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

At this moment, in every corner of the city—

Kazusa finished her practice for the evening and was sitting on the sofa in the living room, holding the remote control and tuning to TV Tokyo.

After finishing her evening practice, Saeko returned home, took a quick shower, and sat in the living room wearing comfortable loungewear. The dim light from the television screen illuminated her serene and beautiful face.

Yukino finished the last part of her novel polishing work for the day, closed her laptop, picked up her phone, leaned back on the bed, and gazed at the screen with her cool eyes.

Shi Yu temporarily escaped from the mountain of manuscripts, rubbed her aching wrists, picked up the tablet beside her, opened the live broadcast page of the TV station, and lazily leaned back in her chair.

Even Yukinoshita, whom Rikka hadn't expected, ended her evening social engagements early, returned to her apartment, poured herself a glass of red wine, and leaned against the spacious sofa facing the television.

Meanwhile, Yoko Touma, who was overseas, used her computer to access the Tokyo TV broadcast.

Under her husband's slightly curious gaze, Mrs. Yukinoshita turned up the volume of the living room TV a little.

They were all waiting in front of the television, eagerly anticipating the effect of the script written by Qianye being broadcast on television after being commercialized.

"They are all ready."

"Rikka, are you nervous?"

"Of course, Eriri, you've seen all the online promotions these past few days."

Rikka put down her phone and took a tissue to wipe her hands.

As the official broadcast time approached, she became so nervous that she felt her palms starting to sweat.

She knew that in the days leading up to the broadcast, Qianye had been busy attending various events and promoting the show.

In public announcements and press releases, as well as on trending topics online, his past honors were prominently featured in headlines—"Youngest Ranpo Award Winner," "National High School Kendo Champion," "Genius Writer," "Outstanding Youth for Courageous Acts"...

Furthermore, the promotional slogans, such as "A prodigy's screenwriting debut!" and "Can a multi-talented genius create another screen miracle?", were designed to attract attention and create a particularly grand buzz.

In terms of publicity effect and the spread of brand awareness, this was undoubtedly a success.

The celebrity effect and popularity brought by Yuan Qianye even exceeded the initial expectations of the production team, giving "The Secret That Cannot Be Told" far more attention than a typical new drama before its premiere.

However, excessive attention is often a double-edged sword.

Along with the surge in popularity came a lot of doubts, disdain, and even harsh criticism.

In the online world, there is never a shortage of people who pour cold water on things.

"Another writer dabbling in film and television? Can't they just focus on writing a proper book?"

"This is too much of a publicity stunt; it's obviously destined to be a terrible drama."

"So many titles at such a young age, you must have connections at home to promote him, right?"

"I'm just waiting for it to crash and burn. Young people these days are too impetuous."

Such comments are not uncommon in related news comment sections and social media topics.

Even worse, the comparison of Yuan Qianye with other artists or screenwriters of the same age in the promotion sparked arguments and attacks among some irrational fans.

Rikka, who has been managing Gen Chiya's personal social media account, has the most direct experience with the various messages that have emerged in the backend.

Disharmonious, hostile, and even personally attacking remarks keep sprouting up like weeds.

She had to spend much more time than expected deleting those offensive comments and trying to maintain a harmonious discussion atmosphere under her account.

This made her, who was usually an optimist, vaguely aware of an uneasy feeling that a storm was brewing.

This is quite different from the atmosphere when Qianye trended on social media several times before due to positive events.

During those times, although there were controversies, the main theme was undoubtedly praise and amazement.

This time, however, the air surrounding this yet-to-be-released TV series seems to be filled with more criticism, scrutiny, and even anticipation of its failure.

The entertainment industry... seems a bit scary.

Although Rikka understands that this is something that comes with being a celebrity, after all, no one can make everyone like them.

But when those malicious gazes were so focused on her, she couldn't help but worry about Qianye.

If the actual broadcast of the TV series is poorly made and receives an unsatisfactory response, then those who enjoy watching the drama will probably take advantage of the situation and ridicule Qianye even more recklessly.

Even if they themselves are not even as good as a single hair on Qianye's calf, that does not diminish how disgusting those nasty guys are.

Rikka was worried, and so was Eriri.

The two of them clasped their little hands together, looking as nervous as if they were waiting for their graduation exam results.

On the other hand, Yuan Qianye was as calm as ever, and even turned his head to chat with Shihua about unimportant topics, saying that the crabs in the TV commercial looked delicious and that he would buy a few to make a crab dish with three different ways after returning from his trip.

And it was in this atmosphere that the shopping advertisement on the TV ended, and exactly one to ten o'clock, the TV program instantly switched to another program.

The screen first plunged into complete darkness, and then a faint, ethereal piano sound slowly drifted out.

Then, as if an unseen hand gently lifted a black veil from above.

As the gauze curtain slowly moved aside, a tranquil scene gradually unfolded before everyone's eyes—

The bright music room is bathed in sunlight, which streams through the tall windows and casts diamond-shaped patches of light on the gleaming wooden floor.

