Hearing Yusuke Kitagawa say that, Sindo Sumire's expression visibly tightened.
She nervously clasped her hands, suddenly becoming cautious and tentative. It was clear that his assessment carried enormous weight for her.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so hasty." Sindo Sumire lowered her head. "There are still many investigations on the police side that require my cooperation, and they insisted on accompanying us. Have I caused you trouble?"
"It's fine. Having the police around has actually saved me a lot of trouble." Yusuke Kitagawa shook his head and stopped Sindo Sumire from bowing in apology. "What I mean is, my teacher won't arrive until noon at the earliest. Coming this early won't give you much to see."
Only after confirming that there was truly no anger on his face did Sindo Sumire relax. Her expression immediately brightened. "How could that be? I can take my time visiting the outer exhibition area first. I heard you were responsible for arranging this exhibition venue, is that right?"
"My teacher was mainly responsible for proposing the theme and concept." Yusuke Kitagawa did not deny it, nodding slightly. "Other senior students helped as well."
"You needn't be modest, Kitagawa-kun. To create such a wonderful design for your very first exhibition arrangement—Mr. Kisaragi must be proud of you." Sindo Sumire's lavish praise came one sentence after another. "You had to arrange the exhibition while keeping up with your studies, and I heard you contributed three new works to it as well? A diligent, hardworking genius truly is beyond the reach of ordinary people."
The people standing nearby, aside from Conan, who understood some of the situation, were all left staring in bewilderment.
Sindo Sumire was said to be an up-and-coming painter, but she was already thirty-four this year. Yet standing before Yusuke Kitagawa, who was