Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Although Fang Zheng indeed thought this way, but…

“I really didn’t expect it to be Valentine’s Day already…”

Driving through the snow-covered mountain roads, Fang Zheng’s expression remained unusually calm. Yes, that’s right, wasn’t it a summer night before sleeping yesterday, and waking up today to find a winter scene clothed in silver? He’s already used to it. Time is meaningless, as is the existence of seasons. Basically, you have to live today well, forget yesterday, and don’t worry about tomorrow… otherwise, you’ll be ready to eat jujube pills.

“I’m really sorry, Mr. Fang Zheng.”

Sitting in the back seat, Ran also clasped her hands together in greeting to Fang Zheng.

“Still troubling you to drive us to…”

“It’s okay, Mira is going as well.”

Fang Zheng shrugged his shoulders and glanced through the rearview mirror at Mira, Sonoko, and Conan sitting in the back. It was yesterday when they went to the mall and encountered Sonoko, triggering this “event.” At that time, Sonoko said she wanted to take Ran up the mountain to learn how to make chocolate, and Fang Zheng was still curious whether Valentine’s Day was certain…

Well, as it turns out, he woke up directly to the day before Valentine’s Day.

This is even more impressive than the “an overnight passage” in games.

And ever since knowing him, Kogoro Mouri has also been liberated. Basically, if there needs to be any errands using a car, he would directly shove them to Fang Zheng and then enjoy the days like an immortal at home drinking beer and watching horse racing…

Anyway, speaking of which…

“I didn’t expect you to be interested in making chocolate.”

Glancing at Little Ai in the passenger seat, Fang Zheng curiously asked, while Little Ai gave him a sidelong glance.

“Can’t I? I’m also a girl; it’s normal to want to make chocolate.”

“Then who do you plan to give it to?”

“Secret.”

After saying this, Little Ai turned her head, once again looking at the snow scenery outside the window, while Fang Zheng also retracted his gaze and continued to look forward. Behind him, the chatter and laughter of the girls continued. Especially Mira’s presence added to the liveliness several times over. It was mentioned before that Mira’s personality is very similar to Sonoko’s, so after meeting, they became good friends quickly.

“This time I’ve got major information, heard that the chocolate made at Suido Manor is most likely to successfully match a couple.”

“Ah!”

Upon hearing Sonoko’s proud report, Ran suddenly realized.

“So you plan to give the handmade chocolate to Mr. Kyogoku and confess to him, right?”

“Mr. Kyogoku?”

Sitting next to them, Mira looked over curiously, and Ran started introducing him to Mira.

“Mr. Kyogoku Makoto is the captain of the karate club at Beika High School and still the all-Japan karate champion. Previously, he once saved Sonoko during an incident…”

“Ah, so is he Sonoko’s boyfriend?”

“Ah, well, not quite to that extent yet…”

Facing Mira’s inquiry, Sonoko’s expression showed some complexity.

“What’s the matter, Sonoko? Is something wrong?”

Seeing her friend show this expression, Ran also worriedly asked, while Sonoko smiled bitterly at her and Mira.

“Actually, lately Arata hasn’t called me, and even when I call, I only hear voicemail…”

Saying this, Sonoko sighed deeply.

“Actually, it’s all my fault… I told him on the phone earlier that I was going to execute the LOVE LOVE grand operation on Valentine’s Day and give the chocolate to the person I like the most… If I had known, I should have directly told him the chocolate was for him, but then there wouldn’t be a surprise!”

“You’re really just asking for trouble.”

Hearing this, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but chime in.

“You either don’t say anything or say it all. Saying it so obscurely, who would know what you mean? It’s rare to meet a man who likes you, and you’re choosing to push him away; that’s really digging your own grave.”

“Ahhhhhhh!!!”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s words, Sonoko helplessly grabbed her head, while Ran hurried to comfort her.

“Don’t worry, as long as you give him the chocolate, Mr. Kyogoku will certainly understand your meaning.”

“Thank you, Ran.”

Listening to Ran’s comfort, Sonoko smiled at her.

“But Ran, you’re really strong.”

“Eh? How so?”

“I haven’t contacted Arata for just a week and feel so painful. You’ve been separated from Shinichi for even longer, right?”

“Ah……”

Hearing Sonoko’s inquiry, Ran awkwardly glanced at Conan, who was sitting on her lap pretending to be lifeless.

“Yes, but I’ve gotten used to it. Besides, even when that guy isn’t around, I’m living well because I have Conan.”

As she spoke, Ran lowered her head, smiling as she looked at Conan sitting on her lap.

“Right, Conan?”

“Ah… yes!”

Conan quickly nodded, secretly wiping the cold sweat.

