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

Yuan Chuanyu leaned back wearily in the comfortable back seat, closed his eyes, and rubbed his throbbing temples.

Just as the vehicle slowly started moving into the twilight traffic, the screen of his phone, which was placed to the side, lit up, and the ringtone sounded particularly clear in the quiet car.

The name flashing on the screen was none other than "Sakurajima Mai".

"?"

Genkawa Yu took a deep breath before answering the call and putting the phone to his ear.

"Hey?"

"You left so soon?"

On the other end of the phone, Mai Sakurajima's voice didn't reveal much emotion, but the background was very quiet, indicating that she was in a private space, perhaps a lounge or a corner of a hotel corridor.

"Yes, there are some things that need to be taken care of."

Genkawa Yu gave a vague reply, trying to get away with it.

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a soft, cold laugh.

"Are you in a hurry to go back and have dinner with your live-in girlfriend?"

"..."

Yuan Chuanyou knew that his excuses were weak and powerless in front of her, and he didn't want to weave any more lies, so he had no choice but to answer truthfully in a low voice.

"Yes, I agreed to it yesterday."

"Oh..."

Mai Sakurajima's sneer deepened, a surge of jealousy rising within her. "After all, she's your girlfriend. Of course you should spend time with her, otherwise wouldn't you be a disqualified boyfriend?"

Genkawa Yu could hear the dissatisfaction in her words, so he quickly explained.

"Mai-san, this is just a very small promise..."

No explanation needed.

Mai Sakurajima abruptly interrupted him, her voice suddenly lowering, "Genkawa-kun, it's none of my business who you have dinner with tonight. You just need to remember... remember our promise."

She emphasized the word "agreement" with particular force, with an almost obsessive emphasis.

Genkawa Yu immediately recalled the consensus the two had reached last time. (The remaining text appears to be gibberish and unrelated.)

Throughout the filming of "Sparkling Love," he had to carefully manage his relationship with Akane Kurokawa to avoid any unnecessary incidents.

It's best not to let her visit the set; this is a choice he made for his own "greed," and he must strictly keep his promise.

"I remember."

Genkawa Yu's voice was deep and solemn, carrying the weight of a promise.

"I'll handle it, don't worry."

"...Just remember that."

After saying this, Mai Sakurajima didn't give him any more chances to speak and hung up the phone decisively.

Hearing the busy tone coming from his phone, Yuan Chuan let out a long sigh.

"It truly is a long and arduous journey..."

He tilted his head back deeply against the headrest and closed his eyes.

The van moved slowly and steadily through the evening traffic jam, finally arriving at the apartment building.

Genkawa Yu adjusted his mood, trying to suppress his chaotic and complicated emotions for the time being, before pushing open the door and getting out of the car.

As soon as he unlocked the apartment door, a warm and enticing aroma of food wafted out, dispelling the chill of the outside world.

"Welcome back, Yu-kun!"

Akane Kurokawa, wearing an adorable apron, peeked out from the kitchen with a sweet smile that was free of any gloom.

"I am back."

Genkawa Yu closed the door, and then saw his girlfriend run over like a light and happy little bird, naturally tiptoeing to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"Yu-kun, were you very tired from today's meeting? Are you starving? The stew will be ready soon."

Several delicious-looking home-style dishes were already laid out on the table, and the exquisite plating showed that she had put a lot of thought into them.

The two sat facing each other, eating and chatting about the day's events.

Genkawa Yu described the meeting in a lighthearted tone, mentioning the heated discussion about the script and the improvement of the final plan, while deliberately omitting the phone call with Sakurajima Mai and the turmoil in his heart.

Akane Kurokawa listened with great interest, her hands supporting her chin, her eyes sparkling, occasionally letting out adorable exclamations, filling the apartment with a sweet atmosphere.

Midway through the meal, Akane Kurokawa put down her chopsticks, placed her hands folded on the table, and her tone suddenly carried a hint of serious probing.

"Yu-kun, how are the various work uniforms from [Star Engine], which you founded, going? Is there anything I can help you with?"

Genkawa Yu swallowed the food in his mouth, picked up a tissue to wipe his mouth, and replied.

"Yes, everything is progressing steadily according to plan. Although there are many trivial matters, it is generally going smoothly. Akane, don't worry."

He was a little surprised that his girlfriend was suddenly so interested in this. Usually, she was more concerned with his life and creative work and didn't ask much about the specific details of business operations.

The next moment, Akane Kurokawa blinked her clear, large eyes, her face showing an even more serious and expectant expression.

"Yes, actually I have an idea that I'd like to discuss formally with Yu-kun."

