Traveling back thirty years to Conan, intercepting Princess Eri

Chapter 217: What’s the point of going to a shrine without a shrine maiden?

In the afternoon, the sunlight is like a golden veil, gently draped over the sea. From afar, the Moon Shadow Island is looming in the sparkling waves.

Kisaki Eri stood at the bow of the boat, looking around with interest. As soon as the boat docked, she couldn't wait to grab Lin Xiuyi's hand and got off the boat with light steps.

Although the Moon Shadow Island in front of her is just a small island, Kisaki Eri is still very excited.

The two first went to Shimizu Masaru's house to put down their luggage, and then Kisaki Eri took Hayashi Shuichi's hand, and couldn't wait to stroll around the island.

Lin Xiuyi smiled helplessly and could only let her do as she pleased.

The two walked slowly along the path on the island. There were some low houses on both sides of the road, and occasionally they could see the busy figures of the islanders.

Before they knew it, they arrived at the community center.

Community halls in Japan are important public facilities in local communities that promote educational, cultural and social activities among residents.

There were quite a few people standing at the entrance of the community center. They were all guests who had come by boat with Hayashi Shuichi and others to listen to Keiji Aso's piano performance.

"Mr. Aso seems to be quite famous," Kisaki Eri exclaimed, "so many people come to listen to his piano performance."

Lin Xiuyi nodded slightly: "Without some fame, it would be impossible to perform abroad."

At this time, several islanders passed by, and their conversation reached the ears of Hayashi Shuichi and Kisaki Eri.

A short islander, his face full of admiration, said, "Keiji is truly the pride of our island. It's not easy to find a pianist in a place where people make a living by fishing."

Another islander nodded repeatedly, looking regretful. "Yes, it's a pity that his youngest son was born with a disease and has been receiving treatment at a large hospital in Tokyo. I heard the cost is enormous, and Keiji can hardly afford the high medical bills."

When Lin Xiuyi heard this, he quickly stepped forward and asked, "Excuse me, how do I get to Mr. Aso's house?"

"Just go straight down this road and turn left, and you'll be there," the short fisherman shook his head. "But even if you go, Keiji definitely won't see you. He never sees guests before his piano concerts."

"Thank you," Lin Xiu nodded, then took Kisaki Eri's hand and walked towards Aso Keiji's house.

"Didn't they say they don't want to see guests?" The girl frowned slightly. "What's the point of going now?"

"Let's go over and take a look." Lin Xiuyi said casually, "If we can't meet Aso Keiji, we can meet his family."

"Hey, Shuichi," seeing that no one was around, Kisaki Eri couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "What illegal things do you think Mr. Aso will do abroad?"

"There are only a few highly profitable industries," Lin Xiuyi said without hesitation, "and since it requires the participation of a pianist like Aso Keiji, it's most likely drug trafficking."

"Drug trafficking?" Kisaki Eri exclaimed in surprise, then quickly covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes filled with shock. "But what does this have to do with Mr. Aso's profession?"

"When pianists travel abroad to perform, they usually bring their own pianos, out of habit and to enhance their sense of touch. Customs generally don't check this very strictly," Lin Xiuyi explained. "As long as they buy drugs abroad and hide them in a piano, they can easily be transported back to China." "Drugs..." Kisaki Eri sighed. "Even if he made money from drug trafficking and saved his son, who knows how many people those drugs would harm."

"Today's cause, tomorrow's result," Lin Xiuyi clasped his hands together with a pious look, "Even if Ma Chengshi is cured, he will definitely suffer retribution in the future."

"Don't you believe in these things?" Kisaki Eri glanced at her childhood friend with a strange expression. "Before, when Kogoro and I tried to take you to the shrine, you refused to go."

"There's only an old man in the Beika Shrine, not even a beautiful shrine maiden..." Lin Xiuyi realized his mistake and quickly coughed. "My belief in gods and Buddhas depends on whether there is a need. If I want to persuade Aso Keiji to give up, this is the only way."

"Hmph, pretty miko..." Kisaki Eri glanced at her childhood sweetheart and pouted slightly, "Why didn't I realize before that you and Kogoro are the same kind of people! No wonder you two are such good brothers."

As the two chatted and laughed, they soon arrived at the house that the fisherman mentioned.

This is a two-story building with a sloping roof. Its appearance is simple and elegant. Lin Xiuyi walked forward and rang the doorbell at the entrance of the yard.

After a while, a middle-aged woman with a gentle face came out. She looked a little tired and said softly, "I'm sorry, my husband doesn't see guests before the concert starts."

Lin Xiuyi quickly explained: "We are not here for the concert. I was hospitalized in Mihua Central Hospital before, and I met Cheng Shi. I came to visit this time."

Mrs. Aso was slightly startled, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then she showed a gentle smile: "So you are Cheng Shi's friend, please come in."

Lin Xiuyi and Fei Yingli followed her into the house. A little girl about seven or eight years old came running over, her eyes wide open, and asked curiously, "Mom, who are they?"

Mrs. Aso gently touched the little girl's head and said, "These two are your brother's friends. Please take a seat. I'll go get you some tea."

"Thank you." Lin Xiuyi pulled Kisaki Eri to sit down, then looked around the living room. It was obvious that the Aso family must have been in good financial condition in the past. The house was exquisitely decorated, but many shelves were empty. I wonder if they sold the things on them to pay for their son's medical treatment.

"Big brother, how is Chengshi's illness?" the little girl asked with concern. "Every time mom and dad go to see him, they never take me with them."

"It's okay." Lin Xiuyi replied with a smile, "Are you Chengshi's sister? You really look like him. That child also looks like a little girl at first glance."

"Chengshi has been weak and sickly since childhood." Mrs. Aso came over with tea, her eyes full of heartache, "She certainly doesn't look as strong as a boy."

The two sides chatted for a while. Mrs. Aso didn't know much about her son's condition in the hospital because she had to take care of her daughter, so she kept asking about Chengshi's condition.

Lin Xiuyi had only met Ma Chengshi once, so how could he possibly understand his condition? He could only make up a story: "Chengshi is in good condition. The doctors, nurses, and other patients in the hospital like him very much. I remember he also said that he wanted to be a doctor in the future and save lives..."

Kisaki Eri held the teacup with a strange expression on her face, trying hard not to laugh out loud.

"By the way, I'm here this time because I actually have something else to tell you about Cheng Shi," Lin Xiuyi said in a deep voice, "There's an antique collector who likes to do charity who heard about Cheng Shi's situation and wants to help with his medical expenses..."

(End of this chapter)