Chapter 99: Consciousness Fusion Although she is obsessed with beauty...
As they discussed the latest experimental progress, Vermouth's azure eyes, always brimming with smiles, now shone with genuineness, their usual disguise fading slightly. "Consciousness... fusion potion? Shiho... that's far more daring than pursuing immortality."
Bold? This isn't bold at all; this is clearly... the most dangerous step in love: I want to live in your heart and clean it up while I'm at it.
A double entendre. Vermouth sees through everything, and her smile conceals a "high-risk warning."
"Consciousness fusion drug" is the ultimate YY for mystery fans in the Conan universe. You don't even need to use reasoning to solve the case, you can just use cheats and steal brains.
"It's still in the experimental stage." Shiho, a biologist with a strong sense of medical ethics, quickly corrected him. "It's very unstable, the effects are short-lived, and... the results are completely unpredictable."
With a scientific warning, Shiho scrambles to protect herself, lest Vermouth become the first person to undergo a drug trial next week. Beware of the "completely unpredictable" part; that's the essence of love, beyond scientific explanation.
"Have you tried it?"
"This was done on mice. The results are... interesting, but far from conclusive. They were observed to exhibit synchronized behavioral patterns and, in maze tests, were even able to predict their companions' movements."
Scientists will never let go of mice; even the world of lilies must go through the experimental process first. Mice synchronizing their maze routes... Close your eyes and imagine, is this scientific research? Yes. But it's more like a reflection of love: we're both running in our own mazes, each trying to get closer to the other's destination.
"However, your experiment has not been used on humans yet." Vermouth finished her words, and the implication was quite profound.
This statement is worthy of the actress with many faces. As soon as she opened her mouth, she was full of twists and turns. "Profound meaning" is either to say "Do you dare" or "Have you already thought about doing this?" (smirk)
High-energy warning ahead. Sister Bei is about to start PUA... ah no, gentle persuasion.
This is the standard template of a villainous queen brainwashing a younger man. The next sentence is likely to be "Why don't you give it a try?"
Translated it means - I know what you are thinking, come, I will help you express your crazy thoughts.
"Of course not. Just from an ethical perspective..."
Shirley: I, Miyano Shiho, am a scientist's last remaining stubbornness. I am Beika Town's last ethical defense line.
Subtext: "Technically I have conquered it" right? (dog head)
"Ethics..." Vermouth chuckled and interrupted her. "It's the last bulwark of scientists, and it will always be like this. Now, Shiho, don't you have even a little curiosity? Dive into the depths of someone else's mind and see what's going on there? Experience perceptions beyond the body of 'Miyano Shiho'?"
Senior member of the organization, Sister Bei: Ethics? What is that? Can I eat it? (Elegant smile)
"Beyond the perception of 'Miyano Shiho''s' body"—something feels off. Bayonetta is saying something lewd and ludicrous. What kind of fatal temptation is this?
If Holmes could get into Moriarty's head... then "The Final Problem" would have to be rewritten as "The Final Brain Problem."
This is not seduction, this is a spiritual version of striptease.
I guess Bayonetta has read "Psychological Manipulation." She's truly the most understanding person in the organization, even being able to describe flirting in a "philosophical horror film."
But why does it feel like she has a bit of an antisocial personality? The scientific ethics that Shiho cares about have become a code for flirting. Shiho's scientific rationality is slowly being eroded by ambiguity...
But think about it again, she is already a killer of the organization. Medical ethics and the like are nothing to her, and there is nothing strange about it.
After all, the act of directly going out on a mission to kill people is certainly too serious, will pose risks to people, and violates the ethics of medical experiments.
And Shiho, of course, would not forget the fact that Vermouth was actually the ace of the organization just because of the friendly and cordial exchanges she had with her over the past few nights.
To put it simply, although she is obsessed with looks and is addicted to beauty, her three values are still in place.
Lily's philosophical moment. This is not a love story, this is an ideological battle of offense and defense.
Shibao remained silent.
This sentence about the fusion of consciousness may have been just something Vermouth said casually, but it made her feel guilty.
Shiho OS: It's over, Barbie Q, I've been seen through. My mind feels like it's running naked on the internet, and even the Thousand Faces Film Queen has opened a global perspective cheat.
"Just a casual remark"? Bei Jie: The plan works.
