Chapter 600: Victoria No.1

“Why is the 18th floor hard to sell?” Lin Qiupu asked. “Is it because it reminds people of the 18 levels of hell? I’ve heard of such superstitions about certain floors being unlucky, but when it comes to actually buying a house, it doesn’t seem like anyone really cares.”

The saleswoman shook her head. “People do care, especially older folks and those without urban household registrations. I’ve seen multiple instances where only the 18th floor remains unsold.”

Chen Shi asked, “You said this unit is unique, but this building has several sections. Shouldn’t each floor have a similar unit?”

“The other floors are divided into smaller units for sale. Only this section has a large unit. This apartment was initially promised to the designer by the developer, but the designer emigrated, so we put it up for sale.”

“That’s quite a luxury,” Chen Shi remarked.

“Sir, are you interested in buying?”

“Haha, you’re good at seizing opportunities. How many people are interested in this unit?”

“It’s not officially on the market yet, but several parties have shown interest. If you want it, you can put down a deposit.”

Chen Shi thought for a moment, then noticed the sounds of construction below. “Is this building already occupied?”

“Some units have been sold.”

“That’s odd. Isn’t it customary to sell the entire building once it’s completed?”

“Like I mentioned earlier, this unit was meant for the designer. When he left, it was held back until the next phase.”

“So this is the only unsold unit?”

“That’s right!”

“Can you tell us the names of the interested buyers?”

The saleswoman hesitated, citing commercial confidentiality and the need to consult her manager.

Back at the sales office, a greasy-faced manager arrived, shaking hands and apologizing. “Sorry, but we can’t provide that list. Since it’s not officially on the market, we don’t have a concrete list of interested buyers. People often express interest verbally.”

Chen Shi said, “You have hundreds of potential buyers and dozens of sales agents, each managing a handful of clients. How can you not know?”

“Not all our agents are here right now. Please understand.”

“I’m curious why this particular unit remains unsold.”

The manager’s explanation mirrored the saleswoman’s word for word. Chen Shi sensed something amiss. “Are you hiding something from us?”

“No, no,” the manager chuckled nervously. “I wouldn’t dare in front of the police. It’s exactly as I said.”

“I’m guessing you won’t show us the client list either?”

“Sorry, but it’s confidential. Even our agents can’t access it without proper authorization. You’d need a specific search warrant, but I don’t see how a murder case is connected to this apartment.”

“Have you seen a movie called ‘Dream Home’?”

“Yes, a touching love story. I watched it with my wife. It was great!”

Clearly lying, Chen Shi scoffed. “You should look it up. That movie never screened in mainland China and isn’t a romance. It’s about someone who commits murder to buy an apartment!”

The manager laughed awkwardly. “Oh, I must’ve mixed it up. I’ll check it out tonight.”

Leaving the sales office, Chen Shi told Lin Qiupu, “We need a search warrant.”

“You say it like it’s easy. Without evidence, how do we justify it? Just because the victim planned to buy a house? Do you really think that’s a motive for murder?”

“You know what I felt when I walked into that apartment? I wanted to live there. It’s possible the killer wanted it too. That unit is suspiciously cheap for its size and location. And it’s the only one left unsold from the last phase. I don’t believe their story. There’s something hidden here.”

Lin Qiupu pondered. “But how would the killer know about other potential buyers? We can’t even get the client list.”

“The killer doesn’t follow the rules. Maybe they hacked the data or met the father and son during a viewing.”

“I remember that movie. It seemed crazy to kill over a house.”

“You don’t understand Hong Kong’s real estate market. Prices are insane. Even celebrities live in tiny apartments. Some people live in coffin homes—four square meters with just a bed. That movie is based on a real case. Motives can be anything people desire: love, money, freedom, even a rare pair of sneakers. Why not a house? Everyone wants a home.”

After a pause, Lin Qiupu said, “I’ve already sent someone to investigate the wife. We can’t divert resources without progress there.”

Chen Shi pointed to himself. “Alright, I’ll pursue this unconventional lead.”

Lin Qiupu thought Chen Shi was overthinking. Such a motive seemed far-fetched and complicated.

Back at the station, Lin Dongxue and Xu Xiaodong were eating takeout and chatting. When Lin Qiupu entered, they straightened up. Lin Dongxue greeted, “Old Chen, you’re here!”

“Reporters came to my place. Had to be smart to avoid them.”

“How’s the investigation?”

“Wang Zhenlong claimed ignorance, but…” Lin Dongxue smiled slyly. “I used Old Chen’s trick, went back after questioning, and caught something.”

Xu Xiaodong played a video from his phone. After watching, Lin Qiupu was shocked. Chen Shi said, “This is unbelievable!”