Traveling back thirty years to Conan, intercepting Princess Eri

"Targeting us?" Eri Kisaki frowned. "This is a university campus, surely no one would do that?"

“Young people have always been the group most easily swayed by public opinion and atmosphere,” Lin Xiuyi shook his head. “There is already strong anti-Japanese sentiment among the American people, and the media often reports negative news about the US-Japan trade conflict. Even college students are inevitably affected.”

"But we haven't seen anyone give us any trouble since we got off the bus,"

Eri Kisaki was still somewhat skeptical, pointing to the students brushing past her and saying...
"They all seemed very friendly, and some even smiled at us."

“That’s because they don’t know our nationality yet,” Lin Xiuyi explained. “There are so many Asian countries, and students from China, South Korea, and Japan don’t look very different. At least the university students here can tell us apart. Before they’ve confirmed our identity, they naturally won’t make a move.”

“Once they find out we are Japanese, their attitude might be completely different.”

As the two chatted, the group arrived at a magnificent auditorium.

The auditorium's exterior is a typical example of Greek Revival architecture, with its striking circular dome. A large number of teachers, students, and media reporters had already gathered at the entrance, clearly waiting for the speech to begin.

Upon seeing Lin Xiuyi and her entourage approach, murmurs immediately arose from the crowd, and many reporters raised their cameras to take pictures of Lin Xiuyi.

"Don't be nervous, just follow the script." Murakami Yui leaned closer to Hayashi Hideichi, whispering encouragement while adjusting his collar.

Lin Xiu nodded, took a deep breath, and followed Miss Grey into the hall.

The auditorium was more spacious than I had imagined. The red velvet chairs were neatly arranged, and a microphone and podium were placed on the stage at the front. The principal and several school leaders were already seated in the guest seats on the side of the stage.

Upon seeing Lin Xiuyi enter, the principal stood up with a smile and waved to him.

"Ready? It's your turn." Miss Grey patted Lin Xiuyi on the shoulder.

Lin Xiuyi gripped her speech manuscript tightly, walked to the center of the stage, and stood in front of the podium.

All eyes in the audience instantly focused on him, filled with curiosity, anticipation, and a touch of scrutiny.

He glanced at Eri Kisaki below the stage; the girl was smiling at him, her eyes full of trust.

He composed himself, picked up the microphone, and said in slightly hesitant but clear English, "Respected Principal, teachers, and students, good afternoon..."

As the speech began, Lin Xiuyi gradually relaxed, and her initially tense voice became more and more natural.

He recounted the hijacking incident on the plane, following the content of his prepared speech, and emphasized the importance of "unity".

It was thanks to the concerted efforts of the crew and passengers that the hijackers were successfully subdued and everyone's safety was ensured.

The applause from the audience grew louder and louder, especially when he said, "True courage is not for one person, but for a group of people," the applause in the auditorium was thunderous and lasted for a long time.

The principal nodded repeatedly, a satisfied smile on his face.

Eri looked at Hideaki Lin on the stage with pride in her eyes.

Miss Grey and Yui Murakami breathed a sigh of relief, their faces beaming with smiles of satisfaction.

After the speech, Lin Xiuyi stepped off the stage, and Fei Yingli immediately came up to him, excitedly saying, "Xiuyi, you were amazing! The speech was a great success!"

"Thanks to the speech you wrote." Lin Xiuyi smiled and hugged the girl.

Eri Kisaki hadn't expected him to be so affectionate in front of so many teachers and students. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she quickly pushed him away, lowering her head and whispering, "No... don't do this here, everyone's watching." Just then, the principal walked over, shook Lin Xiuyi's hand, and said approvingly, "Young man, you are very brave and have many ideas. I hope this summer camp will give you a deeper understanding of America, and I welcome you to apply to our school in the future."

“Thank you for your recognition, Principal,” Lin Xiuyi replied politely. “I have learned a lot from this visit, and I am very grateful to the school for giving me this opportunity to share.”

……

The arrival hall at Los Angeles International Airport was bustling with people.

Vermouth wore large sunglasses that covered most of her face, and a well-tailored black trench coat made her figure appear even taller.

As soon as she stepped out of the baggage claim area, she skillfully avoided the crowds and headed towards a public phone booth in the corner.

Vermouth ran her fingertips across the cold metal casing, picked up the microphone, and dialed a number she knew by heart.

The moment the call connected, a cold, hoarse voice came through the receiver—it was the organization's boss: "Arrived?"

"I've arrived in Los Angeles." Vermouth's voice carried a deliberately lowered languid tone. "What's the objective of this mission?"

"Terrence Stairyn, an FBI investigator."

The boss's tone was completely calm, yet it exuded an undeniable authority.
“When Rum dealt with a researcher before, he wasn’t clean enough and left a trail. This Stella has been following our leads and we have to get rid of her.”

Vermouth raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes behind her sunglasses: "Is he the only target?"

In her view, dealing with an FBI investigator didn't seem to require her to come all the way from Japan.

“Not only him,” the BOSS’s voice turned colder, “but also the relatives of that traitor from back then. This time, we must eliminate them all. We must not leave any hidden dangers like Rum did.”

"Shouldn't Rum be the one to do this finishing touches?"

Vermouth's tone carried a hint of playfulness.

"He'd probably be unhappy if he knew I'd taken over his mess, wouldn't he?"

The organization is rife with factions, and Rum, who has always been arrogant, doesn't want to create a rift with them over such a trivial matter.

Before she could finish speaking, Vermouth's gaze inadvertently swept over the large electronic screen not far away, her brows furrowed instantly, and her fingers gripping the microphone tightened slightly.

The screen is showing a live broadcast of a summer camp event at UCLA.

In the center of the image, a familiar young man stands on a podium, speaking in slightly halting but clear English.

Isn't that Shuichi? What's he doing in America?

Moreover, he appeared in the public eye as a "hero who bravely fought off hijackers"?
Vermouth stared blankly at the screen, not even hearing the boss's urging on the other end of the phone.

"Vermouth!"

The boss's voice suddenly rose, filled with obvious displeasure.
"Are you listening?"

Vermouth snapped back to reality, suppressing her shock and regaining her usual composure: "Sorry, I was a little distracted just now. I understand, I'll handle it." (End of Chapter)