Detective Conan: Becoming a Tycoon in Tokyo! [29]

Ever since hearing how much she’d be paid—

Okino Yōko’s heart hadn’t stopped racing.

Even after the news broke that Ring was in production and she’d been cast as the female lead, she still hadn’t fully processed it.

Then the unbelievable one hundred million yen salary was publicly confirmed—and not long after, the post-tax payment hit her bank account.

Only then did her mind clear.

There really is this much money? Why would anyone pay me so much?

A total newcomer like her had somehow become Japan’s highest-paid actress overnight. It was unreal.

"Yōko!"

Someone knocked, snapping her out of her daze. She opened the door to find her manager.

"What’s wrong?"

Yamagishi was slightly out of breath. "Sumitomo Shōichi-sama is outside waiting. He says he wants to take you somewhere."

Yōko’s heart skipped. She asked quietly, "Is that little girl with him?"

"No, he’s alone."

"I see." Yōko nodded.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch—she at least knew that much.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "I’ll go down after I finish my makeup."

"Alright. Please don’t keep Shōichi-sama waiting too long," Yamagishi replied.

...

Time passed.

Downstairs, Shōichi finally saw Yōko appear. He gave her a casual wave; she smiled sweetly and hurried over in small steps.

"Get in."

"Okay."

Once she’d settled into the passenger seat, Yōko slipped off her mask.

She stared out the window nervously. Every time they passed a hotel, her heartbeat spiked.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"To eat. Then shopping."

Yōko nodded.

Dinner and shopping—it sounded suspiciously like a date. She couldn’t help wondering where the evening would end.

They stopped in front of a small, tucked-away restaurant.

As she stepped out, Yōko blinked at the humble exterior.

It looked so plain—not the kind of place a man like Shōichi would eat at.

He opened the door for her with a faint smile. "Can you treat me this time?"

"Of course," Yōko said, cheeks reddening.

It really does feel like a date…

But when she picked up the menu, her hand froze.

A single boiled egg cost several hundred thousand yen—daylight robbery!

Still, after glancing at Shōichi, who was calmly sipping tea, she grit her teeth and ordered nearly ten million yen worth of food.

She’d just gotten a huge paycheck, after all. She could handle this much.

When the dishes came, Yōko tasted a few bites—and nearly cried. It was painfully average, nowhere near worth the listed prices.

Shōichi only ate a few mouthfuls himself.

He barely spoke, which made her even more confused. Was this really supposed to be a date?

"Let’s go," he said finally. "Time to shop."

"Okay," Yōko replied with a smile.

The moment she stepped inside the store, she felt she’d entered another world. A trash can cost millions of yen; a single glass, several million more.

There was even a toilet plunger priced at ten million yen.

Did rich people really treat money like scrap paper?

As Shōichi helped her pick out items, Yōko grew increasingly uneasy. These gifts were far too expensive.

"Alright, go pay for them," Shōichi said, handing her the shopping bags.

"Huh? Pay… me?" she asked weakly.

"Well, they’re not for me," he said, giving her a puzzled look.

Yōko swallowed hard, then trudged off to the counter and paid.

Her bank balance dropped like a stone.

She’d burned through almost her entire salary.

Only then did the realization hit—this wasn’t a date. Who goes on a date and makes the girl pay for everything?

She looked down at the items she’d bought.

No brand names, no artistry, no rare materials—how could anything this plain cost so much?

But Shōichi wasn’t done. He took her to a few more stores.

By the time evening rolled around, he asked, "You memorized all these places?"

"Yes," Yōko murmured.

"Good. From now on, whenever you get endorsement deals or film payments, make sure to shop here often," he said.

"I understand," she replied softly.

Glancing at his watch, Shōichi tossed her the car keys.

"This car’s yours. I’ve got to pick up Haibara from school. Drive yourself home."

"Alright," Yōko said quietly.

Watching him walk away, she felt both relieved and… oddly disappointed.

She stared after him and whispered, "I really thought this was a date."

...

Outside Teitan Middle School, Shōichi waited under a large tree for Haibara’s dismissal.

Soon, she appeared, flanked by two girls chatting on either side. Haibara’s face still wore its usual cool, distant look.

A girl with a hairband said something teasing; Haibara muttered back, then froze when she spotted him. With clear reluctance, she shook off her friends and walked over.

"I came to pick you up," Shōichi said, scooping her into his arms.

Haibara’s face flushed crimson as she squirmed. I’m not a kid! Why are you carrying me?

And in front of everyone—wasn’t this humiliating?

"You smell terrible," Haibara said, pinching her nose.

"Probably someone else’s perfume," Shōichi replied casually.

"Did you walk here just to get me?" she asked.

"The car I used earlier was a gift, so yeah, I walked," he said.

Though technically, he still had a driver.

Pulling out his phone, Shōichi dialed. "Hello? Inspector Satō? This is ordinary citizen Sumitomo Shōichi—I’m in a bit of trouble. Could you come pick me up from Teitan Middle School?"

Haibara rolled her eyes.

Did he think the MPD was his personal chauffeur service?

"Alright, I’ll be right there," Satō’s voice came through.

Haibara froze.

Wait—she’s actually coming? Does the MPD really belong to him!?

"Stay put," Satō added. "There’s a murder case connected to you—I’m on my way."

Haibara exhaled in relief.

So he didn’t own the police. He’d just killed someone again.

"Got it. Hurry over," Shōichi said cheerfully before hanging up.

He patted Haibara’s head. "Let’s wait at a café. The driver’ll be here soon."

"Sure," Haibara said.

It’s not a driver, idiot. It’s the police coming to arrest you.

---

This is a fan translation of 柯南：我在东京当财阀 by 倒霉的菜狗. Rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!