Chapter 757

That day, Fuji TV Odaiba Headquarters Building, Studio 3.

The atmosphere here today was completely different from usual. Police lines were set up at the elevator entrance, and staff had to swipe their access cards three times to enter or exit; even the convenience store clerk delivering coffee was stopped outside and had to wait for a dedicated handover.

Fuji TV gave the scene unprecedented attention.

The hallway was adorned with striking red warning signs reading "Filming of the 'God's Hand' Flashlight Drama Version in Progress — Unauthorized Personnel Prohibited." Inside the studio, a full-scale "Special Mission Division" of the Metropolitan Police Department had risen from the ground.

This was no ordinary set.

In the double-height space spanning two full floors, the open-plan office area of the Special Mission Division occupied the central position.

Over thirty desks were arranged strictly according to the actual layout of the Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, each bearing a nameplate corresponding to an officer; file cabinets were stuffed with photocopies of real case files, and even the tea stains beside the water dispenser were meticulously reproduced by the art team, who had taken rubbings at the actual police headquarters. One side of the office area housed the section chief's office, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows; inside, Uesugi Minami's desk displayed her genuine photograph — of course, reproduced with her consent. The other side was Uesugi Muneyuki's dedicated analysis room; although the forensic instruments could not be used, their exteriors were exact replicas, and even a notebook of his usual brand sat beside the microscope.

"It looks just like it, really just like it." After personally inspecting the set, Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but exclaim: "It's so beautiful!"

At the end of the hallway lay a makeshift laboratory connected to the Forensics Division; further inside were the interrogation room, evidence storage room, and even a scaled-down autopsy room — all fully equipped.

The "corpse" on the autopsy table was a silicone-made mannequin, its skin texture so lifelike that one dared not stare too closely.

"If we could use the real thing, Fuji TV would definitely give you the real thing!" Kameyama Chihiro, the president, had once privately told Uesugi Muneyuki. "What's a 'Tokyo corpse collector'?" Uesugi Muneyuki replied, speechless.

The entire set cost 80 million yen to build, taking just three weeks to construct.

"Lights ready!"

"Camera B in position!"

"Extras, enter! Third group, go!"

The director's shouts echoed back and forth as hundreds of crew members moved through the sets, the air filled with the smell of wire insulation, fresh paint fumes, and the aroma of curry rice drifting from the temporary catering area.

Today's shoot was the highlight of the first episode — the Metropolitan Police Department hostage crisis, the opening scene where everyone enters a state of emergency.

The extras included twelve actual Metropolitan Police Department officers, seven Fuji TV female announcers, and over twenty professional background actors.

The first story is very simple: it begins with a hostage-taking incident at the Metropolitan Police Department, describing how a bold madman stormed in one day, immediately brandishing explosives to take the Police Superintendent General hostage — but since the Superintendent General wasn't there, he instead took the Criminal Investigation Department Chief hostage and began discussing an old case. It turns out this man was a former Public Security Police officer; his close friend and colleague died mysteriously during a secret operation, but the case was hastily closed. Today, he has come to seek justice for his fallen friend and colleague!

I want to check the badge!

At the critical moment, Shiraishi Mai (played by Shirakawa Mai), the head of the Metropolitan Police Department's Special Mission Unit, appeared, decisively negotiating with the hijacker, then immediately drawing the curtains to signal that the snipers from Investigation Division 1 outside had him in their sights. After learning the full story, she discovered it involved a past affair where Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Public Security Police gathered intelligence through overseas companies. Then Uesugi Muneyuki formally appeared, conducted a second autopsy on the body, and astonishingly concluded it was a poisoning disguised as cardiac arrest. Shiraishi Mai then took charge of the investigation, while her superior, Tsumoto Kanenari (First Male Supporting Role, played by Tsumabuki Satoshi), slowly revealed Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' export fraud and the past intelligence battles between Public Security Police and foreign spies. Shiraishi Mai was ordered to investigate, accompanied by her deputy, Fujitō Sakura (played by Miyawaki Sakura), while the true mastermind — whether KGB, CIA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, or even a major conspiracy within the Metropolitan Police Department or the Cabinet Secretariat — remained to be uncovered.

The content is on a very large scale.

That's why someone like Uesugi Muneyuki, who can operate freely in criminal investigations, public security, the CIA, major Japanese corporations, and the Cabinet Secretariat, could film such content. Mai Xuejie has already arrived.

