"Detective Mouri, we are truly honored by your presence. That you would accept my humble request and come here is beyond gratefulness,"Shirō Suzuki, Sonoko's father, approached with warmth, extending his hand toward Kogoro Mouri.
"To have a renowned detective of your caliber visit us is like adding wings to a tiger. Today, we rely entirely on you, Detective Mouri,"Shirō's smooth flattery lifted Kogoro's ego high. Striking a heroic pose, Kogoro replied,"Don't worry. It's just a petty thief. I, Kogoro Mouri, can capture him in a few swift moves,"followed by a hearty laugh.
Yang Tao, standing awkwardly nearby, scratched his foot, inwardly bemused. Kogoro was indeed formidable—but why employ a detective to guard against a thief? Even hiring two experts at the caliber of a true Kyogoku, Kaito Kuroba wouldn't escape unscathed.
"Detective Mouri, please come with me. I'll show you the treasure of the Suzuki family—the Black Star," Shirō said politely.
"Much obliged," Kogoro replied.
As they proceeded toward the exhibit, Yang Tao's mood soared with the rising progress bar, while Conan trailed behind like a frost-bitten eggplant, utterly dejected.
Observant as ever, Ran noticed Conan's demeanor and asked with concern,"Conan, are you alright? Feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine, Sis Ran. Just lost in thought," Conan replied, a dull headache pressing on him. Yang Tao's sudden intrusion had upended his worldview; he could not fathom who this man was or what motives he harbored.
Yang Tao, glancing at Conan, found the boy's earnest expression amusing, especially knowing he was a 17–18-year-old high schooler. The way he sweetly called Ran "Sis Ran" was pure black history. Yet Conan had so much black history that this was hardly noticeable.
"Conan, my boy, here—have some almond water. It's good for your spirits," Yang Tao said with mock ceremoniousness, producing a bottle of Gray Almond Water from behind him.
"No, thank you. I brought my own," Conan replied firmly.
"Really sure?" Yang Tao asked.
"Really sure," Conan insisted. He dared not trust a stranger's drink, memories of prior dangers firmly imprinted.
Yang Tao's face fell slightly. "Very well, then."
Ran, observing their exchange with a gentle smile, asked, "Mr. Yang, how did you and Conan meet?"
"Well… one night, Conan blundered into my home. After some exchanges, we got acquainted. It was, you could say, fate," Yang Tao replied.
Conan: "…"
Yang Tao hadn't lied, yet had deftly hidden the true circumstances. Conan realized that sometimes the truth could mislead simply by omitting tiny details.
Ran softly scolded Conan, "Conan, you mustn't be so reckless again."
Conan, feeling aggrieved but silent, quickly adopted a compliant expression: "I understand, Sis Ran."
Soon, the group arrived at the display case. Kogoro bent over, admiring the Black Star:"So this is the largest black pearl in the world—the Black Star?"
Yang Tao peeked as well. Truth be told, he knew nothing of jewelry; gold was the only gem he could recognize. The Black Star was large, akin to an oversized glass bead, perfectly spherical and unblemished, exuding profound depth.
I wonder how much energy value this Black Star could yield…
Shirō explained,"Ever since my grandfather added the Black Star to our collection, the fortunes of the Suzuki family have risen steadily."
"In other words, it's the guardian of the Suzuki family," he added.
Yang Tao twitched at the corner of his mouth.What a family… I could sure use a few billion from here…
Kogoro nodded, glancing at the numerous officers around, saying solemnly,"Today is the day before the thief's predicted crime. The security here is incredibly tight."
"Yes, the notice specified tomorrow, so we've begun heightened vigilance today. We have no idea when or how Phantom Thief 1412 will appear," Shirō explained.
Yang Tao, uninterested in their discussion, moved to the window, scanning the city for the hotel from which Kaito Kid would make his appearance.
It must be that building…
A tall, prominent structure stood alone, easily noticeable amid lower buildings.
"What are you looking at?" Conan asked, curious, stepping beside him.
Yang Tao glanced at him and teased,"So, being held by your dear Sis Ran—comfortable?"
Conan's face flushed scarlet, stammering,"She… she picked me up herself. I'm too small to resist."
"Oh? Really? I don't believe it!"
Conan had been trying to view the Black Star, but the display case was too high. Ran, seeing his struggle, simply scooped him into her arms.
"Why not reveal your identity to Ran?" Yang Tao inquired.
"I fear the Black Organization would target her…"
"Taste of a lie," Yang Tao remarked solemnly."If the organization knew your identity, even if you said nothing, Ran would be in danger. If your identity remains secret, she remains safe."
"I don't believe Ran would broadcast your identity even if she knew it," Conan countered.
"So the truth is clear," Yang Tao continued,"You fear Ran would scold you for recklessness or forbid your detective work, so you withheld your identity, correct?"
Conan sighed, conceding,"You sound like you're speaking my thoughts, but yes. I don't want Ran to worry."
"Oh, so if you never grow up, you'll never reveal it?"
"Of course not. I will capture the organization and find the antidote."
Yang Tao smirked, patting Conan's head."Don't worry—you'll never grow up in this lifetime."
"Why say that?"
"If there's no hero in a Dragon Quest story, can it still be called Dragon Quest?"
The Detective Conan world without Conan—just the thought was amusing.
At that moment, Ran and Sonoko approached.
"Ran, who's this handsome fellow? Never heard of him before—finally ready to ditch Shinichi?"
Conan: "…"
Ran, flustered, explained,"Sonoko, don't be ridiculous. This is Conan's friend."
"Mr. Yang, I apologize—Sonoko's just teasing," Ran added.
Yang Tao chuckled at the two young women."No worries. Being praised as handsome by such a beautiful girl—I'm thrilled, not angry."
He extended his hand."Hello, I'm Yang Tao. Pleased to meet you."
Sonoko's heart skipped a beat. She eagerly shook his hand, smiling brightly."Hello, I'm Sonoko Suzuki. I'm delighted to meet you as well. Mr. Yang, are you from China?"