Chapter 2198 - 2196: Real and Fake Ran (Getting Up to Play with Her Tail)

Lupin III has been captured!

This news quickly exploded in Japan, surpassing the heat generated by Phantom Thief Kid. This is quite normal, as Phantom Thief Kid is essentially a local troublemaker in Japan, whereas Lupin III is an international criminal, renowned worldwide. This time, they fell into the hands of the Japanese police—undoubtedly, the Japan Metropolitan Police Department is going to highlight this!

This is truly a remarkable achievement!

What’s more important is that not only was Lupin III captured, but his accomplices Ishikawa Goemon and Daisuke Jigen were also apprehended. It can be announced that Lupin III’s gang of thieves is completely captured.

Thus, the Metropolitan Police Department held a large press conference, where Fang Zheng handed over the suspects to the ICPO’s dedicated officer for Lupin.

"Well done, lad!"

Inspector Zenigata firmly shook Fang Zheng’s hand and patted him on the shoulder.

"I always thought one day I’d bring Lupin III to justice, but I never imagined he’d fall into your hands. Not bad, not bad. I’ve already received information about you from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and if you agree, I’ll recommend you to the ICPO as a special advisor! Given that you managed to catch those three, your skills speak for themselves. From now on, it’s the world of you young people..."

"Thank you for your compliments, Inspector Zenigata, but I only did a small part... After all, preventing crime is the responsibility of every citizen, and you, Inspector Zenigata, have earned much merit as well. Moreover, it’s not over yet."

Looking at Inspector Zenigata, Fang Zheng maintained a good attitude. Look at him, that’s what a professional policeman looks like. Both have been chasing after phantom thieves for years; Inspector Zenigata has risen to become an ICPO’s dedicated officer for Lupin, while Officer Nakamori is still merely an inspector... oh, he didn’t show up today and is rather feeling gloomy at home.

"Yes, this guy is exceptionally cunning, but rest assured, we have a complete plan and will not let them escape again!"

"If they do escape and run into me, I’ll still take them down."

"Exactly, that’s the spirit!"

Hearing Fang Zheng’s response, Inspector Zenigata patted him again.

"Nowadays, many police officers are frightened by the mention of Lupin III, fearing him as if he’s some kind of mythical Immortal. But no matter how good he is, he’s ultimately just a thief, and we are the police. We caught him once, so we’ll catch him a hundred times! That’s the spirit we need, ah... If only you were a police officer..."

At this point, Inspector Zenigata sighed. Naturally, before arriving in Japan, he investigated various information about Fang Zheng and knew his identity. If Fang Zheng were a formal employee of the Metropolitan Police Department, he could recommend him to join the ICPO. However, Fang Zheng is merely a consultant, and he himself is the president of Umbrella—the Skynet System of Umbrella is quite famous within the ICPO and plans to be installed in many countries.

Moreover, Umbrella seems to be involved in many industries. In short, even though Fang Zheng isn’t the world’s richest person yet, he’s likely on the Fortune 500 list.

After the terrorist attacks in the United States, countries increased their security investments, and Fang Zheng’s Skynet System, due to its functionality, simplicity, and affordability, naturally garnered attention and orders from police agencies in numerous countries... As everyone knows, government agencies never hesitate to spend money.

After all, it’s not their own money they’re spending.

Choosing not to lead such comfortable lives and instead opting to become an international police officer running all over the streets—it’s quite obvious it’s not going to happen.

For Fang Zheng, the following days were extremely busy, his schedule packed, with Inspector Zenigata taking Lupin III and the others away. Regarding where they’re being detained, that’s confidential. Inspector Zenigata only informed Fang Zheng they would be held in three separate locations to avoid them planning a breakout together.

Meanwhile, Fang Zheng was busy handling interviews and attending various banquets. Internally, there were plenty of hassles, too. Officer Sato kept pestering him about details of the capture of Lupin III, resulting in Takagi and Shiratori looking at him somewhat differently.

The number of infatuated female officers has also increased considerably, and Officer Yumi started acting like a sister next door, introducing potential matches for Fang Zheng—Fang Zheng really wants to tell her to solve her own single life issues before discussing others!

Of course, if he were to say that, Officer Yumi might just ask him to meet her on the police department’s rooftop.

