4: Chapter 4 The Kidnapping of the Chairman's Daughter

The early morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the cherry blossom trees, casting mottled light and shadows on the plaque of the "Lins Information Consulting Office."

Ms. Sato had already arrived and was sitting at the front desk organizing documents. Hearing the door open, she immediately stood up and bowed:

"Good morning, Mr. Lin Long."

"Morning."

Lin Long nodded and walked straight to the office area. On the desk lay the newly delivered newspaper; the headline of the social section was once again a report on a homicide. In the accompanying photo, one could vaguely see the figure of Mouri Kogoro surrounded by reporters.

"It's really not peaceful."

Lin Long casually flipped through the newspaper, his fingertips grazing words like "kidnapping" and "blackmail." Having been in this world for nearly two weeks, he had already grown accustomed to this rhythm—evil never rests, and his "nourishment" was never in short supply.

[Current malice black qi: 2350 points. Number of Shadow Guards available for summon: 6.]

The data on the system panel grew steadily, getting closer and closer to the 5000-point threshold to unlock the "Shadow Sharpshooter." Lin Long was quite satisfied with this; at this rate, he would be able to gather enough points in less than a week.

Just then, the phone at the front desk rang. Ms. Sato picked it up, and after a few words, her expression turned somewhat solemn. She covered the mouthpiece and said to Lin Long:

"Mr. Lin Long, it's President Tanifuji of the Tanifuji Group calling. He says there's an urgent commission and hopes to see you immediately."

The Tanifuji Group? Lin Long paused for a moment; the name sounded a bit familiar. He quickly realized—Tanifuji was a famous manufacturing tycoon in Beika Town, with industries spread across Tokyo, making him one of the local top elite. Why would such a figure seek out his newly opened small office?

"Let him come over."

Lin Long pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement. There was no reason to refuse business that came to his door, and establishing a connection with someone of this caliber would be greatly beneficial for the office's "publicity."

Half an hour later, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up silently in front of the villa. The driver respectfully opened the door, and an elderly man with graying hair but a vigorous spirit stepped out, dressed in a custom suit. It was President Tanifuji. Behind him followed two bodyguards in suits, their eyes sharp as they alertly scanned the surrounding environment.

"Mr. Lin Long, I have long looked forward to meeting you."

President Tanifuji walked into the office, his face carrying an ill-concealed anxiety, yet he maintained basic courtesy and proactively extended his hand.

"Long looked forward to my ass, I've only been in this world for a few days."

Lin Long thought to himself, but he still politely stood up to shake hands. From the old man's palm, his fingertips felt a coldness and a slight tremor.

"President Tanifuji is too kind. Please, have a seat."

Ms. Sato brought over coffee and tactfully retreated to the front desk. Only Lin Long and President Tanifuji remained in the living room, along with the two bodyguards standing at the door like statues.

President Tanifuji took a sip of coffee, seemingly trying to calm his emotions. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke with difficulty:

"Mr. Lin Long, I came today because I want to commission you to... find my daughter."

"Your daughter is missing?" Lin Long feigned surprise.

President Tanifuji's face instantly darkened, his voice carrying a sob:

"She's not missing, she was kidnapped."

He took a deep breath and slowly recounted the events: "My daughter's name is Tanifuji Akiko, she's 6 years old and attends the private Beika Elementary School. I'm usually busy with company affairs and rarely have time to spend with her, which I've always felt guilty about. Yesterday afternoon, she went to play in a park near the school and never came back. In the evening, I received a call from the kidnappers..."

At this point, the old man's voice began to tremble:

"The kidnappers said they want me to prepare five hundred million yen in ransom and leave it at a designated location. I'm not allowed to call the police, otherwise... otherwise they'll kill the hostage."

Five hundred million yen? Lin Long raised an eyebrow. That amount was enough to make many desperate criminals take the risk.

"You didn't call the police?"

"No."

President Tanifuji shook his head, his eyes full of struggle. "The kidnappers said they have people watching me, and if they find police involvement, they'll immediately harm Akiko. She's my only daughter, I don't dare to gamble..." He paused and added:

"But I can't completely listen to the kidnappers either. I have commissioned all the somewhat famous offices in Beika Town, hoping someone can find Akiko's whereabouts without provoking the kidnappers."

