’ preoccupation with finding leads, aggressively questioning the female lead. They questioned Lu Lan about online criticism, about her negligence in letting a seven-year-old child out of her sight, whether this was a publicity stunt, and whether the Lu family orchestrated the event for fame. Finally, it showed onlookers pointing fingers, and the police reprimanding and stopping these people.

The scene was chaotic and complex, ending with Lu Lan’s breakdown and questioning of events; therefore, the emotions needed to build gradually. As Xu Zhizhi watched, sipping from the bottled water Lin Yu had inserted a straw into, she already anticipated how tiring the day would be. She had to play a loving mother who was questioned and became irritable and mentally unstable. Yesterday was physical, today was mental. Plus, she had only slept at 1 AM last night, and all these factors combined made her gaze a little unsteady.

Qian Qian stood beside Xu Zhizhi. “Didn’t sleep well?”

“No, I slept very well. The room was great, very exciting…” Xu Zhizhi looked up at Qian Qian, revealing a meaningful smile.

If something happened to the crew, the director was the first person responsible; Xu Zhizhi had initially sought the director out. If he was deliberately causing trouble, he would certainly react when he heard about it. That was what she had thought of this morning when she heard the auntie talk about it; only the director could so coincidentally find this room and have her, who plays a mentally ill person, stay in it. Genius often has quirks that ordinary people find hard to accept.

Qian Qian’s eyes flickered. He opened his mouth, “…That’s good.”

“Change rooms?” Xu Zhizhi’s face fell at his expression; she decided not to beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

Qian Qian squatted beside her, looking sideways at her expression, his eyes evasive. “Why change? That room is the best one. It cost a lot of money to rent!”

“You’re feeling guilty. I advise you, if you shouldn’t have done something, don’t do it,” Xu Zhizhi looked at him with an unconcerned gaze, then suddenly turned serious.

As the investor, he had given her a large sum of money. Even if there was a rift, she should be understanding. Therefore, she hoped he would stop, and she would forgive him if he did.

Qian Qian’s eyes widened, appearing somewhat childish and cute, then his expression became serious and deep. Thinking about Xu Zhizhi’s expression, he looked aggrieved. “Why would I feel guilty? What did I do? I thought the house was great, and my sister helped decorate it. You’re quite famous, so it’s true that I’m neglecting you somewhat, but I’ve tried my best.”

“You’re guilty about this?” Xu Zhizhi stared at his eyes, looking confused.

Qian Qian wanted to pout, but remembering that he should appear serious to maintain control over these actors, he forcefully suppressed it and slowly nodded. “My sister said your acting is very good and gave you special care, and you still want to change rooms!”

Qian Qian felt truly aggrieved; as he spoke, his eyes started to redden.

Xu Zhizhi watched Qian Qian’s actions, her expression changing from questioning to a series of question marks, then to sudden enlightenment. Wow, this is a living embodiment of a siscon! (Someone who excessively loves their sister)

She had thought the director was serious and confident, or someone who would resort to any means for the film, trying to scare the actress to help her immerse herself in the role. She had never imagined this wasn’t the case.

Seeing that Xu Zhizhi had stopped talking—that after her arrogant and overbearing questioning, she wasn’t apologizing!— Qian Qian got up, found a place, and took out his phone to call his sister. He didn’t want this actress anymore! This actress is too fierce!

Xu Zhizhi watched the director take out his phone, her brow furrowed. She stood up and walked towards him, patted his somewhat thin back, “Don’t…”

She wanted to tell him not to call his sister, but before she could speak, she was stunned by his shocked expression.

“Ugh… Director, don’t cry, okay? I was wrong, okay?” Xu Zhizhi squeezed out a sentence, unconsciously apologizing.

Internally, she remained silent; her own problems hadn’t been solved yet! She hadn’t expected the personas in the entertainment industry to be so…eccentric. A socially anxious director, a haughty female star, a crybaby genius director…She wanted to ask them *why are you like this?!*

Qian Qian stared at Xu Zhizhi, stunned by her tone. He unconsciously hung up the call. Only after recovering did he realize that Xu Zhizhi had said “I was wrong, okay?” like a cad, and he felt aggrieved again. This woman was bullying him. What did she mean “I was wrong, okay?” She was the one who was wrong!

Xu Zhizhi looked at the director’s expression, instantly understanding what was wrong, and said again, “Okay! Don’t cry, okay? If you keep crying, you won’t be able to stay in the crew!”

Qian Qian’s eyes widened. This woman is just like my sister!

“Okay…” His eyes were fearful; his mouth was faster than his brain; Qian Qian quickly knelt down. Fortunately, this was far from the filming location; Qian Qian ran to the parking corner to cry, unnoticed by anyone. No one would have guessed that the director, who always had a stern face and exuded confidence, was a crybaby.

Seeing his state, Xu Zhizhi knew he was definitely not the type to pull something like that. She decided to talk to the director after filming today and, if necessary, have the crew cancel the rental.

Xu Zhizhi didn’t investigate who was playing pranks. After all, the house wasn’t hers. As long as she wasn’t affected, that was fine.

Qian Qian composed himself and followed Xu Zhizhi to the filming location. Passing by a wide-eyed Lin Yu, he glared at her fiercely.

Lin Yu: …

She could only make a shushing gesture, promising that she wouldn’t reveal this matter.

After confirming this, Qian Qian began to direct the filming. Having a solution, Xu Zhizhi’s spirit improved, and she fully focused on her acting.

It seemed nothing could provoke an expression from either of them; they had only one thing on their minds.

Then, as they came downstairs, a large group of reporters and internet celebrities who had been waiting rushed towards them, holding up their phones to livestream, and others holding recording devices. Because the set was specially lit, the leads were standing in the sunlight, while these people were hidden in the dim shadows of the trees.

“Do you still think the child is alive?”

“Regarding the online speculation about your child, have you searched for him?”

“Why are you both making these expressions? Is it because you don’t love your child, causing him to rebel and run away?”

One question was more outrageous than the last; their eyes were full of anticipation, waiting for the couple’s answer.

Yun Xiao stood in front of his wife, frowning at the group. “We have no comment. We’re going to find our child. Please make way!”

Lu Lan, standing behind Yun Xiao, remained silent, her lips pursed as she looked at everyone, her eyes slowly becoming somewhat frightening. Yun Xiao seemed to sense his wife’s discomfort, reaching out to firmly grasp her wrist.

With her husband’s comfort, Lu Lan calmed down a bit, lowering her eyelashes and ignoring them. But the internet celebrities and reporters didn’t care. Seeing that the couple wasn’t answering, they became even more aggressive.

“No answer means you can’t answer?”

“Regarding the online speculation that you deliberately created this for publicity, that you’ve actually hidden your child, what is your explanation?”

“Lu Lan, do you really care about your child? Then why did you let him play alone elsewhere? Was it intentional?!”

These people used a seemingly inquisitive approach, but in reality, they were seeking financial gain and sensational news, completely disregarding the feelings of the parents of a missing child. Their aggressive words were like daggers, piercing the couple’s hearts.

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