At 6:30 PM, everyone arrived at Kamimori Michiko's house on time.
"Ms. Mouri Ran, hello. I'm Komiyama Yuko, Ms. Kamimori's assistant." A woman helped everyone with slippers at the entrance, introducing herself.
"Um, why did you bring so many people?" Komiyama looked at Kurosawa Hoshino and the others, a hint of helplessness on her face.
Ran blushed, explaining, "I'm sorry. Actually, my family was worried about the danger at night, so they had someone accompany me. Oh, and this Ms. Chris—she also wants to learn French cuisine with me." Finally, she introduced Vermouth.
Hearing this, Komiyama breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "If that's the case, then everything's fine. Ms. Mouri, Ms. Chris, today is your first day. If there's anything you don't understand, be sure to ask. Don't hide anything."
"Yes, yes, I understand." As they chatted, they took a step inside and were surprised to see a large kitchen. It was truly a training center run by a family—they were straightforward and didn't mince words.
Inside the kitchen were two women and a man. With so many strangers, introductions were necessary, and Kurosawa and the others learned the names and basic information of the three.
Mr. Nishitani Hiroaki, a student of Kamimori Michiko.
Ms. Kamimori Kaoru, Kamimori Michiko's daughter-in-law—though she was wearing an eye patch over her left eye, which drew some attention.
Ms. Yashiro Kazue, Kamimori Michiko's classmate from her school days.
"Hello," Ran greeted them with a smile.
"Ms. Mouri, Ms. Chris," Yashiro said calmly, "when we start learning, I hope you're prepared. Michiko is very good at scolding people. She won't hold back."
"Is—is that so?" To be honest, Ran was a little nervous and subconsciously looked at Kurosawa.
Kurosawa shrugged, indicating he couldn't help.
Vermouth was only there to keep Ran company, so she hadn't heard a word and didn't care at all.
"Kurosawa Hoshino?" Suddenly, Nishitani exclaimed, staring wide-eyed at Kurosawa.
"Mr. Nishitani, what's wrong?" Komiyama asked curiously.
Nishitani said excitedly, "Yuko, when this guy introduced himself, he said his name was Kurosawa Hoshino. Didn't you realize? Doesn't he look familiar? That high school detective—Kurosawa Hoshino!"
Komiyama covered her mouth in surprise. Kamimori Kaoru and Yashiro also looked at Kurosawa, their eyes gradually widening.
Conan scoffed, thinking these people were making a fuss over nothing.
"Hello." Kurosawa nodded slightly to the four of them.
Komiyama exclaimed in surprise, "Kurosawa-kun, I really didn't expect it to be you! I didn't even realize it was you just now. No wonder your name sounded so familiar."
Yashiro hesitated for a moment, then said, "Kurosawa-kun, I think you should leave."
"Why?" Kurosawa raised an eyebrow, looking at the middle-aged woman suspiciously. Was she planning to kill someone tonight, and that's why she wanted to get rid of him?
Yashiro explained, "It's because you're so famous. If Michiko recognizes you when she comes back, she'll definitely use your fame to promote her cooking class. You might not even know about it."
"My mother-in-law is definitely capable of doing something like that." Kamimori Kaoru, her daughter-in-law, didn't speak up for her but instead affirmed it.
Vermouth frowned. Her expression behind her mask became somewhat displeased. She regretted giving the flyer to Ran so hastily that afternoon. She hadn't expected that Michiko's classmate and daughter-in-law wouldn't speak up for her. It was clear that they had some issues with their character.
"I don't mind. I'm mainly here to keep Ran company," Kurosawa replied casually.
"Speaking of Ms. Mouri—" Nishitani, seemingly knowledgeable about everything, smiled with a look of sudden realization. "Ms. Mouri, you're the girl who's always around Kurosawa, right? Are you two dating? Everyone online says you're boyfriend and girlfriend. Is that true?"
"No, no, no. We're just good friends. Not like that." Ran explained, blushing.
"That's such a shame." Nishitani said regretfully. "I often see you two in the newspapers and news. I think you're a perfect match."
Ran couldn't stand this kind of topic—it was too embarrassing. She simply hid behind Vermouth, pressing herself tightly against her back.
Nishitani laughed, no longer teasing Ran about it, and went to chat with Komiyama.
Vermouth's eyes lit up. She turned around and hugged Ran, her breathing becoming rapid. Her hands on Ran's back trembled slightly, as if she were holding a precious treasure, extremely excited.
"Ran~" Vermouth spoke softly, trying to keep her tone even, and whispered in her ear, "I don't think this Kamimori Michiko has a very good reputation. Perhaps we should leave? She's not the only one who knows French cuisine. We can ask around and see if there are any other places that teach it."
Ran hesitated, not noticing Vermouth's overly intimate manner. After a while, she replied softly, "Ms. Chris, I want to try it first. If it doesn't work out, I won't come tomorrow."
"Okay." Vermouth, now holding Ran, only wanted to hold her a little longer—to be close to her as much as possible. Every second counted.
This woman— Conan noticed Vermouth's series of subtle actions toward Ran and a certain possibility occurred to him. This Ms. Chris—could she be a womanizer? Oh no, the more I look at her, the more it seems like it.
Thinking this, he glared fiercely at Kurosawa, cursing inwardly, Idiot Hoshino. Your deductive reasoning is usually so strong—can't you see that this woman has bad intentions toward Ran?
Kurosawa felt the hostile gaze and instantly turned his head to meet Conan's eyes. "Conan, are you cursing me in your heart?"
Conan's expression froze. He quickly made his eyes clear and foolish, pretending to be aggrieved. "Hoshino-nii, I'm not cursing you in my heart."
After saying that, he looked at Vermouth, who was still holding Ran, hoping that his gaze would attract Kurosawa's attention and make him notice Vermouth's strange behavior.
At that moment, Vermouth released Ran, her eyes filled with joy and satisfaction.
So happy just from a hug? Kurosawa happened to witness this scene and found it somewhat amusing. How pathetic, Vermouth. If Ran recognized you as her mother, you'd probably faint from happiness on the spot.