Shizuka Hiratsuka doesn't understand love!

"Ah, I'm also a monster, but I'm enshrined in this shrine. I've been too lazy to go out. If you need my help in the future, Jing, feel free to come here and find me. Although I'm not as good as Hua Ye and the others, I still have some strength."

"Ah...Okay, thank you for your help. Happy New Year."

'Happy New Year, Happy New Year~'

"What's wrong with you, Jing?" When Haruno and Yukino, who had finished their worship, found Shizuka Hiratsuka standing in the corner, they were startled by her shaken eyes and confused expression.

"...Nothing, I just feel like I don't need to come to the shrine anymore."

Chapter 303: Erjiuwu is indeed my best friend

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

After finishing the shrine visit which made Shizuka Hiratsuka feel awkward, Shizuka Hiratsuka, at Yono's suggestion, drove to a coffee shop nearby that had a good reputation and sat down.

Shizuka Hiratsuka didn't have anyone in Chiba that she needed to visit during the New Year. She had already visited all her friends in Tokyo in advance, so for Shizuka Hiratsuka, the New Year was the perfect holiday to spend her time lazily.

After ordering coffee and cake, Shizuka Hiratsuka leaned lazily on a chair in the coffee shop. Although the temperature outside was a bit cold, the air conditioning in the coffee shop and the bright sunlight shining on Shizuka Hiratsuka through magic made Shizuka Hiratsuka feel a different kind of warmth.

After squinting her eyes and enjoying the warm feeling for a while, Shizuka Hiratsuka opened her eyes reluctantly and looked at Haruno who was sitting opposite her and looking at her with a smile.

"Just look if you like it. Xiaojing's expression just now was so cute, like a little hamster." Yang Nai blinked mischievously, with no intention of hiding her gaze at all.

"What's with the little hamster? I don't deserve that kind of cute adjective." Twisting her stiff neck, Shizuka Hiratsuka let out a breath, leaned her hands on the table, and supported her chin.

"What about you, Yang Nai? I hope you haven't been scolded by your mother during these few days at home during the New Year."

"Of course not, I'm a good boy at home now~" Shaking her finger with a smile, Yang No looked at Hiratsuka Shizuka with a proud face, but her eyes also hid gratitude that she didn't want to be noticed.

"My company is gradually getting on the right track. With the mutual benefit of my family's business, we are both experiencing good growth. In this way, my mother can no longer continue to criticize me. Now she has almost completely let go."

"This is good news. I knew that there would be no problem with you, Yangno." Looking at Yangno's smug expression, Hiratsuka Shizuka also laughed.

There is nothing better than seeing your closest friends get on the right track in life and live confidently and happily.

"Don't talk about me. I'm actually a little curious. How have you been doing recently, Xiaojing?" Yang Nai picked up the cup of coffee brought to her by the waiter, and a strange light flashed in her slightly lowered eyes.

"I, I'm still the same, nothing has changed." Shizuka Hiratsuka picked up the coffee with one hand and took a sip casually.

Sure enough, coffee tastes better with sugar!

"No, I'm asking about that matter~" Seeing that Shizuka Hiratsuka didn't understand what she meant, Yang No pretended to be angry and curious and nodded at the table.

"It's what you told me before, Xiaojing, about you and Miss Fengzi!"

"Eh!" A hint of panic flashed across her eyes for a moment, but then Shizuka Hiratsuka calmed down.

I have already told Yang No a lot, so there is no need to hide anything from this person who can be said to be the only person I can discuss this matter with.

"Well, that's just the way it is."

"What do you mean by that look?" Her eyes fluctuated slightly as she looked at Hiratsuka Shizuka's face that suddenly turned red with embarrassment. Yang No tried hard to control her emotions and tried her best to induce Hiratsuka Shizuka to tell her what she wanted to know.

She had no choice but to let Fujiko carry out this breakthrough mission. If she hadn't stuck her identity label too firmly in order to occupy a position in Hiratsuka Shizuka's heart, Yono would have been ready to carry the explosives herself!

