Chapter 14: Masaka, the watchmaker from Vermont, is just...
Before Huiyuan could answer, Mitsuhiko shouted excitedly: "Ah, look what I found~"
Mitsuhiko. Inconsiderate. An atmosphere destroyer. And uses Conan's cutesy interjections.
Back off. Back off. Back off. The important and interesting plot has been interrupted.
Everyone gathered around, and Mitsuhiko held up a faded gear the size of a fingernail. "This gear is stuck in the floor under the shelf."
However, Mitsuhiko did a great job (in terms of advancing the plot of the case).
Takagi carefully took the gear and examined it carefully. "Mitsuhiko-kun, you have a very good eye. This might be the part of the lost phonograph."
"Or, parts of other antiques in this shop." Sato pointed at the various antiques adorning the walls.
Officer Sato, a rational person. But with such expert observation skills, how could he not notice the undercurrent between the two people next to him?
Sato, a resident of Mika, said that any plot that has nothing to do with the order should not be viewed or listened to.
Vermouth stepped forward, held out her hand, and continued to act like a tourist in her stiff Japanese: "Ano...Watashi, can I take a look?"
Here it comes. Time for the Queen to take control. This "reaching out" is elegant, so elegant.
Huiyuan's inner thoughts at this moment: What is this woman trying to do? (But her eyes follow unconsciously)
Gao Mu hesitated for a moment, then placed the gear in his palm and handed it to her. This hesitation, did he also feel that the atmosphere was not right? (dog head)
Vermouth held it under the light and skillfully turned it with her slender and beautiful fingertips, like a handcraft master fiddling with a familiar small mechanical part.
How many surprises does this Hollywood enchantress still have that Min Na-sang doesn't know? This technique is obviously a veteran driver (in every sense of the word).
"This isn't from a phonograph," she said confidently. "The teeth are too fine, and the metal isn't right. It's platinum-plated brass, too expensive for a mass-produced Edison. This should be from a watch. A very expensive watch."
There are so many professional terms that it’s hard to understand them.
The room fell silent as Vermouth spoke. Rain continued to pound against the café's French windows, but inside, time seemed to have frozen, and everyone's eyes were focused on the small gear in her palm.
The background music starts playing. Thump, thump, thump. The spotlight shines on Bayley. Slay. It feels like a movie.
"Watch?" Takagi frowned in thought. "Are you so sure?"
Takagi successfully asked the question that others wanted to ask but didn't dare to ask (for fear of being quickly answered by Miss Bayonet).
Vermouth's smile perfectly blends humility and confidence, making the image of the tourist "Tina" she plays truly credible.
"Because my father is a watchmaker in Vermont, I've been surrounded by these little gadgets since I was a kid." She pinched the gear between her thumb and index finger, turning it and reflecting the light. The interweaving of light and shadow, the beauty twisting the object, the image was breathtaking.
Best Actress. Absolutely Best Actress. With that kind of acting, she deserves an Oscar. "The Watchmaker from Vermont" and all that… the backstory was so smooth and concocted on the spot. You're truly the queen of many faces.
"See the bevel? That's the distinctive mark of a certain brand of watch." She added the detail with ease.
Huiyuan OS: Oh, woman, keep making up stories. I want to see what you can come up with.
She looked at Vermouth, who was confidently weaving her fictional story. The lies flowed out of her mouth naturally.
Huibara would have believed it if she didn't know that a year ago in a penthouse apartment in New York, those same lips had whispered against her skin, telling a completely different story.
Danmu online:
"A year ago in a New York hotel room"... Time. Place. All the elements are complete. Imagine a 100,000-word essay.
…Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Touching her skin, telling. What. Story. Tell me more, ma'am.
What kind of lewd language is this? Driving on the highway in a clear water novel, right? I'm going to explode right there. kswl. kswl.
"This still cannot be explained. Why did the phonograph disappear?" The old man, an antique lover, insisted on bringing everyone's discussion back to the phonograph.
I just lost a phonograph, but why do I feel like I'm going to solve a huge case? Just a daily life in Beika Town (dog head)
"Unless," Mitsuhiko interjected, adjusting his glasses like a detective, "the thief didn't really want the phonograph."
Mitsuhiko, you've really made it. You're even taking Conan's jobs. He adjusts his glasses, flashes, and his IQ increases by fifty.
