Anime Crossover: Master is Not Here Today

Although this was the first time the matter had been brought up, given Nanakaku's status as a writer, the news was not entirely unexpected for Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mashu.

Seeing this, she paused only briefly before continuing:

"Coincidentally, that person and the Fukami Natsuhiko we are looking for belong to the same magazine company."

"So, we can ask him about the situation later."

This news was indeed a pleasant surprise for them, and their next action plan was quickly finalized.

Before that, the three of them temporarily put aside their troubles and had a good time visiting and playing in the village.

Yaoguan Township doesn't have any particularly stunning scenery, but it boasts clean streets, neatly arranged wooden houses, fresh air, and vast rice paddies, forests, and blue skies...

The simple, rustic scenery alone was enough to make them feel refreshed and relaxed after coming from Tokyo.

In particular, Fujimaru Ritsuka's frustration and depression from work dissipated considerably.

However, Yaoguan Township is not very big, and they explored most of it in an afternoon.

Checking the time, they realized it was almost dusk, so the three of them began their return to Azi Inn.

As Fujimaru Ritsuka and her two companions arrived at the entrance of the Azusa Inn, a male and a female guest of the inn happened to be returning from outside, just like them.

Coincidentally, this is also an eye-catching handsome man and beautiful woman couple.

The woman had short, smooth, light brown hair, wore red glasses, and her simple attire couldn't hide her stunning figure. She appeared to be a gentle and intelligent beautiful woman.

The man walking beside her was also handsome, with exotic blond hair and azure eyes, paired with an oriental face, making him look like a noble mixed-race gentleman.

"...Anyway, thank you so much, Mr. Huang. I didn't expect the afternoon to turn into a fan gathering without any substantial progress..."

"Well, I did expect this. But these kinds of activities are helpful for our upcoming investigation, so it's acceptable, as long as they don't get too entangled..."

Upon seeing the male figure appear, Nanfang Rihe stopped and silently watched him.

Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mashu stopped with Minakata Hizuru and overheard the conversation between the two, vaguely guessing their identities.

At the same time, the other party quickly spotted them standing at the hotel entrance.

Upon seeing Nanfang Rihe, one of the men raised an eyebrow slightly, then stepped forward under the surprised gaze of his companions, and smiled at Nanfang Rihe:

"It's finally here."

"But you're really taking it easy. We're still conducting research at school, and you've gone sightseeing instead?"

Nanfang Rihe replied unmoved:

"Anyway, today's operation is just a trivial matter of handing over with school personnel, right? It doesn't matter whether I go or not."

Upon hearing this, the other party could only laugh helplessly:

"That's absolutely true. There's no way to refute it."

At this moment, the other party's female companion finally reacted and said in surprise:

"Teacher Huang, could they be the friends you mentioned this morning who were going to join us in this investigation?"

“I did say that this morning, but I remember I should have only invited one person…”

As he spoke, he looked with a probing gaze at Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mashu standing beside Nanami Hizuru.

Nanfang Rihe calmly explained:

“They are my friends, and I plan to bring them along on the investigation.”

"Is that so?"

Upon hearing this, the other person looked the three of them up and down for a moment, then rested his chin on his hand and pondered:

"In that case, I'm afraid I'll have to explain it to the principal again... But if it's just something I'm observing, then it doesn't matter."

Well, that's fine then.

"Eh?"

Seeing that the other party nodded in agreement so easily, her female companion was slightly surprised, but she quickly accepted it and smiled at the three of them:

"In that case, let's start with introductions."

"My name is Tsukigaki Kaoren, and I am an editor at the horror magazine 'Yokai' where Professor Huang works. Nice to meet you."

After she finished speaking, the man beside her smiled confidently:

"My name is Huang Gongxiao, and I'm a mystery novelist. As for the rest... I don't need to introduce myself any further, do I?"

"Forehead……"

Upon hearing this, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mashu exchanged glances, then looked at Minakata Hizuru beside them with questioning eyes.

"He thought he was a very famous writer, so he believed that people should know him just by mentioning his name."

