I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Chapter 301 The Secret of the Lin Family

The four followed the old man into the mansion, which was decorated in a simple style and steeped in history. They arrived at the living room, where the old man gestured for them to sit down. He then spoke slowly, "I am the patriarch of the Lin family, and Lin Hao is my grandson. I know you're looking for him, but I must tell you something first."

The old man's voice was deep and powerful, as if carrying an irresistible majesty: "The Lin family was once a prominent family, but because of a fire, most of the family members died. Only a few survived, including me. We have been keeping a secret, and this secret is related to Lin Hao's disappearance."

Zhang Wanqing nodded slightly: "Chief Lin, what is this secret?"

The old man took a deep breath, a trace of sadness flashing in his eyes. "This secret is related to an ancient ring. This ring is our family heirloom, engraved with some ancient patterns. These patterns represent our family's honor and responsibility."

Fu Siyuan smiled slightly: "We have found this ring. What does it have to do with Lin Hao's disappearance?"

The old man raised his head, his eyes filled with determination. "This ring is our family's talisman. It possesses powerful powers, capable of protecting the family from disaster. But at the same time, it also attracts the covetousness of many. Lin Hao discovered the secret of this ring by chance. He realized that the power of this ring could bring disaster to the family, so he decided to hide it."

Li Wei nodded slightly: "Where did Lin Hao hide the ring?"

The old man smiled slightly. "He hid the ring in a place only he knew. But he didn't tell me the exact location. He only left a letter. The letter said that the ring can only be found when the time is right."

Zhang Wanqing nodded gently: "Chief Lin, do you know the exact location of this ring?"

The old man shook his head slightly: "I don't know. But I know that Lin Hao left some clues, and these clues may help you find him."

The old man took out a letter from the drawer and handed it to Zhang Wanqing: "This is a letter Lin Hao left for me. The letter mentioned that he hid the ring in a place only he knew. He also left some clues that may help you find him."

Zhang Wanqing took the letter and read it carefully. It read:

"Grandpa, I know the power of this ring could bring disaster to our family, so I decided to hide it. I hid it in a place only I know, a place that is closely connected to our family's history. Only by solving this puzzle can we find the ring. I hope you can protect this secret until one day, the truth is revealed."

The four of them left the Lin family residence and drove to the Lin family's ancestral home. The home was located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by weeds and grass, making it look particularly desolate. They arrived at the gate of the ancestral home, which was closed tightly with an ancient lock on it.

Zhang Wanqing walked forward and knocked gently on the door. After a moment, the door slowly opened, and an old woman in a black robe stood at the door. She had a thin face and a kind look in her eyes.

"Who are you?" The old woman's voice was low and powerful.

"We're here to investigate Lin Hao's disappearance." Zhang Wanqing smiled and showed her ID. "We hope you can help us find Lin Hao."

The old woman was slightly startled, then nodded: "Come in, I have something to tell you."

The four followed the old woman into the ancestral home, which was decorated in a simple style and full of history. They arrived at the living room, where the old woman gestured for them to sit down. Then, she slowly spoke, "I'm the Lin family's housekeeper. Lin Hao often came here when he was a child. I know a few things about him."

Zhang Wanqing nodded slightly: "Butler, do you know where Lin Hao hid the ring?"

The old woman shook her head slightly. "I don't know. But I know that Lin Hao left some clues that may help you find him."

Fu Siyuan smiled slightly: "Butler, what are these clues?"

The old woman took out a note from the drawer and handed it to Fu Siyuan: "This is a note Lin Hao left for me. It contains some clues. Maybe it can help you find him."

Fu Siyuan took the note and read it carefully. Written on it were a few words: "The truth is right before your eyes."

Fu Siyuan smiled slightly: "The truth is right in front of us. What does this sentence mean?"

The old woman nodded slightly: "This sentence may be the clue that Lin Hao left for us. You can go to the basement of the ancestral home and take a look. Maybe you can find some clues."

Zhang Wanqing nodded gently: "Butler, thank you for your help."

The entrance to the ancestral home's basement was hidden behind an ancient scroll in the living room. Pushing it aside revealed a narrow staircase. Zhang Wanqing, Fu Siyuan, Li Wei, and Lin Wanqing stood at the stairwell, their gaze fixed on the ancient wooden door. Carved with ancient patterns, it looked a bit worn, yet still exuded a mysterious aura.

"Is this the entrance to the basement?" Lin Wanqing's voice trembled slightly, and there was a hint of uneasiness in her eyes.

Zhang Wanqing nodded slightly: "Yes, the clues left by Lin Hao point to this place. We have to go in and take a look."

Fu Siyuan walked forward and gently pushed open the wooden door. It creaked slightly, as if telling of the passage of time. The four of them slowly descended the stairs. The basement was filled with damp air. Under the dim light, the surrounding walls were covered in moss, making it appear particularly eerie.

"It's so quiet here." Li Wei said softly, with a hint of vigilance in his eyes.

Zhang Wanqing smiled slightly: "Quiet places often hide more secrets."

The four of them walked into the basement and looked around. They found an ancient stone platform in the center of the basement, and on the stone platform was a small wooden box. The wooden box was engraved with some ancient patterns that looked very similar to the patterns on the ring.

"This wooden box looks very old." Fu Siyuan said softly and walked forward.

Zhang Wanqing also stepped forward, gently picked up the wooden box, and examined it carefully. The surface of the box was a little worn, but the pattern on it was still clearly visible. She gently stroked the box, thinking silently in her heart.

"This wooden box might have been left by Lin Hao." Zhang Wanqing said softly, "We have to open it and see what's inside."

Zhang Wanqing gently opened the wooden box, and inside was a piece of paper and an ancient ring. The surface of the ring was a little worn, but the patterns carved on it were still clear.

They began to search carefully in the basement, leaving no corner unsearched, hoping to find many clues to solve the case.