Ke Xue: The thief Cao is actually myself

Chapter 709 Ran Mouri Takes the Initiative! (Seeking monthly votes!)

"..."

After hanging up the phone, Conan fell into deep thought.

For Kogoro Mouri, appearing on a Nikko TV program was indeed a golden opportunity. It would not only greatly enhance his public profile but also bring him a substantial reward.

However, the reasoning challenge segment set up in the program is undoubtedly a huge challenge for Kogoro Mouri's usually fluctuating and unstable reasoning ability. If he makes even the slightest mistake, he is very likely to make a fool of himself on the show.

If his true abilities were completely exposed in front of a national audience, it might negatively impact the reputation he had worked so hard to build, which would in turn affect Conan's own plans and significantly increase the difficulty for him to find the Black Organization and regain his original body.

After all, Kogoro Mouri's identity and fame as a famous detective would provide him with considerable advantages when investigating clues related to the Black Organization.

However, if Kogoro Mouri's reputation is ruined, Conan will lose an important ally in his pursuit of the Black Organization. Many information channels that were originally easy to obtain may be cut off, and the investigation will undoubtedly fall into a more difficult situation.

So, the question is, what should he do?
Should we not tell Kogoro Mouri about this? Or...?
However, if he directly told Kogoro Mouri about the invitation, given the latter's personality, he would most likely be overconfident and rush to participate in the program without making sufficient preparations, ultimately making a fool of himself. But if he didn't tell him, he was really worried about missing such an excellent opportunity to increase Kogoro Mouri's popularity, since this would also be helpful for Conan's investigation of the Black Organization.

After much deliberation, Conan decided to wait until Kogoro Mouri came out of the bathroom before subtly reminding him to be cautious when accepting requests, and then gradually bring up the program invitation.

A short while later, Kogoro Mouri strolled out of the bathroom, humming a tune that was out of tune. He immediately spotted Conan sitting on the sofa, his brows furrowed and his face serious. Curious, he asked, "Kid, what's wrong? Who called? You look so preoccupied."

Conan slowly raised his head, looking at Kogoro Mouri, and said casually, "Uncle, I just received a call about a case. I think some cases may seem like rare opportunities, but if you're not well-prepared, they might actually tarnish your reputation as a famous detective. What do you think?"

Kogoro Mouri's lips curled into a slight, disdainful smile as he scoffed, "Hmph, what do you know, kid! I, Kogoro Mouri, have been in the detective world for so many years, and there's no case I can't solve, no request I can't handle. Stop worrying about this and just tell me, what kind of request is it?"

Seeing Kogoro Mouri's blind confidence, Conan shook his head helplessly and then recounted in detail how Takashi Matsuo had invited him to participate in a program on Nichiuri TV.

Upon hearing his story, Kogoro Mouri's eyes widened instantly, and he couldn't help but shout excitedly, "What? Nichiri TV actually invited me to be a guest? This is truly a perfect opportunity to make a name for myself! Haha, it seems that my great name, Kogoro Mouri, has already reached the TV station."

Conan quickly pressed his advantage, saying, "Uncle, this show does sound quite good, and it's a great opportunity to showcase your detective skills. But you also know that the reasoning challenge segment is by no means easy. The selected classic cases are bound to be intricate, and there's also a real-time interactive segment with the audience. If you don't prepare carefully and make a mistake on the show, not only will your reputation be damaged, but it could also affect some more crucial matters." Conan deliberately emphasized the words "more crucial matters," trying to imply the seriousness of the situation to Kogoro Mouri.

Kogoro Mouri waved his hand dismissively, saying nonchalantly, "You little brat, you're just a coward. Analyzing a few cases is nothing to me. I've been in the detective world for so many years, what kind of difficult cases haven't I seen? Don't worry, I'll definitely shine on the show and let everyone see how amazing I, Kogoro Mouri, am."

As he spoke, he tossed his head triumphantly, looking as if victory was already in his grasp.

Seeing this, Conan shook his head helplessly again, knowing that Kogoro Mouri had fallen into a state of blind confidence again. He patiently advised, "Uncle, you must not underestimate this program. The classic cases that are selected by the TV station for material are definitely not simple cases, and all sorts of unexpected interactive situations will occur on set. You should calm down and prepare seriously, so as not to find yourself in an embarrassing situation in front of the national audience and be unable to back down."

Kogoro Mouri curled his lip and said impatiently, "You brat, you're even more long-winded than an old woman. When I, Kogoro Mouri, take charge, there will be absolutely no problems! Stop worrying unnecessarily."

Conan knew that Kogoro Mouri was already blinded by excitement and couldn't be persuaded in a short time, so he could only sigh deeply and say, "Uncle, then you should at least take some time in the next couple of days to prepare and familiarize yourself with the classic cases from the past, so that you won't be caught off guard and at a loss when the time comes."

Kogoro Mouri waved his hand impatiently and said nonchalantly, "I know, I know, kid, stop worrying about it. With me, Kogoro Mouri, handling this, there won't be any problems!"

Seeing Kogoro Mouri's overconfident and stubborn demeanor, Conan sighed softly, knowing that any further persuasion would be futile. He could only silently pray that nothing unexpected would go wrong on the show two days from now, or things would get really messy…

……

On the other side, Ran Mouri and Byakuya strolled leisurely along the street. Shops lined both sides, their windows displaying a dazzling array of goods, each with its own unique charm. Pedestrians came and went in a constant stream. However, in their eyes, this bustling street scene was merely a blurry backdrop; they themselves were the most dazzling presences.

Bai Ye would occasionally tilt his head slightly, gazing tenderly at Ran Mouri, his eyes overflowing with endless affection and doting. Ran Mouri, in turn, tilted her head back slightly, her delicate face beaming with a happy smile like the warm spring sun, as she spoke softly with Bai Ye, a warm and sweet atmosphere filling the air between them.

