Conan Rick's Investigator

There was a white man sitting in the driver's seat. It was obvious that the empty passenger seat was reserved for him, a clear position for his lackey.

Qin Zhibo got into the car, closed the door, and the car started slowly.

……

Along the way, the atmosphere in the luxurious classic car was very quiet.

The white driver was concentrating on driving with his sunglasses on, while Qin Zhibo was secretly observing Carl Sanford through the rearview mirror.

At this moment, Karl was resting with his eyes closed. He was dressed like a classical gentleman, wearing a tall top hat, a pocket watch chain on the chest of his suit, a single-piece pince-nez, and a black and gold cane.

During the previous background investigation, Qin Zhibo learned that Carl Sanford's main job was an antique dealer, and he was the most prestigious art buyer in the eastern United States, with an amazing art collection.

The most mysterious thing is that Carl Sanford's transactions rarely involve selling, but mainly involve acquisitions and buying at auctions.

The occasional art exhibitions he held didn't make much money, but he seemed to have endless money.

Therefore, the outside world has always speculated that there is even stronger financial support behind Carl.

……

After arriving in Boston, the white driver drove straight to the Sintra Building in downtown Boston.

At the entrance of the building, countless reporters' flashlights were crackling, witnessing a luxurious antique car slowly stopping in front of the red carpet.

"This is the global launch of 'Cocoon,' the world's first virtual experience game developed by Sindorah."

“This is a groundbreaking technology…”

Chapter 517 Encounter again

Qin Zhibo had only seen such grand scenes on TV in his previous life.

The flash focused on Carl Sanford's antique car, but Carl did not rush to get out of the car. Instead, he sat in the car and waited quietly.

Qin Zhibo understood instantly, pushed the door and got out of the car quickly, opening the back door like the thugs often seen on TV, and Carl Sanford got out of the car.

Under the spotlight, Carl nodded skillfully and walked up the stairs.

At this time, the antique car behind him had already driven away, and Qin Zhibo also knew that he was a "high-level henchman" who could go in and have dinner together.

In this way, Qin Zhibo followed Carl Sanford into the Sindora Building.

In the lobby on the first floor of the Sindora Building, a group of majestic bronze statues of battle angels stand in front of the fountain.

There are five figures in the bronze statue, including a goddess, a sickle goddess, a knight, an eagle-winged knight, and a prince. They all look quite majestic, and the daggers in their hands are all sharpened.

Carl Sanford stood in front of the bronze statue and admired it leisurely for about ten minutes before taking the elevator upstairs.

……

Inside the exhibition hall, Carl Sanford found an inconspicuous place to stand and took out an egg-shaped medal from his pocket.

"This is a game conference, but I'm not interested in games."

"You can go up and play in my place later. I have something to do and need to leave for a while..."

Qin Zhibo took the game medal, and Carl Sanford walked out of the exhibition hall with a cane.

Looking around at the guests in the exhibition hall, Qin Zhibo found that many people indeed had this special medal hanging on their chests.

On the stepped stage in front of the exhibition hall, there are a total of 50 "cocoon"-shaped devices, which look like some kind of game cabin.

From this point of view, the number of game spots is limited, and those who can get this spot are either rich or noble.

So Qin Zhibo followed suit and pinned the medal on his chest.

As time went by, more and more people came into the exhibition hall, including some dignitaries that Qin Zhibo knew in the United States.

First up was Billy Lee Tuttle, a middle-aged, overweight man who led a church in Oklahoma.

Because he was recently caught up in the public opinion vortex of the serial murder case, he had a hard time breaking through the blockade of reporters downstairs.

As soon as he arrived at the door of the exhibition hall, he took a small medicine tray from the assistant behind him, sweating profusely. The tray contained medicines of various colors.

He took out a blue capsule, took the water handed to him by his assistant, and swallowed it.

As the medicine went down his throat, his expression became more relaxed. He returned the medicine tray to his assistant, adjusted the collar of his suit, and pinned the oval badge on his chest before officially entering the exhibition hall.

Qin Zhibo was quite surprised by the appearance of Billy Lee Tuttle, because he was also a member of the Tuttle family and the cousin of the scar-faced man's father.

Maybe he is also a member of the Yellow Seal Brotherhood. If I can get in touch with him in person, maybe I can complete the main task of investigating the Yellow Seal Brotherhood.

Qin Zhibo thought to himself as he was about to walk over to chat and shake hands, but a tall figure got there first.

This was a sullen-faced and burly man, over 2 meters tall, with broad arms that held his custom-made suit in place.

In front of ordinary people, his figure is really exaggerated. Even the obese Billy Tuttle looks like a child in front of him.

Coupled with that gloomy and expressionless face, it gives people the feeling of a solid statue.

"Hello, meet Walter Marsh, Jr."

Bill Tuttle obviously didn't know this person, and his face was slightly stunned. Perhaps he was frightened by the extremely oppressive figure of the person in front of him, so he just nodded woodenly.

"Oh... hello."

The two men shook hands with each other, but in just one second, Bill Tuttle's face showed a very painful expression, his knees gradually weakened, and he grinned at his right hand that was being held tightly.

It was obvious that Walter Marsh Jr. had deliberately hurt his hand.

Five seconds later, Little Walter let go of his hand and turned away, leaving Tuttle with a flushed face, covering his hand like a wounded animal, looking at Little Walter's burly back with resentment but not daring to say a word.

Seeing this scene, Qin Zhibo was a little surprised.

Walter Marsh Jr., the current head of STK Technologies, was also invited to the exhibition hall.

