Hearing the girl's words, Michiya Gōshin was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected MEM-cho to suddenly say something like that.
She had seemed completely immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the park, like a carefree little ray of sunshine, but it turned out she had long since keenly perceived the subtle emotional currents.
"I understand what you mean, but please don't worry. I won't hurt them."
Of course, Michiya Gōshin understood her meaning, and his tone was calm as he replied.
"Really?"
MEM-cho pressed, "Even though we're all filming a reality show, feelings aren't something you can just pick up and discard whenever you want."
"I'm not questioning you, Michiya-sensei, but Asakura-chan's personality... well, she's already showing some rather obvious inclinations."
"As for Kurokawa-san, I think you're well aware of the situation yourself, Michiya-sensei."
"Heh."
Michiya Gōshin suddenly chuckled, a relaxed expression on his face.
"MEM-cho-san, you're a truly kind person."
"Huh?" MEM-cho faltered for a moment.
"Rest assured, there will be a clear resolution to all of this later."
Michiya Gōshin's tone was solemn. "I can promise you, MEM-cho-san, that when filming for the show is over, many important things will be announced directly."
"Mmm..."
The quick-witted MEM-cho saw Michiya Gōshin's smiling expression and his candid attitude. She seemed to understand something, and the burden in her heart immediately lightened.
"It seems you had many reasons for joining this show after all, Michiya-sensei."
"Everyone has to work hard for something, right? Just like you, MEM-cho-san."
"Hehehe!"
The girl with the pudding-blonde hair smiled, her eyes curving into beautiful crescent moons.
"In that case, I'll put my trust in you, Michiya-sensei!"
"That's good."
Just then, she suddenly changed the subject. "If the show ends, who will you choose, Michiya-sensei?"
"Hmm?"
An incredibly radiant smile spread across MEM-cho's face.
"I'm rooting for Asakura-chan, you know! I'll be cheering her on with all my might!"
"As long as you're happy."
After the girl, who was like a little ray of sunshine, had voiced all her concerns, the way she looked at Michiya Gōshin now held a noticeably deeper trust and an unreserved closeness.
Perhaps it was only today that they had truly become friends.
After the second date outing ended, a subtly tense atmosphere still lingered in the villa.
But Michiya Gōshin had no time for that; he went out alone for a meeting.
In the corner of a highly private, members-only café in Tokyo, the air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the low tones of jazz music.
Michiya Gōshin sat quietly on a soft leather sofa, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the rim of his cup, waiting for the person opposite him to begin.
Suo Atsumu, Managing Director of the Nenshi agency and the second son of the Suo family, was once again dressed in a perfectly tailored bespoke suit, though today he had loosened his collar, giving him a slightly more casual air.
He methodically stirred the black coffee in his cup, a shrewd smile habitually gracing his lips.
"Michiya-sensei, it seems the second date was a great success. Miss MEM-cho is quite the energetic companion."
Suo Atsumu offered the pleasantry with a smile, his tone betraying little genuine emotion.
"It's for a show. Naturally, everyone wants to put on the best performance."
Michiya Gōshin replied nonchalantly, not taking the bait, waiting for the other man to get to the point.
Suo Atsumu let out a soft laugh, seemingly appreciating his directness. He set down the silver stirring spoon, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice.
"You're a sharp man, Michiya-sensei, so I won't beat around the bush. I've noticed that your relationship with Kurokawa-san is... rather close."
A flicker crossed Michiya Gōshin's eyes, but his expression remained impassive. "We're close friends. It's normal for us to have a good relationship."
"Heh, no need to be so tense, Michiya-sensei. I'm not here to criticize you, but to discuss a collaboration."
Suo Atsumu observed Michiya Gōshin's reaction. Seeing that he remained calm, he continued.
"You're aware that Kurokawa-san is also an artist under the Nenshi banner, I assume?"
"I am."
"But what you might not know, Michiya-sensei, is that Kurokawa-san is currently signed to a standard newcomer contract with the Nenshi parent company. While Nenshi has plenty of resources, competition at the parent company is extremely fierce, and the contract terms are the most demanding."
"For a newcomer like her, who has potential but hasn't had a major breakthrough yet, her revenue split is 20-80—twenty percent for her, eighty for the company. Furthermore, the contract is long-term, and the termination clauses are exceptionally strict."
"Hmm?"
Michiya Gōshin's hand paused as he lifted his coffee cup. While harsh contracts for newcomers were the norm in the entertainment industry, a 20-80 split was outrageous. It was tantamount to exploitation.
Even if Kurokawa Akane worked herself to the bone, the vast majority of her earnings would go to the company, leaving her with extremely limited resources to build for herself.
"Moreover..."
Suo Atsumu struck while the iron was hot. "Artist management at the parent company is currently controlled mainly by my older brother's subordinates. He has very little patience for artists who don't quickly generate huge profits. I'm sure you understand this, Michiya-sensei."
Michiya Gōshin fell silent, recalling Kurokawa Akane's desolate expression that night. It was indeed a harsh reality.
