Conan: Death is Watching Me

Chapter 142 The Disappearance of the Mystery Novelist

Studio 9.

"The last question!"

"The ones who persevered to the end were Yoko Okino, Waka Inoue, and Azusa Yamamoto!"

"Fans, let's cheer them on!"

"Yoko! Yoko!"

"Miss Yoko!" the mustachioed man shouted excitedly from the VIP section, "Go for it!"

"Question 10: When you mention Conan Doyle, you think of Sherlock Holmes; when you mention Seishi Yokomizo, you think of Kosuke Kindaichi. So, when you mention Edogawa Ranpo..."

"I know, I know!" Yoko Okino excitedly answered, "Kogoro Mouri!!"

"..."

The scene fell silent abruptly; the lively cheers that were about to erupt were abruptly cut off, and even the host was frozen in place for a few seconds.

"Congratulations to Inoue Waka and Yamamoto Azusa!"

"The correct answer is Kogoro Akechi!"

"Next up, please welcome the new generation of Samonji Kenzaki Osamu, and our star of 'City Detective,' the modern Samonji Domoto Hajime!"

……

"Whoosh!"

Toilet.

Gao Mo simply washed his hands.

It was supposed to be a movie promotion, but the main focus was actually on Yoko Okino and two other actresses.

He, as the male lead, can only ride on the popularity of Zuo Wenzi.

In the second half, Kenzaki Osamu became the main character.

He is called the modern Samonji, but outsiders describe Kenzaki Osamu as "Samonji stepped out of the novel" or "Samonji himself".

The actor's appearance on TV was indeed stunning. If nothing unexpected happens, he could make a living off this role for the rest of his life.

"Actually, if the senior had revealed his identity, he would have had a chance to get the role back then."

Yoko Okino happened to come out of the restroom and saw Gao Mo, saying regretfully.

"The Zuo Wenzi production team felt that you weren't experienced enough."

"It would be good to participate in 'City Detective' as well."

Gao Mo didn't have many thoughts on it.

Kenzaki Osamu's success and failure both stem from the character "Samonji." He can live off Samonji for a lifetime, but it also means he may be bound to it for life, making it extremely difficult to transition to other roles in the future.

Although he could have received a substantial achievement reward, starring in "City Detective" might not have been much less impressive.

As an actor, you gradually accumulate achievements and rewards; there are hardly any surprises anymore. Like the detective profession, it has entered a phase of steady, long-term growth.

"But what happened just now?" Gao Mo asked, turning his head with a strange expression. "Why would you answer with Kogoro Mouri? It couldn't possibly be that name."

"I know it's Kogoro Akechi!"

Yoko Okino covered her face in pain, her face flushed with shame and indignation.

"Ahhh! I accidentally shouted the wrong thing because I saw Mr. Mori!"

"Miss Yoko, Mr. Domoto."

A blonde woman with bangs walked out of the restroom behind Yoko, her curious gaze shifting back and forth between Gao Mo and Yoko, but she didn't ask any questions.

Kaori Shinmei is the only daughter of Shinmei Niitaro, the author of "Detective Samonji".

This time, I'm representing my father at the television event.

Wearing a fitted business suit, perhaps influenced by her father, she exudes an intellectual air, making her stand out even in simple attire.

"Miss Shinmei?" Yoko Okino asked in surprise, "Shouldn't you be recording a program?"

"I still can't do it."

Shinmei Kaori shook her head sadly.

"I haven't seen my parents for a month. All I see are manuscripts being faxed to the editorial office from who-knows-where at regular intervals... It all seems so strange." "But," Conan said, leaning in unnoticed, "Didn't Mr. Shinmei ask you to represent him at this event?"

"Actually, it was the editorial department that asked me to handle it. My dad didn't say it to me personally; he just sent it via fax..."

"Miss Shinmei!"

A TV station staff member rushed over in a panic.

"Hurry up, everyone's waiting for you!"

……

Photo studio.

After the cast of "City Detective" appeared, the cast of "Detective Samonji" made a grand finale appearance to celebrate the new viewership record achieved by the Samonji series.

"More than a month ago, the novel 'Detective Samonji' was re-serialized after 10 years - Mr. Shinmei's last work, 'Half of the Summit'."

"A message to all the renowned detectives across the country: those who believe their minds surpass mine, uncover the truth I have hidden!"

The abbot invited the new name Xiang Baoli.

"Miss Xinming, it's said that your father hid a mystery in his new work. Is that true?"

“It’s true,” Shinmei Kaori replied, sounding slightly tired. “The first person to solve the puzzle will receive all the royalties for the new series.”

"All royalties?"

Kogoro Mouri, sitting in the guest seat, almost popped his eyes out.

Given Shinmei Nittarou's current status and Samonji's current popularity, even just the royalties from his new serialization would be a considerable sum.

"The new work is currently being serialized in a literary weekly, and five chapters have already been published..."

"The following is a short mystery skit featuring the character Zuo Wenzi..."

The atmosphere at the show was lively, with many people leaving midway through, seemingly hoping to get a head start and solve the mystery before the show aired.

Gao Mo was also tempted. Although he wasn't very good at solving puzzles, who could resist money?

After watching the mustachioed man on the stage talking to the Zuo Wenzi crew as a professional, Gao Mo also left early, trying to get the latest issues of the weekly magazine from the staff but was unsuccessful.

"If you're looking for a copy of your father's novel, I have a photocopy of the original manuscript here."

lounge.

Shinmei Kaori took out the first chapter's manuscript from her handbag and observed Gao Mo with a hint of curiosity.

"Mr. Domoto, that time with Hijikata Kosaburo... was it really you who solved the case?"

"I just happened to be there."

Gao Mo took the photocopy of the original manuscript.

It's a fax printout—truly befitting Japan in this world.

Are there any other episodes?

After glancing through the manuscript, Gao Mo looked up and continued his questioning.

I have no clue, but I do feel like there's something hidden in the novel.

If we want him to solve the mystery, we need more information, and we also need to have a thorough understanding of Shinmei Nittarou.

“I only have one message here,” Kaori Shinna shook her head, her eyes filled with worry. “I was planning to hire a detective to find my father’s whereabouts, and I was thinking that the fax might contain some information…”

As it turned out, both the police and the detectives said I was overthinking it, because there were no threatening phone calls, and the manuscript was being sent to the editorial department as usual…

"Hmph," Kogoro Mori said, snatching the manuscript with an air of superiority. "Why didn't you come to me with this kind of thing, Miss Shinmei?"

"Mr. Mori?"

How could we let such a beautiful young lady be sad?

His mustache seemed to radiate light.

"Let's go to the editorial office that received the manuscript first to see if your parents are really missing. We'll find out if we investigate... By the way, how much can we expect to get in royalties?"

"..."

“Mr. Mori is right,” Gao Mo glanced at Conan, who was looking through the manuscript, and continued, “I also want to go to the editorial department. Your parents’ disappearance may be related to the serialization of the novel.”

(End of this chapter)