往生堂主庄园杀人事件 档案2
𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝟐
"Wakey-wakey, Yanfei. We're here." Light taps on my cheeks greeted me awake. I rubbed my eyes and checked my watch—a little past 6:30 AM. That should be enough to energize me for a few hours. I hope I can still rest a bit more amidst this cold weather.
All of us left the doctor's dark green car and started going on foot towards a snowy, uphill path covered by trees, treacherous to any form of vehicle. Interestingly, a raised stone sign with a familiar motif engraved on it; it's the exact same emblem of Liyue's Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and by extension, my Hu Tao's hat.
The doctor and the inspector seemed to be continuing their chat from earlier—something about medicines and business, again, but now with Aether's encounters as an inspector. Seeing that they're walking ahead of Hu Tao and me, this mustn't be their first time here.
Looking around the area and the naked trees, I felt a sort of eerie vibe. So, this must be Mobong Hill, huh. For some reason, walking along this path reminds me of Wuwang Hill.
"I just love the feeling of getting goosebumps when I walk along this path!"
"Only you'd comment something like that with a cheerful smile, Hu Tao… Well, maybe you and my Hu Tao."
"'My other Hu Tao', huh? I wonder, if you're a perfect copy of my other Yanfei, then maybe I should try jumpscaring—"
"You're really asking for a cease-and-desist, huh?"
"Pfft, another killjoy Yanfei."
"And another annoying little Hu Tao, too."
"Sheesh, just because you're a year older doesn't mean you can call me 'little'."
And so, continued both of our banter for the next 20 minutes. I gotta say, it's a semi-steep hillclimb. At least these thick groves of winter jasmines act as a sort of pathway fence against the thick-trunked trees at the sides. Wouldn't want to go suddenly missing here.
Looking up at the dim sky, it got me thinking. I'm not sure if it's because of the snowfall, the overall winter season, or the many naked trees here, but it's definitely this world's version of Wuwang Hill at winter. Hmm, I should stop being shocked at the many obvious parallelisms here.
"Achoo!" Urgh, I forgot that it gets colder in higher places. Good thing the manor's main gate's just a few meters away. Finally, some indoor warmth'll do me good.
"Aw, hang in there, grandma. We're already here." Hu Tao drew me to her by the waist.
"Q-quiet, you. I—huh?" Hang on, looking back up at the dim sky, something interesting caught my eye. I wonder what that strange line at the treetop connecting to the other trees is. Not just at the one at my left, but also at the one across it.
"What's up? Enjoying the eerie skies?"
"No, but what're those lines at the top of the trees, Hu Tao?" They don't seem to be festive banners, and I don't think I've seen them on earlier trees, either.
Hu Tao looked up as well. "Huh, I don't actually know, but they look like rope. I heard that there's gonna be a snowstorm later on. Maybe it's to fasten it to the next tree or something."
"Is that so?" But, why just here, and not at the trees we've passed by? Curious thought, but I guess I'll save it for later.
We continued walking to the main gate in front of us, a huge wooden door with the same emblem I saw earlier. Above it is a huge inscribed board, reading, in large Hanzi characters, 'Hu family'. Guarding the Hu Manor were the surrounding walls around it, with the main gate as one of its two entry and exit points. It gives off a nice, historic Eastern ambience. Reminds me of Liyue, too, making me grin a little.
"Hu Tao?" Dr. Bai called out. "There's someone here who's here to see you. I believe you've kept her waiting."
"A-jie. A-jie." Oh, I know that voice from somewhere. "You're finally here." A girl of short stature ran towards us.
"Qiqi!" Hu Tao knelt down and giddily hugged the one named Qiqi. "I've missed you so much. Hope you've been studying hard, and playing hard, too." Such a heartwarming scene in front of me, turning my grin into a smile.
I finally got to see Tehiatik's Qiqi in person, and unlike the one I know, she has Hu Tao's brown hair and her bright scarlet irises; she's Hu Tao's cousin, too. It even feels like she's booming with life much more than the one in Teyvat, despite bearing the same monotone voice. I let out a chuckle, knowing that Teyvat's Qiqi would run away from my Hu Tao upon eye-contact—a complete opposite to this world's. Should've written my Hu Tao a cease-and-desist for such foolish advances on the child, I thought with a chuckle.
