Detective Conan: Is Miss Haibara planning to assault a police officer again today?

Conan, seemingly oblivious to everyone else, displayed a mature and thoughtful demeanor, instantly thwarting Ai Haibara's plan to escape.

Conan: This Ai Haibara-san...we need to be careful!

Ai Haibara: This Edogawa-kun... is quite the actor!

Both of them: Hmm... I'm sure!

Chapter 12 What are you regretting?

The meeting and chat session has now officially come to an end.

Higashino Ning was originally going to leave after asking his questions, but since Conan and his friends had come, he, who was just trying to get by and solve cases with Conan, naturally had to find a way to stay.

He feigned surprise, "Conan, you mentioned earlier that you wanted to investigate this missing person case, right? Did Mr. Mori come along?"

Conan shook his head. "No."

Mitsuhiko, who was standing nearby, immediately shouted, "This is a request that our Junior Detective League received, and it has absolutely nothing to do with Uncle Mori!"

Higashino Ning didn't argue with the children, and nodded thoughtfully, "Then that's settled. I'll go with you on the investigation. I'm really worried about letting you act on your own."

In the past, the three boys were always the ones the police would chase away or stop, so they were very surprised and delighted to hear what Dongye Ning said, and they readily agreed.

Conan thought to himself that this was good, as it saved him the trouble of calling the police after finding the person.

Higashino Ning then turned her gaze to Haibara Ai, "Where do you live now?"

Ai Haibara lowered her head obediently, "2-22 Beika-cho."

After saying that, she muttered to herself, "Why are you being so fierce... as if I'm your runaway child..."

Conan, who was just about to take this opportunity to analyze the relationship between the two, looked puzzled and asked, "Why does this address seem so familiar?"

"Wait... she wouldn't happen to live near my house, would she...? But I don't remember any families with the surname Haibara living in that area..."

Ai Haibara was naturally distracted by observing Shinichi Kudo's expression: confusion, rather than surprise.

Does this guy not even remember where Professor Agasa lives?

Ai Haibara decides to continue with her original plan.

First, intimidate Edogawa to give him a hard time, then reveal his identity as a member of the Black Organization, and use fear to elevate his own status and identity.

When Edogawa is under immense psychological pressure, reveal that you helped him avoid further investigation by the organization. This will not only gain his favor but also allow you to further reinforce your position as "a level above Shinichi Kudo" by using his gratitude.

Once she gains the upper hand, she can proceed with her plans to target the organization or Gin.

Simply put, it's about using both carrot and stick, giving a big stick followed by a sweet treat.

...

Because of Higashino Ning's involvement, the reason for the Junior Detective League's visit was changed from a visit to an investigation.

"Officer, this...isn't this a bit inappropriate?" Junye's mother looked troubled. "These children..."

Higashino Ning smiled and waved his hand, "It's okay, it's okay. I also want to learn more information from another perspective."

As he spoke, he pointed to Conan, "And he's Detective Mouri's right-hand man. He's helped our police at crime scenes before."

"That famous detective Kogoro Mouri?" Junye's mother was a little surprised, but after hesitating for a while, she nodded. "Well... alright, with such a dedicated police officer like you, I should feel at ease."

[Congratulations, host, for receiving the gratitude of the people. Your Basic Combat (lv1) proficiency has slightly increased and has advanced to level 2.]

Damn it? ? ?

Higashino Ningichi grasped Junya's mother's hand, "What are you saying? I was just doing what I was supposed to do. You're too kind, hahaha."

"Could you say one more thing?"

Everyone: "Huh?"

Higashino Ning coughed awkwardly twice, "Uh... it's nothing, let's start the investigation now!"

The three little ones: "Okay~!"

Conan: Why has this police officer suddenly changed his style? It's a bit strange.

Ai Haibara: What is this guy doing? Asking for thanks from others? How embarrassing...

Eh?

Why should I feel ashamed?

