Chapter 772

Time entered mid-April, and Fuji Television officially announced that the TV drama adaptation of *Hand of God* would premiere in the July summer slot of the Monday 9 golden time, with the first episode being an unprecedented one hour and forty-five minutes special, its length comparable to a movie, and the luxurious cast of big names continuously announced, besides the large amount of footage shot on location at the Metropolitan Police Department with some extras being real Metropolitan Police Department officers, having already successfully persuaded the National Police Agency to lend various real equipment, Fuji's numerous female anchors appearing and the real-life adaptation of the Yonsen Onsen Sekizenkan case once again sparked an unprecedented national craze.

The Fuji headquarters building, these past few days, seemed to have been injected with chicken blood.

The hallways were plastered with *Hand of God* posters, the elevator screens looped the trailer, and even the cafeteria TV played highlights from the variety show version.

The production department staff walked with wind in their step, their eyes full of excitement—this time they were truly going all in, pouring all resources into this drama. Even more surprising, NHK actually agreed to help.

"We can collaborate; NHK will help Fuji promote, and we also hope you can assist us in promoting *Sanada Maru*, which will officially restart two years from now as a taiga drama, we've invited Takayuki Yamada to star, with the Uesugi brothers respectively portraying Uesugi Kagekatsu and Uesugi Kagetora." NHK's senior executives told Fuji Media: "Your female anchor Eto Miyabi will also appear in *Hand of God*, pleasant cooperation."

"Pleasant cooperation." Abiru Kazuhiko, director of Fuji FNS Production Bureau, upon hearing this news, nearly burst into tears on the spot. NHK!

That's NHK!

NHK, which always puts on airs and looks down on joining forces with commercial broadcasters!

Actually willing to endorse *Hand of God*?!

"This wave is secure." He said to his subordinates, his voice trembling: "This wave is truly secure."

At month's end, the filming site of the *Hand of God* variety show was even more heated than usual.

This was the final variety show recording before the drama's broadcast, Fuji invited all the guests it could.

The studio glittered with starlight, the front row packed with A-list celebrities, the back row filled with various agents and assistants, further back were the lucky audience members who drew entry tickets, their eyes shining, holding up support signs, wishing they could shout their voices hoarse.

Center stage, Uesugi Muneyuki and Shirakawa Mai stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the host.

One stern and resolute, the other radiant and charming, just standing there was enough to make the audience scream.

"Welcome to this episode of *Hand of God*!" Shirakawa Mai smiled at the camera, her voice sweet: "Today is a special episode, because 'because our drama will premiere in July.'" Uesugi Muneyuki took over, his tone as usual calm: "It's regrettable, because drama filming has squeezed variety show time, so the June episode of *Hand of God* will be suspended!"

A burst of screams erupted.

On the sides of the stage, several placard girls stood in a row, wearing uniform uniforms, holding signs with the program's name, this is the tradition of the *Hand of God* variety show, each episode has two young girls responsible for holding signs, guiding the audience, and occasionally serving as background props.

Generally speaking, these two girls are relatively fixed, already fixed as Miyawaki Sakura and Hirate Sarina.

However, Miyawaki Sakura does not appear every episode, sometimes replaced by others, such as Oguri Yui, Matsui Jurina, Okada Nana, and Yamamoto Sayaka, each having made a cameo once.

This is where some humor lies: when Xiao Yinghua's position is unstable, she must strive every episode to refresh her presence, but once she has secured this placard girl role and signed a three-year contract with Fuji, she no longer needs to appear every episode, while YKC48 desperately needs this position to let the nation know their new "operations strong push."

Similarly for Hirate, Imaizumi, Sugai Yuuka, Moriya Akane, and Nagahama Neru from the group have also cameoed, among whom Sugai Yuuka and Nagahama Neru stood out most, Sugai Yuuka being a proper old family (old nobility), she can speak fluent noble Japanese on the show and converse with Uesugi Muneyuki and Shirakawa Mai, and the three even discussed their encounter in Karuizawa, shocking the entire audience.

