Guns and Coffee in the World of Science

Early in the morning, Chen Shuo, holding a steaming cup of coffee, leisurely flipped through the newspaper. After scanning a few lines of news, he frowned, tossed the newspaper on the counter, and grumbled softly, "Why are there so many arson cases lately? When will it ever end?"

Azusa Enomoto, who was busy preparing coffee nearby, heard this, nodded, and agreed, "Yeah, I've heard about the recent series of arson cases, too. It's really scary. The police still haven't found the culprit."

At this moment, the wind chimes at the door rang. Maori Kogoro, who had rarely gotten up early, walked into the cafe, picked up the newspaper that Chen Shuo had just put down, and began to read with great interest. He turned to a piece of news and was immediately shocked: "What? The Kurokawa family burned down!" He looked at the report and couldn't help but click his tongue: "This is really terrible. Not long ago, I helped the Kurokawa family solve the murder case of Kurokawa Daizo. This incident caused quite a stir in society!"

Maori Kogoro spoke smugly, looking smug, seemingly full of praise for his own detective abilities. Chen Shuo couldn't help but chuckle at his pride, thinking, "That's easy to say. I wonder who always relies on Kudo-chan to 'take the blame' at crucial moments."

Chen Shuo shook his head slightly, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. After all, he had long been accustomed to his old friend's off-key performances and was too lazy to complain any more.

After recalling the lesson he learned last time, Conan seemed to have become much more low-key. Although he still helped Maori Kogoro solve the case, he was not in any danger under the protection of Maori Ran.

Chen Shuo took a sip of his coffee and thought silently, "It seems Conan has learned his lesson. I hope he will be more cautious this time. After all, the darkness of this world is no joke."

Maori Kogoro chatted with Chen Shuo for a while, their topic shifting from the latest case to the detective's daily routine, and finally back to coffee and newspapers. Kogoro checked his watch and suddenly stood up with an anxious look on his face. "Is it this late already? Okay, enough chatting, I have a commission today! Another big case waiting to be solved!"

Chen Shuo looked up at him and couldn't help but smile. "Oh? Looks like an important client. The Maori Detective Agency is getting busier and busier."

Kogoro stuck out his tongue proudly and laughed, his eyes and eyebrows curved with laughter: "Oh, of course! It's because the famous detective Mouri Kogoro is so famous nowadays." After saying that, he walked towards the door with his usual confident smile.

Chen Shuo watched him leave, a flicker of relief in his eyes. Ever since Maori Kogoro's rise to fame, he'd indeed received more commissions. Even with Conan's frequent assistance, this hadn't affected Maori Kogoro's confidence or drive. Chen Shuo watched his old friend gradually shed his past decadence, and he felt quietly happy for him.

He gently picked up the coffee cup and recalled the scene when he first met Kogoro - at that time, Maori Kogoro was always in a chaotic state, as if ready to give up everything at any time. Now, he has regained his vitality, no longer the mediocre detective who spent his time smoking and drinking all day, but a confident and proud "master detective".

---

As the last rays of sunlight faded into the evening, the "Jingxin" cafe prepared to close. Just then, the gentle sound of wind chimes rang out, and Mao Lilan walked in as usual, with her usual relaxed smile after school. She was used to coming here after school to help out and chat with Chen Shuo.

Chen Shuo looked up and saw her, a gentle smile on his face: "Xiao Lan, how are you today? You came quite late. Did you go shopping?"

"No, I'm late because the karate club had an event today." Mao Lilan smiled as she walked over to the bar and expertly began helping clear the tables and chairs. She'd been coming over almost every day after school lately, and Chen Shuo had grown accustomed to her company. He found himself enjoying the time he spent with her running the café.

As night fell, Azusa Enomoto finished her day's work and said goodbye to the two of them. As soon as she left, Mao Lilan immediately relaxed, sat on a high stool in front of the bar, and looked at Chen Shuo eagerly. Chen Shuo smiled and shook his head, then turned and brought out a special small cake from the kitchen and gently placed it in front of her.

"Here it is, today's 'Xiaolan exclusive cake'." Chen Shuo said in a gentle tone.

