Chapter 1, Six Years Later

Then, then it needs to be well... well planned out, " Dudu muttered to himself

"Are you saying that Menglachawang Bing might have hidden Mo Mo far away in China?" Han Sheng blinked and said thoughtfully

On a rock beside the entrance of Linggu Cave, there sat a small boy, around seven or eight years old, with a face full of freckles. Next to him crouched a large golden parrot. He was Shen Caihua, the adopted son of Han Sheng

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In the misty haze, Nanshan Village is adorned with golden rapeseed flowers and pink peach blossoms, which partially conceal an ancient and simple Huizhou-style residence from the Ming and Qing dynasties. With its white walls and dark tiles, small bridges over flowing water, and old trees entwined with ancient vines, it is as tranquil as a pastoral landscape painting

I have decided to go find Mo Mo" Shen Caihua said to Du Du with a resolute gaze.

We exhausted various methods of coercion and inducement, even breaking both of his legs, yet we still obtained nothing. The specific details have been documented in the report, " Fang Guoping replied

I am Zhu Hansheng. Hansheng invited someone to take a seat and personally brewed tea. In the blink of an eye, five or six years have passed, and he appears much more mature.

Do you have any evidence confirming that Zu Mo is already dead?" Han Sheng asked

It has been six years since we got married, yet we have not been able to conceive. Could it really be as Feng Sheng said back then, that Han Sheng's fingerprint is a syndrome of 47 chromosomes with four bows, four rights, and two reversed dipper shapes, rendering him unable to reproduce for life? Alas, it is fortunate to have Shen Caihua by my side; if Mo Mo were to return, it would be even better, as that would surely bring a more optimistic disposition to Xiao Caihua.

"That's very, very far. Do you have any money for the journey?" Dudu asked

We are employees of the Pinkerton Private Detective Agency's Hong Kong office. My name is Fang Guoping, and this is Detective Charlie. The Hong Kong resident introduced himself with a thick accent

Han Sheng turned his gaze towards his father-in-law upon hearing this, and Lan Er also set down her chopsticks.

No, Mo Mo is still alive" Shen Caihua's dark and deep eyes gazed at Han Sheng

"The greatest concealment lies within the city; the more it is under our noses, the more dangerous it seems, yet paradoxically, it is often safer than what is depicted in books. We tend to overlook it. Many believe that sorcerers might hide children in the rainforests of Southeast Asia or on some island in the South Seas. However, such actions would inevitably leave traces and would not escape the pursuit of Pinkerton detectives. In China, due to the differences in the system, even if their skills are exceptional, they would still find it impossible to move an inch." Wu Chushan said solemnly. "In China, due to the differences in the system, even if their skills are exceptional, they would still find it impossible to move an inch." Wu Chushan said solemnly.

Mr. Zhu, six years ago, we accepted the commission from Mr. Lu Taiguan in Hong Kong to search for the whereabouts of the missing Chinese girl, Zu Mo. The headquarters of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in the United States mobilized all available resources, and after six years, we still have not found her. Therefore, it is with great regret that we must conclude our investigation. " Fang Guoping shrugged and handed a thick dossier to Hansheng, continuing, "This is a copy of the investigation report; the original has already been submitted to Mr. Lu Taiguan in Hong Kong. " Therefore, it is with great regret that we must conclude our investigation.

"Just now, someone from the Pinkerton Detective Agency came. They said that Mo Mo might already be dead," Han Sheng said, patting Shen Caihua's shoulder and sighing.

"Mo Mo may really not be dead," Wu Chushanren suddenly said

Since returning to Nanshan Village six years ago, as Shen Caihua grew day by day, the child gradually became more taciturn. He often sat alone at the entrance of Linggu Cave, lost in deep thought, and no one knew what he was contemplating.

