klisemfg Chapter 1302 Singing is Deadly
Chapter 1302 Singing is Deadly
Chapter 1302 Singing is Deadly
"Oh, I see—"
Reiko Akiba turned her head and looked at the group of children, her expression somewhat bewildered.
Since there are children in this class who can contact Yuga Kyosuke, it's not surprising that they specifically sought him out for the competition.
So, having already reached for her handbag on the table and prepared to leave, Akiba Reiko thought about it carefully and walked back to Haga Kyosuke's side.
"The piano calibration is finished, so let's sing it again." She crossed her arms, putting on a serious expression again. "Since the instructor has my name on the roster, I can't sing too badly. Let's do it again, and I'll listen to it again."
Since even a singer you only see on TV said so, the kids who were already prepared to rest for a while had no choice but to stand back in their seats and, as she requested, move Ayumi to the middle of the front row.
"yes-
—」
Ran Mouri flipped through the sheet music, preparing to start from the beginning, while Reiko Akiba had already shifted her attention to Kyosuke Haga.
Now, anyone who recognizes Kyosuke Haga's identity will immediately think of the keyword "Stradivarius violin" when they see him.
Thinking of Kawabe Kanade, who was still lying in the hospital, and Yamane Shion, who was still struggling to adjust her mindset even though the performance was approaching, she wanted to ask Haga Kyosuke to come and take a look before the performance. Even if he couldn't adjust the performers' state, he could at least adjust the violin's state. However, she was also afraid that mentioning this keyword abruptly would offend people.
Regarding his family tragedy, because the Shitara family's birthday party was quite large, with other musicians and media professionals in attendance, even though the media did not extensively report or sensationalize the Shitara family's feud at the request of Shitara Renki and Haga Kyosuke, the series of tragedies and heartbreaking incidents caused by the Stradivarius violin had already spread throughout the industry.
Haga Kyosuke, who already had some ulterior motives, spoke first.
"Ms. Akiba is a very kind person." He smiled warmly. "Mr. Domoto's concert is coming up soon, and your schedule must be very busy, yet you are still willing to help the children with their requests. You, like Mr. Domoto, value music education very much."
That's a very nice thing to say, especially considering his position; such a sincere tone is even more pleasing.
Shinichi Kudo, who had been listening intently to his every move, couldn't help but widen his eyes.
The problem is, the old Kyosuke Haga wasn't such a sociable person. According to his impression of Kyosuke Haga, he was clearly a musician who was quite immersed in his own world. If he had to describe him, he was a milder version of Yusuke Kitagawa.
The impact of an artist with such solid professional skills suddenly becoming eloquent is quite significant.
Sure enough, Akiba Reiko, who had just been debating whether to invite him, softened her expression considerably after hearing his words.
"Not at all, it's just that I happened to be a graduate of Teitan Elementary School, and Ms. Suzuki introduced me to her—"
"Caring about the students at your alma mater is a very thoughtful thing to do. Many students rarely even return to their alma mater after graduation."
"You're too kind."
While mutual flattery in the industry certainly exudes a strong business atmosphere, that's just how people are—no one dislikes hearing nice words.
So, while the children sang the Teitan school song again, Akiba Reiko, who had always been proud, spoke to Haga Kyosuke in a very gentle tone. Anyone who didn't know them would have thought that the two of them had been friends before.
Shinichi Kudo, who had been keeping a close eye on their movements, secretly clicked his tongue in amazement.
What exactly are these Phantom Thieves teaching people all day long? Are these talking techniques part of their professional training?
As the music stopped, Akiba Reiko turned around and naturally offered her suggestions for improvement again. For example, Genta still needed to control his volume, and if that didn't work, he should consider singing in the lower register or standing in a corner. Mitsuhiko should make his voice a little louder, etc. However, her tone was much gentler than before.
So when Akiba Reiko said she was leaving, the children, who were initially hesitant to talk to her much, had become much bolder.
"Sister, could you demonstrate for us how to sing better?" Ayumi Yoshida asked boldly.
"I agree!"
"I want to hear it too!"
The children got a little excited when they heard this and raised their hands one after another.
