Conan: The Man Behind the Romance

Chapter 383 Yingsheng’s official match is in great crisis!

Shortly after he and Xiaolan left the hotel, Yingsheng received an email asking him for Vermouth's real name.

It’s an unfamiliar email address and there’s no signature.

But of course Hotaru knew that it was sent by Koizumi Hongzi, so he didn't reply at all.

"Actually, I promised her..."

"Not really."

Xiaolan didn't see the content of the email, but she guessed it roughly by seeing Yingsheng frowning. However, she was interrupted just as she opened her mouth.

"Lan, American psychologist Sternberg proposed a triangle theory of love, which believes that love is composed of three basic components."

"Passion."

"close."

"promise."

"Emotionally, I really can't be sure whether I love you with all my heart, without any falsehood."

"But rationally, I will stick to some of the principles."

“Have you ever heard of a fake divorce?”

"In order to circumvent certain policies and high tax rates when transferring property, couples pretend to divorce, and one or both of them remarry someone else. After the purpose is achieved, they divorce each other and the original couple reunites."

"It sounds like a clever trick that can gain an advantage, but it actually caused a lot of jokes."

“There are many reasons on the surface, but at the core there is only one.”

"Human nature cannot stand the test."

"That's all."

Xiaolan was silent for a while, and pursed her lips, "But you are different, aren't you? You understand this principle very well, and... you are very experienced. Isn't it okay to just rely on the power of Koizumi-san, like everyone else?"

"Lan, you say that because you think I'm very interested in magic. I am indeed curious about it, but the power of magic is just that, and it's not worth breaking my promise."

Yingsheng smiled and raised their clasped hands.

"We have said the vow of staying together forever many times, but I still want to say it again, I will never let go."

"I hope you won't feel bored, and I hope you don't think I'll be bored."

"I love you forever."

"You can confirm with me as many times as you want, anytime, anywhere."

Yingsheng held Xiaolan's hand very tightly, so tightly that Xiaolan's palm turned a little white, as if he wanted to merge their bones and blood into one.

Xiaolan didn't feel any pain at all. What lingered in her heart was only a sense of security that surpassed all perceptions.

The eyes on the blue sea flow slightly, like a wisp of soft silk floating gently in the air.

That tender gaze gently touched Yingsheng's heart. Even though they had just left the hotel not long ago, he suddenly had an urge to turn back.

Young people are full of vigor and vitality, that's probably what it's like.

Xiaolan stood on tiptoe.

Yingsheng lowered his head slightly.

"Cough cough cough..."

Someone coughed softly.

Yingsheng ignored him, but Xiaolan paused and turned her head slightly.

Yingsheng sighed and leaned close to Xiaolan's ear, "I'm sorry, but I'm serious. You don't need to be affected by this at all. Except for you, everyone else is an NPC."

Xiaolan nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and looked at the newcomer coldly, "Mr. Gin, don't you know that this is very rude?"

Gin was wearing trousers and a black long-sleeved shirt, with his long silver hair hanging down behind his head, and he was no longer wearing the black hat he used to wear. Under the morning sun, he looked more lively than before, and was no longer the dark creature that kept strangers away.

He looked calm and said, "Just now my throat felt a little uncomfortable, you guys continue."

Since Gin said so, Hotaru and Ran really planned to continue.

However, just as they looked at each other, a person came running around the corner and grabbed Xiaolan's hand.

"Xiao Lan, you are not going to be coaxed by this guy again, are you... is it really necessary to do this?"

"..."

"..."

Yingsheng and Xiaolan both showed helplessness and sympathy in their eyes, and then they both looked at the person who came.

"Suzuki-san, can't you read the air?"

"It's not what you think, Sonoko..."

"I didn't actually plan to come out just now. After all..." Sonoko leaned close to Xiaolan's ear, "Xiaolan, you really had a look in your eyes just now. I thought you had completely fallen for me and couldn't escape anymore."

Xiaolan blushed slightly. It would be too embarrassing if Sonoko saw this.

"but!"

Sonoko spoke up again and looked at Gin, "Since this gentleman can't stand it anymore and speaks out to stop it, I have to work harder too!"

