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

"See, did you see that! Even Yukino thinks you're unreasonable! You stinky older brother!"

"Yukino can't lie about these kinds of things, so she avoids the topic, you silly little sister."

Gen Chiya sighed, stopped arguing with Rikka, and stood up.

He wanted Rikka to face reality, because simply running away wouldn't change anything.

He remembered that there was an electronic scale in the company, so he went out of his office and brought it in.

He said to Rikka, whose face suddenly turned despair, "Come on, stand up and take a look."

"...!" Rikka looked at the square object that seemed to lead to the judgment seat and subconsciously took a half step back.

"What's wrong? Didn't you swear you hadn't gained weight?"

Yuan Qianye crossed his arms, a kind smile playing on his lips.

"If I've really misjudged you and wronged you, not only will I give up this bag of nuts, but I'll also clear out all those wishful gifts you've been wanting to buy from your shopping cart for a while, since I'm pretty free for the next period of time."

"This...this is what you said!"

"Yes, Eriri, Yukino, and Miyoko can all testify to what I said."

"it is good……!"

Rikka took a deep breath, her expression one of tragic grandeur, as if she were heading to her execution!

Bring it on, I'm not afraid of anyone!

Rikka took out her cell phone, a small makeup mirror, lipstick, two candies, and tissues from her pocket and placed them on the coffee table.

She took a deep breath in front of the electronic scale.

As she took off her shoes, the moment her toes touched the ground, she quickly realized something and took off her coat as well.

"Take off your socks too, they're quite heavy," Yuan Qianye reminded her from the side, her laughter barely contained.

Rikka glared at him angrily!

Eriri reached out and poked Chiya's waist, signaling him to stop holding on so tightly, since weight is a very serious matter for girls.

Despite her nervousness, Rikka still stepped onto the platform.

The numbers on the electronic display screen began to jump wildly, just like Rikka's soaring heart rate at that moment.

The numbers flashed a few times before finally settling on one that made her dizzy, and it continued to flash mercilessly, as if mocking her.

how so!

When did it happen!?

Rikka covered her forehead, feeling extremely dizzy!

Gen Chiya leaned closer, and despite Eriri's best efforts to hide it, he saw right through her: "I remember Rikka, your weight used to be..."

"Aaaaaah! Don't say it! Don't say it!!!" Rikka let out a shrill scream!

But Yuan Qianye still stated the conclusion, sounding somewhat distressed: "I've only been away from home for three months, and you've gained over twenty pounds. That's really too exaggerated."

"Ugh!!!" Rikka covered her face, not even wearing shoes, and collapsed onto the sofa, her butt sticking up high, leaving behind a look of utter despair.

Eriri felt a little sorry for her and gently patted her shoulder to comfort her, but she clearly had a forced smile on her face.

To be honest, Rikka has visibly gained weight recently.

The dresses that used to fit perfectly now seem a bit tight around the waist, and the baby fat on my cheeks is becoming more and more noticeable.

What made Eriri and Yukino laugh the most was that Rikka had proudly puffed out her chest and excitedly announced not long ago that she had finally entered her rapid development period and would soon be able to catch up with her older sister's amazing figure!

At that time, she and Yukino really had to suppress their urge to make sarcastic remarks in order not to tell her the despairing truth.

With her hands on her hips, Yuan Qianye looked at the withdrawn Rikka on the sofa and sighed: "Thinking about it, it's bound to happen. During this period, when I video chatted with you outside, nine times out of ten you were holding all sorts of snacks."

And look at tonight, you devoured a whole tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), a box and a half of takoyaki (octopus balls), four pieces of sushi, two beef short ribs, a chocolate sundae, six pieces of Korean fried chicken, and countless fruits, desserts, and drinks all by yourself...

"Rikka, Toka-neechan and I have been busy lately and haven't had time to keep an eye on you. Mom and Dad have also been focusing most of their energy on Chiyo, so we've been a little neglectful of you. And you're just letting yourself go like this? It's absolutely outrageous!"

"Ugh—! Stop talking! Please stop talking!" Rikka squirmed on the sofa like an earthworm trying to dig a hole and burrow inside.

He grabbed another cushion and covered his head tightly, trying to block out his sworn brother's demonic voice of judgment!

"Your lazy and unrestrained eating habits must be corrected." Yuan Qianye displayed the authority of an elder brother, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "It starts now, understand?"

"Okay..." came Rikka's muffled and listless reply from under the pillow.

The matter with Rikka has temporarily come to an end.

Chiya refocused her attention on Eriri and Yukino.

Another half hour passed.

The two of them had almost finished reading the outline and character settings he had given them.

"How are you feeling?" he asked the question that had been asked at the beginning.

