After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Akiko Yonehara suddenly asked curiously: "By the way, who arranged the villa this time?"
She looked around, her eyes full of doubt.
Everyone also showed puzzled expressions; only Yuu Hoshimiya glanced at Akiko Yonehara meaningfully.
"We all received a note on our desks in the office, thinking it was arranged by a colleague again, like before."
Minori Nakamura said with a smile.
At this time, Kohei Shimoda joked: "It must be that guy Sugiyama, right? He loves doing this kind of thing! But he's really slow; hasn't arrived yet, must have overslept again."
Everyone laughed after hearing this.
Ryuichi Sakai twisted his neck and suggested: "Hey, since it's that guy Sugiyama being late again, let's not wait! While it's still light, let's go skiing quickly."
This proposal instantly ignited everyone's interest.
Ran's eyes sparkled; she turned and grabbed Yuu Hoshimiya's hand, shaking it excitedly: "Brother Yuu, let's go skiing together!"
Yuu Hoshimiya was slightly stunned. Seeing Ran so happy, his heart also warmed.
He smiled and pinched Ran's warm and jade-like small hand.
"Okay, let's go skiing together!"
Akiko Yonehara stood aside and teased: "Can Teacher Hoshimiya ski?"
Yuu Hoshimiya smiled, waving his hand as if not caring.
"Yes, of course."
Although he hadn't specifically learned skiing skills, with physical fitness far exceeding ordinary people, mastering skiing shouldn't be a problem.
Even if it's really difficult, at worst cheat with magic!
Anyway, can't be looked down upon at such times.
And Sonoko had already rushed out of the room first, standing in the snow, shouting excitedly at the surrounding white snow.
"Wah ah ah! Snow—so beautiful!"
She opened her arms wide, feeling the cold air surrounding her, a relieved smile on her face.
Akiko Yonehara chuckled watching this scene.
"Sonoko is still as lively as a child."
Yuu Hoshimiya's gaze followed that silver-white world, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help rising slightly.
As the laughter of the crowd gradually faded away, a long-lost sense of relaxation rose in his heart.
Unfortunately, this sense of relaxation probably won't last long...
Better enjoy it more before the case happens.
"Let's go," Yuu Hoshimiya lowered his head and said to Ran, "Let's go experience the fun of skiing too."
Ran nodded, face full of expectation.
She held Yuu Hoshimiya's arm, dragging him quickly outwards.
Akiko Yonehara stood at the door, smiling at their retreating figures, then turned to Sakai and Shimoda: "I'll go change; you guys hurry up and get ready too."
Ryuichi Sakai laughed, "I don't want to be outdone by the kids; gotta get on the field quickly!"
The white snow on the ski resort sparkled dazzlingly under the sun, and the air was filled with the fragrance of cedar.
When Yuu Hoshimiya and everyone changed into equipment and stepped on the skis, he was eager to try.
"Brother Yuu, let's practice on the beginner slope first!"
Ran suggested excitedly.
Yuu Hoshimiya shook his head, smiling confidently: "No need for the beginner slope; go directly to the advanced slope, I'll take you to ski together."
Ran chuckled upon hearing this, but her trust in Yuu Hoshimiya was unreserved, nodding decisively.
As soon as the skis stepped on the slope, Yuu Hoshimiya felt the wonderful combination of speed and balance.
He leaned forward slightly, knees bent gently, the whole movement natural and smooth like flowing water.
In just a few minutes, he easily mastered the essentials of skiing, driving the board to gallop on the snow slope without hesitation.
"Brother Yuu, so amazing!" Ran's eyes were full of admiration.
The corners of Yuu Hoshimiya's mouth raised slightly, then slowed down, sliding to Ran's side, guiding her patiently while skiing.
"Center of gravity forward, keep knees bent, eyes looking ahead, don't be nervous, just slide down along the slope of the ski run."
Ran listened attentively to Yuu Hoshimiya's guidance, quickly mastering the essentials of movement. She slid skillfully, skis drawing graceful arcs on the snow.
"Haha! Look! I can do it too!" She turned and smiled at Yuu Hoshimiya.
Yuu Hoshimiya nodded gratifyingly, speeding up to ski side by side with Ran. "Not bad! Adjust the center of gravity more steadily; let's try turning!"
However, on the other side of the ski resort, Sonoko's style was completely different.
Her skis and the snow track were extremely incompatible; she fell into the snow from time to time, finally simply giving up skiing and rolling directly in the snow.
