Ke Xue: Xiaolan delivers goods to your door at the beginning

"Hmm, even professionals would have a hard time spotting this as fake..." Inspector Megure remarked subtly, looking at the box of the Fuji Maru CD on the CD player.

"Just as Ms. Nakajima was listening to this piece, the children happened to come into the yard because of Halloween. Then the neighbor's dog started barking wildly. But it wasn't barking at the children, but at the ultrasound waves coming from the CD."

“Is that so? Dogs can hear high-frequency sounds that humans can’t,” Hongzi said in a low voice.

"Then the children rang the doorbell, but no one answered. There was such loud piano music coming from inside, so someone should have been there. So, to get attention, Genta threw small stones at the house, and the stained glass window happened to be smashed. A little while later, a woman's scream was heard."

Lin Xiaofeng smiled. "That's the story of the case."

"But who did it?!" Takagi looked around with a serious expression.

"Mr. Fujimaru, you're the only one who knows that Ms. Nakajima always sits on that sofa when she listens to music!" Officer Sato turned his stern gaze to Fujimaru again.

"Huh...it really wasn't me!" Fujimaru retorted again, his face turning pale.

"No, it wasn't him," Lin Xiaofeng denied decisively.

"Huh? Who is it?" Inspector Megure asked with a surprised look.

"But in that photo I just saw." As he said this, Lin Xiaofeng pointed to a photo of a young Fujimaru playing the piano in his teens, with a young Yoshino sitting next to him listening to the music, looking very happy.

"Hey, is that the answer?"

“Of course.” Lin Xiaofeng shrugged and looked at Saeki Yoshino, who looked uneasy beside him. “You agree, right, the real culprit who murdered Nakajima Hideko, Ms. Saeki!”

"Eh?!!"

Everyone turned their attention to Ms. Saeki, who was standing to the side. Before she could speak, Lin Xiaofeng continued, "Everyone, take another look at the sofa in this photo."

As he spoke, Lin Xiaofeng pointed to the sofa where Yoshino was sitting in the photo.

"What's wrong with the sofa?" Inspector Megure asked, puzzled.

"It's just a regular sofa..." Officer Sato and Detective Takagi looked at each other, equally bewildered.

"Ah!" Akako and Kazuha exclaimed together as they looked at the photo.

"What's wrong?" Inspector Megure was startled by them and quickly asked.

"Look at that sofa, it's the sofa where Miss Nakajima sat." Akako pointed to the sofa where Nakajima's corpse was still sitting.

"Well, so what?" Takagi still looked completely bewildered.

At this moment, Sato Miwako, who had been silent all along, spoke up: "Does Officer Shiro mean that this sofa isn't the one Nakajima should be sitting on?"

"More or less," Lin Xiaofeng nodded.

"What...what do you mean?" Inspector Megure continued to ask Lin Xiaofeng.

"Mr. Fujimaru and Ms. Yoshino have a relationship like that of Chopin and George Sand. But now there's this troublesome Ms. Nakajima who's in the way, and she's even sitting in the seat that should be Ms. Yoshino's—Ms. Yoshino certainly can't tolerate this."

“Huh, if that’s the case, it does make sense…” Inspector Megure and the others looked at Yoshino in surprise.

Yoshino couldn't bear the stares of everyone and lowered her head.

"Ms. Yoshino, you said your son passed away fifteen years ago, right?" Lin Xiaofeng asked, looking at the photo of a high school student in a school uniform next to the photo of Yoshino and Fujimaru.

“…Yes, that’s right.” Yoshino nodded quietly, but a trace of sadness appeared in her eyes.

"Did your son also play the piano?"

"Yes, he showed early signs of talent in elementary school, and even won first place in the national competition in junior high..."

"Hmm...that's really impressive. But he wasn't in good health and passed away while he was in high school, right?"

“Yes…” Yoshino nodded quietly.

"You've channeled all your feelings for your son into Mr. Fujimaru, haven't you?"

"Huh?" Lin Xiaofeng's words surprised everyone.

"You must have felt a great sense of regret that your son, a gifted pianist, died young while still in high school. Then one day, you met Mr. Fujikyu at a piano competition somewhere. Mr. Fujikyu, in his youthful state and appearance, looked very much like your deceased son. You superimposed your son's image onto him, and before you knew it, you were hopelessly infatuated."

“Yes, you’re right. Fujimaru Kazuo looked exactly like my deceased son… I felt like he was my son reincarnated, so I immediately offered to help Kazuo, who came from a poor family… He lived up to my expectations and showed talent that surpassed even my son’s. The piece that’s playing now, which Ms. Hideko is so proud of for creating, was also written for me by Fujimaru.”

"Huh, is that so?" Takagi looked at Fujimaru in surprise.

"Yes, that's right... I wrote it to thank Ms. Yoshino for her selfless help. So, if I hadn't met Ms. Yoshino, this piece would never exist."

"So that's how it is..." Fujimaru's words of admiration made Megure and the others nod in agreement.

"What a wonderful encounter..." Kazuha said, moved by the music and their words.

“Indeed. But why haven’t you been able to write any good songs lately?” Heiji asked.

