As all of them headed down another slope, there were only 5 minutes away from Mr Muniko Tomio's residence.

"Neh Ranran."

"Yes, Shinichi?"Ranran was pushing her scooter, skating alongside the bicycle Shinichi and Emiko are on.

"About the movie we were talking about earlier, Ranran isn't into those kinds of FL characters, nah? The ones that are bright and intelligent."

"Eh?"Neither of the children was staring each other in the eye, as they had to pay attention to oncoming traffic."What makes you think of it that way?"

"The way you analyze the ML and FL was so well thought out, it sounded as if you are preparing to gather facts to expose one of the case suspects."Emiko couldn't help but notice.

"You ain't wrong, "Ranran hummed, "I do dislike them."

"Why?"

"If you ever come across meeting people like her, are you willing to sacrifice everything for her? Your dreams as a Tantei, even as far as to put their lives on the line before the dream could even begin.....all for a naive annoying girl who can't think for herself?"

"Hah!? Why would I do that!? She is like a lost cause!" Shinichi became annoyed at that thought.

"Exactly. If I have anything to critique further about that movie, her personality itself is way worst than the villainess in the movie."

"Eh!? Why do you think so?"Emiko questioned, "I read the synopsis of the movie, so far, the villainess had been nothing but cruel to separate them because of her unrequited feelings for the ML. Gaslighting his parents of the FL's true identity when the FL and the ML tried to keep their relationship a secret."

"Can you blame her? Before they took over the estate, she had the whole family fortune. Not to mention, she is a sensible person; after all, the will states that if the ML marries someone who would become his wife, the 'anyone' who becomes the lady of the manor gets to govern the estate. As a child, she was groomed all of the necessary skills to be qualified while the idiot has nothing to her name. And as for the 'love' part between her and the male lead, wasn't there a part that mentioned her family 'forced' her to like him? As in cultivate it so that he doesn't break their 'engagement'?"

Ranran listed out point after point as if she was is a lawyer.

"To be fair, she was evil. Fair. But did she cause inconvenience everywhere she goes the way the FL did? Constantly playing the damsel in distress while troubling others along the way, without caring if this irritates and stresses the male protagonist or even the people around her?"

With the attention on her, she listed.

"I read many scenarios took place in that movie. During the annual banquet, when the FL spilled wine on the villainess's, she cried and caused a scene, blaming the villainess because she demanded she pay for the dress she paid designers to customized for her. Now, this kind of scenario I have scene this countless of time in real life, however, who is truly in the wrong here? She barely apologized, even though it was an 'accident'. Is it, really?"

The other children listened in stunned silence as Ranran continued her impassioned critique, her voice calm but with a sharpness that revealed her deep disdain for the trope. They were nearing the final stretch toward Mr. Muniko Tomio's residence, but neither could peel their attention away from Ranran's insights.

"Even better? ML stepped in to defend her without even verifying the truth. And what happened next? The villainess was humiliated and ostracized for the rest of the evening for being 'arrogant' and 'calculative', for demanding a huge sum of money from the FL. To be fair, she had the right to demand compensation, when you ruined such an expensive dress."

"But Ranran, to be fair, the FL never once been in such luxurious event before, you know?" Mouri Ran pointed out, gripping Junko around the waist a bit tighter while balancing on the skateboard. "She was so nervous on attending such party for the first time, it's not surprising why she end up spilling the wine on her."

"Sure, you could excuse one or two mistakes that way. But when the same pattern repeats, it's clearcut that she is merely a callous person in the making." Ranran gave a small, incredulous chuckle. 

"In other words, your interpretation of the FL is that she is a outright inconsiderate girl, correct?" Shinichi adjusted the position of his hands on his sitting area, his expression growing thoughtful. "As if she doesn't care about the consequences of her actions because she knows someone will always shield her?"

"Come on, Ranran! That is just plain judgemental of you!" Junko who loves such movies deeply frowned at her to the side, "You can't simply judge her just by one scene!"

"Second scenario: The charity auction. The FL was tasked to deliver an item to the auction—a family heirloom, no less, something of sentimental and monetary value. Instead of handling it with the care it deserved, she forgot it at a café because she was too busy chatting with a friend she ran into by chance. When she realized her mistake, what did she do? Cry and panicking, contacts the ML, which lead him to dropped everything he was doing—something important to the auction itself, mind you—and rushed to help her retrieve it. Meanwhile, the villainess, who was overseeing the event, had to cover for the missing item to avoid scandal. She worked tirelessly to keep the auction running smoothly, even though she was scorned for being 'too controlling.' And what did the FL do when the ML brought the item back just in time?"

