Conan: Death is Watching Me

Chapter 162 Great Misfortune: The Worst Thing Will Happen
Top floor of Osaka Castle Hotel.

A cleaning waiter stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his electronic binoculars fixed on the art museum. At the same time, he heard Nakamori Ginzo's excited shouts: "I'll take care of the Egg of Memories! This time, we must send that bastard thief to jail! We'll stake our police dignity on it!!"

"Inspector Nakamori is still as adorable as ever."

The young man turned the camera towards the nearby castle tower.

Because the famous detective got his forecast time wrong, security was noticeably lax.

There's no challenge at all.

It seems he overestimated these detectives.

In some ways, he is far inferior to Rokuro Kuroba—both are magicians, but if that person were a detective, he would definitely be able to easily see through his psychological traps.

Unfortunately, Rokuro Kuroba never appeared again, and no one can be found to match him in either the magic world or the detective world.

It really seems like a ghost of death...

After finishing work and leaving the room, the young man lowered the brim of his hat and brushed past Pu Siqinglan in the corridor.

Pu Siqinglan, who was thinking about how to pry the secret out of Gao Mo, suddenly stopped and glanced at the room where the young man had just been.

You can get a clear view of Osaka Castle Park from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

……

hotel room.

Gao Mo quickly flipped through the documents and materials that Qian Jiangyi had sent.

The materials are filled with notes and contain a wealth of historical records of the Romanov dynasty.

There were even Russian documents, but fortunately, Inui had translated and annotated them.

The keyword is "right eye"...

Gao Mo used his eagle-eye vision to memorize the information as if it were a copy, and only stopped when he reached the page on the royal family's network of relationships.

The eccentric monk Rasputin had close ties to the emperor's family and once controlled the dynasty's power. He was eventually shot and killed by a royal nobleman, a duke. The bullet pierced his right eye. When his body was found by the river, his skull was caved in and his right eye looked like a black hole.

Of all the events related to the "right eye," this one is the most obvious.

Was Skobing a descendant of Rasputin?
Gao Mo closed his eyes and reviewed Qian Jiangyi and the others' words and actions, while other collected information also surfaced in his mind.

Choosing one of four options to identify his identity wasn't too difficult for him.

First, we can eliminate Qian Jiang Yi.

Based on the profile of Skobing, the subject should be extremely proficient in Russian and have an almost obsessive and perverse obsession with his ancestors and the Romanov dynasty.

These documents and materials of Qian Jiangyi do not seem to belong to Shi Kaobing.

Secondly, there was the Russian diplomat. Although he was a pure Russian, his identity did not match Skobing's activity pattern.

Next up are Pu Siqinglan and Han Chuanlong.

One is a dynasty researcher, and the other is a freelance photographer, both of whom are active around the world.

However, compared to Pu Siqinglan, the latter did not have such a strong desire for the Egg of Memories and the treasure, seemed to care more about photography, and had no mixed-race features at all.

As far as he is concerned, Shi Kaobing should be Pu Siqinglan.

However, the detective world likes to pull off some plot twists; sometimes, someone who seems innocent turns out to be the culprit... And there are cases in this world where the murderer is replaced.

Further testing is needed.

Proving that Skobing is Skobing is also a big problem. His gender is unknown, his age is unknown... No one would believe him if he were just casually said to be Skobing.

This bounty is not so easy to obtain.

"Kido-kun".

Conan came out of the restroom and looked at Gao Mo, who was looking through documents, with a slightly puzzled expression.

"You really want to be an antique appraiser... What's the point of making so much money? I haven't seen how you spend it."

"Money is a man's confidence. You'll understand when you get to my age."

Gao Mo put down the documents.

No one ever complains about having too much money.

Besides, he doesn't have much money right now. Hundreds of millions sounds scary, but it's only in the millions when converted to US dollars.

“You’re not that much older than me,” Conan said, lowering his eyelids. “Besides, if you really want to make money, why don’t you just make a comeback? What do you mean by ‘escaped’… I haven’t seen anyone cause you any trouble. You’ve even met those people from the Black Organization…”

"How can there be no trouble? Trouble is everywhere."

Gao Mo muttered something.

If there were no trouble, he wouldn't have needed to create so many aliases.

At level 2, one can even be exempt from the rules of death, yet still suffers from malice in daily life.

The motives for murder in the Conan world are already bizarre enough, but in his case, they become completely irrational; even a casual glance can trigger a murderous intent.

When they first met, they sensed a malice from the group including the diplomat who kept asking Chairman Suzuki to donate his memory eggs.

It could be an individual case or it could be all of them... There's a high chance they'll kill him to silence him after finding the treasure.

Especially after arriving at the hotel and having some contact with them, malice almost solidified into a dark cloud.

"I have a feeling you're just asking for trouble."

