3. The investigation begins

"Just now, when you floated up, a dark shadow passed right above your heads. The leader said he didn't see it. Did you see it?" Huo Xing spoke to Jiang Tiantian, but his eyes were on Su Shi. Jiang Tiantian pondered, "A shadow?" His attention was entirely on Su Shi, who was submerged at the bottom of the water, and he did not see any shadow. "I didn't see it."

"Hello... Are you really considering jumping into the Asking Fairy Lake to commit suicide because the person living next to it has disappeared?" The voice of Huo Xing grew fainter.

Either he is like a cowherd

"Forget it, forget it. Anyway, the person is not dead. What is the kid's name?" Xue Chunchai waved his hand, intending to dismiss Jiang Tiantian's question. "If you like to stick transparent tape, then go ahead and stick it. Who cares about you? What is your name?"

In front of him, Jiang Tianran's soft Nike sneakers stepped onto the damp grass, leaving no footprints. He took an umbrella out of his bag, opened it above his head, and walked step by step towards the direction of Xianhu as indicated on the map

"Hello? You wouldn't be... jumping into Xianhu Lake to commit suicide, would you?" Huo Xing said in a low voice

With a soft "pfft," Xue Chunchai choked a bit and burst into laughter. Jiang Tiancai's eyebrows arched slightly, "Something happened in the water?"

No, no," Jiang Tiantian pondered for a moment, "it is not a small dog covered in fur; it is a young boy with a head and four limbs, whose skin has no pores, with a complete set of teeth, red lips, and very slender fingers." He thought for a while, "He looks as if he is asleep."

What about me?" Huo Xing pointed at her own nose in astonishment, as if having her meant having an army of thousands. How come she didn't feel that she was so powerful?

Jiang Tianran examined the "corpse" with his gloved hand, saying, "This is ... ..." He tore off a long piece of transparent tape from the boy's face, and as he pulled away the tape, the "corpse" took a long breath and immediately opened its eyes

Ah, ah, ah... I don't want that! I want an indestructible gorilla, I want a little brother who, like 007, can endure any hardship without dying, who doesn't need to eat or sleep, and can serve me around the clock. ... The big man, still twisted in his seat, refuses to get up, "I want to fire her! I want to change her!"

"Go away!" The handsome young man tightly clenched his right hand into a fist, almost to the point of drawing blood, "Go away..."

"That large shadow is right above your heads..." Huo Xing was at a loss for words, "What should we do to wake him up if he has fainted? Is it serious? Should we see a doctor?"

Xue Chunchai's lips curled slightly under his fingers, making it evident that he was smiling. He then tilted his head back, his long black hair swaying gently, "Where did you get this little cockroach from?"

"Very well, the lad with the surname Su, get up." Xue Chunchai threw a bottle of cold tea at him from her bag, "How did a person end up in this godforsaken place?"

"Like a jellyfish, but very large." Su Shi bit her lip again, "Li Jia and the others... they may have already been... eaten by that monster."

Indeed, the girlfriend has gone missing, but there is no need to come all the way here to jump into the Asking Immortal Lake! Huo Xing stared at him intently; she usually had no particular hobbies, just a fondness for beautiful people. Whether watching television, animation, comics, or movies, she neither focused on the content nor the plot, but rather chose based on whether the male and female leads were good-looking and if they were to her taste. Clearly, this Su Shi before her met her standards in every aspect from head to toe. While indulging in the beauty before her, her mind was also at work. Suddenly, a thought struck her, "Did you see something in the water, so you jumped in to see what it was? You used transparent tape to avoid holding your breath poorly and not diving deep enough, right?"

I?" Huo Xing was left speechless, "I I... I..."

Huo Xing leaned in to take a closer look at his cheek. Jiang Tianran's skin was exceptionally fair, not only white but also smooth and delicate, so soft that it truly had no pores at all, reaching the level where one could endorse cosmetic advertisements without any makeup. After staring for a while, she finally realized, "Are you saying that his skin is very good? His teeth are well-aligned, and his complexion is also very pleasing?"

"Huh?" Huo Xing was perplexed, "What happened?"

Either he resembles a model, or he is an internationally renowned model who walks the runway with exceptional skill

"On this grass, I suggest using a hiking pole," said Xue Chunchai leisurely from behind. "Is there anyone who wants one?"

