Ke Xue: The thief Cao is actually myself

Chapter 707 I agree to this marriage! (Seeking monthly votes!)
"Conan, listen to me..."

Fumiyo Edogawa crouched down slightly, gently embraced Conan, giving him a warm and affectionate hug, and then whispered something in his ear in a voice only the two of them could hear.

Conan's previously slightly sullen expression instantly rippled upon hearing his mother's words, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake. He subconsciously glanced at Ran, a fleeting look of panic and inner turmoil in his eyes, as if a fierce and difficult struggle was raging within him, a torrent of emotions churning inside. He quickly lowered his head, seemingly deliberately avoiding Ran's gaze, not wanting her to notice his inner turmoil.

After explaining what needed to be explained, Fumiyo Edogawa looked up with a gentle smile and said to Kogoro Mouri, "Then, Detective Mouri, I'll leave Conan to you. I'll take my leave now!"

Kogoro Mouri clutched the bankbook tightly in his hand, as if it were the most precious treasure in the world. Then, patting his chest, he confidently assured her, "Oh, Madam, you can rest assured and leave Conan to us! With me, Kogoro Mouri, here, I will definitely take care of him meticulously and perfectly."

Fumiyo Edogawa smiled and nodded, her eyes full of gratitude: "Then I'll have to trouble Detective Mouri and Ran." She then turned her gaze to Conan, her eyes showing deep reluctance, but she still gently instructed, "Conan, listen to Uncle Mouri and Sister Ran, okay?"

Conan obediently nodded and replied, "I will, Mom."

Watching this scene, Ran Mouri secretly found it amusing, thinking to herself that her childhood friend really had a talent for playing a child!
Well, no wonder he's the son of the famous actress Yukiko Kudo! Their acting talent is truly inherited!

After seeing Fumiyo Edogawa off, a brief and slightly awkward silence fell over the Mori Detective Agency.

Kogoro Mori could no longer contain the surging excitement and greed within him. He was already eagerly planning how to use the ten million yen, muttering to himself, "Tonight I can finally drink fine sake, and maybe even relax and enjoy some leisurely time." His face was filled with undisguised greed and satisfaction, as if he could already see his carefree and decadent life unfolding before his eyes.

Ran Mouri was slightly lost in thought, her mind still pondering the complex past and emotional entanglements between herself, Byakuya, and Conan.

“Ran-neechan…” Conan keenly noticed the thoughtful expression on her face. After hesitating for a while, he finally spoke softly, breaking the slightly oppressive silence, “Are you really alright?”

Ran Mouri crouched down slightly, bringing her gaze level with the boy who appeared innocent but was actually her childhood friend. She smiled gently, a smile full of tenderness and reassurance, like a spring breeze, and said softly, "I'm fine, Conan. I just need to sort out some things."

She gazed silently at Conan's face, a face that was both familiar and somewhat unfamiliar due to the passage of time and changes, and a complex mix of emotions welled up within her.

She did indeed harbor a vague affection for Shinichi Kudo, an emotion like a budding flower in spring, innocent and beautiful, carrying a touch of purity and longing. But upon reflection, it was more like a natural attachment a young girl develops for her childhood sweetheart, like a stream's yearning for its source.

It wasn't until she met Byakuya that she felt as if she were instantly immersed in a dazzling, colorful fireworks display, truly understanding what unforgettable, deep-seated love was—the kind of love where just thinking of the other person makes her heart race uncontrollably like a deer released from its reins, as if it were about to burst out of her chest, eager to rush towards them; the intense tremor in her soul caused by the other person, as if she had finally found the perfect piece of the puzzle in the vast universe, filling the missing part of her life; the impulse to give everything for him without hesitation, to accept every one of his strengths and weaknesses, and to stand firmly by his side through thick and thin. This made her deeply understand that this was true love, fundamentally different from her previous feelings for Shinichi Kudo.

“Ran-neechan…” Conan raised his head slightly and looked at Ran Mouri again, his eyes flashing with a complex and incomprehensible light, as if he had a thousand words to say, but was hesitant to speak due to various concerns.

Ran Mouri suddenly realized that Conan—or more precisely, Shinichi Kudo—had probably caught some subtle clues from her unconscious demeanor and behavior.

After all, as an outstanding and renowned detective, the other party has always possessed extraordinary keen observation skills, enabling him to accurately capture the most subtle emotional changes and clues.

Thinking of this, she silently reminded herself that she must be more careful in the future, and pay extra attention to her words and actions. She must avoid hurting his sensitive and delicate heart, and firmly make her position clear so that he understands her attitude and choice in the relationship, without leaving him any ambiguous signals.

"Conan," her beautiful eyes flickered slightly, like stars twinkling in the night sky, her tone gentle yet firm, as if she were reciting an important vow, "No matter what happens in the future, you will always be my most important little brother, you know?"

Conan's body stiffened visibly for a moment, as if struck by an invisible yet sharp arrow that pierced the softest, most vulnerable corner of his heart. But he quickly recovered, forcing a slightly strained, bitter smile, and softly said, "Mm!"

Although he had long suspected that since Byakuya appeared by Ran Mouri's side, he and Ran Mouri, his childhood friend whom he had liked for so many years, might gradually drift apart and their relationship would completely change.

But he really didn't expect that this day would come so suddenly, and that Ran Mouri's attitude would be so resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

For a moment, he was filled with conflicting emotions, unsure whether to resent Byakuya for taking advantage of the situation and stealing his love, or to resent Ran Mouri for so quickly falling for someone else and so heartlessly abandoning their years of relationship.

