Detective Conan: The Literary Genius is Actually a Great Scientist

Yuanzi and Xiaolan had dinner at Lin Ran's house.

Xiaolan was completely absorbed in the snow country in the book. She even had to be called twice before coming down to eat. Even while eating, she was absent-minded and only ate a few bites before running back to her study.

Such behavior is rare for a girl who is usually very polite.

This shows how much "Snow Country" appealed to her.

Seeing her friend's reaction, Sonoko became interested as well. She ran into the study, took out a copy of the previous version of the manuscript from her desk, sat on the sofa next to her, and began to read it seriously.

Ten minutes passed...

Lin Ran, who came to serve tea to the girls, looked with amusement at Sonoko, the young lady on the sofa, who was holding his manuscript and nodding her head.

Eyes half-closed, eyelashes fluttering, pink lips slightly parted, breathing evenly—if a child keeps falling asleep while reading, it's probably because they're sleepy.

"Garden? Garden? Wake up, wake up, the teacher is coming!"

"Teacher? Where are you? I'm not asleep! I'm reading!"

Hearing the call in her ear, Sonoko, who was struggling against drowsiness, suddenly jolted awake. She hurriedly picked up her manuscript, pretending to be engrossed in reading, her eyes wide open.

After staring blankly at the manuscript for a while, she gradually came to her senses.

Wait a minute! Why is she afraid of the teacher?

Besides... this is Lin Ran's home, where would a teacher come from?

She looked up and, sure enough, met Lin Ran's handsome face with a playful smile. Realizing she'd been tricked, the young lady was both embarrassed and angry, her cheeks flushed red as she glared at him and said, "Lin Ran! You scared me to death!"

"You seem to be sleeping soundly, drooling all over your face."

Lin Ran placed the tea on the table and teased.

"I didn't drool!" Sonoko subconsciously wiped her mouth again, making sure it was dry, before realizing she'd been fooled again. She became even angrier, pouting and whining, "You're mean! You're so annoying!"

"Okay, okay, I'm bad, I hate it. So, do you still like me like this, my dear young lady?"

"like!"

Sonoko spoke with conviction and without the slightest hesitation.

She likes what she likes and dislikes what she dislikes; she won't be coy! That last time doesn't count!

To be fair, however, pure literature is indeed somewhat "hypnotic" for a lively and outgoing young lady like her who prefers fast-paced stories and strong plot conflicts.

She could tell that Lin Ran wrote very well; the words were particularly beautiful.

But... as she read, she somehow became sleepy. The overly calm and introspective words made her feel like she was back in a literature class, and her eyelids started to droop.

Damn it! Am I really such a terrible student?

When Lin Ran asked her for her opinion on his new book, Sonoko scratched her head: "This book... is quite well written, the language is beautiful, and the imagery is beautiful too, but... I still prefer your previous book, Lin Ran."

The Devotion of Suspect X is so good!

It has romance, suspense, and plot twists—it's a really exciting watch!

Lin Ran was not angry when he heard this, as it was within his expectations, since his two books were originally in different styles.

Moreover, the range is quite large.

One is the beauty of "mono no aware" in pure literature, and the other is the ingenuity of "suspense" in popular literature.

It's perfectly normal that Sonoko, with her lively, cheerful, and playful personality, wouldn't be interested in a quiet, introspective work like "Snow Country," which carries a touch of sadness and requires quiet contemplation.

"To each their own, whether it's radishes or leafy greens."

Lin Ran smiled and waved his hand, "If you can find enjoyment in 'The Suspect X,' then my goal has been achieved. As for 'Snow Country'... it's destined not to be everyone's cup of tea."

"Won't you be sad?" Sonoko looked at him with some concern. "Was what I said a little too hurtful to you?"

"No." Lin Ran shook her head, her eyes frank. "Writing isn't about pleasing everyone. Some people like it, some are indifferent; that's normal. Besides, look at Xiao Lan..."

He gestured for Sonoko to look at the desk.

Xiaolan remained in the same position, immersed in the world of the manuscript, unaware that their earlier commotion had disturbed her.

Sonoko followed his gaze and stuck out her tongue: "Ran is a literary girl, she's loved reading since she was little, but I can't. Asking me to read a literary book quietly for an hour is like asking me to die."

She was quite self-aware of her own "lack of knowledge and skills".

"So," Lin Ran said with a smile, "you two have different personalities and different hobbies, but you are very good friends and also my good readers. I am very satisfied that Snow Country has a kindred spirit like Xiao Lan who appreciates it."

As for you, Sonoko-sama, when I write an even more exciting and interesting story next time, I'd like to ask for your feedback first, how about that?

