I started a business in Detective Conan Chapter 10

Chapter 10: The Gingko-Colored First Love

On the top floor of Rice Flower Mall.

Everyone found their seats: Sonoko, Ran, Mrs. Ami, Shinichi, and Keita, in that order.

Not long after, a model with a Louis Vuitton bag on her shoulder stepped onto the runway, officially opening the "Tokyo Fashion Apparel Exhibition."

Fashion shows were not just about showcasing clothes. Luxury brands had a wide range of product categories. For example, LV was known for its bags, and it had also acquired various subsidiary brands like Dior.

Each model was adorned from head to toe with makeup, lipstick, necklaces, handbags, watches, clothes, shawls, shoes, and more, all displayed during the fashion show.

Keita somehow pulled out two cameras from somewhere and handed one to Shinichi, giving him a knowing look before leaving him alone.

He took pictures of the models he found appealing.

The fashion show featured both casual wear for everyday outings and avant-garde styles (Low EQ: What were these designers thinking?) that were sometimes outlandish. One model wore a spherical object on her head, predominantly deep blue with gradient treatment, and a yellow circular ring underneath her forehead, making her look like an alien. She would surely get attacked if she went out at night. [Image]

There was also the Durian Girl [Image],

the Eel Spirit [Image],

the Hedgehog Spirit [Image],

Honestly, Keita couldn't fathom what these designers were thinking. Would anyone actually buy these?

Nevertheless, these designs left a strong impression, something unforgettable. Could this be their true purpose?

Finally, it was time for the second-tier brands to take the stage.

Taking advantage of their home field, Sakura Fashion was the first to appear.

Ami Yoshida exclaimed joyfully, "Ran, Sonoko, take a look, Auntie's self-created brand 'Sakura' is on stage."

Sakura Fashion, abbreviated as "Sakura," featured a petal of cherry blossom in its logo.

For this fashion exhibition, Sakura Fashion maintained its usual casual style. The models were not overly dressed, and since "Sakura" was a relatively new brand, the product range wasn't extensive yet. The models carried a Ginkgo tree leaf brand handbag, which seemed to be named "Fusae Campbell."

They were seated in the front row.

As a model passed by Ran, she noticed the bag the model was carrying and seemed lost in thought.

Sonoko noticed and asked, "What's wrong, Ran?"

"Well, nothing. It reminded me of something from the past." Ran smiled. "Auntie, what's that handbag?"

"Oh, that one. About ten or maybe nine years ago, when Auntie's animation company had just started and I had a falling out with a collaboration partner, I came to Beika Mall for shopping. Coincidentally, I met Fusae Campbell, the president of the 'Fusae Campbell' brand. She's a lovely woman with beautiful blonde hair. We hit it off and gradually became friends. 'Sakura' was actually created under her influence."

"Nine years ago..." Ran bent down and leaned over Ami, asking Shinichi, "Shinichi, do you remember? Nine years ago, one day after school, it started raining. I didn't have an umbrella, and I was waiting under a ginkgo tree near Teitan Elementary School until the rain stopped. At that moment, a kind-hearted woman with blonde hair gave me her umbrella. We shared the umbrella on the way home."

Shinichi, who was taking photos, heard Ran's voice and hurriedly put down the camera. "How could I remember something from nine years ago?"

Sonoko chimed in, "Ran, what happened next?"

"Later, I must have waited for a long time, as the rain didn't stop. She probably saw me standing there worried and gave me her umbrella, saying she didn't mind getting wet in the rain. We made a promise that day. She gave me her umbrella, and I promised that when I grew up, I would buy a product or handbag designed by her brand, marked with a ginkgo tree leaf. So, Sonoko, let's buy this 'Fusae Campbell' handbag later."

"Sure. Oh, how romantic – a lady knight saving a troubled little princess."

Ran blushed slightly. "Sonoko, why are you talking about knights? She's a kind big sister."

Ami added, "So, there's this connection. Shall I introduce you? She might be here at the show today."

Ran exclaimed happily, "Yes, please. I'd love to thank her in person."

Keita listened to the conversation, finding it somewhat familiar. He felt like he had heard parts of it before but lacked crucial details. After thinking for a moment, he gave up.

Shinichi sarcastically remarked, "After all this time, how could you remember? That's why they say girls are easily moved by things without reason."

Hey, hey, such a typical guy's response. Only Ran could tolerate him, right?

---

When the fashion show concluded, it was already 9 PM.

Ami led the group to the backstage area where staff members were tidying up.

From a distance, they saw a woman with shoulder-length hair directing the scene.

Ami exclaimed, "Fusae Campbell."

The woman named Fusae Campbell turned around, wearing a hat, sporting golden shoulder-length hair, and dressed in a khaki coat. She exuded an elegant aura.

"Ami, long time no see."

"Indeed, it's been a while." Ami playfully said, "Let me introduce someone to you. This is Mouri Ran, the little girl who received your kindness with an umbrella."

"I'm Mouri Ran. Do you remember the little girl from nine years ago, waiting under a ginkgo tree near Teitan Elementary School? The one you gave your umbrella to?"

Fusae Campbell thought for a moment, looking surprised. "That little girl has grown up."

She then glanced at Shinichi, "And that little boy has been by your side all these years. How nice. Unlike me..."

Ran blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Shinichi looked at the woman, and the hazy memories became clear. "It's you. The sorrowful woman."

Ami saw that Fusae Campbell seemed a bit downcast and asked, "Fusae Campbell, would you mind sharing your story?"

"It's nothing much, just a fleeting moment of a girl's heart. I never expected it to linger for almost 40 years. I grew up in Japan due to my mixed heritage, and kids would always make fun of my blonde hair. So, I started wearing hats to cover it up.

"One day, as I was walking to school, I was scared by a vicious dog in someone's yard. That's when a boy extended his hand to me, shielding me with his body as we passed by that house. Slowly, we got to know each other.

"On a certain day under the ginkgo tree near Teitan Elementary School – the place where I met Ran – my hat was blown away by the wind, and my blonde hair was revealed. I thought he would dislike my hair color since it was different from everyone else's. But he said

, 'I really like it. It's beautiful, just like the leaves of a ginkgo tree.' With those simple words, a momentary crush turned into a lasting one."

Fusae Campbell reminisced, a happy smile gracing her face.

Yoshida asked softly, "What happened afterward?"

"After that, one autumn morning, my family suddenly moved abroad. It happened so abruptly that I left behind a note, setting a meeting for ten years later on that day, lasting until sunset, at that place full of memories. If we didn't meet then, the next meeting would be after another ten years. Next year will mark the end of the third decade since then. Time really flies..."