Conan: Silence in the Dark

This is the story of a bored otaku who travels through time and space and becomes the second daughter of Maori Kogoro. Please don’t tip me. This is just for practice, and I’ll leave it as is without any modifications. There may even be serious issues like the style of the previous chapter differing from this one. Please don’t expect anything. I can’t charge for it because it’s poorly written.

Maori Kogoro pointed at the woman in front of him and said, “The murderer is you!”

Conan: “Hehe… I knew it.”

Jing walked silently to Kogoro’s side, held his hands with both hands and corrected him, “…Father, you are pointing at the wrong thing, it’s the one next to you!”

Kogoro quickly said, “Yes, it’s you!”

Conan: Silence in the Dark
Chapter 51: The Kitchen Throne (Part 2)
“Mr. Mori, Mrs. Mori, long time no see. Hello, see you again, Xiaojing!” After arriving, Sato greeted Xiaojing, Kogoro and others with great energy.
“I heard from my eyes some time ago that you encountered something unhappy. Now it seems that Officer Sato has been resurrected!” Kogoro and Sato said.
“Well, it’s in the past. I’m not responsible for that case anymore. And since I solved a murder case with the help of your daughter when I came here, I didn’t receive any punishment. It’s just that I got stuck in a dead end, haha.” Sato said carefreely and laughed a little embarrassedly.
“It’s good that you’re okay, it’s good that you’re okay. Sometimes I make mistakes, but I will still solve the case in the end! This case will be left to me as well!” Kogoro couldn’t change his nature and began his case-solving declaration, leaving Conan and Xiaojing speechless.
Has Uncle Maori always been like this? Conan asked Xiaojing with his eyes.
Xiao Jing sighed and agreed. At least she had made many mistakes when she was with her father before.
“The victim was Mr. Daisuke Maeda, the sous-chef here. He died from a blunt object blow to the back. It was discovered that Ms. Kinoko said that everyone vaguely heard a noise, and about two minutes later went to inquire about the progress of Mr. Daisuke’s cooking and went to a separate cooking room. The structure discovered that the cooking room was open and Daisuke fell inside. Other staff members can also testify to this.” Takagi came over and reported the general situation of the investigation to Sato.
“The criminal must have attacked Mr. Daisuke and immediately fled in the opposite direction.” Kogoro speculated.
“When we visited the kitchen just now, Mr. Daisuke was still cooking.” said Xiaolan.
“Then the time of death should be during the time when Xiaolan and the others went to visit the kitchen, and Mr. Man also received threatening letters in the past few days. There must be someone who wants this store to go bankrupt, so they did this!” Kogoro said with an expression of certainty.
“Really? Mr. Man.” Sato hurriedly confirmed to Man.
When Sato and Kogoro were discussing the case, Xiaojing realized that Conan was missing. She hadn’t noticed it before, but now that the image of sweets had faded from her mind, she knew immediately that Conan must have gone to the scene.
Xiao Jing also quietly left the lounge and came to the independent kitchen at the scene. Several staff members were collecting evidence. The deceased had been carried away, leaving behind a white human-shaped pattern.
Xiaojing observed and saw Conan squatting in front of a tomato, thinking about something.
“What’s wrong?” Xiaojing asked.
Conan looked back and saw that it was Xiaojing, then pointed at the crack of the tomato with his finger.
“This crack is a bit strange. It doesn’t look like a crushed shape.” Conan said.
“This was torn from the middle. Look at the roots of the cracks on both sides, it’s obvious that something was inserted into it.” Xiao Jing squatted down and looked at it carefully and said.
“What did Mr. Man want you to do just now?”
“Because Mr. Man received a threatening letter these days saying that Man’s food is inedible and demanding that Man close the shop for rectification.” Conan said casually to Xiaojing.
“Oh. Is that why you went to my father and mother for help?”
“That’s partly why, even though it’s just an invitation to a food tasting. Since he’s planning to focus on being a store manager, he wants to choose the best chef as head chef. I heard it’s mainly a competition between Daisuke-san and Minamifune-san.”
“So the beneficiary is Mr. Nanfune?” Xiaojing said following Conan’s clue.
“At least there is a motive. We detectives cannot jump to conclusions without finding definitive evidence.” Conan said this with great force.
“My father has already gone down.” Xiaojing looked at me as if you were a fake detective.
“Well….your father is an exception!”
“Hmm?” Xiao Jing stood up and looked around, then looked up and found that there seemed to be something in the ventilation fan.
“What’s wrong?” Conan asked.
“I think we were all wrong.” Xiaojing said.
“What did you find?” Conan asked immediately.
“Mr. Daisuke, whom my sister and I saw in the kitchen at the beginning, might have been dead. He was just hanging by something and didn’t fall down. The front window was completely blocked by the heat from the food, and my sister and I only saw his outline.” Xiaojing said, pointing to the exhaust fan above.
“Now that you put it that way, I understand!” Conan said with sudden enlightenment.
“Do you know who the murderer is?”
“no.”
“Tsk, then what did you know?” Xiao Jing asked somewhat disappointedly.
“I know the murder method, but please, it’s not that easy to deduce the criminal’s identity.” Conan said with a headache.
“Okay, I know you are very good, great detective. So what is your method?” Xiao Jing was still curious about the method, at least she hadn’t discovered it yet.
“Wait a minute.” Conan said and ran to the staff nearby.
“Uncle, Uncle Maori said there might be some clues there. Could you please help me take a look?” Conan said cutely.
“Did Mr. Mori say that? Okay, I’ll go take a look.” As expected, after hearing the name of Kogoro Mori, the staff dismantled the exhaust fan and found a rope inside. There was red liquid on the triangular knot on the head of the rope.
“Well, the rope was found, but what was used to create the illusion that Mr. Daisuke was not dead?”
“It’s the tomatoes there.” Conan explained to Xiaojing.
“???” Xiaojing said she still didn’t understand.
“The prisoner first froze the tomatoes and punched a hole in the middle. He passed the ropes through the two ends and tied them together to form a “L” shape. He then passed the other end of the rope around Mr. Daisuke’s arm and tied both ropes to the exhaust fan.”
“Then the slow rotation of the exhaust fan drives the rope to generate a not very heavy pulling force. Because of the connection with the tomatoes, Mr. Daisuke is fixed. Then when the tomatoes soften, the rope will be pulled apart and rolled back into the exhaust fan, is that right?” Xiaojing continued.
“Yeah, that’s right.” Conan nodded to confirm Xiaojing’s guess.
“Then the murderer should be Mr. Man.” Xiao Jing put her hand on her lips as if thinking.
“Huh?” This time, Conan was surprised that Xiaojing was able to identify the murderer so quickly.
“Look, the only person who can handle Daisuke-san without making a fuss is the head chef. Even though the cooking room is separate, it’s not completely soundproof.”
“Yes, that’s right.” Conan nodded in agreement.
“Then, wasn’t the head chef the beneficiary of this trick of deliberately creating an alibi? He forged a threatening letter and found my parents to be witnesses, using this time difference to perfectly prove that he didn’t have time to kill anyone.” Xiao Jing gave her two reasons.
“But the head chef agreed to let you and Ran visit the kitchen, so there is a risk of being discovered by you.” Conan expressed his doubts.
“Normally, as visitors, we wouldn’t disturb the chefs who are preparing food, so the head chef just pretended to be serious and let us in to observe.”
“Although what you said makes sense, I always feel like something is wrong.” After listening to Xiaojing’s reasoning, Conan felt that it made some sense but also felt that something was wrong.
“Tell me the details of what happened on your side, and I’ll see if I can find any clues.” Conan asked Xiaojing to tell him the details of her and Xiaolan’s visit to the kitchen.
Afterwards, Xiaojing told Conan about her own situation and also asked Conan about the threatening letter and what Man had talked about with his parents.
“Xiao Jing, Conan can’t run around!” Xiaolan appeared at the door at this time, obviously looking for the two children.
“Sister/Sister Xiaolan.”
“You disappeared without me noticing. You really like running around.” Xiaolan took Xiaojing and Conan out of the kitchen, one in each hand.
“I’m here to eat the food cooked by Nanchuan’s chef. I’ve made a reservation. What! Such a thing happened? So I can’t eat Nanchuan’s food anymore? It has to be postponed? Well, this is the only way.” Xiaolan and others who had just arrived in the living room were attracted by the voice from the front desk.
“Did the people just now come here specifically to eat Mr. Minamifune’s food?” Conan asked after Xiaolan led the two of them closer.
“Yes, chef Nanchuan’s dishes have been widely praised recently. He said that after eating them, he felt an indescribable sense of happiness, and we have received many reservations.” said the receptionist at the front desk.
“That’s really amazing.” Xiaolan said enviously about Nanchuan’s cooking skills.
“But Nanchuan’s cooking skills seem to have suddenly become amazing some time ago. I wonder what secret he used.”
Conan seemed to understand something after hearing her words.
“Dad, what’s going on? Have you found the murderer?” Xiaolan brought Conan and Xiaojing to the lounge, where Kogoro and Sato were still discussing the case. The other people in the room had already left to continue working.
“Well, we’ve found a clue. We found a rope in the exhaust fan, and after verifying with Officer Sato, we’ve figured out the modus operandi. Mr. Daisuke, whom you and Xiaojing saw at that time, may have died.” Kogoro and Sato have also deduced the modus operandi based on the rope and clues at the scene.
“Does father already have a goal?” Xiaojing asked.
“Yes, I think it was Mr. Man. But Eri said that before I came, Mr. Man had been explaining the situation of the threatening letter to her and did not leave, so Mr. Man also had an alibi at that time.” Kogoro said somewhat hypocritically. After all, his reasoning was completely denied by his lover.
“So the culprit must be someone else, and the investigation has reached a deadlock again,” Yingli concluded.
“So everyone except Mr. Man is a suspect?” Xiao Jing said.
“Well, maybe this is the current situation.” Sato said after thinking for a while.
“If Mr. Nanchuan had taken us to the personal kitchen at that time, it wouldn’t have been so troublesome.” Xiao Jing’s mind was a little confused and she muttered in a kind of giving up.
“Only the head chef and the deputy head chef can enter the personal cooking room. Isn’t it normal that Nanchuan didn’t bring you in? Wait!” After Conan said this, he immediately thought of something and looked like he had grasped something.
“Huh?” Xiaojing looked over in confusion.
“Xiao Jing, I already know who the murderer is!” Conan pulled Xiao Jing aside. Xiao Lan saw Conan’s little action and shook her head helplessly. She thought Conan was going to take Xiao Jing to play pranks again.
Conan then told Xiaojing his reasoning.
“Well…that’s true, but it’s just your conjecture. Where’s the actual evidence?” Xiao Jing felt that the reasoning was very appropriate, but there was still a lack of conclusive evidence.
“If my reasoning is correct, the evidence is still at the scene!”
“Then let’s go find Officer Takagi to verify what you said. I think the Identification Department should be more sensitive about this matter.”
“Okay, I’ll go find Mr. Man to help arrange it!” Conan immediately began to verify his reasoning and took action.
“Xiaojing, where is Conan?” Xiaolan asked when she saw Xiaojing coming back alone and not seeing Conan.
“Well, he went to the bathroom.” Xiao Jing nodded deliberately and said after thinking for a while.
“Conan!” Xiaolan knew Xiaojing was lying as soon as she saw her expression. She planned to give Conan a good lecture later for corrupting her sister!
“Xiaojing, good girl, don’t lie!” Xiaolan turned and looked at Xiaojing in a low voice.
“Conan went to the kitchen to find food and promised to bring me some.” Xiao Jing immediately stated her purpose.
“Really?” Xiaolan felt helpless about Xiaojing’s desire to continue consuming sugar.
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ActivityRegister as a Filo member and receive 200 points![Register Now]Chapter 52: The Kitchen Throne (End) (Old Version)
“It’s a pity, but the arrangements cannot be interrupted like this. I think the late deputy chef Daisuke would have wished for the same. Today we have also invited the famous detective Maori Kogoro and his family to do food tasting and evaluation. The two people with the highest scores today will become the head chef and deputy chef of this restaurant.” Mitsuru announced to the staff in the store after Sato and Takagi left after collecting evidence and investigating.
Kogoro and Eri, who were sitting in the living room with the store manager and staff serving as judges, stood up and bowed slightly to everyone to express their honor during the introduction.
Under Xiaolan’s stern gaze, Xiaojing retracted her hand that was reaching for the dessert and drank pure milk, while Conan sat upright with his chest puffed out.
By the way, Xiaolan brought the dessert in front of Xiaojing, but she also “suggested” Xiaojing not to eat it today in an imperative tone. The meaning of this punishment for Xiaojing is that she can only look at it but not eat it.
Tsk, I’ll eat it all the same when you’re not paying attention. Jing wasn’t worried about Ran’s punishment at all, having already prepared for a lecture after eating. Conan had already taken the blame.
Conan, on the other hand, had no idea that he was going to be lectured by Xiaolan. He kept looking at Xiaojing with questioning eyes, but was naturally ignored by Xiaojing.
After Chef Man announced the start, the participating chefs also brought out their own dishes. There were twelve chefs in total. It must be said that Full House was indeed a very high-end restaurant. The chefs alone (excluding the kitchen staff) numbered fourteen (Man and the deceased).
“Here it comes, it’s Chef Nanchuan’s signature dish.” The young woman working at the front desk who was serving as a temporary judge said happily.
“Kikuko, you are being very disrespectful to other chefs!” her colleague next to her immediately reminded her.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Kikuko immediately bent down and apologized to the other chefs present.
“Don’t mind it. This is also a reflection of Nanchuan’s strength. It means I’m still a little short of perfection.” One of them said. He was a handsome man wearing glasses and had long pink hair like a woman when he took off his chef’s hat.
“Yes, Nanai is right.” The other chefs also said that it was okay.
In fact, because they were all colleagues, there was no misunderstanding or dissatisfaction.
“Then let’s start tasting.” He opened the tray full of dishes, revealing the steak-like dishes inside.
“Steak? It doesn’t seem so.” Xiao Jing was at a distance from the tray so she couldn’t see clearly at first. But a moment later she immediately realized it wasn’t it, because the surface didn’t have the texture of beef, because it was pork or chicken or something like that.
“This is the grilled chicken fillet with sauce that I made. The grilled and marinated chicken fillet with just the right amount of flavor and the sauce made with various spices will not disappoint you.” Nan Chuan introduced.
Chef Man and Nanchuan Biefen divided the chicken fillet into eight small portions and handed them to the judges. Of course, Chef Man also kept one portion for himself.
“Mom, I want to eat too.” Xiaojing ran to Yingli and said.
“I’m wondering why you are so quiet today, you little glutton.” Yingli turned around and playfully scratched Xiaojing’s nose.
“It hurts.” Xiao Jing faked a cry.
“Hey, hey, ah!” Yingli knew Xiaojing’s routine and knew that this was Xiaojing’s signal for feeding. Reluctantly, she cut a small piece from the small plate and put it into Xiaojing’s mouth.
“It’s delicious.” Xiao Jing felt really good after eating, and she wanted to continue eating. She had obviously eaten a lot of sweets not long ago, and she and Xiao Lan tried some when watching them cook. If Xiao Lan hadn’t said it, she would definitely be full long ago.
“Then please write down the two chefs you think are the best on a piece of paper and we will make a public announcement after dinner. Later on, let me, as the head chef, cook the dinner as a token of my gratitude to everyone.” Man stood and bowed to everyone to express his gratitude.
“No, it’s us who have always been taken care of by Mr. Man.”
“Yeah, that’s right.” The others also responded and echoed Nanai.
“What a pleasant shop!” Xiaolan exclaimed sincerely.
“Yeah, what a pity Mr. Daisuke.” Kogoro agreed and sighed.
“Then let me be Mr. Man’s assistant!” Nanchuan said after Man had decided to personally cook for everyone for the last time.
“Let me help too!”
“That’s right. Although my cooking may not be as good as the manager’s, I can still be an assistant.” Other chefs also expressed their desire to help.
“No, no, no, then in the end, won’t it all be done together? How about this, let Nanai help? His knife skills are well-known to us all.” Mitsuru initially refused everyone’s request, but with everyone’s enthusiasm, he chose Nanai as his assistant. After all, cooking for so many people would be a bit tiring for Mitsuru to do it alone.
“Dear.” Eri picked up her cup and nodded to Kogoro when their attention shifted to Mr. Man.
“Yeah.” Kogoro nodded in response. Then Eri took advantage of the situation by putting the cup into her bag and left under the pretext of going to the restroom.
“Sister, help me get the tissue.” Xiaojing looked at the tissue on the table and judged that she was still a little short of height, so she asked her sister for help. After eating the chicken chop, Xiaojing returned to Xiaolan’s side.
“Come.” Xiaolan held a tissue and gestured to help Xiaojing wipe her mouth.
Xiaojing obediently turned her face away and let Xiaolan wipe her.
“Conan.” Xiao Jing wiped her mouth and ran down from her seat to Conan’s side.
“What’s wrong?” Conan looked at Xiaojing warily.
“Conan, I think I have discovered something too.” Xiao Jing said to Conan with some pride.
“What did you find?” Conan immediately turned into detective mode.
“Come with me.” Xiao Jing did not explain to Conan immediately but gestured for Conan to follow.
“Don’t cause trouble for others.” Xiaolan, who was standing nearby, saw Conan following Xiaojing and thought the two children were going somewhere to play again, so she gave the order.
“Okay, sister/Sister Xiaolan.” Xiaojing and Conan agreed.
Xiao Jing came to the table where they had just tasted the food, climbed onto a chair, took a paper towel and wiped the sauce-stained plate, then quickly jumped down and walked to the side where no one was. Conan immediately followed. After Conan came over, the wait staff also put the plates away. Xiao Lan also temporarily served as a waiter to help clean up as a return gift.
Xiaojing whispered her discovery to Conan in the corner.
“What?” Conan cried out in surprise.
“Is there any danger?” Conan asked.
“It’s okay, don’t worry, the amount is not large.” Xiao Jing said affirmatively.
Then, one dish after another was placed on trays and served until the table was full. There was not even a pause in between, and this mastery of timing in preparing the dishes made the chefs sitting at the table feel inferior.
Man and Nanai also changed back into casual clothes and took their seats shortly afterwards.
When Man was about to say what to write, Sato and Takagi came in again.
“Sorry to disturb your meal. But there are some things that we need Manager Man to go with us.” Sato said straight to the point.
“Why are you here again! What do you want to see the manager about?” the woman named Kikuko asked dissatisfiedly.
“I’m sorry, but it was me who asked Officer Sato to come.” Kogoro stood up at this time.
“Mr. Mori?” Everyone looked at Kogoro questioningly.
“Because the murderer is Manager Man!” Kogoro said, pointing at Man opposite him.
“How is that possible! Manager Man was with you when Mr. Daisuke was killed!” Nanai questioned.
“That was arranged in advance by Mr. Man. After opening the door of his personal kitchen with a key, he killed Mr. Daisuke. Then he used a hole drilled in the middle of a frozen tomato as a connection point to connect two ropes, wrapped them around Mr. Daisuke and tied them to the vent. The ropes dragged Mr. Daisuke. Because of the steam coming out of the food, Xiaolan, Minamifune and you didn’t actually see Mr. Daisuke clearly, so you didn’t feel the rope behind Mr. Daisuke. In this way, Mr. Man created a perfect alibi.” Kogoro reasoned.
“The rope and tomatoes were found at the scene. Although no fingerprints were found on the rope and tomatoes, Mr. Man’s fingerprints were found on the exhaust fan. In the end, only the murder weapon was not found,” Sato continued.
“How is that possible!” Nan Chuan said with an expression of disbelief.
“I’m sorry, I have suspected Manager Man for a long time, so I just asked my wife to give Mr. Man’s cup to the appraiser for identification. When I solved the mystery of Daisuke’s time, I knew that only you could arrange the time to talk with us, and only you could use the key to open the door and kill Mr. Daisuke without being noticed by anyone.” Kogoro said confidently.
“Mr. Man? /Manager?” The others asked Man with an incredulous expression.
“Believe me, it’s not me.” Man naturally denied it immediately.
“That’s right, the manager is not that kind of person!” Qijing said excitedly.
“Nanai, don’t get excited. I didn’t kill anyone, I know this better than anyone else! I’ll go with Officer Sato first. If I’m innocent, Mr. Mori will definitely clear my name.” Mitsuru patted Nanai’s shoulder and said.
“That’s right, if Mr. Man is innocent, I would rather risk my reputation than let him suffer any harm!” Kogoro said handsomely from the side.
“I will be back soon after I am proven innocent. You can finish your meal and clean up today and then go home. Let Nanchuan and Nanai take charge for the next few days while I’m away. I’ve just seen the ballots. Nanai is the head chef and Nanchuan is the deputy head chef. Please keep up the good work.” Mitsuru gave a few instructions and left with Sato.
Kogoro and his group naturally followed Sato. After all, they had already sent the store manager to the police station, but they were not shameless enough to stay for dinner.
After the store manager left, the others lost interest and just ate a little before going home from get off work.
“Qi Jing, no, Chef, you should go back first. I’ll tidy up and close the door myself.” Nan Chuan said to Qi Jing, who was the last one to stay like him.
“Well, I believe the manager is innocent and he will be back soon.” Qijing was still a little excited.
“I believe it too, but I think you are tired, so go back and rest first.” Nan Chuan saw that Qi Jing was getting agitated again and comforted him with sympathy.
“I’m sorry, I lost my composure. I’ll leave this to you.” Nanai obviously knew his condition and rested for a while before going back.
After Nanai left, Nanfune walked towards the personal cooking room and opened the bottom drawer.
“It’s you, Mr. Minamifune.” At this time, Kogoro walked in handsomely with his hands in his trouser pockets. Of course, Eri, Xiaolan, Conan, Xiaojing, Sato Takagi, the store manager Man, and even Nanai, who was supposed to leave, were also with him.
“Why are you here?” Nan Chuan stared at everyone with wide eyes.
“Of course we are waiting for the real murderer,” said Kogoro.
“Dinner was just a show. We wanted to lure out the real murderer and ask him to help us find the murder weapon. As someone who used the kitchen, it wouldn’t be surprising if Mr. Man left fingerprints everywhere,” Yingli explained.
“The manager who originally planned to take us to visit the kitchen needed to explain the threatening letter, so you actively took on this task. Because Mr. Man, who has the key to the personal kitchen and is both the manager and the user, will most likely take us to the personal cooking room to introduce us to Mr. Daisuke. Although on the surface it was the manager who controlled the meeting time, it was you who prevented Xiaolan and Xiaojing from actually meeting Daisuke! Mr. Minamifune.” Kogoro pointed at Minamifune and said.
“But I didn’t expect that the murder weapon was a wooden rolling pin. You are really strong.” Kogoro said with regret.
Nan Chuan pulled out a rolling pin from a row of rolling pins in the open drawer. The bright red bloodstains on it had turned a little black.
“He is indeed a famous detective.” Nan Chuan sighed and sat on the ground, supporting his hands with a rolling pin in front of him.
“Actually, this plan is very thorough. If I hadn’t come here looking for this, you wouldn’t doubt me anymore.” Nan Chuan said, staring at the rolling pin in his hand.
“If you are wrong, I will doubt it.” Kogoro denied Minamifune’s statement.
“Why?”
“Because of the motive, although we have not been in contact for a long time. It seems that Mr. Man was forced to step down from the position of head chef. He just wants to give you a chance to shine. Moreover, he is the manager and owner of this store. There is no need to kill Mr. Daisuke, at least not in the store. After excluding Man, I naturally thought of you.” Kogoro replied.
“It’s all Assistant Chef Daisuke’s fault. My food was cooked so well! But he did! But he did!” Nan Chuan suddenly shouted.
“Mr. Nanchuan, please stop tarnishing the profession of chef.” Xiaojing said loudly at this time.
“What did you say!” Nanchuan stood up and looked at Xiaojing fiercely. Xiaojing naturally stared back at him without fear.
“You put poppy powder in the food! How can the illusion created by adding that stuff be compared with real food!” Xiao Jing said coldly.
“How do you know?” Nan Chuan took a step back in embarrassment.
“My stomach only craves sweets! How could it crave something non-sweet? So you must have put something addictive in it!” Xiao Jing said proudly, raising her head.
“Hey, hey…” Conan was speechless at Xiao Jing’s confident words. Is this how you know there are drugs in the food? And it’s such a tiny amount. Your testing method is simply beyond the realm of possibility. I can’t complain about it.
“That’s why!” Nanchuan waved the rolling pin in his hand and rushed towards Kogoro, who was also ready to give him a powerful back throw. But Sato rushed forward and kicked the rolling pin away, and then grabbed Nanchuan and pinned him to the ground.
“Conan.” Xiao Jing looked at Nan Chuan on the ground and looked at Conan.
“What’s wrong?” Conan asked with a puzzled look on his face.
“I found that the women I know all seem to have strong fighting skills. Even Sonoko has learned a few moves from Xiaolan!” Xiaojing said.
“Uh…” Conan was so embarrassed that he didn’t know what to say.
The case was solved thanks to Kogoro’s flawless deductions, and Minamifune confessed. The threatening letter was sent by Daisuke, the assistant chef, hoping to warn Minamifune against using drugs in her cooking, but Minamifune failed to appreciate Daisuke’s kindness. Finally, Daisuke summoned Minamifune to his personal kitchen, explaining that he had repeatedly warned her and could no longer ignore her, and that he planned to call the police. In a moment of desperation, Minamifune murdered Daisuke with a nearby rolling pin, then devised a new method for the crime: exploiting the time difference between the store manager’s meeting with Kogoro to create an alibi.
“Mom, this, I want this!” Xiaojing said, pointing at the cake on the counter in front.
“Hi hi!” Yingli walked up to the store helplessly and paid Xiaojing.
“Dad, you spoil her too much!” Xiaolan said angrily.
“What’s the big deal? It’s just eating a cake. Today’s case was solved thanks to Xiaojing’s clues! Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been so fast. Of course, the biggest reason is because of me, the famous detective, hahahaha.” Kogoro started his signature move again.
“Hehe…” Conan looked at the cake Xiaojing handed over speechlessly. Is this a reward?
Shizuka, already accustomed to Kogoro’s personality, though she felt Conan and herself played a role, was unwavering in her belief that Kogoro could solve the case. Why? Because he had his mother around. With the support of his family, Kogoro was always a true detective. Well, at least he wasn’t unreliable.
A few days later.
“Ran, I heard that Manshu has changed its head chef. The new head chef is called Nanai and he’s super handsome! Let’s go together after class! I heard that you will feel happy after eating the food he cooks~!” Sonoko said to Ran.
“Uh…you just want to see Mr. Nanai, but if you think about it carefully, Mr. Nanai is indeed a very handsome guy.” Xiaolan recalled.
“Have you already seen it????”
“Um, hehe…” Xiaolan was confused.
“No, I want to go too! You must go with me later!”
“Hi hi.” Xiaolan agreed as if giving up.
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Chapter 53: Sniping without Malice (I) (Old Version)
“It’s a pity you could find a place like this. Be careful not to slip.” Xiao Jing said to Yuan Taiguang, Liao and Conan who were barefoot and catching fish with nets with their pants rolled up on the river bank.
“There, right there, Genta!” Ayumi commanded from the shore.
“Okay!” Guang Liao replied and swung the net with Conan.
“I caught it!” Conan said with satisfaction as he looked at his fish bag.
“They ran away again.” Guang Liao was a little disappointed.
After the three of them caught the fish, they returned to the shore and Xiao Jing also came with them to watch the bucket of water into which the fish were put.
“We caught a lot of fish!” Ayumi was obviously very satisfied with the results.
“Just as Yuantai said, this is a good place to catch fish.” Guang Liao praised Yuantai for discovering this place.
“I’m hungry. What time is it now?” Yuantai stretched out his tired hands and talked about the issue that concerned him most.
“It’s already one o’clock. It’s time for us to have lunch.” Xiao Jing took out her cell phone from the pocket of her coat, checked the time and said.
“???” Xiao Jing suddenly felt a gaze directed at her, but it didn’t sense any malice. It wasn’t a venomous gaze, nor was it a disguised gaze like Mary’s, suppressing her presence. Puzzled, Xiao Jing pulled out the glasses, modified by the doctor, from her small bag. The doctor had reshaped them to be smaller, a size more suitable for women than Conan’s glasses.
“Huh? Look what that is?” Ayumi said, pointing to the river in the opposite direction.
“What’s wrong?” Everyone’s attention was drawn to Ayumi’s voice and they asked.
Xiao Jing used the magnifying function of her eyes and her own excellent eyesight to barely see the figure holding a gun in the building.
Sniper? It’s probably not aimed at us. He just happened to see us. So what’s his target? Xiao Jing’s gaze also fell on the Junior Detectives. Following behind them, Xiao Jing also saw a radio-controlled model boat in the distance. A red balloon was tied to the boat and moving at a relatively high speed.
“It’s a model ship.” Guang Liao said after taking a closer look.
“Where is this being controlled?” Yuantai looked around but didn’t see anyone.
“Bang!” The balloon suddenly exploded.
“Get down! That’s gunshot!” Xiao Jing immediately ordered everyone to get down. Although there was no malicious intent, Xiao Jing didn’t think it was okay to leave witnesses alone after a shooting in a country with gun control. Any danger should not be underestimated!
“What?” Guang Liao and Yuan Tai shouted but immediately lay down on the grass obediently. The tall grass by the river should be big enough for a child like Xiao Jingjue to hide.
After hearing the warning, Conan immediately squatted down and let the tall river grass block himself. After pulling Ayumi down, Xiaojing gave Conan a look.
Conan understood and took out a telescope from the bag that contained snacks and looked through the gap at the nearby vantage point.
“It’s a rifle! I saw it, it’s right there. Don’t move!” Conan told everyone what he saw and warned them not to move.
“They put away their guns and left together. There is no danger anymore.” Conan said with relief.
Xiaojing pulled Ayumi up and brushed off the dust on her body.
“Well, I think we have encountered something again. I will call the police first. What do you think, Conan?” Xiaojing asked Conan for his opinion.
“I think we need to go investigate now. He seems to have discovered us. He even looked in our direction when he left. Maybe he left some clues!”
“That’s right, Conan is right! Now is the time for our Junior Detective Team to go out!” Genta agreed.
“Yes, that’s right.” Ayumi and Guang Liao naturally agreed.
“But there’s no guarantee that any of them are still there, so forget it.” Xiao Jing originally wanted to say that there was still danger there, but seeing that they didn’t seem to be listening at all, she gave up and thought to herself that she could only rely on herself. As a disciple of Vermouth, Xiao Jing still had some confidence in observation.
“Xiao Jing, did you say anything just now?” Ayumi turned around and asked. Firstly, Xiao Jing’s voice was a little cold, and Xiao Er and his attention were not on Xiao Jing just now, so they only realized that Xiao Jing had said something just now and did not hear clearly what she said.
“It’s okay, we just have to be careful.” Xiao Jing still asked everyone to be careful.
As a result, Xiaojing, who had been on guard all the way, did not notice any human figures at all. After arriving at the rooftop of an abandoned high-rise building opposite the river bank, Xiaojing looked at the backs of Conan and the others in front of her and sighed silently.
Shouldn’t we say that a newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger?
“Is this the shooting from here?” Yuantai said, looking at the river below.
“That’s really amazing, it’s about 500 meters.” Xiao Jing, who was at the back, said.
“They are not doing shooting practice, are they? Using moving balloons to practice is a very powerful method.” Guang Liao said after thinking for a while.
“Rather than practice, I think it might be a test.” Conan reasoned, holding his chin.
“Test?” Ayumi asked somewhat confusedly.
“And it was forced.” Conan continued.
“I just saw the other two people pointing guns at that man.” Conan told everyone what he had just seen.
Conan thought about it again and then bent down to try to find something.
“Conan, what are you doing?” Genta asked curiously.
“He’s wondering if there’s anything that can be used as evidence.” Xiaojing also looked around and started searching. Under Xiaojing’s leadership, others soon joined the search.
“Since it’s a threat, it will definitely not be so easy for the threatened person to leave anything behind.” Xiao Jing searched for a long time but found nothing.
“Xiao Jing, you and Ayumi should take a rest first. We will keep looking. The Junior Detective League will not give up so easily!” Guang Liao politely let the two women go and rest first.
“I hope so… huh?” Xiao Jing, who was planning to sit down on the steps to rest, noticed that something seemed to flash under the gravel on the side.
“Conan, there is a calculator here.” Xiao Jing immediately called Conan.
Conan quickly ran over and picked up the calculator with his handkerchief.
“What are these numbers?” Yuantai was completely confused looking at the numbers on the calculator.
“It should be a secret code.” Xiaojing, who was sitting on the steps above, said.
“Secret code?” Ayumi turned around and asked subconsciously.
“Xiao Jing, you can’t do this. People will see what’s inside! Girls can’t sit like this.” As a result, she looked up and saw Xiao Jing’s white underwear showing from under her skirt as she was sitting like a man. Ayumi quickly reminded her and stepped forward to correct Xiao Jing’s sitting posture.
Fortunately, the only person who turned back was Ayumi, who was closer to Ri Xiaojing, so no one else saw it. However, Guang Liao and Yuan Tai, who heard it, couldn’t help but blush.
“Hi hi.” Xiaojing helplessly brought her knees together. With Xiaolan and her mother at home and Xizi and Ayumi outside, it was hard for her not to change.
“But what do these numbers mean?” Xiao Jing still felt uncomfortable in this posture, so she stood up and walked behind Conan, looking at the numbers on the calculator and asked.
“I’m not sure now, but let’s notify the police first!” Conan said.
“Oh, I just forgot about it.” Xiao Jing took out her cell phone and dialed the police number that she should have called a long time ago.
Mu Muyuan, who arrived at the scene shortly afterwards, looked at the river in the distance.
“Was it really shot from here?”
“Yes, although I didn’t see him shoot, I saw him holding a rifle in his hand.” Conan replied.
“And you just left this calculator?”
“I wonder if that man was kidnapped, because he looks like he was forced to shoot.” Conan repeated what he had just seen to his eyes.
“But we haven’t received any reports so far, and we haven’t found any clues after checking here just now…” Inspector Mumu said with some embarrassment.
“How can this be? Maybe we can find bullets on the other side of the river or in the river!” Yuan Tai said dissatisfiedly.
“That’s right, that remote-controlled boat might also be a clue!” Guang Liao also said.
“Okay, don’t make things difficult for Inspector Mumu. Searching for bullets in a river is not as easy as you say, especially when there is flowing water here.” Xiaojing said to Yuantai and Guangliao.
“And unfortunately, these days are a series of holidays. Most of the Investigation and Criminal Investigation Divisions are on vacation. So, I’ll take this calculator back and investigate.”
“This is the only way we can do now. However, kidnapping is a serious crime. If Inspector Mumu has any results from his investigation, I can ask my father to assist in the investigation.” Xiaojing said to Mumu.
“Okay, then I’ll be leaving first. Say hello to your father for me.” Mu Mu made a quick decision, said hello to everyone and left.
“Really, Uncle Mumu doesn’t believe us at all.” Yuantai said dissatisfiedly downstairs.
“This is a normal judgment. Investigations require evidence. Let’s eat first.” Xiao Jing said as she took the lead and walked to the front.
“That’s right, I brought eel rice today!” Yuantai walked to the front and said happily.
“Conan, are you still thinking of the secret code?” Ayumi asked as she watched Conan open his lunch box but not eat it and look at the numbers in his little notebook.
“That won’t do.” Xiao Jing snatched Conan’s little notebook from behind him.
“Eat well during mealtime. Here are some fish for you.” Xiaojing put the fish from her lunch box into Conan’s lunch box. In fact, their lunch boxes were the same because they were both prepared by Xiaolan.
“That’s great, the same lunch box as Xiaojing’s.” Guang Liao said with some envy.
“Don’t we look like a couple?” Xiao Jing said as she took a small bite.
“What are you talking about? We are not that kind of relationship.” Conan hurriedly explained.
“Don’t worry, I’m not interested in your type either.” Xiao Jing smiled indifferently, but at the same time, she thought to herself, “I know you are Shinichi.”
“What type does Xiaojing like?” Ayumi came over curiously.
“The most important thing is that I can read quietly.” Xiao Jing said after thinking for a while.
“You really want what you want.” Conan said in surprise.
“It’s just temporary, but I’m surprised that you’re discussing these events at your age?” Xiao Jing asked with some confusion.
“Uh…” Conan didn’t know how to answer. If he were older, it would be time to talk about these things, but it was really too early for him to be an elementary school student now.
“Eat, eat.” Conan awkwardly changed the subject and began to finish the food in his lunch box.
Chapter 54: Sniping without Malice (Part 2) (Old Version)
“What’s this about a dream romantic journey on the Heisei Express? It’s just some old photos.” Kogoro sneered at the advertisement in the magazine.
“Have father and mother sat here before?” asked Xiaojing, who was staring at the fish in the fish tank with Xiaolan.
“I know this. I heard it from my mother!” Xiaolan said immediately.
“Well, it’s not a big deal.” Kogoro said with a slightly blushing face to cover up.
“Ah, no, I still don’t know what it means!” At this time, Conan shouted helplessly at the code written on the notebook.
“Of course, that kind of number doesn’t look like a secret code at all. It’s just something someone forgot to take away.” Kogoro used Conan’s words to change the subject.
“But you guys really dared to call Inspector Mumu over during the holidays.” Kogoro said angrily after picking up the can of beer and taking a sip.
“Dad!” Seeing that Kogoro was about to scold her, Xiaolan immediately stopped him loudly.
“Conan and Xiaojing’s reasoning is not wrong. This possibility does exist. How can you say that?” Xiaolan said to Kogoro with a little dissatisfaction.
“Hey, I’m just complaining about you. Police officers don’t have overtime restrictions and rarely have days off.” (This actually applies to China as well, as ordinary people at least have overtime restrictions under the labor law. But police officers don’t have that, especially those who are in charge of a certain task, and their workload is very heavy.) Kogoro didn’t really mean to be angry.
“Could it be referring to the location, date, or name of the assassination?” Xiao Jing analyzed.
“Maybe it’s the room number of a hotel or building.” Xiaolan also reasoned.
“That shouldn’t be it. If there are only these numbers, we won’t be able to tell which one it is.” Xiaojing used a small spoon to pour a spoonful of fish food into the fish tank.
“Then maybe it’s a road. By the way, isn’t there 162 at the end of it? It must be National Highway 162.” Xiaolan continued to reason without giving up.
“Then what does the 3135134 in front mean?” Kogoro asked.
“It must be used to conceal the true meaning of 162 in case the criminal finds the calculator.” Xiaolan continued.
“Hmm, so that’s how it is. In that case, the shape of the river could be the shape of a road, and the balloon on the boat is used to simulate a moving vehicle.” Kogoro reasoned as if he already knew the truth.
“Ah, that’s it! Dad will give it to you tomorrow!” Xiaolan said, pointing to National Highway 162 that Conan found on the map manual.
“?? Leave it to me?” Kogoro didn’t react for a moment.
“Of course he will take us to find clues. It’s rare that Conan has already found the location.” Xiaolan explained.
“After all, father is a famous detective. He can’t let us go looking for him.” Xiaojing also said.
“Haha, that’s true.” Kogoro felt a little elated and took the beer on the table and started drinking.
Well done. Xiaolan gave Xiaojing an admiring look.
It’s a small matter. Xiao Jing gave a thumbs up to indicate that it was nothing and then continued to observe the fish in the fish tank.
The next day.
“Why do we have to bring these little brats with us, and even rent a car to drive over there?” Kogoro complained while driving the car.
“Because we don’t have a driver’s license, and it would be inconvenient to take the tram to find a place. These kids also want to come, so I’ll have to ask you, Dad. They also want to see how you solve the case!” Xiaolan explained flatteringly.
“But uncle, you are a famous detective, right? How come you don’t even have a car?” Yuantai asked with some confusion.
“You don’t have money to buy a car, and it seems like you don’t drive often. We should fasten our seat belts to be safer.” Guang Liao suggested.
“Well, what you said makes sense.” Ayumi nodded in agreement.
Then the three detectives fastened their seat belts properly, but the child’s careless words were very discouraging to Kogoro who was driving in front.
“I’m talking to you guys!” Kogoro turned around and yelled at them in dissatisfaction.
“Dad, you must look ahead when driving.” Xiaojing, who was sitting with Ayumi, reminded Kogoro.
“Yes, Dad, how can you look to the side while driving?” Xiaolan, who was sitting in the passenger seat, forced Kogoro’s head to face forward.
“Actually, since my father’s activities usually don’t leave the city, it’s more convenient to take the bus or even walk (because of the small land area and many vehicles and policy issues, Japanese people generally tend to walk if the distance is not too far).” Xiaojing still explained for her poor father.
The main reason is that Kogoro has a habit of betting on horses and showing off, so he spends money lavishly. That’s why Eri used to control the finances. Now that Kogoro and Eri are separated, one-third of the finances are with Ran, and Kogoro usually spends the remaining two-thirds within a few days and then continues to take on more work.
Xiaojing couldn’t help feeling helpless when she thought of her father’s hedonistic behavior. In fact, as a detective agency with two floors of considerable area, the real estate owned by Kogoro was not a small amount. Although he was not a rich man, he was also a person with a slightly higher income.
The group searched for possible locations along National Highway 162.
“Not here, the shape of the curve is different.” Conan and Xiao Yuanta said after actively comparing it with the rough map they had drawn.
“Not here either.”
“wrong.”
“It doesn’t seem to be here either.”
After changing several locations, the group found that none of them were right.
“It’s almost over. Maybe the idea that the river and the road have the same shape is wrong.” Kogoro said with some disappointment as he looked at the traffic downstairs.
“Really? It was Dad who talked about the shape of the road, but now he’s saying such discouraging things.” Xiaolan said dissatisfiedly.
“It’s almost 11 o’clock and the sun is starting to shine. Let’s take a break.” Xiao Jing said, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hands.
“Well, the kids are a little tired. Let’s go back to the car and rest for a while before continuing! It will be time for dinner soon. What do you think, Conan?” Xiaolan saw that Xiaojing and the Junior Detective League were a little tired and asked Conan, who was still very energetic.
“Well, okay, Sister Xiaolan.” Conan came back to his senses and agreed without thinking.
“I’ll buy you drinks. You guys take a rest.” Xiaolan asked the children who were resting in the car.
“I’m going to buy a pack of cigarettes too. Don’t come out, okay?” Kogoro ordered.
“Got it.” Everyone in the back seat answered together.
“I always feel something is wrong.” Xiao Jing took the small notebook from Conan and said to the numbers on it.
“But all the other methods I tried couldn’t decipher it at all. Only what Xiaolan said seems more likely,” Conan explained.
“If the victim really saw us and left clues, I don’t think he would leave behind too complicated codes. After all, we are just children. We definitely can’t decipher anything too complicated. Even if we call the police, the police have special code interpreters, but there is no news from Mumu right now, which means it is not an internal police code.” Xiao Jing paused, staring at the numbers on the notebook.
“And the most important thing is, he saw us only about three minutes or even less, so the code he came up with should be relatively simple…” Xiao Jing looked at the E on the sign in the distance and paused when she suddenly thought of something.
“I think I know.” Xiaojing looked up at Conan and said.
“What happened?” The detective team members immediately came over.
Xiao Jing took out a pen from her bag and wrote the numbers on the notebook so that they would be written the same way as on a calculator. Then she handed it to Conan.
“What did you see?”
“So that’s how it is! He saw that there are many of us and if he needs to circulate it, he may need to take it from the face of the person. And if he needs to call the police, he also needs to hand the calculator to the police. So the correct perspective is the perspective of the person being circulated! The real code is 2GIHEISEIE!” Conan said when he saw the numbers on the notebook.
“So that’s how it is! It’s so simple.” Guang Liao couldn’t help but say.
“We’ve been searching for so long and it’s all wrong?” Yuantai said somewhat frustratedly.
“But I still don’t understand what this means.” Xiao Jing’s English was failing, so she looked at Conan.
“Uh…this doesn’t seem to be a normal word.” Conan was also stunned at this time.
“Is it wrong again?” Ayumi asked worriedly.
At this time, Xiaolan and Kogoro, who had just returned from shopping, opened the car door.
“What are you looking at?” Xiaolan asked after she and Kogoro distributed water to everyone.
“Uncle, we found that the code can be interpreted like this. If we turn it upside down, it will become like this.” Conan handed the notebook to Kogoro in a pretentious manner, acting like I was a child.
“2GI Heisei Express?” Kogoro said in confusion.
“Oh right, it’s the Heisei Express. I seemed to have seen it somewhere.” Xiao Jing clapped her hands and said.
“If HEISEIE is the Heisei Express, then 2GI should be 291, which represents time! 1 o’clock on the 29th!” Conan reasoned at this time.
“In that case, wouldn’t that be today? No, I’ll contact Inspector Memuku.” Kogoro looked at his watch and it was already a little past 11 o’clock.
“Hello, Inspector Memuku, this is Mori. What? Okay, I’ll be right there.” Kogoro said and hung up the phone.
“The Messenger also asked us to come over.” After explaining the situation to everyone, Kogoro asked Guanshan to drive the car to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Mumu led everyone into the meeting room nearby.
“There’s no other case that we’ve invited you all here for this time. It’s about a police officer who suddenly disappeared while on vacation with his girlfriend and became a missing officer. It’s this man.” Mumu placed a photo on the table.
Conan leaned over and took the photo and looked at it.
“That’s the man, Inspector!” Conan said affirmatively.
“It turned out to be true. To be on the safe side, I took a sample of the fingerprint on the calculator and compared it to confirm it. His name is Yamabe Koichi, and he was a former Olympic rifle shooter.” Mumu introduced to everyone.
“They are Olympic athletes, no wonder they are so powerful.” Guang Liao said.
“Then the criminal must have kidnapped his girlfriend and used her to threaten Koichi and force him to use a rifle to snipe someone.” Kogoro reasoned.
“So what Conan and the others saw was really practice for sniping?”
“That’s right, the case is just as you deduced. But the key point now is that we don’t know the time and place, so we don’t know where to start.” Mumu put his hands on the table helplessly.
“If it’s the time and place, we know it!” The three members of the Junior Detective League looked at each other and said loudly.
“Ah?” Mu Mu exclaimed in surprise.
Then Kogoro told the screen the correct code deduced by Conan and Xiaojing.
Turn on lazy reading mode
Chapter 55: Sniping without Malice (End) (Old Version)
“Haha, the Criminal Investigation Department complained to me that I didn’t provide the correct code. Because I accidentally pressed the clear button on the calculator, I gave them the numbers written with a pen. I’m so ashamed that my negligence almost caused serious consequences. It’s all thanks to you, brother Mori.” Mumu said to Kogoro in the passenger seat in the car.
“No, no, after all, cooperating with the police investigation is also one of the detective’s jobs. How are the arrangements around here?” Kogoro asked.
“Police have been deployed to monitor the three commanding heights nearby. If they launch a sniper attack at one o’clock, they should be ready around 12:30. There is a helicopter with snipers on standby on the nearby riverbank. Everything is fully prepared.” Mumu replied.
“It’s really rare to get a sniper license.” Xiao Jing said as she turned a page of the magazine in her hand.
“After all, the social impact is very bad.” It was Kogoro who explained instead of Mumu.
“Kidnapping, illegal detention, illegal possession of a firearm, and intentional homicide. Generally speaking, kidnapping and intentional homicide alone are felonies punishable by more than five years. But since the kidnapped person is a police officer, the procuratorate’s approval was so straightforward,” Xiao Jing said in her distinctive voice. [The future criminal code will be based on China’s, removing the death penalty and halving it. After all, there’s not much time to truly research the six laws of China.]“There must be a reason for this.” Mu Mu said awkwardly.
“Sniper permission?” Yuan Tai asked in confusion.
“Generally speaking, snipers have the authority to shoot criminals in emergency situations, but after the emergency, the facts need to be examined and the need to shoot will be reviewed. This is also to prevent the mistaken shooting of some people who are just extreme and impulsive. After all, whether it is murder or intentional injury, most of them are passion killings or injuries. There are actually very few criminals who premeditated or planned to kill.” Xiaojing explained.
“So how do you issue a sniper permit?” Guang Liao also asked at this time.
“When it is determined that there is a threat to the safety of others or national interests, the person can be shot immediately. For example, if a criminal takes out a pistol or is determined to have the intention to attack, he can be shot immediately.” Conan went on to explain.
“I’ve always thought that Conan and Xiaojing were both so awesome!” Ayumi said admiringly.
“Xiaojing has been following her mother and reading relevant books. It’s really amazing that Conan knows all this.” Xiaolan also became suspicious at this time.
“Haha, I also saw it occasionally in a book~” Conan scratched the back of his head and made up an excuse.
Idiot, Xiaojing glanced at Conan.
Hey, hey, it was you who started it! Conan protested helplessly in his heart.
“But speaking of this, it’s true that it’s not uncommon for police officers to be sacrificed because it’s difficult to issue a permit to shoot. This is especially true for the arrest of armed criminals. At least in one lawsuit I’ve seen, the family of a hostage sued the police for incompetence because the hostage was not rescued. The twelve police officers who were dispatched to rescue the hostage were also killed by the criminal’s bomb along with the hostage.” Xiaojing helped Conan change the subject.
“Well, this is the rule. It is very troublesome and complicated in all aspects. You don’t need to know it so clearly now.” Kogoro stopped the topic with the excuse that it was unnecessary. After all, these are not inside stories that ordinary people should know.
“Someone is coming!” said the driver in the front seat at this time.
“No, no!” The three detectives behind leaned on the window and looked out curiously.
“You little brats, sit back down properly. What if you alarm the prisoner?” Kogoro scolded sternly.
“Hey, hey, we can’t see clearly anyway.” Genta and the others looked outside and could only vaguely see some figures. After being scolded by Kogoro, they returned to their seats in disappointment.
“Now that the criminal has been identified, it’s almost time for Inspector Mumu to begin his investigation.” Kogoro said to Mumu who was holding a telescope at the side.
“Yeah. Haoyi and his girlfriend have been found. They were indeed kidnapped and coerced! Hello, I’m Mumu. Team Two and Team Three continue to be on guard to see if there are other accomplices going to the place you are monitoring. Team One, all members, prepare. The criminals have been temporarily identified as three people who are very likely to be armed. Check their equipment and be ready to rush in and rescue them in three minutes. The sniper is ready to take off the helicopter and go around the back of the building. The high-altitude sniper should report immediately when he can see the criminals.” Mumu nodded to Kogoro and immediately began to deploy and prepare for the action.
“Do you understand that you should not go out from here?” Kogoro said to the children behind him.
“What? Such a rare opportunity!” Ayumi was a little disappointed.
“That’s right, we obviously contributed too.” Guang Liao said dissatisfiedly.
“That’s right, it was clearly Xiaojing and Conan from our Junior Detective League who discovered the secret code.” Genta also brought Xiaojing and Conan along.
“This is not something children should be involved in. What are your answers?” Kogoro asked with some impatience.
“I understand!” The three members of the Junior Detective League answered in a very loud voice.
As a result, while scaring Kogoro, Xiaojing also felt dizzy.
Xiaojing put down the book in her hand helplessly.
“With Inspector Memaki’s attitude, the criminal will surely be apprehended without incident. Our presence won’t be of any use. So, it’s best to stay in the car.”
“Yes, Xiaojing is right. We can just stay in the car. At least we have cracked the code and found the criminal, right?” Xiaolan also said to the children along with Xiaojing’s words.
After that, the three people who were ready to make a move calmed down after repeated instructions from Mumu and Kogoro. Mumu also prepared to break in with Kogoro and other police officers.
Sure enough, after everyone waited for less than 15 minutes, the police officers led by Mu Mu escorted the three people out of the building. After seeing that there was no danger, the three detectives immediately opened the door and walked out, and Xiaolan did not stop them.
“I’ll take the prisoner back for interrogation first, and then I’ll thank you properly in the evening.” Mumu said to Kogoro and led everyone away.
The Young Detectives, who had just come out to inquire about the case, were also disappointed, and then they seemed to have thought of something and looked at Kogoro together.
“Uncle, what just happened!”
“Haha, of course I went up and caught the murderer. At that time, the murderer tried to resist and rushed towards me! I threw him to the ground with an over-the-shoulder throw and successfully subdued the criminal and rescued the hostage.” Kogoro straightened his clothes and said to the children.
“real?”
“Uncle is so powerful.”
“Isn’t the shoulder throw the same move Kamen Rider uses to throw monsters to the ground?”
“Hahaha, of course, I am the famous detective Mouri Kogoro.” Kogoro laughed back to his nature.
Xiao Jing, feeling somewhat embarrassed, closed the book in her hand.
“What do you think?” Xiaojing asked Conan beside her.
“Uh… I don’t think that’s the truth. Just now, one of the criminals had obvious scratches on his face, which shouldn’t have been caused by my uncle’s judo.” Conan said.
“If I’m not mistaken, the sniper must have knocked down the pistol pointed at Haoyi, while my father rushed through the door and dealt with the prisoner closest to it. As for the prisoner you mentioned with a scratch, I think it was Haoyi who hit him with the butt of his rifle. Haoyi is a professional sniper after all, and he’s very good at assessing the situation.”
“Well, there’s some truth to what you said.” Conan nodded in agreement.
In a good mood, Kogoro took everyone to have a late lunch and then generously took everyone for a tour around the neighborhood.
In the evening, Mumu Ruyan came to Kogoro’s detective agency.
“They were members of the former Tiger Gang. This gang had to be disbanded shortly after a capable prosecutor arrested the gang leader and a large number of cadres last year.” Mumu explained the whole story to Kogoro.
“So the person who was sniped was the prosecutor?” Xiaolan asked.
“Yes, they planned to kill him when the family was returning home after their trip.” Mumu said affirmatively.
“What a simple motive of revenge.” Kogoro said calmly.
“Although that’s what I said, it’s all your credit that this case was solved, Brother Mori!” He suddenly turned his eyes to Kogoro and said.
“Yes, no, it’s a small matter. Now that you mention it, well, it is indeed a merit, hahaha.” Kogoro was a little unable to react at first, but he subconsciously accepted the achievement and then burst into laughter after he realized it.
“Look, it seems like Dad solved the case alone.” Xiaolan said to Xiaojing and Conan with some amusement.
“Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. At least we can let him take us out to play on the next weekend.” Xiao Jing said in the same tone as usual.
“That’s true. Xiaojing and Conan, where do you want to go for fun?” Xiaolan asked.
“Of course it’s the children’s playground!” Conan was about to say something, but when he saw Xiaojing staring at him, he immediately changed his words.
“What about Xiaojing?” Xiaolan turned to Xiaojing.
“bookstore.”
“Xiaojing still likes reading as always.” Xiaolan said as she touched Xiaojing’s head.
Xiao Jing just looked at the fish tank in front of her and watched the fish swimming slowly inside.
Chapter 56: A Humble Wish (I) (Old Version)
“I’m going to Sister Yuko’s place.” Xiaojing said goodbye to everyone at the door.
“I understand. Remember not to cause trouble for Teacher Yuko. Come back before dinner tomorrow, okay?” Kogoro instructed.
“Dad, Xiaojing is not a reckless kid like Conan. It’s okay even if she doesn’t come back tomorrow. It’s rare for Teacher Xizi to come back, and she must miss Xiaojing a lot.” Xiaolan encouraged Xiaojing to get along well with Xizi. She felt that Xiaojing was still too quiet.
Conan, who had just been shot, just waved goodbye. He couldn’t help thinking that he had been blamed a lot recently. Wasn’t Xiaojing the mastermind?
“Okay.” Xiaojing didn’t know whether to answer Kogoro or Xiaolan, then closed the door and went downstairs.
“Hi!” Mary greeted Xiaojing who came out of the car downstairs.
Xiaojing looked around and then got into the passenger seat with Mary through the open door and fastened her seat belt.
“Where are Yuko and Shinichi?” Xiaojing asked directly without saying hello.
“They are waiting for us at the Zero Hour base. This is not an investigation and collection mission. You have to be prepared. Although I think you should not carry out this kind of mission at your age, this is Yuko’s order.” Mary said helplessly at last.
“Since I joined the organization, I have already prepared myself mentally. You don’t need to sympathize with me.” Xiao Jing understood Mary’s feelings as sympathy for her “younger” self.
“Hi, hi.” Mary started the car without any explanation.
“What’s the mission this time?” Xiaojing entered the room and sat on the bed. Shinichi was still sitting on the floor fiddling with his gun. Yuko was lying on the sofa beside them. Although neither of them moved, Xiaojing knew that they had sensed her before she even entered the room.
“It’s not a big deal. One of our chess pieces just died in an accident.” Mary, who came in later, explained.
