Chapter 20: A seven-year-old elementary school student cried violently at the crime scene. Ordinary...

The two of them competed secretly like this, and when they arrived outside the antique camera shop, they saw that the cordon had already been set up.

It's that familiar cordon again, a check-in at a famous landmark in the Science Universe +1. Beika Town also hit its KPI today (smile).

The police were walking back and forth with umbrellas or wearing raincoats, and through the window they could see Takagi checking something on the table.

Takagi: I'm just an ordinary little genius who works overtime. There's only one truth: I've been working overtime again.

"We need to distract them," Vermouth whispered, having assessed the situation with professional precision.

As soon as he opened his mouth, he started talking nonsense. He is indeed the chief strategic (slacking) master of the winery.

The top lady in the organization starts with tactical communication: "Distraction" may be the agent's lingo of "I'm here to show off, so don't move."

After all, Haibara could sneak into the crime scene disguised as an elementary school student—she's an old acquaintance and has her own KPIs. But if Tina, the American tourist, walked into the scene openly, it would be too exaggerated. And it's too late to disguise herself as Kogoro Mouri right now; she doesn't have the mask or the suit.

Haibara felt the thrill. She had to admit, she enjoyed the intellectual challenge, and the thrill of fighting alongside someone whose thinking matched hers.

This feeling of meeting a worthy opponent is a bit overwhelming.

"Dangerous fun", translation: madly testing the edge of death, but with a beautiful sister, it's great.

The attraction between women with extremely high IQs is so terrifying.

This is probably the standard symptom of "Science Love Brain": danger = excitement = happiness.

"I have an idea," she said, a plan already forming in her little head, which had an IQ of 180. "But you have to do what I say."

"Do as I say," the dominant love statement, Queen Slay. Calm, precise, and commanding.

Small body, big wisdom, and a little bit cunning.

Vermouth narrowed her eyes and smiled, full of anticipation: "Lead the way, Shiho."

It's not Sulli, it's Shiho. The sweetness is off the charts. The doting is overflowing the screen. This smile is true love, doting, a preview of "big things are coming."

Bei Jie: Oh? Kitty wants to boss me around? Interesting. My little prey is finally taking the initiative. Looking forward to it.jpg

The tone is very similar to that of a top-notch female Aquaman holding a glass of red wine and saying, "I'll listen to you tonight."

Haibara, walking beside the most dangerous woman she had ever met in her life, felt the surreality of her current situation bit by bit.

Uneasy yet excited, isn't this what love looks like at first? (Holding her hands to her face) Resonating with one another. This is the mystery version of a two-person tango.

The floor tiles reflected the neon lights of Ginza, and this scene reminded her of the foggy city in "The Phantom of Baker Street", with its chilly atmosphere that even the rain could not penetrate.

Chinese translation: Ai: This damn atmosphere is just like the days when I used to pretend to be cool with Kudo in the game... Ugh, solving cases. However, the woman next to me now is even more advanced.

Britain and Japan are both island countries, and at this moment, the scene in their capitals where rain is falling is symmetrical.

A graceful woman named Ooka, from a prominent Kyoto family, said: "Edo is just the countryside, not the capital." The pride of the Kyoto people must not be violated.

.

This diversionary act is simple and elegant.

Of course, for intellectuals, that can be called cheating? That's called tactics.

Haibara looked like she was in tears as she walked towards the police cordon. She portrayed the expression of a lost elementary school student so vividly that even Vermouth was impressed.

Oscar-winning actress Ai Haibara is online. Warning: elementary school students have limited acting skills. A textbook-level "tea art performance."

Sister Bei: This kid’s acting skills are even better than mine. You might consider bringing him along when organizing infiltration missions in the future (No).

The police officers outside hurriedly tried to comfort the seemingly heartbroken seven-year-old girl, while "Tina" quietly slipped to the back of the store. The boss-level female agent just disappeared in the chaos with ease.

Tokyo Police: Another day of being manipulated by elementary school kids. Is today's KPI being controlled by cute kids?

"Officer Takagi~" Huibara shouted, her baby voice trembling at the end, tears streaming down her face, she looked so pitiful.

