Guns and Coffee in the World of Science

Chapter 166 The show is about to begin

"Crack!"

Gin pulled the trigger, but unexpectedly, no flames came out of the muzzle, nor was there any sound of a bullet being fired.

The whole room fell into a brief silence. Gin looked down at the gun in his hand and was slightly stunned. At this time, Conan, who was sitting opposite him, showed an unfathomable evil smile.

Gin's eyes changed slightly, his fingers holding the gun tightened slightly, and an indescribable emotion rose in his heart.

He looked up at Conan, his young face showing a confidence and calmness that was completely out of character for his age.

"Heh..." Gin chuckled, his smile gradually becoming dangerous. He slowly put away his gun, his eyes deep and cold, looking at this kid seriously for the first time.

Chen Shuo's evaluation of Conan flashed through his mind, but he suddenly realized that the Kudo Shinichi in front of him seemed to be even more difficult and powerful than Chen Shuo described.

Gin slowly sat back on the sofa, his eyes never leaving Conan. He raised his hand and signaled his men to pour Conan a glass of juice.

The subordinate respectfully placed the juice in front of Conan, who just glanced at it and did not take action immediately.

Gin leaned on the sofa, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest, looking at the little ghost in front of him with interest, with a hint of teasing in his tone.

"Mr. Wuchen has also shown me your information. I have to admit, you are one of the most outrageous people I have ever met. You look like a child, but you possess courage and wisdom that even many adults cannot match."

He paused, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, his gaze growing colder. "But I'm curious, since your goal is to bring absolute order to the entire Tokyo underworld, then... people like me should be your biggest headache. What are you going to do?"

Gin's words were like a sharp knife, piercing the core of the matter. His eyes were fixed on Conan like a hawk, waiting for his answer, as if he wanted to see what shocking words this kid could say.

Hearing this, Conan's mouth corners slowly lifted up, revealing his signature smile, with a cunning gleam in his eyes.

Even though Gin was sitting in front of him, he showed no sign of backing down. He took a sip of his juice, his tone as relaxed as if he were chatting with an old friend: "It's actually easy to solve..."

He put down the juice and looked directly at Gin. His next words were filled with a firmness that was impossible to ignore: "For people like you, all we need is to give you the stage to perform to your heart's content."

---

Chen Shuo stood in the small attic, his hands hanging limply at his sides, his eyes staring out the window with empty eyes.

The night sky was suffocatingly dark, without a single star dotting it. Even the moon was hidden behind thick clouds, leaving only deep shadows covering the earth.

This oppressive darkness echoed his inner world, and it was so quiet that one could hardly hear his own breathing.

His expression revealed a hint of fatigue and deep anxiety, as if he was crushed by an invisible burden, but he still stood stubbornly.

The sound of footsteps and the slight creaking of the wooden floor broke the silence.

Mao Lilan walked in wearing a thin nightgown. Her slender figure was shrouded in the dim light, appearing weak but determined. She stepped barefoot on the floor, taking every step carefully, as if she didn't want to disturb him.

She said nothing, but walked behind Chen Shuo, stretched out her arms and wrapped them around his waist from behind, and gently put her face against his back.

When the warm touch came, Chen Shuo's body trembled slightly, and she could clearly sense his stiffness and silence.

Mao Lilan closed her eyes and hugged him tighter, as if she wanted to transfer all her warmth to him.

She knew that Chen Shuo didn't want others to see his vulnerability, but she also knew that at such a moment, words were redundant, and the only thing that could comfort him was her company.

The night wind blew gently through the window, bringing a slight chill, brushing against Mao Lilan's hair and lifting the corner of Chen Shuo's clothes. But her embrace was warm, and that tenderness softened Chen Shuo's heart.

After a long moment, Chen Shuo finally moved. He sighed softly, turned around slowly, and took Mao Lilan into his arms.

He looked down at her, his eyes flashing with complex emotions, both deep heartache and deep struggle. He gently stroked Mao Lilan's hair with his hand, his movements cautious, as if he was touching an invaluable treasure.

"Xiaolan..." His voice was low and soft, but with a hint of uncertainty and deep regret, "Do you regret living this kind of life? You could have lived a simpler and happier life..."

Before he could finish his words, Mao Lilan gently but firmly interrupted him. She stood on tiptoe, gently put her arms around his neck, and kissed him directly on the lips.

This kiss carried all her determination, as if telling him that there was no need to say anything more, no need to doubt anymore.

Chen Shuo was startled at first, but quickly closed his eyes and reached out to hug her tightly. There was a tremor in his strength, as if he feared losing this person, yet also wanted to keep her firmly in his world. This kiss instantly dissolved all his burdens and struggles.

After a moment, Mao Lilan slowly let go, raised her head and looked directly at Chen Shuo with her clear eyes. Her gaze was firm and full of unquestionable strength.