Regardless, Akiba Reiko is a famous singer, a big shot in the eyes of children who can only see her on TV. Being able to hear her sing up close is a wonderful thing.
"No." Although her expression was gentle, Akiba Reiko's refusal was still quite decisive.
"————" The children all uttered disappointed and dejected sounds.
"Professional singers can't just sing for free; that's a principle." Akiba Reiko picked up her bag. "Mr. Haga, would you like to continue listening, or—?"
She clearly meant she needed to talk to him about something. Yuga Kyosuke glanced at Asai Narumi and nodded in agreement.
"I also have other work to do. From now on, let the kids do their best on their own."
"Then I'll go with you—"
While the two were talking, Shinichi Kudo noticed that Genta Kojima seemed to have discovered something. He ran down from the podium and secretly reached for Reiko Akiba's bag. Forgetting about interrupting others, Shinichi Kudo quickly got up and ran up to stop the restless boy's hand.
"Genta! Don't touch other people's things!"
"What?" Akiba Reiko snapped out of her daze, turned her head and saw the two people's actions, then looked down at her bag, and there was nothing she didn't understand.
She frowned, took a half-step back, and said in a much sterner tone, "What are you doing? Touching other people's things is not a good habit!"
Shinichi Kudo looked thoughtful as he watched her unzip her bag and examine its contents.
Only when he got closer did he realize that what Genta reached out to touch was the thermos that Akita Reiko had kept at the rehearsal site, the one containing the herbal tea she used to maintain her voice.
Comparing what he saw at the rehearsal site, he instinctively felt that something was wrong and couldn't help but frown and think about it.
"You didn't stop me from drinking it last time, so you're now eyeing it?" Akiba Reiko was even angrier when she realized her thermos had almost been destroyed. "This is something someone else is going to drink! How can you just touch it like that! Besides, I already told you it tastes awful!"
Feeling that persuasion alone wouldn't work on the bratty kid, Akiba Reiko, in a more forceful manner, simply opened the thermos lid, picked up a disposable cup next to her, poured out a small half-cup of warm tea, and handed it directly to Genta.
"What a troublesome child! If you don't believe me, try drinking it yourself once."
"Wait, no!"
Shinichi Kudo, who had already realized something was wrong, tried to stop him, but Genta Kojima, who was quick-witted, had already taken the cup and drunk its contents without saying a word.
The once somewhat carefree Genta Kojima took a bite, and his expression instantly contorted. He clutched his throat tightly and collapsed to the ground.
"Genta, Genta! Are you alright!" Shinichi Kudo quickly reached out to help the fallen Genta Kojima and check on his condition.
Honestly, if only these disobedient little rascals would stop causing trouble, his elementary school life would be so much smoother!
Akiba Reiko, who had just looked displeased, had completely changed her expression. She looked down at the thermos in her hand and clenched her fingers tightly.
This is the herbal tea she often drinks. If she hadn't been listening to the children sing and chatting with Yuga Kyosuke, she probably would have poured herself another cup and drunk it to soothe her throat.
In other words——
"Let me take a look."
Asai Narumi quickly stepped forward, pushed past Kudo Shinichi, took out a small flashlight from his pocket, pressed down on Kojima Genta, who was kicking and clutching his neck, and checked his mouth.
Soon, Asai Narumi frowned.
"It must be some kind of irritating chemical. The redness and swelling are quite severe, but there don't seem to be any other problems."
Just in case, let's take him to the nearest hospital first.
Shinichi Kudo breathed a slight sigh of relief, then turned to look at Reiko Akiba, who was standing there stunned, and became serious: "Miss Akiba, I believe this is not the effect of your medicinal tea. It looks like something has been added to your tea."
"How could this be—" Akiba Reiko gripped the cup tightly, her face already much paler.
With this situation, the practice could not continue. With the help of Kyosuke Haga and Narumi Asai, the group took Genta Kojima to a nearby hospital with a pediatric department and sent him for a check-up.
"I hope nothing's wrong with Genta—" Yoshida Ayumi clenched her fists nervously.