"real?"

Sonoko's eyes lit up like a light bulb, "It's a deal! No backing out! I want to be the first reader! And I want a special autograph! I want it to say 'To my dearest Sonoko!'"

It's a deal.

"Pinky promise!"

The two childishly made a pinky promise, and Sonoko, satisfied, glanced at her best friend who was still engrossed in her book. Her eyes lit up, and she said, "Then I won't disturb Ran's reading anymore. I'm going downstairs to play with Ai!"

After saying that, she skipped downstairs like a lively little deer, leaving Lin Ran shaking his head in the study with a smug look on his face.

It seems Ai-chan's "ordeal" is not over yet.

……

21:36 in the evening.

This was the first time the two beautiful girls had stayed at Lin Ran's house this late.

The main problem was that Ran was so engrossed in reading that she completely forgot about the time. If Kogoro Mouri hadn't called to urge her, she wouldn't have been willing to take her eyes off the manuscript.

After politely saying goodbye, the two girls prepared to go home.

The driver from the Sonoko family was waiting outside the villa, while Xiaolan was personally driven back by Lin Ran.

After all, it was so late, and he was worried about leaving a beautiful girl home alone. What if she encountered some pervert on the way?

Although it's still uncertain who will protect whom, the attitude must be appropriate.

The two walked side by side on the streets of Beika Town at night.

The summer night breeze carried a slight coolness, dispelling the daytime heat and stirring the girl's skirt and hair.

They remained silent the entire way, but it wasn't awkward.

Instead, there's a comfortable and tacit understanding, like being with a long-time friend, where words aren't needed to fill every second.

After walking for a while, Xiaolan finally spoke softly, breaking the silence: "Lin Ran, your new book is really well written."

"Really?" Lin Ran turned her head to look at her.

The girl looked up, her eyes shining brightly in the night: "Really, I've never seen such... such beautiful writing before. Every word seems to carry the chill of a snow country, yet it also exudes an indescribable sadness and tenderness. I almost got lost in it..."

"Huh? No way!"

Lin Ran was shocked and stopped in her tracks.

Turning around without a second thought, he pulled Xiaolan close, stroked her delicate face with one hand, held her head still, and stared intently into her eyes—

His pupils were clear, and although his gaze was somewhat dazed after being immersed in something, there was no gloom of "world-weariness" or "nihilism".

Thank goodness...

Lin Ran let out a long sigh of relief.

He had a premonition that once his book was published, it would likely increase the mortality rate of Mihua significantly.

"Phew~ You scared me." Lin Ran said, still shaken. "I thought you were thinking of doing something rash after reading this."

Lin Ran was relieved to find that Xiao Lan was not trapped in the "nihilism" in the book and did not have the dangerous thought that "life is futile and it is better to go back to the past".

The right hand that was resting on her pretty face had been gripping her tightly with tension, but now that it had relaxed, he could feel the delicate, soft skin beneath his palm.

It feels exceptionally good.

Smooth, bouncy, and full of collagen, like a freshly peeled egg.

I couldn't resist... I pinched it.

Squeeze it again...

Then he saw a blush gradually appear on the girl's fair and delicate cheeks, like rouge dripping into clear water, slowly spreading.

She gradually became shy, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and her lips pursed.

Lin Ran felt that Lao She's words were very true: a woman's blush is more powerful than a long dialogue. Seeing Xiao Lan's blush, he understood without saying a word.

"I was wrong! Xiaolan used words, not fists! You're so magnanimous!"

He begged for mercy at the speed of light.

Xiao Lan, who was about to blush with embarrassment from Lin Ran's intimate pinching and had subconsciously raised her little fist, was both amused and exasperated when she saw the boy's expression. She slapped away his right hand, which was still secretly pinching her.

They're treating her face like clay. Is it really that easy to mold?

However, Xiaolan also knew that Lin Ran was concerned about her. He was looking into her eyes, and she was looking into his eyes as well.

This was the first time she had seen Lin Ran so flustered.

Those dark eyes, which usually held a smile or focus, were filled with tension and panic when she said, "I almost got trapped inside and couldn't get out," as if she was afraid of losing something important.

At that moment, the girl's heart inexplicably started beating very fast.

What's wrong with me?

Xiaolan suppressed the strange feeling in her heart, composed herself, and did not mention the intimate situation just now. She simply added, "Lin Ran's new book is completely different in style from her previous book, but it is just as wonderful."

Seeing that she had truly recovered completely, Lin Ran was finally at ease. If his book had made his little angel depressed and even suicidal, he would have been truly guilty.

