chapter.81 Past
It was an old photo with damaged and yellowed corners.
In the past when camera technology was not developed, although old-fashioned cameras had shortcomings such as weight, clumsiness, too harsh flash, high price, etc., this great invention that could leave images of time was undoubtedly popular among people, and most people also
They are willing to spend a fortune to hire a professional photographer during memorable moments to capture the memories they want to remember.
The decadent and confused man seemed to want to open his eyes wide, his numb expression stretched and deformed due to the operation of his muscles. Finally, he looked steadily at the black and white photo in front of him, which was not very clear.
The simple and plain exterior walls of rural houses and the wooden fence in the distance form a wide courtyard with a well. A few sparse trees stand around, and slender hemp ropes for drying clothes and sheets are tied between the branches, bringing the picture to life.
There is a touch of life that can be seen everywhere. And in this ordinary village setting, three young men and women are facing the camera, raising their arms high, and posing for a group photo that was popular for a period of time more than ten years ago.
The architectural scenery and the characters' clothing are all in an old-fashioned style that is clearly visible at a glance. The facial features of the person taking the photo are also slightly blurred due to poor photography technology, but as long as you work hard to identify them, you can still find something similar to Mr. Charles Blair in one of the faces.
Similar traces.
Not wanting to be invisibly excluded from work, Kang took a few steps forward, came to the man, and urged the person he was supervising:
"Mr. Blair, please cooperate with us in answering our questions. I think this won't delay you for long."
In contrast, Arthur Watson waited quietly and patiently until the lackluster eyes changed focus and the dry and cracked lips trembled slightly, then he let go and allowed the other party to take back the one that, with just a little force, could
Old photos that were easily torn in half.
After an indistinct hoarse cry came from his throat, the man seemed to have regained some sense and spoke in a dazed tone.
"...That day was Friday. I remember very clearly. I came back from class at the missionary school in the town. On the way home, I met Sophie and Agnes. They put on each other's new clothes and pretended to be
As my own twin sister, let me guess who is who. As usual, I quickly saw through their trick, because the introverted Sophie always couldn't play the enthusiasm and talkativeness of her sister Agnes.
, whenever I stare into her eyes, she will quickly avoid looking at me and pretend to change the topic to cover up her shyness..."
Noticing that the man's dictation seemed to be gradually deviating from the original theme, Conse couldn't help but want to interrupt and correct, but found that Arthur Watson's expression changed slightly, and then he ignored the man who was lost in memories.
, Gu Zi raised his palm and waved it gently at the end of his nose, as if he was identifying a certain smell in the room.
Kang Si frowned and took a few deep breaths calmly, but couldn't smell any strange smell from the musty, humid air.
But soon, when Charles' unorganized narration finally mentioned the opportunity for taking this photo, Conse saw the person under his supervision turned around and walked to the bed, lowered his head and bent over, letting his eyes explore the bottom of the double bed.
Space, and then a look of understanding appeared on his face.
"This is... a hand burner for incense?"
Conse recognized the object that Arthur Watson had dragged out from under the bed, and quickly and instinctively thought of some possibility. He suddenly no longer had the distraction to listen to old stories. He took a few steps closer and sniffed vigorously.
After smelling the strange smell wafting from the incense burner, the next second I was aroused by the rotten smell that was not strong but enough to make people sick.
Arthur Watson weighed the small hand stove that was still slightly warm in his hand, and said thoughtfully:
"If I remember correctly... there is a special fungus called 'Gray Black Five Fingers'. After a series of processes such as drying and grinding, it can be roughly made into a product similar to a psychotropic anesthetic. The method of use is also very simple.
, as long as the particulate matter is ignited and inhaled, it can make people feel numb to negative emotions such as sadness and depression. It is currently... one of the necessary prescriptions for psychiatrists to treat most patients with depression."
Kang Si opened his mouth, wanting to question how he knew these practical knowledge of medicinal herbs, but then suddenly remembered that Sauron, who was a "hunter", had obtained a medical license quite contrary to common sense... Well, although he didn't really run away
Which hospital or clinic did you go to to start working as a doctor? But it is said that the Marquise who decided to get into business listened to his advice and adopted the medical product patents he provided and spent a lot of money on the construction and personnel of the factory.
employment, commercial promotion, etc... Or, would it be more appropriate to say that he instigated the noble lady?