Ranran raised an eyebrow, glancing at Junko. "She took the credit for 'saving the day,' of course. Everyone praised her for being so thoughtful and responsible, completely ignoring the chaos she caused in the first place."

Junko opened her mouth to argue but found herself faltering. "But... but she didn't mean to forget it. It was an accident! And she tried to fix it, right? Doesn't that count for something?"

"Trying to fix a mistake is admirable—when it's genuine. But if your solution is to push the burden onto someone else, that's not admirable. It's selfish. The FL didn't solve the problem herself; she relied on the ML to bail her out, as usual. And the villainess, who was actually holding everything together, got no recognition. Instead, she was vilified for being 'cold' and 'overbearing.' It's ridiculous."

Takuma, who had been silent up until now, let out a low whistle. "When you think of it this way, the FL is a utter chore!"

"But you're only focusing on her mistakes! What about the parts where she's kind to others or tries her best? You're making her sound worse than she is." Junko looked flustered, crossing her arms defensively.

"Kindness is meaningless if it comes at someone else's expense. Sure, she's 'nice' in a superficial way—smiling, acting polite, saying the right things. But actions speak louder than words. And if your kindness creates more problems than solutions, it makes her nothing but a burdensome problem."

"I think I see what you mean, Ranran. It's like... the FL gets all the rewards without putting in any real effort. Meanwhile, the villainess, who actually works hard and cares about the bigger picture, gets punished for not being 'sweet' enough. That sounds awful." Michio nodded understandingly.

"Exactly," Ranran said, nodding in approval. "It's a frustrating double standard. People value appearances over substance. They'd rather root for a pretty face with no backbone than someone who's strong and capable but doesn't fit the mold of a 'perfect heroine.' It's shallow."

Mouri Ran frown deepened, but she didn't have a counterargument. Instead, she muttered, "You're being so harsh. It's just a movie, Ranran. You don't have to analyze it like it's real life."

"It's because of your attitude towards things like this that keeps landing you in trouble in the first place, Mouri Ran." Ranran cast her a blank glance before pushing her scooter ahead without turning back.

"What's that supposed to mean, Ranran?" Mouri asked, her voice defensive.

Shinichi and Emiko ain't going to argue with that, Ranran was right. The movie itself has some flaws of its own. Far too evident thanks to Ranran's observation. Ranran clicked her lips many times in disapproval before lamenting. "Why do people love watching these kinds of movies, are people with more brain cells becoming extinct in this world?"

Shinichi believes it to be the case.

.....

Soon, they finally made it to the hilltop estate. Shinichi gazed out at big houses in tree-lined streets. At last, they came to a stop in front of large metal gates supported by two stone pillars. Everyone got out and peered through the gates into a dark garden. The large house was almost lost to view behind thick trees and dense shrubbery.

"What a creepy place," Ran shuddered, "Are you sure Muniko-san lives here?"

Michio pressed a button on the gate and a woman's voice answered through a small, metal speaker. "Muniko residence."

"Hi, we are looking for a Mr Muniko as we set an appointment with him not long ago," he replied. "I'm Majima Michio and I've brought Tantei association."

With a heavy metallic click, the gates swung open. Lights suddenly blazed along the pebbled drive. In the distance, a huge white house seemed to float in the eerie moonlight.

"He must be very rich," Takuma observed.

"I mean he has to, becoming a film investor has its perks."Shinichi analyses his surroundings.

As they walked up the drive, the big gates swung shut behind them.