Because in the real world, she herself had done a logos simulation, and she wondered if she could use it on Vermouth in the future to find the antidote and clues to her family's murder.
"Logos Simulation" can be regarded as the biological and neurological plus version of "Inception".
Huiyuan: I don't want to pry into her memory, I just want to... crack the door to her heart (physical sense)
Science Quote No. 135: "I use high technology to talk about love." (Dense fog)
Furthermore, if one carefully considers the technical details involved in the actual operation, in reality, it would be difficult for her to convince Vermouth to come to her house every night to participate in such a simulation. Wouldn't that mean she would have to use coercion? The ethical issues involved are quite significant.
Of course this is Sister Bei. I am afraid that I will be forced to do the opposite (meaningful)
This is the Beika Town version of "Black Mirror," isn't it? The boundary between technology and desire is slowly melting...
You know, there is a topic that the legal community has not yet reached a conclusion on, which is, if you are sure that there is a terrorist in front of you, and he has information that can prevent an imminent terrorist attack, as the affirmative party, can you take action against him?
Can it be considered as a popcorn version of the trolley problem?
Of course, in the Conan world, this problem happens every day.
A scientific version of the "trolley problem", but the trolley is full of the protagonists' ex-boyfriends, current boyfriends, and aunts and uncles.
This legal topic involves many prerequisites. It must be confirmed that the person is a terrorist, and then the next attack must be imminent.
The conditions are very harsh and most people cannot use it (except in the Conan universe).
Beika Town: Imminent? That's everyday, thank you. Today it's either an explosion or a kidnapping, I'm used to it.
But Vermouth is not a terrorist, and the reason Haibara wants her to do the Logos simulation together is not because there is an imminent terrorist attack (although this is a daily routine for her), but because she wants to avenge her parents and sister.
Bayley: I'm not a terrorist, I'm just an ordinary actress with a thousand faces (spreads hands).
In her daily biological experiments, Shiho Miyano pays great attention to medical ethics, but when it comes to revenge for her family, she doesn't do so, which is double standards.
This is the complexity of human nature (tea).
"Calm as ice when conducting scientific research, and crazy and critical when seeking revenge." - This is the heroine of Ke Xuezhen.
Look at Shinichi next door. He often resorts to any means necessary to solve a case, like shooting Kogoro with an anesthetic needle. If you look closely at the criminal law, that's intentional bodily harm. He did it hundreds or even thousands of times, which is an aggravating circumstance for sentencing.
Miyano Shiho fell into deep thought.
The London night was thick and inextricable. In the Jade Leopard fine-dining restaurant, the light from the crystal chandelier shone on the snow-white tablecloth. Vermouth gently swirled the Margaux in her hand, and the deep red wine swirled against the glass, its color a truly beautiful sight.
Château Margaux: Its reputation has been damaged, and it has also been labeled as a "flirting winery".
"About the couple I recommended flirting with each other over Margaux at a high-end London restaurant." If Gosho Aoyama had drawn this scene, the background would probably be filled with roses and stars.
The night in London is dark, and Lily's feelings are even darker.
In the shadows of the lamplight, her blue eyes were captivating yet shrouded in danger. Was she smiling? Not really. She just sat there, calm and composed, staring across at Shiho.
This wasn't a visual temptation; it was the emission of deadly pheromones. Her eyes held two words: cannibalism.
The cat queen, Bei Zong. She's so charming that even the Black Cat Sheriff would salute her.
"This Margaux is not bad, dear Shirley." Seeing her unhappy face, Vermouth considerately changed the subject. First, let's get to the food.
Sister Bei: Small scene, I'll take charge. This emotional intelligence is much higher than some straight male detectives.
That's damn thoughtful. Is it the candy or the knife?
It might be one of those high-end games where “I know you know I know you’re guilty”.
Very expensive Margaux: Okay? I give up. Tonight, I'm just the spice that eases the awkwardness between you two lesbians. I've endured more pressure than this vintage deserves. It's too hard. I'm just an innocent bottle of wine. What did I do wrong? Just a tool wine, don't cue me. (Inner thought: I'm so pissed.)
Tonight is not about drinking, it’s about drinking emotions.
Time for multiple choice questions.
Q: Facing Vermouth's high-pressure flirting and ethical challenges, what is Shiho's most likely next reaction?
