Ke Xue: The thief Cao is actually myself

Chapter 686 He still has to thank us! (Seeking monthly votes!)
Yukiko Kudo found it somewhat amusing, but couldn't help reminding her, "You two, stop joking around. What if Conan gets really angry when he wakes up?"

She was still somewhat worried. After all, although Conan was usually smart and sensible, this prank was indeed a bit "excessive," involving drugging and adding chemical agents.

She was worried that Conan would be hurt by this, whether it was physical discomfort or psychological trauma, which was an outcome she did not want to see.

Besides, she secretly harbored a sliver of hope that this opportunity would dissuade Kudo Yusaku from continuing his prank.

After all, now, whenever she closes her eyes, those images of her entanglement with Bai Ye flash through her mind like a revolving lantern, impossible to shake off.

The unexpected embrace on the highway, the subtle sensations of their skin touching, seemed to remain vividly etched on every inch of her skin; the fleeting touches in the car, each unintentional physical contact like an electric current, instantly rippled through her heart; the ambiguous atmosphere permeating the kitchen of the Byakuya family, that subtle ambiance that seemed almost tangible, capable of quietly engulfing one; and the impulsive, spontaneous kiss in the alley near Professor Agasa's house, that moment of infatuation and confusion, were like a deep brand, firmly engraved in the depths of her memory.

Each scene was like a sharp blade, repeatedly tearing at her conscience, causing her immense pain and torment.

Although everything started from an unexpected accident, under the other party's fiery and domineering offensive, she gradually lost her sense of proportion, like a ship lost in a storm, slowly deviating from its original course.

She was filled with fear, afraid that if things continued like this, she would completely lose herself and lose everything she cherished most in her life.

Upon hearing Yukiko Kudo's concerns, Yusaku Kudo stopped what he was doing, thought for a moment, and then said, "Yukiko, I understand your worries. But I know Conan. Although he can be childish at times, he's a sensible kid. Once he understands our good intentions, he definitely won't blame us. Besides, this is a special kind of training that will be helpful for his future detective career."

Bai Ye chimed in, "Yes, Ms. Yukiko. Conan may be young, but he's a mature detective. He wouldn't be so petty. Besides, we're doing this for his own good. Maybe after this experience, Conan will be more cautious in the future."

Yukiko Kudo sighed softly, her expression full of helplessness, and said, "I hope so. But I still feel that this joke went a bit too far."

As she spoke, her gaze inadvertently fell on Bai Ye, and a complex expression flashed across her eyes, a mixture of helplessness, frustration, and some indescribable emotions.

Having finally found an opportunity to tease her beloved son, and having also met a like-minded "good friend," this should have been doubly joyful. But how did things turn out this way?
The thought of her ambiguous past with Bai Ye made her feel upset and lost.

If she could choose again, she wished none of this had ever happened, and that those inappropriate feelings had never arisen.

Unfortunately, time cannot be turned back, and it is too late to say anything now. She can only silently endure this struggle and torment.

Yusaku Kudo, unaware of her worries, assumed she was simply experiencing a sudden surge of maternal instinct, so he didn't pay much attention. Instead, he continued focusing on the preparations, gently adjusting the powder around Conan as he said, "Yukiko, don't worry. Conan is a clever and mischievous kid. He might not be angry when he wakes up from this special 'test,' but rather find it novel and interesting. As parents, giving him experiences like this occasionally can enrich his life. It might even become a funny story for him to remember later."

Bai Ye also smiled and smoothed things over: "That's right, that's right, Ms. Yukiko. Look at how many cases Conan solves every day, and how many dangers and challenges he's encountered. This little joke is nothing to him. So, once he understands that we're doing this for his own good, he'll definitely understand our good intentions."

Yukiko Kudo nodded slightly, but the worry in her heart hadn't completely dissipated. She gently bit her lip, her gaze falling once more on Conan's sleeping face, her eyes filled with a complex mix of affection and concern. "I hope it's as you say..."

She murmured to herself, her voice as soft as a sigh in the breeze, as if carrying endless worries and helplessness.

Yusaku Kudo hesitated for a moment, then continued to persuade her, "Yukiko, don't worry too much. We haven't even started yet. When Conan wakes up, if he really seems unhappy, we'll quickly explain things to him. I believe he'll understand. Besides, you see, all our arrangements are just subtle and won't really hurt him."

Bai Ye smiled and nodded, trying to further ease Kudo Yukiko's emotions: "That's right, Ms. Yukiko, you can rest assured. I'm quite looking forward to seeing how quickly Conan will figure out our little trick after he wakes up, with his clever brain. Maybe he'll even find it interesting and can't wait to start the next 'challenge'."

It's a rare opportunity to openly "bully" Conan, this clever little devil, so how could he just watch it slip away from his grasp!
Of course, he also understood that Yukiko Kudo's concerns were not just about Conan being angry; the bigger reason was probably that she didn't want to continue with the plan.

After all, once the plan proceeds, it will inevitably involve continuing to spend time with him, and there may even be more contact.

This was undoubtedly something that made Yukiko Kudo feel uneasy.

But it is precisely for this reason that he is even more unwilling to see the plan fall apart halfway.

After all, if his plan to prank Conan falls through, how can he take this opportunity to spend more time with Yukiko Kudo, and thus touch her heartstrings and increase his chances of winning the heart of this Teitan princess?

He paused deliberately at this point, a sly glint in his eyes, and added meaningfully, "Like some people, they outwardly resist, but inwardly..."

"white night!"

Yukiko Kudo suddenly raised her head, her cheeks instantly flushing a light red, like a peach blossom quietly blooming in spring, delicate and beautiful.