It was just then that a small grey car nosed into the curb outside. Behind the wheel, a young woman wearing a black windbreaker and blue denim jeans picked up her mobile phone. "They're seeing Mr Muniko now..." she reported. "All 7 of them..."

~~~

The pebbles crunched beneath their feet as they approached the floodlit house, with their transportation parked in the garden. The front door opened and a maid stood at the top of the steps.

"Follow me," she greeted them.

Since they were in a mansion, the walk along the hallways is a bit long distance for the kids. For Ranran and Shinichi who was used to living in a mansion, it's a norm, but it wasn't for the other kids. Even so, the thing that made them forget or groaned about the walking distance was how the interior was lavishly decorated.

Expensive antique vases, paintings, even their portrait photos were noble-like. Kinda remind Ran of one living a fantasy palace she read in those fairy tales, far lavish than Sonoko's, her best friend's house. Better yet, each portrait photos had names attached below, the surname always beginning with the word 'Muniko'.

But what drew Ran to them wasn't how poised the posed in the photos, it was...something else that is odd.

And she wasn't the only one who noticed this, as Ranran asked the maid who is guiding them to Muniko's office, "Neh, maid-san. Do the Muniko family not give birth to a daughter throughout their lives?"

"Eh?" The maid suddenly stopped as Ranran pointed to the direction where the other kids followed, "All the photos that are hung across the hallway, all of them are men with the surname 'Muniko'. There ain't a single female photo of them."

"Ah haha, no, that ain't really the case." The maid chuckled at the red-lip doll appearance of a girl as she dismisses this,"The Munikos have run a family business in the movie industry for many decades, it's just that the late patriarch doesn't allow women to take charge of it. This hallway is just the previous males before our current master took over the reins."

"What!? Why!?" Ran couldn't help but be irked by this revelation.

"Because their ancestors was very against it. They had this strong belief by this famous fortune teller back in the day, that if they let women run it, it would ultimately bring the end to their family fortune. That is even how it goes in the household affairs as well." The maid explained.

"And they actually bought it?" Even Emiko was irritated by this non-logical nonsense, "So everyone in this family are against women working? By making them housewives!?"

"Ah no, they ain't that cruel," The main reassured the children, "They do allow them to have corporate jobs and stuff. Just that they ain't allowed to work in their family company. Luckily our current one is not like the rest of them, thank God. He wanted those paintings removed and add his wife and daughter's photos onto the wall." The maid breathe a sigh of relief, "Just that the elderly mistress, his mother, insist to not remove the portraits here out of respect for maintaining the company's honor, and forbade him from adding his family's photos. Said tradition has to be honored."

"His mother?" Shinichi's eyebrows raised, "She lives here?"

"No, not anymore. She is residing in a nursery home, where she should belong."

"Where she should belong....?"Ranran found this odd, "Kinda odd that someone who has been in a family filled with wealth would end up in some nursing home, when one could've hired a caretaker to look after her here."

"Ah yes...but then she had started showing signs of irrationality. I swear her early signs of dementia is making things from bad to worst." The maid rolled her eyes at that thought.

"Dementia? That sounds serious." Michio found himself saying.

"What is this? Dementia?" Takuma asked.

"It's something my mother called it as 'old man/woman's disease', it makes you forget everything, how to walk, eat, even your love ones and friends." Michio recalled it.

"What an awful disease!" Takuma cringed in horror.

"What kind of nonsense is this?! This woman is a female like the whole lot of us! Why would she support that sort of crap!?" It was Junko's turn to be furious, what stupid woman who had this idiotic patriarch mind-set!? They are living in the 21st century for God-sakes!

"They are brainwashed by those idiot males who are on the wall to reduce such problems like us of such mindsets, that's why, Fuyuko." Ranran exhales before the maid finally took them to the office.

She led the way along a marble corridor and held open the door to Mr Muniko's study. Shelves of books reached up to the ceiling on three sides of the room and Ran wondered if anybody had ever read them. Curtained windows occupied the other side.

Mr Muniko Tomio rose from behind his huge teak desk and checked his gold watch.

"You're on time," he commented. "That's good, I like that all of you are punctual. I hate to be kept waiting because of my job, as I have several appointments to attend to later on. Remember that," he added sternly.

"It's alright sir," Michio then introduced the founders and others, before Muniko Tomio waved them to the chairs near his desk.

Shinichi caught a glimpse of the man as Michio and Junko got out their notebooks and pens. Muniko Tomio, he imagined, was in his fifties. His complexion was blotchy, and his long, hooked nose made him look like an eagle. But it was Muniko's eyes that drew Shinichi in. They scurried from one young detective to the next, suspiciously.

"It is vital I find Namba Katsumi," Muniko began and returned to his chair."This man whom I recognize from the movie I had recently watched, actually stole one million yen from me."

Everyone listens to him attentively while the eldest two children jot down his words."Before we began, may I ask what were you doing in the cinema earlier?"Ranran began with the interview.

"Eh?"

"We had an earlier discussion that there is a possibility Mr Namba may have been aware you were in the same cinema hall as him. That's why he destroyed the projector film reel earlier. To eliminate this possibility, I would like to know the circumstances before judging."

