Conan: Chief of Rice Flower's Science Points

Chapter 581 Promotional Program
"A TV program? Or in the mountains of Gunma? How long will that take?" Shiraishi hesitated upon hearing the request from the company.

"It's just a promotional program, not a real TV drama shoot. It will only take three days at most, and it won't interfere with your weekend trip to the Syndora Group's press conference," the executive said.

"The head of the department is really well-informed." Shiraishi glared at her—it wasn't a Metropolitan Police Department event that she attended the "Cocoon" launch event; it was Shiraishi's personal decision, yet the department already knew about it.

“Of course, Director Mika is a key focus of our propaganda department.” The company smiled matter-of-factly.

“A promotional event for Nikko TV... Okay, three days it is.” Shiraishi finally agreed.

Nichiri TV has a new detective drama series that is being heavily promoted this year. Before its premiere, there was a special promotional program, and they wanted to invite "police officers who generate a lot of buzz" to participate.

In this kind of situation, after applying, the publicity department of Nichiri TV will naturally coordinate with Nichiri TV.

Of course, Nichiri TV itself never imagined that it could get the "Mihana Director" to help with the promotion.

After all, this matter doesn't bring much benefit to the Metropolitan Police Department, or rather, to the police force.

It's easy to imagine that Miyako Sha's ability to get Shiraishi to come and support her means that Nichiri TV owes her a huge favor—after all, the person dealing with Sha isn't the program team, but the president of Nichiri TV.

Although there was no direct benefit this time, it will be easier for the company to ask for cooperation from Nichiuri TV next time they need it for a promotional event!

……

Before leaving the headquarters, Shiraishi, as usual, visited his old superior in the Criminal Investigation Department, but unfortunately Odagiri was not there. So he went to the Documents Section to visit Iwata.

When Iwata heard about Shiraishi's promise to the company, he even gave me a look that said, "I've heard about it before..."

"Is it that drama called 'Cold Detective and Hot Detective'? I'm surprised you agreed to it..." Iwata looked at Shiraishi in surprise.

Shiraishi:? ? ?
"Wait...is this some weird midnight drama?" Shiraishi became uneasy upon hearing his tone and hearing the ridiculous name.

Since for Shiraishi, it was essentially about "handing over the company section chief to a friend," he didn't ask any further questions about the drama series.

"No, that's not it. But for this drama, they cast that 'youngest police inspector'...you know him, right? The one with an FBI background." Iwata said with a disdainful tone.

"Hmm, I remember his name was Kengo Akechi, right?" Shiraishi did have a recollection of it.

A detective who returned from two years of advanced training at the FBI in the United States and was directly awarded the rank of superintendent...

That's right, he's a detective. Theoretically, he should be going to the First Investigation Division, but after returning, it seems he hasn't officially started his duties yet, but instead "showed off" a bit.

“It’s him… I’ve heard that he’s been assigned to be the supervising officer of the First Investigation Division.” Iwata paused and then lowered his voice to say, “Actually, if it weren’t for you, that arrogant guy would probably be the Metropolitan Police Department’s ‘Criminal Police Image Ambassador.’ In the few months since he returned to Japan, we’ve arranged a lot of showy work for him… Unfortunately, compared to you, it’s all for nothing.”

The title of "publicity ambassador" is not an actual position, but rather a metaphor.

However, now, because of Shiraishi, all the "image positions" are in vain. Even though the local police chief is not a "criminal police officer" in terms of official position, in the public's mind, the standard criminal police officer is someone like "Chief Beika".

Iwata clearly didn't like Akechi. In his words, even in the Second Investigation Division, this guy would be one of the most annoying people—the Second Investigation Division is the most bureaucratic department... Even now, because of Kid, he's acting a bit silly, but that hasn't changed.

"The club president is really something... If I had known he was already in the production team, why would I have gone? It would have been like I was trying to steal his thunder." Shiraishi shook his head helplessly.

Shiraishi didn't recognize Akechi, after all, Akechi had only recently returned to Japan, but...

For Shiraishi, arguing about such things was child's play.

"Of course it's because you're more famous! What else does he have besides his background with Rumi? Besides, he was promoted as a 'professional advisor' when the series started filming, while you're a publicity superstar!" Iwata said sternly.

Shiraishi rolled his eyes at him.

Of course, Shiraishi didn't really care whether Akechi would have any objections.

