Morning light filtered through the thin curtains, spilling onto Michiya Gōshin's bed and waking him from his sleep.
He had just sat up, rubbing his somewhat messy hair, when the private phone on his nightstand began to vibrate, almost as if on a timer.
The screen displayed a rather unfamiliar number, but the contact name was crystal clear—[Kato Megumi].
He tilted his head to check the time. It was just past seven. The call was indeed early.
Swiping to answer, Michiya Gōshin pressed the phone to his ear.
"Hello."
"Good morning, Michiya-san."
Kato Megumi's placid voice, as still as an old well, came through the phone.
"I hope I'm not disturbing your rest. At ten o'clock this morning, you will need to go to the TBS television station main building for the Alice in Borderland audition. The company car will be waiting for you downstairs at nine sharp."
"Is this schedule convenient for you?"
Hearing these words, Michiya Gōshin could almost picture her at this very moment, holding a tablet or a scheduler, meticulously checking off items.
"No problem, I'm already up," he replied.
"Understood. Because this audition is a very important project, and although you have already been internally selected for the male lead, it's still necessary to perform well at the audition site. This will help you integrate better with the crew."
"I suggest Michiya-san put some thought into his attire. For example, casual wear or a quality hoodie with trousers. The style should balance comfort and formality to meet the audition requirements for the character of Arisu Ryōhei."
"By the way, have you eaten? Would you like me to arrange for breakfast or coffee in advance?"
"No need, thank you. I'll take care of it myself."
Michiya Gōshin was a bit surprised that she had even considered his wardrobe and meals.
"I understand. In that case, I'll see you downstairs at nine o'clock. If you have any last-minute needs, please feel free to contact me at any time."
With that, Kato Megumi ended the call crisply, without a hint of hesitation.
Michiya Gōshin put down his phone and couldn't help but chuckle.
This feeling of having everything arranged for him, yet in an incredibly comfortable and efficient manner, was a novel experience.
He walked to the bathroom. The warm water from the showerhead gradually woke him up.
After washing up, Michiya Gōshin stood before his wardrobe. After a moment's thought, he selected a rather casual outfit.
On top, he wore a simple white baseball shirt, its collar slightly open and sleeves casually rolled up to reveal a small section of his well-defined forearms, exuding a casual elegance.
He paired it with dark blue straight-leg jeans that perfectly complemented the lines of his legs. A black leather belt was fastened at his waist, its simple metal buckle gleaming with a low-key luster. On his feet were a pair of clean, fresh white sneakers. The overall look was both comfortable and stylish.
Once ready, Michiya Gōshin stepped out of his home to see the company car assigned to him already parked by the roadside.
The car's body was a glossy black, reflecting a soft light under the sun. The windows were tinted just right, ensuring privacy inside without feeling oppressive.
The driver was a middle-aged man in a uniform with a serious expression. Upon seeing Michiya Gōshin, he immediately got out and skillfully opened the door for him.
The interior of the company car was spacious and comfortable, equipped with a small refrigerator and a folding table. Kato Megumi was already seated by the window, a tablet and a small notebook resting on her lap.
"Good morning, Michiya-san." The short-haired girl gave a slight nod.
"Morning, Kato-san."
Michiya Gōshin took the seat opposite her. The vehicle started and pulled smoothly into the lane.
As soon as the car was moving, Kato Megumi switched into work mode.
"Michiya-san, let's use the travel time for me to briefly report on a few upcoming work arrangements."
"First, besides work related to Alice in Borderland, there's an offer for a cover shoot for the men's magazine LEON tomorrow afternoon. They are very sincere, and the shoot will take about four hours."
"This Friday, you'll need to return to the agency to discuss an endorsement for a winter beverage with Manager Nakahara. We need to finalize the contract details."
Her speech was steady and her thoughts were well-organized; it was clear she had done her homework.
"Additionally, given the recent sharp increase in your public appearances, your current personal wardrobe and sponsored outfits may not be sufficient for optimal styling."
"I've already applied to the agency regarding this matter and have made initial contact with the business representatives from GUCCI, Tom Ford, and the studio of local Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. Do you have any brand preferences? If you'd like, I can book a private fitting service for you soon."
"Uh..."
As Michiya Gōshin listened to her list everything off in a calm, unhurried manner, that sense of surprise rose within him again.
These tasks were not only trivial but also required a great deal of foresight. Yet Kato Megumi had not only thought of them but was already moving forward with them.
This was... truly remarkable.
"As for brands, I don't have any specific preferences, as long as the style suits me."