"That is very professional of you to ask that question," The man was impressed before answering, "But I am afraid to disappoint you, I came here because of work."

"Work?"Ranran tilts her head.

"Well, you see, I'm a film investor." The guy then motioned for everyone to get closer, and when they did, he whispered, "Don't tell anybody, but the person in charge of this film, 'The Origin of My Childhood,' is planning a sequel following its popularity, and he'd want to raise some cash for the forthcoming project. I hadn't seen the movie yet, so I went there to check if the plot was worth my time."

"Really!? That's awesome!"Junko and Ran express in excitement.

"Oh my God, no...."The boys and Ranran shook their heads at that thought. Emiko meanwhile is at loss over what the world has come into.

"You don't like the movie, do you, girl?"Mr Muniko Tomio noticed the little red lip girl's unimpressed expression with the announcement.

"No, I really don't." Ranran said, "Romance films aren't my thing. If this happens in real life, the FL doesn't have the ability to administer the family estate. Although the 2nd Female lead is the villain, she had every right to evict her since she is better qualified. It's one thing if love triumphs above all, but business and love are two quite different things. Furthermore, the ML is too stupid to manage it, and I am glad he turned the 2nd female lead down, because she is far too qualified to be with an idiot like him."

"That is the unusual perspective I see from you, "He was again, impressed by the 6-year-old girl before he heaves, "If only my daughter is like that."He then stared at the photo of his family on the study table," She is your age, but she has a soft spot for such movies because her mother is a fan."

"I understand, "The red lip girl sighs, "My mother is also a huge fan of such movies."Ranran then quickly put aside her dislike for such movies to bring the main topic into focus," Mr Muniko Tomio, next question, how is it you gotten to know this Mr Namba?" she asked.

"We shared mutual friends within the movie industry. I loaned him money because, at that time, he own a film company called Namba pictures, and claim he would use the money to buy distribution rights for the popular tv-series and movies just so we would earn profits out of it."

"What are distribution rights?"Michio question out of curiosity.

"Something like permission to show the drama or movies to other countries legally, "Shinchi explained before turning to Mr Muniko Tomio, "Did you not doubt him at that time?"Shinichi probed.

"No," He admitted, "I mean aside from me alone, there were other investors I know of who invested in his film company. I didn't know he ended up running a Ponzi scheme. Then, he conveniently disappeared and the next I knew, he was dead."

"What is a Ponzi scheme?"Takuma asked Ranran.

"An investment scam in which existing investors are paid with money gathered from new investors." Takuma still couldn't comprehend her explanation, as she explained to him, "For example, if Tak-san lends me 5 sweets, I promise to repay you with 7 sweets. Then I beg Shinichi for 10 sweets and offer to repay him 20 sweets. After I take the seven sweets from Shinichi's 10 sweets, I will return them to you as profit, then I consume the remaining three sweets I took from Shinichi for my own use."

"Hey! That's scamming! Also, that ain't the sweets you earned! It's Shinichi's!"Takuma became furious at that thought.

"There you go, Tak-san, "Takuma finally gets it as Ranran continued, "Ponzi scheme, except adults, do it with money."

"Wait, then what about Shinichi?"Michio suddenly realizes, "If you don't pay back the sweets-"

"You get another person to lie to, promise to pay triple the sweets, then return the number of sweets you tricked from to Shinichi."Ranran explains, before she adds, "You keep finding new people to lie in lending you sweets, till it finally collapses. Now think of it as money, imagine how many millions of yen are lost."

"You are right, that was what happened with us."The film investor stared at her in awe, "How do you know all of this? Aren't you too young to know?"

"My parents taught me."Ranran replies innocently."They say I should learn this so that people can't scam us. Money doesn't grow on trees."

"Good," Mr Muniko Tomio is impressed with the little girl before him, it seems like her parents raised her well, "Your parents are lucky to have a smart intelligent daughter. I should consider teaching my daughter about things like this as well instead of being fixated on romance fairy tales."Muniko decided.

"If only you know what a troublemaker she is. Her parents had it rough, including myself."Shinichi muttered.

"What do you just say?"Ranran glared at him.

"N-nothing."Shinichi stuttered.

"How awful, what a scumbag."Junko couldn't help but be distasteful about it after learning how it works.

"People do anything for money, nah?"Ran couldn't help but wonder what was the world coming to.

"Money makes the world go round."Emiko mused.

"Man, he is an asshole," Michio muttered.

"How long has it been since he passed away?"Shinichi asked.

"It was 2 years ago. But I never once believed he died because of his prideful nature. Also, he used to work as a stuntman before buying his own company. After watching that movie, I have more reason to believe he is very much alive." Muniko Tomio thumped the desk with his fist. "And I want to earn back the trust of the community, not to mention, get our money back."

For a while, the kids didn't know what to think of it. It's then that Ranran broke the silence in the room. "Do you have a photo of him?" she requested calmly.

"Unfortunately, I only have one photo of him as he disdains being photographed, so I've made copies for every one of you." Muniko Tomio went inside a drawer and pulled out a few colour prints. " He handed them to Ranran, who distributed them to the others.

Junko studied the grainy snapshot of a bald man in his thirties. Only a long, curved nose marred his handsome face."Was this photo taken shortly before his demise?"Ranran asked.