So that was it; he was just one of "all the offices." Lin Long understood, and at the same time, he remembered this case—wasn't this the Chairman's Daughter Kidnapping Case from the first episode of Detective Conan?

In the original plot, Tanifuji Akiko had actually conspired with the butler to stage a "fake kidnapping" because she was dissatisfied with her father's constant absence, aiming only to get him to spend more time with her. Finally, Kudo Shinichi (who hadn't turned into Conan yet) saw through it, and the father and daughter resolved their issues.

However, the situation seemed a bit different now—according to President Tanifuji's description, this sounded more like a real kidnapping. Was there a deviation in the plot, or was President Tanifuji not telling the truth?

Lin Long didn't dwell on it. To him, the truth of the case wasn't important; what mattered was seizing the opportunity. If he could be the first to find Tanifuji Akiko, he could not only get a generous commission fee but also use President Tanifuji's connections to make the office famous—killing two birds with one stone.

"President Tanifuji, please rest assured."

Lin Long's tone was steady, carrying an unquestionable confidence. "I will do my best to find your daughter. Please tell me some details—what were the characteristics of the kidnapper's voice? Did they mention a specific transaction time and location? Has your daughter offended anyone recently?"

President Tanifuji quickly replied:

"The kidnapper used a voice changer. The voice sounded very strange, making it impossible to tell if they were male, female, old, or young. He only said he would call again at noon today to notify me of the transaction location. Akiko is usually very well-behaved and has no enemies, it's just... just that she sometimes complains about me not having time to spend with her."

As he reached the last sentence, the old man's voice dropped, full of self-reproach.

Lin Long nodded, having already formed a plan in his mind. Whether it was a real kidnapping or a fake one, Tanifuji Akiko was definitely within the range of Beika Town, and it most likely had something to do with "going out to play"—since she went to the park, the places she was familiar with or might stay were mostly related to acquaintances.

"I understand."

Lin Long stood up. "Please stay here and wait for news, or you can go back and wait. I will give you an answer as soon as possible."

"Mr. Lin Long, I'm counting on you!"

President Tanifuji excitedly grasped his hand. "As long as Akiko is brought back safely, the reward is not an issue! I will also use all my connections to help promote your office!"

"It's my duty."

Lin Long saw off President Tanifuji and returned to the office area, immediately speaking into the shadows, "Shadow One to Shadow Six, all members move out."

Six black shadows silently slid out from the shadows of the walls and floor, kneeling on one knee, awaiting orders. After this period of strengthening, the figures of the Shadow Guards were more solid, and the airflow they created when moving was barely audible.

"Target: Find President Tanifuji's daughter, Tanifuji Akiko, 6 years old, a student at Beika Elementary School, missing since yesterday afternoon while playing in a park near the school." Lin Long pulled up a photo of Tanifuji Akiko—this was what he had just had a Shadow Guard copy from President Tanifuji's phone while the man wasn't paying attention. "Focus the search on the following areas:

Parks, abandoned warehouses, and secluded alleys within a three-kilometer radius of Beika High School."

He paused and added:

"Remain concealed and do not alert anyone. Once the target is found, report back immediately. Do not act rashly."

"Yes."

The Shadow Guards responded in unison, their voices like wind blowing through leaves, faint yet clear. The next second, the six black shadows simultaneously merged into the shadows and vanished.

Lin Long walked to the monitoring screen, which instantly split into six frames, each showing the perspective of a Shadow Guard. He picked up his coffee and waited patiently.

The efficiency of the Shadow Guards was extremely high.

Shadow One was responsible for searching around the park. shadow two, based on clues from Lin Long's memories of his past life, went straight to the abandoned factory in his memory. The factory building was large, covered in dust and cobwebs. shadow two moved along the walls like a gecko, and in a storage room on the second floor, he found Tanifuji Akiko tied to a chair!

The girl looked a bit scared but was not injured. Her mouth was stuffed with a cloth strip, and her eyes were red as if she had been crying. In a corner of the storage room, two men wearing black hoods were playing cards. On the table lay a dagger and a walkie-talkie—they didn't look like they were conspiring with a butler; they looked like real kidnappers.

