Jiang Xia was examining the blue porcelain bottle when he suddenly caught the scent of ice cream rising from beside him.
His spirits lifted. He had wanted to give Vodka an encouraging look, but worried about interrupting his colleague's friendly exchange with Conan. In the end, he could only pretend he had seen nothing and turn his attention back to the desk.
"These patterns and colors..." Jiang Xia walked over to the blue porcelain bottle and bent down to inspect it. "They look a lot like the cup that fell beside the assistant's body."
"I think I saw this at an exhibition once. It isn't the Vase that kid mentioned—it's a teapot." Suzuki Sonoko also walked over. Then she noticed something, crouched down, and poked at the carpet beside the desk with a slap-slap. Surprised, she said, "Why is it wet here?"
Jiang Xia did not touch the porcelain water jug. He merely bent over and looked directly into its mouth. "It isn't full. The water on the floor probably spilled from here."
At the door, Vodka heard Jiang Xia's voice and immediately shifted his attention away from Conan.
He glanced over, and his wary gaze finally settled on Suzuki Sonoko. ...What is she doing? She actually wants to be Uzo's assistant, and she even looks the part... It seems my earlier judgment was too hasty. Given time, this high school girl will surely become a formidable enemy too.
The innocent high school girl was completely unaware of the wariness drifting over from the doorway.
Suzuki Sonoko looked at the water jug on the desk, then recalled what had happened in Haitang Yota's room. She could not help scratching her head. "Mrs. Haitang's water cup was with the assistant, and her Sleeping Pills were with Mr. Haitang... Could she have