The filming of We Made a Beautiful Bouquet wrapped up, as if drawing a rest note on a carefully composed movement.
Michiya Gōshin quietly shed the shell of [Yamane Mugi], which was slightly tinged with melancholy and hesitation. Like a cicada shedding its skin, he swiftly threw himself into another, more realistic battlefield.
A brief three-day holiday?
To him, that was merely a switch in work scenarios.
On the second day after filming wrapped, while most of the cast and crew were still immersed in rest or traveling to their next set, Michiya Gōshin had already appeared in the conference room on the top floor of the Hoshino Talent Agency, which boasted an excellent view.
Sunlight poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, yet it could not dispel the serious atmosphere of capital and interests that permeated the air.
Around the oval mahogany conference table, three distinct factions sat clearly separated.
Michiya Gōshin sat upright on one side, dressed in a well-tailored navy blue suit. The buttons of his white shirt were meticulously fastened to the collar. He had shed the emotional radiance of an actor, revealing the calmness and steadiness belonging to a decision-maker.
To his left was the experienced manager, Nakahara Kazuya, who was carefully flipping through the documents in front of him, his brows slightly furrowed as if assessing the risk of every line of the clauses. To his right sat the increasingly capable and reliable artist assistant, Kato Megumi.
Opposite them was Suo Hayato, representing the massive Nenshi capital.
He still carried the air of a conglomerate scion. His dark gray suit was casually unbuttoned, and he leaned back in his chair, unconsciously twirling a limited-edition fountain pen in his fingertips. However, his gaze was as sharp as a hawk's. Seated beside Suo Hayato were two legal and financial elites with solemn expressions, clearly experts in business warfare.
On the other side, posing with even more composure, was President Kato Arashi of the Hoshino Talent Agency.
She wore a classic Chanel suit, her makeup exquisite. Her hands were elegantly folded on the table, and her face wore her habitual gentle smile. Beside her were similarly capable subordinates responsible for legal and business affairs.
"Well then, let's begin."
Suo Hayato spoke first, breaking the brief silence. His voice sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet conference room.
"Regarding the concept for the [Star Engine] company proposed by Michiya-kun, as well as the Your Name animated movie project... if we are truly going to engage in deep cooperation, we must first clarify the company's equity structure and distribution model."
"Since everyone is present today, we must finalize this as soon as possible."
President Kato Arashi nodded slightly and chimed in.
"Michiya-kun is an outstanding artist discovered and cultivated single-handedly by our Hoshino. We have all witnessed his growth. We express understanding and support for his intention to establish a production company. Under the new framework, we at Hoshino are willing to seek a deeper and more mutually beneficial method of cooperation."
Her words were watertight; she affirmed Michiya Gōshin's value while also indicating the Hoshino Talent Agency's stance of not letting go easily.
The following few hours were a game without gunpowder smoke but surging with undercurrents.
Although Michiya Gōshin had good personal relationships with both Suo Hayato and Kato Arashi, during the startup phase of a company, these interest entanglements had to be detailed and clear.
Numbers, percentages, clauses, rights... these cold vocabulary words collided and clashed in the air.
Nakahara Kazuya, Kato Megumi, and a legal specialist hired by Michiya Gōshin communicated and negotiated together. Michiya Gōshin himself became the core of this negotiation.
He did not speak often, but every time he opened his mouth, he went straight to the crux of the matter.
Michiya Gōshin's tone was calm, his logic clear. There was no cowardice or impatience of a novice in his eyes, only a steadiness and determination based on strength and confidence. This made both Suo Hayato and Kato Arashi look at him with newfound respect.
"Michiya-kun has truly given me a surprise. It seems I didn't misjudge you back then."
After a round of debate regarding the attribution of responsibility for budget overruns, Suo Hayato leaned forward, a touch of appreciation in his gaze.
"After all, this is business; naturally, one must go all out."
Michiya Gōshin smiled faintly, his gaze perfectly composed.
