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

Time is the best sedimentator and the most solid ladder to reputation.

The phenomenal success of "Alice in the Land of the Dying" not only propelled Yu Genkawa into the ranks of top-tier new generation actors, but also earned him recognition from both the industry and the audience.

This has given [Yuan Ying] a large and stable supporter base, and she is no longer the unpopular couple she was at the beginning.

Yu Genkawa's solid experience and good reputation, accumulated through works such as "49" and "Alice in the Land of Dying," coupled with his increasingly close collaboration with giants like the "burning" genre, have formed a strong moat.

Last time, Weekly Bunshun tried to create a "scandal" but ran into a brick wall, which instead boosted Genkawa Yu's own prestige. He is no longer an ordinary actor, but the president of a company, so many media outlets that are used to making unfounded accusations have to think twice when facing him.

As long as the behavior is not excessively outrageous, it is common for actors to have private meals together for work-related purposes, which is not something to make a big deal out of.

About twenty minutes later, Kato Megumi had already made a reservation at the restaurant.

"Let's go, Kato."

"Ah."

As dusk settles and the city lights begin to twinkle.

Yu Minakawa and Mai Sakurajima arrived at the restaurant one after the other.

The waiter led them through the corridor to their reserved window seats, where the huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unparalleled and dazzling night view of the Ginza and Marunouchi areas.

The waiter silently handed over the menu with a leather cover and asked in a low voice if they would like an aperitif. Both of them declined the alcohol and ordered different drinks instead.

While waiting for her food, Mai Sakurajima gently stirred the clear sparkling water in her glass and casually started a conversation.

“Yu-kun, have you noticed that since we came back from Kyoto, the pace of the whole crew seems to have sped up? Director Mizuki said that at the current pace, ‘Sparkling Love’ will be finished filming around the middle of next month.”

"Well... after all, the script itself is very well-made, and everyone got into character quickly, so it was a natural thing that things went smoothly."

Genkawa Yu smiled slightly. It was a good thing that the movie was being filmed quickly, as it would allow him to handle more other matters.

"What are your new plans after filming wraps up?"

Mai Sakurajima turned her head and looked at his face.

"Hmm... I'll probably focus on an audition at Toei."

Yu Genkawa didn't hide anything, saying it involved coordinating the schedule later on. "Also, 'Love Like a Bouquet' should be finished soon, and the promotional period before its release is expected to be very intensive."

He picked up his water glass, took a sip, and spoke with the self-deprecating humor typical of celebrities.

"Looks like it'll be another month where my feet won't touch the ground."

"Being busy proves popularity. Many artists wish they could have work 365 days a year."

Mai Sakurajima looked at Yu Genkawa with gentle eyes, as some memories flooded her mind.

We first met on the set of "49" last year; he was still a new actor at the time.

Today, he not only has representative works and founded the promising Star Engine company, but also ventures into writing, music creation, and other fields. He has also collaborated with the "Burning Series" to develop animated film projects and is now extending his reach to traditional giants like Toei.

This growth trajectory is astonishingly rapid.

It seems that his vision and ambition have long since transcended the dimension of an actor, and he is moving towards a composite identity as a "capitalist" and an "industry influencer".

So... I have to work even harder to keep up with him.

Mai Sakurajima pulled herself out of her reverie, a knowing smile curving her lips. "Once 'Sparkling Love' is over, I'll be pushing the agency's next projects with all my might. Going independent means every step will be a test, and I can't afford to slack off."

"With Mai-san's vision and ability, she will definitely be able to open up a new situation."

Genkawa Yu's words were sincere and affirmative. He appreciated and respected her ambition and courage, which made her always exude a vibrant charm.

"Perhaps there's still a chance for collaboration, President Genkawa..." Mai Sakurajima said deliberately.

"Hehe, I hope so too."

Although Yuu Minakawa was waiting for Mai Sakurajima's response, he wasn't in a hurry. Since it was his own greed, he naturally wanted to give her more time.

The two continued their conversation while enjoying their meal.

About an hour later, dinner came to an end in a pleasant and fulfilling atmosphere.

Neither of them suggested starting another round, but instead tacitly chose to end the dinner at just the right moment.

Kato Megumi's arranged van was already waiting in the restaurant's passageway, and Sakurajima Mai was about to take out her phone to have her driver come pick her up.

“Mai-san, why don’t you ride in my car first? It’s more comfortable in a van. I can take you home first.”

"Well..."

Mai Sakurajima thought for a moment and then chose a compromise.

"Okay, but let me take you home first, and then I'll have the driver take me home."

"it is good."