"Yes, A-jie. Thanks for bringing Bai-shu and Feifei-jie, too. I'm happy." I couldn't help but blush at Qiqi's nickname for me. That got me thinking, should I start calling Hu Tao as 'Taotao', too?
"Hey, what about good ol' Big Bro Aether?" Aether suddenly spoke up. "Don't tell me you've forgotten about me!"
"Who?" Dr. Bai, Hu Tao, and I laughed out loud. "I'm joking. I remember you, Aether-ge. Dated A-jie for three months." Dr. Bai looked away, probably to contain more of his laughter. Aether cheekily smiled and scratched his head. Now, this is interesting… Even though I'm not the original scarlet prosecutor, I crossed my arms out of instinct and furrowed my brows. I jokingly humphed out loud. When I looked at Aether, he quickly turned his head away from me.
"Qi… Qiqi!" Hu Tao was sweating bullets when she turned to me. "Uh, ha-ha…"
"Right, a 'fleeting crush', if I recall correctly," I replied in a semi-annoyed tone. Hu Tao's face turned red in embarrassment.
"That's for not seeing me often, A-jie. Let's go inside. They're waiting for us." Qiqi turned to the doctor and the inspector. "Bai-shu. Aether-ge. You may go on ahead." The two excused themselves and entered the manor's main gate. Qiqi then handed Hu Tao a key. "A-jie. Please hold onto this like you used to. My room's spare key. I might forget about it, again." So, even this Qiqi's a forgetful one, but Hu Tao did tell me that she only forgets what she considers unimportant. Does that mean that this Qiqi sees the keys to her own room as so? How… risky.
"No prob, Qiqi." Hu Tao seemed to stare at the key for a good few seconds. Noticed something, I guess. "Wait a minute, this is the spare for grandpa's room."
"R-really? I-I'm sorry, A-jie. Meng-ge probably got confused when he gave it to me. I'll just go—"
"No biggie, Qiqi. I'll hold onto this for now. I'll just get the spare keys for your room from Meng later on."
Qiqi warmly smiled. "You're the best, A-jie. Let's go." She held her older cousin's hand and continued walking to the manor. What a delightful sight.
Looking at them from behind, I could only wish that my Hu Tao and Teyvat's Qiqi would one day fully reconcile. Not just with Qiqi, but with those others who've got a bone to pick with her.
Amazing. The interior of the Hu Manor is reminiscent of Liyue's Wangsheng Funeral parlor, with the emblem engraved on wooden signs on each of the rooms, along the the wooden aesthetic design and traditional furniture around us. There were some tables prepared for the ceremony in the main hall, too. We were ushered to the dining room by Men Karong and Liu Meng, the sole caretakers of the Hu Manor, where we were greeted by the prominent figures of the Hu Family, along with one particularly familiar person. As we ate our breakfast, the bigwigs in here started discussing the relevant matters in front of us.
"Hu Tao." Hu Fugui, the 75th and acting 76th Director, called. "At long last, the time for my long-awaited retirement has come. I know deep down that your late father, if he were here standing with us, would have continued on the torch of this family's long-lasting tradition. I have held that torch for far too long." A smile formed on his rather wrinkly face. "And, starting tomorrow, you shall bear the dear torch of the Hu family. I have my full faith in you, my dear."
"You got that right, grandpa." Hu Tao clasped her hand and drew it to her chest. "The Hu family'll be in good hands under my overall management. I am honored to receive that responsibility." Just like my Hu Tao. Her conviction truly is a sight to behold.
"Long have I worked for your grandfather, Hu Tao," Hu Junpeng, the secretary to and nephew of the current director, added. "I hope that you'll be able to steer the family business properly and with ease. Of course, knowing your eccentric enthusiasm towards the family business at a young age, a bright future should be waiting for the Hu family. And besides, it's all part of the contract." A contract, huh? This must be where I get into the mix, and presumably, including the judge in front of me.
"You know, Hu Tao, your father and mother would be extra proud to see you if they were, much more your father. I couldn't be any happier than I am right now," Hu Fanren, the son of the current director, said while smiling fiddling with his blue necklace. "What say you, Judge Zhong Li?"