A complex mix of emotions swirled within him, causing him immense pain and confusion.

"Jingle Bell……"

Just as Conan was wallowing in sadness and heartbreak over his breakup, Ran Mouri's phone suddenly rang. She instinctively pulled it out and saw that it was Byakuya calling.

The moment she saw the caller ID, her eyes instantly softened like a lake in spring, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up, revealing a smile so sweet it seemed to dispel all the gloom in the world.

She gave Conan an apologetic look, then walked lightly to the side to answer the phone.

"Hello, Byakuya," Ran Mouri said softly, her voice filled with deep affection, as if every word carried a sweet fragrance. "Ran, I'm almost done with things here. I'll pick you up in a bit, and we'll go out for a big meal together, okay?" Byakuya's gentle and magnetic voice, like a clear mountain spring, flowed from the other end of the phone, warming Ran Mouri's heart.

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Ran Mouri replied happily, her voice filled with undisguised anticipation and joy, like a cheerful little bird.

After hanging up the phone, Ran Mouri turned to Conan with a hint of apology in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Conan, Byakuya is coming to pick me up in a bit. Do you want to go out for dinner together?"

Conan was slightly taken aback, and a complex and indescribable emotion welled up in his heart, but he quickly shook his head and said, "No, Ran-neechan, I want to stay at the agency with Uncle Mori."

Although he wanted to continue acting as a third wheel between Byakuya and Ran Mouri, trying to ruin their sweet date.

But after experiencing all of this today, he suddenly felt that he had lost that feeling.

After all, Ran Mouri's heart was no longer with him, and she had already made her intentions so clear. If he still insisted on going with her, he would seem rather tactless.

Not to mention, what could he possibly do if Bai Ye and Mouri Ran went on a date? Was he just going to stand by and watch Bai Ye and Mouri Ran being all lovey-dovey? Wouldn't that just be rubbing salt into his already wounded heart?
Ran Mouri nodded and said with a smile, "Okay then, you and Daddy should be good at home. I'll bring you something delicious when I come back this afternoon."

After saying that, she walked briskly to her room to pack her things, eagerly awaiting Bai Ye's arrival.

Conan watched Ran Mouri's departing figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that Ran had found her own happiness, and as her childhood friend, he should rationally be happy for her, but he could only silently wish her well in his heart.

He understood the道理 (principles/reason), but a lingering, indescribable sense of loss deep within him remained, like a stubborn shadow that he couldn't shake off...

"Dong dong dong..."

A moment later, the office doorbell rang, its crisp sound echoing in the quiet room. Ran Mouri's heart suddenly raced upon hearing the bell—she had a strong premonition that her boyfriend was coming…

She quickly stepped forward and opened the door. As the door slowly opened, Bai Ye stood there. He was wearing a simple yet tasteful white shirt paired with black casual pants. The sunlight shone perfectly on his handsome features, as if gilding him with a golden edge, making him look like a prince who had stepped out of a painting.

Upon seeing Ran Mouri, his deep eyes immediately filled with a gentle smile, a smile as warm as the spring sun, capable of dispelling all the cold.

"Lan, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting!" His deep voice was as melodious as a cello, seemingly possessing a reassuring magic. "I've come to pick you up for lunch."

Ran Mouri felt her heart pounding wildly, as if it were about to burst out of her chest. Perhaps it was the intimate contact they had shared the night before that had quietly planted an even more ardent seed of emotion within her. At this moment, in her eyes, Shirayuki seemed to be imbued with an even more captivating aura. Every glance he gave, every subtle movement, seemed to carry an invisible yet powerful magic, drawing her completely in, unable to extricate herself.

"No, Baiye-kun, I'm just ready too..." she whispered, her voice filled with undisguised joy and affection.

"I'm glad I'm not late!"

Byakuya's gaze gently swept past Ran Mouri, landing squarely on Conan. The instant their eyes met, it was as if countless invisible sparks crackled and burst forth in the air, as if a silent yet fierce battle was about to unfold.

Conan's expression instantly tensed, like a wary little animal sensing danger, his eyes filled with vigilance. Meanwhile, Byakuya gracefully nodded slightly, a polite facade masking a subtle, almost imperceptible amusement, as if subtly declaring his ownership of Ran Mouri to Conan.

"Conan's here too," Bai Ye said gently, his voice carrying just the right amount of warmth, leaving no room for criticism. "Want to go eat together?"

Conan opened his mouth slightly, about to utter a word, when at that moment, Kogoro Mouri, who had finally noticed the commotion at the door, strolled out with leisurely steps. Seeing Byakuya's figure, he was slightly taken aback and blurted out, "Brother Byakuya, what brings you here?"

Bai Ye's lips curled into a charming smile that was both polite and elegant. He greeted Kogoro Mouri with courteous manners: "Uncle Mouri, I've almost finished with my work today, so I was thinking of coming over to pick up Ran and have dinner together. Would you like to come along, Uncle?"

Upon hearing this, Kogoro Mouri's eyes lit up slightly, and then a hearty smile spread across his face: "Haha, Brother Byakuya, you're too kind. But I have some errands to take care of today, so I won't join your young people's date. You two enjoy yourselves, and just bring me back some good food when you're done."

Two young people went on a date, why did this old geezer have to go and join in the fun?

Moreover, Kogoro Mouri was extremely satisfied with Byakuya, his future son-in-law, whom he admired from the bottom of his heart, and he was eagerly hoping to bring about a happy marriage between Byakuya and his daughter.

Now that we've finally seen some real progress in their relationship, he'd have to be out of his mind to follow along and ruin this precious sweet atmosphere!
(End of this chapter)