"Great!" Eriri gave the highest praise succinctly, her eyes sparkling.

Yukino nodded: "Compared to Eriri's short story that she submitted to the competition, the current one has a richer world view and plot development, plus the outstanding character settings. In terms of storytelling and fun, this is really a wonderful original manga."

She gave a very objective evaluation, while also staring intently at her childhood friend, just like Eriri.

It was as if they wanted to see through his eyes and get to the depths of his mind.

I want to figure out how his brain is structured, why his creativity is so endless, and why he can create so many amazing works across different fields.

"That's right, that's right! You even marked the entry points and presentation methods for many key plot twists and climaxes, Qianye! The storyline from beginning to end is very clear. I feel like... I feel like I can almost directly refer to this outline and start creating smoothly!"

"I'm glad you're all satisfied, but there's no need to rush to a conclusion. This outline is just a preliminary framework I've drafted, and there are definitely many things that need to be improved or even modified due to oversights."

Eriri, you and Yukino can watch it a few more times. If necessary, you can also discuss it with your editor. In short, don't treat my ideas as gospel. Consider the changes carefully and make the necessary changes. It's okay.

Eriri nodded solemnly: "Yes, I understand."

Yuan Qianye asked, "So, has the editorial department made any preliminary arrangements regarding the specific release date of your first chapter?"

Eriri replied, "It's tentatively scheduled for early June."

There are still more than two months left.

During this period, Eriri needs to complete at least the full manuscript of the first chapter of the serialization.

It would be even better if we could have time to draw storyboard drafts for the later episodes.

That way, she can have more control over both her own creative pace and the scheduling of the comics editorial department.

"It's fine. The time isn't too tight, as long as you plan it out well."

"By the way, Qianye, my editor mentioned that if I need it, she can introduce me to a few assistants with excellent reputations in the industry."

"Actually, I've already made preparations for you in this regard. We've basically got all the staff with art and comics backgrounds, and we're currently looking for a suitable workspace."

In addition, I've also connected you with a senior manga artist who is currently serializing in JUMP. Starting tomorrow, you can visit his studio to learn from him whenever you have time.

Looking at the daily workflow of a professional cartoonist, and how they organize and coordinate the work of their assistants, can give you a direct understanding of future team collaboration.

"Gurgle!"

Eriri swallowed hard, her palms slightly sweaty.

She has always worked alone, drawing almost all of her short comics for the competition by herself, from conception, storyboarding, drafts, outlining, adding screen tones to the final draft.

Suddenly, she had to transform from a lone wolf into the head coach of a team!

Although Qianye had already described this future to her three months ago and told her to prepare herself mentally, she still couldn't remain absolutely calm and composed now that things had come to this!

Yuan Qianye noticed her nervousness and smiled as he patted her head: "It's okay. I was just like Eriri at first, feeling lost when I encountered new things. But once you get through the initial discomfort, you'll find that it's not that difficult. Besides, I'm here to help you all the time."

"Thousand Nights..."

"Besides, even if I'm busy sometimes and can't take care of you for a while, Yukino has always been by your side. She could never abandon you when you're causing her trouble."

"Ok!"

Eriri nodded vigorously!

He turned to look at Yukino, his eyes full of trust.

This guy...it's happening again...

Yukino glanced at the smiling Minamoto Chiya.

Once again, her personal wishes were completely disregarded, and she was arbitrarily placed in the program.

This is an open and blatant conspiracy that cannot be countered.

But she had to admit that what he said was true.

Even without his words, she really couldn't stand by and watch Eriri get into trouble.

This sense of responsibility to be needed, or rather, some deeper connection, had bound her tightly for many years.

However, Yukino silently gleaned something from his words.

She asked with concern, "After your nationwide book tour ends, you should be able to rest and settle down for a while, right?"

"Haha, maybe." Yuan Qianye's answer was somewhat ambiguous.

"perhaps?"

"Who can predict the future? I'm not entirely sure myself right now, but this is the plan for now. Don't worry, I'll let you know if there are any additional arrangements or changes."

Yuan Qianye smiled and made this promise.

However, such an answer was enough for Yukino to deduce some of the answers.

He won't be here long; is he planning to go on another long trip...?

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.

"Go back and get some rest. Don't sneak any more food, understand?"

On the street at night, Gen Chiya bent down and gave instructions to Rikka, who was still pouting in the car window.

"I know!" Rikka turned her face away angrily, her ears turning red.

Yuan Qianye smiled slightly, closed the car door, nodded to the driver, and watched the vehicle drive away before entering the Dokushima residence.

There were a lot of things to do tonight, and by the time I finished everything, it was almost midnight.