Detective Conan: Developing a younger version of Ran Eri, and the stunning Yukiko.

Ran angrily retorted, "Shiraishi is a famous high school detective in Tokyo. It's impossible that he conspired with Ayako to frame you. Don't make baseless accusations!"

Ayako Suzuki crossed her arms and looked down at Yuzo Tomizawa, who was being controlled by the police, her sleepy phoenix eyes shooting out a sharp gaze.

"Tomizawa Yuzo, watch your mouth. Shiraishihara and I are just ordinary friends. Shiraishihara is my sister's classmate. How could we possibly conspire to harm your father?"

There's a limit to how much nonsense you can spout!

You killed him simply because you were unhappy that your father didn't support your art and only wanted you to inherit the company!

Seeing his fiancée become so cold and indifferent, like a stranger, Tomizawa Yuzo gritted his teeth and his face turned ferocious.

"Ayako Suzuki, you bitch! It was you and Shiraishihara who secretly plotted to kill my father and then frame me. That way you wouldn't have to marry me."

"You think I didn't know? You and Shiraishihara were exchanging glances yesterday. Do you think I'm blind? I just kept quiet, but I never expected you to do something like this!"

"Tomizawa Yuzo—don't talk nonsense here! In short, it's over between us. You murderer, you should reflect on your actions in prison!"

Ayako Suzuki was relieved that she didn't have to marry someone she didn't like.

Sonoko Suzuki was very surprised, not expecting her sister's fiancé to say such a thing, and asked in a low voice, "Shiraishi-kun, is there really something between you and my sister?"

Ran Mouri asked worriedly, "Shiraishi-kun, you and Sonoko-neechan are definitely not doing anything, are you...?"

Shiraishihara stated frankly, "Of course not! Tomizawa Yuzo is just making baseless accusations; you can't believe a single word he says!"

Shiraishi Hara raised his hand and pointed at Tomizawa Yuzo: "Suzuki Ayako is the older sister of my classmate Suzuki Sonoko. I came to the Suzuki family at Suzuki Sonoko's invitation. It is impossible for me to conspire with Suzuki Ayako to murder your father. Your accusation is completely unfounded."

Inspector Yokomizo also found Tomizawa Yuzo's accusations against Shiraishihara and Ayako to be absurd, further convincing him that Tomizawa Yuzo was the murderer.

"Tomizawa Yuzo, stop making excuses. Shiraishi Hara was a renowned detective in Tokyo, and Suzuki Ayako was the heiress of the Suzuki Group. There's absolutely no way they could have conspired to murder your father!"

Taichi Tomizawa secretly hoped that Yuzo Tomizawa would go to prison, so that there would be one less person to divide the family fortune. Since Yuzo Tomizawa killed his father, he naturally had no right to inherit the property.

"Third brother, you should take responsibility for your actions. Don't make it so ugly. Just admit it."

"You and Dad had a long-standing conflict, your second brother and I both knew that. We never imagined you would actually dare to kill Dad. You are utterly depraved."

Tomizawa Tatsuji shared the same thought and said coldly, "Third brother, stop being so stubborn. You're the only one here who could have killed Dad. Since you did it, you have to bear the consequences!"

"Eldest brother, second brother, how could you—"

Yuzo Tomizawa was now completely isolated and helpless. It seemed as if everyone was hoping for his downfall, and he had already deeply felt the malice from all over the world since the beginning of the morning...

Tomizawa Yuzo tried to continue his explanation, but Inspector Yokomizo ordered his men to take him away.

After Tomizawa Yuzo was taken away by the police, Tomizawa Taiichi and Tomizawa Tatsuji could not hide their joy.

The first piece of good news was that Dad passed away, and the second piece of good news was that the third son was arrested. Now the Tomizawa family's assets are only left for the two of them to divide equally. They are overjoyed!

Tomizawa Taichi, still single, had long coveted Suzuki Ayako's beauty and family background. He said, "Miss Ayako, even if the third son is arrested, the marriage alliance between our Tomizawa and Suzuki families can still continue. I'm still single, so I can marry you in the third son's place!"

Ayako Suzuki said coldly, "The third son of the Tomizawa family killed his own father. Your Tomizawa family has such a huge scandal, yet you still have the nerve to claim kinship with the Suzuki family? Get as far away from me as possible!"

"you--"

Tomizawa Tai was so angry that his face turned ashen, but he was helpless and could only slink away.

Tomizawa Tatsuji, knowing his place, dared not harbor any improper thoughts and politely said to Suzuki Ayako:

“Miss Suzuki, the Tomizawa family is deeply saddened by what has happened. My brother and I will not disturb you any longer. Farewell.”

After the Tomizawa family left, the beach villa in Izu returned to its tranquility.

The four returned to the villa, sat down at the coffee table, ate snacks, and drank coffee.

Ran and Sonoko chatted about topics between girls, while Shiraishi Gen and Ayako chatted casually.

Shiraishihara asked, "Ayako-nee, it seems your marriage is off. What are your plans now?"

No. .

108. While enjoying themselves on the beach with the sisters, they were spotted by Xiaolan.

Chapter 108

Ayako Suzuki replied, "I don't have any particular plans. However, I will no longer listen to my parents' arrangements and marry someone I don't like!"