"Yes," He nodded, "this was how he looked when I last saw him," Muniko explained. "He may have changed his appearance a little in the movie, but I could still recognize him. When someone steals a million yen from you, you never forget their face!"

Michio was scribbling notes as Takuma asked, "When Michio came to us, he said that you mentioned previously even if you were to contact the police, it be useless. Why is that?" he asked.

"Because he was legally declared deceased by the officials, they will assume I was some sort of lunatic that came up with a movie plot," Muniko leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. "On the day of his 'death' when we contacted the police on him, he drove his 1998 blue Toyota Supra into a lake that night."

"And was his corpse discovered when the car was retrieved?"Shinichi probed.

"No, his body was never found."Muniko Tomio confirmed, "But the police declared it was an accident..." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Either that, or it was suicide."

"And you still don't believe he is deceased? He is in trouble with the law, he could've see himself as no way out, so he ended his own life." Ran asked.

"No, he is too prideful to kill himself. I know what sort of person he is. Even if he were million of yen in debt, he doesn't have it in him to do so."Mr Muniko insists.

Junko looked up from her notes sharply. "Were there any witnesses? Did anyone see the car drive into the Okutuma lake?"

"No, because it happened very late at night," Muniko told him. "If I remember correctly, somebody who'd been jogging in the area rang the police. He said he'd heard a loud splash, and when he went to investigate he'd seen the car floating in the lake before it sank."

"If it was still floating, then Namba Katsumi could've got out, right?" questioned Takuma.

Muniko Tomio cleared his throat angrily. "Young boy, I'm only telling you what I can remember. Maybe this car sank immediately. I don't know. Now I think back, I wish I was there to see it when it happen, at least with my own eyes I can tell he is dead or alive so to speak rather than deal with this problem."

Ranran changed the subject. "Do you know where did Namba Katsumi use to live? Maybe we can look into it further."

Muniko shrugged."After his supposed death, the government had to seize the property he bought using our money to get back some of our funds back. I have a couple of his addresses, but I think it'll be pointless as all of them were already sold out. Also, the police found nothing about him, except documents trail to prove his scam."

"Eh....so he is also a pathological liar huh....."Shinichi couldn't help but hum.

Suddenly, Muniko Tomio leaned forward. A hard look came into his eyes. "Now that all of you are working for me, I will place two conditions on all of you. Firstly, all of you will report to me everything you learn. The minute you discover any important information, I want to know what it is. Is that clear?"

The others nodded nervously while Ranran sat in a pose, and nodded to him in silence.

"Secondly," Muniko Tomio insisted, "you will not involve the police in this investigation. As you are not legal professional detectives, you don't have to tell them anything, right?"

Shinichi nodded. He'd learned quite a bit about why clients give such requests thanks to working with Ranran for a while, but something about Muniko's orders made him very curious. "Do you have valid reasons to keep the police out of this?"

Muniko scowled at him for a long moment.

"I don't intend to be disrespectful, but if things go out of hand, based on past experience, not even kids like us will be able to assist you to get your money back since it is outside our jurisdiction. That is why, if there is anything you do need to let us know, whether legal or unlawful, do tell us so we can see how we can move from here," Shinichi stated as he studied Muniko's dubious countenance.

Then, after a while, the man's face relaxed as he nodded as if he understood the boy.

"I see you have a point, given the cases you have solved been reported on the paper, "He chuckles before apologizing, "I'm sorry if I sounded suspicious, but the reason for this is because I am not your typical average businessman of Japan."He then begins to explain, "If I were to put this mildly, I am considered to be...a high profile businessman."

The kids listen to him quietly as he explains.

"For us to be working within the movie industry, even a small scandal....will become your official downfall, and we all need to make money for a living. Even if I were to lose a job and try to apply for another, it wouldn't be possible in the future if the scandal sounds malicious. You know how media works....twisting and turning words," he explained, stroking his long, beak-like nose."This kind of bad publicity, even some rumours are enough to make me lose my job."

"Did you encounter something like this before?"Michio blinked.

"Once. Since I was one of the ones who introduced some of my former friends to that man, I nearly lost my job because they assumed I worked for him while I am also a victim," Muniko confesses. "Also, I happen to own several firms, and any reports in the press about this probe may hurt the value of them if my former friends received word, as they are still furious over losing their money," The business tycoon responds bitterly.

"If you are worried about this, don't worry about it, sir, we will do our best and let you know if anything pops up"Ranran reassures the man.

"I hope so, "Then, he stood up. "Well, we all have work to do." He fixed onto the unfazed girl with a fierce look. "I expect to hear from all of you very, very soon..."

The girl nodded to him in silence before the man told his sectary to lead them out.

"Wait," Shinichi told the group, "You guys leave first."

"Eh?!"Ranran and the rest turned back to Shinichi before leaving his office, "Why?"Ranran questioned out of curiosity.

"I am going to talk to Mr Muniko over one thing, not case related."Struggling to shoo them off, Shinichi went by saying, "I will tell you all about it later on."

Sceptically, the 6 remaining kids left Shinichi alone with Mr Muniko as the secretary lead them out.