Two middle-aged men in suits jumped out of the car. Among them, the taller one had blonde hair, blue eyes, and a prominent nose, indicating he was a foreigner. The shorter one, with darker skin, was from Hong Kong

"Not enough, I want to go too!" Shen Caihua exclaimed angrily

"Where are you going to look for?" Dudu asked

During dinner, Han Sheng, his wife Lan Er, and his father-in-law Wu Chushan silently ate, while only Shen Caihua did not pick up his chopsticks, staring blankly at the duck blood soup in his bowl

"No, this trip to the border area between Yunnan and Myanmar may take a long time and involve *maps* and *books*. You will be starting elementary school this year, and it cannot be delayed." Han Sheng shook his head in refusal

"Hmm, I recognize this person. What did he say?" Han Sheng nodded and said

Little talent... Han Sheng greeted from afar

In March in Jiangnan, the fine rain falls continuously, and the countryside of Wuyuan in northern Jiangxi is shrouded in a thick mist

Let us go back. Lan'er called to Benben and Heimei as they walked towards home. In the blink of an eye, several years had passed, and the loyal big yellow dog had also grown old, walking with a bit of a stagger.

The two individuals straightened their clothing and then walked directly up the steps

Nanshan Village Hospital is the first private hospital in China. The director, Zhu Hansheng, is highly skilled in medicine and has gained a remarkable reputation. Over the years, he has treated countless difficult and complex cases free of charge, including high-ranking officials from provincial and capital cities. This is why the local government has turned a blind eye and has not shut it down; otherwise, it would have been closed long ago

Fang Guoping noticed that Hansheng was silent, so he spoke up: "Mr. Zhu, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency was established in 1850 and is the world's first private detective agency, with a history of over 100 years. For any case taken on by Pinkerton, we can generally uncover the truth. If the infant Zumo were still alive, it would be impossible for us not to find out."

Since the encounter with Shen Caihua in Taiwan, Dudu has been inseparable from him and followed him to Wuyuan. Every night, it secretly teaches Shen Caihua to recognize characters and imparts some esoteric knowledge, a matter that even Hansheng and the others are unaware of

Shen Caihua lowered his eyelids and fell silent.

Han Sheng and Wu Chushan set off early in the morning, with Lan'er leading the big yellow dog Benben and the black dog Meimei to see them off from the village. As her husband and father embarked on their journey, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of reluctance. However, the thought of possibly finding the long-lost Mo Mo brought her a sense of relief and an inexplicable excitement.

I have it. Shen Caihua stood up, took a piggy bank from the shelf, and shook it; it made a clattering sound inside

As night falls, raindrops patter down from the sky, the spring rain gently falling. At this moment, the weather in Jiangnan is particularly changeable

"Money, money, it's all about money," Dudu replied

"Grandpa Shan said that Mo Mo might be hiding in Yunnan," Shen Caihua replied

Dudu is a male Hyacinth Macaw from the primitive forests of Brazil, recognized as the largest parrot in the world. It measures over 1 meter in length, weighs up to 5 pounds, and has a wingspan of nearly 5 feet. Dudu is adorned with pure blue feathers and possesses a massive beak resembling an iron hook, with a lifespan that can reach up to 60 years. The Hyacinth Macaw is characterized by its intelligence and playfulness, excelling in social interactions, particularly with a remarkable ability to mimic human vocabulary. Dudu was brought to the National Palace Museum in Taipei at a young age, where experts have taught him for over 20 years, making him quite knowledgeable, though he has a stutter when speaking, which he has never been able to overcome.

"She... she is very beautiful, isn't she?" Dudu tilted her head and looked at Caihua.

The network of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency is extensive worldwide, but there is one place they absolutely do not have and cannot possibly penetrate, " said Wu Chushan with certainty.

Mr. Zhu, the final conclusion drawn from our investigation report is that the infant Zumo has long since passed away, possibly having died six years ago. Fang Guoping spoke with a relatively certain tone

Shen Caihua raised his eyes and softly said, "Father Han Sheng"

A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, and tears filled Shen Caihua's eyes.

"Hurry, hurry and write! You only know a few hundred characters, that's far too few," Dudu stood on the table, her eyes fixed on Shen Caihua as she urged him sternly.

"Not yet," Fang Guoping said, slightly embarrassed. After finishing the tea on the table, he stood up to take his leave

There is." Shen Caihua suddenly spoke up

If Mo Mo were still alive, where could she be now

"China, only China, foreigners cannot intrude. Before dinner, I reviewed that investigation report, and indeed, they did not send detectives to China to conduct an investigation with the library, but merely consulted relevant units such as the Public Security and Civil Affairs through the consulate in China," explained Wu Chushan.