Shiraishi asked again, "Besides getting married, is there nothing else you want to do?"

Ayako Suzuki thought for a moment and said, "I've always loved theater, movies, and television since I was little... Maybe I'll try directing. Or, I'll do something else I enjoy. Anyway, the Suzuki family doesn't plan for me to take over the family business for the time being..."

"That's great, doing what you love."

"I still want...to be with you..."

Ayako Suzuki was eager to reveal to Shiraishihara that she still hoped to spend time with him, but the suspicious looks from Sonoko and Ran made her swallow back the words she was about to say.

Despite the unexpected murder, the group's enthusiasm for playing on the private beach in Izu remained undiminished. In fact, without the disturbance of outsiders, they enjoyed themselves even more thoroughly.

The sea surface shimmered like scattered stars, and a gentle sea breeze caressed the hair of two stunningly beautiful young women on the beach, creating a dreamlike and enchanting scene.

One of them had bright, sparkling eyes, flowing black hair like a waterfall, and wore a red one-piece swimsuit and a red sun hat. She exuded a unique and charming aura.

The other one has a pair of clear, bright eyes, short, neat hair, and is wearing a light blue bikini and a light blue sun hat, exuding youthful energy.

Under the generous sunshine, Ran and Sonoko engaged in a thrilling beach volleyball match against Shiraishihara, playing two against one.

Shiraishihara faced Ran and Sonoko alone. According to the standard two-on-two rules of beach volleyball, even though Shiraishihara was a grown man, he was really struggling to cope with the combined attack of the two girls.

After several rounds of intense competition, Sonoko seized the opportunity and unleashed a powerful spike. The volleyball, like a cannonball, hurtled straight towards Shiraishihara's head, instantly knocking him down onto the beach.

Wow! It hit the target!

Sonoko cheered excitedly, jumping high into the air before embracing Ran tightly.

"Ran, isn't it a bit unfair of us to 'torture' Shiraishi-kun like this?" Ran's face showed a mix of amusement and helplessness.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach Shiraishi-kun a lesson, we must seize it!" Sonoko said with excitement in her eyes and high spirits.

Shiraishi Haru braced himself against the sand with both hands, slowly raising his head. Suddenly, a pair of slender and fair legs appeared before him. Following the legs upwards, he saw Ayako in a swimsuit.

Ayako, who is usually dignified and quiet, seemed to be given a completely new charm after changing into her swimsuit, and her whole person was refreshed. In particular, the blue swimsuit she wore was simple and elegant, showing off her healthy figure without losing her elegance. Her playful ponytail and blue sun hat added a touch of charm.

"Let me join in too."

Ayako smiled and extended her hand to Shiraishihara.

"Uh……"

Shiraishi Hara reached out and grasped Ayako's hand, using the leverage to stand up from the beach.

Seeing this, Sonoko couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Sister, are you joining too?"

Ayako narrowed her eyes slightly, a gentle smile on her face, and said, "Sonoko, don't you welcome your older sister?"

"Um... if my sister joins, the advantage that Ran and I worked so hard to build up will be gone." Sonoko muttered reluctantly.

Ran was very much in favor of Ayako joining, and quickly said, "Sonoko, the rules of this competition are two against two, so it's perfect for Ayako to join."

"Alright." Sonoko sighed helplessly and reluctantly agreed to Ayako's joining.

Under the intense sunlight, the golden sand shimmered dazzlingly, like a vast, boundless golden ocean. The gentle waves lapped against the shore, bringing a cool and pleasant sea breeze that was exceptionally refreshing.

After Ayako joined the battle, the situation on Shiraishihara's side was instantly reversed.

Ran and Sonoko were clearly finding it increasingly difficult to keep up. The two girls would sometimes leap high into the air for a powerful spike, and sometimes quickly duck to make a daring save. Every movement perfectly combined strength and beauty. But even so, they still couldn't withstand the coordinated attacks of Shiraishihara and Ayako.

Sure enough, Sonoko was hit by Shiraishihara's precise spike, and she fell to the ground. She got up from the beach, somewhat annoyed, pouting.

"I'm not playing anymore!"

Sonoko threw the volleyball aside and complained, "It's so hot, I'm going back inside to rest."

Xiaolan raised her hand to wipe the sweat rolling down her forehead and echoed, "Then let's rest. I'm feeling really hot too."

Seeing this, Shiraishihara on the opposite side said, "Then let's rest."

Shiraishi originally just wanted to take the opportunity of playing beach volleyball to relax and have fun with everyone. Since Ran and Sonoko suggested that they wanted to rest, he naturally wouldn't force them to stay.

The two girls, barefoot, slowly walked on the soft, fine sand towards the villa, until only Shiraishihara and Suzuki Ayako remained on the beach.

Shiraishi turned around and inadvertently noticed that Ayako Suzuki was staring intently at him.

At this moment, Shiraishihara was only wearing a pair of beach shorts, his muscular upper body exposed. Despite his seemingly slender build, he possessed immense strength; his muscles were smoothly and beautifully defined, seemingly bathed in a captivating glow under the sunlight. Suzuki Ayako was momentarily mesmerized, secretly admiring him: "This guy is truly handsome!"

