In crossover anime, who isn't a childhood friend?

After a brief discussion, Kudo Miyoko nodded repeatedly on the other end of the phone, noting it down in her notebook. She planned to take care of it for her current boss after hanging up.

At the same time, her feelings for Gen Chiya also increased rapidly.

Previously, the president said that if Chiyo got rich, she might become arrogant and lose herself in money, but now it seems that this is completely impossible.

Qianye not only didn't act that way, but she also cared deeply for her family. When she earned money, her first thought wasn't for herself, but rather to make things easier for her parents.

While not as earth-shattering as offering deer milk to one's parents or selling oneself into servitude to bury one's father, this can certainly be considered a model of filial piety in modern times.

"...Okay, I understand. I will reserve the best private room for the uncles and aunts and arrange the most sumptuous meal. I will make sure they have the best experience and can rest well."

"Thank you for your help, Miyoko-nee. Besides that, there's one more thing. Could you tell me about my social engagements for the rest of this week?"

"This week was actually alright, not as busy as before."

After school today, I have to go shoot a magazine cover photo. I've already contacted the other party in advance, and we can start as soon as we arrive. We should be able to finish before 7 pm.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, I need to meet with the editor from the lecture hall to discuss the limited edition hardcover collector's edition of "The Astrological Murderer".

There are no plans for Thursday.

On Friday, I have a contract signing project with Nishiyama-do; we need to shoot a new round of posters. Busujima will be there too.

"Understood, thank you for your hard work."

"Oh, it's all part of my job. Working with you now is much easier than taking care of the president before."

Yuan Qianye smiled and then hung up the phone.

The phone call lasted only four or five minutes, and there was still half of the break time left.

Gazing at the distant cityscape beyond the wire fence, I quietly contemplate the night under the gentle breeze.

He brought his phone back to his eyes and opened Hayasaka Ai's social media account.

[Yuan Qianye: Are you free after school on Thursday? Want to hang out?]

Not long after, Hayasaka Ai's persona at school was that of a high-profile, glamorous girl who frequently checked her phone at school.

Therefore, the message sent on the phone was quickly marked as read and a reply was received.

[Hayasaka Ai: ?]

Yuan Qianye smiled as she looked at her phone screen and slowly walked back to the classroom.

[Yuan Qianye: What does this question mark mean?]

[Hayasaka Ai: I was a little surprised because your invitation was so sudden.]

[Yuan Qianye: I'm really sorry, but the truth is I've been very busy lately, and Thursday was one of the few days I could finally have some free time.]

After sending the message, Yuan Qianye went downstairs.

After he returned to the classroom, Hayasaka Ai did not reply to any more messages.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"...Hey, Hayasaka-chan, class is about to start. The Mediterranean history professor is very strict. Aren't you going home?"

At the Shuchiin Academy Junior High School, in the garden area, several girls called out to Hayasaka Ai, who was staring at her phone in a daze.

Hayasaka Ai snapped out of her daze, then clasped her hands together with a bright smile.

"Sorry, sorry~ I need to go to the restroom, you guys go back first."

"We'll go with you."

"No need, it wouldn't be good if we were all late."

Hayasaka Ai said goodbye to her friends and ran into the restroom.

He picked up his phone again and looked at the message from Yuan Qianye.

Standing in the toilet stall, her breathing was slightly erratic and her heart was beating very fast.

I don't know if it was because I had been jogging all the way, or because I had sensed the deeper meaning behind Yuan Qianye's message.

He said he had been very busy lately, and Thursday was a rare free day.

Does this mean that, conversely, the first thing he thinks of doing when he has free time is to ask me out...?

Hayasaka Ai has always been very good at reading comprehension.

Noticing this, her delicate left fingertips unconsciously caressed the glass panel on the back of the phone, a blush creeping onto her face.

Her right hand was partially covering her face, and through the gaps between her fingers, one could see the corners of her mouth turned up, and she couldn't help but laugh.

While she was certainly happy about Chiyo's invitation, she also felt awkward about it.

After school on Thursdays, as a servant, she has to accompany Lady Kaguya to her tea ceremony class, and then attend the Fujiwara family's banquet in the evening.

Although it's not a particularly important arrangement, it still involves attending formal occasions, so wouldn't it be inappropriate to suddenly ask for leave...?

It doesn't seem like there's anything wrong with it. The young lady isn't a child who can't be separated from me for a moment.

Besides, if I arrange for other servants to accompany her before I take leave, there shouldn't be any problems.

