Chapter 131 The Maine Coon cat paces restlessly...

The gallery has a high, expansive dome, and the lighting is carefully designed. Soft beams of light cascade down from the ceiling, gently caressing the canvas like moonlight, highlighting the layers of oil paint without causing any damage.

Nekono Ikuya, arm in arm with Amuro Tooru, gracefully entered the exhibition hall. Now, he is Nekono Okatori.

Miss Sakura wore a misty blue chiffon dress today. The color was like the sky when the morning mist was about to dissipate, while the fabric was extremely light and flowing. The skirt moved silently like drifting clouds, as if a hazy cloud was spreading out. The dress was decorated very simply, with only a matching belt loosely tied at the waist to outline her slender waistline.

The misty blue hue made her bare shoulders, neck, and arms appear even whiter, and also highlighted her naturally alluring eyes—slightly upturned cat eyes with long, thick eyelashes.

Her eyes, with their fleeting glances, exude a captivating charm, seemingly conveying affection even when she's not smiling. Her long, black, wavy hair cascades casually over her shoulders, a few wisps lightly brushing against her delicate collarbone.

As for Amuro Tooru beside her, he also paid great attention to the details of his outfit today.

He wore a well-tailored black waistcoat that perfectly accentuated his strong shoulders and waist, paired with a crisp white shirt. This less formal suit jacket softened his seriousness and added a touch of casual elegance.

The most striking feature was the sapphire Poirot bow tie around his neck. The gemstone's color was a highly saturated blue, like a frozen ocean, its light flowing mesmerizingly with changing angles. It subtly echoed his purplish-grey eyes.

At this moment, Amuro Tooru's arm was bent slightly in a gentlemanly manner, allowing Nekono Ikuya to rest it gently on his arm.

Through the thin fabric, Nekono Yuuya could clearly feel the temperature and strong, steady lines of Amuro Tooru's arm muscles. There lay explosive power capable of instantly subduing an enemy, yet at this moment it offered only reassuring support.

"There are more people than I expected." Nekono Ikuya turned her head and whispered to Amuro Tooru beside her in a voice with a strange charm.

Amuro Tooru nodded slightly, his purplish-gray eyes quickly scanning the interior of the exhibition hall, swiftly completing an assessment of the environment and the flow of people—a professional habit ingrained in his very being.

However, when he turned to Nekono Ikuya, his gaze instantly shifted to a gentle focus: "After all, it's rare to see Samuel's works exhibited here, so naturally many people have come to see them. Art lovers won't miss this opportunity, especially with a kindred spirit like you here. Watch your step, Miss Okuori."

He turned slightly to the side, his arm steadily supporting Nekono Ikuya, and thoughtfully reminded her that there were two steps in front of her.

Nekono Ikuya chuckled softly, her fingertips tightening slightly in Amuro Toru's arm, a silent, affectionate response. Sakura-tori raised her alluring eyes and smiled at Amuro: "You're always so thoughtful."

It might be because Nekono Sakura and Nekono Ikuya always look somewhat alike, especially their beautiful emerald cat eyes.

So when Nekono Sakura smiled at him, Amuro Tooru saw much more than just the captivating charm in her eyes.

There was still a hint of cunning in his eyes that was both familiar and alluring, and the combination of the two created an attraction that made his heart race.

"They're getting in my way," Furuya Rei thought. Those faint, fleeting glances he had previously ignored in the exhibition hall suddenly felt very strong.

His Ikumi—no, now it's his Okuri—his Okuri is a little too beautiful today.

Rei Furuya felt a subtle irritation. Displeasure. Displeasure at how others looked at his lover.

Rei Furuya's inner monologue: Cat hissing.jpg

The Maine Coon cat is pacing restlessly...

Nekono Yuumi blinked slightly, instantly understanding. He tilted his head, secretly chuckling to himself: Oh dear!

Without being explicitly told, Nekono Ikuya's gaze gradually began to linger on the paintings on the wall.

This feeling is wonderful.

Few people have this experience: viewing their own paintings left behind in the world from a completely new and unfamiliar perspective, using a third-person viewpoint.

...and his lover from that time was with him.

Nekono Fumiya: This is so much fun!

He decided to watch carefully. Nekono Ikuya and Furuya Rei strolled along the exhibition line.

The initial exhibition area displays Samuel's early studies, which were not yet fully mature, but were still full of inspiration.

Ms. Sakuragi observed intently, pausing from time to time to offer a professional and discerning critique of the composition or color scheme, her tone revealing undisguised appreciation.

Amuro Tooru listened patiently, his purplish-gray eyes reflecting the painting, occasionally adding a few background facts about painting techniques or art history. The conversation between the two was natural and smooth.

As they ventured deeper into the exhibition hall, the colors of the paintings on the walls grew increasingly rich and vibrant, and the spirit in the brushstrokes seemed to burst forth as if freed from its constraints. Samuel's works always contained a poetic melancholy, yet beneath that melancholy surged a powerful emotion.

Miss Sakura became increasingly engrossed in the painting, her emerald eyes lingering among the colors and light, occasionally shining with delight at the exquisite brushstrokes.

Amuro Tooru's companionship and explanations were just right. He could not only talk about painting techniques, but also occasionally speculate on the painter's state of mind at the time, and talk about the stories behind the paintings that he had heard about - some of which even critics may not know. His knowledge was so profound that it was astonishing.