"Before that woman appeared, Kazuo continuously created famous songs, which made both me and him genuinely happy. But this woman, having tasted the success of hit songs, ordered Kazuo to create commercially viable pieces with the goal of huge sales. She constantly pressured Kazuo, completely disregarding his personal feelings and physical health, causing him to fall into a slump and eventually stop writing songs..."

As Suzuki, who was kicking, said this, tears welled up in her eyes. She glared angrily at the already deceased Nakajima Hideko, saying, "This woman, whose mind was filled only with her own interests and money, deserved this end!"

"So, you killed Ms. Nakajima because of Mr. Fujimaru?" Inspector Megure asked.

“Art is never meant to be sold; only a rich and diverse environment can nurture art. But this woman led Fujimaru into a lowly world of commerce, causing him to fall into depravity and even become completely despondent. I made up my mind to take action in order to rescue Fujimaru from her. Originally, I just wanted to warn her, and I never expected it to turn out like this. However, I do not regret my actions…” Yoshino continued to shed tears, but calmly confessed her crimes.

"Ms. Yoshino..." After hearing those words, Fujimaru stared blankly at Yoshino, tears slowly streaming from his eyes.

"You don't need to worry about it. In order to give birth to a genius composer, some people always have to be sacrificed in every era. I just happened to be one of the few who were born. You also need to... no, you need to write even more beautiful music in the future."

After Yoshino finished speaking, she calmly extended her hands to Megure. Although Inspector Megure looked regretful, he had no choice but to take out handcuffs and cuff her.

"Yoshino Saeki has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Hideko Nakajima."

"Is Inspector Megure said with some sadness, then winked at Takagi and Miwako Sato. Takagi and Miwako stood on either side of Yoshino and led her out of the living room."

Just as Saeki was being handcuffed and led to the door, Fujimaru, with tears streaming down his face, cried out, "I will do my best! Ms. Saeki! I will do my best for your son's sake too!"

"I'll be waiting for you too!"

Yoshino Saeki didn't stop walking; tears streamed down her face, but a smile remained on her lips.

……

Hattori's challenge to Lin Xiaofeng ultimately ended in defeat, which, according to him, was something he had anticipated. However, having the courage to challenge and avoiding battle are two completely different things.

"Next time, I'll definitely win next time!" The high school detective from Kansai Naniwa was convinced but still refused to admit defeat to Lin Xiaofeng.

As for Fujimaru—after Ms. Saeki went to prison, he did not become despondent. In the following month, he released two songs, "Redemption" and "Hope," which caused a great stir in the Japanese music scene—and were praised for their Chopin-like style. In addition, he established a foundation in Ms. Saeki's name to help children who love music, are talented in music, but come from impoverished families, helping them realize their dreams. If Ms. Saeki, now imprisoned, knew about this, she would surely be extremely gratified.

Hattori Heiji, who lost to Lin Xiaofeng, felt inferior to Lin Xiaofeng and thought that Toyama Kazuha following Lin Xiaofeng was a good choice. Although Lin Xiaofeng was a bit of a jerk, it proved that Lin Xiaofeng was excellent; otherwise, why would one woman after another like him?

"Kazuha!" Hattori Heiji suddenly shouted.

"What? Heiji, why are you shouting so loudly all of a sudden?" Toyama Kazuha was startled.

"I'm officially handing you over to Lin Xiaofeng." With that, Hattori Heiji pushed Toyama Kazuha directly into Lin Xiaofeng's arms.

"Huh?" Yuanshan Kazuha stumbled and fell into Lin Xiaofeng's arms.

"Heiji, don't worry, leave your childhood sweetheart to me. I will take good care of her," Lin Xiaofeng said to Hattori Heiji.

"I believe you, Lin Xiaofeng!" Hattori Heiji didn't feel sorry at all. Instead, he felt like he had thrown away a burden. After all, the love of his life was Conan, the little boy. He wouldn't fall in love with every girl he met like Lin Xiaofeng. He was devoted to Conan.

Akako, standing to the side, was indeed shocked: "Heiji Hattori, are you crazy? Giving your beautiful childhood friend to another man? You must have a cuckold fetish."

Hattori Heiji rolled his eyes at Akako: "You little brat, you don't know anything, don't talk nonsense. I know Lin Xiaofeng very well, he can definitely take good care of my childhood friend, I'm very relieved."

Akako gritted her teeth: "Heiji Hattori, I think you should change that baseball cap to green!"

582. Detective Koshien

Instead of returning to Osaka, Kazuha Toyama went to Lin Xiao's house and met a group of Lin Xiao's sisters.

Kazuha Toyama is quite endearing, and the sisters all welcome her arrival.

"Brother, if you keep going like this, the house will be too small for everyone." Sera Masumi was a little unhappy; Lin Xiao's harem seemed endless.

“Yuyama Kazuha is your age, and you can become good friends with her. What are you unhappy about?” Lin Xiao asked.

“I have no complaints.” Sera Masumi shrugged. “Also, there’s something I want to tell you…”

"Huh? A high school detective representing the Kanto region?"

Lin Xiaofeng stared in astonishment at Zhen Chun, who was sitting on the sofa opposite him, devouring a donut.

