Reading settings
Chapter 784: Feeling Top-Notch
That night, a private jet flew to Kyoto.
Chi Feichei checked into a hotel in Kyoto with Haibara Ai, and then went to the hotel's open-air restaurant for dinner.
Hotels in Kyoto are very popular for their traditional Japanese Style. The open-air restaurant also had wooden floors, low wooden tables, and seats separated by screens, completely unlike the modern style.
In the not-so-bright outdoor area, a row of small lanterns hung above the landscape pond, illuminating the maple trees with green leaves by the pond with a soft, warm yellow radiance, and reflecting along with the maple trees on the water surface.
Between the seats by the landscape pond, Haibara Ai propped her chin with her hand and looked at the red carp swimming in the landscape pond for a while. After the dishes were all served, she saw Chi Feichei preparing to start eating and teased, "In such a traditional place, aren't you planning to respect tradition and say 'I'm going to eat' first?"
She noticed that Chi Feichei truly didn't have this habit and always did things his own way. Every time he ate, he wouldn't say 'I'm going to eat' along with everyone else.
She didn't have this habit when she studied in America either. After returning, she mostly ate alone and just finished eating directly. It was only after eating with Doctor Agasa and a group of children more often that she slowly got used to it.
Chi Feichei ate in silence, expressing his stance through action.
Haibara Ai didn't nag either and started eating directly. After a moment of silence, she decided to ask directly, "Is it because you ate alone for a long time that you don't have that habit?"
Chi Feichei thought back for a moment. "I never said those things when eating at home before. My Father (Chi Zhennosuke) was more accommodating to Mother's habits."
So, the Original Consciousness didn't have this habit, let alone him.
"No wonder you're never used to it," Haibara Ai ate a couple of bites of food and asked again, "And then? You suddenly brought me to Kyoto late at night, it's not just to eat Authentic Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine, is it?"
Chi Feichei scooped all the raw fish dish into a small dish for Hassashi. "It's not good to stay cooped up at home all day."
Haibara Ai looked up and stared. "Do you think I believe that?"
"To get some activity in, by the way." Chi Feichei took out his mobile phone and sent the organized data on the 'Genji Firefly' group to Haibara Ai via UL Chat Software.
Haibara Ai took out her mobile phone. Upon seeing 'Genji Firefly', she became more serious. After reading the data, including the bounty marked at the end, she put down her mobile phone and continued eating. Seeing that there was no one nearby who could hear their conversation, she asked in a low voice, "Are you planning to catch the Murderer? Or are you preparing to deal with that Thief group?"
So, he came to collect the Bounty. This was the Chi Feichei she knew.
Moreover, this time there was actually a Criminal Group, which made her a little excited. There might be danger, but at least it wouldn't give her the feeling that a Bounty Hunter was just a Delivery Person at a Home Delivery Company.
"Don't hold too much expectation," Chi Feichei put away his mobile phone and gave Haibara Ai a preventive shot. "The main reason is to bring you to Kyoto to play. April is the Cherry Blossom Season."
This was a Bounty he had half-given up on. Bringing Haibara Ai over, his original intention was indeed to bring Haibara Ai to play.
"Yes, yes," Haibara Ai responded casually, then asked, "Then do we need to collect intelligence in advance?"
Chi Feichei considered for a moment. "Go to the Online Forum and find out where is suitable for viewing Cherry Blossoms."
Haibara Ai was stunned. She was asking whether they needed to collect intelligence on 'Genji Firefly'. Why did it feel like Brother Hichiji was...
"I'll handle your Kimono for viewing Cherry Blossoms," Chi Feichei added.
Haibara Ai: "..."
Brother Hichiji seemed to be seriously planning to collect intelligence about playing.
...
The next day.
Inside a Kimono Shop located on a Secluded Street, a Shop Assistant led Chi Feichei and Haibara Ai to the Backyard to look around, introducing the situation in a gentle voice.
This was a shop that made Kimonos purely Handmade. The Backyard was the Handicraft Workshop.
