Chapter 2 Chapter two

It was early spring when I finally got through everything. In the subtropical climate, spring is equal to hot flashes, and wearing a thin coat is neither annoying nor annoying. Ru Xin decides to travel abroad. The destination is Yilushen Island. She first arrived at Vancouver International Airport by plane. After staying in the hotel, I found Cosby Real Estate Management Company, the person in charge was surnamed Xu, a native of Chinese descent, and immediately went to the hotel to see her. Xiao Xu doesn't speak Chinese, but she has a cheerful personality and smiles all over her face, "Miss Zhou, call me Michael, I can arrange for you to come to the island immediately."

Ru Xin was a little apprehensive, "Have you ever been to Yilushen?" "I've been there several times. It's picturesque and peaceful like a paradise. You'll like it." "Maybe, I should keep the hotel room." "Whatever you want, Ms. Zhou, but the island has all the equipment, telephone, fax, everything." Ru Xin still hesitated, "Let's see and talk." "The former island owner, Li Zizhong, has owned the island for 30 years." Ru Xin asked, "Did he inherit it himself?" "No, he bought the island many years ago, and I heard he planned to use it for his honeymoon."

Ru Xin was silent for a while, and finally asked, "Did he get married in the end?" Even Xiao Xu sighed at this question, "No, he will be single for the rest of his life, with no son or daughter." Although it was as expected, he couldn't help but sigh deeply. The sky has never obeyed people's wishes, and the full moon is just a longing for human beings. "We can leave tomorrow morning." "How's the itinerary?" "I have notified the steward to send a yacht to pick you up at the Taiping Square Wharf in the city center." Ru Xin was speechless, "Is it Li's private yacht?"

"No," Xiao Xu raised his head, "it's Miss Zhou's yacht." "How can I afford it?" Ru Xin was anxious. "As I said, all fees have been paid, you can rest assured." Ru Xin couldn't help yelling in a low voice: "A stranger, why is he so generous to me?" Xiao Xu has his own opinion, "Perhaps the University of British Columbia can't accept so many donations for a while, so Li Zizhong has to donate part of his property to you." "How did he get so rich?" Xiao Xu scratched his head, "I also want to figure it out. All I know is that to a certain extent, money begets money, and money begets money. Rich people can't help but become richer. Li Zizhong must be one of them."

Ru Xin smiled, "Nice to meet you." "See you tomorrow." The yacht that came to pick them up was called Red. Ru Xin smiled. Mr. Li has contradictory thoughts and is in a dilemma. Since he deeply feels that life is nothing but an illusion, why does he fall in love with red? Red is so worldly and exaggerated, and it fades in no time. slang, but he chose to name the yacht Big Red. Xiao Xu said: "You have the right to change all names." "No, the status quo is fine." The boat arrived at the private pier on Yilushen Island about two hours later. As soon as Ru Xin looked up, she fell in love with this place.

It is spring, and there are many kinds of flowers and trees on the island. The ancient trees are towering, and there are news of blooming flowers in the bushes. A red brick road goes up the hillside. After walking for fifteen minutes, you will see a one-story house with a simple appearance. A servant was standing in front of the door. Ruxin only saw bunches of wisterias hanging from the shelf next to the gate, the scent was tangy, hummingbirds were busy sucking nectar, white roses were planted along the window, the buds bowed the branches and leaves. This is like a residence in a fairy tale.

The male servant introduced himself, "Miss Zhou, my name is Fernandas, and this is my wife Marguli, please tell me anything you need." Ru Xin quickly replied, "Hello." Fernandez entered the house with the luggage. Inside the door is another world. The living room is extremely spacious. The floor is covered with square bricks and extends to the terrace. Looking out from the long windows, there is an endless blue Pacific Ocean. Ru Xin took a deep breath, and immediately approached the railing, there is such a beautiful place in the world! Xiao Xu followed and sat on the rattan couch with snow-white cushions.

"I know you'll love it here," he said. Ru Xin turned her head and replied happily: "I can live here for the rest of my life." "Check out the other facilities." The house is built on the top of the hill, the main entrance faces the south, the sea view is on the west, the swimming pool and tennis court are on the north, and the helicopter is parked by walking down more than 30 stone steps on the east. The servant's dormitory is on the other side of the island, and it takes about six or seven minutes to drive there. Xiao Xu said: "The only inconvenience is that there is no postman to come to the door. Of course, food supplies have to be shipped from the city."

