Chapter 18: Professional Killer's Escort But You Do Need an Umbrella...
"If I wanted to kill you, you would have died long ago." Vermouth tilted her bobbed head, not hiding her amusement and cute intentions. "But I came here for something else entirely."
Huiyuan sighed, "I have to go."
Oh my god, he just said he wanted to take someone to the station, is he playing hard to get?
"I'll go with you." Vermouth said as she stood up and took an umbrella. "The rain is too heavy."
"I don't need the escort of a professional killer."
"Indeed, but you do need an umbrella, and I happen to have one." Vermouth raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Besides, we still have things to do, Shiho."
Haibara knew she should refuse, should run in the opposite direction, but curiosity, and some emotion she didn't want to admit, forced her to nod reluctantly.
The two walked into the pouring rain, huddled close together under Vermouth's black umbrella. This closeness was a little unsettling; Huiyuan could smell the perfume on Vermouth—expensive, elegant, yet so familiar it made her heart tremble.
"I have to say, little scientist, your reasoning ability hasn't diminished at all despite your reduced height."
Huiyuan looked up at her and spoke in a cautious and calm tone, "And you, despite your age, your acting talent has not diminished in the slightest."
Vermouth's laughter was pleasant, but it made Huibara's heart shiver unconsciously: "Oh my, Shiho-chan, these claws are still so sharp."
Now, alone, the pretense has faded.
Vermouth put away her slightly overly bright tourist smile and began to engage in some of the joyful calculations that were familiar yet disturbing to Haibara.
"Those guys in Search Section 1 are pretty serious, aren't they? Like a puppy chasing its own tail, even though they're wearing badges."
Speaking of the First Investigation Division, Vermouth is quite familiar with them. Judging from the files related to Kogoro Mouri that she "borrowed" from the Metropolitan Police Department before, that caused a small disturbance.
Now he pretends to be completely unaware of Sato and Takagi, the main forces of the First Investigation Division. I don't know what he is up to.
Huibara didn't take the bait right away. "Investigating the case seriously has its own uses. Unlike exaggerated performances, which only attract unnecessary attention."
She paused, her voice cold, and then she said in a sarcastic tone, imitating the tourist translator's accent of Vermouth: "So, my dear Tina, what exactly did you go to that cafe for? Tourists' curiosity rarely extends to obscure wartime codes."
Vermouth chuckled and switched to English, saying, "Maybe I just like solving puzzles. Or maybe..."
She lowered her head slightly, the light from the street lamp illuminating her eyes, which were quite beautiful. "I love watching you solve puzzles. Your way of thinking... is still the most fascinating weapon I have ever seen. Sharper than the blades of the Organization and Gin."
Mentioning gin was obviously another test.
And switching the conversation to English might be slightly beneficial to Vermouth.
Although Miyano Shiho is of mixed descent, and therefore speaks both English (with a genuine old London accent) and Japanese as her mother tongue, she has spent the past year in Tokyo, living as a Japanese elementary school student, and has had very little time to speak English, which is a little rusty.
Unfamiliarity = not conducive to quarreling.
Huibara's face was expressionless, but a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes. However, she refused to admit defeat. She switched to English, and her choice of words and sentences became more convoluted: "Flattery is like a blunt weapon in your hands, Vermouth. Tell me about yourself. Why did you come to Tokyo? Why now?"
Vermouth feigned surprise and gently placed her hand on her heart: "Old...acquaintance...can't you come visit? Relive...memories?"
Recalling the heavy snow in New York, in a luxury apartment, the unbridled heat instantly dispelled the chill of the heavy rain in Tokyo at that moment.
Huiyuan didn't answer. She didn't want to continue this topic because she hadn't figured out her chances of winning in this topic.
The two walked in silence for a while, the wet road reflecting the gradually emerging twilight.
Haibara could still feel Vermouth's gaze—it was calculating, amusing, and there were some emotions she couldn't tell.
They stopped at the crosswalk, waiting for the traffic light to change. A classic scene from a 1990s Japanese drama.
Vermouth looked down at her: "The organization is very interested in these antique thefts."
The distillery's traditional crafts... they're interested in everything. From elixirs to antique collectibles, their scope rivals the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Translation: Our organization is involved in everything, and its main feature is to cast a wide net and fish selectively.
In the 73 universe, organizations are universal backdrops that can be deployed wherever needed.
