Beyond the Truth: Mouri's Odyssey

Chapter 0014: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (1)

Friday evening arrived quickly. Kogoro Mouri had already adjusted to life in Japan, and the little rascal, Conan, obediently attended school every day.

Surprisingly, no cases had occurred in the past few days, which left Kogoro somewhat astonished. Had Conan's "Grim Reaper aura" not fully activated yet?

Previously, Kogoro had only solved a case involving Yoko Okino. Since Yoko was a prominent celebrity, her company had suppressed news of the incident, and it hadn't spread widely. As a result, the Mouri Detective Agency remained in a gloomy state.

"Dad, why did you buy so many things again?" Ran asked, her tone laced with a hint of complaint as she looked at the furniture, appliances, and decorations delivered by the logistics company.

These were the spoils of Kogoro's recent ventures. Having suddenly come into wealth, he indulged in a shopping spree.

The house underwent a complete transformation. The walls were covered with wallpaper, and the three-story residence's dull gray tones were replaced with bright yellow and orange hues. Modern furniture and appliances filled the space, giving the home a fresh and lively appearance.

Conan was tasked by Kogoro to discard the packaging materials, working tirelessly like a small dog and sweating profusely.

"You must have kept some of the money from your last commission for yourself! How despicable—hiding a stash like that!" Ran scolded him with feigned anger. However, her expression betrayed her delight as she admired the new furniture and appliances, walking with an extra spring in her step.

In truth, Kogoro's spending spree didn't end there. He had also purchased a luxury apartment in an upscale district nearby. He had subtly asked Ran if she wanted to move, but she declined.

Ran felt their current home was perfect—it was close to her school, and the neighbors were friendly. Thus, Kogoro dismissed the idea of moving.

The upscale apartment near Kyoto's bustling economic district ended up becoming Kogoro's personal retreat. Over the past few days, he had been "practicing marksmanship" with Yuko Ikezawa, testing her "depths."

Kogoro was also planning to buy a car in a few days.

While the family was busy redecorating, Kogoro's phone rang.

"Moshi moshi, this is Kogoro Mouri."

"Oh, Miss Yoko? … The music festival? … Sure, I'll be there."

Conan and Ran both looked up. "Dad, who was that?"

Kogoro replied nonchalantly, "It was a former client, Miss Yoko Okino. I helped her out recently. She just called to invite us to watch the live Golden Music Festival tonight. Ran, stop what you're doing and get ready. Let's go."

"Wow! Is it that super popular music show? I love Ayumi Hamasaki! She's truly Japan's pride. Last week's 'My All' took first place! Ah, I can't believe I'll get to see her in person. I need to change my clothes!" Ran's eyes sparkled with excitement as she rushed to her room.

Kogoro hadn't expected Ran to be such a fangirl. Conan, on the other hand, stared at Kogoro in shock, as if seeing him for the first time.

Kogoro walked over and gave Conan a swift flick on the forehead. "What are you staring at, kid? Go get changed too."

Rubbing the large bump on his head, Conan reluctantly went to change.

The three of them soon took a taxi to Kyoto Television Station. The Golden Music Festival was very similar to the show *I Am a Singer* from Kogoro's previous life. Seven professional singers competed each week, with one challenger joining and one singer being eliminated in every episode.

Unlike the show from his previous life, this competition was broadcast live, and scoring was done by 500 professional judges.

The current lineup of singers included pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki, the young songstress Yoko Okino, Korean stars Rain and Lee Hyori, Yuko Ikezawa, and a Filipino singer, Asibian, who was on the verge of elimination.

In the taxi, Ran couldn't contain her excitement. Like a little girl, she enthusiastically introduced the show to Kogoro and Conan. Seeing her this happy, Kogoro felt a pang of guilt.

'This is how a sixteen-year-old girl should be,' Kogoro thought.

In the past, their poor living conditions had forced Ran to take on responsibilities beyond her years. Like children from impoverished families, she had developed a strong and gentle demeanor. However, deep down, she yearned for her parents to reconcile and for their family to become harmonious again.

Now, seeing Kogoro's transformation, Ran felt a burden lifted from her heart. She began to reveal her suppressed girlish nature.

Kogoro glanced at Conan and silently made a decision. 'I'll protect my daughter's smile. You, little brat—Aoyama-sensei has kept you as Conan for seven or eight hundred episodes without letting you return to normal. If I let Ran follow the same miserable path from the anime, I'd never forgive myself.'

'I won't let you and Ran be together!'

The taxi arrived at the dazzling Kyoto Television Station. The thirty-story building was illuminated with starlight, and the Golden Music Festival was being broadcast live on the eleventh floor.

As soon as they arrived, a long-legged beauty in a red hoodie approached them. "Uncle, you're so late! Yoko is rehearsing, so she sent me to fetch you."

The woman pulled down her hoodie, revealing a delicate, oval-shaped face. It was none other than Boa from Dream Team.

"Wow! It's Boa-san!"

Conan stared at her legs, which were longer than his entire height, with an enraptured expression.

"What an adorable little boy!" Boa, oblivious to Conan's ogling, praised him casually.

A tick mark appeared on Kogoro's forehead as he gave Conan another flick on the head, leaving a large bump.

"Boa-san, don't be fooled by this brat. He's very precocious and even snuck off to watch adult videos the other day. Don't let him take advantage of you," Kogoro said, shamelessly throwing dirt on Conan.

Ran's eyes widened in shock. "Conan-kun, did you really do that? That's wrong!"

Boa immediately stepped back in disgust.

Clutching the bump on his head, Conan looked like he was about to cry. "I didn't do it! Ran, you have to believe me!"

"Call me *onee-chan*," Ran said, her face stern and ready to strike.

Boa quickly clapped her hands to break the tension. "Alright, the show's about to start. Let's go up."

The incident was temporarily brushed aside. Conan glared at Kogoro with resentment, while Kogoro smirked triumphantly, reveling in his successful prank.