Finally, after repeated seesawing, compromises, and consensus, a cooperation framework acceptable to all three parties was preliminarily established.
The Nenshi capital held by Suo Hayato would inject funds, accounting for 20% of the shares of [Star Engine] Corporation.
The Hoshino Talent Agency would inject funds, accounting for 10% of the shares.
The remaining 70% of the shares would be held solely by Michiya Gōshin personally, and he would be responsible for the corresponding capital investment.
Michiya Gōshin would serve as the Company President, possessing absolute controlling rights. He held a one-vote veto power over major strategic decisions, project initiations, and core team appointments.
As important shareholders, Nenshi and Hoshino enjoyed the right to dividend returns proportional to their shares. They also held priority cooperation rights in their respective areas of expertise, such as Nenshi's distribution channels and Hoshino's artist resources and partial production management experience.
"Happy cooperation, President Michiya."
Suo Hayato stood up first. Across the wide conference table, he extended his hand to Michiya Gōshin. Since starting cooperation with the other party, he had witnessed many miracles and believed this step was the right one.
"Happy cooperation, Michiya-kun... no, I should formally address you as President Michiya now."
Kato Arashi also stood up elegantly and extended her hand. A trace of complexity flashed through her eyes, but there was more anticipation for this forward-looking investment.
Michiya Gōshin shook hands with the two of them in turn with force, feeling the strength and warmth transmitted from their palms. He responded in a deep voice, "Happy cooperation, Mr. Suo, President Kato. [Star Engine] will definitely go all out."
Regarding funds, after more than a year of workload that could be called model-worker intensity—being a core guest on the hit variety show Love is a Life Mandatory Course, holding long-term endorsements for three high-end brands, various advertisement magazine shoots, participating in the Alice in Borderland TV series, and the recently wrapped We Made a Beautiful Bouquet movie.
Both his acting fees and endorsement fees were very high. Added to the royalty income brought by the long-tail effect of Love Letter, Michiya Gōshin's personal bank account had long possessed funds exceeding several hundred million yen.
Although paying the registered capital for [Star Engine], as well as the initial venue rental, personnel recruitment, and basic operating expenses would consume more than half of it and bring certain financial pressure, it was still within a controllable range.
Moreover, when the Your Name project formally launched later, the capital injections from Nenshi and Hoshino Talent Agency would be poured in as special project funds, which would greatly alleviate operational pressure.
With the framework set, over the next few days, under Nakahara Kazuya's macro control and Kato Megumi's meticulous execution, the preparatory work for [Star Engine] advanced efficiently.
They ran through almost all of Tokyo's core business districts. Finally, in a new type of intelligent office building in Minato Ward that found quiet amidst the noise, they selected a unit with an area of about two hundred square meters, excellent views, and a reasonable spatial layout as the company's startup base.
Standing in the empty office filled with infinite possibilities, looking at the silhouette of Tokyo Tower outside the window, a surge of heroic spirit welled up in Michiya Gōshin's heart.
At the same time, the interface with the senior legal team was also proceeding in full swing.
The drafting of the articles of incorporation, the legal confirmation of the equity structure, intellectual property rights, and the polishing of details for the cooperation agreements with Nenshi and Hoshino... countless tedious yet crucial legal documents piled up on Kato Megumi's temporary desk.
Thanks to the profound connections and resources accumulated by Hoshino Talent Agency in the industry over many years, these business processes, which usually caused founders to burn out, were able to run on a relatively smooth track, avoiding many unnecessary troubles.
When the registration certificate for "Star Engine Corporation," symbolizing legal recognition and business departure, was finally in his hands, Michiya Gōshin stared at that thin piece of paper that weighed as heavy as a thousand jun. His fingertips could even feel a subtle tremor.
This was not just a commercial entity; this was the concrete manifestation of his ambition, a key step in his transition from a pawn to a chess player, and the first cornerstone of his future massive business empire.
The company skeleton was preliminarily built; the next step was to inject the first soul into it.
