"Actually, the reason I suddenly wanted to find my first love is because of Miss Hyuga." Nagato Dozan's words made Ran's expression turn strange. She immediately thought of Nagato Nobuko's earlier accusation—calling Hyuga Yuki a vixen. Unconsciously, her mind started to wander. Could it be that Hyuga Yuki really had seduced Nagato Dozan?
Then Nagato's next words made Ran's face burn with shame. She felt foolish for thinking such nonsense. Subconsciously, she hid behind Kurosawa Hoshino, pressing her head tightly against his back, pretending she didn't exist.
"Because I noticed that Miss Hyuga always felt familiar to me. That reminded me of my first love, so I wanted to investigate. Just now, when I saw that pen, I recognized it. It was a specially made pen from when I was in elementary school—when I suddenly learned that my first love was transferring to another school. There can't be another one like it in the world. So I recognized it at a glance."
"So—" Kogorō Mouri asked in surprise, "Miss Hyuga is your first love's daughter?"
"I believe so." Nagato smiled.
Kurosawa didn't interrupt. He suddenly wondered why Ran was pressing her head against his back. Luckily, her hair was soft—otherwise, he'd be poked to death. He reached behind him and grabbed her small hand, asking softly, "What's wrong?"
"N-nothing."
"Do you think I believe that?" Kurosawa squeezed the small hand in his grasp. It was soft, cool, and very comfortable.
Then, the next second—
"Hiss~" He gasped. His hand was pinched. The pain made him release it.
Danger Premonition: Am I broken? I gave you a warning—why didn't you dodge?
Kurosawa: Mind your own business. And don't give out warnings for everything.
"President Nagato," Hattori Heizo, who had been quiet all along, spoke up. "I might have to go back to Osaka first. There are still many things to take care of there. As for that matter, I believe with Kurosawa's reputation, he won't disappoint you. Moreover, I plan to have Heiji stay and help out. Though he's not as good as Kurosawa, he's still quite capable."
"What?!" Hattori Heiji's dark skin flushed red as he roared, "You old geezer, what do you mean I'm not as good as Kurosawa?!"
Hattori Heizo remained calm. "Did you think no one would find out about your trip to Tokyo last time?"
Hattori was embarrassed. He really hadn't expected that his father already knew about his loss to Kurosawa.
Nagato smiled. "Heizo, it's alright. Go ahead. I trust Heiji and Kurosawa. After all, they're both famous high school detectives. Their skills are definitely considerable."
"Alright. I'm leaving then." Hattori Heizo nodded to Kurosawa and Kogorō, then turned and strode away.
After the door closed, Kogorō asked, "President Nagato, is there something else you need?"
Nagato paused for a moment, glanced at everyone present, and said softly, "I'll tell you later, but please don't tell anyone after you leave. It's a secret. Actually, last night, I heard running noises in the hallway outside. There were also sounds from the balcony of the next room. I had a bad feeling, so I called Mr. Musashi—who was attending the Suzuki family banquet last night—hoping he would come back and investigate."
He paused, glanced at Kurosawa, and smiled. "It was around that time that Mr. Musashi told me he had encountered Kurosawa-kun and even forced Kaito Kid to jump into the sea. I wanted to invite Mr. Kurosawa over. But to be on the safe side, I also called Heizo and asked him to come and investigate as well."
"I see." Everyone understood.
Hattori pressed, "Chairman Nagato, did Mr. Musashi find out anything today?"
"No." Nagato shook his head. "Ever since I fell ill and became immobile, the atmosphere at home has changed. Alas, it seems the Nagato Group—" Though he didn't finish his sentence, everyone understood that if Nagato passed away, the family probably wouldn't be able to hold onto such a large corporation.
9 PM. Nagato's room became lively. A group of people were celebrating his birthday, including Yama Kenzo, who acted like an ordinary old man—even somewhat amiable.
Amid the congratulations, Nagato smiled and blew out the candles on the cake, then got down to business. "I'd like to announce that Miss Hyuga Yuki is getting married to Hideomi next month. So, please don't misunderstand her anymore. I asked her to stay here so that Yuki could get used to this home sooner."
"Oh, I see! That's wonderful! Hideomi-nii is finally getting married!" Nagato Yasue was overjoyed.
Nagato Mitsuaki sneered. Nagato Hideomi had died yesterday. He could not possibly marry Hyuga Yuki.
"Nobuko." Nagato looked at his eldest daughter, hoping she would apologize to her future daughter-in-law for what had happened today.
Nobuko's expression shifted several times. She glared at Hyuga Yuki, said nothing, and turned to leave the room.
"Master, should I go see her?" Musashi asked.
Nagato shook his head. "Forget it. Nobuko is just embarrassed. She'll be fine in a few days. Alright, you can eat now."
Ran asked, "Um, President Nagato, it's your birthday. Isn't your son coming?"
"I'm going to find him." Nagato Mitsuaki finally got his chance. He said this and left the room.
"How strange," Ran muttered.
Kurosawa said calmly, "There's something even stranger tonight."
"What is it?"
"Guess."
"Hmph. I hate riddle-makers. I'm not talking to you anymore. I'm going to chat with Miss Hyuga." Ran tossed her long hair and haughtily went to find Hyuga Yuki, who was quietly eating alone.
Kurosawa smiled and followed the two girls.
"Why did you follow me?" Ran pouted.
"I think it's quiet here. I'll eat here."
"Then go to the balcony. It's quieter there."
"It's late at night. There will definitely be mosquitoes. It's better to stay indoors."
"Then go to the other side. There's no one there."
"Oh? Okay. I'll tell you later. Alright?"
"I didn't force you. You said it yourself."
Hyuga Yuki stared blankly at the boy and girl bickering. A hint of envy flashed in her eyes. She said softly, "You two have such a good relationship. I also want to bicker like that with Hideomi. Even if we argue."
Ran asked in confusion, "Miss Hyuga, do you and Mr. Hideomi never have any conflicts when you're together?"
Before she finished speaking, Ran was tapped on the head and let out an "Ouch."
"What~" The girl rubbed her head, staring at the boy opposite her with her pale purple eyes, looking aggrieved.
Kurosawa chuckled. "Nothing. Just wanted to tease you a little."
Instantly, Ran's gentle demeanor changed. The background seemed to transform into a raging inferno. Cold sweat instantly beaded on Kurosawa's forehead.
Danger Premonition: Should I warn him? It seems no warning is needed. He didn't dodge before.
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