Starting from Hand-woven Silk, including the subsequent Pattern Draft drawing, tracing, dyeing, flower dyeing, Gold Leaf application, and Embroidery, were all completed little by little by the Artisans. They were also steamed and rinsed, with procedures so complex it was infuriating.
Correspondingly, the Price was also high.
A single belt for a Little Girl cost no less than 500,000 Japanese Yen, and a full set started at a million Japanese Yen.
The most excessive thing was that this shop also had a Membership System. Otherwise, upon reaching the Shop Entrance, the Shop Assistant wearing a Kimono would politely and courteously say that they do not receive Reserved Customers without a Reservation.
As for the Reservation Method, it had no connection to reserving at the Shop or by Phone Call. Only being brought by a Regular Customer and registering was considered a Reservation.
However, after arriving at the Shop, you could go to the workshop to see the Handmade process, which was...
Still quite expensive.
"Mrs. Kana said that Miss Ai doesn't have Formal Wear. This spring, for girls aged seven to nine, we have only prepared three sets of Formal Wear Kimonos, available for Guests who need them urgently without prior Reservation," the Shop Assistant said in a gentle voice, leading the way to the House beside them and pulling open the Door. "Please come in. If you are Dissatisfied, you can have one Custom Made, but it will probably take about three months to get the Ready-made Clothes."
The Japanese-style Room had no furniture placed in it, only three sets of Kimonos on wooden doll frameworks.
After entering the Door, Haibara Ai looked at the three sets of Kimonos, then turned to the Shop Assistant and said, "You don't need to show me the light yellow set, my Older Brother doesn't like it."
"Yes, I'll have someone put it away," the Shop Assistant replied with a slight smile, backing out of the Door and finding someone to take away the Kimono with the yellow base Color.
The remaining two sets were also Furisode Kimonos.
The set on the left had a red base Color. From one shoulder, it was adorned with pink Cherry Blossom Patterns, white and pink Peony Patterns. The large and small flowers were intertwined, layered one upon another, making the Colors from top to bottom transition from red to reddish-pink, pink, light pink, and pinkish-white, with some golden and red Gold Leaf.
The set on the right had a light blue base Color. The Pattern was relatively large. The bottom corner had a deep blue Water Wave Pattern, and above it, a white crane with spread wings was drawn with Embroidery Thread and Gold Leaf. The Gold Leaf was mostly blue, making it look relatively refreshing.
Haibara Ai fell into choice difficulty again. She didn't like clothes with overly complex Patterns, but that seemed to also depend on the texture and attention to details...
What to do if she liked both sets?
Chi Feichei looked at them, then lowered his head and asked Haibara Ai, "How about keeping both?"
Haibara Ai hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She turned to the Shop Assistant who had brought someone in to put away the middle set of Kimonos and asked, "Is that okay?"
Chi Kana had said before that she could pick whatever she liked, and it would be earned back by getting a few sets of Luxury Clothes or Cosmetics in Kyoto another day. Thinking this way, she really didn't have much psychological burden, she just worried that the shop needed to keep stock and wouldn't be willing to let one Guest take two sets.
The Shop Assistant did hesitate for a moment before smilingly nodding. She then showed Haibara Ai the lining, belt, and other small items. "Do you need to change into one now?"
Haibara Ai turned to look at Chi Feichei.
Chi Feichei suggested, "Change into the red and pink set."
Having a cute and beautiful Younger Sister, he definitely had to dress her up like a doll and take her out to show off a bit, just like displaying a treasured item from his own collection. It felt top-notch.
Haibara Ai resolutely pulled Chi Feichei down with her. "I'll change later. Pick yours first."
The Shop Assistant immediately looked at Chi Feichei with a smile. "This year's Black Montsuki is also ready. Originally, we planned to Call Mrs. Kana in a couple of days to ask if she wanted us to send someone to Tokyo. Since you're here, you can take a look by the way. We also tried making Haori Jackets with white and blue-purple, and Men's Clothing with a white base Color. You can also take a look, they are very suitable for Young Men."