As soon as the young lady, who didn't know the truth, spoke, the air here froze for a few breaths, leaving only the hustle and bustle of the surroundings.

Gin pressed down the brim of his non-existent hat, walked past the three of them, and continued towards the stadium.

Yingsheng sighed and lifted his suit around his waist.

Xiaolan looked helpless, gently twisted Yingsei's waist, then took the arm of Sonoko, who had a puzzled look in her eyes, and walked towards the stadium.

Yingsheng looked at the huge silver-white eggshell that had emerged in front of him, turned the corner and walked 90 degrees with Xiaolan and the others. He wanted to go to the office building of the event group first.

As a result, after walking a few steps, he met another person, which made Yingsheng sigh again that this world is really small.

Although the island of Singapore is indeed not very big, and those who can afford it will basically stay in hotels around the stadium.

But Yingsheng was still very unhappy, so he just opened his eyes and flew past the man.

Then the body froze.

It wasn't because he suddenly saw or thought of something that caused his emotions to be shaken; it was just a physical freeze.

It was as if the air around, which no one paid any attention to on weekdays, suddenly turned solid, and a drop of resin suddenly dripped from the pine and cypress trees, sealing the little insect Yingsheng tightly inside.

Magic is really powerful.

Yingsheng exclaimed in his heart, then calmed his mind and took advantage of this great opportunity to experience magic in person to try to use [Enlightenment] to touch upon the concepts in this area.

But before he could figure out anything, the restraints around him were lifted.

Yingsheng's eyes focused, and the person who appeared before him was naturally the most beautiful witch in the world.

Koizumi Akako was wearing a scarlet dress. Maybe it was because she was in a bad mood, but the scarlet color fluttering in the wind turned into a blazing flame, even brighter than the morning sun.

"Isn't Shuiyue-kun a playboy? Why are you hiding from me? Am I not good-looking?" A dangerous smile was revealed in Hongzi's wine-red eyes.

"It's because you are so beautiful that I dare not touch you. It would make me feel ashamed." Yingsheng walked around her and continued walking.

"Don't be so conceited. I asked you to break up with Mao Li Ran before, but I didn't ask you to date me." Hongzi followed Yingsheng half a step behind.

"Of course I don't think so, but I can't meet that condition, so of course I can't trouble Koizumi-san."

"Do you have to be so distant, Shuiyue-kun? You can call me Hongzi."

"Okay, Hongzi, is there anything else you need?"

"It's easy to find someone using divination. You don't have to break up with Mao Lilan. Just consider it as my thanks for your advice."

"No, it's just a small matter." Yingsheng kept walking, "Let me be frank, Hongzi, I don't know what you want to do. Now it seems that you are a villain who wants to break up Xiaolan and me. I am at least 12 points wary of you and don't really want to have any contact with you."

"The full score is 100?" Hongzi asked.

"very."

"Oh, showing your vigilance towards me so directly doesn't seem to fit in with Shuiyuejun's good manners."

"You're not stupid. There's no way I could lie to you about divination, which is as outrageous as the magic conch." Yingsheng stopped at the edge of the square in front of a tall office building. "Can you tell me your real purpose?"

"What will happen if I don't say it?" Hongzi asked.

"Not much, you're a witch, what can I do to you?" Yingsheng shrugged and walked towards the office building, "See you later, Miss Weird."

Hongzi stood there and looked at him for two seconds, snorted, took out her cell phone and dialed a number.

"Tell me Vermouth's real name and appearance. This is what Suigetsu-kun needs."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment, "Email."

Hongzi gave the email address and continued, "Suizuki-kun already has a way to completely cure your nerve problems. Mr. Gin, can we meet in the stadium lounge now?"

"Ms. Hongzi, what is your relationship with him?"

"We're just friends for now."

"I don't trust you. Neurological treatment is a serious matter. Let him tell me in person."

"Then let's talk about it later. He's busy now."

Hongzi hung up the phone.

In front of the stadium entrance, Gin sent Vermouth's information to Koizumi Akako, and walked against the flow of people entering the stadium to stand in front of Xiaolan, who was a few meters away from him.

Xiaolan was talking with Sonoko arm in arm. When they saw Gin coming over, they looked at him with confusion.

"Do you know the relationship between Koizumi Akako and your boyfriend?" Gin said calmly.

