Tokyo Metropolis, Beika Town, Tsutsumi Mutagawa River.
It was the break of dawn, and the sky was still somewhat dim.
Several cruise ships hurried across the river, heading east toward the rising sun.
And on a park bench by the river, an out-of-place visitor from another world was carefully scrutinizing the Driver's License belonging to "himself":
"Name: Lin Xinyi."
"Born May 4th, Showa 47."
Seeing the word "Showa," the man felt as if he had been struck by lightning, like the Washington Monument on a rainy night.
When he tried to convert "Showa 47" into the familiar Common Era calendar, the last shred of his chance was ruthlessly torn away, like the USA flag in a strong wind.
After a long silence, this transmigrator, who could now be called "Lin Xinyi," began to regulate his emotion:
"I actually transmigrated into someone born in the 70s."
"Oh well, at least the surname is the same as before; it's still Lin."
Actually, it was completely different. The Japanese surname "Lin" and the Chinese surname "Lin" only shared the same characters; their pronunciation and origin were entirely distinct.
"I look decent too; at least I didn't get uglier after transmigrating."
To have such a good-looking photo on the identification card meant this body's appearance was quite striking.
"Sigh."
He let out a soft sigh, put down the Driver's License, and pulled out his Mobile Phone from his chest.
The Mobile Phone was an old model Nokia, the kind that could be used to smash walnuts. The keys were slightly faded from excessive use, and the gaps between the keys held some uncleared black grime.
"It seems 'I' am not a clean person."
Lin Xinyi frowned slightly.
Out of professional Habit, he liked to keep everything around him Clean.
But this unfortunate soul whose body he had "possessed" clearly did not have such good Habits.
Moreover, a strong smell of smoke lingered on this person, and Lin Xinyi disliked smoking.
He impatiently lit up the Mobile Phone screen, only to see the displayed date clearly read: "1996."
Seeing this, Lin Xinyi's expression became even more Subtle:
As expected, not only had he transmigrated into a Japanese Showa man, but he had also inexplicably returned to the "past" of more than twenty years ago.
Although he had fantasized about another life before, this sudden, unprepared soul transmigration without receiving the Original Owner's memories felt absolutely Awful.
After experiencing initial hesitation, Bewilderedness, and even Pain, having confirmed he had transmigrated into another person, he had to face a crucial question:
"Who exactly is 'I'?"
Lin Xinyi knew nothing about the owner of this Body.
A single Driver's License couldn't provide him with the necessary Identity information.
Yet, to live safely and legally in this past Japan, he urgently needed to quickly step into the role of this Lin Xinyi.
Therefore, he could only carefully examine the personal belongings carried on "himself," hoping to find some useful Clues that would help him take over this Identity.
"The thickness of the Wallet is pleasing to the eye; judging by appearance, he's a rich kid."
"A Yonkō Bank credit card, and a Driver's License."
"The address is written on the Driver's License; I hope it matches the actual residence."
"There's a Lighter in the Pocket, an empty cigarette box—that's great—and the house key is here too."
With an address and a key, the newly arrived Lin Xinyi at least had a place to stay.
Moreover, there should be more of "Lin Xinyi's" personal belongings at home, which could help him better understand this character.
"Let's check the Mobile Phone again."
"The contact list and message inbox might contain some useful information."
Thinking this, Lin Xinyi took out that antique Mobile Phone from his chest again.
Just then, behind him, on this sparsely populated riverside green space, a shout suddenly rang out:
"Shinichi~"
"Hurry up and catch up!"
The Sound was crisp and pleasant, carrying the unique vitality of a young girl.
"Huh?" Lin Xinyi was momentarily stunned.
Although the experiential memories of the Original Owner were gone, skill-based memories like language seemed to be perfectly preserved in his Body.
So, he could fluently use Japanese now, indistinguishable from a native Tokyo resident in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
And that "Shinichi" just now was clearly calling his name.
Is that an Acquaintance of the original body?
Then I should quickly Respond, otherwise, it would be bad if an Acquaintance noticed something was amiss.
Thinking of this, Lin Xinyi quickly stood up and waved in the direction of the Sound:
"I'm over here!"
"Eh?" The girl who Responded to Lin Xinyi had a face full of Doubt.
She was wearing loose white training clothes, and her beautiful cheeks were dotted with light sweat; clearly, she was a sporty girl who came to the park for morning exercises.
Setting aside her inherent beauty, the most eye-catching feature was the "horn" protruding on her head due to her Hair being too voluminous.
Not far from this beautiful girl with a prominent horn, stood a young man who looked completely out of breath from running.
The young man was wearing a casual white Shirt, and although his complexion was pale at the moment and his clothes were disheveled from exercise, he still exuded an undeniable handsomeness.
A handsome man and a beautiful woman—that was probably an impeccable combination.
And now, both of them were looking at Lin Xinyi with expressions of confusion.
Their Gaze seemed to say: "Who are you?"
"Uh..." Lin Xinyi quickly realized the Situation was wrong.
He scratched his head awkwardly and Tentatively asked, "Was that 'Shinichi' just now calling me?"
"N-No."