"I got separated from the others and didn't know where to go." She started with tears, her acting relying entirely on pathos. Her emotions were so well-controlled that even the debut performances of Japanese entertainment girl groups were not as steady as hers.

Takagi came out of the shop, a look of worry on his face, "Haibara-chan. What are you doing here by yourself?"

The man in the whole Mihua Police Station who is most likely to be PUA'd by elementary school students.

Takagi: The usually icy little princess is actually so sullen inside? I suspect you're up to something, but I have no proof, so I can only worry about you. Ah, that familiar feeling of helplessness again, but today's KPI should be settled.

I've gotten used to being led around by primary school students every day.

"I'm worried about the case," she explained, wiping away her fake tears. "The detective team came to help, but I lost them in the crowd. Wuwuwu..."

The elementary school girl who is best at creating a "sensible personality" on the entire Internet is Huihara.

Detective Team: It was you who abandoned us, wanting a sweet, tangy world for two. Why are you taking the blame again? You're sitting at home, and the blame's coming from the sky. Ugh.

I really envy Ai-chan’s “superpower”… her superb acting ability.

Takagi and Sato exchanged a worried look, and then Haibara was led into the store.

Plan pass.

She immediately began to take in the details of the store, the glass display cases, the antique cameras arranged by era, the empty space where the stolen Leica had been.

With maximum business proficiency, once you enter the site, you will be in direct observation mode.

Sato Takagi: Are we here to solve the case or just to join in the fun?

Ai-chan: Plan works. She whimpered on the surface, but internally she was thinking: OK, infiltration successful, starting to scan the map. Such observation skills, worthy of a former organizational scientist.

Then she saw Vermouth tiptoeing among the police at the back door of the shop.

This movement, this body movement, is comparable to turning on the "invisibility cheat". As expected of you, the queen of many faces.

She had somehow gotten her hands on a police notebook and was questioning the owner like a plainclothes cop.

No one gave her a second glance.

Rice Flower Police: We have a new "colleague"? What's this called? Darkness beneath the lamp.

Their eyes met for a second.

We've made eye contact and are determined to do something together. With this kind of chemistry, it's going to be hard to end the story without them getting married. (Lets out a groundhog's happy ending scream)

Vermouth nodded slightly toward a door marked "Private Collection."

Bayonetta: A guiding light. Go, Pikachu... No, Ai-chan, go. There's only one truth.

After all, these mysterious-looking places usually hide either key clues or a boss.

"Officer Takagi." Huibara pulled at his sleeve and widened her innocent eyes. "Did the thief take anything else? Are there any clues like the one in the coffee shop?"

Ai-chan: Xiao Gaomu, don't just stand there, it's time to follow the process. If you don't give me a clue, I'm going to find it myself (and then surprise everyone).

The tone still has an unconcealable sense of alienation, but now it is the queen who is in charge of the CUE process, domineering.

Takagi sighed. "No obvious clues. The security cameras weren't working, and the locks were professionally picked. No fingerprints, no witnesses."

Traditional arts in Beika Town: Security cameras must be broken, locks must be picked, fingerprints? Is that something edible?

It's a true "three-no" crime scene. No surveillance, no fingerprints, no witnesses. Classic.

"What about the display case? Did something fall down?"

Straight to the point, no dragging your feet, Queen Ai-chan: Don't give up. Details. Quick, give me the magnifying glass.

Takagi led her to the empty space where the Leica camera used to be.

Takagi: With the elementary school student's patient guidance, I finally discovered the key point. Wait, Hashidou Madai, why is the elementary school student cueing me again?

He squatted down and squinted at something on the shelf: "There's a mark here."

Huiyuan moved closer. There was a small symbol carved into the wooden frame, a circle with a cross mark inside it.

"It looks like a crosshairs," Sato said, walking over to the two men. "Or like a target."

As expected of a policewoman, she does have some intuition, but not much (bushi).

"Or map coordinates." Huiyuan narrowed his eyes and said, "The intersection of longitude and latitude."

The brain circuits of the top students are different. This wave is a dimensionality reduction attack. All geographical knowledge is used.

Map coordinates? Could it really be a treasure map, as Karasuma Genta (Bushi) claimed? What big move is the organization making? Fast forward to the treasure hunt.