"???" Xiaolan was full of question marks, thinking that Gin might have really been so bewitched by Hotaru that his personality collapsed.

"Koizumi Akane?" Sonoko frowned instantly and looked at Xiaolan, "Didn't she say she liked Kudo? Could it be that she is also having an affair with that Mizuki Hotoshii?"

"... Sonoko, don't be so malicious, you are a lady." Xiaolan poked Sonoko's puffy cheek and looked at Gin, "I don't quite understand what Mr. Gin means, can you explain it more clearly?"

"She is helping Mizuki Hotaru and said that they are just friends with him for the time being." Gin said lightly.

"For the time being?!" Sonoko was alert instantly, "So, we are just friends now, but we won't be just friends in the future, right? Xiaolan, Koizumi Akane is..."

"Calm down, Sonoko, isn't there another direction?" Although Xiaolan also felt that Koizumi Akako meant that, and that there was a possibility of becoming enemies with Hotaru in the future, she still said this to comfort her best friend.

Xiaolan said: "I don't know much about Ms. Koizumi, but judging from her performance, her starting point is not complicated."

"Miss Koizumi is very beautiful, and few people are not fascinated by her, so her personality is somewhat like that of a spoiled princess. When such a personality meets an exception who is not moved by her appearance, she will naturally become a little curious about her."

"At the same time, Hotaru is very good-looking and kind to others. It's understandable that Koizumi-san would have a crush on him."

"But this affection won't be too real. They are really just friends at most at this stage."

"As for what happens next..."

"Of course we will just be friends."

"I can't possibly leave Hotaru, and I have faith in Hotaru."

Xiaolan's words left Gin silent. He was a little unsure whether Xiaolan was just an ignorant high school girl who was deceived by Hotaru, or whether she was really in love with Hotaru.

However, thinking about what happened early this morning, Gin felt that the former was more likely, or perhaps Hotaru himself could not distinguish the two points.

After all, he is mentally ill.

"Ms. Lan, you are even better than I thought. I wish you and your boyfriend all the best." Gin said and turned to leave.

"Has Vermouth been caught?" Xiaolan asked.

"No, I just clarified the misunderstanding within the organization. Koizumi Akako just called me about Vermouth." Gin didn't even turn his head and merged into the crowd in the blink of an eye.

"What? Could it be that this Mr. Gin really just cares about you, Xiaolan, and has no special relationship with Mizuki Hotaru?" Sonoko looked at Gin's disappearing back, feeling a little suspicious.

"Yuanzi, you seem a little strange today. What happened?" Xiaolan looked concerned.

"Not at all, it's just that the news I heard this morning was too explosive, and it might affect my mood for the whole day." Sonoko curled her lips slightly, "Xiaolan, do you know that there are two more pieces of semi-public information about Mizuki Hotaru on the dark web this morning?"

"what?"

"Ah, to be honest, I don't really want to tell you this, Xiaolan. It's too weird." Yuanzi pulled up the information on her phone and handed it to Xiaolan. "But if everyone else knows it and you don't, it would be even more unfair to you."

Xiaolan looked at the two entries marked with red new that Sonoko had enlarged.

【Greed】!
【male or female】!
Xiaolan's eyes went dark, and she almost fainted. After a while, she angrily said, "This information was released by Vermouth, right? The news about the Sands Hotel is obviously fake news!"

"The winery has clarified the matter internally, but no one else knows about it. This kind of thing... is hard to explain." Yuanzi said weakly.

"Sonoko, there are some things I can't tell you, but I assure you that Hotaru is generally normal. Our relationship is indeed a little strange compared to that of ordinary couples, but it is actually a lot more normal than in the past." Xiaolan took Sonoko's arm and walked into the entrance.

"In other words, some things are fake and are used to deceive people?" Sonoko's eyes flickered.

"Um……"

Xiaolan pulled Sonoko's face and confirmed that she was the real person, then said: "I didn't say that, but after today's lesson, this kind of thing probably won't happen again." "So that's the truth, it turns out you fooled everyone." Sonoko's eyes were excited, "What are you doing secretly? Can I help?"

"What else could it be? Murder and arson."

"… Cry, we are good friends, are you going to hide this from me?"