Chi Feichei looked at the Girl's smiling face and always felt that the words 'shrewd merchant' were written all over it. Every word the Girl said seemed to turn into 'Are you made of money?' in his ears. However, he still nodded.
"Then please follow me," the Shop Assistant bowed and led the way.
"Do Kimonos get sent to Brother Hichiji every year?" Haibara Ai asked.
"Mrs. Kana said to prepare some for us every year," the Shop Assistant explained in a gentle voice. "However, they don't need to be sent to Tokyo every year. If Young Master Ike hasn't grown too much in Height and the Clothes still fit, there's no need to send them over."
"Some Banquets don't necessarily need to be attended," Chi Feichei said directly. "But it's important to be prepared. Some families in Kyoto hold Banquets that are quite Retro."
Haibara Ai understood. They were kept as Formal Dresses, just in case they needed to wear Kimono Formal Wear and couldn't find one immediately.
In another room, three sets of Kimonos were also hung. There was the black set that the Chi Family had always favored, and the set with a white base Color and simple scattered blue-purple flowers that the Shop Assistant mentioned earlier. The remaining set was brown and was directly ignored by Chi Feichei.
Traditional Japanese Men's Clothing has the ideology of 'hidden'. The exterior is simple and flowing, with black, dark blue, gray, and brown being common Colors. With the collar of the inner garment showing other Colors, it's not too monotonous. The truly intricate Patterns are hidden in the inner layer.
The outer layer looks like a single Color, but the Patterns are all in places that cannot be seen on the inside. This was another tradition that Chi Feichei couldn't understand.
"Don't take the brown set, keep the other two," Haibara Ai looked up at Chi Feichei. "If there's a Banquet in the future, if I wear blue, you wear blue. If I wear red and pink, you wear black."
"Okay," Chi Feichei agreed very readily.
Anything was fine for showing off his Younger Sister when they went out later.
Haibara Ai also obediently went to change Clothes.
Having a tall and handsome Older Brother, she definitely had to dress up and take him out to show off a bit. It felt top-notch.
Anything was fine for showing off her Older Brother when they went out later.
As Haibara Ai entered the Door, the Shop Assistant silently followed her in.
"No need, I can do it myself."
"But organizing Kimonos is very troublesome," the Shop Assistant said with a smile. "Let me help you."
By the other Door, Chi Feichei blocked another Shop Assistant at the Entrance with a cold face.
"No need for Help, I always do it myself."
After Saying that, he turned around, closed the Door, and locked the Door in one smooth motion.
At the Entrance of the Next Room, Haibara Ai was stunned for a moment and almost laughed out loud. Seeing the Shop Assistant beside her squatting down to try and persuade her, she suppressed the urge to gloat and said calmly, "Then I'll trouble you."
Half an hour later, Chi Feichei led Haibara Ai out.
The Shop Assistant didn't quote a Price, and the two didn't ask. It was also rare to settle the account immediately here; everything was recorded on Chi Kana's account. The act of Pay the Price was paid for by Chi Kana.
"We will pack up the remaining two sets of blue-toned Clothes and have someone send them to the Hotel," the Shop Assistant said with a smile as she saw the two out. "Around nine o'clock tonight, is that okay?"
Chi Feichei nodded. "Thank you for your trouble."
"Wandering traveler, may I ask if you know, the plum blossoms have bloomed in my hometown, their faint fragrance like times past."
At the Street Corner, a Girl wearing a light purple Kimono and with brown wavy short hair spoke out. After Chi Feichei looked over, she bowed. "Ike, long time no see."
Behind the Girl, a tall Man in a navy blue suit with long curly hair also bowed.
"Miss Ooka, long time no see."
Chi Feichei recognized the person.
Momiji Ooka.
Counting it, the two had only met twice, and that was when Momiji Ooka was five or six years old. However, Momiji Ooka was also a character who would appear in the Conan Plot. Her Name, Appearance, and the Little Girl in his Memory instantly matched up.