A. "You're right, but I chose to call the police."
B. He pretended to be calm and took a sip of Margaux, but his mind was frantically calculating.
C. Start counter-flirting by saying in a more dangerous tone, "So, are you willing to let me sneak into your heart?"
D. Silently opened the lab door and said, "Let's see where the ethical boundaries are."
E. "This woman is really poisonous. Even more poisonous than APTX4869."
F. "Did she know something? Did she hack into my simulator's firewall?"
Vermouth considerately changed the subject.
Chinese translation: Sister Bei: Let's stop talking about the case (if there is a case), let's have some fun first. This wine is expensive, understand?
Her voice still has her unique ASMR magnetism, unfolding in the silence. Please automatically imagine Sister Koyama Momi.
Adding to the picture, the camera should give Bayley a seductive shot of her red lips slightly parted, the wine wetting her lips. Hey, Madam Photographer, hurry up.
"Winemakers pour their lifelong passion and dreams into creating this art in a bottle, don't you think? Well... it's what they call a professional 'calling'."
To change the subject, Bayley begins giving a philosophy lesson over a glass of wine. Warning: High-risk, hipster language is coming.
The moment Margaux appeared, the aroma of wine literature immediately resonated. The subtext wasn't "drink," but "you're my main course tonight." Using wine as a medium, Bayley swerved the conversation faster than an Aston Martin driver, jumping straight from wine tasting to the philosophy of life. This wasn't just a casual conversation; it was a spiritual hunt (hilarious).
Miyano Shiho also picked up the wine glass. Her nails were neatly trimmed, and her fingers were slender, which matched the deep red wine and attracted Vermouth's attention.
She didn't drink immediately, but just stared at the deep red in the glass. The red wine reflected her cold and pale face, and the scene immediately turned into a "beauty in deep thought".
"'Call for'?" She said in a steady tone, thinking secretly.
Shiho is online: a deconstructionist girl, ready to sabotage. Her tone is a perfect blend of "cool and sarcastic."
After all, he is the one who makes the most complaints in the world of Optimus Prime, and this skill is his innate one, which cannot be easily suppressed.
"Or, Vermouth, would you rather say that it's carefully packaged 'exploitation'? After all, when 'passion' becomes a tool that can be quantified and driven, the boundary between it and 'sense of mission' has long been blurred."
Oh, hoo! Shiho counterattacked. As expected of a former organizational scientist, she was the most lucid person alive.
"Carefully packaged 'exploitation'"... Is this referring to the organization? It's definitely referring to the organization. Gin: A-choo. Who's scolding me?
The coldest blow of the entire scene struck capitalism right where it hurts. This conversation was increasingly resembling a Black Organization version of "The Counterattack of the Corporate Cowboys."
However, her words not only hit Sister Bei, but also hit herself. After all, she has been a tool in the organization since she was a child.
Vermouth laughed, brought the wine glass to her lips and took a sip. Her drinking posture was so cool, but her eyes never left Shiho's face for a moment. She really turned flirting into performance art.
The price tag on this wine is equivalent to several months' salary for an average London resident. It is not for drinking, but to create an atmosphere.
"Oh? Exploitation... Dear Shirley, what you said is quite cold. Don't you think it is precisely the yearning for a 'higher goal', even if that goal is made up, that makes people willing to burn themselves to death and create those great values in human history?
Sister Bei begins her elaborate scheme. "A made-up target"... Karasuma Renya: Just tell me my ID number.
Think Bayley is talking about wine? No, she's talking about how organizations exploit talented young women with empty visions.
Vermouth put down her glass and said with a smile, "Isn't this... a rather fascinating 'management ethics'?"
The capitalists in the KO universe would be moved to tears after hearing this, and would even learn PUA from Bayonetta. Gin: So I get to be on the 007 rooftop in the cold wind every day, is that right? (Lost in thought)
Bei Jie: The charm of capital lies in that it speaks more beautifully than anyone else.
The speech was sharp, and it was suggested to publish an "Organizational Survival Manual"
Shiho frowned slightly, her eyes sharpening as she was about to say something harsh: "Charming? I think 'Core Erosion' is a more appropriate name."
