Conan: The Man Behind the Romance

Chapter 249 Kudo Xiaolan: Goodbye, Love Has Been Here
“It wasn’t recently, it happened thirteen years ago in kindergarten.

Mr. Uozuka, who was always wearing sunglasses, told me that my first childhood sweetheart was actually Ms. Shiho, and that she used me and Kiyoko to test the drug in the laboratory this time, in fact...she wanted to help us, and it was also revenge for my infidelity. "

Kudo Shinichi's tone was quite dazed, as if he himself felt as if he was listening to a foreign language about what he was saying.

Yingsheng and Xiaolan looked at each other, with deep confusion in their eyes.

Is this how it is?

It is understandable that the winery used this statement to ask Kudo Shinichi to help keep an eye out for Shirley, but it is too strange!
The degree of mental confusion increased sharply, and it seemed that a new era would be ushered in by a Big Bang.

"Cough cough!"

Yingsheng coughed tactically: "No, Kudo, why are you telling me this?"

Something is wrong, very wrong.

Are he and Kudo that close?

Could it be that this guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes joined the winery and immediately came to test him?

Kudo Shinichi said in a gloomy tone: "Mr. Uozuka said that you knew about this."

hiss--!
Yingsheng took a deep breath, it’s over, a flaw has appeared.

but,

Why is this scene different from what he imagined?
What about the evidence from other parties? What about the joint trial by Shirley, Vermouth, and Kudo Shinichi?

If we can't just connect the clues together, deduce the whole story, and kill him in one fell swoop, then won't we just let him do whatever he wants in the gaps in between?

Yingsheng sighed softly, something must have gone wrong.

The main reason is that Vermouth is eager to seek revenge on Shirley, probably because of the combination of drugs and hatred. Of course, this cannot be entirely blamed on her, because accidents happened frequently later and there was a lack of someone to take charge of the overall situation in the institute.

what--

GIN, the organization really can't do without you.

I really hope you can survive. Life will be less fun without you.

Also, you are a big provider of murderous intent, so you must keep up the good work in the future.

The thought was fleeting, and from Kudo Shinichi's perspective, Hotaru was silent for a few breaths, then asked in a somewhat strange tone:

"Kudo, you really don't remember?"

Kudo Shinichi was stunned: "Should I remember it?"

"What do you say?"

Yingsheng asked back: "Did we go to the same kindergarten? Probably not. If I don't know this from you, how else can I know it?
Think about it carefully, did you really not say anything after you got drunk in the hotel three days ago?

About Ms. Shiho, and also about Mr. Xuesong.

Think about it carefully. ”

"This……"

It was still the familiar ward. Kudo Shinichi looked at the pale ceiling with a confused look on his face.

Did he say something while drunk?
But he had no impression at all!

Not only did he have no recollection of his experience while drunk, but now that he was completely sober, he had no recollection of being childhood sweethearts with Miyano Shiho thirteen years ago. Did these two memories really exist?
is that a lie!

Yingsheng sighed: "Hey, Kudo, I actually asked Ms. Aida about your situation. She said that it was probably because your experience was too painful, which triggered the brain's defense mechanism and helped you avoid that memory.

When you think about the past after getting drunk, it may be that alcohol affects the function of the hippocampus and induces memory flashbacks.

In fact, it is very easy to verify this kind of thing. You just need to think back to where you went to school before you transferred to the Sakura Class. "

Kudo Shinichi was silent for a moment: "That's it, I just can't remember it."

Yingsheng asked: "Do you think that it's just that the memories from childhood are not clear?"

"for me……"

"You are a genius. You have had an excellent memory since you were young. You can almost remember everything you see. Why did you forget something like this?"

"..."

Although I am happy to be praised like this, does Shuiyue really understand him that well?
Kudo Shinichi scratched his head and was about to speak when he heard Yingsheng say faintly:
"As long as you don't want to deceive yourself anymore, why don't you call your parents and ask them why they transferred you to another school. They didn't tell you in the past, maybe to protect you, but you've grown up now, haven't you?"

Kudo Shinichi certainly knew about this, but after struggling for a moment, he said in distress:

“I don’t want to tell them this.”

Yingsheng asked in confusion, "Why don't you just hide the incident at the research institute and just say that you said some weird things when you were drunk and others heard you? Besides, it was a crazy guy who forced you to drink alcohol, so you are innocent."

"I know, but after I tell them, my mother might come back to China. Even if she doesn't come back, she will definitely ask other people about my recent situation, and then... Well, you know, a lot of things have happened during this period of time."

Kudo Shinichi sighed for a while.

Yingsheng still couldn't understand: "Is there something wrong with your current situation? Reasoning and solving cases, youthful daily life, are not the same as before? Could it be that your mother has already decided that her future daughter-in-law is Xiaolan, and will be furious when she finds out that you are close to Xuesong-classmate?"

Xiaolan: "..."

Kudo: “…”

Why is this guy so casual?

Kudo Shinichi sighed: "Speaking of this, what is your relationship with Xiaolan now?"

"What do you think?" Yingsheng asked back.

"Are you officially dating?"

"Almost. Any ideas?"