Suo Atsumu leaned back against the sofa, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"I can help, Michiya-sensei."
"The several Nenshi subsidiaries I currently manage independently may not be as large as the parent company, but the atmosphere is more flexible, and the terms are much more favorable."
Suo Atsumu said at once, "I can transfer Kurokawa-san's management contract from the parent company to one under my purview. With a new contract, I can offer her a 50-50 split, and we could even negotiate for more on certain projects."
"The contract length and her creative freedom would also be greatly improved."
"..."
A transfer, a better split, more freedom.
Each of these conditions was undoubtedly a lifeline for Kurokawa Akane—even a golden opportunity to leap to the next level.
Michiya Gōshin looked up at Suo Atsumu. He spoke slowly, his voice steady and unruffled. "For you to be so generous, Mr. Suo, I imagine it isn't without a price."
"Hahaha, you're certainly direct, Michiya-sensei. But rest assured, this is not a transaction."
Suo Atsumu seemed to have been waiting for those words, but he simply waved his hand, his demeanor completely relaxed. "I believe you're a man who repays his debts, Michiya-san, so I'd rather not have our relationship built on a cold business contract."
"So, you're saying you'll help Kurokawa transfer for free?"
"You could say that."
Suo Atsumu smiled, as if this were a trivial matter. "To be able to establish a friendship with you, Michiya-sensei, through such a small favor... no matter how you look at it, I'm the one who comes out ahead, wouldn't you say?"
"..."
To be honest, his attitude was impeccable.
For the second son of Suo Fumio and a managing director of the corporation to go this far was already something quite rare.
Michiya Gōshin reflected on his own thoughts. He had already been considering using the man's power to accomplish more of his plans.
"If I were to repay you, Mr. Suo, what would you have me do?"
Michiya Gōshin was no fool. Although the man's pitch was polished, he couldn't possibly accept such a favor for nothing. After all, the things that are free are often the most expensive.
"What do you mean, Michiya-sensei?"
Suo Atsumu hesitated for a moment, but a flash of admiration showed in his eyes.
"I believe I understand what you're getting at, Mr. Suo. If possible, I will show a close rapport with you in appropriate settings. When it comes to certain key endorsements, I will be on your side."
"That..."
"However, I cannot fully align myself with you right now, Mr. Suo. But I have a suitable plan that could achieve both of our objectives simultaneously."
Michiya Gōshin thought of the screenplay he was currently writing, We Made a Beautiful Bouquet. Leveraging Kurokawa Akane's transfer would be the perfect way to prepare a gift for her.
"What kind of plan?"
Hearing this, Suo Atsumu's spirits immediately lifted.
"I'm sure you already know I'm writing a script, Mr. Suo. To be frank, it's a screenplay for a film."
"A film?"
"Yes, I intend to have this script made into a movie," Michiya Gōshin said slowly. "Of course, I'm not a director, nor do I have my own film production company."
"Are you suggesting... you want to collaborate with us on this screenplay, Michiya-sensei?"
Suo Atsumu was suddenly thrilled. He had done his homework; Michiya Gōshin had shot to fame with Love Letter, not only overcoming the blacklist from Johnny & Associates but also becoming a highly sought-after new writer.
If he were to personally pen a screenplay, its quality would be guaranteed.
"That's right. I can give the screenplay to your company, Mr. Suo, and we can announce it to the public as a deep collaboration between us."
"Once preparations officially begin, I can coordinate with you on everything from the press conference to the promotional activities."
After hearing Michiya Gōshin's proposal, Suo Atsumu felt a surge of excitement.
"Excellent! You truly are a man who returns a favor, Michiya-sensei!"
"Don't you want to see the script first?"
"Hahaha, is there any need to question your skill, Michiya-sensei? As long as your name is attached to the screenplay, it's guaranteed to attract a huge audience."
Suo Atsumu thought of the pressure from his older brother. Nenshi hadn't produced any significant results in the film industry for several years. If he could pull this off, it would certainly strengthen his position.
"However..."
Michiya Gōshin suddenly changed tack. "If we do establish this collaboration, I hope the female lead can be..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but a man like Suo Atsumu instantly understood his intention.
"Michiya-sensei, are you asking for Kurokawa-san to be the female lead?"
"That's right."
"Hahaha, that's a very interesting condition."
That calculated smile returned to Suo Atsumu's face. Making a movie wasn't child's play; it required a substantial investment of cold, hard cash.
He thought for a moment, then suddenly spoke again.
"I can agree to your condition, Michiya-sensei, but I have a supplementary one of my own."
"Please, go ahead, Mr. Suo."
"If you, Michiya-sensei... play the male lead, then I can greenlight this project right now."
"...Well."
Michiya Gōshin considered it. "I've only ever played supporting roles in TV dramas. You're quite bold, Mr. Suo."
"That doesn't matter. I have faith in your abilities, Michiya-sensei."
Suo Atsumu smiled faintly.
"This collaboration... might just allow both of us to get what we want."
________________________________________
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