32: Chapter 32 Lin Long's Counterattack

In the living room of the Lin Family Manor, the crystal chandelier refracted soft light, which fell onto the expensive Persian carpet, reflecting intricate patterns.

Miyano Akemi snuggled beside Lin Long, her fingertips gently brushing through his blood-colored long hair, a satisfied smile on her face.

Since signing the contract and becoming a Shadow Creature, the gentleness she possessed had gained a touch of mystery; the butterfly tattoo on her waist would occasionally shimmer beneath her clothing, transforming her former mild temperament into something alluring, enchanting, and mysterious.

"Mr. Lin Long, what would you like for dinner tonight? I'll go make it."

Miyano Akemi looked up, her eyes filled with infatuation.

"Anything is fine; I like whatever you make."

Lin Long lowered his head and pressed a light kiss to her forehead, his red eyes brimming with a gentle smile.

Through their time together, Miyano Akemi had become increasingly alluring and playful, allowing both him and his brothers to feel a sense of warmth.

Just then, the phone Lin Long had placed on the coffee table suddenly rang, breaking the silence of the room.

He frowned, stood up, and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window to answer the call, deliberately keeping a distance from Miyano Akemi—some things were better left unknown to her.

"Hello."

Lin Long's voice returned to its usual indifference, carrying a trace of imperceptible authority.

A slightly mechanical voice came from the other end of the line, as if it had been specially processed, exuding a metallic coldness:

"Boss, the protection program for your file in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's registration system has been triggered."

This was Lin Long's chief hacker, codenamed "Ghost."

Three months ago, Lin Long had discovered this hacker on the dark web, who possessed god-like skills but was being hunted by enemies. He had immediately ordered his Shadow Guards to bring him back and forcibly converted him into a Shadow Creature.

Now, "Ghost" not only possessed an immortal body but was also Lin Long's most powerful weapon for controlling information networks.

"Oh?"

Lin Long raised an eyebrow, the cigarette held between his fingertips flickering in the dim light.

"Who did it?"

"The other party attempted to hack into the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's system to access your registration files and bank accounts."

Ghost's voice remained without a ripple.

"I have locked the bank accounts with twelve layers of encryption; the other party failed to break through. However, the registration information... a portion was accessed."

Lin Long took a drag of his cigarette, the smoke curling before his eyes and blurring the emotions in his red eyes:

"Can you trace the source?"

"The IP address has been located."

Ghost's voice paused, then recited a string of addresses.

"It is in 2-chome, Beika Town, registered to the owner 'Dr. Agasa'."

Dr. Agasa?

A cold smile curled the corners of Lin Long's mouth, and he understood instantly.

In all of Beika Town, besides that detective hiding in a primary schooler's body, who else had the ability and motive to hack into the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's system to investigate him?

Conan Edogawa, or rather, Kudo Shinichi.

From the first time they met on Tsukikage Island, that kid's gaze toward him had been filled with scrutiny and vigilance, like a cat with its fur standing on end.

Lin Long had originally been too lazy to bother—a shrunken detective who theoretically no longer existed couldn't make any waves.

But he hadn't expected this kid to push his luck and dare to actively investigate him.

"Heh, giving an inch and taking a mile."

Lin Long cursed under his breath, crushing the cigarette butt into the crystal ashtray with a soft "hiss."

Did he really think the King of Darkness was just for show?

"Understood."

Lin Long said indifferently, hanging up the phone directly.

He turned around and saw Miyano Akemi looking at him with concern:

"Mr. Lin Long, did something happen?"

"It's nothing, just a minor trouble."

Lin Long walked over, ruffled her hair with a gentle smile,

"Go prepare dinner first; I'll come join you once I've handled this."

"Okay."

Although Miyano Akemi was still a bit worried, she nodded obediently and turned to head toward the kitchen.

Watching her back disappear through the doorway, the smile on Lin Long's face instantly vanished, and a trace of icy killing intent flashed in his red eyes.

He had originally intended to spare Kudo Shinichi for the time being, out of consideration for Mouri Ran.

After all, he was her childhood sweetheart; if he went too far, it would inevitably affect his plan to win over Ran.

But now, since this kid had delivered himself to his doorstep...

Lin Long's fingers tapped lightly on the coffee table as a plan flashed rapidly through his mind.

The biggest secret Kudo Shinichi had was that he had become Conan Edogawa.

This secret was his bargaining chip against the Black Organization, but it was also his greatest weakness.

If this secret were to be exposed...

A playful smile curled the corners of Lin Long's mouth. He didn't need to go too far; he just needed to make him feel fear and understand who the true controller was.

It would be best to force him to go to America, to leave Beika Town forever, and to leave Mouri Ran's side... That would be even better.

"Shadow Guards."