“Then what do you need us to do?” Xiao Jing looked down at the pistol that Xinyi was fiddling with, and roughly estimated that even Xiao Jing should be able to use the small firearm normally.
“Well, we could have found another chess piece to replace him. But his son and secretary are not very cooperative, so the organization has to give up this chess piece. Really, this is also an additional test for you.” Yuko took her hand off her forehead and said tiredly.
“It sounds like it’s going to be very troublesome.” Xiao Jing looked around and found that there was no similar information as last time.
“Although I can’t help you directly, the location has been arranged. This time, Mary and I will support you as a demolition man and a sniper.” Yuko continued.
“Are we required to make a frontal breakthrough this time?” Xiao Jing thought for a moment and asked in confusion. After all, she and Xinyi were the types who were more suitable for assassination.
“That’s right. Such a rare and valuable assassination talent is actually going to make a frontal breakthrough. I really don’t know what the higher-ups are thinking.” Mary was also confused.
“After all, the authority I gave Xinyi and Xiaojing was a bit too much. A completely confidential secret weapon, with unconditional support from a unilateral organization. Even missions had to be issued through me, and they wouldn’t accept any missions if there was a risk of exposure. It’s not surprising that those bigwigs above me started to have doubts.”
“Is that why we have to take an extra test to examine our loyalty to the organization?” Xiao Jing took the pistol from Xinyi and felt that it was indeed much lighter than a normal pistol.
“But this is not a real frontal breakthrough. You will go as representatives of the organization to negotiate with the son of a former member, Huang Ye Bo Cai. Although it is a cover, the timing is still in your hands.” Mary continued.
“The mission this time is to destroy them all.” Xizi interjected at this time.
“All wiped out?” Xiao Jing pointed the gun outside the window and muttered to herself helplessly.
It was a dark night without any moonlight, dotted only by dim street lights.
“Huh?” Xiao Jing looked at the three people who fainted outside and asked into the microphone with some surprise.
“It seems someone is ahead of us. Judging from the car, it should be the police. But it won’t hinder us. That kind of car can only hold four people at most.” Xizi’s voice came from Xiaojing’s ears.
“Don’t be afraid. Our clothes are special protective clothing of the organization. I will attack after the start, and you just need to cover me.” Xinyi said, pointing to the black clothes on his body.
“What are you afraid of? I’m here!” Mary’s confident voice came from the headset.
“Let’s start then.” Xiao Jing took out the phone prepared by the organization and called the person inside.
“We’re here, no need to send anyone to greet us.” Xiao Jing spoke in a cold voice and hung up the phone.
“Kids, this is not the place for you.” The bald man who was assigned to guard the door said subconsciously after seeing Xiaojing and Xinyi.
“Don’t pay any attention to it, just go in.” Xiaojing heard Xizi’s instructions.
“Hey, didn’t you hear it?” The bald man saw Xiaojing and Xinyi quickly open the door and enter his boss’s room, and chased in angrily.
“Our guests are here! Look, Mr. Policeman, our leading actor is here. Hmm?” The blond man with gold earrings said to the man in the coat, then turned his head to look at Xiaojing and Xinyi and found that they were two little children looking at them with some confusion.
The person speaking was Araba, our main target today. The man in the coat was likely the police officer who arrived before us. In the center, a half-naked woman was tied to a chair, and a middle-aged man was tied to his knees on the ground. Both were gagged, and the woman’s eyes were even covered with tape.
“Confirm that there are nine people in the room.” Mary confirmed the number of people through the sniper rifle’s scope.
There was still one person missing. Xiao Jing looked and saw someone who looked a bit like a secretary standing diagonally behind Araba Ye and in Mary’s blind spot.
Xiaojing looked at Xinyi, who shook his head to indicate that he was not completely sure.
“Arabano, you don’t have to doubt that we are the special envoys.” Xiao Jing said in a cold voice.
“He is truly a very special envoy.” Araba Ye said and signaled with his eyes.
The two thugs who were closer to Xiaojing and Xinyi immediately attacked Xiaojing and Xinyi.
However, Xiaojing had already noticed it when he signaled, and the man who attacked Xiaojing was forced to stop before he could touch Xiaojing after swinging his fist.
It turned out that Xinyi knocked out the thug who attacked him with a rib kick, and then used the recoil to jump in front of Xiaojing and pointed a gun at the thug who attacked Xiaojing.
“Gun?” The woman behind the police shouted subconsciously. She should be the man’s partner.
“What a warm welcome ceremony.” Xiao Jing took out a special pistol from her clothes.
“Do you need me to help you discipline your men?” Xiao Jing pointed the gun at the thug’s head. The thug looked at Araba Ye in horror.
“Tsk, they are useless. They are just excited to see the lovely envoy. Please be sure to leave them to me to discipline personally.” Arabano bowed like a gentleman.
“What a polite gentleman you are. Well, first come first served. As the latecomers, please continue.” Xiao Jing said as she walked towards the sofa next to Arambo, and Xinyi followed closely behind.
“Yeah, where were we, Mr. Policeman? Look, the policewoman behind you is already trembling.” Huang Yuanbo sat back on the sofa and spread his arms and teased the man standing beside him.
“In that case, could you please accompany me to the police station?” The man, perhaps knowing something, spoke to Araba Ye without mentioning anything about Xiao Jing and Xin Yi.
“Is that all you’re going to do? It’s not popular now. Just pick someone who looks free and take him back.” Huang Yuanbo said contemptuously.
“You are braver than your father!” The man took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it and took a puff.
“Mr. Mu Lianghuo.” At this time, the secretary behind him walked over.
“Huh?” the policeman asked. It seemed that Mu Lianghuo was the name of this policeman.
“It’s not a wise move to break into a private residence without a search warrant, and you even knocked out the person downstairs, which is an illegal intrusion. Now you are in a more dangerous position.” The secretary rolled his eyes and said threateningly.
“Well, don’t be so ungrateful. You and I have an old relationship.” Mu Lianghuo said indifferently.
“Ah? So annoying old man, this is no longer my father’s era! Do you want to become a corpse now? From now on, I am the president of Araba Construction. So please take care of me, and just pretend you didn’t see anything and go back obediently.” Araba Ye yelled in frustration and then returned to a more gentlemanly tone, but the content of his words made Mu Lianghuo look unhappy.
“Even if you catch him, you can release him immediately. Aren’t you very clear about this?” Xiao Jing interjected at this time.
“That’s right, there are a lot of big shots behind me! How can you beat me?” Araba Ye said arrogantly in agreement.
“Oh, young master, it’s better for you to say less.” There was no intention of stopping him in the secretary’s words.
“You look like you’re angry. I’ll spare you since you look so powerless. Or do you want to give the girl behind you to me too?” Huang Yuanbo stood up and walked in front of Mu Lianghuo. His assistant shrank behind Mu Lianghuo in fear.
“Ah!” The half-naked woman in the middle was whipped on the back by the curly-haired man next to her, making a sound.
Liang Muhu and his assistant couldn’t help but look in the direction of the sound.
“What does it matter? I’m just a stranger to you anyway. Just be happy. Isn’t this interesting?” Mu Lianghuo declared loudly, revealing his true colors.
Chapter 57: A Humble Wish (End) (Old Version)
“What an interesting show.” Xiao Jing stood up and walked towards Araba Ye, stopping at a position parallel to the secretary.
“Look, even kids nowadays think so!” Araba Ye said even more proudly.
“Damn it!” Liang Muhuo’s unwilling expression became a little distorted.
“Let me join in!” Xiao Jing gave the start signal and instantly drew her gun and shot at the secretary. Although the recoil was treated, Xiao Jing’s arm still hurt a little. However, the secretary fell down, which proved that the power of the pistol had achieved the desired effect.
“Hey, what are you doing?” Araba Ye looked at Xiao Jing and Xin Yi in disbelief and asked subconsciously before they could react.
Mu Lianghuo was the first to react and pulled his assistant to hide behind a table.
“Bang” accompanied by the sound of a sniper rifle and broken glass, a thug who was about to draw his gun to attack Xiaojing fell to the ground.
“Are you going to go against me too? Kill them for me!” Araba Ye immediately gave the order after reacting.
“Cover.” Xinyi knew that Xiaojing had no fighting ability, so he signaled her to hide behind the sofa to cover himself.
“Okay.” Xiao Jing, who had just fired a gun, was surprisingly calm and could even sense the expressions of the people around her.
“Something was thrown from the left.” Xiaojing reminded.
Xinyi kicked the small cabinet thrown at him and broke it into pieces, then moved to the side to avoid the following bullets.
“Ah/Ah!” Two more people were shot by Xinyi, and Xiaojing only occasionally stuck her head out to shoot at them but never hit the target.
“There are six more.” Mary told Xiaojing the remaining number of people.
Is it just Arabano and the curly-haired man? (The two hostages and two police officers were ignored by Xiaojing.)
“Kid, you’re quite capable!” The curly-haired man found a shotgun from somewhere and shot Xinyi.
Although Xinyi dodged in time, he was still hit in the abdomen and was knocked onto the sofa by the impact.
“Haha!” The curly-haired man laughed triumphantly and ran towards the sniper’s blind spot.
“Bang.”
“What?” The curly-haired man stopped and looked in disbelief at Xin Yi, who was safe and sound after being shot and then fell down.
“Then it’s just you, Mr. Arabano.” Xiao Jing walked out from behind the sofa after confirming that Arabano had no weapon.
“If your organization kills me, the big shot behind me will not let you go easily!” Araba Ye said as he took a few steps back in embarrassment.
“That’s not my business.” Xiao Jing raised the gun again.
“Little sister, can you please put down your gun? How about I deal with this scumbag?” At this time, Mu Lianghuo pointed a gun at Xiao Jing and walked out from behind the coffee table. Although he walked out from behind the coffee table, he still carefully leaned behind the pillar supporting the house to prevent Mary’s sniper.
“Huo Liangmu, please save me. As long as you save me, I will tell you everything!” Araba Ye seemed to be grabbing the last straw.
“Put down the gun.” Xinyi pointed at Mu Lianghuo and said.
“Are you really unharmed? Are you wearing a bulletproof vest? Does it matter if your partner died like this?” Although he didn’t know who the other party was, if he could capture Araba Ye and follow the clues, he would definitely gain a lot.
“It’s okay.” Xiao Jing said as she took off the special clothes with a collar that reached her ears, revealing the normal clothes underneath.
“He’s really a child! To think such a young child was trained to be a killer, it seems your organization can’t just ignore it.”
“I won’t thank you.” Xiao Jing raised the gun and pointed it at her head.
“What are you going to do!” Mu Lianghuo shouted in surprise at Xiaojing who was about to commit suicide. After all, as a policeman, he couldn’t remain indifferent to such a young child shooting himself.
“Bang!” The gunshot did not come from Xiao Jing’s pistol, but from a sniper rifle. As the gunshot rang out, Mu Lianghuo’s pistol was also knocked to the ground.
“Bang.” At the same time, Xinyi shot Mu Lianghuo in the thigh without hesitation. Mu Lianghuo fell to the ground holding his thigh.
“Someone, Xinyi!” Xiaojing sensed footsteps outside the door at this time. Xinyi immediately pointed the gun at the door.
“It’s me.” The person who appeared outside the door was Yuko without any disguise. However, although her face was not disguised, she was wearing tight combat clothes that looked professional.
“Hasn’t it been resolved yet?” Yuko said dissatisfiedly.
Xiao Jing nodded to Xin at this time, and Xin raised his hand and shot Araba Ye. The bullet hit the head accurately, killing him instantly.
“It’s done.” Xiao Jing looked at Araba Ye lying in a pool of blood and turned to Yuko and said.
“It’s not over yet.” Yuko said with a wicked smile on her face.
“Shinichi, find out those who haven’t completed the task.” After hearing this, Shinichi dragged the two hostages and Mu Lianghuo who were still lying on the ground to Yuko without any response.
“Let go of Senior Mu Lianghuo!” At this time, the assistant nervously pointed the gun at Xizi and said.
“Ling…sniper!” Mu Lianghuo wanted to remind his assistant to be careful of the sniper, but it was too late. As an intern substitute police officer, he was still a little naive.
“Ah!” The assistant’s hand was pierced by the sniper rifle and the pistol fell uncontrollably to the ground.
Then Shinichi dragged his assistant over as well, just like before.
“They’re not part of this plan, and these two are police officers,” Xiao Jing said. She could kill Araba and the others, who she had already investigated, mainly because they weren’t good people, but she couldn’t bring herself to kill the people involved. She knew what Yuko was trying to say, but she still found an excuse.
“Xinyi, kill these two men.” Yuko gave the order to Xinyi who was standing beside her.
“Bang, bang.” Two gunshots rang out as Xinyi moved without hesitation.
“Senior Liang Muhuo!” the assistant cried out in horror.
Xiaojing pointed the gun at the assistant’s head but did not pull the trigger.
“No, no!” The assistant moved back with one hand in fear.
“Some people will never commit a crime, no matter how difficult their life is, even if their lives are threatened, they will not commit a crime. They will never think about committing a crime. But you are not that kind of person. You are born an outstanding criminal. Deceptive, lonely, even selfish. You don’t need to find any naive excuses for yourself. What you understand is nothing but self-deceiving self-consolation. You are already on our side.” Xizi said to Xiaojing from the side.
No, I was just forced to do it. I had to protect Mom, Dad, and Xiaolan. I didn’t want to die, and I couldn’t put them in danger. I… I had no choice. I… I… Xiaojing couldn’t help but think of her family.
Suddenly a chill came over me.
It’s a sniper attack. Is Mary going to help me? No! The target of the sniper attack isn’t the assistant in front…it’s me!
I will die, I will die. Will the life that I have finally started again end so quickly?
No! No!
“I’m sorry.” Xiao Jing pulled the trigger as if hearing the sound of a guitar string breaking in her head.
“I’m sorry.” Xiao Jing turned around and apologized to the girl who was still tied to the chair beside her, then pulled the trigger again.
“Mission accomplished.” Yukiko said happily.
“Let’s retreat then. Rest on the second floor. The other members are about to come up.” Mary’s voice came through the headset, reminding everyone that it was time to leave.
“What beautiful fireworks.” Yukiko said as she looked at the exploding building below.
“Yes, what a gorgeous fireworks display.” Xiao Jing muttered to herself in a trance as she watched the explosion below.
“That’s right.” Xizi took out a bottle from somewhere, took out two things that looked like candy beans and stuffed them into Xiaojing’s mouth.
Candy? Xiao Jing ate it obediently without resistance after she realized what was happening.
It tasted pretty good. Xiaojing turned to look at Xizi, hoping to know what it was.
“It’s a reward.” Xizi hugged Xiaojing and rubbed her and said.
At this moment, Xiao Jing recalled the scene of pulling the trigger just now, but it seemed as if it was not herself who pulled the trigger, it was completely from a third party’s perspective.
Criminals? It’s true that the people around me are the type who would never commit a crime. Conan, Ran, or maybe I really am… who knows.
“Are you asleep?” asked Mary, who was flying the plane in the front.
“Yes.” Yukiko replied.
“Is it really okay for us to do this?”
“Xiao Jing won’t break down so easily. This is the most important reason why I’m attracted to her.”
“You’re a little too impatient.”
“For the existence of the organization, this is inevitable.”
“Your life is really hard.”
“But it’s quite fulfilling, isn’t it?”
Chapter 58 The Found Body (Old Version)
“I heard yesterday that there was a gang fight in the Arami Building the day before yesterday, and two police officers were implicated.” Guang Liao told everyone the news he saw in the morning.
“And Arami’s heir and secretary also died in the conflict, and in the end the entire building was blown up.” Xiao Jing added as if it had nothing to do with her.
“It’s really unimaginable. A lot of people must have died.” Ayumi said in fear after hearing this.
“It’s just a fight between bad guys. It has nothing to do with us.” Yuantai said indifferently at this time. Indeed, there is a subconscious impression in Japan that some social groups are bad guys.
“You can’t say that. Not all members of the club are bad people.” Conan reminded.
“Let’s not talk about this. There are no customers coming to us now, and our Junior Detective Team has no way to take any action.” Guang Liao, Ayumi, and Genta, who were sitting together, were obviously not very interested in the news of the gunfight. Instead, they lamented that the detective team had nothing to do.
“Of course. After all, no one would believe that a child could handle any incident.” Unlike the members of the Junior Detective League, Xiao Jing, who was reading a book, was very satisfied with the current situation without any guests. She did not have those excessive curiosity.
“We also assisted in robbery and sniper cases.” Yuantai said unyieldingly.
“Yes, we even specially asked Dr. Agasa to make the badge for us.” Ayumi said regretfully.
“However, the style of this badge is not ugly, and it also has radio function. The doctor is very knowledgeable.” Xiaojing also admired the doctor’s invention very much.
“This kind of badge is meaningless if no incident happens.” Yuan Tai said dejectedly.
“Hey, hey, it’s a good thing if nothing happens, okay!” Conan said helplessly.
“Huh?” At this time, Xiaojing noticed that a fatter child of similar age walked to the door and looked at them.
Everyone followed Xiaojing’s gaze and noticed the person coming at the door.
“Well, I have something to ask of you.”
“You are Hiroshi from the next class, right? Is it a murder case?” Yuantai immediately ran to Hiroshi and asked.
“Or is it a fraud?” Ayumi also followed.
“It must be the problem of your parents’ affair, right?” Guang Liao followed closely.
“No, it’s our Akira who suddenly disappeared last night.” Hiroshi quickly waved his hand to deny it.
“Missing case!” the Young Detectives said in unison.
“This could also be a kidnapping case!” Guang Liao analyzed at this time.
“So what does the child look like?” Yuantai asked.
“Here are the photos, take a look.” Hiroshi took out a photo from his back pocket.
“Is this the cat you said suddenly disappeared?” Yuantai asked with a glimmer of hope.
“Yes, that’s it.” Hiroshi answered affirmatively.
“What a pity! It’s not a kidnapping case. But cats with yin-yang faces are rare in Japan.” Xiao Jing came over from behind, looked at the photo and said.
“No, we only handle more difficult cases here.” Guang Liao rejected Hao Shu’s request disappointedly.
“That’s right, the cat will come back on its own in a few days.” Ayumi, who was afraid that Xiaojing would act rashly, also pulled Xiaojing back.
“Uh…” Xiao Jing was dumbfounded that they were so picky about the commissions and was pulled back.
“Why are you like this? I was planning to give you my collection of Kamen Rider cards if you helped me find it.” Hiroshi said disappointedly.
“What Kamen Rider?” At this time, the Junior Detective League ran back again.
“That’s right!” Hiroshi took out five cards with Kamen Rider printed on the back from his mouth.
“Cards.” Xiao Jing was also brought over by Ayumi and took one and looked at it. She felt that it was of no use, but the children should like it. You can tell from the expressions of Ayumi and the others.
“Wow, this is a super rare gold card!” Yuan Tai said excitedly.
“That’s right, a limited edition gold card!” Guang Liao said with certainty.
“I’ve decided to take it!” Ayumi made the decision immediately.
“Hey, what are you talking about?” Conan, who was standing by, was stunned by the contrast between their actions and finally looked at Xiaojing with a helpless look.
“Well, after all, we’re also members of the Junior Detective Team, so we need to cooperate occasionally.” Xiao Jing wasn’t disgusted by this kind of game. Instead, she felt she had the responsibility of being a guardian, even though she was the one who needed to be supervised.
As a result, everyone took on the task and searched everywhere. They searched many places and found many cats along the way, but they still couldn’t find the cat in the photo.
“The one who disappeared yesterday should be around here.” Guang Liao said a little tiredly.
“If you don’t find it, you have to give us your card! We have worked so hard to find it.” Yuantai said to Hiroshi beside him.
“No, you have to help me find it.” Hiroshi said he would not call out the card unless he found it.
“Really?” Yuantai could only complain helplessly.
“Does your cat have any other characteristics besides its appearance? For example, is its cry sharp or soft?” At this time, Xiao Jing, who was behind, could only join the ranks of adding cats. After all, she was really tired after walking so many places.
“Or does it have any habits that are different from other cats, such as liking to stay in corners or something like that.” Conan asked.
“In that case, its more distinctive call is: Meow~” Haoshu imitated the call.
“Meow~” At this time, a cat’s meow sounded from the house next to them.
“Yes, that’s the sound.” Hiroshi said after hearing the sound.
“It’s that house.” Xiao Jing immediately determined the source of the voice and pointed to the house on the right.
Everyone then came to the gate of the house.
“Akira, Akira!” Hiroshi called out through the door bars.
Sure enough, Akira, with half black and half white face, ran out from the side window, but its originally white body was covered with blood.
“Why is there blood?” Hao Shu asked in confusion.
“Is he injured somewhere and needs to be sent to the hospital?” Ayumi said with concern.
“No, this cat is not injured.” Xiao Jing touched Akira’s chin with her finger. Maybe because his owner was right next to him, Akira did not resist and closed his eyes comfortably. Xiao Jing also answered Ayumi’s question through observation.
“Then! Could it be…” Conan thought of something and immediately climbed over the gate and ran into the yard.
“What happened to Conan?” The kids from the Junior Detective League also chased in.
Xiao Jing watched the children climb through the door just like Conan and couldn’t help but think that this was considered illegal intrusion…
“I think something happened inside, so give me the card first. You take Akira back first, otherwise your family will worry.” Xiaojing said to Hiroki who was holding Akira.
“Yeah, okay.” Hiroshi also wanted to take Akira home to take a shower first, so he went back as he was told.
“Thank you so much.” Hiroshi gave the card to Xiaojing and left.
Then, the members of the Junior Detective League ran out with terrified faces. Fortunately, they had the help of calm Conan and Xiaojing when they were climbing over the gate, otherwise they might have been too scared to climb over.
Xiao Jing sighed silently. Even a cat can encounter such incidents. It really is Conan!
“I’m going to call the police!” Conan said to everyone after they went back outside and ran straight to a nearby telephone booth.
“What case have you encountered recently?” Xiao Jing asked the young detective team, whose faces still looked a little bad.
“Yes, Xiaojing, there is a dead body floating in the bathtub!” Guang Liao said to Xiaojing.
“Yes, it was very scary. Fortunately, Xiaojing didn’t follow in.” Ayumi also said to Xiaojing.
“Let’s leave here first, the murderer might still be inside.” Xiao Jing was worried that the murderer was still in the room and it would be better to keep a certain distance from here. Everyone also came to the phone booth where Conan made the call.
“How is it?” Xiaojing asked Conan who came out of the phone booth.
“The police will be in soon. Did anyone come out when you called just now?” Conan asked after answering Xiaojing’s question.
“I was just watching over there, and no one has come out yet.” Xiao Jing replied.
“Okay.” Conan said as he climbed from the trash can nearby to the top of the phone booth to observe the house he had just visited.
“Conan, what are you doing climbing up there?” Guang Liao asked Conan in confusion.
“He wanted to observe whether the prisoner came out from inside. If he did, maybe he could get an idea of what the prisoner looked like.” The person who gave the explanation was Xiao Jing, who was also staring at that side.
Mumu and his men arrived shortly afterwards.
“You were the ones who called the police, right? Xiaojing, you were here too. Did you really find the body?” Mu Mu asked the Junior Detective Team and Xiaojing after getting off the car.
“There’s no doubt about it. Guang Liao, Genta, Ayumi, and I saw it with our own eyes. And no one came out of that house after we found the body.”
“Conan?” Mu Mu didn’t notice Conan in the phone booth at first.
“That means the body should still be inside.” Xiaojing concluded.
“Then let’s go to the scene without further ado!” Mu Mu decisively led everyone to the front of the house, rang the doorbell, and asked his men to be ready to break the door, because there was a possibility that there was no one inside or the murderer would not open the door.
But soon a bearded man in a bathrobe opened the door.
“What’s the matter? It’s so noisy!” The man’s tone was a little angry as soon as he came up.
“I’m Inspector Mumu. These kids said they saw a body in your room, so we need to investigate.” Mumu took out his ID from his shirt and showed it to the man.
“That’s right, we just saw a person in the bathroom. Covered in blood. Lying in the bathtub!” The Junior Detectives and Conan said together.
“How is that possible? I’ve been using the bathroom until now. Look at the one at the end of the corridor.” The man raised his arm and pointed his thumb at the door behind him.
“Then let’s investigate and we’ll find out.” Mumu walked around the man and quickly went to the bathroom.
When I opened the door, I saw a clean bathroom with nothing in it.
“What, the body…the body is gone!” The Junior Detective League and Conan both exclaimed in surprise.
“What corpse? There is none at all. These little devils must be playing a prank!” The man said to Mu Mu unhappily.
“But we just saw it! It was in this bathroom!” Conan quickly explained to the audience that he was not joking.
“That’s right, that’s right! It must have been hidden by this uncle!” Yuantai also doubted.
“It took us about 8 minutes from the time we received your call to the time we arrived here.” Mu Mu said after looking at his watch.
“It took them about five minutes to discover it and run out to call the police,” Xiaojing added.
“And if we want to hide the body, ten minutes should be enough.” This time, Mumu still believed Conan and the others.
“How stupid! Just let you have fun! I’m going to sleep on the second floor.” The man turned impatiently and walked towards the stairs.
“It doesn’t matter how we search, does it?” Mumu said as he climbed up the pole.
“It’s okay, because I don’t have anything shameful here. If you have any questions, just ask my brother, he will be back soon. But you took the little kid’s prank seriously and mobilized so many people. The police really have nothing to do.” After the man finished speaking, he walked up the stairs.
“Search! Don’t miss any corner! You must find the body!” Mu Mu, whose face turned a little red from choking, loudly ordered the subordinates behind him.
“Yes!” the subordinates answered in unison.
“It seems that Inspector Mumu was angered by him.” Conan said helplessly to Xiaojing.
“Who made him say such provocative words? I would definitely make things difficult for him.” Xiao Jing said lightly.
“No, there is a problem with you too…” Conan’s answer to Xiaojing was also insensitive.
“Just joking.” Xiaojing continued.
As the police officers began searching around, a man who looked very similar to the man just now was brought in.
“Inspector, the brother you just mentioned has returned.”
“What’s going on?” The younger brother asked in surprise as he saw the police officer knocking on the floor to see if there was a secret compartment.
“These kids found a body at your place, so we’re searching,” Mumu replied.
“What corpse?” The younger brother followed everyone worriedly to see if there was really a corpse.
“Ah!” At this time, Yuan Tai, who was helping to move things, accidentally knocked over the teapot next to him.
“It’s not a valuable thing, it’s okay.” The younger brother immediately said that it was not a valuable thing and he would not care.
“You are so noisy! Can you be quieter?” At this time, my brother’s voice came from upstairs.
“Is Brother Heyou on the second floor now?” the younger brother asked as if he had just realized that his brother was on the second floor.
“Yes, he seems quite angry. Excuse me, what business does your brother work in?” asked Mu Mu.
“My brother is probably writing articles, but he usually spends most of his time at home. By the way, this is my business card.” The younger brother also remembered that he had not introduced himself yet.
“Tanaka Tomofumi, you work in a securities company. So there are only two of you brothers in this family?” Mumu asked.
“Yes, but this house belongs to me. My brother is just staying with me.” The two of them talked as they walked towards other places.
Conan picked up the leaves that fell from his brother’s pants as he left.
“But they really look like brothers. Whether it’s their face shape, facial features, or even muscle structure, they’re almost identical. They look like the same person,” Xiao Jing sighed. After all, her brother had just spoken from upstairs, so Xiao Jing just thought they looked very similar. Furthermore, their different clothes obscured many areas, making comparison impossible.
“Maybe it’s because they are twins.” Conan answered and ran towards the room. The room had already been searched.
“We’ve searched everywhere, and now the only thing left is your brother’s room.” Mumu’s implication was that he hoped to search his brother’s room as well.
“It’s fine with me as long as you don’t object,” the younger brother said generously.
So everyone followed the younger brother to the door of his older brother’s room.
“Brother, brother?” The younger brother called out from outside, but when no one answered, he opened the door and called out again. Inside, his brother lay in a chair, seemingly asleep.
“It’s okay, he seems to have fallen asleep.” The younger brother signaled to Mu Mu and others outside the door that they could search.
No, there’s something strange about my brother. Xiao Jing noticed something was wrong the moment she entered the room, and quietly walked with the search team to a position diagonally above her brother.
Sure enough, the older brother is the corpse that Conan and the others just found. The older brother must be the younger brother in disguise. Although the face is very similar, the proportions of the facial features and the lines of the ears and hands are slightly different. Naturally, these can’t fool Xiaojing, who is taught by Yuko.
Xiaojing walked to Conan and touched him with the book in her hand as he was watching everyone search.
“What’s wrong?” Conan turned around and asked.
“Did you see the corpse just now?” Xiao Jing asked in a low voice.
“No, because it was placed in the bathtub facing the water.”
“Then it’s confirmed. The body is the brother sitting here. His chest is not moving at all. The one who opened the door just now was not him but the younger brother.”
“What?” Conan said in surprise, as he hadn’t expected it to be like this.
However, he immediately figured it out based on Xiaojing’s suggestion. This was the only way to perfectly hide the body.
In order to confirm Xiaojing’s conclusion, Conan also observed his brother who was sleeping, and finally found that his brother had indeed stopped breathing and had no heartbeat.
“I’ll let Ayumi and the others retreat a little and keep a safe distance from the criminal. You go and find a way to tip the police.” Xiaojing said to Conan who had finished observing.
“Oh, sorry, I just tripped over something.” Conan then used his mother’s acting skills to pull his brother down. The brother who fell to the ground and did not get up immediately attracted the attention of the eye. After that, the case was solved very smoothly, and the younger brother was taken away by the eye.
“It’s really amazing! We found the body, and Conan also exposed the criminal’s conspiracy.” The Junior Detective Team was excited to see their performance in the newspaper, but in the end, nothing happened.
“Conan was just an accident. Besides, there’s no benefit in being in the newspaper at our age.” Xiao Jing said, turning a page.
“How could that be? Only then will more people come to entrust us with the task!” Yuan Tai objected.
“Even if you put it in the newspaper, people who read it won’t think it’s your credit.” Xiao Jing said without raising her head.
“Um, excuse me, could you please help me find Akira again?” Hiroshi said a little embarrassedly while standing at the door.
“Did your cat run away again?” Conan asked, tapping the ball.
“Yes.”
“Were you mean to Akira, so it ran away?” Genta put down the newspaper and turned to ask Hiroki.
“No, I didn’t.” Hiroshi denied it hastily.
“What is the reward this time?” Xiaojing put down the book and walked towards Haoshu and asked.
“Well, I’ve given you the cards. Can I use 500 yuan as a reward this time?” asked Haoshu.
“500 yuan.” The detective team, who had been somewhat interested, suddenly lost interest, but Xiao Jing did not show any disappointment.
“Deal.” Xiao Jing agreed without hesitation.
“Xiao Jing, you?” Conan put the ball away and looked at Xiao Jing in disbelief.
“Just remember to buy me milk ice cream tomorrow, the sweet kind. Akira is at my house.” Xiaojing explained the result directly to Hiroshi.
“Why are you at Xiaojing’s house?” Ayumi asked.
“When I went back yesterday, I went to the supermarket to buy pencils. At that time, I found that Akira ran out and followed us. Then he followed me from a distance to my house, so I found an opportunity to put it in. Now it is in my and Xiaolan’s room. Conan has never been to our room, so he doesn’t know about it.” Xiaojing explained.
“Xiao Jing is so cunning. She earned an ice cream for free.” Yuan Tai said enviously.
“Well, I’ll treat you guys to dinner tomorrow too.”
“Very good.”
“Hehe…” Conan looked at this scene and for some reason the corners of his mouth twitched.
Chapter 59: Fireworks That Failed to Launch (I) (Old Version)
“It’s so high. Look, you can see the department store from here.” Ayumi said as she looked at the department store outside through the glass.
“Well, after all, this is the observation building that the Suzuki family spent a lot of money to build.” Xiao Jing sat on a bench nearby.
This floor is an indoor facility built with a garden theme. Next to it are colorful flowers in round or square flower beds. On this floor, you can also see the sky gardens on the upper floors. The sky gardens are connected by translucent aisles to maintain support.
“A game for the rich, tsk.” Xiao Jing looked at the various flowers around her that were luxurious yet beautiful and couldn’t help but sigh at how wealthy the Suzuki family was, especially the crystal aisle above. According to her understanding, the cost of that thing was extremely high.
“You can get in here thanks to me, and you dare to say that?” Yuanzi, who was chatting and laughing with Xiaolan, reached out and pinched Xiaojing’s cheek after hearing this.
“Hi, thank you Sister Sonoko, Sister Sonoko is the best.” It was originally a thank you, but when Xiaojing said it in an emotionless tone, it always felt like a mockery.
“Why can’t I be happy?” Sonoko turned to Xiaolan helplessly and complained.
“Well, Xiaojing has always been like this, so don’t mind it.” Xiaolan explained to Sonoko.
“After this place is officially opened, it will be the tallest building in the city.” At this time, Guang Liao of the Junior Detective League explained to other members including Conan who was with them.
“But why are there so many people here when it’s not open yet?” Taiyuan asked.
“Some are staff members, and some are test quotas, which will be used for evaluation after the project is roughly completed.” Conan explained.
“That’s right, thanks to Sister Yuanzi, we also got a place in the test. It’s great!” Guang Liao said happily.
“Well, it’s just a place for leisure and sightseeing. The main profit should be made by the shopping mall and restaurant below.” Xiao Jing stood up and patted the non-existent dust behind her and said.
“It’s clearly his hobby, but he can also make a profit at the same time. Uncle Suzuki really lives up to his reputation.” Xiao Jing sighed and closed the book.
“Of course!” Sonoko said proudly.
I’m not talking about your sister Yuanzi…Xiao Jing finally took back the words that were about to come out of her mouth.
At this time, black smoke rose from the park outside.
“Huh?” The sharp-eyed Xiao Jing noticed it immediately because she was walking towards the Junior Detective Team at the viewing window.
“What’s wrong?” Conan curiously followed Xiaojing’s gaze and looked outside.
“Fire?”
“Where, where?” The members of the Junior Detective League also came over and asked.
“It looks like a park.” Yuanzi also followed and said.
“Maybe it’s some kind of case! It’s time for the Junior Detective Team to go out!” Yuan Tai said with full energy.
“That’s right!” Guang Liao and Ayumi also agreed, and then the three of them looked at Conan and Xiao Jing together.
“Let’s go and take a look. We’ll come back just in time for lunch.” Xiao Jing didn’t object.
“Well, Sister Xiaolan, let’s go and see what’s going on.” The detective Conan would not object and said directly to Xiaolan.
“Okay, but you can’t do anything rash, okay?” Xiaolan saw that the children were about to go and did not stop them.
“Hi!*4” Xiao Jing put the notebook back into her bag, looking like she was ready to leave at any time.
Yuanzi and Xiaolan took the children to a park not far downstairs. Fire trucks and police had already arrived at the scene, and there were also some onlookers nearby who were unaware of the truth.
“Ah, Officer Takagi.” At this time, Xiaolan found out that Takagi was there and greeted him.
“Hello, Miss Xiaolan, it’s very dangerous here and you can’t get close to it.” After responding to Xiaolan, Takagi warned the children beside him.
“How’s the investigation going, Takagi? Oh, Xiaolan, Xiaojing, you’re here too.” At this time, Sato walked out of the cordon and asked Takagi, and he also found Xiaolan and her group.
“What happened?” Xiaolan asked.
“There was an explosion here just now. The danger is not over yet. Don’t walk around casually, okay?” Sato told everyone without hiding anything.
“What explosion?” The Junior Detective Team exclaimed in surprise and then showed excitement.
Then Genta from the Young Detectives pulled Conan, and Ayumi pulled Xiaojing and ran to the side.
“It is indeed an incident!” Yuan Tai spoke first.
“That’s right, this is the time for our Young Detective Team, who have made great achievements, to make an appearance!” Guang Liao nodded as if it was a matter of course.
“Yes, we must stop the bad guys from continuing to commit crimes!” Ayumi also said.
“Then what?” Xiao Jing suddenly asked.
“Of course it’s to collect evidence!” Guang Liao replied casually.
Xiao Jing didn’t say anything, but just stared at the three members of the Junior Detective Team with a helpless look on her face.
“That’s right, we…we have to find evidence now, Conan!” Yuantai reluctantly asked Conan for help with Xiaojing’s somewhat cold eyes. Although he was already familiar with Xiaojing and knew that Xiaojing had no ill intentions, he still couldn’t help getting nervous.
“Huh?” Conan, who was already thinking about the incident, was caught off guard.
“Evidence, evidence!” Yuantai emphasized again.
“We haven’t even figured out what happened yet…” Conan looked at the Junior Detective League helplessly. He was just thinking about how to get information from Takagi.
“Yes, let’s go find Officer Sato to find out about the case!” Guang Liao made a somewhat whimsical suggestion at this time.
“That’s right, that’s right!” As a result, Ayumi and Genta agreed!
“Then you guys go and find out about the case. I’ll go buy some ice cream cones, and Conan will stay and help me get them.” Xiao Jing didn’t say anything seeing that they were so enthusiastic. She thought that she would let them try it and they would understand.
“After you finish asking, just go to your sister’s place and wait for us.” Xiaojing continued.
“Okay, then we’ll meet up at Sister Xiaolan’s place later.” Ayumi replied.
“Do you want to go too?” After telling the store manager what she needed, Xiao Jing turned to Conan who was waiting with her.
“Well, it’s not too late for me to go after they finish asking questions. If we can really find out the situation, that would be great.” Obviously Conan felt that the Junior Detective League did not have much hope.
“If you treat them like this, something bad will happen to them sooner or later,” Xiao Jing accused.
“Ah? Me?” Conan was a little confused about why he was taking the blame.
“If you hadn’t rushed forward as soon as you encountered a case, they would definitely not be so active. And because of your relationship, the case was actually solved, which further inflated their confidence. You see, they even wanted to get involved in the bombing case. If it were me, I would stay as far away from them as possible.” Xiaojing explained.
“Well, that’s not the case. We can’t just leave the criminal alone…” Conan wanted to explain further, but Xiaojing had already handed the prepared ice cream cone to Conan and asked him to help hold it.
Then Xiaojing took two in her own hands.
“Let’s go there first and come back to get it later.” Xiao Jing said to the clerk. After all, two people only have four hands and can only carry four people at a time.
Conan and Xiaojing came to Xiaolan’s side.
“You give them to my sister and Sonoko, and I’ll give these two to Takagi and Officer Sato.” Xiaojing said to Conan.
“good.”
“Sister Sato.” Xiaojing walked over to Sato who was giving the command and called out.
“Xiao Jing? You don’t want to come here to ask about the case like those little kids, do you?” Sato asked warily when he saw Xiao Jing.
“I’m not that interested in the case. Here’s the ice cream cone,” he said, handing it to Sato.
“Thank you. I’ve been really stressed out lately.” Sato took it, licked it, and sighed.
“What’s wrong? Maybe my father can help. Officer Takagi, this is for you.” Xiao Jing naturally wouldn’t say that she could help, and by the way, she handed the other one to Takagi who was standing beside her. Takagi took it and said thank you a little flattered.
“Maybe Detective Mori can really help. There’s been no progress in the case anyway.” Takagi was tempted by Xiaojing’s suggestion.
“Hmm? Mr. Mori is one of us anyway, so there shouldn’t be any problem telling him.” Sato thought about it and felt that there was no problem and it might even be of some help to the case.
“Actually, the case is not that complicated. There’s just a metal business card near each explosion. It says: Lonely fireworks are blooming everywhere, and will eventually rise into the sky with the flowers. Even this time, there have been four explosions in a row. Although there have been no casualties, no one can guarantee whether there will be casualties next time.” Sato gave a brief explanation.
“It’s really peaceful.” Xiaojing recorded her sigh in a notebook.
“Are you saying that our police are not doing their job well?” Sato put his free left hand on Xiaojing’s head.
“Well, I’m just lamenting that there are always cases recently.” After all, this is Conan’s world, Xiaojing sighed in her heart.
“So what do the four explosions have in common?” Xiao Jing changed the subject.
“It’s a headache because we can’t find any common ground. The first time was a mailbox on the roadside, the second time was a trash can, the third time was an empty single apartment, and this time it was the symbolic statue in this park. I have no clue at all. If your father thinks of anything, he can just contact us, the police.” Sato gently rubbed Xiaojing’s hair.
“Hi, I’ll go back first.” Xiao Jing said goodbye after getting a general understanding.
“Well, say hello to your father for me.” Sato continued with her work.
When Xiaojing came back, she saw the Junior Detectives talking about something with depressed looks on their faces.
As I expected, Sato is not as easy to talk to as Takagi.
Chapter 60: Fireworks That Failed to Take Off (End) (Old Version)
“Hey, let’s go get the ice cream cones, they should be ready.” Xiao Jing said to everyone in the Junior Detective League.
“Xiao Jing, you’re here. Officer Sato doesn’t even believe we can help, really.” Ayumi said with some complaint.
I think there’s something wrong because the police believe what the elementary school student says so much, Xiao Jing slandered in her heart.
“In that case, let’s not get involved and leave it to Officer Sato and the others. By the way, we can’t let the boss wait.” Xiaojing took the lead and walked towards the small shop selling ice cream cones.
The children of the Junior Detective League had no choice but to follow.
“Since we’re already down here, let’s play here. Maybe we can find some clues.” Yuan Tai suggested while eating an ice cream cone.
This proposal was immediately agreed by Ayumi and Mitsuyoshi.
“I’m a little tired. My sister and I will take a rest over there and then join you guys.” Xiao Jing licked the ice cream cone in her left hand, looked at the cone in her right hand, and decided to finish eating first.
“Xiao Jing, eating too much will upset your stomach…” Conan reminded from the side.
“It’s okay.” Xiao Jing replied nonchalantly.
“Remember to watch them.” Xiaojing whispered to Conan again.
“Oh, and you too.” But Xiaojing thought again that Conan was obviously not a quiet child either.
“Hey, hey…we won’t do anything rash.” Conan assured without comment.
Then the detective team took Conan to an open space nearby. It was not known whether they were going to play or look for clues. Anyway, Xiaojing had no interest in this and didn’t even remember to tell Conan the information she had just asked Sato.
“Well, it’s the same when I tell Conan later.” Xiaojing muttered and went to Xiaolan’s side.
“Xiao Jing, be careful not to get a stomachache if you do this.” As soon as Sonoko saw Xiao Jing busying herself, she immediately said the same thing as Conan.
“Really? If your mother finds out about you doing this, she will definitely spank you.” Xiaolan said helplessly to Xiaojing.
“Don’t worry too much, it’s just an extra cone.” Xiao Jing didn’t care about these things at all, especially the food. After being freed from Eri’s control and doted on by Kogoro (mainly because he had more pocket money), Xiao Jing still lived a happy life. Of course, it would have been better if she hadn’t met Yuko.
“Next time I see Aunt Eri, I will complain to her!” Sonoko said to Xiaojing jokingly.
“Sister Yuanzi, you accepted my favor.” Xiaojing indicated that the ice cream cone in Yuanzi’s hand was bought by her.
“A mere ice cream cone can’t buy me off.” Sonoko said that she still had some moral integrity and that this couldn’t be used as an excuse for not telling the truth.
“You’re obviously enjoying your meal.” Xiao Jing quickly finished the ice cream cone in her right hand.
“Xiao Jing, eat slowly.” Xiao Lan reminded Xiao Jing when she saw her pale face after she finished eating quickly.
“It’s so cold, but I only have one ice cream cone in my hand now. You didn’t take a picture of me just now. So you have no evidence to prove that I ate two, and your testimony is invalid!” Xiaojing said to Yuanzi in her unique voice, then sat next to Xiaolan and obediently let Xiaolan wipe her hands and mouth.
“What? You actually destroyed the body!” Yuanzi shouted exaggeratedly.
“Okay, Yuanzi, stop playing. Xiaojing, your face is so pale. Don’t eat like this next time, okay?” Xiaolan was used to the interaction between Yuanzi and Xiaojing, but she still reminded Xiaojing.
“I understand, sister.” Xiao Jing licked the remaining ice cream cone while looking at Conan and the others not far away, where they could see the bombed stone sculptures in the park.
After Sato and Takagi collected evidence and asked someone to confirm that there were no other explosives nearby, they withdrew their team and went back to hold an investigation meeting.
“How is it?” After Xiaojing, Xiaolan and Yuanzi finished their walk in the park, Xiaojing reunited with Conan and the others.
“We didn’t find any clues. The uncle who just sold ice cream cones also said he didn’t see any suspicious people.” Ayumi replied.
“After all, this is an open space.” If the criminal has a little disguise, most people won’t find him suspicious, and this time the criminal is the one who caused the continuous explosions.
“But the bomb should be a mechanical bomb. I found something like a pointer near the explosion.” Conan said at this time.
“That’s right.” Yuan Tai and Guang Liao also agreed.
“It’s really a credit to you that you were able to find clues that the police missed.” Xiao Jing praised first.
“But it’s already very late today. After Sister Yuanzi takes us out for dinner, everyone should go home in good condition.” Xiaojing discouraged the children who were still somewhat enthusiastic.
“That’s all we can do today.” Ayumi said slightly disappointedly.
“Then let’s eat eel rice later!” Yuantai’s attention was diverted to dinner.
“Conan, what are you guys still doing? Let’s go eat.” Sonoko shouted to everyone from a distance.
“Let’s go.” Xiaojing urged everyone again and walked towards Yuanzi and Xiaolan.
Dinner time passed with Xiaolan and Sonoko chatting and the children chattering. After Xiaolan sent the children home, she took Xiaojing and Conan back home.
“Ms. Yoko is the best!” Xiaojing heard the voice of her father Kogoro before Xiaolan opened the door.
“Dad, really!” After Xiaolan came in, she threw the beer bottle on the coffee table into the trash and complained to Kogoro who was still holding a beer in his hand.
“You’re back.” Kogoro, who was lying on the sofa, calmed down a little and sat down on the sofa.
“I’m back.*2” Xiaojing and Conan changed into indoor shoes behind Xiaolan and came to the living room.
“Dad, drinking only beer will make you fat easily. The right way to drink is to have some side dishes with it!” Xiaojing said to Kogoro as she watched Xiaolan throw the beer bottle into the trash can.
“Yes! I said something seemed to be missing!” Kogoro also looked as if he had realized it.
“Xiaojing, what are you talking about? And daddy, don’t agree with you!” Xiaolan was quite helpless when she said this to Xiaojing. Xiaojing sometimes really did not play by the rules.
“Oh, right. I went out with Sister Sonoko today and encountered a case. The suspect seemed to have left a warning letter or something. Takagi said he could ask his father to help take a look.” At this time, Xiaojing remembered that she had not told Conan about the clues of the case yet, so it was a good opportunity to tell him now.
Xiaojing took out a small piece of paper from her bag. It said: Lonely fireworks are blooming everywhere, and will eventually rise into the sky with the flowers.
“Hmm? It seems you don’t want to send a notice letter either.” Kogoro held the note in his hand and thought for a while after being told by Xiaojing about the incident.
“There are no clues on the map, and the explosion points are very far apart.” Conan also said, and at the same time looked at Xiaojing with a reproachful look. It can be seen from his eyes that he was blaming Xiaojing for speaking out now.
“There is no necessary connection between the first sentence and the second sentence.” Kogoro continued to analyze.
“A simple, childish message?” Xiao Jing thought about it but couldn’t come up with anything.
In the end, no clues were found. Kogoro might have been drunk, so after thinking for a while and still unable to figure it out, he just went to watch TV.
“Do you have any idea?” Xiao Jing asked Conan, the only one who was still thinking.
“Not yet. I want to call and ask about the details of the explosion in front.” Although Conan got some information from Xiaojing, it was obvious that Xiaojing’s information was only one-sided information obtained from Sato.
“Let’s go together. I need to buy some things too.” Kogoro and Xiaolan were both at home, so it was naturally impossible for them to use the office’s phone.
“Um.”
“Sister, Conan and I are going downstairs to buy some pencils. Do you want to buy anything?” Xiaojing turned to Xiaolan who was sitting on the sofa and asked.
“By the way, please buy me a few more bottles of beer.” But it was Kogoro who responded.
“Dad! You can’t drink anymore! Xiaojing, don’t buy it for him.” Xiaolan immediately ordered Xiaojing.
“Yeah.” Xiaojing hadn’t planned to buy it for her father.
Xiaojing and Conan went to a small store not far downstairs, bought some pencils, and then went to the phone with the change.
“Hello, this is Maori, Inspector Mumu. I would like to know some details about the explosion case. Yes, Xiaojing and Conan were at the scene today, so they told me after they came back.” Conan adjusted the voice changer and called Mumu in Kogoro’s voice.
“What, the criminal has been caught? Okay.” And the news that the criminal had been caught came from the other side of the screen.
Conan chatted with the screen for a few more words and learned some details of the case before hanging up the phone.
“Has the criminal been caught?” Xiaojing asked.
“Yes, but the criminal only admitted that he was the one who planted the bomb in front of the cinema. Inspector Mumu is still interrogating him.”
“What do you think?”
“I think he might not be the culprit behind these series of explosions. I learned from the witness that only his was a chemical explosion out of the five, and it was significantly less powerful.”
“Copycat?”
“Well, or rather, it’s a way of shifting the blame.”
“What if it spreads everywhere? Blooming everywhere?” At this time, Xiao Jing thought of the content on the card.
“Oh right, mailboxes, trash cans, studio apartments, statues in parks. They’re all just one person…so lonely fireworks are blooming everywhere!”
“What about finally ascending into the sky with the flowers? The four locations are quite far apart. It makes sense to say it’s just one person, but it’s still a bit of a stretch. According to you, I would read books alone and go to the rooftop to bask in the sun. Does that count?” Xiaojing was a little skeptical about Conan’s reasoning.
“Finally, it will rise into the sky and be with the flowers… and the flowers?” Conan was thinking about the next sentence and did not answer Xiaojing’s question.
“Speaking of flowers, there are some rare species of flowers in Uncle Suzuki’s building today. Find a chance to ask Sister Yuanzi for some.” Xiaojing had her eyes on Yuanzi at this time.
“Oh, Suzuki Daxia!” Conan said as he thought of something.
“Ah?” Xiaojing asked in confusion.
“If I’m not mistaken, the next target is Suzuki Oka.” Conan said as he ran towards the detective agency.
“Hey, wait a minute.” Xiao Jing had no choice but to follow.
Conan returned to the detective agency and immediately took out a map to link the four explosion points.
“Look, that’s Suzuki Oka at the intersection!” Conan said to Xiaojing.
“What’s wrong?” Xiaolan came over and asked.
“Sister Xiaolan, we found out that the bomber’s next target is Suzuki Oka!” Conan said to Xiaolan.
“What?” Xiaolan was startled.
“I’ll call the police and notify Sister Sonoko.” Xiaojing felt that it would be safer to rely on the police and Suzuki to evacuate people first.
“Prisoner? What prisoner?” At this time, Kogoro came over in a daze and asked.
“Dad, let’s go too!” At this time, Xiaolan directly pulled Kogoro and said.
“Well, okay. Okay?” Kogoro subconsciously agreed and then exclaimed in confusion.
As a result, Kogoro, who was confused, and Conan and his friends took a taxi back to Suzuki Okada.
“Inspector Mumu.” Kogoro greeted Mumu who was already downstairs.
Mumu only brought Takagi and Sato, who were waiting for Kogoro in front of the door in casual clothes.
“You said the criminal might still be in here or nearby, so we came here in plain clothes and should not alert the criminal. So where is the bomb? I have called the bomb disposal experts and they will be here soon. I have also told them to pretend to be staff members.” Mumu said to Kogoro.
“Uncle said, according to the clue on the card: it will eventually rise into the sky with the flowers. It says that rising into the sky with the flowers should be the 69th-floor observation garden. The sky garden on the 70th floor has not been completed yet, but please search it if possible. Right, Uncle Maori.” Conan spoke in the name of Kogoro and then turned around and asked Kogoro in a cute way.
“Ahem, that’s right.” Although Kogoro was still a little confused, he still pretended to be confident and agreed as usual.
“Xiaolan.” Yuanzi, who had just returned here, also rushed here.
“What happened? Did someone really plant a bomb here?” Yuanzi asked worriedly.
“It’s okay, I, Kogoro Mori, am here. I already know the location of the bomb, you don’t have to worry.” Kogoro’s old problem broke out again.
“Haha, Uncle Mori is really reliable!” Sonoko looked at Kogoro with admiration.
Afterwards, Sonoko used her connections to find the manager and explained the situation to him.
“Dear guest, today’s business hours have ended. Thank you for your visit.”
Because the museum was not far from closing time, the police asked the manager to broadcast the closing announcement in advance to let people who were still inside leave.
Kogoro, Conan and the others were at the elevator entrance, making sure that the guests had evacuated safely. Mumu and the others pretended to be cleaning staff and entered from the side with tools.
Bomb disposal experts searched and found five bombs at the scene. They determined the explosions were set for 8:10, ten minutes after the museum officially closed.
With the cooperation of the staff and the police, the park was officially closed without the bomb causing any impact and no one even knew that a bomb had been placed there.
The elevator, which was supposed to have no more people getting in, opened again, and a figure sneaked to the place where the bomb was stored in the dim light from outside.
“I didn’t expect you to come back to check the bomb.” At this time, the lights were turned on and Mumu, Kogoro and his group came out from their hiding place.
“The criminal used his identity as a staff member to place a bomb in the flower bed. Because the bomb did not explode under our control, the criminal who did not receive the news that the bomb had been dealt with is likely to come back to confirm the situation of the bomb, so the criminal is you.” At this time, Kogoro pointed at the prisoner and said.
“You are worthy of being the famous detective Mouri Kogoro. I give up.” The criminal in work clothes with his back to the crowd turned around and showed an ordinary face.
“Yuji!” At this time, the accompanying manager recognized the criminal.
“Then please come with us.” Mumu gave a look to Takagi and Sato.
Afterwards, Takagi and Sato left with the criminal.
“However, judging from the setting of the explosion time and previous explosions, Mr. Yuji had no intention of hurting others. So why did he place the bomb?” Xiaolan asked puzzledly the next day.
“Who knows? Mumu said he admitted everything about planting the bomb, but he remained silent about the reason and purpose.” Kogoro said while reading the newspaper on the sofa.
“So he’s really a pleasure criminal?” Conan asked Kogoro.
“Well, who knows.”
Chapter 61: Department Store Robbery (I) (Old Version)
“Wake up! Kamen Rider!” the actor playing the weirdo on the stage shouted.
“Ultraman! Be careful!” The children in the audience loudly reminded Ultraman.
“Don’t worry! I, Kamen Rider, will maintain the peace of the earth! Masked Spin Kick!”
“Are you wondering why I, who is already a high school student, should come to see this kind of thing?” Xiaojing whispered to Conan beside her.
“??? Am I that obvious?”
“It’s obvious, especially the way you looked listlessly at the stage.”
“Conan, don’t you like Kamen Rider?” Ayumi, who was standing next to Xiaojing, asked when she saw Xiaojing turning to Conan and noticed Conan’s listlessness.
“Ah? No, I like Kamen Rider the most! Come on Kamen Rider!” Conan immediately started to act like an elementary school student in response to Ayumi’s question, but he could fully feel Xiaojing’s playful eyes watching the show.
Today is the big sale of this department store, so I was invited by three members of the Junior Detective League at noon today to come to the department store after class in the afternoon to watch the Kamen Rider performance here.
Xiaojing naturally made it clear that she had no interest in Kamen Rider or anything like that, but Conan had already said that he liked Kamen Rider when he was disguised as an elementary school student, so he had to agree reluctantly and then he and Ayumi pulled Xiaojing over.
“Let’s go get Kamen Rider’s autograph and take photos!” After the performance, Genta said to Conan and Xiaojing who had not moved yet. Ayumi and Guang Liao had already followed him spontaneously.
“Okay! Sign!” Conan pretended to respond, but of course only Xiaojing could understand the helplessness in his tone.
“This is also part of Kamen Rider’s schedule, you don’t have to be so anxious.” Xiao Jing said to Ayumi who came up to hold her hand.
However, Ayumi ignored this statement, and Xiaojing had no choice but to follow.
“Thank you very much for your visit. We look forward to seeing you again. Thank you.”
“Bye.” After watching the show and playing for a while, the energetic children finally set off to go home.
“I wonder how many desserts this autograph can be exchanged for.” The Junior Detectives were walking in front and happily talking about Kamen Rider, while Xiaojing at the back was planning to exchange the autograph for the desserts she wanted.
