"Is the new project you mentioned going to be 'Steins;Gate' 0? With the current popularity of 'Steins;Gate', if you can create a storyline that's as strong as Season 1, and with how much the network is backing you now—I'm certain the ratings will even surpass 'Hikaru no Go's second season," said Cheng Lie, eyes practically sparkling.
Steins;Gate 0.
Jing Yu paused to think, then replied:
"It's not decided yet. Give it a month or two—you'll find out."
Two months were more than enough for many things to change.
Jing Yu had no intention of committing prematurely. If he made an official announcement now, it'd box him in, leaving no room to pivot to another project if inspiration struck elsewhere.
That said, considering 'Steins;Gate's fanbase, 'Steins;Gate' 0 certainly had production value.
Of course, many of the shows Jing Yu had access to through his exchange system had high production potential, and he didn't think 'Steins;Gate' 0 was necessarily better than the others.
But—some things just felt incomplete without a full arc.
He'd already done the main series. Skipping the "0" route felt… off.
Still, no need to decide right away. It could all change with a single thought.
"You're good at keeping secrets, huh?" Cheng Lie laughed.
"Well, if you've got it all figured out, I won't pester you anymore. Since you're so… 'chest full of bamboo' or whatever, then enjoy your free time."
Knowing now that Jing Yu wasn't wasting time but simply pacing himself, Cheng's mood instantly brightened.
He slammed the gas pedal, and the car surged forward.
Before long, the two arrived at their destination:
A villa estate in the suburbs—booked as the celebration venue for the three drama crews under Jing Yu's name for the summer season.
"Good evening, Jing Yu-sensei!"
"You're looking handsome as ever!"
"We haven't seen you in two weeks, and you've gotten even more charming!"
"Thank you for your hard work!"
Back when he first joined Yunteng TV, people only greeted him because he was "the boss."
But now, their enthusiasm was genuine.
Because people are practical: when someone leads them to fame and fortune, who wouldn't like that person?
The actors for Shindō Hikaru and Tōya Akira, Wu He and Li He, approached Jing Yu immediately with gifts they'd prepared ahead of time.
Even though only the core members of the three production teams were invited, the number still reached over a hundred.
But Jing Yu chatted and mingled effortlessly—he wasn't the type to isolate himself.
In the six months since arriving at Yunteng TV, he had built strong working relationships with many departments and people.
After exchanging pleasantries, Jing Yu's eyes drifted to two familiar figures standing nearby: Yu Youqing and Xia Yining.
Yu Youqing wore a flowing red evening gown, elegant and radiant.
Xia Yining wore a playful blue dress—though her attention was clearly fixed on the buffet table.
"Yo! It's been two weeks. How have you two been?" Jing Yu smiled and approached.
"You still remember us, huh? Big shot like you!" Xia Yining teased, glancing at Yu Youqing before stabbing a piece of meat with her fork.
"Want some?" she offered, raising the half-eaten bite.
Jing Yu looked at it… Then answered plainly:
"Nope."
"Still the same," Yu Youqing chuckled, picking up the conversation.
"The new drama crew's director is an old-timer. Kind of naggy and loves to drink. It's been a bit of an adjustment—after all, we've only worked on your shows until now."
"Anyway, I heard you've been buried in video games since filming wrapped up for 'Hikaru no Go'. Producer Cheng's been worrying you'd slack off for good. I told him this is just how you operate, but he wouldn't believe me."
She casually moved to Jing Yu's side and took two glasses of red wine from a passing server's tray, handing one to him.
"Oh? He's talking about me behind my back?" Jing Yu grinned.
"Probably figured since I'm not just your co-star, but someone... close to you, I could talk some sense into you." Yu Youqing glanced at him meaningfully.
"Close to you."
Her words gave Jing Yu pause.
Xia Yining's expression immediately turned… complicated.
"Haha… Producer Cheng sure worries too much." Jing Yu chuckled and let it slide.
"Anyway," he pivoted, "you two will be joining the trip to the Capital, right? Our nominated team members are heading out the day after tomorrow. Any chance your new shoot can accommodate that?"
Yu Youqing sighed softly, then smiled.
"Of course. It's a major event for Yunteng TV. They wrapped our scenes ahead of schedule so we could attend."
"Hey, Jing Yu," Xia Yining cut in.
"Don't you think you should have more going on in your life besides filming and gaming?"
"Like what?"
"Like… we've been shooting together for over half a year, and you've never once invited me out anywhere! We even came to Modo from the same hometown in Lan Province. Now that we're going to the Capital, it's the perfect opportunity. I already made plans—how about we do some sightseeing together?"
She smiled, blinking with mischief.
Jing Yu's expression shifted.
Yu Youqing's hand tensed slightly.
Was… was that an invitation to a date?
Jing Yu glanced at Xia Yining, then at Yu Youqing.
He had already noticed their feelings back when they were still in Lan Province.
But he had never planned to take things further.
Not because there was anything wrong with either of them—they were both beautiful, talented, and kind.
It's just… he was used to being alone.
Even in his past life, he had dated once or twice. But those relationships didn't last—different life goals, incompatible views.
Now, with his parents gone in this life, there was no one pushing him to settle down, and he had slipped into full single NEET mode.
Honestly, a romantic relationship sounded nice on paper, but…
So does sinking into an all-night gaming session.
He'd always been an introvert. His worldview was just… different.
But while Yu Youqing had the patience to wait, Xia Yining clearly didn't.
She'd already realized Jing Yu was a "hopeless NEET" and knew subtle influence wasn't going to cut it.
Time to take the initiative.
"Well?" she pressed.
"What about me?" Yu Youqing suddenly added.
"I came to Modo city from Lan Province, too, and I'm just as much your friend.
Shouldn't I be part of the travel plan?"
She smiled, her eyes sharp and bright.
A flicker of frustration passed over Xia Yining's face.
All that closeness—calling her "Xiao Ning" every day—
And now this? Couldn't she take a hint and back off for once?
"Um—" Jing Yu tried to interject.
"Don't even think about refusing!" Xia Yining laughed, cutting him off.
"We've known each other for so long. I finally invite you somewhere, and you're going to say no?"
Jing Yu hesitated, clearly cornered.
"And Yu-jie, if you want to come too, then let's all go together," Xia Yining said with a sigh.
After all, it wasn't like this was some secret date.
They were all traveling as a group for the awards show.
Rather than play games, it was better to be direct.
In the end, they could each try their luck.
"Um—" Jing Yu tried again.
"It's settled!" Xia Yining clapped her hands.
"In two days, we leave for the Capital.
Let's treat it like a reunion trip for the three of us old friends from the Lan Province TV station!"
Jing Yu fell silent.
He decided not to push back any further.
Refusing now would just embarrass her.