Conan peeked at the documents.

"Rasputin? What does this have to do with the Egg of Memories? He seems to be just a pathetic, unlucky fellow, and somewhat connected to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty... May I see this information?"

"I've seen enough, it's up to you."

Gao Mo had already memorized all the information. Ignoring Conan, he picked up the Suzuki Museum brochure instead.

The opening exhibition not only features the Egg of Memory, but also many other works of art. The Egg of Memory is not the most valuable among them; it is only special because it is associated with the Romanov dynasty. Its historical significance outweighs its practical value, and it can bring many hidden benefits to the Suzuki Foundation.

Why would Kidd target this?

It's one thing to be targeted.

With that guy's skills, he had plenty of opportunities to steal it, but he insisted on making such a big deal out of it...

Was it also for the sake of historical research and military affairs?
"Beep!"

My phone vibrated.

Suddenly, the man with the mustache called: "Amo, Chairman Suzuki and I are going out to eat. Why don't you come along? I'll send you the address."

Gao Mo and Conan exchanged a glance.

This was the first time the older man had called him that, and it carried a hint of ingratiation.

“He definitely couldn’t hold up the situation,” Conan chuckled, knowing exactly what was going on. “Uncle only has three tricks up his sleeve, and he just happens to get lucky.”

"Didn't Officer Nakamori already have a plan? Why do we still need him to put on a show?" Gao Mo didn't quite understand. Based on his understanding of the mustachioed man, he was just going to play a minor role and get by.

Do you mean you want to capture Kidd?
"Who knows?" Conan's forehead was slightly sweaty. "Maybe he'll get carried away again."

My uncle has gotten carried away more than once or twice, and he always has the illusion that he is very capable.

Asking for help from his partner "Kindaichi" at this time probably means he made some unrealistic promise.

"Let's go eat first."

Gao Mo checked the time and realized it was already evening.

"You're in charge of Mori's affairs."

Ok?
As Gao Mo opened the door and walked through the corridor, he suddenly stopped.

The foreshadowing image appears.

In my mind, I vaguely saw a dark figure holding a gun and aiming it at me, and a red dot moved into my right pupil.

"Kido-kun?" Conan, carrying his high-tech skateboard, went outside. "What's wrong?"

"fine."

Gao Mo looked around but couldn't find any suspicious people.

Was someone eavesdropping outside just now?
……

Nanba Hotei Shrine. Hattori Heiji, exhausted and covered in sweat, followed behind Kazuha and the others, carrying large and small bags.

These women seemed to have inexhaustible energy; they chattered on and on even after wandering around for half a day.

"But," Ran said shyly, "it's making Hattori carry so much stuff all by himself..."

"It's alright, it's alright," He Ye waved his hand dismissively, "He doesn't get much exercise anyway."

"Who trains like that?"

Hattori Heiji was very upset.

He had reason to suspect that Kazuha was retaliating against him for standing him up.

"I promised Chairman Suzuki that I would fight against Kid..."

"What does it matter? Kidd won't be showing up until 3 a.m. tomorrow, will he?"

Kazuha led the way to the shrine to draw lots, calling out to everyone.

"Ran, Sonoko, and Ai, the fortune sticks here are incredibly accurate! Everyone should try them!"

"Who knows if that time is even real?" Hattori took a breath while the others were drawing lots, looking at Osaka Castle with slight doubt.

That sleeping Kogoro, sometimes a god, sometimes a ghost.

"I'm Daikichi!" Kazuha exclaimed in surprise, "What great luck! Ran, what about you guys?"

"I……"

Xiao Lan's eyes trembled, her fingers gripping the slip of paper tightly.

"A terrible omen...the thing I'm worried about will happen."

"What do you mean? Xiaolan, are you worried about something?"

"Mine is a minor ominous sign... The thing I'm worried about won't happen, what does that mean? It's completely the opposite of Ran's!" Sonoko grabbed her hair, troubled, as she examined the fortune slip. "Is this really accurate? Ai, what are you?"

"I don't believe in this..."

Ai turned her head away and secretly glanced at the fortune slip. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it was a minor blessing.

"Why is yours a 'small fortune'?" Sonoko looked up at Ai's fortune slip, wanting to see the details, but was too late. "Why are you being so stingy? Let me see."

"Let's go back first," Ran said, her heart filled with unease. "I'm a little worried about Conan..."

"That kid is probably with Kido-san, what's there to worry about?"

Sonoko still couldn't understand her fortune slip.

Why is "the thing you're worried about not happening" considered a minor misfortune?

……

Ryotei is a high-class Japanese restaurant.

Several scenic courtyards are located on the rooftop of a building in the commercial street. In the Japanese-style room, Kogoro Mouri sits opposite the Suzuki couple, sweating profusely, while Ginzo Nakamori and his two subordinates stand guard nearby.