When on earth can I return to my original state!!!

Afterwards, the group finally reached Suido Manor. But before they even stepped through the gate, the elderly woman in charge of managing the manor gave them a show of authority by telling a story that circulated around these parts. Rumor has it that whenever a snowstorm hits here, people die, and next to each body a box of chocolates would be placed. Some say it’s all the work of the Snow Woman… which really scared Ran and Sonoko.

But…

“You don’t think there’s really a Snow Woman, do you?”

Back in their room, Ran anxiously asked, and Fang Zheng chuckled.

“There’s no Snow Woman; it’s all just wild Kaidan tales.”

“But didn’t that photographer come specifically to shoot the Snow Woman?”

At this moment, Sonoko was holding onto Ran’s hand. Besides them, there were a few other residents in the manor, including a photographer who came specifically to search for and shoot the Snow Woman.

“These ancient legends have been popular recently, it’s nothing new.”

Fang Zheng appeared very calm about this. Ever since the Giant Dragon appeared, there had been a new wave of archaeological research and exploration of mythological legends all over the world. After all, in most people’s eyes, if Giant Dragons—which originally only appeared in Knight novels and myths—actually exist, then perhaps other creatures in those myths do too. So now, all over the world, a wave of exploration has been triggered, with plenty of people voluntarily seeking out Vampires, Mermaids, Unicorns…

In Fang Zheng’s view, that photographer is just one among many.

“So there’s no Snow Woman? I was quite interested in the Snow Woman.”

Mira seemed rather disappointed. She certainly knew Fang Zheng’s true identity, so she was actually quite interested in the Snow Woman legends. After all, no matter how strong the Snow Woman is, she couldn’t possibly be a match for Fang Zheng. If she could have seen the legendary Snow Woman, it wouldn’t have been a wasted trip, right?

But it seemed the Snow Woman really doesn’t exist.

After that, the girls went to the kitchen to learn how to make chocolate, leaving only Fang Zheng and Conan idly sitting in the room watching TV. So…

“Let’s make a bet.”

Fang Zheng put down the remote and looked at Conan.

“A bet? Bet on what?”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s words, Conan was taken aback.

“Bet on who will die.”

“This again…”

Faced with Fang Zheng’s words, Conan’s face fell.

“It’s about time, why do you always think someone has to die when I go out?”

“Oh? You still dare to argue? Alright, since you say that, then show the evidence. When have people not died whenever we go out together?”

“Uh…”

Hearing this, Conan was speechless for a moment, but then he quickly retorted.

“Even if that’s the case, it’s not fair to pin it on me. Maybe it’s you who always causes death when you go out.”

“As long as I don’t go out with you, I never encounter anything.”

Fang Zheng glanced at him.

“Well then, since you’re so confident, let’s bet. If someone dies in the manor this time, and an incident occurs, I’ll take Ran’s chocolates, meaning you won’t get any… Understand?”

“What if I win?”

“If you win, I’ll help you make the APTX4869 antidote.”

“Really?”

Upon hearing this, Conan’s eyes lit up, and Fang Zheng nodded.

“That’s right, I already obtained a sample of the APTX4869 potion previously. As long as I analyze it, I can obtain its pharmacological components and characteristics, and thus create the antidote. How about it? If you’re so confident, want to place a bet?”

“Bet…”

As soon as he heard about the antidote, Conan was immediately excited, but quickly, he seemed to realize something and suddenly paused.

“Wait, Mr. Fang Zheng, you wouldn’t have already identified someone with a murderous intention, would you!”

“If I’d truly noticed, I’d have gone over long ago, instead of sitting here chatting with you.”

Fang Zheng chuckled.

“So, want to bet?”

“Hmm…”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s question, Conan immediately used his brain that rivaled Sherlock Holmes for reasoning.

Indeed, given his understanding of Fang Zheng, if Fang Zheng had genuinely noticed someone’s murderous intent from their expression, then he would have already taken action. It’s been that way several times before, from Little Lily’s wedding, to Officer Sato being shot, each time Fang Zheng managed to act before the culprit. This indicates that this time Fang Zheng wanting to make a bet with him is not because he’s seen through someone’s murder plot, but simply because of the nonsensical belief that ‘death will happen whenever you go out’…

This is a bit unbearable!

Conan indicated that he isn’t always the cause of death whenever he goes out!

Alright, although even during camping they managed to encounter body-dumping robbers, which was quite unlucky, those were accidents! Accidents!

Yes, there’s only one truth!

This time, there’s definitely not going to be any problem!

“Alright, I’ll bet with you!”

Thinking of this, Conan confidently answered.

This antidote, Shinichi Kudou is determined to get it!