The "unicorn girl" pointed somewhat Blankly at the young man beside her:
"I was calling him..."
"That's right, Ran was calling me."
The young man instantly realized something:
"My name is Shinichi Kudo, Shinichi is my given name."
"If I'm not mistaken..."
He looked at Lin Xinyi, a Confident smile involuntarily appearing at the Corner of his mouth:
"Sir, you must just happen to share my name?"
"As expected, it's a shared name..."
Lin Xinyi let out a soft breath and replied:
"My name is Lin Xinyi, and my given name is also Shinichi."
"However..." He paused slightly and murmured to himself, "Shinichi Kudo, I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before..."
"Haha."
Hearing this, the one named Shinichi Kudo couldn't help but laugh Confidently:
"Perhaps you saw it in the newspaper."
"I guarantee you will have many more opportunities to hear this name in the future."
As he spoke, his Gaze involuntarily drifted back toward Lin Xinyi.
That Gaze was focused and meticulous, as if he were intently scrutinizing an object.
Lin Xinyi Vaguely felt uncomfortable and asked, "What are you looking at?"
"Ah, sorry."
Shinichi Kudo offered a shallow apology and smiled:
"I am a High School Detective; it's my Habit to observe details about people immediately..."
"You know, just like Sherlock Holmes."
"High School Detective?"
Lin Xinyi smiled politely:
Shouldn't High School Students be studying hard for college entrance exams instead of being some kind of Detective?
Those Private detectives usually only take on small Commissions like Catching someone cheating, which not only results in low social status and income but also carries the constant risk of being invited by Uncle Police for a chat due to excessive use of illegal methods like Tracking and Eavesdropping.
This was clearly not a glorious Profession that High School Students would aspire to.
Based on what he had seen and heard in his previous life, he had never imagined these two words could be combined.
But this was actually due to his own limited knowledge.
If he had watched that anime called 《Detective Conan》, instead of just having heard of it without ever delving into it, he would know what kind of incredible High School Student he was facing now.
Lin Xinyi was puzzled, but Shinichi Kudo, who claimed to be a High School Detective, couldn't hold back and asked:
"Mr. Lin, may I ask?"
"Why are your shoes and lower legs both wet?"
"Seeing as your dress pants and Leather shoes look quite expensive, soaking them in water isn't ideal, is it?"
"..."
Lin Xinyi chose to remain Silent.
His pants and shoes were wet when he transmigrated.
This matter had nothing to do with him, the Transmigrator who had just possessed the body, and he didn't want to discuss it in depth with a High School Student who enjoyed playing a Detective Game.
"Um, Lin..."
Shinichi Kudo gave a wry smile, seemingly wanting to ask more.
But the girl beside him, named Ran, tugged his shirt corner with some dissatisfaction:
"Shin! Ichi! Don't ask strangers so many questions; it's impolite!"
"Wait, I still have something to ask."
Shinichi Kudo shook off Ran's hand as if he hadn't heard her.
It was as if this Mr. Lin Xinyi, whom he had just met, was more interesting to him than his Childhood Sweetheart beside him.
"Mr. Lin Xinyi, are you alright?"
Shinichi Kudo suddenly asked out of the blue.
Lin Xinyi looked back at the Young man with some surprise. After a brief Ponder, he smiled, "Don't worry, I'm fine."
"..." Shinichi Kudo finally became Quiet, but his Gaze remained locked on Lin Xinyi, scrutinizing him up and down.
Until Ran clenched her Fist, her knuckles cracking with a gentle smile:
"Shinichi~ Stop causing trouble for other people!"
"And didn't you forget that today was the day you promised to come practice Karate Tournament preparation with me!"
"Uh, wait..."
Shinichi Kudo stopped speaking, wanting to say more.
His eyes were still firmly fixed on Lin Xinyi, but his Body was gradually being pulled several meters away by the surprisingly strong Ran.
It was like a greedy child being forcibly dragged away from a dessert shop by his Mother.
Finally, Shinichi Kudo withdrew his Gaze and muttered to himself:
"Forget it, he should be fine."
"You won't have a problem if you stop bothering other people!"
Ran dragged Shinichi Kudo away without looking back, helplessly scolding the hopeless Deduction enthusiast.
Hearing the gradually fading laughter of the Young couple, Lin Xinyi, left alone, couldn't help but sigh:
"Youth is wonderful."
Having been in the workforce for several years, he couldn't help but recall his own Student days.
His Student days were entirely spent buried in books, seemingly lacking any excitement:
"Right, since I get a second life, I should live a different kind of life."
"The me of my previous life focused too much on training, studies, and Work, completely forgetting about myself."
"Finding a less tiring Job and making time to have a proper relationship would make this trip worthwhile."
Thinking of his monotonous previous life spent constantly accompanying Corpses, Lin Xinyi sighed:
"In this life, I want to live a peaceful and happy life!"
Lin Xinyi was thinking this in his heart.
From the riverbank not far away came Ran's full-throated scream:
"Aaaaaah!!!"
A flock of birds startled up from the Woods.
"There's a Corpse in the water!"
PS: New book needs care, Request for Recommendation Tickets
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