Chapter 82: The Ancient Beauty Kite
He remembered that welcome party very clearly.
Five people: Qin Fei, Wang Xixi, Murong Fu, Xiao Nuo, and Jiang Ran.
During their self-introductions, he carefully observed each of them.
Especially the condition of their skin.
Since all five were young, their skin was in excellent condition.
Among them, Jiang Ran and Murong Fu had the skin he desired most.
Why?
Because these two men were among the most handsome of their gender.
He planned to use Murong Fu's skin to make a kite resembling a refined gentleman.
He had it all figured out - since your name was Murong Fu, your skin would become an ancient scholarly nobleman. But unfortunately, when he was ready to target Murong Fu, the man had disappeared, possibly dead - at least he wasn't at home.
Thus, Jiang Ran became the best available option.
He had already decided - after flaying Jiang Ran, he would use the skin to create an exquisitely beautiful retro swallow kite.
The kite's name would be: Spring Swallow.
After shaping the skin into the basic form, the most crucial part would be painting and coloring.
He would mix Jiang Ran's blood with other pigments to breathe soul into the Spring Swallow!
Call him insane? A pervert?
Say whatever you want!
After that incident with his wife and child, he had severed all worldly attachments. His sole desire now was creating perfect kites - various types of flawless kites.
Kites that satisfied his artistic vision!
This was his only purpose for living.
As for how many innocent lives would be sacrificed along the way?
Sorry, that wasn't his concern. His conscience was clear.
With glorious anticipation of transforming Jiang Ran into a kite, he opened the door with a smile.
Jiang Ran stood outside Room 801. When the door opened and he locked eyes with Wang Nuli - this middle-aged man with a simple, honest face - the Danger Warning System in his mind began blaring: [Ding! Detected dangerous individual! Please evacuate immediately! Points +7! Points +7! Points+...]
Hearing the system's cold mechanical voice...
Normally he would ignore it, but now he had to take it seriously.
After recently experiencing that incident with the elegant suit-wearing old man being a homosexual, he thought the system might actually be reliable sometimes.
Now the danger warning sounded again, and this Wang Nuli actually gave the same +7 points as the guy from 503. Jiang Ran couldn't help suspecting - was this guy also gay?
Though the probability seemed low.
As Jiang Ran entered 801, Wang Nuli closed the door behind them. Staring at Jiang Ran's back, particularly the skin around his neck, his eyes gleamed with hunger. Only when Jiang Ran turned around did he suppress the greedy light in his eyes.
"You're a kite maker?"
Jiang Ran sounded surprised.
Mainly because the floor was completely covered with various kites, half-finished kites, and tools.
Not just that - he noticed kites hanging on the white living room walls too.
Unlike the casually placed floor kites, the wall-hung ones were clearly carefully displayed, each spaced perfectly apart from the others.
These exhibition-style wall kites were naturally superior to the floor ones.
Especially one particular human-shaped kite.
About 1.5 meters long.
Depicting an ancient beauty in elegant classical attire with exquisite head ornaments.
The kite's face was breathtakingly beautiful - clear and refined with bright eyes and white teeth. Jiang Ran found himself deeply captivated.
"Yes, I'm a kite maker. Have been since childhood."
Wang Nuli gave an honest smile.
He noticed Jiang Ran's gaze fixed on that particular kite.
He couldn't help thinking Jiang Ran had good taste.
After all, the wall displayed his proudest creations, all made from human skin.
And the one Jiang Ran admired was his masterpiece of painstaking effort.
The raw materials came from one of his beautiful female fans.
He remembered - that fan had dignified features, a slender figure, and was passionate about kites. She greatly admired his kite-making skills.
Originally Wang Nuli hadn't planned to target her, but seeing her flawless facial features and skin, he couldn't resist.
Surely she would forgive him?!
After all, he had transformed her into the kites she loved so much.
Jiang Ran knew nothing of the ancient beauty kite's backstory.
He only thought - this kite was incredibly crafted, as if wrought by divine skill!
The resemblance was so lifelike, like seeing a real person!
More captivating than any famous painting!
"Can I touch it?"
Jiang Ran turned to ask.
Wang Nuli nodded: "Of course. I enjoy having my kites appreciated. If touching wasn't allowed, I'd have put it under glass."
With permission granted, Jiang Ran boldly reached out with his right hand.
Slowly caressing it - the initial sensation was smooth, delicate, completely unlike the rough, grainy texture he expected.
"What material is this kite skin made from? It feels as smooth as human skin. Must take considerable effort to maintain?"
After thoroughly examining it, Jiang Ran asked curiously.
"The material? What if I told you it's human skin - would you believe me?"
Hearing this, Jiang Ran froze, then shook his head with a laugh: "Didn't expect you to be such a joker."
Wang Nuli also chuckled with a simpleton's grin: "Actually it's made from pigskin, cowhide, sheepskin etc., using special techniques."
Jiang Ran spread his arms, making an admiring suggestion: "You should really hold a kite exhibition! These are incredible - easily rivaling paintings in art museums. They're true artworks!"
He meant every word.
Seeing Jiang Ran's enthusiasm, Wang Nuli thought to himself - soon you'll become an artwork too.
"By the way, why did you ask me here? What do you need help with?"
Getting back on topic, Jiang Ran asked.
Wang Nuli gestured with his chin: "See that pile of bamboo over there? Materials for making kites. I can't handle it alone, so I'd appreciate your help processing them."
Jiang Ran walked to the bamboo pile - the stalks were long, appearing freshly cut.
Lush with abundant green branches and leaves everywhere.
"How should I process these?"
"Simple - use that bamboo knife to trim off all the branches, leaving just the bare stalk. Like that one there."
Beside the pile lay one already processed stalk. Just follow that example.
Jiang Ran nodded: "Got it. Leave it to me."
Wang Nuli: "I really appreciate it. After finishing, I'll treat you to dinner."
Jiang Ran: "No need to be so polite. This is part of our apartment staff duties."
Wang Nuli then brought over a small wooden stool.
"Sit here - easier on your legs."
Thanking him, Jiang Ran sat on the stool with his back to Wang Nuli, starting to trim bamboo with the knife.
Completely unaware that behind him, Wang Nuli's simple, honest face...
Now revealed undisguised greed and cunning.