Guns and Coffee in the World of Science

Chapter 133 A Chance Encounter in the Game Hall

Tokyo's nights are full of bright lights and partying, but behind the gorgeous neon lights lies an extremely complex and profound world.

For the past two days, Chen Shuo, accompanied by Mao Lilan and Suzuki Sonoko, has been traversing Tokyo's underworld. From the Sumiyoshi-kai stronghold to the heart of Shinjuku's red-light district, to the scavenger gangs specializing in "dirty work"—they've visited nearly every major underground stronghold. Along the way, Mao Lilan and Sonoko's perceptions have been constantly overturned.

Inside the Sumiyoshi-kai's clubhouse, the decor was luxurious yet cold, with kimono-clad receptionists and the core members of the Sumiyoshi-kai dressed in suits and ties, their gazes sharp. Mao Lilan and Sonoko sat beside Chen Shuo, sensing the respectful yet tentative attitudes toward him. Every face and every word here made them feel that this was no ordinary business meeting, but rather a contest filled with calculation and sharpness.

The neon lights of the red-light district illuminated the night sky. Beneath the hazy glow lay bars, clubs, and countless shady transactions. Here, Chen Shuo met Tohoko. Dressed in a traditional kimono, her eyes sharp and calm, she sat in her private club, as if nothing could break her composure. She spoke little, but each word was imbued with wisdom and an unfathomable command, as if she were in control of everything around her. Here, Mao Lilan and Sonoko also began to understand that Tokyo's underworld isn't governed solely by violence, but rather by the interweaving of information and power, weaving a complex web.

The scavengers' gathering point was even more secretive. Their base was an abandoned industrial area. In the chilly night air, several modified trucks parked next to tin huts. Several burly men stood there, expressionless, with a strong sense of oppression. Chen Shuo approached them to speak, his tone casual, yet they nodded repeatedly, their attitudes unusually respectful. Mao Lilan and Sonoko stood silently behind, sensing their fear of Chen Shuo. They finally understood that the scavengers' existence was more than just "trash disposal"; they were the "ultimate backup" of the entire underworld.

Over the course of two days, Mao Lilan and Sonoko saw a world completely out of their reach in daily life. They witnessed the true struggle between money and power, and saw the ruthless yet orderly side of the underground world.

Looking at the two high school girls who had just entered the darkness, Chen Shuo simply smiled faintly and said calmly: "The world is never just what we see. To understand it is to better control it."

Mao Lilan and Sonoko exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with mixed feelings yet also a sense of relief. Chen Shuo's calmness and confidence were precisely what supported them as they entered this unfamiliar world. Tokyo's underground world was vast, but Chen Shuo's figure, like a beacon, always illuminated their way forward.

---

After everything was over, they returned home. Ran Mouri and Sonoko Suzuki were still lost in the memories of the past two days, their expressions slightly hazy. Their eyes held a complex, unspoken feeling, as if they had suddenly understood something, yet also seemed a little lost. Their lively and calm demeanor seemed subtly altered by these few days' experiences. Though outwardly untroubled, their hearts were clearly deeply moved.

Mao Lilan leaned back on the sofa, head lowered, eyes a bit vacant. Her fingers flicked through the book on the table, but she had no intention of reading any further. Her mind still shone with the oppressive scenes and the powerful underground figures. She had thought her understanding of this city was profound enough, but reality had dealt her a heavy blow.

Sonoko was even more silent, fiddling with her phone and occasionally glancing out the window, as if she were pondering something important. She still looked energetic, but her eyes were no longer as relaxed as before. The once fearless, cheerful and sunny girl suddenly took on a deeper meaning.

Seeing these two young and lively little sisters looking a little absent-minded after seeing the tip of the iceberg of the world, Pu Siqinglan sighed silently. She could understand Mao Lilan and Sonoko's current state. After all, she had gone through the same thing herself.

She remembered how she, too, felt lost and uneasy when she first entered this world. Back then, everything seemed so unfamiliar and dangerous. However, she wasn't as fortunate as Ran and Sonoko are today. She recalled the loneliness and helplessness she felt when she first embarked on this journey. Back then, she was truly miserable.

Chen Shuo's aura remained unaffected by the moods of those around him. He sat there, quietly flipping through the documents in his hands. He had sensed the unease of Mao Lilan and Sonoko, but remained silent. He understood that only through these experiences could they truly understand the rules of this world, and only then could they realize that true growth involves the inevitable pain and challenges of life.

---

Time is the best medicine, especially after experiencing a period of unforgettable changes, time will always quietly smooth out those subtle ravines.

