Chapter 46: Official Business, or a Date?

Police Inspector Megure's full name is Higurashi Sota, and he is not a "career" (i. e., Career Track). After all, if he were a Career Track officer, at the age of around forty, he would have already become a Police Superintendent Management Officer, Inspector, or Councilor at the Metropolitan Police Department. In reality, an elite Metropolitan Police Department officer from the Career Track should have become a Police Superintendent by the age of 45, either holding a high-ranking position as a Section Chief or Department Manager at the Metropolitan Police Department, or being sent out to serve as the Chief of an important major police station.

"Keep it up, Police Inspector Megure, I believe in you!" Uesugi Muneyuki said a few perfunctory, hollow words: "Now that you're in Investigation Division 1, I believe that when you reach mandatory retirement, you'll definitely be able to wear the badge of a Police Commissioner!"

"Then I'll take your kind words to heart." Police Inspector Megure laughed inwardly upon hearing Uesugi Muneyuki's remark.

As mentioned earlier, the theoretical rank ceiling for Non-Career Track police officers is Police Superintendent, but to demonstrate fairness, a very small number of Non-Career Track officers are indeed intentionally promoted to high-level management positions. Occasionally, one of the nine major departments of the Metropolitan Police Department will appoint a Non-Career Track Department Manager to serve for a year or two before retirement.

Let's just get promoted to Police Superintendent first!

"And you too, Ikeda, you need to work hard to get promoted as well!" Uesugi Muneyuki shifted his attention to Ikeda Erena and said: "If you don't get promoted soon, you're going to be forcibly promoted to Patrol Sergeant."

Ikeda Erena frowned. If they were alone in private, she would be willing to discuss this topic with Uesugi Muneyuki, but there were outsiders in the car, so she could only nod: "Mm, I suppose so."

"What do you mean 'I suppose so'?" Uesugi Muneyuki was a bit dissatisfied with her non-answer: "Your main job right now is to assist me, isn't it? Haven't we handled so many cases together that it counts as merit?"

"I'm not sure about that." Ikeda Erena really didn't know. Ever since she was transferred to Otsuka Station, she had poured all her focus into Uesugi Muneyuki's affairs; she was unfamiliar with the situation at the station and rarely communicated with her superiors.

"That's just how it is, unfortunately." Police Inspector Megure said casually: "That's how it is for the Non-Career Track, just wait for an opportunity."

"That won't do. When the time comes, I'll go talk to Section Chief Sudo and Station Chief Kanazawa; at the very least, they should give you a promotion to Police Sergeant." Uesugi Muneyuki was getting fired up.

"I don't mind." Erena listened silently. Although it sounded like she didn't like Uesugi Muneyuki meddling in her affairs, the fact that he would say such things made her slightly startled. His gentle tone and firm manner were like poisonous honey that made her want to listen more and taste more. Suppressing her somewhat erratic heartbeat, the tall beauty tried her best to appear indifferent.

If only I had met him when I first became a police officer, Erena thought, pouting her lips imperceptibly.

Fuji TV is located within Minato Ward, and they arrived at the destination shortly.

Television stations in Japan are divided into two categories: state-run and private. The representative of state-run television is NHK. This station is operated by the state and has no advertisements; its income is maintained entirely by national taxes and viewing fees. There is a very famous meme in Japan about NHK fee collectors knocking on doors everywhere to collect money, but we can talk about that another time.

The five major private television stations are NTV, Fuji TV, Asahi TV, TBS, and TV Tokyo.

Among them, Asahi TV has always been dubbed the "Old People's Station," as its program designs are mostly aimed at the elderly. NTV focuses on "listening to advice," producing whatever they investigate that the audience likes to watch. TBS focuses on young people and likes to produce workplace dramas with bold and radical styles. It is worth mentioning that the Ultraman tokusatsu series has an extremely close historical relationship with TBS.

Tsuburaya Productions and TBS were once "comrades for life" (a huge lie), but against the backdrop of the overall success of the Heisei Trilogy, both sides felt that the other had probably lost their minds, and their relationship actually worsened the more they collaborated, eventually leading to a complete parting of ways.

We can talk about this another time.

TV Tokyo, on the other hand, has a unique style. This station focuses on a "relaxed vibe." While others air dramas, they air cartoons. While other stations interrupt programs for major news, only they continue airing their shows. While other stations focus on prime-time dramas, TV Tokyo specializes in cartoons, economic programs, and late-night dramas. Among them, the very famous "Solitary Gourmet" is TV Tokyo's flagship program.

Fuji Television once achieved success in both entertainment programs and drama production, and for a time after the millennium, it was crowned the leader of the five major private stations. Many classic Japanese dramas familiar to the people of the Celestial Empire were masterpieces from Fuji TV, and there was once a saying that "anything produced for the Monday 9 PM slot is a masterpiece."

However, perhaps because the success achieved in the past was too dazzling, Fuji TV's relatively conservative culture is unwilling to change. In recent years, this station has been repeating the production templates from several or even a dozen years ago, and thus has begun to show a downward trend.