End of Chapter
That night, a private jet flew to Kyoto.
Chi Feichei checked into a hotel in Kyoto with Haibara Ai, and then went to the hotel's open-air restaurant for dinner.
Hotels in Kyoto are very popular for their traditional Japanese Style. The open-air restaurant also had wooden floors, low wooden tables, and seats separated by screens, completely unlike the modern style.
In the not-so-bright outdoor area, a row of small lanterns hung above the landscape pond, illuminating the maple trees with green leaves by the pond with a soft, warm yellow radiance, and reflecting along with the maple trees on the water surface.
Between the seats by the landscape pond, Haibara Ai propped her chin with her hand and looked at the red carp swimming in the landscape pond for a while. After the dishes were all served, she saw Chi Feichei preparing to start eating and teased, "In such a traditional place, aren't you planning to respect tradition and say 'I'm going to eat' first?"
She noticed that Chi Feichei truly didn't have this habit and always did things his own way. Every time he ate, he wouldn't say 'I'm going to eat' along with everyone else.
She didn't have this habit when she studied in America either. After returning, she mostly ate alone and just finished eating directly. It was only after eating with Doctor Agasa and a group of children more often that she slowly got used to it.
Chi Feichei ate in silence, expressing his stance through action.
Haibara Ai didn't nag either and started eating directly. After a moment of silence, she decided to ask directly, "Is it because you ate alone for a long time that you don't have that habit?"
Chi Feichei thought back for a moment. "I never said those things when eating at home before. My Father (Chi Zhennosuke) was more accommodating to Mother's habits."
So, the Original Consciousness didn't have this habit, let alone him.
"No wonder you're never used to it," Haibara Ai ate a couple of bites of food and asked again, "And then? You suddenly brought me to Kyoto late at night, it's not just to eat Authentic Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine, is it?"
Chi Feichei scooped all the raw fish dish into a small dish for Hassashi. "It's not good to stay cooped up at home all day."
Haibara Ai looked up and stared. "Do you think I believe that?"
"To get some activity in, by the way." Chi Feichei took out his mobile phone and sent the organized data on the 'Genji Firefly' group to Haibara Ai via UL Chat Software.
Haibara Ai took out her mobile phone. Upon seeing 'Genji Firefly', she became more serious. After reading the data, including the bounty marked at the end, she put down her mobile phone and continued eating. Seeing that there was no one nearby who could hear their conversation, she asked in a low voice, "Are you planning to catch the Murderer? Or are you preparing to deal with that Thief group?"
So, he came to collect the Bounty. This was the Chi Feichei she knew.
Moreover, this time there was actually a Criminal Group, which made her a little excited. There might be danger, but at least it wouldn't give her the feeling that a Bounty Hunter was just a Delivery Person at a Home Delivery Company.
"Don't hold too much expectation," Chi Feichei put away his mobile phone and gave Haibara Ai a preventive shot. "The main reason is to bring you to Kyoto to play. April is the Cherry Blossom Season."
This was a Bounty he had half-given up on. Bringing Haibara Ai over, his original intention was indeed to bring Haibara Ai to play.
"Yes, yes," Haibara Ai responded casually, then asked, "Then do we need to collect intelligence in advance?"
Chi Feichei considered for a moment. "Go to the Online Forum and find out where is suitable for viewing Cherry Blossoms."
Haibara Ai was stunned. She was asking whether they needed to collect intelligence on 'Genji Firefly'. Why did it feel like Brother Hichiji was...
"I'll handle your Kimono for viewing Cherry Blossoms," Chi Feichei added.
Haibara Ai: "..."
Brother Hichiji seemed to be seriously planning to collect intelligence about playing.
...
The next day.
Inside a Kimono Shop located on a Secluded Street, a Shop Assistant led Chi Feichei and Haibara Ai to the Backyard to look around, introducing the situation in a gentle voice.
This was a shop that made Kimonos purely Handmade. The Backyard was the Handicraft Workshop.
