Chapter 638: , Marriage Plan

PS：Finally ending the trip to East Bai and heading home, tomorrow's flight! 5500-word super chapter!

The twilight at Tokyo University Hongo Campus has a special tranquility.

The Gothic red gate settles with history, the ginkgo avenue is carpeted with fallen leaves forming a golden rug, and the bell from the distant An Tian Lecture Hall pierces the dusk, steadily striking six times.

Uesugi Muneyuki walks alone on the small path behind the medical department research building, his white coat casually draped over the crook of his arm, his tie loosened slightly, revealing a well-defined neckline.

He has just finished an urgent autopsy report; the deceased is the only son of a former baseball star, the cause of death is suspicious, the media has already begun to speculate wildly, but Uesugi Muneyuki proved that this was actually just a father-son conflict.

The reason is simple: the baseball star's lifetime earnings were concentrated in those few professional years; if he couldn't manage his finances well (which is difficult for athletes), once retired, he often faces the outcome of a broken family.

Five out of ten NBA players go bankrupt within five years of retirement, seven out of ten within ten years—no surprise there.

Even the famous NBA star Ariza earned over 110 million US dollars in his career (take-home pay at least 60 million), did not invest, did not manage finances prudently, did not spend extravagantly, yet still, due to divorce and alimony, was exposed years after retirement to have only six hundred thousand US dollars in assets left, with cash under two million.

The father-son conflict arose because the son spent money recklessly, still believing he could inherit a large fortune, while the father, equally extravagant, was already gilded on the outside but rotten within; the son could not accept this, argued fiercely with his father, and when his mother also discovered there was no money left at home, she proactively proposed divorce; the son realized his actions had led to family breakdown, and thinking of how he once presented himself as the son of a great star, now he would have to face old friends and relatives in diminished circumstances—no matter what, he could not accept it, so he chose suicide, but deliberately staged it as a homicide scene.

In the end, Uesugi Muneyuki revealed everything.

Now he has achieved fame and success; everyone comes to him for autopsies, many have great influence and cannot be refused, and Uesugi Muneyuki's reputation as the "God's Hand" is destined to require him to prove himself again and again.

Every time Uesugi Muneyuki successfully solves a case, even he himself knows within five minutes that he needs to solve the next case to prove himself once more.

The pressure from the Metropolitan Police Department weighs on his shoulders like a tangible substance, but he is more accustomed to transforming this pressure into a near-ruthless focus.

However, at this moment, after seven hours of continuous work, another kind of unfamiliar, more private unease quietly rises.

Marriage.

One week later, at the Tokyo Imperial Hotel, he will become Watanabe Minami's husband.

This realization repeatedly echoes in his mind, yet carries a sense of unreality.

He stops beneath a giant ginkgo tree, tilts his head up, and watches the golden canopy rustle in the evening wind.

As the Chief Medical Examiner of the Investigation Division 1 of the Metropolitan Police Department, he has faced countless deaths, interpreted countless silent bodies speaking their final truths—those bloody, violent, deceitful, and treacherous scenes have never made him retreat.

But the ordinary term "marriage" makes him feel a vertigo almost like acrophobia.

He is not resisting Minami.

On the contrary, this woman with sweet, lovely features and clear, bright eyes—the face of the Metropolitan Police Department—is the most special person he has met in his twenty-five years of life (except for Mai Xuejie).

He still remembers that night three years ago during the Fuji TV Building Siege, when the female anchor murder case occurred in Odaiba; she appeared just in time, offered help, assisted him—who then lacked investigative authority—in coordinating up and down, and ultimately resolved everything.

This feeling is completely different from being with Eirina, his master.

That was the attraction of wisdom, a默契 like a peak showdown in their professional field.

Afterward, it was her initiative: inviting him to attend internal case review meetings within the Metropolitan Police Department, sharing non-public criminal psychological profiling files, helping him connect various resources, and after his all-night experiments, "coincidentally" delivering still-warm bento—her pursuit was open and direct, yet never overstepping bounds, just like her unique smile.

Uesugi Muneyuki also knows that, in others' eyes, perhaps they think he, as a descendant of the peerage and an elite of Tokyo University Medical School, has married above his station by wedding the superintendent general's daughter.

But only the two of them know that the leader of this relationship has always been Minami; she was not attracted to the surname "Uesugi," but to "Uesugi Muneyuki" as a person—the man who can uncover truth in rotting corpses, build logic in complex data, and maintain independent thought before power.