"I'm telling the truth. If you delve further, I will kidnap you, the eldest daughter of the Suzuki family, for a ransom." Xiaolan really didn't want to say this to Sonoko. The possible danger was secondary. The main reason was that it was too weird.

Speaking of which, the whole world's attention is now on the Fist of Blue Sapphire, and the winery has reached a cooperative relationship with Hotaru, so there won't be any danger for a while.

The two chatted and soon arrived at the seats reserved by the Suzuki family in the audience. Suzuki Shiro and Kyogoku Makoto were already there.

Sonoko looked around, "Where's mom?"

"I was invited to join a group of wives. They should be in a private cinema now." Suzuki Shiro scratched his head. "Actually, if we don't pursue the live atmosphere, it's enough for us laymen to watch the live broadcast. Anyway, we basically listen to Mizuki-kun's commentary."

Kyogoku smiled and said, "It's enough to be an expert. Shuiyue has a sharp eye and will not miss any details."

"So that guy is also good at martial arts, right? Isn't he going to participate in the competition?" Sonoko sat down next to Suzuki Shiro and looked at Xiaolan next to her.

"Hina said he came here to be an idol. It would be too embarrassing if he was beaten too badly in the competition." Xiaolan looked at the host's podium, but there was still no one on it.

"........."

The other three were speechless, thinking that Yingsheng's train of thought was indeed very strange.

Kyogoku Makoto felt sorry that Hotaru was not a pure warrior. He gently stroked the deep axe wound on his left arm that no longer existed, without saying anything.

Sonoko snorted, "That guy has such worries. I guess he's not very good at martial arts. He's more of a paper talker."

Suzuki Shiro also thought it was possible, "Suiyue-kun is still very young after all, and he also has excellent talents in other aspects."

"Yes, that guy has a good business sense." Sonoko crossed his arms, "There's something wrong with him. He shouldn't know this."

"Indeed, that is not just a theory. Many of the ideas he proposed are very constructive." Suzuki Shiro pondered for a moment, "Maybe this is genius. Suigetsu-kun is generous and unconventional. He is really a young man to be feared."

Xiaolan also listened to some of the cooperation between Yingsheng and Suzuki Shiro yesterday, but she didn't understand it in detail, so she asked: "Has the cooperation with Schindler's company been reached?"

"Mr. Mizuki asked me to help connect Schindler Company and Mantan Paradise to jointly develop a fully immersive game. The prospect in this area is very attractive, and since Schindler Company will not be asked to invest at this stage, of course they will agree." said Shiro Suzuki.

Actually, there are some things he didn't say.

During the initial contact yesterday afternoon, the senior management of Mantangtang believed that the risk of developing a completely immersive game was too great and that there was no insurance in developing traditional games, so they declined the cooperation.

When Shiro Suzuki was trying to find a way to find connections to mediate the situation, a strange woman called and said she would handle the matter.

As a result, within less than two hours, the person in charge of Mantiantang called Shiro Suzuki and said that the previous incident could be discussed in detail.

Shiro Suzuki didn't know what exactly happened, but he naturally understood that this matter was closely related to Hotaru.

Considering the relationship between Hotaru, Sumiyoshi-kai and the winery, the means involved...

I'm afraid it won't be too aboveboard.

Shiro Suzuki and his wife have been in the business world for many years, and they don't really dislike Hotaru's behavior. Tomoko Suzuki even approves of his decisiveness.

But let’s not tell this to the younger generation.

They are too young.

Xiaolan was not very clear about the conflicts of interest in this regard. She thanked him twice and started to follow the information about today's game on her mobile phone.

Sonoko leaned close to Suzuki Shiro's ear and whispered, "Sister said she wanted to join the new department. Did you refuse, Dad?"

Suzuki Shiro also whispered in her ear: "It's not a rejection, it's just that she's getting engaged next Saturday, let's finalize things here first."

"Oh."

Yuanzi suddenly felt a little listless and lowered his head to play with his mobile phone. Soon, he heard silence in the noisy meeting hall. He looked at the time and it was exactly nine o'clock in the morning.

"The firefly is coming!"

Someone yelled.