Better leave some room for maneuver; things might turn around one day.

"Phew..."

After a busy day, Fang Zheng yawned as he drove down the street. He still had another banquet to attend tonight, something about a diplomatic banquet of some country... To be honest, Fang Zheng just wanted to go home and sleep.

Right at that moment, Fang Zheng saw a figure wearing a blue school uniform with a horn sticking out.

"Isn’t that Ran?"

Fang Zheng paused curiously upon seeing Ran. He heard from Sonoko that Kogoro Mouri, Conan, and Ran were going to attend the banquet, but now that it’s already started, why is she still wandering here?

Could karate club practice have gone late?

"Hey..."

Thinking this, Fang Zheng drove over, planning to pick Ran up and head over together. However, at that moment, he saw Ran collide with a man covered in tattoos, who looked quite menacing. The man shouted angrily, eyeing Ran.

"Hey, what’s up? You tired of living?"

Initially, Fang Zheng assumed Ran would apologize demurely. However, to his surprise, she furrowed her brow in response to the thug’s anger, placing her hands on her hips.

"What? Clearly, you bumped into me first, yet you dare to speak?"

Meow meow meow?

Since when did Ran become so fiery?

Witnessing this scene, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Could it be Ran is in that irritable mood of hers?

"What are you saying? You brat, come over here!"

Saying this, the thug reached out to grab Ran. Seeing this, Fang Zheng put his hands together, nearly picturing Ran bringing him down with a spinning kick, leaving him completely unrecognizable.

But then...

"What are you doing? Let go of me! Let go!!"

To Fang Zheng’s surprise, Ran didn’t give them a spinning kick, leaving them incapacitated. Instead, like an ordinary girl, she struggled hard but was still dragged into the alley by the thug and his accomplice.

"......"

Stunned by this sight, Fang Zheng was speechless.

What’s happening?

Could it be Ran is like Lina Inverse, during that time, unable to even defeat Slime after once defeating the Demon King?

Even though this development feels inexplicable, Fang Zheng still got out of the car and followed them into the alley, where he saw two thugs nervously threatening Ran with their backs to him.

"Hey, take out your money, it’s for medical expenses, it’s for medical expenses!"

"This chick is pretty good looking, if you don’t have money, you can pay with your body!"

"Ha... These thugs have the same recycled lines. They can’t even come up with something like ’Where do we go on a cold night, let’s share a romantic night...’ Well, with that level of culture, they’re not thugs anymore."

At least not street thugs.

"Hey."

Thinking this, Fang Zheng decided to cut the chatter and tapped one of them on the shoulder. As the thug turned, he struck him down in one punch. The other thug, before he could react, was hit in the abdomen with Fang Zheng’s elbow, fainting.

Then Fang Zheng grabbed Ran’s hand.

"Come with me."

"Ah, uh..."

At this moment, Ran was too frightened, obediently nodding. Then she followed Fang Zheng out of the alley, got into the car, and drove away. After a moment, Fang Zheng turned to Ran.

"You’re not Ran, are you? Who are you?"

"Eh?"

Hearing Fang Zheng’s question, the "Ran" froze, showing a bit of unease.

"You, you know that girl... No, no, you know me?"

"Alright, stop pretending, I can tell you’re not Ran."

Fang Zheng chuckled softly. To be honest, earlier because of the nightfall, he really thought the other party was Ran. But now, after careful observation under the lights, Fang Zheng noticed there were still some differences, such as this girl’s hair color being lighter than Ran’s. Ran had pure black hair, while this girl’s hair was light brown.

The eye color was also different. Ran’s eyes were dark blue, while this girl’s eyes were light blue—of course, other than that, the two were almost identical, and both had the iconic pointed bangs, so no wonder Fang Zheng mistook her at first glance.

"But you probably swapped clothes with Ran, didn’t you? What you’re wearing now should be Ran’s clothes... Are you one of Ran’s cousins or something? I haven’t heard her mention it."

"Ah, um, yes, something like that..."

Hearing Fang Zheng’s query, the girl rolled her eyes around and then hurriedly nodded.

"Actually, I’m a relative of Ran living overseas, sort of like her cousin. This time I came to Japan wanting to have some fun, but unexpectedly ran into some trouble..."

"So where do you plan to have fun?"

