Detective Conan: Is Miss Haibara planning to assault a police officer again today?

But how is it possible?

How could Higashino Ning, a social terrorist who disregards emotions, feel embarrassed?

Ai Haibara wasn't quite sure, but she knew she had to follow Higashino Ning.

The long, straight road to the pier ended quickly, next to the morning tide market, where a huge memorial statue of fishermen stood quietly.

Higashino Ning released Ai Haibara's hand, walked towards the statue alone, and then climbed directly up.

By this time, a large number of people had been attracted to him, and the uncles who had greeted him warmly earlier were now cursing him.

Climbing a statue is simple.

Higashino Ning found a spot, spread his arms, and took a deep breath.

"Folks! I, Higashino Ning, am back!!!"

The scene was silent.

The sea breeze whistled past.

There was no overwhelming response.

There was only an incredibly dense murmur of whispers.

"This child is indeed Ah Ning."

"Haha, this kid is still the same as when he was a kid. I should have guessed it."

"His fearless personality is really admirable; he's suited to be a high-ranking official."

"That's right, but that's why we love Aning so much."

"I've always thought that this kid's thick skin is something that only comes along once in a hundred years in our area."

"..."

Ai Haibara, caught in the middle of the crowd, made a fuss about embarrassing others, scratching her toes until they cramped up.

Sure enough... she knew Higashino Ning was hiding something big!

Before she could even figure out an escape route, the uncles, aunts, grandpas, and grandmas around her surrounded her, asking her all sorts of questions.

There are probably enough words to fill a 200-page book to praise how cute she is.

If I were to earnestly advise her against following in Higashino Ning's footsteps, I could write three books.

"Hello! Hello! Hello!"

Higashino Ning's long-planned homecoming ceremony received no response whatsoever!

He called out twice but no one paid any attention. Only a few aunts and uncles waved to him affectionately, telling him to come down quickly so he wouldn't slip and fall.

Okay... there are still people paying attention to him.

We had a group lunch at noon.

Right at the dock.

There were about thirty people eating alone, and the remaining hundred or so had already eaten. They were just there to chat and see Higashino Ning.

I was born here, and I grew up here.

His father was a well-known fisherman in the area before the accident, and his mother was a famous good person, beautiful, gentle, and extremely kind.

The main topics of conversation naturally revolve around whether you're doing well or not, and whether you have a partner.

They were also curious that the Higashino family had relatives in Tokyo, and that their relatives' children were so cute.

When they learned that Higashino Ning had not only become a policeman, but was now an inspector in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, his fellow villagers exclaimed that he had really made something of himself.

Of course, what follows is the age-old step of introducing the other person.

“Ah Ning, my daughter and you were childhood sweethearts. She was talking about you to me just a few days ago.”

"Oh, what childhood sweetheart? If we're talking about childhood sweethearts, it's definitely my daughter. The day Aning left, my daughter cried so hard at home."

"If you ask me, it depends on what Aning thinks. What does it matter if they're childhood sweethearts or not? The most important thing is that the child likes it."

"..."

The crowd started talking all at once, and there was a sense that it was about to escalate into a dispute.

Although they must be thinking about marrying into a good family now, they would still be willing to marry their daughters to Dongye Ning even if he were still just a fisherman.

There is no other reason.

I know that Higashino Ning is not a bad person, and he is also down-to-earth and hardworking.

This isn't Higashino Ning bragging; back then, he was very popular with girls his age here.

This chapter is not over, please click on the next page to continue reading!

Ai Haibara fell more and more silent as she listened.

Although it was a bit unnecessary, she still felt a little jealous in this situation.

Higashino Ning finally found a chance to interject, and said loudly, "Uncles and aunts, um... I already have a girlfriend in Tokyo, and we plan to get engaged next year."

"I had a temporary vacation this time, I'll bring her to meet everyone next time."

Upon hearing this, everyone showed expressions of regret.

At that moment, five simply dressed girls suddenly walked in from outside.

They each have their own unique charm and are all very beautiful.

Higashino Ning felt he might have to leave.

Because all five girls had explicitly expressed their feelings for him during their school days.

But times have changed, and Higashino Ning overestimated his destructive power.

The five girls didn't show anything unusual; instead, they greeted him as long-lost friends and asked about his recent situation.

However, in Ai Haibara's view, Higashino Ning had clearly underestimated his destructive power.

From an outsider's perspective, she saw a full five regrets.

“I can completely change my approach.”

Ai Haibara felt she was already overwhelmed by jealousy, so she tried to convince herself otherwise.

"I've found a hidden gem, and even managed to overtake others on a curve. It's a huge win!"

"Jealous? Why are you jealous?"

"They should be the ones envying me!"

When you're in a good mood, your appetite returns.

After a few minutes.

"Wow, this girl can really eat."

"Quick, bring her another plate."

Ai Haibara blushed slightly. "Thank you...please give me another one."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

*Facepalm* I went with my mom to get her teeth fixed this afternoon. Four braces and two implants. Everyone really needs to take care of their teeth. And tomorrow I'm definitely going to get up before dawn, no one can stop me, I said it!!!

Chapter 143 Self-praise

Ai Haibara felt that since she could eat, she should naturally eat more.

Since it doesn't cost any money, and she has nothing else to do besides cook, she doesn't have any other things to do.

"Sigh...it really is tough."

"Not only do we have to manage our daily expenses, but we also have to manage the car loan, and in the future we will buy our own house, which will cost a lot of money."

The little girl ate while thinking, feeling that she should get the antidote as soon as possible.

Even if they don't directly confront the organization, they should at least try to help Higashino Ning alleviate some of his financial pressure.

Although Japanese society is generally characterized by a lifestyle where men work outside the home and women stay at home, she doesn't really have much to do at home.

Unless... you raise a child.

"Okay, that's thinking too far ahead. I don't recommend thinking about it for now."

Ai Haibara felt that her thoughts were jumping around more wildly than ever before, so she simply put aside all other thoughts and focused on eating.

...

That noon, Higashino Ning drank a lot of alcohol. He fought bravely against the crowd, but unfortunately lost.

He was so drunk he was completely out of his mind, so naturally he couldn't take Ai Haibara out to play.

So, the little girl was lured away by the five older girls and wandered around the port city.

They claimed they were taking Ai Haibara out for fun, but their main purpose was to learn about Higashino Ning's real life and...emotional experiences through Ai Haibara.

In their words, how could someone as shy and reserved as Higashino-kun possibly get engaged!

However, when asking questions, it's always best to start with indirect questioning and groundwork.

The girls first asked about Higashino Ning's work and life.

Ai Haibara continued her story silently.

“My brother usually comes home very late, and sometimes he has to go out on duty at night due to emergencies.”

"Whether it's solving cases or arresting vicious criminals, he's always on the front lines."

"The prerequisite for my brother's promotion to police inspector this time is that he has solved several major cases and even had close combat with international fugitives."

"..."

Ai Haibara recalled the bits and pieces in her mind, her expression softening as she spoke.

She felt sorry for Higashino Ning.