"Found her."

Lin Long looked at the screen, his gaze narrowing. It seemed the plot had indeed deviated; this was a real kidnapping case.

He didn't hesitate for a second and grabbed his coat:

"shadow two, monitor the kidnappers. Don't let them out of your sight. Everyone else, stand guard on the factory perimeter and stop anyone from approaching."

With that, he grabbed his car keys and strode out of the office. Miss Sato was about to ask something, but she saw her boss's figure already disappearing through the door, leaving behind only the words, "I'm heading out on a case. Keep your phone on."

...

Outside the abandoned watch factory, Lin Long parked his car in a hidden grove and approached on foot. The factory's iron gates were rusted and left ajar, with the faint sounds of men's laughter and cursing drifting from within.

He didn't rush in blindly; instead, he made a gesture toward the shadows beside him.

shadow three slipped out of the shadows and handed over a dagger "borrowed" from the kidnappers—Lin Long didn't like using guns as they were too loud; a dagger was better suited for this kind of close-quarters surprise attack.

"Action."

Lin Long lunged through the door like a cheetah, while shadow three silently circled to the back of the factory to cut off any potential escape routes.

The light inside the factory was dim, with only a few rays of sunlight streaming through the broken windows, illuminating the dust floating in the air. Two kidnappers were sitting on the ground playing cards with their backs to the door, completely unaware of the approaching danger.

Lin Long's eyes turned cold. As he stepped on the shattered glass covering the floor, he didn't make a single sound. He rushed to within three meters of the kidnappers and suddenly threw the dagger!

*Thwack!*

The dagger pinned itself precisely into the table between the two of them, making them jump in fright. Just as they were about to turn around, two black shadows ensnared their ankles—it was shadow two, who had been lurking in the storage room, and shadow three, who had arrived just in time.

"Who's there?!"

The kidnapper cried out, reaching for the dagger at his waist.

Lin Long didn't give them a chance. He lunged forward, grabbing the left kidnapper's wrist with his left hand and slamming his right elbow hard into the man's ribs. With a crisp crack, the kidnapper doubled over in pain. Lin Long followed through with a knee strike square to the face, knocking the man unconscious instantly.

The other kidnapper had just broken free from the shadow's restraint and swung a fist at Lin Long. Lin Long sidestepped the punch, grabbed the man's arm, twisted it with the momentum, and swept his leg. The kidnapper lost his balance and slammed heavily onto the ground. Lin Long followed up by pinning the man's neck with his foot, completely subduing him.

The entire process was as smooth as flowing water. In just over ten seconds, both kidnappers were completely neutralized, without even a chance to cry for help.

Lin Long walked to the storage room, untied the ropes binding Tanifuji Akiko, and removed the cloth gag from her mouth:

"Miss Tanifuji, it's over now."

Still shaken, Tanifuji Akiko saw this handsome older brother coming to save her, and tears instantly welled up. "Th—thank you, big brother..."

"Come with me."

Lin Long didn't say much; he took the girl's hand and led her outside. Just as they stepped out of the factory, the sound of police sirens drifted from the distance, along with a familiar, loud voice.

"Dammit! Where on earth are they? If anything happens to Miss Akiko, I'll never forgive those kidnappers!"

It was Mouri Kogoro.

Lin Long's brow furrowed slightly, and he quickened his pace, wanting to leave before they arrived. But it was too late—a yellow car pulled up at the factory gate, and Mouri Kogoro strode in with Conan Edogawa and a police officer.

"Eh? Mr. Lin Long?" (As the owner of a newly opened office, Mouri Kogoro naturally had to know the basic situation regarding Lin Long.)

Mouri Kogoro froze when he saw Lin Long.

"What are you doing here? Did you also..." His gaze fell on Tanifuji Akiko behind Lin Long, and his eyes instantly went wide. "Miss Akiko?!"

Conan Edogawa also saw Tanifuji Akiko. A flash of surprise crossed the eyes behind his glasses, but it was quickly replaced by sharp scrutiny. His gaze swept back and forth over Lin Long—this office owner who had suddenly appeared had not only found the kidnapped Miss Akiko but had also dealt with the kidnappers with clean, efficient movements. He didn't seem like an ordinary information consultant at all.

