Traveling back thirty years to Conan, intercepting Princess Eri

"Try this blueberry jam. I made it myself using blueberries from my backyard," Mrs. Brian said with a smile, adding another spoonful of jam to Eri's toast.

After spending time together yesterday, Eri Kisaki has gradually lowered her guard against America and has developed a great fondness for the kind elderly couple.

Mr. Brian chatted with Lin Xiuyi about the history of Los Angeles, from the early Spanish colonial period to today's international metropolis.

The old gentleman spoke with great enthusiasm, his eyes filled with love for the city.

Lin Xiuyi listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or two, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the tranquility of the early morning.

Mr. Brian paused for a moment, then put down his knife and fork: "Who could it be at this time?"

He stood up and walked towards the door. Lin Xiuyi and Fei Yingli also stopped what they were doing and looked curiously in the direction of the door.

When the door opened, two men in black suits stood outside. They were tall, with serious expressions, and looked exceptionally capable.

Upon seeing them, Mr. Brian frowned, his tone wary: "Who are you?"

"FBI."

The leading man took a black ID holder from his pocket, opened it, and showed it to Mr. Brian. The gold badge on the ID was particularly eye-catching in the sunlight.
"Don't be nervous, sir. We just want to ask you about some things. It won't take up too much of your time."

"...Looking for me?" Mr. Brian was even more puzzled. "What could a retired old man like me know?"

Even so, he still stepped aside to make way.

"Come in, let's talk in the living room."

The two FBI agents nodded and stepped into the room.

As soon as the lead detective entered the house, his gaze fell on Lin Xiuyi and Fei Yingli, who were sitting at the dining table.

Upon seeing the two men's Asian faces, he frowned slightly, clearly not expecting Brian's family to have foreign children.

“They’re from Asia, participating in a summer camp organized by the University of California, and they’ve been staying at our house for the past few days,” Mr. Brian quickly explained, afraid of causing any unnecessary misunderstanding.

The lead agent nodded and followed Mr. Brian into the living room.

But after taking only a couple of steps, he suddenly turned his head, staring intently at Lin Xiuyi, looking him up and down several times, as if trying to confirm something.

Lin Xiuyi felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, but she maintained a calm expression and did not avoid his eyes.

"what happened?"

Mr. Brian noticed the agent's unusual behavior and asked him a question.

The agent looked away, smiled at Mr. Brian, and said casually, "It's nothing. By the way, you can take a look at today's newspaper when you have time."

After saying that, he turned his head and gave Lin Xiuyi a thumbs up, his eyes filled with obvious appreciation, before following Mr. Brian into the living room and closing the door.

"Does that person know you?" Eri Kisaki leaned closer to her childhood friend. "Why did he give you a thumbs up? And why did he let Mr. Brian read the newspaper?"

“Who knows,” Lin Xiuyi shook his head. More than the agents’ praise, he was concerned about why the FBI had suddenly come to see Mr. Brian. Judging from the two agents’ attitudes, it didn’t seem like Mr. Brian had done anything wrong; it seemed more like they had something to ask him.

But Mr. Brian is just a retired history professor. What could he possibly have to do with the FBI?
Could it be related to his deceased children?
Lin Xiuyi wanted to stand up and eavesdrop on their conversation at the living room door, but was interrupted by Mrs. Brian.
"Kids, eat quickly, or your breakfast will get cold. After you finish eating, you need to get together for the first day of summer camp, so don't be late."

Lin Xiuyi nodded helplessly, suppressing her doubts and quickly finishing the rest of the bread.

……

After breakfast, Lin Xiuyi and Fei Yingli went upstairs to pack their backpacks, said goodbye to Mrs. Brian, and headed towards the meeting point, a small square near UCLA.

As Lin Xiuyi stepped out, she glanced into the living room through the floor-to-ceiling window. Two detectives were sitting on the sofa, asking each other something, while Mr. Brian looked puzzled, seemingly not understanding what they meant.

The streets were quiet in the early morning, the air was fresh, and the palm trees along the roadside swayed gently in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, warm but not glaring.

When the two arrived at the square, many classmates had already arrived.

Yui Murakami was holding the list and counting the number of people one by one.

Seeing Lin Xiuyi and Fei Yingli, she smiled and waved: "You've come at the perfect time, you two are the only ones missing."

Not long after, Miss Grey arrived in a bus bearing the University of California logo.
"Good morning, kids! Are you ready? We're off to visit UCLA! It's one of the top universities in the United States, with a strong academic atmosphere and many beautiful buildings. I hope you enjoy it."

The students cheered and excitedly rushed onto the bus.

Lin Xiuyi and Fei Yingli found a seat by the window and watched the street scene outside gradually change from a residential area to the campus area full of academic atmosphere. There were many students carrying books on the roadside, as well as cafes and bookstores of various styles.

Midway through the conversation, Miss Grey suddenly stood up from her seat in front of her, holding a folder in her hand. She walked with a smile to the empty seat in front of Lin Xiuyi, sat down, and turned to ask,
"Lin, how are you? Are you getting used to resting at Brian's house? They are a homestay family that we specially selected. They are very nice people and have hosted several groups of foreign students before."

“They are really nice,” Lin Xiu nodded, “They take good care of us.”

"That's good."

Miss Grey smiled, a hint of relief in her eyes, but then she shook her head slightly, her tone tinged with regret.

"The Brians are really good people, they just had bad luck... Sigh, let's not talk about these sad things."

She abruptly changed the subject and said...

"By the way, you'll be giving a speech at university later, have you prepared your speech?"

"speech?"

Lin Xiu was stunned, her face full of surprise, almost thinking she had misheard.

"What speech? I didn't know there was a speech scheduled?"

"What? You didn't know?" Miss Grey was taken aback. "Didn't Ms. Murakami tell you? I should have informed her of this arrangement yesterday."

Lin Xiuyi immediately turned to look at Murakami Yui, who was sitting not far away.

Ms. Murakami had clearly heard what Ms. Grey said, and when she saw the student looking over, an embarrassed expression immediately appeared on her face.
"Sorry, I was just too tired yesterday and completely forgot about it..." (End of Chapter)