~~~

"What were you talking to Mr Muniko about earlier?"Ranran tried to probe out of her apprentice.

"As I said, nothing much." he tries to reassure Ranran, but he can tell she ain't buying it.

After all, was said and done, Shinichi joined them and they went down the long, pebbled road together. The front gates were already swinging open for them as they boarded their vehicle. The streets outside appeared quiet, however, Takuma claimed he heard a vehicle drive away as they exited the home.

"What do you think?" Ranran asked Shinichi.

"I ain't a seasoned Tantei as you, but I don't think we should fully trust him," he replied almost immediately."Although he is our client, and he decided to hire us on doing the job, I feel like...there's something about him that doesn't seem right."

"I agree," snapped Junko."I don't like people who try to stop us from talking to the police. It usually means they've got something to hide, whether good or bad. As if they have their agendas. Especially rich businessmen like him."

"But it's a very interesting case," Takuma reminded her. "I mean imagine this Mr Namba stealing a million yen from Muniko-san. I wonder what happened to all that money?"

"Maybe that's why he died," Michio suggested. "Somebody else wanted the money more than Namba."

"Probably, "Ranran agreed. "Some people would do anything to get their hands on money like that..."

Ran studied Namba's photo as she crunched along the drive. "This man...that Mr Namba," she began. "Don't you think he looks... familiar?"

"You mean, you think you've seen him before?"Emiko probed excitedly.

"No," Ran put the photo away from her eyes. "I couldn't have. But...I have seen him before somewhere with Sonoko. But I wasn't sure where."

Shinichi shrugged as they reached the gates. "I'm sure I've never seen anyone who looks like him - have you, guys?"

Ranran shook her head. "But Ran may be right," she added. "His face is kind of familiar."

Behind them, the gates automatically clanged shut and they travel back home alone in the shadowy street. As always, to beat the time, the kids talked to their companions as some of them were riding on a bike, go-go scooters and skateboards.

Emiko and Shinichi at first had nothing to chat about, as Shinichi tend to be a silent child while Emiko is...Emiko. Though not the quiet type, she ain't a chatterbox either.

Yet for some reason, Emiko couldn't help but noted he has yawned far too many times. Right now observing from the back as he held onto the backseat of the bike, it's the 20th time."Lack of sleep?"She questioned her from the back.

