The two exchanged a few more polite words before the girl finally turned and left.
As she walked away, she slowed her steps slightly.
From her hesitant posture, it was clear that she had wanted to ask for Akira Fujimiya's contact information. However, after glancing at Meguri Shiromeguri, who stood naturally close beside him, her lips pressed together in hesitation, and she ultimately gave up the thought.
Her figure gradually disappeared into the crowd.
The entire amusement park tour area soon returned to its usual lively but distant noise.
Although Meguri couldn't understand the language Akira had used earlier, she could easily guess the content of the conversation from the context.
It was obvious that the girl had been asking for directions.
"Senpai," Akira suddenly said with a smile, "am I handsome?"
Meguri was momentarily stunned by the sudden question.
She turned to look at him seriously, then nodded without hesitation.
"Yes," she replied honestly. "Very handsome."
Akira chuckled softly.
"That girl just now seemed like she wanted my contact information," he said casually, his gaze still resting on the girl's retreating back. "But when she saw how close you and I were, she decided not to ask."
Meguri lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the hem of her skirt.
"…Akira-kun," she asked quietly, "did you want to get to know her?"
Akira turned his attention back to Meguri.
"What I meant," he said gently, "is that Senpai is very beautiful, and I happen to be very handsome. So naturally, we're a good match."
As he spoke, he lifted Meguri's hand and lightly kissed the back of it.
Meguri's cheeks flushed instantly.
"I… I'm not as pretty as Yukinoshita-san…" she said softly.
Being praised so directly made her feel shy, and she instinctively lowered her head.
Akira laughed quietly.
"Yukino's is very beautiful," he said. "It's true but—"
He paused briefly, then continued.
"Senpai's is also very beautiful, your beauty is like a bouquet of flowers spread across a wide grassland. It doesn't force itself upon anyone. It simply waits for passers-by to notice it—and once they do, they won't be able to forget it."
'Too bad, they wouldn't get the chance.'
When Meguri heard this, her eyes brightened, and a genuine smile appeared on her face.
Her heart felt light and warm.
.....
The two continued playing at the amusement park.
Time passed quickly.
Before they realized it, nearly two hours had gone by.
Laughing, chatting, and occasionally stopping to rest, Akira and Meguri enjoyed the rare leisure of summer vacation.
Eventually, they left the amusement facilities and headed toward a nearby shopping mall.
Inside the mall, Meguri tried on several outfits that Akira personally selected for her.
Each time she stepped out of the fitting room, Akira would give calm but sincere evaluations.
When she tried on the final outfit, she returned to the fitting room for a long time.
Only after changing back into her original clothes did she— discover that Akira had already paid for all the clothes she had tried on.
"Fujimiya-kun…!" Meguri exclaimed, startled.
"No matter what you say, I'm not trying on anything else," she declared firmly.
Akira smiled but didn't force her.
He simply continued walking beside her as they strolled through the mall.
By the time lunchtime arrived, Meguri selected a restaurant herself.
"I'll treat today," she said earnestly. "Please let me."
Akira didn't refuse.
After lunch, Meguri paid the bill with a satisfied smile on her face.
Once they stepped out of the restaurant, Akira spoke again.
"Senpai, you shouldn't do this in the future," he said lightly. "When you become a housewife someday, don't save money for me."
Meguri froze.
Akira continued calmly.
"I'll buy you a house so you can take good care of the children."
"Fujimiya-kun…!" Meguri's face instantly turned red.
"What?" Akira asked, tilting his head slightly. "Don't you want to?"
"I do!" Meguri replied almost immediately, panicking slightly at her own honesty.
Akira smiled knowingly.
"I understand," he said. "Senpai is worried about what Yukino might say, right?"
Meguri lowered her voice.
"…Yes."
"Don't worry," Akira said, winking playfully. "As long as Yukino doesn't know, she won't say anything."
She already does....
Meguri was stunned.
That was technically a solution—but she couldn't help feeling conflicted.
Deceiving others, especially Yukinoshita Yukino her Kouhai, didn't sit well with her.
Akira laughed softly.
"Just kidding," he said. "Yukino would want to have a child first before it's your turn."
Then, speaking seriously, he added, "As compensation, I'll take Senpai to a romantic place to get married, provide you with a house, and visit you often."
Meguri's face burned.
"I… I'll listen to you," she said softly.
.....
After escorting Meguri back to her apartment, Akira took his leave.