She rolled with snowflakes flying, laughing exaggeratedly, completely letting herself go.
"Hahahaha, skiing is too hard; I choose to frolic in the snow!" Sonoko held snow and threw it fiercely, laughing up at the sky.
Seeing this scene, Yuu Hoshimiya and Ran both couldn't help laughing out loud.
"Sonoko, skiing is not rolling!"
Ran covered her face helplessly, but couldn't help laughing back and forth.
"What are you laughing at!"
Sonoko's face was full of snow, but she shouted carelessly, "This is true enjoyment! Who says skiing has to be standing?"
The laughter and joy on the ski resort resounded through the whole valley.
Yuu Hoshimiya skied handsomely on the snow slope; his movements were flexible, every turn precise and elegant.
Surrounding skiers made way for him one after another, couldn't help sighing, "That person skis really well!"
"Brother Yuu, you are really amazing!" Ran was full of excitement, following closely behind Yuu Hoshimiya.
Yuu Hoshimiya smiled proudly, accelerating forward.
"Not just amazing, I am the Prince of Skiing!"
In front of Ran, Yuu Hoshimiya wouldn't put on airs, releasing his most innocent side to his heart's content.
Seeing Yuu Hoshimiya getting more and more handsome on the snow track, Ran's laughter in the ski resort became more cheerful.
Shortly after, Akiko Yonehara and her colleagues also changed into ski equipment and walked onto the snow track in high spirits.
Their appearance instantly attracted the eyes of many skiers—that set of extremely professional ski equipment and the seasoned breath revealed in gestures.
These are experts!
"Eh? Look at their movements; they seem to be professional players?" Ran leaned close to Yuu Hoshimiya's ear and whispered in surprise.
Akiko Yonehara skied to Yuu Hoshimiya's side, a meaningful smile on her lips.
"Teacher Hoshimiya, are you sure this is your first time skiing? Your level doesn't look like a novice."
Yuu Hoshimiya smiled confidently and responded casually: "I learn everything quickly; it's just skiing."
Akiko Yonehara couldn't help raising her eyebrows, obviously surprised by Yuu Hoshimiya's talent.
"Really incredible; we are actually old members of the ski club, how come it feels your level is already on par with us?"
Just then, physical education teacher Ryuichi Sakai made a dashing big turn on the snow track and stopped steadily.
He took off his goggles and laughed: "Yonehara, you wouldn't be trying to say that experts of the ski club will lose to a novice, right?"
"Really possible!" Akiko Yonehara teased with a smile.
Kohei Shimoda stood not far away, hands on ski poles, raising eyebrows: "Since everyone's level is so high, how about a friendly match? See who is the King of the Snow Track today!"
"Good idea!" Ryuichi Sakai agreed immediately.
"You club experts bullying a novice, not afraid of losing face?"
Yuu Hoshimiya raised his eyebrows playfully, corners of his mouth carrying a bit of provocation.
Minori Nakamura laughed briskly, a competitive light flashing in her eyes, "Teacher Hoshimiya is so powerful; how can he be considered a novice?"
The atmosphere became heated; everyone geared up, ready to compete on the snow track.
Ran said excitedly: "Brother Yuu, come on, Sonoko and I support you!"
Sonoko carried ski poles, nodding repeatedly: "Teacher Hoshimiya, come on! Beat Teacher Yonehara and the others!"
"Eh? Wasn't your relationship with me very good just now?"
Akiko Yonehara glared at Sonoko half-jokingly, "Taking sides with the handsome guy now?"
Sonoko stuck out her tongue and laughed: "Of course I have to support Teacher Hoshimiya!"
Everyone soon stood at the starting point of the snow track, everyone posing with a focused expression.
Ski poles kicked gently in the snow; they sped down like arrows from the string.
Yuu Hoshimiya felt the cold wind whistling past his ears, gaze focused, body center of gravity adjusted cleverly, legs manipulating the skis flexibly.
Sometimes sliding rapidly, sometimes turning agilely, skis drawing smooth trajectories on the snow.
Akiko Yonehara and her colleagues were not to be outdone; they obviously underwent strict training, postures professional and graceful.
However, relying on excellent physical fitness and amazing learning ability, Yuu Hoshimiya didn't fall behind at all. His movements seemed casual but were extremely precise, making Akiko Yonehara admire him involuntarily.
"This guy is really a monster..."
Ryuichi Sakai sighed, but a stronger fighting spirit ignited in his eyes.
On the snow track, Yuu Hoshimiya stopped suddenly; splashing snowflakes drew arcs in the air.
