29: You are being targeted
The doctor holding the morning glory flowers had already found Jiang Xia familiar. When Jiang Xia struck up a conversation, he finally remembered—several days ago, this young man had appeared in the newspaper, solving several cases in a row.
Doctor: "..." This might be an opportunity to get some free detective work?
With this thought, Doctor Ogawa suddenly became enthusiastic.
He explained in detail:
"This pot of flowers was sent to the front desk by someone who calls himself 'Mr. Tanaka.' There is one every August 3rd."
And it wasn't just the flowers.
Starting from about two years ago, every month, Doctor Ogawa had been receiving old toys and 1 million yen from this 'Mr. Tanaka.'
Up to now, the money received had amounted to a substantial 25 million yen.
Previously, Doctor Ogawa had always considered these gifts as a thank-you from an anonymous patient—his 5-year-old son played with the toys that came along with the money, so it seemed perfectly normal.
However, this month, along with the money, he received a letter signed "Taro Tanaka."
The letter stated: "The 25 million has now been paid in full, and I want to take what's rightfully mine."
The vaguely malicious tone in the letter was unsettling.
It was only then that Doctor Ogawa started to panic and rushed to seek help from a detective. Less than fifteen minutes ago, he had found the detective agency of Kogoro Mouri.
Prompted by Kogoro Mouri, Doctor Ogawa remembered that his office also had a painting worth over 20 million yen. "Mr. Tanaka's" mention of "taking what's rightfully his" might indicate that he was targeting that particular painting.
So, this was why a group of people hurried to the hospital.
*****
Kogoro Mori stood on the hospital steps, gazing intently at Dr. Ogawa as he explained the situation to Jiang Xia, and he sensed a business rivalry in the air.
With the thought of "not wanting to lose to the younger generation,"
Kogoro Mori cleared his throat with a composed expression and interjected into the conversation between the doctor and Jiang Xia, saying, "Sending the same flowers every year, this is unlikely driven by a mere interest; there must be a specific meaning behind it."
Jiang Xia nodded approvingly, saying, "Morning glories indeed carry some special meanings like 'endings,' 'the bonds of love,' and..."
He suddenly lowered his voice and took on a mysterious tone, " 'I've become attached to you.'"
Conan, who was eavesdropping, reacted with a "!" exclamation.
Could it be that these flowers were sent by a patient who had died on Dr. Ogawa's operating table?
Kogoro Mori, who didn't believe in ghosts, felt puzzled and stroked his chin, saying, "The first two meanings are common, but the last one, 'I've become attached to you'... Did you make that up?"
Jiang Xia replied, "No, I've received morning glory flowers in the past. At that time, there was also a similar note inside the flowers, but it wasn't signed; it simply said, 'I've become attached to you.' I was indeed attached for a period afterward, so the memory is quite vivid."
Conan thought to himself, "Why do you always have such unique experiences?"
And also, he was attached in the past, but not anymore...
Could they go fishing in Tokyo Bay and retrieve some cement with Jiang Xia's fingerprints?
*****
Kogoro Mori's thought process was not as whimsical as Conan and Ran's.
Upon hearing Jiang Xia's explanation, he methodically began to eliminate possibilities. He said, "Sending these flowers every year should mean it's not about 'endings.' As for the remaining two interpretations, 'the bonds of love' and 'I've become attached to you,' both are quite ambiguous. Well, as a specialist in catching cheaters, I can't help but wonder, Dr. Ogawa, have you been threatened by a mistress?"
Dr. Ogawa shook his head vigorously and said, "I've never had an affair!"
"Sending flowers generally signifies gratitude or love," Jiang Xia explained. "If it's about expressing gratitude, it is indeed odd that this person hasn't shown up. So, we can temporarily rule that out. As for love..."
He looked at Dr. Ogawa.
Dr. Ogawa was taken aback and shook his head even more vigorously.
Jiang Xia redirected his gaze and continued, "Alright, let's eliminate that for now."
"If it's neither of these," he raised three fingers and then lowered two, "flowers have another purpose—mourning."
"Chrysanthemums or lilies are usually offered on memorial days. However, in recent years, many people choose the deceased's favorite flowers or seasonal blooms."
Jiang Xia revealed without much emotion, "Morning glories usually bloom in summer, during the months of July, August, and September, which, conveniently, includes August 3rd."
*****
Dr. Ogawa listened, his face growing pale.
Receiving mourning flowers meant for a living person was nothing short of spine-chilling. Could this person using the alias "Mr. Tanaka" want his life?
Fearing the worst, Dr. Ogawa looked at Jiang Xia as if he were a savior. He thought to himself, "He's a detective who can make it into the newspapers. With just a few sentences, he's already analyzed this much. Perhaps, if we continue talking for another hour, Jiang Xia might be able to reveal the true identity of 'Mr. Tanaka'."
With eager anticipation, he watched Jiang Xia, who pondered and suggested, "Since 'Mr. Tanaka' continues to send you toys, his motive might be related to children. You should follow this keyword and try to recall any interactions you've had with him regarding children."
"Children..." Dr. Ogawa mumbled, suddenly recalling something. His face changed dramatically, and he dropped the flower pot, rushing towards the archive room.
As he sprinted, Conan and the Mori father and daughter were left astonished and instinctively followed suit, leaving the stairs empty.
*****
Jiang Xia glanced at their quickly vanishing figures, adjusted his collar, and leisurely walked down the stairs.
Successful escape from the doctor's appointment
And, if he wasn't mistaken, besides the lead on Dr. Kazaki, this trip would yield other rewards.
*****
Exiting the hospital's main gate, Jiang Xia didn't head home but turned into a nearby park.
Upon entering the park, Xiao Bai, who had been savoring the aroma of hot pot-flavored murderous aura, suddenly perked up. It seemed to have sensed something and promptly sat up, fixing its gaze on a particular direction.
Following Xiao Bai's lead, Jiang Xia walked a short distance and came across a kindergarten.
The kindergarten hadn't dismissed for the day yet, and outside the main gate, there sat a middle-aged man covered in a veil of murderous intent.
Seeing him, Jiang Xia became certain.
... This was indeed the case for this case.
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