Judging from the handshake just now, Walter Marsh Jr. had some animosity towards Bill Tuttle for some reason.

However, judging from the fact that Bill Tuttle was holding his right hand in pain, he probably wouldn't shake hands with others in the short term.

At this moment, the lights on the scene suddenly dimmed, grand background music sounded, and the staff on the stage began to introduce the blockbuster product released this time - "Cocoon".

"Next, please enjoy this next-generation game console, 'Cocoon'."

"This pod controls all five human senses, from touch and smell to pain, all of which make players feel as if they are in the real world."

"It stimulates the central nervous system through electricity and is completely harmless to the player's body..."

The staff introduced in fluent English, and a beautiful American lady on the stage personally demonstrated the entire process of entering the "Cocoon" game cabin.

Seeing this scene, Qin Zhibo almost dropped his jaw in shock.

Is there such explosive technology in this era?

When Qin Zhibo first saw the shape of the game cabin, he thought it was just a computer screen moved into a closed cabin, with surround sound and picture, and at most some seat vibration.

But after listening to these introductions, this is basically full stealth!

Even the VR technology 20 years from now will definitely not be this amazing!

With such advanced technology, why can’t we develop a simple, practical and affordable smartphone?

I despise you!

Qin Zhibo was speechless about the weakness of mobile phones in this world. He thought it was just because the technological level was not up to standard, but he didn't expect that the technology tree was wrong.

However, despite all the complaints, Qin Zhibo is still looking forward to experiencing this new technology.

Next, the staff introduced the world view structure and story designers of the game to everyone.

"Mr. Kudo Yusaku!"

There was a grand and warm applause in the exhibition hall. Kudo Yusaku on the stage smiled and waved to everyone, which made Qin Zhibo stunned.

Yusaku Kudo is actually the designer of this game?

Now Qin Zhibo knew why Kudo Yusaku and Yukiko came to Boston. It turned out that they were also there to attend an event.

I didn't expect that after going around in a circle, I would "accidentally" meet Kudo Yusaku here again.

Chapter 518 Let’s Play Games Together

Although it was another "chance encounter", Qin Zhibo was wearing a human skin mask this time, so Kudo Yusaku could not recognize him.

After noticing the presence of Kudo Yusaku, Qin Zhibo found Kudo Yukiko in the crowd.

Next to Kudo Yukiko was Suzuki Shiro in a beige suit and Suzuki Sonoko in a light yellow long skirt.

The Suzuki family is here too?

Is it...

Qin Zhibo suddenly had a bad feeling and quickly glanced around the scene for the familiar short figure.

However, after searching the scene for a few rounds, Qin Zhibo did not see Conan.

Qin Zhibo thought about it for a moment and remembered that it was almost impossible for Conan to come to the United States because Conan had a false identity and could not apply for a passport unless he used the antidote for drug A to restore himself to Kudo Shinichi.

However, it would be very dangerous to appear as Kudo Shinichi in such a public occasion that attracts global attention.

Although Qin Zhibo did not find any members of the Black Organization at the scene, Carl Sanford, who was able to introduce people to the Black Organization, was undoubtedly a related person of the Black Organization.

But no one knew where Carl Sanford had gone since he left the exhibition hall.

……

Sindola Building, private meeting room.

On either side of the black leather sofa sat art buyer Carl Sanford and Thomas Sindora, chairman of Sindora Corporation.

"I repeat, the Battle Angel bronze statue is my favorite and most important collection. It's the symbol of the Sindorah Company. No matter what price you offer, I won't sell it."

Thomas Sindora's attitude was tough and there seemed to be no room for negotiation.

But Carl Sanford was not flustered. He leaned on his cane with a calm expression and said calmly, "Don't be so quick to refuse, Mr. Thomas."

"According to the inside information I received, your company has spent almost all of its funds on developing the game, even borrowing money from Japanese financial groups and banks."

"If you agree to sell me the statue, I will offer you a price you can't refuse..."

Carl Sanford's words softened Thomas Sindorah's attitude a little, but when he thought of his plan to kill people at the next press conference in Japan, Thomas still shook his head.

"Please allow me to decline, Mr. Karl."

"I know you're very wealthy, but Sindora Company is well-funded right now. Once the game is released, it's bound to trigger a buying frenzy worldwide, and the company will quickly recoup its R&D funding."

"I am still very confident in our products."

"All right……"

Thomas Sindora suddenly stood up and walked to the door. He turned back and said, "The press conference has already started. I won't be with you any longer."

"In fact, I personally strongly recommend that you play our game. It's quite interesting. Once you play it, you will understand why I am so confident."

Carl Sandford sat on the sofa without moving, and said calmly, "I'm not interested in that kind of children's game."

"And my personal advice to you is to not be too optimistic about everything. Do you know 'Murphy's Law'?"

"If there's a chance something could go wrong, no matter how small the chance, it will happen..."

Looking at Carl Sandford's back, Thomas Sindora narrowed his eyes slightly, then turned and left.

……

At the press conference in the exhibition hall, the introduction session has ended and it is time for the experience session.

The 50 people who received the egg-shaped badges walked up to the stage and, under the envious gazes of the audience, got into the "cocoon" game cabin.

Qin Zhibo is one of them.

The gaming cabin uses e-sports chairs that will only become popular in the future. Qin Zhibo followed the instructions of the young lady next to him and put on the brain nerve signal device on his head.

The hatch slowly closed from top to bottom.

Connecting...

After a while, when Qin Zhibo opened his eyes again, the scene around him had completely changed.

This is a virtual stone platform similar to a game lobby where 50 players can see each other, including their own bodies.