Although her voice was still soft, it concealed her unwavering determination: "I have never regretted anything. Because as long as you are by my side, no matter what life is like, I am willing to accept it."

Hearing this, Chen Shuo's heart trembled. He looked at her stubborn yet affectionate face, his heart filled with unspeakable heartache.

He knew how much Mao Lilan had given up and endured for him. But her eyes were so warm and firm, as if telling him that no matter how difficult the road ahead was, she would accompany him.

Chen Shuo reached out and gently held her face, lowered his head and leaned on her forehead, his voice hoarse as if squeezed from deep in his chest: "Xiaolan, I'm sorry, and thank you..."

Mao Lilan shook her head and said nothing more, just leaning her head on his shoulder. It was still dark outside the window, but at this moment, the small attic was filled with warmth and light because of their embrace.

---

The two hugged each other tightly for a long time, and the air was filled with a warm and quiet atmosphere. Chen Shuo tilted his head slightly, with a faint smile on his lips, and said softly: "Come over, you won't be afraid of catching a cold if you hide at the door."

Just as he finished speaking, there was a slight noise at the door. Then, Yuanzi poked his head out with a wry smile, raised his hand to scratch his head, trying to hide his embarrassment: "Uh... Ahahaha, nothing can escape your eyes, Brother Shuo."

When she walked in, she was followed by Huihara Ai. Although her expression was as calm as always, her slightly flushed cheeks revealed that she was a little unnatural.

"You..." Looking at the awkward expressions of the two people, Mao Lilan couldn't help but smile softly, with a gentle light in her eyes.

Chen Shuo waved to the two of them, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness and doting: "Since you're both here, let's go together."

Sonoko giggled and ran over to the two of them without any hesitation, while Haibara Ai hesitated for a moment and finally walked forward.

Chen Shuo hugged the three girls. Although there were no extra words, the warmth between them was obvious.

They leaned against each other, quietly looking out the window at the dark sky. Although there were no stars or moon, the quiet and companionship at this moment filled the small attic with an indescribable warmth.

---

The next day, the scene in front of the Twin Towers in Nishitama City was bustling with activity. A long red carpet was laid out in front of Building A, and amidst the hustle and bustle of traffic were high-class people in fancy gowns and formal attire.

Various luxury cars stopped in front of the door one after another, and the guests got out of the cars and walked towards the entrance of the building in an elegant manner.

Today is the opening ceremony of the Twin Towers. Although the Tokiwa Group headed by Mio Tokiwa is not a top-tier chaebol, it is still quite powerful in the business world. In addition, the building has a symbolic significance in Nishitama City, so many political and business celebrities are willing to give some face and come to attend.

Kogoro Mouri, dressed in a neat suit, got out of the taxi and casually glanced at the red carpet and the lively scene at the entrance of the building.

His eyes inadvertently fell on Building B not far away, which seemed much quieter, in stark contrast to the bustling Building A.

He glanced meaningfully in the direction of Building B, a slight smile on his face, and muttered to himself, "In a little while...it'll be lively over there..."

At this moment, another car slowly stopped, and Dr. Agasa got out of the car with the little guys from the Junior Detective League. Dr. Agasa was the first to notice Maori Kogoro, and walked up with the children to say hello.

Maori Kogoro heard the voice, turned around and saw them, then greeted them with a smile: "Hey, Doctor, and you little guys, you are here today too."

"Yes, we came here with the doctor!" Yuan Tai said loudly, his face full of excitement. "I heard there are a lot of delicious food today! I wonder if there will be eel rice?"

"Sure enough, what you care about most is eating..." Mitsuhiko complained helplessly, and Ayumi covered her mouth and smiled in agreement.

On the red carpet, Ayumi suddenly noticed that Maori Kogoro came alone, and she didn't see the familiar little figure. She tilted her head and asked curiously, "Excuse me... isn't Conan coming with you?"

After hearing Ayumi's question, Mitsuhiko couldn't help but reply, "Yeah, Huibara-san and Ran-san didn't come either. They were here a few days ago."

Maori Kogoro stopped walking when he heard that, turned to look at the three children, with a faint smile on his face, and shook his head: "They... have more important things to do."

Hearing this, Ayumi, Mitsuhiko and Genta looked at each other. Although they didn't quite understand what "more important things" Conan would do, they didn't ask any more questions.

Maori Kogoro continued to walk forward with Dr. Agasa towards the door of Building A. Dr. Agasa seemed to be a little worried, and when he walked across the red carpet, he subconsciously looked back at the slightly deserted Building B.

The doctor frowned slightly, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. He sighed softly, but said nothing, then quickly followed Maori Kogoro's footsteps and entered the building together.

Building B behind him was still deserted, as if it was out of tune with this grand opening ceremony, like a forgotten shadow shrouding the edge of the bustle.