The so-called youngest police inspector is nothing special...

Shiraishi was also the fastest-promoted police superintendent—he only stayed in the rank of superintendent for a month before being promoted after passing the exam!

Although Akechi is three or four years younger than Shiraishi, it's almost impossible for him to be promoted to Superintendent of Police before Shiraishi, unless he makes a swift sacrifice and is promoted directly to Superintendent of Police...

The last time Shiraishi was promoted so drastically was when the "Olympic champion's coach" was promoted two ranks, but that was only to the rank of inspector. Normally, even a living person wouldn't be promoted like that. The reason Shiraishi was able to be promoted was largely because everyone thought he wouldn't survive, and because of the Inukai case, there was a lot of public pressure, so he was promoted exceptionally. Who knew that Shiraishi would actually survive without any sense of martial ethics?

Next time, unless we see someone die, this probably won't happen again.

"By the way, you know the female lead of that drama... no, the second female lead, she's the one-day chief you had last year," Iwata reminded him.

Shiraishi stared at Iwata in awe—you're gossiping about police affairs at a high intensity, yet you're still so interested in TV dramas… what time of day do you work?

……

That evening at the restaurant, Shiraishi and Ayako also brought up the matter.

"So you're going on a three-day business trip starting tomorrow?" Ayako asked.

"Yes, it's a trip arranged by the publicity department, so it's considered a business trip." Shiraishi nodded—but it was much easier than a typical business trip.

At least you can stay away from murder...

"Is this the promotion for the drama 'Cold Detective and Hot Detective'?" Ayako asked meaningfully after looking at her phone for a while.

"That's right, what's wrong?" Shiraishi asked curiously upon hearing this.

"This promotional program is hosted by someone we know," Ayako replied.

"Yoko Okino, right? I remember she was the second female lead." Shiraishi recalled what Iwata had said before.

Yoko Okino debuted as an idol and is now a news anchor, but she has also acted in some TV dramas.

Having her host the event would actually be in line with her current job.

“No, I met her in Aomori… the streamer Minashi.” Ayako said, showing her phone to Shiraishi.

Shui Wu Lian Nai!

Shiraishi never expected it to be a show featuring a CIA undercover agent...

But thinking about it, it makes sense. She is indeed a very popular news anchor on Nichiri TV right now.

"Hmm? Seems like there's some gossip going on...tsk tsk." Shiraishi said, scrolling down the page on his phone.

The article contained a piece of gossip—apparently, the production team initially wanted to use Yoko Okino as the host of the promotional program, but the lead actress, Rie Kano, suspected that Yoko Okino was trying to fight for top billing, and thus became furious, forcing Nichiuri to bring in Rena Mizunashi instead…

"This Rie Kano isn't young anymore, is she? I think I heard about her getting into fights when I was still in school." Shiraishi pursed his lips.

"Hmm, she must be almost forty, right? The roles she plays are still young and sweet, but she seems a bit past her prime," Ayako commented.

"The male lead is... Yusaku Daimon? He seems to be a bit of a mediocre action star," Shiraishi commented. While Shiraishi wasn't very knowledgeable about acting, he was quite qualified to comment on fighting skills. He was familiar with both Daimon and Yusaku's surnames and given names, but when put together, they didn't ring a bell.

“I remember a few years ago he faded out of the spotlight for a while because of an accident involving a stuntman…” Ayako also remembered.

Shiraishi:……

The death of a stuntman could be attributed to an accident, but Daimon's image has always been that of a "tough guy" and a "powerful actor." Later, it was revealed that almost all of his dangerous stunts were performed by a stunt double, which greatly damaged his popularity.

"So is this lousy drama any good or not?" Shiraishi was speechless—does this look like a show that can become popular?
“Being controversial is still being famous! Besides, Daimon and Ghana have had a scandal, so it certainly generates buzz,” Ayako said.

Shiraishi:……

It's about a stunt double who died, and the lead actors having been involved in scandals...

Bai Shi felt that this lousy film crew was only one step away from getting into trouble!

"I wonder what kind of program it is..." Shiraishi shook his head helplessly—he originally thought it was just a half-vacation.

"It also mentioned that two guests would be invited... Just like its name suggests, one is a police officer and the other is a detective? I guess it's some kind of suspenseful reality show," Ayako guessed.

Shiraishi's ominous premonition grew stronger!
……

Tuesday, August 8th, early in the morning.

