“Ded-ded-ded-ded, ded-ded-ded-ded-ded…”
Amidst the music, Guan Gu Xiang collapsed to her knees, as if her soul had been drained.
She knew she couldn't escape the law's judgment and confessed to her crimes.
【The culprit has confessed and been brought to justice!】
【Points earned: 100】
【Current remaining points: 200】
Huh, who's playing music?
As the true criminal confessed and was apprehended, the music faded away.
Mr. Jidō, with tears in his eyes, pleaded to the officers at the scene:
"I killed Kagekawa Katsukiyo! Arrest me! Please, don't take Ah Xiang away!"
Guan Gu Xiang was not moved by his pleas, her eyes still filled with disdain as she looked at him.
Perhaps, this is what it means to be a pathetic, unrequited lover.
Inspector Megure, with a serious expression, refused:
"Mr. Jidō, even if you didn't successfully poison Mr. Kagekawa, you still cannot escape the law's judgment. Due to attempted murder, we kindly ask that you come with us to the station."
He then ordered Officer Takagi to apprehend Jidō and Kagekawa's aunt on the spot.
Conan, who was behind the sofa, emerged at that moment.
He stared at Mr. Suzuki's relaxed expression, finding him somewhat inscrutable.
Again and again.
Time and again, Conan had lost to Suzuki Byakuya!
Being defeated in his own area of expertise as a detective didn't bring him frustration, but rather fueled his determination.
Just you wait, Mr. Suzuki, I'll challenge you again!
…
After the three suspects were taken away, Inspector Megure came over with a smile:
"Suzuki-kun, you were a great help today."
This six-foot-tall handsome man was related to the Suzuki Zaibatsu.
While not strictly a detective, he had solved several cases for the police.
If only he could be recruited and put to good use.
The disappearance of Kudo Shinichi for several days had already made the police look bad.
The title of "savior of Japanese police" might sound impressive to outsiders.
But within the police force, it was a blatant insult.
"No, no, it was nothing. Just a helping hand."
"It seems like Mr. Suzuki doesn't have a job right now. Want to try working at the Metropolitan Police Department?"
Byakuya had learned from various romance novels and TV shows.
The easier something is to obtain, the less it will be cherished. He politely declined:
"Sorry, I recently found a suitable position at a pharmaceutical factory with excellent benefits. If a murder case happens to come up, I can help out. Maybe we'll collaborate with the Metropolitan Police Department in the future, but I haven't considered it for now."
"Ah, is that so…"
Inspector Megure nodded slightly, feeling somewhat disappointed.
If he could recruit Suzuki Byakuya, it could help restore the declining reputation of the police.
He decided to apply for a better package upon returning to the police station, to see if he could convince him.
"Here's my phone number. Feel free to contact me if you need anything."
Inspector Megure smiled, pulling out his phone:
"Alright, no problem, I'll write it down."
After the disappearance of Kudo Shinichi, another "tool" seamlessly took his place.
It was like finishing off a session and immediately charging back into battle, it was incredibly satisfying.
…
Two days of vacation passed in a blink of an eye.
Suzuki Byakuya, with his mind set, went to work at the Mita City Pharmaceutical Company.
Today was March 19th, two days after Valentine's Day.
Giving chocolate now should be fine, right?
The security guards were very diligent in their patrols, no need for him to remind them.
After all, they had performance reviews, and no one wanted to be fired for negligence.
Byakuya sat in front of his computer, idly playing Minesweeper.
Perhaps he would be useful only when an emergency occurred.
Fukaken, who was on patrol in the afternoon, saw Byakuya with a blank expression and proactively suggested:
"Captain, wanna play mahjong?"
Yamada, who was sitting across from him, turned his head and chimed in:
"Yeah, we have nothing else to do, let's play a few rounds."
This new security captain had not joined their mahjong games for several days.
Although they didn't tattle to the boss and kept things separate, there was still a sense of estrangement.
Byakuya understood that one must integrate into a group to be accepted:
"Okay, then… a couple of rounds?"
Seeing the captain agree, Yamada smiled and offered him his seat:
"Alright, come on, come on, sit here."
Mahjong games involved paying for wins and losses. A moneyless entertainment session was pointless.
Luckily, the stakes weren't high, within everyone's budget.
Perhaps his subordinates were intentionally letting him win, or perhaps he was just lucky.
Byakuya won more than he lost, quickly earning 5,000 yen in pocket money.
He glanced at the wall clock and stood up:
"It's almost twelve, I haven't had breakfast yet, I'll go to the cafeteria to grab something."
"No problem, Captain, take your time, we'll be there soon."
Byakuya retrieved his younger sister's chocolate from the cabinet and went to the cafeteria.
Miyano Shiho arrived early, sitting alone in a corner, ignored by everyone.
He went straight to her, placed the chocolate on the table, and pushed it towards her, saying familiarly:
"Look at you, you have dark circles. Have you been staying up late recently?"
Miyano Shiho had never been in a relationship, dedicating her first half of life to research.
Suddenly receiving chocolate, she was surprised, her expression quickly turning sour:
"What does it matter to you whether I stay up late or not? Are we that close?"
Suzuki Byakuya had only given her the chocolate to ease their relationship.
She was the lab director, he was the security captain, they would have opportunities to work together in the future.
After all, they saw each other every day, things would get awkward if they were too hostile towards each other:
"Uh, there's no harm in having some sweets."
"I don't need it."
Miyano Shiho brushed her hair behind her ear, appearing cold and indifferent on the surface, but her mind was in turmoil.
This new security captain was being overly attentive, did he have ulterior motives?
Or, was today a special day?
At that moment, Miyano Shiho suddenly realized!
Last Saturday was Valentine's Day, he must have been on vacation and couldn't give it to her, so he gave it to her today.
He gave her this, could it be that… he likes me?!
Byakuya didn't want to force her. Seeing his gift rejected, he gave up:
"Alright, if you don't want it, then forget it."
He just extended his hand to take it back, but Miyano Shiho snatched the chocolate before him:
"Eating sweets does help relieve stress, I'll take it. Thanks."
She spoke formally, her tone devoid of any emotion.
Seeing his gift accepted, he knew their relationship had softened somewhat.
Byakuya breathed a sigh of relief, waving his hand with a smile: "Okay, I'll go get my food, bye."
He had only taken two steps when he was stopped by Miyano Shiho: "Wait!"
Byakuya turned around and looked at the ice queen: "What's wrong?"
She put the chocolate in her coat pocket, her expression shifting from icy to slightly normal:
"I'm Miyano Shiho, director of the third lab. You're the new security captain, right? What's your name?"
Byakuya was struck like lightning when he heard that forbidden word.
Miyano Shiho… is actually the director of the third lab?!