Conan: The Man Behind the Romance

Chapter 418: Mingyue is the predecessor, how could she be replaced by Xihe

Seven o'clock in the morning.

The sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, casting mottled shadows, causing his eyelashes to tremble slightly. Before he opened his eyes, he felt a tingling sensation all over his body.

I felt a little dazed after not feeling it for a long time.

Yingsheng raised his hand and wanted to knock his head, but as soon as he moved, he felt an even greater pain in his right arm, and the back of his hand was scratched by something sharp, so he had to stop.

There seemed to be something warm and soft against the palm of his left hand. Yingsheng's consciousness finally returned completely and he tilted his head slightly to look.

I found myself holding hands with a young girl.

They were surrounded by dark green thorns of varying heights, with branches twisted and entwined around their bodies, the sharp thorns cutting their skin and causing blood to ooze out.

Many of them dried on pale skin and thorns, while others blended with the morning dew and hung under the ripe purple-black fruits, sparkling blood-red in the morning light.

Yingsheng's heart tightened and he quickly shifted his gaze upwards.

The girl was only wearing a set of white underwear. Her skin was healthy and delicate. Morning dew was sliding down her flat belly, reflecting the vitality of life like the rising sun.

Perhaps because she had lost a lot of blood, her pretty profile was quite pale, but her lips were still light pink.

Yingsheng breathed a sigh of relief.

It’s Xiaolan.

Although he didn't know what happened in the early morning, Yingsheng naturally immediately locked on a suspect. When he pulled his right hand out from the thorns to feel Xiaolan's breath, he asked himself in his heart.

"Qingzi, what did you do before?"

The sky here seems to be always full of bright moonlight. On the balcony of Room 2602 of Ian Apartment, Yingsheng stands on the edge of the wisteria trellis and looks at the person on the swing opposite.

"Miss Lan took the initiative to find me."

Qingzi sighed and talked about what happened before.

……

……

At 4:44 in the morning, the border arrived on time. After gaining a sense of "establishment of self-existence", Yingsheng fell asleep peacefully on the narrow wooden fence of the pavilion.

At about five o'clock, his cell phone rang.

When Yingsheng is sleeping, his mind is completely empty and his five senses are vague. Except for sufficient threats and keywords, nothing happening in the outside world can wake him up.

Therefore, he did not wake up until the phone rang for the longest time and automatically hung up.

In fact, he set a special ringtone for Xiaolan, which can also be regarded as a keyword to wake him up.

But I don’t know if it was because of his subconscious avoidance, or because he thought Xiaolan would not call him in such a short time before dawn, which caused the key to become ineffective.

In short, Hotaru didn't wake up, but Kiyoko did.

She slept from early morning yesterday till night and was in good spirits. She was very curious about the ringing of the bell, so she went out to take a look and found that it was Xiaolan.

She knew that Yingsheng cared a lot about Xiaolan, and that they had a relationship crisis last night. This call now might be very important, so she called Yingsheng in her heart.

In the end, Yingsheng still didn't wake up.

She pinched her philtrum again, but Yingsheng still didn't wake up.

Xiaolan called for the second time. Kiyoko thought about it and believed that the person most likely to wake up Hotaru was Chiso Aoyagi, so she planned to call there using Hotaru's other phone.

As a result, as soon as she took out another mobile phone, Xiaolan hung up the call, which lasted only ten seconds.

Qingzi thought she had given up, so she observed two seconds of silence for Hotaru, then put away her two cell phones.

She was planning to continue looking back, but her attention was attracted by the moss at the bottom of the pavilion's stone pillars. The moonlight fell on the water droplets in the moss, and the droplets twinkled like stars.

Looking around, the continuous red leaves at the edge of the courtyard looked pale and eerie under the moonlight. On the grass under the tree, a few white and purple flowers grew in an interlaced manner, swaying in the wind.

The clear water of the pool reflects the bright moon and clouds. The surrounding fences and corridors have become clean and white after years of wind and rain, creating a pleasing harmony with the surroundings.

For a long time.