Fortunately, Xiaolan is still that strong, optimistic girl with a sunny disposition.

The beauty of "mono no aware" can touch her, but it will not consume her.

He said in high spirits, "Thank you. I really put a lot of effort into writing this book, and I also wanted to try something different."

Gazing at the city skyline outlined by lights in the distance.

Since everyone was already so familiar with each other, Lin Ran didn't bother with modesty. With a confident wave of her hand, her voice carried an undisguised ambition characteristic of youth:

"I want to use this book to prove to the world that I can do more than just write stories like 'The Devotion of Suspect X.' Literature is more than just plot and suspense; it has something deeper: beauty, emotion, humanity, nihilism..."

"I'm going to shut up those flies who just buzz around saying I 'only write bestselling stories' and 'lack literary merit.' I have a temper too. If you keep talking, I'll have Sonoko kill you all!"

The light from the streetlamp swept across the boy's handsome profile.

Xiao Lan stared at him blankly, her heart suddenly skipping a beat.

Lin Ran is a student who is confident, proud, talented and ambitious, and so dazzling that it is impossible to look away.

An inexplicable emotion quietly began to grow in my heart.

It's very light, like a bud in early spring, yet it cannot be ignored.

"Lin Ran..." she called softly.

"Hmm?" Lin Ran, who was posing for a photo in front of her, turned around.

"May you..." The girl tilted her head slightly, her clear eyes reflecting the starlight and the warm glow of the streetlights, a gentle yet firm smile blooming on her face, "May your martial arts prosper!"

After saying that, she winked playfully and stretched out a fair hand.

Lin Ran paused for a moment, then smiled.

He also reached out his hand and struck the girl's hand in mid-air.

"Snapped!"

The crisp sound of clapping echoed through the quiet street, like a promise, a blessing.

"Thank you for your kind words!" Lin Ran replied with a smile.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

A tacit understanding, a mutual comprehension, and a hint of subtle ambiguity flowed quietly in the summer night air.

……

The two chatted and laughed all the way, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the Mouri Detective Agency.

"I've arrived." Xiaolan stopped, somewhat reluctant to leave.

"Okay, let's go upstairs." Lin Ran nodded. "Get some rest."

Goodnight, Lin Ran.

"Good night."

Xiaolan turned and went upstairs, but when she reached the top of the stairs, she couldn't help but look back one last time.

Lin Ran was still standing under the streetlight, waving at her.

A sweet smile appeared on the girl's face before she quickly ran upstairs.

Lin Ran watched her figure disappear around the corner of the stairs, stood downstairs for a while to make sure the lights upstairs were on, glanced casually at a large head in the second-floor window, then turned around, put his hands in his pockets, and slowly walked back.

The night breeze was cool and felt very comfortable on my face.

Thinking about Xiaolan's blessing of "May your martial arts prosper" and that gentle high-five, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

Congratulations! The little angel's progress bar has increased again.

The advantage of childhood sweethearts is being rapidly diluted, and the unexpected offensive is beginning to show results.

When we get back, we'll have Ai find more things for Conan to do, to wear down the great detective's energy, instead of always focusing on Ran. Wouldn't it be better for her to go play with the organization?

He'll draw blood and cut tissue samples whenever it's not necessary; he'll cover the research expenses.

On her way back, Lin Ran was pondering how to better undermine... ah, no, how to care for her classmate, when suddenly she remembered something, took out her phone from her pocket, and sent a text message:

[Snow Country is finished, by the great lawyer.]

About a minute later, the other party replied with a text message:

Congratulations, great writer!

Lin Ran smiled at the words "great writer" and sent a text message back: "Hey lawyer, don't forget, you still owe me a big meal when my new book comes out."

On the balcony of a luxury apartment.

The lawyer, who had just returned and taken a shower, was sitting on the balcony, sipping a glass of red wine and quietly gazing at the night view in the distance, when she saw the text message from the young man, a smile appeared on her cold and elegant face.

She tilted her head back and downed the glass of red wine in one gulp, her slender, pale fingers tapping rapidly on her phone screen.

I am always ready to assist you, and wish you great success in your military endeavors.

发

"They really are a mother and daughter."

Looking at the phrase "Wishing you great success in your military campaigns," Lin Ran felt a pang of emotion.

Ran and Eri are truly mother and daughter; even their blessings are exactly the same.

After soaking the daughter, soak the mother...

Lin Ran, oh Lin Ran, you are truly guilty of grave sins!

But it doesn't seem so bad? He put away his phone, whistled, and started walking towards home.

The night is gentle, and the road ahead is bright.

Military fortune is flourishing.