Damn it, this guy actually said that in front of Yusaku. Isn't he afraid that the other party will notice something?

How dare he be so reckless!
Yusaku Kudo looked at Yukiko Kudo, whose reaction was so unusual, with surprise and doubt, and called out with a puzzled expression, "Yukiko?"

Then, with concern, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Yusaku Kudo's voice was like a thunderclap, pulling Yukiko Kudo back to reality from her chaotic thoughts. She then realized that her fingertips had become icy cold, as if they were wrapped in layers of ice and snow in the dead of winter, devoid of warmth.

"I am fine."

She forced a smile, attempting to appear composed, but the smile seemed so strained. When she met Bai Ye's meaningful gaze, she was like a startled fawn, hastily averting her eyes.

That man was always like that, possessing eyes that seemed to see through everything, ruthlessly exposing her deepest thoughts to the light of day, leaving her defenseless and with nowhere to hide.

"I'm just worried about Conan's health. Are those things... really okay?"

"Don't worry, it's just a common chemical agent. The dosage is very precise and won't have any effect on Conan's body."

As he spoke, Yusaku Kudo took a few steps closer, his eyes filled with concern and worry, and asked again, "But you... are you really alright?"

Bai Ye smiled faintly and winked at her discreetly, his tone teasing and playful, as if deliberately provoking her emotions: "Yes, Ms. Yukiko, you've been trembling slightly since just now."

Yukiko Kudo took a step back as if she had been electrocuted, feeling both ashamed and angry.

That despicable man!
Even though Yusaku was right there, he still dared to flirt with her so blatantly and unscrupulously...

She glared at Bai Ye with a mixture of shame and anger, but in his smiling eyes, she clearly saw her own disheveled reflection—so flustered, so helpless, even somewhat pathetic.

"I...I'll go check how the traps are set up."

She turned around in a panic, as if eager to escape the awkward and unsettling atmosphere. However, just as she took a step, she accidentally tripped over her own foot, lost her balance, and stumbled forward uncontrollably.

Just as she was terrified, thinking she was about to fall to the ground, a strong and powerful arm shot out from the side like lightning and steadily supported her slender waist.

That instant of contact felt like an electric current coursing through her entire body, leaving her stiff and immobilized, as if she had been frozen in place.

"Ms. Yukiko, be careful." Byakuya's voice carried a hint of amusement, his warm breath brushing against her ear like a feather, sending a tingling sensation through her. She whispered, "So eager... are you avoiding me?"

Like a firecracker with its fuse lit, Yukiko Kudo abruptly broke free from Byakuya's grasp, her heart pounding wildly in her chest as if it would burst out at any moment. Her cheeks burned, a mixture of shame, tension, and a complex blend of emotions that was hard to discern.

"Yukiko, what's wrong with you today?"

Yusaku Kudo was filled with doubt. He couldn't understand why Yukiko Kudo, who was usually calm, composed, and elegant, was behaving so strangely today, as if she had become a different person.

At this point, out of politeness, he didn't forget to express his gratitude to Bai Ye, "Bai Ye-kun, thank you!"

After all, if Byakuya hadn't reacted quickly, Kudo Yukiko would definitely have fallen to the ground.

At that height, if you accidentally fall, although you might not break any bones, you'll definitely experience excruciating pain, and if you're unlucky, you might even be disfigured.

Bai Ye smiled and waved his hand, but a hint of cunning and smugness flashed in his eyes. "You're welcome, Mr. Yuzaku. It was just a small favor, nothing to mention."

See? Even though I took such a huge advantage from that Teitan princess, Kudo Yusaku still has to thank me profusely!
Sure enough, once the persona is established, everything falls into place.

Yusaku Kudo turned his gaze to Yukiko Kudo again, his eyes filled with concern and doubt, and asked, "Yukiko, what's wrong with you?"

Yukiko Kudo was in a panic, and could only bite the bullet and answer, "It's nothing..."

Yusaku Kudo clearly doubted her answer. After all, given Yukiko Kudo's current state, anyone would think that things were far from simple. He asked again to confirm, "Really?"

"real!"

Yukiko Kudo blurted it out almost without thinking. She didn't dare to look Yusaku Kudo in the eye and could only pretend to be nonchalant while fixing her hair to cover up her embarrassment.

Damn it, how did all this turn out like this?
It was just a simple prank plan, so why did she end up in such a miserable situation?

Her mind was in chaos, her confusion and helplessness intertwined like a tangled mess, making her feel incredibly frustrated.

Thinking of this, Yukiko Kudo lowered her eyes slightly, trying to hide the panic and helplessness in them. Her voice was so low that it was almost inaudible, as if she were talking to herself: "I don't know what's wrong... I just suddenly feel a little tired, maybe it's because there have been too many things lately."

Yusaku Kudo frowned, clearly not entirely believing her story. A hint of worry crossed his face, but he didn't press the matter further. He knew Yukiko Kudo's personality; once she decided not to talk, further questioning would be futile. He sighed helplessly, gently patted her shoulder, and unconsciously added a touch of indulgence to his voice: "Alright, go and rest for a while. I'll handle things here with Byakuya."

Bai Ye watched all this quietly from the side, a slight, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. He knew that Kudo Yukiko's unusual behavior wasn't just due to exhaustion, and he seemed to have already keenly sensed a point where they could continue this "game." Thinking this, he gave a seemingly gentle smile and said, "Ms. Yukiko, please go and rest. Leave this to us. Everything will be back to normal once Conan wakes up."

(End of this chapter)