How to raise a random guy's wife

Kobayashi Megumi, returning to the workplace, still carries her mother's gentleness, but also exudes a seriousness and authority rarely seen at home.

Like plum blossoms blooming in the winter snow, they appear gentle and delicate, but their continued blooming in the harsh cold is proof of their strength, inspiring awe in others.

"The development of new businesses will inevitably be accompanied by personnel changes and adjustments to job duties. Everyone can share their thoughts now, including their ideas about the new project and the projects they are currently responsible for." Kobayashi Megumi's gaze swept across the room, taking in the expressions of everyone present. "Or you can discuss it with Secretary Kobayashi later."

Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri clearly had no ideas; one was writing a script in her notebook, and the other was doodling.

Despite being important members of RER, the two were completely unaware of this.

Or rather, the two of them were very self-aware, which is why they didn't have any intention of getting involved.

When it comes to creative work, Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri's abilities are undeniable.

As for management...

just forget it.

One is bad at communication, and the other is bad at communication.

Now, with a division of labor, Kobayashi Sora and Kobayashi Megumi are in charge of management, while Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri are focused on creation, and everyone's abilities are being maximized.

Trust plays a crucial role in this relationship.

Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri trust Kobayashi Sora and Kobayashi Megumi's management skills and believe that they will not ruin their work for profit.

Kobayashi Sora and Kobayashi Megumi trust Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri's creative abilities and believe they will do their best to complete an excellent work.

However... not everyone has this kind of trust.

“I think this project needs further consideration,” someone said. “5 Centimeters Per Second has indeed achieved remarkable results, but this is the result of intense discussion among a group of people. I investigated some forum discussions and found results that differ from simple data.”

Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri looked up at the person who was speaking.

The person nodded slightly to them and continued, "The story of '5 Centimeters Per Second' is very simple, but Kasumi Utako-sensei incorporated subtle emotional changes into the simple story. This is the style of her early works... or rather, her debut work. However, the early sales failure of 'Love Metronome' and the subsequent explosive popularity of the 'Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai' series have already shown one thing—compared to delicate and complex emotions and sad plots, a relatively lighthearted writing style and interesting stories have a wider audience. I believe Kasumi Utako-sensei is also aware of this, which is why she collaborated with Kashiwagi Eri-sensei to use exquisite visuals to make up for the shortcomings in narrative pacing and the story itself."

Kobayashi Megumi tapped the table lightly. "Continue."

"The exquisite visuals and Liella!' promotion led many viewers unfamiliar with Shizuko Kasumi's style to watch '5 Centimeters Per Second,' resulting in many failing to understand its emotionally driven rather than content-driven format. Those who resonated with it praised it highly, while those who didn't found it pretentious. In other words, some loved it intensely, while others loathed it. This aligns with the requirements of niche works, but this approach won't work for filmmaking. Films need box office success and a wider audience, therefore the story needs to appeal to a broad range of viewers—especially for a genre like this with its high production difficulty and investment."

Just as Kobayashi Megumi was about to respond, she noticed Kasumigaoka Utaha's change in expression out of the corner of her eye and immediately changed her mind, "Kasumigaoka Utaha-sensei, what's your thought?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha looked at the previous spokesperson, "Have you seen it?"

“I’ve watched it many times,” the person replied earnestly. “To be honest, I feel a sense of helplessness, not in the context of the plot, but as a viewer. I know I need to let go and immerse myself completely in the story to feel the subtle shifts in emotions and appreciate the excellence of the work, but it is also because of these subtle shifts in emotions that I find it difficult to fully immerse myself in it—this contradictory feeling makes me feel helpless.”

“I need to correct a mistake you made.” Kasumigaoka Utaha crossed her arms. “It wasn’t because I couldn’t write a more suitable story that I sought out Kashiwagi Eri to collaborate with, but rather because I wanted to collaborate with her, which is why I wrote that kind of story.”

"Testing the audience's appeal by lowering the quality of the plot... I see, I misunderstood before." The person paused. "But there's another problem. Kashiwagi Eri's style already has considerable popularity in the industry, and many similar art styles are even called Kashiwagi Eri style. And this style refers to the characters, which is also what Kashiwagi Eri excels at. Abandoning the characters and focusing on the scenery, isn't this deliberate abandonment of her strength a bit too radical?"