"The organization believes that valuable information is being collected by someone, and that this information may change certain historical narratives."
Translation: The boss of the winery: Guys, find me something to brag about, preferably something that can prove that my ancestors were wealthy.
Historical Narrative: I was terrified.jpg
A bold guess: have we found evidence that "Qin Shi Huang was actually a Japanese elementary school student"? (bushi)
"Eighty years later, are there any important historical narratives left?" Huihara was genuinely confused. World War II had long since ended, and the historical narrative had been settled. Even if there were things that were valuable in the 1940s, they would have been a thing of the past by now.
After eighty years, the war is over. What secrets can still be revealed?
Huiyuan: It's the 21st century, sister, why are you still fussing over something that happened decades ago? Wouldn't it be better to spend your time researching an antidote for APTX4869?
"Some secrets will never expire, Shiho, even after traveling through the long river of history." Vermouth replied, deliberately using her real name in an intimate tone, and began to tease skillfully again.
Translation: My dear, some melons become more fragrant as they age, and those left overnight are even sweeter.
"Some secrets, once revealed, will change the current situation in a very important way," she added.
Translation: Once some bombs explode, the entire world view will explode with them.
The traffic light changed, and the two began to cross the street. Raindrops pounded against their umbrellas, creating a private, soundproof space for them.
The atmosphere group is online. A secret conversation in the rain.
Yu: I understand. I’ll give you some natural white noise right now, so you can have a great time chatting.
Masaka, is this umbrella a love barrier?
"And you decided to let me get involved because...?" Huibara narrowed her eyes.
Ai-chan: If someone shows affection for no reason, he's either a traitor or a thief. Wicked woman, what are you up to now? Tell me, what do you want from me? Because I'm young? Because I'm smart? Or because I'm... cute? (whispering)
Vermouth's smile was a classic, mysterious one: "Maybe I need someone who can keep up with me intellectually. Or maybe, I just want to see you again."
Oh my god, AUV, straight ball. Bayley hit the ball straight.
Sister Bei: First, it’s for work, and second…it’s a public-funded relationship, understand?
"These are not mutually exclusive." Haibara returned to Japanese and chose the tongue-twisting Japanese expression. She knew that Vermouth's Japanese was very good and she could understand it.
But the implicit and unnamed flirting between the lines of this sentence surprised even her.
A is up. Queen's behavior: "I want them all.jpg"
"That's right." Vermouth agreed, her eyes darkening. "We can coexist."
This look "darkens" = Sister Bei: You understand a lot, little girl. (Evil smile)
"That policeman had no idea what he was looking for." Vermouth changed the subject, commenting as they walked, "The thief's techniques were amateurish at best."
"And you don't need to help the Investigation Division solve this problem." Haibara pointed out sharply.
In fact, the theft case is not actually under the jurisdiction of the Investigation Section, but they happened to encounter it and could not sit idly by.
According to the normal procedure, or if Inspector Megure, a veteran in his 40s who was rushing to get off work, was there, he would directly call the Second Investigation Section next door who was in charge of theft cases, and that was Aoko's father who had fought wits and courage with Kaito Kid for dozens of levels.
But for some reason, maybe it was inertia, maybe it was enthusiasm, or maybe Takagi wanted to leave a deep impression on Sato, so they just took the case.
Haibara was naturally well aware of this. She felt that Vermouth seemed to also understand the rules of the Metropolitan Police Department's case handling, but the two of them did not point it out during the entire investigation process in the cafe.
Because their acquaintances Sato and Takagi were handling the case, it was convenient for them to see the evidence.
This is the basic operation of Conan's protagonist group.
"And miss an opportunity to witness your ingenuity? I've always admired your intelligence, Shiho. Even when we were... rivals."
"We are still enemies now." Huibara curled her lips and corrected her.
"Really?" Vermouth chuckled. "Then why didn't I tell Gin that you were still alive?"
This question gets to the point. If Vermouth told Gin that Sherry was still alive, Gin might have sifted the rice krispie carefully the next day, but this did not happen.
So why did Vermouth keep her secret? Why didn't she tell Gin?
What tricks is she playing?
I continued walking forward and turned into an increasingly quiet alley, with shops on both sides closed.
Alley. Dark alley. Is this about to lead to something that everyone will love? (Rubbing hands in anticipation)
Scene: Switched to "story-prone" mode, alley... ahem, suitable for heart-to-heart talks.
