Chapter 472

"The recording is over, everyone worked hard today!"

Inside the Fuji TV studio, the lighting poured down like moonlight, bathing the stage in a hazy silver glow; amidst this dreamy halo, Shirakawa Mai smiled, nodded, bowed slightly, and softly said "you've worked hard," instantly capturing all eyes and breaths.

She wore a modified cheongsam in the style of blue-and-white porcelain, pure white satin as the base, pristine as fresh snow, upon which cobalt-blue floral branches were delicately traced, elegant yet revealing profound mystery.

The cheongsam's cut was exquisitely tailored, perfectly outlining her graceful waistline, the stand-up collar enhancing her long, elegant neck, while a high side slit revealed a glimpse of alluring scenery.

Most striking was the endless spring extending from the slit—a pair of long, straight jade legs gently wrapped in a layer of refined gray pearlized pantyhose; the pearlized texture was exceptionally fine, shifting with her light steps to emit a subtle, luxurious sheen like moonlight on a tranquil sea, perfecting her leg shape while adding a touch of high-end hazy allure; the hose ended in a pair of minimally designed slim-heeled high heels, the pale gray blending seamlessly with the stockings, visually extending the leg lines infinitely, enhancing her tall, slender poise, each step treading upon heartstrings.

Her skin was the ultimate interpretation of this outfit.

The cheongsam's snow white and the hose's gray haze became perfect complements before her frost-defying, snow-surpassing icy white skin—a near-translucent fairness, flawless and clean, like the finest mutton-fat jade, emitting a soft, lustrous glow under light, harmonizing with the satin's soft sheen and the pearl threads' fine sparkle, breathtakingly beautiful.

Looking up, her face—countless times praised as "Divinely Selected Beauty"—featured finely sculpted features: clear, kind eyes, their gaze shifting with lucid spirit and a hint of allure.

Beneath her pert nose, cherry-blossom lips curved into a bright, radiant arc; that smile, like sunlight breaking through clouds, was warm, pure, yet blazing enough to ignite the entire scene, wonderfully merging her elegant sensual attire with her innate pure aura, radiating an ultimate charm both noble and approachable, dreamlike yet real.

Mai Xuejie merely standing there silently was a painting blending Eastern ancient charm with modern luster; her gentle smile brought the scroll to life, radiant and brilliant.

Another episode of "God's Hand" recording ended; Fuji TV studio staff exchanged greetings of hard work, while Shirakawa Mai lightly called out and departed with Uesugi Muneyuki and Miyawaki Sakura.

Only the wrapping-up crew remained, along with the recently half-sky-red Akasaka Not Moving C, Hirate Sarina.

The variety show team was actually somewhat dissatisfied with Yuasa Tou Asa You forcing Hirate in as a placard girl—this girl truly had no material, didn't like to respond, and even when comedians carefully designed teasing, she merely laughed, covered her mouth, and hastily waved her hands saying "dame dame."

Truly even more lacking in material than Yamaguchi, and not as open as little Sakura.

But since the other party had deep background and extensive seniority, Fuji TV had nothing to say.

Seeing the recording nearly finished, Hirate stood alone in place, coldly glanced at Uesugi Muneyuki's back, and smirked inwardly.

Uesugi Muneyuki obviously disliked the variety show team forcefully stuffing in such a mute gourd; he had no interaction with Hirate throughout.

But did he not know—if he looked down on Hirate, did Hirate not look down on him?

What a joke—claiming to be the Uesugi Chief, the Legendary Forensic Doctor, the Peerage Descendant.

In the end, Uesugi was merely a "Clerk."

Those who personally handle and manage frontline affairs are called "Clerk"; those who sit in offices directing, dispatching, coordinating, and planning are called "Official."

Uesugi Muneyuki is such a "Clerk"; Watanabe Minami only becomes an "Official" upon reaching Superintendent.

Hirate still looks down on Uesugi Muneyuki; by income, her annual earnings last year were 12 million, far exceeding his.

By influence, Akasaka has already performed on Kohaku for two consecutive years; her paid subscriber count reaches tens of thousands—what is Uesugi Muneyuki, some damn thing?

By political connections, of course we know Uesugi Muneyuki's backing is Superintendent General Watanabe Eiji; but Hirate's backing is the venerable "Meat Kasaya Nio" Yuasa Masamichi, a National Diet Member heavyweight, former Party Three Roles Secretary General; by authority, this special position ranks only below Prime Minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minister of Finance, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Defense (Secretary General is not a cabinet member but handles actual party operations); although downgraded to Internal Affairs due to last incident, influence remains.