Gao Mu's eyes widened: "Were there similar traces in the previous theft case?"

Congratulations to Officer Takagi, who finally triggered the combo with Haibara's "guidance".

Queen Shiho Miyano's mini version of the live teaching, the policeman frantically chased the progress bar, this scene was more intense than the postgraduate entrance examination.

Ding Dong, multiple choice questions.

What would happen if Haibara and Vermouth formed the "Double A Female Lead Detective Team"?

A. The entire police station was laid off, and the case was handed directly to the young couple.

B. Shinichi Conan has become a background board, with only barrage and sugar-eating scenes in each episode.

C. Vermouth is responsible for drawing clues, while Haibara is responsible for calm analysis, turning the Shura scene into a sweet one.

D. Haibara looked calm, and Sister Bei looked charming. In the end, the case was not solved, but the audience enjoyed the show.

As the saying goes:

Ai-chan deceives Takagi with tears in her eyes, and Sister Bei solves the mystery with her clever hands.

The elite police officers are all spectators, and the two beauties join forces to solve the mystery.

Takagi hurriedly called colleagues at other crime scenes to investigate.

Haibara, on the other hand, took the opportunity to sneak towards the door of the "Private Collection." This was agility worthy of a former member of the organization. Sneak and pick the lock (crossed out)—no, that's right, it was a maxed-out stealth search skill.

So, the door locks in the world of science are either used to prevent gentlemen or fools, but they cannot prevent the protagonists.

The door was half open, and through the gap, she saw Vermouth examining something in her hand.

The classic background board of the Popcorn Police always creates a world for two people for the protagonists (not really).

Huibara walked in quietly and closed the door silently.

Oh my, it's closed. What's going on? Is this content that can be viewed without paying? (bushi)

Isolating external interference facilitates in-depth communication (physical and spiritual). The background music at this moment should be a cryptic variation of the main theme from "Detective Conan."

Huibara looked around. This room was a camera collector's dream house. The glass cabinets were filled with rare cameras, films, and equipment that spanned a century of technological development.

Everyone in Beika Town is a collector, right? It's watches, it's jewelry, and now it's cameras.

Vermouth stood in front of a display case of wartime photos, holding something that looked like a small leather box.

With this figure, she can directly shoot the cover of "VOGUE" standing in front of the display cabinet, with the title: "On the Fashion Cultivation of Female Agents".

"Did you find anything?" Huiyuan asked softly, speaking directly. Her tone was calm, a little tentative, and a bit of kitten-like curiosity.

A person appeared silently behind her, but Vermouth was not surprised. After all, in Haibara's memory, she had never been surprised.

The composure of a multifaceted actress.

"As expected, the owner kept his most valuable items here. Including this film canister, from the same period as the stolen Leica camera, hidden behind this photo."

Hiding it behind the photo is a classic technique, but it feels particularly reasonable when Sister Bei finds it.

In the photo, a group of foreign diplomats pose outside the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo in December 1941.

Huibara's eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and she immediately locked onto a tall man who was standing a little further away from the others.

"Lawrence Connery," she guessed.

"Indeed." Vermouth carefully opened the film canister. Inside was not a roll of film, but a tightly rolled piece of paper.

Russian doll-style clues, that’s what the world of science likes.

With the precision of a surgeon, she removed the scroll and unfolded it to reveal a map of Tokyo.

B: Besides being an actor, a secret agent, riding motorcycles, doing disguises, shooting... I also occasionally play a surgeon. Is that okay? (Spreading hands)

Five locations are marked on the map, each represented by a small symbol: a compass, a book, a radio, a phonograph, and a camera.

Aren’t these the “collections” that were stolen before?

Masaka, it turns out that the theft was just a lead-in, and the real purpose was to collect these "keys" to locate the location.

"Those stolen things." Huiyuan sighed, "They are marks."

“Look here.” Vermouth’s slender finger pointed at a perfect pentagon formed by five points. The center point marked the sixth point, a small X drawn in faded red ink: “Final destination.”

Pentagon. Is this a magic circle? The Da Vinci Code, Conan's code? The classic pirate treasure map element never goes out of style.