The Your Name project had to be advanced at an accelerated pace.
Michiya Gōshin had Suo Hayato use Nenshi's massive channels to send cooperation invitations to top production companies and excellent directors in the Japanese animation industry.
The name of Nenshi, coupled with the story prototype of Your Name which was full of imagination and emotional tension, acted like a giant magnet, rapidly attracting attention from multiple parties.
After multiple rounds of screening, including initial contact, portfolio assessment, and communication of creative concepts, three animation companies known for high quality and unique styles finally entered the shortlist.
[Comet Sha], known for its beautiful, ethereal visuals and highly poetic use of color.
[Kusanagi Animation Studio], a balanced and steady company, especially famous for being able to master grand scenes requiring a large amount of original art and complex special effects, and highly acclaimed for depicting delicate emotional changes and magnificent natural scenery.
And [White Fox Studio], which was excellent in the precise control of narrative rhythm.
These three animation companies would simultaneously dispatch personnel to form the production team for Your Name, producing this animated movie under extreme time pressure.
At the same time, an excellent animation director, Shirakawa Makoto, was selected by Suo Hayato as the supervisor for this movie to lead this very important project.
"Well then, Michiya-kun, now everything is ready; we only lack the east wind."
After the meeting ended, Suo Hayato patted Michiya Gōshin on the shoulder, his tone carrying expectation and urging.
"The director and the production team both need to see the complete script to carry out detailed storyboard design. Time waits for no one. How long do you need to produce the final draft of the script?"
Michiya Gōshin's face revealed a calm and confident smile, as if he already had the strategy in his chest.
"Rest assured. Give me a few days of seclusion, and the complete first draft of the script will definitely be presented on time."
With the incomparably clear finished film in his brain as a blueprint, reproducing it was not a very complex matter.
"Then I'll be waiting for your results."
In the afternoon, the setting sun rendered the sky into a stretch of warm orange-red and rose-purple.
Michiya Gōshin and Kato Megumi said goodbye downstairs at the office building where [Star Engine]'s new office was located.
Streetlights were just coming on, and traffic flowed like a woven tapestry; the night of Tokyo was about to unveil its curtain.
"Michiya-san, the company's initial administrative structure, financial processes, and basic recruitment plan have been preliminarily drafted. The procurement list for office furniture and equipment has also been sent to your email for confirmation."
Kato Megumi reported meticulously. Her reliability and efficiency had already become an indispensable part of Michiya Gōshin's life.
"Thank you for your hard work, Kato. Next, my work focus will be entirely placed on script creation and the promotion for Alice in Borderland starting next month. The daily management and coordination here at the company, I leave to you."
Michiya Gōshin nodded, his tone carrying trust.
"Please rest assured, I will handle it well."
Kato Megumi bowed slightly, watching Michiya Gōshin turn and walk toward his apartment.
When he returned to his home in the high-end apartment complex, he pushed open the door, and a fragrance distinctly different from the usual wafted toward his face, causing his footsteps to pause involuntarily.
Michiya Gōshin took off his leather shoes with some doubt and walked into the spacious living room. The scene before him made him freeze on the spot instantly.
He saw Kurokawa Akane wearing soft, light gray loungewear, her fair feet bare. She was squatting on the soft wool carpet in the center of the living room, surrounded by several open suitcases and storage bags.
She was carefully placing a folded beige sweater into one of the suitcases. One of her frequently worn mauve knitted cardigans was draped casually over the sofa, and her exclusive thermos cup with a cartoon pattern and an open script were placed on the coffee table.
"Akane... what is this?"
Michiya Gōshin blinked and spoke with some uncertainty, obvious confusion in his voice.
Hearing the sound, Kurokawa Akane lifted her head. Seeing that Michiya Gōshin had returned, her face immediately lit up as if ignited, blooming with a bright and warm smile.
She put down the clothes in her hands and walked briskly to him. Very naturally, she took the suit jacket he had just taken off, turned around, and hung it in the closet in the entryway.