The Young Detectives are always reasoning, but never really solve a case (except for Huibara's friendly guest appearance).
Sato narrowed his eyes in interest. "Oh, Mitsuhiko-kun, any suggestions?"
Meiwako's sister's eyes locked on her: Tell me quickly, if you tell me right I'll buy you some candy (Officer Takagi took out the money).
"Maybe," Huibara continued, "There's nothing wrong with the phonograph itself, but there's something else inside. For example, something small enough to be hidden inside the machine."
When Ai-chan speaks, it must be the key point.
Not a loli, but Queen Ai. Awesome! Such damn calmness and wisdom, worthy of a former top-tier scientist in the organization.
"For example, a watch?" Yuantai asked, scratching his head.
Yuan Tai: I only care about eel rice. What is a watch? Can you eat it? (Yuan Tai Universe, eating is the first priority)
For a foodie who is always out of touch with the situation, it doesn’t matter what the truth is. Is the cafeteria open for food?
"Or something hidden inside a watch," Vermouth said, her American accent still stiff. "Historically, watches have been used to smuggle microfilm, diamonds... piles and piles of all sorts of things."
The moment he speaks, he exudes an international air.
Bei Jie: When I was a movie star in Hollywood, I saw a lot of these little tricks. (A secret makes a woman woman~)
"This sounds like something out of a spy movie." The barista avoided Vermouth's gaze and sneered, wiping the cup with unnecessary force.
Barista: Thanks for the invitation. I’m at Rice Flower. I just finished watching Mission: Impossible 6, and I feel it’s not as exciting as ours.
Be careful, NPC, because you may become a suspect/victim/murderer in the next second (Science Law Warning).
After all, even if he avoided her gaze, a warrior who could laugh at Vermouth's theory in public would probably not live long.
Takagi turned to the elderly couple and asked, "When you saw this phonograph yesterday, did you notice anything unusual? Any signs of modification, or any non-standard parts?"
Officer Takagi's IQ finally hits the mark. Although he's usually a bit silly, he's actually quite handsome when he's serious (assuming Sato is around).
Takagi: As long as Shiratori isn't mentioned, I'm the most beautiful police officer on this street. I'm going to work hard today and marry Miwako soon.
The old man stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, I feel the horn of the phonograph is very heavy. I suspect the metal is thicker than that of an average phonograph, which should increase the machine's value."
Classic NPC clue segment: "Very heavy", standard flag. There must be something inside.
"Is it heavy enough to hide something in there?" Sato pressed. Her professional sense was sharp. She was truly the flower of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Good question. I've been waiting for this. Fast forward to the unboxing.
"It's possible."
There's only one truth. It's getting closer. The background music starts.
Huibara moved closer to the shelf and examined it carefully.
"There are signs of wear and tear here," she said quietly. "As if someone moved it in a hurry."
Ai-chan's obsession with detail is here. As expected of a scientist, Leeuwenhoek Holmes Ai. Even Conan would be tempted to shout, "Master, guide me!"
Vermouth walked over to her and gracefully half-knelt beside the seven-year-old scientist, their shoulders almost touching.
This close distance made Huibara feel an inappropriate warmth all over her body.
Then, I felt that the scent of Vermouth's rose-based special perfume became stronger, overlapping with the aroma of coffee in the air.
Stick to stick. Just stick to stick to stick. "Kneel gracefully", sister Bay is so good. What kind of idol drama plot is this.
Aijiang OS: Damn it, she’s got me again.
"You have a good eye." Vermouth whispered, her voice so low, only to Huibara, that it felt like a special love talk. "You always notice details that others overlook."
Sister Bei: My little detective, you have successfully caught my attention.
Huibara froze. "I'm a scientist. Observation is important."
I'm so proud of myself. I'm not blushing or beating my heart just because you're around me. Humph.
"Frozen" or something, the case is solved, it was because the current of Sister Bayonet's charm was too strong, causing the body to overload (physical).
"Is this all you observed in New York?" Vermouth's voice was so soft it was almost inaudible. "Just scientific data?"
Bayley counterattacks. A fatal question. This is public flirting. Definitely flirting. The multifaceted actress is such a flirt.
"New York" is the keyword again. That's where their dream began.
"Just scientific data?" No, there's also you, a heart-stealing goblin.