Nanakaku explained the implication of the other party's words to Fujimaru Ritsuka and the other person, then said calmly:

"In short, as you've all seen, this guy has an excessive sense of self, so we don't need to pay too much attention to him."

"?!"

Seeing that Nanfang Rihe dared to speak to Huang Gongxiao like that, Yueqiu Xianglian was shocked and stared wide-eyed, then hurriedly looked at Huang Gongxiao nervously.

However, despite being criticized like this, Huang Gongxiao showed no sign of anger, only smiling helplessly:

"I don't deny that there are issues with self-awareness, but it's a bit hurtful to say it like this."

Then, he looked at Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mashu, and asked curiously:

"I don't think my name is known to everyone, but I just won an award not long ago. Any reader who pays even a little attention to the world of novels should know me, right?"

"that……"

Hearing him say that, Fujimaru Ritsuka said somewhat embarrassedly:

"Personally, I prefer reading comics, and as for novels, I read more light novels, so..."

On the other hand, Mashu, who loves reading, also explained:

"I only recently started reading Yusaku Kudo's 'Dark Night Earl' series, and I don't know much about the others."

"I see."

Upon hearing this, Huang Gongxiao suddenly understood, then smiled helplessly:

"So one of them was a complete novice and the other a beginner? No wonder."

"I'm sorry, I made a preconceived notion. Seeing that you are friends from the South, I assumed that you were also in the same circle."

"It's ok."

Seeing that Huang Gongxiao's attitude was amiable, Fujimaru Ritsuka had a good first impression of him, so she then asked with some curiosity:

"So, Mr. Huang is an exceptionally talented mystery novelist?"

Come spicy!

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 380 Which is more prestigious, the Naoki Prize or the Rampo Prize?

"Of course!"

Upon hearing Fujimaru Ritsuka's question, Tsukigaoka Karen smiled and explained:

"Master Huang is a super popular bestselling author who just won the Naoki Prize. And the Naoki Prize is one of the most important and prestigious literary awards in the Japanese literary world!"

"Eh--"

As Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mashu realized what was happening, they looked at Huang Gongxiao again, their eyes filled with amazement.

"Isn't that a very famous and accomplished writer?"

"Yes, that's right!"

"This amazing teacher, Mr. Huang, is none other than our ace writer at the 'Demon' magazine!"

Seeing their reactions, Tsukigaoka Karen finally smiled with satisfaction, pushed up her glasses, and a proud light shone through the lenses.

Seemingly having suddenly opened up, Tsukigaoka Karen enthusiastically introduced herself:

"Not only that, Teacher Huang is also a famous detective!"

"Detective?"

"Is it like Shinichi Kudo, or 'Sleeping Kogoro'?"

Upon hearing what Tsukigaoka Karen said, Fujimaru Ritsuka immediately became respectful.

After all, in this world of Detective Conan, being a famous detective is a very prestigious title.

However, upon hearing Fujimaru Ritsuka's words, Tsukigaoka Karen was instantly speechless, stammering:

"Um, well..."

"That's why I said there's no need to brag about this kind of thing to outsiders."

Huang Gongxiao, standing to the side, helplessly picked up the conversation and laughed:

"It's funny."

"I haven't actually been involved in detective work, and of course I'm nowhere near those famous detectives. The so-called 'famous detective' title is just an affectionate nickname given to me by my friends in the industry."

"I'm sorry, Teacher Huang..."

"Never mind, it's not a big deal."

In response to Yueqiu Xianglian's apology, Huang Gongxiao waved his hand dismissively, then smiled and said:

"However, while I may not be as famous as those renowned detectives, I am indeed somewhat confident in my reasoning skills."

"That's it."

Fujimaru Ritsuka nodded knowingly, then introduced herself:

"My name is Fujimaru Ritsuka. If you don't mind, you can just call me Ritsuka. Nice to meet you."

Mashu followed up with:

"I am Mash Kyrielight. Like my senior, please just call me Mash. Nice to meet you."