After weighing the pros and cons, Hayasaka Ai ultimately found herself on the scales of her heart, with Minamoto Chiya and Shinomiya Kaguya each on opposite sides. After a moment of swaying, the curtain fell as Minamoto Chiya's side slowly sank to the bottom.

Although it seems complicated, it only takes two seconds.

[Hayasaka Ai: I'm sorry, I had work on Thursday, and I had to accompany Miss to a friend's party.]

[Minamoto Chiya: It's okay, let's make another date next time.]

[Hayasaka Ai: But I think the young lady probably won't say anything if I take a day off once in a while. I'll go talk to her at noon, and I can get back to you then.]

[Yuan Qianye: OK.]

It wasn't even noon yet.

After the second period in the morning, Hayasaka Ai couldn't wait to find an opportunity to have a private conversation with Shinomiya Kaguya in a corner of the school.

She got straight to the point, saying she wanted to take the day off after school on Thursday.

When asked by Kaguya Shinomiya for her reason, Hayasaka Ai certainly couldn't say that she went out on a date with that handsome young writer who was currently generating a lot of buzz... or go out to play together.

But a valid reason must be given, otherwise Kaguya might have doubts and might not grant leave.

So Hayasaka Ai took a deep breath, silently apologizing to her own shame, and turned her face aside, saying, "I miss my mom."

Kaguya Shinomiya's eyes widened slightly, and she subconsciously uttered an "Eh."

Then she looked at her attendant and best friend, Hayasaka Ai, who slowly turned her gaze back to her and looked at her with a rather annoyed expression.

She quickly realized that her reaction was inappropriate and forcibly suppressed the smile that was about to burst from her face.

"Ahem!" Kaguya coughed dramatically, her fist pressed against her mouth. "Oh, I see. Well then, we don't have to wait until Thursday. I can grant you leave today."

"But my mom only has time on Thursdays."

"Oh, I see... I understand now. Go ahead, and please give my regards to Auntie while you're at it."

Hayasaka Ai nodded.

Alright, that means things are settled on the young lady's side.

The young lady couldn't know her own mother's working hours, but she could make a special call to the main family to inquire.

But given the young lady's relationship with those people in the main family... it's obvious that's impossible.

It was so perfect that there was no flaw in it.

noon.

Hayasaka Ai sent a message to Minamoto Chiya, indicating that everything on her side had been arranged smoothly.

Looking at his reply, "Then it's a date, see you then," along with the meeting address he sent.

Hayasaka Ai's lips curled up rapidly; she was already secretly looking forward to seeing him the day after tomorrow.

I've been putting on face masks every night these past few days. By the way, should I go to a beauty salon and get my hair treated while I'm at it?

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After school, Chiya Minamoto was picked up by Miyoko Kudo and rushed to the studio to shoot a magazine cover.

After he became famous, his talents in kendo, piano, and literature were naturally talked about.

But what really generated more buzz was his good looks.

That's just how society is.

Many people know that they shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but they still tend to pay more attention to those who are more good-looking.

Just like Kanna Hashimoto, who was called a "once-in-a-millennium beauty" because of a dance photo when she was fourteen.

After becoming popular again on social media, Yuan Qianye was also given the same title of "once-in-a-millennium beautiful boy".

Like "The Tiger of the Empire," Gen Chiya still felt ashamed of such a melodramatic title.

But no matter how ashamed he felt, he couldn't stop the nickname from spreading.

As shame upon shame, self-esteem gradually deteriorates—and then one gets used to it.

Anyway, everyone's just joking around online; it's fine as long as no one calls him that to his face.

It was a little after 4 p.m.

The two arrived at the photography studio.

After exchanging polite greetings, Yuan Qianye changed into the jacket and clothing provided on site, and work immediately began.

The makeup artist came over first; his job was to do Yuan Qianye's makeup.

But Yuan Qianye's looks were so good that even close inspection couldn't find any flaws.

So the makeup artist, who didn't need to do anything extra, just tidied up his hair and clothes a little, and the whole process took about ten minutes.

After that, Yuan Qianye stepped into the industrial-style studio that had been set up.

According to the lead photographer, the preservation of the old factory's weathered walls creates a strong sense of nostalgia, which, when combined with the youthful and vibrant image of Yuan Qianye, creates a striking contrast and results in a truly stunning photograph.

Miyoko Kudo didn't know much about photography, so she felt it didn't need to go to such lengths.

Even if Qianye were wearing a tank top and flip-flops, with a straw in her mouth, a hoe on her shoulder, and in the middle of a farmhouse in the fields, she could still take photos that look like they're taken in Milan.

She accompanied the photographer from the sidelines, and secretly took a few photos with her phone while following the photographer, which she then sent to Touma Yoko.