Chapter 705

On that very same late night, during the New Year holiday, the Fuji TV Odaiba Building did not sleep a wink.

President Kameyama watched the live broadcast screen of the news conference, his fingers lightly tapping the desk surface.

The internal report before him was far more detailed than the police statement, even including some of Uesugi Muneyuki's unpublished deductions, Shirakawa Mai's interpretation of the symbols, and a description of the eerie atmosphere at the scene that refused to dissipate.

"What a pity! Truly too much of a pity!" he sighed to Abiru Kazuhiko, his tone revealing little genuine regret: "If we could dig up some material on 'cult sacrifice idol' or 'mysterious mastermind behind the scenes,' doing a week-long special series would be no problem at all! Also, why wasn't the one who died Watanabe Mayu? If Watanabe Mayu had died, how high could the ratings surge? 50%? Heh!"

"And why is the victim a middle-aged former worker who was hacked to death? This topic isn't explosive enough at all! And doesn't this involve the dispatch employment and liberalization that started under Prime Minister Koizumi? Do the people want to watch this? Doesn't this touch the sore spots of many people?" President Kameyama couldn't help but continue complaining: "Nobody wants to watch this kind of content, at least not on 'Hand of God'! This kind of documentary should be filmed by NHK, not us Fuji TV!"

"Yes, President. A large number of regular employees were laid off due to industrial transfer and economic recession; this touches on incorrect collective memory, and this matter is too vicious, it might spark social controversy." Abiru Kazuhiko said with a wry smile: "Better to have more entertainment content." "That's exactly what troubles me. The people are always after the bizarre; ordinary murder cases from the start are no longer enough to make the people flush with excitement. We need more intense, more bloody, more terrifying cases... Damn it, I'll say it again: why isn't it a cult's collective sacrificial ritual? Or a perverted love murder by an extreme idol otaku?" President Kameyama grumbled: "That's what the people want to watch — extreme enough, bloody enough, and it won't make them associate it with their own current lives. Otherwise it becomes a boomerang; the audience won't be comfortable, and the station won't be comfortable either."

"Pressure from the police and the agency is too great; it must be calmed down as soon as possible. However, President, we've already obtained plenty of exclusive material: Uesugi Hōi's godlike profiling deduction process — although not all can be aired, we can edit out some intense content; Anchor Reimi's firsthand report in the wind and snow; the thrilling footage of the suspect's arrest; and edited reactions of the idol group members in fear and unease... enough to produce two to three high-quality episodes of 'Divine Hand: Special Investigation Chapter,' scheduled for prime time. I've even thought of the title: 'Snow Country Locked Room: The Genius Forensic Pathologist and the Mad Rockman's Day-Long Offensive and Defensive Battle.'"

President Kameyama narrowed his eyes in satisfaction: "Hmm. Pay attention to editing — there must be pathos, there must be suspense, but the positive image building of the police and the program team cannot be lacking either. The key is to highlight Uesugi Muneyuki; the 'God' in 'God's Hand' must be nailed down. As for those 'inconvenient' contents..." he waved his hand, "make them into internal documents for archiving. Perhaps... they'll be useful later."

"Hehehe~"

"Hehehehehehe~"

In the Fuji TV at after midnight, joyful laughter rang out from the station chief's office.

(Omitted above) One

Morning light filtered through the washi sliding doors, gently filling the room.

The air still lingered with the afterglow of a certain intimate atmosphere mixed together.

Saito Asuka woke up in full-body soreness and a happiness bordering on shame.

She found herself curled up in the warm bedding, wearing an oversized shirt belonging to Uesugi Muneyuki that she didn't know when she had changed into; the fabric carried his unique clean scent mixed with body odor and snow pine fragrance.

Last night's events surged into her mind's eye like a tide — the bell chimes, the kneeling, that desperate vow, then Brother-in-law and Mr. Uesugi's pair of eyes that seemed able to see through everything, and everything that followed, which thoroughly transformed her from a girl into a woman.

She buried her burning face deep into the pillow, her exposed ear tips red and translucent.

Some discomfort somewhere reminded her of last night's reality, but deeper down, there was a strange sense of fulfillment and belonging.

She secretly opened her eyes, looking toward her side.

Finally, finally, I'll be the same as Elder Sister.

Uesugi Muneyuki was already awake, leaning against the headboard, reading a report in the morning light. He seemed to sense her gaze and turned his head. The morning light plated a layer of gold on his clearly defined profile; his eyes no longer held the absolute calm of his usual work hours, but carried a rare, lazy satisfaction and gentle smugness. Seeing Asuka shrink back into the blanket like a startled fawn, the corner of his mouth curved up imperceptibly. Actually, I'm not satisfied at all!

