With no point in hiding, Fujimine Yukiko openly admitted to the wardrobe clash.
"To alter a dress like that in such a short time, you're impressive, young lady," Sharon Vineyard praised. "You could become a renowned fashion designer."
Yukiko tilted her chin proudly at the compliment. "My dream isn't fashion design. I want to be a world-famous actress like you, Ms. Vineyard."
"Is that so?" Sharon chuckled lightly, seeing a spark of her younger self in the confident girl.
Suddenly, the star leaned in, sniffing near Yukiko's neck. "Such heavy smoke. You were hiding behind the curtain with your lover, weren't you?"
"L-Lover? We're just classmates!" Yukiko retorted instinctively, then clapped a hand over her mouth, realizing her slip.
"Haha," Sharon laughed, satisfied her guess was correct.
"What's so funny?" Yukiko muttered, annoyed. "If people didn't keep barging in, that jerk wouldn't have taken advantage…"
Overhearing her grumbling, Sharon suddenly pinched Yukiko's chin and leaned closer.
Yukiko panicked as the actress's stunning face drew near. What's she doing? Is she… a lesbian? My first kiss can't go to a woman!
Just as Yukiko braced to pull away, Sharon only whispered in her ear, "Being too honest isn't good, little lady. Secrets make a woman more alluring."
With a light laugh, Sharon turned and left.
Yukiko frowned at her retreating figure, mulling over the words.
At that moment, Hayashi Shuichi and the others emerged from the lounge, catching Sharon saying something to Yukiko.
"Don't trust everything that woman says," Hayashi Shuichi warned gravely. "She's not necessarily a good person."
He was concerned about Yukiko being deceived by Belmod. The others, however, thought he was referring to the earlier incident.
Hibari Eri stayed silent, while Yukiko stomped her foot in frustration. "I forgot about that! You're right—she's no good. She even told me secrets make a woman more feminine! Am I not feminine enough already?"
"Women with secrets are usually cheating," Mouri Kogoro blurted, then noticed everyone staring. "I mean, that's what they say on TV. If a wife suddenly has secrets, nine times out of ten, she's cheating."
Already studying infidelity? Future expert detective material, Hayashi Shuichi thought, shaking his head. "The party's started. I'm going to check around. You guys have fun."
With Belmod here, the Black Organization might stir trouble. Hayashi Shuichi couldn't relax without a thorough check.
After he left, Mouri Kogoro went off to get celebrity autographs with photos from schoolgirls.
The two girls exchanged a glance and split up to do their own thing.
If the Black Organization was planning something, Hayashi Shuichi's biggest fear was a bomb in the city hall.
They'd shot up Tokyo Tower in the future—bombing Rice Flower City Hall wasn't out of the question.
He scoured the hall, checking every load-bearing beam for anything suspicious. Finding nothing, he sighed in relief.
"From the places you checked," Kudo Yusaku approached with a glass of wine, "you're worried about a bomb?"
"Just being cautious," Hayashi Shuichi replied casually. "Find anything on your end?"
"Nothing," Yusaku shook his head. "Most people here are film industry folks—stars and directors. An outsider would stand out."
After a pause, Yusaku hesitated, then asked, "By the way, you and—"
Focused on the Black Organization, Hayashi Shuichi didn't notice Yusaku's shift. "What if the problem is a director or star?"
Yusaku frowned, sensing Hayashi Shuichi had a lead but wasn't certain.
Normally, Yusaku would've pressed for details, but after the Yukiko incident, his competitive streak flared. At just over twenty, he was full of youthful pride.
"I'll look around again," Yusaku said, leaving abruptly.
I can find whatever Hayashi Shuichi's onto!
Driven to outdo him and impress Yukiko, Yusaku began scrutinizing the party guests.
Hayashi Shuichi, meanwhile, relaxed. No bombs meant any Black Organization move wouldn't be catastrophic. He'd adapt as needed.
Besides, Belmod being here for an Organization mission was just a possibility. She might genuinely be attending as an actress.
As Hayashi Shuichi searched for his companions, he spotted Yukiko chatting happily with a middle-aged couple.
Seeing him, Yukiko beamed and pulled him over. "Mom, Dad, this is Hayashi Shuichi, my boss at the izakaya. Thanks to him, I got to come here."
"Hello, Uncle, Auntie," Hayashi Shuichi said awkwardly, feeling like he was meeting the in-laws under the Fujimines' scrutinizing gazes.
"Not bad," Mr. Fujimine nodded with a smile. "No wonder Yukiko mentions you often on the phone. Quite the fine young man."
"What do you plan to do, Hayashi-kun?" Mrs. Fujimine asked. "Just running an izakaya won't do, right? Yukiko says you're great at solving cases. After university, will you become a police officer or a detective?"
"Well…" Hayashi Shuichi hesitated.
Mr. Fujimine chimed in, "Detective's the way to go. Top detectives earn a lot."
"I think police is better," Mrs. Fujimine countered. "Yukiko says his grades are excellent. If he passes the National Civil Service Exam, he'll have a bright future."
(End of Chapter)
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