Chapter 62: Uesugi, the Legendary Rookie Forensic Pathologist!

Uesugi Muneyuki and Shima River Ren exchanged contact information. The fiancé shed a few crocodile tears, and it was impossible to tell how sincere his declaration was: "If I had known earlier that Hironaka Mariko was so kind and gentle, I would have treated her properly and lived a good life."

However, judging from the perception of the Aizen Myoo, at that exact moment, the fiancé was genuinely saddened by the death of his fiancée.

Shima River Ren probably had no idea that he had just skirted the very gates of hell.

A portion of his dead fiancée's resentment had also been entangled with him. It was only when she confirmed from his attitude that he was unrelated to the matter and that he felt genuine sorrow for her death that the spread of the curse finally ceased.

[He is actually not a bad guy,] Hironaka Mariko commented.

[For a Roppongi man, he has a bit of conscience,] Uesugi Muneyuki agreed.

[Ha! Roppongi boys and Kazoku men always speak the same language, just like Echigoya and the Edo daikan, full of dirty transactions between them,] Hironaka Mariko said with disdain. [The castella cakes in that pastry box must be made entirely of gold, right?]

Hearing this, Uesugi Muneyuki chuckled foolishly.

This was a well-known trope in Japanese culture. It referred to the Edo period when local domain samurai seeking employment in Edo would often present Echigoya pastries to the shogunate's daikan and senior officials. There were two methods of bribery at the time: the first was to hide koban coins and silver bean coins inside the pastry box, and the second was simply to gift extremely expensive confections.

Yes, during the Edo period, sugar was still an exorbitant commodity. A pastry box filled with sugar alone was comparable in value to gold and silver, and the premium yokan and castella produced by Echigoya were already extremely valuable—worth their weight in gold. Presenting just that was quite sufficient.

To put it simply, Japan lacked native resources.

The Edo shogunate tacitly approved and even encouraged this behavior, which was why various television dramas and games featured wealthy merchants named Echigoya presenting pastry boxes to senior shogunate officials, who would then smile wickedly and say, "Echigoya, you truly are a scoundrel."

"Not at all, how could I ever compare to your lordship?" Afterward, the two would exchange knowing winks and laugh heartily, signifying the completion of the bribe.

Uesugi Muneyuki dared to say that if he mentioned this trope to Ikeda Erena, she would definitely not understand what it meant.

[So, Fukushima Sosaburo and Shima River Ren have both been dealt with, but what about President Kameyama?] Uesugi Muneyuki asked. [Actually, looking at it from hindsight, Kameyama is the biggest beneficiary and the root of everything, isn't he?]

[Kameyama? He really is a very peculiar fellow.] Hironaka Mariko did not seem to harbor any excessive emotions toward the network president. [Feed that giant toad the things he desires—women, ratings, performance—and he will spit out resources, hosting positions, and sponsored shows without the slightest hesitation.]

[Feed him bombs, dereliction of duty, and mistakes, and he will spit out cancellations, demotions, and dismissals just as readily.]

[No personal biases, no emotional fluctuations. That old toad actually keeps his word. I previously agreed to stay with him for a period of time, and true to his word, he gave me a news anchor position, far more trustworthy than those directors, managing directors, and station chiefs.]

The female anchor evaluated the Fuji TV president without any restraint.

[Your fiancé, Mr. Shima, would be heartbroken if he heard this!] Uesugi Muneyuki quipped.

[Oh, please, this quasi-husband of mine undoubtedly has several mistresses keeping him company in Ginza anyway,] Hironaka Mariko sneered. [Why don't you kill him and send him to keep me company?]

[What kind of ghost marriage is this?] Uesugi Muneyuki was utterly speechless. [Murder is illegal, especially since Shima has nothing to do with your death.]

[Don't talk to dead people about the law. If the law cannot punish us, then the legal codes are simply our menu.] Having tossed and turned for the better part of the night, Hironaka Mariko's lingering resentment had dissipated significantly. Having obtained a series of answers, she finally suspended her activities for the time being.

It seemed she had no intention of exacting revenge on President Kameyama.

Yet President Kameyama was actually the mastermind behind the incident and its greatest beneficiary, even though he probably never expected Hironaka Mariko to tell Fukushima Sosaburo about his plan to lay off all contract workers.

By the time Uesugi Muneyuki finished talking with Shima River Ren and returned to the main lobby of Fuji TV, it was already close to three in the morning.

At this point, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department had basically cleared out the entire Fuji TV building. Aside from a small contingent of police officers left behind to handle the wrap-up work, even the culprit had been taken away by the MPD.

The senior executives of Fuji TV, however, were all still present and in a state of extreme agitation, discussing various topics. President Kameyama was among them. The moment the Fuji TV president laid eyes on Uesugi Muneyuki, it was as if he were looking at his own father. He grabbed Uesugi Muneyuki's hand and shook it vigorously. "Uesugi-kun! You truly are our Fuji TV's savior!"

