In the main building, Lu Ning was sitting in the restaurant enjoying dinner.
The chef here is an excellent chef who is good at all kinds of meals. As long as you tell him what you want to eat in advance, he can basically satisfy you. Not to mention half a month's worth of supplies, it would be no problem to live here in isolation for a year.
"Isolated."
After Lu Ning thought of this word, she chuckled and looked out the window.
It is now five thirty in the afternoon, and it is as dark as midnight outside the window. Even from the main building located in the center of the island, you can vaguely see the rolling waves on the distant coastline. Occasionally, lightning flashes between the clouds, and bursts of thunder roll from the distant ocean, which can make people feel a slight vibration even through the buildings.
"A death."
Lu Ning put down the chopsticks in her hand and glanced at the maid standing next to her. There is a pattern of jasmine flowers embroidered on her collar, which means that her name is "Jasmine" - Renix never lets these servants use their original names, but only call them by code names. In his words, "As an ordinary servant, I only work here for one year, and there is no need to leave a name to be remembered."
Of course, in Lu Ning's view, this was a very far-fetched excuse.
Rennix is not someone who is easily coaxed. Even she, an outsider, can see that those children have different intentions, let alone Rennix who trained them. However, those children are not the only ones who come to this island with special purposes.
The butler Escher has been following Rennix for nearly forty years, from his assistant to his secretary to his butler. Following him for such a long time can be said to be a kind of loyalty. From another perspective, it can also be a journey that lasts a lifetime. The hidden cost. Some may question what purpose is worth spending a lifetime pursuing, but what if the reward is a new life?
Chef Pan Shen, that magical chef who can cook any dish. Such an excellent chef can easily find his own place in the culinary world. Moreover, Pan Shen's character is not someone who easily offends people. . In this case, it is very strange that he would let Rennix rescue him when he was being chased, especially since if this matter is investigated in depth, no clues about the pursuer can be found.
Not to mention Lu Ning herself and nutritionist Fuchiko Watanabe. The two of them knew each other and came to the island with ulterior motives. Rennix appreciates all talented people, and Lu Ning and Watanabe Fuchiko can prove that they are talented enough for him.
Lawyer Han Xizhe lives in the most remote guest room of the main building. His reputation among lawyers is not very good. He is a person who dares to fight any lawsuit as long as he is given money - of course, his main field is in the commercial field and he rarely gets involved in criminal cases. When such a lawyer is suddenly hired by Rennix, many people will suspect that this will be related to wills and inheritances.
Since wills and inheritances are mentioned, there must be an accountant to assist, and Kuzumi Heizhen is such a role. He is different from Han Xizhe. It can be said that Chang Sleeve Shanwu is very good at trading. He only sold his firm's business to several of Rennix's children in a short time here. He is a person who is very good at seizing opportunities. Even if the children of the Howard family only get one-seventh of the property, they are still business giants. Dealing with them can indeed make a lot of money.
Orlando, his apparent identity is a bodyguard. But with a little investigation, his experience as a mercenary can be investigated. It is difficult to find out the information about this person before he was 20 years old. It seems that he was born in a war-torn place and grew up in the war. Judging from Lu Ning's contact, Orlando is not rough, but has a gentlemanly demeanor. It is difficult to smell traces of war from his body.
Jason, the gardener in charge of the vast garden behind the main building, is a likeable optimist. He enjoys arranging flowers and making the outside scenery beautiful. He was hired by Renix three years ago. His qualifications are not too old, but he is loved by most people. But when Lu Ning tried to look up Jason's resume, she found that his experience was basically fake at a glance.
The only person who clearly showed displeasure with Jason was the violinist Asaka Komiya who lived on the second floor. She would practice violin at around ten o'clock every morning for about an hour and go downstairs to walk in the nearby forest. . Then I come back for dinner at twelve o'clock, every day, very punctual. Her displeasure with Jason was precisely because Jason delayed her time when he introduced his garden to her. It's easy to find out Asaka Shinmiya's experience as a violinist, and there doesn't seem to be any problem. The only question is, why did she appear on this island?
