Chapter 558: I Am Not Conan

During the National Day holiday, Chen Shi took Tao Yueyue to a newly opened surfing club in the city. He felt that Lin Dongxue’s suggestion was very constructive; if he didn’t spend time with Yueyue regularly, they would grow apart.

They arrived early, and the place wasn’t crowded yet. It was Yueyue’s first time in such a place, and she seemed a bit shy, sitting by the pool and paddling her feet in the water.

Chen Shi sat down next to her and said, “Yueyue, how about I teach you to swim?”

People passing by pointed at Chen Shi, whispering, “Look at that guy!” and “Is he a gangster?”

Chen Shi had some scars on his back, intentionally added during his cosmetic surgery. His persona was supposed to be that of a tough guy, so he couldn’t look too clean. He had considered getting a tattoo but decided against it because it was both ugly and easily traceable.

Tao Yueyue said, “Uncle Chen, if you want to bond with me, we don’t have to come to a place like this. You know I don’t like crowded places.”

“I’m not a fan of crowds either, but it’s a rare holiday. It’s good to get out and experience new things.”

“Experience new things? I’d rather stay home and read!”

“Let’s make a deal. Today I’ll teach you how to freestyle swim, okay?”

Chen Shi jumped into the water, splashing Yueyue to coax her in. He taught her step-by-step how to swim and breathe. Though smart in many ways, Yueyue lacked athletic ability and couldn’t get the hang of it.

After playing for a while, they rested on the lounge chairs. Yueyue bought a pair of sunglasses and sipped a coconut drink through a straw. She said, “Uncle Chen, you’ve been driving the taxi less and working on cases more. Are you really not planning to go back to being a police officer?”

“My past feels like another life. In this life, I prefer a bit more freedom. I think this way is good—I can contribute to society without being tied down. What are your plans for the future?”

“A student doesn’t have plans; just study hard!”

“And then?”

“I hope to live a free life too. I’ve realized this society is quite accommodating to talented people. It’s best to improve myself first.” Her words were unusually mature for her age.

“Haha, not necessarily. Sometimes you have to be a bit cunning; otherwise, your talent might be seen as odd.”

“I really dislike some people in my class. They’re so childish but act superior. Do I need to be cunning with such people? Just the thought is annoying.” Yueyue said with disdain.

“Have you been ‘teaching’ your classmates again?”

“No!”

“Lying to me?”

“Okay, maybe once or twice. But they were so annoying!”

Chen Shi patted her head, “Smart people often make the mistake of thinking they can control others. You should tone it down a bit. The more intimidating you seem, the more trouble you’ll attract. Better to stay low-key. When you encounter a real jerk, you can play the fool and catch them off guard.”

Yueyue huffed, “Uncle Chen, you’re such an adult!”

“The way you say ‘adult’ doesn’t sound like a compliment.”

“Adults think they’re experienced and can lecture kids at will. But many adults don’t even have their own lives figured out. Like our teacher, Ms. Cao—she’s so childish, especially since she started dating. All her emotions are written on her face.”

“Okay, okay. You can lecture me. Any life advice for me?”

“Hmm…” Yueyue pondered. “I think you’ve been slacking with Sister Lin. Do you think you don’t need to maintain the relationship now that you’ve won her over? Look, you only brought me out today and not her.”

“First, I didn’t want you to feel left out. Second, she has to work today.”

“Alright, I accept your reasons!”

“Yueyue, let me be honest with you.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’m thinking that as you grow older, living with me might become inconvenient. How about switching to a boarding school for high school? I’m seeking your opinion.”

Yueyue pouted, “No need. I don’t like group living. I think the current arrangement is just fine!”

“Alright, as you wish.”

“I also want to say something honest.”

“Go ahead!”

Yueyue pushed up her sunglasses, trying to hide her emotions, “Uncle Chen, can you hug me more often?”

“What?”

Blushing, Yueyue continued, “You don’t need to take me to places like this to bond. You’re always busy, and when you have free time, you think taking kids out fulfills your duty. But actually, kids need more praise and hugs. I never had a father. You’re the first person who feels like a dad to me. I’d like more compliments and head pats instead of money or a meal at Pizza Hut. I can’t even spend all the pocket money you give me. Sister Lin is really good at this. It might seem trivial, but it’s important to kids… Of course,” Yueyue coughed, raising her voice, “These aren’t my words. I learned this from your psychology books. This is Tao Yueyue’s subconscious desire, not my conscious thoughts!”

Chen Shi laughed, knowing Yueyue had gathered the courage to say this. He realized he had been neglectful, treating her more like a friend than acknowledging her needs as a child.

He patted her head, “I’m sorry. That’s my oversight. I’ll start today!”

“Okay!” Yueyue nodded, her face still red. She looked around and said, “Do you think a crime will happen today?”

“You make it sound like we’re bad luck, bringing death wherever we go. I’m not Conan.”

“Conan’s last name is Edogawa, you know!”

“Nothing will happen today…”

As he finished speaking, a scream came from somewhere. Yueyue gave him an “I told you so” look, laughing as Chen Shi got up to check. A crowd had already gathered.

He came back and said, “It’s nothing. A lady’s swimsuit got washed away, causing a fuss.”

“Did you enjoy the view?” Yueyue teased.

“Am I that kind of person?”

“Yes!”

“How dare you slander me!” Chen Shi picked her up and tossed her into the pool. She screamed and laughed, splashing him as she finally let go of her reservations and played wholeheartedly.

Just then, another scream came: “Ah! Someone’s been murdered!”

Yueyue said, “Looks like this one is real. You better go check it out!”

Chen Shi sighed, “Am I really Conan?”

“His last name is Edogawa!”