“I’m good at drawing people… but I’m not the only one who can draw people,” Eriri muttered. “It’s just that I haven’t had the opportunity to demonstrate this before.”

"Since both teachers have considered this, I have no further questions."

Kobayashi Megumi nodded gently. "What about the others?"

With the first speaker in place, others followed suit and offered more ideas.

Some questions can be answered by Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri, while others require Kobayashi Sora to provide data and explanations.

As the discussion deepened, more pointed ideas were expressed.

"I do not agree with continuing to make films in this style," one person stated firmly. "Putting aside the creative abilities of the two teachers, this aggressive project development is inconsistent with the company's consistent stable development. Compared with other projects currently underway, films... especially this type of film, are too risky to invest in."

Kobayashi Megumi narrowed her eyes slightly. "Continue."

Chapter 535 is now available.

Kobayashi Sora smiled and had a kind expression.

Ah... Iori Hashima cast a sympathetic glance at the man.

The victim has been identified.

As a long-time partner and friend, Iori Hashima knows Kobayashi Sora too well.

This guy is most harmless when he has no expression.

It is truly harmless to humans and animals.

Because Kobayashi Sora had no need at that time.

Once he shows a kind expression that says "You have to trust me," it means he has already made a plan to meet his needs, and the plan is progressing smoothly.

“RER’s revenue is currently stable and improving. Centered on idol activities, we will launch various types of promotions once the required number of fans and activity levels are met. These include, but are not limited to, short stories, manga adaptations, game design, and even animation production,” the person explained. “In other words, all new promotions are launched under the premise that revenue is already guaranteed. We attract fans through idol activities, recoup funds through our works, and then use these funds to attract more idols and launch more idol activities. We have rich experience in these processes, with low investment and high returns. In contrast, movies have high investment costs and uncertain returns—I don’t think it’s necessary to spend a lot of money and manpower to produce high-cost, high-risk feature films at present.”

"Hmm." Kobayashi Megumi tapped the table lightly. "So, what are your thoughts?"

"I think we should now invest more resources in existing, mature projects, such as mobile game development and the further development of idol activities. Only after we have sufficient working capital and mature technology accumulation should we discuss issues related to film production."

"This film will be a collaboration with Red & Red Planning, so there's no need to worry about the technology," Kobayashi Megumi replied. "At the same time, due to the relationship between the two companies, funding won't be an issue either."

"But this does not guarantee that the film will be a success."

Nonsense... Kasumigaoka Utaha rolled her eyes. You've already disregarded the creative abilities of the two main creators, so who can guarantee the film's success?

If it weren't for the meeting, Kasumigaoka Utaha would have already started criticizing her.

Considering this was Kobayashi Sora and Kobayashi Megumi's home turf, Kasumigaoka Utaha could only silently shake her leg.

Eriri was also annoyed, annoyed by Kasumigaoka Utaha's leg shaking, and finally couldn't stand it anymore and grabbed Kasumigaoka Utaha's plump thigh covered by black stockings.

...It feels really good.

Kasumigaoka Utaha's lips curled up, silently lip-reading an accusation, "H."

Eriri: "......" It's clearly your fault for showing off your thighs!

H is your body, isn't it?

"The so-called mature project is the Superstar project, right?" Kobayashi Megumi further explained, "a multimedia expansion business centered on idol activities."

“That’s right, this is RER’s forte, and its prospects are excellent.”

"Hmm, are you familiar with RER's various projects?"

"Well... of course."

“Let me give you a brief overview to see if there are any discrepancies between what you know and what I say.” Kobayashi Megumi’s tone was gentle, but there was no room for negotiation in her voice. “RER’s main businesses include game development, light novel and manga publishing, copyright management, and the Superstar project. These businesses complement each other and have a very positive synergy – do you see the problem?”

"Huh?" A look of confusion flashed in the man's eyes.

“According to your plan, RER will become a single-business idol management company, rather than a balanced multimedia operation platform,” Kobayashi Megumi asked. “Are you aware of the risks of this single-business approach?”

"this......"