A girl in a school uniform, with a cool and aloof demeanor, is sitting in front of a grand piano.

Her slender, fair fingers danced across the black and white keys, her profile serene, her eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath her eyelids, as if she were enveloped in a hazy glow, the music flowing from her fingertips.

The composition is exquisite, and the lighting and shadows are handled with a cinematic quality.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that it managed to grab the audience's attention with just one opening shot is quite a success.

Eriri and Rikka involuntarily sat up straight, leaning slightly forward, their eyes fixed on the first episode of the secret that had officially begun!

…………

Volume 2: Chapter 131: An Unexpected Encounter with an Old Friend on the Journey (6k)(9)

As it approached 11 p.m., the soothing yet melancholic ending theme song began playing on the television screen, and the cast and crew list slowly rolled up, officially bringing the first episode of "Secret" to a close.

Eriri and Rikka exchanged a glance, both seeing a relieved smile on each other's faces.

Rikka's eyes sparkled: "That's really great!"

Eriri nodded vigorously: "As expected, professionals are professionals. It's much better than what we filmed. The main actors' acting skills are also on point. The appropriate adaptation of the opening scene where the male and female leads meet is also very interesting!"

"And don't you think the background music is also a major highlight?"

"That's right, it fits the sweet atmosphere of the show quite well, and several of the pieces that combine piano and acoustic guitar sound quite sophisticated."

"If 100 is a perfect score, Eriri, what score would you give the first episode?"

"Putting aside my preconceived notions and biases, I feel it deserves at least a 90 out of 100! In my heart, it's an irreplaceable masterpiece!"

"Right, right! I think so too. Thank goodness... I was so worried before watching it, my palms were sweating. But the first episode was so good. As long as we maintain this level, there shouldn't be any problems... I can finally relax a little."

The two discussed excitedly, clearly displaying an air of triumphant pride.

Seeing Chiya's previously tense body gradually relax, Toka couldn't help but smile: "It's really a great show to watch. I'll be watching it every Thursday night from now on."

She rarely watches TV, and when she does, it's only to watch yoga and aerobics videos to practice and maintain her figure, or to watch cooking shows. The fact that she's saying something like this is quite a clear indication of her support and agreement.

"Really? That's great." Yuan Qianye smiled, stood up, and stretched. "Is there anything else to eat in the fridge?"

Regardless of his previous demeanor, I was still somewhat worried about the premiere.

Once I relaxed, the physiological needs that I hadn't eaten much for dinner came back.

Shihua thought for a moment and said, "I still have some dumplings from when I made them before. I'll fry some for you."

"Okay, thank you for your help."

Upon hearing that there was food, Rikka perked up: "I want to eat too!"

Have you packed all your luggage?

"It's okay, we can pack up slowly after we finish eating~"

Shihua originally wanted to remind her younger sister about the importance of women managing their body shape.

However, after seeing Eriri's tempting expression towards the late-night snack, she decided against it and, after asking each of them how much they wanted, went directly to the kitchen to prepare it.

That night, the noise at Yuanjia Apartment gradually subsided and became quiet after midnight.

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.

In Gen Chiya's bedroom.

Shihua carefully placed the last folded light jacket into her travel bag, then zipped up the main zipper and checked the side pockets again to make sure that important items such as her ID and charger were properly placed.

After the inspection was completed, she stood up and clapped her hands: "I'll trouble you to take care of Liu Hua for the next few days. She's very mischievous, so don't give in to her every whim. Don't hesitate to refuse her or discipline her when necessary."

Yuan Qianye nodded and naturally placed his hand on her shoulder, gently pressing it: "I know, you too. Take good care of yourself while I'm gone. Take your time with things at the shop, don't push yourself too hard. If there are any fun or delicious souvenirs from the local area, I'll bring them back for you."

"Thank you so much."

The conversation came to an end, and the room fell silent for a while.

Shika's gaze was still sweeping around the room, seemingly checking if anything was missing from the luggage she had helped pack, but in reality, she was secretly filled with a certain expectation.

But that expectation never materialized in her life.

That annoying guy always shows up at the most inopportune times, yet he always seems more gentlemanly than anyone else when it's time to do something...

My expectations were dashed, which caused a little unpleasantness.

Shihua didn't say anything more, but gently pushed away his hand from her shoulder and whispered, "Good night, go to sleep early."

Then he left and returned to his room.

Lying in bed after turning off the lights, she reached out and touched her lips.

His mouth bulged out, and his cheeks slowly rounded out like a dolphin.

After a short while, she sighed and slowly closed her eyes.

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.

July 26th, Friday.

The six days that Eriri spent at the Minamoto family's house were also the days when everyone decided to set off for Jodohama.

She and Rikka chattered excitedly about the trip until late last night, and eventually fell asleep together because they were so sleepy.

When Toka opened the door to wake them up in the morning, the two of them were lying sprawled out on the floor, Eriri's little feet were propped up on Rikka's thighs, and Rikka's head had fallen off the pillow and gone under the bed.

It made Shika burst into laughter early in the morning.