Chapter 374

"Ah," Somei Shogo realized belatedly and introduced, "This is my employee, Kuju Maiko, who is temporarily in charge of the program with me."

"Program?"

Akaso Kaze knew from the business card that it was television program production and thought it was a request.

However, this kind of production company probably isn't doing well, right? Can they afford my request fee?

"Yes," facing Akaso Kaze’s inquiring gaze, Somei Shogo felt a bit awkward and hurriedly explained, "It’s a special program in cooperation with Toto Television, a 24-hour complete contact with a celebrity, which will be broadcast during the prime time of 9:00 PM on Monday."

"Are you trying to film me 24 hours a day?" Akaso Kaze asked in surprise.

"That’s right. There are already many programs that interview detectives closely, so I thought, could I film Lord Akaso..."

Akaso Kaze curled his lip. Thinking of the scene of a camera following him 24 hours a day, it seemed like he would have no privacy at all...

And even if they said 24-hour complete contact, the material needed for a real shoot wouldn't just be one day; it was simply a big trouble.

Akaso Kaze thought for a while and still refused: "I don't want to participate in such a program for the time being."

Somei Shogo looked disappointed but still asked politely: "Um, I heard that you also run an entertainment company, and Okino Yoko is in your company. Can we invite her to participate in our program?"

"Invite her?" Akaso Kaze thought and said, "You’ve always been inviting great detectives, what are you inviting Okino Yoko for?"

Somei Shogo said awkwardly: "It’s like this, we plan to invite Detective Mouri to participate in our program, but he said he would only agree if Okino Yoko participated."

Akaso Kaze’s face darkened instantly, and he looked at the other party coldly: "I don't like people plotting against my woman. I hope you won't have such thoughts in the future; otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite."

Somei Shogo was startled and hurriedly stood up and bowed, "I’m sorry, I didn't mean that; I was just asking."

"Get out." Akaso Kaze waved his hand.

Somei Shogo hurriedly walked out.

Kuju Maiko also bowed and said: "I’m sorry, Lord Akaso, our president didn't mean that; please forgive him."

Akaso Kaze looked at her and said indifferently: "A man like that, relying on women to attract guests, what big things can he accomplish?"

Kuju Maiko’s lips moved, but she didn't say anything, said goodbye, and left.

At the Mouri Detective Agency, Uncle Mouri looked at the young man and woman in front of him and couldn't help but feel a headache.

"Detective Mouri?" Somei Shogo hesitantly woke the dazed uncle, "What do you think?"

"Oh," the uncle said while drinking the coffee Ran had brewed, casually continuing to flip through the proposal, "Mouri Kogoro’s 24-hour complete contact... the program is a good program, but do you have to follow me 24 hours a day?"

"Don’t worry," seeing that there seemed to be a chance, Somei Shogo hurriedly said, "If you don't want the camera to film, you can let us withdraw, and we will also let you check it before broadcasting. We can cut out the NG parts."

"But..."

The uncle’s face was bitter, and just as he was about to say something, Conan and Ran, who were watching the show, discussed: "But you haven't received any requests lately, right, Ran-neechan?"

"Yeah," Ran agreed, ignoring her uncle’s face, "Drinking beer and listening to horse racing broadcasts in broad daylight, and playing mahjong all night; if you have a close-up interview, it will be hard to handle."

"No, no work?"

"Where would that be? It’s just a coincidence right now."

Everyone’s eyes were focused on Uncle Mouri, forcing the uncle to sweat profusely. In his embarrassment, the uncle hurriedly laughed and glared at Conan and Ran.

"Um," Somei Shogo interrupted, "Detective Mouri, I don't know if you’ve seen it, but Miss Yoko will also participate in this program..."

Kuju Maiko was startled when she heard this and hurriedly glanced at Somei Shogo.

Somei Shogo didn't react.

"R-really?" Uncle Mouri widened his eyes, "Miss Yoko is also there?"

"Yes, you’ll be able to see her at the program meeting."

"I agree!"

Without waiting for Somei Shogo to finish, the uncle stood up with a swoosh, overjoyed, and hurriedly seized the opportunity.

Downstairs, in the car.

Kuju Maiko asked Somei Shogo: "What are you talking about? We didn't invite Miss Okino Yoko at all!"

"It doesn't matter, I’ve already thought it through," Somei Shogo said, "I will invite Miss Okino Yoko to participate in the program in Lord Akaso’s name. I think Lord Akaso is so busy that he definitely won't pay attention to the company often."

"Deceiving Lord Akaso, I’m afraid that won't work," Kuju Maiko said worriedly.

"Our filming will be fast; we only need Okino Yoko to show up for an hour or two, have a meal with Detective Mouri, and chat. In short, everything is possible."

Somei Shogo said excitedly, "With Detective Mouri and Miss Okino Yoko, this program will definitely have high ratings."

"But," Kuju Maiko asked, "what about Miss Okino Yoko’s appearance fee?"

"Of course, it’s installment payment. Miss Okino Yoko should be able to understand our difficulties," Somei Shogo pointed to the billboard on the street, "If it really doesn't work, I’ll go there."

"You can't do that."

Kuju Maiko was startled to see that, because that was a loan billboard for a financial company; Kuju Maiko meant to go borrow usury to turn things around.

"It’s okay, just pay it back within a month. There’s plenty of time. I believe that these two celebrities, Detective Mouri and Miss Okino Yoko, can bring high ratings to our program."

Somei Shogo said it easily, but his tone was still a bit heavy.

He had been hiding some things from Kuju Maiko; in fact, he had already borrowed usury.

In the room, Akaso Kaze frowned slightly.

To actually use the Onmyoji’s name, he was really bold.

The corners of his mouth curled up, and he gave a cold smile.

The next day, at the program production company, Somei Shogo said to Kuju Maiko: "Mr. Nakame wants you to go to his apartment at five o’clock."

Kuju Maiko frowned and asked: "According to the schedule, isn't it a meeting at the apartment with Detective Mouri at six o’clock in the evening?"

Somei Shogo didn't dare to look into Kuju Maiko’s eyes and said: "Maybe there’s something to prepare by going early."

Kuju Maiko nodded.

Somei Shogo returned to his office and dialed a number, saying: "I’ve done as you said. Can my program be aired? I’ve bet all my family assets and even borrowed usury."

Nakame Raisaku on the other side laughed strangely: "Don’t worry, as long as I’m satisfied, I will let your program pass."

Outside the door, Kuju Maiko covered her mouth, and tears couldn't stop flowing.

After five o’clock in the evening, the sky was overcast, and it suddenly started to rain heavily.

Nakame Raisaku’s apartment building.

As soon as Kuju Maiko got into the elevator, Nakame Raisaku began to speak excitedly through the doorbell system.

"Ah, Miss Maiko, you’re here."

"Yes."

"Did you come alone? It’s raining so hard, you must have had a hard time on the way."

"It’s okay."

"Miss Maiko, what would you like to drink? I’ll prepare it for you right now. I have..."

"Coffee, any coffee will do."

"Miss Maiko, do you like desserts? Ladies should like them, right? I went to Ginza before and bought the most popular cheesecake now. Do you like it?"

"Whatever, I’m here."

"Ah? Ah, I’ll open the door right away."