Inside the Odaiba Building, Police Inspector Megure handed the ID badges prepared by the front desk of Investigation Division 1 to Uesugi Muneyuki and Ikeda Erena: "Alright, we're going to investigate. Uesugi-kun and... you two can just walk around wearing these badges; they're valid for the whole day."

"Got it." Uesugi Muneyuki took the ID badges.

Just at this moment, several camera crews drifted into the entrance of the TV station, and a group of girls wearing fluffy princess dresses and colorful ribbon bows ran into the TV station lobby, cheering.

"Hello everyone, we are Yuzu Sherbet!"

A dozen or so girls, all in matching round-toed leather shoes and lace socks, huddled together in front of the cameras. They were youthful, beautiful, and full of infinite vitality, happily introducing themselves to the lens, striking various poses, and winking—it was a scene of chaos.

"Are they filming a show?" Uesugi Muneyuki shrugged helplessly: "So noisy."

"This is quite normal for a TV station." Police Inspector Megure thought that since he was a young man, it was normal for him to like this: "Just watch the spectacle, and be careful not to interfere with the filming."

"What kind of sorry sights are these idols nowadays." Uesugi Muneyuki was still interested in female idols, but after taking a few serious looks, he couldn't help but shake his head repeatedly, casually complaining to Erena beside him: "All of them combined aren't as good as you, Ikeda."

Hey!

Ikeda Erena hadn't reacted yet, but Police Inspector Megure beside her turned pale.

This kid, he just said a forbidden phrase!

Do you have any idea that this way of speaking in the workplace is a huge taboo! If they were strict, a charge of sexual harassment would be unavoidable. And standing in front of you is the legendary "Superior Killer," Ikeda Erena, who destroyed the career prospects of three superiors with her own strength; if you run into her, you might as well pack your bags and prepare to be posted to the countryside!

Oh no, I need to stay away from these two. If this woman explodes, I don't want blood splattered on me.

Police Inspector Megure and the few members of Investigation Division 1 behind him subconsciously stepped back, all of them looking miserable.

They had been trying their best the whole time to avoid eye contact and verbal communication with Ikeda.

And yet, they still ran into this situation.

Everyone move aside, it's about to blow!

However, the scene that followed left these elites of the Metropolitan Police Department's Investigation Division 1 dumbfounded.

Not only did Ikeda Erena not explode on the spot, but the tall beauty merely said in a slightly impatient tone, sounding somewhat petulant: "I'm different from them. How can you compare me to female idols?"

She... she didn't explode?

And although she said that, the faint crimson flush rising on the tall beauty's face could not be hidden. It was clear that Uesugi Muneyuki's words had been quite pleasing to her.

"I'm just stating a fact." Uesugi Muneyuki said naturally, and he even thought about it for a moment: "But indeed, you aren't suited to be an idol."

Isn't that obvious? I'm a police officer! Ikeda Erena tilted her head proudly.

"What I mean is, your facial features are sharper, and when you're not smiling, you look more piercing and aggressive. This won't be liked by the main target audience of female idols—the otaku." Who knew Uesugi Muneyuki would continue to offer his analysis: "And you're too tall. The ideal height for a female idol should be around 1.55 to 1.6 meters. At 1.7 meters, you standing in a group would look like a giant. With that sense of oppression and aggression, you might have more female fans than male fans."

The tall beauty's expression froze, and she glared at him indignantly.

You didn't have to say the rest.

"Is Uesugi-kun a 'tall-stature' fan or a 'short-stature' fan? Are you into the 'older' crowd or the 'younger' crowd?" Seeing that Ikeda's expression was off, Police Inspector Megure quickly tried to assist.

"Well, naturally I prefer someone like Ikeda, a tall, model-type beauty." Uesugi Muneyuki shook his head and smiled: "Perhaps I'm not very traditional in this regard. Megure-san, don't you think someone like Ikeda has a unique charm of her own..."

"Oh, oh, oh, oh, investigation starting!" Investigation Division 1 immediately bolted; no one dared to answer that question.

Everyone dispersed, leaving behind only the blushing, anger-turned-to-joy Ikeda Erena and Uesugi Muneyuki himself, who was still talking away.

The two began to tour the Odaiba Building of Fuji TV. Because Ikeda Erena was wearing her police uniform, she attracted the attention of many people along the way, to which Erena responded with sharp, indifferent glares.

"Actually, you really don't have to be like this." Just then, Uesugi Muneyuki spoke up.

"We've been partners for so long, I know your character. You believe you are more like a police officer than any other police officer, and you don't like being compared to idols."

"And you certainly wouldn't want to be a mere decoration for the police station, a vase."

"For a girl as full of competitive spirit as you, I imagine your previous experiences must not have been very good."

Uesugi Muneyuki said softly to Erena.

Erena was silent, her hands clenching tight.

Truly, if only this was the man she had met when she first joined the force.

