Chapter 710: Endland

How to put it... no, you really can't put it that way!

Uesugi Muneyuki actually had quite a bit of experience with this type of woman; otherwise, he wouldn't have so easily won over a whole bunch of women back then — Yamaguchi Maho, Nanami, Ririka, and so on.

Of course, now that he already had a harem of countless women and Minami as his legitimate wife, this was a slippery slope he couldn't touch. But passing on a bit of experience to Date was no problem.

"Date, you should have heard of the Briffault's Law, right?" Uesugi Muneyuki said softly.

"Ah? How rash, how regrettable — I've never heard of it." Date Nagamune froze for a moment.

"It's complicated to explain, but in short: for females, the meaning of a male's existence is to obtain resources from the male or to be stimulated by the male into wanting to obtain his genes. So the first theorem of Briffault's Law is: any resources or benefits a male has already given a female in the past have absolutely no significance or help in maintaining the current relationship between the male and female."

"Similarly, based on the first one we can derive the second: resources a male gives a female now actually have no help in maintaining the relationship between the two in the future either."

"And through the first and second, the third is: a male's promise to continue providing resources to a female in the future has extremely limited effect. This is Briffault's Law." Uesugi Muneyuki said in a low voice: "Therefore, first of all, discard the idea of marrying and having children right now. Aside from making her feel tremendous pressure and fear of possibly entering marriage, it has no meaning at all."

Date wilted for a moment, but still nodded.

"Second, according to Briffault's Law, you must demonstrate your value — that is, you need to prove you have the ability to continuously provide resources and value to her. Note: demonstrate the ability, not actually take out your meager Weibo savings and treat her to a Michelin one-star meal, or misuse public resources for private gain like before. You have to make her feel you can do it, but not agree the instant she has a whim, understand?" "Refusing Akane-chan's requests is really hard! Uesugi-san!" Date wailed: "I'll do my best!"

"Lastly, maintain this private relationship. Never interact with her in a work context. You can be friends, confidants, lovers, but when together you absolutely must not have a fan-and-idol relationship. Your existence should be a relaxing, reassuring 'oasis' outside her busy idol life, not another 'trouble' she has to expend energy dealing with. Don't make her use her 'idol face' to deal with you." Uesugi Muneyuki said finally: "An idol is in business mode; in that state, no matter how much you give, she'll feel it's only natural." He glanced at the thoughtful Date and added the most important point: "Lastly, be mentally prepared. An idol's career lifecycle, fan public opinion, management's attitude, her own future plans... there are too many variables. If you invest your emotions, you must bear the corresponding risks and uncertainties. This isn't solving a math problem with a standard answer."

Date Nagamune listened in a daze; although having the "child's name" rejected was a bit disappointing, Uesugi's calm, almost ruthless "strategy" actually... inexplicably made sense?

Worthy of the Pervert of the Metropolitan Police! Able to run a harem at Sakuradamon, and single-handedly handle two proud daughters of heaven like Bai Chuan Mai and Watanabe Minami, even getting Mai-sama to personally wear a junihitoe and officiate the wedding!

Thinking of this, Date Nagamune suddenly said excitedly: "Uesugi-san, Uesugi-san, have you heard of long-lived species and short-lived species?" "You understand again?" Uesugi Muneyuki glanced at him askance, suddenly looking rather meaningful. He closed "To Day as Mirror" and said: "Forget it, I don't want to hear it."

"Uesugi-san! You really are!" Date Nagamune complained about Uesugi Muneyuki: "Sometimes I really feel your ass is a bit crooked!"...... Back then Fukuzawa Yukichi and Ito Hirobumi felt the pro-shogunate faction were all sick." Uesugi Muneyuki said softly: "Unexpectedly, after just a while, Lu Jienan started accusing Fukuzawa Yukichi and Ito Hirobumi, saying their asses were crooked."