In the puddle under my feet, I could see the reflections of two people: a tall and elegant American woman, and a serious Japanese elementary school student.
Reflection, mature woman and loli, but their souls are equal.
The relationship between their appearance and reality is quite inconsistent.
Ai’s inner thoughts: I used to have long legs of 1.7 meters, but now... well, it’s all tears if I say too much.
"Your appearance has changed." Vermouth's tone was surprisingly gentle, "but the inner thoughts remain the same. The outstanding scientist who fascinated me in New York is still there. I can see Miyano Shiho in your eyes."
Sister Bei: Baby, don’t be emo. In my eyes, you will always be that sparkling and super awesome scientist. You will still be cute even if you change your vest.
Beilu Modou fouled. What a sweet talker! I recommend memorizing the entire text. Officially certified charm. Today is also a day to shed tears for Belle.
"But that doesn't mean life has become easier. Or less dangerous."
Ai-chan: Humph, I'm not... I'm not attracted to you. (Blushing and heartbeating) Don't think I'll go with you just because you say a few nice words. Safety first, understand? (But feeling happy inside)
"Danger has never frightened you." Vermouth knelt down on one knee, level with Huibara, and reached out to brush a strand of brown hair away from Huibara's face. "In fact, I remember you were quite excited at that time."
Flirting. So good at flirting. The hair-stroking killer. The little gestures under the umbrella, the ambiguity value is full.
"Very excited"... Let's talk about it. What's the dark secret going on in New York? (Pick up a small stool and prick up your ears)
Bei Jie: You were not so shy when you were in New York. Kitty, stop pretending. You like excitement in your bones. I understand.
Huiyuan grabbed her wrist and squeezed it tightly: "Don't do this."
Translation: If you...if you do this again, I'll...I'll be rude. (Heartbeat speeding up) Stop it. If you tease me again, I'll give in.
She didn't move again, and neither did Vermouth.
The two of them just froze in that scene.
Rivals, conspiracies, and more complicated relationships.
Raindrops hit the umbrella and vehicles passed slowly in the distance.
Tension. This is the tension between adults (?). The air is thick. BGM: Dangerous Party.mp3
"The December date in the clue," Huiyuan cleared her throat and changed the subject. "It must be of great significance to the thieves."
I'm embarrassed. I forced the topic back to the main plot. As expected of you, a career-oriented woman (fog).
Ahem, let's get down to business. If this keeps going, there's going to be an "accident." Let me calm down for a moment. The investigation is important, the investigation is important (I bet).
There was a hint of a meaningful smile in Vermouth's eyes, but she still followed her words and started discussing the main topic.
Sister Bei's OS: You little brat, you still want to run? (with a doting smile) Okay, I'll do as you say. Sure, let's talk about work first. But you can't escape my palm~ (Plan.jpg)
"Christmas Eve, 1941. Japan had just gone to war with the United States. Foreign citizens, many were detained or deported."
"Does that include Irish diplomats?" Huiyuan quickly got to work. Her mind worked faster than a washing machine.
Translation: Does a neutral country like Ireland have room for maneuver?
As expected of a former organizational scientist, his logical thinking is excellent.
"Ireland remained neutral during the war." Vermouth also knew this and pointed out gently, "Lawrence Connery, most likely, has special channels and mobility."
The two A's join forces and the world is ours. This information exchange is fine, and there is room for maneuver.
Diplomats from neutral countries are highly sought after by all parties, and those who understand will understand.
"Besides, this is also a great opportunity to gather intelligence," Huiyuan added, his furry little head with an IQ of 180 rapidly calculating, "If he really is a spy."
A single word reveals the secret. As expected of you, Miyano Shiho.
Isn't this a natural spy cover? Brilliant. A breeding ground for the perfect crime. There's only one truth. (Detective mode activated)
Ireland remained neutral during World War II, a bold decision that historians and politicians have debated for decades.
However, for Huiyuan, a British-Japanese mixed-race who knows the history of the British Isles, Ireland, as Britain's closest neighbor, refused to participate in the war, which has profound historical roots.
Britain is an important country in the Allied forces.
Britain also colonized Ireland for hundreds of years, causing countless deaths and injuries and displacing people.
The history between the two countries is a bloody history of oppression and exploitation, and then anti-colonialism.
