Kudo Yukiko quickly caught up and grabbed Jiang Xia.
Jiang Xia turned around and looked at her silently.
Yukiko Kudo's eyes flickered, and she explained in a low voice: "There are too many people here. I'm afraid of being recognized and causing a scene, so... that..." She changed the subject awkwardly, "Why are you out in this cold weather? What kind of commission did you get? I heard from the doctor that you're working as a part-time detective now?"
Good question.
Jiang Xia shook his head. "I'm going to participate in a variety show themed around detectives. The pay is really good. I heard if the show does well, I might even become a regular guest."
"Really..." Yukiko Kudo was surprised.
She rubbed her chin, thinking over Jiang Xia's words. It sounded like he was really into the show and excited about the money. It made sense—Jiang Xia's parents, who had always been quiet and distant, were no longer around. So, at an age when most kids were still using pocket money to rebel and have secret crushes, Jiang Xia had to support himself.
She had heard from the doctor that Jiang Xia was now a well-known detective. But honestly, most of the cases he solved were by accident, not through actual commissions. He probably didn't make much.
Getting a stable gig on a variety show was a much better deal compared to the hit-or-miss part-time jobs.
Thinking this through, Yukiko Kudo looked at Jiang Xia, realizing he had the right look and would definitely have the skills to make it as a TV guest. All he needed was a bit of advice from a seasoned professional... someone like her, Yukiko Kudo.
Her heart swelled with pride, and she slapped her chest. "Leave it to me!"
"...Huh?" Jiang Xia was a bit taken aback.
Although he knew Yukiko Kudo had a lively personality and could be impulsive at times, he hadn't expected her to move so quickly.
It was almost like she was abducting him... Was his aura really this strong?
Jiang Xia glanced down at himself.
Unfortunately, even for psychics, "aura" was more of a metaphysical concept—impossible to see with the naked eye and unquantifiable. But Jiang Xia knew that everyone's aura had a certain nature, and it could impact people in different ways.
And apparently, Yukiko Kudo happened to be one of those people affected by his "aura."
While Jiang Xia was deep in thought, Yukiko Kudo stood beside him, increasingly fond of him, and was even more convinced she had made the right decision. How could she let a child like him struggle over a variety show when he had such potential?
She felt the urge to teach Jiang Xia some of her own tips... and maybe even show up to the show to support him. After all, when a kid is on a show for the first time, their parents usually attend to witness the historic moment. Since Jiang Xia's parents were gone, Yukiko figured she could step in as a friendly cameo.
She lovingly adjusted Jiang Xia's wrinkled sleeves and asked, "Which TV station is it?"
Jiang Xia didn't follow her rhythm. He paused before replying, "Nichiuri TV, the variety show's called 'Perspective Detective Agency.'"
"Ah, I've heard of that one," Yukiko Kudo nodded, mentally sorting through similar programs, and then pulled Jiang Xia to the nearby subway entrance, ready to give him some impromptu advice.
As they approached the station and watched the subway zoom by, Yukiko felt a nagging sense that she had forgotten something.
She tried to remember when she happened to glance at Jiang Xia and her mind suddenly refocused.
Right. Jiang Xia was different from her—he was a complete newcomer. So when explaining things, she had to frame it from his perspective... Yes, she had almost forgotten, it had to be this way.
…
An hour later.
In an empty house a few hundred meters from the subway station.
The effects of the anesthesia had worn off, and Conan slowly regained consciousness. He looked down at the cold, hard floor beneath him, then noticed the ropes tied around his body, staring blankly for a moment.
After a while, Conan recalled what happened and sat up suddenly. He realized he was in an abandoned kitchen.
As he sat there, contemplating his life choices, he heard a noise from the living room.
He quietly moved toward the door and peered through the crack.
In the living room stood a man in black, wearing a smiling face mask.
Conan thought for a moment and then calmly deduced—black clothing... this person was likely sent by the Black Organization to capture him, just like Edogawa Fumiyo.
The man in black was behaving strangely, almost as if he was searching for something.
The man moved from the living room to the balcony, then to the bathroom, the master bedroom, the side bedroom... Eventually, he returned to the living room, empty-handed, took out his phone, and made a call.
At this, Conan seemed to understand.
So, the Edogawa Fumiyo who had kidnapped him wasn't in the room. Could the man in black be looking for an accomplice?
*Goal #1: Top 200 fanfics published within the last 30 days by POWER STONES.
Progress: 34/50(approx) for 10 BONUS CHAPTERS*
Glossary:
Edogawa Fumiyo: A disguised alias used by Yukiko Kudo, the mother of Conan Edogawa.
Nichiuri TV: A fictional TV station in the Detective Conan universe.