"Yu-kun, you're back."
The girl's voice was light and brisk, carrying a hint of coquettishness. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling.
"I am your girlfriend now, you know. Thinking about our work schedules later, you have to write scripts and run promotions, and I might have continuous filming and announcements. The time we can meet will definitely be pitifully scarce..."
As she spoke, she pouted slightly, looking even more adorable.
"So I thought... why don't I bring over some commonly used changes of clothes and daily necessities."
Kurokawa Akane pointed a finger at the suitcases on the floor that were obviously quite heavy. She smiled, her eyes flashing with a cunning yet happy light.
"This way, even if you are busy in seclusion writing scripts, if I finish work late or have a day off the next day, I can come directly here. That way we can have a little more time together."
"Look, I've even prepared pajamas and... um, some intimates."
She lowered her voice for the last sentence, two blushes flying onto her cheeks. She carried a maiden's shyness, yet bravely looked straight into his eyes, as if observing her lover's reaction.
Looking at the suitcases stuffed full on the floor, and then looking at Kurokawa Akane's adorable stance of "I have unilaterally decided and begun execution," Michiya Gōshin felt somewhat helpless, but also somewhat touched.
He truly hadn't anticipated that with their relationship just clarified, the other party would immediately start taking action.
"You really are... moving like lightning. I indeed have to go into seclusion for these two days to sprint with all my strength on the Your Name script. Next month I'll have to rotate continuously running promotional activities for Alice in Borderland, so I might really not have time to accompany you properly."
"It doesn't matter."
Kurokawa Akane shook her head vigorously, as if to shake off his concerns. Then she extended her arm and affectionately linked it with his.
"I know Yu-kun's work is very important right now. I just want to stay in a place closer to you. Even if you are in the study typing away at the computer writing the script, just silently accompanying you from the side is fine for me."
"Alright then."
Michiya Gōshin finally nodded, smiling in compromise.
"Fine, whatever you say. As long as you don't feel cold-shouldered or ignored by me."
"I won't!"
Seeing him agree, Kurokawa Akane's face immediately bloomed with a smile as brilliant as the midsummer sun, so happy she almost jumped up.
"Then I'll continue packing!"
From this day on, Michiya Gōshin's high-end apartment, which originally was full of the aura of a single male, began to be branded with marks belonging to Kurokawa Akane at an astonishing speed.
Kurokawa Akane was like a meticulous and enthusiastic little bird, settling her items in one by one.
Including her clothes, from daily knitwear and jeans to those intimate undergarments with exquisite lace edges. They were all carefully categorized by her, then hung or placed in the side of Michiya Gōshin's closet that had been specially emptied out, standing shoulder to shoulder with his suits, shirts, and casual wear.
Her skincare products and cosmetics gradually occupied nearly half the space on the master bathroom vanity, the various bottles and jars forming a sharp contrast with his simple toiletries.
Her exclusive mug appeared on the cup rack in the kitchen, right next to the simple white porcelain cup Michiya Gōshin usually used.
That night, Michiya Gōshin sat in the ergonomic chair in the study, his eyes fixed tightly on the computer screen emitting a faint blue light. His fingertips danced rapidly across the mechanical keyboard.
The study door was ajar, letting in the warm light from the living room.
After an unknown amount of time, a set of extremely light footsteps approached. Kurokawa Akane, having just finished bathing, had dried her hair. Her body emitted the scent of the same body wash Michiya Gōshin used.
The girl was wearing only one of Michiya Gōshin's pure white chiffon shirts. The large size made her figure appear even more petite. The hem just covered her waist, revealing a pair of straight, slender legs glowing with a lustrous sheen under the incandescent light.
She didn't make a sound to disturb him. Instead, like a kitten seeking warmth and security, she curled her body with a hint of tentativeness, squeezed into Michiya Gōshin's embrace, and then found a comfortable position to sit sideways on his lap.