But there was no need for him to say anything, as thousands of eyes had already been cast towards the figure at the entrance.

clatter--

In this suffocating silence, the sound of footsteps was clearly heard by everyone.

Following it was the hem of a black silk kimono, on which numerous gold threads were embroidered into complex and exquisite patterns, which sparkled golden under the sunlight, revealing the ultimate beauty.

The wide cuffs swayed slightly with his steps, and his inky black hair fell softly on his shoulders, revealing his extraordinary face before the eyes of the world.

The word "Yan Ruyu" was not enough to describe the stunning beauty of that moment. Under the shining gorgeous golden light on his body, it was clearly the sun and the moon shining together!

Time seemed to stop at this moment, and every speck of dust in the air was suspended in midair.

Only him.

He walked to the center of the venue with steady and calm steps, carrying the aura of the entire space and an indescribable majesty and brilliance.

He slowly looked around at everyone in the room, his deep eyes like the darkest stars in the night sky.

All eyes, all heartbeats, stopped for him at this moment.

The next second, he spoke loudly, his voice was deafening.

"Please, Fist of Blue Sapphire!"

As soon as he finished speaking, many fully armed soldiers suddenly poured out from the entrances on both sides, quickly occupying every corner of the circular venue, concentrating on guarding everyone in the audience.

Behind these many soldiers, a group of high-ranking non-commissioned officers gathered like an ant colony, pushing a huge safe three meters square towards the center of the venue.

Thousands of spectators suddenly stood up, and the sound of numerous guns being loaded rang out before they could say a word.

"quiet!"

Yingsheng's voice echoed throughout the stadium like thunder, even making some weak people dizzy.

Countless people's faces were filled with disbelief, shock and ecstasy. They wanted to shout excitedly, finally having the honor of witnessing the true appearance of the Fist of Blue Sapphire.

But at this moment, he was pressed back by the threat of death and an invisible pressure.

Those who had stood up earlier sat down again, and they all controlled their strength, trying not to make any sound.

At this moment, not even a single person was whispering to each other, as everyone stared at the slowly moving safe without blinking.

The safe stopped ten feet in front of Yingsheng, and three senior military officers from different countries stepped forward and entered the key respectively.

This period of time is so long that it is unbearable!

Finally, a green light lit up on the screen on the safe door, which was only a finger's width. The sound of the buckle loosening was extremely slight, but it was clearly heard by everyone.

Ninety-nine percent of the people in the audience stretched their necks forward as far as they could, trying to see more clearly.

The three officers stood to the side.

clatter--

Yingsheng stepped forward.

Slowly opening the heavy metal door, the azure blue sapphire that looked like tears of the sea finally appeared in front of Yingsheng.

It is placed in a cube sealed by multiple layers of tempered glass and surrounded by dark red foam cushions.

Yingsheng inserted his hand into the bottom of the cube, pulled it out with some difficulty, and then raised his hands high.

"All living beings bear witness to the covenant of victory!"

The waves surged, and every word left a deep imprint in the air.

In just a moment, everyone in the audience and everyone in the venue were frozen in the amber called time.

The excitement in those people's eyes, the trembling lips, the clenched fists, the excited blush on their faces...

Everything is frozen.

Just like gently pressing the shutter button, the light and shadow of the three-dimensional world can be condensed into a photo, existing forever in that eternal and unchanging two-dimensional plane.

At this moment, the power from a higher dimension descended, and the real three-dimensional world also became a simple photo!

Yingsheng looked around again and sighed softly.

"Magic is really amazing."

He looked at the podium where he had presided over the martial arts tournament yesterday, and saw Koizumi Hongzi, dressed in a scarlet dress, slowly descending from the sky.

The hem of her skirt lifted up, but only slightly. Even if Yingsheng looked carefully, he couldn't see anything he shouldn't see.

However, the looming absolute territory is definitely more attractive.

Although Yingsheng didn't go to see it.

He was also very unhappy with Koizumi Akako's behavior, so he simply raised one hand and smashed the tempered glass cube towards Koizumi Akako's stomach with a "bang".

Hongzi raised his hand and pressed lightly, and the rapidly flying cube suddenly lost all its momentum and solidified in the air like the waving fists of some people in the audience.