A sudden jolt in her heart, Huo Xing opened her mouth, and the lake water rushed in, nearly choking her lungs. ... I have been navigating the internet for many years, having watched countless Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Thai animations, yet none of them feature such a ... . ... a beautifully drawn boy.

Although she had never seen a dead person, this one underwater really did not look like a corpse. Huo Xing hastily tied the person with a rope and quickly brought them to the surface. With a splash, it was evident that Jiang Tiantian had already changed into a new outfit and put on rubber gloves, jumping into the water to help pull the "dead person" out of the water.

Huo Xing looked in the direction that Jiang Tianran was focused on, where there were layers upon layers of hills, countless in number within a three-kilometer radius. "If Department X can transform a standard 400-meter runway into that, can't they summon a helicopter to take us to Wenshan Lake?"

"Water monster." Su Shi still spoke very simply, revealing not a word more about the other circumstances

Jiang Tianran's eyelashes curved slightly as she clapped her hands and said, "Xiaoxing is so amazing!"

"Do people who commit suicide need to stick transparent tape on their own faces and noses? Isn't that too strange?" Jiang Tianran's voice, which was originally very gentle, now sounds particularly quiet and submissive, "Was it someone who threw you into the water, or did you jump in yourself?"

Your minister may indeed have some issues. Who would allow such a slacker to be the head of the department? Who would take 'going home' as a meeting bell? It is no wonder that even with a helicopter, one would still be stood up, given the agreement to build such a runway. Huo Xing was trudging through the overgrown grass.

Under the water ... ... there was a person. Jiang Tianran brushed his wet hair back, "But when I pulled him a bit, it felt a little ... ... " He coughed lightly, "It felt a bit like catching a fluffy puppy, I don't even remember how I got up."

"Speaking of which... are we not supposed to contact the local police before investigating the water monster?" Huo Xing glanced around at the desolate scenery. Although the weather was not cold, she suddenly felt a chill. "Just the three of us, going to investigate the water monster?"

"So scary ~ ~ ~ ~ " Xue Chunchai still covered his face, looking terrified. Jiang Tiancai smiled and pulled him up, saying, "Stop messing around, let's go."

She remains in a petrified state

"Let's just go around in circles, it doesn't matter." Xue Chunchai said while draping his robe over his shoulder, "Naturally, where is the Xian Lake?"

Daylight has arrived

As the thunder of the old lady had yet to erupt, the person lying on the ground let out a faint groan, coughed once, spat out a mouthful of water, and slowly opened their eyes

At that moment, perhaps having been rescued from the brink of death by suffocation, or perhaps the excitement of jumping down had gradually subsided, Su Shi suddenly said, "There is a black monster in the water"

Gazing at the clear Wenchian Lake, after the solitary fear gradually dissipated, she suddenly felt that knowing two men who would dive for work might not be such a bad thing after all

"Because you were specifically hired to do this." Xue Chunchai became increasingly relaxed, almost lighting a cigarette, "Being diligent and uncomplaining is your job."

"It is very likely," Jiang Tianran said, "but I seem to be allergic to that person. He cannot hold his breath for long underwater. Xiaoxing, you need to go into the water with Chuancha to rescue him."

Is he allergic to tap water?" Huo Xing exclaimed in astonishment. In this world, there are people allergic to so many things; how can one possibly live?

"Did you not see that shadow just now?" Huo Xing was at a loss for words, pointing at the water's surface, "Could it be that he was frightened unconscious by the shadow in the water?"

Jiang Tianran maintained a smile, "I think Xiaoxing is great, I assure you that no matter how you pinch, you won't be able to kill it."

Only three people got off at Puyuan County station. Huo Xing looked around, and it was truly an incredibly desolate place. As he gazed around, he saw mountains everywhere, with trees very dense. The ground of the train station was littered with quite a bit of garbage, but it appeared to be quite old. Several unidentified birds flew overhead, large in size, resembling pigeons, and they were able to fly in flocks without being captured for sale. This place is indeed so well-preserved environmentally that it could be considered too desolate and remote, suitable for filming a horror movie.

Jump down?" Huo Xing's body went rigid as he raised his hand, "I have only... swum... a thousand meters in... the swimming pool, and it is spring now, the water... is very cold.

