He's in Detective Conan, and he's the mastermind behind everything.

Before long, Ying Sheng met Xiao Lan for the first time, a Xiao Lan who was completely different from the one at school.

She wore a yellow hooded sweatshirt, light blue jeans, and white sneakers. The dim streetlights outlined her slender figure as she walked lightly through the quiet street.

She walked up to Ying Sheng's car, lifted the hood, and a youthful smile appeared on her lips.

Why did you stop here?

"So that your dad doesn't see me and come after me to beat me up."

Ying Sheng took the black motorcycle helmet hanging on the handlebars and handed it to Xiao Lan.

"Just bought it, no one has used it yet. Have you eaten?"

Xiaolan gently shook her head and looked Yingsheng up and down. He was wearing a full motorcycle outfit with white background and red stripes, and his helmet was also painted red and white, matching the color scheme of the motorcycle.

"This is your secret weapon?"

"Let's say one-third. I've filled it with layers, so it's roughly equivalent to the full-body armor you mentioned." Ying Sheng straddled the motorcycle and straightened his body forward.

Do you have any restaurant recommendations? I haven't eaten there yet.

Xiaolan put on the helmet and sat behind Yingsheng.

There's a sushi restaurant right next door.

"It's too close. What if the store manager tells your family one day? And there's a high chance of a violent conflict afterwards. You need to make sure you get enough nutrition."

"Didn't you say you didn't care about these things, Mizuki-kun?"

"But you care."

Ying Sheng started the car and silently left the road before accelerating and speeding away.

"Have you thought about it?"

"No."

"Then let's choose a direction, the first one we see."

"Hmm... to the left."

Five minutes later, Ying Sheng and Xiao Lan entered a rather quiet Western restaurant with few diners.

"I bet it won't taste good."

Sitting in a corner by the window, Ying Sheng said softly.

"The mistake is that it's too expensive."

After ordering, Xiaolan was quite disappointed.

"Besides, you definitely ate, didn't you? You only ordered a filet mignon. Don't you usually eat a big bento box at school for lunch?"

"I'm worried that eating too much will affect my actions later. There won't be any lullabies from the teacher here to help me digest."

Ying Sheng smiled. "Have you investigated or reported the loan sharking to the police?"

"I only did a quick online search, and there's a lot of negative information. Some people say that company is backed by the yakuza organization Muddy Association. As for on-site investigation and reporting to the police..."

Xiao Lan sighed softly.

“Some really bad things have happened at home recently, so I’ve completely forgotten about this.”

Can you tell me?

"Don't you have mind-reading abilities?"

“I’m worried that telling you the whole story will scare you. Anyway, Mr. Mori will be fine. After Attorney Kisaki wins the case, whether Kudo likes it or not, his investigation will have to stop, and at least there will be no more police assistance.”

I don't know the details of your argument with Kudo, but it was definitely because he was fixated on the case and you were fixated on family ties. In the heat of the moment, Kudo, who hadn't had a good rest, snapped.

Both of them have problems and should be held equally responsible.

Let's apologize to each other afterwards; it's not a big deal.

After hearing this, Xiaolan was stunned. Huh? Could this guy really read minds?

Ying Sheng laughed and said, "It's all public information. It's easy to piece together. Haven't you read today's evening paper yet? Attorney Fei is on the front page."

Although Mr. Mori's story wasn't published in the newspapers, it actually circulated more widely in nightclubs. After all, it's quite dramatic to be driven to anger by a woman.

As for your falling out with Kudo, it was so obvious this morning that anyone could see it.

Not to mention you wanted to use me to stab Kudo, which is really annoying.

Xiaolan's cheeks flushed slightly: "I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking at the time, I just... I just..."

"nothing."

Ying Sheng interrupted with a laugh: "In any case, it's my own fault, and it's not a big deal. What I'm most annoyed about is that what you did was completely meaningless, unless I was part of your and Kudo Play."

"Hey! Don't say such strange things!"

"Hentai!"

"I should be the one saying that!"

"Anyone who can't face their own feelings is a hentai!"

"That's just being arrogant at most!"

"Tsundere is outdated; now it's all about giving away freebies! Ever heard of childhood sweethearts losing to newcomers? Senior, you're already showing signs of defeat!"

"What nonsense are you spouting! I'm going to beat you to a pulp!"

"Excuse me, gentlemen, your fillet is ready." The waiter smiled and came over to serve the food.

The two men, who had been leaning on the table with flushed faces, immediately sat back down, gave the waiter an impeccably polite smile, and turned to meet each other's eyes.

"Humph!"

"Humph!"

They tilted their heads to the left and right simultaneously.

The waiter paused for two seconds, secretly amused; the two seemed to have a pretty good relationship.

Where did you get my phone number?

"It's... the one we found."

The two, who had no regard for dress etiquette, also had no table manners, and chatted casually while eating.

"Oh, so the source really is Suzuki-kun."

"Did you hear what Sonoko said this afternoon?"

"She was shouting so loudly, it was hard for me not to hear. As for what she whispered to you later, I can guess pretty much what it was about. But she wouldn't just give you my number directly; do you know other people in nightclubs?"

"She's my dad's friend. I'm sorry, Sonoko didn't mean it. She was just... worried about me."

"I can see that. The fact that she was able to hold back until today shows that she has a very broad mind."

"Is there any misunderstanding here?"

"Not at all. She is at least a witness to it, and her earnest teachings to you all stem from her own painful experience. You have now seriously violated the precepts, and she will definitely be saddened for you when she finds out."

Xiaolan remained silent for a long time, then pursed her lips and said, "But I don't think Shuiyue-kun is that kind of person."

Ying Sheng shrugged. "You can know a person's face but not their heart."

"So, does Mizuki-kun really have designs on me?"

"Of course."

"what?"

"Right now, it's about emotional value; I feel quite relaxed around you. There's no vested interest, and certainly no emotional connection, after all, you and..."

"Don't mention him!"

"OK, that's how it is."

"Hmph, with Mizuki-kun's skills and looks, he could get along well with anyone, so why me?"

"I already said it's for relaxation. Wouldn't it be more tiring to wear a mask all the time?"

"But I feel that you've already gotten used to it, it's even become instinctive."

"Oh, what you're saying is really hurtful."

"Look, this is it now."

"Alright, if we really want to offer a spoilsport analysis of the reasons, it's not impossible," Ying Sheng thought for a moment.

"First of all, that morning I was taking a nap under the flower trellis when you knocked on my door. I thought it was the Yakuza coming to find me. When I sleepily opened the door and heard you calling me to go to school, I immediately thought..."

Who is this guy? He's so annoying.

"Puch-"

Xiao Lan smiled, thankfully there was no food in her mouth, otherwise it would have been a great misfortune.

"What? You have such a terrible personality."

“I’ve always been like this, and besides, I didn’t even know you back then.”

"That's so unfair! We've been in the same class for a whole year!"

"It's my fault for having a bad memory."

"Hmph, what's the second point?"

Chapter 28 The Unfortunate Suzuki Sisters

"Secondly, of course, is your kindness and excessive sense of responsibility. Even though it's none of your business what I do, you treat me like a stray cat, checking on me every now and then, as if you're afraid I'll disappear without a trace one day."

Ying Sheng sighed helplessly.

“I never actively build close relationships with anyone unless necessary. You were a bit annoying at first, but over time, you've become what you are now.”

Xiaolan covered her mouth and chuckled, "It seems that Shuiyue-kun is indeed just like a cool and aloof cat."

"Heh, so you're a high-energy dog ​​type?"