I really just want to grind for entries related to crossover anime/manga.

She no longer deliberately used the distant "Genkawa-kun," but instead called him by his name directly.

This change in address made Yuu Minakawa feel as if he had returned to the atmosphere before his "cold war" with Mai Sakurajima.

"After returning to Japan, I'll be waiting... to be your leading lady."

This statement is not just a confirmation of the work, but more like a silent declaration and promise.

She finally stopped avoiding the issue and stopped hesitating. She decided to face her own heart, bravely walk towards him, and participate in this destined-to-be-extraordinary emotional contest.

Looking at the starlight sparkling in her eyes and hearing her finally changed to an affectionate way of addressing him, Yuan Chuanyou felt as if something had gently struck his heart, causing ripples to spread across his emotions.

A gentle yet confident smile appeared on his handsome face as he responded in a low voice, his tone filled with undeniable seriousness and anticipation.

"Ah, I'll be really looking forward to it."

Without many words exchanged, their eyes conveyed a thousand unspoken messages.

The gentle night stretched their shadows long and thin in the hotel corridor, as if etching this moment into the night before their parting.

Volume 2 Tokyo Love Story: Chapter 50 Asakura Toru's Headphones, Her Free Spirit (2-in-1 5k)

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport was already bustling with activity in the international terminal early in the morning.

The cast and crew of "Alice in the Land of the Dying" were checking in for their return flight. As the main characters, Yu Genkawa and Mai Sakurajima were naturally the focus of the group.

Even though both of them tried to keep a low profile, wearing masks and hats and dressed in simple casual clothes, their outstanding figures and undeniable charisma still attracted the attention of many passing travelers.

They stood side by side in front of the check-in counter, with staff from the Burning Series Agency behind them, and Kato Megumi following quietly behind as always.

This morning, Kato Megumi had changed back into her signature dark gray business suit, reverting to her efficient and professional assistant persona. Holding everyone's passports and necessary documents, she methodically assisted with the procedures.

The intensive publicity campaign in Xia Kingdom over the past week has far exceeded initial expectations.

Not only were the offline events packed to capacity, but they also sparked a sustained and unabated craze on the internet in Xia Country.

On Xia Guo's most mainstream social media platform, blogs, discussions about topics such as #YuanchuanYuChinese#, #AliceShanghaiOfTheLostCountry#, and #YuYuPeople# remain high, with various live videos, fan-shot videos, and media press releases continuing to generate buzz.

Everyone on the team knew that when Netflix officially launched the series simultaneously in multiple countries and regions around the world, "Alice in the Land of the Dying" would achieve explosive success there, thanks to the solid reputation and huge popularity it had built in China.

What follows will inevitably be a surge in commercial endorsements, advertising offers, and broader market opportunities.

Director Aoyama and the representative of the "burning" series stood not far away, talking in hushed tones, their faces revealing undisguised satisfaction and anticipation for the future.

Genkawa Yu turned his head slightly and glanced at the girl beside him. She seemed to have not slept well, with a faint weariness in her eyes, but her mental state was not bad.

Sensing the other's gaze, Mai Sakurajima turned her head, her eyes above her mask meeting his for a moment. She didn't flinch, but instead showed a calmness that was much gentler than when she arrived, and a tacit understanding that only they could understand.

She nodded slightly to him as a greeting.

Genkawa Yu's heart stirred slightly. In addition to successfully completing or even exceeding the publicity mission, the most important gain for him from this trip to Xia Country was undoubtedly finally breaking through the cold shell that Sakurajima Mai had deliberately built due to the arguments and "absurd suggestions".

The breakdown and crying on the Bund, as well as her final relent in the bar last night and the words "waiting to be your leading lady," all clearly indicate that the aftershocks of that storm are gradually subsiding.

Although the road ahead is still long and fraught with difficulties, at least a crack has appeared in the ice, allowing sunlight to enter.

This provided possibilities and direction for his subsequent "efforts".

After boarding, perhaps some unseen arrangement took effect again, and Genkawa Yu's seat was still next to Sakurajima Mai's.

Both of them seemed to have gotten used to it, or rather, they didn't reject it deep down.

Guided by the flight attendants, they found their seats, put away their carry-on luggage, and then tacitly wrapped themselves up even more tightly—his hats were pulled down low, his mask was put on, and he even put on sunglasses. This is a basic procedure for artists to protect themselves, especially during long-haul flights when they are more likely to let their guard down.

The plane took off smoothly, passed through the clouds, and gradually left the bustling city of Shanghai behind.

Once the flight reached a stable state, the cabin lights were dimmed, and passengers began to rest or enjoy entertainment.

Yu Minakawa and Mai Sakurajima also took off their sunglasses, but still wore masks. There was a narrow handrail between them, and the atmosphere was not awkward. Instead, there was a sense of peace that had settled down after experiencing a lot.

"Finally...it's come to an end."

The girl let out a soft sigh of relief. Her voice sounded a little muffled through the mask, but you could hear the relaxation in it. The continuous high-intensity publicity had taken a huge toll on her physical and mental strength.

"Yes, everyone has worked hard."

Genkawa Yu responded, his gaze falling on the boundless sea of ​​clouds outside the window, "The effect is much better than expected."

"Yes, thanks to your 'secret weapon'."

The girl's tone carried a hint of teasing as her gaze swept over Yuan Chuan You, referring to his stunningly beautiful Chinese.

Genkawa Yu smiled but didn't reply. He knew that Sakurajima Mai's feelings at this moment must be very complicated, with the joy of her work success, as well as a re-examination of their relationship and lingering worries.

He didn't want to discuss potentially sensitive topics at this time.

