Director Ochiai wasn't actually the owner of the exhibition hall.
The exhibition hall was the bosses' asset.
And the Old Curator was just an employee who had developed personal feelings for his work, much like a security guard who falls in love with the gold in the vault—a love destined to be heavy and unrequited.
If tearing down the exhibition hall and rebuilding a hotel had to be blamed on someone, then at least half of the blame should fall on the former boss who sold the exhibition hall.
However, Director Ochiai's anger was focused entirely on President Nakamoto.
…At times like these, you can see how dangerous it is to have a poisonous tongue in this world.
…
As Jiang Xia spoke, the Old Curator's hand, which had been stroking his beard, began to tremble slightly beside him—it was unclear whether he was angry or finally realized that Jiang Xia was treating him as the murderer, thus making him nervous.
After a moment of silence, Director Ochiai took a deep breath, intending to stubbornly deny it—like a knight fighting to the last moment.
However, at this moment, the young man opposite him suddenly raised his phone and shook it at him.
On the low-pixel screen, the scene of the Director picking up a pen was playing.
This was a fatal flaw in the Director's plan.
Jiang Xia looked at the Old Curator's pale face and nodded inwardly.
He quickly fast-forwarded the case to solve it as soon as possible and take the Ghost Infant away early.
Jiang Xia said sternly, "Confess. Don't harbor any more illusions. Your actions, your methods that you thought were concealed, are all seen by the people."
…Director Ochiai stared at the screen of the phone, and the last shred of confidence in his heart gradually disappeared.
…Less than ten minutes had passed.
His murder plan, which he had conceived for a long time and rehearsed for over a week…was it really seen through just like that?!
…
At the same time, Conan, who was eavesdropping nearby, was also shocked.
Conan: "…" When Detectives deduce, they always present evidence step by step, perfecting the logic…
But with Jiang Xia, why did it fast-forward to the ending with one click?
…Also, was the Director really the murderer?
Conan reviewed the known conditions and for a moment couldn't figure out how Jiang Xia had deduced this conclusion.
He wanted to ask, but the young man's self-esteem made it difficult for Conan to speak.
…
However, after a brief struggle between self-esteem and curiosity,
Conan suddenly realized: Right now, he was just a first-grade Elementary School Student.
…What's wrong with an Elementary School Student asking a High School Student a question?
After figuring it out, Conan clapped his small fist into his palm with a 'pah' sound, and suddenly saw the light.
He walked obediently to Jiang Xia's feet, "Um, Brother Jiang Xia, can I see your phone?"
Jiang Xia: "…"
…Kudo, why is your tone suddenly like that?
Jiang Xia gave him an unreadable look, pressed replay, and silently handed over the phone.
There were no unsavory people stored on this phone.
When contacting the organization, Jiang Xia used another phone.
Clearly distinct.
There was no need to worry about Conan seeing Gin's email suddenly pop up on the phone halfway through.
…
The video quickly finished playing.
Conan looked at the black screen, rapidly integrating information in his mind.
A moment later, he stroked his chin, enlightened:
"So that's how it is. The note with 'Kubota' that the Police…cough, the Police uncles found just now, was written by the Director in advance and placed there, right? The pen the victim picked up should also be a pen that couldn't write, so the 'death message' he left was actually written in advance by the murderer to frame someone."
…The Director stared at Conan, an expression of doubting life appearing on his face for a moment.
—Jiang Xia was one thing; at least he was a High School Student who looked very smart.
But now…
How could even an Elementary School Student easily see through his crucial plan?!
Director Ochiai: "…"
His revenge, his art, his elaborate scheme…
Was it just a childish farce?
…
Conan understood the situation, returned the phone to Jiang Xia, and was about to thank him again obediently.
But suddenly, he heard a weary, incredibly complex sigh from nearby.
Jiang Xia and Conan both froze at the same time, turning their heads in confusion.
Then they were surprised to find that in just a few seconds, the Director looked as if he had aged ten years.
The Director looked at them deeply, then shook his head dejectedly: "Thank you for helping me understand myself."
Then, under their "…?" gazes,
He walked with weary steps towards Inspector Megure, to surrender.
…
Inspector Megure had originally thought that, based on the dying message, the murderer must be an employee here—Kubota.
But he didn't expect a Director to suddenly appear out of nowhere to surrender.
…
The Director briefly recounted the murder process. Finally, he said wearily: Since even a child could see through this method, the Police would eventually find out anyway…it was better to be dignified and tell them himself.
Inspector Megure felt a little guilty from the Director's praise and didn't dare to ask too many questions.
He cleared his throat nonchalantly and glanced in the direction the Director had come from.
He saw Jiang Xia and a first-grade boy with glasses standing there.
Inspector Megure immediately ruled out the Elementary School Student and understood the 'amazing child' mentioned by the Old Curator to be Jiang Xia.
His eyes lit up slightly, and he thought to himself: It seems that after Kudo, he has encountered another excellent High School Detective.
…
Several Police officers quickly took the Director away.
The Police also left one after another.
Jiang Xia looked at the Police team and consciously followed Inspector Megure.
When the other party turned around to look at him in confusion, he took the initiative to say, "I'm here to give a statement."
Inspector Megure was startled.
The Detectives he had encountered before, each of them charging forward fearlessly when solving cases, but disappearing as soon as statements were mentioned.
Having grown accustomed to that mode of interaction, now encountering Jiang Xia…Inspector Megure was inexplicably moved.
Jiang Xia was too cooperative.
He suggested that Detectives nationwide should learn from him!
…
Of course, Jiang Xia didn't like giving statements.
It was just that after the on-site evidence collection, the body had been put into a body bag and sent to the Police station.
In other words, the crawling Shikigami was also at the Police station now…
Once this kind of thing's obsession was resolved, it wouldn't cling to legs anymore and could easily wander off to other places.
Jiang Xia was worried that if he arrived late, he wouldn't be able to find it.
Thus, Jiang Xia successfully blended into the Police's overtime team.
…
As soon as he walked out of the exhibition hall, a dazzling flash of light greeted him.
—A group of reporters was gathered at the entrance.
Murder cases in this world were very popular.
Jiang Xia unskillfully dealt with the media and a few passersby who were adding drama.
About ten minutes later, he finally arrived at the Police station as he wished.
…
While Jiang Xia was giving his statement, the Ghost Infant looked around.
Then, at Jiang Xia's signal, it stealthily floated away, hiding all the way, and slipped towards the morgue.
Jiang Xia silently looked at its back and really wanted to remind it that it didn't need so much drama—even if the Ghost Infant walked past arrogantly with its hands on its hips, beating drums and gongs, it wouldn't be seen by the Police.
…Alas, perhaps he shouldn't have shown it so many plays before.