"Eh? Well... I just arrived in Japan, I’m not familiar with the place."

"Then let me take you."

Of course, Fang Zheng could tell the other party was lying, but seeing the girl’s demeanor, she probably had no ill intentions. Besides, Fang Zheng was certain that the Ran before him wasn’t Phantom Thief Kid in disguise—he believed Phantom Thief Kid wasn’t insane enough to strip Ran’s clothes to transform.

Otherwise, Conan would definitely fight him to the death.

"Since you’re new to Japan, let’s first take a trip to Bijalando Paradise. Their nighttime parade carnival is quite interesting, and then we’ll take a look at Tokyo Tower... Actually, there’s not much that’s particularly fun in Japan."

"Sure, sure."

Hearing this, "Ran" excitedly raised her hands and clapped forcefully.

"Let’s go!!"

"No problem."

Fang Zheng adjusted the steering wheel, then turned toward the direction of the amusement park.

"By the way, I still don’t know your name. What’s your name?"

"Name, name... I’m called Mira, just call me Mira."

"Okay, Miss Mira, I’m Fang Zheng, just call me Fang Zheng."

"Fang Zheng? How come I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere before."

Hearing Fang Zheng’s self-introduction, Mira curiously glanced at him, then pondered for a moment.

"Also, I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before."

"I’m certain I’ve never seen you before."

Fang Zheng said truthfully. If there was a girl who looked so much like Ran, he definitely wouldn’t forget. Mira, meanwhile, kept staring at him, murmuring to herself.

"Fang Zheng... Fang Zheng... Ah!!"

Suddenly, Mira shrieked, pointing at Fang Zheng.

"You’re that amazing detective!"

"Hmm?"

"You captured Lupin III, didn’t you? It was you!"

So that’s it.

Hearing Mira’s question, Fang Zheng shrugged. No wonder she thought he looked familiar. After all, the capture of the Lupin III gang was worldwide news. It was broadcasted everywhere, and with his handsome face, leaving an impression was only natural.

"I did capture Lupin III, but I’m not a detective, I’m just a special consultant for the Metropolitan Police Department."

Fang Zheng still corrected her.

"Although I work with the police department, I’m not actually a detective."

"Eh? With such skills, you can’t be a detective?"

"I’m still running a company, you think I’d abandon my company to become a detective?"

"Eh? You’re running a company too? What do you do?"

"All sorts of services, mainly security facilities..."

Thus, they chatted intermittently until Fang Zheng took Mira to the amusement park. Once inside, Mira behaved just like Granny Liu entering the Grand Garden, excitedly running everywhere, dragging Fang Zheng around to explore, and even enjoying the nighttime parade floats.

"It’s so much fun, what should we do next? Let’s ride the roller coaster! I haven’t tried night roller coasters yet!"

"No problem. By the way, Miss Mira."

Watching the bouncing and excited Mira, Fang Zheng seemed to think of something, taking out his phone.

"How about we take a photo together? I plan to send it to Kudou."

"Kudou... ah, that’s Ran’s boyfriend you’re talking about, right."

During their journey, Fang Zheng not only accompanied Mira playing but also introduced her to Ran Mouri’s relationships, so Mira quickly figured it out after some thought.

"No, no, they’re not officially dating yet."

"Eh? But didn’t you say they like each other?"

"Yes, but neither has confessed yet."

"Jeez, Japanese really are troublesome."

"That’s why they need a little catalyst."

Saying this, Fang Zheng smiled slightly, waved his phone at Mira, who immediately understood, showing a carefree smile.

"Count me in!!"

Meanwhile, Conan was at the banquet bored, sipping on juice, awaiting Ran’s arrival. Just then, his phone suddenly rang, and Conan picked it up and opened it.

"What is this, a message from Fang Zheng?"

Conan raised an eyebrow opening the message, only to find a line of text.

"Are you happy? We’re very happy!"

"???"

What’s this?

Bewildered by this out-of-context message, Conan was momentarily stunned. Then he immediately noticed the message came with a photo, so he opened it.

In the next moment... the juice glass in Conan’s hand dropped to the floor.

In the photo on his phone screen, Fang Zheng was holding the phone in one hand and embracing Ran with the other arm, while Ran leaned against Fang Zheng’s chest with a joyful smile.