Vermouth drives straight. Ambiguity is at its peak, bringing back memories of the NY scene. I thought it was science, but it's actually the physics of love.
Facing Bayonetta's soul-searching question, "Is this all you observed in New York? Is it just scientific data?", what is Ai-chan's most likely feeling at this moment?
A. Of course. Science is everything. Women only slow down my research. (Classic tsundere statement, with a roll of the eyes)
B. (Inner panic, frantically scrolling through comments) Oh no, did she notice that I was drooling over her eight-pack abs?
C. (Pretending to remain calm, adjusting his nonexistent glasses) Humph, New York's PM2.5 index is certainly worth further study and criticism.
D. Besides the data, I also observed… a mysterious woman, somewhat dangerous, yet naturally finding the unwelcome and unstoppable somewhat attractive. (Dangerous statement.)
Before Haibara could come up with a clever and humorous reply to her ridicule, Ayumi appeared beside her again, looking very excited.
A classic "chanting interruption" scene. Ai-chan's clever rant (or counterattack?) that had just been brewing was forced back. #Elementaryschoolersarealwaysatmospherespoilers (a compliment, sometimes also driving the plot)
"Ai-chan, ai-chan, look what I found." She held up a small piece of paper. "It's hidden behind the skirting."
Ayumi-chan, this discovery is going to cause a bloody storm. #ToolmanHighlightMoments
The paper looks old, yellowed, and a little worn at the edges. It is obviously a small note full of history, and the #suspenseful atmosphere is full.
On it, handwritten in faded blue ink, were a series of numbers and letters:
LC 1938 - 6.21.41 - RN
The game starts with a string of codes, a classic riddle man operation.
RN…Richard Nixon? (Nonsense) LC…Library of Congress? (Continues to talk nonsense) In the Popcorn Universe, anything is possible.
Wearing gloves, Takagi carefully took the paper and held it up to the light. "It looks like a code."
The only designated honest man in the audience, this "cautiousness" accurately identifies Takagi Shigeru's self-cultivation as a diligent worker and his cute attribute of occasional disconnection.
Takagi's classic skin: white gloves + silly doubts.jpg
"Or a number," Sato suggested. "The middle part could be an American date. June 21, 1941."
It had to be Miwako Sato! Her professional skills instantly outshone the male police officers present.
Chinese translation: "Stop guessing and listen to me, a top student."
As expected of the flower of the Metropolitan Police Department, both her IQ and her fighting ability are off the charts. The Metropolitan Police Department's pillar of support! Takagi's life cheat! (Flash effect)
1941, American calendar.
At this moment, a person passing by Pearl Harbor silently raised his history textbook.jpg
"Just half a year before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor," Mitsuhiko said, and the elementary school student's extensive knowledge began to show.
Tsuburaya's Walking Encyclopedia, Mitsuhiko, is now online. The Detective Boys' intellectual and theoretical leader, here he is, bringing his elementary school encyclopedia with him.
Every time Guangyan starts showing off his knowledge, the case becomes more outrageous. #学霸光环#
Mitsuhiko's highlight moment. (Spread the flowers) The appearance of the Junior Detective Team. I suggest that he be directly admitted to the History Department of the University of Tokyo (not)
However, he was Japanese after all, and based on his upbringing, he used the neutral term "attack" instead of "sneak attack," which is used in history books of most countries. The Japanese present had all received the same education and did not find it strange.
Only Vermouth, an American, and Haibara, a half-English-Japanese student in the US, raised their eyebrows slightly. It was a textbook example of silent sarcasm, more powerful than ten thousand words.
Chinese translation: Guangyan used the standard answers from the local textbooks.
Bei Ai raised an eyebrow: Oh? Little boy, your word choice is very Showa textbook (dangerous smile)
The discussion briefly reached a scholarly level: perhaps it was Benedict Anderson's "Imagined Community." Neon Kim, present at the event, had shared a constructed collective memory and national identity since childhood, while Vermouth and Huibara, as "others" across the Pacific, instantly recognized the boundaries of this discourse system.
This eyebrow-raising moment is a true detail-driven attack. The history book's national narrative difference detector is activated!
History books, especially for elementary school students, are often their first exposure to a historical event. Once a first impression is formed, it's difficult to change. This is perhaps the information cocoon that elementary school students inhabit.