This question may be answered by another artist who lives here. The painter Schritt at the other end of the second floor is a person with a very chaotic schedule. He always wears a shirt stained with oil paint, his hair is disheveled, and he often yawns profusely when he appears. . Schriter claimed that he drifted to the island in a shipwreck, and then he was so intoxicated by the beautiful scenery here that he made sure to paint the scenery of the island before leaving. Rennix agreed to his request.
Lu Ning went through these obvious outsiders in her mind, and then said, "Jasmine?"
"Doctor Lu, what are your orders?" The maid next to her responded immediately.
"I'm just curious, what will Mr. Jason do with his garden in such stormy weather?"
"I'm not a gardener, so I can't answer your question from a professional perspective. I'm sorry. But I heard Mr. Jason mention that the more precious flowers in the garden are planted in areas with automatic sheds. If necessary he could raise the shed to protect the flowers there.”
"I see. So are storms like this common here? Have you encountered any during your time working here?"
"I have only been working on this island for about half a year. Storms are more common in the summer, but in this season, large sea breezes will increase, and storms are rare." Jasmine answered.
"Then it seems a bit unlucky, with this weather." Lu Ning finished the last bit of soup in the bowl, stood up and put on her coat.
"In this weather, are you still responsible for the work of the main library and each branch library?"
"Of course, that's a servant's duty."
"I remember that you only have six servants. You have to take care of so many houses and have to brave the storm. Is it difficult? I can say something to Rennix."
"Thank you Dr. Lu for your kindness. If we encounter difficulties, we will report it to Butler Escher. You don't have to worry about us."
Lu Ning nodded and asked casually: "But it's also strange that with so many houses to take care of, why did Rennix only find six servants? He must be able to afford more servants."
Jasmine smiled and did not answer.
Lu Ning left the restaurant, came to the door of a guest room on the first floor, and knocked on the door. After the door opened, Watanabe Fuchiko took a book and glanced at Lu Ning outside the door, and let her walk into the house.
"You are in a good mood." Lu Ning said.
"On an isolated island surrounded by storms, with lightning and thunder outside the window, and in a warm room filled with the smell of spices, reading is of course the most refreshing thing." Watanabe Fuchiko replied.
Lu Ning glanced at the computer placed by Watanabe Fuchiko on the desk: "Looks like there is a problem?"
"Yes, external network communications have been interrupted. Not only the Internet, but also communication methods such as telephones cannot communicate with the outside world, including satellite phones. I have tried them all." Watanabe Fuchiko shrugged, "In this case What else can I do under the circumstances?”
"What time?"
"Five o'clock in the afternoon, very punctual, as if it had been determined for a long time. Of course, I finally found some information before the Internet was disconnected."
Watanabe Yunzi entered the password, allowing Lu Ning to see a document on the computer screen.
"This is an account written by a well-known reporter at a family gathering here three years ago. It was published with Rennix's consent. This reporter has a good reputation, and I think this account is credible. The degree is very high.”
"Um."
"Let me tell you briefly. In this record, this reporter mentioned the names of many servants. There are nine in total, in addition to the bay leaf, jasmine, rosemary, and lavender currently on our island. In addition to the six names of angelica, angelica and iris, there are also musk, peppermint and ambergris. But we have never seen the last three, nor have we heard their names from the servants and stewards here. "
"Sure enough, there is also a problem with the servants. Nine... This is more normal. It sounds more reasonable to have one servant in the main library and eight branch libraries."
"That's just one thing... There is only one servant in each library. It is normal for the branch library to have fewer people. With so many people in the main library, wouldn't it be exhausting?" Watanabe Fuchiko put the book on the desk, "Anyway, this Another point that is inconsistent with common sense.”
Lu Ning glanced at the cover of Watanabe Fuchiko's book - "Death, Once More".
"There is still a possibility."
"oh?"
"If the servant has some special powers, then he should be able to take care of it."
=
At eight o'clock in the evening, Bayleaf walked to the third floor of the main building with a dinner. The guest rooms here are used to entertain special people invited by Rennix. Basically, each of these people has some quirks. In comparison, eating at a different time than others is just the most normal one.
"Mr. Makelov."