Ireland, which had just gotten rid of hundreds of years of colonial rule after gaining independence in the early 20th century after a long struggle, would have been tied to its former colonizers again if it had joined Britain in fighting the Axis Powers, which would have made the Northern Ireland issue more complicated.
Britain controls the six northern counties of Ireland, and border conflicts are ongoing. If Ireland joins the war and supports Britain, it would be tantamount to recognizing the legitimacy of Britain's rule over Northern Ireland, which would be tantamount to political suicide.
Centuries of colonial rule and deep-seated distrust meant that any sign of alliance with Britain, especially fighting alongside it, was seen as a betrayal of national self-determination.
Simply put, Britain, the closest Allied member to Ireland, was the enemy, while the Axis powers, especially the island nation of Japan on the Eurasian continent, had no grudges against Ireland.
Politically speaking, neutrality is the best option.
In terms of strength, Ireland cannot afford to participate in a war, especially a world war.
When Ireland first gained independence, its economy was mainly based on agriculture. Its army had only 20,000 soldiers and its equipment was seriously outdated. It could not even defend its coastline.
At that time, Germany was at its peak and had just quickly conquered France and Denmark. Ireland's military strength was not enough to match it.
No matter which side they sided with, their country would likely become a battlefield, so Ireland chose to remain neutral.
Despite its neutrality, Ireland was not actually completely isolated from the war, but adopted a "pro-Allied" neutrality.
After all, it is clear who the invaders are, just look at where the battle is taking place.
British aircraft were often allowed to return after emergency landings in Ireland. After the Allied situation improved in 1943, Ireland secretly provided the Allies with port and weather information, but was always careful to maintain a superficial neutrality to prevent German retaliation.
This flexible approach not only ensured security but also laid the groundwork for obtaining Marshall Plan aid after the war. Historians call this "pragmatic neutrality."
This is a difficult choice for small countries seeking self-preservation and independence in an era of great change, and it is a rational choice made after weighing the pros and cons.
From the perspective of Ireland's national interests, there is no need for disputes with Japan, which is thousands of miles away.
Huibara was well aware of this history. Vermouth, in her unspecified years, must have read about it as well.
"The question is, as a neutral diplomat during World War II, what information did he gather that would still be valuable today?" Vermouth straightened up and continued walking. Her aura, her swift steps, were truly worthy of being the actress with a thousand faces.
"Historical documents revealing war crimes?" Huibara asked. "Evidence of cooperation that was later denied, evidence that some countries didn't want the world to know about?"
As expected of a former scientific research leader, he spoke with such a broad perspective. Historical documents, evidence of collaboration, this train of thought would make Conan say, "I've learned that." His little brain was working at full speed.
"Or, something more specific? The chaos of war has always been a stepping stone, creating opportunities for cultural relics to disappear. Large numbers of people take advantage of this opportunity to smuggle artwork, gold, and cultural treasures."
Beijie: You're still too narrow-minded, sister. War money, you know? Isn't art gold attractive? (Manual dog head) As expected, a woman who has experienced many ups and downs, her thinking is so clear and realistic. #人清醒贝莫德
"The camera shop in Ginza." Huiyuan suddenly said, "What if this isn't just another theft? What if this is the next clue?"
Ding. A lightbulb lit up in Ai-chan's brain. With such acumen, she immediately connected the clues.
Vermouth tilted her head and smiled proudly: "I think so too."
Sister Bei's inner thoughts: "This child is teachable, and this little cutie is quite smart."
The tacit understanding between masters and their mutual understanding is so sweet that it makes your teeth fall out.
"Your reasoning ability is not bad either." Huibara praised proudly.
"Ah, this seemingly indifferent little scientist actually praised me."
Vermouth replied with a smile, tilting her head and gazing at Huibara with a slightly unsettling concentration. Her golden bob gleamed under the streetlight. "But I'm more inclined to think it's intuition, not reasoning. Perhaps this is the difference between art and science."
Huihara narrowed her eyes slightly. "It was our intuition that allowed us to successfully decipher the code from seventy years ago while Officers Takagi and Sato were busy questioning witnesses. We were truly lucky."
What began as a chance encounter in a coffee shop turned into a reluctant collaboration, with "Tina" offering insights that only someone deeply versed in historical cryptography could grasp.
"Knowledge is just another disguise, my dear Shirley." Vermouth whispered, using Huibara's previous code name with a hint of provocation.