He accidentally made a huge boast, and by the time he realized it, he was in a dilemma.

"Mr. Mori, do you have any concerns?" Mrs. Suzuki asked doubtfully. "It doesn't need to be completely deciphered. As long as you can find the clues hidden on this egg, I will give you 500 million yen as a reward."

"I……"

Upon hearing the cost of 500 million, the man with the mustache felt his mouth go dry, swallowed the words he was about to say, and stared intently at the Egg of Memories lying dormant on the table.

"Mr. Kido is very skilled at identification, but he can't match your experience as a renowned detective when it comes to solving mysteries," Mrs. Suzuki said earnestly. "Please do me the best to help!"

"lady."

"I frowned," Nakamori Ginzo said.

"More important than any treasure right now is dealing with Phantom Thief Kid. Can you hand over the Egg of Memories to me?"

“You’re not the only one who wants to catch Kid, Inspector Nakamori,” Mrs. Suzuki said, showing no mercy to Nakamori. “And Mr. Mori might have a better idea… Kid can’t fool the fakes in the exhibition hall. They might just be played by Kid again, like the Black Star last time.”

"It's not April Fool's Day this time, madam. So what if Kid knows it's a fake?" Nakamori Ginzo scoffed. "Even if he knows it's a trap, he has no choice but to walk in. The notice already said so..."

"President."

Secretary Nishino knocked on the door from the outside.

"Mr. Kido has arrived."

"Oh, okay, let him come over." Chairman Suzuki glanced at his domineering wife.

He didn't have any particular ideas about choosing a future son-in-law; as long as his daughter liked him, that was fine.

Anyway, the Suzuki family has everything they need.

As for inheriting the family business, he does not insist on his daughter's partner.

The Suzuki Group has already developed a professional management system and has a very sophisticated management system, including family trusts.

"Ok?"

Mrs. Suzuki seemed to sense her husband's easygoing nature, and her face suddenly darkened.

She would absolutely not let Sonoko do whatever she wanted.

Moreover, she could tell from the first glance that the young man was not suitable for Sonoko at all, nor was he the kind of person who could marry into her family.

“Forget about Ayako,” Mrs. Suzuki warned her husband in a low voice, “Sonoko’s marriage is my decision! You don’t want the Suzuki family to be without an heir, do you?”

"It's too early to talk about these things now, Sonoko is only in high school..."

"Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom."

Kogoro Mouri hurriedly got up and left the Japanese-style room, passing Nishino, and went outside to find Gao Mo ahead of time.

"What is the secret of that egg? It's worth 500 million! If we could unlock it..."

Gao Mo stared speechlessly at the excited-looking man with the mustache.

Is 500 million a lot?

"What's wrong?" The man with the mustache touched his face, feeling particularly uncomfortable with Gao Mo's gaze.

Strange, Kido used to get more excited than him when he heard about 500 million.

“Mr. Nishino,” Gao Mo turned to his secretary and asked, “besides Mr. Qian and the others, is there anyone else who wants to buy or inquire about the Egg of Memories?”

“Ah, a lady just contacted me, saying she wanted to talk to Mr. Kido about the Egg of Memories,” Nishino recalled. “She said your assessment was wrong and wanted to confirm it in person… I thought it was a spam call.”

"Was my assessment incorrect?"

Gao Mo was full of questions.

He has found enough evidence to support his claim, as well as Ai Haibara's confirmation.

There can't be any problems with the identification.

“Yes, they say the Egg of Memory is different from the painting left by their grandfather,” Nishino shook his head and said, “Mr. Kido, you don’t need to pay attention to people like that…”

"Can you help me arrange a meeting with them?"

Gao Mo's heart stirred slightly.

There are two eggs of memory.

The fact that it's different means the other person is referring to a different egg of memory.

“President Suzuki,” Nakamori Ginzo said anxiously as he saw Gao Mo, who was with Conan, growing increasingly impatient. “We can talk about the secret later. Although it’s still a long time until 3 a.m., Kid always scouts the place in advance, so we have to move quickly.”

“I still think that’s unreliable,” the mustachioed man retorted. “Who would take the treasure out on their own? If there aren’t enough defenses, wouldn’t it make it easier for Kidd to steal it?”

“That’s why I said Kidd would never know where I’m hiding,” Nakamori said, ignoring the mustache and looking outside. “Anyway, it wouldn’t matter if I put it in a heavily guarded place; it doesn’t matter to Kidd how many people are around.”

"That's right..."

The man with the mustache lost face and looked at Gao Mo but received no response.

In the end, Nakamori managed to take the Egg of Memories with him, leaving Gao Mo and his group to continue their meal.

“Mr. Kido,” Chairman Suzuki greeted him warmly, “please sit down and have a meal first, we can talk about this later.”

(End of this chapter)