The girl paused, seemingly carefully organizing her thoughts, observing Genkawa Yu's reaction.

"Aside from waiting for the release of 'Love Like a Bouquet,' which we filmed together, I'm currently focusing on rehearsals and performances for stage plays. I love stage plays, but I also want to continue down the path of acting so that I can keep up with you, Yu-jun."

Genkawa Yu nodded, signaling her to continue, a vague premonition in his heart.

So I was thinking...

Akane Kurokawa's voice softened slightly, carrying a great deal of anticipation.

"Once my contract with my current agency expires, should I... formally transfer my management contract to Yu-kun's [Star Engine]?"

She looked at Genkawa Yu, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future, and her tone became lighter.

"That way, I can be closer to Yu-kun, we'll have more time to spend together, and... I can help you too!"

"For example, I can help you manage the company, such as discovering and interviewing new artists, or doing some basic training. I think I can gradually learn to do these things and help you share some of the pressure. In this way, we can truly become soulmates!"

"It feels like a husband-and-wife-run izakaya, which makes me really look forward to it."

"Yu-kun, what do you think of this idea?"

Upon hearing this, Genkawa Yu's hand holding the chopsticks froze in mid-air.

Volume 2 Tokyo Love Story: Chapter 64 The Cast and Crew, Asakura Toru's Acting Training (2-in-1 5k)

Inside the apartment, warm lighting, like a soft veil, enveloped the two people sitting opposite each other.

When Kurokawa Akane made the suggestion, Genkawa Yu's momentary pause was not out of resistance, but rather as he considered the potential consequences of the proposal.

He gazed into his girlfriend's clear, bright eyes, and his thoughts suddenly surged like a tide.

Yes, Akane Kurokawa is not an artist lacking talent and potential. On the contrary, she has already shown remarkable talent and highly infectious acting skills in the world of stage plays.

Her acting skills are solid, and her emotional interpretations are delicate and nuanced. What she lacks is a more influential platform.

Akane Kurokawa's agency is currently limited in size, so good resources are naturally prioritized for top artists who can immediately generate huge traffic or who are already famous.

If Yu Genkawa hadn't already hinted to Hayato Suo that he already had someone in mind for the female lead, Akane Kurokawa, with her experience and position in the agency, would never have gotten the female lead role in "Love Like a Bouquet".

Genkawa Yu has long planned for the future development of [Star Engine]. Currently, the [Artist Management Division] only has himself as an artist. If he were to sign someone else, Kurokawa Akane would indeed be a good choice.

At least I know her inside and out.

If Star Engine gives her more opportunities, Akane Kurokawa is fully capable of following the path taken by Mai Sakurajima, becoming a highly recognized and beloved actress in the industry, and then becoming another cash cow for the company.

on the other hand

Thinking about his promise to Mai Sakurajima, Akane Kurokawa probably wouldn't care about Mai Sakurajima's involvement with the "Strobe Edge" crew if he had more things to do.

This will also make her feel more at ease.

Thinking about it that way, it's practically winning twice!

Having thought this through, the hesitation in Yuan Chuan You's mind disappeared, and a gentle yet confident smile appeared on his face.

He reached out and gently covered Kurokawa Akane's small hand, which was resting on the table.

"Okay."

His voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable power, like a solemn promise, clearly echoing in the quiet living room.

"I think this idea is excellent."

Kurokawa Akane, whose heart had been pounding in his throat, finally breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing those two short but weighty words.

Immediately, her eyes seemed to be filled with light, and suddenly brightened.

"I hope Yu-kun won't put you in a difficult position?"

"of course not."

Without pausing, Yuan Chuanyu continued to plan meticulously and comprehensively.

"Your current contract should still have a few months left, right? This period is perfect; you can have the newly established Artist Management Division under [Star Engine] do a comprehensive career planning for you in advance."

"Once Akane's current contract ends smoothly and you officially transfer to our side, the new plan can start immediately, achieving a seamless transition and minimizing the gap period."

Genkawa Yu's tone became more serious, and he stared intently at her.

"I know that Akane, you came up with this idea because you want to continue down the path of acting. Don't worry, I will always support you."

Upon hearing this, Kurokawa Akane nodded vigorously, her eyes even slightly moist, her voice carrying a barely perceptible sob and unwavering determination.

"Okay! I'll do whatever you say, Yu-kun, thank you so much..."

"Hehe, there's no need for thanks between us, you idiot~"

Yuan Chuan You patted her little hand, picked up her bowl again, and continued eating dinner.

"Uh-huh."