Probably since she left Tokyo and went to Chiba Prefecture; since her identity was replaced by Vermouth in Kabukicho and she had to live in the dark; since Hotaru transformed into a superman overnight and then identified with Mao Lilan...

She never again paid such attention to the beauty of the world.

Because her world is no longer complete.

Although the situation now looks worse than before, she is actually dead.

But having had the experience of spiritual fusion with Yingsheng before, and now being with him forever to some extent, she actually felt much better than before.

He didn't care too much about whether he could regain his body.

Sometimes I even think that it would be nice if it could stay like this forever.

Kiyoko stood up from the narrow wooden fence, stood in the pavilion and slowly stretched her body. She opened the collar of her yukata and looked at her body, feeling very novel.

She walked towards the pond, ready to take a closer look at her current appearance, and then take a casual stroll around the courtyard.

Anyway, nothing to do.

The center of gravity of Yingsheng's body was slightly different from her original body. Although Qingzi got used to it quickly, when she walked to the edge of the pool, she still found that the figure reflected in the water was a little blushing.

Although she deliberately avoided thinking about some very obvious features, the human brain is really rebellious. The more she tried not to think about it, the clearer some perceptions became.

Fortunately, they had already reached the pool and didn't have to walk anymore for the time being, which made her feel a little relieved.

The water surface was like a mirror, reflecting her delicate facial features, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her eyes were like deep pools, reflecting the moon in the water.

Her skin was as white and delicate as jade, her nose was high and slightly upturned. Qingzi placed her fingertips on her lips, outlining a perfect arc with her natural lip color.

Qingzi inexplicably remembered what Qingliu Qiansu said last night. Looking at her reflection in the water, she couldn't help but sigh.

"Hina, you are truly a rare beauty in the world."

Then, the clear light of last night's sword dance floated into my mind.

The sword light blended with the moonlight, the figure danced with the breeze, and Yingsheng's dance at that time was so elegant, handsome and graceful.

Qingzi watched the dance from a first-person perspective, so the picture was not as comprehensive as that of others, but through the clear sword light and flowing sleeves, she had another unique experience of the thrilling experience of Yingsheng at that time.

Recalling this, her feelings were similar to those of many other female viewers, all of them...

Envy, longing, and a little jealousy?

Although because Yingsheng's charm is so extraordinary and unique, I am not too jealous.

After all, no one wants to compete with the mountains in height.

Qingzi tilted her head, looked at her reflection in the lake, and tilted her head slightly, looking at her with clear eyes, and asked softly:
"When did Hotaru learn sword dancing?"

Qingzi slowly raised her arms, holding her palms empty as if she was holding a sharp sword. As the invisible sword light flowed, her body twisted slightly and her feet took light steps.

"Your martial arts style tends to be simple and efficient. This gorgeous sword dance with a performance quality is definitely something you created by combining my spirit with yours."

"I used to study dancing very hard."

"pity……"

Qingzi danced gently by the pool. Her movements were slow at first, but gradually became smooth and natural.

However, her sword dance style is different from Yingsheng's. It lacks seven points of strength and elegance, and is replaced by a natural softness and elegance.

Her figure glided lightly by the lake, her arms stretched out like flowing clouds, as if caressing the gentle breeze in the air.

The black silk bathrobe seemed to turn into a long skirt on her, and as her skirt fluttered, she bloomed gracefully by the pool.

I don't know how long it took, she slowly stopped, and lightly stroked her side with her right hand, like drizzling rain.

Looking at her reflection in the pool, she sighed softly.

"Unfortunately, I only learned to dance like a seductress. Maybe my original purpose was not pure."

"I never danced for you before, just for this reason. Who knew so many things would happen later?"

She suddenly smiled sweetly again, opened her right hand in the wind, and released the invisible sword.

"Your sword dance is clear and natural, and full of heroic spirit. It is not influenced by me at all. It originates from me but transcends me."

"Hina, you are indeed a celestial being."

Qingzi sat down by the pool, leaned over slightly, and touched the water surface with her fingertips, touching her reflection, herself, and Yingsheng's fair profile dyed by the moonlight.