At the center of the set, Mai Xuejie had already arrived early; her features were exquisitely refined, like a masterpiece sculpted by a doll artisan, her skin as white and pure as mutton-fat jade, radiating a sacred and immaculate aura; her bright, large eyes brimmed with a radiant smile, instantly dimming the surroundings and drawing all eyes irresistibly to her.

She wore a tailored dark gray women's suit, with a white shirt underneath and a fine black silk tie at the collar — this was designed by the stylist based on the actual uniform habits of female police officers. Her chestnut-length hair was meticulously coiled at the nape, revealing a smooth forehead and neck; beneath her slim-fit trousers, a pair of standard 5cm commuting high heels and the delicate tops of her feet, faintly visible through flesh-toned stockings, peeked out.

She slightly tilted her head, listening to the director's blocking instructions, occasionally nodding with a faint smile at the corners of her mouth, but her bright eyes frequently swept toward the studio entrance, as if waiting for someone.

"Mai-sama! What are you looking at?" came a clear voice from beside her.

It was Miyawaki Sakura, who in this drama plays the martial specialist of the Special Mission Division — the young female detective Fujitō Sakura.

She wore dark trousers for ease of movement, a prop gun holster at her waist, short hair neat and fresh, her eyes glowing with the energetic drive of youth. I asked Miss Reina for advice!

Besides not shaking, I'll definitely perform at ninety percent similarity!

"Nothing." Shirakawa Mai withdrew her gaze, reached out, and ruffled Miyawaki Sakura's hair: "Nervous?"

"A little…" Miyawaki Sakura admitted honestly, lowering her voice: "I just saw Tei-san over there taking deep breaths."

The "Tei-san" she referred to was naturally Fuji TV's star female announcer, Tei Reiji, aged twenty-seven or twenty-eight, whose sweet appearance and solid professional abilities made her a key talent the network was cultivating.

This time she was selected for the drama, playing the role of Tei Reisai, a female officer in the General Affairs Section — a minor role with little screen time, where she mainly handles message delivery, case briefings, and reading materials during meetings in the Special Mission Unit; though her lines are many, she mostly sits in the office and doesn't go to the field for investigation. But for a female announcer, landing a supporting role in a major Monday 9 production like this is already a rare opportunity.

Tei Reiji was now standing in the corner, indeed taking deep breaths.

She wore the standard General Affairs Section female officer uniform — a skirt, stockings, and high heels — holding her script in hand, murmuring her lines, with several other Fuji TV female announcers beside her, all having earned their spots through internal selection; each face bore a similar mix of tension and anticipation.

Miyawaki Sakura whispered: "I heard these few General Affairs Section roles were all personally assigned by Mr. Uesugi."

Shirakawa Mai's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she said nothing.

Have all these Fuji TV female announcers been entertained by Muneyuki?

Damn that old dog Kameyama!

"Tei-san and the others said, this time we must seize the opportunity — if we perform well, we might even get a chance to develop toward acting afterward." Miyawaki Sakura continued gossiping: "After all, this is Monday 9, and moreover, it's the super-production 'God's Hand'..."

What she said was correct.

"God's Hand" — Fuji TV's most expensive television drama since its founding, without equal.

Total production cost exceeds three billion yen, with average per-episode cost over one hundred million yen.

And the investment for the first episode alone reached as high as 236,622,200 yen!

This figure would be top-tier in any country; for Fuji TV, whose drama ratings have been sluggish in recent years, this is a high-stakes gamble on its fate.

"If this drama flops, the network might truly have to reconsider whether to keep or abolish the Monday 9 slot." This is a saying circulating internally within the production bureau. So the network has mobilized every available resource: the best writing team, top-tier cinematography equipment, and the most star-studded cast. The theme song is handled by the national band Mdren, the score composed by a Hollywood-level composer, and even the opening animation was created by a team that has collaborated with Studio Ghibli.

And most importantly, the prototype of the script — that genius forensic scientist known as the "God of Deduction," Uesugi Muneyuki.

"Uesugi-sensei has arrived!"

A staff member's announcement came from the entrance, and the bustling activity in the studio seemed to pause for a second.

Shirakawa Mai's gaze swept past the crowd and landed on the figure now walking in.

Uesugi Muneyuki wore a dark gray wool overcoat, underneath a white shirt and a navy-blue tie, his posture upright, his steps calm. That face was all too familiar to her — from the hallways of the Odaiba Building, to the campus of the University of Tokyo, and then later, when they became entwined...

"Mai-sama?" Miyawaki Sakura whispered softly.

Shirakawa Mai came back to herself, her face already bearing a flawless smile.

She stepped forward, her pace neither hurried nor slow, just right to meet him at the center of the crowd.

