TEFSCBSS Chapter 25

Chapter 25: The Perfect Ending of the First Murder Mystery Game

“This is our Xilou Murder Mystery Ranking and Detective Handbook.”

“In the handbook, every script you’ve played will have its unique stamp on it. If you uncover key clues, vote correctly, or if the true culprit manages to hide themselves, the corresponding number of stamps will be added, representing your points.”

Everyone looked at their detective handbooks, and sure enough, the first page had their name, and the second page was marked with the title “The Story of Huai Tree Village,” with a string of Huai Tree stamps beneath it. Additionally, there was a star stamp. The following pages were blank.

“Boss Zhao, what does this star stamp mean?” someone asked.

“The star stamp represents the first player to participate in a new script game, commonly known as the ‘pioneer player.'”

“From now on, every new script game we offer will grant a star stamp to the first player. It symbolizes their courage and talent.”

“How does one earn the opportunity to participate in the first game?” Su Li pointed toward the ranking board.

“Every night after the store closes, Xilou Script Store will update the player’s points from that day and select the top 100 players, divided into three categories: Tian, Di, and Xuan Huang.”

“The Tian category will have the top 10 players, Di will have 20, and Xuan Huang will have 35 players each.”

“At the end of each month, the top 10 players in the Tian category will receive a reward of one or two silver taels.”

“Furthermore, the top 3 players in the Tian category will be given priority to participate in the first game of any new script.”

“The remaining spots will be determined by a major competition before the new script is launched. The competition will not be limited to solving mysteries or answering questions, like today’s ‘Turtle Soup.'”

“The winner of the competition will receive the remaining spots for the first game.”

“All players in the first game will experience the game and receive a star stamp!”

“Wow, I’ll come back for this!”

Excited expressions appeared on everyone’s faces. If they could make it onto the Tian category ranking, they’d earn a bit of silver each month. More importantly, it would prove their talent and wit. They could brag about it with their brothers and wives, even trick others into playing while showing off their intelligence.

Su Li smiled and continued, “As for the remaining games, there will be a small fee. Don’t worry, it won’t be high. Depending on the game, it will cost a few coins—just enough to maintain the store’s operations and pay the staff.”

Everyone nodded in understanding. After all, it was only reasonable that the store needed to earn money. Though it might be a bit of their usual spending, it was still cheaper than dining at a tavern and gave them a chance to make friends and earn points.

Seeing that no one objected, Su Li breathed a sigh of relief. She had been thinking about the pricing for a while and had decided to keep it low. She hoped many people could experience the fun of murder mystery games.

“By the way, everyone, aside from murder mystery games, we also offer other games like board games, Turtle Soup, and so on. They each have their gameplay, and they also count towards your points.”

“Everyone, regardless of age or gender, is welcome to come and play!”

“The night is getting late, so we’ll end for today. Starting tomorrow, Xilou Script Store will officially open for business. We look forward to your return!”

Everyone glanced outside. It was indeed getting dark, the street lamps were lighting up, and it was time for dinner. Without hesitation, they put their detective handbooks away and decided to go home and boast.

They left in groups of two or three, leaving behind Liu the butcher, and the others.

Liu the butcher slapped his chest, “Boss Zhao, don’t worry, I have a good reputation in the area. I’ll be here to work in three months as promised. I’ll be here tomorrow.”

“Just that, sometimes I might need to kill some pigs. I’ll let you know in advance if I need to take time off.”

The three constables from the Song precinct also said, “We usually have to go to the yamen, but we’ll come here after our shifts. Don’t worry, Boss Zhao.”

“And if any troublemakers come our way, just let us know, and we’ll handle them.”

Su Li nodded in thanks.

Wang Qingmu stepped forward, “Boss Zhao, I’m no longer of school age. I’m studying at home now. I’ll come in the afternoon after I finish my morning reading.”

“Alright, no problem! I hope you’ll pass your exams and that our script store will have a future scholar!”

Wang Qingmu smiled brightly. He was pleased he hadn’t misjudged Su Li. Although she seemed a bit odd and had her temper, she wasn’t unreasonable.

The group bowed to Su Li and left in pairs.

From afar, they could still hear Liu the butcher and Song Da Dou’s loud voices almost causing the neighbors to yell at them, while Wang Qingmu was apologizing in a calm and gentle voice.

Su Li shook her head and laughed, “The world is full of chaos.”

She turned around and saw Han Yueyi and Wang Bokao still there, listening to Wang Bokao shouting, “No way! I won this time! I even cleared your name! You can’t take my wine away!”

Han Yueyi gave him a glance, “A deal’s a deal. Why is Young Master Wang so petty now? I guess I’ve been away from the capital for too long. Maybe Young Master Wang has other friends.”

“Ah, only the new people laugh, while the old ones cry~”

Su Li: … I’m speechless.

Wang Bokao was so angry that he nearly stomped his feet. “I don’t have any new people!”

Things were getting more and more awkward. His face flushed red with anger. Watching Han Yueyi sigh again, he could only deflate and wave his hand, telling Er Tong to go get the wine.

“Hmph, it’s only been a day, but your acting skills are getting better!”

“Not at all~”

Su Li walked over, casually sitting in a chair. “Why aren’t you two leaving?”

They stopped their playful expressions and fell silent. Eventually, Wang Bokao spoke first, “Xiao Li, what about today’s story?”

Su Li raised an eyebrow, knowing what they were asking. After all, the story and character setups had been tailor-made for them. If they didn’t realize it, she would have been more surprised.

She put on the guise of a flirtatious young master and lightly shook her folding fan, “The exact reason, I don’t know. All I know is that we all have a destiny to face.”

She couldn’t say too much. She couldn’t tell them she knew the future of all the storylines—where they would all die. Even Wang Bokao would meet a miserable end.

The two frowned, deep in thought.

Han Yueyi had just returned from the capital and hadn’t been seen much in front of everyone. He had no connection to Su Chengxiang or Su Yao and didn’t understand why they wanted to kill him.

In the script, the merchant was after property, but Su Chengxiang was the head of all officials, already rich and well-known—what could he possibly want?

And Su Li’s background—what was it? Who was her real family?

Forget it. He couldn’t figure it out for now, so he decided to stop thinking about it. Things would unfold in time. He was prepared to avoid any “dead traps” set for him.

Just then, Er Tong returned with the wine, and Han Yueyi and Wang Bokao left. After all, Su Li wasn’t Su Li right now—she was just the small boss of a script store, and it wouldn’t be wise to linger around too long and risk exposing her true identity.

Su Li watched them leave and then walked up to close the door.

Xilou Script Store, on its first day, had come to a perfect conclusion.