“Didn’t Uncle Maori give you a lot of pocket money?” Conan, who was physically and mentally exhausted, asked as he and Xiaojing walked behind.
“Being self-reliant and being given things are two different concepts.” Xiao Jing raised her finger and shook it, looking like someone who had experienced it.
“You’re so sensible…” But she didn’t know that in Conan’s eyes, Xiaojing looked like a cute little adult, as if she was asking for praise.
“Of course. You haven’t called your sister this week. When do you plan to call her?” Xiao Jing asked after accepting the compliment as a matter of course.
“I’ll call Xiaolan when I get home tonight. It’s been such a long time but there’s still no news from the Black Organization. Sigh.” Conan sighed a little discouraged.
“How can it be that easy?” Xiao Jing thought to herself, there is one right in front of you, but on the surface there will be no flaws. In fact, even if Xiao Jing has joined the organization, her understanding of the organization may be only a little more than Conan.
“No, no, still no!” At this time, Yuantai in front stopped, searched his pockets, took off the schoolbag on his shoulders and looked through it.
“How is it?” Ayumi asked.
“Kamen Rider’s signature is gone! I originally wanted to collect it as a treasure.” Yuan Tai said sadly.
“I remember when I took a photo with Kamen Rider, your signature was clearly still there,” Guang Liao recalled.
“Mr. Conan.” Xiao Jing, who didn’t want to waste any more time here, looked at Conan and motioned him to see what was going on. She continued to walk slowly towards Genta with her schoolbag on her back.
Conan ran to Genta to find out what happened, but Genta had no idea when it was lost.
“There’s no other way. Can you lend me the photo of Kamen Rider Ayumi?” Conan took the photo from Ayumi and everyone gathered around to see if there were any clues. Xiaojing also walked over to the crowd at this time.
“I remember when we were taking the photo, Genta said he was hungry.” Conan said after seeing that in the photo Genta was holding a hot dog instead of an autograph.
“Oh, I remember now. I ran to buy a hot dog at that time. The autograph must still be at that stall. I’ll go back and get it!” Yuantai also remembered it at this time.
“I think we should forget it. The department store is closed now. Let’s go tomorrow.” Xiao Jing interrupted at this time. It was already late.
“If it really doesn’t work, I’ll give you my autograph. Anyway, what I wrote on it is: To my lovely you. It’s not my name.” Because Xiaojing didn’t plan to keep it for herself from the beginning, she didn’t ask Kamen Rider to write her name like Ayumi and the others did.
“No, that’s what Kamen Rider gave to Xiaojing. I’ll get it myself!” But Yuantai still insisted on getting it now and took action. After saying that, he ran back.
“Yuanta!” Ayumi and Guang Liao also chased after him.
“Hey, why don’t you pull us along? Let us follow.” Xiao Jing complained to Conan that he didn’t know how to pull Yuantai down, but she had no choice but to follow him.
“Please hurry up, the security system will be activated in ten minutes.” Everyone who arrived at the door of the department store immediately heard the security guard at the door saying to the people who had not left yet.
“Yuantai, the activation of the security system means that this exit will also be closed. I think we should come tomorrow. There is no time now.” Guang Liao also suggested to Yuantai who was standing beside him.
“It’s okay, I can get it in ten minutes. Right now!” Yuan Tai took advantage of the security guard helping a staff member to carry something and quickly ran in. Ayumi and Guang Liao could only run in with him.
Xiaojing and Conan, who originally wanted to stop it, had no choice but to follow behind.
“Since we’re already here, let’s hurry up and get some autographs. I hope we can make it in time.” Although Xiao Jing didn’t hold out much hope for this.
“Yeah.” Yuantai led everyone into the elevator nearby.
Although most of the lights in the company were turned off due to closing time, it was not too dark.
“Found it!” After narrowing down the search location, Yuantai found his signature in a short while.
“There are still 2 minutes left, huh? Why is there no signal here?” Xiao Jing looked at her mobile phone and found that there was no signal here.
“Yuan Tai, let’s go down quickly!” After hearing that there was not much time left, Guang Liao hurriedly told Yuan Tai, who was still happy about getting his autograph back, to hurry up.
Although everyone did not delay on other things, when Xiaojing and her group got off the elevator, the door had already been closed and all the indoor lights were turned off, entering the security system.
“What should we do now?” Ayumi asked worriedly, looking around.
“Let’s go to the store’s security room and tell the security guard the truth. I think they will let us out.” Conan comforted.
“Yeah, Conan is right.” Xiao Jing had indeed anticipated this situation a long time ago so she was not panicked at all.
“The guard room is on the second floor underground.” Xiao Jing walked to the side and looked at the guide map and said.
“Well, let’s go.” Yuantai was no longer worried after seeing that the matter was resolved smoothly.
“The door is open?” Xiao Jing suddenly had a bad feeling when she saw the security room door was not closed but slightly opened.
“Wait, something might be happening. Hush.” Xiao Jing immediately stopped everyone and gestured for them to keep quiet after noticing something was wrong.
“The special sales section on the seventh floor has antiques, and the sixth floor has jewelry.”
“Okay, let’s search slowly before dawn.” Xiao Jing, who was leaning near the door, with her keen hearing, immediately heard the conversation between the men inside.
“Conan.” Xiao Jing looked at Conan disappointedly and observed the situation inside.
Conan nodded and leaned closer to the crack in the door to take a look inside.
“How is it?” Xiaojing asked in a low voice.
Conan didn’t answer immediately but made a gesture to leave and walked away quietly.
Under Conan’s influence, the young detectives, who had already understood the incident, also cooperated and left together. Xiaojing listened to the sound again to make sure that the people inside did not notice them before leaving.
Chapter 62: Department Store Robbery (I) (Old Version)
-“What’s going on, Conan?” Genta asked after arriving at a room similar to a warehouse.
“It’s a gang of robbers. The guards and staff have been caught.” Conan explained the situation.
“What should we do? The door is closed now!” Ayumi asked worriedly.
“Anyway, let’s call the police first.” Conan said, looking at Xiaojing and motioning Xiaojing to use her cell phone to call the police. After all, Xiaojing was the only one here with a cell phone.
“There is no signal here anymore. I think the main phone line must have been turned off.” Xiao Jing took out her cell phone, turned on the screen and showed it to Conan.
“Damn it, let’s go check it again anyway.” Conan said unwillingly as he looked at the “out of service area” sign on his phone.
Everyone carefully came to a corner of the seventh floor where the shared telephone was placed.
“Sure enough, there’s no response!” Guang Liao picked up the phone and tried it, and it was just as Xiao Jing expected.
“What should we do now?” Ayumi began to feel helpless.
“Let’s find a safe place first.” Xiao Jing looked around but didn’t find any cameras. Now that the robbers controlled the guard room, the surveillance facilities were also in their hands. Xiao Jing had to be careful.
“This place should be fine.” Xiaojing observed the surroundings as she came to a place that seemed to be used for storage. For some reason, Xiaojing’s night vision was surprisingly good. Xiaojing herself had never noticed it before, but now she was very grateful for her ability.
“Conan and I will go in first. Don’t make any noise or move.” Xiao Jing whispered to the three people behind her.
“Yeah.” Ayumi, Guang Liao and Genta nodded.
“Get the tranquilizer gun ready. Even though the possibility is small, if someone does, just fire it immediately.” Xiao Jing came to the front of the door, held the handle, and waited for Conan to nod before opening the door.
Good, the door was not locked. Xiao Jing was also glad that the merchant had trusted the department store and left the door unlocked.
“It’s okay, there’s no one inside.” Conan held up his watch and aimed for a while, then stuck his head in and didn’t see anyone.
“Wait.” Xiao Jing grabbed Conan who wanted to continue walking inside.
“Let me go in first. My night vision is better than yours.” Xiao Jing then walked in carefully under Conan’s strange look.
Sure enough, this should be a warehouse rented out to a bedding store. It contains various sheets, quilt covers, tatami mats, and even a few beds. Because they are for rental, there are no cameras installed inside.
After confirming, Xiao Jing immediately called everyone who was still outside in and closed and locked the door.
“It’s safe here. Let’s wait for rescue here.” Xiaojing said to everyone.
“But the guards and staff are still being held hostage. I can’t just sit there and do nothing.” Conan objected at this time. Perhaps it was his sense of justice that prevented him from sitting back and watching.
“That’s right, we are the Junior Detective League!” Genta seemed to be awakened at this time and followed Conan.
“That’s right! We can definitely win in the name of our Junior Detective Team!” Guang Liao recalled his previous experiences with Conan and began to gain confidence.
“But…” Only Ayumi was still a little worried.
“You are too naive.” Xiao Jing sighed in her heart at this time.
“Xiao Jing…” Conan wanted to say something but was immediately stopped by something Xiao Jing suddenly attacked.
Xiaojing held the pencil in her right hand and stabbed it towards Conan’s temple, but of course it stopped about ten centimeters away. However, the faint light from the vent and Xiaojing’s mobile phone still scared Conan, who could see clearly, and stopped talking.
Xiao Jing looked at their stunned expressions and felt that her goal had been achieved, so she gently took back the cap of the pen and put it back into her bag.
“There are only five of us, and we are just kids. What courage do you have to face those vicious robbers?” Xiao Jing stared at Yuantai who was in the front with cold eyes, which made Yuantai feel a little cold.
“Conan, I’m asking you, how many robbers did you see in the guard room just now?” Then he turned to Conan.
“Well, it should be four, but I have foot-strengthening shoes and there are a lot of things I can kick here.” Conan said strugglingly.
“Immortal! They are bandits! Putting aside the possibility of other people guarding other places, their ability to subdue the guards alone means they won’t be defeated by children like you.”
“But.” Conan was still unwilling.
“They must have guns in their hands. When they are within your range, you are also within their range! Or can you be faster than a pistol?” Xiao Jing said to Conan with a disdainful tone, or Xiao Jing was indeed a little disdainful of Conan’s dangerous behavior.
Conan opened his mouth, but this time no words came out.
“Let’s wait here until dawn. We will be rescued then!” Xiao Jing’s tone had inadvertently turned into a commanding tone, which temporarily intimidated Yuantai and the others and made them nod obediently.
On the other side is the Maori Detective Agency.
“I’m sorry I’m back late! Xiaojing and Conan must be hungry. I’ll cook right away.” Xiaolan said while holding the ingredients.
“Hmm?” But Xiaolan didn’t hear any response.
After Xiaolan put the ingredients in the kitchen, she saw that only Kogoro was sleeping on the sofa in the hall, and she did not see Xiaojing and Conan.
“Dad! Where are Xiaojing and Conan?” Xiaolan asked as she pulled the pillow from under Kogoro’s head.
“Ah, how should I know.” He fell on the sofa with a mouth full of alcohol and continued to sleep.
“Dad!” Xiaolan angrily poured a cup of tea into Kogoro’s mouth to sober him up.
“They should have gone to see the live show of Kamen Rider with those little guys. Xiaojing called back at noon.” Kogoro said comfortably while leaning on the sofa after sobering up.
“But it’s already dark now.” Xiaolan looked at the sky outside worriedly.
“Why don’t we just call and ask Xiaojing?” Kogoro said without any worry. At least Kogoro was very relieved about Xiaojing. Although she was not talkative since she was a child, she was very worry-free.
“Ah, Dad is right.” After being reminded by Kogoro, Xiaolan immediately realized what was going on and went to get her cell phone.
“Hello, the number you dialed is out of service area.”
“What’s wrong?” Kogoro frowned as he saw Xiaolan dial the phone and then put it down.
“Xiao Jing’s phone is out of service area, so I can’t get through.”
“Could she be still playing with the kids in the department store elevator?” Kogoro guessed with some surprise.
“Hello, our company is closed. We will open at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning as usual and welcome you.” Feeling something was wrong, Kogoro looked up the phone book and found the department store’s phone number, which was also answered automatically.
Afterwards, Xiaolan called Ayumi, Genta and Guang Liao’s homes one after another and learned that the children had not returned.
“Has something happened? Could it be?” Xiaolan became more and more worried the more she thought about it.
“Maybe Xiaojing was in an elevator or something like that. Let’s try again later.” Kogoro, who had already woken up, still held on to a glimmer of hope.
“Um”.
“No, but it’s no longer in the service area! Something must have happened!”
Worried Xiaolan called Inspector Mumu and reported the incident to the police.
“I’m so sorry. I’m really sorry that it’s so late.” Kogoro apologized to Mumu who came out of the conference room.
“Although I can’t say that the children were involved in any incident, it is indeed strange that it is so late.” Mu Mu looked at his watch and it was almost eight o’clock.
“Something has indeed happened to them. Conan and his friends have often been involved in strange cases before. This time, Xiaojing is also…” Xiaolan said to Mumu worriedly.
“Anyway, I will make arrangements within my jurisdiction. It’s okay, you don’t have to worry. We will find them soon. Although they are indeed involved in many cases, they are still children after all, and it is inevitable that they will play too much.” Mumu said comfortingly.
“Thank you very much.” Kogoro immediately expressed his gratitude to Mumu. After all, it was because of his face that he could be so efficient.
“That’s it for now. I’m sorry, I have other things to deal with here, so I’ll take my leave now.” Then he went back into the meeting room.
“Okay, everything should be fine now. All we have to do is wait for news. We’ve also asked people to look for your mother, so don’t worry.” Kogoro comforted Xiaolan, who was sitting beside him with a worried look on her face.
“Well, I hope they’re safe.”
Chapter 63: Department Store Robbery (End) (Old Version)
The other side.
Conan carefully lifted the quilt and looked at Ayumi, Mitsuru and the others who were already fast asleep. He carefully walked to the door and planned to open it.
“Are you still planning to go?” Xiao Jing sat up and asked loudly.
“Don’t worry, I put sleeping pills from the medicine cabinet in the water they just drank. They won’t wake up.” Xiao Jing said to Conan who was looking at Guang Liao and the others.
“I still can’t just leave it alone. When I went to get food just now, I saw paint and brushes on the counter. We can paint a message for help on the window.” Conan told Xiaojing his plan to show that he was not without a plan.
“I knew you wouldn’t give up.” Alas, I really lost to you.
“Let’s go together. I’m afraid you’ll do something wrong again.” Xiao Jing said in the tone of an adult looking at a child.
“Uh…” This made Conan very uncomfortable. Although he kept complaining in his heart, he still nodded. In his opinion, Xiao Jing’s ability was at least not worse than that of an average adult, except for physical strength.
Then Xiaojing and Conan returned to the goods sales area and took a brush and a bucket of paint, while Xiaojing concentrated on being alert to her surroundings, especially being extra careful when passing by the camera.
“What should we do if there is a camera at the window?” Xiao Jing asked Conan, who was also in the blind spot with her.
“What about the blind spot activity range?” Conan asked.
“There is definitely no problem with our range of activities, but you have to paint a distress signal on the window. Because of the distance, you need to paint it large to ensure that people outside can see it, and then the signal you paint will also be captured by this camera.” Xiao Jing said, pointing to the window not far away.
“Maybe we should try a different approach. Look at the cameras on both sides.” Xiao Jing gestured to Conan to observe the cameras.
“What’s wrong?” Conan asked in confusion after observing.
“We do this by moving behind the cameras in blind spots and turning them slightly so they can’t see the windows.”
“Won’t the robbers notice?”
“It’s dark now, and the cameras near the elevator are rotating. Someone unfamiliar with the surveillance equipment probably wouldn’t notice it. If all else fails, we’ll just have to take the initiative.” Xiao Jing pointed to the barrel of super glue not far from Conan. With the enemy in the shadows, and the Junior Detectives less of an uncertainty, she felt she and Conan shouldn’t be in any trouble, given their thorough preparations.
“Well, it is indeed feasible.” Conan estimated the angle and felt that this plan could be implemented.
The two quickly found a clothesline nearby and carefully moved it under the camera.
“Just a little bit more…” Conan stretched the pole upwards but found that there was still one section missing.
“Hey, hey, please don’t get into trouble at this time.” Xiao Jing said quite dissatisfiedly.
“I’m sorry, I just used my previous height to judge.” Conan scratched his head embarrassedly.
“There’s nothing here to put your feet on. There’s no other way.” Xiao Jing looked around and saw nothing that could be used as a stepping stone, so she was too lazy to look for it.
“Forget it, I’ll just stand next to your shoulder and that should be enough distance.”
“Slow down.” Xiao Jing put her hands on the wall in front of her and let Conan stand up slowly.
“Give me the pole.” Xiao Jing said to Conan after she stood firm.
“Here.” Conan carefully supported Xiaojing and raised his head to hand the clothesline to Xiaojing. However, this position naturally allowed him to see Xiaojing’s underwear from the bottom up. After noticing it, Conan immediately lowered his head.
“Be careful, I don’t care about this kind of thing, or are you a pervert who desires the bodies of elementary school students?” When Conan lowered his head, the body supporting Xiaojing naturally shook a little, which caused Xiaojing’s dissatisfaction.
“No, of course I’m not! But Xiaojing, you are a girl after all.” This time, Conan handed the clothesline to Xiaojing helplessly.
“I’m not naked down there, so there’s nothing to be shy about.” Xiao Jing took the pole, turned the camera to an angle where the window couldn’t be seen, and jumped off Conan’s shoulder.
“This is the sense of shame that women should have, okay?” Conan said dissatisfiedly as he was almost thrown against the wall by the force of Xiaojing’s jump.
“Hey, you’ve already seen my sister’s naked body, but you’re still talking so seriously. Let’s go over there.” Xiao Jing walked towards the camera on the other side with a pole in her hand without a care. Of course, she avoided the shooting range, which was one of the few advantages of a child’s body shape.
“Done!” The camera angle on the other side was changed in the same way, and now the camera can no longer capture this side of the window.
“Xiao Jing, you are not the same as me, are you?” Conan asked doubtfully while painting the window white.
“Hmm? Just consider it as it is.” Xiao Jing first looked at Conan in confusion, and then she knew that Conan suspected that she had taken the same medicine to make people smaller as him, and she did not deny it.
“No, no, no. Although we seldom meet, I have watched you grow up.” But Conan immediately denied it himself.
“Oh.” Xiao Jing sighed silently, “You don’t believe me when I tell you the truth.”
“Okay, now we just have to wait for someone to find the signal.” Conan said, jumping down from the chair he had moved into the hall.
“Just a little bit more.” Xiao Jing pointed at the words on the window.
“What else is missing?”
“Although white can be seen more clearly at night, it’s pitch black here, so I still think it’s difficult to see the words on the window clearly.”
“I have an idea!”
“?” Xiao Jing looked at Conan, expecting what would happen next.
“We’ll go under the security camera at the elevator entrance and let the robbers know. We’ll set up a trap and catch them all. Even if we don’t catch them all, they’ll definitely turn on the lights on this floor to find us, and then the people outside will notice.”
“Negative. It’s the same as last time. If the other party has a gun, we will be in great danger.”
“They won’t be so defensive when they see we’re kids.” Conan still didn’t give up.
“No! I won’t agree to anything dangerous.” Xiao Jing didn’t want the game to end so soon for herself or Conan. Before she time-traveled, Conan might have been the protagonist forever. But now, Xiao Jing just wanted to have as few cases as possible. Or perhaps, a post-incident investigation like Kogoro’s was a hundred million times better than getting involved in this kind of incident.
“But…” Conan still loves adventure as always.
“No buts! I’m not good enough!” Xiao Jing immediately denied it and suddenly blurted out a sentence in Chinese.
“???” Conan looked at Xiaojing in confusion.
“The elevator is moving, maybe someone is coming. Damn, how could it be so fast! It’s all because of your bad mouth!” Xiao Jing keenly noticed that the red operating indicator light on the elevator in the distance was on.
“There’s no time to prepare. Can you kick this?” Xiao Jing quickly ran to the bookshelf and took out a thicker one and asked.
“Go open the glue and pour it on the elevator door.” After Conan nodded, Xiao Jing also asked Conan to prepare the glue he had just seen.
“Here we come!” Xiaojing and Conan made a quick decision and prepared these before the elevator door opened.
Two men in black clothes came out of the elevator with pistols in their hands.
“We’re on the seventh floor, there’s no movement. Please turn on the light and take a look.” A man said into the intercom.
“The boss is probably too worried.” The slightly fat man also said.
“Huh? What is this?” The man who spoke first found that something seemed to be stuck on his feet.
“Huh? What’s wrong? It seems like something is sticking to me.” The slightly fat man also noticed something unusual under his feet.
At this time, the robber in the security room also turned on the lights on this floor.
“Now!” Xiao Jing asked Conan, who had already determined the kidnapper’s location with the light in the elevator, to kick out a thick book and knock down a robber.
“No pressure.” Xiao Jing also used Conan’s anesthetic watch to take advantage of the brief discomfort caused by the robber’s light just being turned on to close the distance and shoot the anesthetic needle. The results of Mary’s training as a sniper master were also shown.
“Conan, how many robbers did you see in the security room not long ago?” Xiao Jing picked up the gun on the ground and subconsciously returned to the surveillance camera and asked.
“I remember four,” Conan replied.
“Then there are two more.” Xiao Jing went to the counter and took a few large bottles of drinks and poured them at the stairs, letting the liquid flow down the stairs.
“Do you think they will come up the stairs?” Conan asked, watching Xiaojing’s actions.
“Yeah, and they should have known it was us. After all, we were already within the camera range when we went to get the gun just now.”
“Be careful, those little ghosts are acting strangely!” At this time, a man’s voice was heard from downstairs.
“It’s okay, it’s just water.” said another voice.
“Now!” Xiao Jing took out two stun guns from her bag and turned on the switches.
“Ahhhhhh!” Two people screamed downstairs.
“Look.” Xiao Jing said with an expected smug look.
“Okay…” Conan felt powerless, as if he was just a supporting role.
Kogoro also deduced from the cases handled by Mumu that there might be a problem in the department store. The inspector who was instructed by Mumu also successfully discovered SOS after coming to investigate.
“Xiaojing! Conan! I’m glad you’re okay.” Xiaolan immediately ran over and hugged Xiaojing.
“It seems like it’s really a gang of robbers!” Mumu said after picking up the robber lying on the ground.
“But it’s a good thing you were able to subdue them.” Mumu said with relief after confirming that Conan and Xiaojing were fine.
“Where are Ayumi and the others? Were they caught by robbers?” Kogoro asked when he saw that the children around him didn’t seem to be hiding.
“No, they were resting in a warehouse in this building. We met them when we came out to look for food. We glued these two together and then knocked them out with books. The other two must have fallen by themselves.” Xiaojing explained, winking at Conan.
“Yeah, that’s right.” Conan agreed knowingly, and then Conan told everyone about what happened.
“Then the hostages are in the security room, let’s go and rescue them now. You must also be careful and alert, there may be criminals who have not been discovered. Leave a few people to survey this floor, and bring the children back.” Although he had heard Conan say the number of prisoners, Mumu still asked the accompanying personnel to be alert.
“Why did we fall asleep?” Ayumi asked in confusion.
“Have the police come to rescue us?” Yuantai was happy that he had escaped from danger after seeing the police.
“Yes, the police are here.” Xiao Jing didn’t want to explain too much and just said it was the police’s credit.
After being rescued, the children regained their former lively demeanor as the Young Detectives, with no awareness that they were almost taken hostage.
“Ah, it’s the sister in the elevator.” The children who came to the first floor said to the woman sitting on the sofa.
“She is also a victim like you. She just broke free from the rope and ran out of the basement to save you.” Mumu said at this time.
“She broke free from the rope by herself?” Xiao Jing asked curiously.
“That’s right.” Mumu answered affirmatively.
Xiaojing nodded to Conan who was looking at her from the side.
Conan pretended to be a child running around carelessly and ran to Xiaojing’s side in the elevator, then quickly grabbed the bag placed aside and ran away.
“Hey, what are you doing, kid!” Kogoro scolded.
“It’s okay. Children shouldn’t take things without permission. Give your bag back to me.” The elevator lady panicked for a moment, then immediately stood up and said to Conan.
“You don’t have to pretend anymore. The sister in the elevator is wrong. She should be the fifth member of the robber group.” Xiao Jing said to her after seeing Conan successfully get the bag.
“You…what did you say?” the elevator lady asked pretending to be stupid.
“At that time, we just turned the camera, but we were discovered so quickly that I suspected there was a traitor. I was sure when one of the robbers said we were a few devils. And when I heard that you broke free by yourself, I knew that person was you. If I’m not mistaken, there should be a pistol in here too.” Xiao Jing said, pointing at the bag in Conan’s hand.
“Excuse me.” Kogoro took the bag from Conan and opened it, and sure enough there was a pistol inside.
“I never thought that our plan would be disrupted by a little brat like you.” The woman said with some amusement.
“It’s only a matter of time before you get caught. I just brought it forward a little bit.”
“But you guys are really amazing. You can figure out that I’m a member at such a young age.”
“Because my father is the famous detective Mouri Kogoro.” Xiaojing said while standing next to Kogoro, and Kogoro cooperated by straightening his tie.
“No wonder…”
The next day after successfully capturing the criminal, Xiaojing and her team were praised for arresting the bandit gang. Of course, the reasoning part was pushed by Xiaojing to Kogoro.
“Is it really okay for you guys to do this?” Conan looked at the table full of food in shock.
“It’s okay!” Ayumi.
“This is Guang Liao from the Junior Detective Team.”
“What a great job!” Yuantai said while eating.
“Well, this reward is not bad.” Xiao Jing took a sip of coffee and looked down at the book.
Chapter 64: The Crucial 200,000 Yen (Part 1) (Old Version)
“Ugh…” Xiao Jing looked at the disgusting photos on the table and couldn’t help but ran to the toilet to vomit.
“Haha, I told you this brat couldn’t help it!” Mary on the side laughed loudly as if declaring victory.
“I protest!” Xiao Jing said unhappily after returning to the living room after vomiting.
“The protest is useless. It’s rare that I have such high expectations of you.” Yukiko leaned lazily on the sofa and rejected Xiaojing’s protest.
“Even an adult would vomit after seeing these disgusting photos of corpses. Why are you showing this to me? I agreed to do intelligence and assassination work.” The implication was that these photos were completely meaningless to Xiaojing.
“This is just the beginning. We can’t guarantee that we won’t come into contact with these things. Although they are indeed a bit disgusting, at least they are less threatening than living people. I thought you had seen this kind of things with your mother.”
“I found that our organization is suspected of serious child abuse, or is it only you, Sister Xizi?” Xiaojing turned the photo on the table over so that she could at least turn a blind eye to it.
“We’re doing this for your own good. Look, Xinyi’s expression hasn’t changed at all.” Mary said, pointing at Xinyi who was eating an apple without being affected by the photo at all.
“Please don’t compare an ordinary little girl with a trained killer.” Xiao Jing said in her usual calm tone.
“I don’t think you are ordinary. Today I have prepared your favorite Black Forest cake. Your training today is to look at these photos and eat the cake. Don’t spit it out. If you spit it out, hehe, Xiaojing, do you want to try it?” Xizi got up from the sofa next to Xiaojing and sat opposite Xiaojing, staring at Xiaojing with a beautiful smile and said.
“I’m going to my mother’s house tomorrow. Can I start training the day after tomorrow?” Xiaojing pushed the cake that Xizi had pushed in front of her back and discussed.
“No, this is an order.” Yukiko leaned forward and looked directly into Xiaojing’s eyes and said.
“Tsk.” Xiao Jing let out a barely audible sound of disappointment.
“I heard it, Xiaojing. Let’s start now!” However, it still couldn’t escape Xizi’s keen hearing. As a punishment, Xiaojing was made to start training immediately.
At this time, Xinyi placed a glass of water in front of Xiaojing.
Xiaojing looked at Xin in confusion.
Xinyi didn’t give any explanation, but his eyes revealed: I can only help you so far.
“I’m back!” Xiaojing was sent back to the detective agency by Xizi after training.
“Sorry to bother you, I have brought Xiaojing here safely, Mr. Maori.” Yuko also said from behind.
“Thank you very much for troubling Teacher Yuko.” After hearing Yuko’s voice, Kogoro came to the entrance and said politely.
“No, then I’ll take my leave. Xiaojing, remember I will pick you up from school next Wednesday.” Yuko reminded Xiaojing while saying goodbye, and actually she also meant to inform Kogoro.
“Okay, goodbye Sister Xizi.” Xiaojing turned around and said goodbye to Xizi.
“Ms. Yuko, it’s so late. Please stay and have dinner before leaving.” Kogoro was still being polite to Yuko at the entrance, while Xiaojing had already changed her shoes and ran to the living room to sit with Conan.
“You didn’t encounter any cases today, did you?” Xiaojing asked.
“???” Conan looked at Xiaojing with a puzzled look.
“Ever since the last incident, I’ve always felt like you kids would mess around when I’m not around.”
“Hey, hey, you’re a child too. Don’t say things that only an old mother would say, okay?”
“Oh? Now you’re not emphasizing that you’re in high school? Washing machine brother?”
“Xiao Jing.”
“Um?”
“I’ve recently discovered that you have a bad personality.”
“I’m a bad guy, ask my father to catch me.” Xiao Jing continued to joke without any self-awareness.
“I remember you haven’t finished your homework yet.” Conan used the remote control to change the channel and the topic.
“Ah, I forgot about that now that you mentioned it. Conan, remember to copy your homework for me later!”
Conan turned his head and looked at Xiaojing with dead eyes.
“Please.” Xiaojing added a polite word.
“Xiaolan, is the meal ready? I’m so hungry!” At this time, Kogoro came back from chatting with Yuko and asked Xiaolan in the kitchen.
“I’m going to the bathroom.” After Xiaojing heard the door close, she immediately put the book in her hand back on the table.
“It’s really hard to cheat on homework when you can obviously do it yourself.” Conan couldn’t help but complain as he watched Xiaojing leave.
“Ugh………” After Xiao Jing closed the toilet door, she vomited violently until she vomited out acid water.
At the dinner table.
“?? Xiaojing, you look a lot paler than before.” Conan asked Xiaojing who was sitting next to him.
“That’s your illusion.”
“It’s indeed much whiter.” Conan observed it and confirmed.
“It’s an illusion.” Xiao Jing said firmly.
“All right.”
The next day, as planned, Kogoro and the others went to visit Eri at her office. Since Eri had been busy with work recently, her calls with Shizue had decreased. Concerned, Ran suggested they go see their mother, and Shizue naturally agreed, so they finally decided to have a family reunion on a weekday.
“Eri, we’re here.” Kogoro knocked on the door.
“Dear, Xiaojing, Xiaolan, and Conan, you are here. I still have a case here, and today’s work will be over after the court session.” Yingli said after opening the door.
“Where is the assistant sister?” Xiao Jing asked when she saw that it was Yingli who opened the door herself. Generally speaking, if the mother is at work, it is the assistant who opens the door.
“I gave her a day off. She’s really tired lately.” Yingli took Xiaojing’s hand and led everyone into the room.
“This is the plaintiff in today’s court hearing. Since this is a public prosecution, he’s asked me to represent him.” Sitting on the sofa in the reception area was a man in a suit, his hair down to his shoulders, just like Xiaojing’s. While the suit was formal, his loosened tie and striking features gave him an extra touch of charm. He looked to be in his prime, perhaps in his twenties.
“Sorry to bother you.” Kogoro quickly apologized when he saw someone talking to Eri, and Xiaolan also bowed slightly as if to apologize.
“It’s okay, Lawyer Fei and I have already had a general discussion.” The man said indifferently.
“Mr. Ima, this is my husband, Kogoro Mori, and my two children: Ran Mori and Shizuka Mori,” Eri introduced to the man.
“This is Edogawa Conan who is staying at my house. I am Maori Kogoro. Please give me your guidance.” At this time, Kogoro continued to introduce Conan and said to the man.
“I know you. You are the famous detective Mouri Kogoro. You and Teacher Eri are both famous! My name is Asuna Kon. You can just call me Kon.” Kon stood up and saluted.
“No, no, I just solved a few cases.” Although Kogoro said this modestly, his expression really made Xiaojing speechless.
“What kind of incident did Brother Jin encounter?” Conan became interested in the case at this time, which made Xiaojing roll her eyes.
“Is it okay?” Yingli asked.
“It’s okay. We’ll know after the court session anyway.” Jin indicated that it was okay to tell it now.
“Mr. Jin was robbed by a colleague.”
“The criminal has been caught.” Since the trial has begun, the criminal has been caught.
“Well, yes, with the cooperation of the police, the criminal was caught soon. But the suspect denied the crime of robbery.” Yingli continued.
“Not pleading guilty? This shouldn’t be difficult.” Xiaojing interrupted. In this regard, Xiaojing’s professional knowledge may be slightly higher than that of anyone except her mother.
“They admitted to extortion at best.”
“The biggest difference between the two is whether there was violence or coercion. Is there insufficient evidence in this regard?”
“The main dispute is that the suspect shaved Mr. Ima’s hair. The prosecutor, or our side, argues that this constituted coercion, while the opposing lawyer argues that Mr. Ima’s cooperation in shaving the head doesn’t constitute coercion. Furthermore, they argue that Mr. Ima voluntarily gave them the 200,000 yen they robbed.”
“Who is the opposing lawyer?”
“It’s Mr. Tiger Akutagawa.”
“Huh?” Xiao Jing couldn’t help but shout out after hearing the name.
“What’s wrong?” Xiaolan asked curiously.
“It’s nothing, but Mr. Akutagawa sometimes likes to make mistakes…” Xiao Jing recovered randomly.
“It’s almost time. I’m going over now. Do you want to come with me?” Yingli asked after looking at the time.
“Let me go to court with my mother.” Xiaojing said at this time.
“Let’s go together.” Kogoro also said.
“Then I’ll trouble you with this matter, teacher.” Jin also stood up and said goodbye at this time.
“Well, Mr. Jin, don’t worry. I will make them receive the punishment they deserve.”
Chapter 65: The Crucial 200,000 Yen (Part 2) (Old Version)
“Isn’t this Her Royal Highness the Princess? Long time no see.” A man in a bailiff uniform called Xiao Jing.
“Uncle Akagi, please don’t call me that, okay?” Xiao Jing replied helplessly.
“What’s wrong with that? It’s very fitting, isn’t it? Are you joining Teacher Fei today?”
“Well, the assistant sister is taking a break, so I’ll be the assistant today.”
“I’m looking forward to your performance. I have something to do, so I’ll take my leave first.” Akagi touched Xiaojing’s head and bowed to everyone before saying goodbye.
This little episode did not have any impact. Under Eri’s arrangement, Kogoro, Ran, and of course Conan all successfully applied for the procedures for Guanting.
“The evidence is sufficient. Although the other party insists that it was Mr. Jin who gave the money voluntarily, the suspect did take Mr. Jin’s money anyway.” Xiao Jing said after looking at the prepared evidence.
“Mr. Akutagawa should be using non-violent coercion as his argument,” Eri guessed.
“This tug-of-war will mainly depend on the suspect’s self-defense.” Xiao Jing said after roughly flipping through the file.
“Let’s begin.” At this time, everyone took their positions.
However, many people’s eyes were on Xiaojing, who was standing on a chair because she was not tall enough.
“Child?” the man in charge of the secretary asked with some confusion.
“That’s the legendary princess. Even before she started school, she was already serving as Mr. Eri’s assistant. She even received special permission from above to appear in court and even speak. She’s the brightest rising star in our legal world.”
“Why haven’t I heard of it?”
“After all, Her Royal Highness the Princess is still underage, so at least it can’t be reported openly.”
“I see.”
“The court is now officially in session. Please ask the prosecutor to read the indictment.” The chief judge said after the court opened.
“On X/X/X, the defendants Motohiro Michi and Nagano Tai forced the victim Asumi Jin’s vehicle to stop on a road in Nome-cho. After cutting off part of the victim’s hair, they used violence and coercion to rob the victim of 203,500 yen. This court hereby files a public prosecution against the defendants Motohiro Michi and Nagano Tai.” The woman who read out the public prosecution smiled at Xiaojing in the courtroom after reading it.
“Then bring the defendant, Motohiro Michi.”
Just now, Akagi brought a man with a crew cut who didn’t look like a good guy to the dock.
“The prosecutor asked.”
“Defendant Yuan Hong Sanzhi, do you have any objection to the content of the public prosecution just now?” The woman stood up and asked during the name, ethnicity, etc. procedure.
“Yes.” He took out the note prepared by the lawyer.
“First of all, the car was already parked there, and the traffic light was red at that time. Secondly, we did not use violence or coercion, but discussed a solution with the victim. The money was given to us by the victim himself, not obtained through violence or coercion.” Yuan Hong Sanzhi said.
“Okay, now I’m going to ask you a few questions. Please answer them simply and truthfully. Do you understand?”
“clear.”
“Excuse me, do you know the victim?”
“I don’t know him.”
“So does Nagano know him?”
“Yes, Naganota is his colleague. He wanted me to teach him a lesson, so he found me and him.”
“What is your relationship with Naganota?”
“Friends, the kind of friends who have a good time.”
“You just said you didn’t stop the victim’s vehicle, right?”
“Yes, the victim was stopped at a red light in the beginning.”
“So how did you get the victim to open the car door?”
“Nagano Tai told him to open the door, and he knew to open it.”
“Were there any acts of violence, such as banging on car doors?”
“Probably not.”
“No or yes.”
“No, I was in the driver’s seat at the time. Although I didn’t see anything, I only heard Naganota’s voice and didn’t hear any knocking on the vehicle.”
“So what about the victim’s hair being cut off by you?”
“After we opened the door, we saw that the victim was very cooperative. Nagano Tai also felt that he had gone too far. So he said that he was also hired to teach him a lesson, but for the sake of his colleagues, he discussed with the victim and cut his hair and called it a day.”
“So, originally, Naganota wanted you to join him in teaching the victim a lesson, but later changed his mind. Fearing trouble, he lied and only cut part of the victim’s hair, is that right?”
“Then why did you take money from the victim?”
“Because Nagano lied and said someone else hired us to do it. The victim thought we were easy to talk to, so he wanted to know from us who was against him.”
“So this money is his opening fee for you, right?”
“No, because Naganota was lying in the first place, we refused to reveal who it was. He then gave us all the money he had and went to the bank across the street and the bank next door to withdraw a total of 200,000 yen so that we could teach the person who came after us a lesson. I thought it was easy money, so I accepted it. After all, he wouldn’t know whether we taught him a lesson or not.”
“You mean, he offered you the money. And you accepted it so easily, right?”
“So what about the situation where you went to the victim’s residence to threaten him after you were arrested and your statement was taken?”
“We were talking to each other in a negotiating tone. There was no violence or coercion, let alone robbery. You see, we even exchanged our phone numbers at the end. If we were to rob him, why would we leave our numbers? So we went to his house to get him to speak the truth.”
“Oh, you went there to ask him to change his statement and tell the truth, right?”
“I’ve finished my question.”
“Sister Hemei was just going through the motions. She let mom do the public prosecution questioning. She’s really lazy.” Xiaojing complained to Yingli when she saw Hemei finish the public prosecution questioning so quickly.
“After all, Mr. Jin invited me, so it’s normal to make Hemei unhappy.”
“Based on the question just now, we should use evidence to prove that the defendant’s statement is untenable.” Xiao Jing rearranged the sorted materials and handed them to Yingli. Yingli read it roughly and nodded.
“Please ask the plaintiff’s lawyer.”
“You said the plaintiff’s vehicle was not forced to stop, right?” Yingli walked to the defendant’s seat and asked.
“Then please look at evidence 5 and 6.” At this time, an enlarged version of the evidence was displayed on the screen.
“Looking at these two surveillance photos, the first one (5) shows the car had already crossed the lane line, which means the victim was driving normally. And in the sixth photo, we can see that after the car stopped, the victim’s head was pressed against the steering wheel, and the two defendants had already entered the victim’s car. How do you explain this?”
“He stopped because Naganota called him. The following photos were taken when we were shaving his head.”
“Okay, you said the victim gave you his property willingly. But according to the bank’s surveillance footage, when the victim got out of the car to withdraw the money, Nagano Tai was following him, wearing a hood that made it impossible to identify his face, right?”
“Because of that, it was raining outside, so Naganota was wearing a hood to prevent getting wet. As for going to withdraw money together, it was the victim’s request. You see, there were so many people in the bank at the time. There were security guards near the ATM when he was withdrawing money. He could have asked others for help, right?”
“Just ask the defendant to answer my questions directly.”
“He was wearing it at the time. But we didn’t force him.”
“Now please look at Exhibit 2: the scissors the defendant used to shave his head. Did you bring these scissors with you?”
“Do you have any other weapons besides this?”
“No, this pair of folding scissors is just for convenience.”
“Okay, I’ve taken a look. You’ve revised your statements five times. In the first two instances, you admitted to forcing the victim to stop and threatening to teach him a lesson. Why is that?”
“I had just been arrested and didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation. Plus, the police were just trying to lead me through the questioning, so my answers were pretty vague.”
“Blurred? The questions in the transcript are all accurately recorded, and your signature is on it. Please see evidence 1.” The screen displayed the initial transcript and the signature at the end, and the bailiff also placed the evidence in the dock for him to review.
“In this case, there’s irrefutable evidence that the victim was forced to stop and threatened. The defendant’s claim that the victim provided them with property is completely false. Being in a cramped car and being forced to cut her hair by two men constitutes a violent threat, and the subsequent demand for property is more like so-called protection money, which is subjectively the property being demanded. Under the defendant’s surveillance, the victim’s fearful decision not to seek help from passersby is completely understandable. Furthermore, the subsequent threats to revise the victim’s statement after the incident demonstrate strong subjective malice. We believe the defendant has committed robbery and, in accordance with Article XXX of the Criminal Law, recommend a sentence of three years and two months. My questioning is complete.”
Chapter 66: The Crucial 200,000 Yen (End) (Old Version)
“Please let the defense attorney speak.” After Eri finished asking, the chief judge looked at lawyer Akutagawa, who was middle-aged and wearing glasses.
“In this case, the two defendants and the victim did not cause any harm to the victim except cutting off the victim’s hair. The mention of pressing on the steering wheel in the evidence photo is just a subjective guess by Lawyer Eri. According to the defendant’s confession, there is no such violent plot in any transcript.” After saying this, Akutagawa looked at the documents at hand.
“Also, I learned from Nagano Tai that the hood was the inner cover of the victim’s motorcycle helmet and was not in the defendant’s possession, so I think there is reason to believe that the defendant had no subjective intention to rob. The subsequent collection of money was a personal agreement between the victim and the defendant. Since the defendant was unable to fulfill the agreement, we suggest a lighter sentence based on extortion or fraud. I have finished what I want to say.” Then Akutagawa also sat down.
“Does the defendant have any comments?”
“have”
“Please go ahead.”
“The victim’s statement contained many falsehoods. Nagano Tai and I simply went to his home to demand he tell the truth, with no intention of threatening him. Even after shaving his hair and taking his money, we exchanged phone numbers. If I had been robbing him, there would have been no need to exchange numbers. I hope the judges will give me a fair and impartial trial. Thank you.”
Although the words were clear, they would have more weight if they were read without looking at the note. Xiaojing thought about his words and wrote down the key points so that her mother could use them to summarize later.
“Then please bring the other defendant to the stage.” Akagi then escorted Motohiro Michi away. A short while later, he brought up a younger man who looked to be in his twenties.
After Kazumi’s routine questioning of age and the questions repeated by Motohiro Sanzhi.
“Yuanhong Sanzhi said that you followed the victim to get the money, right?”
“You were wearing a hood when you went out, weren’t you?”
“Because it was raining, the victim said there was a balaclava in the back seat so I took it with me.”
“The victim also gave you the money on his own initiative, right?”
“Okay, so Yuanhong Sanzhi said that you brought him here. What was your motive for looking for the victim?” Kazumi asked, making a gesture similar to Eri’s, pushing up her glasses.
“Because the victim was very popular with the girls in the company, they disliked him. I impulsively wanted to teach him a lesson, but after meeting him, I gave up the idea. After all, I know that hitting people is not good, so I suggested cutting off some of his hair.”
“So why did you ask Motohiro Sanzhi to go with you? Did you want to find a helper?”
“I guess so.”
“Okay, I’ve finished asking questions.” Kazumi asked briefly and quickly again and ended the question without making any suggestions.
“Ask the agent.”
Xiaojing handed the notebook with some information recorded to her mother and placed the prepared information on the side of the notebook so that Yingli could see both.
“You were planning to teach the victim a lesson and called Genhong Sanzhi to help, right?”
“So you were planning to commit the crime from the beginning, weren’t you?”
“Objection, the agent is inducing the defendant.” Akutagawa objected at this time.
“The objection is valid. The prosecutor has already asked this question. Please do not ask it again or induce others. Please continue.”
“Why were you and the victim the only ones to withdraw the money, and why didn’t Yuanhong Sanzhi go with you?”
“Because Motohiro Michi was driving, he let me tag along.”
“Motohiro Michi is driving the vehicle, right?”
“Yes”
“Then why did you and the victim contact two banks?”
“The victim initially withdrew 100,000 yen, but later felt it wasn’t enough. Perhaps he wanted us to teach a lesson to the person I fabricated and told us to teach him a lesson, so he withdrew another 100,000 yen himself.”
“You’re following along this time, aren’t you?”
“Yes, he asked me to follow and get the money.”
“Or did the victim ask you to follow?”
Afterwards, Yingli asked some other questions carefully, after all, this person should be the main culprit.
“The defendant had strong subjective malice from the very beginning in this case. From the questioning just now, we also know that the victim’s vehicle and personal safety were successively controlled by the defendant, and the victim was full of fear. Although it was raining at the time, the part that the hood can cover is actually very limited, which can be seen in Exhibit 3.” After Yingli finished speaking, a photo of a hood appeared on the screen.
“From the evidence, it’s clear the defendant subconsciously concealed his appearance, aware of the bank’s surveillance. Furthermore, according to testimony from Bao’an staff at the time, the victim was walking quickly, despite the rain, without an umbrella. Although we didn’t see him directly, someone was following him, and surveillance footage confirmed it was the defendant. This clearly demonstrates a case of serious subjective malice. The defendant first gathered helpers, shaved the victim’s head, and then, feeling unsatisfied, proceeded to rob him! According to Article X of the Criminal Code, the defendant is recommended to be sentenced to four years and eight months for robbery. My questioning is complete.”
“Unless there are new witnesses or evidence, this should be it.” Xiao Jing said that she did not think this case was difficult.
After that, the defendant still did not plead guilty, but the opposing lawyer did not have any new evidence. He just repeatedly emphasized that the plaintiff’s evidence could not fully prove that the defendant was robbing.
“Then the court is adjourned. The verdict will be announced tomorrow morning.” This time, because the defendant denied the guilt, no verdict was announced on the spot.
“Ah, this month has been so busy.” Yingli couldn’t help but complain at the dining table.
“Mom is so famous that so many people come to her. She is really amazing,” said Xiaolan.
“It’s not that exaggerated. I haven’t held Xiaojing in my arms for a long time. Come to mommy.” Yingli said modestly with a smile.
Xiaojing sat on Yingli’s lap without any pressure.
“This looks delicious.” Xiao Jing naturally went into ordering mode, which surprised the people who had just sat down.
“No, you can’t eat this.” But Yingli immediately rejected it.
Mapo tofu? Xiaojing’s preference is really unique. Conan couldn’t help but complain in his heart after taking a peek at the menu.
“This is the signature dish here, okay? It’s rare to come here once, so why not try it?” Xiao Jing wanted to try the dishes from her previous life because it was rare to come to a Chinese restaurant.
“No, you definitely can’t bear it.” Yingli still disagreed.
“It’s okay to try it out at a Chinese restaurant once.” However, Kogoro on the opposite side softened his heart first. In this regard, Xiaojing felt that her family was one in which the father was kind and the mother was strict.
“That’s right. If your mother doesn’t give you any, just eat with your sister.” At this time, a female voice interrupted and turned everyone’s attention to the source of the voice.
“Isn’t this Prosecutor Hemei? Are you having dinner too today? Xiaojing hasn’t seen you for a long time. Come and say hello to Aunt Hemei.” Yingli said with a smile.
“Presiding Judge, Uncle Akagi.” Xiaojing had to change the subject in Yingli’s already tight embrace.
“Xiao Jing, my woman is really a bother to you.” However, what the chief referee said left everyone except Xiao Jing confused.
“Hey, hey, I’m only twenty-four! Your Highness the Princess is being a little partial.” Akagi protested.
“Hey, hey, let’s just pretend that Uncle Akagi is 24.” Xiao Jing said in a tone that said she really can’t do anything about it.
Afterwards, Kogoro and Eri chatted with everyone in the court for a while.
During the conversation, Conan found Xiaojing.
“I always feel that the case just now is a bit strange.”
“Because the two defendants have never admitted their guilt? There are many people who don’t think they are guilty from beginning to end, and they are not the only ones.” Xiaojing didn’t care about the case.
“But there’s no direct evidence that they robbed, right?”
“Shaving someone’s hair is already considered violence, isn’t it? Shaving someone’s hair is also a violation of the victim’s rights. And wasn’t the situation at the time also considered a violent assault?”
“But I looked at the defendant’s confession. Most of the steps mentioned above, such as parking the car and putting on the hood, were prompted by the victim.”
“You’re messing around again, washing machine brother.” Xiao Jing rolled her eyes and stared at Conan with a bad look.
“Well, I only see it occasionally. But it’s really strange. If it’s less than 200,000, this case wouldn’t be a serious one at all.”
“Because the defendant somehow managed to cross the 200,000 yuan limit, you find it strange?”
“Isn’t that strange?”
“I really can’t do anything about you. So what if I just assume it was all planned by the victim tomorrow?”
“Isn’t this a frame-up?”
“Even if it’s a frame-up, what can you do about it? All the evidence points to the two defendants. There’s no evidence that Mr. Jin framed them. We’re not God and don’t have a God-like model. The court’s job is to restore the truth based on the evidence and conduct a trial. Your reasoning is embarrassing—I don’t care.”
Despite the incident with Prosecutor Hemei, everyone still spent their meal time happily. Later in the afternoon, they took Xiaojing and others to the newly opened amusement park and spent the afternoon there.
“Damn it, damn it, damn it!” Conan came back from going out in the morning and lay on the sofa with a look of being seriously hit.
“What’s wrong?” Fortunately, Xiaojing was the only one in the living room. Xiaolan went to buy ingredients and Kogoro went to meet a friend and would not be back for lunch today.
“Those two men were found guilty yesterday.”
“Oh, those two.” Xiao Jing continued to stare at the book in her hand without raising her head.
“They were both wronged!”
“You know again?”
“Hey, you’re not going to look for Tomorrow, are you?” Xiao Jing thought of something and looked up at Conan and asked.
“That’s right, but he never admitted from beginning to end that my recording was completely useless. But his expression clearly showed that he was the one who framed me!”
“How dare you do such a dangerous thing!” Xiao Jing grabbed Conan’s collar and said harshly.
“You are the one. We can’t just leave people like this alone!” Conan pressed Xiaojing’s hand down and said righteously.
“I…” Xiaojing originally wanted to curse, but now she didn’t know what to say because of what Yingli and Xiaolan taught her.
Xiao Jing felt like she was about to cry because of Conan. All her cautiousness might be completely wasted because of Conan’s enmity.
“Then you can continue to be your great detective.” Xiao Jing closed the book on the sofa.
“I’m going back to my room to do my homework.” Then he left without looking back, leaving Conan standing there in a daze.
Chapter 67: The Perfect Architect (I) (Old Version)
“Tea garden party?” Xiaolan asked doubtfully on the phone.
“I said you rarely call me! I didn’t expect it to be about something like this! But~” Xiaolan first scolded the person on the other end of the phone.
“I have a condition in return. You have to go to a midnight movie with me next Saturday. We haven’t seen each other in such a long time. It’s settled. We’ll meet in the lobby of the Rice Flower Cinema at 10 o’clock this evening.”
“No, it has to be on May 3rd.” Although she didn’t hear the voice on the other end of the phone, Xiaojing knew that Shinichi, who had turned into Conan, had definitely refused, which was why Xiaolan said the above words.
“By the way, Shinichi, which color do you like better, red or blue? It’s red, right? I knew you would choose red.” Xiaolan said happily.
“Xiaolan, aren’t you cooking yet?” Kogoro urged while watching TV.
“Hi, I’ll prepare it right away. Okay, Shinichi, it’s settled then.” Xiaolan said this and hung up the phone without giving the other party a chance to speak.
“Xiaojing, you must be hungry too. I’ll start cooking right away. Dad hasn’t started eating yet, so don’t start drinking now!” Xiaolan said as she walked towards the kitchen.
“I’m back.” Conan also returned home shortly afterwards.
“It’s time to eat. I was worried about you, Conan.” Xiao Jing said as she brought the dishes to the small table in the living room.
“Just now you were talking on the phone with that kid Shinichi about May 3rd or something?” Kogoro asked with a suspicious expression.
“May 4th is Shinichi’s birthday, so I asked him to go to a midnight movie on May 3rd. I plan to give him the red shirt I bought at midnight on May 4th as a surprise!”
“I hope washing machine brother won’t be scared by the surprise.” Xiao Jing stared at Conan and her tone sounded very strange to Conan’s ears.
Anyway, Conan will definitely break the appointment. I wonder what excuse he will come up with.
“So what movie are you going to see?” Kogoro asked.
“The Legend of the Red Line.”
Just by listening to the name, you can tell that it is a romantic love movie.
“It’s a legend that a man and a woman who are destined to be together have a red string tied on their little fingers when they are born. This movie is a romantic love movie based on this story.” Xiaolan explained with anticipation.
really…..
“Look, Shinichi and I’s lucky color for May is both red, so that’s why I decided to go see this movie.”
“I hope the washing machine brother can be on time.” Xiao Jing said as she took a big bite of the fish in her mouth.
Hey, hey, I’ve become smaller, so I obviously can’t go with you. And it was your sister who made the unilateral decision, so staring at me is useless. Conan was somewhat helpless in defending himself from Xiaojing’s gaze.
“Wait a minute? You just said you wanted to go to the midnight show?” Kogoro suddenly thought of something and asked while holding the bowl.
“No, no! I won’t allow it! How can young men and women be so affectionate in a dim movie theater all night long!” Kogoro was obviously thinking in another direction.
“That’s not the case! Dad, don’t think too much! It’s Shinichi’s fault for forgetting his birthday every year. I just reminded him!” Xiaolan took Kogoro’s bowl and chopsticks and explained.
No, no, it’s useless to think about it, Shinichi has become like this. Thinking of this, Xiaojing looked at Conan with an unfriendly look again, and at the same time took the dishes and chopsticks that Xiaolan took from Kogoro.
“But you are all high school students already…” Kogoro took his food back from Xiaojing and wanted to say something.
“By the way, Dad, let’s go to Sengudi’s tea garden party together.” Xiaolan interrupted.
“??? Why are you suddenly talking about this?” Kogoro asked, somewhat confused by Xiaolan’s topic.
“Originally Shinichi was invited, but he can’t go. Xiaojing, Conan, let’s go together.” Xiaolan took out the invitation and said with a smile.
“I’ll go, I’ll go.” Conan naturally responded and expressed his desire to go.
You were invited anyway, okay? Xiao Jing continued eating without saying anything.
“How could I possibly take the invitation letter to Shinichi?” Kogoro, who wanted to save face, immediately rejected it.
“Isn’t Moriko Teiji the famous architect? This is a historic meeting between a famous detective and a famous architect.” Conan said.
“Just go. Father doesn’t have any plans that day anyway. It’s just a tea party.” Xiaojing knew from Conan’s expression that he would not give up unless she tricked Kogoro into going.
“Well, we’re talking about famous detectives and famous architects. Hahaha.”
On the day of the tea party on April 29th.
“It’s so big!” Xiaolan exclaimed as she entered the gate.
It’s the hobby of rich people. Xiao Jing, who was wearing a small suit, couldn’t help but feel jealous.
“This is indeed a traditional British building from the orthodox Stuart dynasty of the 17th century.” Kogoro said pretentiously.
“Dad, you know so much about buildings?” As expected, Xiaolan looked at him with admiration.
“People used to call your dad the mobile library. Look carefully to both sides and see if you have found anything.” As a result, Kogoro immediately became complacent.
“Oh, really. As long as you stand in the middle, the garden and the houses on both sides are the same.” Xiaolan said after observing for a while.
“This type of building is what is called a bilaterally symmetrical design. Because Professor Moriko spent his time in the UK until high school, he is particularly fascinated by British architecture. Especially…” Kogoro, who was continuing to explain, suddenly stopped.
“He is particularly obsessed with the classical style. He even changed his name in pursuit of art. He used to be called Shinji, but now he changes it to the bilaterally symmetrical Teiji.” Xiaojing continued what Kogoro said when Kogoro reached out to take out the cheat sheet from his pocket.