The surrounding Fuji TV executives also crowded around, expressing their gratitude.

For some reason, whenever Uesugi Muneyuki looked at President Kameyama's face, he felt he looked even more like a toad, and the thought that this fellow was the actual mastermind made him feel rather uncomfortable.

However, since Hironaka Mariko harbor no thoughts of revenge, there was no need for him to overstep his bounds.

"Just doing my duty," Uesugi Muneyuki forced a smile.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the Fuji TV side, uttering some empty words, and promising to return to Fuji TV later to record a special program (with President Kameyama emphasizing that he would definitely invite Senior Sister Mai back), Uesugi Muneyuki went to find Ikeda Erena, who was waiting for him.

The tall beauty was nodding off by then. Seeing Uesugi Muneyuki approach, she instantly perked up and complained, "What took you so long? What were you off doing?"

"Anyway, I ran into some things, and now... it's finally over." Uesugi Muneyuki took the initiative to reach out and pull the tall beauty up from her seat. "Ready for fame, Master Erena?"

"Huh?"

***

Although the MPD had completely withdrawn, Inspector Hodaka of the Akasaka Precinct had left vehicles ready to take Uesugi Muneyuki and Ikeda Erena home. Moreover, because of their meritorious service, the MPD had specifically notified them that each would receive three days of paid leave.

Uesugi Muneyuki naturally had no reason to refuse, and Ikeda Erena, thinking of the prospect of taking a holiday alongside Uesugi Muneyuki, readily accepted as well.

The Odaiba building at night finally grew quiet. The distant stars witnessed the turbulent waves of this night, just as they witnessed the return to stillness, leaving only the starlight unchanged.

The stars had aligned, but the monstrous waves stirred up around this building-封-in incident had yet to subside.

After returning to his apartment, Uesugi Muneyuki drew a hot bath while picking up his phone.

There was a text message on the phone, sent by Senior Sister Shirakawa Mai.

"The station president was hounding me endlessly, so I left first, Junior-kun. Looking forward to our next collaboration O(∩_∩)O~"

The message had been sent close to two in the morning.

Uesugi Muneyuki found it strange. He vaguely remembered that before Hironaka Mariko requested to stay behind, Senior Sister Mai had still been at the scene. Yet in the short time he went out to chat with Shima, Senior Sister Mai had already left.

If she wanted to leave, she should have departed right after her broadcast hosting duties concluded.

Considering she had already stayed for over two hours after hosting, a little more time wouldn't have mattered—at least she could have said goodbye?

However, Uesugi Muneyuki didn't dwell on it. He was self-aware enough to know that he was not yet qualified to have an equal dialogue with Senior Sister Mai.

It was time to consider the next step.

In the wake of this incident, his relationship with the MPD had achieved a breakthrough. By presenting them with a fait accompli, the MPD not only had to acknowledge his achievements but also had to establish an official cooperative procedure for him.

Soaking in the hot water, gazing at the tile patterns on the wall, and feeling the misty steam drift past his ears, the man closed his eyes.

When the value you display far exceeds the trouble you cause, minor issues can be tolerated.

This stupid woman Ikeda was foolish precisely in this regard.

Thinking of Ikeda Erena, Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.

Yes, Shima was right. Essentially, we are the same kind of people.

Ikeda Erena was a bit too "heavy"; she was by no means an ideal marriage partner. If she were proactive, Uesugi Muneyuki wouldn't mind something happening, but if they were to seriously consider a relationship, Uesugi Muneyuki would never consider dating Ikeda Erena with marriage as the premise.

Dating a female civil servant was troublesome to begin with!

Therefore, in his relationship with Ikeda, Uesugi Muneyuki had always exercised restraint, trying his best to keep them strictly in a professional working relationship, and privately maintaining the dynamic of master-apprentice and friends. Occasional physical contact was inevitable; there was simply no helping that.

Uesugi Muneyuki had also stated beforehand: do not bring work into life, and do not bring life into work.

If the two of them were to date, how could they possibly maintain their current partner dynamic? Uesugi Muneyuki had no idea. Erena was the stubborn type. Unfortunately, Uesugi Muneyuki's own temper was also quite unyielding. Their ability to get along normally was the result of mutual concessions—meaning Uesugi Muneyuki knew how to tolerate her, soothe her, and humor her, while Erena repeatedly reined in her temper and taught him martial arts.

However, dating would be entirely different. Two people transitioning into a romantic relationship would have to penetrate each other's private lives. That imagery was simply Mars colliding with Earth.

Step aside, it was about to explode!

To say that Uesugi Muneyuki had no feelings whatsoever for this sunny, passionate, yet somewhat foolish tall beauty would also be a lie.

Let nature take its course!

Uesugi Muneyuki thought to himself. In the future, he would inevitably shift the focus of his career to the MPD.

It was possible for Ikeda Erena to be transferred to the MPD, but unlikely for the MPD to transfer Ikeda Erena out.