As they passed a jewelry store, Ran Mouri abruptly stopped, her gaze instantly captivated by an exquisitely crafted necklace. The pendant, resembling a deep, dark blue star, was a dazzling sapphire, surrounded by delicately set diamonds, like twinkling stars. Bathed in the store's soft lighting, they shimmered and sparkled with a mesmerizing, dreamlike light. Bai Ye keenly noticed her gaze, a slight smile playing on his lips as he gently raised an eyebrow, his eyes revealing both decisiveness and affection. Without hesitation, he gently took Ran's hand and led her into the jewelry store. Standing before the necklace, Bai Ye's voice was deep and magnetic: "Ran, this necklace seems made for you. Wearing it, you'll be breathtakingly beautiful."

Ran Mouri stared at the necklace, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes. However, a hint of hesitation then appeared in her gaze. She gently bit her lip and said, "But it looks so expensive..."

With a gentle smile on his face, Bai Ye reached out and gently stroked Ran Mouri's nose, his gesture intimate and natural: "As long as you like it, anything is worth it, no matter how expensive. In my heart, you are more precious than any treasure." His voice was like the warm spring sun, warming Ran Mouri's heart.

As he spoke, he gestured for the shop assistant to bring out the necklace. The shop assistant carefully handed the necklace to Bai Ye, who took it and gently and attentively put it on Ran Mouri. The moment the clasp was gently fastened behind Ran Mouri's neck, Bai Ye's eyes were filled with admiration and tenderness, like a deep lake: "It's really beautiful. It's as if this necklace was tailor-made for you, perfectly complementing your beauty and showcasing your charm to the fullest."

Ran Mouri blushed slightly, a rosy blush as captivating as the brilliant sunset, spreading from her cheeks to her ears. She walked lightly to the mirror, gazing quietly at her reflection, wearing the necklace. In the mirror, she resembled a princess from a fairy tale, the necklace enhancing her nobility and elegance. Her eyes were filled with joy. "Thank you, Byakuya-kun. I really like it," she whispered, her voice brimming with undisguised happiness. As she spoke, her slender fingers unconsciously caressed the sapphire necklace around her neck. The cool touch warmed her heart, as if a warm current flowed through her body, reaching the softest corner of her soul.

"I'm glad you like it, Xiaolan!" Bai Ye naturally took her hand, their fingers intertwined tightly, as if their fates were also closely linked.

Ran Mouri and Byakuya left the jewelry store hand in hand, feeling happy.

They continued strolling along the street, and as they walked, Ran Mouri suddenly realized that they had somehow ended up in a small park.

The sunlight, like a golden veil, gently sprinkled the earth, casting long shadows of the two people that overlapped, as if they would never be separated.

The park wasn't crowded; only a few couples were lost in their sweet moments, and a few elderly people were strolling leisurely. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers, and the air was filled with a tranquil and romantic atmosphere, as if time itself had stood still for them.

"Would you like to sit here for a while?" Bai Ye tilted his head slightly, pointing to a bench not far away, nestled among the green trees.
"Okay," Ran Mouri replied softly, her heart suddenly racing for some reason.

They slowly walked to the bench and sat down gently. Ran could clearly feel the warmth emanating from Byakuya, as well as the faint scent of cologne on him, a fragrance that was fresh and elegant, just like his temperament, intoxicating.

She stole a glance at the person beside her and saw that Bai Ye was intently gazing at the distant scenery. Bathed in sunlight, his profile appeared exceptionally handsome, with strong yet gentle features.

His eyelashes cast tiny shadows on his face, and a faint smile played on his lips, as if he were reminiscing about every moment he spent with Ran Mouri.

Ran Mouri suddenly felt a surge of impulse, a courage she had never felt before welling up inside her. She remembered the careful way Byakuya had put the necklace on her, the tenderness in his eyes every time he looked at her, and his reliable figure that always appeared when she needed him.

A sudden surge of impulse welled up in Ran Mouri's heart, and an unprecedented courage surged into her mind like a tide.

She remembered Bai Ye's careful movements when he put the necklace on her, every detail filled with love; she remembered the endless tenderness in his eyes every time he looked at her, as if it could melt her; she remembered how he always appeared in time when she needed him most, like a solid support, giving her a full sense of security.

"Bai Ye Jun..." she called softly, her voice trembling slightly with nervousness.

"Hmm?" Bai Ye turned his head, his gaze meeting Ran Mouri's purple eyes, brimming with emotion. Those eyes, like deep amethyst, shimmered with captivating light, instantly enchanting him.

Before he could react, Ran Mouri leaned forward slightly, slowly closed her eyes, and with a hint of shyness and determination, gently pressed her lips to his cheek. The kiss was as light as a butterfly's wing, yet it sent a jolt through Byakuya's body like an electric current, leaving him completely frozen.

Ran Mouri quickly stepped back, her cheeks as red as ripe apples, as if they could bleed. Her fingers twisted nervously together as she stammered, "I...I just..." Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest, as if it were about to leap out of her throat. Her mind was blank; she had no idea how to express her feelings.

Bai Ye's eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise flashing across them before a smile brighter than the sun bloomed. He slowly reached out and gently touched the spot where Lan had just kissed him, as if to confirm that it wasn't a beautiful dream, but a real, sweet moment.

“Xiao Lan…” His voice was deep and gentle, with a hint of unbelievable surprise.

"I'm sorry, this was so sudden..." Ran Mouri lowered her head, her long eyelashes casting shadows like two small fans, concealing the deep shyness in her eyes...

(End of this chapter)