In Detective Conan: Intercepting Miwako Sato at the Start

Page 57

Yuki Takada understood that the news of the cutoff in the funding chain had reached him completely.

He deliberately raised an eyebrow slightly, revealing just the right amount of confusion: "What's wrong, Camus?"

"It seems your research institute has run into some trouble? Could it be... that you've offended someone?" Takada Yuuki casually linked the two matters together, making a suggestive remark.

Camus was completely thrown into turmoil.

The funding chain was suddenly frozen at this critical juncture, and the brilliant scientist who had just arrived had only just arrived. If there was no further funding... wouldn't all the efforts of the past few years have been in vain?

It's hard not to make some terrible connection to this—could this be a sign that Mr. Karasuma is dissatisfied with the research institute?

Or is it true, as this person in front of him claims, that he has offended someone in the organization?

He knew the organization's internal tactics all too well.

Under such immense psychological pressure and suspicion, Camus's confidence instantly waned.

Wait... I remember the organization mentioned that the mission to escort Sherry this time was to be handled by the organization's number three figure—Hennessy.

Could it be... he... he really is... Hennessy!

Camus dared not forcefully obstruct this third-in-command with a powerful background and unpredictable behavior any longer.

If this really is the BOSS's intention, wouldn't it be suicide if I forcefully tried to stop him?

“…No, it’s nothing.” Camus swallowed hard, his attitude completely changing. He immediately bowed to the person in front of him and said, “Since you insist, sir, it’s for Sherry’s safety…”

"...Then, please remain in the research institute for the time being. I will prepare temporary access and a rest area for you. However, some core areas still require the highest level of authorization, and I regret that I cannot open them."

“Okay! But... there’s one thing: if Sherry goes to the core area, I must go with her and protect her safety.”

Yuuki Takada sneered inwardly, knowing that the other party had already given in.

He nodded slightly, giving a "you know what's good for you" look: "Lead the way. Also, I need to see Sherry immediately to make sure she's absolutely safe. That's the top priority."

Camus dared not object any longer and had no choice but to personally lead Takada Yuuki through the layers of security checks again.

The security guards were puzzled by the sudden change in the person in charge's attitude, but they had no choice but to let them pass.

They arrived outside a core laboratory codenamed "Q4".

Through the massive bulletproof glass wall, you can see various sophisticated instruments operating inside, and a group of researchers working diligently.

Shirley had changed into a white lab coat and was standing in front of a complex analyzer, but she seemed somewhat absent-minded, her gaze occasionally glancing at the suitcase placed in the corner.

When she saw Takada Yuuki, who had returned, appear outside the laboratory accompanied by Camus, a complex emotion flashed in her icy blue eyes.

Yuki Takada waved to Camus, signaling him to wait outside, and then pushed open the airtight door of the laboratory and went in alone.

The researchers in the lab looked at the stranger with curiosity, but after receiving a gesturing look from Camus outside the door, they all lowered their heads and continued working.

Yuuki Takada walked up to Sherry and said in a low voice, but loud enough for her to hear clearly, "It seems you can't get rid of me for the time being."

Shirley didn't look at him, her fingers unconsciously tracing the cold countertop as she whispered, "You shouldn't have come back."

“This place…is far more complex and dangerous than you imagine.” She paused, then added, almost inaudibly, “…the same for everyone.”

"Danger?"

Yuuki Takada chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over the seemingly ordinary researchers in the laboratory, and he responded in a low voice.

"For me, where in the organization isn't dangerous?"

"However, I am perhaps better able to guarantee your safety than you are now." He emphasized the word "safety" with a subtle tone.

Shirley looked up at him abruptly, as if trying to read the true meaning in his eyes.

What she saw was a pair of deep, calm eyes that concealed a powerful confidence.

These eyes were completely different from the Hennessy she remembered, who had been described as "useless."

Just then, the lab's loudspeaker suddenly came on:

"Notice: Attention all project leaders, due to technical reasons, some external funding transfers are temporarily suspended, all non-essential experimental expenditures are halted, and priority should be given to ensuring the core progress of the 'APTX-4869' project is repeated..."

The broadcast made the atmosphere in the laboratory suddenly freeze.

The researchers looked at each other, their faces showing unease.

A problem with the funding chain is a major issue in any organization, especially in this secret research institute that relies entirely on huge financial investments.

Sherry's pupils contracted slightly, and she subconsciously looked at Yuuki Takada.

She almost instantly connected this sudden change with his return.

Could it be him...?

How can this be?

How did he manage to do that?

And it's so fast!

Yuuki Takada received her shocked and inquiring gaze, but he simply raised his hand as if nothing had happened and gently straightened the collar of her white coat. To onlookers, this gesture seemed quite intimate or even ambiguous, like a superior showing affection to a subordinate they valued.

"It seems the research institute has run into a little trouble," Yuuki Takada said casually, as if everything was going as he had expected. "But it's alright, it won't affect your work, nor will it affect my protection of you, Sherry."

His words seemed to be addressed not only to her, but also to everyone in the lab who was listening intently, and even more so to the distraught Camus outside the door.