"Now, I probably don't have to say anything."

"We are one."

"We know everything about each other. We exist in this world together." "But..."

"Hina, I still want to say it."

"Whether I succumb to my own weak spirit, or follow some kind of morbid mutual comfort, sinking into the order of self-destruction wrapped in love."

"I love you."

"At least at this moment, I am sure."

A few ripples appeared on the mirror-like surface of the pond.

The so-called event, the so-called emotion, suddenly appeared from the shadows at a certain moment and was lost.

When the external ripples started from her head and spread out the reflection of the fireflies, Qingzi suddenly realized that the chirping of insects around her might have stopped for a while.

She turned and looked toward the pool.

Xiaolan, wearing a loose white coat and long jeans, stood at the end of the pale corridor, staring at her blankly.

For a moment, Qingzi's mind went blank.

When she woke up from a dream, she saw only Xiaolan's back as she walked into the middle of the corridor. On her left was the pool reflecting the dark blue sky, and on her right were red leaves stained with frost.

"Wait a minute, Miss Lan, it's not what you think!"

Kiyoko hurriedly got up and chased after Xiaolan, trying to explain clearly that Hotaru was not Narcissus and did not fall in love with her like Narcissus.

But as soon as she said this, she felt something was wrong. Was she going to tell Xiaolan that Yingsheng had differentiated a personality of "Yuzuko Kiyoko" in his own consciousness through unknown means?
This problem seems to be more serious than daffodils!

Qingzi hesitated for a moment, but when Xiaolan heard her words, she stopped and looked back at her and Yingsheng's completely different demeanor for a few seconds, then raised her eyebrows and said:
"Are you Xuesong-san?"

Qingzi was stunned, not understanding how she was exposed all of a sudden. She stood there for a moment, not knowing what to say.

Xiaolan's eyes were complicated. "No, you are still Ying. You just miss Xuesong-san so much that you can't help but pretend to be her, even at the cost of worsening your mental problems."

Qingzi felt a little relieved when she heard that, and continued to call Yingsheng in her heart. At the same time, she immediately restrained the expression on her face that was completely different from Yingsheng, and tried her best to get closer to Yingsheng.

"There's nothing wrong with my mind. I was just practicing disguise. Lan, why are you here?"

"I called you, but you didn't answer. I guessed you were here, so I came here. You are each other's moon. When you miss her, of course you will go to the Moon Garden."

"I already said that it wasn't true. As for why I didn't answer your call..." Qingzi looked into Xiaolan's eyes, and said softly with great affection, "I was actually very scared. I was afraid that as soon as I answered the phone, you would break up with me again."

"People are irrational at night. Can we discuss this after we return to Tokyo?"

Xiaolan was silent for a moment. "You told me about Sternberg's theory of the three elements of love: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Do you think we still meet these requirements now?"

"Of course I am. Are you blaming me for neglecting you recently?" Qingzi said, "I'm sorry, I didn't do well enough. I will definitely spend more time with you in the future..."

“It’s not your fault.”

Xiaolan interrupted, "After returning from Singapore, you have been with me most of the time. You have been caring about me in every possible way. I am sure you love me. The problem is with me..."

"Absolutely not!"

Qingzi interrupted and said, "Is it because I am too fickle? Lan, I promise you that from now on, I will abandon everyone except you and will never do it again!"

The two looked at each other.

Qingzi made a promise that she didn't even believe in, and her eyes were as firm as a reef in a tsunami.

Xiaolan's blue eyes trembled slightly and she turned her head away.

"sorry, I……"

"Can we talk about it later? Lan, we all need to calm down." Qingzi interrupted again. She didn't wake up Yingsheng. She just wanted to delay time.

But the next second, Qing Liu Qian Su's voice suddenly rang in her mind:

"Why are you still calm now? Just kiss her. You know what to do next. This is the best way for couples to resolve most conflicts."

"I called out to Master for a long time but there was no response. His spirit may be in a critical transformation stage. Miss Qingzi, I can only leave this matter to you."

"Believe in yourself, you can do it."