Genkawa Yu's nanny van driver originally worked for Hoshino's agency, but has now also transferred to [Star Engine] and is his personal driver.

"Then get in the car."

The car drove through the neon-lit main road and into the quiet and elegant residential streets of the port area, finally stopping in front of the heavily guarded luxury apartment building where Genkawa Yu lived.

"arrive."

The driver whispered a suggestion.

Genkawa Yu unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to face Sakurajima Mai.

"Mai-san, please be careful on the road."

"Yeah, Yu-kun, you too. Get some rest, see you on set tomorrow."

Mai Sakurajima nodded, her voice slightly muffled through her mask, but her eyes were clear and gentle.

Genkawa Yu got out of the car and stood on the neatly paved walkway in front of the apartment, waving towards the car.

Through the dark car window, Mai Sakurajima watched his tall, straight back as he walked unhurriedly toward the heavy automatic glass door of the apartment lobby.

Only when his figure was completely absorbed into the light did she let out a barely audible sigh of relief and give instructions to the driver.

"Let's go."

Like a whale gliding through the night, the car silently drove away and merged back into the traffic on the main road in the distance.

Upon entering the apartment lobby, Genkawa Yu walked straight to the elevator entrance.

Just then, a distinctive rhythm of high heels clicking on the marble floor came from behind him, echoing in the empty and quiet lobby.

"Genkawa-kun?"

A familiar female voice sounded from behind.

Genkawa Yu turned around and saw Kasumigaoka Utaha walking gracefully towards him, her long, beautiful legs encased in black stockings. She was carrying a rather heavy-looking leather bag in one hand and casually draped a beige long trench coat over her other hand.

"Good evening, Kasumigaoka-san."

Genkawa Yu nodded in greeting. As neighbors and like-minded people, the two are now good friends who can chat easily.

Kasumigaoka Utaha walked up to him, and the two waited for the elevator together.

"Did Genkawa-kun just get back? Celebrities are always so busy."

"Yeah, I just finished having dinner with my colleagues from the film crew," Genkawa Yu replied briefly, his tone natural.

The elevator doors dinged, and the two stepped into this relatively private space. Since they were neighbors on the same floor, Yuan Chuanyou took the initiative to press the elevator button.

The elevator began to ascend smoothly, and a slight feeling of weightlessness came over me. At this moment, Kasumigaoka Utaha suddenly asked a question.

"Genkawa-kun, the colleague you're talking about must be Sakurajima-san, right? I just saw her, she was in the van."

Her question came somewhat abruptly, but her tone wasn't aggressively probing; it was more like a keen observer confirming an interesting detail.

Genkawa Yu nodded, then glanced at her.

"Yes."

Kasumigaoka Utaha is one of the very few people who know that Kurokawa Akane is currently living with Genkawa Yu. After all, being caught sleeping in Genkawa Yu's apartment is something that no one would forget.

"Since we're making a movie together, could you tell me what kind of movie it is, Genkawa-kun?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha tilted her head slightly, her tone casual, like the greeting between ordinary friends rather than that of a reporter digging up secrets.

"Yes, it's a campus romance story."

Genkawa Yu replied, his tone remaining calm throughout.

"Campus romance..."

Kasumigaoka Utaha gently tilted her chin up, her words sounding like she was talking to herself, yet also like she was sharing her thoughts with Genkawa Yu.

“This kind of subject matter requires a high level of emotional immersion from the actors.” She paused, turned back, and looked calmly at Genkawa Yu with her wine-red eyes.

"Isn't there always this saying in the entertainment industry about 'falling in love on set'? Although I don't know much about acting, in a story, this should be a very common scenario, right? What's the trajectory of Yin Shan's story?"

"..."

Yuan Chuanyu finally understood; it seemed the other party intended to have a talk with him.

"Kasumigaoka-san, just say what you want to say. We're friends, no need to beat around the bush."

Upon hearing this, Kasumigaoka Utaha smiled slightly, her tone softening, yet tinged with a hint of worry.

“Mr. Genkawa, don’t be so nervous. I’m not asking about your private affairs. I won’t interfere with any life choices you make.”

She paused, then lowered her voice.

"I'm just a little curious. Kurokawa-san is a very cute girlfriend. Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Her words were so frank they were almost cruel, and even Genkawa Yu was taken aback by her blunt and unvarnished remarks.

"I know."

"Yuu Genkawa said in a low voice, his tone very serious."

"Once you've decided to take this path, there's no going back."

At that moment, the elevator made a soft "ding" sound and stopped at the floor where the two were.

The two exchanged a glance, then stepped out of the elevator together and stopped simultaneously in the hallway outside.

"Genkawa-kun, I don't know what you're thinking..."