“This is the first time I’ve seen such a beautiful garden.” Xiaolan said happily.
In fact, the garden of the Yuanzi family is even better than this, but Xiaojing will definitely not say it.
“It is my honor to receive your praise. Hello, I am Sen Gu Di Er.” Sen Gu Di Er, who was wearing a light green formal suit, walked over.
Xiaolan also immediately greeted Sengudi and explained the situation.
“Oh, Kudo Shinichi didn’t come.” Moriko Teiji’s expression and tone revealed disappointment after learning that Shinichi didn’t come.
“But this uncle is also a famous detective.” Conan pointed at Kogoro and said, and Kogoro also walked from behind to Moriko Teiji.
“I am Maori Kogoro, please give me your guidance.”
“Ah, you are the famous~” Moriko Teiji also pretended to shake hands with Kogoro.
Then Sengudi II took everyone to the back garden where the party was held.
“All the cookies, sandwiches and snacks here today are made by me.” After entering the back garden, Sen Gudi Er started chatting with everyone naturally.
“Not bad.” Xiao Jing ran to the side, picked up the snack and tasted it. She was not interested in this kind of social tea party.
“Xiaojing, can you come with us on the day of the movie and distract Xiaolan?” Conan wanted to find Xiaojing to solve the dating dilemma between him and Xiaolan.
Xiao Jing didn’t even look at him. She put some snacks and a small piece of cake on a small plate and walked towards a chair.
“Xiao Jing, are you still angry about what happened last time?” Conan said helplessly. Ever since the last incident, Xiao Jing always ignored or was hostile to him intentionally. He was really uncomfortable these days.
“Yes, I’m very unhappy that our great detective only cares about so-called justice.” Xiao Jing admitted it straightforwardly.
“But!” Conan wanted to make further explanation but was stopped by Xiaojing’s gesture.
“I don’t want to know your reasons. I only know that you have brought danger to our family, and you are completely unaware of it. I told you a long time ago that I don’t want to get involved in trouble without any preparation, especially if this trouble was caused by you.” Xiao Jing said while eating.
“And you should at least explain to your sister that you can’t meet her for the time being, so that she can be mentally prepared. Escape is only a temporary solution. You know how long it has been since you and your sister last saw each other, and your sister is almost starting to get suspicious.” Xiao Jing said as she quickly finished the food on the small plate and then wiped her mouth gracefully.
“They must have a stronger sense of responsibility for their work!” At this time, the voice of Moriko Teiji came, attracting the attention of Conan and Xiaojing.
“By the way, Detective Maori has a question to ask you, do you mind?” Conan and Xiaojing returned to Xiaolan and Kogoro and heard Mori Koteiji say to Kogoro.
“This is a code-guessing puzzle. I think Mr. Maori would be able to solve it immediately.” Although it was just a request for advice, this did not give Kogoro any room to refuse.
“Is that Kogoro Mouri?” The guests nearby obviously had some knowledge of Kogoro, after all, Kogoro is now well-known.
“Please go ahead.” Kogoro gathered his thoughts and said seriously.
Chapter 68: The Perfect Architect (Part 2) (Old Version)
“It’s Momotaro.” Xiaojing said to Kogoro after getting the answer from Conan.
“Momotaro?” Kogoro said with some confusion.
“As expected of Detective Mori.” After hearing Kogoro’s answer, Moriko Teiji looked at Kogoro in surprise.
“As expected, Detective Maori is really amazing, his reputation is well-deserved.” Everyone praised after seeing Di Er’s confirmation.
“Why is it Momotaro?” asked a guest, and those who had not guessed the answer also turned their eyes to Kogoro.
Xiaojing stopped trying to continue explaining to Kogoro and turned to face Moriko Teiji.
“Because the birthdays of the three people are Rooster, Dog, and Monkey respectively. So the password related to them is Momotaro.” Xiaojing told the answer she got from Conan.
“So that’s how it is.” Everyone suddenly realized.
Although everyone looked at Kogoro, thinking that Kogoro had guessed the answer, Moriko Teiji’s eyes turned to Shizuka. Although it was not too obvious, Shizuka still caught it.
“Tsk. It’s all your fault.” Xiao Jing directed her dissatisfaction towards the innocent Conan standing aside.
“Hey, hey, what’s wrong with me?” Conan was completely speechless at Xiaojing’s unreasonable behavior.
“It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m just jealous of your intelligence, isn’t it?” Xiaojing’s words made Conan roll his eyes.
Moriko Teiji, who was talking to Kogoro over there, invited Kogoro and Ran to see his work as a reward.
“Xiaojing, Conan.” Xiaolan invited Xiaojing and Conan to come together.
“Anyway, think about what I just said. My sister still thinks you’ve gone somewhere to handle a case.” As he said that, he walked to the front and took Xiaolan’s hand.
“I don’t want to do that either…” Conan muttered softly and then walked to Kogoro’s side.
Following Sengu Di Er into the Western-style villa, I felt inexplicably uneasy looking at Di Er’s back.
I don’t sense any danger. Why do I feel so uneasy?
“Now, after the training from Mary and me, although you may not pass in other aspects, you are already very good at perception and observation. This is one of the indispensable abilities for intelligence personnel. However, some situations cannot be detected by perception and observation. At that time, you must trust your intuition!” Xizi rarely taught Xiaojing seriously, so Xiaojing naturally remembered it very clearly.
Could it be? Xiao Jing’s heart suddenly skipped a beat.
“What’s wrong, Xiaojing?” Xiaolan asked curiously when she suddenly found Xiaojing standing still while holding Xiaojing’s hand.
“It’s okay, sister.” Xiaojing immediately adjusted her mood and replied.
“Okay, this is it. Please feel free to look around.” Emperor Sengu II said to everyone after opening the door.
“Mr. Moriko has designed so many works.” Kogoro said as he looked at the photos hanging on the walls of the showroom.
“Sister Xiaolan, isn’t this the one from last time?” Conan, who was walking in front, pointed at a photo and said to Xiaolan.
“What’s wrong?” Xiao Jing looked up at the photo. It was just a photo of a house. She knew without hesitation that it must be the work of Sen Gudi Er.
“Really? This is Mr. Kurokawa’s house.” Xiaolan said after looking carefully.
“By the way, I heard that Mr. Kurokawa was killed not long ago.” said Moriko Teiji.
“That’s right, it was Dad who solved the murder case.” Xiaolan replied.
“Although I solved the case, I don’t remember it very clearly.” Kogoro said somewhat embarrassedly.
“Conan.” Xiao Jing naturally knew that the case must have been solved by Conan under anesthesia. Xiao Jing stared at Conan again unhappily.
Haha, what could I do under the circumstances? Conan naturally understood Xiaojing’s meaning and could only spread his hands helplessly.
“This house was designed shortly after I started my own business, and the works that followed were also designed when I was in my thirties,” explained Moriko Teiji.
These buildings are not symmetrical. It seems that the architect was not obsessed with symmetry from the beginning.
“After all, we were still young and immature at that time, so you should skip these works. By the way, Ran and Komugi are very familiar with Kudo Shinichi, right?” asked Moriko Teiji.
“Yes, we grew up together and went to the same high school, but we haven’t seen each other for a long time.”
“That’s a shame.”
“But this Sunday is Shinichi’s birthday, so he and I have an appointment to go to the movies together.”
“That’s great. I think you have already prepared the gifts.” Sengudi II said with a smile.
“No, I want to buy it on Saturday because he likes red as much as I do, and our lucky color for May is also red. So I plan to give him a red shirt.”
“I think Kudo will be very happy.”
“That’s right, Shinichi-san must be very happy, right? Conan?” Xiaojing turned to Conan with a smile and asked.
“Ah, yes, yes!”
“Oh, it’s the Mika Cinema in the Mika Building. He and I have an appointment to meet in the lobby at 10 o’clock on Saturday night.” Xiaolan said, pointing to the photo.
“I see. This is my masterpiece. It’s perfect for young men and women celebrating their birthdays.”
I’ll see how you end up, Xiao Jing thought maliciously to Conan in her heart.
After viewing the exhibition, Kogoro went back to chatting with other guests, while Shizuka, not interested, went to read a book with her snacks. Conan naturally followed Shizuka to the side, since they were the only two children present.
“Xiao Jing, do you have any good ideas?” Conan was really at a loss as to what to do and hoped Xiao Jing could come up with some ideas.
“Just find someone exactly like you to go in your place.” For example, Kidd.
“You’re still kidding me.” Conan had no choice but to continue thinking of a solution himself.
In the end, no solution was found until the end of the tea party.
Compared to Conan’s anxiety, Xiaojing was not idle either.
Several days had passed, and there was still no clue. Xiao Jing had relied on her perfect acting skills to avoid being discovered, or perhaps she had been trained to be quiet.
“Isn’t it me? But the people around me?” Although she couldn’t remember clearly, Xiaojing still knew that as Conan’s plot developed, not only Conan himself encountered crises because of solving the case, but even the Junior Detective League, Xiaolan and even Kogoro were implicated by him.
“I’m going out to play.” Could it be that the Junior Detectives were involved in another incident? Feeling uneasy about herself, Xiaojing agreed to play with them after being invited by Ayumi yesterday. She even turned down classes with Yuko. Fortunately, Yuko didn’t pursue the matter.
“Come back early, and remember not to run around with those little devils.” Kogoro was simply worried that his precious daughter would be led astray by those little devils.
“Isn’t Conan going with Xiaojing and the others?” asked Xiaolan who was also preparing to go out.
“No, I’m going to the doctor today.” Conan made an appointment with the doctor to see if there was any way to “safely” get through tomorrow.
“But Xiaojing has indeed become a lot more cheerful.” Xiaolan was very relieved about Xiaojing going out to play.
That brat isn’t as simple as you think, Conan thought to himself.
“Then I’ll be out too. You guys can go out to eat or order takeout tonight.”
“Hi.” Conan responded obediently.
“Look, there are a lot of people here.” Guang Liao led a group of people to a green park on the river bank. There were many people enjoying the cool air and children playing games.
“Let’s play catch too!” Yuantai said, holding the ball he brought.
“Yeah.” Xiaojing moved the small bag behind her and said.
“But it’s rare that Xiaojing comes out to play with us, but Conan went to see the doctor.” Ayumi said as she took the ball from Genta.
“I heard that his relatives came to visit him.” Xiaojing told them the excuse Conan had come up with while catching the ball.
“There’s nothing we can do about it.” The Junior Detective Team only knew that Conan was a guest, and they understood if relatives came.
After playing for a while, everyone felt a little tired and went to the shade of a tree to cool off.
“I’m going to the bathroom.” Xiao Jing got up and patted her pants.
If you’re just playing around here, there shouldn’t be any danger. After all, this is a public place. Most of the killings in Conan are intentional, and it doesn’t seem like they’re just random, heartless murders. Damn! I should have watched it earlier.
But am I also a murderer? Xiao Jing looked at herself in the mirror in the sink and thought to herself.
“Oh, I’m so tired.” Xiao Jing wiped her hands with a tissue but still couldn’t help sighing.
“???” When Xiaojing came back, the Junior Detective League was no longer under the tree, which made Xiaojing’s bad premonition even worse.
“Don’t run around.” Xiao Jing quickly spotted their figures not far away from where they had just been playing catch, and said helplessly.
After all, they are still children. Wait! Where did this remote control plane come from?
“What’s going on with this remote-controlled plane?” Xiao Jing asked quickly.
“Xiaojing, this was given to us by a bearded uncle. He said it was a bomber.” Yuantai said to Xiaojing.
“Bomber?” No way? Xiao Jing pulled the doctor’s glasses from her bag, put them on, and activated the telescope. Although the glasses had a low power, Xiao Jing’s eyesight allowed her to clearly see the bar-shaped object mounted under the remote-controlled aircraft.
“Guang Liao, are you familiar with the operation of the plane?” After confirming that it was a bomb, Xiao Jing said to Guang Liao while secretly cursing the prisoner for being a pervert.
“Almost there. Remote-controlled airplanes are not that easy to operate.” Guang Liao said with some pride that he had roughly mastered the operating techniques.
“Guang Liao, fly the plane higher.” Xiao Jing stared at Guang Liao with an extremely serious look through her glasses.
“Okay…” Guang Liao responded subconsciously and operated the remote control stick to make the plane fly higher.
“What’s wrong? Xiaojing.” Yuantai asked with some confusion.
Xiao Jing examined the remote control, took out a small object that looked like a battery from her bag, and looked around. After confirming that there was no eavesdropping, she put the object back into her bag.
“First of all, don’t be surprised by what’s coming next. Be prepared. We’ve encountered an incident this time. Perhaps the criminal is hiding in a corner watching us. After listening to this, you should behave normally and don’t move. Okay?”
“There is a bomb on the plane. It should be a time bomb or an impact bomb.” Xiao Jing told them what happened after seeing them nod.
Although Guang Liao was well prepared, Xiao Jing still noticed that Guang Liao’s hands trembled with fear and he almost dropped the remote control.
“Guang Liao, be careful!” Yuan Tai reminded immediately.
“So what should we do now?” Ayumi asked.
“Guang Liao should first try to fly the plane higher, and then pretend to make an operational error and fly the plane into the water, letting the plane explode in the water.” Xiao Jing immediately came up with a plan.
At this time, Conan ran over on a skateboard.
“Not good!” Conan glanced at Guang Liao’s remote control and then at the plane above, as if he knew something.”
“Guang Liao, give me the remote!” Conan said as he was about to take the remote from Guang Liao.
“Wait, Conan!” Genta hurried forward to stop Conan.
“Oh, no!” Guang Liao, who was concentrating on operating the plane just now, was caught off guard by Conan’s actions and fell backwards to the ground, and the remote control in his hand also fell to the ground.
“Damn, the antenna is broken!” Although Conan flew over to catch the remote control, the antenna was still broken when it fell.
“There is a bomb on the plane!*2” Conan and Ayumi said to each other at the same time.
“Huh?” Conan was stunned by Ayumi’s words. He realized that he had made things worse. At the same time, he felt Xiaojing’s cold gaze, which made his back cold. However, his good nature made him try to operate the remote control immediately.
“Oh no, it can’t be operated! Run away!” Conan immediately issued a warning after discovering that it could not be operated.
“Prologue.” Xiao Jing said softly with her head lowered.
“Bang!” The plane exploded while still in the sky, and the air wave even blew down the Young Detective League members on the ground below.
“Plastic bomb.” Xiao Jing determined the type of bomb by the light emitted by the explosion.
At this time, the cell phone in Conan’s pocket rang.
Chapter 69: The Perfect Architect (Part 3) (Old Version)
“I didn’t expect Kudo to send a kid. Are you saying I’m not even as good as a child?” A processed voice came from the other end.
“It was you who caused the explosion. What was your intention?” Conan, who was originally going to use a voice changer, stopped when the other party said it was a kid, and looked at Xiaojing at the same time.
“No, it might be a surveillance device.” Xiao Jing put on her glasses and looked around but didn’t find any suspicious people.
“But forget it, the game isn’t over yet! There’s another bomb going off at one in the square in front of the station. Since Kudo sent you here, it’s up to you to find it.”
“Wait a minute, I’m just a kid, how could I possibly know that? Can you give me a few more hints?” Conan used his childish figure to continue asking questions.
“It’s under the tree, but it’s not buried there. I don’t have such a bad taste. If you don’t hurry up, someone will take it away, haha.” After that, the phone was hung up.
“Hey, hey, damn it! There’s no time!” Conan looked at his watch and got back on the skateboard.
“Conan, where are you going?” Ayumi asked.
“There’s no time to explain. You guys go back first.” Conan said without looking back and just left on his skateboard.
“Our great detective is really busy.” Xiao Jing said with a little displeasure.
“Shall we go back?” Ayumi asked.
“Since Conan told us to go back, let’s go back first. But it’s still early, we can find a milk tea shop or something to sit down.” Xiao Jing suggested. She had a bad feeling and it was best not to let the children out of her sight.
“I agree! I’ve thought of something!” Yuantai was the first to agree.
Xiaojing and the Junior Detective Team found a milk tea shop and had not yet sat down when the phone rang.
“Dad?” Xiaojing looked at the number and found it was Kogoro’s call.
“Hello, Father.”
“Xiao Jing, where are you now? The little kid Conan was affected by the explosion and was sent to the hospital. I heard that the explosion happened not far from where you and the children were playing. Are you okay?” Kogoro asked in a very quick tone.
“Uh, it’s okay, where’s Conan?” Is my premonition Conan? Damn it, this guy won’t be blown to death, after all, he is the protagonist!
“At XXXX Hospital.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Xiaojing then explained the situation to everyone, and the children moved to the hospital where Conan was hospitalized.
Xiaojing, who arrived at the hospital, learned from Kogoro that Conan was fine but still unconscious. Everyone was still a little worried, and the Junior Detective League even came to Conan’s bedside to wait for him to wake up. In contrast, Xiaojing, who was sitting by the bed reading a book, seemed a little indifferent.
“Conan, are you okay?” Ayumi asked hurriedly when she saw Conan open his eyes.
“Where is this place?” Conan had just woken up and his mind might still be a little confused.
“This is a hospital. What happened to you?” Xiao Jing didn’t look at Conan but her voice was clearly heard by Conan.
“That’s right, what’s going on!” Kogoro then asked loudly.
“Wait, let’s call a doctor to check it out first.” At this time, Dr. Agasa pulled Kogoro away with an interrogating attitude and asked Xiaojing to call a doctor.
“I’ll go.” Guang Liao took the initiative to replace Xiaojing and ran out of the ward before Xiaojing could react.
“It’s nothing serious. There’s nothing abnormal about his brain waves. You don’t have to worry. He will be discharged tomorrow.” The doctor said to everyone after examining Conan.
“Conan, I have something to ask you! Can you tell me the whole story?” And Kimura, who had been outside the ward, took Shiratori and went directly into the ward after the doctor left.
Conan nodded and connected the phone call from Shinichi to the criminal, and then found the bomb. Because the bomb was about to explode, in order to prevent others from being affected by the explosion, Conan dismantled the bomb and rode away on his bicycle, resulting in the current situation.
“By the way, the criminal might call Shinichi’s cell phone. Also, I broke the bicycle, can Uncle Maori help me compensate him?” Conan regretted what he said as soon as he finished speaking, because he felt Xiaojing’s cold gaze, as if saying, “So you are that kind of person too.”
“Let’s not talk about this for now. Why do you like to mess around so much, kid? You almost lost your life!” But Xiaojing didn’t need to say anything, Kogoro had already started to teach Conan a lesson.
“I’m sorry.” Conan naturally had no choice but to apologize obediently.
“And that guy Shinichi, where is he now? Didn’t the criminal call Shinichi?” At this time, Kogoro turned around and asked Dr. Agasa with his eyes. Dr. Agasa was the one who was most familiar with Shinichi here.
“Because Shinichi happened to have other things to do, he asked Conan for help.” Dr. Agasa made an excuse helplessly.
“Damn it, how can there be such a person! He actually asks a child for help. I will never let him off next time we meet!” Kogoro clenched his fists and said fiercely.
“You’re right. Next time you see the washing machine brother, you must tell him to be careful.” Xiao Jing also said at this time.
Hey, hey, don’t join in the fun! Conan shook his still dizzy head helplessly.
“By the way, Inspector Memu, do you know the type of bomb?” Conan asked, thinking of something.
“The bombs used in the remote-controlled aircraft and the bombs in the pet box are all plastic explosives [C4].” Mumu said without hiding anything.
“Look at the color of the explosion and you know it’s C4,” Xiao Jing chimed in. At that time, the explosion flashed orange with a slight blue tint.
“That’s probably the gunpowder stolen from the Japanese gunpowder depot.” Mumu thought for a moment and said.
“The bomb on the remote-controlled plane is an impact bomb with a fuse, while the bomb in the pet basket is a time bomb connected to a timer.” White Bird added from behind.
“Then why did the bomb suddenly stop after the first sixteen seconds?” Kogoro asked curiously. When he explained the situation just now, he said that the bomb suddenly stopped at that time, otherwise Conan would have died. Kogoro’s lesson was not wrong.
“First of all, it may be because the timer malfunctioned, and also the criminal used a remote control to stop him for some reason. But judging from the fact that the criminal deliberately called Kudo, he may have challenged Kudo for his fame.” Mumu analyzed.
“That means he might be someone who has a personal grudge against the washing machine brother?” Xiao Jing glanced at Conan and said.
“We also did some research based on this, and the criminals in the cases that Kudo solved are still serving their sentences in prison.”
You are really powerful! Your prisoners haven’t even been released yet! Only murderers can be locked up for this long. You are unique. Xiao Jing couldn’t help but look at Conan in surprise after hearing this.
I can’t do anything about it. But Conan thought Xiaojing was putting the blame on herself and pretending to be innocent.
“So it’s the criminal’s family or lover?” Kogoro said without giving up.
“If that’s the case, the scope is very large.” Bai Niao replied.
“Which case in Shinichi’s past attracted the most attention from the public?” asked Dr. Agasa.
“Let me think about it. It should be the case of the mayor of Nishitama City. The mayor hit and killed a white-collar worker who was leaving get off work, and his son took the blame for him, but was discovered by Shinichi. Mayor Okamoto stepped down in disgrace, and the new town construction plan he had been planning was also rejected.” Mumu replied after thinking for a while.
“Could it be Okamoto’s son? He holds a grudge against Shinichi for exposing their crime.” Kogoro said.
“I remember he seemed to be a student in the Department of Electronic Engineering. Maybe he really has the ability to make bombs.” Mumu also felt that what Kogoro said made sense.
“I’ll investigate right away.” Shiratori took immediate action.
“Anyway, we are now conducting an investigation based on the characteristic portrait they drew.” Mumu said finally.
“Portrait?” Xiao Jing asked curiously. When Conan was unconscious, Xiao Jing had inspected the hospital to ensure its safety, so she left the ward for a while.
“This was painted by the three of us, and it looks very similar.” Ayumi handed the portrait to Xiaojing.
The picture showed a man with a long beard, wearing a hat and a coat. Xiaojing thought it was obvious that he was in disguise. Ayumi and the others only remembered the characteristics of the disguise, and it was obvious that they couldn’t find the person based on the picture.
“The features are indeed drawn.” Xiaojing did not discourage them.
“Apart from these, do you have any other impressions of the criminal?” Mumu asked the only member of the Junior Detective Team who had had contact with the criminal.
The three members of the Junior Detective Team pretended to be thinking but didn’t seem to remember anything. Since the criminal dared to approach them, he must have been prepared and should be very clear about this.
“Oh right, the smell. When he gave the remote-controlled plane to Guang Liao, I smelled a sweet scent, but it wasn’t the scent of perfume,” Ayumi said.
“I don’t smell it.” But Guang Liao didn’t smell it.
“Me too.” Yuantai also said that he didn’t smell it.
“Is it the smell of cosmetics?” Kogoro felt that women were definitely more sensitive to this than men, so it was not surprising that Guang Liao and Genta did not notice it.
“I don’t know.” After all, the contact time was very short, and Ayumi couldn’t be sure now.
“I understand. If you remember any other suspicious clues, you can tell me at any time.” Mumu reminded.
“Okay.” The Junior Detective Team agreed naturally.
“Then it’s almost time for us to go back.” Xiao Jing said to everyone in the Junior Detective Team at this time.
“Will Xiaojing go back with us?” Ayumi asked, thinking that Xiaojing would go with Kogoro or accompany Conan.
“I’ll go back with you. The doctor just said Conan is fine.” Mainly because he is worried that you will have another accident. There is no safety issue for Conan in the hospital.
“Then Conan, let’s go back first.” Although it was a bit strange, they still welcomed Xiaojing to go back with them. After saying goodbye to Conan, they left together.
Chapter 70: The Perfect Architect (Part 4) (Old Version)
“Hurry up, hurry up.” Guang Liao, who was running in the front, urged.
“Slow down, I can’t breathe.” Yuan Tai, who was at the back, said exaggeratedly.
“It’s all because of you, Genta, that you wanted to eat, and it’s so late.” Ayumi also complained.
“Xiaojing obviously agreed…” Yuantai retorted.
“Okay, now’s not the time to argue. We’re almost at the ticket gate, let’s get our cards out first.” Xiao Jing said as she ran. Compared to the three of them, Xiao Jing’s physical strength was obviously much better, and this was naturally the result of Xizi giving Xiao Jing a lot of drugs, making Xiao Jing feel unsure whether to cry or laugh.
“Fortunately, we made it in time.” Guang Liao said thankfully while holding the handrail.
“It shows that we are still very lucky today.” Ayumi said happily while sitting in her seat.
“Xiao Jing, you look so calm. I’m almost exhausted.” Yuan Tai said breathlessly.
“A lady shouldn’t let you ruin her image like this.” Ayumi said on behalf of Xiaojing.
“That’s true.” Yuan Tai scratched his head embarrassedly.
After everyone rested for a while.
Why is this train speeding up? No way! I don’t feel any danger. No! How can I just rely on my intuition? I’ve been relying too much on this baseless feeling lately, Xiao Jing reflected secretly.
“Don’t you think this tram is strange?” Although Xiaojing didn’t say it, Yuantai noticed something first.
“What’s so strange?” Ayumi and Guang Liao looked at Genta in confusion.
“We’re almost at Mihua Station, but the speed seems to be getting faster and faster.” Yuantai explained.
“Due to an emergency, this train will not stop at the next station, Mihua Station.” At this time, an announcement sounded as if to verify Yuantai’s words.
“What do you mean by an emergency?”
“Oh.” Xiao Jing couldn’t help but sigh as she watched the platform passing by. Today was destined to be full of disasters.
“This train will not stop at any station in the short term. Also, if you find any suspicious objects in the car, do not touch them and please notify the conductor immediately.” Before Guang Liao and Yuan Tai could explain what the emergencies were, the broadcast sounded again.
“Um, what is the suspicious item this time?” Yuantai asked uncertainly although he had already realized something.
“It’s just a strange thing.” Guang Liao answered very quickly this time.
“I know that. I mean, what are the suspicious items?” Yuan Tai asked worriedly.
At this time, Xiaojing’s cell phone rang.
“Hello, Conan.” Xiao Jing looked at the phone number and found that it was Shinichi calling. Needless to say, it must be Conan.
“Xiaojing, where are you now?” Conan asked hurriedly after answering the phone.
“As you expected, we are on the circular line.” Xiao Jing could guess why Conan called now.
“Sure enough.” Conan sighed helplessly.
“Conan, what’s going on?” Taiyuan came over and asked.
“Could it be that someone has installed something on the train?” Although Guang Liao did not say it explicitly, Conan still understood what he meant from his words.
“Don’t worry, it’s not true.” Conan lied to prevent them from worrying.
“So, those bombs are not necessarily only on the train…” But the voice coming from Conan explained everything.
“Sure enough.” Guang Liao and Yuan Tai had already guessed something just now. Perhaps the only one who didn’t know it just now was Ayumi.
“Then aren’t we dead?” Ayumi said fearfully.
“Don’t worry, I will find the bomb.” Conan promised.
“No, how can we rely solely on Conan at this time? Our Junior Detective Team should also take action!” Genta said with an attitude of “no one else can do it but me.”
“That’s right!” Guang Liao and Ayumi looked at each other and mustered up the courage to respond.
“All three of you sit down!” However, Xiaojing’s tone, which was even colder than usual, immediately froze their enthusiasm and courage.
“Now is not the time for you to cause trouble. Conan, please explain the details of the situation.” Xiao Jing lectured and turned to the phone.
“The criminal installed five bombs on the circular track. He said that the train will explode if its speed drops below 60 kilometers per hour after 4 o’clock, and it will also explode if we don’t dismantle the bombs after sunset. His hint is that the bomb is at X of XX. X represents Chinese characters.” Conan explained the general situation.
“Which means we only have about two hours to dismantle the bomb while maintaining our speed. Where are Inspector Memaki and my father?”
“They went to the railway control room to arrange emergency plans.”
“Do you have any ideas?” Xiao Jing naturally had no interest in this kind of guessing game.
“I have no clue yet, but don’t worry, I will definitely find the bomb.”
“Hi, hi, hi, but I have a hunch that the bomb may not be on the train. Could it be on the railroad tracks? If the speed limit is 60, then the speed meter on the train wouldn’t be that accurate. And if it explodes after the sun sets, won’t it detonate immediately without sunlight? Then the detonator may be an optical device.” Although Xiao Jing was not good at guessing riddles, she still told Conan her thoughts.
“You have a point. Optical device?” Conan fell into deep thought.
“That’s right!”
“Did you find anything else?”
“No, forget it.” Xiao Jing looked at the Young Detectives who were still beside her and were becoming restless again and said.
“Xiaojing, are we just going to sit here like this?” Although Yuantai was frightened by Xiaojing just now, he was the first to recover and asked.
“Instead of looking for the bomb, you might as well think about what the code Conan just said means.” Xiao Jing will not let them run around now.
“Hi, hi.” The Junior Detective Team calmed down after their momentary excitement and responded.
“I felt Xiaojing was a little scary just now.” Yuan Tai said in a low voice to Guang Liao beside him.
“Yes, yes, my body just sat down involuntarily.”
“Hey, hey, I heard it!” Xiao Jing complained helplessly while thinking about some clues.
“How can you say that?” Ayumi stood up for Xiaojing.
“Yes, that’s right!” Guang Liao seemed to have discovered something. Everyone looked at Guang Liao, and Xiao Jing did the same.
“Isn’t the principle of the explosion after the sun sets that Conan just mentioned exactly the opposite of your solar skateboard, Conan?” Guang Liao explained, raising his finger.
“Conan, did you hear that?” Xiao Jing asked the phone that had not yet been hung up.
“Okay, I heard it. I’ll ask the doctor right away.” Conan said as he was about to hang up the phone.
“Wait a minute.” Xiao Jing called Conan.
“Remember to tell me when you find the answer, and I can tell my father. Do you understand what I mean?” Shinichi is now a dead man to the organization.
“Well…I know.” Conan also heard a warning from Xiaojing’s words. If it weren’t for Xiaojing’s reminder, Conan knew that he would definitely use Shinichi’s identity to solve the case.
After getting confirmation from the doctor, Conan quickly came up with the answer after connecting the clues.
After getting the answer from Conan, Xiaojing immediately called her father.
“Xiao Jing, I was just about to call you. Don’t worry, I will find the location of the bomb right away!” Kogoro said loudly after receiving the call.
“Father, calm down.” Xiaojing felt warmed by Kogoro’s concern, but also a little helpless. Even though she had behaved more maturely than her peers, even appearing in court with her mother, Kogoro still treated her as a shy little girl.
“I roughly learned about my father’s incident from Conan. I think the bomb should be located between the rails and not on the train.” Xiao Jing looked at the sky outside which was getting dark and spoke directly without any nonsense.
“We also suspect this. Putting aside how he installed the bomb on the car, as a timed device like this, the bomb wouldn’t be too small, and it would be basically impossible for it to pass security.” Kogoro and Mumu also deduced some clues but could not confirm.
Xiaojing was a little surprised by Kogoro’s reasoning and the efficiency of the police this time. In fact, although she was not sure, she still relied on her intuition, and then she got the answer through reasoning and verification by Conan.
“The problem now is where the bomb is on the railway track. The area is too large and we don’t have time to search for it now. And why did the criminal say it would explode below 60 kilometers? We dare not act rashly until we figure this out.” Kogoro continued.
“I just checked with Dr. Agasa. Dr. Agasa speculated that those bombs would explode if they were not exposed to sunlight for more than a few seconds. If that’s true, then the bombs wouldn’t explode if the trains on the circular line were moved to other tracks to stop.” Xiaojing said, giving the credit to Dr. Agasa.
“Dr. Agasa? That does make some sense.” Kogoro first thought about Xiaojing’s reasoning, then connected it with the current clues in his mind and felt that this was indeed a very reliable reasoning.
“Inspector Memuku, Minister Bankou.” Kogoro had already pressed the speakerphone button when Xiaojing was explaining the reasoning. At this time, he looked at Inspector Memuku and Minister of Railways Bankou to indicate whether to act according to the reasoning.
“I agree with Xiaojing’s reasoning just now. Dr. Agasa also has relevant knowledge. I think he can be trusted.” Mumu was the first to express his opinion.
“Well, we don’t have much time now. I have heard a little about Mr. Maori’s daughter.” The editor-in-chief thought about it and felt that this reasoning made sense.
Afterwards, under the dispatch of Minister Bankou, trains were dispatched from the circular line to other lines one by one, which finally allowed ordinary passengers on the train to breathe a sigh of relief.
“I will never catch the train again.” Yuantai said with lingering fear as he came out of the train.
“But today was really thrilling. First there was a bomb on the remote-controlled plane, and then there was a bomb on the train.” Guang Liao said with lingering fear.
“But we are really lucky. The incident was resolved safely. Right, Xiaojing?” Ayumi was much more optimistic.
“That’s right, let’s get out of the station and take a taxi back now.” Xiao Jing breathed a sigh of relief and left the task of finding the murderer to Conan.
“There’s a dessert shop over there. I’m a little thirsty. Are you thirsty too?” Yuantai suggested.
“Let’s go together. We can also bring some for our families.” Xiaojing also felt that the children who had just escaped danger needed to be diverted.
Xiaojing led the Junior Detective Team to a dessert shop to buy some desserts and drinks.
“That’s right! This is the taste!” Ayumi suddenly pointed at the snack in Xiaojing’s hand and said.
“What?” Yuan Tai and Guang Liao asked.
“It’s this smell, the smell of the uncle who gave us the remote-controlled plane.” Ayumi said again as she leaned closer to the snack that Xiaojing was holding to her mouth.
Snack? Taste? It’s him!
Chapter 71: The Perfect Architect (V) (Old Version)
“You go first, I’m going back to my father.” Xiao Jing said to the young detective who was already in the car, and then asked the driver to take them to their respective addresses.
“Don’t worry, I’ve already paid.” He closed the car door and signaled the driver to drive away.
Xiao Jing wrote down the driver’s service number and license plate, then looked around. It was already dark, and the roadside was ablaze with colorful lights.
“Hello, Conan!” After determining her approximate location, Xiaojing immediately called Conan (Shinichi).
“Conan, where are you now?”
“Xiao Jing, I’m on my way to the second house of Morigu. We found that the criminals’ targets were all Mr. Morigu’s works, so we wanted to ask Mr. Morigu if he had any clues.” Conan, who was still thinking about the case, answered.
“Is father here?”
“Uncle Maori is not here. Now I am the only one in Dr. Agasa’s car. Did you find anything?”
“Well, Mori Kudiji is very likely the murderer. The smell that Ayumi smelled was the smell of dessert, and I also smelled it at Mori Kudiji’s place. The portraits of Ayumi and the others were obviously greatly disguised. If they were not people we know, they would not have to disguise themselves so thoroughly.” Xiao Jing told Conan the clue she had just discovered.
“So he wants to blow up his own work?”
“Didn’t he say that he was not satisfied with his works when he was young?” Although Xiao Jing didn’t pay attention to what works Sen Gu had, she remembered what he said.
“In that case, the targets are indeed Morigu’s works when he was young. Wait! So the bombs stopped at that time because…” Conan immediately understood after Xiaojing said that.
“Well, are you sure that Sen Gu Diji is the murderer?” Xiao Jing confirmed with Conan.
“Yes, but I have no evidence.” Although Conan figured out Moriko Teiji’s motive and was basically certain that he was the murderer, he had no evidence to prove it.
“And the explosives on the railroad tracks were only a quarter of the stolen amount. If Sengu is the criminal, then three-quarters are still in Sengu’s hands.” Conan also told Xiaojing the information he got from Mumu.
“Tsk, even explosives can be stolen?” Xiao Jing was speechless that even explosives could be stolen. She was very curious about how they were stolen.
“I’ll call father. Aren’t you going to Moritani Teiji’s place now? That’s perfect. You can check if there are any explosives or other things in his house.” Xiaojing finally decided to let Kogoro and Mumu solve it.
“This is the only way.” Lacking evidence, Conan had no choice but to agree to Xiaojing’s proposal.
Then Xiaojing called Kogoro to tell her guess, and Kogoro told Mumu.
Although there was no conclusive evidence, the witness still brought bomb disposal personnel with him.
“I see. These cases are indeed a bit too coincidental.” After Mao Li and Mu Mu had agreed to visit Moritama as planned, Moritama said slowly while lighting his pipe with a match.
“Do you have any impression of someone who might do such a thing?” Memu continued to ask according to the script. Now there were only Memu, Kogoro, Shiratori, Conan and the owner, Teiji Moritani, in the living room. The bomb disposal personnel had already gone to other rooms to look for bombs.
“Well, I don’t have any impression of that.” Moriya Teiji thought for a moment and replied.
“I checked Mr. Okamoto’s son. He left JD.com a few days ago.” Shiratori said, opening his notebook.
“Then it’s not him either.” Kogoro continued.
“I don’t think I’ve done anything to make people hate me so much.” Moriya Teiji continued.
“Inspector.” At this time, a police officer walked in and whispered behind Mumu for a while. Shiratori and Kogoro also looked at Mumu.
“Unfortunately, yes.” Mumu said something that Moriya Teiji didn’t understand at all.
“Arrest him!” Seeing that Moritani Teiji’s attention was shifted to him, Mumu immediately shouted to Shiratori and Kogoro.
“What?” Before Moritani Teiji could react, Shiratori threw him onto the sofa, and at the same time Conan snatched the sculpture-shaped lighter on the table.
“You are quite smart, little boy, but this thing is very dangerous, you know!” Kogoro, who originally wanted to take the lighter, slapped Conan, snatched the lighter from Conan’s hand, opened the bottom cover and took out the battery.
“How did you know?” Moritani Teiji did not struggle after being handcuffed, and asked in confusion.
“This is thanks to Brother Maori’s reasoning. Although the new town of Nishitama City was planned by Mayor Okamoto, it was actually your work. The reason why Conan’s bomb timer stopped at that time was because the street lights in the children’s park were also part of your new urban area of Nishitama City, so you couldn’t bear to blow them up. And Shinichi, who indirectly caused the mayor to step down, is naturally your target of revenge.” Mumu explained.
“You are worthy of being the famous detective Mouri Kogoro, but how did you know this was a detonator?” Moritani Teiji looked at the lighter that had no battery.
“Because you don’t use a lighter at all, and you use matches when lighting cigarettes. If it was placed far away, you might not want to use it, but since it’s right at hand, I think there’s no reason for you to bother. And my daughter also noticed that you are the murderer from the smell of snacks on you. Thanks to her, we finally know your motive. You want to destroy all those early works of yours that are not symmetrical!” Kogoro adjusted his tie and said with an expression that there is only one truth.
“I really lost to you, Detective Mori. But if you think it’s over, you’re totally wrong. There is still one building I want to destroy.” Moritani Teiji said to everyone who was happy after solving the case.
“What!!”
“They said the bubble economy collapsed, so there wasn’t enough money for construction. Just because of these boring reasons, it became my most failed work! There are still ten minutes left, Shinichi should cherish his last sight with his girlfriend. Oh, and here’s a reward!” Moriya Teiji took out a design drawing from his pocket with his handcuffed hands.
“Ran is in danger!” Conan immediately thought of the Beika Cinema where he and Ran had agreed to meet, and snatched the blueprint from Moritani Teiji and ran out.
“Wait, kid, if you see that Kudo guy, tell him that I specially gave him three minutes, let him enjoy it!”
“Damn it! This bastard.” Conan stopped and couldn’t help cursing in his mind after listening.
Chapter 72: The Perfect Architect (End) (Old Version)
“Okay, today’s incident is finally resolved.” It was really not peaceful at all. It was a rare holiday. Xiaojing finally breathed a sigh of relief after calling Kogoro.
“You’d better not be so lax. If Yuko or Mary were here, they would definitely punish you again.” Xinyi suddenly walked up to Xiaojing.
“Don’t worry, they are not so idle as to monitor my normal life.” Xiao Jing said as if it was nothing serious.
“But things have been really crazy lately. Even things like explosives have been stolen. I wonder if our organization is involved?”
“We don’t need to steal things like this in our organization.”
“No, no, no, isn’t it more dangerous if you don’t have to steal?”
“You’re right, isn’t that right?”
“It’s rare to come out, do you want to find a place to have a drink?”
“Would you like some juice?” Xinyi rolled his eyes at Xiaojing.
“We can go to the vending machine to buy cans of beer. Look, there are some snacks there.” Xiao Jing said, lifting the bag of snacks in her hand.
“You actually prepared it…” Xinyi shook his head and took the bag from Xiaojing’s hand.
“Let’s celebrate the resolution of today’s incident,” Xiao Jing said as she took a beer from the vending machine and put it in Xinyi’s hand.
“Take me to the temporary base.” Xiao Jing said while holding five bottles.
“I always feel like I know your true self that is unknown to the public.” Xinyi said while looking at the beer in Xiaojing’s arms.
“Don’t tell Mary and Yuko.” Xiaojing winked playfully and said to Xinyi.
“Hi Hi”
Xiaojing followed Xinyi to the temporary base.
“Honestly, I’ve had a bad feeling today and I’ve been in a state of tension the whole time. That prisoner is really perverted. He set off the explosion without any regard for the consequences. Life sentence! No, life imprisonment!! Let him do hard labor until he dies!!!” Although Xiaojing spoke rudely, her sitting posture was completely that of a lady. It must be said that this was all thanks to Xiaolan and Eri.
“Hi hi.” Xin Yi responded helplessly. He probably knew the personality of his partner Xiao Jing. To put it simply, she was boring, and even a bit talkative when she was with him.
“But this feeling is really accurate, like a superpower.” Xiaojing continued.
“We’re just more sensitive to danger. Even ordinary people would subconsciously dodge when something flies towards them. We actually have a certain premonition of danger through our senses.”
“Isn’t that right? Subconscious dodging is just because the nerves process slowly, but the body reacts instinctively before the brain.” Xiao Jing retorted.
“Whatever you say is what it is.” Xinyi didn’t plan to study this aspect any further.
“How should I put it, the feeling is very subtle… Yes, that’s right, it’s that feeling. It feels like the game will end at any time…” Xiao Jing suddenly stood up before she finished speaking.
“Pick a color you like. I will always be with you even if you cut it wrong.” Xiaojing’s mind suddenly flooded with memories.
“Red line! Don’t cut it!” Xiao Jing woke up instantly, but the premonition that followed weighed on her heart like a huge rock.
“What’s wrong?” Xinyi asked Xiaojing who stood up and shouted.
“That nasty feeling is here again. I should have thought that the damn criminal was Moritani Teiji. He also installed a time bomb at the place where my sister and Shinichi were dating!” As he said that, he threw the beer in his hand into the trash can and ran out.
“The number you dialed is busy.” Coincidentally, Conan was talking to Xiaolan when Xiaojing called.
“Bang!” An explosion occurred in the cinema when Xiaojing was almost there, and the taxi driver also braked suddenly.
“Sister!” Xiao Jing also quickly opened the car door after braking and ran directly to the cinema where the explosion was still happening.
“Xiao Jing!” Xinyi threw a stack of money on the car and chased after it.
Damn it, damn it, why can’t I get through to my sister on the phone? Xiao Jing thought as she dodged the falling and flying rocks.
However, at the entrance of the hall, Xin Yi caught up with him and knocked him to the ground.
“Shenhei, calm down!” Xin pressed Xiao Jing, who was still trying to struggle to get up, under him and said using her code name.
“Xinyi! Let me go.” I have to get to my sister!
“Pa, the Xiaojing I know is someone who can think calmly when facing death.” Xinyi slapped the excited Xiaojing.
“I’m calm.” Xiao Jing turned and stared into Xinyi’s eyes and said solemnly.
“I don’t think anyone rushing into a movie theater that’s exploding is calm.”
“I’m sure.” I’m sure I can stop the bomb, as long as my memory is correct.
“As your partner, I can’t just stand by and let you die.”
“I’m not going to die, believe me.”
At this time, the explosion entrance exploded again, and rubble fell from the upper left corner. Shinichi, whose five senses were much sharper than Xiaojing’s, naturally pulled Xiaojing up to avoid it.
“When have I ever done something that I wasn’t sure of?” Xiaojing took the opportunity to push Xinyi away and ran to the hall behind. However, the rubble caused by the explosion blocked the entrance, making Xinyi unable to move forward and holding Xiaojing.
“You are really willful, just like Yuko.” Xinyi had no choice but to retreat out of the cinema.
“This explosion was really clean.” Xiao Jing dodged the falling debris while clearly imprinting the route she had just taken in her mind, and the blocked road was automatically crossed out.
Xiao Jing walked through the movie theater that had just exploded, as if she were in an empty space, and all the debris, big and small, was swept away. Perhaps Xiao Jing herself had not yet realized that she had entered a similar state to the last time.
“This should be the place!” Xiao Jing didn’t move very fast in the messy cinema. It took her a long time to reach the screening room by calculating and avoiding the rubble.
“Boom!”
Oh no, it’s going to collapse! Xiao Jing quickly ran inside.
After the dust from the collapse settled, Xiaojing’s figure, covering her mouth and nose, came into Xiaolan’s sight.
“Xiaojing!” Xiaolan hurried over to check if Xiaojing was injured.
“Why are you here?”
“Sister, let’s not talk about this for now. Where is the bomb made by Moritani Teiji?” Xiaojing asked Xiaolan who was still holding the phone.
“It’s there. Shinichi just called me and I found it.”
“Xiao Jing? Is Xiao Jing here too?” Sure enough, Shinichi’s voice came from Xiaolan’s cell phone.
“Shinichi, you have bomb drawings, right?” Xiaojing asked, snatching the phone from Xiaolan’s hand.
“Yes, I got it from Moriya Teiji. How much time do the bombs have left?”
“There’s still forty minutes left. We might not have time to wait for the bomb disposal crew. Where are you now?”
“I’m outside the fire door, but the door is squeezed and deformed and can’t be opened.” Conan continued in Shinichi’s voice. He knew that now was not the time to worry about why Xiaojing was here.
“How’s the situation over there?”
“The surroundings are completely blocked, there is no space for people to escape.” Conan originally wanted to see the impact of the explosion to see if he could wait for rescue, but the view was completely blocked by rubble all around.
“I’ll defuse the bomb!” Xiao Jing’s brain quickly analyzed the possibility of waiting for rescue, and when she came to the conclusion that the answer was not ideal, she immediately said that she would defuse the bomb herself.
“Sister, please help me find out if there are any scissors or something like that on the counter.” Xiaojing’s calm appearance made Xiaolan, who was originally worried, subconsciously act according to her words.
“Are you sure, Conan?” Xiaojing asked while Xiaolan went to find a pair of scissors.
“Yes.” Conan looked at the drawing carefully again to confirm.
“Found it.” Xiaolan returned to Xiaojing after finding the scissors on the counter.
“Then there’s no other way. Let’s get started, Shinichi.” Xiaojing took the scissors in her hand and removed the cover of the bomb. She kept calculating the circuit of the bomb in her mind, but because she had no relevant knowledge, she finally placed her hope on Conan.
“Okay, there’s only one black one left. The timer will stop after I cut it.” After more than 30 minutes of careful calculation and operation, Conan finally breathed a sigh of relief and said.
“Shinichi, that’s not right. The timer hasn’t stopped yet, and there are still two wires, one red and one blue.” Because Xiaojing was concentrating on operating the bomb, the phone was held by Xiaolan.
“What?” Conan was shocked and looked at the drawings again, but he had no idea at all.
“Which one do you want to cut now?” Xiaolan asked, perhaps because of the previous smooth progress, she had blind confidence in Shinichi.
“It’s not like this in the blueprint, damn it!” Shinichi’s somewhat frantic voice came over the phone.
“There’s no time.” Xiao Jing said as she looked at the bomb with three minutes left on the countdown.
In my memory, cutting the blue line was the correct option, but will this be the same as the plot? Moriya Teiji’s goal was to blow up the building, and now he gives Conan the blueprint just like in my memory. No, wait a little longer.
“Go ahead and cut it to the color you like.” Shinichi’s resigned voice came from the phone.
“But what if I cut it wrong?” Xiaolan asked worriedly.
“It’s going to explode when the time comes anyway, so just cut it to your favorite color. Don’t worry, I’ll be here with you until you cut it off, and I’ll die with you.”
That’s the sentence!
“Click.” After hearing Conan say this, Xiaojing cut the blue line before Xiaolan could react.
It stopped. Xiao Jing’s heart, which had been clenched in her throat since the timer stopped, finally calmed down, and she felt a wave of dizziness. However, at the same time, the string of danger she sensed was plucked again.
Oh no! Xiao Jing, who had lost control of her body, cried out inwardly.
“Hah!” Xiaolan turned around and kicked away the falling stones, then hugged Xiaojing and moved back to avoid the falling stones that were collapsing again.
After a dizzy spell, Xiao Jing managed to hold the bomb with both hands, keeping it away from the range of falling rocks.
“That was close.” Xiao Jing put down the bomb in her hand with lingering fear.
“Stop.” Xiaojing made a V sign with her right hand and said to Xiaolan with a smile.
Rescue workers then rescued the trapped people.
“Deep Black Velvet is fine.” Xinyi said to the phone in a dark corner.
“Hi, I understand.” Then he spoke a few more words into the phone and hung up.
Chapter 73: The Queen’s Bell (I) (Old Version)
“Xiaojing, you look very bad lately. Are you sick?” Xiaolan asked worriedly.
“Don’t worry, sister. I’m fine.” Xiaojing said after quickly finishing the last few bites.
“No, I’ll take you to see a doctor in the afternoon. I’ll call Teacher Yuko and explain the matter.” Xiaolan still said worriedly.
“It’s okay, sister is making a big deal out of nothing.” My teacher Yuko is the culprit!
“Conan, let’s leave after eating. You are on duty today.” Xiao Jing changed the subject.
“Hi hi.” Conan responded listlessly.
“Is Conan sick too?” After hearing Conan’s listless answer, Xiaolan became worried about Conan again.
“It’s okay, Sister Xiaolan, I’m fine too. Let’s go.” Conan immediately acted lively, picked up his schoolbag and went to school with Xiaojing.
“What’s wrong with these two children recently?” Xiaolan looked at Kogoro in confusion.
“Well, children have a lot of secrets.” Kogoro didn’t care, or maybe he trusted Xiaojing too much?
On the way to school.
“Have you figured out how to make the call?” Xiao Jing, who was walking in front, asked suddenly.
“Well….”
“Smart washing machine brother, where is your wisdom?” Xiao Jing stopped and turned to look at Conan with a sarcastic expression.
“But….”
“No buts, you’re already like this now. You can’t change back in a short time. And you’re still using your identity as Shinichi to solve cases? Do you know that the hatred you attract will be blamed on my sister?”
“Uncle Maori also attracted hatred…” Conan said in a low voice.
“Don’t make boring excuses. You must explain everything to my sister this week anyway. Ask Kudo Shinichi to go abroad temporarily. I have already asked the doctor and Aunt Yukiko to call.” Xiaojing didn’t care about that. She just wanted to avoid being affected by this kind of case. She and Xiaolan were inexplicably implicated by Kudo.
“Hi hi…” Conan continued to respond in a listless tone. He couldn’t sleep last night because he was thinking about this incident.
“Xiao Jing?” A woman with dark skin caught up with him. While her skin was slightly darker, it was simply due to the different skin tones of foreigners. Her simple, elegant attire revealed her graceful and elegant demeanor, but even the small details, from her bag to her watch, revealed her to be a well-off beauty.
“Sister Shaya.” Xiao Jing looked up at the woman. This was Sanyue Qishan’s friend whom she had met on the train last time. Although Sanyue looked inferior and introverted on the train, he was actually the owner of a watch shop.
“Xiao Jing, are you going to school? I’ll take you there.”
“No need, our school is very close. But why are you here?” Xiao Jing asked curiously. Although Shaya was not a very busy person, her official job was as an assistant to a gallery owner. Normally, she wouldn’t meet him here so early.
“I get angry when you say that! Teng Chong lost me to Sanyue casually as a bet, so I’ve been helping out in Sanyue’s store recently.” Shaya lowered her head and sighed.
“Uncle Tengchong is still as confusing as ever.” The Tengchong mentioned here is the owner of the gallery, but I heard that he is secretly doing various reselling businesses.
“Alas, they completely ignored my opinions.” Shaya continued to sigh.
“Well, you’ll get used to it. We’ll be leaving first. Bye.” Xiao Jing said there was nothing else and continued to go to school.
“Oh, by the way, it’s rare to meet Xiaojing. Come with me to the March store on Sunday.” Shaya seemed to have thought of something and said to Xiaojing.
“I still want to…” go to Yuko’s place. But he didn’t finish the rest of the sentence.
“I’ll pick you up on Sunday, and Conan is of course welcome too. It’s decided! Bye.” After saying that, Shaya trotted away.
“…..” Xiao Jing looked at Shaya speechlessly as she was getting farther and farther away.
“Huh? Who is that? How do you know my name?” Conan asked curiously.
“She’s a friend of Sanyue Qishan’s. I met her through Mr. Sanyue. Didn’t we go to Mr. Sanyue’s place last time? Shaya is actually Sanyue’s client. As for you, I mentioned you when we were chatting. After all, you were staying at my house and went to school with me, so it had to be you.” Xiaojing explained.
“That’s what I was saying. But I heard that Teacher Yuko asked you to participate in a camellia competition in Hokkaido?”
“Yes, so I have to go to her place more often recently, and even take Sundays off…”
“It’s not easy for you either…” Conan expressed sympathy for Xiaojing who was either reading a book or being taught by Yuko.
“Hey, hey, I don’t want your sympathy.” Xiaojing sneered at Conan’s sympathy.
After school.
“I’m leaving now. See you tomorrow. Tell Sister Xiaolan that I might be back late.” Xiaojing said to Ayumi and others and Conan behind her.
“Don’t worry, I will take Xiaojing back.” Yuko said in the car, rolling down the window.
After a brief goodbye, Xiao Jing got into Xizi’s car and soon arrived at the Zero Hour base. Xiao Jing looked around at the houses she had never been to before and guessed that this was where Xizi was disguised. However, she quickly memorized the route in her mind, which was also a subconscious training from Xizi.
“This is the information of the nearest target.” Xizi placed a stack of information in front of Xiaojing.
Xiaojing took a look.
It seems that this is just an ordinary reconnaissance mission, Xiaojing thought as she looked at the information.
“Don’t think too simply. I have an additional task for you this time.” Xizi lifted Xiaojing’s heart, which had already been put at ease.
“I think Sister Xizi has almost calmed down. I don’t feel like moving these days.” Xiaojing said in her unique tone.
“Oh? Have you noticed?”
“I didn’t think I could hide it from you, but you guys are too fast, right Xinyi?” Xiaojing continued.
“Just take it as it is. I have prepared tampons for you, so don’t worry. Do you need my help?”
“Please allow me to refuse.” Xiao Jing said calmly.
“Your body is so honest.” Xizi was getting a little too demanding.
“By the way, I have other things to do on Sunday. So I won’t come to class.” Xiao Jing changed the subject.
“Oh? I thought I told you you’d be training all week.”
“So it’s time for you to calm down. I really don’t know who’s the child. I’m fine now, right? I don’t think you should worry about my safety. Besides, if I feel I can’t handle it, I’ll contact Xinyi and you.”
“I don’t have time to worry about you. I will train you until you are truly capable of taking care of your own safety.”
If I had the ability, I would deal with the organization first, okay? Xiao Jing thought helplessly.
“Okay, it’s getting late, let’s start today’s mission.”
“Yeah.” Xiao Jing’s facial expression now turned back to cold under deliberate control.
Mission in progress….
Finish……
“Do you need me to take you upstairs?” Yuko, who stopped the car below the detective agency, asked Xiaojing, who was still retching but couldn’t spit out anything.
“No, let’s make it clear that it will end this Saturday, otherwise I can’t stand it.” Xiao Jing wiped the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief to calm herself down and returned to her cold tone.
“No.” He immediately opened the car door and ran away.
“It’s still a little kid after all.” Xizi smoked a cigarette, watched Xiaojing go up, and then left.
Sunday.
“It’s a shame Ayumi and the others didn’t clamor to go together.” Conan and Xiaojing said as they were waiting for Sayaka downstairs.
“After all, they are still children. There is not much entertainment at Mr. March’s place, and the watch shop is rather boring. Besides, they are not familiar with Sister Shaya.” Xiaojing explained.
“No, no, no, you are only seven years old, Xiaojing.” Conan complained.
“Oh, I forgot if you hadn’t told me, little friend Conan.”
“I think it’s necessary to discipline you for Xiaolan.” Conan said viciously.