"I apologize for judging you earlier, but I believe that since we are partners and friends, we should be honest with each other. You can understand that I am concerned about you."

"You must be harboring strong self-confidence, right? Although I don't know why you gave up martial arts, I can tell that you must like the profession of a Detective. If a person is doing what they like, it is not easy to feel tired."

"I just hope you remember that if you need me, I will always stand on your side. After all... what I said just now was sincere. Master Eirina, you are indeed stronger than them (referring to martial arts)!" Uesugi Muneyuki gave a thumbs up, flashed a smile at the tall beauty, and then signaled for us to continue to the next place to take a look.

"That, that's what you said!" Ikeda Erena subconsciously gripped the ID badge in her hand tightly.

This man is too arrogant!

She stared blankly at Uesugi Muneyuki before her, seeing the sincerity on his face, while in her heart, it seemed as if a demon was roaring.

Since you said so, then I won't pretend to be a lady anymore.

Didn't you say you just like this type of mine?

Eirina suddenly grabbed Uesugi Muneyuki's arm and pulled him forward directly: "I want to see the observation tower!"

Uesugi Muneyuki only felt that the woman's strength was great; he was pulled forward uncontrollably.

"Master Ikeda, take it easy, it hurts!"

"Hey, hey, hey, I'm going with you, don't use so much force!"

"Ikeda, are you listening? Ah, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts~"

Listening to Uesugi Muneyuki's screams, a faint, imperceptible smile appeared on the tall beauty's face.

Can this be considered an official date?

Although she was still wearing her police uniform, and although this relationship was strange.

But as long as she was with this man, she would be very happy!

She discovered that she was less and less willing to control herself.

She wanted to obtain more, to extract more from him.

She was righteous and bold; it was you who allowed it!

The two of them, one pulling and one following, took advantage of the afternoon to tour the Odaiba Building of Fuji TV. The TV station was crowded with people coming and going, and because of the filming, there were all kinds of people. The tall beauty was not so conspicuous even though she was wearing a police uniform. Plus, the two had ID badges, so they had a great time starting from the first floor.

They watched the variety show filming at the TV station, watched the programs produced by the TV station's production bureau, strolled through the souvenir shop to buy some mascots and gifts, and incidentally judged the female Idols participating in the program recording.

Of course, for Uesugi Muneyuki, there was one must-see item.

His senior Mai was doing promotional work for a program at Fuji TV today.

Better go over and take a look.

After showing their ID badges, Uesugi Muneyuki and Ikeda Erena successfully entered the vicinity of the variety show studio, where a program was being recorded inside.

"Uesugi, is that the senior Mai you mentioned?"

Ikeda Erena said softly.

Uesugi Muneyuki did not turn his gaze, nodding slightly: "That's right, it's her."

"Hmm... I knew she was very famous, but seeing her in person made me realize why she is so famous." Ikeda Erena's voice began to become unconfident.

Uesugi Muneyuki turned his head, slightly surprised: "You know her too?"

"It's hard not to know her, right?" Eirina helplessly leaned her head out as well: "Today can be considered seeing the person in the flesh."

"Yeah." Uesugi Muneyuki turned his gaze back to Shirakawa Mai.

He watched calmly, motionless, his expression complex, while the tall beauty behind him sighed secretly in her heart.

This one, she truly could not compare to.

The woman sitting in the studio had a figure that was absolutely perfect. Although she was not as tall as her, every point landed precisely on the golden ratio. Just by observing with the naked eye, Ikeda Erena felt that Shirakawa Mai should be just over 1.6 meters, not quite 1.65 meters.

But when it came to looks, she knew she couldn't compare.

Even though this woman was only wearing a very simple violet vine princess feather tube top long dress, it still could not hide her miraculous appearance and elegant, curvaceous figure.

What met the eyes was moving, pure white, perfectly harmonious and beautiful facial features paired with long, straight black hair and a bunny headpiece on her head; she was completely a goddess-type woman.

Perhaps related to her background as a Shrine Maiden, her entire temperament was as quiet and mysterious as an ancient temple in the mountains, absorbing all the light around her, making people remember only her.

Noble, gorgeous, elegant, mysterious.

A pair of bright, translucent eyes were like clear springs in the mountains, both pure and sweet, like an endless song or an unfinished rakugo performance.

For this type of woman, ordinary men simply had no ability to resist; they would be conquered by her charm subconsciously, and even women would turn into humble admirers.

If the police-uniformed beauty seen in the Metropolitan Police Department cafeteria that day displayed an arrogance and confidence rooted in her bones, then the woman before her displayed a diamond-like brilliance.

She did not need any cover; she could make people feel worship and infatuation just by her appearance and temperament.

In fact, she was indeed a national actress famous throughout Japan, a great beauty who had held the title of the number one beauty for many consecutive years, the treasure of the Soul Agency.

Uesugi Muneyuki's senior—Shirakawa Mai.

The best trick for dealing with Japanese people is—pretending you don't understand Japanese.

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(End of this chapter)