"These arrangements are all great. Thank you for your hard work, Kato-san," Michiya Gōshin said sincerely, leaning back relaxedly into the soft seat.
"I have to say, this level of meticulous arrangement really gives one a sense of security. No wonder they say an entertainer's ability to take care of themselves is spoiled away by their assistants."
Hearing this, Kato Megumi looked up at him. A faint hint of a smile seemed to flash in her calm, large eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Although the girl's voice was soft, it carried an inexplicable sense of power.
"This is my duty. Saving you time and energy so you can focus on your core work is the greatest value of an artist's assistant."
"I understand, Kato-san. You don't need to feel too much pressure. We can take our time to coordinate and become better partners," Michiya Gōshin said in a warm voice.
"...Mm."
Kato Megumi's hand, holding the notebook, paused for a fraction of a second before she resumed writing.
The black luxury company car came to a smooth stop in front of the TBS television station main building. Before it had fully stopped, several staff members who had been waiting at the entrance hurried over, their faces wearing eager yet appropriate smiles.
Michiya Gōshin recalled how, just a few months ago, he was taking the train to audition for a minor role in 49. The difference now was like heaven and earth.
The car door slid open automatically. Michiya Gōshin got out first, with Kato Megumi following close behind.
"Michiya-sensei, hello. Director Aoyama and the other main creators are already waiting in the conference room. Your exclusive dressing room has been prepared, and the audition will begin shortly. You have a private time slot, so please don't worry."
The lead staff-san spoke respectfully, turning sideways to lead the way.
Michiya Gōshin nodded slightly and, flanked by the staff member and Kato Megumi, walked towards the exclusive elevator to the upper floors.
Everyone they passed along the way, whether it was a hurried station employee or another entertainer there for an audition or meeting, cast glances filled with curiosity or envy.
The Michiya Gōshin of today was no longer the newcomer who had made his mark with 49.
He was now the absolute center of the phenomenal variety show Love is a Required Course in Life, the king of controversy who had completed a stunning reversal of public opinion. After his Twitter followers surpassed one million, Hoshino Talent Agency had helped him secure many suitable endorsements.
Having become a new favorite among advertisers, Michiya Gōshin's national recognition was also steadily rising.
Kato Megumi followed quietly half a step behind him, her gaze calmly scanning their surroundings.
The exclusive elevator rose silently and quickly, delivering them to the designated floor. The staff-san led them to a spacious and bright private dressing room.
The room's decor was elegant and comfortable, furnished with a leather sofa, a large vanity mirror, a mini-fridge, and even a coffee table laid out with fresh fruit and exquisite pastries.
Although Michiya Gōshin was somewhat surprised, he quickly understood one thing.
A dressing room of this caliber was generally reserved for top stars in the entertainment world. He himself was still far from being a big name. However, since the entire production of Alice in Borderland was being controlled by Nenshi, and it was a project personally signed off by Suo Fumio.
So, no matter how fierce the internal strife between the brothers at the top of Nenshi was, on the surface, Michiya Gōshin was the focal point for everyone. After all, he was the male lead, the top-billed actor.
"Please rest here for a while. I will come to notify you before the audition," the staff member said before politely excusing himself.
Kato Megumi quickly and carefully inspected the dressing room environment. After confirming everything was in order, she handed the tablet to Michiya Gōshin.
"Michiya-san, this is the directing team for today's audition. They are basically all members of Director Aoyama's team. Because of the huge success of Love is a Required Course in Life, I heard that Director Aoyama's authority over resource allocation and his say within Nenshi has increased significantly. Therefore, he basically has the highest authority for the filming of Alice in Borderland."
Her reports were always accompanied by necessary background information.
Although his manager, Nakahara Kazuya, would also pass this information to him, as a professional manager, he had to spend most of his time out negotiating jobs and business deals. He couldn't truly be by Michiya Gōshin's side at all times, which was why personnel like an artist's assistant were needed to take care of an entertainer's daily life.
Taking the tablet, Michiya Gōshin browsed the list, a faint smile on his lips.
"The investment in this drama is really substantial. The production quality should be quite impressive."
"Yes. Besides being broadcast in Japan, this drama will also be shown in many other countries through Netflix's streaming service," Kato Megumi was well-informed about Alice in Borderland's background. "As long as you perform well in this series, Michiya-san, your career will definitely take flight."
"I hope so."
A moment later, there was a soft knock on the dressing room door.
The next instant, it was pushed open a crack without confirmation, and a familiar voice laced with a lazy smile drifted in.