As a result, he could only stand by and carefully watch to see if he could find any loopholes in his further attack. This passive feeling made Yang Noi very unhappy.

Although she was using Fujiko to break the barrier in Hiratsuka Shizuka's heart, she couldn't just watch Fujiko gallop away on this road and run to a place where she couldn't catch up.

If that happens, I will really be asking for trouble.

"I asked this while Yukino was in the bathroom. If Yukino had heard it accidentally, wouldn't you, Jing, be even more embarrassed?"

"Tsk." She scratched her hair in distress. Although it was a bit shy to say it, Shizuka Hiratsuka still felt that she needed to say it out loud so that Haruno could help her make a judgment.

I have no hope left in terms of love.

"Well, actually, before the New Year, no... before Fengzi left Neon, she confessed her feelings to me."

"Are you going to confess your feelings?!" The coffee cup in his hand paused slightly before he continued to move it to his lips. Yang Nai gently took a sip of the bitter coffee, his mind full of thoughts.

"Well, when I got home, I saw she had prepared a candlelight dinner, and we were eating and chatting for a long time. Maybe the atmosphere was right or something, so she confessed her feelings naturally." Her eyes shifted slightly, and talking about being confessed to still made Shizuka Hiratsuka feel shy.

"Is that so?" Yang Nai slowly put down the coffee cup in her hand, blinked, and tried hard to suppress the tension in her heart, her tone a little hoarse.

"Then Xiaojing, have you agreed?"

"...I, don't think so." The awkward atmosphere became more and more intense, and Shizuka Hiratsuka already regretted bringing up this topic at this time.

At least, we have to find a place with few people so that we can talk to Yang Nai alone!

"Although I feel a liking for her, this is a big deal after all, so I need to think it through. I don't want to feel confused when making a decision."

"You're absolutely right!!" Yang No stood up and slammed the table. Her tone suddenly became louder, which scared Shizuka Hiratsuka.

"Hyang No, don't be so startled!" She quickly pulled Yang No to sit down. Looking at the good looks gradually fading away from the surroundings, Shizuka Hiratsuka patted her head in annoyance.

"I'm just happy that Xiaojing made the right judgment!" Knowing that he was a little excited and lost his composure when his heart suddenly calmed down, Yang Nai smiled again and spoke confidently.

"After all, this is someone you're going to spend your whole life with, so you can't make a decision lightly!"

"Fortunately, I didn't agree immediately. Otherwise, given Xiaojing's personality, it would have been difficult for me to intervene!"

"Although Xiaojing has feelings for Miss Fengzi, you have to recognize these feelings yourself!"

"It seems that Fuji Mineko has already pried open Xiaojing's psychological defenses. In this case, I should speed up my progress a little! Now that she has left Neon, it is my best opportunity!"

"After all, this is a relationship, so we must take it seriously! Xiaojing, don't get carried away. Remember to discuss things with me when you encounter them~"

"I must plan this carefully. Aunt Sachiko must have sensed my unusual feelings for Xiaojing. It would be best to let Xiaojing know through other channels. Then, I'll take the initiative to admit it, as if I'm going to burn my boats. That way, the impact will be greater!"

"Don't forget that I will always stand by your side, Xiaojing~"

"Xiao Jing, the one who will stand by your side in the end will only be me!"

"Yeah, I know, thanks, Yono." She nodded with emotion. Looking at Yono, who cared more about the progress of her relationship than herself, Shizuka Hiratsuka was very relieved.

"You really are my best friend!"

"Of course!"

Chapter 304: Things Between Women

The relaxing New Year's holiday passed faster than Shizuka Hiratsuka had imagined.

After having a good time with the sisters Haruno and Yukino on the first day of the new year, Shizuka Hiratsuka also took some of her free time to spend time with Sachiko Hiratsuka and Katsuri Hiratsuka.

