Conan: Rice Flower Spring

Chapter 423, Section 417: Robert Taylor, Something's Wrong
It seems that Ireland and Rum will have to fight for a while.

The likely outcome between these two is that Rum successfully defends his territory and "takes down" Ireland.

Or Ireland could stage a comeback, with the deputy minister overthrowing Rum.

Overthrowing one's superior is at least a glorious tradition of island nations.

Of course, there is another possibility: Ireland and Rum might find themselves unable to defeat each other in their fierce struggle.

That's the time for both sides to set aside their disputes and seek common interests.

Lin Longma certainly couldn't stand idly by and watch such a thing happen, so he would definitely visit the Takeda family at Luoganling.

But there's no need to tell Vermouth about such things in detail.

After all, this honest collaboration has only just begun.

After leaving the conference room and the hotel, Lin Longma returned to his base. Just as he entered his office, Akita's secretary came to "pay a visit."

"Is there anything you're undecided about with Akita?" As a veteran of the Isshinkai, Akita Kuranosuke is highly commendable in both ability and loyalty.

The Isshin-kai's base was naturally managed very well by Akita.

Akita, as the current president of the Isshin-kai, wields considerable authority. However, this authority is limited when it comes to the overall direction and major matters concerning the Isshin-kai's development.

It still needs Lin Longma to make the decision and give the final approval.

When Lin Longma saw Akita's secretary, he thought Akita had encountered some difficult decision again.

"It's nothing urgent." Seeing that Ryoma Hayashi seemed to have misunderstood, Akita's secretary quickly explained the purpose of his visit:

"That's right, the company's receptionist greeted a foreign guest, an American."

They came to us hoping we could help them investigate some matters.

"An investigation commission? Didn't the receptionist tell that foreigner that we're not a detective agency, but a consulting firm?"

If he needs to conduct an investigation, he can go to the Mori Detective Agency.

Besides, when it involves a foreign client, that's no ordinary problem.

Lin Longma is not afraid of foreign guests, so what if they are Americans? In Lin Longma's eyes, they are just two shoulders carrying one head.

Furthermore, under the principle of equality for all beings, all beings are equal.
Being unafraid doesn't mean you like getting into trouble.

Regardless of how this foreigner found him, he had no intention of receiving him.

"President, the receptionist had already explained to the foreign guest at the time, but he said he did not want our company to conduct an investigation."

Instead, he hoped that our senior advisor could come out of retirement to help him investigate the Takeda family at Rukure Pass in Tottori Prefecture.

"Wait a minute, what place did you say?"

While it wasn't exactly a secret that Oogami Shuzen and Senma Kazuyo joined the company, Hayashi Ryoma didn't make a big fuss about it or make any significant moves.

He runs a consulting firm, and the two famous detectives serve more as a foundation for the company.

I may not need it, but I cannot be without it when I need it.

If Lin Longma were running a detective agency, the addition of these two famous detectives would be enough for him to hold a press conference.

The two types of companies have completely different approaches.

This is even stranger.

The fact that Daikami Shuzen and Senma Kazuyo joined Hayashi Ryoma's company was only circulating in a small circle, so how did that foreigner know about it?

Let alone a foreigner like him, there are plenty of people in Japan and Tokyo who don't know about this.

Who is this person?
Compared to the foreigner's identity, Lin Longma was more concerned about the place name that the Akita secretary had just mentioned.

The Takeda family residence at Rukure Pass, Tottori Prefecture. Hey, this place sounds so familiar!

How come someone came to the base after I just heard about Luoxuanling in Ireland, wanting me to investigate there?
Is he from Ireland?

Lin Longma quickly rejected the idea.

Currently, Lin Longma and Ireland are still in a tug-of-war phase. Even if Ireland is really impatient, he wouldn't make such an obvious "scheme".

The foreigner, who looked distinctly foreign, mentioned a place name that Lin Longma had only recently come to know.

This seems rather deliberate no matter how you look at it.

While the possibility of Irish scholasticism cannot be ruled out, there is also a certain probability of coincidence.

One thing is certain: that foreigner's identity is definitely not simple. At the very least, his information network is very well-informed—no, it should be said that it is extremely well-informed.

In the end, Lin Longma received the foreigner in the president's office. Oh, and his name was...
“Hello Mr. Lin, my name is Robert Taylor, and I am a photographer.” Inside the chairman’s room, the foreigner, now Robert Taylor, happily shook the hand that Lin Longma extended.

His Japanese is fluent, although he has a slight accent, but it doesn't bother him much.

“Hello, Mr. Taylor,” Lin Longma said with a smile to Robert Taylor.

After the seating and tea/coffee service were completed, Robert Taylor eagerly asked Lin Longma:
"So, I would like to request that two of your company's renowned detectives assist me with an investigation. Would you agree to this request?"

"I'm sorry, but I have to explain to you that Mr. Oogami Kisuke and Ms. Chima Kazuyo are senior advisors to our company's advisory board."

However, this does not mean that we are in a subordinate relationship.

When the engagement does not involve the company, we only have the right to advise, not the right to decide, regarding the engagement of the two senior consultants.

"Is it about the commission fee? Please rest assured, although I am a photographer, I am still quite well-off!"

As he spoke, Robert Taylor pulled a thick envelope from his camera bag.

"This is my gift to you, and it's also a token of my sincerity. Please accept it, Mr. Lin!"

When Robert Taylor pushed the envelope towards him, Lin Longma pushed it back without even looking at it:

“No, Mr. Taylor, it’s not about money.”

Lin Longma's words were absolutely true. Both Daikami Shuzen and Senma Kazuyo were carefree individuals who were financially independent and had overcome all their inner conflicts.

Robert Taylor could not easily sway these two men no matter how much money he offered.

Of course, if he had more money, he would have suggested that Robert Taylor look for other famous detectives.

Although these two have achieved financial freedom and success, aren't there still famous detectives who want to continue saving money?

Living in Tokyo is not easy.

Even famous detectives have their own difficulties.

"I have already told you about the two senior advisors. Unfortunately, they are not very interested in your request."

"Of course, Mr. Taylor, since you've shown such sincerity, I can't let you come for nothing."

Lin Longma tapped on the table to wake Robert Taylor from his depression.

"what do you mean?"

“I can go with you to the Tottori Prefecture’s Rakugan Pass.”

“You?!” Robert Taylor opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.

He just wanted to hire a detective; he didn't intend to "kidnap" Lin Longma, the boss.

This president named Lin Longma is far too "spoiled"!
(End of this chapter)