"Let me see, who's got such a grand setup with an exclusive dressing room? Oh, if it isn't the super popular Mr. Wolf~"
Sakurajima Mai poked her head in. She was dressed in a sharp black jacket and casual trousers today, which made her skin look as white as snow. The jacket was draped casually over her arm, and her face wore that signature bright, slightly teasing smile of hers.
"Sakurajima-san."
Michiya Gōshin immediately stood up with a smile. "Stop teasing me. Please, come in."
Sakurajima Mai walked in with elegant strides, her interested gaze sweeping around the dressing room before finally landing on Michiya Gōshin. She teased, "How does it feel? Going from nearly being reviled by the entire internet to being the center of attention now. Wasn't that rollercoaster ride incredibly exciting? I was sweating bullets watching the final live broadcast, you know. Do you have any idea how many people were attacking you back then?"
Her tone was light, as if it were just a casual remark, but a hint of concern was hidden deep within her eyes.
"Thanks to the production team, it didn't end in a disaster."
Michiya Gōshin invited her to sit on the sofa.
"But seriously..."
Sakurajima Mai's playful expression subsided slightly. She leaned forward a bit, her tone growing more earnest.
"Your final words not only left a deep impression on the audience but also gained recognition from many within the entertainment circle. A lot of actresses have been mentioning your name recently."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
Just as the two were chatting like old friends, the dressing room door was silently pushed open again.
Kato Megumi walked in holding a freshly brewed cup of black coffee that exuded a rich aroma. As if she hadn't seen Sakurajima Mai, she walked straight to Michiya Gōshin's side, her soft yet clear voice interrupting their conversation.
"Michiya-san, your coffee. With milk and half a sugar cube, just how you like it."
Her appearance was like a small stone dropped into a calm lake, instantly capturing Sakurajima Mai's attention.
"And this is...?"
Sakurajima Mai was taken aback for a moment, her probing and questioning gaze immediately falling upon the girl with delicate features and an unusually calm demeanor who had suddenly appeared.
She remembered... Michiya Gōshin's previous manager was a middle-aged uncle.
"Let me introduce you."
Michiya Gōshin naturally took the coffee; the cup was the perfect temperature. "This is my artist assistant, Kato-san. This is Sakurajima-san, who is something of a senior to me in the entertainment industry."
Only then did Kato Megumi turn to Sakurajima Mai, bowing slightly, her face adorned with an impeccable professional smile.
"Sakurajima-san, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you. I am Michiya-san's artist assistant, Kato Megumi. I look forward to your guidance in our work together."
Kato Megumi's tone was steady, without a ripple of emotion, and her choice of words was extremely polite.
However, after looking her up and down, Sakurajima Mai found a flicker of displeasure rising inexplicably within her.
It was as if... a vigilant 'housekeeper' had suddenly appeared next to her very important 'friend'.
Perhaps this was a woman's intuition?
The lazy smile on Sakurajima Mai's face faded considerably, and her tone carried a hint of barely perceptible pride.
"Oh, an artist assistant. Michiya-kun really is different now. Your entourage is getting quite impressive."
The words sounded like a casual compliment but were tinged with a faint mockery.
"Don't tease me, Sakurajima-san. We're both here for business today," Michiya Gōshin said with a smile, then picked up the script lying beside him.
Kato Megumi, however, immediately said to Michiya Gōshin, "Michiya-san, I'll go and confirm the audition time with the director's team again."
Then, she gave another slight bow to Sakurajima Mai and turned to leave the dressing room quietly, her movements so light and silent it was as if she had never been there.
The atmosphere in the room became subtly stagnant for a moment.
Sakurajima Mai looked at the closed door, let out a soft hmph, and turned her gaze back to Michiya Gōshin. "Michiya-kun, your artist assistant seems very professional. Even though she's just a young girl, she has a very strong presence."
"That's true. Kato-san is very capable at her job."
Michiya Gōshin nodded, completely oblivious to the undertone in Sakurajima Mai's voice.
"An artist assistant is supposed to take care of your daily life, right? In that case, if I want to chat or catch up with you in the future, will I have to book an appointment with this Miss Assistant of yours first?"
"Uh..."
It finally clicked for Michiya Gōshin. He turned his head to look at Sakurajima Mai's proud expression—clearly annoyed but still smiling—and found it both amusing and a little helpless.
"You must be joking, Sakurajima-san."
He laughed helplessly, trying to ease the tension. "If you call me, I promise to be there at your beck and call."
"Is that so?"
Sakurajima Mai pouted noncommittally, clearly not entirely satisfied with his answer. But she couldn't press the matter further, though the uncomfortable feeling of her 'territory being invaded' became more pronounced.
Today was supposed to be a very happy day.