Bayley's fingers are so beautiful prprpr (wrong emphasis).

Huiyuan looked at the place and said, "It's near the Nakamura Museum and Ueno Park."

Ai-chan's humanoid GPS is now online, and its positioning speed is faster than navigation. Ueno Park. Another famous Tokyo attraction to check in. Conan's crew really loves Ueno.

Could the treasure be in the museum? Or is this Nakamura Museum with the family crest a cover?

"This museum," Vermouth nodded, "was used as a warehouse during the war to protect cultural treasures from air raids."

"So, could the treasure be one of the cultural treasures of that time? Or perhaps they're using this background to hide something else?" Huiyuan added. Their eyes met, and silence spoke louder than words. Ambiguity and attraction reached full force.

They are solving a case and also solving each other.

Q: Which of the following is most likely the real "X" in Vermouth's heart at this moment?

A. The key to the museum's underground treasure room.

B. The point where fate intersects with Haibara.

C. The small transmitter that Conan hid.

D. Another hidden foreshadowing for the movie by Gosho Aoyama.

When Vermouth and Ai Haibara exchanged glances and confirmed their final destination, it might be:

A. Sister Bay: "That plan worked. Shirley is really smart, she saved me a lot of trouble. The moon is so beautiful tonight, perfect for a treasure hunt."

B. Ai-chan: "As expected... But, when I'm with this guy, I always feel a chill down my spine, but also a little... reassured? (It must be an illusion.)"

C. Conan (sneezed in an unknown corner): "A-choo. Why do I feel like someone is doing something big behind my back?"

D. Gin (in another corner): "Vodka, get me a new bottle of rye whiskey. I feel like there's going to be some scary bad woman causing trouble tonight."

"Connery isn't just gathering intelligence," Huibara realized. "He's tracking down something specific, possibly something hidden in a museum."

"Maybe some things are still there," Vermouth added, "just waiting for those who complete this treasure hunt to discover them."

Sister Bei's tone makes it seem like she's the one setting the questions. Just waiting for the little cutie to come and drill into it.

Too many elements: a mysterious neutral country diplomat, a museum, treasure, and the riddler Vermouth.

At this moment, the door handle started to turn.

A classic scene in science: "Someone always comes at the critical moment."

Vermouth smoothly put the map into her pocket, then pulled up Haibara, and the two of them posed as if they were admiring a photo.

The winery's two most popular actresses are performing at the grand ceremony. A top-notch cast.

This reaction speed is worthy of being called the Queen of Many Faces. It's muscle memory, she's been doing this professionally for a hundred years, so skilled that it makes people feel distressed (not really).

Sato walked in. Eagle Eye Sato, with his own radar, could detect any suspect within a ten-mile radius. Except for the main characters.

Seeing the tourist Tina, her usually sharp eyes immediately became suspicious: "This is a restricted area."

Chinese translation: How did you two cuties get in here? Do you have some hidden secret? Tell me quickly, today's KPI depends on you. (doge face)

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Sumi Ma-san." Vermouth replied, and her poor Japanese with an American accent returned. The drama queen Bei came online, and the voice actors were all from the monster series, so there was no pressure to switch voices in a second.

"The door is open. I was just showing this little girl historical photos. You see, I'm a history teacher in the United States."

The highest level of lying with open eyes.

Huiyuan suppressed an eye roll.

Ding Dong, when Vermouth calls herself an "American history teacher", which of the following "history" is she most likely to teach?

A. The history of the application of "On the Self-cultivation of an Actor" in espionage activities.

B. A brief history of the development and maintenance techniques of thousands of costume masks.

C. How to gracefully jump back and forth in front of the FBI, CIA and Japanese public security.

D. Whisky Tasting and the Love and Hate History of Rye Whisky

Sato's expression softened slightly, but he still maintained professional caution. "I know, but we are investigating the case. You two are unrelated personnel and need to leave the scene."

Officer Sato: Although you two look harmless (a big beauty and a little loli), I have a professional disease, and I am a suspicious person x2.

The combination of beauty and loli is quite lethal. In this world where beauty is justice (wrong).