"Huh?"Shinichi suddenly woke up from his dazed trance, "Oh yeah, something like that."He admitted bashfully.

"The press had you guys hard, huh?"

Shinichi just silently nod.

The media had given him and Ranran a lot of attention since their extinction heist case was publicised in the news, along with the agency's numerous successes since the Tantei association was founded. Reporters and journalists were increasingly phoning in for interviews or unexpectedly showing up to attempt to acquire a statement or photo from the two.

When word came out about their first case, he was overjoyed to be acknowledged for his abilities. Sure, there were not-so-nice comments about him using Ranran as a stepping stone to tantei success, but if those stories about him locating those lunch boxes and missing items around the school hadn't been brought up, their growing fan base (yes, they have fans since news broke) would've assumed he wasn't as smart and simply jumped on her talent for fame. Ranran, on the other hand, despises the press and regards it as a source of irritation. She wasn't the type of girl who relished in the spotlight.

And he could see why, considering that she despised being bothered by individuals who didn't seem to grasp the importance of privacy, let alone cared that their priorities on them working on a case were less essential than getting them in the press. He would not have been as irritated if they had simply wanted to question the case, but they had to inquire about everything.

He really didn't see why they thought it was appropriate to ask them what was their hobby, do they have any crushes and stuff, and how are they related. Everyone has their own life, and it is none of their business.

They were constantly pestering them for interviews and photos, and the two had better things to do than deal with them. Of course, Ranran wanted to hit them, but Shinichi had persuaded her that putting up with them was necessary if she wanted to maintain a good reputation in the public eye. She may be able to put up with children condemning her, but the power of the press is not to be taken lightly. After all, the two are on their way to becoming famous detectives. With one bad move, they might kiss their dream goodbye. They could legally open their private detective firm when they reach adulthood despite the scandal, but you wouldn't want a previous controversy in the news to halt those plans.

Of course, Ranran would end up arguing they are detectives, not some sideshow act.

"The other day..." Shinichi eventually found himself revealing his woes with Emiko "We were working on an abduction case involving children since our client from school suspected the suspect was responsible. And..."He paused before saying anything more.

Emiko may not be as equally smart as the founder, let alone, her apprentice. Still, Emiko is perceptive. For her to mention the press, then he suddenly bring this up, it was obvious the press has interfered with their investigation. Not in a good way to say the least.

"She was trailing the kidnapper and urged me to remain back...then someone had a smartphone and filmed her, which triggered the suspect and he fled."

Those words caught her a little off-guard, "Wait, so it wasn't the press?"

"It ain't, however..."Shinichi's words died out, he didn't have it in him to say anymore.

That's when Emiko realize times are different now. This is the era of smartphones, now everyone can be a reporter, anyone can just post about you and post it on Facebook, Twitter."I don't understand, our names ain't published on the paper or online. How is the press able to figure out it's the both of you anyway?"Emiko couldn't help but wonder.

"Ranran mentioned something about the time when she worked as The Fox, someone been keeping tabs on her..."

"...someone? Who?"Emiko demanded.

"She has no idea." Shinichi glances up cruelly at the darkening sky, reflecting on how he is feeling right now "But one thing is certain: they have media connections. They wouldn't have known who we are if we hadn't told them. We haven't even announced where our headquarters will be. So how could they have known?"

As far as Shinichi is aware, the clients they are now assisting come under the scope of their school. Because of their distinctive name for the agency, it didn't take a detective to find out who was behind solving the Extinction Heist case at their school. Though he is delighted that they have cases to deal with, he is not pleased that the press was made aware of it.

"Even Ranran is annoyed with the press. Every day, it seems like they're hounding her for a statement or an interview whenever a new case has come up and they're all over her again. I realize...things got from bad to worst when I was assigned on a case involving one of the reporters who followed us, he was being harassed on the dark web."

"Wait, what was the reporter doing on the dark web?"

"He was doing his investigation job till this happened."

Last week Wednesday, Shinichi decided to head to the Hq of Tantei association to look into the case, starting with the Dark web.

Now Shinichi knew what the website was about, but he is thankful to have his neighbour professor Agasa for safe proofing his smartphone by installing custom software to prevent hacking before entering the dark web."Let's see the video the reporter sent, maybe I can roughly get who is the hacker based on the clues I see and hear."