"Then relax a little and don't be too nervous, or you'll perform too badly."

"That's it, please!"

Qingzi was shocked and didn't know why Qingya Chisou could come up with such a dangerous idea.

But before her expression could change, a strange ripple arose in her heart. In her eyes, the image of Xiaolan began to move closer to Yingsheng.

Qingzi seemed to walk towards Xiaolan involuntarily, and when Xiaolan looked at her again and saw the sincerity in her eyes, her eyes gradually softened.

Finally, they hugged each other.

……

……

After listening to Kiyoko's story, Yingsheng was shocked. He didn't expect so many things to happen after he fell asleep.

"Even so, why are Xiaolan and I lying in the thorn bush now?" Yingsheng asked.

"Because we didn't make it to the last step, Miss Lan suggested that we hold hands and sleep on the thorns." Qingzi sighed, "Maybe she thinks that you and I both like to torture ourselves, so she wants to try it too."

"I tried to persuade her, but failed. I had no choice but to stay with her."

Yingsheng also sighed softly, "I am really sinful. Thank you very much."

After saying that, he withdrew his hand that was halfway extended to feel Xiaolan's breath. Xiaolan had already tilted her head to look at him, with a gentle smile on her pale lips.

“It’s not a pleasant feeling,” she said, “but you get used to it.”

"I'm glad you're not avoiding me, but are willing to have a good chat with me." Yingsheng said, "Can we calmly analyze what went wrong in our relationship and solve it together?"

"The biggest problem... is that calmness and emotion seem to be contradictory." Xiaolan said.

"When you mentioned the three elements of love, do you mean to say that your 'passion' for me has completely dissipated?" Yingsheng asked.

“You’re perfect.”

Xiaolan said: "You are so perfect that you are almost divine. People are in awe, admire you, and worship you. The only thing is... No, it's just that ordinary people like me can't touch you at all. Maybe only Miss Hongzi, who masters magic, is the same as you."

"Didn't fate provide guidance, saying that you two would definitely be together?"

"I think that's why."

"There has never been any human nature or divinity, only sociality," Yingsheng said. "We just have different experiences, so our styles of dealing with things are slightly different. In essence, we are still human beings, fragile humans who need to form families to keep each other warm."

"I understand your hesitation. Maybe it's because Chisou and Hongzi have made you feel inferior."

"But no one in this world is born knowing everything. They have gone through a lot to get to where they are now."

"Moreover, that knowledge is not impossible to pass on, and it is not inferior to the karate you are proficient in. As long as you are willing, you can easily learn it in the future."

"Don't put any pressure on yourself. There is nothing in this world that is impossible."

Xiaolan was silent for a few breaths and wanted to let go of Yingsheng's hand.

But Yingsheng held on tightly, so she could only give up and laughed softly, "Don't you think so?"

"what?"

"The more you emphasize that you are an ordinary person, the more you stand out from the crowd." Xiaolan said, "Your strength and charm are secondary in this regard. Your spiritual realm is far beyond that of ordinary people. You are almost like a Buddha in a temple."

"Since I have shown abnormalities that can be easily seen, it means that I am just an ordinary person who talks big. A true enlightened person should be no different from an ordinary person." Yingsheng said.

"You are dating me just to achieve that state, Mr. Tianshu."

"No, I will never be able to achieve that in my lifetime."

"You said that you hope I can kill Tianshu slowly, but after Tianshu dies, will you become an ordinary person?" Xiaolan said in a faint voice, "I guess you will just pretend to be an ordinary person, but in fact you have transcended."

Yingsheng was silent.

Xiaolan smiled and said, "Did I guess right?"

"I just think that language is really meaningless. Let me prove it to you in person." Yingsheng turned over and pressed on Xiaolan, letting the thorns scratch him until he bled. "Desire will never lie to you."

"Wait a minute, it's already daybreak, someone might come!" Xiaolan hurriedly tried to push Yingsheng away.

"I'm sorry, Lan, but I really don't want to lose you."

The thorns pressed down.

Complete within three chapters

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(End of this chapter)