However, she did not express any suspicion about the sudden appearance of tourist Tina in the back room of the camera shop.

"Of course, officer." Vermouth gently placed her hand on Huibara's shoulder and led her to the door. This touch was full of protection and possessiveness.

At the same time, it also silently conveyed to Huibara that their cooperation in this mystery case was far from over.

This little one is under my protection. No one is allowed to disturb her. Anyone who dares to touch her should first ask the lady's pistol in my hand.

The boat of friendship (love?) can be launched at any time. And it is of the luxury cruise ship level.

Ai-chan at this moment: (///ω///)​​ (Inner thoughts: What’s wrong with this woman? What’s with this damn familiar yet strange feeling?)

Back outside, Takagi was on the phone, his expression becoming increasingly agitated.

"Yes, they have them all." He hung up the phone and hurried over to Huibara, saying, "Every theft scene has the same mark: a circle with a cross inside. And on the map, it forms a pattern."

Classic markers include murder (crossed out) and theft. A traditional Conan universe skill is connecting the dots, often related to a constellation or a landmark.

Haibara and Vermouth exchanged a glance. The police were catching up on the investigation, but they were still one step behind.

However, it shouldn't be long before someone discovers the connection between Connect the Dots and the Nakamura Museum.

They need to speed up.

"I have to take this child home." Vermouth said to herself, "It's getting late, and her guardian must be very worried."

This excuse is too familiar. You can tell at a glance that the person is a veteran and can just come up with it without any hesitation.

Before Takagi and Sato could object, the two of them were out the door and into the rain.

The rain in Tokyo finally began to subside into a soft mist.

The atmosphere group is online. Is this going to be romantic or suspenseful?

Takagi & Sato: ??? He's gone before I even said anything! Who am I? Where am I? What just happened? Are we still on track for today's KPIs?

"Ueno Park." After safely leaving the camera shop, Huiyuan said, "Let's go now?"

Taking the initiative. A went up. Aidian is mighty. This initiative is worthy of the women of the Black Organization (even though one defected and the other was just slacking off). Efficiency team.

Ueno Park, a new date (and adventure) spot! Strike while the iron is hot and head out for a nighttime exploration. It's incredibly efficient. Even a (fake) elementary school student's time is precious.

Vermouth raised her finely trimmed eyebrows. “We’re really anxious, aren’t we?”

Bei Jie: Oh wow, kitty is getting anxious? Is he thinking something inappropriate about me? (Provocative face and raised eyebrows.jpg)

"For those whose lives hang by a thread every day, caution is a luxury."

Huiyuan slightly switched to Riddler mode and answered, the slight bitterness in her tone surprising even herself. "Besides, aren't you curious about what could be so valuable that it's worth stealing antiques and chasing after an eighty-year-old treasure map?"

A portrait of Miyano Shiho's life, where she is madly testing the edge of BE every day.

Chinese translation: I dance on the edge of a knife every day, and I still care about this little excitement? But you, Bei Jie, aren't you curious? Tell me you are curious.

The expression on Vermouth's face was extremely unreadable as she looked at Haibara's little face.

"You've changed, Shiho. In New York, you used to be that reckless passion. But now...it's different."

Does this mean that Ai-chan has become "softer" or more "tough"? I bet on the latter, as Ai-chan is now Niuhulu Ai.

Back then, Shirley was cruel and cold, full of thorns and kept people at a distance. Now you're more humane, and... more interesting to me. The kitten is finally not so angry anymore.

"Maybe it's desperation," Huibara admitted a little. "Or maybe it's just a simple desire to solve a mystery that has nothing to do with APTX, the organization, or the existence of a miniature version of someone."

Ai-chan's honesty, translated into Chinese: I want to take a break and do some lighthearted dungeons instead of slogging through the main storyline every day. Please let me go.

Yes, who doesn’t want to be an ordinary puzzle enthusiast and play a treasure hunt game occasionally, instead of worrying about their life every day.

Shirley is tired and wants to be the protected Haibara Ai (or stand shoulder to shoulder with the strong) for a while.

Vermouth's expression softened slightly, and a rare hint of sincerity flashed through her moist peach blossom eyes: "Then let's solve this lovely little mystery together."