Starting from Hand-woven Silk, including the subsequent Pattern Draft drawing, tracing, dyeing, flower dyeing, Gold Leaf application, and Embroidery, were all completed little by little by the Artisans. They were also steamed and rinsed, with procedures so complex it was infuriating.
Correspondingly, the Price was also high.
A single belt for a Little Girl cost no less than 500,000 Japanese Yen, and a full set started at a million Japanese Yen.
The most excessive thing was that this shop also had a Membership System. Otherwise, upon reaching the Shop Entrance, the Shop Assistant wearing a Kimono would politely and courteously say that they do not receive Reserved Customers without a Reservation.
As for the Reservation Method, it had no connection to reserving at the Shop or by Phone Call. Only being brought by a Regular Customer and registering was considered a Reservation.
However, after arriving at the Shop, you could go to the workshop to see the Handmade process, which was...
Still quite expensive.
"Mrs. Kana said that Miss Ai doesn't have Formal Wear. This spring, for girls aged seven to nine, we have only prepared three sets of Formal Wear Kimonos, available for Guests who need them urgently without prior Reservation," the Shop Assistant said in a gentle voice, leading the way to the House beside them and pulling open the Door. "Please come in. If you are Dissatisfied, you can have one Custom Made, but it will probably take about three months to get the Ready-made Clothes."
The Japanese-style Room had no furniture placed in it, only three sets of Kimonos on wooden doll frameworks.
After entering the Door, Haibara Ai looked at the three sets of Kimonos, then turned to the Shop Assistant and said, "You don't need to show me the light yellow set, my Older Brother doesn't like it."
"Yes, I'll have someone put it away," the Shop Assistant replied with a slight smile, backing out of the Door and finding someone to take away the Kimono with the yellow base Color.
The remaining two sets were also Furisode Kimonos.
The set on the left had a red base Color. From one shoulder, it was adorned with pink Cherry Blossom Patterns, white and pink Peony Patterns. The large and small flowers were intertwined, layered one upon another, making the Colors from top to bottom transition from red to reddish-pink, pink, light pink, and pinkish-white, with some golden and red Gold Leaf.
The set on the right had a light blue base Color. The Pattern was relatively large. The bottom corner had a deep blue Water Wave Pattern, and above it, a white crane with spread wings was drawn with Embroidery Thread and Gold Leaf. The Gold Leaf was mostly blue, making it look relatively refreshing.
Haibara Ai fell into choice difficulty again. She didn't like clothes with overly complex Patterns, but that seemed to also depend on the texture and attention to details...
What to do if she liked both sets?
Chi Feichei looked at them, then lowered his head and asked Haibara Ai, "How about keeping both?"
Haibara Ai hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She turned to the Shop Assistant who had brought someone in to put away the middle set of Kimonos and asked, "Is that okay?"
Chi Kana had said before that she could pick whatever she liked, and it would be earned back by getting a few sets of Luxury Clothes or Cosmetics in Kyoto another day. Thinking this way, she really didn't have much psychological burden, she just worried that the shop needed to keep stock and wouldn't be willing to let one Guest take two sets.
The Shop Assistant did hesitate for a moment before smilingly nodding. She then showed Haibara Ai the lining, belt, and other small items. "Do you need to change into one now?"
Haibara Ai turned to look at Chi Feichei.
Chi Feichei suggested, "Change into the red and pink set."
Having a cute and beautiful Younger Sister, he definitely had to dress her up like a doll and take her out to show off a bit, just like displaying a treasured item from his own collection. It felt top-notch.
Haibara Ai resolutely pulled Chi Feichei down with her. "I'll change later. Pick yours first."
The Shop Assistant immediately looked at Chi Feichei with a smile. "This year's Black Montsuki is also ready. Originally, we planned to Call Mrs. Kana in a couple of days to ask if she wanted us to send someone to Tokyo. Since you're here, you can take a look by the way. We also tried making Haori Jackets with white and blue-purple, and Men's Clothing with a white base Color. You can also take a look, they are very suitable for Young Men."