I... I really want to strangle these two men! What do you mean "Xing is so amazing!" Is he teasing a puppy? Do I look like a puppy? Xue Chunchai, as the head of the night shift, not only is lazy and indulgent but also can't even dive. I really don't know how he managed to do his previous job. In short, both of them can just go die! Huo Xing didn't even change his clothes and jumped straight into the water. Xue Chunchai, as the head of the night shift, not only is lazy and indulgent but also can't even dive. I really don't know how he managed to do his previous job. In short, both of them can just go die! Huo Xing didn't even change his clothes and jumped straight into the water.

However, his swimming skills in pure tea are quite poor, and he is even less adept at diving. If he grabs you halfway through swimming, you must bring him along. Jiang Tianran said very seriously, "This is quite concerning."

"Seven aircraft is a lot, but no one can operate them," Jiang Tianran said. "The work in Department X is arduous and dangerous, and there are few people with flying licenses. Originally, there was a dedicated air force flight team to operate the aircraft, but last time the minister had a falling out with the military..." He shrugged and raised his hands, "So the helicopters are just sitting in the hangar."

"Why should I save you?" Huo Xing suddenly jumped up.

Hello, I am Jiang Tianran. What happened? Who put tape on your face? Jiang Tianran wiped the water off the face of the unfamiliar boy with a towel he had just used. How do you feel physically?

Upon seeing the Fairy Lake, Huo Xing was truly taken aback

Xue Chunchai was suddenly grabbed by her, looking at the little woman who had erupted in anger with a face full of terror, "Jesus Christ?"

The handsome young man lifted his head and saw a long-haired man leaning against a rock with a pair of long legs, sipping iced tea. He seemed to find the man before him quite special as well. After a moment of silence, he said softly, "Su Shi."

I don't know. "Xue Chunchai casually pointed ahead, "Just walk forward.

He is like two different people

Su Shi suddenly raised her head and glared at her fiercely, her gaze sharp as a knife. Huo Xing just wanted to laugh; a person who looked as beautiful as a SD doll, yet so short and fierce, made it seem as if she could knock him down with a single punch. But how could she bring herself to throw a punch at someone who appeared so stubborn and strong-willed? She cleared her throat, brushed her damp hair aside, and suddenly adopted a ladylike demeanor, speaking softly, "Um... I also saw something strange in the water, like a flat black shadow, drifting very quickly." She cleared her throat, brushed her damp hair aside, and suddenly adopted a ladylike demeanor, speaking softly, "Um... I also saw something strange in the water, like a flat black shadow, drifting very quickly."

It might be an allergy to the lake water. Xue Chunchai appeared very relaxed, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "This guy often reacts like this, allergic to light, allergic to leaves, allergic to chili peppers, allergic to flowers, allergic to birds, allergic to peanuts, allergic to oranges, allergic to dogs, allergic to cats, allergic to paint..." He became interested in counting and went through his ten fingers several times, "I remember there are more than thirty kinds of allergens, perhaps he is also allergic to lake water, but he just doesn't know it himself."

"Yes, yes, yes, yes..." Xue Chunchai held his head, cautiously watching Huo Xing walk past him with a stylishly carried bag, striding off the train. Only then did he lower his hands, widening his innocent eyes to look at Jiang Tianran, who maintained a pure and pristine smile, picking up his luggage, "Let's go"

It seems that Xue Chunchai and Jiang Tiantian are indeed quite accustomed to such matters, whether it is exploring something in unfamiliar places or facing unexpected incidents alone. After silently mourning for herself three times, Huo Xing finally let out a deep breath, feeling that Jiang Tiantian and Xue Chunchai truly possess courage, and they are not as evil and lazy as she had originally imagined.

Su Shi looked at him for a moment, shook his head, "Li Jia..." He bit his lip tightly, and a kind of almost resentful pain was revealed in his beautiful eyes, "Li Jia... she... is missing"

Beneath the gloomy sky, pale sunlight illuminates a charming oval face, with long black hair billowing in the wind, exuding a rather self-assured aura. The nose is straight, the lips are faintly colored, and the beautiful, dark eyes radiate not only a sense of self-importance but also an air of laziness and nonchalance.

