Out-of-control players in the world of Detective Conan

Chapter 198 Let's Dive! On the azure ocean, a speedboat is slowly moving forward.

Sitting on the boat were the members of the diving team—Qi Ming, Ai Haibara, Ran Mouri, Sonoko Suzuki, and Professor Agasa.

"Please look this way, everyone. The small island in the distance that I'm pointing to is Laiqin Island."

"About two hundred meters east of that island, there is a hidden underwater palace."

The diving instructor's voice rang out, and everyone's eyes turned to the direction he was pointing.

A small island stands not far out at sea.

It is not very large, and like most other islands, it has nothing particularly remarkable about it.

However, the more ordinary its appearance, the more people are tempted to explore whether there are any secrets hidden behind it.

Qi Ming was an exception; he knew that the island held no secrets.

"So, does that mean there's treasure hidden inside that underwater palace? After all, it is a palace."

Dr. Agasa asked with great interest.

"Hahahaha... That's hard to say. After all, the government has sent people to investigate many times. If there really is a treasure, it would probably have been put into the national treasury long ago."

The diving instructor replied with a loud laugh.

Dr. Agasa chuckled awkwardly and scratched his head.

"That's right."

After saying that, Professor Agasa adjusted his diving suit with some difficulty.

His current appearance, with his large belly covered by a tight-fitting wetsuit, is rather unappealing.

Ran Mouri asked the diving instructor curiously, "Is our diving destination today that underwater palace?"

The diving instructor smiled and nodded in affirmation: "Yes, young lady, that's it."

He then added, "There's no need to worry too much about safety. We've done this diving route countless times, so it's very familiar and safe."

Sonoko Suzuki, standing to the side, raised her eyebrows and asked with great interest:

"I saw a news report before that a set of exquisite silver tableware was found on the seabed. Could it have been found in the palace?"

The diving instructor, upon hearing this, did not directly deny it, but nodded with a slight smile and responded:

"Maybe it really is."

Upon hearing this, Sonoko Suzuki excitedly clasped her hands together in front of her chest, her eyes sparkling:

"Wow, I really hope I can find some antiques down there, no, I'd love to find a few ancient gold coins!"

Listening to Sonoko Suzuki's expectant words, the diving instructor smiled without saying a word.

After all, many of the tourists he had received shared the same thoughts as her—

Hoping to strike it rich and find a hidden gem.

There are indeed some interesting things underwater, but in most cases, what people can find are just incomplete ancient artifacts.

Even if you were to sell these things, they would probably only be worth a few thousand yen at most, which wouldn't even cover the cost of this dive.

The diving instructor subtly sized up Suzuki Sonoko, noticing her student-like appearance. After a moment of silence, he finally couldn't help but speak up:

"Miss, if you're thinking of making money through such means, that's really not reliable. If you really want to make big money, you still have to rely on hard work in the end."

Upon hearing this, Sonoko Suzuki was slightly taken aback, then scratched her head somewhat embarrassedly and replied with a dry laugh:

"Hahaha... I was just saying it casually, just joking. How could I possibly expect to make money this way?"

"Yes, it's good that you have that idea."

Seeing this, Ran Mouri, who was standing to the side, could only shake her head helplessly.

If the diving instructor knew that Sonoko Suzuki was the daughter of a wealthy conglomerate, he would probably be completely disarmed on the spot.

The people who picked up those so-called gold coins weren't trying to get rich; they were just doing it for fun.

Making big money through hard work?

Damn you, Rolls-Royce! It's all about being born into the right family!

"Speaking of which, does the treasure here really exist?"

While listening to the other three people chatting, Ai Haibara turned her gaze to Qi Ming and asked him with a curious expression.

Anyway, she now feels like Qi Ming knows everything.

I remember Qi Ming mentioning that whenever he encountered a certain event, he would receive a system-wide recap.

He also specifically mentioned that he would post recaps very frequently, especially when he was with Conan...

At this moment, Qi Ming was idly opening a bunch of blind boxes stored in his backpack.

I opened a bunch of equipment fragments.

Qi Ming stopped opening the box only when he heard Ai Haibara suddenly ask a question.

"Well, it's true in a way, but it's also not entirely false."

Qi Ming let out a big yawn.

"It's just a broken-down ship, probably not even as good-looking as a warship. As for its usefulness, it'll fall apart as soon as it surfaces. It's utter garbage."

Qi Ming did not deliberately lower his voice; every word he spoke was clearly heard by those around him.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Sonoko Suzuki leaned forward and pressed for an answer:

"Mr. Qi Ming, do you know where the treasure is?"

"Of course I know...Would you like to go and take a look?"

"Think about it!"

Sonoko Suzuki was eager to try, while Ran Mouri looked worried.

"Will nothing happen?"

Seeing this, Qi Ming waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, I'll lead the team."

"Sir, this seems to be against the rules..."

Seeing everyone discussing this right in front of him, the diving instructor said somewhat awkwardly.

Although there was an agreement in place, he wouldn't be directly affected if something went wrong, and the company would also be there to protect him.

But he is a professional diving instructor.

"It's okay, it's not a big problem."

Qi Ming patted the diving instructor on the shoulder with a relaxed expression.

"This isn't about how big or small the problem is, sir! Doing this is far too dangerous!"

The diving instructor was on the verge of tears.

However, Qi Ming reached out and pulled out several stacks of bills.

Everyone frowned as they watched.

Where did this money come from?

Their wetsuits don't have pockets either.

The diver stared blankly at the stacks of banknotes Qi Ming had placed in his hand, and it took him a while to come to his senses.

However, he quickly and firmly pushed the money back and said seriously to Qi Ming:

"Sir, this really isn't about money. My duty is to ensure the safety of each and every one of you!"

Good working class.

Qi Ming rolled his eyes and replied somewhat impatiently, "I never said this money was for you."

"This covers the cost of these diving suits and the boat rental fee. Your job is done now, so you don't have to take any responsibility, understand?"

The diver blinked, momentarily at a loss for what to do.

After a moment of silence, he put the money into a small box on the boat and finally nodded.

"Okay, have fun with your friends."

"..."

Bad working class.