Chi Feichei looked at the Girl's smiling face and always felt that the words 'shrewd merchant' were written all over it. Every word the Girl said seemed to turn into 'Are you made of money?' in his ears. However, he still nodded.
"Then please follow me," the Shop Assistant bowed and led the way.
"Do Kimonos get sent to Brother Hichiji every year?" Haibara Ai asked.
"Mrs. Kana said to prepare some for us every year," the Shop Assistant explained in a gentle voice. "However, they don't need to be sent to Tokyo every year. If Young Master Ike hasn't grown too much in Height and the Clothes still fit, there's no need to send them over."
"Some Banquets don't necessarily need to be attended," Chi Feichei said directly. "But it's important to be prepared. Some families in Kyoto hold Banquets that are quite Retro."
Haibara Ai understood. They were kept as Formal Dresses, just in case they needed to wear Kimono Formal Wear and couldn't find one immediately.
In another room, three sets of Kimonos were also hung. There was the black set that the Chi Family had always favored, and the set with a white base Color and simple scattered blue-purple flowers that the Shop Assistant mentioned earlier. The remaining set was brown and was directly ignored by Chi Feichei.
Traditional Japanese Men's Clothing has the ideology of 'hidden'. The exterior is simple and flowing, with black, dark blue, gray, and brown being common Colors. With the collar of the inner garment showing other Colors, it's not too monotonous. The truly intricate Patterns are hidden in the inner layer.
The outer layer looks like a single Color, but the Patterns are all in places that cannot be seen on the inside. This was another tradition that Chi Feichei couldn't understand.
"Don't take the brown set, keep the other two," Haibara Ai looked up at Chi Feichei. "If there's a Banquet in the future, if I wear blue, you wear blue. If I wear red and pink, you wear black."
"Okay," Chi Feichei agreed very readily.
Anything was fine for showing off his Younger Sister when they went out later.
Haibara Ai also obediently went to change Clothes.
Having a tall and handsome Older Brother, she definitely had to dress up and take him out to show off a bit. It felt top-notch.
Anything was fine for showing off her Older Brother when they went out later.
As Haibara Ai entered the Door, the Shop Assistant silently followed her in.
"No need, I can do it myself."
"But organizing Kimonos is very troublesome," the Shop Assistant said with a smile. "Let me help you."
By the other Door, Chi Feichei blocked another Shop Assistant at the Entrance with a cold face.
"No need for Help, I always do it myself."
After Saying that, he turned around, closed the Door, and locked the Door in one smooth motion.
At the Entrance of the Next Room, Haibara Ai was stunned for a moment and almost laughed out loud. Seeing the Shop Assistant beside her squatting down to try and persuade her, she suppressed the urge to gloat and said calmly, "Then I'll trouble you."
Half an hour later, Chi Feichei led Haibara Ai out.
The Shop Assistant didn't quote a Price, and the two didn't ask. It was also rare to settle the account immediately here; everything was recorded on Chi Kana's account. The act of Pay the Price was paid for by Chi Kana.
"We will pack up the remaining two sets of blue-toned Clothes and have someone send them to the Hotel," the Shop Assistant said with a smile as she saw the two out. "Around nine o'clock tonight, is that okay?"
Chi Feichei nodded. "Thank you for your trouble."
"Wandering traveler, may I ask if you know, the plum blossoms have bloomed in my hometown, their faint fragrance like times past."
At the Street Corner, a Girl wearing a light purple Kimono and with brown wavy short hair spoke out. After Chi Feichei looked over, she bowed. "Ike, long time no see."
Behind the Girl, a tall Man in a navy blue suit with long curly hair also bowed.
"Miss Ooka, long time no see."
Chi Feichei recognized the person.
Momiji Ooka.
Counting it, the two had only met twice, and that was when Momiji Ooka was five or six years old. However, Momiji Ooka was also a character who would appear in the Conan Plot. Her Name, Appearance, and the Little Girl in his Memory instantly matched up.
End of Chapter