"On how to weave information cocoons from elementary school textbooks" #米花町Limited Edition History Filter
Mentioning Pearl Harbor, a blonde actress might have recalled the time when she was sunbathing elegantly on a Hawaiian beach and saw a silver bullet flying by.
At this moment, Vermouth wasn't particularly interested in Mitsuhiko's choice of words. The history of the war between the United States and Japan wasn't the main reason she'd given up her comfortable apartment and come to Beihua on such a wet, rainy day, so she didn't intend to say anything about it.
"Comfortable luxury apartment" highlights the importance of Bei Jie's quality of life (elegance never goes out of style.jpg)
Giving up lying down and going to a date in the rain, what kind of pure love queen behavior is this! (Shocking)
This is probably the mental state of everyone who runs for love.
To translate what Bayley is saying right now: I'm not here today for the "US-Japan History Seminar" taping. I have no interest in debating history with you. My priority is to watch my little genius cat run away from home. Pearl Harbor? Nothing compares to my little Shirley's expression (lights a cigarette).
We don’t dare to say what the “main purpose” is, and we don’t dare to ask. We can only say that it hints that it is about to break through the dimensional wall and be covered in the face.
Ding Dong, please select Vermouth's main purpose for coming to Mihua: A. To investigate historical truths B. To observe Mihua's customs and practices C. To play with cats D. To fulfill an organizational mission (this option is a smokescreen)
"About the organization's Top Killer eating melons in the rain just to keep an eye on his wife" #戀脑の顶级配置
The barista suddenly became interested. He leaned over the counter, his beard twitching, and his gossip radar activated: "The boss said that some of these antiques were bought from the auction of retired US military officers."
Barista: I'm just an ordinary clue provider. #NPC's professionalism#
On the Cafe Owner's Secret Side Job: Dealing in World War II Relics (Element Detection.jpg)
The amount of information about the estates of retired military officers has increased again. Bet there's a big secret behind that cappuccino. An officer's belongings must contain a shocking secret! #科学の根本法
The sound of rain enveloped everyone as they pondered this new clue. It was as if one could hear the humming of the CPU in everyone's brain, spinning at high speed.
The jazz record had ended, and only the sound of rain and distant traffic could be heard.
The ambiguous jazz music exits the stage, suggesting: the melon-eating time is over, and the main film begins (pushing the glasses to reflect light)
Vermouth broke the silence, her voice carrying a hint of innocent curiosity, but Huiyuan could tell it wasn't true; it was purely acting. "Does your boss keep records of the origins of every item?"
Vermouth unleashed her thousand-layered tactics, using the purest face and the most alluring words. Unfortunately, sitting before her was the world's top anti-phishing radar, Miyano Shiho.
The whole world is blinded by her acting skills, and only Huibara can see the slight traces of performance in her voice.
One is acting, the other is watching; one is enjoying it, the other knows it well.
The daily life of an Oscar-winning actress: using her sweet voice to launch sting operations.
Huiyuan's inner comments: Oh, woman, your tea art has an organized flavor.
Question: Is Bayley trying to get information or is she just trying to see Shirley's frown? A. Information B. Shirley C. All of them (dog head)
“There’s an inventory book in the office,” the barista replied, “but I don’t have access…”
Ah, "no permission," classic line +1. Isn't this just waiting for the protagonists to "make an exception"?
"This is a police investigation." Sato flashed his badge. "I need to see that inventory book."
Officer Sato is so cool. #TheSmallWillfulnessofPower(ForJustice).This action ability is OK.
But when I think about it, there's no crime going on right now. Even if it's just a stolen phonograph, it doesn't fall under the jurisdiction of Investigation Section 1. The theft case is handled by Section 2 next door, at Kidd's studio.
The barista had no choice but to lead Sato to the office in the back.
Vermouth raised an eyebrow and turned to Huibara: "Ah, on a romantic rainy afternoon in Beihua, this is really an interesting puzzle, isn't it?"
Savor it carefully. Subtext: "Little cutie, the dating game has begun~" #捕鱼系说出提到# Dangerously charming.
A rainy afternoon in late autumn is itself a hotbed for ambiguity.
But this is rice flower.
Does Vermouth not know much about Mihua? The routine here is to open the office door and you can get a classic locked room murder case.
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