"Yeah. Since you're already an advisor, I'm the high school detective representing Kanto. You're not angry, are you?"

"Of course I wouldn't get angry about something like that. And then..."

"Hmm, it seems that Nichiri TV has gathered a group of high school detectives from all over the country, using 'Detective Koshien' as a selling point, and they want to determine the best detective in Japan."

"What's the problem?" Lin Xiaofeng asked Sera Masumi.

“I investigated that letter immediately.” Sera Masumi licked her sugar-covered fingers and replied, “Yomiuri TV did not carry out such a project, and the destination was a deserted island. So, I suspect that someone might be using this as a cover to secretly do some illegal or criminal things on the deserted island.”

"What did Mary say?" Lin Xiaofeng's lips twitched, and a bad feeling welled up in his heart.

"If you're willing to come along, there won't be any problem." Zhen Chun came to Lin Xiaofeng's side with a grin, grabbed his arm and acted coquettishly, "That's why I came to find you as soon as possible."

Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Okay, okay, 17, I promise! Don't pull me with those saccharin- and saliva-covered fingers anymore!"

When Zhen Chun, who had been disliked, heard Lin Xiaofeng agree, she immediately smiled.

That's what they say, but we still need to investigate what needs to be investigated.

The investigation was naturally handed over to Mary's subordinates.

Lin Xiaofeng could only hope that they could provide some clues before they started their operation here.

For example, who received the same envelope as Zhen Chun?

Unfortunately, by the time Lin Xiaofeng drove Zhenchun to the meeting place, they had not received any information.

The person I met at the meeting point was a man with a slightly balding forehead, who was wearing a staff uniform from Nichiri TV.

"You must be the recently famous Kanto detective, Sera Masumi. I've been waiting for you for a long time." The man glanced at his watch and then smiled at Lin Xiaofeng and Masumi. "I'm Hiroki Tsuchio, a director from Nichiuri TV."

"Hey, hey, hey, this is Sera Masumi, and this is my assistant." Masumi complained, looking at Tsuchio Hiroki who was greeting Lin Xiaofeng.

"Huh? Ah, ah! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Hiroki Tsuchio nervously apologized to Masumi repeatedly.

"By the way, my assistant is coming to the deserted island with me. Is that alright?" Masumi asked, staring at Tsuchio Hiroki.

"It is possible, but there are no staff members (in eight rooms) prepared on the island, so this assistant will have to share a room with you, Sera."

“That’s no problem.” Masumi nodded to indicate that she had no objection.

"Um, this is just the meeting point. The ship that will take you to the deserted island is on the other side. Please follow me." Tsuchio Hiroki appeared very nervous from beginning to end.

"This guy's flaws are way too obvious, aren't they? Does he even want to act properly anymore?" Sera Masumi complained, watching Tsuchio Hiroki's retreating figure.

"It's obvious he's not a professional actor. Someone must have hired him for a small fee," Lin Xiaofeng said, patting Sera Masumi on the shoulder. "Not everyone in the world can immediately get into the role they're playing."

Yes, like him.

Following Tsuchio Hiroki, they arrived at a fishing boat not far behind the passenger ship. The man sitting at the bow was glaring at Tsuchio Hiroki, who had come over to talk to him, with a reluctant expression.

"...It's obvious that the person behind this isn't exactly rolling in money." Sera Masumi's lips curled up slightly, revealing a somewhat embarrassed smile.

There were so many flaws that she wanted to turn around and go home.

Does the other party really intend to continue this charade?

Upon entering the cabin, there was already a stylishly dressed short-haired girl wearing headphones and sunglasses sitting there.

"Oh, a newcomer has arrived." The girl raised her hand with a relaxed and carefree expression, as if to greet Lin Xiaofeng and Zhenchun.

"Sigh... There really are people who followed after seeing that 'director's' shoddy performance." Masumi narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked at the other person.

"Of course!" the girl replied matter-of-factly. "My detective's passion is calling me, how could I not want to find out what that 'director' is up to?"

"Well, meddling in other people's business and that bottomless curiosity, that's probably an occupational hazard that we detectives can never get rid of."

In just a few words, Masumi developed a liking for this fellow girl, the 'high school detective'.

"Oh right, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Koshimizu Nanatsuki. I'm the representative of the Southern Detectives." The girl extended her hand to Masumi.

“Sera Masumi, she should be the representative of detectives in the East, right?” Sera Masumi showed her fangs and reached out to shake hands.

"By the way, who is that person behind you..." Koshimizu Nanatsuki turned her gaze to Lin Xiaofeng.

"This is my assistant." Masumi puffed out her chest, head held high, looking incredibly proud. "He's super capable, you know!"

My dear little sister, I'm sorry, but your super capable assistant might steal your thunder this time.

"Lin Xiaofeng, former high school detective, is now an advisor to the Metropolitan Police Department." Lin Xiaofeng extended his hand and introduced himself to Koshimizu Nanatsuki.

"Isn't that against the rules... Sera Masumi asked you to be her assistant?" Koshimizu Nanatsuki's detective instincts told her that her plan might have some problems this time.