Chapter 103: The "Cocoon" Press Conference, Part One
"Dr. Agasa, could you please get to the point?" Conan Edogawa sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. All this talk had absolutely nothing to do with the recent news of Ningguang's return to Japan.
"Now, now, don't be so impatient, Shinichi. I'm getting to it," Dr. Agasa's cheerful voice soothed him from the other end of the line. "It's like this: development on the 'Cocoon' project has just wrapped up, and they're holding a major press conference for the game right here in Japan. As one of the project's key participants, Ningguang will definitely be there."
Conan lowered his head, his mind already racing. 'So that's the connection.'
"And there's one more thing," Dr. Agasa added. "Your father actually helped write a portion of the game's script. What do you say, Shinichi? Want to give it a try?" he asked with a knowing smile in his voice. "As one of the game's designers, Yusaku Kudo should be able to get you a spot to participate."
Conan's expression flattened into a half-lidded gaze. "Heh. Sorry, Doctor, but I'm not a kid anymore. I'm not really interested in video games."
Dr. Agasa dangled the bait. "Don't be so certain just yet. You might change your tune once you hear about the game's setting."
Despite his feigned indifference, a spark of anticipation flickered within Conan. Before he knew it, the day of the "Cocoon" game press conference had arrived.
The grand hall was a sea of activity, buzzing with the excited chatter of Japan's elite. Conan stood amidst the throng, his small stature allowing him to weave through the legs of politicians and business magnates. Most of the attendees were the privileged children of these powerful figures, all eager to be the first to try the revolutionary "Cocoon" game. His eyes scanned every face, searching for a single, specific target, but he couldn't see Ningguang anywhere.
"Dr. Agasa, are you sure she'll show up?" Conan asked, his voice tight with impatience.
"Of course she will, Shinichi. Just be patient," Dr. Agasa whispered, leaning down close to Conan's ear. "I just spoke with Yusaku. Ningguang has already arrived. She's just waiting for the press conference to officially begin before making her appearance."
A wave of relief washed over Conan. At least the trip wasn't a bust.
"Dr. Agasa, what secrets are you and Edogawa whispering about now?"
A calm, level voice materialized directly behind them, making both Conan and the doctor jump.
"Haibara! Do you ever make a sound when you walk?" Conan snapped, clutching his chest to calm his racing heart as he turned to face her.
"You were simply too focused on your conversation," Ai Haibara stated plainly, her gaze unwavering. She then repeated her question. "So, what were you two talking about?"
Suddenly, a thought seemed to strike her, and the placid mask on her face cracked. She leaned closer to Conan, her eyes wide with a familiar, haunted fear. "Did you find a clue?" she asked, her voice dropping to a strained whisper. "Is the Black Organization planning to make a move at this press conference?"
Seeing that old terror resurface in her eyes, Conan immediately shook his head. "No, no, it's not about them." He hesitated, not wanting to cause her any undue worry, but decided the truth was better than letting her imagination run wild. He quickly explained his reason for being there—his investigation into Ningguang and the other Vision holders.
Hearing that it was only related to the mysterious group from Teyvat, the tension in Haibara's shoulders eased considerably. Still, she couldn't let her guard down. "We already know those people have connections to the Black Organization," she warned him seriously. "We can't guarantee that there are no members of the Organization on-site."
"Relax," Conan said, trying to comfort her. "While Ningguang was in America, my dad was in frequent contact with her because of this 'Cocoon' project. I had him keep an eye on her, to see if any suspicious people were hanging around."
He recalled the messages from his father. "A little while ago, he told me that Ningguang's behavior was that of a perfectly ordinary, albeit incredibly successful, businesswoman. There was no one who looked like a criminal in her orbit. The only oddity was her intense focus on the 'Cocoon' project. Other than that, there were no red flags—at least, none that he could see."
Conan thought back on his father's full assessment. Yusaku Kudo, a man not easily impressed, had given Ningguang an exceptionally high evaluation. In his words, she was a person of immense personal charm—possessing an uncanny sensitivity to business intelligence, outstanding information-gathering capabilities, a sharp, vigilant mind, and remarkable emotional intelligence. During their collaboration, even the seasoned employees of the Sindora Company were left in awe of her after their interactions.
He rarely heard his father praise anyone so lavishly. Even his mother, Yukiko, would gush about Ningguang's poise and intellect during her occasional calls home.
All of it only deepened Conan's curiosity. What was the secret behind these Visions that could unite so many capable and charismatic people? And what were the other Vision holders like?
"Besides, Haibara, don't you have a 'sense' for people from the Organization?" Conan asked, turning the tables. "Do you feel anything right now?"
Haibara closed her eyes for a moment, then shook her head. "No. Nothing at all."
"See? That's good," Conan said, a genuine smile touching his lips. "It means there's no one from the Black Organization here today. It's possible Ningguang has no direct connection to them at all. You can relax a little."
He gestured around the hall, at the gleaming displays and the crowds of excited children. "This is a game press conference, after all. There are kids everywhere. For once, try to act like one and have some fun."
Haibara shot him a look of pure disdain. "Hmph. You should take your own advice."
"..." Conan fell silent. He was just trying to be nice; she didn't have to make it sound like an insult.
Just then, Ayumi, Genta, and Mitsuhiko, who had been exploring nearby, spotted Conan and Haibara whispering in the corner and immediately swarmed them.
"Conan, what are you talking about?" Ayumi asked, her head tilted curiously.
Genta crossed his arms, his expression a mixture of hurt and annoyance. "Conan, you haven't been hanging out with us much lately. What are you hiding from us?"
"That's right!" Mitsuhiko chimed in, adjusting his glasses. "Aren't we a team?"
Faced with their earnest, questioning gazes, a pang of guilt struck Conan. He waved his hands defensively, a cold sweat starting to form on his brow as he scrambled for an explanation. "No, it's not like that! Haibara and I were just discussing..." His mind went blank.
At that moment, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a line of children forming to receive their game-testing badges. Inspiration struck. "We were discussing how to get game-testing badges!" he blurted out, scratching the back of his head with a stiff, awkward laugh. "Dr. Agasa gave me one, but you guys don't have any. It's not every day we get to come to a huge event like this. Wouldn't it be even better if we could actually play the game?"
"You've got a point," Genta said, his frustration instantly forgotten as the prospect of the game captured his interest.
"So is there a way to get the badges?" Ayumi asked, a hopeful yet troubled look on her face.
Mitsuhiko's brow furrowed in thought for a moment before his eyes suddenly lit up. He leaned in, whispering a plan into Genta and Ayumi's ears. A moment later, all three of their faces broke into wide, mischievous grins, and they turned to dash off, ready to put their new plan into action.
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