Nagahama Neru, on the other hand, is bold—her poor singing ability, excellent "fishing technique," top student with deviation value over 70, and skill at catching memes made her episode gain massive popularity, her high emotional intelligence and knack for clever replies quickly made her one of the fastest-rising female idols in recent years. Moreover, due to her shorter limbs, Uesugi Muneyuki gave her the nickname "short legs," which caught on and made the entire Kanto region remember her, earning her the moniker "short-legged idol," "Dora Sleep (neru, i. e., the name Mirei) dream," and another wave of viral fame.

The entertainment industry quickly realized Uesugi Muneyuki is now the traffic king—any association with him means guaranteed profit.

Today, one person's treatment changed.

Miyawaki Sakura sat in the front-row guest seats, wearing a refined light pink dress paired with pink-white polka-dot seamless sheer stockings and little leather shoes, Xiao Yinghua's makeup today was refined, her smile proper, she is already the second female lead in the *Hand of God* drama, today she came as a guest, no longer a placard girl.

Meanwhile, in her original spot stood another girl, Oowada Nana, clearly eager to perform, but her ability is indeed limited, the effect can only be described as average, this truly infuriated Suou Hinata, the person in charge of the 48 General Agent.

Oowada Nana! You must consider whether this is your only chance in life!

Meanwhile, on the other side, Hirate Sarina arrived as scheduled today—this important opportunity she is no matter what unwilling to let go to others! She wore the placard girl uniform, held the sign, her face bore a professional smile, but her eyes occasionally drifted toward Miyawaki Sakura sitting in the front row.

That position, originally was hers.

At least she thinks so.

Why?

Why can Miyawaki Sakura sit in the front row while she can only stand?

Just because that slut Miyawaki Sakura obviously has a leg with Uesugi Muneyuki?

Having partnered with Xiao Yinghua for over a year, Hirate Sarina now feels her relationship with Miyawaki Sakura cannot be described as sworn enemies, only as irreconcilable. Especially in recent years, Xiao Yinghua repeatedly rode the coattails of Uesugi Shiro to blow up, and everyone can see, this girl sings average, dances average, acts average, all day just relies on running her YouTube channel, livestreams leaking various *Hand of God* insider info, showing Uesugi Shiro and her going out for big meals and trips, casually getting a million views.

No way, Uesugi Muneyuki and Shirakawa Mai's private life is a mystery and forbidden zone, Japanese nationals are very interested but lack effective channels, Mai Xuejie vanishes into thin air right after work, no paparazzi can capture her private life.

Uesugi Muneyuki is somewhat better, but the problem is he is not a public figure, paparazzi dare not be so reckless, and he himself is constantly on official duty or research, filming and probing privacy easily touches the "obstructing official duties" taboo.

Precisely because privacy protection is strong, Japanese people instead have strong voyeuristic desire, thus when Xiao Yinghua in her own livestream says "coupon you ji sa ku la sa ku la," instantly reaching over ten thousand concurrent viewers, her YouTube channel already has hundreds of thousands of followers and tens of thousands of subscribers, doing this blows up, even livestream playing *Slay the Spire* picking robots can spark hot searches—truly too weak, seeing a bunch of players wanting to smash their heads against the wall right then.

This truly makes Hirate jealous, she self-assesses not inferior to Miyawaki Sakura—no, she thinks she is far superior to Miyawaki Sakura. Dance better, sing better, looks not inferior, why can she play the second female lead while she can only hold signs?

Hirate Sarina gritted her back teeth, still maintaining a smile on her face.

During a recording break, she excused herself to go to the restroom, secretly sneaking to the back.

A man in his thirties was waiting there—Tangqian Yang, son of former Secretary General Yuasa Masamichi, also her financial backer behind the scenes. "What's wrong?" Tangqian Yang looked at her, brows slightly furrowed, when Hirate was 14 they got together, he knows this girl well, this expression surely means she's unhappy.

Hirate being unhappy means I am unhappy!

"That Miyawaki Sakura..." Hirate Sarina lowered her voice, voice full of resentment: "Why does she deserve the front row? I'm not inferior to her!" Tangqian Yang fell silent for a few seconds, then patted her shoulder: "Wait."

He turned and walked toward Uesugi Muneyuki's rest room.

In the rest room, Uesugi Muneyuki was reading a book.