The oddly young-looking judge tilted his head a bit downwards and smiled. "Time will tell, so I shall look forward to it." He then faced Hu Tao. "Having known your grandfather and your late father long before you were born, Hu Tao, I believe all will be well." It's hard to believe that this man turned 60 a few weeks ago. Just like Teyvat's Zhongli, I couldn't help but feel that there's more than meets with the eye with this Zhong Li—now with a space, not to mention an ex-police superintendent turned judge. I've yet to meet her in person, but surely enough, this world's Tianquan holds a reputable position as well. I wonder what, though.
After we'd finished with our rather light breakfast—the 75th mentioning that a delectable lunch and a grand dinner await us, we set our things in the rooms we're to stay in for the night. I'm staying with Hu Tao, luckily. Bai Zhu, Aether, and Zhong Li stayed together. I'm glad we're granted free access around the manor's amenities and corridors, unlike the upcoming attendees later on who are to remain in the main hall at all times. It must be because we're staying here overnight. That means I can marvel some more at the manor's interior design.
Now, we had all the morning to be left with our devices. Hu Tao went to talk with her grandfather and uncle, Hu Fanren, and Qiqi tagging along. Bai Zhu and Zhong Li went on discussing something related to the doctor's pharmaceutical business. Aether's taking a stroll within the manor's outdoor walls, probably trying to get some signal to call someone, maybe his wife or sisters. The two caretakers retreated to their workstations. Hu Junpeng, reading something in the main hall, seemed to be the one I could converse with to pass the time. Gradually, the attendees started coming in.
The moment Hu Junpeng mentioned something about a contract, that piqued my interest. I walked towards him and started discussing that.
"The contract commissioned by my uncle, you say?" the secretary to the 75th and 76th asked.
"Yes. Hu Tao personally asked me to assist with any legal conundrums that should come up," I replied. "I want to ask more details about it."
"Those legal issues should be no problem with Judge Zhong with us, but," he sighed, sounding a little irked, "if that is what the upcoming 77th wants, then I don't see why not. If I may, do you practice law?"
"Yes. I am a prosecutor, to be exact. However, I also assist or partake in legal matters outside my prosecuting duties."
"A prosecutor?" He paused to observe me a bit. "Are you by chance Legue's Scarlet Prosecutor?"
"Yes, I am." Even the name reaches outside Legue City, but I should've known that by now.
"Well, your reputation precedes you. It's an honor finally meeting you, Ms. Yu." We both shook our hands, and I handed him one of my business cards. "Regarding that contract, it was first written up in response to the death of Hu Song, which happened shortly after he claimed his title as the 76th. He's Hu Tao's father, the original 76th Director. While he went to have a shower one day, Karong found him unconscious. When we arrived in the hospital, we were too late. An accident, it was collectively ruled out as." The secretary looked pensive before discreetly shaking his head. "In fact, why don't I send you the soft copy of the contract? I believe you'll understand better by reading than hearing me explain it." He chuckled while taking his phone out and sent it to mine. I began skimming and scanning through it.
Some of the important notes here are as follows:
Hu Fugui acts as the 76th Director in response to the Hu Song's death;
Hu Tao inherits the 77th Director title upon Hu Fugui's abdication or death; and,
Should Hu Tao be unable to act as the 77th Director due to reasons being but not limited to: death, permanent disability, or incarceration, then the title of the 77th goes to the next able kin, and so on if the next is not able.
Interestingly, this contract is notarized by one 'Yun Liujie', a public notary from Legue City. I don't know why, but I felt a strange bout of déjà vu upon reading the name. Hu Junpeng mentioned that Atty. Yun is a seasoned attorney who has once encountered His Honor, and therefore having her as the notary of this contract.
"By the way, I want to ask some more about Judge Zhong, and how long the Hu family has known His Honor," I asked, trying my best not to ask why His Honor still seems so unnaturally young and fresh.
"Since you and young Hu Tao are close, you might as well know. Judge Zhong has been somewhat of a modest celebrity in Legue City, earning a name for himself when he still started out as a police officer. That was his first encounter with the law. Soon, he worked his way up and became a superintendent, making connections along the way. Then, he just decided to become a judge all of a sudden. We've known him since he was a police officer, yes. The Zhong family and the Hu family have had history, you could say." Hu Junpeng explained, giving an introduction of His Honor similar to Hu Tao's, but a bit more detailed.
