Nichiuri TV Station Lobby.
Kurosawa Hoshino, wearing a baseball cap and mask, stood quietly beside Ran. Next to them were the five kids. Ayumi, Genta, and Mitsuhiko were especially excited, chattering away nonstop.
"Sigh." Kurosawa Hoshino let out a sigh. "I told you not to bring them, but you insisted."
"It's fine." Ran massaged his shoulders, speaking in a coaxing tone. "They kept calling me 'Ran-neechan' left and right. I just couldn't refuse."
"Hmph. You're just too soft-hearted. See how they don't dare talk to me like that?"
"All right, all right. I'll make you something good tonight." Ran coaxed him like a child, easily handling Kurosawa Hoshino.
Conan watched silently, his fists clenched tight, the sides of his cheeks tense—probably grinding his teeth.
Ai noticed his expression and asked softly, "What's wrong? Do you like her?"
Hearing that, Conan blushed, a little embarrassed, but retorted stubbornly, "Like who? I don't know what you're talking about."
"Miss Ran."
"Ran? No, no. Ran and I are just childhood friends."
"Is that so?" Ai paused, then said quietly, "Then that means you like Kurosawa?"
"..."
Conan stared wide-eyed at Ai's cool expression, unable to believe such a pretty mouth could say something so vicious. His face darkened, and he said in a low voice, "Can you not spout nonsense? Where did you get the idea that I like him?"
"Isn't it?" Ai tilted her head and said lightly, "From your expression just now, it looked like someone stole your wife. I asked if it was Miss Ran, you said no. So it can only be Kurosawa."
"Stop playing dumb. I get it now—the reason you fled the Black Organization must be because that mouth of yours offended too many people."
"What are you barking about?" Ai used the same phrase Kurosawa Hoshino had once said to her.
Conan wanted to vomit blood and had the urge to hit someone. Ai continued, "Childhood friends, huh? I think your childhood friend already belongs to someone else. Maybe in a few years, you'll see their child born and even help babysit. Tsk tsk, what a lovely picture."
Conan lowered his head, imagining what Ai had just said, and couldn't help but shudder. That scene was too terrifying. His heart ached, and he said bitterly, "Haibara, please, you have to help me return to normal as soon as possible."
Ai was very satisfied with his words and nodded. "Don't worry. As long as you let me draw your blood every few days, I guarantee the research speed will increase quite a bit."
Conan's face turned green. He quickly shook his head, refusing. He didn't dare get blood drawn every few days—he'd probably be drained to death.
Just then, a young woman with short hair walked over. She greeted everyone in a gentle voice.
"Hello, I'm Aki Asano."
"Miss Asano, hello." Ran said, "My name is Ran Mouri. I'm Kogoro Mouri's daughter. My father is busy, so I came in his place."
"I know you. You're often in the newspapers. Then this must be—" Aki Asano's eyes lit up, and an excited expression appeared on her face as she looked at Kurosawa Hoshino in his cap and mask. She had already guessed the identity of the boy in front of her.
But before she could finish, a woman's voice interrupted. "Oh my, why are high schoolers and elementary schoolers handling reception today?"
Aki Asano turned to look at the woman slowly walking over and greeted her, "Miss Tsukumo."
Kazumi Tsukumo stared at Aki Asano, then glanced over Kurosawa Hoshino and the others. She said flatly, "How tough for you. Even with your busy schedule, you're willing to deal with these kids and high schoolers. Being the star announcer must be exhausting."
Kurosawa Hoshino looked at Aki Asano, then at Kazumi Tsukumo, and thought, They're at each other's throats the moment they meet. From my years of experience watching Conan, a case is probably about to happen. If it's just the two of them, then no matter who gets into trouble, the culprit will definitely be the other one.
"Miss Tsukumo, I—" Aki Asano tried to say something but was interrupted again by Kazumi Tsukumo.
"Sorry, busy lady, I have things to do. I won't delay you." With that, she lifted her head proudly and strode off in her high heels.
Genta pouted. "What an unpleasant woman."
"Yeah." Mitsuhiko agreed. "Just looking at her makes me dislike her."
Ayumi said softly, "That big sister was the host before Miss Asano started on News City."
"Tsk tsk, the flags are all stacked up." Kurosawa Hoshino complained inwardly. If nothing happened today, he was going to beat up Conan when he got home. He just didn't know if this woman would turn out to be the culprit or the victim.
After thinking for a moment, he took the initiative to ask, "Miss Asano, what exactly did you want to see Uncle Mouri about?"
"Actually—" Aki Asano said a little embarrassedly, "I recently wanted to invite the high school detective Kurosawa Hoshino onto the News City program."
Instantly, Ran and the others all looked at Kurosawa Hoshino.
"But I didn't know Kurosawa-kun's address or contact number. In the end, a senior at the station gave me Mr. Mouri's number, saying that as long as I got through to Mr. Mouri, I could reach Kurosawa-kun."
"This senior wouldn't happen to be Miss Mizunashi, would she?" Kurosawa Hoshino could only think of that woman. Working here and having Kogoro Mouri's number—it had to be her.
"Correct, it's me."
Rena Mizunashi's voice came suddenly from behind them.
Ai's body instantly stiffened, her face turning pale. She struggled to move a few steps to the side, came to Kurosawa Hoshino's side, grabbed his leg, and lowered her head.
"..."
Kurosawa Hoshino found it a little funny. He glanced at Rena Mizunashi walking over, bent down, and picked Ai up, letting her hide in his arms.
"What's going on?" Conan watched Ai's series of actions with a blank face, and a terrifying thought popped into his head. "Hiss~ Haibara, don't tell me she's fallen for Kurosawa?"
Rena Mizunashi walked up to the group, her gaze focusing on Kurosawa Hoshino in his cap and mask. Although most of his face was covered, with Ran here, she could still guess who the boy was. Then, thinking about where they were, she immediately understood why Kurosawa Hoshino was dressed like this. She laughed inwardly. Looks like he doesn't want to be interviewed.