Mao Lilan's face immediately broke into a smile, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Wow, thank you, Brother Shuo!" She picked up the fork and tasted it carefully, a satisfied expression on her face. "It's delicious! I just love your cooking."

Chen Shuo watched her happily enjoying the cake, and his heart warmed. He enjoyed this simple kind of interaction, where they didn't need many words, just quietly sharing each other's company. Mao Lilan seemed to be getting closer and closer to him, sometimes even sharing her little troubles with him.

The café was filled with the faint aroma of coffee and Mao Lilan's laughter. Chen Shuo gazed at her smile, his heart filled with satisfaction and comfort. These ordinary moments would become a warm part of his memories. At this moment, they both tacitly enjoyed the simple yet invaluable company.

---

Just as Chen Shuo and Mao Lilan were chatting, the door suddenly opened and Conan unexpectedly appeared in the store. He stood at the door, his eyes listless, like an abandoned puppy. Chen Shuo and Mao Lilan were both stunned for a moment, looking at him curiously. Mao Lilan couldn't help but laugh and said, "Conan, what's wrong with you? Don't you not like coming to the cafe?"

Conan walked to the bar with a complaining look on his face, and said dejectedly: "I say, Xiaolan, haven't you been cooking at home recently? Uncle Maori went out to investigate a case today and hasn't come back yet. I'm starving!" He covered his stomach with both hands, looking pitiful. It seemed that pretending to be a primary school student had become an instinct for him. Even in front of Chen Shuo and Xiaolan, he instinctively acted like a primary school student.

Mao Lilan immediately showed an apologetic expression and hurriedly said: "Oh, I'm sorry, Conan! I forgot that I haven't cooked today. Let's go back now and I'll make you something to eat."

She was about to get up and say goodbye, but was stopped by Chen Shuo. Chen Shuo shook his head and said with a smile: "It's too late to start cooking now."

He looked at Conan and said, "Since you are hungry and Xiaolan and I haven't eaten yet, how about I treat you two to dinner tonight?"

Mao Lilan showed a surprised expression and smiled: "Really? Thank you so much, Brother Shuo!"

Conan also looked at Chen Shuo in surprise. He thought Chen Shuo hated him, but he didn't expect that he would actually invite him to dinner. Did he misunderstand something?

Chen Shuo waved his hand and said with a smile, "You're welcome. Let's go eat something good together. Since everyone is here, why not celebrate today and relax."

---

The three of them sat in Chen Shuo's Hummer, the night breeze gently blowing, and the neon lights of the city slowly passed by the car window. Chen Shuo smiled slightly and recommended a good sushi restaurant to the two of them: "I'll take you to a good place tonight. The owner is a friend of mine. His cooking is very good. I guarantee you will enjoy your meal."

Mao Lilan nodded excitedly in the co-pilot seat: "That's great! The place chosen by Brother Shuo must be great!" Her tone was full of anticipation, and she was obviously looking forward to the upcoming dinner.

Conan, in the back row, wasn't as relaxed as Ran. He leaned back in his seat, occasionally looking at Chen Shuo with a complicated expression. His heart was filled with doubt. Chen Shuo's attitude over the past few days had left him with no doubt that he might actually kill him. But tonight, Chen Shuo took him and Ran out to dinner with such ease, as if the cold look he'd given them before had never existed.

Just as Conan was deep in thought, Chen Shuo suddenly said, "Looking at your expression, it seems like you have a lot of questions for me?"

Conan was slightly stunned. Before he could say anything, Chen Shuo continued, "You probably think my attitude towards you is inconsistent, hot and cold, right?" A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Actually, I don't have any prejudice against you. It's just that you treated me badly at the beginning."

Conan blushed slightly when he heard this: "I...I didn't know you very well at that time, I..."

Chen Shuo glanced at him and shook his head slightly. "I know. After you became a child, you always solved cases without any scruples, sometimes even threatening the safety of your friends. This made me a little angry."

Conan felt a surge of shame upon hearing this. He lowered his head, recalling his own rash and impulsive behavior in past cases. He couldn't help but reflect, "Mr. Chen Shuo, I was indeed too reckless before, always insisting on having my own way. I didn't expect this would cause trouble for you and others."

