125: Chapter 125 Ran Mouri's Change and Sonoko Suzuki's Excitement

The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room, casting warm patches of light on the floor.

Sonoko Suzuki rushed into the dining room like a gust of wind, the hem of her goose-yellow dress fluttering in a light arc. She spotted Mouri Ran sitting by the window at a glance and Ran over excitedly, planting her hands on the table with a beaming smile on her face:

"Good morning, Ran!"

Mouri Ran was gently stirring the hot milk in front of her with a small spoon. Hearing this, she looked up, her long hair sliding over her shoulder with the movement, revealing her smooth forehead and gentle eyes. She smiled at Sonoko, her voice as clear and warm as if it had been soaked in morning dew: "Good morning, Sonoko."

"Wow—"

Sonoko dragged out the tone, pulled out a chair, and sat down opposite Ran, her eyes sparkling as she looked her up and down.

"Ran, you look completely different today compared to yesterday! You look like you've been soaked in sunshine; you're so much more cheerful, and even your eyes are shining!"

Mouri Ran scooped up a spoonful of milk and brought it to her lips, her dimples shallowly rippling.

"Is that so? Maybe it's because I suddenly figured some things out."

She put down the spoon and deliberately drew out her tone, looking at Sonoko with a mischievous smile in her eyes. "Come to think of it, all of this is thanks to the 'earnest teachings' of Miss Suzuki yesterday."

"Oh my!"

Sonoko Suzuki's cheeks flushed red instantly, like a ripe apple. She reached out and lightly slapped Ran's arm, her tone tinged with coquettishness. "Ran, you're too mean! How could you tease me with what I said yesterday!"

"Who told you to explain it so thoroughly to me yesterday."

Mouri Ran laughed and dodged her hand. The two started bickering back and forth, their silver-bell-like laughter echoing in the dining room, causing the waiters to turn and look at the intimate best friends.

Breakfast ended in a relaxed atmosphere. The men's itinerary had already been set—Lin Long was to accompany Suzuki Shiro and Mouri Kogoro to hunt in the deep mountains of the island.

Mouri Kogoro carried his hunting rifle, uncharacteristically putting away his usual slacker demeanor. His back was straight, and he occasionally discussed hunting techniques with Suzuki Shiro by his side. When he occasionally glanced at Lin Long, his eyes held a hint of inquiry.

On the other side, Sonoko Suzuki pulled Mouri Ran toward the hot spring area.

The path to the hot spring was lined with cherry blossom trees. Although it was not the flowering season, the fresh green on the branches was full of vitality. Sonoko said mysteriously:

"Ran, let me tell you, this hot spring was specially developed by Mr. Lin Long. It uses purely natural spring water, and it's said to have beauty and skin-nourishing benefits!"

The hot spring area was hidden in a dense bamboo forest, and the wooden buildings exuded a rustic elegance.

The two changed into yukatas and stepped into the hot spring pool. The warm water instantly enveloped their bodies, and their fatigue seemed to be dispelled.

Sonoko Suzuki leaned comfortably against the rocks on the edge of the pool and let out a long sigh of relief. The towel on her head slid down to her neck, revealing her beautifully contoured collarbones.

"Seriously, Ran,"

Sonoko turned her head to look at Mouri Ran, her eyes full of curiosity. "You were so gloomy last night, how did you suddenly figure it out today? Tell me quickly, is there some secret?"

In fact, she had a little plan hidden in her heart—as long as Mouri Ran could completely let go of the past, she could follow her plan and drag Ran along to "deal with" Lin Long. Thinking of the scene where the two of them fought side by side, Sonoko's cheeks felt a little hot.

Mouri Ran also leaned against the edge of the pool, staring blankly at the steaming water vapor. Hearing this, she sighed softly, her tone filled with relief:

"There's no secret, I just think you're right. The past cannot be changed, and holding onto it will only make me miserable."

She turned to look at Sonoko, her eyes gentle and firm. "I can't always live in memories. It's time to let go of my hang-ups and properly embrace the life ahead."

"Exactly!"

Sonoko perked up, stood up excitedly in the water, splashing a circle of water. She swam over to Ran and gave her a big hug.

"This is the Ran I know!"

After the hug, she deliberately winked and reached out, pretending to touch Mouri Ran's chest, teasing, "With a figure as good as yours, Ran-chan, it would be such a waste if you only revolved around that brat Kudo Shinichi!"

"Ah! Sonoko, you've learned bad habits!"

Mouri Ran was startled and quickly covered her chest, her cheeks flushing as if they were about to drip blood. She reached out to push Sonoko, but Sonoko nimbly dodged.

"Why are you shy? It's just the two of us here."

Sonoko laughed like a cunning little fox, deliberately leaning close to Ran, her eyes "lecherously" looking her over. "Come on, let sister get a good look at your 'big treasure'~"

"Stop it!"

Mouri Ran was both angry and amused, reaching out to tickle Sonoko. The two started chasing and playing in the hot spring pool, their crisp laughter mixing with the sound of water, echoing for a long time in the bamboo forest.

Meanwhile, in the deep mountains of the island, the three men were walking along the winding mountain road.

The forest was very quiet, with only the rustling of footsteps on fallen leaves and occasional bird calls.

Mouri Kogoro, carrying his hunting rifle, suddenly stopped and looked at Lin Long with a serious expression: "I have to say, Kid Lin Long, this island of yours is not simple."

Lin Long raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.

"I've seen quite a few armed soldiers patrolling along the way, and their equipment is the most advanced kind."

Mouri Kogoro rubbed his chin, his tone filled with inquiry. "Is there some secret hidden on this island of yours?"

Lin Long smiled and explained in a relaxed tone:

"What secret? This island is in the Pacific Ocean, in a remote location. If we encounter a pirate or terrorist attack, how can we not be prepared? These soldiers were specially brought in by me to guard the place, just in case."

"Haha, you have a point."

Mouri Kogoro grinned and patted Lin Long on the shoulder. "But seriously, the two of you, father-in-law and son-in-law, are becoming more and more impressive. One has become Prime Minister, and the other is being courted with gifts even by a major power like Eagle Country. Truly, the younger generation is formidable."

He paused, then suddenly changed the subject, with a hint of teasing. "If you hadn't already engaged to Sonoko, I would really want to betroth Ran to you. This girl is my most precious daughter."

Suzuki Shiro, who was on the side, heard this and interjected with a smile: "It's not too late to betroth her now. I think Ran is a good child. If she could marry in, I guarantee she would enjoy the same treatment as Sonoko, both as equal wives; she definitely wouldn't be wronged."

Lin Long smiled upon hearing this but didn't respond. He just looked up at the distant mountain forest, where sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled light and shadows on his face.

Mouri Kogoro watched his expression and rubbed his chin thoughtfully, feeling in his heart that Suzuki Shiro's suggestion seemed good.

The mountain road wound forward, the hunting party continued on, and the frolicking in the hot spring pool never ceased.