"What about gasoline?" "Heh, there are two cars on the island, which run on electricity and won't pollute the air." Ru Xin was in a daze when she heard this, and after a while she said: "It's a pity that Mr. Li has no children, and he will be happy to be his child." Xiao Xu just smiled and said nothing. "Hey, am I right?" "I'd rather fight the world with my bare hands, be free, have everything arranged properly, and live like a puppet." Makes sense. Lunch is ready over there. Fernandas asked: "Miss Zhou, what kind of wine do you want?"

Xiao Xu said: "There is a wine cellar in the basement with a rich collection." Ru Xin answered frankly: "I don't understand, the champagne is ready." Lunch is an ordinary western dish, but it is delicious. Ma Guli said respectfully: "Miss Zhou, I can cook Chinese food." "Then, I will have Chinese food for dinner, please." In the afternoon, Mi Gao explained all the facilities inside and outside the house clearly, please sign for receipt. Then he has to rush back to the city. Ruxin sent him to the pier. Standing by the sea, her dress was fluttering, and she looked more and more beautiful and refined. It was so suitable to be the owner of Yilushen Island.

Ru Xin didn't feel lonely when the yacht was gone. She returned to the house and visited the bedroom on the second floor. The characteristic of this room is its spaciousness. A master bedroom has an area of ​​more than a thousand square feet. Once you enter, you will find the living room and study room first, and then open a door to the bedroom. Somehow, the partitions and furnishings are all as I like in my heart. She really wished that she could tell Li Zizhong how much she liked this great gift. There are all kinds of stationery on the desk, and a neat stack of Chinese manuscript paper and a bunch of pens in the center. Who, who is going to write the manuscript. Is it Li Zizhong? The bedroom is facing a row of long windows, and the magnificent sea view is still outside the window. Ru Xin has to admit that being rich is really good. She approached the bed, saw something, and was stunned. On the coffee table was the ice-cracked imitation Ge kiln bottle. Ru Xin took a closer look, yes, after she repaired it, it was thick and clumsy, not the same as the original bottle at all. But its owner is still enshrined in the house like a treasure. Ma Guli came in quietly and put down a large pile of books, newspapers and magazines. Ru Xin raised her head and asked, "Can you see TV?" "Ah, there is a reception radar on the island, and programs from all over the world can be received." It's really a paradise, but it doesn't want to be out of touch with the outside world. Ru Xin went to look at the guest room again. Usually white sheets and towels in the bathroom, Ru Xin decides to live in the guest room temporarily. Marguli made a pot of tea and came in. Ru Xin was a little tired, so she lay on the bed and rested. The window of the room faces north, which is where the swimming pool is located. Ruxin faintly heard someone calling her name. She opened her eyes and jumped out of bed, and opened the window, only to see dozens of guests sitting by the swimming pool, all men and women. One of them stood under the window and called, "Zhou Ruxin, come down and play, don't be too sleepy." Ru Xin asked, "Who are you?" The sun was facing her eyes, and she couldn't see clearly. The man was both angry and funny, "I don't even recognize me." If you want to look carefully. The man laughed and said, "You live in my house, you don't know who I am?" Ru Xin blurted out in surprise, "Are you Mr. Li?" "Call me the right one." Ru Xin hurried out of the room and ran down the stairs to meet him. How is it possible, how could Li Zizhong be so young? The guests by the pool clapped together when they saw Ru Xin, "Welcome, welcome, Ru Xin is here, Ru Xin is here." Ruxin smiled unexpectedly and shyly, looked up and found that the costumes the guests were wearing were all in the style of the 1950s, the ladies wore tutu skirts or three-bone trousers, and the men wore large flowered shirts, Ruxin smiled , is this a masquerade party? I only heard the guests say: "Okay, once Ruxin comes, we won't worry about being lonely anymore." Ru Xin was still looking into Sunshine's eyes, trying to see everyone's faces clearly but to no avail, at this moment, someone called Miss Zhou loudly. "Who?" "Someone is looking for Ru Xin, let's avoid it." Ru was impatient, "Hey, everyone, wait a minute." At this moment, she opened her eyes and found herself lying on the bed, the sun was scorching red, the scene just now was just a dream of Nankey, someone was knocking on her door, calling her Miss Zhou. If you are determined, go and open the door. "Miss Zhou, your father is looking for you." Ru Xin hurriedly went to answer her father's phone call. My father complained that after several twists and turns, he found this communication number from Lawyer Wang, "We are worried about you, and we will have to contact you every three to five days. By the way, your sister also wants to visit North America. How about picking her up for