She buried her slightly hot cheek deeply into the crook of his warm neck. Her petite nose unconsciously rubbed against the skin on the side of his neck, and she took a deep breath, as if she wanted to be thoroughly stained with his scent.
Michiya Gōshin felt the sudden warm weight in his arms. He lowered his head, looking at his girlfriend relying completely on his embrace like a koala. He could clearly feel the curves and heat of her body under the thin shirt, as well as the moist fragrance emanating from her hair.
He smiled helplessly, then reached out to secure her more steadily in his arms. After confirming the girl was seated well, Michiya Gōshin's hands returned to the keyboard, continuing his previous train of thought and rhythm.
"Yu-kun, am I... disturbing your work like this?"
Kurokawa Akane asked muffledly into the crook of his neck, her voice carrying the languor of just having bathed and a trace of careful probing.
"To be honest, a little."
Michiya Gōshin answered honestly. After all, with a well-behaved and cute girlfriend sitting in his arms, his attention was inevitably diverted in part by her.
"However..."
He paused, feeling the person in his arms tense up slightly for an instant.
"The feeling isn't bad."
Hearing this, Kurokawa Akane seemed to have received a pardon and the highest praise. Her tense body instantly relaxed. She rubbed against the crook of his neck with satisfaction, found a more comfortable position, and then spoke no more, nor did she move around randomly. She just quietly leaned against his broad, warm chest.
To her, this unreserved physical contact was precisely the mode of romance she craved most in the depths of her heart. Far more than flashy dates and expensive gifts, this allowed her to feel the reality of being in love.
-------------------------
Two days later, at dusk.
Michiya Gōshin's apartment was peaceful. Only the faint sound of the keyboard coming from the study indicated that the master was busy.
Suddenly, the crisp sound of the doorbell broke the tranquility.
At this moment, Michiya Gōshin was in the study working on the final part of the Your Name script, which was also the part where emotions exploded. His mind was highly concentrated, completely immersed in the mixed joy and sorrow of that meeting across time and space and the subsequent forgetting.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Kurokawa Akane, who had just placed her last small ornament in an empty spot on the bookshelf, heard the doorbell. Thinking it was the takeout Michiya Gōshin had ordered earlier arriving, she naturally trotted over to open the door.
She was still wearing that dark blue knitted cardigan belonging to Michiya Gōshin. The sleeves were long, covering half of her hands. On her lower body, she wore only a pair of form-fitting shorts, her fair bare feet stepping on the slightly cool floor.
Her entire person was completely dressed in the appearance of a relaxed-to-the-extreme domestic girlfriend, even carrying a hint of a "little wife."
Outside the door stood a visitor who was almost out of place with the surrounding environment. She had obviously undergone careful disguise, wearing a wide-brimmed peaked cap on her head, a pair of tea-colored sunglasses covering most of her face, and a black mask tightly covering her face. She wore a low-key dark gray long trench coat, wrapping herself up airtight.
However, when the apartment door opened, what appeared behind the door was not the Michiya Gōshin she had anticipated, but Kurokawa Akane, looking like this—wearing a knitted cardigan that obviously belonged to a male size, with a lazy, domestic appearance.
"Um, you are?"
Kurokawa Akane didn't recognize the person immediately, so she hesitated.
It wasn't until Sakurajima Mai took off her hat and mask, revealing that quite pretty little face, that she realized who the person was.
"Sakurajima-san?!"
Kurokawa Akane was completely stunned at this moment. However, she reacted very quickly, then turned sideways slightly to clear the path leading inside, her tone appearing very polite.
"Sakurajima-san, um, please come in. Yu-kun is still working in the study."
Sakurajima Mai stood in place. Her gaze swept over that baggy men's knitted cardigan on Kurokawa Akane that was blinding to the eyes, then looked at the girl's such domestic attire, and her smiling face.
"...Mn, excuse me."
A few syllables spilled from Sakurajima Mai's mouth, the expression on her face showing neither happiness nor anger.
She needed to sort out her mood and properly ask Michiya Gōshin just what exactly this situation was.
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