The secretary's face turned a little glum with a sigh. "Although, just between you and me, he has some issues with the upcoming 77th, but I'm sure he knows deep down that she is due for the title. I have some issues with that child too, but I've known her enough to say likewise. Besides, working for the 75th for decades, he sees the potential in her as I do. Sometimes, I wish that he'd originally convinced the 75th to make me… I-I mean, ahem." Hmm, do I sense a bit of greed in that last statement? "I believe this is where our conversation ends. It's about time I attended to the ever-growing number of attendees, considering the weather's growing harsher by the second. If you'll excuse me, Ms. Attorney." The secretary promptly stood up.
When Hu Tao said that this family was all too familiar with greed permeating throughout the house, I felt that there must be something going on here. Even back in Liyue, I was no stranger to complex family feuds. Tsk, domestic issues are often the hardest to untangle, but nonetheless, they still find themselves resolved, sometimes not even requiring my presence. This being a family business, however, is another story.
Hu Tao… I'll be sure to protect you.
"OOGA-BOOGA!"
T-that cheeky little prankster! I found myself getting drowsy once more after that talk with the secretary, but of all the people to wake me up, and in this manner, too!
"H-Hu Tao!" I deeply regret ending up as her roommate. I'll appeal to the honcho of the manor one more time she does that. Hmph, she's even sitting on my stomach, laughing and looking all smug.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead. It's lunchtime."
"O-one more from you, and you'll be behind bars for assault!"
"Ooh~ I'm scared~ C'mon, let's go. Don't want the food to go cold. I requested Karong to make you some tofu chop suey. I even helped her make it, hee-hee."
I sighed. "Oh fine, you win. Just get your thighs off my stomach and let's get going." With that, and a little playful banter along the way, we went to have lunch. Along the way I saw some attendees having their lunch in the main hall, with Karong, the secretary, and Dr. Bai attending to them before returning to the dining hall.
It was sumptuous, I have to say. The tofu they prepared was delectable, not to mention the family's special seafood dishes. Ah~, it's heaven with the right amount of tofu and seasoning. All the people present on the table had a fun time talking, although Hu Fanren, Hu Junpeng, and Judge Zhong were a bit more reserved. In fact, I can't help but notice Hu Fanren fiddling with his blue necklace every now.
"Ah, it's a habit of mine, Yanfei. You see, this necklace was given to me by my… wife." He frowned a little bit. "It's a memento of her, but don't you worry about it." Qiqi's father clarified, smiling again. If I recall what Hu Tao said, Qiqi's mother passed away in a similar fashion to how Hu Tao's mother went; both victims of delivery-related complications. Seeing him smile, however, made me confident that he has found his peace.
"Oh right." Aether brought out a wine bottle. "A little gift for the Hu family from mine, some wine to celebrate. How's it pronounced again… ah, guihuajiu." All too suddenly, I looked over at His Honor.
"Guihuajiu, otherwise known as osmanthus wine." His Honor mumbled. "I do fancy its never-changing flavor, but it just tastes ever-so better with nostalgic faces." He quickly caught me staring at him. "Anything, Ms. Yu?"
I tried my hardest to respond with a straight face. "Uh, n-nothing, Your Honor." The judge happily excused it with a chuckle. Heh, I wonder who and where these 'nostalgic faces' are, and if it includes one Atty. Yun Liujie.
"Pfft, old man," Hu Tao quietly whispered to me. I discreetly kicked her leg. "Ai-yo…!"
"Let's save that for the ceremony, my boy," the 75th said. "In the meantime, it's about time for dessert and drinks, yes? Meng, if you may?"
"As you wish, Lord 75th." Soon, Meng came back with some custom-made glasses. Two of such were eyecatching. The bigger one was handed to the 75th, while the smaller one was reserved for Qiqi. Unlike the empty ones the 75th and the rest received, Qiqi's was already filled with a drink.
"Yay. Coconut milk from the Yang farm." 'Yang farm'… It's not a coincidence that I immediately thought of Ganyu and her counterpart for this world, is it? "My favorite. Thank you, Meng-ge." Meng smiled at Qiqi as a reply. He then poured each of our cups with red wine. Soon, he came back with some light pastries for us. Qiqi excused herself after finishing her dessert and milk. "I need to study. I'll ask Bai-shu for help later." She turned to the doctor beside her. "Um, is that alright, Bai-shu?"
"Of course, dear Qiqi. Leave the tough scientific questions to me," Dr. Bai replied, with Qiqi's father looking pleased.