summer vacation? ?" Ru Xin didn't answer for a while, as if she was still in that strange dream, she hadn't recovered. "Ru Xin, about the big sister and younger sister—" "No problem, you made arrangements for them." "Hey, after all, it's up to you to contribute money and efforts." The father was very frank. Ru Xin laughed, "You go to Lawyer Yin, he will explain himself." The father hung up the phone with satisfaction. Hiding in Xanadu can also inquire about her. Ru Xin brought a timer, got on her bicycle, and prepared to travel around the island. Ma Guli came out and said, "Miss Zhou, do you want me to accompany you?" "No, you won't get lost on the island." "Miss Zhou, bring a raincoat, it might rain." "The sun is shining, where is the rain?" "The island's weather is ever-changing." Ma Guli expressed her kindness, but Ruxin couldn't bear to refuse, took the raincoat and set off towards the north. Along the way, flower and fruit trees were densely planted beside the road, and the petals of cherry blossoms slid down with the wind, and Ruxin was covered with fallen flowers. She saw the servants' quarters and a lotus pond. Ru Xin hurriedly got off the car. There is also a small bridge over the lotus pond. Ruxin stands in the middle of the bridge intoxicated, and she can look at her own reflection in the pond.Suddenly there were ripples in the water, and it turned out that it was a little frog jumping. Ru Xin blurted out, "This is really a paradise." At this time, the sky changed suddenly, the dark clouds suddenly gathered, the sky suddenly became dark, and suddenly the heavy rain fell, and then it became more and more urgent, and it was still a little painful to hit the body. Ru Xin hurriedly put on her raincoat, looked around, and saw a small wooden house on the left side of the pond, she hurried to take shelter from the rain. She wanted to push open the door of the wooden house, but the door was locked. Looking in from the window, she saw that the house was very clean, and there were lawnmowers and other sundries for repairing the garden. It was obviously a tool storage room. "Miss Zhou." Ru Xin was startled, turned her head and found Fernandas behind her. "Miss Zhou, I'm afraid there will be thunder, so I'll pick you up." Ru Xin nodded, there will be thunderstorms in spring, and with this spring thunder, everything will wake up and grow. The lightning had come, the thunder was booming, and the surroundings were lit up, as if a searchlight was searching for something. Ru Xin grew up in the city, and has never seen such a spectacle. No wonder the Chinese say that thunder and lightning are the heavenly soldiers and heavenly soldiers who will punish criminals in the future. It really smells like this. Then the thunderbolt followed, and the hula-la-la was endless, and Ruxin couldn't help covering her ears. Fernandas was anxious, "Please go to the dormitory to shelter from the rain." Ru Xin followed him into the dormitory, and Fernandas took out a towel and hot tea. Ru Xin stood in front of the window, "This island is so beautiful." "So do we." "How long have you been here?" "No more than four or five years." "Have you been serving Mr. Li these few years?" "Uh, yes." "Does he come often?" "It is said that Mr. Li lived on the island in the 1960s and 1970s, but he gradually stopped coming. In recent years, we only saw him in winter." Ru Xin smiled, "Aren't you two bored on the island?" "At first I was afraid it would be boring, but after I settled down, I didn't want to go back to the hustle and bustle of the urban area. On average, I went out three times a week. It was very interesting to chat and play chess with the sailor Rozigers in my spare time." "None of you have kids?" "Heh, when Mr. Li hired people, he stated that he wanted child-free employees. We guess he is afraid of noise." Ru Xin nodded, "But I like children." Fernandas just smiled. The rain gradually stopped, and the flowers drooped their heads due to the rain, and it was another scene. Ruxin only felt that everything on the island was too beautiful to behold. "Miss Zhou, I'll take you home." "Excuse me." The two bicycles went back along the old road one after the other. Ru Xin originally wanted to calculate how much time it would take to go around the island for a week, but now it seems that she has to calculate it another day. After a while the dinner was ready, Ru Xin went in to take a look and was startled. "Does Mr. Li always eat in the formal dining room?" Marguli replied: "Yes." "I can just eat in the side hall, put it in front of the TV, there are too many dishes, two are enough." Ru Xin doesn't understand ostentation, nor does she like ostentation. Within two weeks, she knew the island by heart. It took one hour and fifteen minutes to cycle around the island for a week, and the size of the island was just right. Others may feel lonely, but Ru Xin enjoys this holiday very much. When I was young, I called her. "When will I pick you up back to the city?" "I have to go the day after tomorrow." "Come again in the fall." "Maybe, on this island, life is like a princess." Xiao Xu smiled, "I'll