The door was knocked, he looked up, seeing Tangqian Yang enter.

"Uesugi-sensei, sorry to disturb." Tangqian Yang's face bore a polite smile, but his eyes held something indescribable—perhaps the composure unique to political families, or something else, hard to say.

"Tangqian-san?" Uesugi Muneyuki put down his book, nodded: "Anything?"

Tangqian Yang didn't beat around the bush, directly said: "About Hirate, you understand, right?"

"I know." Uesugi Muneyuki nodded, the relationship between Tangqian and Hirate needs no reminder.

"She's a promising seedling." Tangqian Yang's smile deepened: "Beautiful, talented, willing to work hard. I want to ask, regarding the *Hand of God* flashlight drama... are there any suitable roles?"

Uesugi Muneyuki looked at him, said nothing.

Tangqian Yang continued: "No need for lead, supporting role is fine. Even just a few lines, showing face is okay. She really has potential, using her you won't regret."

Uesugi Muneyuki fell silent for a few seconds, he originally intended to refuse instinctively, but just then, Watanabe Eiji's earlier reminder surfaced in his ears.

No matter who takes the case, someone must solve it, right?

No need to tear faces over such a small matter, giving a restaurant waitress role with only one line and one shot is also giving. "The scripts for the first ten episodes are already set, adding roles temporarily isn't realistic." Uesugi Muneyuki said.

Tangqian Yang's smile slightly froze.

"But," Uesugi Muneyuki shifted tone: "there are still three or four episodes later, if there's a suitable supporting role, it can be considered."

Tangqian Yang's smile returned: "That's great! I thank you on Hirate's behalf!"

He bowed, turned, and left.

After the door closed, Uesugi Muneyuki stared at the doorway, his gaze thoughtful.

Yuasa, this is true love!

How come all these Diet members' sons are like this? Souou Hinata loves Yamada Nana so deeply, and Yuasa loves Hirate Sarina just as much?

Everyone likes these little idols, right?

Can't you be a righteous gentleman like me?

Great! Righteousness! In! The! Eastern! Army!

In the hallway, Yuasa Tangqian Yang told the news to Hirate Sarina.

Hirate listened, her face showing no joy: "That is to say... there's none now, but maybe later?"

"Yes." Yuasa Tangqian Yang nodded: "But this is an opportunity—at least he loosened up, and you're almost there too. You should know our relationship with him isn't good."

Hirate Sarina bit her lip, silent, a fire burning in her heart.

Loosened up? She doesn't need anyone to "loosen up"!

What she needs is: I want that role, you gotta give it to me!

Why does Miyawaki Sakura get it while she has to wait?

She's stronger than Miyawaki Sakura! Much stronger!

She's Akimoto Yasushi's personally appointed "Unmovable C," hailed as the next Yamaguchi Momoe, backed by a Diet member's son, has stayed at the Akahaka Detached Palace, attended political adjustment meetings' banquets, sang at former Prime Minister Tanaka Nakasou's birthday party, and became a superstar after starring in a late-night mystery drama at 17! Yet she said nothing, just lowered her head and clenched her fists.

Fingernails dug into her palms, sharp pain.

"I, I know now."

After a while, recording continued.

On stage, stars appeared one after another, laughter and joy never ceased. The audience's applause and screams rose and fell, the atmosphere fervent like New Year's. Uesugi Muneyuki and Shirakawa Mai worked in perfect sync—one responsible for cold noodle teasing, the other for warming up the crowd, controlling the rhythm just right. Occasionally their eyes met, they smiled and exchanged glances—a silent understanding only they shared, needing no words to know what the other wanted to do—making their CP fans nearly faint with excitement.

Miyawaki Sakura sat in the front row, her smile proper, her demeanor elegant, utterly the image of a new-generation idol. Occasionally the camera swept over, she still managed to show just the right bit of shyness—truly worthy of her idol background, her camera sense top-notch.

Hirate Sarina stood at the stage's side, holding a sign, a professional smile on her face, but her gaze occasionally drifted toward Miyawaki Sakura. Huh, just a little idol, but it's Uesugi Muneyuki finding you young and cute, giving you charity.

When you get older, played into a withered flower, just wait to be discarded!