Where are you, Father?" Lan'er urged

***

"Cold life, Father." Shen Caihua said softly

In the lush green bamboo forest, mist swirls around, and the crows cautiously peek out from their nests. Ever since Shen Caihua brought back that blue and purple macaw, they no longer dare to caw carelessly.

Wu Chushan furrowed his brow and muttered to himself: "Ancestral Mo was abducted in the northern mountainous region of Myanmar, which borders the Dai ethnic settlements in Yunnan's Ruili, Tengchong, and Xishuangbanna. Moreover, the languages spoken in these areas are quite similar. As the saying goes, 'Learn the Dai language, and you can travel throughout Southeast Asia.' I believe the possibility of Ancestral Mo being hidden in that vicinity is quite high"

I want to go as well," Shen Caihua said

Knock knock. A sound of knocking at the door was heard, and soon after, the door opened, and Han Sheng walked in

"Hehe..." Dudu laughed uncontrollably and said, "That amount is simply not enough."

What characteristics?" the crowd hurriedly inquired

Of course, we will go find Mo Mo ourselves. Shen Caihua reached out to turn off the desk lamp, took off his clothes, jumped onto the bed, and burrowed into the quilt

Han Sheng pondered: "Six years ago, the wrinkles on Zu Mo's body had faded, and there were no other obvious features. Now that she has grown up, she must have forgotten the events of her childhood and would have no impression of us whatsoever. The telepathic connection of her youthful talent also disappeared a few years ago, so even if we were to meet face to face, it would be difficult for us to recognize her."

"Are you still going?" Dudu shook his head and stared at Shen Caihua.

Han Sheng offered some comforting words and then gently closed the door as he left

"Caihua, this is your favorite duck blood soup that you enjoy so much on ordinary days," Lan'er said, looking at him in surprise.

Alas, it is a pity that the kind of telepathy we had in our childhood has disappeared as we grew up, " Lan'er said with regret.

Talent, I have discussed with your grandfather Shanren, and we will set off for Yunnan early tomorrow morning to find the ancestral ink. You and Lan'er’s mother will stay at home and must be obedient, understand?

Father, let us hurry and search for it then, " Lan'er said excitedly

"What is this fare?" Shen Caihua looked at it with confusion

I do not know. Shen Caihua's eyes revealed a hint of confusion

Han Sheng looked at the sorrowful expression of the young talent, feeling a deep sense of heartache. He observed the child being gloomy all day long, and he and Lan Er also felt uneasy. The baby girl, Mo Mo, was abducted by the sorcerer Meng La Cha Weng · Bing from the jungles of Myanmar. Despite exhausting all possible means, he had been unable to find any trace of the child. Ultimately, he resorted to the vast global network of the Pinkerton Private Detective Agency for tracking and investigation. Now, six years have passed, yet there are still no results.

Where could Zu Mo possibly be? Han Sheng said with a sense of loss.

On the rural path, a jeep drove up directly to a grand residence surrounded by high walls. A plaque hung on the intricately carved porch, inscribed with the words "Nanshan Village Hospital," written in a vigorous style

Han Sheng fell into deep thought. Mo Mo's mother, Lao Zu, met a tragic end in the tropical rainforest of Myanmar. This child is her only emotional tie; if anything were to happen to her, it would be difficult for him to find peace of mind.

Han Sheng silently flipped through the bilingual survey report, pondered for a moment, and asked, "It has been six years, is there really not a single valuable clue?"

We found the hidden former Grand Master of Thailand, Mong Ratcha Wong Kunba, in the Mandalay region of northern Myanmar. He is the last person alive who has seen the infant Zumo." Fang Guoping explained

In the room, the soft glow of an orange table lamp illuminated the table, while Shen Caihua curled up in the chair, holding a pencil and lost in thought

Is there really not a single characteristic? Wu Chushanren felt somewhat troubled

"Spit." A sly smile flickered across Shen Caihua's freckled face

Han Sheng watched as two detectives got into a jeep and drove away, then turned and walked towards the foot of the southern mountain