Qiqi grinned back at the doctor. "Excuse me, everyone." With that, Qiqi left for her room.
While we were continuing with our chat, I noticed Hu Fugui growing less talkative with the moments passing, even rubbing his eyebrows. A headache, perhaps. Well, he is of that age already, despite his rather bulky build. "I'm terribly sorry for not staying longer, but don't be alarmed. I need to excuse myself to rest for the ceremony. Fanren, please escort me to my room." Excusing themselves, the two left for the 75th's room.
"Oh, please excuse me as well," Hu Junpeng said as he stood up. "I have to attend to the guests." He soon left the table.
"Don't you have something to do, Hu Tao?" I asked her.
"Grandpa just said that I can do whatever I want, but I have to talk with him over something a few hours before the ceremony begins," she replied.
A couple of minutes passed, and Hu Fanren returned to the table—the secretary must still be attending to the guests. He, along with Karong and Meng, removed the plates and utensils on the table and told us to relax in the main hall.
"Ah, everyone. Please stay indoors at all times. The snowstorm is expected to be at its peak strength from 2:30 PM to 4 PM and then weaken by nightfall, according to the news," Karong told us. I checked my watch, it's about to be two. I wonder, with such bad weather, why couldn't they have moved it tomorrow? The Lunar New Year's still three days from now, so tomorrow would have been an optimal date.
We moved to the main hall, Hu Fanren tagging along with us. The caretakers retreated to their workstations. We passed the time by talking with the attendees; they're from Mobong County, I found out. Hu Tao did tell me that the ceremony only needed a few acquaintances and some residents from Mobong County.
One look outside made me really concerned due to the winds getting stronger. Strangely, neither Hu Junpeng nor Qiqi was anywhere to be seen. Maybe Qiqi's still studying, but I still have some questions for the secretary. Didn't he say he was going to attend to the other guests? Well, the questions can wait until he's here.
Thunder suddenly started booming. "Ai-ya, rare for thundersnow to happen. I wonder if grandpa's awake by now? He usually naps an hour at most." Hu Tao asked.
"Oh, right. I almost forgot, Hu Tao?" Hu Fanren called her. "I think Father should be awake by now. He also told me had some important matters to discuss with you. Must be about the ceremony or something else. Ah, he must've locked his room—"
"Not to worry. I have his spare key right here." Wait, she didn't return it to her grandfather? I rubbed my forehead. "What's that look for, Yanfei? I just remembered that I had it with me. Simple mistake, hee-hee. Anyways, I'm off." She giddily left the main hall.
"How… childish," His Honor commented. Hu Fanren laughed at that. Tsk, I wanted to rebut them, but I had to save face. I silently grumbled at that.
Now, the winds are howling, and some more thunder could be heard. Hu Junpeng shortly arrived in the main hall, and try as I might to ask some more info from him, he refused to entertain me. I moved to Hu Fanren, but he suddenly said, "I'm sorry, but I have to see if Qiqi, Hu Tao, and Father are alright." With that, he left the main hall.
"Man, I wonder how she's doing in this weather," Aether mused while looking out the main gate. "Hoo, the storm sure is getting stronger."
"You mean, Ayaka?" I asked. "She's a strong woman. I'm sure she'll be fine."
He hummed in agreement. "I just can't help but worry, y'know? I should've brought her along with me, but she decided to remain since she wanted to get some work done."
"I've been meaning to ask Aether, what does your wife do, by the way?"
"She's—"
Snap.
"Woah, did you hear that, Yanfei? That sounded pretty loud." Indeed, it did sound like wood—"H-holy shit, the trees! Look!" Aether yelled and pointed outside.
A tremor rocked the entire place when the trees just suddenly fell and utterly destroyed the main gate. A commotion was also brewing in the main hall. Aether and I got out of our seats and tried heading towards the destroyed main gate, but what happened next was utterly horrifying.
Lightning struck the trees with a bright flash and ear-piercing crackle.
All too quickly, the main gate was now engulfed in flames. "The main gate! The main gate!" Hu Junpeng repeatedly screamed at the raging inferno. The hysteria in the crowd was now more apparent.
"Order! I will have order!" His Honor's voice roared, somehow pacifying the people. "Everyone, calm down and find something to put it out. Water, snow, anything, quick!"
