Chapter 6: Villa in the Forest
The group got back on the bus. The difference is that Pei Zhen returned to the car on his own initiative, while Conan was carried back to the car by Maori Kogoro. Facing Ran's worried gaze, Conan subconsciously swallowed his previous discovery.
Pei Zhen knew that Conan must have discovered something just now, but he also said nothing. The first time he saw these people, he knew that his trip would probably not be peaceful. What he was thinking about was what he should do in this.
The rest of the trip ended in this quiet atmosphere. When Kogoro drove the car into a gravel path, it had already darkened completely. What appeared before their eyes was an old, tall villa, combining both Eastern and Western mystery and elegance. It was located in an uninhabited mountain forest, surrounded by dense woods and darkness. The dim light shining from the window revealed a strange and gloomy feeling.
"Ah, this villa..." After getting out of the car, Xiaolan looked at the house, thoughtfully.
"It looks alike, doesn't it?" a male voice sounded from her side, and everyone hurriedly looked to the side.
It was a man wearing a sweater and a dark blue down jacket. He had a bag on his back and a camera with a large lens on his chest. He looked at everyone with a refreshing expression. "Just like what the writer wrote in the book," he said softly: "'This is my comfort zone, my last retreat in this chaotic world...'"
"'I hope to take her with me and spend the last time together in this kingdom far away from the human world.'" Xiaolan continued.
The two men looked at each other and smiled as if they were book friends.
Pei Zhen had already noticed that a certain jealous guy had an unhappy expression on his face, and was eager to get involved. At this moment, the door creaked open, and an old man in butler's clothes walked out quickly, accompanied by a young maid.
The old man was very polite, and although his movements were fast, they were not chaotic at all. His hair had turned silver and was neatly combed back. He was tall and straight, more than a head taller than the maid beside him. When he came over, his face was filled with deep apology. When he was close, he bowed deeply and said, "I am sorry to have delayed all the guests. It is my fault that you drove here so late at night."
Maori Kogoro looked at him sideways, and he said unceremoniously: "It's really hard to find a position like yours even though it's an invitation."
The old housekeeper said quickly, "We underestimated. You are all distinguished guests who came for the master's works. There is no possibility of neglect." He used his arm to lead the way for everyone: "Please come this way, Mr. Mao Li... and," he glanced at everyone and classified Pei Zhen as a family member who came with Mao Li, "Is this Mr. Inada?"
"Yes," the man with the camera raised his hand and said, "I'm Shinji Inada, a reporter from the Mainichi Shimbun. I came here to interview Mr. Usuke Nagakawa. The film and television adaptation of Mr. Nagakawa's works is the most talked-about topic nowadays." As he spoke, he handed his business card to Maori Kogoro in a familiar manner: "Also, it's my honor to meet the sleeping famous detective Maori Kogoro here."
Mao Li, who was a little unhappy at first, immediately put aside his worries when he heard the praise, touched his head and laughed: "Really? Even the reporters from the newspaper have heard of me?"
Pei Zhen looked thoughtfully at the two people who came out to greet him. Conan, who was standing beside him, noticed his gaze and also turned his eyes to them.
The butler's words and actions were measured. He led the topic to his master and gave a brief introduction to the villa they were in. The maid had her hands hanging down and there was nothing unusual about her.
"…This villa was built in 1938. At that time, Mr. Changchuan was the master's father. He made some money by doing business with the Americans and wanted to build a house that could avoid war…"
This is indeed a house with some history. Whether it is the decoration or the layout inside the house, it has the shadow of the past era. Every detail is well maintained, which shows that the owner cares about it.
"A lot of workers were mobilized at the time, and when it was completed, it was magnificent. Mr. Changchuan moved in with his family, so he spent his childhood and adolescence here. This is probably the inspiration for him to write that book..."
