A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 2388 - 1602: Did I See a Ghost?

"I truly apologize for the inconvenience caused to everyone."

Watching the uniformed men ahead turn and leave, the blond man lifted his head, and simultaneously, the smile that had lingered on his face vanished.

He is Kamiki Hikari.

Earlier, personnel from the police and the court had come to inform him that due to Media Eyes Corporation being implicated in Senate corruption issues and involved in exchanges of interests, the company’s accounts had been frozen, and their records were to be sealed. At the same time, all commercial activities of the company have been stopped.

Such a bother.

Kamiki Hikari’s expression turned gloomy, yet he remained silent.

If it were other issues, he could rely on people above to help resolve and handle them, but now, the problem is coming from those above, so he can’t rely on anyone to sort it out.

Nevertheless, seeking favor from someone else is impossible; at least, in the short term, everyone will avoid him. No matter what, he’s suspected of dealing with black money involving a senator, and at this time, associating with others might make them be seen as suspects of black money dealings.

But this level is not yet crippling; although the company accounts are sealed, the office is still operating, and he’s always been very careful in this area, unlikely to make any mistakes. Let’s treat this incident as an unfortunate accident.

"President!"

As Kamiki Hikari made his decision, his secretary hurried over, anxious.

"Just now from the court..... what should we do?"

"Don’t worry."

Looking at his secretary, Kamiki Hikari once again donned his usual smile, beaming at the person before him.

"It’s just a small issue, rest assured, I will handle it. You just focus on your own tasks."

Of course, for Kamiki Hikari, this is merely a lie.

And for Duanmu Huai........

"This is just the beginning."

Watching the news broadcast, Duanmu Huai chuckled softly; whether as a detective in the past world or as a judge, Duanmu Huai is quite experienced in collaborating with law enforcement institutions. Indeed, Kamiki Hikari’s corporate accounts being frozen for investigation is not a big deal, as long as he’s willing to make some concessions or pull some strings, it should be resolved. In fact, in the press conference about this matter, Kamiki Hikari’s company is merely involved in one of the sources of black money.

If it’s just this, there wouldn’t be much of an issue.

The premise is not spotlighting his specifics.

After all, many things, once placed under the spotlight, become exposed. Indeed, many things in this world cannot withstand scrutiny.

And at this time, the benefits of controlling the media become apparent.

No need to fabricate from thin air, just focus on the target.

Just like on stage, the actor under the spotlight will draw the audience’s attention.

While the actor hidden in the darkness will not appear in the audience’s view.

Ordinarily, someone like Kamiki Hikari with little notoriety would struggle to receive the spotlight’s attention.

But now the situation is different.

"This indeed is a windfall opportunity."

Looking at the photo on the phone, Duanmu Huai nodded in satisfaction; the photo was taken by a junior reporter from Duanmu Huai’s media branch, ordered to keep a close watch on Media Eyes President Kamiki Hikari. Thus the reporters obediently obeyed and acted as paparazzi.

It proves that, just like drawing cards, as long as you invest enough funds and time, rare cards will eventually pop out.

Just like now.

The photo captures Kamiki Hikari and a celebrity actress pleasantly conversing as they emerge from a members-only bar.

Under normal circumstances, such a thing wouldn’t even count as a scandal.

But media is designed for creating focus.

For instance———Media Eyes President Kamiki Hikari implicated in black money scandal has a secret meeting with the popular star Katakeyama Yuriko — is there a suspicion of black money flowing into the entertainment industry?

Hmm, Duanmu Huai couldn’t help but give a thumbs up when he sees this headline.

No wonder the media folks have maximized sensationalism and stirring the pot.

Currently, Senate corruption is the hottest news, and if the entertainment industry gets caught up, it won’t be good for it. It can be imagined that after this incident, entertainment industry personalities would also keep their distance from Kamiki Hikari to avoid suspicion.

And without connections, what does an office have?

Of course, chatting with Kamiki Hikari was Katakeyama Yuriko, also one of the reasons this photo could explode in popularity, as the latter is a rather popular actress; using her as a topic will naturally garner attention. If Kamiki Hikari were dating some obscure actress — let alone dating, even if they emerged from a hotel, reporters wouldn’t bother taking photos.

Duanmu Huai also believes the political circles would be happy to seize the opportunity to shift the focus, as when black money matters are thoroughly investigated, not only a few senators might be unlucky, even opposition and ruling parties could be involved. At such times, if the public focus could shift to the entertainment industry, then at least the bigwigs in the political circles could breathe easier.

As for Kamiki Hikari’s fate..... hmm, they absolutely wouldn’t care.

After all, a pawn is just a pawn, just like Lao Ai..... his final fate was simply torn apart by chariots.

"Let’s report in this direction."

Duanmu Huai directly nodded and made a decision; he himself knows Katakeyama Yuriko, who is quite a capable actress, but...... now she’s just facing a minor sacrifice.