"We should go to the camera store." Huibara decided to ignore the code name Shirley.
Then, slightly challengingly, she added: "Unless you're worried about running into too many police officers."
Huibara pricked up. Tsk, tsk, tsk, is this a test or a flirt? Even a kitten can stretch out its claws. This is some elementary school student's method of provoking a quarrel (bushi).
A case just happened over there, so there must be a lot of police officers on the scene.
“Worried about Takagi and Satou?” Vermouth smiled calmly, “Not really. But… are you sure you want to continue investigating with me instead of playing with your cute little detective friends?”
Let’s choose. When Vermouth said “No way”, what was she really thinking?
A. "I'm just a police officer. I'm not afraid of him." (Queen-like)
B. "Takagi Sato? What kind of threat can those two naive people pose?" (with a hint of disdain)
C. "I'm more worried about the kitten next to me scratching me than the police." (Indulgent and teasing type)
D. "Hmph, who dares to touch my people (referring to Huibara) when I'm here?" (Secretly protective type)
“Those kids treat puzzles as games,” she replied, “and we all know that some puzzles are life-threatening.”
Ai-chan's answer passed over the Junior Detective League and Conan (elementary school student mode) in just one sentence.
This "we" instantly brought me closer to Sister Bei. This is the awareness and consensus of adults. #MatureBigSisterCharm
“Indeed.” Vermouth hailed a passing taxi elegantly and efficiently. “Then let’s go to Ginza.”
Affirmation is done calmly, and then the action is smooth and flowing. Once a decision is made, it is set off immediately. This kind of action is the rhythm of an adult.
Haibara Ai could smell the faint scent of perfume coming from her body, and her heart beat faster.
She knew it was a danger sign, but strangely, she didn't want to run away.
Perhaps it was because during her year at Mihua, she began to understand that real competition sometimes does not lie in who is stronger, but in who dares to face their true self.
"There's really no other way, so I'll reluctantly accompany you." Huibara said.
She is a textbook example of tsundere, but unfortunately, she is still a little immature and not experienced enough in front of the Hollywood superstar from the Wynyard family.
Sharon Wynyard has been active in Hollywood for decades. What kind of tsundere and hard-to-get tactics has she not witnessed?
How can Ai Haibara, a nineteen-year-old soul housed in a seven-year-old body, be a match for the (uncertain) hundred-year-old enchantress?
No matter how you look at it, it looks like a little kitten that wants to scratch people but refuses to extend its claws.
Just use the pads of your paw to scrape.
If they were caught by the Junior Detective League at this moment, Ayumi would probably take out her little notebook and write down her "Adult Women's Love Observation Notes" frantically. Mitsuhiko would be so jealous that he could drown the whole of Beika Town. Genta would urge everyone to eat eel rice and leave this place as soon as possible.
Then I heard Suzuki Sonoko screaming "kawaii" across the sky.
Definition of gray kitten: Her Majesty the Queen feeds the kitten with a bottle and tickles its belly every day...little cyborg/little tiger/little cheetah.
The "Queen of Science" has become the darling of the movie queen. The collapse of the organization begins with the orange smell.
Haibara Ai's words were as cold as ice, but her slightly flushed cheeks could not hide her thoughts.
He kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting the beautiful bad woman from the winery to see through them.
Vermouth smiled widely, her eyes falling on Haibara Ai's face, lightly and with a little... as if she was recalling some fleeting moment of nostalgia from the past.
So, at this moment, after listening to Haibara's tsundere lines, Vermouth just narrowed her eyes.
Danger, danger, danger! My sister's squinting isn't a sign of defeat; it's a sign of preparing for the hunt. This might be the leisurely gesture of a cat licking its paws before hunting.
After all, when has Sharon Wynyard, an old fox who has been playing around in the world for decades and walking among the flowers without getting hurt, ever fallen in love?
In "The Thousand Faces of Enchantress: Global Urban Hunting Records", she is the only one who wears red-soled Louboutin high heels and breaks other people's glass hearts, and she, probably, has no heart.
Every scratch on the heel is the shape of an ex's heartbreak.
At least, if you interview her exes, even the outstanding women who were quite compatible with her, such as a famous married Japanese female star with a cheerful personality and natural black, the answer is the same.
Yukiko Kudo: A-choo, who cue me? I'm sunbathing in Hawaii, please don't disturb me.
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