Shirley was completely stunned.

She looked at the man in front of her whose demeanor had changed drastically; his composure, even his confidence in controlling everything, was palpable.

Cut off the funding chain?

Forced to leave behind close protection?

Is this really something that Hennessy, the rumored number three figure in that organization, could do?

Who is he?

What does he want to do?

Yuuki Takada met Sherry's shocked and confused gaze with a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.

Chapter 83 Hennessy Levi

Yuuki Takada seemed oblivious to the commotion around him and Sherry's sharp gaze, maintaining his composed and even slightly aloof demeanor.

He turned his head slightly and glanced at Camus, whose face was as pale as paper outside the door. His eyes were calm and expressionless, but they sent a chill down Camus's spine.

Camus panicked completely.

The cash flow problem is far more serious than imagined.

Not only were the overseas accounts frozen, but several extremely secretive payments for the purchase of special raw materials and equipment were also directly intercepted and returned at this critical moment, with the other party only leaving a message of "awaiting senior management review".

This is by no means an ordinary break in the capital chain; rather, it is an extremely deliberate attempt to sever the capital chain of Baijiu Pharmaceutical Company!

And this is very likely in the hands of this "driver" who returned – no, to be precise, it is in the hands of Hennessy, the organization's number three figure!

Thinking of his previous arrogance, dismissal, and belittling of that Hennessy man, Camus was instantly drenched in cold sweat.

The rumors circulating within the organization about this number three figure being a "useless person" seem to be completely wrong, or rather... times have changed.

How can this be considered waste?

This is clearly a cobra that has been lying in wait for a long time, suddenly baring its fangs!

I was so blind to have offended him, and at this crucial moment of all!

“Lord Hennessy…” Camus could no longer care about face and etiquette, and almost staggered as he pushed open the laboratory door.

Her voice trembled uncontrollably as she bowed respectfully to him, a stark contrast to her previous arrogance. "Please...please move to my office to discuss this further, is that alright? This...this place isn't very convenient."

Yuuki Takada glanced at him indifferently, without answering immediately.

He first turned to Shirley, speaking calmly: "You can familiarize yourself with the environment first, I'll take care of some small matters."

Then, Yuki Takada nodded slightly to Camus, his posture perfectly measured, as if he were merely granting a trivial request.

Amidst the astonished gazes of the researchers in the lab, Yuuki Takada left with Camus, who was practically curled up in a ball.

Upon entering Camus's spacious yet oppressive office, Camus immediately locked the door behind him and then almost knelt down, his face a mixture of fear, despair, and pleading.

"Lord Hennessy!"

"I'm sorry, I was blind!"

"It was my foolishness! I offended you!"

"Please, have mercy!" Camus's voice trembled with tears. "The funding chain can't be broken! The 'APTX-4869' project is currently in its most critical and challenging phase..."

“Shirley has just taken over, and there is a lot of data that needs to be verified and pushed forward. If the funding doesn’t keep up at this time, all the previous investments and efforts may be in vain!”

"When...when Mr. Karasuma blames us, we...we can't bear the consequences!"

Yuuki Takada leisurely walked behind the desk and sat down slowly in front of the large chair that originally belonged to Camus. His fingers tapped lightly on the smooth surface, making a heart-stopping tapping sound.

"Oh? Now you're scared?" Takada Yuuki's voice was devoid of emotion, coldly saying, "I remember just now, which person in charge said they thought I was just a 'driver who didn't know the rules,' and told me to 'get out of the way'? And that my existence was 'not in accordance with the procedures'?"

"I was wrong!"

"I really know I was wrong...!" Camus wanted to slap himself a few times. "I was foolish and ignorant, and I believed those unfounded rumors in the organization. I underestimated your authority and ability, sir!"

"Please, for the sake of the project and the importance the BOSS attaches to it, restore the funds that rightfully belong to Baijiu Pharmaceutical Company!"

"Whatever your future requests, I will do my best to fulfill them if it is within my power!"

"A request?" Yuuki Takada chuckled lightly, but there was no warmth in his smile. "Camus, do you think I still need to make requests of you now?"

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze like a cold blade piercing the trembling Camus: "The research institute you're in charge of has a serious security lapse, leading to an unexplained attack on the convoy escorting important researchers."

"Internal management is chaotic, the person in charge is short-sighted, arrogant and rude, which almost delayed the handover task that the BOSS was personally in charge of."

"Now, there are 'technical' problems with fund allocation..."

With each word Yuki Takada spoke, Camus's face paled further, and his body trembled even more violently.

"Tell me, if I report these situations truthfully..." Takada Yuuki slowly leaned back in his chair, his tone becoming languid yet more threatening: "Would the organization's boss, Mr. Karasuma, think that I, the third person who was temporarily dispatched but successfully defused the attack and ensured the safety of the target, had failed in my duty?"

"Wouldn't you still think that you, the person in charge who almost messed everything up and can't even guarantee project funding now, are even more useless?"

Camus collapsed to the ground with a thud, completely devastated.

He understood that the other party not only had the ability to cut off funding, but also the ability to pin all responsibility and blame precisely on him.