He raised his head and said solemnly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Chen Shuo. I will be more careful and cautious in the future."

Chen Shuo glanced sideways at him, waved his hand, and said casually, "Don't worry about it. As long as you know what to do, it's fine. After all, everyone has a process of growth." His tone was calm, but with a hint of encouragement, "You're a smart kid. As long as you can figure it out, it'll be fine."

Conan felt a warm feeling in his heart, nodded, and responded solemnly: "I understand, thank you, Shuo... Shuo brother!"

At this time, the car was approaching the sushi restaurant. Chen Shuo smiled gently: "Okay, we're here. Enjoy yourself tonight and don't think too much."

---

Upon entering the sushi restaurant, Conan and Ran's attention was immediately drawn to the chef behind the counter, kneading rice balls. His face was covered in deep scars, his cold, scrutinizing gaze radiating a fierce aura, as if enveloped by an invisible sense of oppression. Conan instinctively placed his hand on his anesthesia watch, ready to respond at any moment, while Ran instantly assumed a karate stance.

"You two, don't be nervous," Chen Shuo couldn't help but smile and reached out to gently stroke Xiaolan's head, and then casually tapped Conan on the head. The two looked back at Chen Shuo in surprise, with a puzzled look on their faces. Chen Shuo smiled and greeted the man behind the bar: "Matsugoro, today the three of us are relying on you."

Upon hearing Chen Shuo's words, the chef immediately gave a slightly stiff smile. "Hey, Mr. Chen Shuo, long time no see!" His voice was loud and rough, with a surprising touch of familiarity. He put down his rice ball, walked over to the three people, and bowed respectfully. "Welcome! Please feel free to sit."

Chen Shuo smiled and explained to Conan and Xiaolan: "Don't be fooled by his fierce appearance. He is the owner of this shop, Ito Songgoro. He is actually a very nice person and his craftsmanship is also great. It's just... I don't know why, but business has never been very good."

Conan and Ran both murmured in their hearts: Is this even necessary? Looking at his appearance, it's a good thing he didn't run away. They both looked back at the empty sushi restaurant, then at Matsugoro's forced smile, and suddenly they understood. Conan couldn't help but mutter softly, "This boss does look... a little scary."

After Chen Shuo and Song Wulang chatted for a while, a seemingly forced smile slowly appeared on Song Wulang's face. Combined with his slightly clumsy movements, it gave people a sense of honesty. He led the three of them to a table and soon began serving a variety of sushi.

Song Goro said with a smile: "Let's eat as much as we can today! Friends brought by old friends should be treated well."

Conan and Ran took a bite and were immediately impressed by the deliciousness of the sushi. Ran's eyes lit up and she said excitedly, "Wow, it's really delicious! Thank you, Mr. Song Goro!"

Conan nodded as well. Although he said nothing, his slight smile showed his admiration for the food. He thought to himself, "It may look scary, but Mr. Matsugoro's cooking is truly authentic!"

Chen Shuo looked at their satisfied expressions and felt happy for Song Goro. He said to him softly, "Song Goro, look, they all like your sushi. You can't judge a person by appearance. Your cooking skills are enough to attract customers. Your business will only get better and better."

Song Goro laughed innocently, and the fierceness on his face seemed to soften. He scratched his head and said, "Haha, really? Then I'll keep working hard!"

The three of them were happily enjoying their food, their laughter echoing in the sushi restaurant from time to time. Suddenly, Conan seemed to remember something, took out an exquisite envelope from his backpack, carefully placed it on the table, and looked at Mao Lilan and Chen Shuo with a somewhat tangled expression.

"What's going on, Conan?" Ran Mouri moved closer curiously, and when she saw the name on the envelope, her eyes widened instantly.

Conan sighed softly: "This is an invitation to Kudo Shinichi, but you also know... I can't appear as Shinichi in my current state." He looked up at Mao Lilan and Chen Shuo, with a hint of helplessness and curiosity in his eyes, "However, I don't know this Moriya Teiji, and I don't know why he invited me, so I'm quite curious. Xiaolan, Shuo, can you accompany me to take a look?"