“To date, we have 98 idols with whom RER has a cooperative relationship. Of these, 32 have stopped their activities for various reasons, and more than half of them have been unable to continue their activities due to controversies. As a result, multimedia expansion centered around these individuals has also had to be stopped, and previous investments have become meaningless.” Kobayashi Megumi said calmly, “The result of a single business is that RER’s fate will be in the hands of idols who are difficult to control. Many investments may be wiped out because of one person’s problem.”

"That would allow us to strengthen the management of idols and sign more suitable contracts..."

"When an idol stops activities for personal reasons, it affects the multimedia expansion business centered around them. But when an idol stops activities due to company exploitation, it affects RER's business development and all idols that have partnerships with RER." Kobayashi Megumi suddenly realized something, "Your name is..."

"Martial Arts History," Kobayashi Sora reminded him, "Currently in charge of mobile game-related content."

Kobayashi Megumi thought for a moment, "I remember his name was on the list of layoffs before."

Kobayashi Sora flipped through the list

Wu Shi's expression showed a moment of panic.

Kobayashi Sora quickly glanced through the list. "He's not there."

Wu Shi breathed a sigh of relief.

Kobayashi Sora picked up her pen and wrote down the other person's name. "Now I have it."

Wu Shi: "On what grounds!?"

"Don't misunderstand, you weren't fired because you offered your opinion, but because you offered an opinion that others asked you to offer," Kobayashi Megumi explained. "As for only firing you, it's because those people are still useful, but we can't let them act recklessly, so we chose to fire you to give them a warning."

Wu Shi blushed, "I didn't!"

"You really like kaiseki cuisine..." Kobayashi Sora said with a smile, "That day, one of the dishes had too much salt, but only you noticed it. After all, the others were there to talk business and didn't care much about the food. And because your girlfriend is on a diet, you ate less that day, so you ate a little more while chatting."

Wu Shi's face turned ashen instantly.

"Initially, the Superstar project didn't have many supporters, but now it's one of RER's main businesses. Putting aside other influencing factors, as the person who spearheaded the Superstar project, I believe everyone should have at least a basic level of trust in this new project." Kobayashi Megumi surveyed the meeting room. "Of course, reasonable suggestions are welcome. However, before making any suggestions, please don't think solely from your own perspective. Such thinking will be one-sided and detrimental to the company's development. Also, for those members who aren't indispensable, you should rationally consider the ideas imposed on you by others, maintain independent thinking, and make relatively correct choices. There will be a series of personnel changes coming up, so please feel free to contact Secretary Kobayashi with any questions."

If... they dare.

Chapter 536 Long-Awaited Dream

"I feel like Megumi has that same aura she had back in the day," Eriri remarked.

Back when she was a high school student, Kobayashi Sora still remembered the confidence and assertiveness she exuded when facing adults like Maltz.

"This must be what they call 'couples looking alike,'" Kasumigaoka Utaha said, resting her chin on her hand. "They're becoming more and more alike."

After the company meeting ended, the atmosphere became much more relaxed during the internal meeting.

"So..." Iori Hashima looked at Sora Kobayashi, "when are you going to wear women's clothes?"

Sagara Fumio raised an eyebrow and looked Kobayashi Sora up and down. "You have a pretty good foundation."

After Mayu Sagara became a professional illustrator, Fumio Sagara also joined RER with her, and the two of them, Iori Hashima and Fuyumi, became... a perfect match... they just got along very well.

The two exchanged their experiences and discovered that they had a deep friendship.

We help each other in life and cooperate with each other at work.

Currently responsible for marketing and public relations at RER.

It's mainly about public relations.

Kobayashi Sora bought them a lot of insurance, fearing that one day they might receive birthday gifts and have two or three legs broken.

"Let's talk about projects." Kobayashi Sora looked speechless.

However, now he can understand why Kobayashi Megumi suddenly wanted to be a secretary back then.

Watching your loved one demonstrate their abilities in the workplace is indeed a pleasure.

The contrast between one's image at home and at work can be so captivating that it's hard to escape.

"As for the project," Kasumigaoka Utaha said, taking out a manuscript. "Look, the script for 'Your Name' is already written."