He slid to Akiko Yonehara's side smoothly, corners of his mouth slightly raised, "Let's call it a draw this time!"
Akiko Yonehara laughed: "Teacher Hoshimiya, really not letting people worry."
The two walked side by side, enjoying the pleasure of speed and snow track; happy shouts of Conan, Ran, and Sonoko came from behind.
When everyone finished skiing and returned to the villa, it was already evening. The sky gradually darkened, and the accumulated snow泛着 (fan zhe - pan/emit) cold light under the dim afterglow.
Akiko Yonehara had put on an apron, busy preparing dinner in the kitchen; ingredients emitted bursts of tempting aroma in the pot.
She stir-fried vegetables neatly, looked up and smiled at Yuu Hoshimiya: "Teacher Hoshimiya, dinner will probably take a while longer. Speaking of which, why hasn't Teacher Sugiyama arrived yet? This person always loves to be late."
"His lateness isn't a matter of a day or two."
Ryuichi Sakai shrugged and joked, "But it's really late enough; any later and we'll go hungry."
Minori Nakamura echoed with a smile: "Every time we come out to play, he likes to appear mysteriously last. Don't know what trick he's playing this time."
Everyone teased the late Sugiyama one after another. Just then, the doorbell rang suddenly, breaking everyone's jokes.
Ryuichi Sakai clapped his hands, "Hehe, this guy finally came!" He laughed while running to open the door.
However, as soon as the door opened, Sakai's smile froze abruptly.
He took a step back sharply, eyes full of astonishment and wariness.
Standing outside the door wasn't Sugiyama, but a sloppy and gloomy man.
His hair was messy, unshaven, eyes bloodshot, seeming not to have slept for several days.
"You are..."
Ryuichi Sakai's voice trembled slightly, as if seeing someone he didn't want to see again.
Kohei Shimoda and Minori Nakamura behind him were also stunned, their faces sinking at once.
They exchanged a meaningful look with each other, seeming to recognize this man.
Ran keenly perceived the wrong atmosphere; she stepped forward, blocking in front of everyone, asking vigilantly: "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
The man looked up, revealing a dark smile, voice low and hoarse: "Ah, sorry, I'm Atsushi Mori... a journalist, remember? Three years ago, I was taken care of by you."
Although his tone was polite, that disturbing smile made people shudder.
Yuu Hoshimiya stood aside, hands in pockets, looking at the visitor calmly, knowing in his heart that the event was about to begin.
The previous leisurely and happy time would be gone forever.
Seeing several teachers silent, Ran could only continue to ask bracingly: "Mr. Mori, what are you doing here?"
The haze in Atsushi Mori's eyes deepened a few points, but his tone remained peaceful: "Someone notified me anonymously that something interesting would happen here tonight... for example—"
The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, "A murder case."
As soon as these words came out, the air seemed to freeze instantly; everyone stood still in place.
Ran's heart sank fiercely, an ominous premonition surging up.
She clenched her fist almost instinctively—every time she and Brother Yuu went out, it seemed they couldn't avoid these things; did they get involved in some terrible event again this time?
Atsushi Mori seemed to see through her mind, smile becoming more gloomy.
He raised his head slowly, gaze falling on Ran: "You are the daughter of the famous detective Kogoro Mouri, right? Heh... It seems I can write an interesting report again this time."
His tone carried a trace of weird excitement, as if expecting some terrible thing to happen soon.
Ran couldn't help getting nervous, cold sweat emerging slightly on her back.
She stepped back quietly, approaching Yuu Hoshimiya, slightly afraid, "Brother Yuu..."
Yuu Hoshimiya patted Ran's shoulder calmly, tone steady.
"It's okay, I'm here."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Atsushi Mori, a trace of scrutinizing light flashing in his eyes.
Atsushi Mori smiled gloomily, saying no more, taking a step to come in.
Ryuichi Sakai subconsciously reached out to block the door, expression stiff: "Mr. Mori... not very convenient. This villa is full tonight, and everyone also... didn't receive your news in advance."
Atsushi Mori didn't retreat, instead revealing a more dark smile.
His sunken eyes stared at Ryuichi Sakai like a venomous snake, voice lowered, carrying a trace of aggressive insidiousness.
"Hehe... really want to leave me alone in this snowy night? It's very cold outside."
He slowed his tone, smile becoming more weird: "If I write a report tomorrow, saying several elementary school teachers refused to save a dying person, inhuman, what kind of article do you think that would be?"