“Are you trying to bully me? To discipline me? So you have this hobby?” Xiao Jing didn’t even look at him, but took a small step back, as if she knew what Conan’s strange hobby was. In fact, in Xiao Jing’s eyes, without the doctor’s equipment, Conan was just a scumbag with a combat power of 5, especially after being forced to take a lot of unknown drugs.
“Uh…” “I’m the one who should be careful, right? If you’re like this at seven, what will happen when you grow up?”
“Sister Shaya is here.” Xiao Jing stood up, adjusted the position of her small shoulder bag and reminded Conan.
“Sorry for the long wait, Xiaojing.” Shaya walked over wearing a simple brown and yellow long dress.
“Sister Shaya, good morning.”
“Good morning, Sister Saya.” Conan also greeted.
“You seem to know that I won’t drive here?” Shaya asked when she saw Xiaojing and Conan standing in front of the detective agency instead of the bus station which was closer to the lane in front.
“First: If we want to go to Brother March’s place, it would be faster to take the tram.” Xiaojing said.
“Second: I didn’t see you driving the last time I met you, so I guessed you took the tram.” Xiaojing continued.
“And it seems that Sister Saya is not good at driving.” Conan added at last.
“Ah, have we been discovered?” Shaya said in surprise, covering her mouth.
“Because people who drive usually have shallow calluses on their hands, and sometimes there are some on the fingertips as well,” Conan explained.
“Ah, Conan is very observant.” Shaya praised.
“Ahem.”
“It’s all thanks to Uncle Mori’s good teaching.” Conan quickly put the blame on Kogoro.
“Then let’s go. What do you want to eat? We can go shopping along the way.” Shaya said happily.
“It just so happens that the cake shop in front has launched new varieties. We can go and try them.” Xiaojing responded.
Looking at Xiaojing’s reaction, Conan felt that Xiaojing had plotted against him today. Was she going there just for the cake?
Chapter 74: The Queen’s Bell (Part 2) (Old Version)
“Hey, why would I want to follow?” Conan said helplessly while sweeping the ground with a broom.
“You came here on your own. I told you a long time ago that I was just here to accompany Sister Shaya, not to play.” Xiao Jing said as she wiped the glass of the display stand.
How could I let you go out with a woman I just met? What if you get kidnapped again? Conan thought silently in his heart, of course, he would not say it out loud.
“Sister Shaya, what has Uncle Teng Chong been doing recently?” How could he lose you?
“I’m not sure either, but he left me here and immediately went to France. He only came back yesterday.” Shaya pretended to reminisce while holding a broom.
“He’s really a busy man.” Although Xiao Jing didn’t have much contact with Teng Chong, in her impression, Uncle Teng Chong was a humble person who was easy to get along with. He also had a great reputation in the art industry.
Xiao Jing was about to wipe the cash register computer when she saw the customer form clearly displayed on it. Perhaps because Mr. March was usually alone, he didn’t take any precautions, Xiao Jing thought, but without hesitation, she clicked on it.
“Hey, Xiaojing, you will be scolded by Mr. March if you do this.” Conan stopped her.
“Brother March is studying watches in there now. Besides, it’s not top secret.” Xiao Jing didn’t listen to the advice and didn’t stop.
“Xiao Jing, you can’t do this.” Shaya came behind Xiao Jing and tapped her head gently.
“There are only ten people in the customer list? Let me take a look.” Xiao Jing naturally knew that Shaya would not take any drastic measures and continued to check the contents on the computer.
“Is this the only turnover this year?” Xiao Jing said in surprise when she saw the turnover table behind the customer table.
“Forty-two million? That’s a lot.” Conan said in confusion.
“Really, it’s only this much! The monthly maintenance and research costs of Mr. Conan March’s store may be more than 20 million.” Shaya explained to Conan.
“Are March’s watches so valuable?” Although Conan had been here last time, he didn’t have much experience in watches and didn’t know much about the situation in March’s store.
“Don’t make a fuss, okay? There are no watches here that are less than one million.” Xiao Jing continued to pursue calmly.
“Mr. March’s craftsmanship is indeed outstanding. I bought this from him for seven million.” Shaya continued.
“It’s about time now. Let’s go and ask Mr. March to go out for dinner together.” Shaya looked at her watch while talking to Conan and then said.
“Hi*2” Xiaojing closed the customer list and responded to Conan.
Shaya took Xiaojing and Conan to the workshop where Sanyue was researching and making clocks. When she was about to call him, she heard Sanyue’s voice from inside. Xiaojing, who was standing next to her, saw that the door of Sanyue’s laboratory was not closed properly, and Sanyue inside was probably on the phone.
“Shut down? What’s going on? No, if it wasn’t your store…”
“Let’s go back and wait.” Shaya, who accidentally eavesdropped on the phone, took Conan and Xiaojing back to the hall.
After a while, March, who had finished her phone call, came out by herself.
“I’m really sorry, Xiaojing, I didn’t treat you well today. I have to go out for something, Miss Shaya, I’m sorry that we have to stop here today. Please take Xiaojing and Conan to dinner first.” March said while walking and tidying up her clothes.
“Um, Mr. March, where are you going?” Shaya asked worriedly.
“Go to the man who wants to destroy my store in a month.” Sanyue said with an unhappy and helpless look on her face, then opened the door and walked out.
“Mr. March…” Shaya followed him out worriedly.
“Sister Shaya.” Conan followed her out worriedly. Xiaojing naturally had to walk at the back and close the door before following.
Xiao Jing, who followed, soon saw Shaya standing at the intersection, and just looked at the determined figure walking away in front with worry.
At this time, a black car stopped by the roadside.
“Uncle Teng Chong.” The perceptive Xiao Jing naturally became the first person to discover Teng Chong.
“Teng Chong?” Shaya also looked at the people in the car after Xiaojing.
Behind the gray glass, a middle-aged man could be seen pointing into the car, asking Shaya and everyone else to get in.
“Uncle Fujichong, I heard that you went to France. Did you get anything interesting? By the way, this is Conan I told you about before.” As soon as Xiao Jing got in the car, she leaned over and leaned her head behind Fujichong’s seat and asked in her unique cold voice, while introducing Conan.
“Haha, Xiaojing is really sharp. Hi, Conan.” Fujichong just confirmed Xiaojing’s guess but didn’t tell her the answer. He also greeted Conan by the way.
“Teng Chong, what about Mr. Sanyue?” Shaya looked back at Sanyue, who had been overtaken by Teng Chong’s car, and asked in confusion. She was asking both what was going on with Sanyue and why Teng Chong was here.
“You should have a rough idea of the store’s business situation,” Teng Chong said.
“It’s really miserable.” It was Xiaojing who answered.
“Plus, the watch oil distributors stopped supplying it, so it was natural for March to have that kind of reaction. But it also happened that the conditions for the negotiation were reached,” Fujichong continued.
“Negotiate?” Shaya still didn’t understand what Teng Chong meant.
“Well, you’ll know soon.” Teng Chong said and concentrated on driving.
“Father, don’t you think this is too much…” March pushed open the door and was stunned when he saw Fujichong and his group sitting in the room.
“Good afternoon, Qishan.” Sanyue Ji, the father of Sanyue Qishan, who was sitting in the main seat in the office, greeted him.
“Hey!” Fujichong raised his hand and greeted Sanyue as if they were old acquaintances.
“Why?” Qishan originally wanted to ask why Teng Chong was also here, but he just briefly explained why and turned to his father.
“It seems you have something to say.” Sanyueji leaned forward, put his hands on the table, and said to Qishan in a more formal sitting posture.
“Well, yes. It’s you! You’re using tricks behind my back to stop the oil dealer from selling to me.” Qishan’s tone contained obvious anger.
“It seems like all the watch oil in the world has been used up.” Teng Chong also interrupted at this time.
“Is that so? Mr. Teng Chong, you are teaming up with my father to take over my shop! And you too, Miss Shaya?” Qishan questioned.
Shaya quickly waved her hands to indicate that it had nothing to do with her, and Xiaojing and Conan naturally could not be considered as suspects.
“What nonsense are you talking about? Mr. Fujioka and I are talking about business. Just sit down and listen carefully.” Sanyueji, as a father, scolded.
“I admire your craftsmanship. We want you to restore an old pocket watch. If you succeed, I will pay you 150 million yen, which is enough for you to pay off your debts.” Fujioka took out the box that had been prepared long ago and placed it on the coffee table.
“And your father promised to keep the Mountain Moon Wheel open if you can complete it.”
This is probably the most fatal temptation for Sanyue Qishan. Xiaojing sighed at Uncle Tengchong’s methods and intelligence while continuing to think about whether she could go deeper into Tengchong.
“Speaking of which, Qishan, this is not an ordinary job. With your ability, you may not be able to…”
“Mr. Fujioka, please tell me the details.” Qishan took over the task before his father finished speaking.
“Then please take a look at the drawings.” Teng Chong took out a pair of gloves from his pocket and opened the box. He then opened the small box inside and took out a stack of drawings.
“I got this by chance in France.” Teng Chong handed the blueprint to Qishan, who was also wearing a set.
“Queen? Could it be this?” Qishan asked in surprise after looking at the drawings in his hand.
“Yes, this is a handwritten drawing by Louis Breguet. He was known as the person who pioneered a series of basic technologies for modern mechanical clocks in the 18th century when there were no watches. The Queen is the super-complex pocket watch he made after accepting the order from the Queen of England.” Teng Chong said affirmatively.
“The perpetual calendar, power display, metal thermometer, a small part of the material is platinum, and most of the material is gold.” Qishan continued.
“But the real thing is no longer available, and no watchmaker has yet been able to restore it. I think you might be able to do something. The problem is that the drawings for the minute repeater are lost, so you’ll need to come up with one yourself.”
“If you can figure it out, then Brother Qishan is the modern Louis Breguet, right?” Xiao Jing came over and said.
“Haha, that’s right.” Teng Chong also said in agreement.
“Mr. Qishan.” Shaya also looked at Qishan with encouragement.
“Yeah.” Qishan nodded in response.
“Mr. Teng Chong, please give me half a month.” Qishan said to Teng Chong solemnly.
Chapter 75: The Queen’s Bell (End) (Old Version)
“What’s wrong, Sister Shaya?” Xiaojing asked Shaya when she came to March store again.
“Mr. March said that the part with drawings has been roughly completed, and he plans to have someone order the parts today.” Shaya replied.
“Does that mean there has been no progress on the part without drawings?” Xiao Jing asked directly.
“Well, Mr. March has been studying in the studio since early this morning.” Shaya replied.
“Well, I know nothing about this, what about you, Conan?” Xiao Jing turned to look at Conan.
Conan naturally shook his head and said, “Please, I don’t plan to develop in the field of art.”
“It’s still as quiet here as ever.” Xiao Jing looked around and saw that apart from the counter and the watches inside, there were only herself, Conan and Shaya left.
“I thought Brother Sanyue could finish it quickly, but it seems that Uncle Teng Chong is indeed an expert in creating difficult problems.” Xiaojing sighed.
“That’s not the case. After all, the drawings and conditions were agreed upon at the beginning, and Mr. Ji also explained the difficulty.” Shaya defended Teng Chong.
“Waiting here is not a solution. I came here to see how Brother March is doing, not to stay here any longer.” Xiao Jing jumped down from the chair at the counter.
“I’ll go see Brother March.” Xiao Jing said and quickly ran towards March’s studio.
“Xiao Jing, no, Mr. March cannot be disturbed while he is working.” Shaya hurriedly chased after him.
As expected, she was just a child. Conan followed her helplessly. He felt that Shaya would definitely not be able to stop Xiaojing.
The result was naturally as Conan expected. Because the distance was not far, Xiaojing, who ran first, had an absolute advantage.
“Brother March? Is the door locked?” Xiao Jing knocked on the door and found it was not locked, so she pushed it open and went in.
Sanyue Qishan was still debugging the computer, and there was already a virtual image of a pocket watch on it.
“Ah, it still doesn’t work!” March sighed in disappointment, and leaned back in the chair exhausted after being extremely nervous.
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong?” Xiao Jing came over curiously because she had no knowledge in this area.
“Ah, Xiaojing, it’s so late. Sorry.” Sanyue Qishan turned around and greeted Xiaojing, and at the same time said sorry to Shaya. Maybe it was because he saw that it was almost twelve o’clock.
“It’s okay, Mr. March, you have been working too hard these days. I feel that you have lost weight.” After Xiaojing opened the door, Shaya said to March without worrying about Xiaojing disturbing March.
“Yeah, Mr. March doesn’t look very well.” Conan said with some concern.
“Yeah, yeah, Brother Sanyue looks like his father who lost money betting on horses.” Xiaojing’s tone changed from the usual cold tone to a lively one, which made Conan look at Xiaojing a little unprepared.
“Brother March, have these been saved?” Xiaojing asked again.
“These have been completed in the past seven days, but I really have no idea about the last three alarms.” March answered while touching Xiaojing’s head who came closer.
“So it has been saved?”
“kindness.”
“Click.” Xiao Jing pressed the power button on her computer after receiving the confirmation. The computer immediately displayed the words “Prepare to Shut Down” and quickly ended the current process, turning into a black shutdown state.
“Xiao Jing*2” Shaya and Sanyue were both frightened by Xiaojing’s behavior, and Sanyue also understood why Xiaojing came to her to confirm.
“Since we can’t find a solution now, let’s go out and relax!” Xiaojing suggested and winked at Conan.
“That’s right, Brother Sanyue, it’s time to eat now. There’s no use staying here all the time.” Conan understood and followed the pace.
“Well, what you said makes sense. This afternoon, I’ll ask Mr. Shigeo to make the parts other than the three-beat time signal first.” Sanyue first glanced at the black screen with nostalgia, then said to Xiaojing in a compromising manner.
“Then let’s go!” Xiaojing took the lead and took Sanyue’s hand and ran.
After finishing the meal with Xiaojing as the main character, Sanyue took everyone to a processing workshop not far away.
“It’s really hidden.” As March walked into the winding path, Xiaojing looked at March and knocked on the door and said.
“Because this is a processing workshop, it doesn’t need to be so conspicuous. Besides, most insiders know about it, so there’s no need to advertise it in a conspicuous place.”
“That’s right, just as Conan said.” Shaya agreed.
“Oh, I see.” Xiaojing nodded in understanding.
“All these parts are made of gold, and the stones are made of diamonds. Please make sure they are exactly the same.” After the owner invited everyone into the house, Sanyue went inside to discuss with the owner, while Xiaojing and others were sitting on the sofa in the living room, but Xiaojing still heard the conversation inside.
“Mr. Qishan, you should thank your father for supporting your hobbies. He said he was sorry for asking you to mediate, but he lowered his head and said in a roundabout way: ‘Boss Youzhi, please notify Qishan after the oil arrives.’ Qishan looked very distressed.”
Well, it seems Qishan completely misunderstood his father. Xiaojing didn’t know much about Sanyue’s family affairs, but she knew Qishan had many complaints about his father. Now it seems that was mostly a misunderstanding. Thinking about it carefully, it seems a bit strange that someone so young could get a loan of 100 million to open a store.
After leaving the workshop, Sanyue rested in a cafe with a serious expression on his face. He drank coffee and thought about something. Perhaps he needed to think carefully after learning the truth.
“By the way, what does a minute repeater do?” Xiao Jing, who was drinking juice, asked Conan beside her.
“Uh, a system that tells time on the hour?” Conan said uncertainly.
“The minute repeater is a device invented so that people can know the time even in the dark. It’s similar in type to the hourly repeater, but its structure is much more complicated. Because of the limited space in a wristwatch or pocket watch, this technology becomes rare and valuable.” March finished thinking and replied.
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand. I can’t help at all and I’m bothering Brother Sanyue.” Xiaojing didn’t really care that she had played no role at all. She just wanted Sanyue to go out and relax, and her goal had been achieved. However, Xiaojing said this because of Yuko’s trained acting skills.
“No, I’m already very happy that Xiaojing is here.” March hurriedly comforted.
“Yes, yes.” Shaya also comforted.
“But when it comes to telling the time on the hour, an external device is usually used as the sound source.” Conan also changed the subject.
“Well, modern pendulum clocks and wall clocks are relatively large in structure, so in order to save costs they use external sounding devices to tell the time.” March affirmed.
“Like that?” Xiao Jing pointed at the wall clock in the square outside, because it was exactly three o’clock. The secret compartment under the wall clock opened and a little man popped out knocking on the big clock. The crisp bell told everyone that it was exactly three o’clock.
“That’s right.” Shaya looked at it and confirmed.
“Wait!” March suddenly stood up as if he had thought of something.
“Impossible, but… I’m so sorry, I may have found a clue about the minute repeater.” After saying that, March couldn’t wait to run out of the cafe.
“Mr. March?” After Shaya paid the bill, she took Conan and Xiaojing to chase after him.
I haven’t finished eating yet… Of course, Xiaojing was pulled away by Shaya with resentment.
After returning to his shop in March, Qishan went straight into the studio. He did not come out at all except for the time when Boss Yuzhi came to receive the parts.
“Mr. March is still working in there. It’s almost seven o’clock.” Shaya complained after looking at her watch.
“Maybe it’s a critical moment. I’ve already called home. It’s okay to go back later.” Xiao Jing was reading a book leisurely and didn’t seem to be in a hurry at all.
“Xiao Jing, aren’t you hungry?” Unlike Xiao Jing, Conan was casually flipping through the books about watches he found in the store. He could no longer bear his boredom and hunger.
“Now that you mention it, it’s true.” Xiao Jing touched her belly and said belatedly.
You are really engrossed in watching it…Conan complained silently in his heart.
“It’s done!” March’s happy voice came from the studio.
“The Queen is finally done.” March came out after a while and said to everyone, but she did not have the happiness and excitement she had just now.
After that, Sanyueji and Uncle Tengchong also came over one after another.
“Are you really done?” Qishan’s father asked solemnly.
“Yeah.” Qishan avoided his father’s gaze and just nodded.
“Although I understand your work attitude of forgetting to eat and sleep in order to fulfill your wish for the Queen, you can’t ignore the people around you. Here, fill your stomach first.” Teng Chong came in with a bag of apples and handed it to Shaya.
“I’m sorry.” Qishan blushed slightly and apologized embarrassedly to Shaya and others who had been waiting for him.
“It’s no big deal, Mr. March, there’s no need to be so formal. I’ll go wash the apples.” Shaya waved her hand and said.
“It looks like it’s the queen. The perpetual calendar, automatic winding, and metal thermometer are all running accurately.” Teng Chong said professionally while looking at the pocket watch in his hand.
“Where is the minute repeater? If you don’t have time, you are not worthy of being called a queen!” asked Sanyueji who took the pocket watch.
Qishan took out the device for the pocket watch from the back with a slightly serious expression.
“Ding Dong, Ding Dong, Ding Dong.” Because it was already seven o’clock, a crisp sound came from the pocket watch.
“It really did ring, and the sound was so nice.” Xiao Jing took a bite of the apple and expressed her thoughts to Conan beside her.
“Yeah, that’s right.” Don’t talk while eating…
“In order to make it clear throughout the vast palace, I made detailed adjustments to the timbre and volume, but…”
“It seems that you understand it yourself. Not to mention the Queen, this is not a pocket watch at all. How can you carry such an unreliable thing in your arms?” Sanyueji pointed to the tuning fork-like object that popped out of the pocket watch. That was the source of the sound.
Sanyue Qishan did not refute but turned his face away and did not look at his father.
“Will the Queen really carry it in her pocket?” Conan interrupted.
“That’s right, with the back cover pushed out and the timekeeping to the minute and second, it is indeed very impractical for a pocket watch. But it is not for others, only for the only owner. He did not hesitate to make the top-level minute repeater for the Queen. I saw Mr. Qishan’s confidence and self-confidence in such a bold mechanical design. Not to mention that he is an inventor, but he is undoubtedly a real watchmaker.” Fujioka continued, looking directly at March Qishan’s father.
“Really?” Sanyueji took off his gloves, picked up the pocket watch and gently stroked the retracted back cover.
“While the Sanyue family lost an important heir, they also gained a world-class watchmaker.” Sanyue Ji handed the pocket watch to Fuji Chong and said.
“If this is the life you want, go ahead.” Sanyueji turned around and said this, then opened the door and prepared to leave. Although it was just a back view, it still revealed the vicissitudes of life.
“Thank you.” Xiaojing said to Shaya who helped her wipe her mouth.
“Father!”
Sanyueji stopped but did not look back.
“Thank you!” Sanyue Qishan bowed solemnly to express his gratitude.
Sanyueji just waved his hand to indicate that it was nothing to worry about and left without looking back.
“Goodbye, Brother March.” Conan, Xiaojing and March Qishan said goodbye and left the restaurant where they had dinner together.
“Uncle Teng Chong, you bought that pocket watch for 100 million.” Xiao Jing ran to Teng Chong who was picking his teeth.
“Yeah, how come Xiaojing likes it too? This is a commercial product.” Teng Chong continued.
“Hey, uncle, how much are you going to sell it for? One hundred and fifty million? Two hundred million? Three hundred million? Wow, uncle, you are so shameless!” Xiao Jing said in an exaggerated manner after roughly knowing his selling price from Teng Chong’s expression.
“I haven’t decided how much to sell it for yet. Okay, okay, it’s time to go home.” Teng Chong said helplessly.
“It’s wrong to lie to children, okay?” Could it be that the difference in expression just now was due to the excitement?
“I didn’t mean to lie to you.” Teng Chong touched Xiaojing’s head and opened the car door.
“Xiao Jing, do you want to stay at my place for a day? I just got a cat recently~” Shaya invited.
“Maybe next time.” I don’t want to be a third wheel.
“Then let Teng Chong take you back.” Shaya said to Teng Chong with a smile.
“Why should I send these two little devils?” Teng Chong was obviously not very willing.
“Are we going to let them take the tram back so late? After all, the reason is that you asked Mr. March to make a pocket watch.” Shaya immediately found a reason to sink Fujichong.
“But Conan, you also noticed the design.” Shaya, who was in the co-pilot seat, suddenly turned her head and stared at Conan curiously.
“Well, I was just guessing, hahaha.” Conan laughed awkwardly.
“Kids nowadays are really smart.” Fujichong sighed, not sure if he was talking about Conan or Xiaojing.
Chapter 76: Dark Corrosion (I) (Old Version)
“The murderer Yuda, who was arrested thanks to the reasoning of the famous detective Mouri Kogoro, escaped from prison last night. What should we do?” Xiaolan asked worriedly while looking at today’s newspaper.
“What?” Kogoro, who was reading the horse racing weekly, didn’t know whether he was confident in himself or was just a thick-skinned person who didn’t care.
“Revenge, revenge. Didn’t he say at that time: I will remember you, Kogoro Mori, and I will definitely repay you well. Something like that?” Xiaolan explained.
“No problem, don’t worry.” Kogoro still didn’t care.
“Dad, why do you look so indifferent? It’s you, Dad, who is being retaliated against.” Xiaolan questioned Kogoro’s attitude.
“He escaped with great difficulty, so he wouldn’t risk being arrested again by staying in Tokyo. He should have fled abroad by now. Okay, okay, I’m going to work.” Kogoro looked serious as if he was going to start working.
“I’ll go with you too!” Xiaolan said to Kogoro.
“Where are you going?” Kogoro still couldn’t react.
“Conan, Xiaojing, let’s go together. There’s a newly opened ice cream shop near the station.” Xiaolan turned and pulled Conan and Xiaojing into the water.
“Why were we brought to this kind of place?” Conan said dissatisfiedly while holding four cans of drinks.
“Shouldn’t you have known this a long time ago? Father is reading Horse Racing Weekly. If it’s really work, he should generally look up the information needed for the job. Who would spend the whole day reading Horse Racing Weekly without checking any information at all?” Xiao Jing said that it was completely expected that her father would come to the racecourse.
“Hey, hey, hey, then why do I have to take it all?”
“I was reading a book, and after I bought it, I remembered that it’s not advisable to eat ice today.” Xiao Jing didn’t even raise her head and continued walking while looking at the portable version of the criminal law in her hand.
You did that on purpose, didn’t you?
“What’s wrong?” Xiao Jing noticed Conan stopped out of the corner of her eye.
“There’s a man there who’s not watching horse racing but is probably watching something else.” Conan followed the man’s line of sight and discovered that he was probably watching Kogoro’s movie.
“Uncle Maori? Could it be that guy?” Conan looked at the man again but found that he was no longer there.
“You detectives are too neurotic. Maybe he is just a gentleman who comes to see a beautiful woman.” Xiao Jing didn’t care at all. After all, her alert radar didn’t respond at all.
“I hope I’m mistaken.”
As soon as he walked out of the racecourse, Kogoro Mouri looked like he was dying.
“How could this happen?” Kogoro muttered to himself, still unwilling to accept the reality.
“If dad comes again this month, he won’t have any money left for cigarettes. You’ll have to ask mom for help then.” Xiao Jing was very blunt in her criticism of her father.
“Ah, it’s all because of you, little brat, that I’ve lost all my luck.” Kogoro said to Conan in a self-deceiving manner.
Hey, hey, stop shirking your responsibilities, okay? Conan rolled his eyes with his back to Kogoro.
“Huh?” The crowd who were about to walk on the overpass to the station noticed a beautiful woman with short brown hair who looked like an office worker staggering down.
Except for Xiaojing, the woman fell down before Kogoro and others could react, and fell on the three people except Xiaojing without causing any injuries.
There are obvious lines on her body. This woman should not be an ordinary person. Xiao Jing took a closer look and found that there were calluses on her fingers, and the one on the thumb was more obvious.
“Hey, what’s wrong with you? Are you okay?” Kogoro asked the fallen woman but got no response.
Everyone had no choice but to send the woman to the hospital.
“After examination, we found that the patient was not seriously injured, but she only remembered that her name was Maye,” said the doctor.
“Amnesia?”
“To be precise, it is a short-term retrograde mild amnesia, which causes some memory to be obstructed.” The doctor answered Kogoro’s question.
“Could it be when I fell from the overpass?” Xiaolan recalled.
“No, the sister was already in a trance at that time. When she fell, she was not injured and did not hit her head because you guys acted as a cushion.” Xiao Jing saw it more clearly at the time.
“Is that before then? Can that be healed?”
“Recovery is possible, but it’s hard to say how long it will take. This symptom is short-term, but it may take several months or even years to recover,” the doctor continued.
“In that case, let me, the great detective Kogoro, help Miss Maya recover her memory!” Kogoro said ambitiously.
“Does Dad like that type? Mom will be angry if she knows.” Xiaojing directly poured cold water on Kogoro’s decision based on desire.
“What are you talking about? How can I, a famous detective, ignore someone who has lost his memory and needs help?” Kogoro said seriously.
“Anyway, I’ll tell Mother. Just don’t let your own fantasies get in the way.” That woman was no ordinary woman. Xiao Jing openly declared she would tell on her mother, urging Kogoro to be careful.
“Haha, Xiaojing, what are you talking about? Haha. By the way, let’s go visit Miss Maya!” Kogoro laughed and changed the subject.
Seeing that her warning had no effect at all, Xiao Jing could only sigh silently in her heart.
“Don’t be afraid, please think carefully about where you lost your memory? Or you can’t even remember this?” Kogoro came to Maya’s ward, said hello, and put away the flowers and fruit basket and asked.
“This…” Maya seemed like she really couldn’t remember.
“But in that dazed state, he shouldn’t be able to go far,” Xiao Jing reasoned.
“That’s right, he must have lost his memory near the overpass.” Kogoro agreed.
“And Maya-sister also seemed to be exercising. Maybe she lost her memory on the way home from the gym or the stadium.” Conan also stated his own reasoning.
Maya still shook her head to indicate that she couldn’t remember anything.
“Sister Maya, do you work with metal strings?” Conan also noticed Maya’s fingers at this time.
“I…it hurts…my head hurts.” Maya subconsciously clenched her hands and fell to the side with an abnormal expression. Fortunately, Kogoro was right beside her and supported her in time, otherwise Maya would have fallen off the bed.
“Maya, don’t force yourself, you will be fine.” Kogoro comforted.
“It’s so complicated, I have no clue what to do.” Kogoro said, staring at the things on the table.
“Do you really want to awaken Miss Maya’s memory? Miss Maya looks like she is in pain.” Xiaolan placed the tea in front of Kogoro and Conan.
“Are these the things that Maya-sister brought with her that were borrowed from the hospital?” Conan asked without giving up.
“That’s right, that’s all.” Kogoro leaned back on the sofa in a look of giving up.
“A piece of puzzle, a page of a torn book. What’s written on it in English?” Xiao Jing asked, holding the milk and looking at the two lonely things on the table.
“It’s Matthew Chapter 5, verse 3.” Xiaolan looked at it and said.
“Isn’t that the Bible?” Conan said.
“Yes, it’s the Bible. So…she’s a Christian?”
“Christians won’t tear up the Bible,” Xiaojing reminded.
“That’s true.” Kogoro himself felt that his guess just now was a bit random.
“Then she used it as a note to write things down? Got it!” Conan thought about it and carefully checked the blank space at the top of the page. Sure enough, there was handwriting.
“Uncle, look, there are words here.” Conan said to Kogoro while lightly painting over the hidden handwriting with a pencil.
“The last dinner on September 13? Did she have a dinner date with someone?” Xiaolan said uncertainly, looking at the text.
“Using a Bible as a note is probably the kind found in star-rated hotels. You can see the quality of the paper is not bad. And star-rated hotels are also suitable for inviting people to dinner.” Xiaojing remembered that there was a Bible in the room when she and Xizi stayed in a hotel together, so she said it.
“That’s right, for example, writing it down in the Bible while making a phone call.” Conan agreed and affirmed the clues provided by Xiaojing.
“That narrows the scope. Among hotels, the ones that are in the Bible are generally only available in three-star hotels or above,” Kogoro concluded.
“That’s right, Dad. We can find out the answer right away by investigating each family one by one! Let’s go without delay!” Xiaolan said happily that she had some clues about the incident.
“Are you going too?” Kogoro, who was still thinking about something in his mind, accidentally let it slip.
“What are you talking about? Of course we have to go together.” Xiaolan stared at Kogoro with cold eyes.
“Father plans to go out alone with a strange amnesiac woman.” Xiao Jing quickly wrote down Kogoro’s behavior in a small notebook.
“Xiao Jing, what are you writing too?” Conan complained from the side.
“To record criminal evidence,” Xiao Jing replied with a look of suspicion that you couldn’t even tell was there.
Uncle Maori, it’s not easy for you either… For some reason, Conan suddenly felt sympathy for Maori Kogoro.
Chapter 77: Dark Corrosion (Part 2) (Old Version)
“Is it really okay, Miss Maya?” Kogoro asked Maya, who was determined to go with him.
“It’s okay, the doctor said I’m not physically injured. I also want to know who I am, so please take me with you.” Maya said to Kogoro with a pitiful look.
“There’s no other way, I’ll take you with me! Through my reasoning and based on this Bible, I already know that you are staying in a three-star hotel or above. I’ll find it next, so don’t worry.” Kogoro’s resistance to beautiful women is still so low.
“Well, it was clearly our credit.” Conan complained helplessly to Xiaojing.
“We are just primary school students. There is no point in asking for credit.” Xiao Jing didn’t mind her father’s behavior at all.
“That’s right.” Conan now realized that he still had some old habits.
“Ah, this is the last one.” Kogoro loosened his tie tiredly after getting off the car.
“Could it be that our reasoning is wrong?” Xiaolan said worriedly.
“This is the last one anyway, let’s give it a try first.” Xiao Jing was now a little skeptical about her reasoning after all, she had searched five places and still couldn’t find it.
“Welcome back, Miss Tachibana.” The guard greeted Maya as she walked in.
It seems that the reasoning is correct, but everyone’s luck may not be very good today.
Kogoro learned about Miss Maya’s room from the lobby manager and Maya opened his own door with the key.
Kogoro and Conan first ran to the bedroom to check and found the torn page in the Bible next to the phone, and discovered that it was exactly the same as the page on Maya’s body.
“That’s right, now it’s confirmed. Then we just need to find something that can confirm the identity.” Kogoro said happily.
But it is really simple. Xiao Jing looked around the tidy surroundings and found that there were almost no personal belongings brought from outside except for the things brought by the hotel.
“Is that okay?” Kogoro walked over to the cupboard where his personal belongings and clothes were placed and asked Maya who was standing opposite him.
“Yeah.” Maye nodded.
“It seems like there’s nothing inside.” Kogoro rummaged through the pockets of the clothes hanging on the hanger.
“Uh…” Conan opened the travel bag placed underneath and found that it contained women’s products such as underwear. He was embarrassed and didn’t know what to do.
“These are all women’s things. It’s inconvenient for you, so Xiaojing and I will take a look.” Xiaolan put Conan’s underwear that was turned outside back into the bag and said to Conan and Kogoro.
“Hi*2” Kogoro rarely synchronizes his voice with Conan.
“There’s nothing here to prove my identity. It’s just underwear and other personal items.” Xiao Jing finished looking through the clothes and put them back, while stealing a glance at Maya’s chest. Was the clothing really loose-fitting? Was it actually so much bigger than it looked? Xiao Jing didn’t know why she’d even thought of such a question.
“Hmm?” Conan, who thought Xiaojing had almost finished reading, turned around and saw Xiaojing’s eyes. He followed her gaze and felt embarrassed again, not knowing what to say.
“Randomly rummaging through stranger women’s underwear and staring at stranger women’s breasts.” After noticing Conan’s eyes, Xiao Jing imagined Conan’s contemptuous eyes and retaliated by quickly writing down Conan’s evidence in a small notebook.
“Hey, hey, please stop writing nonsense.” Conan protested and then tried to snatch the notebook from Xiaojing’s hand.
“I don’t find it here either.” Xiaolan said as she put the clothes back on the hanger.
“It’s really strange. The address and phone number registered at the counter are also fake.” Kogoro touched his chin and said in confusion.
“Do you remember anything, Miss Maya?” Xiaolan placed her last hope on Maya.
“I don’t know. Is my…my real name Maye? My head hurts!” Maye squatted down, covering her head with her hands.
“Sister Maya, are you okay?” Conan didn’t bother to play around with the young lady and ran to Maya and asked.
“Ah, it hurts, I don’t want to think about it anymore!” Maye suddenly stood up, grabbed the pendant around her neck and ran outside.
“Ms. Maya!” Kogoro and Conan immediately chased after her.
“??? Not good!” Xiao Jing immediately felt something was wrong when she chased out of the hotel.
“Dad!” Xiaojing accelerated and caught up with Kogoro from behind in a short time.
“Danger.” Xiaojing suddenly grabbed Kogoro’s trouser leg. Due to inertia, Kogoro and Xiaojing fell to the ground together, and the car in front almost hit Kogoro. If Xiaojing hadn’t grabbed Kogoro, he would have been knocked away.
“Dad, is Xiaojing okay?” Xiaolan helped Xiaojing and Kogoro up. Xiaolan was particularly worried about Xiaojing, who didn’t make any sound after falling down.
“It’s okay, my nose just hurts a little.” Xiao Jing immediately stood up to show that she was fine.
“It’s okay, thanks to Xiaojing. I wonder how that guy drove just now!” Kogoro said hatefully.
“The car just now seemed to be coming for uncle.” Conan found out from behind that the driver was the suspicious man who was at the racecourse last time, and thought that it was very likely that he was going after Kogoro.
“Is that Yuda? But Miss Maya has already run far away.” Xiaojing patted the dust off her body and touched her red nose to make sure that she was okay and said to Conan.
“Ah! That’s right, Miss Maya!” Only then did Kogoro remember that he was here to chase Maya.
At this time, Kogoro’s cell phone rang.
“Brother Maori, I asked the traffic department about what you asked me to do. About four hours ago, a car accident happened on the east side of the racecourse you often go to. A bus couldn’t avoid a small car in time and crashed into a street lamp. Fortunately, no one was killed so far and most of the passengers only suffered some scratches and injuries.” Mumu told Kogoro the result through his mobile phone.
“Thank you, Inspector.”
“It’s okay, it’s just a small favor. If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up.”
“Okay.” Kogoro put away his phone.
“Maybe Maye remembered something. Let’s go to the car accident site to look for her.” Kogoro rarely had a clear direction in his reasoning.
“Yeah!” Xiaolan and Conan nodded in agreement.
“Then let’s go! Hmm? Who’s calling again?” Kogoro, who was just about to take a step, was interrupted by the sound of the phone again.
“Teacher Yuko?” Kogoro looked at the number and found it was Yuko.
“Hello? Is this Mr. Maori?” A familiar voice came from the other end.
“Ah, it’s Teacher Yuko. Is there anything wrong?” Kogoro lowered his voice and tried to sound serious.
“Mr. Maori, could you please check what time it is?” But there was anger in Yuko’s voice.
“Let me see, it’s almost four o’clock now.” Kogoro looked at his watch and answered in confusion.
“Didn’t I call you yesterday and tell you that there would be a flower arranging exchange meeting in the evening and I hoped you would bring Xiaojing over in the afternoon? And why is Xiaojing’s phone turned off?” Xizi’s voice gradually became louder, and the rest of the words were so loud that Xiaojing, who was standing next to her, could hear them.
“Ah, it might have run out of battery and turned off automatically.” Xiaojing took out her cell phone from her small bag and said to Kogoro.
“I’m really sorry. I just encountered a case and the result… I’m really sorry.” Although Kogoro also wanted to find an excuse, it was indeed his fault that he did not keep his promise.
“Really? Where is Xiaojing now? I’ll go pick her up!” Xizi asked in an irresistible voice.
“Uh, this…” Kogoro felt a little embarrassed when he looked at Xiaojing beside him. It was really difficult to say such words with his own daughter right next to him. He couldn’t say that I broke the appointment just to take Xiaojing to investigate the case.
“Here at XX Hotel, um, I’ll wait at the door. My father still has things to deal with. Okay.” Xiaojing looked at Kogoro’s expression, took the phone from Kogoro, said a few words to Yuko, and then hung up.
“I’ll wait here for Teacher Yuko to come, you guys go find Sister Maya.” Xiaojing informed the result.
“I’ll stay with Xiaojing.” Xiaolan said worriedly.
“No need. The security guard is here. Sister, you should stay with father.” However, Xiaojing rejected Xiaolan’s suggestion.
“If you don’t go looking for him now, you won’t be able to find him even if Maye really goes there,” Xiaojing reminded.
“That’s right. Let’s go find Miss Maya first. Don’t run around, okay?” Kogoro instructed Xiaojing.
“Hi hi hi.” Xiaojing came to the hotel entrance under the guidance of Kogoro, who asked Xiaojing to wait for Yuko at the door and told the security guard that someone would come to pick up Xiaojing later and asked the security guard to take care of her.
“It’s okay, Vermouth.” Xiao Jing looked at the backs of Conan and others and whispered to the communicator on her collar.
Chapter 78: Dark Corrosion (Part 3) (Old Version)
“Thank you, I’m here to pick up the child.” After a while, Yukiko drove her conspicuous red sports car and stopped at the door of the hotel.
“Thank you.” Xiao Jing also politely thanked the security guard and got on the car.
“I was scared when you called me. Xiaojing actually shows weakness sometimes.” Xizi said in a happy tone.
“Because I judge that I can’t solve it. I have said long ago that I will ask you for help if there is something I can’t solve.” I didn’t mean it just as a talk.
“Although I’m intervening in this matter at your request, you underestimate your father.”
“I just don’t want to cause too much trouble, and I’m very interested in the killer.” Xiaojing explained.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
A secret room somewhere.
“Mary?” Xiao Jing saw that besides Xinyi, Mary was also in the room.
“Hi, Xiaojing, long time no see.” Mary came over enthusiastically and wanted to hug Xiaojing.
“No, not long.” Xiao Jing smelled the alcohol in the air and circled around Xizi’s legs before hiding away.
“Xiao Jing actually dodged me! I’m so sad!” Mary fell exaggeratedly on the sofa beside her.
“I won’t accept a hug from a drunkard.” Xiao Jing said as she glanced at Xinyi reproachfully, but Xinyi ignored that look as usual.
“Have those two people been caught?” Xiao Jing decided to get to the point of today.
“Xiaojing’s request is rare, so it has naturally been fulfilled.” Yuko gave Xinyi a look, and Xinyi moved the screen on the side slightly to reveal a small switch. After pressing it, the bookcase moved to both sides to reveal the entrance.
“Go ahead.” Mary, who had just fallen on the sofa, threw a pistol with a silencer over. Xiao Jing, who was quick-eyed and quick-handed, caught it. She understood that she was the protagonist today.
“Let’s go.” Xiao Jing opened the safety of her pistol and walked in first.
The small room in the secret room is actually more like a studio. Perhaps the original owner built it for the purpose of keeping away from being disturbed, but now Yuko uses it to lock people up.
Yuda was lying unconscious on the ground with his hands tied and his mouth taped shut. Maya was tied to a chair in her underwear, her necklace removed and placed on a nearby table. However, Maya was awake, her eyes open, and she looked at Xiaojing with surprise.
Mary glanced at Shinichi and sat down on the sofa with Yuko.
“Is this your bad taste?” Xiao Jing cast a hentai look at Mary who had just sat down. She had a criminal record.
“Ma, I just made sure she didn’t have any other weapons.” Mary said she was completely wronged.
“Nice to meet you again, Sister Maya. Maybe Miss Killer, you can tell me your real name?” Xiao Jing looked at Maya’s body and saw that there were indeed no other marks on her body, so she greeted her politely.
“Oh, by the way, you can’t speak now. But I think you should be very clear about your situation?” Xiao Jing raised the pistol with her right hand and aimed it at Mayemichi at an angle, which made people feel that it was a huge contrast with the greeting just now.
Maya simply nodded at this point, showing no fear or other emotions.
“She’s worthy of being in this line of work,” Xiao Jing couldn’t help but admire in her heart. If it were my old self, I certainly wouldn’t be so calm.
“Xinyi, tear off her tape. I have a lot of questions to ask this sister.” Xiaojing felt that there was no point in holding the gun like this, so she put it on the table beside her.
“Then can you answer my original question?” Xiaojing asked, breaking the brief silence.
“Maya, Hongdao Maya.”
“That’s your real name, huh? I’m truly sorry. You unfortunately chose the wrong target.”
“Although I don’t know what incident I’m involved in, I don’t think I can escape.” Maya is very aware of her situation.
“Don’t talk like a victim. I’ve already investigated clearly that you are the killer hired by Tang Tian.” Xiao Jing slowly walked to Tang Tian’s side and kicked him in the stomach with her small leather shoes.
Yuda arched his body in slight pain, his eyes slightly opened.
“And unfortunately, your target is my father, Kogoro Mori.” Xiaojing explained the reason why she captured them and kicked Yuda again, who had woken up but was still trying to pretend to be unconscious.
“But you are really brave. You actually showed up and attacked openly after hiring a killer.” Xiaojing was very disdainful of Yuda’s behavior. It can be said that if it were not for Yuda’s failure, Maye might not have been caught at all.
“Where did I reveal my true identity? I should have had no contact with this man in front of you. Besides, I really had lost my memory before.” Maye asked her question out of confusion.
“It was Conan who first discovered Yuda. He was observing my father at the racetrack. He also came to the hospital afterwards. His eyes didn’t look like he didn’t recognize you. It was only after he came out of the hospital that he decided to take action himself.”
“That’s just acquaintance at best.”
“No, no, no, knowing a killer is enough to explain his intentions.”
“I didn’t behave like a killer when I lost my memory. I’m confident in my self-discipline.”
“First of all, your body shape, especially your explosive power, is very different from that of ordinary people. You can’t fool my eyes. Later, when I was looking for your identity, my thoughts were confirmed. There was no identity proof, and no extra personal belongings. The necklace you instinctively held also caught my attention.” Xiao Jing picked up the necklace on the table, observed it, found a small mechanism, and pulled out a thin metal string from it.
“Most people wouldn’t carry this kind of thing.” Xiao Jing said as she fiddled with it with her hand.
“These cannot prove that I am a killer.” Maya was not impressed by these speculations.
“I don’t need confirmation.” Xiao Jing squatted on the ground and wrapped the metal wire around Tang Tian’s neck and tightened it.
“Woo woo!” Yuda twisted his body violently, trying to break free instinctively.
“It seems that it is not suitable for me.” After Xiao Jing exerted force, although Tang Tian had convulsions in pain, he did not even faint. In a short period of time, Xiao Jing was completely unable to strangle Tang Tian.
“This is not a child’s toy.” Maye said helplessly to Xiaojing.
“Then please show us how adults play.” Xiaojing signaled Xinyi to loosen Maye’s rope.
As Shinichi cut the rope from behind, Maya mentally rehearsed her chances of catching Jing or taking her hostage, but her sixth sense urged her not to act rashly. Shinichi, observing her more like a silent colleague, could already sense danger from the scent, and Jing’s fearless attitude only made her suspect she had a back-up plan. Maya wouldn’t let her guard down just because she was a child, and this had been the secret to her survival.
“Are you sure you want to see it?” Maya asked, moving her hands and feet which had become stiff from being tied for too long.
“Of course.” Xiaojing’s mouth corners unconsciously turned up, and she casually threw the necklace in her hand to Maye.
Of course, Xiaojing herself didn’t notice it, but Maye saw it. Maye felt as if he had seen a natural devil.
Yuko on the side also showed a charming smile, but in contrast to Yuko, Mary covered her eyes with her hands as if she remembered something.
Maye slowly walked towards Yuda who was lying on the ground, and Yuda kept shaking his head to indicate no.
“Wait, this is too boring.” Xiao Jing seemed to remember something and put her hand on her chin.
Chapter 79: Corrosion of Darkness (End) (Old Version)
“Okay, let’s do this.” Xiao Jing took the pistol from the table next to her and threw it towards Tang Tian.
“Shinichi, untie him.” Xiaojing took two steps back to give Yuda and Maya enough space.
After being untied by Xinyi, Yutian quickly picked up the pistol in fear, and then pointed the pistol at Xiaojing with madness on his distorted face.
“You…”
“It’s started.” Xiaojing interrupted what Tang Tian was about to say and announced.
Without any hesitation, Maye swooped down to the side of Yuda and kicked the hand holding the gun. Judging from the unnatural bending of Yuda’s arm and the sound, it was actually broken by the kick.
There was no suspense at all for the screaming Yuda. Maya kicked him in the chest and knocked him down. Then he pulled out a metal string from the necklace and wrapped it around Yuda’s neck. When Yuda reacted and tried to struggle, the metal string tightened.
“It’s so bloody.” Xiao Jing sighed pretendingly as she looked at the red liquid oozing from Tang Tian’s neck.
“I don’t want to be the director of this drama, you say this, but when this guy ambushed me in the dark during the mission, I decided to get rid of him.” Maya explained while picking up the pistol that Yuda dropped.
“Can we talk about my future now?” Maye did not pin his hopes on breaking through with a pistol and his own abilities.
“It’s indeed much easier to talk to smart people, so what will you give in exchange for your life?”
“I can hand over all my resources.”
“I’m really interested in how you got the mission, but I can’t leave someone who knows my secret alone.”
“Are you going to take my life in the end? Then I will struggle.” Maye leaned against the wall in a giving-up manner after hearing this, then quickly turned around and pointed the gun at Yuko and Mary beside him.
“No, I think it’s a pity to kill you like this.” Xiao Jing felt surprised that Maye’s target was not herself.
“It’s an honor.” Damn, there were no bullets. No wonder they were so calm. Maya had been holding the pistol for a while, and she could tell by the weight that it was empty and put it down.
“But please stay here for a while.” Xiao Jing thought for a while. Although Maye did not have any particularly outstanding talents in all aspects, he was not a killing machine that only knew how to kill but not think.
Maybe. Xiao Jing was thinking about it in her mind, and at the same time, she turned around and walked out.
“Let’s go, let’s go, the show is over.” Yukiko nudged Mary as if she had just finished watching a circus, urging her to leave as the show was over.
After Xiaojing and Yuko Mary left, the last person to leave was Shinichi, who had never spoken until then.
“Hey, there’s no use keeping this thing here.” Maya threw the necklace with metal strings and the pistol to Shinichi.
Shinichi took the two items very neatly, and his skills made Maya even more confident in her own feelings.
After the bookcase was closed again, the room returned to its original state. Xiaojing took the necklace from Xinyi’s hand and played with it curiously.
“Xiao Jing, come sit here. I miss you so much.” Mary opened her arms to Xiao Jing carelessly.
“Please don’t play this kind of game.” Xiaojing was quite troubled and sat opposite Mary and Yuko with Xinyi. After sitting down, Mary didn’t say anything else.
The room, which originally had a joyful atmosphere, suddenly became cold, as if one could hear each other’s breathing.
“Are you planning to use that woman as a puppet?” Xizi and Xiaojing’s direct gazes broke the brief peace.
“Yeah.” Xiaojing knew that her intentions could not be hidden from Xizi.
“What do you think, Mary?” Yuko, who had always been opinion-oriented towards Xiaojing, unexpectedly asked Mary for her opinion.
“It’s okay, although my skills are far from what I expected.” Mary replied indifferently.
“Although I also think it’s too early, this is a rare decision for Xiaojing. But Xiaojing, you now need to convince me to keep this killer who has seen the faces of the four of us.” Xizi leaned forward with interest and pretended to listen.
“From the information you provided, it seems she’s not a member of any organization. Furthermore, she doesn’t come into direct contact with the clients when accepting assignments. At least, her appearance hasn’t been exposed, just like yours.”
“Appearance doesn’t matter. She can have plastic surgery or use makeup. Her killing method is too predictable. It’s just that there is no organization to deal with her for the time being, so she has been able to live so long.” Xizi said lightly.
“Then she was able to avoid the interests of other organizations and yet still obtain commissions. Doesn’t this in itself prove that she is at least still useful?”
“And from today’s observation, she only has herself in her eyes. This kind of person will do anything to survive.” Xiao Jing continued.
“Then how can you guarantee that she won’t leak the organization’s information? Let alone the organization, if your information is leaked, it will be very troublesome. You know this kind of people will do anything to get what they want.”
“Then let her have no information to disclose and just give her orders like peripheral personnel. Secrets make women more beautiful, right?” Xiaojing told her plan.
“Can you hold her string?”
“She would jump into my palm and then I would make her dance just for me!”
“What if the line wasn’t pulled?”
“I’ll kill her.”
“What if I fail to kill her?”
“Then kill me, all the clues will be broken after my death.” Xiao Jing said desperately.
“I will not let Xiaojing, whom I have carefully trained, be killed because of such a woman.” Xizi felt Xiaojing’s awareness, but was dissatisfied with Xiaojing’s proposal.
“I still have confidence in myself, it hurts.” Xiaojing, who was originally maintaining eye contact with Xizi, was pinched by Xizi and had to shake her head to break free from Xizi’s clutches.
“Are you so eager to leave my arms?” Yukiko suddenly said sadly.
“Isn’t this the growth you expect?”
“Since you insist so much, as your elder, I have no choice but to agree.”
“Thanks.”
“Then as a thank you, you must come to my classroom every day this month. I happen to have a ready-made corpse to use.”
“Uh…” Xiaojing knew from Xizi’s eyes that her future days would not be easy.
“Xinyi, please stay with me for a while.” Xiao Jing asked purely out of the mood of looking for someone to be cheated with.
“Although Xinyi is Xiaojing’s exclusive partner, Xiaojing couldn’t rely on Xinyi so much at that time. Xinyi is going to Afghanistan with me in a few days and can’t always accompany you.”
“Overseas mission?” Xiao Jing asked curiously.
“Actually, it’s similar to a business negotiation for tourism.” Xinyi interjected.
“You are really at ease, but what are you doing with Xinyi?”
“To celebrate him becoming an adult, of course?”
“Ah?” Xiao Jing didn’t react for a moment.
“The skills I trained Xinyi to have are excellent. Xiaojing, remember to thank me when you grow up.”
“Mary’s order.” Xinyi answered expressionlessly to Xiaojing who looked at him in disbelief.
“Sister Mary, I have no hope left in you.” It’s horrifying that she would attack a teenager.
“Why can’t I use the talents I have spent so much effort to cultivate myself?” Mary said shamelessly.
“Just talk, don’t come over here!” Xiaojing’s disguise of calmness was perfectly shattered at this moment, and she quickly escaped behind the sofa.
“Xinyi!” Xiaojing asked Xinyi to control this shameless woman.
“You can’t escape.” Mary grabbed Xiaojing in an exaggerated manner.
Xiao Jing observed her surroundings and calculated the range of her escape, and finally made a decisive decision.
“When will you take me back?” Xiaojing finally sat on Xizi and asked calmly.
“A little later.” Xizi hugged Xiaojing from under the armpit and handed Xiaojing to Mary and said with a smirk.
I knew you were all in the same group, Xiao Jing thought helplessly as she looked at Xin Yi who seemed to be ignoring her.
Chapter 80: The Masked Rider Murder Case (I) (Old Version)
“I’m back. Conan hasn’t come back yet?” Xiaojing asked when she came back from Yuko and saw that Conan’s shoes were not at the door.
“We’re going out to eat today. Conan went out to play with Guang Liao and the others after school. We agreed to meet at the entrance of the shrine.” Xiaolan replied while tidying the room.
“Hey, hey, then I’ll go put away my schoolbag.” I hope Conan is not involved in any case. It’s rare that he has been quiet for a long time.
“Why did you think of eating out today?” Xiao Jing was wearing a light pink top and short skirt, with a yellow blouse over it. She didn’t really care where she ate, but she preferred staying home because she could shower before eating. The temperature was quite high today.
“I heard that a curry restaurant opened nearby. Today is a rare opportunity, so I plan to try it.” Kogoro’s happy expression was written all over his face.
Xiaojing looked at Xiaolan beside her hoping to get an answer from her.
“The director of the TV series wants Dad to be a consultant, and Miss Yoko is also in the crew.” Xiaolan bent down and whispered in Xiaojing’s ear.
“Oh, that Yoko…” Xiao Jing felt relieved but also a little helpless towards her father.
“Dad, it’s almost time.” Xiaolan said after looking at the watch.
“Okay, let’s go!” Kogoro straightened his collar and acted like a leader.
“Hi hi hi.” Xiao Jing followed behind helplessly.
Under the leadership of Kogoro, everyone first went to the shrine where they would meet Conan.
“By the way, I know there is a shrine here, but I have never been here.” Xiao Jing could already see the torii gate.
“Gods, ghosts and the like are all lies, Xiaojing, don’t be fooled.” Kogoro expressed his own opinion in front.
“Dad, you are so disrespectful.” Xiaolan still believed it.
“They love to cheat girls of your age the most,” Kogoro continued.
“Why are these little kids here too?” Xiaolan and Kogoro were chatting with each other and unknowingly arrived at the entrance of the shrine and saw Conan waiting at the door, but behind Conan stood the Young Detective League.
“Conan, sorry to have kept you waiting.” Xiaolan greeted Conan.
“No, we just arrived too,” Conan said.
“Why are the three of them here?” Kogoro asked Conan with a look of disgust.
“They also want to eat curry rice together.” Conan replied innocently.
“Ah?” Kogoro didn’t remember inviting the annoying kid. He felt that Conan alone was enough to give him a headache.
“Isn’t it great? Everyone can eat together in a lively atmosphere.” Xiaolan felt that it was not a bad thing for children to have some fun.
“Do you know how much money it will cost?” Kogoro said, glancing at Genta.
“Dad, I brought my bank card, don’t worry.” Xiaojing said that Kogoro didn’t have to worry about money.
“No, I still have money. How could I use Xiaojing’s money?” Kogoro’s basic sense of shame would not allow him to use his seven-year-old daughter’s money.
No, no, no, you’ve clearly lost most of your money betting on the horses. Consultants definitely won’t be paid in advance, and since you haven’t taken on any cases in the past few days, the “pocket money” your mother gave you must have been almost spent. Xiao Jing pondered silently, but her father’s refusal was not unexpected.
“But your father may not know yet. At least call home first so that your parents won’t worry.” Kogoro thought to himself, your parents will never let you cause trouble to others casually.
“Hi*3” the Junior Detective Team responded happily.
“Really? They all said in unison: ‘Thank you for your help!’ How can there be such parents?” Kogoro felt a little deflated as he walked slowly at the back and muttered to himself in dissatisfaction.
“That’s because they trust their father, especially since he’s a famous detective.” Xiaojing slowly followed behind, having used up all her energy with Yuko. After hearing Kogoro’s words, she comforted him.
“Haha, that’s true.” Kogoro instantly regained his energy.
“Look!” Ayumi, who was at the front, suddenly shouted.
A man dressed as Kamen Rider walked down from the bridge car.
“It’s Kamen Rider!” The Junior Detectives ran over happily.
“Superman’s magical legs!” When Kamen Rider saw the children running towards him, he jumped up and kicked, attracting envious glances from the Young Detectives.