And this, precisely, is one source of his unease.

Before meeting Minami, his private life—describing it as "chaotic" is not an exaggeration—the academic pressure of medical school, the gloomy heaviness of forensic work, the invisible constraints of family expectations, and his confusion about his own identity led him to indulge for a time in fleeting, responsibility-free physical relationships beneath Tokyo's night sky.

Even now, the women around him remain many: Mai Xuejie, Eirina, Mikoto-nee, Asuka—besides these four Vajras, he still maintains relations with Kashiwagi Misa and the Fuji TV anchor, and besides that, there is Xiao Ying, who is waiting in line.

Minami has tolerated these.

But now, "tolerance" does not mean future "tolerance" will sincerely continue.

It is like a ghost, lurking in the corner of memory.

He worries whether he is truly ready to enter a marriage of complete faithfulness, openness, and close ties with two vast families.

He is accustomed to absolute control before the autopsy table, accustomed to building a safe world through logic and evidence.

Marriage, especially with Watanabe Minami, is filled with emotional variables and social relationships that cannot be fully deduced by logic.

Besides that, there is more trouble.

Regarding the inner world side, what should he do? Tell or not tell? Show or not show? Share or not share?

Uesugi Muneyuki now fully understands why people of the inner world find it difficult to live normally in the outer world.

Fortunately, both are still young, time is still long, and he can still think slowly.

The most important thing is the wedding security issue.

As a legendary forensic doctor who has solved multiple major vicious cases, and thus indirectly offended certain yakuza organizations and transnational crime syndicates, his identity within the Metropolitan Police Department receives a certain level of protection.

And Minami, as a Special Mission System Management Officer, has personally directed operations against violent groups and terrorism, making her a high-risk individual; their wedding at such a prominent place as the Imperial Hotel will undoubtedly become a potential target.

Although Father-in-Law Watanabe Eiji will certainly deploy resources from the Metropolitan Police Department and even Public Security for the highest-level security, Uesugi Muneyuki habitually considers all loopholes: screening the guest list, examining hotel staff details, designing traffic flow, planning emergency evacuations—his mind uncontrollably begins constructing risk assessment models.

Indeed, he still needs Mai Xuejie's help—

A ginkgo leaf spins down and lands on his shoulder; he picks it up, holding it toward the lights of the medical department building to see its clear veins—just as every corpse has its unique life trajectory, every relationship and every decision also has its causal veins.

The day of rebirth and renewal, all things receive nourishment~

His Huawei Gai Le Shi phone vibrates once; it's a message from Minami: "Mother left me to have dinner, probably will chat for a long time. Have you finished over there? Remember to eat. PS: Father secretly asked me what kind of Western liquor you like, he seems to plan to have a drink with you at the wedding. =（：3）∠）—"

Following the text is a cute rabbit emoticon.

Uesugi Muneyuki's lips unconsciously curl upward.

He replies: "Just finished. Walking around the campus. Please convey my thanks to the Director General's kindness, but I don't like to drink much, so please ask him to be lenient."

Putting down the phone, the fog in his heart seems to have been blown away a little by this simple message.

Yes, the unknown frightens, the past unsettles, risks always exist.

But that woman who chose to walk toward him, understand him, even tolerate his past, truly exists.

And he, Uesugi Muneyuki, has never been someone who retreats from fear.

Kenshin Kō Lord of Celebration Hawk Mountain Lord!

CeddindedenneslinBaban！

Ancestors, grandfather, lineage, father!

Forever brave, Dragon of Echigo!

Your descendants will be renowned throughout the world at any time!

Under the banner of the Chaotic Dragon and the Viscount's great flag, crush the great enemy of righteousness!

After all, the dragon is indeed the sign of an emperor!

Uesugi Muneyuki finally revealed a faint smile, he drew in a breath of cool, clear air, and turned to walk toward the school gate.

His steps were somewhat firmer than when he came.

He needed to return and review once more the draft of the Imperial Hotel security plan privately sent by the Public Security Police.

Meanwhile, at the Watanabe family residence located at Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya Ward, the atmosphere was completely different.

Watanabe Minami was pulled by her mother Watanabe Michiko into the Western-style small parlor on the second floor.