"Hey, hey, I'm giving you a chance to get in close contact with the Fist of Blue Sapphire, but I haven't frozen your time yet. I mean this with good intentions, don't be ungrateful."

The corners of Hongzi's mouth, which were originally raised, shrank slightly. She flew over the heads of a group of soldiers, flew in front of Yingsheng and landed. She raised her hand and the cube flew over and hovered in front of her.

"Thank you so much. What on earth did you say to those people in their dreams? As soon as I entered the office building, I was dragged away to do makeup. There was not even a selection. This is too hasty."

Yingsheng pulled the long hair on the side of his face and made a sound of "tut".

"You know, when they put the wig on me, I was almost scared to death. After all, I said last night, 'Let the purest and most beautiful girl hold the Fist of Blue Sapphire.' I thought they were going to feed me a pill and turn me into a girl on the spot. I wanted to run away."

"Haha, how could there be such medicine?"

Hongzi tilted her head, eyes amusement, "But if you were a girl, maybe you could match me."

"...You don't have that kind of magic, do you? Don't scare me, I'm a coward."

Yingsheng wanted to escape, but he didn't know where to go in this solidified time and space.

And when he thought of this, he became curious again.

"The air is frozen now, right? How come we can move and hear each other?"

"Don't look at magic from a strict materialistic perspective. You should view matter and spirit as a unity. We are now in a position that transcends this unity."

Hongzi raised her hand and pressed the cube, using magic to sense the Crimson Fist inside.

"Last night, I entered those people's dreams and told them to pick the one with the best appearance. They naturally found you. Aren't you also curious about this thing?"

"I'm not curious about this thing at all. Anyway, I'm the host and I'll definitely see it on the last day."

Yingsheng hasn't figured out yet how to end this farce started by Chen Zhonghan so that people all over the world can be satisfied and not feel cheated.

As for leaving it alone and letting the farce remain a farce...

Of course that's possible.

But Yingsheng was the host after all, and letting the martial arts tournament end in such a whimper was really not in line with his perfectionist character.

"Also, since there is no restriction on gender, shouldn't they come to you?" Yingsheng said.

"I'm an irrelevant outsider, and you're the host, so of course they prefer you." Hongzi snorted, "Also, although I don't want to admit it, it seems that I can't distance myself from you if I don't use charm."

"How strange. I remember that you were also very handsome before, but not to this extent. You were still within the human range."

"And now your appearance is simply beyond standard. Anyone who sees you will feel that you are extraordinary, as if..."

“There is a divinity.”

Hongzi's eyes suddenly lit up, "I say, you are not really an ordinary person, then the mystery of your fate would make sense."

Yingsheng spread his hands and said, "It's not as exaggerated as you say. I am usually the same as usual, right?"

He paused, "Is there a reason why you approach me? Is it possible that the world in the eyes of a witch is very different from that of ordinary people?"

"Eh? This..."

Hongzi hesitated for a moment, "Maybe there is such a factor, but more importantly, I am very interested in you. Suigetsu-kun, what kind of person are you?"

"Haha, it turns out that the so-called witch is just a puppet of an unknown thing. She can't even recognize her own true heart, and can't decide on her own who she likes." Yingsheng said in a sarcastic tone.

"This is my nature. It's also the free will within a small scope that you mentioned before. I have no hesitation."

Hongzi's lips curled up slightly, "Robbing and robbing is the usual style of witches, Shuiyue-kun, the more you resist me, the more I want to get you. And there will definitely be such a day, believe me, this is fate."

"Excuse me for being blunt, but you don't like the one I like, and you force yourself to pursue the one I don't like. Well... it's a bit..." Yingsheng raised his hands in surrender, "Just ignore what I said. Hey, have you ever killed anyone? Your eyes are even colder than Gin's."

Hongzi raised his hand and the cube smashed towards Yingsheng's chest. Yingsheng quickly caught it with both hands, spun around and steadily unloaded the force.

Hongzi raised an eyebrow, "This thing has no magical power now. Did you feel anything strange when you were hosting the martial arts competition?"

"I don't know magic, how can I feel anything?"

"That's right." Hongzi thought for a moment, "Then let's host the martial arts tournament together, Suigetsu-kun."

"……I reject."

(End of this chapter)