"Ayako... Sister?"

"Oh dear, I'm sorry, I got so engrossed in it."

Ayako Suzuki then came to her senses, a shy blush spreading across her face, and said softly, "Let's go back too."

Shiraishi didn't respond, but suddenly leaned forward, lowered his head slightly, and gently kissed Ayako Suzuki's forehead.

Ayako Suzuki was startled and instinctively took a half step back, her cheeks instantly burning hot.

"Shiraishi-kun, what are you doing all of a sudden?"

"I'm so sorry, I couldn't help it."

Shiraishi had just finished apologizing, but his eyes still held an undisguised affection as he softly said, "Ayako-neechan, I have something I want to say to you alone."

Ayako Suzuki was a little flustered and said softly, "Is there something... can't we talk about it when we get back? If Sonoko and Ran see us, they might misunderstand."

Shiraishi looked at her and said seriously, "Some things are better said here. Back at the villa, with so many people around, it would be inconvenient."

For some reason, as if drawn by some force, Ayako nodded and silently followed Shiraishi to a coconut tree on the beach.

Ayako cautiously looked around, and finding no one there, asked softly, "What do you want to say?"

“Ayako-neechan, I…” Shiraishihara took a deep breath, his eyes sincere, “After spending this time together, I’ve realized that I care about you a lot.”

Ayako Suzuki's heart skipped a beat, and her face flushed even more. She lowered her head shyly and said, "Why...why are you suddenly saying all this? It's so embarrassing."

“I’m serious.” Shiraishihara gazed at her. “Regardless of your past, I hope to have the opportunity to face the future with you.”

Ayako looked up and met his burning gaze. Her heart was filled with both panic and a strange flutter, and she didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Inside the Suzuki family villa, Ran and Sonoko were in the bathroom, carefully rinsing off the fine sand and sea salt that had settled on their bodies with the showerhead, before changing into comfortable summer clothes.

The two went to the first-floor terrace and sat down leisurely, enjoying their iced coffee while chatting casually about private topics between girls.

Ran seemed to suddenly remember something and asked in confusion, "Huh? It feels like two people are missing. Where did Shiraishi-kun and Ayako-nee go?"

Sonoko gently put down her glass, licked the coffee residue from the corner of her mouth, and guessed, "Those two, maybe they went for a walk."

"I'm not so sure." Xiaolan tilted her head, raised her index finger in confusion, looked at Yuanzi, and her gossipy nature suddenly aroused. She asked curiously, "Yuanzi, what's the relationship between your sister and her fiancé? Why didn't your sister seem to have any particular reaction when her fiancé was arrested by the police?"

Sonoko looked up, pondered for a moment, and said uncertainly, "I'm not quite sure either. After just one ball, my sister suddenly had a fiancé. I really don't understand the details of their relationship. But judging from some of my sister's previous behavior, it seems like she's not very satisfied with this fiancé?"

Xiaolan sighed softly and said, "No matter what, your fiancé has been arrested by the police, so your sister's marriage is probably doomed to fail."

Sonoko nodded in deep agreement and said with certainty, "Of course, there's no way my sister would marry a criminal."

On the balcony of a seaside villa sat two incredibly close best friends. They chatted contentedly about all sorts of interesting things, while leisurely enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Some time passed…

Ran noticed that Shiraishihara hadn't returned for a long time and couldn't help but wonder, "363 days have passed, why hasn't Shiraishihara come back yet? Doesn't he get hot standing in the sun all the time?"

Sonoko nodded in agreement, "Yes, my sister hasn't come back either. Shiraishihara is probably with my sister."

"Shiraishihara is with your sister? What do they do then?"

"I...I'm not quite sure either."

"Hey, how about we go take a look at the beach together?"

"Okay."

The pristine white sand lay there quietly, the salty-sweet seawater seeming to hold tears of happiness.

Ayako leaned against a coconut tree, listening to Shiraishihara pour out his heart, a shy smile on her face. She recalled her days in the drama club in college, when she was brave and carefree. Now, facing this sudden affection, she felt hesitant and flustered. Shiraishihara spoke patiently, sometimes earnest, sometimes gentle, gradually calming her previously chaotic thoughts.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the coconut leaves, casting dappled shadows on the two of them. A sea breeze carried the faint scent of coconut, and everything seemed exceptionally peaceful.

Just then, Ran and Sonoko, dressed in summer clothes and wearing sun hats, arrived at the beach again.

"Huh? Where did Shiraishihara go? He was just here a moment ago." Ran was full of questions.

Yuanzi pointed to the beach and shouted, "Xiao Lan, look! There are footprints over there!"

Ran looked at the footprints on the beach: "These are two people's footprints. Could they be Shiraishi-kun and Ayako-neechan's?"

Sonoko was equally puzzled: "It seems to be... Shiraishihara and my sister, where did they go?"

Xiaolan shook her head and said, "Let's follow the footprints on the beach and see what happens."

So the two followed the footprints and searched in the direction where Shiraishihara and Ayako were.