Here, the style differed greatly from the traditional Japanese room on the first floor, with thick soft Persian carpets laid, Rococo-style sofas placed, and a mahogany sideboard purchased from a British auction house, while the walls bore reproductions of Impressionist paintings.

Michiko Lady came from a powerful political clan, her natal family had deep roots in Japan's political circles, she herself enjoyed considerable prestige in Tokyo's upper society, her manner was Western yet capable, and she was also quite strong-willed at home.

"Come, Minami-chan, sit." Michiko Lady personally poured two cups of black tea, using exquisite Wedgwood bone china cups.

Although she was already in her early fifties, she maintained herself well, wearing a Chanel beige suit, her bearing both delicate like a traditional Japanese housewife and graceful like a Western noblewoman.

"Mother! What's the mystery about? Is there something?" Minami Ojou-sama took the teacup, curiously asking.

She was usually composed and self-controlled outside, but at home she relaxed considerably, and would occasionally act coquettishly.

Michiko Lady sat opposite her, gazing meaningfully at her own daughter, her eyes full of pride and a hint of teasing. "My daughter is finally getting married, and the match is none other than that Kirin child of the Uesugi family." She took a sip of tea, "Your father is overjoyed to the point of being unable to contain himself, these days he walks with wind in his step. However, what Mother wants to tell you are some practical skills your father doesn't understand and won't speak of."

Minami blinked, vaguely guessing what her mother wanted to say, her face rarely showing a faint blush: "Mother————"

"Don't be shy." Michiko Lady smiled and waved her hand, her body slightly leaning forward, lowering her voice, carrying a humorous feeling of sharing a secret: "First, remember, even the most outstanding man has a bit of childishness in his bones. Scholars like Uesugi-kun, who are intelligent and proud, are even more so. They need to be respected, even looked up to in their professional field. But in daily life, they are often endearingly clumsy."

Minami recalled Uesugi Muneyuki occasionally showing ignorance in daily trivialities and annoyance at miscellaneous matters, and couldn't help but smile faintly.

"So, the first lesson," Michiko Lady raised a finger painted with light pink nail polish: "Nurture" rather than manage. Do not try to plan everything for him as you do for your special command system. Give him space, respect his profession and solitary time, but in key details—such as the shirt brand he usually wears, his preferred coffee concentration, his small habits under pressure—know them thoroughly and arrange them naturally. Let him feel he cannot do without you, not because of restraint, but because of comfort and peace of mind.

"Second lesson," the second finger raised: "Build allies" rather than adversaries. Your father-in-law Uesugi Hironori, I can see, holds a somewhat delicate position in the household. Do not alienate him; on the contrary, respect him, and through him appropriately express concern for your husband's family, even asking him for help on some trivial matters. This will both consolidate your position in the husband's family and make your husband feel relieved. As for your grandfather ancestor————

Michiko Lady's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Maintain respect and distance. He is a rock, you are flowing water, no need to clash head-on, but seek longevity."

Minami listened attentively. She knew these seemingly light words of her mother actually condensed decades of wisdom from navigating complex families and social circles.

"Third, and most importantly," Michiko Lady's tone became somewhat stern: "Keep your own light. Minami, you chose Uesugi Muneyuki because he is strong enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Then, after marriage, you must not abandon your own battlefield. Your work at the Metropolitan Police Department, your ambitions, must continue. A wife who continues to shine in her career earns her husband's lasting respect and affection more than one who completely depends on him. This is also the strongest chain to bind an outstanding man—not the kitchen and bedroom, but the study and battlefield."

Minami's heart stirred.

This was exactly what she had thought. She had never intended to abandon her professional path because of marriage.

I, Minami, am destined to become the woman who will be Superintendent General!

"Of course," Michiko Lady suddenly regained her slightly sly humor: "Bedroom techniques are also important, though I hear Uesugi-kun always feeds you until you're full, as if I don't need to chime in? In any case, the principle is:

Make him forever feel that marrying you is the most worthy investment of pride and fortune in his life."

Minami finally couldn't help but chuckle softly: "Mother, your words sound————like conducting a merger and acquisition analysis."

"Marriages of our kind are inherently the most complex interpersonal merger cases and two corporate group consolidations, my management officer lady." Michiko Lady elegantly lifted her teacup: "And this time, we've made a very profitable deal. Your father values his future potential, while I————hehe, from now on our family will also be Uesugi, using the Uesugi bamboo sparrow crest, that Uesugi of the Kantou Kanrei! That Uesugi of Uesugi Kenshin! Kukukuku~ Minami-chan, you know how long you've endured bearing the Watanabe lady surname by the roadside? Finally taken off, finally!"