“Great!”
“So handsome!”
“It’s like a dream!”
“First it was the Assault Police Team, and now it’s Kamen Rider. What’s going on today?” Conan murmured with a look of regret.
“Aren’t you going to express your innocence like them?” Xiao Jing walked over to Conan’s side from behind, making fun of him and thinking that the actor had some martial arts skills.
“Me? Forget it, forget it.” Conan waved his hand with an expression that said I’m not interested in that.
“Isn’t this the famous detective Mr. Mouri Kogoro?” After interacting with the children, Kamen Rider pointed at Kogoro and asked.
“Oh, that’s me.” Kogoro replied after a moment of hesitation.
“It’s an honor. I’m a fan of your detective. It’s rare for us to meet, please shake hands with me.” Although it was a request, she had already taken the initiative to shake Kogoro’s hand.
“Look, Kamen Rider is excitedly holding Uncle Maori’s hand.” Genta said curiously.
“Well, I’m sorry, I’m not the real Kamen Rider. My name is Yasuyuki Tsutsumi, and I’m a college student. I’m just a member of the fan club. I’m sorry to disappoint you by pretending to be Kamen Rider today.” Yasuyuki took off the mask’s helmet, revealing his original appearance.
“Really, he’s not Kamen Rider.” The children who followed Kamen Rider immediately recognized that it was indeed not him.
“The real Kamen Rider is much more handsome than him.” Guang Liao said without restraint.
“It’s very rude of you to do this.” Xiaojing reminded the young detective not to be so rude.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Ayumi also realized that talking about others in front of their faces was a bad behavior and immediately apologized after being reminded.
“It’s okay, you guys are really looking forward to seeing Kamen Rider too. By the way, do you want to come to the party too?” Kang Zhi didn’t blame them but made a friendly invitation.
“Party?” The Junior Detective League, including Conan, all looked at Kang Zhi.
“Yes, our club is holding a costume party today.” Kang Zhi replied.
“Looks like it’s fun.”
“That’s right.”
“I really want to go.” Yuantai and the others were immediately interested.
“Okay, you go, you go.” This way I saved some money, and Kogoro’s face was filled with happiness that he couldn’t hide at all.
“Mr. Mori, please come too. We have prepared a big meal and, of course, beer.” Yasuyuki did not intend to ignore Kogoro and invited him as well.
“There’s wine? Okay, let’s go together, let’s go together.” Kogoro agreed immediately when he heard there was wine, without noticing that Xiaojing and Xiaolan acted as if they didn’t know him and moved away from him.
“This time your father simply saved the money for the meal.” Conan said sarcastically to Xiaojing in a low voice.
Xiaojing could only glare at Conan helplessly. It was Kogoro’s fault for being so shameless.
Chapter 81: The Kamen Rider Murder Case (Part 2) (Old Version)
“Haha, so many aliens.” Yuan Tai shouted happily.
“Yes, you see there are pig people and dog people.” Ayumi also said.
“Look, there are some Rat People over there.” Guang Liao also joined in.
“Mr. Mori, let me introduce you. This is our department head and the only daughter of the owner of this villa, Ms. Saotome Souka,” Yasuyuki introduced.
“Are you a college student too?” Kogoro still had the personality of approaching beautiful women when he saw them, making Xiaojing not want to look at Kogoro at all.
“Yes, I’m a third-year student in the Faculty of Literature. I didn’t expect to see the famous detective Mouri Kogoro today. It’s really my honor.” Souhua welcomed Kogoro and his group, while Yasuyuki went to talk about Kamen Rider with the three young detectives.
“No, no, if there’s anything I can help you with, just come to the office and find me, day or night.”
“Dad, I will tell Mom.” Xiaojing kindly reminded Kogoro to pay attention to his image.
“This must be your youngest daughter, I’ve heard a little about her.” Xiaojing and Conan did not join in the discussion about Kamen Rider because they had little interest in him.
“Hello, I’m Mao Lijing.” Xiaojing replied politely, not surprised that she was known by others.
“Hello, by the way! Mr. Maori, have you ever watched the cartoon movie Kamen Rider before?” After returning the greeting, Chohua turned to ask Kogoro.
“Actually, I wanted to watch it too, but I was always busy with work at that time.” Kogoro touched the back of his head and said embarrassedly.
“There happened to be bars and beauties at that time.” Conan on the side complained again.
“Well, after all, father is that kind of person.” Xiaojing also agreed.
“That’s a shame. Kamen Rider is just an ordinary young man who usually works part-time selling hot dogs in the park with his childhood sweetheart.”
“But as soon as an incident happens, he will immediately ride his motorcycle to the scene and start fighting with the evil monsters or aliens today.” When Yasushi heard Chouhua talking to Kogoro about Kamen Rider, he couldn’t help but interrupt with excitement.
“But the heroine Natsume Suzu still doesn’t know his true identity.” Ayumi continued.
“At least she knows that her boyfriend often rides his motorcycle away on the pretext of something.” Yuantai also said.
“But every time Natsume Suzu is very tolerant and forgives Kamen Rider.” Guang Liao said finally.
“Actually, I can understand her feelings.” Xiaolan said, thinking of something.
“Huh? Haha…” Conan didn’t react at first after hearing Xiaolan’s words, but Xiaojing’s cold look beside him instantly reminded him.
“Reality is not like in anime. You think people are blind when you can’t even notice you riding a motorcycle. And you better be careful. If you take off your glasses, do you think Xiaolan will recognize you?” Xiaojing warned harshly.
“Hey hey hey, I get it.” Conan surrendered immediately.
“Okay, kids, hurry up and go to the table over there. We have juice and snacks prepared.”
“Great!” The three members of the Junior Detective Team immediately ran to the dining table without even saying hello.
“Be careful.” Chuanghua hurried over to prevent the children from running around and getting hurt.
“Conan isn’t leaving?” Xiao Jing, who was following behind, found that Conan didn’t move.
“You go first, I’ll come over with Xiaolan later.” Conan said.
“It’s up to you. Just don’t let anything happen.” Xiao Jing said indifferently.
“Xiaojing, come here.” Chuanghua kindly picked up Xiaojing, put her on the chair, and then gave the poured juice to Xiaojing.
“Thank you, Sister Chuanghua.” Xiaojing thanked her politely but didn’t drink it. She just put it aside and looked at the snacks on the table. She was secretly happy: Great! I’ll eat as much as I can before Xiaolan comes over!
“Try this, it’s a strawberry cake. Ah~” Chuanghua saw that Xiaojing had not eaten for a long time and thought she was shy, so he took the initiative to pick up a piece of cake, cut out a small piece and put it to Xiaojing’s mouth.
“Ah~~” I’m so happy. I haven’t eaten sweets for a long time. Especially these days, I’ve been exhausted physically and mentally by Xizi’s guidance. I’m so lucky today. Xiaojing’s face with her eyes closed showed an intoxicated expression that was easy to understand.
“Look at Xiaojing.” Ayumi, who noticed Xiaojing and Chuanghua, immediately asked Yuantai and Guang Liao to come and watch.
“So cute!”
“Just like a rabbit!” Guang Liao couldn’t help but say as he watched Xiao Jing being fed by Chuanghua.
“Oh, sorry.” Xiao Jing regained consciousness under their gaze, but she had already finished a large piece of cake, causing a shy pink color to appear on her face, which had originally remained unshakable even when facing Yuko.
“It’s okay, there’s still plenty here, Xiaojing, you’re welcome.”
“Well, but Sister Chuanghua’s cooking skills are really good. This cake was made by Sister Chuanghua.” Xiaojing diverted the topic to another direction.
“Did I say I did it?” Chuanghua said as if recalling something.
“No, was this cake made by your sister Chuanghua?” The attention of the Junior Detective Team was indeed shifted to Chuanghua.
“Xiao Jing, how did you know?” Chuanghua indirectly admitted that he made the cake himself.
“Because Sister Chuanghua said that the cake covered with cream is a strawberry cake, and there is still the smell of condensed milk and strawberries on Sister Chuanghua’s hands.” Xiaojing explained.
“She is worthy of being the woman of the famous detective Mouri Kogoro.” Chuanghua touched Xiaojing’s head in admiration.
“Mouri Kogoro? The famous detective?” Someone attending the party came over with interest.
“That’s right. Yasushi just happened to meet them and invited the children and Mr. Maori to come over.” Chuanghua replied.
“That’s awesome! I didn’t expect to see a celebrity here!”
“Then I’ll call Mr. Mori over. Mr. Mori will definitely not mind. Mr. Mori, please come here. Everyone wants to meet the famous Mr. Mori.” As he said this, Chuanghua shouted to Kogoro who was still not far from the entrance.
“Hi, Miss Chohua! I’ll be there right away!” Kogoro ran over immediately when he heard the beautiful woman calling him.
“Okay, let’s go over too.” Yasushi also said to Xiaolan, Conan and a man wearing a police uniform similar to that of an anime character who were left behind by Kogoro.
“Hi.” The four of them also turned around and planned to meet up with Chuanghua and the others.
“Honda!” At this moment, a man wearing a green jacket and glasses suddenly rushed in, and the man in police uniform turned his head and looked at him after hearing it.
“I won’t forgive you. Give me your life, Honda! I’m going to kill you!” The man pulled out a gun and pointed it at Honda.
“Wait, what’s going on with Mishima?” Honda moved to the side and asked. It seemed that the two knew each other.
This Honda is not simple. Even when someone pointed a gun at him, he moved so calmly to avoid the bullet from hitting us. Xiao Jing didn’t focus on the incident.
“I can’t stand you anymore!” Mishima shouted at Honda.
“Calm down, we can talk it out.” Honda continued to comfort him.
“Stop talking nonsense. I don’t want to hear your explanation. Go to hell!”
“Bang!” Mishima excitedly pulled the trigger, and Honda fell to the ground sideways. This sudden development made everyone at the scene scream.
After shooting Honda, Mishima raised the gun again with a dull expression, but aimed at his own head.
“No!” Conan, who reacted first, shouted.
“Mishima! Stop!” Yasushi also rushed towards Mishima hoping to stop him.
“Bang!” But gunshots rang out immediately, and Mishima did not stop because of Conan and Yasuyuki’s shouting.
“How could this be…” Chuanghua covered her mouth in disbelief.
“Xiaolan, call an ambulance quickly!” Kogoro rushed over immediately after a moment of hesitation.
Mishima was dead, but Honda didn’t look dead, just a little out of sorts. Xiao Jing noticed this and looked at Honda, who had fallen to the side, in confusion. Honda sat up in front of everyone’s surprised eyes.
“Honda, are you okay?” Kang Zhi asked in surprise and joy.
Honda covered his chest without answering, but just unbuttoned his clothes to reveal the clothes underneath.
“Bulletproof vest!” Kogoro immediately recognized it as a bulletproof vest.
“Ahem, luckily the role I played was a commando police team, so I wore a bulletproof vest.” He said and bent down sadly again.
“Honda, are you okay? The ambulance will be here soon, just hold on.” Kang Zhi said with concern.
“That’s right, Honda-kun, just don’t move and wait for the doctor to come.” Chuanghua also said.
Hey, he’s fine, okay? He was just affected by the shockwave of the bullet. Your other friend is completely dead. Xiao Jing thought to herself that maybe the deceased wasn’t very good at handling interpersonal relationships.
“You care about the deceased more than they do. I’ve told you that you should change your personality.” Xiaojing saw Conan had already come closer to observe the corpse, so she pulled Conan aside and warned him before Kogoro came over.
“Well, I just went over it subconsciously, but it’s really strange.” Conan thought as he replayed the scene he just saw in his mind.
“What’s wrong?”
“He was clearly some distance away from the pistol, but there were no burns on his temple.”
“If you want to commit suicide, don’t you usually put the gun to your temple?” Xiao Jing asked curiously.
“You’re right! It seems that this case may not be so simple!” Conan said with an expression as if he had already entered the plot.
I knew it wouldn’t be so peaceful with you around. Oh, I wanted to relax today, Xiao Jing thought, feeling tired.
Chapter 82: The Kamen Rider Murder Case (End) (Old Version)
“The student who committed suicide was named Katsuji Mishima. He was 21 years old and a junior at Kyoto University.” Takagi flipped through his notebook and reported to Megure.
“Inspector, it can be confirmed that this is a suicide case. We all witnessed it.” Kogoro said that Megure would not have to worry about this case.
“That’s true, but this situation is a bit too weird.” Megure looked helplessly at the people dressed as various aliens whose faces were completely invisible.
“It’s a costume party after all, and the theme seems to be Kamen Rider,” Kogoro explained.
“Anyway, take the statement first.” Megure instructed Takagi and other subordinates.
“Hi!”
“That is to say, Mishima didn’t know you were wearing a bulletproof vest, and thought he had already killed you, so he shot himself.” Megure asked Honda, who didn’t take the ambulance because he was not seriously injured (in fact, Megure also wanted to wait until the statement was recorded before sending him to the hospital. After all, the nature of the case could not be determined yet, it was better not to let people leave casually.) and then concluded what happened.
“But why did he want to kill you? Do you know his motive?” Megure asked after thinking for a while.
“…” Honda raised his head as if he thought of something, then lowered it silently.
“Mr. Policeman, in fact, Honda and Mishima have always had a good relationship.” Chuanghua said.
“Then how did it come to this?”
“But half a month ago, when we got together to discuss this party, Honda-kun made a casual remark that angered Mishima-kun. At that time, Mishima angrily said he wanted to kill him.” Chuanghua continued.
“What did you say at that time?” Mumu looked at Honda.
“I just said your motorcycle was lame.” Honda turned his head and answered with a sad look.
“Just for this sentence?”
“That’s impossible. It’s so weird that they would kill you just for saying this!” Kogoro said in disbelief.
“No, it’s not completely impossible for Mishima. His behavior was a little strange after he played Kamen Rider. The car Honda mocked at the time was the ordinary motorcycle he spent half a year converting into a masked motorcycle. His mood at the time may be understandable.” Yasuyuki explained to everyone.
“Is that so?”
“It seems this is the only explanation.” Kogoro and Mumu reluctantly accepted this reason.
“Inspector Mumu, this pistol is a modified model, and the bullet that hit the vest was also made by ourselves.” The appraiser reported to Mumu.
“Thank you for your hard work. May I ask if Mr. Mishima has been very knowledgeable about model guns in the past?” Mumu turned to ask everyone.
“No, Mishima probably knows nothing about this. He asked me the difference between an automatic pistol and a revolver a few days ago,” Yasunoki replied.
“Which characters in Kamen Rider carry pistols?” Conan seemed to have thought of something and ran to the side to ask the Junior Detective League sitting on the sofa.
“Of course, the only ones carrying pistols are members of the assault police team.” Yuan Tai said in a tone as if you don’t know this.
“Doesn’t Kamen Rider have a gun?”
“You really have never watched any cartoons. Generally speaking, how could the protagonist use guns if it is not about guns or war?” Xiao Jing also interrupted helplessly.
“That’s right! Kamen Rider doesn’t need something like a pistol!” Guang Liao also agreed.
No, no, no, this is just for the audience’s needs, nothing else… Of course, Xiaojing didn’t say it out loud.
“Is that so?” Conan fell into a state of thought.
“But I didn’t expect that we would actually see such a thing with our own eyes. It’s really scary.” Yuan Tai said with lingering fear.
“It’s like the plot of a TV show has been brought to reality.”
“Plot?” Conan seemed to have figured something out and walked towards the place where the crime happened. Seeing this, Xiaojing followed him.
“If my reasoning is correct, this is a murder case!”
“Oh?” Xiao Jing had a premonition but was still a little surprised to hear Conan confirm it. After all, she had not found any clues to prove that it was a murder case.
“Although some of it might not make sense, how can you believe it was a murder? Everyone saw Mishima shoot himself.”
“You find it strange too?” Conan thought he was the only one who felt something was wrong from the beginning.
“Uh… I just think that if Mishima really wanted to kill Honda, there’s no need to choose a party. After all, it’s a personal vendetta. If he chose a public place like a party and planned to kill himself after the attack, he would definitely explain why he killed his friend.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Humans are creatures that cannot avoid being influenced by others. Even in death, they will subconsciously defend their own reputation and put the victim on the side of death to comfort themselves.”
“Don’t look at me like that. It’s in the book.” Xiao Jing saw Conan looking at her in surprise and then answered.
“Xiao Jing is really a child who loves reading.” Conan praised to avoid embarrassment.
“Hey, hey, hey, since you all say that, what’s your reasoning?”
“I think all this must have been planned by the criminal. He first suggested to Mishima that he cooperate with the party and put on a show to liven up the atmosphere.”
“Acting, indeed Mishima’s lines sound a bit like acting. Then the murderer is Chuanghua who arranged the party and Yasuyuki who helped? They have enough reasons and opportunities to arrange for Mishima to act and use props.” Xiaojing thought for a while and guessed.
“No, it’s Mr. Honda.”
“Huh?” Really?
“Yes, they had already pretended to have a big fight right from the beginning just for the sake of acting.”
“That does make sense.” Xiao Jing thought for a moment and continued to wait for Conan’s next words.
“First, Honda modified two identical model pistols and prepared two different types of ammunition. One was a live round with a bullet; the other was a blank round without a bullet. The first one given to Mishima was a blank pistol, so even if Mishima tested the pistol, he wouldn’t doubt it.”
“Then he can find an opportunity to switch the gun around.”
“That’s right. Honda came to the shrine and met us while I was waiting for you. Ayumi and the others also came over to talk to him, and he was scolded in the end because Genta wanted to touch his prop pistol.”
“So he met Mishima somewhere at the shrine and, under the pretext of confirming the bullets, exchanged the guns.”
“Yes, because Mishima knows nothing about firearms, but Honda knows something about firearms because of his role. I have confirmed this with Ms. Souka.”
You are so amazing that I didn’t even notice when you confirmed it with Chuanghua… Xiaojing secretly blamed herself for her carelessness, but was also glad that the other party was Conan and not Yuko, otherwise it would definitely be another “extra meal”.
“And at the Kamen Rider theme party, we dressed up as a commando police team, which justified the need for guns and bulletproof vests.”
“That seems to be the case, but these are just your inferences. What can prove that your inferences are valid?” Xiao Jing felt that although it made sense, it lacked decisive factors and could not really convince people.
“I can only think of one thing now, but I can’t provide conclusive evidence.”
“?” You found the evidence so quickly?
“Mishima deliberately held the pistol at a certain distance from his temple because, while blanks don’t kill, they do produce fireworks. If you get too close, you’ll burn. If you weren’t committing suicide this way, you’d usually hold the pistol against your temple to prevent the bullet from missing and causing more pain.”
“Since Mishima doesn’t know much about guns, you can’t blame him for committing suicide in the wrong posture.” Xiaojing complained about Conan’s reasoning.
“Uh… okay, just assume that he’s not playing by the rules. I’ll think about it.” Conan was immediately embarrassed by Xiaojing’s words.
“Then I won’t accompany you.” Anyway, the case is handed over to you. I’m going to have dessert. Since Conan has already locked on the criminal, Xiaojing still has confidence in him.
While everyone was still discussing the case and feeling apprehensive, Xiao Jing quietly placed the largest cake on the table on the plate. However, the largest cake was actually the size of a normal small cake, after all, it was just a small snack for a party.
Xiao Jing happily returned to the sofa where the Young Detectives were sitting.
“Xiao Jing, Brother Kangzhi just gave us a rare card of Kamen Rider!” Ayumi said excitedly when she saw Xiao Jing coming over, showing her the card in her hand. This must have been Kangzhi’s intention to give it to her at this time to divert her attention. Xiao Jing had a new understanding of the somewhat carefree Kangzhi.
“It seems that your trip is worthwhile, but don’t be so loud or you will disturb others.” Xiao Jing scooped a piece of cake with a fork and put it into Ayumi’s mouth. Ayumi immediately quieted down. At the same time, Guang Liao and Yuan Tai gave her envious looks.
“Do you want one too?” Xiao Jing naturally noticed it.
“No, if I want to eat, I will get it myself.” Guang Liao quickly and shyly said no.
“Oh, by the way, Genta heard that you met Mr. Honda at the shrine?” Xiaojing asked just in case.
“Yes, he didn’t let us touch his pistol at that time, but I finally touched it secretly. Don’t tell him.” Yuantai’s behavior can indeed be classified as that of a naughty child, but fortunately he is self-aware.
“Are you sure you encountered it?” Xiao Jing didn’t expect that there would be such an unexpected gain.
“Yeah,” Yuantai answered affirmatively.
Looks like I’m one step ahead of you this time, Conan.
Xiaojing sat upright, ate a few bites, wiped her mouth with a tissue, and pulled Kogoro’s sleeve from behind.
“Dad, come here.”
“Hmm?” When Kogoro heard Xiaojing calling him like that, he knew that Xiaojing must have something official to discuss with him, so he followed her without hesitation.
After a while.
“Mr. Honda, there is something I want to ask you about, is that okay?” Kogoro asked Honda.
“Okay.” Although Honda had doubts, he still agreed. He knew that Kogoro’s current identity was almost like that of a policeman and could influence the direction of the investigation of the case. If he did not cooperate, it would inevitably arouse Kogoro’s suspicion.
“Mr. Honda, please surrender yourself. Judging from the fact that you moved to the side when a gun was pointed at you to prevent others from being affected, I don’t think you are the kind of unforgivable person.” Kogoro took Honda to a corner and said.
“Mr. Maori, are you talking about…?”
“Mr. Honda, please listen to me.” Kogoro waved his hand to stop Honda’s response, and then told him Conan’s reasoning, of course this was told to him by Xiaojing.
“As long as Yuantai’s fingerprints can be identified on the pistol, you won’t be able to argue.”
“Did that kid get hit at that time?” Honda said dejectedly.
“Yes, I directed all of this,” Honda admitted.
“Can you tell me your motive? Of course, it’s okay if you don’t tell me if it involves privacy,” Kogoro asked.
“There’s nothing left to hide. That Mishima guy is the murderer who killed my brother. At that time, my brother had just received a promotional copy of Kamen Rider’s autograph and was very proud to share it with his friends. However, while he was signing, a man on a motorcycle snatched it away. As my brother was chasing after him, he was hit by a car. He died two days later. He kept shouting “Kamen Rider” as he died. So I was determined to get the autograph and find the murderer.”
“So the murderer turned out to be Mishima?”
“That’s right. Mishima even boasted that it was given to him by his cousin. Having known him for so long, I know that he doesn’t have any cousins.”
“If your brother were still alive, he would definitely hope that you would become a hero like Kamen Rider.” Kogoro shook his head regretfully and patted Honda’s shoulder.
“Perhaps you don’t know, but in Kamen Rider’s setting, his sister was also killed by a villain.”
“But Kamen Rider is definitely not fighting for revenge or crime. He is just like the commando police team you play, fighting for justice.” Kogoro retorted.
“Maybe you’re right.” Honda didn’t refute it.
“Like I said, murderers generally believe they are innocent and on the side of justice.”
“Hi, hi, hi.” Did you come here just to show off? Conan felt a little tired inside.
“But seriously, people like Mishima cannot be tried by normal law.” Xiao Jing took a bite of the biscuit on the plate indifferently.
“Isn’t there a causal relationship? Can it be treated as a serious case?” Conan asked in confusion.
“Because there’s no evidence. If I were his lawyer, I’d just say he found it somewhere. Besides his deceased brother, who else can prove he stole it?”
“Are you disappointed?” Xiao Jing asked, looking at Conan’s expression.
“You have to know that it is your job to arrest the criminals, and it is the law to judge whether they are guilty or not.” Of course, some people will not let you catch them, like me.
In the end, the case ended with Honda turning himself in, and the party ended successfully with the participation of the children and the support of Yasuyuki and Souka.
“Sorry to trouble you.” Xiaolan took the stomach medicine from Chuanghua’s hand embarrassedly.
“It’s okay. I’m also very happy that the children are so happy.” Chuanghua looked at the young detectives who were still playing and Xiaojing who was sitting on the sofa with a loving look.
I would be happy too if Xiaojing didn’t eat too much. Conan helplessly walked towards Xiaojing, who was unable to move because of eating too much, holding a cup of juice and stomach medicine.
“This is the first time I see someone unable to move because of overeating.” Conan complained as he fed the medicine into Xiaojing’s mouth.
“Well, my washing machine brother is also responsible for not stopping me in time.” Xiao Jing replied indifferently after swallowing the medicine.
“Although Xiaolan told me so, this is the first time I know that you have such a small appetite and no self-control, even though you are very good in other aspects.” Xiaolan did ask Conan to be careful not to let Xiaojing eat too much, but Conan did not expect that Xiaojing’s self-control in this regard was zero, no, maybe it was negative.
“Thank you for the compliment. By the way, please help me turn to the next page of the comic.”
“Hi hi hi.” Just use this comic book to cover up the fact that you are full.
Chapter 83: TV Series Filming Incident (I) (Old Version)
“I clearly didn’t intend to kill him, no!” Yoko knelt on the ground with a bloody knife in her hand.
“Cut! Good acting by Yoko!” the director praised Yangzi.
“Filming a TV series seems very interesting.” Xiaolan said enviously, because every girl has a dream of becoming an actress.
“It’s very tiring to get the lines right and meet the requirements of acting, and the age requirement is very strict, so this circle is not as interesting as my sister thinks.” Xiaojing said, watching Yoko’s performance out of the corner of her eye while looking straight at the book.
“I was just talking.” Xiaolan waved her hand a little embarrassedly.
“Do you know all about this?” Conan was surprised that Xiaojing seemed to know everything. This should not be an area that Xiaojing could access.
“It was said on TV.” Xiaojing would of course not tell Conan that she learned it from Yuko, also known as Vermouth.
“Thank you so much.” Yoko thanked the man who was lying on the ground and was acting opposite her.
“How could there be any mistakes in the acting of my handsome boy Nachi Shingo!” Shingo stood up from the ground and said narcissistically while lifting his hair on his forehead.
“Ms. Yoko! Thank you for your hard work!” But at this time, Kogoro ran to Yoko with a towel in his hand.
“Thank you, Mr. Mori.” Yoko was a little scared by Kogoro’s enthusiasm, but she quickly responded like a star.
“No, your acting just now was really great! This play will be a rare masterpiece.” Kogoro praised Yoko’s acting skills and then took out the script from his pocket and praised her.
“No, this went so smoothly thanks to Mr. Maori for being our consultant.” Yoko wiped the sweat from her face and complimented.
“That’s right, because the famous detective Mouri Kogoro is here. So of course this drama is very different!” Director Shiito Taketoshi also stepped forward and patted Kogoro on the shoulder and said in agreement.
“No… But it seems to be true, hahahaha.”
“You’re so proud of yourself that you’re laughing.” Conan moved the two matches on the small table, trying to turn the fish-shaped pattern into the reverse direction.
“This is really simple. Anyway, the director just wants to use my father’s reputation to promote the TV series. There’s nothing much to say about mutual benefit.” After Xiao Jing moved the last match, the fish shape also changed direction.
“You guys! Please stop touching things casually.” Shingo scolded Xiaojing and Conan for touching the matches casually.
“I’m sorry.” Xiaojing and Conan apologized at the same time without any apology.
“I say!” Shingo wanted to continue scolding Xiaojing and Conan based on their attitudes.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Nachi, it’s my fault that I didn’t keep an eye on them. I’m sorry.” Xiaolan also came over to apologize.
“Forget it. You’re so cute that I can’t bear to scold you.” Shingo said in a cool manner.
“Tsk, a guy who is good at flattery.” Conan said in a low voice.
“Are you jealous? Look, my sister is really popular. You should take it easy. You haven’t made the phone call this week yet.”
“No way.” Conan turned his head away with a blush.
“Mr. Nachi, are you also interested in this matchstick combination game?” Xiaolan changed the topic to the matchsticks on the table.
“I guess so. A handsome guy like me has very intellectual preferences.” He smiled, showing his white teeth.
Although he didn’t look at Xiaolan, Conan, whose attention was always there, couldn’t help but smile regretfully. He finally knew who Shingo’s narcissistic tone resembled. Wasn’t it exactly the same as Kogoro when he was unreliable?
“Mr. Nachi, thank you for your hard work. Please use a towel.” Assistant Mamegaki Taeko came over with a towel.
“Thank you. By the way, Taeko, do you want to have dinner with me tonight?”
“No.” Mio waved her hands helplessly. It seemed that this was not the first time for Shingo.
“What’s the matter? It’s just for a moment.” Shingo continued.
“It’s not possible now, because Taeko is going to marry this guy next month! Right, Shimazaki?” The supervisor came over with a man who looked like his assistant and interrupted.
“That’s right.” Shimazaki confirmed the supervisor’s words a little shyly.
“Really? Congratulations!” Xiaolan congratulated.
“Congratulations*2” Xiaojing and Conan also politely expressed congratulations.
“Thank you.” Taeko expressed her gratitude with a shy blush on her face.
“Before marriage, people look like flowers, but that’s just an illusion.” The photographer who was fiddling with the camera said harshly.
“What did you say!” Shimazaki walked towards the photographer angrily.
“Yuji, forget it.” Taeko stepped forward to stop Shimazaki and prevent him from doing anything extreme.
“Why does that guy only say annoying things?” Shimazaki asked photographer Xian Morio.
“Well, I was just speaking in general terms, not referring to you in particular. Don’t be so angry.” Xi’an said in an indifferent tone.
“What an annoying guy.” Conan said in a low voice.
“Well, most people tend to think that other people will also suffer misfortunes because of their own misfortunes. This is called the projection effect. Think about it, these people should be pitiful, right?” Xiao Jing said to Conan in a voice that was not loud but could be heard by others.
“What did you say, little brat!” This time, the angry person turned to Xi’an.
“No, I’m just talking about general theories. I also saw it in a book.” Xiaojing turned her back and hid behind Xiaolan, and stuck out her tongue at Xi’an as if mocking him. Of course, this action was only seen by Xi’an and Conan who happened to be looking at Xiaojing.
“I’m going to teach you a lesson on behalf of Mr. Maori.” Xi’an pretended to be fierce but did not really try to catch Xiaojing. In this respect, Xi’an still had the self-control of an adult.
“Oh da da, oh da da.” At this time, a strange laughter came from the direction of Xi’an.
“Hmm?” Xiao Jing also poked her head out curiously.
“This is the alarm sound of my watch. It’s very interesting, isn’t it? I bought it when I went to the United States last month. Forget it, I’ll just say goodbye.” Xi’an said goodbye when he saw that no one was going to talk to him.
“Okay, let’s start the finishing work.” The supervisor also announced to everyone that it was time to call it a day.
“Xiao Jing, where are you going?” Conan asked when he saw Xiao Jing walking straight outside after announcing the end of work.
“I can’t move things, so I won’t bother you here.” Xiao Jing raised the book in her left hand and indicated that she would go read.
“Uh…that’s true. Sister Xiaolan, I’m going to the bathroom.” Xiaojing’s reason left Conan speechless.
“Where is Mr. Nachi?” Conan asked Xiaojing as he walked over to her.
“Why are you asking him?”
“Didn’t Sonoko ask Xiaolan for his autograph?” Conan explained.
“It seems like she went to change clothes. I’ll go remind her sister.” Xiaojing said as she closed the book.
As a result, while chatting with Taeko, Xiaolan looked as if she had just realized something and quickly asked about Nachi’s approximate location and ran towards the woods nearby.
“Oh, over there, I hear Mr. Nachi’s voice.” Xiaojing immediately heard Nachi’s voice and said.
“It’s blackmail.” As a result, Xiaolan and her friends happened to see Xi’an blackmailing Zhenwu with photos.
It looked very interesting. Xiao Jing quietly took out a recorder from her bag and planned to record it, but then she thought it seemed useless, so she gave up and put it back.
“What’s wrong?” Shimazaki, who had just changed his clothes and passed by, asked Xiaolan from a distance.
“It’s okay, nothing happened, let’s go.” Xiaolan hurriedly pulled Xiaojing and Conan and ran back.
“Sister Xiaolan, why are we running…” Conan asked in confusion.
“That’s right, we can use our mobile phones to record their transactions and give it to Dad, and then Dad will have some income!”
“Uh, that’s not what I meant.” Conan didn’t agree with Xiaojing at all.
“But Xi’an really looks like a bad guy doing bad things.” Xiao Jing said with an expression that showed that I was not wrong.
“Let’s talk to father about it.” Xiaojing suggested to Xiaolan when they arrived at the shrine.
“Oh, let’s find some time to talk to Mr. Nachi later. After all, he is the person involved.” Kogoro said after knowing this.
“Yeah, that’s true.” Xiaolan and others felt that Kogoro was right.
“Mr. Kogoro, we will stay in this hotel today. Would you like to take a bath and have a drink together?” The supervisor greeted Kogoro from a distance.
“Okay, of course!” Kogoro agreed immediately.
“Where is Mr. Nachi?” Conan found that everyone else had arrived but no one saw Nachi Shingo.
“That’s right, where is Mr. Nachi?” Kogoro had originally planned to take the opportunity to talk to him.
“That guy was saying something like: How could a handsome guy like me stay in a place like this and go to a big hotel by himself?” Xi’an said in his frivolous voice.
“He can really say such things. Forget it, let’s ignore him, Mr. Mori, and let’s drink to our heart’s content!” The supervisor seemed to have become accustomed to Shingo’s personality.
“Then we can only do it tomorrow.” Kogoro said helplessly.
Chapter 84: TV Series Filming Incident (Part 2) (Old Version)
“Come on, Mr. Mouri, let’s toast to celebrate today’s successful filming!” the director said enthusiastically to Kogoro.
“Haha, I haven’t felt so happy in a long time.” After toasting, Kogoro drank the beer in the glass in one gulp. The drink in one gulp here just means that Kogoro simply loves to drink. There is no culture of urging others to drink in this country.
By the way, I haven’t touched alcohol for a long time. Xiaojing looked at Kogoro opposite her with some envy and thought that in her previous life she liked to write a diary while having a drink.
“Xi’an, where are you going?” The supervisor shouted angrily at Xi’an who was about to walk out of the room.
“I still have to maintain my camera, so I’ll go back first.” Xi’an said unsociablely and left.
“What a difficult guy. I’m sorry to come here, Mr. Mori, let’s continue.” The supervisor seemed to be helpless with Xi’an, but then turned to Kogoro on the side and continued chatting.
“Conan, Xiaojing, let’s go back to the room. Miss Yoko invited us to chat.” Xiaolan said to Conan and Xiaojing who had already finished eating. By the way, Xiaolan and Conan were actually just waiting for Xiaojing.
“Hi*2.” Xiaolan and Kogoro greeted each other and took Xiaojing and Conan to Yoko’s room next door.
As expected, although she had adapted to the female body, there were still some things that could not be changed. Xiaojing leaned against the window, reading a book while listening to Xiaolan and Yoko talking about women, but her thoughts flew away.
“There’s no moon today.” Xiao Jing finally closed the book and leaned against the window to talk to Conan who was sitting on the window reading a magazine.
“Don’t scare me suddenly.” Maybe it wasn’t just Xiaojing who was distracted just now, and Conan didn’t know what he was thinking.
“What are you looking at?” Xiao Jing saw Conan coming back to his senses and looking in the direction below.
“Hey, Shimazaki, please buy me a pack of cigarettes.” The supervisor uncle who was drinking next door opened the window and shouted to Shimazaki downstairs.
“knew.”
“It looks like they won’t stop partying for a while.”
“He’s Uncle Mori after all.” Conan didn’t think it was inappropriate for Xiaojing to compare the drinking party of Kogoro, the supervisor and others to a carnival, because Kogoro really liked drinking.
“Ah… I want to drink something cold and eat something sweet!” Xiao Jing raised her head boredly and expressed her desire.
“Ah?” Conan was a little dumbfounded by Xiaojing’s sudden request.
After Xiaojing finished speaking, she lay on the ground with an expression as if she was about to die.
“Xiaojing, what are you doing?” Xiaolan asked Xiaojing when she saw her listless look. At the same time, there was a hint of blame in her voice for Xiaojing lying on the ground in such an unruly manner, even though the floor in the room was not dirty.
“Sister, can you help me change my clothes? I’m going to the convenience store to buy some things.” Xiaojing stood up and ran to Xiaolan and pulled her sleeve.
“No, it’s already evening, and you want to buy some snacks, right?” Xiaolan looked like she was about to start preaching, which made Conan shrink his head.
“What’s the matter? It’s a rare opportunity for us to come out for a shoot, so I also want to go to the convenience store to buy something. What do you think, Xiaolan?” Yoko came to Xiaojing’s rescue.
“Let’s not talk about Xiaojing for now. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for the idol to go out at this time?” After all, Yoko is also a relatively well-known idol.
“It doesn’t matter. Just change your hairstyle and wear a hat and you won’t be recognized.” Yoko said playfully.
“I seem to have heard this somewhere before?” Conan asked.
Then, at the encouragement of Yoko and Xiaojing, I decided to go out and buy some things.
“Conan, where is the toilet?” Xiaojing asked Conan after changing her clothes.
“I remember it was in the corridor.”
“Take me there.”
“??”
“Do you want to stay here and watch my sister and Miss Yoko change clothes?”
“How could that be? Sister Xiaolan, I’ll take Xiaojing to the bathroom and wait for you downstairs.” Conan quickly denied it and pulled Xiaojing away to prove his innocence.
“Oh, by the way, you just saw me changing clothes.” Xiaojing suddenly thought of it.
“Please, how could I be interested in a 7-year-old girl?” Conan said speechlessly.
“Well, that’s true.” Xiao Jing didn’t care about it.
But Xiaojing has breasts at this age. Wait, what am I thinking? Conan quickly shook his head to get rid of the distracting thoughts.
“Are you thinking of something disrespectful?”
“No, it’s your illusion.” Conan immediately denied.
“Mr. Xi’an seems to have gone out too.” When Xiaojing and Conan went downstairs to reunite with Xiaolan, Xiaolan looked at the back outside and said.
“He must have been hungry just now and sneaked out to buy a midnight snack.” Xiao Jing said without thinking.
“Xiaojing, don’t be so greedy. You’ll get fat.” Yoko said with a smile, putting her hand on Xiaojing’s shoulder.
“Hi, hi.” Xiao Jing led the way out of the pub without any objection.
“Ms. Taeko?” After going out, I found Taeko standing at the door as if she was frozen in place, not moving at all.
“Miss Taeko, what’s wrong with you?” Xiaolan also asked.
“Ah, it’s okay!” Miaozi replied quickly and went back into the tavern.
“She looks like she’s frightened. Maybe she saw something? There’s a shrine nearby! Who knows!” Yoko said seriously.
But he really looked terrified. Did he really see a ghost? Xiao Jing couldn’t help but wonder, especially since she couldn’t deny the existence of ghosts.
“Don’t scare me, Miss Yoko.” Xiaolan was quite afraid of this kind of thing.
“Just kidding, let’s go.” Yoko stopped teasing Xiaolan and walked to the front to lead the way.
“Is it all right?” Yoko said with a little pride as she put on her hat and put her coat around her neck.
“Really. I didn’t expect the clerk didn’t know me at all.” Xiaolan said in a flattering manner.
“Due to lack of knowledge, although everyone can easily recognize celebrities on the screen, they lack the ability to recognize the same person with a different look on the screen.” Xiao Jing said as she licked the ice cream.
“Because screen stars have their own ways of recognizing themselves so that the audience can remember them better,” Conan also said.
“Hey, you two know a lot,” Yoko said in surprise.
“???” The stones falling from the shrine attracted Conan’s attention.
“The incense money thief?” Xiaolan and others looked up and saw only a black shadow leaving quickly.
“Blood?” Conan and others who came to the shrine and did not see any human figures immediately noticed that there were large amounts of bloodstains on the upper steps.
“There are more clothes here.” Xiaolan said, pointing to the clothes not far away.
“What just happened here?” Xiao Jing looked and found a bullet on the stone platform under the seat of the stone lion in the shrine.
“By the way, aren’t these vest and hat Anxi’s?” Yoko exclaimed, remembering.
“Let’s call the police, just in case something really happened to Mr. Nishimori…” Although she didn’t see the body, Xiaolan still planned to call the police.
“Yes, sister is right.” Of course, it would be best to let the police handle it. She didn’t want to get involved in muddy water at all today.
“Let’s call my father over as well.” Anyway, if Anxi really disappeared, sooner or later the suspicion would be placed on the members of the filming crew.
“Did you see any other suspicious people before you found the bloodstains?” After the identification personnel determined that it was human blood and reached a lethal amount, the eyes have already regarded this as a murder case.
“Yes, but it’s so dark here that you can’t even tell whether a man or a woman is a woman.”
“That’s right.” Yoko and Xiaolan also didn’t see the black shadow clearly.
“That’s around half past ten.” Mumu analyzed.
“Are you sure this is that…that Anxi?” Mumu confirmed with Xiaolan and the others again.
“That should be it. He was wearing this vest and hat when he came out of the pub. Oh, and his watch too. Only he would wear that kind of watch. It must be him.” Yoko said uncertainly at first but then with certainty.
“Then let’s first find the photography crew to confirm Anxi’s whereabouts, and then investigate step by step.” Mumu instructed the police officer beside him.
“No need, Inspector Mumu. Anzai is indeed missing and his phone cannot be reached. He must have been dealt with.” Kogoro said as he walked from behind Mumu in a yukata, followed by the rest of the photography crew.
“And I already know who the murderer is!” Kogoro raised his hand and said seriously.
Hey, Dad, don’t act cool just because Yoko is here. Xiaojing didn’t hold any hope for Kogoro. How could he have identified the murderer so quickly without even taking a close look at the scene?
“Really?” Yoko and Mumu believed it easily because of Kogoro’s reputation.
“That’s right. First of all, Mr. Xian must have been invited out, otherwise he wouldn’t have come to the shrine at night. So the murderer must be someone Xian knew.”
“Yeah.” Mumu and others nodded in agreement.
“Secondly, the criminal must be very familiar with the shrine since he disposed of the body in such a short time!”
“Is it possible?”
“That’s right, it’s Taeko, whose family runs a shrine and who was away from the party for a long time!” Kogoro said, pointing at Taeko.
“Is that so? Miss Taeko, can I ask where you went after you left?” Mu Mu asked.
“That’s because I went home to get something, and my home is inside the shrine.” Taeko said with her head down.
“Who can testify for you then?”
“No, my grandpa went out, so I’m alone.” Miaozi lowered her head and her tone became a little low.
“But Dad, when Miss Taeko came back, she happened to meet Mr. Xi’an leaving the pub, and they passed each other.” Xiaolan interrupted at this time.
“What! Miss Taeko has been staying at the party with us since she came back.” Kogoro recalled, holding his chin with his hand.
“So it’s completely impossible to commit the crime.” Mumu said disappointedly.
“Inspector, the bloodstains are confirmed to be both splatter and fluid. It is presumed to be the result of a gunshot.”
“Inspector, we’ve searched the area thoroughly and checked with the traffic department. We’ve checked nearby security cameras, but we haven’t found any bodies or suspicious individuals.”
“This is strange. Why can’t the body be found? Could it be that it really wasn’t someone from the photography crew who killed him?” Conan listened to the police officer’s report while looking for clues.
“You won’t encounter a ghost and get eaten by it, will you?” Xiao Jing came to Conan and joked. Of course, she mainly wanted to know whether Conan had found any clues.
“How is that possible? The murderer must have used some method to hide the body.” As he said this, he walked deeper into the woods.
“Hey…” Xiaojing wanted to call him but Conan had already disappeared. Damn Shinichi, he can’t help himself when he encounters a case.
“Sister, Conan just walked into the woods. I’m going to find him!” Xiaojing greeted Xiaolan beside her and quickly ran into the woods.
“Xiao Jing! Really!” Xiao Lan naturally couldn’t just sit there and followed in.
Chapter 85: TV Series Filming Incident (End) (Old Version)
“Don’t run around at the crime scene! Especially Conan, every time you run around, Xiaojing will follow you around too. What if she gets lost or encounters danger?”
“Hi*2” Conan responded speechlessly, while Xiaojing didn’t take it seriously at all and of course there was not much expression on her face.
“What did you find in the end?” Xiaojing asked after being scolded.
“We haven’t found any clues, and there’s no bloodstains around. It shouldn’t be possible to move the body in such a short time.” Conan fell into deep thought again.
“If you must say it’s someone from the photography crew, then the only possibilities are Taeko who went out, Taeko’s fiancé Shimazaki, and Nachi who was not in the bar. Taeko and Anzai passed by, so she is ruled out. What about Shimazaki?” Xiaojing tried to reason.
“Mr. Shimazaki went shopping at 9:45 and returned to the hotel at 10:15,” Conan continued.
“You know it clearly.”
“The supervisor was so loud and asked him to bring a cigarette. I was reading a magazine, so I looked up at the clock.”
“Hey, Shimazaki has plenty of time. And Nachi, if you mention the devil, he’ll come.”
“What’s wrong, Mr. Xi’an?” He was still wearing a formal white suit.
“He’s paying so much attention to his appearance even at this time. Should I praise him?” Xiao Jing said suddenly.
Why do I always feel that you are hostile to Mr. Nachi? Conan thought silently.
“I’m sorry, but I hope you can answer a few questions for me. Mr. Anxi’s whereabouts are still unknown, but there’s a high possibility that he’s been murdered.”
“I heard that you were the only one who refused to stay in a hotel and went to stay in a motel, right?” Mumu asked.
“That’s right, my self-esteem doesn’t allow me to stay in that second-rate tavern.” Nachi said as he adjusted his bangs in front of him.
“How dare you say that. Does this count as disrespecting the common people? It’s more than just pure arrogance. I should have recorded it and posted it online.”
“Hey, hey.” Conan was sure that Xiaojing really disliked Nazhi.
“So where were you between ten and ten-thirty tonight?” Mu Mu continued to ask.
“I was in the hotel bar before ten o’clock, and there were a whole bunch of people there who could vouch for me.”
“I mean after ten o’clock.” Mumu interrupted Nachi helplessly. He didn’t want to waste time at this time.
“I’m staying in my hotel room.”
“Where are the witnesses?”
“I was always alone, with no witnesses.”
“Okay, one more suspect,” Xiao Jing decided.
“I know!” Kogoro said at this time as if he had seen through the mystery.
“Huh??” Xiaojing and Conan looked over in surprise at the same time. Is Kogoro so powerful today?
“The murderer is you! Mr. Nachi! If my reasoning is correct, you made an appointment with Mr. Anzai to meet here after ten o’clock and then killed him. Since you didn’t have to come to the tavern, you had enough time to move the body!”
“Huh? What did you say? Why would I kill him?!”
“The motive was that you were threatened by Anxi, right? My daughter saw it. You killed him because you didn’t want to be threatened again, right?”
“What nonsense are you talking about! How could I kill someone? What evidence do you have?” Nachi shouted emotionally.
“Hello, hello, okay, got it.” At this time, Mumu received a call and walked in front of Nachi.
“Just now, I have asked them to check the hotel surveillance and traffic surveillance according to Brother Maori’s instructions. It has proved the fact that you came out of the hotel at 10:03 and walked in this direction. Although I am very sorry, please follow us for a detailed explanation.” Mumu said to Nachi.
“It really wasn’t me. I did make an appointment with Anxi to meet here, but I searched for Anxi for a long time and couldn’t find her. Finally, I found this place and saw the bloodstains, so I left! I didn’t kill anyone!”
“It’s really rare that father solved the case so smoothly this time. Conan, it seems that father’s reasoning is still wrong?” Xiao Jing asked Conan, who was still thinking.
“I always feel like something is wrong, something is not connecting.”
“It’s a corpse.” Xiao Jing thought for a while and said.
“According to Nachi, even if he planned to come and kill immediately, it would have taken him about ten minutes, or 10:15, plus the time he needed to return, which is about eight minutes. He didn’t come immediately after we called the police, but it wasn’t long before he arrived. He didn’t have time to hide the body.”
“Is there an accomplice?” Xiaojing guessed.
“It’s not impossible, but why can’t we find the body?!” Conan said unwillingly.
“Well, let’s stop here for today.” Xiaojing saw that after Mumu took Nachi away, Kogoro was ready to go back surrounded by everyone.
“But the body hasn’t been found yet.”
“Leave it to the police. Do you think a little kid like you can be more capable than a professional detective?”
“But!”
“We have already agreed that I will not stop you from interfering in the case. But you must also act within your ability and not act recklessly!” Xiao Jing looked over with a somewhat unfriendly look.
“All right….”
After the incident was over, everyone returned to the hotel with different feelings.
“Hello, Mom.”
“Xiaojing, what’s wrong? Do you miss your mother?” Yingli’s voice came from the phone.
“No, the day after tomorrow is the day I go to my mother’s house. Don’t treat me like an ignorant child.”
“You were so attached to me when you were a kid.” Yingli said slowly.
“It’s business, Mom, you know Dad is participating in the filming of a TV series as a consultant, right?”
“Well, Xiaolan told me.”
“This is what happened…” Xiaojing explained the general situation of the case to Yingli.
“You’re telling me this?”
“While Mr. Nachi has a motive and is a suspect, his timing and method of execution differ from my father’s, so I think Nachi is probably not the murderer.” Of course, the main reasoning was that the footsteps I “heard” and the faint glimpse of Nachi must have just arrived and then immediately fled. With Xiaojing’s superior visual and auditory judgment, she was confident in her deduction. After all, this was the only little skill she had, and it was developed by Yuko. It made me feel a little sad.
“You clever little thing, you want to make your father look less embarrassed after I overturn his reasoning.”
“Don’t say it out loud.” Xiao Jing was still a little reluctant to have her thoughts revealed.
“Hey, I’ll finish my current tasks and see if I can take over this case tomorrow. Assistant Kuriyama even brought you a gift from his business trip.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it. Mom, I’m going to hang up now.”
“Yeah, okay.”
But this incident is really weird, forget it, I don’t care. Xiao Jing thought to herself but quickly ignored it.
On the other hand, Conan didn’t sleep well the whole night.
“Conan, what were you doing last night? Why did you get up so late today?” Xiaojing, who was brushing her teeth with Conan, asked as she looked at the faint dark circles under his eyes.
“I was thinking about yesterday’s case. If Mr. Nachi is the murderer, we need to find evidence to prove it. And I don’t want you to say that after I called you out.”
“Hey, today is Sunday. Generally speaking, shouldn’t we have a good sleep in? The famous detective is really worried.” However, it is estimated that this case is a headless one. At least there is no evidence or clues at present.
“Oh, by the way, I’m going to my mother’s place tomorrow. So you have to go to school alone tomorrow.”
“Hey hey hey, I’m not a real child. What are you going to do at your aunt’s place tomorrow?” Conan’s reaction was a beat slow due to lack of sleep.
“You’re a good reasoner, aren’t you? Let’s do some reasoning.” It’ll distract you so you don’t dwell on the case. Xiao Jing instinctively felt that pursuing this case would lead to no good results.
“You have to give me some hints.” Conan turned his head helplessly after washing his face.
“Hmm? Food Festival, right?” Xiao Jing thought for a moment and said.
“ha?”
“That’s the hint.” Xiao Jing adjusted her hair in front of the mirror and left.
“?? Sister Yuko?” Xiaojing was about to go have breakfast when she found Yuko already sitting on the sofa chatting with Kogoro.
“Good morning, Xiaojing.” Xizi also greeted Xiaojing with a smile.
“It’s nine o’clock now! It’s not early at all. Teacher Yukiko came here specially to pick you up.” Xiaolan put the hot bread and milk on the table and said to Xiaojing.
“Scientific statistics show that it is normal for children of our age to be a little sleepy. Sister, look, Conan just got up.” Xiao Jing said cunningly.
“Conan just rarely gets up late because he doesn’t sleep well, but you just can’t get up unless I call you! Come and eat quickly, and then go to class with Teacher Yuko.”
“Class? Isn’t it in the afternoon?” I don’t remember having any classes in the morning.
“Because I finished my work early yesterday, I have all day free today, so I couldn’t help but come over to see Xiaojing. I will treat you to a big meal at noon~” Yuko said in a slightly charming tone. It must be said that this way of speaking is particularly effective on Kogoro.
“You really dote on my daughter too much. She is so lucky to have such a good teacher like you. Xiaojing, you can’t cause trouble to the teacher. It’s rare that Teacher Xizi specially makes time to teach you.” Kogoro immediately spoke for Xizi.
“Hi.” Xiao Jing gave up eating breakfast, but with tears in her heart she said goodbye to the lazy morning time.
Chapter 86: Waltz into the Darkness (Old Version)
“Is there any mission?” Xiaojing asked as she followed Xizi into the car.
“I just wanted to see you because it’s been a long time since we last met.”
“It’s only been two days since we last met, and you clearly asked Xinyi to monitor me.” Xiaojing didn’t believe what Xizi said at all.
“That’s to protect you, but you have indeed made progress. You can actually sense Shinichi’s gaze?” Yuko asked in surprise.
“He deliberately let me sense him. Telling me where he is is my duty as a partner, right?”
“I didn’t expect that it was Shinichi who betrayed us. It really makes me sad.” Yuko said playfully.
“He is my partner, okay?” Xiao Jing rolled her eyes.
“But you are all my subordinates now. Xinyi has taken a lot of good photos.” Xizi handed a stack of photos to Xiaojing.
“How boring are you guys?” Xizi asked speechlessly as she looked at the picture which was full of her own photos, including some of her changing clothes.
“It’s just a little entertainment, but Xiaojing has grown up now. Let’s give you some underwear as a gift tonight! Mary will definitely be happy to go shopping with us.”
“It’s up to you.” Xiaojing gave up resisting completely. When facing Xizi, she always had the illusion that she was becoming a toy, but it was much better than being killed or becoming an object of research.
The car soon arrived at the secret room from last time.
“Hey, Xiaojing!”
“Master.” These words came from Maya, who was wearing a white business suit. Maya exchanged his freedom for his life.
“Hmm? Sister Mary, where is Shinichi?” Xiaojing herself was not used to being addressed by Maye, so she nodded at Maye a little late and asked Mary.
“Sent him out to buy some beer.”
Xiaojing also noticed the wine bottles in the trash can, but Xiaojing didn’t want to say much about Mary’s private life. Generally speaking, it was Xinyi who was responsible. Since Xinyi agreed, she had nothing to say.
“Is there a mission?” Xiao Jing still thought that there was a mission waiting for her so she asked after sitting down. Koma Maye handed Xiao Jing a glass of juice and stood behind her.
“Well, it’s not a mission, it’s training.” Mary doesn’t like to be mysterious like Yuko.
“Don’t tell her so soon. It’s so boring. Take a look at this information first.” Yukiko complained to Mary and put the folder with the photos on the table.
“Mr. Nachi?” Xiao Jing first saw a photo of Nachi and a woman coming out of a couple’s apartment.
“These are photos found from the photographer’s hotel residence and his own home,” Yukiko explained.
“Looks like he’s not just a photographer, he’s a paparazzi too.” Xiao Jing looked at the dense intel behind the photos: a celebrity had a mistress, a celebrity had cheated, and even, most outrageously, nude photos of a female celebrity. But at the same time, she also figured out why yesterday’s case was so messed up. It turned out that Yuko was the culprit. Fortunately, her intuition was correct.
“These are just the photos he left behind. How much more you can get out depends on your performance today.”
“Let me interrogate him?” Could it be that this Xi’an is also a member of the organization?
“Yeah. Because Mary is going to an island in a couple of days, I asked her to give you some special training.”
“Can I refuse? I’m still traumatized by what happened last time.” At this time, Shinichi finished shopping, opened the door with his key, walked in, and put a can of juice in front of Mary, and a can of coffee in front of Yuko, and milk in front of Xiaojing.
“Hey, I said I wanted some wine!” Mary said unhappily.
“You’ve drunk enough. Don’t drink anymore since we have serious matters to attend to today.” Xinyi said in the same signature tone as Xiaojing.
“What a hassle! Let’s start now!” Mary opened the juice impatiently, took a sip, and put it heavily on the table.
“It’s a pity the juice didn’t spill out.” Xiao Jing said as she stood up to get the milk and looked at the juice in front of her. At the same time, she also knew that she had no right to choose.
Yuko also stood up and opened the mechanism to reveal the metal door behind the bookshelf.
In a dimly lit room, Anzai Morio was tied to a chair, his eyes covered with a black cloth, and he appeared unconscious. There was no trace of water or food in the room, and there were special wave-shaped soundproof panels around the room.
“Isn’t there a lot of blood at the scene?” Xiao Jing was surprised that Xi’an didn’t have any wounds on his body. According to Xizi and Mary’s personalities, they were not kind enough to take care of the hostages.
“Let your pet handle it.” Mary replied.
