Chapter Twenty: A Teacher's Laxity Reflects Their Own Negligence

Half an hour later, at 8:40 a.m.

We arrived at the Paranormal Bureau. Liu Shan told me over the phone to go straight to the director’s office. As we entered, we saw the director, Liu Shan, and Lin Xiaoxiao all there—and to my surprise, Lin Xiaoxiao was the director’s niece! Discovering this shocking connection made my head spin...

Lin Xiaoxiao said, “Let’s explain this, An Mingshan. I’ve investigated thoroughly. You are the culprit!” Everyone was stunned, but I remained unfazed.

Seeing my reaction, Liu Shan asked, “Hey, why aren’t you surprised? Do you know something?”

I replied, “Exactly! The truth has long been deduced by me. Now is the moment to reveal it! Shinjiitsu wa hitotsu (The truth is only one)! The truth is only one! The copper sulfate was planted by An An... An Mingshan. But she backfired by underestimating me—I outwitted her with a little trick.”

At this, everyone exclaimed, “Conan-kun!”

An Mingshan took a deep breath and said, “Yes, I admit it was me. But my plan was flawless. How did you find my weakness?”

I hadn’t expected her immediate confession, but to hide my surprise, I kept a calm expression and said, “From the moment you hit the wall and vomited, I sensed something.”

An Mingshan questioned, “Why? Those are reasonable reactions. How could you—”

I explained, “Observation. When you hit the wall, you showed a reluctant expression, subtle but noticeable to me. Also, when I pulled you, you fell in the same direction. I could feel your struggle was nearly nil, meaning you didn’t want to do it. I pulling you gave you an excuse to avoid a bloody fate. Based on these, I made a logical deduction.”

She asked, “What about the vomiting? I really threw up.”

I said, “That’s because I switched the two drinks without you knowing. You simply suffered the consequences yourself.”

An Mingshan exclaimed, “Impossible! When did you switch them?”

I answered, “While you were crying. Your plan was clever and going well, but you broke down. When crying, your eyes were blurred by tears—you couldn’t see anything, especially given how exaggerated your sobbing was. While you wiped your tears with your sleeve, I took the chance to switch the cups.”

She retorted, “You! But how could you know which cup contained copper sulfate? Both drinks looked identical. And where did you get the copper sulfate?”

I said, “Why look for it? Only a fool would poison themselves after achieving their goal. That’s how I deduced the cup in front of you was safe. As for the source, I bought it. Could it have been stolen? Besides, if I couldn’t spot such a small trick, what right would I have to be director of the Special Preparations Department?”

An Mingshan admitted, “You’re half right. I secretly ‘borrowed’ the copper sulfate from a lab, but I put it in both cups. Yours just had a higher concentration.”

Liu Shan, growing impatient, said, “Enough bickering! Just tell us—what was your motive for poisoning?”

An Mingshan replied, “No motive. I just couldn’t stand his attitude.”

I said, “My attitude? When have I ever behaved improperly? Think carefully—have I ever been rude to you? Neglected or mistreated you? I’ve pampered you, treated you like royalty, yet you’re still not satisfied? What, do you want me to bare my heart to you before you’re content?”

Liu Shan and Lin Xiaoxiao exchanged sly looks and said, “What do you mean by ‘improper’? Oh... you two...”

I said, “What are you thinking? Do I seem that kind of person? Remember, I am a gentleman. As the saying goes, ‘A gentleman’s friendship is as light as water.’ What have you made of me?”

Liu Shan said, “Exactly. Confess and you’ll get leniency; resist and you’ll be punished! No, I mean, confess and you get mercy; resist and you get strictness!”

An Mingshan looked at us and said, “Are you done? I’m already caught. Do whatever you want!”

Liu Shan said, “Hey, Li, she’s yours. You decide what to do.”

I said, “What do you mean ‘yours’? Be serious.”

Liu Shan said, “You taught her, so she’s ‘yours’ for short.”

I said, “Uh, that abbreviation is a bit...”

Lin Xiaoxiao interrupted, “Enough nonsense. So, what will you do with her?”

I calmly said, “Release her.”

Liu Shan and Lin Xiaoxiao both widened their eyes and dropped their jaws in shock. “Release her? Are you out of your mind?”

I said, “As the saying goes, ‘Strict teaching is a teacher’s duty.’ She became like this because of my failure, my lack of discipline.”

Lin Xiaoxiao said, “How is that your responsibility? She tried to harm you, yet you defend her. You really must be crazy.”

I said, “She followed me and was influenced by me, so...” Before I could continue, Liu Shan interrupted.

He said, “No buts. She tried to harm you, and you defend her? Have you been kicked by a donkey?”

An Mingshan sneered, “Stop pretending! You think this will make me obey you? Dream on!”

I patiently said, “I don’t ask you to obey me, only to do what you think is right. Remember, you are an independent person with your own mind and consciousness. You don’t have to listen to others in everything; just be true to yourself.”

Suddenly, An Mingshan changed her tone. “Since childhood, only you and the people at the Paranormal Bureau have treated me like a person. And I treated you this way. But why... aren’t you angry?”

I said, “Why should I be angry? You didn’t hurt anyone else, which means you still have a conscience. You just lost your way for a moment, blinded by inner demons, and did something foolish. Besides, remember: ‘To forgive others is magnanimity; to humble oneself is dignity; together, they define a person’s true character.’ So, a person’s quality is measured by their capacity to be broad-minded and humble.”

An Mingshan looked at me, her face slowly reddening. “I... I’m sorry for treating you like this, and yet you...”

I said, “What, do you think I’m great?”

At that moment, the director interrupted. “As the saying goes, ‘He who helps others also helps himself.’ Liu Shan, do you understand now? And Shucheng, handle An Mingshan’s case yourself. Just make sure everyone is convinced and satisfied. That’s enough for one morning; you may all go.”

Liu Shan said, “I’m not buying his twisted logic. Director, the point is—”

The director said, “Didn’t Shucheng say? She has learned her lesson. Let’s have mercy and not be ruthless.”

An Mingshan slowly lowered her head. “Th-thank... thank you...”

I said, “Fatty, you see? Punishing someone is easy but meaningless; reforming someone is hard but can turn them into a valuable member of society. Besides, if I abandon her, what happens then? She ends up on the streets, exploited by criminals, confronts us as an enemy, and ends up in jail. If I give up on her, do you think I can count on you lot to take care of her? Can I? I promised to be responsible for her till the end.”

Liu Shan pointed at me. “You... fine! We’re done here! You handle it yourself! Hmph!”

I said, “An An, let’s go back. Better not to see certain people and get upset.” An Mingshan obediently followed me back to Suiyi Residence.

Reader’s corner.

Question: Author, do you speak foreign languages?

Answer: Yes. Mainly English, since I’ve studied it since childhood. I also taught myself a bit of Japanese because the characters in the novel speak Japanese, and I had to learn it to avoid inconsistencies. I can also sing Russian songs like the ‘Internationale’ (Russian version) and ‘Katyusha,’ among others.