Shiraishi met up with the program crew at the entrance of Nichiri TV station.

Upon learning that Shiraishi was personally participating in the program, the production team specially sent a car to pick him up at his doorstep.

"Don't worry! With me, Kogoro Mouri, here, solving cases is a piece of cake! Hahahaha!"

Shiraishi:……

From a great distance, Bai Shi heard a familiar voice.

Okay, it seems the production team has gathered all the elements that are about to cause trouble!

“Mr. Mori, the important thing is not solving a fictional case…” Yoko explained awkwardly to Kogoro.

"That's right! Dad, you're here to help with the publicity!" Xiaolan reminded him from the side.

"I know..." Mori said impatiently, while saying to the director beside him, "I'm sorry, Director Hiruda, but my daughter and this kid who's staying at my house must come along too."

"It's alright, we're already very grateful that Detective Mori came," Hiruda said politely.

Hiruda is a female director who looks to be around forty years old. Although she is a "famous director", she seems to be easy to get along with at this moment.

"Hehe, yeah... I didn't expect you could get Detective Mouri here, Yoko. These young idols are really something else."

At this moment, the "old woman" Ghana, who was standing next to him, spoke up in a sarcastic tone.

Without much makeup or post-production enhancement, this person looks like they've lost a lot of collagen!

After being mocked by her, Yoko just smiled and didn't seem to want to cause any trouble.

Just then, a huge shadow loomed over the group of people present.

It was Shiraishi who walked over...

Under the rising sun, the white stone's shadow became even more exaggerated.

"Sorry, I'm not late, am I?" Shiraishi asked.

Director Hiruda was overjoyed to see Shiraishi. Although she knew yesterday that "Chief Beika" would be coming, she was still thrilled to actually see him.

"Of course not! Officer Shiraishi arrived just in time!" Hiruda's demeanor was even somewhat obsequious.

Actually, as a famous director, he wouldn't act like this when facing the police, even the head of the Metropolitan Police Department. This is mainly because of Shiraishi's reputation as "Chief Beika".

"Let me introduce you... You must know this person, right?" Hiruda said enthusiastically.

Ghana then put on what she considered a "cool and aloof" expression.

“Yes, Ms. Gana, right? I grew up watching your TV dramas. The policewoman you played was my favorite police drama before ‘Dangerous Policewoman Story’,” Shiraishi said politely.

Ghana:……

Ghana paused for a moment upon hearing this.

That's right, Kano debuted two or three years earlier than Fujimine Yukiko and also played a popular policewoman, but she was completely overshadowed by Fujimine Yukiko later on.

"Haha, that's really impressive. After all, Chief Mika has grown up watching your shows."

At that moment, a male voice came over.

Just then, a tall and imposing figure walked in—if Bai Shi hadn't been there, he would definitely have been the epitome of "tall and imposing"!

A height of 1.9 meters, and well-defined muscles...

She's about the same size as Shiraishi when he was eight!
It was during this age range that Yusaku Daimon, a rare tough-guy male star, emerged.

After telling a lame joke, Daimon immediately stepped forward and shook hands with Shiraishi.

"You're too late! Your manager is so negligent!" Gana glared at Daimon Yusaku's manager with a dark expression.

Yusaku Daimon's female manager looks to be only 1.6 meters tall. Although she is not short in a crowd, the contrast is striking when she stands next to Daimon—especially since she is wearing glasses and has a refined and gentle demeanor.

At this moment, Shiraishi couldn't help but look at the Mori family...

"So the detective guest I mentioned earlier was Mr. Mori," Shiraishi said with some emotion.

Before Mori could say anything, the door of the van next to them opened, and the man who came out said calmly, "After all, Mr. Mori is a very famous detective... practically the savior of the Tokyo police, hehe."

Both Shiraishi and Mori detected a hint of sarcasm in his words...

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Dongdong: Today is November 2nd. 1717 years ago, Liu Yuan re-established the Han Dynasty (the Xiongnu Han state was also part of the Han Dynasty). Requesting monthly votes! Requesting monthly votes! Requesting monthly votes!
By the way: Kengo Akechi is from "Kindaichi," and specifically the more annoying version in the live-action adaptation.

This case is also based on "Kindaichi Case Files," but the motives, background, and methods of the crime have been greatly altered. Basically, only the names of the people are used, and the main characters of Kindaichi do not appear.

(End of this chapter)