Although there was no obvious expression, Shizuka Hiratsuka could still see that both Hiratsuka Katsuri, who was always calm and wanted to show the image of a strict father, and Hiratsuka Sachiko, who was always gentle but never allowed Shizuka Hiratsuka to be confused about big things, were very happy.

This made Shizuka Hiratsuka feel a little ashamed and guilty. She had always been used to it. Although she often called home to say hello, compared to when she was still working in Chiba, she really seldom went home after going to Toshu.

Chiba and Tokyo are obviously not far away.

"Don't worry, Mom. I will definitely drive back often in the future when I'm free. You and Dad don't have to worry." On the last day of the holiday, Shizuka Hiratsuka sat in her sports car and waved to Sachiko Hiratsuka and Victory Hiratsuka who were standing by the car to see her off.

"You don't have to come back often. You have your own things to do..."

"Well, Xiaojing, you have to drive carefully. Don't let your temper run wild when you get to Tokyo. You must have a regular life." Taking back her hand from Hiratsuka Victory's waist, Hiratsuka Sachiko looked at her precious woman with a smile and said softly with concern.

"Don't worry, I know." She nodded with a smile. Shizuka Hiratsuka always accepted Sachiko Hiratsuka's concern with a smile.

"Then I'll be leaving. Call me if you need anything."

"Well, take care~" Sachiko Hiratsuka waved goodbye to Shizuka Hiratsuka who was driving away. She didn't put down her hand raised in the air until the shadow of Shizuka Hiratsuka's sports car disappeared from her sight.

"I can't bear to leave now. I pretended not to care when I said goodbye to my daughter." It was quite funny to see Hiratsuka Shengli beside her who couldn't hold back his expression and looked towards the gate with reluctance. Hiratsuka Sachiko reached out and held her husband's arm.

"Okay, didn't Xiaojing say that she would come back to see us often in the future? The child is already so big, it's impossible for him to be tied to us all the time."

"Ahem, I'm just thinking about something. I'm not that reluctant." He forced himself to cough twice. Hiratsuka Shengli glanced at Hiratsuka Sachiko, turned around slowly, and walked towards the villa holding Hiratsuka Sachiko's arm.

"By the way, Sachiko, I seemed to hear you calling that girl Haruno yesterday." Walking into the living room of his house, Hiratsuka Katsuki suddenly thought of something and looked at his wife curiously.

"Oh, are you also interested in topics between women?" Looking at her husband who always acted like a masculine man, Sachiko Hiratsuka teased in a cheerful tone.

"Nothing, I'm just a little curious. This is the first time you showed such a conflicted expression when contacting that girl Yang No." He shook his head slightly. Compared to being teased by his wife, Hiratsuka Shengli was more concerned about the difficulties that Hiratsuka Sachiko might encounter.

"Can I help you with anything?"

"My husband is so considerate~" Smiling, Sachiko Hiratsuka approached Hiratsuka Victory, raised her arms and wrapped them around Hiratsuka Victory's neck, and gently kissed Hiratsuka Victory on the lips.

"But no need, these are just some women's issues, it's not convenient for you to get involved, husband~"

"Okay, then I'll leave it to you." Shaking his head helplessly, Hiratsuka Katsuri also saw that Hiratsuka Sachiko didn't want him to participate and didn't force her.

"Do you need me to make room for you then?"

"If that's okay~"

"You're really rude, Sachiko..."

"Hmm~"

. . .

"So, Shinichi, did you actually go and pay your respects properly?"

Looking at Conan sitting opposite her with some helplessness, Shizuka Hiratsuka pinched her nose bridge, her tone a little subtle.

"What does this have to do with the shrine?" With a pair of dead fish eyes, Conan already knew very well what Shizuka Hiratsuka wanted to express.

He is not a plague god!