A Hollywood actress and a Japanese-English hybrid, both cultured, argue in English, a truly unique way. The clash of the century between Bayley's capitalism and Shiho's nihilism.
Shiho took a sip of the wine, as a way of putting a comma to her complaints, and felt the complex taste of the wine spreading out layer by layer on her tongue.
"Personal value is tied entirely to so-called 'work' and 'achievement.' Without these, one feels like nothing. Isn't this the kind of psychological innuendo that those shrewd 'CEOs' love to see? They trade the illusory 'inner drive for self-realization' for tangible benefits."
With penetrating insights, Miyano-san is a contemporary pioneer in the fight against involution.
This statement reveals the reason behind the high mortality rate of CEOs in the world of science.
The violin in the restaurant was playing quite melodiously, but the atmosphere between the two of them didn't relax at all, but became even more tense.
Jade Leopard Fine Dining Restaurant Ambience: 10 for Elegance, 0 for Pleasure
BGM: Violin solo "The Sorrow of Love" (not included). Or perhaps "Aria on the G String" to set the tone?
The image: An elegant restaurant, soothing music playing, two top beauties engaged in a philosophical debate about "the self-cultivation of office workers." The air is thick with pheromones... oh no, the smell of gunpowder. There's even a hint of a flirtatious electric current (is this an illusion?).
Off-screen music: I'm just doing business at night, trying to set off a relationship, how can I talk about the nonsense of life?
"After all, dear Shirley, aren't we all creating a 'sellable self'?" Vermouth leaned forward slightly, and as she spoke, that provocative energy came out again. Her words were too harsh, every word was like a knife cutting at "self-worth."
The Chinese translation is roughly: Sister Bei: Shirley, stop struggling. Aren't we all the same? Scientists have to publish papers and make up stories, actors have to act and make up stories, and aren't we in the organization also performing a "great cause" drama for that gentleman to see? (Crazy hint)
"Whether you're a scientist or an actor... you have to rely on your 'imagination' to make a living, right? You have to put yourself into a story that's more remarkable than yourself and find meaning in it. Even if the story itself is full of holes, or even... pure fabrication." She narrowed her eyes and looked at Shiho leisurely.
The scientist (referring to Shiho) and the actor (referring to Sister Bei herself) accurately identified it.
"Riddled with holes, even pure fabrication"... Is Bayonetta, Masaka, hinting at the TV series's flawed plot and perpetually clichéd settings? (Bold.) (Love it.)
But none of this matters. The point is, Sister Bei's squinting eyes are too tempting. Shiho-chan is almost unable to bear it.
Lily concentration UP. UP.
Sure enough, Shiho straightened her back even more. Her obvious nervousness, this elementary physical movement reflecting her inner thoughts, certainly wouldn't escape the attention of a Hollywood actress.
After all, using body language to express a character's emotions is the first lesson in acting.
Is it possible that Shiho-chan, with her high attack and low defense, can't withstand the thousand-layered charm of Sister Bayonetta? (Nervous) (Expecting)
Shiho's inner thoughts: This woman is using the organization's affairs to tease/test/PUA me again. Damn it, but she's so close... Her perfume smells so good... Ugh. Miyano Shiho, wake up.
She could tell there was something behind Vermouth's words, and all the hooks were thrown towards their shared profession and towards that huge, dark "organization".
Maybe the nature of the organization: giving you a career path while harvesting your emotional connection (laughs)
Suddenly, predictions popped up: "Hurry up. Kiss him." "Author, hurry up with the next chapter." "Clearwater writing, please stop." "Bet 50 cents that Gin will break through the door in the next second."
Shiho, how will you respond to Bayonetta's PUA-style philosophical flirtation?
A. Come up with a more philosophical retort to catch her off guard.
B. Drink calmly, don't say anything, and kill her with a cold face.
C. I couldn’t help but smile: You’ve made my heart flutter.
D. Call the police directly (even though Scotland Yard doesn’t care about this young couple’s relationship).
Based on the above conversation, what is Vermouth's main purpose towards Shiho at this moment?
A. I just wanted to flirt with Shirley. After all, A Secret Makes a Woman Woman (funny)
B. Want to win over/test Shirley to see if there is any possibility of forming a team (doing some small side business that the organization doesn't know about).