Trekking poles? What a great item! Huo Xing turned her head, and Xue Chunchai pulled out several long, slender sticks from her lengthy luggage bag, which indeed were trekking poles specifically for mountain climbing. Overjoyed, she did not ask Xue Chunchai how she came to have such items for a long journey. At that moment, she and Jiang Tiangan each held two trekking poles, hopping forward through the chaotic rocks and patches of weeds. Before long, they had crossed several hills and arrived at the legendary Wenchuan Lake, known for its water monsters.

Overall, she is very beautiful, with a tall figure and alluring bone structure. Apart from her laziness and carelessness, there is an indescribable quality about her... a temperament reminiscent of an artist

"Jiang Tianran?" Huo Xing immediately forgot just how detestable Xue Chunchai was, as he grasped Jiang Tianran's wrist and asked, "How do you feel? Are you feeling any better?"

Xue Chunchai lazily unbuttoned his white shirt, while Jiang Tiangan had already taken off his casual jacket. "Since you dare not jump, you can only watch the bag." With that, two faint sounds of water splashed as Xue Chunchai, who had removed his upper garment, and Jiang Tiangan, who had only taken off his jacket, entered the Wenchuan Lake together. They held waterproof flashlights in their hands and carried video equipment and simple oxygen tanks on their backs, skillfully entering the water.

Let us go. Jiang Tiantian walked ahead with her own belongings, saying, "Originally, it was just me and Chunchai who were few in number, but now there is also you."

What kind of monster

The handsome young man tightly pressed his lips together, exuding a steely determination

This fellow is a doctor himself. Xue Chunchai took a can of herbal tea from the travel package, leisurely opened the pull-tab of the can, "He has a medical license, so there's no need to pay him any mind; he will wake up on his own in a little while"

"Ah, Xiao Qiang is sturdy and durable, but I still prefer gentle and demure ladies more." Xue Chunchai lifted her belongings, tucked her left hand into the pocket of her jeans, tilted her head slightly, and said, "Let's go"

There are many aircraft, may I borrow one for a while

"Jiang Tianran, it hasn't rained, so why are you carrying an umbrella?" Huo Xing skipped and jumped towards him, preferring to walk with the hybrid of a sadist and a little white rabbit, Jiang Tianran, rather than with Xue Chunchai.

Isn't it quite good? Jiang Tianran smiled, "She is very energetic"

Three kilometers is not far, but

Huo Xing sat beside, holding three pieces of luggage, asking about the clarity of the water in Wenxian Lake, which was indeed clear, but soon the figures of the two could no longer be seen. Surrounding them were desolate mountains, and the water of Wenxian Lake was not much better than ice water. Before she could worry about Xue Chunchai and Jiang Tianran, she wanted to cry for herself first. The so-called "007" turned out to be just a bag watcher? Although she was afraid of ghosts and death, and although she had never swum in Wenxian Lake, and despite the coldness of the water now, she would rather jump into the water than be left alone on the shore. She wanted to cry for herself first before worrying about Xue Chunchai and Jiang Tianran. The so-called "007" turned out to be just a bag watcher? Although she was afraid of ghosts and death, and although she had never swum in Wenxian Lake, and despite the coldness of the water now, she would rather jump into the water than be left alone on the shore.

The demon that has infiltrated the human world no longer needs to carry a fifty-kilogram lead block to run a thousand meters. Jiang Tianran sighed, raised the back of his hand to wipe away the almost nonexistent sweat, and said, "The straight-line distance from here to Wengxian Lake is probably about three kilometers"

How to check? Jump down, swim slowly, and check slowly. Xue Chunchai chuckled.

I want to stay here" Su Shi bit his lips until they nearly bled, "I want to find Li Jia"

"It's like this..." Jiang Tianran pointed at his own face, "like this."

Is there a principle in the world that doctors do not need to treat illnesses?" Huo Xing touched Jiang Tianran's face, "According to your logic, when you encounter danger, no one should go to save you, since you are the police anyway.

But as the clear waves surged, a huge shadow swept across the water's surface, startling Huo Xing, who instinctively picked up a stone and threw it. The shadow vanished in an instant, and with a splash, two people surfaced from the water.

"Only with an umbrella will it be white," Jiang Tianran said softly, not turning back. His black hair appeared very soft under the umbrella, with a slightly damp feeling, much like the grass beneath his feet

"Not allergic," Xue Chunchai helped Jiang Tiantian wring out the wet clothes. "Many people are allergic to seafood, but he is not. However, perhaps there is something different about the water in this Wuxian Lake compared to tap water, which is why this guy suddenly fainted while swimming."