Ryuichi Sakai's face turned iron blue at once, fists clenched tightly, but facing this threat, he was powerless to refute.
Gritting his teeth, he moved aside helplessly.
Atsushi Mori hooked his mouth, walking in proudly past him; snowflakes fell on the floor with his steps, and cold air also poured into the villa.
"Sigh..."
Ryuichi Sakai sighed helplessly, watching Atsushi Mori walk slowly towards the living room like an uninvited crow.
Several teachers who were talking and laughing in the living room saw Atsushi Mori come in, expressions becoming stiff one after another.
For a time, the joyful atmosphere cooled rapidly, like cold water splashed on the flames in the stove.
Kohei Shimoda and Minori Nakamura looked at each other, said nothing, silently returned to their rooms, avoiding this uninvited guest.
However, Atsushi Mori didn't care about this.
He swaggered to the fireplace, took off his wet coat, threw it on the back of the chair, then sat down, extending his hands to warm them in front of the fireplace.
His distinct knuckled hands looked particularly gloomy under the reflection of the firelight, like some hidden predator.
Ran and Sonoko stood aside, looked at each other helplessly, and sighed at the same time.
"This person... really lingering like a ghost."
Sonoko muttered in a low voice, tone revealing disgust and uneasiness.
"Really don't know how Teacher Yonehara and the others dealt with such people back then..."
Ran echoed in a low voice, frowning at that uncomfortable figure in front of the fireplace.
Yuu Hoshimiya stood aside, always wearing that indifferent smile on his face, waiting silently for things to continue developing.
At this time, Akiko Yonehara said bluntly: "Ran, Sonoko, ignore him, go tidy up the room; I'll continue to cook dinner, call you when it's ready."
Sonoko and Ran looked at each other, pulling Yuu Hoshimiya upstairs together.
Ran and Yuu Hoshimiya, as a couple, shared a room, while Sonoko's room was next to theirs.
Although the three were intimate, in front of acquaintances like Akiko Yonehara, Sonoko naturally couldn't sleep with Yuu Hoshimiya.
Room tidied halfway, Sonoko's scream suddenly sounded.
Yuu Hoshimiya frowned, knowing tonight's big show had begun.
He held Ran's hand and said softly: "Don't worry, Sonoko is fine; let's go check together."
Sonoko's scream didn't come from the next room.
The two walked quickly along the corridor towards the direction of the sound, finally stopping at Akiko Yonehara's door.
The door was closed tightly; Yuu Hoshimiya tried the handle and found the door locked.
His gaze sank, lifting his foot without hesitation, a powerful kick kicking the door open fiercely.
The door fell in response, making a loud noise.
The scene in front of him stunned him—Sonoko and Akiko Yonehara both fell on the ground, expressions stiff, as if encountering some attack.
More weirdly, a Katakana was actually drawn on the back of each of their hands.
On the back of Akiko Yonehara's hand was "Mi" (ミ), on the back of Sonoko's hand was "Na" (ナ).
"Sonoko!"
Ran screamed and threw herself on Sonoko.
"Ran, don't panic, she's fine."
Seeing Ran pouncing on Sonoko, Yuu Hoshimiya hurriedly comforted her.
He pressed Sonoko's chest skillfully a few times, using magic to stimulate her to wake up.
Doing a full set of acting; since he chose to let Akiko Yonehara complete revenge, Yuu Hoshimiya naturally wouldn't change the destiny direction of this event at this time.
He squatted down immediately, beginning to check their breathing and pulse seriously.
The result was naturally that both were just unconscious, with no other obvious external injuries.
Then Yuu Hoshimiya frowned slightly, focusing on the text on the back of the two's hands, reading softly: "...Meaning 'Everyone' (Minna)?"
Just then, others also arrived in a hurry.
A moment later, Sonoko opened her eyes, gasping weakly, but seeing Yuu Hoshimiya, she immediately threw herself into his arms in panic.
"Teacher Hoshimiya! Teacher Yonehara was killed! And someone attacked me! So scary!"
She shouted chokingly, hands clutching Yuu Hoshimiya's lapel tightly.
"What? Teacher Yonehara was killed?"
Ran looked in horror at Akiko Yonehara's direction, face pale.
But just then, Akiko Yonehara on the ground suddenly frowned, slowly opened her eyes, and struggled to sit up.
"I am..."
Akiko Yonehara rubbed her forehead, looking bewildered.
Sonoko widened her eyes, staring at her blankly.
"Teacher... you didn't die?"