After knocking on the door, Bayleaf called out the tenant's name.
Soon, the door was opened, and a man with the front half of his hair shaved off, wearing a black robe, and heavy oil paint on his face stuck his head out and stared at Bayleaf's face for a few seconds. , and then his eyes fell on the food.
"The misty spirit..."
"Mr. Makailov, this is your dinner. It's the same as before. Do you have any special needs?" Bayleaf asked.
"You...you..." Makailov squirmed his lips twice, and suddenly grabbed Bayleaf's wrist. Fortunately, Bayleaf's hand was very steady, so he didn't knock over the tray in his hand.
"Sir, please be careful."
"The spirits have notified the breath of death, and the dark sky has enveloped this sea area. We...we will all become prey. The predators have been hidden deep in the jungle and are watching us. You, you have to inform Rennix ! You have to notify everyone! Ah, no, on your body——"
"Please rest assured, Mr. Makelov. I will find a way to inform Mr. Rennix of your words. Please have dinner first. Mr. Rennix will meet you at noon tomorrow."
Makailov let go of his hand in panic, watched Bayleaf put the dinner plate on the table by the door, and closed the door immediately after he left.
"well……"
Bayleaf stood at the entrance of the corridor and sighed slightly, reached into his pocket and took out a handkerchief, carefully wiped the place where Makarov had just grabbed it, and then looked down the stairs.
A maid was walking downstairs carrying a basket of sheets and bedding to be washed. As if she was aware of the gaze from upstairs, she raised her head slightly.
"Whose bedding?" Bayleaf asked.
"Miss Cynthia's, she brought it herself, and requested that all the bedding in the museum be changed."
"Thanks for your hard work."
"There's no need to say such outlandish words... Did you just deliver dinner to Mr. Makailov?"
"Yes, the two of us are on duty tonight." Bayleaf said.
The maid nodded.
Bayleaf walked downstairs and came to the maid's side, her voice lowered slightly.
"When you left, the last guest arrived."
"Last guest? After the weather outside turned out like that?"
"Yes. The name is Yu Guiting. It is said that he was the Feng Shui master who helped Mr. Rennix design the layout of various buildings on the Eight Eyes Island. No one went to pick him up, but he suddenly appeared at the door of the main building. "
"So this Feng Shui master really has some skills?"
"Don't underestimate anyone on the island, Rosemary. We all know that these people invited by Mr. Rennix are all real people. Don't be careless."
At this time, there were footsteps in the corridor downstairs, and the two immediately stopped talking. Rosemary continued to walk to the laundry room, while Bayleaf walked downstairs.
The first floor is where some of the professionals who currently serve the Howard family live. Bayleaf is very familiar with the servants' schedule, and it is not the servants who are walking in the corridor at this moment.
When he saw the person coming out clearly, the other person also saw him.
"Mr. Kuzumi Heizhen, do you have any instructions?" Laurel Leaf asked.
"Ah, nothing, I'll go to the kitchen to get some coffee."
"You can ring the bell to come to us." Bayleaf said.
"I know, but it's not good to bother you all the time. After all, there are only a few servants like you taking care of such a big house, so it must be too busy to get away from. If it's a small matter, you can do it yourself." Kuzumi Heizhen smiled. said.
"Then let me accompany you to the kitchen. There are many types of coffee beans in the kitchen, and I can help you choose."
"Okay, if it's not too much trouble."
The two walked into the kitchen together. Pan Shen had already rested, and his room was next to the kitchen. However, the two of them did not alert the chef, but went directly to the coffee bean storage area.
"Do you like it more bitter or more sour?" Bayleaf asked as she put on her gloves.
"I……"
Kuzumi Heizhen was about to answer when his eyes suddenly fell on the corner of the table where the coffee equipment was placed. There was a bag of coffee beans, and the category was written in cursive characters on the surface of the paper bag.
"This is what I want, but why..."
Kuzumi Heimai picked up the paper bag.
[To Mr. Heizumi Kuzumi, you often work late and need a lot of coffee, and this one happens to be your favorite. Musk, servant of the Howard family, is at your service. 】
(End of chapter)