I... I will..." Huo Xing gritted her teeth, "Forget it, I will jump into the water myself to save them. You two wait on the shore!"

"I didn't see it either," Xue Chunchai said innocently, raising his hands. Huo Xing shot him a glare, "No one is asking you! Idiot!"

"Is it not said that a woman cannot be the best in the world? Let me see what kind of strength the best woman in the world possesses," someone beside her said leisurely. Huo Xing looked up, and for the first time in broad daylight, she saw the face of that perverse superior who ignored her and treated her as a man.

Wow! Xue Chunchai sat down to the side with his legs crossed, "Beauty! Ever since that brat Zhi Yu died, I haven't seen such a beauty again. How could she be submerged underwater? Naturally, does she still have breath left?"

Jiang Tianran answered seriously, "There are seven helicopters equipped in Department X"

"Hmm, the water monster." Xue Chunchai pressed down with a finger, and with a snap, broke a piece of chocolate. "Are you very interested in the water monster?"

Xue Chunchai whistled and said, "It is getting dark, and eating is the most important thing. Let's settle down first. Su, are you going to the hospital for a check-up, or are you going to stay with us?"

With a "bang," the first thing the unfamiliar boy did upon sitting up was not to answer the question, but to directly push Jiang Tianran away. The force of the push was so strong that Jiang Tianran fell to the ground, looking at the strange boy in astonishment. Xue Chunchai watched him with great interest, and Huo Xing also gaped in surprise as he saw the boy slightly close his eyes and brush back his dripping hair, saying, "Go away!"

This ... ... makes some sense. Let me make it clear in advance, if we are in danger, no one else should come to our rescue except you, to avoid any trouble. Xue Chunchai took a couple of sips of the cool tea and surprisingly pulled out a piece of chocolate from his pocket. The packaging of the chocolate was exquisite, and even after being submerged in Wenshan Lake, it did not leak.

His eyebrows are very slender, and even with his eyes closed, they seem to appear very dark. His delicate lip color is charming and soft, and his skin is not excessively white like Jiang Tianran's, nor does it have the ivory-like texture of Xue Chuntao's; rather, it is an extremely soft and moist pink.

Enough! The rigid brain of Huo Xing finally began to function. With a wave of her hand, she struck both of them on the head with a punch. "What the hell!" She lifted Xue Chunchai up and exclaimed, "A big man sulking in a chair early in the morning, you’re not embarrassed, but I find it disgraceful! What’s wrong with women? Can’t women do a good job? Can’t women be like 007? Can’t women be the best in the world? If you don’t know Jesus, that’s one thing, but don’t you even know Empress Wu Zetian or Empress Dowager Cixi?" What’s wrong with women? Can’t women do a good job? Can’t women be like 007? Can’t women be the best in the world? If you don’t know Jesus, that’s one thing, but don’t you even know Empress Wu Zetian or Empress Dowager Cixi?

She dove down and grabbed the hand of the person who appeared to be a corpse. This person's hand was cold and slippery, not at all resembling the fluffy little dog that Jiang Tianran had described. The fingers were slender and snow-white, and holding it felt unexpectedly pleasant. She pulled up this "corpse," which was not tall, and gently lifted it from the water, both of them rising towards the surface.

"Naturally allergic to sunlight." Xue Chunchai leisurely walked at the back, "Too much sun exposure will make one dizzy."

Isn't that just like a vampire that dies in the light?" Huo Xing jumped to Jiang Tianran's side, "Someone who reads documents on a train without lights, are you really human? Could you be a demon disguised as a human?"

Jiang Tiantian and Xue Chunchai did not speak

The water of Wenshan Lake is extremely cold; the moment she entered the water, goosebumps covered her entire body. The sensation of being surrounded by water was very frightening. The only consolation was that the water quality was exceptionally clear, sparkling like crystal in all directions. Not far from where Xue Chunchai and Jiang Tianran had just floated, a boy dressed in black lay quietly at the bottom of the water.