pick you up." "No, Rozigers will send me." For the rest of the day, Ru Xin didn't dream of anything. In the morning, she packs her luggage, and in the afternoon, she returns to her beloved lotus pond. A frog the size of a thumb jumped out, Ru Xin quickly chased after it, and unconsciously came to the small wooden house where the tools were stored. The door was ajar. Ru Xin gently opened the door and went inside to visit. The hut is only three or two hundred feet in size, and it is neatly organized. The shelves are full of all kinds of tools, and there is everything you need. Even if you build a house, you may be able to do it. Ru Xin's eyes fell on a box, which was out of place with other tools. The box is about the size of a child's leather shoe box, made of metal, old and black in color, its style and size seem to be used to hold jewelry. Ru Xin went to pick it up, it was a bit heavy. That kind of gray black is like silverware being oxidized. Ruxin took a cotton gauze glove, wiped off the rust, and then wiped the lid of the box, the black rust was gone, and a very fine pattern appeared on the lid.Ru Xin took the chair and sat down, and wiped the silver box clean. Two entangled English letters appeared on the box, namely L and R. Wondering, why is this precious jewelry box placed in the tool room, and what is inside it? Should it be opened? It is said that she has inherited the island, and everything on the island belongs to her at this moment, including the box naturally. The box was not locked. Ru Xin gently lifted the lid of the box. She froze. The box was actually filled with plaster, about half of the box, so it felt heavy to pick up. Ru Xin raised her head, extremely amazed. What's the use? She went up to the window, dabbed the plaster with her fingers, and took a peek. It is a very fine gray sand that feels like dust. The sun shines into the box from the window, hey, something flickered? Ru Xin took a pair of pliers, gently pushed away the dust, and suddenly saw something she didn't expect. It's a ring! Ru Xin was very surprised, because the metal of the ring had turned dull gray, and the ring of gemstones set on the ring looked like grains of sand. Ru Xin could also distinguish two things: 1. The gemstones were transparent and colorless, It is clearly a diamond. Second, the diamond surrounds the entire ring. This style is called an eternity ring and belongs to women. How could a ring of such fine setting have fallen into a pile of ashes? Where is its owner? Ru Xin raised her head. In the blink of an eye, she, who was thoughtful and thoughtful, suddenly thought of something, and the hairs all over her body stood on end. Could it be that its owner has been turned into a pile of fly ash? As soon as Ru Xin let go of her hand, the box almost fell to the ground, she quickly regained her composure. The ring turned iron black, obviously it was burned at high temperature, then this pile of ash—— Ru Xin put down the box and hurried out of the studio. She raised her voice, "Fernandas, Marguli." Someone came out from the shade, "Miss, Rozigers is here." "Come here, please." Ru Xin took him into the room, "Have you ever seen this box?" Rozigers just took one look, "Oh, miss, you wiped it clean." "Who does this box belong to?" Rozigers replied, "It's been sitting on that shelf. I guess it belongs to Mr. Li. I saw it when I came to work ten years ago." "Do you know what's in the box?" "I don't know," Rozigers said. "Please call Fernandez to see me." Ru Xin carefully held the box in her arms and walked towards the big house. When she arrived at the big house, she immediately called Xiao Xu. "I want to come out immediately if I have something to do. Please contact a laboratory for me." "Laboratory?" Xiao Xu was very surprised. "Yes, I want to test something." "Is it medicine?" "No, it's a pile of ashes." "Oh," Mi Gao stopped asking, "I'll make an appointment for you. I have acquaintances at the University of British Columbia." "great." At this time, Fernandas and Marguli were already standing behind Ru Xin waiting for orders. Ru Xin asked, "Have you two seen this box?" Maguli replied, "This is the silver box in the tool room." "Exactly, who does it belong to?" "It's definitely not our servant's. It must be Mr. Li's." "Did he tell you to take care of it?" "It's been in the tool shed since nothing." Ru Xin tilted her head and thought for a while, "I'm going to the city center, maybe I won't be back until tomorrow." "Yes, Miss Zhou, I asked Rozigers to prepare the boat." Ruxin carefully wrapped the box with newspaper, put it in a handbag, and carried it to the city. Ah, I accidentally let her discover this secret. Originally, she was going home in a day. From this, it can be seen that there is a definite plan in the dark. Xiao Xu came to pick her up from the boat. "Ru Xin, your face is pale." "No matter what, Xiao Xu, quickly take me to the laboratory." Xiao Xu chatted and laughed with Ru Xin along the way, and this lively native made Ru Xin smile again. At this time, Ruxin realized that her partner didn't need to be handsome, talented, or have the