"Junior Student, long time no see." She extended her hand, her tone formalized, as if addressing any business partner.

Uesugi Muneyuki took her hand, his fingertips applying slight pressure: "Mai-sama~ you've worked hard."

"No hardship, no hardship — you're the one who should be suffering."

As their hands parted, her little finger lightly brushed his palm — incredibly light, incredibly fast; only the two involved would notice. Shirakawa Mai's eyelashes twitched again, her eyes smiling, yet carrying a hint of warning.

Senior Student I may be, but Junior Student, you will forever be my nemesis!

"Yes, yes, yes, I'll love Mai-senpai forever!"

Uesugi Muneyuki would look at her with a helpless yet doting gaze.

"Come back quick, I can't bear it alone," she said, her tone carrying a hint of meaning only the two of them could understand.

"Didn't I come, mua?" Uesugi Muneyuki looked at her, the corner of his mouth curving in a faint arc: "Senpai personally playing the detective under my command, who wrote this script?"

"The writer." Shirakawa Mai tilted her head, the corner of her eye revealing a touch of teasing: "What, not satisfied?"

"Satisfied." His voice lowered a little: "Very satisfied."

"If you're not satisfied I'll hit you! Hit you until you're satisfied!"

The staff nearby had already started whispering to each other; the sight of these two standing together was simply too compelling.

Shirakawa Mai's exquisite-to-the-point-of-unreal face, paired with Uesugi Muneyuki's unique scholarly refined disposition, was practically a duo walked straight out of a shoujo manga.

"The camera side is already saying, these two in the same frame fundamentally don't need lighting." Someone muttered quietly.

"Nonsense, looks are justice."

"Heard they knew each other before?"

"Gunma Tokiwa Middle School alumni! Who doesn't know? Shirakawa was already super popular back then, later the two reunited, supposedly Shirakawa still remembered him!" "Then isn't that senpai-kouhai?"

"Wow, this setup is so thrilling..."

Shirakawa Mai pretended not to hear those whispered whispers, continued talking business: "Tsumabuki-san has another announcement today, will arrive late. He asked me to tell you, said he's really looking forward to working with you."

Tsumabuki Satoshi, Horipro agency, national-level powerhouse actor, this time playing the Special Mission Unit's Management Officer Tsumoto Kanenari in the drama — that is Shirakawa Mai's direct superior, and also her "backer" in the drama, a complex role that is both mentor and father figure and protector.

This role was tailor-made specifically for him, supposedly quite a few details in the script were based on his own suggestions.

This role is a composite of Uesugi Minami, Okada Masayoshi, and Watanabe Eiji, also blended with a portion of Uesugi Muneyuki's color, no choice, Uesugi Muneyuki's side doesn't have time for large-scale appearance.

"Tsumabuki-san is too polite." Uesugi Muneyuki said: "It should be me looking forward to working with him."

"Me too!" Miyawaki Sakura hurried over, looking at Uesugi Muneyuki with a face full of admiration, "Mr. Uesugi, I'm Miyawaki Sakura who plays Fujido Sakura! Finally... I can work together..."

Uesugi Muneyuki looked at her serious effort, couldn't help laughing: "I know, Sakura, your name was personally chosen by me." Little Sakura's face flushed red instantly.

Then why not call him Uesugi Ehliang!

Mr. Uesugi is truly a bad person!

"Fujido Sakura this role needs to be able to fight, needs explosive power, and also needs a bit... of innocent idol disposition." Uesugi Muneyuki said: "I think you're very suitable."

Little Sakura replaces Ikeda Erena's role, innocent and cute, flat-chested and brainless, responsible for asking questions for the audience and providing combat support. The two's dialogue template was also finalized.

"Sakura, how do you view this matter?"

"Mai-sama, I feel this matter is suspicious!"

"Good, Sakura, behind this matter there must be a heaven-shaking secret."

"Mai-sama, truly a divine person!"

"I, I'll definitely act well! Absolutely won't disappoint your expectations!" Miyawaki Sakura bowed a ninety-degree bow, voice trembling. She was an idol origin, previously had no experience, never expected she'd actually be personally designated as the second female lead!

Mr. Uesugi! You truly are Sakura's Nobunaga! Sakura is willing to become your Hideyoshi!

Shirakawa Mai watched from the side, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes — there was relief, there was envy, and also a bit of something indescribable. "And those few over there," she lifted her chin, pointing toward Tei Reiji and the others still deep breathing in the corner: "They say you also designated them?"