“Yes, Master, I took care of it. After all, if I didn’t, he might not live long.” Maya didn’t know whether he was used to Mary calling him that or he knew he couldn’t resist, so he took over.
It seems that Xi’an fainted. Xiaojing looked around and found only a few daggers on the table.
“Then what should I do?” Xiaojing looked at Mary. Shinichi and Yuko were already sitting on the sofa nearby and had no intention of intervening.
“First, wake him up by randomly stabbing a dagger into his thigh…” Mary began to teach her own torture method.
After more than two hours of interrogation, Xi’an got a lot of scandals in the entertainment industry out of him. Xiao Jing had never imagined that there would be so much information.
“Okay, it’s time to eat!” At noon, Yukiko clapped her hands, stood up first and walked out.
“Hi.” Xiao Jing glanced at Xi’an, whose limbs had been twisted and deformed by Maye, and a thought flashed through her mind before she followed.
“Today’s harvest is pretty good. We can tell who they are even from a few photos without their faces showing.” Yuko said as she took the notebook from Maya.
“Do you want to continue in the afternoon?” Xiaojing asked.
“We’re going to have some exciting fun this afternoon.” Mary licked her lips and said with a little excitement.
“He will be killed in the end anyway, right?” Xiao Jing already knew Xi’an’s only outcome but still couldn’t help asking.
“Xiaojing is a smart child.” Xizi smiled and touched Xiaojing’s head.
Don’t deny it, I should have known this day would come, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
After everyone finished eating, they returned to the room, but Xi’an’s wailing in the morning had turned into hoarse gasps and groans.
“Now let’s get to the point.” Mary clapped her hands and said to Xiaojing.
“Mr. Xi’an, is there anything else you haven’t said?” Xiao Jing took the dagger from Xinyi.
“I have told you everything I know. What else do you want to know? Give me water. I am dying…” Xi’an answered intermittently.
“It’s a shame, but I’ll just have to keep you in the chair until you can fully speak.”
“I really said everything!”
“No, no, no. There were two remittances of astonishing amounts at the beginning of this year and in November of last year that you haven’t explained yet.” Xiao Jing picked up the notebook from the table and looked at it and said.
“That’s just the royalties my friends abroad gave me.”
“Although it is very discouraging to you, with your ability, you can’t write any work that foreigners can pay you for.” Xiao Jing gave Maye a look just when Maye was about to take the dagger.
“Wait, Xiaojing, come here.” Yuko stopped Maye with a gesture.
“Are you sure?” Xiao Jing now finally knew what kind of test she would face today.
Too bloody to skip…
“It’s really surprising that such things in the circle were brought up. It seems that I can make good use of it. At least the funds can be guaranteed to be foolproof.” Xizi looked at the list in her hand with satisfaction. It was something pried out from Xi’an’s last life.
“If this is announced, the entire entertainment industry will be reshuffled, right?”
“That’s not the case. The mastermind behind the scenes will ruthlessly abandon these pawns.”
“But it’s really too early for Xiaojing.” Mary looked at the bathroom door. Xiaojing had been in there for half an hour and still hadn’t come out. She could still vaguely hear the sound of vomiting.
“She’ll know this feeling only after she experiences it herself. Didn’t Xinyi get it earlier than Xiaojing?”
“But Xinyi was in that hell from the beginning, and Xiaojing was dragged in by you.” Mary’s tone was not polite to Yuko at this time.
“Do you really think she was dragged into this by me?”
“Isn’t it?”
“No, she was the one who attracted me.” After saying this, Xizi calmed down, sat back on the sofa and closed her eyes to rest.
“Ugh…” Xiao Jing didn’t know how long she had been vomiting, but she knew clearly that there was nothing left in her stomach, and vomiting again might cause physical discomfort.
As expected, watching someone do something and doing it yourself are two completely different things. I created that bloody scene myself, a beating heart and something covered in grease… Ugh… I can’t think about it anymore! I try to return to my normal self.
“Haha, but it’s really pale.” Xiao Jing looked at her pale face in the mirror and said to herself with self-deprecating smile.
I had already decided on the path to take, so hadn’t I anticipated this outcome?
“Sorry for the wait.” Xiao Jing opened the door weakly, but her tone did not change at all.
“Ah! It’s not broken!” Yukiko said exaggeratedly.
“I’m not that fragile. Then I’ll leave the people on this list to you!” Xiaojing said to Xizi.
“Of course, you completed this task excellently. I’ll give you a day off~” After saying that, Xizi stretched out her hand towards Xiaojing, with a red pill in her palm.
“Eat it, and then I’ll let Maya give you a bath, then I’ll go eat and send you back.”
“I would be very grateful if you could eat something lighter.” Xiao Jing took the pill and swallowed it without any hesitation, then took the water cup from Maye’s hand and took a sip of water.
“Master?” Maye was giving Xiaojing a bath as instructed.
“Don’t say it.” Xiao Jing buried her head in her knees but still couldn’t stop her body from shaking. She had just adjusted her mentality but when the water splashed on her, her body reacted disobediently and began to shake with fear.
“I won’t tell.” Maye looked at the child who had taken away her freedom, as if she saw a shadow of herself in the past, but she was forced by the environment. Xiaojing, on the other hand, was dragged into this situation by someone else. Maye understood Xizi’s expectations for Xiaojing and why she was able to survive. If it weren’t for Xiaojing’s future growth, she would definitely be wiped out.
Maya thought to herself that maybe this was her fate, and hugged Xiaojing from behind.
“Master, my master, please let me stay by your side.”
Xiao Jing was so caught up in the sudden situation that she even forgot what she had just seen. This was mainly because her body was extremely sensitive, but it also brought her back to reality from the hell she had imagined.
“Have you ever seen that kind of situation before?” Xiaojing asked.
“Yes, I have done everything!”
It turns out that I am still too fragile.
Chapter 87: Our Common Birthday (I) (Old Version)
“Xiao Jing, you’re up so early!” Conan was surprised to see Xiao Jing already brushing her teeth. When Xiao Jing was not in school, she was a typical procrastinator who would sleep as long as she could.
“Well, my mother will come to pick me up later.” Xiao Jing said vaguely while brushing her teeth.
“By the way, happy birthday.”
“Yeah.” Xiaojing nodded and was not surprised that Conan could deduce that today was her birthday.
“That’s not what Xiaolan told me.” But Conan seemed to have misunderstood.
“Hey, that’s awesome, Conan-kun is so awesome.” Xiao Jing said in a cold tone.
“Hey, hey, can’t you satisfy my vanity?” Conan said in shock.
“I am very confident that you can deduce the answer. Doesn’t this satisfy your vanity?” Xiao Jing put down the cup after brushing her teeth, meaning that I affirm your reasoning ability.
“That’s true.” Conan scratched his head embarrassedly.
“Then I’ll go to school and bring you a gift when I come back!” Conan said to Xiaojing after finishing breakfast.
“Thank you.” To be honest, Xiao Jing was not looking forward to Conan’s gift. After all, she knew in her previous life that Conan’s emotional intelligence would sometimes fail.
“Good morning, Aunt Eri.” Conan, who was going out, happened to meet Eri who was coming over and greeted her.
“Conan, are you going to school? I’ll take you there later, it’s on the way anyway.”
“No need, the school isn’t far from here. I’m leaving first, Aunt Eri!”
“goodbye.”
“Xiaolan, aren’t you going with us?” Yingli asked Xiaolan who was wearing her school uniform.
“I forget it. Let’s celebrate together tonight.” Xiaolan’s smile was a little stiff.
“Sister is not good at attending that kind of occasion.” Xiaojing explained for Xiaolan.
“It’s normal to be unaccustomed to that kind of occasion.” Kogoro, who was wearing a formal suit, came out and interrupted.
“Dad, you’re so handsome.” Xiaojing praised him generously.
“Let’s go, Xiaolan, remember to call Sonoko and Shinichi to come with you in the evening, especially Shinichi.” Yingli seemed to want her son-in-law to see her sister-in-law.
“Shinichi is not in Japan…” Xiaolan said in embarrassment.
“Huh? Where did that little brat go?”
“But Shinichi did tell Xiaojing about it on the phone, and he also said that he would send a gift~”
“He’s sensible.” Kogoro pulled his tie to show that he was ready.
“Then see you tonight, Xiaolan.”
“Okay, Mom.”
“So what’s the itinerary for today?” Kogoro asked while sitting in the driver’s seat.
“Let’s go to Mr. Yashio first to get the gift for Xiaojing.” Yingli said.
“Okay, today is a good day. This is a gift that Yingli spent a lot of money to buy. What do you think, Xiaojing, are you looking forward to it?” Kogoro started the car and said to Xiaojing.
“I love my mother the most.” Xiaojing said while pretending to hug Yingli.
“By the way, where’s Dad?” Xiaojing asked.
“Dad also has a share in this gift,” Yingli explained.
“Well, it must be that dad didn’t know what to give so he sent it together with mom. But I love dad the most.” Before the car started moving, Xiaojing quickly kissed Kogoro who was sitting in the front seat. His face turned even redder because of what Xiaojing said.
“Cough cough.” Kogoro pretended to cough.
“Dad blushed.”
“Haha.” Xiaojing and Yingli laughed happily together.
They didn’t stay at Yashio for long. Even Xiaojing and Kogoro didn’t get off the car. Only Eri got off the car and brought back an exquisite box.
“Okay, let’s go to my residence.” Eri said to Kogoro after getting in the car.
“Guess what’s inside~” Yingli said to Xiaojing.
“No, I hate guessing games!” Looking at the box didn’t make me think of food, but the high price? The place we just visited was just a private residence, not a store, so how could I guess?
“Laptop?” Xiao Jing really wanted to have one before but later she didn’t care anymore.
“That’s not right.”
“No more guessing.” What a waste of brain cells. Why do people here like to play this game? The doctor, Shinichi, and oh, and Kaito, who hasn’t appeared yet. I don’t know why, maybe because he looks like Shinichi, Xiaojing thought of Kaito.
“Well, I’ll need it soon anyway.” Yingli slapped Xiaojing’s hand away when she wanted to open the box herself.
Clothes… Xiao Jing immediately thought of the answer when she heard that it would be used immediately, and lost interest in an instant.
After a while, the car entered a large mansion. When entering the door, the two people guarding the gate bowed and greeted the people inside the car.
“Mr. Maori, Mrs. Maori, and Xiaojing, you are finally here.” Before they entered the inner house, an old man who looked like a butler came out to greet them.
“Butler Guilong, long time no see.” Kogoro greeted.
“The master of the family has been waiting in the inner hall for a long time.”
“Then I’ll take Xiaojing to change clothes first. Dear, you go and say hello to Mr. Bu first.” Yingli said to Kogoro who was with her.
“Then Mr. Maori, please follow me first. Mrs. Maori, please take Mrs. Maori and Xiaojing to change clothes.” Butler Guilong instructed the woman beside him.
“Mr. Maori, thank you for your visit. Please come in.” The boy said with his head slightly lowered, but his tone was not very polite. It was a bit like Xiaojing’s voice, but not as cold as Xiaojing. It just sounded calm and majestic.
“Then I’ll go inside first.” Kogoro planned to wait for Xiaojing and Eri inside first.
“Guilong, please take Mr. Kogoro to the inner table. When Lawyer Houfei and Xiaojing come over, I will have someone bring them to meet you.” The boy gave the order to Guilong directly and then gave Kogoro a brief explanation.
“Thank you for your help.” Kogoro obediently gestured to Guilong.
“Is this the young master of my Bu family? He’s nothing special.” A frivolous voice echoed from the hallway. As the voice approached, a red-haired young man wearing unusual jewelry approached, followed by three men who looked like younger brothers. Although he was wearing a formal suit, his frivolous tone and gait made one sigh that the clothes were a bit wasted on him.
“Mr. Kogoro, please come this way.”
“Oh, okay.” Kogoro gave up the idea of staying under Guilong’s urging.
“Yama Zero Group? Although you are not welcome here, since you are here, I will let you come here and have a drink.” The boy said contemptuously from the side to the front.
“You are blocking the road.” Xiao Jing said to the members of the Shanling Group who were blocking the door.
“Huh?” The red-haired man looked at Xiaojing in confusion.
It was really troublesome. Xiao Jing just wanted to get into the venue quickly and satisfy her stomach after the socializing. Of course she would not be polite to these people who were looking for trouble, especially after she changed into a very complicated kimono.
“Little sister, are you also a guest here? This cherry blossom kimono suits this little kid very well. Could she be your little wife?” The red-haired man glanced at Xiaojing and said to the boy.
“Please don’t make such vulgar jokes, orangutans.” Xiao Jing said without even looking at them, then walked around them and prepared to enter the venue.
“Little sister, do you know who I am?”
“I don’t want to know.” Xiao Jing continued to walk forward without paying any attention. It was difficult for her to walk in her kimono, so who would care about her?
“Hey, hey, at least know the basic etiquette. Let your brother teach you!” The red-haired man grabbed Xiaojing and planned to teach her a lesson.
“Please don’t touch women casually.” Xiao Jing turned around and used her small fan to block the grabbing hand. After all, the other party was a child, so the red-haired man didn’t use much strength, so Xiao Jing could still block it with force.
“You little brat!” The red-haired man grabbed him again in anger.
Chapter 88: Our Common Birthday (Part 2) (Old Version)
“Da.” The red-haired man’s hand did not successfully grab Xiaojing but was bounced away by the boy’s sheathed knife.
“Lu Jiu, you are receiving guests at the door. Where is your grandfather?” Xiao Jing looked around and found that only Lu Jiu was there, and even the butler Guilong was not seen.
“I’m already inside. You’re the only guests left. You really kept me waiting.”
“I’m really sorry.” Xiaojing apologized.
“I’m not here to watch my little brat play house drinking. Since she’s my young master’s mistress, she should learn good etiquette.” The red-haired man shouted.
“This person is so pitiful. Do you need my help to call an ambulance?” Xiao Jing looked at Hongmao with sympathy.
“???” Lu Jiu and Hongmao looked at Xiaojing with puzzled eyes.
“Don’t you have some problems here? I think you can still be saved.” Xiao Jing pointed to her head and gestured.
“You damn little brat, I’m going to teach you a lesson!” After saying that, the red-haired man quickly grabbed Xiaojing again.
“Back off.” Lu Jiu quickly hit the red-haired man with his sheathed knife and asked Xiao Jing to back off.
“Little brat from my family, you must meddle in other people’s business, right?” The red-haired man withdrew his hand and stood still to question.
“Don’t you think this is what you want, Shinji Dosa?” What he meant was that you were here to cause trouble.
“It seems that my family still has the courage. Bullying children will not do me any good. Draw your sword, I will not show mercy.” The red-haired man twisted his head and said in a crisp voice.
“Shinji, are you sure you want to go this far?” Lu Jiu asked.
“So you’re going to hand over the little devil in the back?”
“Oh, Xiaojing, you really can cause me trouble.” Lu Jiu sighed and said softly.
“Come on, this guy is looking for trouble. It doesn’t matter whether I’m here or not.” Xiao Jing took Lu Jiu’s scabbard and moved to the side and replied.
“You are right.” After saying that, Lu Jiu held the knife horizontally and looked at Shinji intently.
“No need to confirm, let’s start!” After saying that, Shinji took a step forward and kicked the knife in Lu Jiu’s hand.
Lu Jiu used his left hand to support the blade to absorb the force, but his body was still pushed to the left by the force. When Shinji’s foot was fully pulled back, Lu Jiu took the opportunity to raise the knife and cut it diagonally downwards with both hands.
“That’s still a long way off.” Shinji easily dodged the attack by turning sideways.
“Hah!” Lu Jiu moved his left hand up from the handle of the knife to transfer the center of gravity of the knife to his left hand to rotate the knife, and then used his right hand to cut horizontally and pursue.
“Ta!” Shinji kicked the blade accurately from bottom to top, and then leaned to the left to avoid the knife whose attack route had been changed. Then, when he was out of strength, he quickly took two steps forward and stretched out his arm to hit Lu Jiu.
“Click!” Seeing that he had no time to defend himself, Lu Jiu immediately released his left hand and leaned on the hilt of the knife to block Shinji’s attack.
“drink!”
“snort!”
“Stop!” An old man walked out from behind Shinji’s men and stopped the fight.
“grandfather?”
“My uncle!”
“And Xiaojing, your attack can’t cause any harm to Shinji. Don’t rashly join the battle in the future.” The old man turned to Xiaojing and said.
As a result, the scene was strangely frozen in a strange posture. After Shinji missed his punch, he immediately kicked Lu Jiu, but because of the old man’s call to stop, the kick stopped less than ten centimeters away from Lu Jiu who had already dodged to the side. And after blocking the punch, Lu Jiu directly grabbed the handle of the knife with his right hand and slashed directly, and the knife was only five centimeters away from Shinji’s blocking arm. And Xiaojing, in the highly concentrated battle between the two, had sneaked around behind Shinji and planned to use the scabbard to attack Shinji’s standing foot. However, because the old man called to stop, Xiaojing’s charged attack became dispensable. Xiaojing couldn’t stop and had to throw the scabbard out directly. Naturally, it hit Shinji’s foot without any damage.
“When did you do that, little brat!” Shinji withdrew his hand and turned around to look at Xiaojing in surprise.
“Xiao Jing!” Lu Jiu quickly moved in front of Shinji to block his sight.
“Pa pa, now that we are here, we are guests. Both the host and the guest should behave themselves. Let’s go in.” As he said that, the old man took the lead and walked inside.
“Xiao Jing!”
“Lu Jiu!”
Eri came over with a woman who was about twenty years old.
“Mother.”
“Sister.” Lu Jiu had already put the knife back into the scabbard, and after hearing the female voice, Shinji followed the old man inside. His two younger brothers naturally followed in as well.
“Alright Lu Jiu, don’t keep us waiting. Go in quickly. I’ll take Mrs. Mao Li and Xiao Jing to the inner room. You should come over as soon as possible later.”
“Okay. See you later.” After saying hello, Lu Jiu left quickly.
“Then please follow me.”
“Okay, Sister Ji.” Xiao Jing had long since returned to her original well-behaved and taciturn appearance.
“Young Madam, you’re here!” Xiao Jing met a few boys dressed casually in the corridor and called out to them.
“An Qing, this is very rude of you.”
“Oh, sorry!” An Qing and the others hurriedly apologized when they saw that Yingli was following behind.
“It’s okay. I have no objection if Xiaojing is willing to marry Lu Jiu when she grows up.” Yingli said without any anger.
I do care about it, but Xiao Jing ignored me and continued walking past An Qing and the others.
“Xiao Jing, I haven’t seen you for a long time. Come to your sister’s side.” There were a few people sitting scattered in a separate room. These were people who were familiar with my family but were not suitable to appear in the main hall (after all, the main hall was now filled with people from the underworld). Among them were Kogoro Mouri who arrived first and Midori Awami, Eri’s assistant who greeted Xiao Jing.
“Long time no see, Sister Lu.” Xiao Jing first greeted the people who had arrived earlier with basic etiquette and then ran to Sushan Lu.
“Xiaojing has grown up a little.” Lu said as he held Xiaojing on his lap.
“I haven’t grown taller…” Xiaojing still feels a little resentful about her height.
“Xiaojing is still at the age of growing up, there is no need to worry about this.” Lu comforted.
After Eri and Ji came over, everyone greeted each other and started chatting. Of course, Shizuka mainly chatted with Midori and Ji, while Kogoro and Eri chatted with people of their age who were there.
“I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting.” Lu Jiu’s grandfather brought Lu Jiu into the room.
“I will have to trouble you all in the future, so I apologize to you all first.”
“Mr. He Liao, there is no need to do this. We have received a lot of care from Mr. He Liao and this is what we should do.” Yingli responded first.
“Haha, no need to be so modest. Let me, an old man, toast you all. Lu Jiu, take Xiao Jing to the back hall. I have prepared gifts for you there.”
“Haha, these two little brats probably feel uncomfortable here with us.”
“Don’t get drunk, you have to drive back at night.” Xiaojing jumped off Midori’s body and said to Kogoro.
“Hi hi.” Kogoro responded indifferently.
Since my mother is here anyway, Xiao Jing thought about it and followed Lu Jiu out of the room without saying anything more.
Walk through the slightly long corridor and arrive at the back garden connected to the backyard.
“Wow!” Xiao Jing exclaimed in surprise as she looked at the food and wine prepared on the table.
“Grandpa has discovered our little tricks a long time ago.” Lu Jiu put the knife on the pillar at the door, took some side dishes and sake from the table and put them on the plate, then sat on the edge of the floor opposite the small pond. After sitting down, he patted the seat on the right to signal Xiao Jing to come over.
“Doesn’t that mean your grandfather allows us to drink?” Xiao Jing asked while kneeling like a lady, putting the fan casually on her right.
“Just don’t be too arrogant and get discovered, just like we did before.” Lu Jiu filled the two small cups with wine and was not surprised to see Xiao Jing kneeling.
“Now that I think about it, it’s been two years.” Xiao Jing couldn’t help but recall the scene of their first meeting.
“I’m very lucky to meet someone like me.” Lu Jiu said after taking a sip.
“I was just startled, okay.” Xiaojing also picked up the wine glass and took a sip.
Then Lu Jiu continued to drink a few glasses with Xiao Jing and enjoyed the rare tranquility in silence, just like before.
“I owe you a favor.” Lu Jiu suddenly said.
“But anything other than money can never be repaid, Lu Jiu. Gratitude that cannot be expressed, tenderness that cannot be responded to, weakness that is saved that is difficult to speak of, and sometimes it is just coincidence that appears occasionally in life, but it is a meeting by chance.” The kneeling Xiao Jing put Xiao Gu back, put her hands between her legs, looked up at the blue sky and said.
“I also understand your real growth after your uncle and aunt passed away. I didn’t treat you as an ordinary child. I always regarded you as an equal.” Xiao Jing waved her hand at Lu Sheng who wanted to say something.
“I really envy your grandfather for allowing you to drink. If my parents knew, they would definitely give me a lecture.” Xiao Jing looked around to make sure that there was no one else here. She picked up the small cup from the tea tray next to her, knelt down, stretched out her legs, leaned back and said in a lazy manner.
“If you want to drink, you can come to me anytime.” Lu Jiu also picked up the small cup and gestured to Xiao Jing, and they both drank it all in one gulp.
“Well, I’m only occasionally interested in this, you don’t have to mind it. Oh, sorry for going off topic, what I wanted to say is that we just met by chance, you don’t have to mind it too much, I know you are grateful to me, for me who was only six years old at that time.” Xiaojing put the small cup in her hand back aside.
“I did spend a short time with you, but you also spent a memorable time with me. Neither of us owes the other anything. It is you who allows me to use this place as a secret base for drinking that should be thanked to me,” Xiao Jing continued.
“Xiao Jing always takes everything so lightly.” Lu Jiu said, shifting his gaze from Xiao Jing to the white clouds in the sky.
“It’s my personality. It’s the same for you, right?” Xiaojing replied.
“I guess so, but I’m obviously much older than you.”
“You are only two years older than me, but you are already the head of the family. Your performance today is worthy of praise!” Xiao Jing rolled her eyes at first and then praised with a smile on her face.
“But I know Xiaojing is more mature than me.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
“Like a little adult.” Lu Jiu started laughing first after saying that.
“So I treat you as my younger brother, and we will never get married.” After all, my mental age is here, and I really have no interest in men.
“Haha, sorry, did An Qing and the others call me that? They just like to stir up trouble.”
“What’s the matter with Young Madam? I’m also troubled.” Xiao Jing said helplessly.
“I will ask them to be careful in the future. I also know that Xiaojing doesn’t have any feelings for me in that regard, so let me treat Xiaojing as my sister!” A sister who likes to pretend to be mature.
“It’s being a sister!
“Even if you say that, no one will believe it.” Lu Jiu gestured above his head to indicate that the height difference between the two people was too big.
“Oh, really!” Why hasn’t she grown taller in the past two years, but other parts of her body have grown. Xiao Jing looked at her chest helplessly.
“Forget it! How have you been this year, Lu Jiu? I heard that the place where you go to school doesn’t even know that you are the young leader of the Sanyi Group.” Xiao Jing fell back to the floor, but immediately sat up when she remembered that she was wearing a formal kimono.
“I think it’s better not to let my classmates at school know. By the way, the eldest lady was in the same class with me at that time.” Lu Jiu said as he refilled the two small cups.
“That cocky blond doll, is that still the same hairstyle?”
“You’re so silly! You actually asked about my hairstyle first. But it’s still a golden twintail.”
“Let me think her name is Watanabe Yoshiko?”
“We were playmates, yet you’ve already forgotten our names?! Nakamura Yoshiko!”
“Just kidding, I just haven’t been in touch since I left.”
“After all, you didn’t say goodbye to her, and she even told me about you. Why don’t you ask her out next time? You should apologize properly.”
“Hi hi.” Xiao Jing picked up the small cup and responded lazily.
“Happy birthday.”
“Happy birthday.” Lu Sheng and Xiao Jing clinked their glasses again.
Chapter 89: Our Common Birthday (End) (Old Version)
“Young Master, it’s almost time.” The servant reminded Lu Jiu from a distance.
“Haha, it’s already this time without me noticing.” Xiao Jing said as she looked at the light that was already setting in the west.
“I thought you should have noticed something.” Lu Jiu glanced at the empty table and shook his head helplessly. He subconsciously put the small Gu to his mouth and found that the wine had been finished.
“Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t cost much anyway. Sister July, please help me get something to rinse my mouth.” Xiao Jing gave instructions to the servant indifferently.
“Okay, please wait.” July nodded and left.
“You’re so casual.”
“What’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is still mine. This is my consistent principle.”
“The only thing I can’t learn is being completely rude to people I know.”
“We are friends, aren’t we?” Xiao Jing straightened her kimono and stood up and said.
“Hi hi.” Lu Jiulue responded helplessly, straightened his clothes and stood up.
“Father, Mother.” After rinsing her mouth, Xiaojing went into the small hall with Lu Jiu. Maori Kogoro, Eri and Eri’s assistant were waiting for Xiaojing inside.
“Then goodbye.” After seeing Xiao Jing arrive, Kogoro formally said goodbye to Liao Heyejiujiujiu’s grandfather.
“Xiao Jing, if you have time, you are welcome to come over anytime.” Liao He and Kogoro said to Xiao Jing with a smile after they finished speaking.
“Okay, Grandpa.” Xiao Jing had indeed disturbed Liao He a lot in the past, so she answered using the previous address.
“Xiao Jing, do you want to get engaged now?” Assistant Su Shanlu in the car said jokingly to Xiao Jing who was standing beside her.
“It’s Sister Lu, you are already at the age to get married.” Xiao Jing rolled her eyes and retorted.
“I want to too, but I haven’t found the right person. Oh, if you hadn’t told me, I would have forgotten. Yesterday, Mr. Mingrijin came to the law firm specifically and asked me to bring a gift for Xiaojing!” Su Shanlu took out a small box of exquisite chocolates from her bag.
“Look at Mingri, he’s pretty good today, isn’t he handsome?” Xiao Jing continued to tease Lu while wondering why someone who had no connection with her would give her a gift.
“Although she’s not bad, I always feel that Mingrijin is a little mysterious. How should I put it, maybe she’s not my type?” Lu answered surprisingly seriously.
“I’m just a primary school student. I don’t understand even if you ask me.” Xiao Jing said as she tried to open the chocolate box.
“Xiaojing, you are not allowed to eat anymore.” Yingli, who was sitting in the front row, stretched out her hand to Xiaojing.
“Hi hi.” Xiao Jing handed over the chocolate obediently. In fact, it was mainly because she had just eaten at Lu Jiu’s place and had no desire to eat anymore.
It’s been exactly eight years since I came here, and every time I feel like I’m still dreaming. Xiao Jing thought as she leaned back and looked at the street scene behind her, unable to help but recall her past.
“Huh? The hair accessory on Xiaojing’s head is so cute.” When Xiaojing was looking outside, Sushanlu noticed that there was a small blue and black butterfly hairpin on her head.
“Huh? You actually fell asleep…” After seeing that Xiaojing didn’t respond, Su Shanlu realized that Xiaojing had fallen asleep with her face leaning on the backrest.
“Oh my god, be careful not to catch a cold.” Kogoro took off his suit jacket after pulling over.
“Thank you for your help, Miss Awiyama.” Kogoro handed the suit to Awiyama Midori.
Su Shanlu shook his head to indicate that there was no need to be so polite, and after taking it, he covered Xiaojing with the suit.
“It’s okay.” After Midori Awiyama said this to Kogoro, Kogoro continued driving.
“Xiao Jing, I already know.” Yuko, also known as Vermouth, said sternly to Xiao Jing who was standing in the dark.
“It’s a pity, but you actually betrayed the organization.” As he said this, Shinichi appeared in front of Vermouth, pointing a gun at her.
“Xiao Jing!” At this time, Conan appeared and kicked the gun out of Shinichi’s hand with an inflatable balloon.
“Bang!” But Conan was immediately shot down by Mary who appeared.
“It’s useless.” Vermouth continued, while raising her pistol and shooting at Xiaojing.
“Ding!” A metallic sound was heard, and Lu Jiu deflected the bullet with a knife in front.
Ah, what a boring dream. Xiao Jing surprisingly did not have the experience of being immersed in dreams before and actually realized clearly that this was just a dream.
As the people around her appeared one by one and were shot and killed by the familiar black organization on the opposite side, Xiao Jing looked around and saw nothing but a circle of corpses. Although the scene was not as disgusting as during the training, Xiao Jing knew that her heart must be shaken.
“There are no more bugs in the way.” Finally, Gin slowly walked in front of Xiaojing, feeling fear in his heart with every step.
“Uh…” With her heart beating strongly, Xiaojing broke free from her dream.
“What a boring dream.” Xiaojing quickly regained her composure, looked around and found that she was in Xiaolan and her own room.
“Is this the reaction after consuming alcohol? I do have a headache, and it’s already 6:30.” Xiao Jing got out of bed shakily and looked at the clock beside her to confirm the time.
“Forget it, Xiaolan will definitely wake me up anyway.” After all, it’s her birthday today and she, the protagonist, can’t be absent. Xiaojing, who originally just wanted to drink some water and continue sleeping, gave up the idea, put on her clothes, picked up the hairpin on her desk, put it on, and walked out of the room.
“Ah, Xiaojing, you’re up. It’s really rare that everyone comes together to celebrate your birthday.” Xiaolan, who was about to call Xiaojing, met Xiaojing at the door and squatted down to help Xiaojing tidy up her clothes.
“I’m obviously dressed…” Xiaojing never thought there was anything wrong with the way she dressed and she wasn’t revealing anything, but Xiaolan and Eri always helped her tidy up her clothes, and even Yuko was no exception.
“Pa pa pa! Happy birthday, Xiaojing!!!” The three members of the Junior Detective Team set off fireworks and said to Xiaojing together.
“Huh?” Xiaojing, who had always celebrated her birthday in a low-key manner with her family, had never encountered such a situation before and was a little overwhelmed to react for a moment. In addition to the three members of the Junior Detective Team, the Doctor, Suzuki Sonoko, Awayama Midori and Yuko were also sitting on the sofa.
“Xiaojing, you didn’t tell us that it was her birthday today, and we almost missed it!” Ayumi pulled Xiaojing over to the group and said with a hint of blame.
“That’s right, that’s right.” Guang Liao and Yuan Tai also echoed.
Xiaojing also realized that Conan must have let it slip after he deduced that today was her birthday.
“I can’t lie if they ask me. It’s not something shameful anyway.” Conan, who was standing by, noticed Xiaojing’s look and explained.
“You have been a member of our detective team for a long time, but you are still so distant. Conan, you have made a great contribution!” Genta first blamed Xiaojing for being so distant and then gave Conan a thumbs up.
“It’s rare that it’s so lively today, so I bought some drinks specially. Kids, have fun today!” At this time, Kogoro Mouri opened the door and came back from outside, and Eri was also behind him with drinks and some cooked food in her hands.
“Oh~!” the children responded happily.
It seems that a lot of unexpected people showed up today. Xiaojing always felt a headache when looking at Xizi.
“I hope for world peace!” Xiaojing said her wish seriously and blew out the candle, and Xiaolan turned on the light again.
“Happy birthday, Xiaojing!”
“We bought this together!”
“I hope you like it.” The Junior Detective Team took out a long, cat-shaped plush doll from behind like a magic trick.
“Thank you, I like it very much.” Xiaojing took it and thanked with a smile.
“Haha, Xiaojing can say this now. In the past, Xiaojing had a cold look on her face, which really hurt her sister’s feelings.” Yuanzi revealed behind Xiaojing.
“Yuanzi, please don’t bully Xiaojing at this time.” Xiaolan said pretending to be angry.
“What was it like back then?” Xizi came over with a curious look.
“But when I think about it, it’s true. Xiaojing was also very cold to me before.” Sushan Midori also joined in. As a result, the adults started chatting with great interest about Xiaojing’s past. Even the children of the Junior Detective League pricked up their ears out of curiosity.
“Really? They’re all so gossipy.” Xiao Jing said to Conan while sitting on the sofa.
“At least the doctor and uncle haven’t exaggerated anything.”
“They’re drinking, so they don’t have time for this. But Doctor, you better pay attention to your figure.”
“I don’t think you have the right to criticize others.” Conan looked at the cake in Xiaojing’s hand in panic.
“Tsk, I’m still growing up.”
“No, no, no, excessive sugar intake has nothing to do with age.”
“By the way, how’s Shinichi? My sister must have called you.”
“Yeah, so I prepared a gift in advance. I’ll give it to you later as Conan.”
“Oh, it’s not easy for you either.” Xiao Jing suddenly felt a little sympathy for Conan. Her sister was right next to her but she couldn’t say it out loud.
“It’s no use being comforted by a little brat.” Conan turned his head away proudly.
“Hi hi hi.”
“By the way, the hairpin suits you very well.”
“Thanks, but I’m still a kid, so it’s impossible for us.”
“What and what?” Conan shook his head helplessly.
“Lujiu’s gauntlet suits you very well.” Liao He said to his grandson who was swinging the sword.
“Really? I think so too.” Lu Jiu looked forward with a more focused look.
Chapter 90: The Mystery of the Piano Teacher’s Murder (Part 1) (Old Version)
“Why should I follow too?” Conan complained to Xiaojing in a low voice while walking behind Ayumi and Xiaolan.
“You just accompanied Ayumi to piano lessons on your day off as a return gift for my birthday. I didn’t force you to come.” Xiaojing said with her head tilted.
“Please, it’s obvious that I was dragged here by you and Xiaolan, okay?” Conan rolled his eyes. He really didn’t want to come.
“Just think of it as a bodyguard. You’re the only male here. Aren’t you happy when you think about it that way?”
Conan speechlessly stretched his hands to both sides, looking helpless.
Take the bus from Kogoro’s office for two stops and then walk for about fifteen minutes.
“This is it.” Ayumi in front pointed to a medium to large apartment building not far away and said.
“There’s a park right across the street, away from the roads, and no factories or downtown areas nearby. It’s clearly in the city, but it’s a rare quiet place.” Xiao Jing praised after subconsciously observing.
“The teacher’s name is Mimura Riko. Although she sometimes dresses a little exaggeratedly, she teaches piano very well and is well-received by everyone.” Ayumi said to the group.
“Speaking of piano lessons.” Xiao Jing looked at Conan beside her.
“Haha.” Conan could only smile bitterly. He knew that Xiaojing was still talking about his tone-deaf singing.
“Okay, let’s go in. Xiaojing, do you want to come to class with Ayumi?” Xiaolan asked Xiaojing after smoothing things over with Conan. She felt that if Xiaojing could learn piano with Ayumi on her day off, it would at least be better than reading and watching TV at home.
“Please allow me to decline.” Xiao Jing refused without a second thought. She was already busy enough. Although her reaction made Ayumi a little discouraged, Xiao Jing could only apologize in her heart.
“This is it.” Ayumi led everyone into the apartment and rang the doorbell of a house on the third floor.
“Huh? The teacher is not at home?” Xiaolan asked curiously when she saw that no one responded.
“Is it too early and you are still sleeping?” Xiaojing took out her cell phone from her small bag and pointed to the time of 8:30 and said.
“Most people don’t sleep until ten o’clock on their days off like Xiaojing! You should learn from Ayumi and Conan. You haven’t changed your habit of being lazy in bed since you were a child.” Xiaolan preached to Xiaojing.
“Hi, hi, hi, maybe he went out.” Xiao Jing changed the subject.
“Probably not. There is today’s morning paper in the mailbox.” Conan reasoned, pointing to the mailbox beside him.
“Look, sister, he is sleeping after all.” Xiao Jing’s tone was a little proud.
“No, I think the teacher went out temporarily for something and will be back soon. And she should also know that the students will come today, so—-the door should not be closed.” Conan said as he walked to the door and turned the doorknob, and the door opened.
“Conan is so amazing!” Ayumi praised Conan’s reasoning.
“Excuse me*4” naturally received no response.
No! There’s a smell of blood. Xiao Jing immediately saw something lying on the ground through the reflection of a transparent decoration not far away.
“Ayumi, stay here with me!” Xiaojing pulled Ayumi to her side. At the same time, she exchanged glances with Conan and nodded to him. Conan quickly rushed into the room, and Xiaolan followed behind.
When Conan arrived inside, he saw a plump, long-haired woman lying in an odd position on the brown carpet. She was wearing a floral shorts and lay motionless, a look of agony on her face. Her left hand was gripping the floor, her right hand grasping something forward. Her face was facing the direction they had entered, a dark purple hue. Blood and bubbles trickled from the corners of her mouth onto the carpet. A red rope still clung to her neck, its ends tangled like venomous snakes.
“Ah!” Xiaolan couldn’t help but scream in surprise after seeing the corpse.
“Xiao Jing! Call the police immediately!” Conan immediately determined that a case had occurred and asked Xiao Jing, who was staying at the entrance, to call the police.
“Teacher…?” Ayumi realized something from Conan’s words and planned to rush over.
“The teacher wouldn’t want you to see her like this.” Xiao Jing quickly used her extraordinary strength to overtake Ayumi and stood in front of her. She hugged Ayumi, whose tears were already streaming down her eyes, and spoke in a voice as soothing as possible.
“Sister.” Xiaojing handed the phone, which had not yet been put back into her bag, to Xiaolan, who had forced herself to calm down. After all, Xiaolan was the only adult now, even though she was still a high school student. Xiaojing then took Ayumi back to the entrance to wait for the police to arrive.
“Is this the place, Xiaojing?” Soon Mumu and Gaomu arrived at the scene.
“Inspector Mumu, the victim is inside.”
“Okay, let’s go in first.” Mumu also knew that Xiaojing was comforting Ayumi. For Xiaojing, who often attended court and even followed Eri to the police station to collect evidence, this scene was not scary.
“The investigation has confirmed it was a homicide. The preliminary estimate of the time of death was last night, but the exact time can only be determined after an autopsy. The cause of death was asphyxiation caused by strangulation with a belt, which belonged to the deceased.”
“But this teacher’s belt is really trendy.” This kind of thin rope belt is usually used by young women who pursue fashion.
“Is Ayumi okay?” Conan asked Xiaojing who came over.
“It’s okay, Xiaolan is with her now.” Xiaojing replied.
“Preliminary assessment shows that the victim is pregnant, but judging from the time of the crime estimated by the preliminary assessment, it should be committed by an acquaintance.” Takagi continued to report to the monitor.
“Captain, plant seeds were found on the carpet.” A police officer said, holding a transparent evidence bag.
“What kind of plant’s seeds are these?” Mu Mu looked at it and found that he didn’t know what kind of plant’s seeds they were, so he asked.
“Isn’t this melon seeds?” Xiao Jing exclaimed after taking a look.
“Xiao Jing, do you know what kind of plant it is?”
Xiao Jing found that this time it was not only Mu Mu who was looking at her, but even Conan was looking at her with a questioning look on his face. Xiao Jing then remembered that they were not allowed to eat melon seeds here.
“These are sunflower seeds.”
“Is this what a sunflower seed looks like?” Mumu still couldn’t connect the sunflower in his mind with the appearance of this seed.
“It’s usually used to feed pets, such as hamsters.” Xiao Jing just remembered that humans don’t eat the sunflower seeds here.
“The victim didn’t have any pets at home, which means this was most likely brought in by the murderer!” Mu Mu was sure that this would be a clue to solving the case.
“I just checked the trash can and the dust bag in the vacuum cleaner and didn’t find any clues. These are the only results of the search so far.” After reporting to the audience, Takagi put the notebook back into his jacket pocket.
“The room is very tidy, which shows that Teacher Riko would not let this kind of seeds stay for a long time, and Ayumi will also come to class. I think it is certain that this seed was brought by the murderer.” Xiaojing further confirmed Mu Mu’s inference after observation.
“The on-site investigation is almost done. Let’s go ask the neighbors around to see if there are any clues. Families with pets should pay special attention. Takagi, you take the children back first. I will go to Brother Maori’s place to collect the transcript in the evening.” Mumu ordered Takagi and the police officer who came over.
“Sister, I’ll take Ayumi back first. You and Conan stay here and cooperate with Mumu in the investigation. Father will be here soon.” Inspector Mumu is actually very busy, and Xiaojing doesn’t want him to come out and lie down at night.
“Are you guys okay?” Xiaolan asked worriedly.
“It’s okay, Officer Takagi will go with us.” Xiaojing walked back to Ayumi, took Ayumi’s hand and asked her with her eyes. Ayumi still had tears in her eyes but nodded firmly to show that she was fine.
“Then I’ll stay at Ayumi’s house later and just ask Takagi to take me home and I won’t come over again.”
After Takagi sent them to Ayumi’s house, he asked Xiaojing to accompany Ayumi downstairs to talk to Ayumi’s mother about Teacher Shiroko’s situation.
“Auntie Ayumi may be tired and has fallen asleep. Please comfort Ayumi later.” Xiaojing said to Ayumi’s mother after coming out of Ayumi’s room.
After that, Takagi sent Xiaojing back to Kogoro’s office and went back.
Chapter 91: The Mystery of the Piano Teacher’s Murder (Part 2) (Old Version)
“Xiaojing!” Xiaolan came back and saw Xiaojing leaning on the sofa reading a book in front of her while watching TV, but only two-thirds of the box of chocolates in front of her were left.
“Sister, are you alone here? Where are Conan and father?” Xiaojing shifted her gaze from the book to Xiaolan.
“Dad and Mumu are still discussing the case, and Conan also insisted on solving the case with Dad, so I came back to prepare lunch.” The lady explained as she walked to Xiaojing and covered the chocolate on the coffee table.
“Are you planning to have this for lunch if I don’t come back?” Xiaolan asked with her hand still on the chocolate box.
“No, I know my sister will definitely not abandon me. I’ll come to help too!~” Xiaojing clearly felt that Xiaolan’s anger was rising. It was not difficult to think that it must be because the two detectives, Kogoro and Conan, asked Xiaolan to come back to cook first for the case. Xiaojing naturally would not offend her.
“Really? You know it’s easy to get cavities, but you still like to eat sweets so much.” Xiaolan, who was pulled into the kitchen by Xiaojing, continued to lecture her while taking vegetables out of the refrigerator.
“I’m sorry.” Xiaojing took the potato from Xiaolan and apologized.
“Forget it. Mom told me a long time ago that it was my fault for not locking up the chocolate.” Xiaolan said helplessly.
“No, sister is the best. She wouldn’t be so cruel, right?!” For Xiaojing, who likes to read and watch TV, the lack of sugar is really sad.
“I really can’t do anything about you. Don’t cut the radish into such big pieces.” Xiaolan said in a giving up manner.
“Hi.” Xiaojing breathed a sigh of relief, knowing from Xiaolan’s tone that her sweets would not be confiscated.
“I’m back.”
About five minutes after the cooking was finished, Kogoro came back with Conan.
“Dad, Conan is ready for dinner.” Xiaolan put down the remote control and walked towards the kitchen.
“What’s going on, father?” Xiaojing asked about Kogoro’s case while eating.
“A suspect has been identified, but no further investigation has been launched out of an abundance of caution.”
“Why?” Xiaojing asked curiously.
“Based on the sunflower seeds found at the scene, although the suspect is a suspect, there are still many unclear points, especially the motive. In addition, the suspect is in the third year of high school and is in the exam stage, so…” Kogoro explained.
“Does father think so too?”
“Um,”
This is really rare. I thought Kogoro would say that he was the culprit.
“So what exactly happened?” Xiaojing asked Conan on the way to Ayumi’s house.
“Inspector Mumu discovered during his investigation of the neighbors that Kinto Changying, who lived downstairs, was so annoyed by the sound of the wind chimes in Teacher Satoko’s house that he tried to remove them from the balcony and ended up falling. Further investigation revealed that Changying had also complained about the loud piano music and had asked the Regional Pollution Control Department to have Teacher Satoko install soundproofing. Most importantly, he also kept a squirrel, and the squirrel used sunflower seeds as food.”
“So the murderer is Changying. After all, the sunflower seeds evidence points to him, right?” Xiaojing asked without thinking too much.
“No, I think Changying has taken down the wind chimes he hates and asked Teacher Riko to install sound insulation measures, so I have no motive?” Conan asked back.
“No, it’s impossible for the soundproofing device to be completely soundproof. The piano practice area does make some noise that’s annoying for most people, doesn’t it?” Xiao Jing pointed out.
“Changying may be feeling extremely dissatisfied inside, but he just climbed up the balcony without permission to remove the wind chime and fell down, right? So he still has retrograde amnesia. Such a person should not be able to kill people, right?” Conan also expressed his opinion.
“This kind of illness is easy to fake.”
“you mean?”
“That’s right, Changying didn’t climb up there to remove the wind chime, but to murder Teacher Riko. Because he failed, he jumped off the balcony and pretended to be injured and lost his memory.” Xiaojing continued.
“But the third floor isn’t that low. If it hits the wrong spot, wouldn’t it be life-threatening?”
“But weren’t there any injuries? I’m surprised too, but what if they had already found a soft bush beforehand?”
“This…” Conan couldn’t refute Xiaojing’s words for a moment.
“Besides, he still has one last trump card!”
“If the crime was committed during a period of memory impairment, according to criminal law, it could be considered a crime committed under a mental disorder. Furthermore, given his age as a minor, he could even be given a suspended sentence! [Applying Chinese law].”
“Even if you say so, there is a lack of evidence and basis.” Conan thought about it for a while and still felt that Xiaojing’s reasoning was a bit unreliable.
“Well, I was just saying it casually.” Xiaojing said she didn’t care.
“Genta, Guang Liao.” Conan greeted the two people who arrived at Ayumi’s house first, and Xiaojing just nodded quietly as a greeting.
“Ayumi, are you okay?” Xiao Jing sat down next to Ayumi and asked with a little concern.
“Don’t worry, Xiaojing. I have accepted the fact that the teacher is dead. What I can do for the teacher is to find the murderer!” Ayumi made a very powerful speech, perhaps subconsciously hiding her sadness.
“That’s right, this is the time for our Junior Detective Team to go out.” Guang Liao and Yuan Tai immediately responded to Ayumi’s expectations.
“Oh~!” Conan also responded under the threatening gazes of Guang Liao and Yuan Tai.
“Then let’s analyze the case first!” Guang Liao took out a piece of paper and a pen from the backpack he brought with him.
“First of all, when did the crime happen?” Yuan Tai asked uncertainly.
“Well, I remember it was last night.” Xiaojing answered Yuantai’s question, while Guangliao wrote the time “evening” on the paper.
“There are sunflower seeds left at the scene.” Xiao Jing continued to tell the Junior Detective Team what she knew, including her own inferences along the way.
“Now that we have a preliminary suspect, regardless of whether he is right or wrong, we should verify these clues!” Guang Liao said seriously.
“That’s right, let’s look for clues to catch the criminal.” Yuan Tai and Guang Liao obviously wanted to follow the clue of Changying.
“Even if you say so, you don’t know where to start now. We can’t just go to Changying’s house rashly.” If Changying is really the murderer, it would even be dangerous.
“Maybe we can ask the people living nearby for any clues that the police may have missed.” Conan suggested.
“That’s right!” Generally speaking, Conan raised a relatively clear point, so the Junior Detective League immediately agreed.
“This is not something you kids should be asking about. Stop playing detective games here.” But after being kicked out by the uncle who didn’t like children, Xiao Jing found that the group of kids who came to investigate were just talking.
“What should we do? Most people are not at home. It’s clearly a holiday.” Yuantai said somewhat dejectedly.
“Well, even those at home refuse to believe us.” Guang Liao looked at the closed door and felt a little discouraged.
“It’s because a murder happened around us on the weekend so everyone wants to go out and change their mood. It’s okay, let’s wait a little longer.” Xiaojing said this and comforted Ayumi who was about to cry again.
“Wait.” Conan, who had been thinking about something, suddenly said something.
“Teacher Riko is not married, right?” Conan asked, thinking of what Kogoro and Memu said when they were discussing the case.
“That’s right, Teacher Riko is not married.” Ayumi confirmed Conan’s words.
“So what about your boyfriend?” Conan continued to ask.
“No.”
“Then the person who killed Teacher Satoko is most likely the one who caused her to become pregnant!” Conan said.
“A murder of passion? It’s indeed a more convincing motive than Changying’s, but what if it was Changying?” Xiaojing still had some hope in Changying.
“In that case, there’s no need for Changying to go and protest to Teacher Riko about the sound of the piano or to remove the wind chimes,” Conan explained helplessly.
“Well, now that you put it that way, it is true.” After Xiao Jing finished speaking, she actually felt that she had preconceived notions and had made Changying the murderer, so she thought all the evidence pointed to him. But at the same time, she was also glad that she did not choose to be a detective, otherwise she would probably be no less misleading than Kogoro.
“Isn’t that Officer Takagi?” Ayumi, who was sitting on the steps, pointed at Takagi in plain clothes who had just gotten out of a car not far away.
“Really.” Xiaojing confirmed that it was indeed Takagi.
“Officer Takagi.” Conan and the Junior Detective League greeted Takagi.
“Conan, why are you guys here too?”
“We, the Junior Detective Team, are here to look for clues.” Yuantai answered confidently.
“That’s right!” Guang Liao and Ayumi naturally did not want to be outdone.
“Uh… so what did you find out?”
Takagi must be the kind of person who has no idea what to do with children and women, Xiaojing thought to herself.
“No.” The three members of the Junior Detective Team said disappointedly.
“Officer Takagi, did you come here with any clues?” Xiaojing shifted the Junior Detective Team’s attention back to the case.
“No, it’s just that some people were not in the room in the morning, so I came to collect their testimonies in the evening.”
“Our goal is the same. Officer Takagi, please take us with you.” Conan immediately suggested.
“That’s right, that’s right!” The Junior Detective Team of course agreed immediately.
“Well, this is official business and I can’t take you with me casually.” Takagi naturally refused.
“Officer Takagi, we won’t tell anyone else anyway. Besides, they won’t give up if you don’t agree.” Xiaojing asked Takagi not to struggle, and at the same time, the three members of the Junior Detective Team cooperated and stood in front of Takagi.
“I really can’t do anything about you. As a condition, I will send you home immediately after I finish collecting the information, okay?” Takagi said, looking at the dusk sky.
“Hi*4”
Chapter 92: The Mystery of the Piano Teacher’s Murder (Part 3) (Old Version)
“There are absolutely no clues.” The three members of the Junior Detective League shouted in disappointment while sitting on the stairs.
“Could it really be Changying?” Takagi murmured softly.
“Officer Takagi?” Xiaojing realized from Takagi’s words that the police must be suspecting Changying just like herself.
“Nothing, just wondering what to do next.”
“In fact, we didn’t find any suspicious people or any useful clues, but it also proves one thing.” Conan said after thinking for a while.
“Conan, what have you thought of?” The Junior Detective Team immediately looked over hopefully.
“Because there are no suspicious people, the criminal can be identified as someone in this apartment, right? Only people in the apartment can avoid suspicion and the suspect cannot be found.” Conan analyzed.
“So all we need to do is check if there are people with pets in the apartment?” Ayumi said after thinking for a moment.
“Although that’s what I said, I can’t rule out the possibility of framing the person. The murderer has already thought that we will narrow the scope to the apartment, so he deliberately left seeds to transfer the suspicion to Changying, who is dissatisfied with Teacher Riko.” Xiaojing said after writing in the scope of the apartment with a small notebook in one hand.
“Since we have narrowed the scope to this extent, let’s hand it over to the police.” Xiao Jing was not very interested in searching for the murderer. Since she already knew the scope and handed it over to the police, it was only a matter of time before the murderer was found.
“That’s right, I’ll call the police chief and ask him to send more people to check all the people in this apartment.” Takagi agreed with Xiaojing’s words.
“If it’s Teacher Riko’s hidden boyfriend, the possibility of him being a man is higher.” Xiaojing reminded Takagi again.
“Yeah.” Takagi nodded and was about to take out his cell phone from his pocket.
“Huh? Ayumi?” At this time, a woman came up the stairs and recognized Ayumi and called out.
“Sister Karin.” Ayumi also stood up and greeted her.
“Excuse me, who are you?” Takagi asked habitually.
“She is Sister Rika, who works as a cashier at the supermarket not far downstairs. She lives in the room to the right of Teacher Riko.” Ayumi introduced.
“Since you are also a resident of the apartment, could you please answer a few questions for me?” As a police officer, Takagi was still very cautious.
“Who are you?”
Takagi then showed his ID. Rika looked around and found that there was no one else in the corridor, so she led everyone into the room with a hint of mystery.
“On the day the boy downstairs fell, I got off work late and saw a man sneaking out of Teacher Satoko’s room. He just passed me by. I didn’t care at first, but now that Teacher Satoko was killed, I started to care.” Rika said to Takagi.
“So do you know him?” Conan immediately interrupted.
“I don’t know his name, but I remember he seemed to be from Building A in this apartment building, so I have some impression of him. But I’m telling you this, you have to keep it a secret. We all live in the same apartment, and I don’t want to be hated by others.” After she said this, she anxiously warned Takagi and the children.
“So if you have a photo, can you identify it?” Conan asked.
“Well, if you provide a photo, I think I can recognize it.” Lihua said affirmatively.
“So, Officer Takagi.”
“Okay, I’ll arrange the investigation right away. I’ll bother you again later.” Takagi immediately went out to make a phone call to report.
“Then let’s go back too.” Xiaojing said to the child.
“But we have just found a clue.” The members of the Junior Detective Team said unwillingly.
“I will tell you about the subsequent progress through my father.” Xiao Jing said and glanced at Conan, indicating that he should help tell the story as well.
“Xiao Jing is right. If we stay here now, it will only hinder the police investigation. Let’s go back first, otherwise our parents will be worried, especially Ayumi.” Conan naturally understood.
On that day, Kogoro learned that after an emergency investigation organized by Inspector Memaki, Rika identified that it was Yoshimoto Katsu who came out of Satoko’s house on the third floor of Building A. After further investigation, the police found that Yoshimoto Katsu often went in and out of Satoko’s house under the pretext that his daughter was Satoko’s student.
“And through preliminary blood type identification at the company’s health center, he is very likely the father of the victim’s unborn child.”
“The police are very efficient to have found the murderer so quickly.” Xiao Jing has already determined that Hao Bensheng is the murderer.
“Of course, once we lock on the target, the search will be a piece of cake.” Kogoro said with some pride since he was a policeman before.
“So is the murderer really Mr. Haoben?” Xiaolan asked after replacing the Coke that Xiaojing poured with boiled water.
“Ahem, although there is no conclusive evidence, the possibility of Hao Ben winning is very high.”
“Is there any other evidence?” Conan took the Coke from Xiaolan and accepted Xiaojing’s gaze at the same time.
“Yes, the investigation also revealed that Masaru Yoshimoto’s business mistakes had caused him considerable losses, and that shortly thereafter, Mr. Satoko withdrew an amount roughly equal to his losses from the bank.”
“Because Hao Bensheng couldn’t pay back the money he borrowed, he killed someone out of desperation?” Xiaolan cleared the fruit peels on the table.
“Maybe Teacher Riko forced Yoshimoto Sheng to take responsibility for her child. If his affair with Teacher Riko were to be exposed, his family would definitely be ruined.” Xiaojing also tried to analyze other motives.
After receiving various clues, the police summoned Yoshimoto Masaru without hesitation. It is said that if Yoshimoto Masaru refused to be summoned, they would immediately use this as an excuse to request an arrest warrant.
“Well, at least the matter has come to an end. Ayumi, we just have to wait for the police investigation.” Xiaojing told Ayumi about the progress of the case at school and comforted her.
“I’m much better now. Sorry to have worried you.” Although Ayumi smiled calmly, she could still see the hidden sadness in her expression. Xiaojing and Conan were helpless about this.