Since when did such a formidable character arrive in Beika Town?

Lin Long felt Conan Edogawa's gaze, like being pricked by a needle, but his expression remained unchanged. He simply nodded to Mouri Kogoro:

"I received a commission from President Tanifuji and happened to find this place."

"You... you actually found them before I did?!"

Mouri Kogoro looked incredulous, then puffed out his chest and feigned composure. "Hmph, consider yourself lucky! However, leave the rest of the cleanup to me, the Great Detective Mouri Kogoro!"

The police officer hurried forward to deal with the unconscious kidnappers while asking Lin Long and Mouri Kogoro for details. Lin Long said a few simple words, omitting any mention of the Shadow Guards, merely stating that he had followed the clues here, happened upon the kidnappers, and dealt with them easily.

Conan Edogawa listened silently from the side, the doubt in his eyes deepening.

"Dealt with them easily"? Although those two kidnappers didn't look professional, they weren't people an ordinary person could easily subdue. This Lin Long was definitely not simple.

Just then, President Tanifuji's car arrived. Seeing his daughter safe and sound, the old man was moved to tears. He rushed over and hugged Tanifuji Akiko tightly:

"Akiko! My daughter! Thank God you're alright!"

"Papa..." Tanifuji Akiko also began to cry.

The scene of father and daughter weeping in each other's arms moved everyone present. After President Tanifuji calmed down, he immediately walked up to Lin Long and bowed deeply:

"Mr. Lin Long, words cannot express my gratitude! I, Tanifuji, will remember your kindness for the rest of my life!"

He then turned to Mouri Kogoro. Although the man hadn't accomplished much, he had accepted the commission after all, so Tanifuji had his secretary bring out a portion of the payment:

"Mr. Mouri, thank you for your hard work."

Mouri Kogoro took the money, feeling a bit embarrassed, but he didn't say much, only letting out a huff:

"Hmph, you got lucky this time." He glanced at Conan Edogawa. "Conan, let's go!"

Before leaving, Conan Edogawa gave Lin Long another look, his eyes complex. This Lin Long was even more mysterious than he had imagined; perhaps he would become an interesting "opponent."

After seeing off Mouri Kogoro and Conan Edogawa, President Tanifuji grasped Lin Long's hand again, his tone incredibly solemn:

"Mr. Lin Long, I've already had my secretary prepare the commission fee; it will be transferred to your account shortly. Furthermore, I will use all my connections to promote your office, ensuring that everyone in Beika Town knows that Lins Information Consulting Office is the most reliable!"

"Thank you, President." Lin Long nodded in thanks.

After safely returning Tanifuji Akiko to the Tanifuji residence, Lin Long drove back to the office. As the sun set, the golden afterglow filled the car's interior. He watched the street scenery flying past the window, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

The first job was a complete success. Not only did he receive a commission fee far exceeding his expectations (President Tanifuji gave him ten million yen directly), but he also gained a powerful "promotional tool" in President Tanifuji. More importantly, he had absorbed the malice black qi of those two kidnappers through his Shadow Guards, and the value had surged once again:

[Current malice black qi: 2350 -> 3890 points.]

He was getting closer and closer to unlocking the Shadow Sharpshooter.

Lin Long leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes. Conan Edogawa's scrutiny bothered him slightly, but that was all. No matter how smart that brat was, it was impossible for him to guess his true identity or the source of his power.

In this world teeming with crime, strength was the only absolute.

He could feel that with the opening of the office and the success of the first job, his "Shadow Empire" had quietly taken its second step. And the nights of Beika Town would become his best cover, witnessing his rise.

By the time he returned to the villa, Miss Sato had already finished work. Lin Long walked into the office area, looked at the empty room, and said to the shadows, "Shadow Guards, return to your positions. Continue monitoring the surrounding Malice fluctuations."

Six black shadows appeared silently and then quietly vanished.

Lin Long turned on the computer, and a bank deposit notification popped up on the screen; the figure of ten million yen was particularly eye-catching. He closed the message and opened the system interface, looking at the 3890 points of malice black qi, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Soon, soon. It will be time to unlock new power very soon."

Outside, the night grew deeper, and the crimes of Beika Town continued as always.