Conan: When Shinjiu and Maolilan swap bodies

He doesn't need anyone to carry his past for him, and Sachiko Matsui doesn't need to be saddened by his past at all.

The atmosphere of the meal inevitably veered into a subtle awkwardness, fueled by Aozawa's somewhat perfunctory and brief responses, Sachiko Matsui's cautious concern, and Ran Mouri's efforts to lighten the mood.

Matsui Sachiko tried several times to inquire about Aozawa's recent situation, but the answers she received were always phrases like "not bad" or "okay."

Matsui Hidetoshi felt out of place amidst Aozawa's silence and aloofness. He tried to warm up the atmosphere, but the more he tried, the more awkward it became.

Matsui Hirotake, being young, sensed Aozawa's discomfort and simply ate quietly.

Ran Mouri sighed inwardly.

It might seem perfunctory to others, but "It's alright" was the best answer Qingze could give.

How could those years in Qingze be described simply as good or bad?

Absolutely terrible.

Finally, the unpalatable dinner came to an end.

Matsui Sachiko sighed inwardly as she looked at Aozawa's shoulders, which never seemed to relax.

To someone who has lost all relevant memories, they are just strangers on the street.

Therefore, even though he knew they were his relatives, he never wanted to acknowledge them.

Unfamiliar relatives without feelings are just a burden.

If it were based on Zhiyu's previous personality, he wouldn't have even wanted to sit here and eat with them, let alone come.

They've grown up, and the outgoing personality they had as children has become more restrained.

Knowing that Qingze didn't want to stay any longer, she got up and went into the inner room.

A moment later, she brought out a slightly worn wooden box that had been preserved with great care.

She gently placed the box in front of Qingze and opened the lid.

“These are your mother’s belongings.” Her voice was soft, carrying the weight of time. “These are all I have…”

Thirteen years ago, their accident happened so suddenly that she didn't have time to collect many of their belongings.

Inside the box lay a diary with a worn cover and a photo album with its edges still neatly trimmed.

More than a decade has passed, yet they have been so well preserved, as if that bygone era has been frozen in time.

Qingze's gaze fell on the photo album.

He reached out, his fingertips touching the slightly rough cover, paused for a moment, and then picked it up.

The photo album isn't very thick.

As the pages turn, time slips through our fingers.

From his innocent infancy to his toddlerhood, and then to his growing awkwardness... the images are frozen in those bright days before the accident.

In the photos, Reiko Fukuda always smiles gently, her eyes filled with love for the child in her arms or beside her.

Whether serious or cheerful, Akira Fukuda's gaze toward his wife and children always carries a steadfast warmth.

The smiles of the family nestled together still radiate happiness in the faded images.

Qingze's fingertips unconsciously traced the two smiling faces in the photo.

A dull, aching pain came from deep within my chest.

He was somewhat confused as to whether this dull pain belonged to his body or to him.

He shouldn't feel any pain at all, right?

He picked up the diary next to him.

The pages of the diary were yellowed, but the ink was still clear. He turned the pages one by one, line by line.

Those delicate handwritings record a mother's journey from the joy of becoming a mother for the first time, the warmth of everyday moments, to her worries about her child and her boundless love...

Chapter 402 What if I weren't me?

Through these words that transcend time and space, that long-vanished decade, those years that were a blank in his mind, seemed to be given a vague outline and warmth, surging towards him with a silent roar.

A drop of warm liquid fell unexpectedly onto the yellowed paper, spreading a small, dark stain.

Qingze was startled and subconsciously raised his hand, his fingertips touching a cool, wet patch on his cheek.

He didn't even realize that tears were streaming down his face.

He closed his diary, turned his head and quickly wiped away his tears, instinctively not wanting anyone to see him like this.

But tears can't be hidden just because you want to.

Ran Mouri saw it, Sachiko Matsui saw it, and everyone in the living room saw it.

This was the first time Ran Mouri had ever seen Aozawa truly cry.

It's not acting, nor is it from memory.

His tears fell silently, without him even realizing it.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed, heavy and I could hardly breathe.

Qingze stood up with the photos and diary in his hands. He lowered his head slightly, and the shadows of his hair on his forehead covered his eyes and most of his face.

"Thank you for your hospitality. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave now."

