Faced with irrefutable evidence, Hitomi's psychological defense finally collapsed, and she confessed to the crime she had committed.
"It was all because he abandoned me and got together with that bitch! To get my revenge, I killed that scumbag and framed her for it. I just never expected I would run into you today!"
Hearing her motive for murder, the onlookers were horrified by her terrifying mindset, while simultaneously showering praise on Qin Xiao for his lightning-fast investigation.
Shortly after, Takagi and the others escorted Hitomi back to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
At that moment, the system's chime rang out: "Congratulations to the host for successfully solving the Roller Coaster Murder Case. Reward: a ten-cubic-meter system storage space."
Hearing about the spatial reward, Qin Xiao's face lit up with joy.
*Having this storage space is going to make things so much more convenient.*
Megure Juzo walked over and patted Qin Xiao on the shoulder. "As expected of a genius officer, solving the case just like that! You've really made us proud!"
Shinichi Kudo walked over with his hands in his pockets, looking thoroughly unconvinced. "I'll admit you're good this time, but I'm not going to lose to you!"
Suddenly, he caught sight of Gin in a black coat walking into the distance, and decided to tail him quietly.
*Those two definitely aren't ordinary people. I'll follow them and take a look; maybe I can take down another criminal syndicate.*
Watching Shinichi Kudo's actions, Qin Xiao made no move to stop him. After all, it was impossible to stop someone bent on digging their own grave.
Besides, he was already dissatisfied with Shinichi Kudo's irresponsible attitude toward Ran in the original story, even if Ran didn't like him right now.
Qin Xiao then went over to find Ran, who was still sitting on the bench.
"Ran, why haven't you left yet? Shinichi Kudo already took off. Didn't he tell you?"
"No, he didn't! How could he do that? Shinichi didn't even say a word to me!"
With that, she angrily stood up and got ready to leave. This incident lowered Ran's impression of Shinichi Kudo even further.
"Ran, let me walk you home. After all, it's way too dangerous for a young woman to be heading home this late!"
"Big Brother Qin Xiao, won't that be putting you out too much?"
"Not at all. Besides, walking a great beauty home is hardly a burden."
Hearing Qin Xiao's words, Ran's face instantly flushed, and her heart filled with a sweet warmth.
Afterward, the two of them walked side by side toward the Mouri Detective Agency.
Once they arrived at the Mouri Detective Agency, Qin Xiao watched as Ran headed upstairs before turning to leave with peace of mind.
Upstairs, Ran leaned against the window, gazing at Qin Xiao's retreating figure. Then, thinking of Shinichi Kudo, she couldn't help comparing the two in her heart.
*Big Brother Qin Xiao is such a gentle person! Unlike Shinichi Kudo, who is completely irresponsible.*
If Qin Xiao knew what she was thinking right now, he would probably laugh his head off.
As soon as Qin Xiao got home, he saw Yor, dressed in a black formal gown, about to enter the front door. Looking closer, he noticed that the hem of her dress was torn. He quietly made a mental note of it.
"Yor, did you just get off work? Have you eaten yet?"
"Yes! I grabbed a little something at the office."
"It's already been so long, I'm sure you must be hungry! Let me go make you something to eat."
Before Yor could say a word, Qin Xiao headed straight to the kitchen to busy himself.
Watching Qin Xiao's busy figure in the kitchen, Yor felt a deep warmth settle over the scene.
*Mr. Qin Xiao can be so overbearing sometimes! But you know, I don't dislike it at all.*
After finishing their late-night snack, the two of them returned to their respective rooms to rest.
Early the next morning, Qin Xiao was jolted awake by a burst of screaming.
"Anya, what on earth are you yelling about?" Qin Xiao asked, rubbing his messy, bed-head hair.
"Daddy, you're on TV!"
Qin Xiao looked at the television, startled by what was being broadcast.
The report covered the entire process of Qin Xiao solving yesterday's case, as well as the lonely, defeated figure of Shinichi Kudo.
Qin Xiao's heroic demeanor during the investigation led the people of Little Japan to hail him as the "Dragon of the Police World", viewing him as Shinichi Kudo's lifelong rival.
Moreover, thanks to his striking good looks, Qin Xiao was treated by the girls of Little Japan as their dream lover, completely overshadowing Shinichi Kudo in popularity.
Seeing such an exaggerated report, Qin Xiao hardly knew what to say.
Upon returning to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Miwako walked over to him and said, "That was really something else, Qin Xiao! Looks like I still have a lot to learn from you."
"Don't tease me, Miwako! I'm already stressed enough as it is!"
Watching Qin Xiao laughing and chatting with the precinct's resident beauty, the other men in the office were consumed by jealousy.
Especially Takagi, since he had long wanted to pursue Miwako. But even though it stung, none of them said a word—after all, the man actually had the skills to back it up.
At that moment, an officer walked over and told Qin Xiao that Megure Juzo wanted to see him.
As soon as Qin Xiao stepped inside, he saw Moroboshi Toshio sitting in Megure Juzo's seat.
"Assistant Inspector Qin Xiao, yesterday you truly washed away the disgrace of our Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Every time a case pops up, those freelance detectives always swoop in to solve it, making the public lose confidence in us."
*Why the public has no confidence in you guys—don't you have the slightest self-awareness about that?*
Though Qin Xiao thought this to himself, saying it aloud was out of the question.
"This was all thanks to everyone's joint efforts. Without everyone's help, it would have been very difficult for me to crack this case."
Hearing Qin Xiao's response, Moroboshi Toshio nodded in satisfaction.
*Unarrogant and level-headed! A genuine talent, well worth cultivating.*
There were no major cases at the precinct all day, and the moment quitting time hit, Qin Xiao punched out and headed home.
As soon as he stepped through the front door, Qin Xiao caught the distinct smell of something burning. Heading into the kitchen, he discovered that Yor was trying to cook.
*Mr. Qin Xiao is so capable, I can't fall too far behind. Let me cook him a meal today.*
Seeing Yor trying to cook touched Qin Xiao deeply, but upon seeing the charred, black mess in the pot, he decided he still wanted to live a few more years.
In the end, Qin Xiao had to roll up his sleeves and cook himself.
"Mr. Qin Xiao, am I just completely useless? I can't even cook a simple meal."
"Of course not, nobody is perfect at everything. Besides, since I'm here at home, how could I possibly let the lovely Miss Yor spend all her time breathing kitchen smoke?"
Hearing Qin Xiao's comforting words, Yor felt a little better.
At dinner, Yor suddenly spoke up. "Mr. Qin Xiao, my company is hosting a cocktail party, and I'd like to ask you to accompany me."
"Mama, are you going to a party? Anya wants to go too!" Anya chimed in excitedly upon hearing the news.
"No problem. Just remind me when the time comes so I can dress a bit sharp. Otherwise, I won't look worthy of the lovely Miss Yor."
Hearing Qin Xiao's words, a wave of sweetness welled up in Yor's heart.
*Yuri, maybe I've really met a wonderful person.*