Chapter 195: Vermouth Draws Attention

Beihu Hotel

After registering his name at the entrance, Hayashi Yoshiki received a black mourning handkerchief.

Upon entering the venue, he was surrounded by guests in formal black suits.

Near the center, where an oversized portrait of Sakamaki Akira was placed among elaborate flower arrangements, Hayashi Yoshiki spotted many well-known figures from the entertainment and political worlds.

Among them, one person immediately caught his eye—Pisco, a long-standing member of the Black Organization.

Kenzo Masuyama.

The man looked like a kind, elderly gentleman—smiling with squinted eyes, a wine glass in hand, and leaning forward slightly to listen politely to the person speaking beside him.

However, when he felt Hayashi Yoshiki's gaze sweep past, he stood up with a smile and subtly raised his glass toward him before resuming conversation as if nothing had happened.

"Teacher Hayashi, that's Kenzo Masuyama," whispered Asamiya Nanae."He's the chairman of a major automobile company—a big name in the financial world."

Hayashi Yoshiki smiled and nodded outwardly, but his thoughts were sharp and wary.

Pisco... do you know who I am?

Although Masuyama hadn't approached him directly, the deliberate gesture made him suspicious.

Just then, a middle-aged man approached.

"Teacher Hayashi," said Nanae, noticing."That's Director Mizuno—he's one of the people who mentioned wanting to adapt the Kindaichi series."

Hayashi Yoshiki turned on his trademark gentle smile.

Meanwhile, Masuyama, still smiling and conversing, occasionally stole glances at Hayashi Yoshiki.

Yes—he did know who he was.

As a key figure the organization embedded in business and politics, Kenzo Masuyama had used his influence to facilitate several things for Hayashi Yoshiki: generous publishing contracts, smear campaigns against critics like Beniko Suo, and PR support.

This level of organizational protection was rare—possibly unprecedented.

Recognizing that Hayashi Yoshiki was an asset of exceptional value, Masuyama had long hoped to forge closer ties. In fact, the invitation Hayashi Yoshiki received for this memorial event had been pushed through by Masuyama himself.

After chatting briefly with several directors and exchanging business cards, Hayashi Yoshiki glanced at his watch.

17:43.Conan and Haibara Ai haven't arrived yet.

"Mr. Hayashi!" came a cheerful voice.

It was Kenzo Masuyama.

Even Asamiya Nanae looked surprised this time.

Hayashi Yoshiki smiled politely, feigning unfamiliarity.

"Mr. Masuyama."

"I've had my eye on you for a long time, Mr. Hayashi," Masuyama chuckled.

"I'm honored," Yoshiki replied calmly.

"Haha, you didn't expect that, did you? I'm actually a huge mystery novel fan. I was hoping to have a drink with you today—so I came over to say hello.Too bad they're only serving champagne."

"You don't like champagne?"

"Not really. I prefer Pisco. Are you familiar with it?"

"…Not exactly."

"It's a grape-based brandy. Unlike gin or vodka, which are distilled from grains.Strong stuff, though."

"I see."

Hayashi Yoshiki offered a practiced smile as they clinked glasses.

Masuyama didn't linger. He left a business card and moved on.

Unlike Gin and the other frontline operatives, Hayashi Yoshiki's social status and value were more subtle—but equally important to the organization. He was a piece to be kept in reserve.

"Wow…" Nanae gasped, hands clasped."I didn't expect someone that influential to be a fan of your work, Teacher Hayashi!"

"It surprised me too," he replied with a light smile.

But after turning away, his expression darkened slightly.

That old man really went out of his way to meddle.

Unbeknownst to Conan or Haibara Ai, someone else had seen that encounter—Chris Vineyard, a.k.a. Vermouth.

The glamorous blonde star had arrived early.

From a distance, she had watched Kenzo Masuyama approach and initiate contact with Hayashi Yoshiki.

Though she couldn't hear the conversation, the scene stuck with her.

Pisco is shrewd—he doesn't waste energy on things that don't benefit him.

Why would he take an interest in a detective or novelist? Unless... there's something about Hayashi Yoshiki.

Due to Gin's constant surveillance and her protected identity, Vermouth had yet to confirm Cointreau's true face.

But she'd harbored suspicions ever since Cohen mentioned a certain novel.

Could he be Cointreau?

Swirling her glass of champagne, Vermouth's eyes lit with intrigue.

Meanwhile, Hayashi Yoshiki walked into the restroom and took out his phone.

Text Message Sent:

"Are you ready?"

Reply:

"Yes."

Good.

He checked his watch again.

At the Haido Hotel entrance, Conan and Haibara Ai successfully slipped into the venue.

Looking around, Conan frowned.

Everyone's wearing black suits… They all look suspicious…

And then—he spotted Hayashi Yoshiki.

Among all the guests, his charisma stood out.

Seeing him smile politely and chat with stars and directors, Conan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

Why is he here?

Haibara Ai was also surprised.

He moved so fast… He's already here?

Hayashi Yoshiki caught their gaze and walked straight over—unflustered.

"What are you two doing here?"

"Oh, just came in out of curiosity," Conan replied with a harmless smile."What about you, Brother Yoshiki?"

"I was invited," he answered plainly, then patted Haibara Ai's head."There's probably nothing interesting here. If you're staying, stay with me and don't run around."

"Okay! Thanks, Brother Yoshiki!" Conan beamed.

Inside, he chuckled at himself.

Guess I overthought it. If he were part of the organization, why would he let us stay near him?