"Congratulations, and... would it be too shameless if I said I was a little disappointed?"

"It's human nature, there's nothing wrong with that, and there are many types and levels of loss. Which category do you fall into?"

“Um… can this be quantified?”

"of course can."

Yingsheng said: "Disappointment, regret, sadness, emptiness, do you have these feelings?"

Kudo Shinichi thought for a moment and said, "It seems to be a little worse. No, it should be said that it is not in these directions."

"Then this kind of loss is very pure. The simplest criterion is, how long do you think this incident will make you depressed? A day, a week, or a month? Will it affect your daily life and work?"

Kudo Shinichi scratched his head: "If you let me think about this now, I can't be sure."

Yingsheng thought for two seconds and said, "A, B, and C were in a coffee shop and ordered an iced Americano. They were chatting together. An hour later, A and B were fine, but C died. The police found that all three cups of coffee were poisoned. What was the reason?"

"The information is so brief, there are so many possibilities."

"Don't consider the external factors of the Deus Ex Machina, just seek the greatest possibility in the question."

Kudo Shinichi pondered for a few breaths: "The poison is in the ice. Person A and Person B drank quickly, while Person C drank slowly, so the ice melted. When people get together to chat, someone may be controlling the pace of the conversation. If Person C is of lower status, or does not like the bitter taste of iced Americano, then this method is more likely."

“It’s perfect.”

Yingsheng exclaimed, and then said: "A question, an orchid collector was killed in a secret room, and there was black soil on his collar. His wife said that he had recently had an argument with a gardener. The last person he met before his death was an orchid merchant. It rained a little that day, and the entrance hall..."

Yingsheng stopped talking.

Kudo Shinichi waited for two seconds without any response, then asked hurriedly, "What's on the entrance? Water stains, soil, flower petals, or footprints? What are the regular shapes?"

"Well, I think it will be troublesome to make it up. I haven't thought about it yet." Yingsheng smiled, "Besides, this is not a reasoning question and answer session. Think about the original topic. You have to grasp the key points."

Kudo Shinichi was silent for a while, then suddenly laughed bitterly: "So it's about judging whether emotions will affect my thinking? The result is obviously not. Then when it comes to the question of orchids, should I think of Xiaolan first?
Shuiyue, I have to say that your method of judgment is too unreliable. It's simply a diversion.

And when I'm solving cases, I never think of Xiaolan, so this doesn't prove anything."

Yingsheng said: "This can explain something, but I am not a professional, so I won't speculate. I just want to ask you one thing. While you feel lost about Xiaolan's departure, do you also feel a sense of relief?"

Kudo Shinichi was speechless for a long time...

"Suiyue."

"Ok?"

“You are actually a professional.”

"Oh, have you forgotten that I am Firefly?"

"Ah - that's right, you are indeed a top gigolo. Sorry, do you mind if I say that?"

"I'm glad to receive recognition from the famous detective." Yingsheng smiled.

"Ha, you guy."

Kudo Shinichi completely collapsed on the bed, raised his hand to cover his cheek, and after a brief period of darkness, his eyes appeared again, bright and lively. His voice also completely regained its usual vitality, but it was quite calm:

"It would be a lie to say that I don't like Xiaolan, but sometimes I don't really know how to get along with her. To be honest, she and I are quite different in interests, personality, values ​​and life goals.

To be most clear, I like reasoning, and it occupies a large part of my life.

But Xiaolan will only feel disgusted by this.

For example, Sherlock Holmes, I'm sure this is definitely one of the words she hates the most. Shuiyue, last time you asked Xiaolan to ask me to make a list of books for her, I guess she definitely didn't read them.

But it doesn't matter. Your kindness to me finally helped you, which is a good thing."

Hearing this, Yingsheng subconsciously wanted to refute.

Xiaolan actually watched it, and watched it very seriously.

But before he could open his mouth, a finger sealed his lips. Yingsheng looked up and saw Xiaolan with a faint smile on her face, shaking her head slightly.

On the phone, Kudo Shinichi continued:
"Xiao Lan and I used to get along fine and seemed to be getting along well, but in fact, it was mostly because Xiao Lan was accommodating me. I always left her alone to solve cases, and she always forgave me again and again and would take the initiative to ask for a date next time.

For example, this karate competition, actually two weeks ago, Xiaolan..."

Kudo Shinya paused: "Did Xiaolan tell you about this?"

Yingsheng said, "Two weeks ago, she said that if you win the championship, you will go to the Tropical Park to date her, right?"

"Yes, so now that person has been replaced by..."

"excuse me."

Yingsheng asked: "Whether or not she can win the karate championship depends on Xiaolan's own determination and ability. Why can't she fight for herself? If only one of us wants to date the other, why can't we just say it directly?"

"Eh? But..."

"It's okay, Kudo. This is not your problem. At least it's not just your problem. Go on."

"I...ah, sorry, I understand what you mean, I am too self-centered." Kudo Shinichi said sadly, "Just like what I just said, I rarely take the initiative, it is always Xiaolan who accommodates me.

Can you say something shameless? "

Considering that Xiaolan was present, Yingsheng said: "Actually, Xiaolan is pursuing you, right?"

