Detective Conan: Becoming a Zaibatsu - Starting with Joining the Winery

Shinichi Kudo?

Xiaolan almost laughed when she heard the name again.

Seeing Conan's anxious face, Ran said calmly, "You can't just say things like that. Shinichi and I are just friends, we're not in a romantic relationship."

"In other words, who I want to date is entirely my freedom, understand?"

"So what if Lin Mo has a girlfriend?"

"With his status and position, having two girlfriends isn't unreasonable, is it?"

After saying that.

Ran completely ignored Conan and walked straight away into the distance.

Conan looked completely bewildered!

Because he really couldn't refute it. Even though he had long considered Xiaolan his girlfriend, the truth was just as Xiaolan said: the two of them had never confirmed their romantic relationship.

In a sense, Xiaolan is free now!

In fact, not only Conan, but even Sonoko was stunned and didn't know what to say to persuade him.

Because Xiao Lan herself said she didn't care that Lin Mo had a girlfriend.

How can I persuade them now?

Of course.

She could tell that Ran was just saying it out of anger, and upon reflection, it was understandable, considering how long Shinichi Kudo had been missing.

We can't keep making Xiaolan wait forever, can we?

and so……

From Xiaolan's perspective, she really had reason to get angry!

No matter what you, Shinichi Kudo, are doing, at least give Ran a straight answer!

Sonoko, Ran's best friend, knew that during the time Shinichi Kudo disappeared, although he had spoken to Ran a few times, each call was very short and they didn't talk about anything specific.

After exchanging a few platitudes, Shinichi Kudo would find an opportunity to hang up every time Ran asked for details!

Considering this, it's good to let Xiaolan vent her frustrations.

Conan and Shinichi Kudo have a good relationship. It might be good to make Shinichi Kudo anxious through Conan, and maybe Shinichi Kudo will be able to come back tonight.

"Xiao Lan!"

"I'll go to Mermaid Island with you tomorrow!"

Having made up her mind, Sonoko immediately began to speak.

Yes!

She's not the kind of superficial best friend; she's a true best friend who genuinely cares about Xiaolan.

She wouldn't say those comforting platitudes. Since she knew Xiaolan was in a bad mood and, as her best friend, didn't know how to comfort her, all she could do was silently stay by Xiaolan's side.

Xiaolan was somewhat surprised upon hearing this: "Aren't you supposed to be tomorrow...?"

"Hey, don't even mention it!"

Sonoko waved her hand, her face full of nonchalance: "No, it's not like I don't know. I hate business cocktail parties the most."

"Anyway, the party tomorrow isn't that important. I'll just tell my mom when I get back."

Actually, it's very important!

If it were a regular business cocktail party, she would have refused from the start, since those unpleasant things were really not as good as spending time with Xiaolan.

But since she didn't refuse at the beginning, it naturally proves that the banquet was indeed very important to the Suzuki family.

but.

Sonoko didn't tell the truth because she didn't want Ran to feel pressured!

"Okay, sure."

"Thank you, Sonoko!"

"But it's really not necessary. It's enough that Lin Mo is with me."

Xiaolan smiled faintly, feeling very grateful to Yuanzi.

but.

She wasn't a complete naive girl. Even though Sonoko acted very calmly, she could still sense that Sonoko was actually doing it for her.

And, in response to this.

Sonoko couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, Xiaolan."

"It's really nothing, just a boring cocktail party."

Don't overthink it, see you tomorrow!

After saying that.

Sonoko and Ran waved goodbye and headed towards their home.

And, in response to this.

Ran stared intently at Sonoko's retreating figure for a while before turning and heading towards Gochome.

Although Beika Town is divided into many chomes, it's only a 20-minute walk between 1-chome and 5-chome, so there's no need to call a taxi.

Conan followed behind Ran, his face grim, his heart sinking to the bottom.

For a moment, the two were silent.

Not long after the two returned home, Conan made up an excuse and headed straight for Professor Agasa's house.

Mouri Detective Agency.

Ran stood on the second-floor window, watching Conan hurriedly leave the street on his skateboard.

"hehe……"

"If I'm not mistaken, I'll receive a call from Shinichi by tonight at the latest."

"Then I'm very curious, what will you say on the phone!"

Xiao Lan smiled dismissively, thinking to herself.

Then.

She glanced at the empty office; her father, Kogoro, was still out investigating. Ran tidied up a bit and started preparing dinner for the evening.

Meanwhile, on the other side...

Conan quickly arrived at Professor Agasa's house. Her face was filled with dejection, and she looked extremely disheveled.

"Doctor, I..."

"Shinichi, what's wrong with you?"

Seeing Conan covered in sweat and looking exhausted, Professor Agasa was quite shocked.

He quickly poured Conan a glass of water and asked him to sit down on the sofa.

Conan sighed, but still nodded.

At last.

After he sat down and drank a glass of water, he told the whole story of what had happened that day.

Upon hearing this, Professor Agasa sighed softly, "Why don't we just tell Ran the truth? This can't go on forever. After all, what Ran said today makes sense; you and Ran haven't officially started a relationship."

"Your prolonged disappearance is definitely detrimental to the stability of our relationship!"

"and……"

"And to be honest, investigating that dark organization is really not that easy!"

"Look how much time has passed, and all you've learned besides the codenames Gin and Vodka, you haven't gained anything else!"

"Tokyo is such a big city, how can it be so easy to investigate?"

"So I advise you to tell Xiaolan the truth."

"Also, tell your parents about this. Your father is a world-class mystery novelist. He is definitely more capable than you, not to mention his connections are beyond your reach."

"If you involve your father in the investigation, we might be able to find the Dark Organization much faster!"

Dr. Agasa, with heartfelt and earnest advice.

He didn't say that much in the original story because Conan was always making progress!

In particular, Shiho Miyano's joining the organization allowed him to learn more about it. Professor Agasa saw hope in the investigation, so after communicating with the Kudo couple, he chose to let Conan investigate on his own, hoping that this would help Conan grow and mature.

But now, things are different!

Lin Mo directly intercepted Miyano Akemi, and the billion-yen heist is now completely over. Miyano Akemi has become completely obedient.

If Akemi Miyano hadn't gotten into trouble, Shiho Miyano wouldn't have left the organization.

With Ai Haibara not online, Conan is completely stuck!

Meanwhile, on the other side...

After hearing Professor Agasa's words, Conan couldn't help but fall into deep thought!