It took a few seconds for the live streaming video to load until it showed a bedroom, a man's cries were soon heard trying to silence the hacker as Shinichi spots a woman sleeping on the bed. This surprised Shinichi more but he kept watching as it was his job as a detective to do so.

"What's the matter, why are you such a wimp? You didn't seem to mind pestering others, did you? Where did you acquire the money to buy such a luxurious home? You're just a low-level reporter."

The distorted voice in the video, which Shinichi assumed was a voice changer, sounded creepy as he continued to watch.

"Stop attempting to buy another computer, change your internet provider, or even relocate to your fourth residence. I'll always locate you. Even if you mute your phone, I can reach you through your wife, sister, brother, parents, or even your 10-year-old son."

"Jesus, this psychopath knows everything about his life!"Shinichi's blood ran cold and he remained motionless in his place."Are we dealing with a professional psychotics hacker?"

Shinichi's client, the reporter was on the verge of puking as he can be heard hissing over the headphone, "What are you are doing is illegal! Do you not know that!?"

"Are you sure?" Before snarling, the voice accused, "Did you do any favours by bothering children as young as six years old from famous parents as a reporter? Do you like sleeping peacefully with all of your money? I suppose you do."

Wait a second, why is it the person's voice who is threatening the reporter seem to be recognizable? Also, why is it he can hear that voice coming out from their HQ?

Shinichi felt dread growing within his stomach. He glanced at their office. There's no way that psychotic hacker is in their Hq now, right? Then again, The Snake did send his men over to thrash their office once, who knows?

Shinichi walked to his office with extra caution, It couldn't be real. There was no way.

"We're always watching you, What a naive thing to do— hiring a detective to do your bidding..." As soon as Shinichi opened the door, his heart dropped as he recognize who was the hacker taunting the reporter before he interrogates, "What the hell are you doing?!"

Ranran who was sitting on her chair with the school laptop stared briefly, "What are you doing here? Ain't you supposed to go out do your whatever work you had to do?"

He hesitantly moved closer to his mentor. "What in the world are you doing!?"

"I am dealing with our press situation. So I decided to dig into their info and-"

"So the entire time, it was you who hacked into that reporter's computer!?" Shinichi managed to speak, in a choked whisper.

Ranran gave him a creepy vibe "Listen, no one tries to help us because we are regarded as bothersome children who stick their nose where it does not belong. So I'm doing us a favour by punishing them emotionally until they surrender." She then laughed as she returned her attention to the monitor "You've become a bit courageous, haven't you? Trying to defend your actions? Let's deduct a bit more from your credit card. There! Is it worth it?" Ranran altered her voice with a voice changer over their webcam.

The reporters on the computer look scared shitless."Can he see you?"

"He can't, but I can. Watch this, "Ranran smirked before proceeding further, "That woman with you, isn't your wife right? And she is expecting a child within 2 months...wonder what is your legal wife is gonna said if she finds out your dirty little secret?" The reporter stared at the monitor with a horrified look."This is funnier than I thought. No wonder you are desperate for money, to even go as far as to emotionally torture kids. Raising two families...man, I will snap if I were you." Ranran snickered.

"Ranran, this is illegal-"Shinichi hissed lowly, hoping the reporter didn't recognize Shinichi's voice.

A finger was placed on Shinichi's lips. "Shh, no it ain't. A child hacking won't send us to jail. So stop stressing about it."

"How were you able to find all of this-!?"Shinichi then waved his hands and shuts his eyes out of frustration, "You know what? I don't ever want to know."

"Ok, "Ranran shrugs, "Suit yourself."Then she proceeds to continue harassing the reporter, "I sent you another gift with your money. Guess what is it this time?"

Shinichi has never seen that reporter so desperate and helpless."Ranran-"He was going to lecture her off.

"He ask for it," Ranran said, not looking up as she typed something else. Much to his horror, she typed, "How fun things are going to be if I send all of this to your son to your first wife-"

"No no no no!"Shinichi abruptly slam the laptop shut, making Ranran startled, "Hey! What gives!?"

"No more going to the dark web!"

"Why not!?"

Shinichi paled and shook his head quickly."Leave it to me."

"What?!"She stares at him in disbelief.

"Ranran, leave this to me."He repeated to her, "I will settle it. This press coming after us problem, so pleased, don't emotionally torture reporters anymore!" he insist.

"What?" For a moment, Emiko was completely speechless."Ranran did WHAT!?"