Some scrambled to find containers in the main hall and filled them with water; some used them to gather snow. Tsk, this raging snowstorm might as well keep the flames at bay. When I dashed out to put the flames out with a pail of water with Karong, Hu Fanren appeared from the right and ran to extinguish the raging flames with his own wintercoat. We ran to stop him.
"S-stop it! That's not gonna… oh no!" Too late, it's now on fire. "L-leave it, you're gonna get burned!"
"Argh, bullshit!" He quickly turned to me. "Y-Yanfei! W-what happened?!"
"The trees suddenly fell, and lightning struck it!" Karong and I splashed water into it along with the others around me. As I turned back to refill, I suddenly saw a crying Qiqi in the main hall.
"Qiqi!" Hu Fanren and I yelled as we ran to her. Aether, Dr. Bai, His Honor, and Hu Junpeng followed us.
"Qiqi, are you hurt? Don't worry, Father's here," Hu Fanren hugged and comforted her.
"Ba… A-jie… W-where is she? Where's A-jie?"
N-no, Hu Tao! "S-she's alright, Qiqi, but she still hasn't come out with her grandfather yet," Hu Fanren replied. I quickly suggested to Hu Fanren to find her. "Bai Zhu, stay here and guard Qiqi while we find Hu Tao," Hu Fanren instructed the doctor. The latter immediately agreed and switched places with Qiqi's father. "Junpeng, you and Karong, watch the flame and the crowd, got it? Try calling the fire department, too." The two agreed, one going to the telephone and the other running into the crowd teaming up to extinguish the flames.
We quickly followed Hu Fanren to the bedroom of the 75th Director. Once the pair of doors leading to the room was in sight, I quickly ran past Hu Fanren and attempted to open the doorknob, knocking on the door to get the occupants' attention. "No, it's locked! Hu Tao? Hu Tao, we're here!" No response. Dammit, Hu Tao! What's going on in the room?!
"L-let me try!" Hu Fanren quickly swapped places with me and violently twisted the doorknob and rammed through the door. "No good, it's locked shut. The spare key's with Hu Tao, too!"
An idea quickly surfaced. "Let's break the door down. Please, they're not responding at all!" I suggested this to Hu Fanren. All too quickly, he agreed. With his permission, the four of us rammed through the doors altogether, breaking it down. I wasn't ready to see what was in store for the four of us.
The 75th Director. Slumped on the bed.
Hu Tao. Lying on the floor, holding what seems to be garrote wire in her hands.
The room. Utter disarray, signs of struggle everywhere.
"N-no… Hu Tao…!" The scene burned into my eyes.
"FATHER!" Hu Fanren screamed.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀:
𝗛𝘂, 𝗧𝗮𝗼 (𝟮𝟳, 𝗙)
Upcoming 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Bears the exact same characteristics as my Hu Tao, fortunately.
𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗱, 𝗔𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 (𝟯𝟮, 𝗠)
Legue City Police Department homicide police inspector.
𝗕𝗮𝗶, 𝗭𝗵𝘂 (𝟰𝟮, 𝗠)
Pharmacist and businessman in Legue City.
𝗛𝘂, 𝗤𝗶𝗾𝗶 (𝟭𝟬, 𝗙)
Hu Tao's cousin.
𝗠𝗲𝗻, 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 (𝟯𝟮, 𝗙)
One of the caretakers for the Hu Manor.
𝗟𝗶𝘂, 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗴 (𝟰𝟰, 𝗠)
One of the caretakers for the Hu Manor.
𝗛𝘂, 𝗙𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗶 (𝟳𝟱, 𝗠)
Hu Tao's grandfather. The 75th Director, and subsequently the 76th after Hu Tao's father's death.
𝗛𝘂, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗴 (𝟲𝟮, 𝗠)
Hu Tao's and Qiqi's uncle. In charge of the ceremony rites for inducting the new parlor director. Also the secretary to the 75th and 76th.
𝗛𝘂, 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗻 (𝟱𝟰, 𝗠)
Hu Tao's uncle and Qiqi's father.
𝗭𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗟𝗶 (𝟲𝟬, 𝗠)
Legue City judge. Former superintendent in the Legue City Police Department.
𝗛𝘂, 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴 (𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗠)
Hu Tao's father. The 76th Director, but died in an accident a few days after claiming the title.