Soon after, he arrived at Hoshiyuu Agency.
Hayama Riko had received his call earlier and was already waiting outside.
As soon as the car stopped, she stepped forward and opened the door.
Akira got out and glanced at her.
She seemed to be wearing light makeup today.
"I haven't seen you in a few days," Akira said casually. "You look more beautiful."
"I didn't wear makeup very often before," Hayama Riko replied, lowering her head.
She already had a good foundation. Even without makeup, her features were delicate.
Now, with light makeup, her appearance was even more refined—no less striking than Shimizu Saori!
"Is it because of me?" Akira asked with a smile.
"....Yes," Hayama Riko answered quietly.
"I have a date tonight," Akira said. "Tomorrow, come to my restaurant for dinner. I opened it with a top chef from overseas."
Hayama Riko's expression immediately brightened.
"Okay."
"Now that personal matters are settled, let's talk business," Akira said as he walked into the office.
Hayama Riko's expression became serious.
She began reporting the revenue of the virtual idols.
Currently, the top virtual idols under Hoshiyuu Agency were earning over five million yen per month.
Since the launched overseas, the number of fans had exceeded one million, benefiting from the traffic bonus of the new video website.
Some live broadcasts generated millions in revenue and even made the news.
While some of the numbers were inflated, their overall value was undeniably far higher than before.
Hayama Riko was naturally delighted from it.
Akira, however, wasn't particularly surprised.
After reviewing the detailed data in her office, he had a clearer understanding.
With their current fan base, their monthly income was at least two million overseas.
Converted into Japanese yen, it was already in the tens of millions.
"With their current momentum," Hayama Riko said softly, "they'll probably reach five million fans within half a year. Their income will also be double, and they'll receive many advertising offers and merchandise deals. Their value will increase more than a hundredfold."
"That's normal," Akira replied calmly. "They have received full support from the new video website, and competition pressure is still low. The second phase will launch in half a year, still as a group...."
He paused briefly.
"In fact, their growth has been deliberately restricted. If they were allowed to develop across all platforms, their fan count would have exceeded ten million already."
But this restriction also had advantages!
The new video platform was still in its early stage.
Later, when it fully developed, these idols would be the original group—The Pioneers!
By then, their position would be unshakable.
"Fujimiya-sama," Hayama Riko said hesitantly, "my sister contacted me earlier. She wants to cooperate with us to create a new virtual idol!"
Akira glanced at her.
"Is she interested in virtual idols too?"
"I'm not sure," Hayama Riko admitted. "But she invested heavily in it."
"That's simple," Akira said after thinking briefly. "Create an exclusive virtual idol for her mobile platform."
"…Is that really possible?" Hayama Riko asked, stunned.
"The virtual idol industry will drive traditional industries," Akira explained. "Anything related to the internet will be affected. This is likely the future trend."
Hayama Riko nodded thoughtfully.
"You can decide this yourself," Akira said. "I'll only provide suggestions."
"I understand," she replied seriously.
Akira held her hand gently.
"Although I hope you prioritize me," he said softly, "I also understand your feelings. As long as you tell me, I'll cooperate with your family. Everyone can benefit."
"I'll always prioritize the company," Hayama Riko said firmly. "No matter what my sister says."
.....
After leaving Hayama Riko's office, Akira headed to the recording site of the voice actor program.
This episode was hosted by Hikigaya Komachi, with Shimizu Saori and two other senior voice actors invited.
They were reviewing competition footage from Hoshiyuu Agency's members.
As seniors, they spoke boldly and honestly.
During the recording, footage of Komachi's own competition was played.
As her teacher, Shimizu Saori pointed out her shortcomings bluntly.
Komachi accepted it immediately.
When the camera turned to her, she whispered mischievously that she would add chili to the director's dessert next time.
The director laughed beside her.
To him, hosts like Komachi were treasures!
During commercial breaks, snacks were brought in.
Komachi enthusiastically introduced them one by one.
The other three claimed they rarely ate snacks—but could never stopped themselves from eating this.
Komachi whispered to the camera:
"Other than the teacher, the two of them eat snacks every time we record… I think they've gained weight."
She stepped on a landmine!
...
If you'd like to support me and read chapters in advance, feel free to check out my:
Patr**on.com/Zero0000683
Discord:- NmKxzWGEPf
.....
Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
.....
Word Count — 1,590