She will continue her parents' work and lead the further research and development of APTX4869.

Life? What is life?

For Shiho, it meant test tubes, flasks, reagents, and endless experiments in the lab...

As Shiho gazed at Shinichi Kudo's childhood photo, lost in memories, she failed to notice the surprise that had already crossed Takato's eyes.

"This is..." he murmured to himself, "Conan-kun?"

"He's Shinichi Kudo?"

The results of this exploration of the Kudo residence can be described as quite satisfactory.

Shiho, quite unexpectedly, learns that Shinichi Kudo might indeed have turned into a child like herself.

He is now an elementary school student named Conan Edogawa, living at the home of the famous detective Kogoro Mouri. He is said to be the great detective's capable assistant.

“Kogoro Mouri?” Shiho nodded. “I have heard about him, including the fact that his daughter, Ran Mouri, was Shinichi Kudo’s high school classmate.”

"I'm afraid it's more than that." As he said this, a mischievous smile appeared in Gao Yuan's eyes.

He finally had his long-standing questions answered.

For example, why would some adult detectives get so close to an elementary school student, even one with a title like "child prodigy"?

And why did that elementary school student also look so precocious, even secretly staring at the older girl he lived with...?

If Conan Edogawa is Shinichi Kudo, and "that guy" also knows this secret, then their behavior makes sense.

"They actually kept it a secret from 'me' all along..."

As a member of the Black Cat Detective Agency and in his capacity as Boss Mao, Gao Yuan muttered something to himself.

"Huh? Who are you talking about?" Shiho asked casually.

"Nothing, just an annoying guy."

Gao Yuan smiled and extended his hand to Shiho.

"Now, shall we go and visit that little detective?"

...

After a brief period of activity during the morning rush hour, the Poirot Café gradually quiets down again in the early morning.

After a short breakfast break, office workers rush off to their respective companies, like soldiers heading to their battlegrounds.

The cafe staff, who have a little less time, have the opportunity to chat casually while clearing away the tableware.

"Miss Zi, let me make you a cup of coffee too," the young waiter behind the bar said with a smile.

"Okay, then I'll leave it to you, Toru-kun."

"How about a latte? It'll have a stronger milk flavor, and I remember you don't like things that are too bitter."

"..."

"This place is really quite pleasant."

Sitting by the window, quietly observing everything in the store and the dark-skinned blond waiter, Shiho murmured a sigh.

Gao Yuan sat opposite her, revealing a smile that could be described as "kind," but he slightly turned his head to gesture to the waiter.

"That Mr. Amuro claims to be Kogoro Mouri's disciple, a detective apprentice, and also has a close relationship with your Shinichi Kudo..."

"What do you mean, my Shinichi Kudo!" Shiho snorted, but her eyes flickered.

"By the way, you said Shinichi Kudo's current alias is Conan Edogawa?"

"These fabricated names sound like they came from Edogawa Ranpo and Conan Doyle, don't they?"

"Following the clues, I've actually gotten some inspiration..."

“How about… Hai… Haibara? It’s the ‘Grey’ from Cordelia Gray.”

"A female detective?" Gao Yuan chuckled. "And her name?"

"Ai is the 'I' in V.I. Warshawski, and in Chinese characters..."

Shiho pondered for a moment, then wrote the character "哀" (sorrow) on the tablecloth with her finger.

Alas... ah...

It's perfect for someone like me who has nothing...

Gao Yuan raised an eyebrow and then smiled.

"All right."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ai Haibara."

Shiho, who had expected him to offer some opinion on her name, paused for a moment and then gave a faint smile.

"Nice to meet you... Mrs. Haibara."

After saying this in a sarcastic tone, she looked at Gao Yuan's face, which had turned into a meat bun, and saw a slightly embarrassed expression on his face, and then burst into laughter.

This is probably the first time she has genuinely laughed since she became like this.

At the same time, the sound of children making noise could be heard outside the coffee shop.

"Conan! Conan! Come down quickly, we're leaving!"

Standing there were three elementary school students, two boys and one girl, representing all shapes and sizes, with the chubby boy probably weighing more than the other boy and girl combined.

As the three shouted, another little boy with a large head and short legs came running out and joined them in the commotion.

Despite wearing glasses, his face was instantly recognizable as identical to the elementary school photo in Shinichi Kudo's bedroom.

"It seems he's quite adapted to this kind of life."

Shiho, who has absolutely no idea what it means to interact with classmates, once again expressed her feelings.

“If you hadn’t mentioned it before, and if I hadn’t known about this drug, I would have thought he had even lost his intelligence.”

Gao Yuan smiled knowingly at this kind of criticism.

"It is necessary to conceal oneself appropriately; one could say it is a way for everyone to survive."

"Hmm? Just like you?" Shiho turned her head and looked at the "auntie" Takato in front of her.

However, Gao Yuan immediately shook his head.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!