same interests, as long as he could make her happy, that was enough. The car drove up to a university building, and Xiao Xu smiled and said, "This is the laboratory with the most complete and advanced equipment in this city. My old classmate Shangguan works as a teaching assistant here, responsible for some of the laboratory work." Great. Shangguan is also a young man, already waiting for them, after the introduction, let's not gossip, let's get to the point. Ru Xin took out the box, and he immediately put on thin plastic surgical gloves. After applying several experimental potions on the lid of the box, Shangguan said, "It's pure silver." Ru Xin couldn't help but add a few words: "Did you see the seals on the corner of the box? One of them is the statue of the British goddess, which means it is 975 pure silver, while the so-called sterling silver is only 925 pure. It is the finest silver." "Oh, Miss Zhou, you are an expert." Ru Xin smiled, she had no intention of being polite at this moment. Xiao Xu who was at the side was simply fascinated, "Open it and have a look." Shangguan opened the lid of the box, and when he saw the pile of ashes, he let out a beep. He picked out a little with a tool, put it in a glass, and gently picked out the ring with a glass rod, and observed it under a microscope. "Miss Zhou, please come and see." "Is it a platinum ring?" "Well, otherwise it would have melted into a pile." "Is there an engraving?" "Yes, but it is no longer recognizable. It needs to be treated with a solution to see it clearly." "With what fire did it burn?" "It must be over a thousand degrees Celsius." Ru Xin raised her head, "Among ordinary houses, where is the high temperature?" Shangguan replied: "Yes, the old boiler." Ru Xin turned her head, "Xiao Xu, what kind of electricity is used on Yilushen Island?" Xiao Xu immediately replied: "It has an independent advanced generator, and this device has been used for about seven years." "What about before?" "You can look it up." Ru Xin asked again: "This ash—" "A test is needed, give me twenty-four hours." Ru Xin went to the microscope to look at the eternity ring. She looked very carefully, and lightly scratched the metal surface inside the ring with pointed pliers, and she had roughly seen the letters L and R. L, must be Li Zizhong. Who is R? It must have been a woman. Ruxin suddenly remembered that the yacht used on Yilushen Island is called Dahong, and RED is R. This is not a coincidence, is it? Boxes, rings, cruise ships, all related to R. There are 17 diamonds inlaid on the ring. Under the microscope, it can be clearly observed that this kind of diamond is cut in the old way, with few petals and not very shiny. Today it is called rose diamond, and it has become popular again. Ru Xin asked, "Can the ring be restored to its original shape?" Shangguan replied: "You can take it to a jewelry store and ask." At this time Xiao Xu asked: "Can we go?" Shangguan smiled, "As soon as there is news, I will notify you immediately." "Thank you." They both left college. Xiao Xu asked Ru Xin, "What ash do you think it is?" Ru Xin didn't dare to guess, "I don't know." "What do you want it to be?" "I just hope it's leftover stucco from a renovation." "Then," Xiao Xu asked, "why is it stored in such a precious silver box?" Ru Xin shook her head, "I don't know." Xiao Xu said: "Don't talk about the mysteries of Yilushen Island." Ru Xin smiled: "It seems that what I inherited is not property, but a secret history." "well said." "Xiao Xu, please publish an announcement in the Chinese and English newspapers in this city for me." Xiao Xu was surprised again, "What's the reason?" Ruxin took a pen and wrote on a piece of paper: "Looking for someone who served Mr. Li Zizhong on Yilushen Island in the 1950s and 1960s, please call 35021 for a small fee." Xiao Xu said, "Hey, that's my phone number." "I need your help." It's hard for this kid. "sure." At this point, Ru Xin breathed a sigh of relief. Why did Li Zizhong give her Yilushen Island? The secret has been kept for too long, and at this time, it should be time to reveal it. Ruxin knows that both L and R have passed away, and their secrets have been exposed, so it doesn't matter. Ru Xin invites Mi Gao to dinner. "Xiao Xu, you always have a Chinese name, right?" "Yes, grandpa called me Zhongzhi, come, I'll write it for you." That's a good name. After knowing his Chinese name, he is much kinder. "Ru Xin, I hope someone will respond after the advertisement is published." "Let me do the math. The servants who worked for Li Zizhong thirty or forty years ago are probably sixty or seventy years old this year. They are all old people." "But the mind should be quite clear." "Yes, you should remember what happened on Yilushen Island and all the details." "So," Xiao Xu asked, "you won't be leaving for a while?" Ru Xin spread her hands, "I'm a vagrant right now, it doesn't matter where I live, and I'm not in a hurry to go back." "For me, that's good news." Ru Xin smiled, "My family entrusted me to handle my younger sister's enrollment procedures." "Ask them to send their transcripts."