"But just a few years later, Kita Kazuo and Shiyuan Kanji started accusing Lu Jienan, saying his ass was crooked. Shiyuan Kanji often emphasized: the situation isn't slightly good, moderately good, but greatly good!"

"Shiyuan Kanji probably never expected Araki Sadamu's group would come out and accuse him of 'crooked ass' one day. Anxious, he came out to emphasize the situation wasn't that good either, but it was too late — even rational faction types like Konoe Fumimaro and Tokutomi Soho who advocated coordination were thrown into the garbage heap."

"By the time of Konoe Fumimaro and Tokutomi Soho, even a naval admiral like Yamamoto Isoroku was considered 'crooked ass.' He disagreed with starting a war and was nearly labeled a 'traitor.' Finally, forced to prove his loyalty, he had no choice but Tora Tora Tora." "Actually, I've always emphasized that foreign countries aren't that great either — every country has its own troubles, even the Nordics and Luxembourg are the same. But now I have to emphasize that foreign countries aren't that bad either. Could it be that my stance never changed, but the whole environment and coordinate axes have shifted?" Uesugi Muneyuki laughed and patted Date Nagamune's shoulder: "I don't oppose you liking those things, but don't tell me about them anymore. Focus on eating your candy apple."

"So complicated." Date Nagamune didn't understand. He pulled out his phone and opened a game: "Alright, the server opens today. Let me see what the old eagle head's new goods are like."

"Endfield"? Uesugi Muneyuki took a glance.

However, Date Nagamune soon disappointedly saw the announcement: "Due to excessive server population, the Terra Continent is temporarily closed. However, since you are a valued client of our company, you are now being transferred free of charge to the 'Divine Terra' plane. Signing this contract constitutes agreement; in your next life you will be precisely reincarnated into the 'Divine Terra' universe."

Then below there were only two options: one "Agree," one "Confirm."

Although he couldn't enter the Terra Continent, he could go to Divine Terra?

Date thought this Divine Terra was not only a "metaverse" but also had two extra characters "Divine" compared to the Terra Continent — it must be even cooooool! So he clicked "Agree" without hesitation.

The game popped up. Date leaned back in his chair, silently digesting Uesugi's "strategy," hope rekindling in his eyes — only this time, with a few more points of thought and caution.

The snowfield outside the window was still vast; the Shinkansen raced toward Tokyo.

That night, Tokyo, Minato Ward, a hidden tea room "Maple Room" in a certain high-end restaurant.

Heavy partition doors shut out all outside sounds, leaving only a stifling silence inside.

The air was filled with the expensive yet oppressive scent of top-grade agarwood aloeswood, mixed with the faintly cool aroma of the untouched, exquisite kaiseki cuisine.

Legendary Producer Akimoto Yasushi sat in the main seat with his back to the hanging "Ji" character plaque. The gentle, all-controlling smile usually on his face had vanished without a trace, replaced by a deep gloom and barely concealed anxiety.

Suou Hinata knelt in the lower seat, posture respectful, even more submissive than usual during management meetings.

He lowered his head slightly, gaze falling on his folded knees, but at an angle unseen by others, his lips pressed into a cold, hard straight line. "This matter was handled poorly." Akimoto Yasushi said blandly, fingers tightening on his knees, knuckles whitening slightly: "Our 'guidance' should have been more precise. Kawabe Mayu's hypoglycemia — I thought it was perfect cover and a preliminary signal, able to maximize the focus and impact of the 'sacrifice'... why did it deviate to Hime? Suou, I need an explanation."

Suou Hinata lowered his head further, voice steady, no emotion detectable: "My deepest apologies, Akimoto Sensei. An unforeseen interference occurred at the 'scene.' It may have been residual spiritual power from Uesugi Shrine itself, or perhaps... the existence of an 'unexpected factor' distorted the connection between the 'Messenger of Filthy Teeth' and the 'Anointed One.' This caused the 'Mark' to spread unexpectedly, attracting Hime as well. This is my oversight." Akimoto Yasushi's sharp gaze swept over Suou Hinata's bowed head, as if trying to discern how much was truth and how much was excuse. But he ultimately only let out a long sigh, heavy with disappointment and a trace of helplessness.