If not for considering your experience, I would've called Mai over long ago!

Asuka, from now on you go sit at a table with Minami!

"Awake?" His voice carried a slight hoarseness from just waking, lower than usual, brushing past her eardrum and making Asuka tremble all over.

"Mhm..." She gave a reply as faint as a mosquito's hum, not daring to look at him.

"Still hurt?" He asked directly, yet not mockingly, but with a doctor's calm concern.

Asuka's face reddened further; she shook her head haphazardly, then nodded, finally burying her whole self into the blanket, leaving only a strand of black hair outside. A muffled voice came: "N-no... it's fine..."

Looking at her shy and powerless appearance, the smile in Uesugi Muneyuki's eyes deepened further.

Although completely unsatisfied, last night the girl's unreserved devotion and trust, and that determination tying both her shattered past and brand-new future to herself, truly touched a rarely known corner deep in his heart.

Gaining such a pure and fervent emotion, even he couldn't help feeling a trace of a man's hidden joy and satisfaction. Men, you know, just like this.

Just then, the washitsu's door was gently slid open.

Shirakawa Mai, dressed in magnificent attire, walked in carrying a tray bearing three exquisite Japanese-style breakfasts — grilled fish, tamagoyaki, miso soup, rice, and a small dish of red-and-white fish cake for celebrating the New Year.

She had already changed into an elegant light-colored kimono, her hair meticulously styled, her makeup perfect; she was once again that radiant national female star and chief priest.

Only her eyes, the moment they touched the scene on the bed, softened unbelievably.

Asuka Sauce, this counts as me fulfilling Nanami's entrustment, right?

The Lonely Brothers are officially declared disbanded at this moment!

Nanami, out!!

She set the tray down first, then walked to the bedside, sat down without the slightest hesitation, and lightly patted Asuka who was wrapped up like a silkworm cocoon.

"Ashura Rei? Good morning." Her voice was gentle as water: "Is your body okay? I brewed some soothing herbal tea; drink a little later."

The blanket stirred; Asuka slowly revealed half her crimson face, eyes evasive, not daring to look at Mai, voice weak: "Mai Elder Sister... g-good morning. I... I'm fine."

Shirakawa Mai looked at her like this and laughed sincerely from the heart; that smile was bright and genuine, carrying an elder's relief and blessing: "Good that you're fine. Congratulations, Asuka."

As she spoke, she gave Uesugi Muneyuki a meaningful look: "And congratulations to you, Junior Student. From now on, not Saito Asuka, but Uesugi Asuka?"

This "congratulations" contained too much. Congratulations on Asuka getting what she wished for; congratulations on Uesugi Muneyuki's heart's desire being achieved; and congratulations on this peculiar "family" stepping into a new, closer stage.

In her heart there was no jealousy, only a dust-settled peace and deep pity and love for this pitiable yet brave girl Asuka.

Sharing was admittedly due to complex circumstances and a promise to protect Asuka, but seeing the girl's shy yet happy appearance now, she felt she might have made a correct decision.

Breakfast proceeded in a subtle and warm atmosphere.

Asuka was initially a bit restrained, but under Mai Xuejie's considerate care and Uesugi Muneyuki's occasional calm glances, she gradually relaxed. She ate small bites of the fish cake Mai specially picked for her, symbolizing good fortune, feeling an unprecedented warmth filling her chest.

"Where's Sakura?" Uesugi Muneyuki asked casually.

"Sakura went to film supplementary shots." Mai Xuejie shook her head: "We were late yesterday, so she has to go."

"The weather's nice, Mr. Uesugi, want to take a walk nearby? I heard Yonezawa's snowy scenery has a few nice spots." Asuka said in a low voice. Uesugi Muneyuki was just about to nod when his mobile phone rang. It was the director of the 'Hand of God' program team, his tone carrying twelve parts apology and an irrefutable plea: "Uesugi Hōi! Terribly sorry to disturb you so early on New Year's! It's like this — yesterday the case was solved, the station and audience response has been extremely enthusiastic. President Kameyama personally instructed that we must ride the heat and film a few summary shots of your deductions on this case and a short interview. Location near the shrine, two hours max! Please! This concerns the show's finale and the New Year's ratings opener!"

Uesugi Muneyuki rubbed his brow. He knew this was the inevitable operation of the media, and could imagine President Kameyama right now in Tokyo rubbing his hands in anticipation. He looked at Mai and Asuka.

"Perfect, Mai, Asuka, perfect."

"Asuka, we need your capability!"

"Because there are some things that need you to help us confirm!"