Before the Cabinet Minister level, the Police Commissioner is merely an "Official," and the Superintendent General is just a "Clerk."

You don't care about me? Well, I don't care about you either!

You, a Clerk of your level, have no right to ignore me like this!

Hirate was enraged by Uesugi Muneyuki's arrogant attitude; she also grew tired of dealing with the on-site staff, greeted Abiru Bureau Chief, and left.

At the same time, Shirakawa Mai, Uesugi Muneyuki, and Miyawaki Sakura got into Mai Xuejie's Mercedes.

"Is this Hirate matter related to the previous one? Mai, do you still remember that brooch?" Uesugi Muneyuki whispered to Mai Xuejie via Lotus Born.

"Possibly; we all know Yuasa Masamichi and that Kansai figure have connections; that brooch is actually the emblem of the renowned 'Pacific Suzuki Management Consulting Co., Ltd.'" Mai Xuejie said: "This is a terrifyingly powerful multinational conglomerate behind the scenes; even I must give face—if you want to investigate, it won't be easy."

"The Financial Services Agency has also started investigating." Uesugi Muneyuki nodded, pondering how to proceed.

Regarding the Okada case and the mysterious figure of that brooch, Uesugi Muneyuki and the Financial Services Agency, and possibly even the Public Security Police have begun investigations, but time is short so far, nothing found; meanwhile, Mai Xuejie finally knows something, albeit limited—after all, she is the Shinto Leader, not some KGB Military Intelligence Sixth Directorate.

"Mai-sama Mai-sama! Where are we going to eat today?" Sakura interrupted the two's conversation, looking forward to the upcoming meal.

"It's Yamada-ya!" Mai Xuejie said with a charming laugh: "Today, please let Sakura-chan eat freely!"

"Eh eh eh? Yamada-ya? Isn't that a super expensive, super luxurious ryokan? Can I really go?" Sakura's face full of shock: "I heard they screen every customer's identity and qualifications there... I... I, a little idol, can't possibly..."

"No problem; such things don't matter." Mai Xuejie said naturally: "No one dares say Sakura-chan isn't worthy."

"Because, I am the owner of Yamada-ya."

"Eh eh eh eh eh eh?" Sakura's world was refreshed.

……………………

At the same time.

One paradise, one hell.

With no recording duties, the night's cold wind, like a knife wrapped in ice shards, swept across the empty streets; Yamaguchi Maho tightened her coat, post-performance fatigue making her steps slightly heavy.

The recently ended performance, the clamor and stage lights' residual warmth still lingered on her skin, but now only the elongated shadow under streetlights and the unopened comfort gift bag from fans remained in hand; the familiar outline of the apartment building loomed ahead—her temporary haven to shed the "idol" mask, a place that should be absolutely safe.

Yamaguchi Maho silently shed tears, returning alone to the dormitory.

Should Sakura-senpai be recording a show now?

The elevator rose smoothly, numbers changing; she fished out her keys, the metallic cool touch letting her slightly clear her mind; the corridor was silent, only the echo of her high heels tapping the floor; she stopped before the familiar door, lowered her head to search for the keyhole.

At that very moment.

Darkness seemed to solidify.

Two tall, masked black figures, as if oozing from the walls, lunged out from the stairwell or corner shadow! Their movements were so swift her mind went blank; fear like ice water poured over her head, instantly freezing her scream; one hand brutally covered her mouth and nose, the heavy sweat and fabric stench nearly suffocating her; the other hand clamped her arm with deadly force, immense strength dragging her away from the door; the comfort gift bag "popped" onto the ground.

"Mmm—!" Her instinct to struggle made her arch her body, kicking and writhing with all her strength; she felt the rough fabric rubbing her cheeks, heard the heavy breathing beside her ear.

She was violently shoved, her back slammed hard against the cold wall or fire door, a dull pain surging.

In the chaos, the masked figures tried to drag her into darker places, intent unclear, but every move brimmed with violence and violation; the will to survive exploded in despair, she summoned unknown strength, elbowed the attacker with her free hand, stomped down hard with her high heel; in the instant the assailant winced and loosened, she mustered her last strength to break free from the hand over her mouth, letting out a piercing scream.

"Save me! Save me ah ah ah ah ah!"

"Who will come save me!!!!"

(End of Chapter)