"It's come to this; pursuing specific mistakes has little meaning now. Let's eat."

The one injured wasn't Kawabe Mayu — not explosive enough. Another person died — too explosive.

The impact was there, but the "purity" and "directionality" weren't enough... not enough to let him complete the final "guidance."

"Did you see him?" Akimoto Yasushi suddenly said.

A flash of malice crossed Suou Hinata's eyes.

Uesugi Muneyuki... that forensic pathologist who always puts on a calm, detached face — by what right? Professional ability? Just some tricks playing with corpses! He suppressed the surging jealousy in his heart and echoed: "Just a lucky charlatan who knows some mumbo-jumbo forensic medicine. Only got his current reputation thanks to media hype and women propping him up."

Akimoto Yasushi shook his head, his calculating eyes showing a hint of caution: "Hime-kun, don't underestimate 'charlatans,' especially one jointly recognized by the Metropolitan Police and the media. At least for now, there's no need to directly provoke a powerful department like the Metropolitan Police. It's best their gaze doesn't focus too much on us."

"And there's another layer I haven't mentioned."

Akimoto Yasushi said leisurely: "A charlatan's words... sometimes can also represent public opinion."

Suou Hinata's heart tightened, knowing Akimoto Yasushi might have sensed something, or at least suspected something.

He immediately composed himself and said obediently: "Yes, Teacher's reminder is noted. I understand. I won't create extra complications."

An old fox — he's scared himself, yet still wants to box me in with high-sounding principles?

"Hmm." Akimoto Yasushi seemed satisfied with Suou Hinata's "obedience," waving his hand wearily: "You go back first. The general election matter, we'll discuss in detail later. I also need... to think of other plans."

Suou Hinata rose as told, bowed, and took his leave.

Exiting the tea room, the moment he gently slid the partition door shut, all the respect and shame on his face instantly fell away, leaving only a cold indifference and mockery like deep-sea ice. He got in the car, leaned against the genuine leather seat, and looked out at Tokyo's dazzling yet cold nightscape.

Uesugi Muneyuki... Bai Chuan Mai... Watanabe Minami... Tei Reiji... Saito Asuka... Miyawaki Sakura — face after face flashed by. Why does that forensic pathologist get to possess everything, while I have to smile and play mind games with the old "Idol Godfather" here? Ambition reaching the heavens, wildly ambitious, never grateful, never satisfied.

Grew up in a single-parent family, clawed his way through Yoshimoto Theater for years — this is Suou Hinata's nature.

Father Suo Masao gave him status and resources; he's grateful, he acknowledges this father. His mother raised him with hardship; he acknowledges her too, regards her as family — a call of blood, an affection that cannot be severed no matter what.

But that's all.

What he truly craves is to surpass his father, surpass Akimoto Yasushi, grasp true power that stands above worldly rules.

Idols? Just a means, sacrifices, a ladder.

Akimoto Yasushi is still worrying over a miscalculated sacrifice and follow-up plans, while Suou Hinata's gaze has long pierced through the clamor of the idol general election, cast toward a farther place.

That is my Suou Hinata's endland.

That pale and magnificent realm only reachable with "non-human power," mentioned by that Anbu Ninxia Yang of Kansai — Takamagahara, City of the Gods.

Uesugi Kenshin's bone ash is his entry ticket, the foundation of all his cooperation with Anbu Ninxia Yang — their "Arknights." As for Uesugi Muneyuki, live and let live; indeed no need to provoke a powerful department like the Metropolitan Police... but if Uesugi blocks his path, he doesn't mind letting this "Legendary Forensic Doctor" personally verify what true, terrifying hunger is.

Poweeeeeeeeeeeeer!