The two then chatted briefly about their work arrangements after returning to China, maintaining a natural tone like that of working partners.

Then they both fell silent. Mai prepared to take a nap, while Genkawa Yu leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.

The two-hour flight passed quickly. The plane landed smoothly on the runway of Tokyo Haneda Airport, and familiar cityscapes came into view through the windows.

After getting off the plane, I went through customs and collected my luggage.

At the exit, the crew said a brief farewell. Director Aoyama and representatives from the "Burning" series once again highly praised the performances of Yuu Genkawa and Mai Sakurajima, and agreed to hold a meeting as soon as possible after returning home to summarize and discuss future plans.

"Well then, everyone, thank you for your hard work! See you at our domestic events!"

Director Aoyama waved his hand and left with a group of staff members.

Yuu Genkawa and Mai Sakurajima nodded to each other in greeting.

"Be careful on the road, Mai-san," said Genkawa Yu.

"You too, Yu-kun."

The girl gave a response, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment, before she was led by others to another passageway.

Yuan Chuanyu watched her figure disappear into the crowd before turning around.

Kato Megumi had already arranged for a nanny van from Star Engine Company to be sent, and was quietly waiting for him by the luggage cart.

"Mr. Genkawa, the car is already outside."

"Well, let's go."

The familiar black van drove smoothly on the highway back to downtown Tokyo. Unlike the atmosphere of Shanghai, where modernity and everyday life intertwine, the street scene in Tokyo had a more orderly yet detached modern feel.

Genkawa Yu leaned back comfortably in the back seat, closed his eyes, and relieved the fatigue of the journey.

Kato Megumi sat down beside him, opened her tablet, and began to report on the upcoming work arrangements in her familiar, gentle tone.

"Mr. Genkawa, the promotional activities in Xia Kingdom have officially ended. There are still two final warm-up events in Japan, one in Tokyo and one in Osaka, scheduled for next week. After that, our focus will temporarily shift to coordinating the broadcast of 'Alice in the Land of the Dying' and... your personal music skill enhancement courses."

She paused, turned to a page of the electronic calendar, and continued.

"In addition, according to the final confirmed schedule, you will officially join the crew of 'Sparkling Love' in the second half of this month to begin filming for about three months. I have sent the schedule of the script readings and pre-production work to your email."

Upon hearing the words "Sparkling Love," Genkawa Yu's closed eyelashes twitched slightly, but he did not open his eyes.

His lips curved upwards almost imperceptibly.

Are you looking forward to it? Of course I am.

This is not only an important work, but also a crucial stage for whether his relationship with Mai Sakurajima can take another step forward.

"I understand," he replied simply.

Kato Megumi said no more, and the carriage returned to silence, with only the low hum of the internal air conditioning system.

The van eventually stopped in front of the upscale apartment building where Genkawa Yu lived, and Kato Megumi helped him take his luggage out of the car.

"Mr. Genkawa, I'll go back to the company to handle the follow-up matters. I have no plans for tomorrow morning, so you can get some rest." Kato Megumi bowed slightly.

"Thank you for your hard work, Kato."

"You should also get some rest. After I join the film crew, I can give you a few days off," Yuan Chuanyu said gently, looking at her still expressionless face. "Besides work, you should also spend time with your family and friends."

"...Um."

Kato Megumi nodded, turned and got into the car, which slowly drove away.

Genkawa Yu pulled his suitcase and walked towards the apartment door.

As soon as he unlocked the door and pushed it open, a figure, like a fledgling returning to its nest, rushed into his arms with a fragrant breeze and hugged his waist tightly.

"Yu-kun! You're finally back!"

It's Akane Kurokawa.

She was wearing a cute loungewear outfit, her hair casually tied up, looking up at him. Her eyes, which were usually stubborn and persistent, were now filled with undisguised longing and joy, sparkling like they were filled with stars.

After a week apart, Yuan Chuan You was somewhat surprised by his girlfriend's enthusiasm, but more than that, he felt a sense of warmth, like coming home.

He put down his suitcase, then pulled her soft body into his arms even tighter, feeling the softness and warmth of her body, his nose filled with her familiar, slightly sweet fragrance.

"Yes, I'm back, Akane."

He lowered his head and gently brushed his chin against the top of her head, his voice carrying a smile and a hint of relaxation after exhaustion.

"I miss you so much..." Akane Kurokawa buried her face in his chest and said in a muffled voice, her arms wrapped around him even tighter, as if afraid that he would leave again.

"I miss you too," Yuan Chuan replied softly, gently patting her back.

The two embraced in the entryway for a long time, as if trying to make up for the longing they had felt during their separation. The apartment was quiet and cozy, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

After a while, Genkawa Yu released her easily and walked into the living room with his suitcase.

Akane Kurokawa followed behind him like a little tail, her face beaming with a happy smile, constantly asking him about his experiences in Xia Country, even though she had already read many reports online.

Genkawa Yu simply picked out some interesting things to talk about, omitting the complicated emotional entanglements.

After a while, the fatigue of the journey and jet lag began to take hold, and a hint of weariness appeared on his face.

Akane Kurokawa keenly sensed this and immediately stopped asking questions, saying with concern.

"Yu-kun, are you tired? Go take a shower and relax, then we can... get some rest together, okay?"

Towards the end, her voice carried a hint of barely perceptible shyness and suggestion, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Looking at her shy and charming appearance, Yuan Chuanyou's heart stirred. The stress and tension of the past few days seemed to find an outlet at this moment.

He reached out and gently stroked her flushed cheeks, his eyes deep and tender.

"Okay, want to take a shower together?" he replied softly, taking her hand.