Conse forcibly interrupted these distracting thoughts that had nothing to do with work, and pointed at Charles, who looked bewildered, holding the photo as if he was frustrated and talking about his youthful past:
"So you are trying to say that Mr. Blair has been to the psychiatric department of the hospital and been prescribed some mood-stabilizing drugs? But his condition doesn't look like it has improved at all."
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"Of course, because I still have a 'but' that I haven't finished yet."
Arthur Watson placed the incense burner on the ground, unscrewed the metal top with one hand, took out a pen from the inner pocket of his coat with the other hand, and casually looked through the ashes-like residue inside:
"This kind of psychotropic anesthetic, when used in moderation, can effectively alleviate the negative psychological state I just mentioned. However, once the appropriate dose is exceeded, it will also have an impact on people's positive emotions, causing users to suffer side effects of mental numbness and slow reaction.
My ability to recognize reality weakens, and I gradually immerse myself in the world of my imagination..."
Cons took a silent breath and looked at Charles, who was lying on the ground and muttering to himself in a low voice:
"Sounds a bit like the drug addicts I know who are addicted to some kind of hallucinogen... How can such a dangerous drug be put into use so easily? Don't those damn psychiatrists even warn and inform their patients?
Are there any hidden dangers in drugs?!"
"Well, you can't say that, because strictly speaking, 'Gray Black Five Fingers' is a raw material that can be easily found around the cemetery. Theoretically, people with relevant knowledge can try to make the powder by themselves, and there is no need to
What kind of professional qualifications do you have as a doctor or pharmacist... Even a teenage girl can complete this uncomplicated manufacturing process independently." Arthur Watson wiped off the stained pen with the handkerchief he carried.
He put the two items separately, then stood up and straightened his body.
Was it the incense that the little girl downstairs lit? Because he knew it was a "medicinal powder" that could relieve his father's depression, so on the contrary... Kangsi couldn't help but fall into silent thinking.
Arthur Watson lightly dusted the few stains on his clothes and looked down at Charles, who was curled up. His attitude and tone were formalized with gentleness and politeness:
"Then, thank you for informing me, we will take our leave now."
"Wait a minute, apart from recalling the love process with his wife, he didn't mention anything related to the case at all, right?" Cons was forced to interrupt his meditation and suddenly recalled the purpose of his party's visit.
"He has already explained all the causes and consequences. It's because you didn't listen carefully just now." Arthur Watson lifted up the incense burner on the ground as if nothing had happened, turned around and walked towards the corridor, removing the smell that still continued to emit a faint musty smell.
The small stove was placed in the vent in front of the window. "He mentioned that on the day the photo was taken, it was one of the twin sisters. Her sister Aniges suggested this, so the three of them went to the Blair house together.
The demolished ancestral house was taken there for a group photo. Unfortunately, not long after this photo was taken, a sad event happened..."
Even though he knew that the abominable Sauron paused deliberately to whet his appetite, Kang Si could only grit his teeth and accept the humiliation, and asked in support:
"What big thing happened? Is it some sour love story?"
"You can also say that."
The two walked through the unlit second-floor corridor and went downstairs on wooden stairs that occasionally creaked.
Kang Si did not see the expression of the man walking in front of him, and only heard his suddenly deep voice saying:
"The twins' sister, Agnes, disappeared, and no one has seen her since. My sister Sophie was deeply saddened by this incident for a long time. When Charles accompanied her out of this world with his love and concern,
After a period of shadowing, they came together naturally and entered the palace of marriage hand in hand."
This... Although I feel sorry and sad for the missing lady, the follow-up sounds like it is a normal development. Conse reluctantly suppressed the urge to express his opinion, so as not to be slapped in the face by the twist later.
"Actually, I can probably guess a little bit of the truth, but in order to restore the story buried in the past, I think it is necessary for us to go to the site of the Blair family's ancestral home." Arthur Watson said, in the stairwell leading to the living room.
He stopped in the corridor and sighed quietly, "Maybe we can find the body of the real Miss Sophie who has been missing for nearly twenty years."
Chapter completed!