Detective Conan: Becoming a Tycoon in Tokyo! [27]

Blindfolded, Shōichi randomly picked a movie.

It turned out to be a horror film called Actress Spirit—a title he’d never even heard of.

Haibara, popcorn in hand, looked utterly unimpressed.

Could anything on screen be scarier than the Organization?

She literally lived with a member of it—what was there left to fear?

...

“Ah—!”

Haibara suddenly screamed.

Not because of the movie—but because, at some point, a hand had appeared on her arm.

Turning stiffly, she saw Shōichi staring at the screen, trembling uncontrollably. His left hand gripped the seat, while his right hand clutched her arm.

Haibara: ?

You—a member of the Organization—are scared of a horror movie?

She couldn’t make sense of it.

Before she knew it, his hand had shifted from gripping her arm to hugging it tightly.

Haibara really wanted to shove him away.

But Shōichi seemed completely entranced by the film, eyes wide, refusing to let go.

Then, during an especially frightening scene, his grip suddenly tightened—and he pulled Haibara right off her seat into his arms.

Haibara froze.

By the time she realized what was happening, she was sitting in his lap like a doll, firmly held in his embrace.

“So scary…” Shōichi muttered under his breath.

“Let go of me,” Haibara hissed.

But he was too absorbed to hear her.

And with her arms pinned, she couldn’t even hit him.

If they weren’t in a crowded theater, she would’ve screamed in his ear already.

Forget it, forget it… We’ve already shared a bed before. It’s just a movie—just barely an hour left.

...

When the credits finally rolled, Shōichi released her and stood up as if nothing had happened.

Haibara glared daggers at him, waiting for an explanation.

That bastard definitely did it on purpose.

“That was terrifying. I’m never watching another horror movie again,” Shōichi said cheerfully.

“Heh heh.”

Haibara chose silence over violence.

Living under his roof while plotting revenge required patience—and the façade of a harmless child.

Someday, she swore silently, I’ll kill you with my own hands.

She crossed her arms around her popcorn, puffing her cheeks slightly, muttering under her breath.

Shōichi assumed she was venting her little frustrations to the popcorn.

As they stepped out of the theater, he said brightly, “That movie was really good. Even I got scared.”

Haibara pouted wordlessly.

Whether you were really scared or just pretending—only you know. Is tormenting a kid that fun for you?

But as the most “sincere” man alive, Shōichi certainly wouldn’t lie to children. Smiling, he added, “I’m going to invite the director of this movie to direct our company’s first film.”

Haibara dropped her gaze, utterly speechless.

You seriously do whatever you want, huh?

He picked a random movie and now wanted its director for his company? Was this how the rich treated life—like a sandbox game?

...

“Aniki, do we have a mission today?”

Vodka asked curiously between bites of bread.

Gin had clearly said today was a rest day. Vodka had even planned to buy Miss Yōko’s latest album—but before he could, Gin suddenly summoned him.

And it was the limited edition release! Once sold out, it was gone forever.

Gin stubbed out his cigarette. “We’re helping Cointreau with something.”

“Helping Cointreau?” Vodka blinked.

What kind of favor could that zaibatsu heir possibly need from them?

Didn’t the Sumitomo family already have plenty of underworld connections?

Vodka sulked. If I miss that album drop, I’ll never forgive him.

“That guy wants to make a movie. He told us to find a director,” Gin said.

“Make a movie?” Vodka muttered.

Don’t tell me he’s just using ‘filmmaking’ as an excuse to chase after female stars… Typical rich brat nonsense.

“How are we supposed to find him a director?” Vodka asked helplessly.

They weren’t in the business of art—they dealt with guns and corpses. Why would they know anyone from the film industry?

...

Nakata Hideo was riding high these days.

After seven years as an assistant director, he’d finally completed his debut feature, Actress Spirit.

The film had done surprisingly well, even catching the attention of studios in America interested in a remake.

He was floating on air, already dreaming about his next project.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

The moment Nakata opened the door, two men in black stormed in, slamming it shut behind them.

The stockier one immediately stuffed a cloth into his mouth.

“Mmph—!?”

Nakata struggled wildly.

He still had such a bright future ahead of him! He didn’t want to die now!

“Quiet.”

The blond man pressed the muzzle of a gun to his forehead. Nakata went rigid on the spot.

Gin gave Vodka a look.

Vodka smiled politely. “We’d like you to direct a film for us.”

“Mmph…?”

Direct… a film? This is how you ask someone to make a movie?!

Vodka crouched down and said pleasantly, “I’ll take out the gag. But if you scream, these guns might go off by accident.”

“Mmm!” Nakata nodded frantically.

As soon as Vodka pulled the cloth free, Nakata gulped for air.

Staring at the two men, he swallowed hard.

Do people really recruit directors at gunpoint these days?

And why him?

He was just a rookie with one film. If they were going to kidnap someone, shouldn’t it be a famous name like Jomaki instead?

“E-excuse me, what kind of film do you want me to direct?” Nakata stammered.

“No idea yet. We’ll tell you when the script’s ready,” Gin said coolly.

After hearing that Cointreau himself planned to write the screenplay, Gin leaned back, convinced it would be trash.

The movie’s fate would rest entirely on this poor director’s skill.

Nakata grew even more nervous.

Please don’t tell me this is some kind of adult film…

He shuddered.

Do people in that industry really have this kind of funding?

“Come with us,” Vodka said, yanking him up by the collar. “We’re taking you to sign the contract.”

“Y-yes…” Nakata stammered, trembling as he followed.

A contract? You’re pointing guns at me, and you still care about paperwork?!

---

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!