C. I just want to find someone to debate philosophy with, and show off my Margaux and life experiences (Versailles).
D. All of the above. After all, she is a multifaceted actress. Don't try to guess what she's thinking. You won't understand it no matter how hard you try. (dog head)
"A grand narrative can also become an exquisite prison, Vermouth."
Shirley-chan's line skills. Directly naming names. Queen's speech. Slay.
Every word she spoke was icy, and the sound of ice chips falling to the ground was enough to make Shirley's aura seem overwhelming.
Bayley raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? Kitty's being prickly today? I like it."
"It's cloaked in the trappings of 'positive psychology,' but underneath, it's all about making people easier to 'exploit.' Things like 'flow' and 'growth mindset'—in the eyes of those managers, aren't they just mantras to make chess pieces more 'obedient'?"
Shirley-chan is indeed a cultured person, her complaints are so sophisticated.
Managers (Hashimatsu and Karasuma Genta): It feels like my knees were shot by several arrows...
Positive Psychology: I'm not. I don't have it. Don't be ridiculous.
Shirley, a contemporary anti-PUA pioneer and a clear-headed person. "Exploitation"—that's a really insightful description. Organization: I feel like I've been implied.
"piece?"
Here it comes. It's Bayley's turn. A question mark, a thousand twists and turns.
Vermouth gently honed the two syllables between her lips and teeth, drawing out the full astringency and tension. She's truly a professional actress. Her delivery is top-notch.
"But there are chess pieces in this world who relish the thrill of jumping around on the board, savoring that unique thrill of 'creative destruction.' They yearn for recognition, for independence, for connections with so-called 'spiritual pillars,' even if the price they pay far exceeds the reward."
It's a precise strike. Sister Bayonet is observing human nature through a microscope.
Hidden Attributes Revealed: Beilu Modou, a veteran psychological analysis master with MAX insight. Shirley, a former idealist, longs for recognition (but is exploited by the organization).
Thinking about this carefully, why does it sound a bit like she is talking about herself...? (Bold guess)
Sister Bei: Yes, it’s me.
"Creative destruction"... Is this referring to the pleasure he takes in toying with people's hearts? Or is it a reference to Shirley's past research? It's terrifying to contemplate.
Her gaze locked onto Shiho: "Hasn't it been the same for you, dear Shirley? For your 'research', your 'lofty scientific goals'..."
The sentence structure of "penetrating gaze" + "dear"... is the attack of the PUA queen of the dark night confession type.
Even the scientists couldn't withstand this wave of psychic penetration. Shiho's breath instantly froze. It was as if she could hear the sound of Shirley's heart cracking.
This guy, Vermouth, always has a way to effortlessly touch the most private and least public part of her heart, which is filled with imposed "passion" and inescapable "responsibility".
How is it done? This is PUA (Puya) – a term used by acquaintances. They know every one of your weaknesses and can easily upset you emotionally with just a few words.
Vermouth gracefully shook the Margot in her hand, and the deep red liquid in the cup, illuminated by the candlelight, shone with a breathtaking glow.
A Hollywood enchantress paired with Margaux. Classy. Sophisticated. Classy.
The way Sister Bei shook the wine was both a show and a hook.
The atmosphere is really amazing. It's like a (fake) candlelight dinner.
"Breathtaking brilliance"... is it the wine, or is it Bayley herself, swirling the glass? (The latter.)
Before the director calls cut, he says: Come on. Heroine 1 shakes the cup sexily. The camera zooms in on the other side, yes, yes, yes, close-up, making it look like Heroine 2 is completely captivated. (Thick fog)
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze gently sliding across Shiho's pretty face. Her expression was as graceful as a cat's. "Dear Shirley, you know what? London at night is quite suitable for pondering... the fundamental issues of the world."
Cat. It's a cat. Bayonetta is definitely the queen of the cat world. Is there something tactile about that gaze? Absolutely.
Discussing philosophy with a dangerous beauty under the London night sky...what an ultimate romance (and danger) this is.
Subtext: "Baby, the moonlight is so beautiful, let's talk about something deeper?" (Manual dog head)
Plot development prediction: Is something unspeakable going to happen next? (Rubbing hands in anticipation)
The Cat Queen + London at night + fundamental issues = a fatally ambiguous literary mixture.
The fundamental issues are not important, what is important is thinking about you. (The word order is similar?)
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