"Right, that is it."

Kudo Shinichi smiled bitterly: "Seriously speaking, I have had a crush on Xiaolan since the Sakura Class. Her smiling face really touched my heart.

But later, as we grew up, things became what I just described.

It’s my fault for not taking the initiative, making Xiaolan wait without getting a response.

But the reason why I don’t take the initiative…

It’s the ones before.

Sonoko always said that Xiaolan and I are both tsundere, otherwise we would have been together a long time ago.

But in fact, there are many heart-beating moments, and I really want to say it out loud: I like her.

Why not?
Haha, I always think of other things, such as the source of the sense of relief you mentioned before. I would think, if we confirm our relationship as lovers, will Xiaolan have more demands on me and will she take up more of my time?

What if I go to solve the case later?
What if I want to read a mystery novel?
Before we confirmed our relationship, I could just say a few perfunctory words to her and ignore her. But after we confirmed our relationship, do I have to spare some time to comfort her?

Does it mean that in the future, when I am questioning a suspect and immersed in the rainy night in London, if she comes over, I will have no choice but to accompany her shopping?

To be honest, I have some vague fears about this.

Ok……

Maybe it doesn't rise to the level of fear, but there is such an obstacle. Shuiyue, you should understand it. "

"of course can."

Yingsheng said: "Fear of losing freedom after establishing a relationship is a very common psychology, and that's how crazy singles nights come about.

Don't feel distressed about this, this is actually a manifestation of your responsibility. Even if you know Xiaolan will indulge you, you still want to take more responsibility. On the contrary, a scumbag like me never considers these when dating women. "

"..."

Kudo Shinichi was speechless: "Thank you for your enlightenment, which made me feel that I am not that bad. But you will not be like this after being with Xiaolan, right?"

Yingsheng said: "Xiaolan is special, I will change for her, but let's continue talking about your story."

"It's special..."

Kudo Shinichi murmured for a while, then laughed bitterly: "I really can't say such words. As for Xiaolan and I, I have already said everything just now. She is a very good person, a very ideal and perfect Yamato Nadeshiko, but we are not suitable.

It's not that we can't be together at all. At most, we are just like many ordinary families nowadays. I am busy outside during the day and she stays at home.

Then in daily conversations, I also try not to involve any reasoning and try to focus on what she cares about.

Gossip, cooking skills...

To be honest, I almost thought that this was the future between her and me. Although I hadn't thought about it clearly, some scenes vaguely flashed through my mind, and I felt that I could accept it. After all, Xiaolan had waited for me for so many years, and I had to give her a result.

only……

There have been some surprises recently.”

The words were spoken in a very light voice, not even one ten-thousandth as loud as the thunderous cheers in the stadium, but even though the crowd's voice swept over like a tide, it immediately vanished when it touched this place, and turned into a barrier of the world around the reef.

There were some surprises.

Yingsheng suddenly felt that this was actually a very high-frequency word.

He is talking, Xiaolan is talking, and now Kudo is talking too.

One accident after another has made things what they are now. It’s unpredictable, that’s generally the case.

He tilted his head and looked at Xiaolan.

Xiaolan also tilted her head to look at him.

Leaning on the empty front seat, a gentle smile bloomed on her face amid the noisy background.

Isn't this the best ending?

Just as she herself had thought carefully about it, and just as Shinichi was saying now.

They were both very nice people, but just not the right fit.

They were too immature in the past and didn't think about these issues seriously, but now after going through some things, both she and Shinichi have grown up.

Some people are destined not to be with you for a lifetime.

That's it, it's over.

Yingsheng smiled, held Xiaolan's hand, and asked Kudo Shinichi: "After spending time with Xuesong, did you suddenly realize another direction for your life?"

"Correct."

Kudo Shinichi sighed, "In the past, I never really thought about this kind of question, until this morning, when I tossed and turned in bed and couldn't sleep, looking at the dim sky outside the window, I thought a lot.

The most important thing is actually comparison.

I don't mean to say anything bad about Xiaolan, but some of her strengths are not too attractive to me.

Compared to Qingzi...

In fact, I haven't been with her for too long, but somehow we have been through a lot of things, especially the case. In these few short days, I have experienced more with her than I have in the past few months or even a year that Xiaolan and I have been together.

Well, after all, I often run away alone.

Then even though Xiaolan was at the scene, she didn't seem to be involved at all except calling the police.

that's it.

It is of course unrealistic to say that I suddenly fell deeply in love with Kiyoko, but with her as a comparison, my feelings for Xiaolan immediately became clear.

The occasional feelings I had when we were kids and when we were together were probably mostly due to Xiaolan's appearance.

What the long-term companionship brings me is not so much emotion as it is touching.

If Xiaolan is still waiting for me, I might..."

"All right."

Yingsheng interrupted and said, "This matter ends here. You and Xiaolan can have a private talk afterwards, okay?"

Kudo Shinichi was silent for a few breaths: "Thank you, you are indeed the most suitable person for her."

"Now let's get back to the point. From what you've said, it seems like Xuesong-san has had an accident."

"Yes, she is missing."

(End of this chapter)