“Xiao Jing?” At this time, Conan seemed to have thought of something and called Xiao Jing and pulled her aside.
“Uncle Maori didn’t mention sunflower seeds at all when he was discussing the case yesterday, did he?”
“If you’re talking about that, then it’s true. Maybe it was accidentally stuck somewhere by Yoshimoto Katsu. So it’s normal that it fell off after killing Teacher Riko, right?” Xiaojing said disapprovingly.
“Even so, didn’t Uncle Mori say yesterday that Motokatsu refused to admit to the crime? And wasn’t it because Changying saw him and Teacher Satoko fall off the balcony that day that he was seen by Miss Rika and fled in a hurry?”
“He’s the most suspicious person around the victim right now, isn’t he? His words aren’t very credible. Changying’s motives are indeed a little unconvincing, aren’t they?”
“But doesn’t all the evidence now point to Yoshimoto Masaru?”
“The evidence is very sufficient. Hmm?” Xiao Jing seemed to have caught something but didn’t know what it was for a moment.
“Yes, there are doubts!” Conan said, raising his finger.
“Ms. Rika was just passing by Yoshimoto Masaru, and according to him, Changying saw them. If he killed Teacher Satoko, wouldn’t that definitely expose him as Satoko’s lover?”
“You mean if he was going to kill someone?”
“That’s right, this is definitely not the time to do it!” Conan concluded.
“Indeed.” Xiao Jing sorted out the current clues and found that it was indeed true.
“How is Father?” Xiaojing put down the book in her hand and looked at her father who had just returned from the police station.
“The fact that Masaru Yoshimoto borrowed money from Satoko has been confirmed from Satoko’s belongings. Masaru Yoshimoto’s name is recorded in Satoko’s personal account book. Inspector Memuku has obtained an arrest warrant and he has been detained.” Kogoro handed his coat to Ran and said.
“So, does that mean Masaru Osamu is officially a suspect?”
“I thought everything would go smoothly, but according to Masaru Yoshimoto’s confession, the crime happened around midnight on the night of the incident. He went to Satoko’s house, rang the doorbell but she didn’t come to open the door. He turned the doorknob and found it was not locked, so he walked in directly because it was Satoko who asked him to go in the afternoon. But after he went in, he found that Satoko was dead.” Kogoro took out a beer from the refrigerator and put it on the coffee table.
“Because he was afraid that his relationship with Teacher Riko would be exposed and that he would be treated as a suspect, he didn’t call the police and just ran away?” Xiaojing felt that although the script was old-fashioned, if she were Hao Bensheng, she would also handle it this way.
“That’s right. After all, he himself knew that he had the motive to kill. So he took away the physical evidence related to himself and ran away.” Kogoro confirmed Xiaojing’s guess.
“Humph, we won’t believe that.”
“By the way, Uncle Maori, are there any sunflowers or pets that use sunflower seeds as feed in or near Masaru Yoshimoto’s house?” Conan interrupted at this time.
“Speaking of which, we also had someone do some special research. Strangely enough, there were no sunflower seeds found in or near the Yoshimoto family’s home, and according to Changying’s mother, Changying’s pine trees never eat sunflower seeds.”
“So, no information related to sunflower seeds has been found yet?” Xiaolan asked.
“Were those sunflower seeds left by the murderer?” Conan muttered quietly while thinking.
Well, let’s leave it to the professionals. Xiao Jing thought about it and felt that her brain was not enough, so she turned her attention back to the book.
Chapter 93: The Mystery of the Piano Teacher’s Murder (Part 4) (Old Version)
“Dad, what happened yesterday that made Inspector Memuku call you over so late, and why are you back only now?” Xiaolan asked Kogoro who came in from the door.
“Changying is dead!”
“What?” Conan and Xiaolan asked in surprise, and although Xiaojing was not surprised, she also looked at Kogoro.
“It fell in that apartment building. Because it fell not too late, it was witnessed by several passersby.”
“I remember there is a green belt nearby. Doesn’t he live on the second floor? Wasn’t he fine last time?” Xiao Jing asked curiously.
“It’s not from the balcony but from the roof of the apartment. At the height of the sixth floor, even if you fall on the green belt, you will not be spared.” Kogoro explained.
“Why did you run to the roof so late at night?” Xiao Jing was even more surprised.
“In other words, someone invited him over and then pushed him down when he was not paying attention.” Conan gave the answer before Kogoro.
“Then who is the murderer? Why did he kill Changying?” Xiaolan asked.
“Could it be related to Teacher Riko’s case?” Conan vaguely felt that the two cases might be related.
“We can’t rule out this possibility, but this time we have a decisive clue. He was holding a few strands of hair in his hand. He must have subconsciously tried to grab onto something when he fell, and grabbed the murderer’s hair.”
“What kind of hair is it?” A lot can be determined from the length, pigment content, and color of the hair.
“The test results showed female hair and the blood type was A. It has been confirmed today that it is not from the women around him, and of course it is not from Teacher Riko.” Kogoro continued.
“Anyway, Masaru Yoshimoto has nothing to do with this case. He is still in the police station today. There is no more reliable proof than this.” Kogoro put his notebook on the coffee table and drew a cross on Masaru Yoshimoto.
“Since he was able to call Changying out, I think he’s at least someone he knows.” Xiaojing tapped Changying’s name with a pen. This was her usual way of discussing cases with Kogoro and Eri, or perhaps it was something Eri and Kogoro had deliberately cultivated. After all, Xiaolan had no intention of inheriting Kogoro and Eri’s legacy.
“In other words, as long as we further investigate the people related to Changying, we will find clues.” Conan said.
“By the way, Uncle Maori.”
“Did you find anything, kid?” Kogoro was as rude to Conan as ever.
“After school today, I asked the big sister at the pet shop about using sunflower seeds as feed for small animals like voles and parrots.” Although Conan protested against Kogoro’s different treatment of himself and Xiaojing, solving the case still depends on Kogoro, especially now that Kogoro can no longer be anesthetized.
“Pet? I don’t have time to care about that now.” But the thick-skinned Kogoro didn’t take it seriously.
“Father, there will be no progress in Changying’s case in a short time. I think we should prioritize solving Teacher Riko’s case.” Seeing that Kogoro was still thinking about Changying’s case, Xiaojing helped Conan divert Kogoro’s attention to Teacher Riko’s case.
“Oh! That’s right, I thought of it.” Kogoro suddenly stood up as if he knew what I was doing.
“Dad, what did you think of?” Xiaolan asked.
“At first, we thought Chang-young had brought in the sunflower seeds because he kept squirrels. But after investigation, we found another suspect, Ho-Ben-seung, and that diverted our attention.”
“Hmm?” Everyone looked at Kogoro as if waiting for what would happen next.
“In other words, the murderer who killed Satoko might be Changying! And Changying was involved in another murder case and was killed for some reason. This also explains why Yoshimoto Katsu has always refused to plead guilty!” Kogoro looked like he knew the truth.
“Father.” Please don’t let me down at the critical moment, Xiao Jing thought helplessly.
“Generally speaking, shouldn’t we also investigate other people who may be carrying sunflower seeds, especially those in that apartment building?” Xiao Jing said.
“Now that you put it that way, it seems so.”
Conan looked to the other side helplessly. I finally knew who Xiaojing inherited her stubbornness towards the murderer from. Uncle Kogoro, like Xiaojing, subconsciously pointed the clues to the person he thought was the murderer.
Afterwards, Kogoro told Mumu about this matter and asked him to investigate.
“The person we finally found has moved away.” Xiaojing explained the progress of the case to Ayumi.
“Fleeing from punishment?” Yuan Tai guessed.
“It’s very likely.” Guang Liao agreed with Yuan Tai’s guess.
“Well, the police also found out that Changying once asked the owner to get rid of the parrot because it was too noisy and even launched a joint campaign.” Xiaojing agreed with this.
“I heard from people in the apartment that the parrot’s cry sounds very much like a baby crying,” Conan explained.
“Is that really the case? When did that family move away?” Guang Liao asked.
“It was two days after Changying fell from the building.” Conan replied.
“Whose family is that?” Ayumi asked finally with a little uneasiness.
“Actually, this is the reason why I’m telling you the case right away. It’s about a family called Masahiro. That family has a daughter named Masahiro Narumi who is also taking piano lessons from Riko. Ayumi, do you know anything about her?” Conan asked.
“I remember this person. She has been learning piano even longer than when she was younger, but she has always been scolded by Teacher Satoko because she cannot learn well. Teacher Satoko even said that she will refuse to teach her piano after this month because Narumi’s progress has been too slow for a long time. Could it be that?” After Ayumi finished speaking, she thought of something and looked at Conan with a stern expression.
“This possibility cannot be ruled out.”
“It is very possible. The sunflower seeds at the scene are food for the parrots of that family, and they have grudges against Teacher Riko and Changying respectively. This way the events can be connected.” Xiaojing was more straightforward than Conan and believed that the murderer was most likely this family.
“Conan?” Ayumi confirmed to Conan.
“These are the only conclusions we can draw for now. We have to at least find this family first to make sure.” Conan is much more rational than Xiaojing and will not jump to conclusions.
“But they’ve vanished completely. The company listed on the rental agreement has gone bankrupt and dissolved, and their address is directly listed as this apartment. A government search revealed they haven’t registered their new address, meaning they’ve become the kind of unregistered migrant workers common in Japan [this is also because Japan doesn’t have the relatively strict ID card system like China].
“What about Cheng Mei?” Ayumi asked.
“That child didn’t go to school anymore and didn’t even apply to drop out,” Conan replied.
“Because the application for withdrawal requires the reason for withdrawal and the new residential address, the procedures are very complicated.” Xiao Jing is clear about this, after all, she is a typical transfer student.
“In other words, although we found a breakthrough, we lost the clue?” Yuan Tai said exaggeratedly.
“Well, you could say that…” Conan felt helpless that this clue was broken.
“However, the investigation into Masaru Yoshimoto is still ongoing. Just like Conan said, Masaru Yoshimoto is also suspected of killing teacher Riko.” Xiaojing explained the situation of the other suspect Masaru Yoshimoto.
“But since Masaru Yoshimoto has been denying it, I guess the detention won’t last too long,” Conan said.
“We can hand over Honmaru to the police, but we can try to find Masahiro’s family,” Conan suggested.
It was you who wanted to find it, but you dragged me into this. Xiao Jing thought to herself while looking at Conan coldly.
“Then the Junior Detectives are out again!”
Chapter 94: The Mystery of the Piano Teacher’s Murder (End) (Old Version)
“I just learned from the security guard that the members of the Masahiro family include the head of the household Masahiro Shigeichi, his wife Izumi, and the last one, Masahiro Narumi, who is still in elementary school.” Xiaojing informed the Junior Detective Team of what she had found using Kogoro’s name.
“Ayumi and I visited Sister Rika again. She told us that the parrot raised by that family is as loved as a member of their family. However, the parrot’s cry is a bit sad and noisy, so everyone has some complaints about it.” Conan also told what he and Ayumi had investigated.
“We found a nearby pet store and confirmed that Chengmei buys sunflower seeds as feed three times a month.” Guang Liao and Yuan Tai also reported their results.
“In that case, Zheng Baojia’s suspicion is basically confirmed.” Xiao Jing thought for a while.
“But there’s no clue where they moved to?” Ayumi asked.
“Pet, pet?” Xiao Jing couldn’t help but think of the cat with the strange voice last time.
“Xiao Jing, do you have any clues?” Conan asked immediately when he saw Xiao Jing muttering there.
“No, it’s not a clue related to the case, but if Zheng Baojia really dotes on that parrot, I think we can try our luck at the pet hospital.” Xiao Jing pointed out.
“Pet hospital?” Yuan Tai asked in confusion.
“It’s a place where pets get medical treatment.” Conan explained simply.
“That’s right. If pets are spoiled, you need to be more careful than children. Some pet lovers, in particular, may do things beyond common sense with their pets. And veterinary hospitals aren’t as common as human hospitals. Generally speaking, even if you move, you should still go back to your original veterinarian.”
“Well, although some doctors here use some tricks to attract customers.” Xiao Jing only said this in a low voice and only Conan next to her heard it.
“Then let’s find a nearby pet hospital!” After finding the direction, the Junior Detective Team immediately regained their energy.
“It’s so big!” Yuantai exclaimed as he looked at the building in front of him.
There is a Xiachuan Pet Hospital on the next street, which occupies an area as large as a hotel.
“Haha, it’s really easy to make money from pets.” Xiao Jing muttered in an envious tone.
“Come on, I have a real medical license, okay?” Conan complained.
“I’m just saying, let’s go in.” Xiao Jing didn’t want to continue this topic.
“Kids, what’s the matter?” The older sister in the front hall came over and asked when she saw the children coming in without their pets and just looking around.
“Excuse me, how do you treat a parrot?” Conan asked immediately.
“Is one of your parrots sick? I’ll take you to the bird department. You can explain the situation to Dr. An Teng later. If it’s serious, I still suggest you bring your parrot here for treatment.” The elder sister said as they walked.
“Thank you, sister. Your hospital is so big.” Yuantai asked.
“Don’t you need to register or something?” Guang Liao also asked.
“Haha, although the hospital is very big, the departments are clearly divided so there are not so many things to pay attention to. If there are a lot of people, just queue up.” The elder sister said with a smile.
The result was just as the older sister who had already left said. There were only three people with pets waiting in the bird department. After sitting on the chairs in the department for about half an hour, it was Xiaojing and her group’s turn.
“Hello, children, how are your pets?” asked Dr. An Teng, who was wearing glasses.
“Hello, doctor. We are here to ask about the parrot in Masahiro’s house.” Ayumi replied?
“What happened to Zhengbao’s parrot?” From An Teng’s tone, it was clear that An Teng knew about Zhengbao’s parrot.
“We’re really lucky.”
“It seems that your idea is correct.” Conan said to Xiaojing.
“Although I do know the new address of Zheng Bao’s family, I cannot disclose the guest’s information casually. If the police come to me, I will explain it to the police.” After Xiaojing and Conan explained the situation, An Teng still did not tell Xiaojing and the others the new address of Zheng Bao’s family in accordance with professional ethics.
“I have no choice but to trouble Inspector Mumu to come over.” Conan said helplessly to Xiaojing as he walked out of the hospital.
“Hi.” Xiaojing took out her cell phone from her bag and called her father.
After Kogoro called Inspector Memaki, he successfully learned from Anten that Shoho had brought his parrot to see a doctor the day before, and the new address of the clinic was also successfully recorded in the clinic book.
This time, the members of the Junior Detective League also came to Shoho’s new address, a dilapidated apartment outside the loop line of Sanchome. Compared with their previous apartment, the environment here is very bad.
As soon as the police entered the room, Izumi was shocked and collapsed on the spot. Fortunately, Kogoro was quick to support her and prevented her from getting hurt.
“She looks so haggard, maybe she is tortured by guilt.” Xiaojing said as she looked at Izumi who was sitting on a chair beside Kogoro.
After taking a break, Quanzi stared blankly outside the door.
“Ms. Quanzi, can you tell me why you moved?” However, the police would not give up questioning because of this episode, but Quanzi still looked outside the door without answering.
“The parrot, Mr. Masayuki and Narumi are all gone?” Kogoro, who had gone into the inner room to look for other people, came back and asked Izumi.
“Becky is dead. He died yesterday afternoon. My husband and daughter are going to the open space to bury him.” Quanzi showed a painful expression as if he had lost a loved one.
“Then Madam, do you have anything to tell us about the matter between Teacher Riko and Changying?” he asked Quanzi with a stern look in his eyes.
“I’ll tell you everything. Now that Becky is gone, I have nothing to hide. In fact, I have already agreed with my husband that I will turn myself in after burying Becky.” Perhaps the arrival of the police made Quanzi lose her resistance, or perhaps she had been tormented by guilt for too long, so Quanzi confessed very straightforwardly.
“The motive was that Ms. Satoko was no longer going to teach Narumi piano, so Izumi went to ask Satoko to continue teaching Narumi, but Satoko refused.”
“So the sunflower seeds were left by Quanzi?” Lan asked when she came back in the evening.
“No, sister.” Xiaojing denied it and continued reading.
“It was left by Izumi after she strangled Teacher Riko and went back to discuss it with her husband. Her husband left it when she and Izumi went back to Riko’s room to clean up the scene. In order to destroy the evidence, she left evidence instead.” Kogoro explained while looking at the extra-thick book of six codes in Xiaojing’s hand, still feeling a little scared.
“Did she also push Changying down the stairs?” Xiaolan continued to ask.
“According to her own confession, Quanzi went to negotiate with Changying that day because Changying had always wanted to get rid of Becky.” Xiaojing replied.
“Because the negotiations failed, I accidentally pushed Changying down.” Kogoro sighed.
“But it’s really pitiful. Mr. Zhengbao, a 30-year-old man, has been tortured by this incident and his hair has turned half white like a 60-year-old man.” Xiaojing felt pity for Mr. Zhengbao.
“Since the incident has been resolved, let’s have a meal and open a beer to celebrate!” Kogoro changed the subject casually.
“Then I want dessert too!” Xiaojing said, following Kogoro’s pace.
“Dad, you’re going to teach Xiaojing a bad lesson.” Xiaolan said helplessly, but she also accepted her fate and went to prepare dinner.
“Conan, what are you thinking about?” Xiao Jing asked Conan, who had been silent all the time, what he was thinking about.
“I don’t think it was Miss Quanzi who killed Changying.”
“You think it’s Cheng Mei, right?” Xiao Jing said coldly, her eyes returning to the book.
“Do you doubt it, too?”
“After all, their hair colors are different. Izumi has naturally brown hair, while Chengmei inherited her father’s black hair. Both Mumu and her father should know this.”
“Then why?”
“Why don’t you say it?”
“So you’re the one who only cares about solving the case. If Cheng Mei turns out to be the murderer, her future will be completely ruined. How will you let Zheng Baojia live in the future?”
“Besides, if Izumi admits to killing Changying, it won’t make much of a difference in the sentencing. She said that just to protect her daughter. Isn’t that great? The case has been solved, and no one has any objections to it, which can be said to be the best ending. I’ll go help my sister cook.” After Xiaojing finished speaking, she closed the book, put it back on the side of the sofa, and walked away, but the silent Conan didn’t intend to call her.
Chapter 95: Love Behind a Wall (I) (Old Version)
“It’s a pity you brought us to a place like this.” Xiaojing said to Dr. Agasa while helping to carry things.
This place is located in the mountains not far from the city. Due to Japan’s policy, there are similar mountains and forests in every corner, but because most of them have not been developed, they have become a blind spot for city dwellers, and most people would not think of camping here.
“This was recommended to me by a friend of mine. He’s observed flora and fauna here before, and there aren’t any dangerous animals here. It’s perfect for camping, isn’t it?”
Dr. Agasa and the children set up camp in an open space near the stream at the foot of the mountain. Of course, Xiaojing was dragged in; she didn’t want to come originally.
“I hope no more cases happen.” Xiao Jing handed the small steel bar used for fixing to the doctor.
“There are not so many cases, and there is no one else in this place except us.” Dr. Agasa fixed the edge of the tent.
“Phew, done.”
“Isn’t it that desolate mountains and wilderness are suitable for dumping corpses?” Xiao Jing asked back.
“Uh…Xiao Jing, you think too much.”
“I hope so.” We have Conan, the God of Death, here. How can I not worry?
“Xiaojing, Doctor, look, we found a lot of mushrooms and some wild vegetables.” The Junior Detective League and Conan walked over from the path and shouted.
“Many mushrooms are poisonous, so you can’t pick them randomly.” Dr. Agasa hurried over to check if there were any poisonous mushrooms. Some poisonous mushrooms can cause poisoning just by touching them.
“Guang Liao is here, Dr. Ali, don’t worry.” Yuan Tai said, hugging Guang Liao’s neck.
“That’s right, Guang Liao knows a lot of mushrooms.” Ayumi followed.
“No, I’ve only seen it in books and on TV.” Guang Liao said shyly.
“Then we’ll have wild mushroom soup for lunch today.” Xiao Jing took out the cooking utensils from Dr. Agasa’s car and said to the children.
“OK.”
Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Agasa and Xiaojing, the first meal of the camping trip was successfully solved.
“Let’s go explore the mountains next!” As Xiaojing expected, the young detective team became busy shortly after their meal.
“Let me make it clear first, you can’t run too far. Although this is a forest that has been explored, there are still certain dangers.” Dr. Agasa warned.
“Hi!” The three young detectives ran into the mountains a little ahead.
“Conan, you have to keep an eye on the kids.” Seeing that the Junior Detective Team didn’t seem to be listening at all, the doctor had no choice but to ask Conan to pay more attention.
“Well, Xiaojing, come too!” Conan said to Xiaojing who had no intention of leaving.
“No, I’ll just help the doctor with the cooking utensils and then read a book by the stream.” Xiao Jing didn’t want to move.
“It’s okay, I’ll take care of it here. You can go on the adventure with the kids.” Dr. Agasa was asked by Xiaolan to let Xiaojing play with the kids as much as possible.
“That’s right, just leave it to the doctor. Come on.” Of course, Conan was also asked to do the task.
“I understand. No need to pull me.” Xiao Jing put down the books she brought and followed.
“Footprints?” On the way up the mountain, Xiao Jing found other people’s footprints on the road next to her and stopped.
“Xiaojing?” Yuan Tai, who was walking in front, asked when he saw that Xiaojing didn’t catch up.
“It looks like there are other people here recently or now.” Xiao Jing said, pointing to the footprints.
“Judging from the outlines on the leaves, it should have been these two days,” Conan analyzed.
“Could it be someone who came here to look for treasure?” Guang Liao said whimsically.
“That’s right, that’s right!” However, this idea was very popular among children, and Genta and Ayumi excitedly responded to it.
How is it? Xiao Jing looked at Conan with a questioning look.
Conan shook his head, indicating that he had no choice but to follow them.
“Okay, after voting, let’s explore this way now!” Yuantai said, pointing to the direction where the footprints were.
“Uh… when did the voting take place?” Conan said speechlessly.
“It should be here.” Although Conan and Xiaojing were not interested in exploration, they still helped the children point out the direction of the footprints. Conan even deduced the destination of the footprints.
“Is it buried here?” Yuantai pointed to the ground under his feet.
“If there really is a treasure, I think it must be here, but the traces of the soil being turned over don’t look like treasure.” Maybe this is a “treasure” designed by the doctor to make you enjoy yourself.
“You didn’t bring any digging tools. Wait!” Conan said with a wry smile and then discovered something.
“What’s wrong?” The Junior Detective League looked at Conan.
“Don’t you think the shape of the soil is a bit strange?” Conan asked seriously, looking especially at Xiaojing.
“If that’s the case.” Xiao Jing picked up a branch nearby and looked at the ground while using it to draw a dividing line between the turned and undisturbed ground.
“It’s this shape, as expected.” Xiao Jing couldn’t help but feel a headache when she saw the roughly rectangular pattern on the ground.
“I think we should call the police.” Xiao Jing sighed and took out her cell phone. She first dialed Dr. Yamashita’s number, and then called the police.
“What happened?” The young detectives were still a little confused when they saw the shape.
“If my reasoning is correct, there is a high possibility that there is a buried body here.” Conan said to the children of the detective team.
“What corpse!” The Young Detectives who were standing there hurriedly moved to Conan’s side.
“Ayumi, are you okay?” Soon the doctor found the Junior Detective Team waiting for him at the fork in the road with a shovel.
“fine.”
“Have you found any clues?” Xiao Jing asked Conan who was looking for something everywhere.
“Not yet.” Conan answered while lowering his head and continuing to search.
“If there are no clues, we can only rely on the police investigation.” Xiao Jing looked around but couldn’t find anything that could serve as a clue. It seemed that the murderer was very cautious.
“Xiao Jing, I brought a shovel.” The doctor came over with the children, a little breathless.
“It’s here.” The Junior Detective Team pointed at the rectangle drawn by Xiaojing and said.
“Then I’ll dig it up.” The doctor rolled up his sleeves and looked like he was going to work.
“Doctor, stop digging…” Conan hurriedly stopped the doctor.
“Hmm???” The doctor looked at Conan in confusion.
“Rash digging may destroy evidence and even hinder the identification of key wounds if it is indeed a corpse,” Conan explained.
“Then?” The doctor looked at Xiaojing who asked him to bring the shovel over.
“It’s for self-defense. We can’t be sure the murderer is not nearby.” Xiao Jing’s long-trained poker face prevented her from revealing any flaws.
After hearing Xiaojing’s “explanation”, Dr. Agasa held the shovel and acted righteous, while Guang Liao and Yuan Tai also picked up nearby branches as if to protect themselves, which made Xiaojing feel a little embarrassed. If there was someone else, Xiaojing was sure that she would be the first to discover it.
After waiting for a few minutes, Takagi and his men found them, and the subsequent excavation work was naturally handed over to professionals.
As the dust stirred, a silver plastic bag emerged, revealing a woman in her mid-twenties. If anything, she was dressed exquisitely, like a young woman on a date. If you ignored her expression, she’d be considered a top-notch beauty.
Chapter 96: Love Behind a Wall (Part 2) (Old Version)
“From the documents left on the body, we learned that the victim was named Ishidate Eiko, who worked in a beauty salon. According to her colleagues, she lived alone in 3-chome in Beika City and did not have the habit of going out casually except for work.” Conan explained the situation to Kogoro who was reading a newspaper.
“Now that we know the identity of the victim, it won’t be so difficult to find the murderer.” When Kogoro first heard that the body was found, his first reaction was that the victim was dumped by someone. Most of the time in this kind of case is wasted on verifying the identity of the victim, especially if the victim is disfigured, and many of them even become unsolved cases.
“But we didn’t find any suspects during the daytime investigation.” Xiao Jing said while looking at the book.
“You little brats, stop causing trouble for the police,” Kogoro lectured.
“Conan wanted to go.” Xiaojing immediately betrayed Conan.
“Uh… I want to know the details of the case. Maybe the famous detective Uncle Mori can solve it~” Conan’s reaction this time can be said to be extremely fast, making Kogoro laugh.
“But why did the criminal spend so much time digging the hole and eliminating the surrounding clues but didn’t take the victim’s ID away?” Conan asked after Kogoro was proud for a while.
“Maybe he thinks it’s foolproof.” Kogoro guessed.
“Maybe the criminal is just a robber who has nothing to do with the victim.” Xiao Jing guessed casually.
“But there’s still money in her wallet,” Conan denied.
“Could it be pen pals? Netizens and the like seem to be very popular recently.” Xiaolan also put forward her own idea.
“It’s not impossible.” Kogoro thought about it and felt that it was possible.
“What was the cause of the victim’s death?” Kogoro seemed interested in the case.
“Death from asphyxiation, probably strangulation or death.” Xiaojing replied.
“The appraiser said it was strangled to death.” Compared to Xiaojing who was standing by and listening, Conan, who was actively looking for clues, obviously knew more from the police.
“If he was strangled to death, the forensic doctor should be able to determine the time of the murder from the bruises.” Kogoro said in an explanatory tone.
“But there’s no use knowing the time of the murder.” Xiaolan said puzzledly.
“If we know the time of the murder, we can calculate the approximate distance from where the victim was killed. If the hidden body was buried recently, we can even determine the search range and use surveillance on various roads to find suspicious vehicles, making solving the case easier.” Kogoro explained.
“However, if the burial time is too long, the calculated distance will be too large and the calculation will lose its meaning,” Xiaojing added.
“Uh…that’s true.” Kogoro admitted awkwardly.
“But it shouldn’t take too long this time. The body is well preserved. I estimate it’s only been one to two days.” After Xiao Jing finished speaking, she felt that she was not suitable for this kind of reasoning game, so she simply shifted her attention to the book at hand.
“Anyway, although you were the ones who discovered the body, this case should be handled by the police.” After hearing what Xiaojing said, Kogoro immediately lost his enthusiasm for the investigation for some reason.
“Dad is right. Let’s leave these matters to the police.” Xiaolan agreed.
Conan was a little confused by their change of heart, as they all wanted to solve the case as quickly as possible. However, seeing that no one wanted to discuss the case any further, Conan could only sit on the sofa and think about the case himself.
Let’s go check out the scene tomorrow. The victim Eiko’s location is not far from here, about half an hour’s drive away. Conan has already made plans in his mind.
“Xiaojing, take a shower and go to bed.” At about the same time, Xiaolan shifted her gaze from the TV to Xiaojing, who was still reading.
“Hi, hi.” Xiao Jing responded in her usual calm tone, but she had already closed the book and placed it neatly on the far right side of the sofa. There were also some magazines and other legal books on it. These were all placed there by Xiao Jing.
“Xiaojing, do you want to take a bath with daddy?” Kogoro came over happily.
“OK!”
“No! Dad will take a shower with Conan later.” Xiaojing and Xiaolan gave completely different answers.
“Why should I bring this kid with me? Can’t he wash himself?” Kogoro protested.
“Then I’ll take Conan to take a shower together.” Xiaolan said indifferently.
“No! How can I let this pervert take a bath with my two daughters?”
“Dad!” Xiaolan cried helplessly.
“I know, I know. I’ll take this kid with me.” Naturally, Kogoro was defeated.
In the bathroom.
“Xiao Jing, don’t go to dangerous places all the time in the future. Just leave the case to the police.” Xiao Lan reminded Xiao Jing while helping her wash her hair.
“I’m the daughter of a famous detective and a famous lawyer, so you don’t have to worry about that kind of situation, sister.” Xiaojing naturally knew that Xiaolan was worried that it would be detrimental to her growth as a ‘young’ girl if she came into contact with too many dead people.
“It doesn’t matter whose daughter this is. We are just afraid that you will get into danger!” Xiaolan gently tapped Xiaojing on the head with her hand.
“I understand.” Although Xiaojing used her usual tone, Xiaolan could still tell that Xiaojing didn’t take her words to heart.
“You’ve been running around a lot lately.”
“It’s mainly because Conan ran around.” Xiaojing immediately shirked responsibility.
“What I want is an answer!” Xiaolan pinched Xiaojing’s cheeks and pulled them to the sides.
“Hi, sister.”
“By the way, I’ll go to the bookstore tomorrow.”
“Well, I didn’t stop you from that.”
“Conan will definitely follow.”
“If you run around then you won’t be allowed to go to the bookstore anymore,” Xiaolan threatened.
You should tell Conan that it wasn’t me who was running around. Forget it, it’s no use telling him anyway.
Chapter 97: Love Behind a Wall (Part 3) (Old Version)
“I’m going out.”
“I’m going out too!”
Conan followed Xiaojing and ran out the door before she could answer.
“Xiao Lan said you will be grounded if you run around again.” Xiao Jing threatened.
“I’m not running around, I’m investigating a case.”
“From the results, it seems like he’s just running around, isn’t he?”
“Uh…kids are really troublesome.”
“No, no, no, I think you’re the trouble. Is there something you found that you can’t tell my father?”
“But Uncle Maori doesn’t listen to me at all.”
“Then tell me.”
“Uh, aren’t you interested in the case?”
“I told my father.”
“I’ve always been confused. Why doesn’t Uncle Maori listen to me, even though we’re both little kids?”
“Want to know?”
“Thank you for your patronage. I want strawberries.” Xiao Jing pointed to the cake shop nearby.
“Uh… okay.” Conan finally succumbed to curiosity.
“Because of my reputation, those who know me, while they know I’m still a child, understand that I already have mature thinking abilities.” It was because of this that I was noticed by Vermouth. I should have played dumb earlier. This meaningless reputation is not as important as life, okay?
“that’s all?”
“Well, that’s it. Ask yourself, do you regard me as someone you can communicate and discuss with, rather than an ordinary child?” Xiao Jing took the bag of cupcakes from Conan with satisfaction.
“That’s true now. We feel like we’re the same age. Did you take the same medicine as me?”
Xiaojing looked at Conan as if he was a fool.
“Uh… just kidding.”
“Let’s not talk about this anymore. You will definitely investigate the case, right?” Xiao Jing said affirmatively.
“Uh…the victim’s apartment is not far from us and I want to go and take a look.” Conan said embarrassedly as if he was seen through.
“I’ll go with you. I’ll tell you in advance that you’re only responsible for finding clues to solve the case. If you run around, I’ll tell my sister.” Xiaojing looked like she was telling him to figure it out for himself.
Although Conan questioned the administrator and the neighbor at home in the name of Detective Maori, he did not get any useful clues.
Conan, who wanted to investigate further, was stopped by Xiaojing and pulled back to the bookstore.
“It seems like a completely unsolved case.” Xiao Jing felt that there was no clue in this case at all, and there was no one who could be used as a reference to the criminal.
“Conan, what about you?” Xiaojing asked from the chair in the bookstore.
“I think there’s something suspicious about the college student next door to the victim.”
“He’s the murderer? That’s impossible. He had no means of transportation and no time to commit the crime.”
“No, I think he’s hiding something.”
“?”
“He said that Ishidate Eiko has been acting strange lately, leaving early and coming back late, and she hasn’t called anymore.”
“???”
“Generally speaking, even neighbors don’t pay too much attention to their neighbors’ return home time, and I checked the apartment door and it wasn’t very noisy.”
“What? The most that can be said is that this student might like Miss Yingzi.”
“Huh? Like it?”
“You’re really slow on this one. It’s quite normal for a man to keep paying attention to a woman, especially one who isn’t very popular with women.”
“But in this case, maybe there is a way to solve the case.” Xiao Jing closed the book.
“You think so too? Then?”
“Let’s go, but let’s find a place to eat first. By the way, I’ll call Sister Sato and ask her to come over.”
“Uh…is this okay?”
“Do you think he would tell the truth to elementary school students?”
“No, I mean, won’t Xiaolan know about this?”
“If you know, then know. You are under house arrest anyway.”
“Hey, hey…” You’re going to push it onto me again, right?
“Little ghost, you really wouldn’t come to me if you had nothing to do, right?”
“That’s not the case. Sister, you’re a very busy police officer. If it weren’t for a case, I wouldn’t dare ask you to work.”
“Forget it, so what’s the situation?” Sato asked Xiaojing in the car.
“It was yesterday when we were on an outing…” Xiaojing explained the situation to Sato.
“So what do you think that college student knows?”
“Well, I think it might be a breakthrough in the case.”
“I’ll just trust you this time.”
“Hello, Hiroshi Nisei, there are some things I need to know from you.” Sato took out his ID and showed it to him.
“Um… If it’s Ishidate Eiko, I’ve already told you everything I know.”
“It’s not good for big brother to lie.” Conan said, poking his head out from behind Sato.
“You two?”
“Actually, we are assisting in the investigation.” Xiaojing said.
“I’m not lying, you come in first.” Perhaps not wanting to argue at the door, Bosi opened the door and let them in first.
“Illegal monitoring without permission is a violation of privacy. Depending on the circumstances, you may be detained or even prosecuted.” Xiao Jing said fearlessly as she sat on the sofa nearby.
“As for monitoring, since Miss Ishitate is dead, all the items in her home should have been preserved as evidence,” Conan continued.
“So you’d better just tell me.” Sato delivered the final blow.
Does this really work? Sato looked at Xiaojing and asked.
“If you can answer truthfully, maybe we can find clues to Ishidate Eiko’s murder, and the police will definitely not pursue this little matter of yours.”
“Really?” Bosi, who had just been thinking silently, looked at Sato.
“Well, of course.” Sato quickly shifted his gaze from Xiaojing to Bosi.
“Actually, Ms. Shi Li plays the telephone game at night.”
“Telephone game?” Xiaojing asked in confusion.
“It’s a game where you dial random phone numbers and chat with them,” Conan explained.
“That sounds interesting,” Sato said.
“Then please think carefully about whether Ishidate Eiko made any strange phone calls before she was killed?” Conan has already entered the state and started asking.
“Having said that, I did hear her call XXXXXXX once to ask if anything had happened, but the other party replied that nothing had happened.”
“Can the monitoring device also monitor phone numbers?” Xiao Jing asked Sato.
“Of course not. Yingzi told me the number herself. Maybe she didn’t know who the other party was, so she could only confirm that she had dialed the right number by the phone number.” Bosi explained.
“Can this desk phone be used to look up people by phone number? Sister Sato.”
“You can usually find the address. I’ll have the person in charge contact the telecommunications bureau.”
It seems that although the police have the right to investigate, it is the telecommunications bureau that actually does the work.
“Mr. Boshi, can you still distinguish the voice on the phone by listening?” Sato asked.
“I think I can roughly hear it.” Bo Si gave a vague answer.
“Regardless, I’ll still need your cooperation. I’ll report your monitoring and won’t pursue the matter further, but I hope you won’t do this again. We’ll also confiscate the corresponding monitoring equipment.”
Chapter 98: Love Behind a Wall (End) (Old Version)
“He’s a company executive, and the apartment he lives in is really grand.” Xiao Jing and her group arrived at a high-end apartment after finding the address provided by Bo Si through the telecommunications bureau. They heard that the person who owned this phone was an executive of a digital company.
“Hello, are you Mr. Jin Yuanmu Zhuo?” The person who opened the door was a man in a suit, glasses and a puzzled look on his face.
“Are you Mr. Kanemoto Mu Taku?” Sato repeated.
“Yes, I’m Mu Zhuo.” There was a hint of displeasure on his face, perhaps because he was annoyed by being disturbed by a stranger.
“I’m a criminal police officer, and I have something to ask you.” Sato said, showing his ID.
“Are you the police? What’s the matter? Is this your child?” Mu Zhuo’s reaction was like that of an ordinary person. At least Xiao Jing standing next to him didn’t see anything suspicious.
“They are two of our relatives’ children. We are sending them home now, but they must come with us. This is my assistant.” Sato introduced Conan and Xiaojing and pointed to Bosi who had specially combed his hair.
“Oh, then please come in.” Mu Zhuo opened the door and let Sato and his group in.
“Excuse me!” Conan rushed in first.
“Hey, Conan, don’t run around.” Sato hurriedly followed.
“What would you like to drink?” Mu Zhuo asked Sato and Xiao Jing who were sitting on the sofa, ignoring Conan who was looking around. He also mentioned that Bosi was very responsible and played the role of assistant standing behind Sato.
“Don’t bother…”
“Coffee, thank you uncle.” Just as Sato was about to answer, Xiaojing had already answered.
“Don’t be so rude. Mr. Mu Zhuo, please give her and Conan a glass of juice or water. I won’t need it.” Sato knocked Xiaojing’s head.
“Let’s get to the point. What do you want to ask?” Mu Zhuolue spoke first after pouring a glass of juice for Xiaojing and Conan.
“First of all, have you been to the mountains near Shibuya City recently?”
“I don’t remember ever being there.” Mu Zhuo thought for a moment and replied.
“Uncle, which car is yours?” Conan, who had already run to the balcony, asked loudly.
“?” Mu Zhuo cast a questioning look at Sato and nodded yesterday.
“The black one on the far right.”
“Conan, don’t run around! Just sit here quietly.” Sato then asked Conan and Xiaojing to sit together, perhaps because he was afraid that Conan would alert the enemy.
“So do you know Ishidate Eiko?” Sato turned his head and continued asking.
“Ishidate Eiko? Who is that?”
“You don’t not know him, do you?” Sato asked in surprise.
“I don’t know him, I haven’t even heard of this name.” Mu Zhuo shook his head in denial.
“That’s a bit strange!”
“strangeness?”
“Ishidate Eiko, whose name I’ve never even heard of, has called you many times.”
“Call me?” Mu Zhuo’s tone was a little flustered.
“I called at least three times. XXXXXX is your home phone number, right? I’ve confirmed it with the telecommunications bureau.”
“Stop talking nonsense! That’s not happening. I just received a few harassing calls. You’re the ones responsible for this harassing phone calls. You’re the ones who’ve been harassing me.”
“Really? You mean you only get harassing calls?”
“So you just answered the phone and hung up?”
“Okay, sorry to bother you then.”
“No other questions?” Sato’s sudden ending made Mu Zhuo a little strange.
“No, thank you for your cooperation. We apologize for disturbing you again if necessary.”
“Oh well.”
“Brother Boshi, is that the voice?” Conan, who had already arrived downstairs, asked.
“I think it’s this voice, and he lied and said he just hung up the phone. Yingzi clearly asked him if anything happened at home. It wasn’t a harassing call at all!” Bosi seemed to conclude that there was something wrong with this man.
“Conan, what are you doing over there?” Sato asked when he saw that Conan was not walking towards his car.
“Maybe there are some clues in the car.”
“But you can’t search his car without a search warrant,” Xiaojing said.
“Uh…that’s exactly what I said.” Conan stopped.
“Maybe we need to change our thinking.” Xiao Jing sat down directly on a chair for rest.
“What do you mean?” Sato and Conan came over.
“First of all, I mean, what if, what if Mu Zhuo is the murderer.” Xiao Jing put a finger to her mouth.
“What is his motive?”
“Motive? It really seems like he and Miss Eiko have no connection. They don’t live that close to each other, and it takes about 40 minutes to drive there.” Sato analyzed.
“That’s right, so what motive would someone have to kill someone just for a phone call?” Xiao Jing asked.
“I understand!” Conan looked as if he already understood the truth.
“It’s a call for help from the crime scene!” Conan continued to explain.
“Are you saying that Mu Zhuo might be the murderer of another case?”
“It is very likely that, judging from the way Miss Yingzi disposed of the body, the victim may not have been found yet and is still missing.” Conan has entered his mode.
“Officer Sato, please ask the police to investigate whether there are any people related to Mu Zhuo in the missing cases of those two days when Ms. Yingzi made her first call to Mu Zhuo.”
“Sister Sato, I think it is necessary to apply for a search warrant immediately based on Mr. Hiroshi’s testimony.” Xiaojing thought it would be better not to go back just in case.
“Why are you here again?” Mu Zhuo looked at Sato and his group who had returned.
“I’m so sorry, there have been some new developments in the incident and we need to search you. The police will bring the search warrant here later.”
“Are you suspecting me? Can you police officers just suspect others casually?” Mu Zhuo said loudly angrily.
“Don’t get so excited yet. We’ve confirmed that a woman named Funachi Kazumi has gone missing since Ms. Yingzi spoke with you. Although this is only a preliminary investigation, it seems you are indeed related to her.”
“Funa Tomomi Kazumi?”
“That’s right, and the neighbor who lives next door to Miss Yingzi also heard your conversation with Miss Yingzi, proving your lie.”
“Hear?”
“There’s a student living next door who has a crush on her so he’s been eavesdropping on her telephone games through a device. We’ll arrange for him to confront you after the search.”
“Women’s hair is very difficult to deal with. Whether it’s in the gaps between sofas, on the back of cars, or even on combs, it’s hard to remove hair.”
“And the soil on that mountain is reddish natural soil. I found that it is somewhat similar to the soil on my uncle’s tires.” Conan also shared the clues he had observed at this time.
“Yes, it’s me…” Mu Zhuo lowered his head in giving up.
“Sato, I’m here with a search warrant.” Takagi arrived at this time.
“It’s no longer necessary. Please follow me to the police station.” Sato said to Mu Zhuo.
Mu Zhuo was still a little dazed, but he had given up struggling and followed Sato to the police station. Takagi, who had arrived, became the one who sent Xiaojing, Conan and Boshi back.
“I’m back*2!”
“Conan, Xiaojing!” Xiaolan, with anger written all over her face, greeted them at the entrance.
“I was wrong. I was bribed by Conan’s cake. I’m sorry.” Xiaojing apologized neatly.
“Uh…I’m sorry.” Although Conan wanted to refute, it was obvious that Xiaolan had no intention of listening to their explanation.
“Sit up straight!”
“Hi*2”
“But it’s ironic that Miss Yingzi, who is tortured by loneliness, has to use telephone games to relieve her distress, but she doesn’t know that there is a man who has a crush on her right within her reach.” Xiaojing concluded after explaining the case to Xiaolan and Kogoro.
“In that case, why doesn’t Xiaojing feel lonely?” Conan asked in a low voice. As far as he knew, Xiaojing liked to be alone despite her young age.
“Well, you’re right, I’m lonely, so please try to be nice to me.” Xiao Jing gave Conan a look in a completely flat voice.
“Tsk, looking at your expression I know you don’t have any.”
“Who knows?”
Chapter 99: Port Hotel (I) (Old Version)
“It’s all thanks to Sister Sonoko.” Conan looked at the scenery outside the window and was intoxicated by Sonoko.
“Haha, because my hotel is newly opened, I want people to review it. Although it’s not a big hotel, if it passes this time, I also plan to advertise it.” Sonoko explained.
The place they came to this time was a coast about 20 kilometers south of Tokyo. There were large and small islands on the sea facing the mountains on all sides. It was a scenic tourist destination.
“It is said that this place has been famous as a seaport since a long time ago,” said Kogoro who was driving.
“To be precise, this place has been known for its harbor and its customs for a long time. It can still be seen in waka poems and some books. It’s better to say that this place is a sanatorium.” Xiaojing continued.
“Charm?” Xiaolan asked in confusion.
“Ah, that’s it, right?” Kogoro said loudly.
You can see a Western-style hotel on the hill by the sea, but because of the distance, what you can see is actually only the upper half of the building, and the lower half is blocked by the pine forest.
“The design is really good.” Xiao Jing looked at the pine trees on both sides of the mountain road, the colorful flower beds and the unique Linquan Flower Pavilion. The scenery complemented each other and gave people a different sense of beauty.
“By the way, how much does it cost to live here?” Xiaojing asked Yuanzi.
“I remember the regular room was 10,000 yen and the special room was 120,000 yen. I was planning to book the special room but it was already booked.” Sonoko thought casually and answered.
“Sister Sonoko, please let me see the room that costs 120,000 yen a night!” Xiaojing ran to Sonoko and held her hand seriously.
“Haha, don’t mind it. Xiaojing is curious about things she has never seen before. Xiaojing can’t be so rude.” Xiaolan said it gently, but her hands were so strong that Xiaojing had no chance to resist and was pulled back to Xiaolan.
“It’s okay. The guests in the special room are only staying until today. Let’s take a look around after they leave tomorrow.”
“It’s so high-end that it’s open to the public?! Damn rich people.”
“Hehe…Xiao Jing, your reaction is too big.” Conan moved closer with some surprise.
“By the way, you are one of the rich people too.”
“…”
“Sister Xiaolan, what happened to Xiaojing?” Conan, who was frustrated, cleverly went to Xiaolan to find out what happened.
“It’s nothing. It’s just that as punishment for last time, all your pocket money for this month will be confiscated.” Xiaolan said with a smile.
Is it you…Xiaolan?
“We’ve been walking for so long, let me find a place to have a drink!” After putting down his luggage and reuniting with Xiaolan and the others, Kogoro announced the purpose of his visit.
“It’s almost time for lunch. Although we didn’t reserve a special room, the signature dishes here are very good.” Sonoko also recommended.
“The restaurant is actually at the back.” Kogoro and his group said as they followed Sonoko on the pine tree walkway.
“Actually, the hotel does have rooms for making snacks, but for the sake of the hotel’s air, we decided to separate the cooking area. And behind the hotel there is a tourist shortcut that leads directly to the port, and it only takes about fifteen minutes to walk there.” Sonoko explained.
“This is actually a good idea. Isn’t it just right to use this time for a walk?” Xiaolan quite liked this plan.
“Conan?” Xiao Jing followed Conan’s gaze and found that he was looking at the hotel entrance right in front of him.
“Well, what an enviable combination.”
A man and woman were slowly walking towards the crowd. The man was wearing a thin brown sweater and thick checkered trousers, while the woman was wearing a pure white kimono with a scarlet belt.
The reason why they were so eye-catching was that the man had pale hair, a thin face, and even a slow, unsteady pace, and he had a majestic and arrogant demeanor. The woman had her thick hair tied back, a pale face with appropriate makeup, and was neither fat nor thin, and her youthful and beautiful appearance formed a sharp contrast with the man.
“This old man must be here with his lover for a trip.” Xiao Jing said to Conan after seeing this.
“Hey, you don’t have to think so darkly.”
“It’s true. A beautiful young woman becomes the mistress of a wealthy man who is about to die. After the man dies, she gets a large inheritance in the name of her children. That’s what the books say.”
“What kind of books are you reading?”
“Isn’t it?” Xiao Jing tilted her head.
“Shh.” Seeing that the other party was not far away, Conan quickly told Xiaojing not to say any more rude words.
“Xiao Jing, you were wrong just now.” Yuanzi said to Xiao Jing after arriving at the hotel.
“???” Xiaojing didn’t expect that her whispered conversation with Conan was heard by Sonoko who was standing next to her.
“They’re a serious couple, and they were the ones who booked the special room. Their details are on the registration form. The clerk said this is their second time here.”
“This place is quite remote for people in Tokyo. It’s common to use a fake name and stay in a hotel with your lover as a couple.” Xiao Jing didn’t agree at all.
“Tsk tsk tsk, our hotel is a high-end hotel and we have very strict verification measures for guests. After all, we need to ensure the basic safety of the guests. You can rest assured about this, hahaha~” Sonoko said proudly.
“Then I’ll change it. A young woman will marry a dying man and then legally inherit his estate after his death.” Xiao Jing still insisted on her words without giving up.
“Please don’t curse others to death.” Conan replied speechlessly.
“After all, it’s rare to see this kind of pairing in real life, so it’s normal to have some thoughts, right?” Xiao Jing didn’t think there was anything rude about it.
While chatting, everyone had unknowingly walked to the front of the hotel. It was a building with a similar style to the hotel, but it only had three floors.
“The first floor is a public place for chatting and resting, the second floor is a restaurant, and the third floor is a coffee shop with several private rooms that can be used for work.” Everyone’s target was the second floor.
“I’m done eating. I’m going to stroll around the nearby harbor.” Kogoro said seriously after quickly finishing his meal.
“Why don’t we go together after dinner?” Xiaolan asked doubtfully.
“No matter what, it’s really inappropriate for me to accompany two girls and two children. You guys just enjoy yourself. You won’t be able to let go even if I accompany you.” He stood up, waved his hand and left.
“What’s wrong with Dad today? He seems a little strange.” Xiaolan said questioningly after watching Kogoro leave.
“Maybe we met our lover from long ago, so we want to meet her as soon as possible, and in the end we may even have a new brother or sister?” Xiao Jing joked whimsically.
“Hey, why do you have a special liking for these plots that only appear on TV today?” Conan asked with a smile.
“Just kidding, just kidding.”
“Please don’t take sashimi from my plate while you’re joking.”
“Is there any?” Xiao Jing picked it up and put it in her mouth without any concern.
“Xiao Jing, you are not allowed to do such rude things while eating. You have to eat the vegetables here too.”
“Hi.”
Chapter 100: Port Hotel (Part 2) (Old Version)
“Huh? Is he really dead?” Xiaojing turned her attention from the lounge to the waiter who came to inform Kogoro.
“But Dad went to the port and his cell phone is charging in the room…” Xiaolan said in embarrassment.
“Anyway, let’s go and take a look first.” Conan immediately ran towards the hotel.
“That’s right, we can’t always rely on uncle. This time it’s my turn, Sonoko!” Sonoko also ran out with Conan, and of course Xiaolan and Xiaojing could only follow closely behind.
“He was already dead when we arrived, from a heart attack.” The doctor who arrived with the ambulance was communicating with the police officer in charge.
“According to witnesses, the deceased kept running from the hotel towards the restaurant and then collapsed,” said the police officer.
“That’s right. Even a young person would be exhausted after running, let alone a man in his sixties, and his heart is not in good condition to begin with.” The doctor said with certainty.
“But he himself knows that his heart is not in good condition, so why is he running like this? Isn’t it strange?” Conan interrupted at this time.
“It’s really incredible. I wonder if something scared him like this? This is the only guess I can make.” The doctor replied.
“Now that you mention it, it seems that we need to investigate further. Wait?” The police officer noticed Conan interrupting.
“Little brother, this is not a detective game. Go back to your family.”
“I’m so sorry, didn’t Conan tell you not to run around? I’m Ran Maoli, and we want to find out what’s going on before my father comes back.”
“Mori? Could it be that my father is the famous Mori Kogoro?”
“That’s right, that’s right. These two are the daughters of Uncle Mouri Kogoro, and I am a friend that his daughter trusts very much. Maybe we can help solve the case.” Sonoko said as if we were very powerful.
“Since it has been confirmed that it was a heart attack, then we should investigate whether he saw anything before he died.” Xiao Jing didn’t think there was anything abnormal about dying of illness.
“He saw me.” A woman of a certain age with fine wrinkles on her thin face said to the police.
“That’s right, my husband and I were opening the door to welcome the hotel manager. I am Miyairi Eko, and the deceased is my husband.” At this time, the young and beautiful woman who was fantasized about by Xiaojing also explained.
“Manager?” Xiaojing looked towards the garden.
“Well, this is the manager here, Zuo Xiezi, the actual person in charge of this hotel.” Sonoko confirmed Xiaojing’s words.
“My husband did say something in a daze before: She’s still here, she’s still here.” Miyairu Eiko explained to everyone the abnormality she had discovered.
Everyone turned their attention to Zhao Xiezi, waiting for his explanation. He didn’t panic, but sighed softly as if he had made up his mind.
“Since it has come to this, I will just tell the truth. Jiajun Yinan was my husband when I was young. I call him my husband, but we were just living together back then. But the economy was in recession at that time, and Yinan left forty years ago after leaving a letter. The letter said he was going out to work hard, and he was afraid that I would not agree, so he left in this way. He still loved me. Although the letter also told me to forget him when I met other good people, I didn’t have that kind of mood at all at that time, so I believed what he said in the letter and waited for him for three years, until I met my current husband.” Zuo Xiezi slowly explained his fate with the deceased.
“Maybe the deceased recognized you and ran away because he felt guilty?” Sonoko guessed.
“To be honest, we haven’t seen each other for forty years. If it weren’t for his name registered in the registration book, I wouldn’t have recognized him at all. Besides, I don’t hate him at all.” Qiao Xiezi said with a sadness on his face that only comes when an acquaintance dies.
“No, although you don’t hate him, he feels guilty in his heart. He is afraid that you, the woman he has abandoned for forty years, will come to him, and he is even more afraid that you will scold him in front of Miss Miyari.” Sonoko further analyzed.
“Besides, he is so rich now. Besides, as a member of the upper class, it would be very embarrassing for such a thing to be exposed, so he can only think of running away?” Xiao Jing also speculated.
“After all, the woman he had abandoned for forty years appeared in front of him like a ghost, and he might be scared.” The police also agreed with this view.
With Yuanzi’s active participation, Xiaojing and others investigated the scene with the police officer and questioned witnesses. The matter was temporarily concluded as death from illness and further test reports are awaited.
“Conan, why didn’t you say a word today?” Xiaojing asked while looking at the scenery outside. Xiaolan and Sonoko went to find Kogoro, leaving Xiaojing and Conan in the room.
“I felt a few things were suspicious, so I went to confirm them myself while you were investigating with the officer.”
“?? You’ve been getting better and better lately. I didn’t even notice you were away.”
“Your focus is on the police officers and others, so of course you won’t pay attention to me.”
“That’s true. So what did you find out? You don’t think he died by accident?” Xiao Jing realized at this time that Conan meant it was homicide.
“That’s right. First of all, there’s no need to run away if you don’t want to see him.”
“What do you mean?” Xiao Jing asked in confusion.
“Zhao Xiezi was just going to greet the guest in the special room as a matter of routine, not specifically to find him. I asked Ms. Zhao Xiezi about this, and she said she was just bowing outside the door, and Jia Junyin immediately rushed out when he saw her.”
“Because you saw her? Is there something wrong?” Xiaojing felt that there was nothing strange here.
“What would you do if you opened the door at home and saw someone you didn’t want to see at the door?” Conan asked.
“Well… indeed, if it were me, I would have closed the door immediately, but maybe I was too panicked and instinctively wanted to run away. Is that okay?”
“Why wouldn’t you want to run away?”
“I definitely can’t outrun them.”
“So an elderly person with heart disease should know that they can’t escape.”
“What you said makes sense.”
“And I’ve found something strange.” Conan looked serious.
“Hmm?” Xiao Jing still had some confidence in her observation skills, so why was she completely defeated by Conan?
“Saliva was flowing from the deceased’s mouth.”
“I was wondering what you were talking about. It’s normal to drool after running like this.”
“The question is quantity.”
“quantity?”
“Yes, there is a bit too much saliva.”
“I didn’t pay attention to this. It seems that there aren’t many.” Xiao Jing thought about it and still didn’t think there was a problem.
“Let’s wait for the test results. I’ve used my uncle’s voice to ask the police to prioritize the test.”
“Hey, please don’t act without authorization.”
“Be careful next time, be careful next time.” It might be too late to greet you by then. Conan said to be careful, but he didn’t take it seriously at all.