The man vaguely guessed that just as he was pondering their relationship, Ikeda Erena was also reflecting on the events of today between her and Uesugi Muneyuki.

Compared to Uesugi Muneyuki's high-end student apartment, the ordinary apartment where Ikeda Erena lived was much cheaper and cruder. Not only were the facilities outdated, but the bathroom inside was also very small, lacking a bathtub and offering only a shower.

As soon as she returned indoors, Ikeda Erena eagerly peeled off the black stockings from her legs and turned on the water heater.

Damn it, ever since she met Uesugi Muneyuki, the number of stockings in her house seemed to be multiplying! She clearly hated wearing stockings!

Ikeda Erena casually tossed the two pairs of stockings into the laundry basket, cursing under her breath as she unbuckled the belt of her police uniform skirt, took off her jacket to hang it on the coat rack, and reached out to undo her blouse buttons.

"Doom~" The moment the second button was undone, a full mound popped out directly, as if a prisoner who had suffered prolonged suppression had finally welcomed a brief moment of parole. The joy of released pressure flooded Erena's nerves, leaving her both embarrassed and irritated.

Instinctively, she recalled what had happened back then.

Uesugi had hugged her.

At the mere thought of that scene, Ikeda Erena instinctively grabbed the removed bra and hurled it fiercely into the trash can, the force so great that the wastebasket rocked back and forth repeatedly!

This bastard! He kept taking advantage of me over and over again!

Criticizing me? I endured it. Spouting nonsense? I endured it. Mocking me? I endured it. Sneaking glances at me? I endured that too! Even making me wear stockings, I wore them!

And yet this bastard actually went hands-on?!

And furthermore...

Damn it, Uesugi! Damn it, partner! Do you have any idea that if it hadn't been you, but someone else instead, I would have already shattered his kidneys and liver and broken his spine!

Don't underestimate me! Ikeda Erena swung her fist fiercely in the darkness, fighting a battle of wits against empty air.

After venting a stomach full of anger, the tall beauty fell silent once more.

Recalling the situation at the time again, she seemed forced to admit that if Uesugi Muneyuki hadn't grabbed her, things would have gotten troublesome had she really thrown that punch.

Moreover, as she recalled the scene, a wisp of crimson slowly crept up her neck toward her face. Her pretty features and miraculously magnificent figure gradually flushed red. With a strange expression, the tall beauty made a few tentative gestures.

Did the back of his hand brush against here? Or here?

"Mmm..." After experimenting with self-exploration for a moment, Ikeda Erena's face turned even redder.

Hesitating for quite a while, she slowly bent down again, fished the bra back out of the trash can, took a deep breath, and issued a solemn warning to the empty air: "I'll let you off this time!"

With that, she casually tossed the bra into the washing machine.

Erena had reconciled with herself, and her mood emerged from the shadows. Cupping her chest with both hands, she recalled the events of this entire day, feeling as though she had never experienced such a thrilling and breathtaking series of events in her entire life—especially having the opportunity to showcase her judo mastery in front of Uesugi Muneyuki and the MPD.

At this thought, Ikeda Erena immediately whipped out her phone and tried searching the internet for news about the Fuji TV broadcast.

Did anyone take pictures of me tonight?

A radiant smile returned to Ikeda Erena's face as she spotted the front-page headlines.

《Truth Behind the Fuji TV Building-封-in Incident Comes to Light! Legendary Rookie Coroner Uesugi Muneyuki Proves It on Site!》

《Missing Female Anchor Hironaka Mariko Confirmed Dead! Where Was Her Body Actually Hidden?》

《MPD Announces Press Conference Tomorrow to Demonstrate the Full Course of the Case》

《Fuji TV Broadcast Peak Ratings Reach 46.8%, Kohaku Uta Gassen's Status Threatened?》

《Using a Murder Case as Content, Live Broadcast Sparks Controversy—Experts Evaluate》

《Beautiful Female Cop Displays Legendary Judo Skill 'Arashiyama', Assisting MPD in Apprehending Culprit!》

Ikeda Erena scrolled and scrolled, quickly finding footage featuring herself. With just a casual swipe, thousands of comments lay beneath it.

Only then did she realize just how massive the impact of the Odaiba building lockdown truly was, and what Uesugi Muneyuki had truly meant when he told her she was ready for fame.

Especially since judo masters had already come out in the middle of the night to offer expert analysis, leaving the internet astounded that the MPD actually harbored such an elite.

For the first time, people shifted their attention away from her figure, chest, and Eurasian features, focusing instead on her actual capabilities.

Flowers may bloom again, but youth never returns; gold will shine wherever it is placed.

By the end of it all, Ikeda pressed her phone against her chest. Unknowingly, the scenery before her eyes began to blur.

That night, she had no sleep at all, continuously browsing various news outlets until dawn.

After the Fuji TV case concluded, there would be a brief respite before the next case arrived.