"As expected, I should avoid going out for group activities with you." Looking at the somewhat exasperated Conan mockingly, Shizuka Hiratsuka didn't act like an elder at all, and wantedly enjoyed the fun of teasing brought by the crushing status.

"I bought tickets for you kids out of good intentions, but instead of watching the game, you went looking for gunmen and robbers. Is this what the fun of being a child has become? Shinichi, you really are causing a lot of trouble~"

"It was just a coincidence! What can I do!" Looking at Shizuka Hiratsuka helplessly, Conan had already seen that Shizuka Hiratsuka just wanted to use this matter to tease him, but what could he do?

You can't just not answer your elders, right? He's just an innocent child!

"Forget it, I won't tease you anymore." Shizuka Hiratsuka shook her head with amusement. Knowing what a long-lasting relationship meant, she twisted her neck and moved her raised legs up and down.

"How was Sister Eri's New Year's holiday at Brother Kogoro's? Xiaolan didn't give me any news."

"Well, I guess it's okay." Scratching his head, Conan blinked and recalled the previous New Year.

"Although my uncle was still reluctant, he still got up early on the morning of New Year's Eve to clean the room and wash, dry and put away all the dirty clothes."

"Auntie Yingli came around noon. Although the two of them exchanged a few words, they didn't start a fight. Well, other than the fact that she got a little mad when I tried to stop her from entering the kitchen to help Xiaolan prepare the New Year's Eve dinner, overall, it was a pretty cheerful time."

"Uncle and the others have prepared New Year gifts for each other. Anyway, Xiaolan is very happy and has been smiling these past few days."

"Really? That's not bad." Shizuka Hiratsuka nodded with satisfaction and felt relieved.

If Kogoro Mouri fails again this time, he will be in real trouble. Not to mention the furious Hiratsuka Shizuka, it will be difficult for him to get through the level with Ran alive.

"Please have some coffee, Miss Hiratsuka." Just as Shizuka Hiratsuka and Conan were chatting, Haibara Ai slowly walked over and gently placed the coffee on the tray in front of Shizuka Hiratsuka.

"Oh, thank you~" Shizuka Hiratsuka nodded with a smile and took a sip of the coffee as she was thirsty.

"It tastes very good. By the way, how was your New Year's?"

"Fortunately, the doctor and I tried to prepare a New Year's Eve dinner, but since we didn't prepare the ingredients in advance, we ended up ordering takeout."

"Is that so?" After glancing at Dr. Agasa who was smiling awkwardly at the side, Shizuka Hiratsuka, knowing that the other party couldn't cook, turned her gaze back to Haibara Ai.

"Tsk, I forgot about that." Shizuka Hiratsuka glanced at the clock on the wall and found that it was still early, so she smiled and blinked.

"Ms. Hiratsuka, are you going to have dinner here today?"

"No, and don't call me Miss Hiratsuka. Just call me Aunt Shizuka like Shinichi." Patting Huibara's little head, Hiratsuka Shizuka stood up from the sofa.

"How can we celebrate the New Year without buying new clothes? Come on, Ai, let's go shopping!~"

"..." Meng Meng blinked her eyes, Haibara Ai was a little dazed. It was the same name "Xiao Ai", but why did it give her completely different feelings when it came from Hiratsuka Shizuka's mouth and when it came from Dr. Agasa's mouth?

"What are you still standing there for? Let's go, Shinichi, come with us. Stop looking for your old clothes from your childhood. And Doctor, it's time to change that sweater you're wearing!"

"Hey, should I go too?"

"Oh, that's true!"

Conan looked a little impatient, the doctor agreed with a silly smile, and Haibara Ai stood quietly there, feeling the lively atmosphere that she had never experienced before.

There are clearly only four people in the room, but why does it feel so warm?

Involuntarily, Haibara Ai raised her little head and looked with sparkling eyes at Hiratsuka Shizuka who was already putting on her thick windbreaker.

"Go change your clothes, Ai. Don't be polite with me today. Just consider this as a New Year's gift to you guys!~"