“Mr. Amuro has a truly profound understanding of Samuel,” Ms. Oakuri said in surprise, “even such creative details?”

Amuro Tooru returned a gentle smile, his purplish-gray eyes appearing profound under the exhibition hall lights: "Because his works truly possess this charm, making one unable to resist wanting to learn about the stories behind them. And..." He paused, his tone sincere, "He is a painter I greatly admire, even one I would say my favorite... painter."

When he mentioned the word "painter," he deliberately paused for a few seconds, slowed down his speech, and added a faint laugh to the end of his words.

These words made Nekono Ikumi's heart skip a beat, and he automatically omitted the word "painter" and replaced it with himself instead of Samuel.

Anyway, Samuel was him to begin with.

Therefore, Nekono Ikuya mentally pounded her right fist against her left, convinced that this was clearly a confession!

The little devil in his heart smirked with delight.

Rei Furuya: Secretly confessing his feelings.

Nekono Ikuya: Received in seconds.

Chi-version Rei Furuya and chi-version Ikuya Nekono send each other little hearts from afar—how perfectly in sync!

But as Oakuri, Miss Oakuri blinked gently, her emerald green cat eyes filled with a lot of warmth and affection for her fellow enthusiasts: "It's so wonderful to meet someone who appreciates Samuel as well; he's also my favorite painter."

Sakura Nekono gains an increase in affection.

The atmosphere between them became even more lively.

Just then—

"Amuro-nii! Sakura-ri-nee-nee!"

A familiar child's voice rang out from not far away.

Nekono Ikuya and Furuya Rei turned their heads at the same time, only to see Edogawa Conan jogging over with a childlike smile on his face, followed by Akashi Teru with a leisurely pace.

Nekono Ikuya: "..."

Jianggu Ling: "..."

A little light bulb, a little light bulb that hops and skips over, and it even has a scary backer.

They exchanged a glance: No way, the rule that you're bound to run into someone you know on a date can't be true, can it?!

The art exhibition was so big.

The two looked away guiltily. Nekono Ikumi, who hadn't been home for two days, was especially so.

Nekono Ikuya: So happy I forgot about home.jpg

"Conan? Mr. Akashi? What a coincidence." Amuro Tooru pretended not to feel guilty.

"Yes, I'm here to be immersed in art!" the fake child declared confidently.

Artistic talent should be cultivated from a young age, although his body is still small!

Conan tilted his head back, his gaze quickly sweeping over Amuro Tooru and Okatori, before finally settling on the paintings on the wall: "Wow, these paintings are so poetic and beautiful."

He may not understand painting, but that doesn't matter; he has an aesthetic sense!

It seems understandable why everyone admires this painter; it's a pity that such a talented person is often killed by fate.

But have Amuro Tooru and Oakuri-san gotten closer? Is the power of shared interests really that great? The young detective frowned; it had only been a few days.

He thought of Sherlock Holmes… Oh, suddenly it makes sense.

“Samuel is indeed known as a poetic painter,” Akashi Teru said to Conan first, then stepped forward. “Mr. Amuro, Ms. Okuori, I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision for us too,” Amuro Tooru smiled. “Miss Okuritori is a big fan of Samuel. Of course, so am I.”

“I can tell.” Akashi Teru’s gaze swept over Sakuragi, who nodded politely, before focusing on the profile of the portrait in the painting, and then on Amuro Tooru.

Is your hobby, which you are so devoted to, really serious?

Especially you, Zero.

A subtle, unspoken understanding flickered in Morofushi Kagemitsu's eyes as he looked at Furuya Rei—"You're at it again?"

Amuro Tooru blinked almost imperceptibly—"He struck first!"

Amuro Tooru, who is not innocent, tries to shift the blame.

The attempt to push the pot failed.

Zhu Fujingguang simply smiled.

Jingguang knows everything.

Conan had already snuggled up to Sakuragi, his big eyes blinking innocently: "Sakuragi-neechan, you really like Samuel's paintings! By the way, have you seen Nekono-nii before? He seemed to have something to ask Sakuragi-neechan."

Conan: Straight to the point.

I understand, but I don't accept it. Talk to Brother Maoye quickly! Urgent! The little detective paced frantically: Urgent!

Could it be that Nekono-nii hasn't told Okatori-nee yet? Well, Nekono-nii seems really busy these past few days. Even Akashi-nii said she hasn't seen him much. He probably really hasn't had time.

The young detective sighed innocently, "Sigh, being in charge of a group is always busy."

Unfortunately, it seems they have already spoken.

Upon hearing this, Miss Sakura's alluring emerald green cat eyes curved slightly, revealing a hint of helpless laughter. She extended her slender finger and gently tapped Conan's forehead, the gesture intimate and natural.

"I've met you before, little detective."

“My brother is just a bit of a worrywart sometimes.” Nekono Sakura said, unmoved, as she brushed her skirt aside. “But making friends is my own business, and I have my own judgment.”

Conan: "..."

It sounds like Nekono-nii did remind her, but Sakura-nii didn't listen at all!

Good news, they talked. Bad news, it was useless.

Maru, no one had told him before that Nekono-nii and Okumori-nee-nee didn't get along.

This is indeed not a good idea, right?

Conan looked at Akashi Teru with hesitation.

Akashi Teru gave an awkward laugh and looked away.

Conan was shocked: Could it be that what Akashi said before about the twins being fond of stealing things is true?!

Is this really a plus?!

Even worse news, it had the opposite effect!