Before he finished speaking, he had already turned around and strode towards the door.

Ran Mouri knew he was experiencing intense emotional turmoil. Suppressing the tightness in her chest, she turned to Sachiko Matsui and apologetically bid her farewell.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Sachiko, Aze isn't in a good mood. We'll come to visit again another time."

Sachiko Matsui gently shook her head, her eyes slightly red, her gaze understanding and tolerant, without the slightest displeasure.

"Please tell the child that this will always be his home. He is welcome to come back anytime."

Qingze sat back in the car and stared blankly out the window.

A dull, heavy pain was still throbbing in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Ran Mouri sat down and looked at him with concern.

Are you very sad?

"Um……"

Qingze lowered his eyes and started the car.

"I'll take you back."

Ran Mouri shook her head. "You're not in a good mood right now. I want to keep you company."

"You go back first, I want to be alone for a while."

Ran Mouri turned her head to look at him; his eyes no longer showed any signs of moisture, but the image of him crying was still vivid from the previous moment.

"But I want to stay with you."

Qingze really needs her by his side right now.

He can express his emotions freely; he doesn't need to hide them. He can cry and shed tears. In front of her, he doesn't need to conceal himself.

Qingze didn't look at her, drove the car into traffic, and used silence to express his refusal.

This was a matter between him and Tomohiro Fukuda; he just wanted to be alone and figure out who he really was.

This is an unspeakable secret, an absolute secret that cannot be told to outsiders.

Even if that person is Ran Mouri.

The car was silent; Qingze had no interest in speaking.

Ran Mouri tried to say something to lighten the mood, but looking at Aozawa's expressionless face as he stared at the road, she didn't know what to say.

Is it comforting?

He doesn't need comforting.

He was probably more confused and at a loss.

He had no memory of it, yet his emotions were so real, but he couldn't trace them because his memory was empty.

He was sad, but he couldn't find the source of his grief.

He shed tears, but didn't want anyone to see them.

He presents himself with a strong facade, not wanting to expose any vulnerability.

Even when it's right in front of her.

But that's not necessary.

As the sign for the Mouri Agency slowly came into view, Ran Mouri's eyes widened.

They actually sent her back!

How can this be!

At times like these, what he needs most is companionship!

She quickly picked up her phone and made a call.

"Dad, I'm staying at the Matsui's house tonight. Aunt Sachiko wanted us to stay the night, and I couldn't refuse her..."

Qingze turned his head and watched her make a phone call with amusement, and the gloom in his heart seemed to dissipate a little.

They're getting better and better at lying now; they can just spout off without thinking.

After hearing what was said on the other end of the phone, Ran Mouri blushed with embarrassment, and her voice involuntarily rose a little.

"I definitely won't sleep in the same room with him, Dad! What are you thinking?!"

"...I will protect myself..."

After hanging up the phone, Ran Mouri puffed out her cheeks and met Aozawa's gaze.

Qingze sighed, "You can lie so easily these days."

If Kogoro Mouri knew, his heart would probably break.

"It's all thanks to Teacher Qingze's excellent teaching."

"My fault."

Qingze stopped the car and reached out to unbuckle her seatbelt.

"Go back and rest. Aren't we going out to play tomorrow? I want to be alone for a while."

"But……"

Ran Mouri really doesn't trust him at all.

Qingze reached out and gently rubbed her head, his voice soft, "There's no 'but' about it. Get some rest, I'll pick you up tomorrow to go out and have fun."

Ran Mouri looked up at him, at his face that held a variety of complex emotions, and at his dark, gray eyes.

She shook her head slowly and earnestly, grabbed his hand, and fastened the seatbelt back on, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.

"I want to stay with you!"

Those eyes were saying: He needs companionship.

Seeing that stubborn expression, Qingze felt helpless.

He said with a hint of amusement:

Can't you give me some personal space?

"You don't want to cry in front of me?"

"Yeah... I'd lose face."

Ran Mouri scoffed, "You're starting to care about saving face at a time like this."

"Face and face are not the same thing; I want the former."

"The person who loves you will not think your tears are pathetic; she will only feel sorry for you."

Ran Mouri grabbed his hand, intertwined her fingers with his, and gently stroked his face with her other hand.