Also, you can actually interact well with these kids, so why do you give me a cold, clueless look?

Are you deliberately targeting me?

Hmph~ I can't stand this petty guy.

At worst... I'll apologize to you in person later...

Enter the house and investigate.

The children rummaged through Junya's room, and Higashino Ning didn't stop them, only instructing them to put the things back properly after they were done.

The three little ones are quite obedient in small matters.

Meanwhile, Ai Haibara, who was also an outsider, finally had time to speak privately with Ning Higashino at the door.

She immediately apologized, "I'm so sorry for leaving without saying goodbye. I'll try my best to pay you back for the clothes as soon as possible."

Higashino Ning shook her head. "Don't worry about these things. Once you get home, there shouldn't be any more cases of running away from home, right?"

Ai Haibara pouted. She wasn't really running away from home, but she still nodded seriously, "Yeah, I won't."

However, Higashino Ning clicked his tongue and sighed with regret, "Is that so...?"

Haibara Ai:"???"

No, what are you sighing about? What are you regretting?

She asked tentatively, "You wouldn't be thinking of making me run away from home and then bringing me back again, would you?"

Higashino Ning turned his head and said, "You're overthinking it. How could I possibly have such thoughts?"

Ai Haibara was shocked: "You really did have it!"

"No, spreading rumors is illegal. I advise you to be careful," Higashino Ning continued stubbornly.

*Snap* Silence again.

After a short while, Ai Haibara fidgeted with her fingers and asked, "Are you free tomorrow night?"

Higashino Ning immediately refused, "No thanks."

Ai Haibara rolled her eyes immediately. "I meant if you have time, come over. I still owe you dinner."

There was no response.

She looked up in confusion and found Higashino Ning staring out the window, lost in thought.

"Keep owing it. This dinner isn't at a point where I absolutely have to eat it."

These words wouldn't cause much of a problem for elementary school students.

But for Ai Haibara, it was already quite obvious.

She's unexpectedly important in this bumbling policeman's eyes...

Ai Haibara gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her tone resigned, "Really... if you really need it, you can come occasionally..."

As they were talking, Dongye Ning started rattling off, "We have to calculate the interest. For every 3 days you owe, you get an extra meal. I can accept 4 days, and even a week isn't out of the question. It's just that the interest is too low. Let's compromise. How about 4 days for one meal? You shouldn't be at a disadvantage, right?"

The previous silence was simply because they had nothing to say.

The silence now is because there is so much to say.

Ai Haibara clenched her small fists, already on the verge of exploding.

That imposing aura had frightened Higashino Ning, who clung to the door frame with a tense expression.

But at this moment.

Ai Haibara's "evil" aura vanished instantly, replaced by a large, gentle smile.

"Okay, big brother who doesn't want me to leave~"

Chapter 13 is broken, Conan wants me to be his dog.

The older brother who couldn't bear to see her leave...

Who?

Are you talking about me?

Higashino Ning's gaze remained fixed on the view outside the window. "You're overthinking it. I'm just trying to maximize my profits."

Ai Haibara continued to smirk and glare at him.

Higashino Ning slowly moved towards the outside of the door.

"Alright, alright," seeing that Higashino would rather die than admit it, Ai Haibara put her hands on her hips and said arrogantly, "I'll just assume that's what you think~"

Higashino Ning maintained his indifferent expression, "No need to pretend, that's it."

Ai Haibara was starting to not want to communicate with this guy anymore.

In fact, when she discovered that Edogawa knew Higashino Ning, she realized something.

If Edogawa's true identity is exposed, the police officers who are close to him will certainly not be spared by the organization.

They already knew each other, and with her presence now, it's inevitable that Higashino Ning and Edogawa will become increasingly familiar with each other in the future.

So... instead of trying to distance yourself from Higashino Ning, you should protect your identity properly.

Isn't that exactly what Shinichi Kudo did?

There's nothing wrong with her replicating it.

pity.