"It's so funny!" Before he could continue, a sharp female voice sounded from the front. Everyone looked over and saw a tall woman standing on the wooden stairs looking at them. She was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, a small suit on her shoulders, and light makeup on her face. She said sarcastically, "Who wants to know about the old house in the mountains? And your master also said in the book that all his inspirations came from his muse. Now it involves the house?"
The old housekeeper greeted him first: "It turns out to be Mr. Editor. Have you finished washing and combing your hair? Mr. Maori and Mr. Inada have also arrived. I have asked the kitchen to prepare some supper. Miss Luo Zhi, would you like to enjoy some?"
"Enough!" Luo Zhi shouted, "The house is built in such a remote place. It takes several hours to drive here. We have been here for such a long time, and Nagakawa Usuke has not shown up. Where is he? He only asked you, the butler, to come out to greet him. Is this his way of entertaining guests?"
Everyone looked at each other, and they actually felt that what she said made some sense.
The butler remained calm: "The master is not feeling well and has not seen anyone for a few days. He has entrusted me to entertain you. If you feel unwell, please tell me..."
"Haha." The woman named Luo Zhi wanted to say something, but another figure flashed from behind her: "It's okay to feel unwell. Mr. Changchuan is old, and it's only right for him to have a good rest." This was a handsome man with a pair of wide-framed glasses and a gentle smile on his face. "We just waited a little impatiently. There were a lot of things to do at the publishing house, so we were excited for a while."
"I understand," the old butler also smiled and said, "Please follow me, everyone. The evening banquet is just ahead. If you don't want to eat and just want to rest, someone will take you to a place to sleep. Ai Li," he instructed the maid beside him, "I'll leave the leading to you."
"Yes." The maid named Ai Li replied with her head down. She walked to the crowd and waited for their choice.
Kogoro Mouri decided to go to a restaurant for a big meal, and it would be best if there was some good wine for him to drink. He looked at his daughter, Xiaolan, who was a little tired and wanted to tidy up and go to sleep, but she also had to consider Conan's situation.
Conan looked at Pei Zhen instead: "Where is Brother Tianye?"
Pei Zhen has not spoken a word, and his presence has been weak during this period, so Conan is the only one who is paying attention to him.
"Me?" Pei Zhen hesitated. He looked at the people around him and said, "I've eaten something before coming here. I've traveled for such a long time. I'd better go and rest first."
Xiaolan seemed relieved: "Then I will too..."
Before she could finish her words, a man came hurriedly from the passage ahead. He was a little fat, wearing a gray plaid suit, and he was wiping his sweat with a silk scarf as he walked. When he saw everyone, he was stunned for a moment, then immediately smiled skillfully: "So everyone is here, these two must be friends from Xinzhi Publishing House."
The man who was wearing glasses before also smiled professionally and said, "My name is Keiaki Takashi, and I'm a new editor. This is my senior, Ms. Sachiko Luozhi. I'm here to adapt Mr. Nagakawa's work."
Luo Zhi Xingzi snorted lightly, but did not stop him from introducing her.
"Nice to meet you." The man in the plaid suit shook hands with him. Suddenly, he saw Maori Kogoro. "Oh," he exclaimed, "This must be the sleeping Kogoro! I'm Ikeda from TV Asahi. Ikeda Yoshihiro. I'm so happy to see you. I follow every report you make about solving a case. You're amazing! Solving a case in your sleep sounds like a legendary story!"
Kogoro immediately raised his head high: "Really? I'm so awesome...Haha, keep a low profile!"
A group of adults immediately engaged in diplomatic exchanges. Xiaolan quickly urged: "Dad, remember not to drink too much."
"I understand!" Kogoro said without even turning his head.
"This way please." The maid led the way on the other side. Several people followed.
Finally, there was only one person left standing still. The butler noticed him and asked in confusion, "Mr. Inada?"
"This house really has the atmosphere of a story," Inada Shinji said with interest, "Do you mind if I take some photos?"
The butler thought for a moment and nodded: "Of course you can. Except for the master's room on the top floor, you can use it as you like."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
