Traveling back thirty years to Conan, intercepting Princess Eri

Although Reiko, who was in the front row, was young, she and Eri had been "battled" for several years in the "war" to "compete" for their brother's attention, and they were quite vigilant and experienced in "fighting".

She quickly realized Ikeba Shizuka's intention.

Faced with seemingly casual questions, the little girl would either blink her innocent big eyes and casually brush it off with something like "I don't know" or "My older brother didn't say that."
Alternatively, you can switch to cute mode, pretend you don't understand, and change the subject.

Ikenami Shizuka clearly noticed that Reiko wasn't as "easy to deal with" as she seemed, but she was very well-mannered and maintained an elegant and composed smile on her face. She showed no embarrassment at having her intentions exposed, nor did she deliberately ask any questions.

Throughout the journey, the atmosphere inside the car maintained, at least superficially, a harmonious illusion of "the guests and hosts enjoying themselves."

The convoy drove through the bustling streets of Osaka and finally entered a quiet area that was clearly a wealthy neighborhood.

The roadside is lined with cherry blossom trees. Although it is not the flowering season, their lush foliage blocks out the sunlight, making it exceptionally serene.

After driving for a few more minutes, the car stopped in front of a huge Japanese garden.

The butler stepped forward and opened the gate, and the car slowly drove into the courtyard.

Lingzi peeked out and covered her mouth in surprise: "Wow, it's so big! It's so many times bigger than our house!"

The courtyard is planted with all kinds of flowers, trees and shrubs, and there is a huge pond with koi carp and water lilies floating on the surface.

Beside the pond is a wooden pavilion with tables and chairs arranged underneath, which looks very elegant.

In the distance stands a Japanese-style building with a roof covered in blue tiles and wind chimes hanging from the eaves, making a crisp sound when a breeze blows.

"This yard must be at least the size of two football fields, right?"

Yukiko, who was following behind, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise after getting off the car.

Although Eri Kisaki appeared calm on the surface, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

For girls who have lived in Tokyo for years and are used to the high cost of land and compact living spaces, the Ikenami family's mansion is more than just a "mansion"; it is ridiculously large, resembling the mansion of an ancient daimyo!

Ikeba Shizuka greeted everyone with a smile: "Please come in, everyone. The rooms are ready. You can rest for a bit. Dinner will be ready soon."

She led the girls into the house. The living room was spacious and bright, furnished with expensive mahogany furniture, and the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous people. Fresh flowers were placed in an antique vase in the corner, exuding understated luxury everywhere.

"Miss Chibo, your house is so luxurious!" Ruri couldn't help but exclaim.

"It's just that we're staying more comfortably." Ikeba Shizuka smiled modestly and instructed the maid to take the girls to their rooms to put away their luggage.

Reiko's room is next to the courtyard, and she can see the pond when she opens the window. She excitedly runs to the window and looks at the koi in the pond.

Eri Kisaki and Yukiko's rooms were next to each other. After putting down their luggage, they both went to the gazebo in the courtyard.

"This Shizuka Ikenami has very different feelings for Shuichi."

Yukiko leaned against a pillar, playing with her hair.

"Chikage told me that in the car just now, she asked Reiko a lot of questions about Shuichi in a roundabout way."

“I saw it coming a long time ago.” Eri Kisaki took a sip of the matcha brought by the maid. “Let’s try to contact Shuichi first, and then settle accounts with him.”

As the two were talking, a servant's respectful voice came from afar: "Miss, the phone is ringing. It sounds like it's calling from Kyoto."

Chibo Jinghua's eyes lit up, and she quickly walked towards the living room.

Eri and Yukiko exchanged a glance and quickly followed. They guessed that the call was likely from Hideaki Hayashi.

Sure enough, after answering the phone, Shizuka Ikenami immediately smiled: "Lin-kun? You found a way to get to Osaka? That's great, we've been waiting for you... Okay, we'll prepare dinner and wait for you to come over."

After hanging up the phone, she smiled at the girls.
"It was Lin Jun calling. He and Mao Li Jun met some friends and will drive over together tonight. They should arrive around nine o'clock."

"Great!" Reiko jumped up excitedly, "Onii-chan is coming!"

Eri and Yukiko breathed a sigh of relief, their faces showing reassured smiles.

Although Lin Xiuyi will inevitably have to be taught a lesson, his safety is more important than anything else.

……

Kyoto.

After soaking in the hot springs at the hotel, Lin Xiuyi and Mouri Kogoro returned to their room to rest for a while before it was time for their appointment.

The two hurried downstairs, and as soon as they reached the hotel entrance, they saw Hattori Heizo standing with several young people chatting.

Hattori Heizo also saw them and waved with a smile: "Hayashi-kun, Mori-kun, over here!"

As the two approached, they discovered that in addition to Konoe Daishi and Maeda Yoto, whom they had met before, there were three other girls standing nearby.

A girl with skin as white as the finest mutton fat jade wore a light pink dress, her long hair cascading down her shoulders, and a gentle smile on her face.

The other girl had healthy tanned skin, a tall and hot figure, and wore a sports vest and shorts, revealing her smooth arms and legs. Her short hair was neatly tied back, and her eyes were full of vitality.

There was another girl wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a light blue dress, holding a book in her hand. She looked quiet and reserved, but her eyes were a little shy, and she didn't dare to look people in the eye.

"Come, let me introduce you."

Hattori Heizo pulled Hayashi Shuichi and Mori Kogoro aside and introduced them to each other.
"These two are friends I met in Tokyo, Hayashi Hideichi and Mouri Kogoro, both very formidable guys."

He then turned to the three girls.

“These three are my classmates: Aoi Yoshida, Hako Kawada, and Kayoko Ono.”

The three girls looked at Lin Xiuyi and Mouri Kogoro with curiosity.

Yoshida Aoi was the first to smile and bow slightly: "Hayashi-kun, Mori-kun, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Kawada Yuko generously extended her hand and shook hands with the two of them: "I heard you caught a thief on the train? That's amazing!"

Kayoko Ono simply said "Hello" softly before lowering her head, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Looking at the three girls, and combining that with the conversation he overheard in the hot spring, Lin Xiuyi instantly identified them.

He subtly nudged Kogoro Mouri's arm and mouthed "the girl in the hot spring."

Kogoro Mouri immediately realized what was happening, his eyes lighting up instantly. He was about to say something when Hayashi Shuichi stopped him with a look.

After getting to know each other, they walked together to their car parked by the roadside. (End of Chapter)