"Director..." Huo Xing timidly walked behind Xue Chunchai, "With such a vast area, how are we supposed to investigate? 007 never investigates water monsters"

"Oh my God! Why did you choose a woman..." Another person, deeply affected, was sprawled on the hard seat of the train, pounding the table as he lamented, "What I wanted was a creature that could outlive cockroaches, be more durable than cockroaches, and adapt to the environment better than cockroaches... Why did you keep testing and end up choosing a woman? And look, look at her, with long hair and a slender waist, she seems like she could snap with just a twist, and one careless move could lead to accidentally choking her to death, a frail woman. At least you could have chosen someone taller and stronger than me, someone I could rely on!"

Pure tea, I assure you that no matter how you torment her, she will not die. She does not need to eat or sleep and can serve you around the clock

Jiang Tianran smiled, "Hmm"

Is there a corpse underwater? That corpse is covered in fur like a fluffy little dog?" Huo Xing's entire body was covered in goosebumps, "Are you really not dreaming? Is that creature underwater a monster?"

Ah? Could it be that he has never lost consciousness, but was merely lying at the bottom of the water? Huo Xing raised his eyebrows. If he was thrown into the water with tape stuck to him, wouldn't that be murder? But his hands are not bound! Why didn't he tear off the tape and float up by himself?

"Hah? You are already quite fair, and not getting sunlight can lead to calcium deficiency, which is not good for your health." Huo Xing bounced over and only then realized that the seemingly flat grassy ground that Jiang Tianran was walking on was actually uneven and prone to tripping. If it weren't for her exceptional reflexes and agility, she would have already fallen flat on her back.

Xue Chunchai carried Jiang Tianran on his back as he swam back, and Huo Xing was taken aback, jumping into the water to help him bring Jiang Tianran up. "What happened? What did you see? What occurred?"

He is somewhat like a girl, and somewhat like a doll

"Why do you describe him as looking like a skeleton? Does he have flesh or not?" Huo Xing was startled by this description, "What do you mean by having no pores on the skin, complete teeth, and red lips?"

"What shadow?" Xue Chunchai looked at Huo Xing innocently, "I only saw him faint."

Second! Even if women can outlive cockroaches, be more durable than cockroaches, and can provide you with support, a woman is still a woman. As a man, you must show deference to women, indulge them, and cherish them. Do not expect women to toil for you day in and day out without complaint, that's a dream!" Huo Xing forcefully threw him back into the chair, "Get up! It's time to work!"

"Then they are not dead?" Huo Xing was taken aback, "Is it possible that the person who sank to the bottom of the Wenchuan Lake still has a chance of survival? Was it someone who just went down?"

"A monster like a jellyfish?" Huo Xing was truly startled, "Are there really monsters?" Damn! Is this really the X-Files? If this continues for years, won't she die young? Remembering what Xue Chunchai casually said earlier, "Since that brat Zhi Yu died..." It seems there are colleagues who have made sacrifices; could it be her predecessor?

Not long after, the clear Wenchian Lake stirred with a wave, and Huo Xing waited in confusion. She fundamentally did not believe in such things as 'water monsters,' so she had never considered that the two people who casually entered the water could retrieve anything from the vast Wenchian Lake.

Are you stunned? The "supermodel" in front of him raised an eyebrow, and in that instant, Huo Xing concluded that he definitely, completely, inevitably, and simply looked like a gigolo. He tossed his greeting over his shoulder and said, "Jiang Tianran is a thousand times more handsome than you. Where is Puyuan County? And where is the Asking Fairy Lake where the water monster is causing trouble?"

The handsome young man lowered his head, gripping the weeds on the ground tightly, remaining silent

The Wenshan Lake is far larger than she had imagined, sprawling between three or four surrounding hills, covering an area of at least fifty to sixty acres. A gentle breeze stirs, the water glimmers, reflecting the green mountains and white clouds. The few houses made of yellow earth and bricks by the lakeside appear exceedingly small. As far as the eye can see, it is all lush green, with white ducks and small dogs scattered across the hillside of the mountain village. However, what greets one is not the aura of a paradise, but a sense of desolation and cold decay.

I swear! Huo Xing rolled up her sleeves, "I will..."

"Jesus' mother is the Virgin Mary," Jiang Tianran gently explained from the side

The train has departed

"What if the Immortal Lake is behind us?" Huo Xing pointed behind him, "Doesn't that mean we have to go around the Earth?"