Although Asai Narumi's initial examination showed that Kojima Genta was fine, seeing him clutching his throat and kicking wildly on the ground was still quite frightening and made one feel worried.
"I don't know, he looked really uncomfortable just now." Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya, who was sitting on the soft cushion with Ayumi Yoshida, shook his head.
"Yes, and their eyes are especially red—"
"Nothing should happen," said Shinichi Kudo, who was following behind them. "I guess whoever did this just wanted to prevent Reiko Akiba from singing for the time being. It's just that if a kid like Genta drinks it, the stimulant will be stronger, and it looks a bit scary."
Others may not know the other's identity, but he knows very well that the black and white-haired man following Haga Kyosuke can only be Asai Narumi.
They are, after all, a certified emergency room doctor with several years of experience; they certainly possess this basic judgment.
"—Big brother, do you know Genta?" Hearing him join the conversation in such a familiar tone, Yoshida Ayumi looked up blankly. "You seem to know him very well."
She had just been about to ask: Didn't Suzuki Sonoko say that the person who came with Karasawa was Ran's boyfriend? How come he ran up in just a few steps and called out to Genta so familiarly and confidently?
"Uh—" Shinichi Kudo was speechless when he realized that he had blurted out the words unconsciously because of his emotions.
"Of course he knows him. He's our classmate, Shinichi Kudo. Haven't you met him before? He's a very famous detective." Tang Ze grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back a little, reassuring him, "He heard Ran and I introduce you to him. The Junior Detective League, you know, they're quite famous now."
"Is that so?"
"That's right. Professor Agasa, whom Ai is currently relying on, is her neighbor and friend."
"oh----"
Under Ai Haibara's teasing gaze, the two bewildered children were quickly fooled.
Relieved, Shinichi Kudo finally had time to examine the "culprit's" condition.
Because it's a ward for several departments, the waiting area here has been decorated a bit more than in regular wards. The overall style is warm and soft. In addition to cushions, there are also toys and building blocks for children to play with and to distract them, making it look less like a cold and impersonal hospital.
Thanks to this atmosphere, Akiba Reiko, who had been looking somber, calmed down considerably. As she leaned against the door of the department waiting, only a thoughtful expression remained on her face.
"This is a very serious offense for a singer," Kyosuke Haga said, standing beside her. "Are you sure you don't want to call the police?"
Reiko Akiba looked up at him, then lowered her eyes and shook her head again: "Forget it. Calling the police might not catch the culprit. I don't want to affect the performance later."
With Domoto's concert just around the corner, if she reports this to the police, she might get temporary protection, but that would inevitably lead to investigation and questioning, and she would be linked to the bombing.
She wants to do a good job on this performance and sing the songs she really wants to sing in the Domoto Concert Hall, so it's best to avoid this kind of trouble.
Furthermore, if someone really did switch her tea or add something to it—
"When was the last time you drank this cup of tea?" Sensing her hesitation, Shinichi Kudo quickly asked.
If we don't take advantage of her moment of guilt about involving the children to ask more questions, given Akiba Reiko's personality, she might just keep quiet to ensure the performance goes smoothly. This is the time to find out what's going on.
"The last time was probably before noon."
"Where is the location?"
Reiko Akiba paused for a moment, observing Kyosuke Haga's expression, and lowered her voice considerably.
"At Domoto Music Academy."
As expected. Shinichi Kudo's face showed an expression of complete certainty.
The more important the Domoto Concert was, the less likely Reiko Akiba would choose to call the police; her emphasis on this concert was extraordinary.
The criminal probably took advantage of her mindset to be so bold.
Putting drugs in someone else's food could, at best, cause them to lose their voice and damage their career; at worst, if the substance is lethal, it could actually kill them.
"I borrowed a practice room to practice my voice, which also made it easier to communicate and coordinate with the other performers. If I had to say, I went to the restroom once, and the bottle was left in the practice room with my other personal belongings." Since the topic had come up, Akiba Reiko simply explained, "Except for that time, it didn't leave my side."
In other words, the people most likely to take action are indeed those involved in the concert.
She charges money for singing, but this concert is a life-threatening affair; the scene fell silent for a moment.
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