The girl knew that she would be auditioning for the drama with Michiya Gōshin today, and they would even be playing the male and female leads together. But she hadn't expected to run into something like this, leaving Sakurajima Mai's mood a bit complicated.
"Alright, I won't keep a busy man like you from your preparations. I'll see you at the audition. Give it your best, Arisu Ryōhei."
She deliberately used his character's name with a hint of banter, then waved and gracefully left the dressing room.
Michiya Gōshin watched the door close again, took a sip of his coffee—mellow and slightly bitter, the temperature perfect.
He shook his head, but a complex curve formed on his lips.
After a short rest, Kato Megumi and a staff member came to guide him to the audition venue.
Unlike the usual halls crowded with waiting actors, the audition area this time was quiet and orderly.
As he walked into the waiting area, he immediately felt gazes from all directions—curious, scrutinizing, envious, and more.
Kato Megumi followed him quietly, like a silent shadow.
Stepping into the audition studio, the lights were already set up.
Seated directly ahead was the main creative team, led by Director Aoyama Akihiro, with several television station executives and producers beside them.
When Director Aoyama saw Michiya Gōshin, a smile appeared on his face, his eyes full of expectation and trust.
Without much small talk, the audition began directly.
The scene Michiya Gōshin had to perform was after everyone on the once-bustling streets of Shibuya has mysteriously vanished in an instant, and the entire world falls into a dead silence. It was a monologue for the protagonist, Arisu Ryōhei.
He had to portray the transition from confusion and bewilderment to a growing realization that something is wrong, and finally, being consumed by immense panic and a sense of the absurd.
This was an extreme test of an actor's internal monologue and emotional layering.
Michiya Gōshin stood under the lights and took a deep breath. In that instant, he seemed to transform into a different person.
The usual calm and gentle demeanor on his face vanished, replaced by the lazy, dazed look of a slightly slackerish young man.
He looked around, his eyes first filled with the confusion of "What happened?" and "Where did everyone go?" while unconsciously muttering his friends' names.
Then, his steps became hesitant and frantic, his pupils dilated slightly, and his breathing grew rapid.
[Production Queue 1: Proficient Sheng-Tai-Xing-Biao]
[EXP: 1/100]
[EXP: 2/100]
[EXP: 3/100]
Michiya Gōshin tried to shout, but the sound, tinged with a tremor, got stuck in his throat.
The profound sense of unreality and the creeping chill brought on by the drastic change in his surroundings were vividly conveyed through his subtle facial expressions and body language.
Finally, he staggered back a few steps, his back hitting a table, and slowly slid down.
He buried his hands in his hair, his shoulders trembling slightly, his face contorted in the agony of someone being choked by extreme absurdity and fear.
The young man's once bright and clear eyes were now filled with incredible despair and a vast bewilderment of "what on earth happened to this world."
Three minutes later, the performance ended.
A brief silence fell over the audition studio.
Then, several producers and TV executives couldn't help but whisper among themselves, their faces etched with astonishment and admiration.
"Brilliant! That level of fear and confusion... it's just so real!"
"Michiya-san's eye acting is incredible! He's the spitting image of Arisu Ryōhei!"
"Yeah, and I heard he recently became famous as the 'dating show wolf,' right? I think he's the perfect choice, fitting for the original work's mind-game background."
A producer brought this up, causing the nearby executives to have a sudden realization.
What they didn't know was that this producer was actually a member of Director Aoyama's team, and his comment was a deliberate move to provoke their thoughts.
Michiya Gōshin's casting as the male lead was a prior promise from Suo Fumio. As the head of Nenshi, his decisions were always carried out.
So, regardless of what anyone thought, the male lead would ultimately be Michiya Gōshin. However, through Director Aoyama's deliberate guidance, they could preemptively squash any potential rumors.
This was a more stable approach, ensuring the show would not be tainted by any shadows.
"Director Aoyama, you've really struck gold!"
One of the executive assistant directors, a veteran at the station, couldn't help but cast a satisfied look at Michiya Gōshin.
The next moment, Michiya Gōshin slowly rose from the floor. He quickly detached himself from the character's emotions and looked again towards Director Aoyama.
Aoyama Akihiro had already witnessed Michiya Gōshin's special qualities on the dating show, and seeing him audition in person today only increased his satisfaction.
"Very good, Michiya-kun. The audition results will be announced shortly. You can wait in your dressing room."
Director Aoyama's voice, calm yet powerful, came through the microphone.
Michiya Gōshin bowed slightly. "Thank you, Director. I will continue to work hard."
"Next, Yamazaki Kento."
________________________________________
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