Lin Long snapped his fingers.

"Swish!"

A black shadow emerged silently from the corner's shade, kneeling on one knee, its red eyes gazing at him with loyalty.

"Go do something."

Lin Long's voice was cold, carrying an unquestionable command,

"Go wait near Dr. Agasa's house in Beika Town. When that kid, Conan Edogawa, comes out, knock him unconscious."

The Shadow Guard nodded slightly, indicating understanding.

"Take him to Asai Narumi."

Lin Long continued to instruct.

Since the Tsukikage Island incident, Asai Narumi had been arranged by him to work as a doctor at a private hospital in Tokyo, which could be considered a stable home.

"Tell Asai to give this kid a full-body checkup, from head to toe, including a DNA test—not a single item can be missed."

The Shadow Guard nodded again.

"Have 'Ghost' assist,"

Lin Long added,

"Have him hack into the hospital's system, retrieve Kudo Shinichi's past medical examination reports and DNA data from the hospital, put them together with Conan Edogawa's test results, and send them to me."

He wanted to obtain the most direct evidence to prove that Conan Edogawa was Kudo Shinichi.

"After doing all this, just throw that kid onto the street; you don't need to go too far,"

Lin Long said finally.

What he wanted was a warning, not a killing. At least not for now.

"Understood!"

The Shadow Guard accepted the order, its figure once again merging into the shadows and vanishing.

The living room returned to silence, leaving only the faint pressure emanating from Lin Long.

He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the twilight gradually deepening outside, a calculating light flickering in his red eyes.

Kudo Shinichi, don't you like solving cases? Don't you think you're very smart?

This time, let me let you taste the feeling of having your weakness seized by someone else.

I'd like to see if you can remain as calm as you are now when you discover that the secret you care about most might be exposed.

As for Mouri Ran...

The young girl's gentle smiling face appeared in Lin Long's mind. Once Kudo Shinichi leaves town out of fear that his secret will be exposed, he will have enough time and patience to make her understand who can truly give her stability and happiness.

After all, how can a "ghost" who only dares to hide behind the identity of a primary school student to silently protect her compare to him—a strong man who can stand openly by her side and sweep away all obstacles for her?

"Heh..."

Lin Long chuckled softly and turned toward the kitchen.

Miyano Akemi and this feast were still waiting for him.

As for the Conan Edogawa side, it was just a minor interlude.

He had always trusted the efficiency of the Shadow Guards.

...Meanwhile, in the basement of Dr. Agasa's house, Conan Edogawa was still researching Lin Long's information with the doctor.

"Still can't find anything more."

Dr. Agasa rubbed his aching shoulders, looking helpless,

"The information on this Lin Long is as if it was deliberately wiped away by someone; except for the ID card reissued half a year ago, there are almost no traces."

Conan Edogawa frowned, his fingers tapping the tabletop unconsciously. The less he could find, the stronger the unease in his heart grew.

"Doctor, do you think he might be related to the Black Organization?"

Conan Edogawa gritted his teeth,

"Or... is he a pawn cultivated by some mysterious consortium?"

"Hard to say."

Dr. Agasa shook his head,

"But his influence must be significant; anyone who can hide their identity so deeply is definitely not an ordinary person."

Conan Edogawa took a deep breath and stood up:

"I'm heading back first, Doctor, so Ran doesn't worry. If there's any news, contact me anytime."

"Alright, be careful on the way."

Dr. Agasa urged.

Conan Edogawa nodded, pushed open the door, and Ran out.

The afterglow of the setting sun stretched his shadow long, and the small figure darted quickly through the alley, completely unaware that in the shadows not far behind him, a pair of red eyes were coldly watching him.

The Shadow Guard followed silently behind Conan Edogawa like a true shadow, waiting for the opportunity to strike.

When Conan Edogawa turned into a secluded alley, the Shadow Guard made its move.

A black shadow flashed by, and a hand chop struck precisely on the back of Conan Edogawa's neck.

"Ugh!"

Conan Edogawa felt a pain in his neck, his vision went black, and his body slumped softly to the ground, losing consciousness.

The Shadow Guard stepped forward, lifted Conan Edogawa's body as if he were a chick, turned, and merged into the nearby shadows, disappearing from sight.

Only the fallen leaves stirred by the wind remained in the alley, as if nothing had ever happened.

And at this moment, Lin Long was sitting at the dining table, watching the food that Miyano Akemi was serving with an alluring expression.

"Mr. Lin Long, will you eat this feast first? Or this feast?"

Miyano Akemi sat alluringly across Lin Long's lap, gesturing toward the food on the table and herself, teasing him.

"Can't I have both at the same time?"

Lin Long stood up abruptly, held Miyano Akemi in his arms, and placed her on the dining table.