After all, the focus is on Kamiki Hikari; as long as Katakeyama Yuriko issues a statement explaining, it should be fine. This isn’t a scandal and won’t have much impact on her career. Besides, even if it does cause an impact, Duanmu Huai can pick a film project from his company’s movie productions to let her star as compensation.

After sending the message, Duanmu Huai turned off the TV and got up, planning to go for a walk, when he saw Ruby staring awkwardly at her room.

"What’s wrong, Ruby?"

"Ah, sister."

Hearing Duanmu Huai’s voice, Ruby finally lifted her gaze, directing it at Duanmu Huai.

"Actually, there’s a program project coming up, saying it’s going to do surprise interviews, filming idol’s rooms......"

"Oh, I remember you mentioning it...... what’s the issue?"

"I’m wondering whether to take those down..."

Ruby hesitated while pointing at her room, and Duanmu Huai peeked in to see that Ruby’s room was covered in posters of Xingye Ai... well, just like usual.

"What’s the problem? Why take them down?"

"Because if people find out my relationship with Mom, it will be really bad."

"???"

Duanmu Huai gave Ruby a look as if he were looking at an idiot.

"Are you serious?"

"Eh? What’s wrong? Am I saying something wrong?"

Faced with Duanmu Huai’s look, Ruby immediately panicked. After all, every time Duanmu Huai gave her this look, it meant she had done something stupid.

"You’re just feeling guilty. Who would look at the posters of Ai on the wall and suspect you’re Ai’s daughter? What kind of logic is that? Besides, you already restarted B-Komachi, so why worry about this? If you didn’t have feelings for Ai, why would you restart B-Komachi? As the C-position in the current B-Komachi, because you admire Xingye Ai, it’s only natural to have her posters all over your room."

"Uh... when you put it that way, it seems true?"

"So just do your best. There are fans who are far more obsessed than you, and compared to them, you’re nothing."

Duanmu Huai said, patting Ruby’s head. Ruby giggled and stuck out her tongue.

"I know, since sister said so, I’m relieved."

"Then go ahead, I’m going out for a walk."

"Can I take pictures of your room?"

"Do as you like, there’s nothing in my room anyway."

Duanmu Huai waved his hand and then turned to leave the house.

Usually, as a celebrity, going out requires heavy disguise, like wearing sunglasses, masks, hats, just like a thief. But Duanmu Huai doesn’t need to do that; he just needs to activate his stealth ability, and he can roam the streets at will, even enter women’s baths and bathrooms.

Oh, he could originally go in, so it doesn’t matter.

Duanmu Huai thought he was the only one who would do this, but unexpectedly, today he saw a charming sight on the street.

What the heck is that?

Watching the figure not far ahead of him, Duanmu Huai was dumbfounded.

Shooting a show? Pranking?

He instinctively looked around but saw no sign of any crew... What is this?

Anyway... should I go check it out?

With that thought, curiosity got the best of Duanmu Huai, and he followed that figure.

He followed them along the way, which led him to the library, and then he saw the person moving around everywhere, gesturing... Finally, Duanmu Huai couldn’t hold back his curiosity any longer and went up to tap the person’s shoulder.

"Miss Mai, what are you doing here dressed like this?"

"——————!"

Upon hearing Duanmu Huai’s voice, the girl who was curiously observing others suddenly trembled, then turned around in surprise to look at Duanmu Huai.

"Ah, Duanmu..."

"Are you filming a show? Doesn’t seem like it."

Duanmu Huai said, his gaze puzzled as he looked at Sakurajima Mai. This girl was also a well-known actress; Duanmu Huai had worked with her during "Jintian," where Sakurajima Mai had left the impression of being very serious. But now, her attire completely overturned that impression.

Currently, Sakurajima Mai was dressed in an extremely revealing bunny girl outfit, with her shoulders, arms, and legs exposed. Honestly, it’s understandable if she was filming a show, but...

"You don’t possibly have a hobby of wearing a bunny girl costume and roaming around, do you?"

"I don’t have such a hobby, but come to think of it, you can actually see me."

"What do you mean?"

Upon hearing Sakurajima Mai’s words, Duanmu Huai paused and looked to the side. Indeed, upon closer inspection, there were people all over the library, but amidst them, with Sakurajima Mai dressed like this walking around, no one paid attention, no one even looked. This was obviously unusual, since a beautiful girl like Sakurajima Mai dressed up like this would definitely catch eyes... Is everyone in this library a eunuch?

"Aren’t you... Could it be you’re like me, Miss Duanmu?"

"Like you?"

Faced with Sakurajima Mai’s strange inquiry, Duanmu Huai shrugged.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about, but if you’re referring to people ignoring me, I do have a similar power—once I hide my presence, people will overlook me, like a pebble by the roadside."

"There’s actually such an ability?"

"Of course, kung fu can do anything."

Now, Duanmu Huai was very skilled at blaming it all on kung fu.

"Kung fu really is amazing."

"So, could you describe your current situation?"

"........."

Facing Duanmu Huai’s query, Sakurajima Mai remained silent for a moment.

"I’m just... unable to be seen by others."