Evening, dinner time.
In the spacious room, the clinking of knives and forks against plates echoed continuously. The four people at the table exchanged congratulations and well wishes on the move, making the scene look just like a normal dinner party between new neighbors.
In the modern era, such a scene is rarely witnessed, perhaps only among a few unfamiliar young people celebrating the arrival of a new neighbor.
Therefore, even when Charlotte surreptitiously used a silver needle to test the food for poison, Fu Li was more than happy to play the part of the ignorant host.
But even so, beneath the seemingly harmonious surface, the mutual suspicion made the atmosphere grow increasingly subtle.
This was evident from the ever-widening curve of Charlotte's lips.
However, right up to the end, as she and Watson were seen to the door, she said nothing more than polite pleasantries.
It wasn't until she returned to her own apartment that Charlotte finally spoke.
"Watson, did you notice?"
"Hm? Notice what?"
Hearing the question, Watson looked up in a bit of a daze at the clearly excited Charlotte.
"Their newspaper. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but it was placed on the coffee table right where we could see it upon entering. And the page it was open to was the very case we're currently investigating."
"Hm? So what are you suggesting?"
"My meaning is simple, isn't it? They are also interested in the case we're handling. So, I have a theory."
Charlotte shook her head, looking at Watson who was still a picture of confusion, and smiled faintly. "What they want to investigate is also the mastermind behind that case."
"Are you serious?" Watson frowned, her tone somewhat displeased. "I think it's already very dangerous for us to be involved. Why would two kids who look like they're still in middle school get involved in this?"
"If that's the case, we must warn them, Charlotte."
As a rather upstanding top student in the medical field, Watson had her own code of conduct, and in her eyes, what those two were doing was utter foolishness.
However, Charlotte immediately vetoed her idea.
"Watson, calm down. Don't be deceived by appearances. Remember, even I can't see through those two. So, regardless of whether their intentions are good or bad, do not underestimate them."
"But..."
"Alright, no 'buts'." Charlotte said helplessly, "I recall that it's been 24 hours since the case occurred, correct?"
"Um... yes, that's right..."
"Hmph, just you watch." Charlotte let out a breath smugly, speaking with confidence. "I guarantee that in a few hours, our sweet dreams tonight will be interrupted by a certain incompetent inspector."
After saying this, she thought for a moment and added:
"No, Watson, I was wrong. Compared to the other good-for-nothings at the police station, he's actually a rather outstanding inspector. Unfortunately, he's no match for me."
An incompetent inspector?
Looking at the girl who was posturing like a proud peacock, an image of a person popped into Watson's mind. But before she could speak, the ringing of a phone broke their conversation.
"Whew, see, Watson? I'm always right."
"Yes, yes, you're the best. But this time, please try not to cause too much of a scene."
Sensing Watson's resignation, Charlotte stuck out her tongue and then answered the phone without hesitation.
"Hi, Inspector Gregson. To what do I owe the pleasure of this late-night call? If it's because I made you lose face last time, then I can only express my deepest regrets."
"Oh, that's enough, Charlotte! Can't you act like a lady for once? For God's sake, if you weren't a woman, I'd kick you square in the backside with my steel-toed boots!"
A rather irritable voice came from the phone. Watson remembered that when she had met him before, he had been an extremely composed man.
And the only person who could make such an elite of the police force lose his composure like this was probably Charlotte.
But... at least when it came to 'finding the culprit', Charlotte truly possessed enough talent to make this police elite bow his proud head.
Sure enough, after five full minutes of bickering, Inspector Gregson on the other end of the line predictably raised the white flag.
For a moment, the voice on the phone sounded as if it had aged ten years.
"Alright, alright, I can't win an argument with you, Charlotte. You should know why I'm calling."
"Mhm, spit it out. Where's the address? Number 3, Lauriston Gardens, right?"
Charlotte hummed a tune like a general who had just won a great victory, and her words once again made the man on the other end even more weary.
"Yes, yes. Just get over here quickly. The pressure from above is immense, and we're out of options."
"Fine, be right there."
Charlotte cheerfully hung up the phone. As she hurriedly put on her coat, she said, "Alright, Watson, stop dawdling. We've got work to do."
"Mhm... yes, yes. Honestly, we have classes the day after tomorrow."
"Mhm. So, in order not to delay our classes, let's set the time limit for solving this case at... 24 hours. How about it?"
Charlotte said confidently. Just as she finished changing, she suddenly added, "Oh right, Watson. When we go out in a bit, if you feel like someone is watching you, don't look around."
"Mhm, why?" Watson asked, puzzled, as she finished getting dressed.
Charlotte whistled. "Hey, Watson, you don't really think our good neighbors arranged for us to live next to them and wouldn't keep an eye on our movements, do you?"
"Oh, so you're afraid they'll follow us." Watson realized. "But isn't it possible you're just overthinking things?"
"Well then, one can only hope."
As Charlotte spoke, she opened the door, but her expression froze when she saw the two people outside.
There, illuminated by the dim light of the hallway, the young man named Li was holding the hand of a smug-looking Vill-V. Both were dressed appropriately, clearly preparing to go out.
But, it was currently 11 PM in London.
I see. So the plan isn't to follow us, but to go together directly?
Interesting! These two are really, truly interesting!
These two, they know full well that I'm just as interested in them, and yet they still make such an invitation?
For Charlotte, who was obsessed with puzzles, the allure these two presented was no less than placing a glass of fresh water in front of a person dying of thirst.
Charlotte's gaze met Vill-V's. In her eyes, she saw the same pride of a genius that she herself possessed.
So, they beat me to the punch this time?
A corner of her mouth curled up as a flame ignited in her heart.
This was like a ball dedicated to puzzles. Her opponent had extended a hand, and out of courtesy, she had to respond in kind.
Simply put, she accepted the challenge.
"Ah, my two dear neighbors."
Charlotte's crimson eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of disdain flashing within them.
"If you need to travel at night, it's hard to catch a ride at this hour. So, as a thank you for dinner, would you care to join us on our way to our destination... Scotland Yard?"