As the weeks passed, Ran Mouri and Sonoko Suzuki finally began to accept the cruelty and complexity of the Tokyo underworld they had witnessed. Though they were once intelligent, they still harbored a deep sense of innocence and ignorance. Now, after these few days of experience, and the power dynamics lurking in the shadows, they had become more mature and composed.

While they remained their lively and cheerful selves, their smiles still radiant, their words still vibrant, their eyes now sharper and more resolute. Those days spent observing silently from the shadows had taken root in their hearts. No longer the superficial little girls, they had learned to quietly protect themselves in this complex world, even able to discern others' hidden intentions in moments of uncertainty.

---

"Brother Shuo... please smile more happily!" Yuanzi looked at the photo in her hand, frowned, and complained to Chen Shuo in dissatisfaction.

Chen Shuo remained unmoved, choosing to simply ignore it. He was already accustomed to Sonoko's complaints and didn't respond. Today was supposed to be a rare day for Chen Shuo to relax at home, intending to spend some time there, but he was unexpectedly dragged to a newly opened arcade by Sonoko and Mao Lilan. The dazzling lights, loud speakers, and tireless mechanical sounds gave Chen Shuo a headache.

This kind of place was completely unfamiliar to Chen Shuo. Where had he ever experienced anything like this? He had no idea what games were being played here, and even the photo booth felt awkward. So, he could only stiffen his body, trying his best to cooperate with Sonoko and Mao Lilan, forcing a smile from time to time to avoid appearing too strange.

On the other hand, Haibara Ai and Conan were obviously unhappy. They were supposed to go home after school, but were forcibly dragged to the game hall by two high school students. Is this considered instigating elementary school students?

Looking at Sonoko and Xiaolan enthusiastically fiddling with the game console and taking photo stickers, Chen Shuo, Haibara Ai and Conan sighed in perfect sync.

“Oh! Yes! Come on, baby!”

Suddenly, an excited shout broke the noise in the arcade, with a thick American accent and an extremely cheerful tone. Conan was drinking juice with his head down. When he heard this, the juice in his mouth suddenly spurted out before he could swallow it, and instantly sprayed on his trouser legs.

"Uh...Pfft~~~~~" Conan covered his mouth, his expression instantly becoming extremely awkward. He looked in the direction of the voice and saw an American girl dressed in exaggerated clothes playing a game in front of a game console with extreme "happily". Her expression was more excited than if she were participating in some extreme sports.

Looking at the juice splashed on his trouser legs, Conan's face was full of embarrassment. Chen Shuo next to him raised his eyebrows slightly and glanced at Conan with disdain: "Kid, what are you thinking about all day long?"

"Your head is full of dirty trash." Haibara Ai's voice came coldly, and her sharp complaints were merciless.

Conan was somewhat speechless, but he was silently complaining in his heart: "If you don't have some yellow garbage in your heads, how can you possibly know what I'm thinking?"

Ran and Sonoko also noticed the sudden intense shouting coming from the arcade, and their eyes involuntarily turned in that direction. After seeing the woman who made the noise, they both opened their mouths in surprise: "Teacher Judy!?"

Huiyuan Ai also noticed her, quietly tugged at the corner of Chen Shuo's clothes, and whispered: "She is the one you are talking about..."

Chen Shuo narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the woman happily playing the game console. His gaze was deep, as if he was thinking about something. He nodded slightly, his face expressionless, but he secretly wondered in his heart, "Is the FBI so idle these days?"

Sonoko and Ran Maori observed the teacher who used to stand at the podium every day more carefully, trying to find some abnormal signs from her behavior.

Sonoko was the first to speak, whispering in Xiaolan's ear, "He's good at marksmanship, and he holds the gun with both hands." Her eyes flashed a sharp light, "His walking posture is also unique, light and full of power, as if he has undergone long-term training."

Mao Lilan also nodded, a gleam of insight in her eyes: "She has strong body control. This walking form and her body shape should be very advantageous in combat. It seems that she is at least an expert in CQC."

Judy finished her game and triumphantly pressed a button on her console, a look of satisfaction on her face. She glanced at Ran and Sonoko, smiled faintly, and then turned to them, her tone light and friendly, "Ah! Isn't this Mori-san and Suzuki-san?" Her Japanese was thick with an American accent, yet it was authentic and fluent, full of incongruity.

Ran Maoli and Sonoko smiled innocently at almost the same moment, their expressions filled with warmth and enthusiasm. They made no secret of their fondness for Judy and smiled in response, "Teacher Judy, I didn't expect to see you here!"

Their tone was incredibly natural, almost like an everyday encounter, without a trace of hesitation or panic. Judy had no idea these two familiar students had just analyzed her thoroughly.