Chapter 823: He will only let them see what he wants them to see.
Just as Director Hu said, their trunks were filled with ordinary Program Group props.
Inside the largest trolley case, although there were many other hard-shell suitcases, they were mostly scattered items, including even a few temporary makeup kits from the makeup artists, all piled inside the trolley case, ready to be stacked together later in the temporary cabin prepared for them by the organizers.
And the thing the security guards were looking for was naturally not inside here.
However, after their search, Xiao He had roughly deduced what the item they were looking for looked like.
First, judging from the main focus of the security guards' search, the item they were looking for was likely a small box, roughly the size of a briefcase, about the size of a 14-inch laptop, which could be carried with one hand and could hold small valuables like documents, cash, or USB drives.
And judging by the scale of the security team's operation, it was likely a combination lock box; they were absolutely certain that even if someone else got their hands on it, they would definitely not be able to open it.
Consequently, the nature of the box itself limited how difficult it was to hide. If it had been taken by someone, it wouldn't be easy to carry around, and the security guards could quickly determine the situation they wanted to know about with just a simple glance.
Then who could have taken it?
Was it the person he suspected?
"How long has the item been missing? Haven't you checked the surveillance footage?" Xiao He stood to the side, feigning dissatisfaction as he complained, "There should be surveillance on the cruise ship, right? How could something go missing? It's affecting the mood of the other guests."
The security guards looked up at Xiao He, while Director Hu looked at him with an expression that clearly said, "Brother Xiao, you're so brave."
"We are very sorry."
Perhaps because the security guards had already memorized the faces of the top-tier guests, at least when facing Xiao He, their attitude was much more humble. They apologized and explained, "Sorry, Mr. Xiao, we are truly sorry for the disturbance! After reviewing the surveillance, we only found that the item might have ended up on these lower levels; we still need to investigate the details further."
In reality, the matter of the missing item was only based on the word of the owner.
What was absurd was that when asked where and how the item was lost, the guest was hesitant and couldn't give a specific location, only demanding that the security guards search the entire ship and insisting that someone had stolen it.
The Xiangsheng Cruise Ship had always been known for its safety and providing the best service to guests. If a "thief" stealing from guests appeared shortly after the ship set sail, it would undoubtedly be a scandal and would cause panic among the other guests on board, leading them to question the safety of the Xiangsheng Cruise Ship.
Therefore, no matter how furious the guest who lost the item was, demanding the ship turn back to conduct a search, Shipping Tycoon Bao Xingsheng, upon learning of the matter, immediately suppressed the news and did not allow the Xiangsheng Cruise Ship to turn back.
However, because the guest's identity was indeed special, Shipping Tycoon Bao Xingsheng was forced to agree to this large-scale search, albeit with great annoyance.
And thus, the current situation arose.
"Is your investigation always going to disturb the normal recreation of others on the ship like this?" Xiao He continued to question them. "And if you don't find the item in a while, surely you won't keep searching repeatedly, right? Although our Program Group is on board to record a variety show and help with the marketing and promotion of the Xiangsheng Cruise Ship, we should still receive the same treatment as other guests, right? If you only target our people for inspection, it really ruins our mood."
"Sorry, sorry. Please rest assured, Mr. Xiao. Once we finish our investigation, we will immediately record it and will absolutely not disturb everyone again. We also hope everyone can continue to enjoy a wonderful and festive time on the Xiangsheng Cruise Ship."
Xiao He's stern attitude made the security guards even more nervous; they immediately apologized repeatedly and made serious assurances.
The rest of the Program Group was instantly moved.
"Teacher Xiao..." Director Hu Pei looked at Xiao He with a grateful expression.
Even though he was a long-established and famous variety show director, he dared not make things difficult for the staff on the Xiangsheng Cruise Ship in such a situation. After all, no matter how you put it, they were a world away from the Bao Family in Hong Kong. Facing such a search, they could only be angry but dare not speak out.
But everyone was invited on board. If they were constantly treated like criminals and had their things searched repeatedly, who could be happy? Only Xiao He had spoken their minds directly!
However, Director Hu Pei was also very worried that Xiao He's actions would provoke the dissatisfaction of the security guards, thereby affecting Xiao He himself—
"Don't worry." Shu Han appeared beside Director Hu Pei at some point and patted their Program Group director reassuringly. "Xiao He is a special VIP on the top floor this time; what he says is still very useful."
"Ah? Teacher Xiao is actually a VIP on the top floor this time?" Director Hu Pei was astonished, and his gaze towards Xiao He changed. So, Xiao He actually had such a big background?
Suddenly, Director Hu Pei puffed out his chest and became more confident. At the same time, he instructed a few members of the Program Group: "Open everything that can be opened and let them check it carefully, so there are no omissions."
"Okay!" The Program Group members responded immediately, opening the suitcases more nimbly without the reluctance they had at the beginning.
After being questioned by Xiao He, the security guards didn't dare to miss anything. After conscientiously checking the Program Group's belongings, they apologized respectfully to Xiao He and the others again and gave everyone in the Program Group five-star free meal vouchers for the Xiangsheng Cruise Ship, which were akin to "hush money."
Thus, the Program Group didn't really need to treat everyone tonight; the whole team could enjoy a luxury cruise dinner! It was a blessing in disguise, and everyone was happy. Director Hu Pei was also beaming, no longer feeling the displeasure from just a moment ago.
Just after those people left, Liu Rulan and Lao Qi walked over.
"What's going on with you guys? I was saying that the recording should have finished a long time ago." As Liu Rulan spoke, she tilted her head slightly toward Xiao He.
Xiao He looked at Liu Rulan, who had come over, feeling a bit confused.
"Ah, Manager Liu, we really owe it to Teacher Xiao this time! I'm truly sorry, we accidentally delayed things a bit." Director Hu Pei immediately walked up with a smile to speak with Manager Liu.
Lao Qi quickly walked to Xiao He's side and whispered, "Need to hide something, is there a way?"
This sentence was concise and clear, enough for Xiao He to guess the general situation. However, he was not panicked at all.
"Is the item hidden nearby? Then bring it over immediately and put it directly with the Film Crew's things." Xiao He said in a low voice, "Be quick."
The reason he forced the security team to check carefully just now was to achieve this effect.
"But the surveillance..." Lao Qi swept his gaze over the tops of their heads. "Sister Liu and I have already done our best, but it's possible..."
"It's fine, don't worry." Xiao He said nonchalantly. With him around, he wanted them to see what he wanted them to see, and so they would only see that.