Uesugi Muneyuki followed her gaze, just happening to meet Tei Reiji's gaze, the TV anchor instantly tensed up straight, face squeezing out a standard professional smile, lightly waving at Uesugi Muneyuki.

Among all Fuji TV female anchors, only she snagged a fixed appearance and many-lines supporting role, this is undoubtedly Uesugi Muneyuki's favoritism. "Mm." Uesugi Muneyuki nodded: "Clerical Section policewomen, need that 'ordinary person' disposition, but can't be too ordinary, after all Clerical Section beauties are like clouds, female anchors are just right."

"You sure know how to pick." Shirakawa Mai said softly, tone with a faint trace of teasing.

Uesugi Muneyuki turned his head, looking at her: "What, jealous?"

Shirakawa Mai glared at him — that glare held no anger, only intimacy and reproach only they understood.

Don't want your Tei anchor tomorrow beheaded, dismembered, displayed, and stuffed into a sewer pipe, you'd better not provoke me on this kind of thing.

I surrender! Uesugi Muneyuki immediately raised his hands in surrender.

The two then looked at each other and laughed, and it was precisely this unique atmosphere that left the surrounding people entranced.

"Let's go," she turned, walking toward the depths of the set: "Taking you to see your investigation room. If not satisfied, change it while you still can." Uesugi Muneyuki followed, the two walking side by side through the busy film set, people nodding in greeting from time to time. Sunlight spilled down from high windows, dragging long shadows behind them.

"Right," Shirakawa Mai suddenly said quietly, "Minami knows I'm playing this role, did she say anything?"

Uesugi Muneyuki's steps paused a moment, then returned to normal: "She said, tell you to act well."

"Just that?"

"Just that."

Shirakawa Mai fell silent for a few seconds, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly: "That woman, still this amazing."

Uesugi Muneyuki didn't respond, just lightly blinked.

In the distance, several high-level executives from the Production Bureau were standing in the monitoring room, staring at the two figures on the screen.

"This shot, must be used in promotion." Executive Producer Kinoshita Hiroko decisively ordered: "Trailers, posters, magazine covers, all arrange it."

"Wouldn't that be too obvious?" Someone asked.

"It's supposed to be obvious!" Kinoshita Hiroko glared at that person, "Do you know what audiences most want to see right now? It's exactly this faint ambiguity! Two people's looks put together, don't need to act anything, ratings go up!"

"Then... the relationship between them..."

"Don't dig." Kinoshita Hiroko cut him off: "Maintain mystery, let audiences guess themselves. The more enthusiastically they guess, the stronger the motivation to chase the drama. Wait until halfway through airing then appropriately release some 'set intimate filming', 'senpai-kouhai interaction' info, then the buzz will naturally explode." Everyone nodded in succession, starting to separately arrange tasks.

On screen, Uesugi Muneyuki and Shirakawa Mai were standing at the "investigation room" entrance, seemingly discussing something, Shirakawa Mai tilting her head up to look at him, sunlight falling on her face, those always bright eyes now gentle like holding a pool of spring water.

This shot, indeed doesn't need any embellishment, is itself the best promotional material.

And in another corner of the studio, Miyawaki Sakura and Tei Reiji each clutched scripts, gazes unconsciously following those two figures. They both knew, how rare this opportunity was.

What does Uesugi Muneyuki's "personal designation" mean?

Means from dozens or hundreds of candidates, he personally circled their names.

This recognition carries more weight than any audition result. If they can act this role well, if they can satisfy him, if they can leave an impression in this unprecedented super Getsuku —

That is a truly fate-changing "major historical opportunity"!

"Do your best," Tei Reiji said to herself, took a deep breath, and opened her script.

"Do your best," Miyawaki Sakura also said to herself, clenched her fist, gaze determined.

And at the same time, a female anchor also arrived at the crime scene without showing any emotion.

It was NHK's female anchor Eto Miyabi; under Uesugi Muneyuki's intervention and NHK's support, she obtained the role of that deceased's family member, the widow, and this role would still have appearances afterward, her identity a public security informant, and in the drama she was also a female anchor, playing herself.

Must seize this major historical opportunity!

Eto Miyabi quickly entered the crime scene, bowed under everyone's gaze, then immediately returned to the corner to touch up her makeup.

Uesugi Chief! You are my Eto Miyabi's Yang Tinghe, Yang Yiqing, Xia Yan, Shen Ren, Yan Song, Xu Jie, Gao Gong, Li Chunfang, Zhang Juzheng, Zhang Siwei, Shen Shixing! Love you, mua mua da!