Thinking this, Hirate felt much better.

The future is ultimately still mine!

The program's recording continued, and at this moment, it was the turn of on-site guests to question Uesugi Muneyuki and others.

This gave one of the on-site female guests an opportunity.

Sawajiri Erika, in her early thirties, once an actress who dominated half the entertainment world, her beauty carrying a fierce aggressiveness, her eyes always hiding something.

She wore a black long dress, her steps composed, walked to the front row and sat down, her gaze sweeping over the stage, finally landing on Uesugi Muneyuki. It was exactly a relaxed chat segment, and Shirakawa Mai asked the guests about their impressions of "Hand of God." When it came to Sawajiri, she took the microphone, but instead of answering directly, she turned her gaze toward the host's other side, Uesugi Muneyuki.

"Actually, I've always wanted to ask Professor Uesugi," her voice carrying a languid allure: "During the recording just now, were you always looking at me?"

The studio instantly boiled over.

The audience members cheered, screamed, and even a few front-row guests showed the "Here we come, here we come" excited expression.

Shirakawa Mai's smile remained unchanged, but her eyes gained a hint of playfulness. Miyawaki Sakura froze for a moment, instinctively looking toward Uesugi Muneyuki.

Uesugi Muneyuki remained expressionless: "Sawajiri-san is joking—I was just checking the camera position."

Actually, he just habitually glanced a few times at Sawajiri Erika's high-heeled shoes beneath her skirt, wanting to confirm via lighting whether she was wearing stockings—this was already his daily habit.

It's all because of male urinary nature and this DNA messing me up!

"Oh my, such an official answer." Sawajiri Erika covered her mouth and laughed lightly, the corners of her eyes and brows full of charm: "But I truly admire you, Professor Uesugi. I've studied all the cases you've solved. When might there be a chance... to privately consult you?"

The two words "please consult" were bitten by her with particular ambiguity.

Another wave of cheers, especially Fuji's staff, practically wanting to go crazy with joy.

What we want to see is this! Just this tooth sound!

No party strife, what CP? No bloodshed, what heat?

But Fuji dare not directly offend Mai Xuejie, luckily now the buttocks have spoken up! (Note: "shiri" in Japanese means buttocks) After a wave of heat, this topic was wisely halted, recording soon continued, but Sawajiri's gaze continued to faintly follow Uesugi as he headed to the break room—Uesugi Muneyuki had just entered the break room when the door was knocked.

Sawajiri Erika flashed inside, casually pulling the door shut.

"Sorry, I was rude just now, Professor Uesugi." She got straight to the point, the smile on her face from the stage gone, replaced only by a kind of sharp calculation: "We're clear people, no need for vague talk. Is there still a role suitable for me in 'Hand of God'? I don't mind, a supporting role will do—like Higashitani Miyabi's would be fine."

Uesugi Muneyuki looked at her, silent.

Sawajiri took two steps forward, the distance a bit too close, she raised her head, her eyes holding a kind of naked suggestion: "Of course, I won't let you help for nothing. I heard you've been... quite busy lately? Free tonight? Let's go have a drink—I know there's a famous private club in Minato Ward called Chou..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was already crystal clear.

Uesugi Muneyuki stepped back, creating distance.

"Sawajiri-san," his voice very calm: "Casting decisions aren't mine to make. You should talk to the producer."

Sawajiri Erika's smile froze for an instant.

"And frankly," Uesugi Muneyuki paused: "I'm not interested."

The air solidified for two seconds.

Sawajiri Erika's face changed.

That shift from confidence to shock, then to annoyed anger, completed quickly on her face—she snorted coldly, her voice turning sharp: "Not interested? Professor Uesugi, are you taking yourself too seriously? I can tell you, in your peerage circle, someone spent ten million just to have a Spring Breeze once with me—but if it's you... I can tell you, limited to now, free~"

Uesugi Muneyuki looked at her, expression unchanged, only the corner of his mouth slightly lifting in an arc.

"You want to give me ten million?"

"Sorry, Sawajiri-san, I sell my art, not my body!"

"Besides, I've already been kept by the senior student" can't go back, my body is already shaped by the senior student!"

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