"As for the next goal, hehe~ naturally it's the Director General's lady————you let Dad and Uesugi-kun try a little harder, and that becomes the Minister's lady!" Michiko Lady's ambition was utterly genuine.

Meanwhile, in the study on the first floor, Watanabe Eiji, Superintendent General, stood before the huge floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the startled deer in the courtyard as the bamboo tube filled with water and struck the stone with a "knock" sound.

"Ahchoo!" He sneezed, thinking how strange it felt as if someone were speaking ill of him.

The Akimoto Minister case had basically been concluded, he along with his clique had all met their end, Watanabe Eiji's greatest shadow dispersed, he held in his hand the final confirmation list of wedding guests, the corner of his mouth bearing an undisguisable smile.

The list was densely packed with names, each representing a faction of Tokyo and even Japan's political, police, legal, academic, and business circles.

The Uesugi family invited academic luminaries and cultural grand masters; the Watanabe family invited political peers, police high-ranking officials, and business friends;

There were also two newcomers' partners in their respective work fields————this was not merely a wedding, but a rare concentrated display and exchange of high-end networks.

More importantly, Cabinet Secretary Onoda Kimiaki, Vice Minister of Finance Okada Masahide, Minister of Justice Yuasa Masamichi, Director of the Imperial Household Agency Maeda Toshisuke, National Diet Member Yuasa Masamichi, Tokyo Chief Prosecutor Nishikawa Takahiro, Head of the Kantou Shrine Alliance Shirakawa Mai, these people, all came for Uesugi Muneyuki!

"Has Professor Kuninori over there still managed to invite the former president of Tokyo University————excellent. The Kai-san of the Ministry of Justice also confirmed attendance————better." Watanabe Eiji muttered softly, using a red pen to make slight marks on certain names.

He seemed already to have seen the wedding day, within the Peony Hall of the Imperial Hotel, the scent of clothes and shadows, talking and laughing in the spring breeze.

Those handshake moments, those toast exchanges, were accumulating resources for his next move.

He walked to the desk, picked up a photo frame, inside was a young Minami wearing the Police University uniform, eyes clear and resolute.

"Minami, Minami." He sighed softly, his tone full of pride and relief, "You not only chose a good husband for yourself, but also gave Dad a great gift. Uesugi Muneyuki————when he was still a genius medical student at the Medical and Dental University, an inconspicuous second son of the Uesugi family," you had already seized him.

Now, he is the Death Translation Officer indispensable to the Metropolitan Police Department", the actual future core of the Uesugi family. This insight, no wonder I am Watanabe Eiji's daughter."

He seemed already to have seen the near future, relying on the invisible alliance and prestige brought by this marriage, plus the outstanding performance of daughter and son-in-law in their respective fields, his path toward advancement to the National Police Agency and even higher positions became clearer and smoother.

The startled deer again "knocked" once, echoing in the dimming twilight of the courtyard.

Upstairs, Michiko Lady was imparting warm and realistic wisdom, downstairs, Watanabe Eiji was calculating the power and resource chessboard; and on the ginkgo path of Tokyo University, the man who was about to become the groom and son-in-law, carried with him some unease about the future and immense determination, step by step walking toward the most important stage of his life.

Tokyo's night gently fell, wrapping everyone's thoughts, expectations, and calculations in its splendid curtain.

However, at this moment, Osaka Prefecture.

Police discovered another adolescent death in an old apartment in Naniwa Ward, Osaka City.

This was another tragedy befalling adolescents, following the bizarre death of a high school student in Toyonaka City two weeks prior.

Police have confirmed the deceased was a 16-year-old unemployed youth, Kobayashi Yuya.

Initial inspection showed no signs of intrusion or struggle at the scene.

The deceased Kobayashi Yuya had an abnormally pale complexion, but his expression was calm, even said to be————tranquil.

However, when forensic personnel attempted to move the body, they discovered an abnormal heaviness.

Further examination brought greater shock—part of the deceased's blood showed an unnatural, dark red with metallic luster, and at certain subcutaneous veins, formed minute, circuit-board-like crystalline traces.

Fear and helplessness, like invisible rust, were silently spreading within the vast machine of the Osaka Prefecture Police.

What to do?!

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