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

"Yes, the first phase will be interior scenes and exterior scenes around Tokyo. After that, we might go to film studios in Ibaraki or Chiba, and we might also go to other places to film for a few days."

Genkawa Yu drank the miso soup, and the warm feeling went straight to his stomach. "The filming period is expected to be more than half a year, so it can be considered a long film."

"What about the promotion of 'Love Like a Bouquet'?"

Mai Sakurajima picked up a piece of lotus root from Chikuzen-ni and asked casually.

"The promotion period will overlap with the early stages of filming, but the agent has already coordinated the schedule with the production team."

Genkawa Yu put down his soup bowl. "It mainly involves recording some variety shows and a few roadshows at major cinemas in Tokyo and Osaka. The schedule will be quite tight, but I should be able to handle it."

Mai Sakurajima nodded, slowly chewing her food, lost in thought.

“I’ve been looking at some scripts recently. My mother wants me to take on a Fuji TV Monday night drama. The script itself is pretty good, but the type of role is somewhat similar to what I’ve played before, so I’m still hesitating.”

As a top-tier actress with immense popularity and box office appeal, Mai Sakurajima now has extremely strict standards for accepting roles.

She wouldn't even consider a regular supporting role or cameo; she wouldn't play a supporting role for anyone else.

Even for lead actors, the quality of the script, the cast of co-stars, and even the broadcast time and platform all need to be considered comprehensively.

This is not only about her personal career development, but also about the brand image and commercial value of the "Sakura no Umi" agency that she runs with her mother.

"Did you see any doujinshi that really caught your eye?"

Genkawa asked, knowing that at Sakurajima Mai's level, the choices weren't actually that many.

“I’ve been in talks with a few people, but to be honest, I haven’t encountered a role that I feel I absolutely have to play.”

Mai Sakurajima sighed softly and put down her chopsticks. "In the entertainment industry these days, good scripts are becoming increasingly scarce. Most of them are adaptations of popular manga, light novels, or games, or sequels and remakes of old material."

Genkawa Yu remembered that he had already published "Love Letter" and "The Wind Rises," both of which could actually be adapted into screenplays.

"Mai, what do you think of 'Love Letter' and 'The Wind Rises'?"

Upon hearing this, Mai Sakurajima looked up at Yu Genkawa, "Yu-kun's writing is indeed very good, but..."

She paused for a moment, then said, "It would probably be too strenuous for me to play the role."

"They are all too sad. To play such a role requires a very deep emotional investment, and it often takes a long time to completely get out of the character's emotions after filming. I once filmed a rather sad story, and I rested for a long time after filming it."

Genkawa Yu nodded understandingly; he fully comprehended Sakurajima Mai's concerns.

As an actor, the emotional trauma and psychological burden caused by over-immersion in a role are real, especially when facing a highly tragic character. He does not want her to suffer such pain because of his work.

"Then we'll have to think of another way."

Genkawa Yu thought for a moment, "I'll see if I can write some more cheerful scripts later."

"Then I'll look forward to Genkawa-sensei's new work."

Mai Sakurajima raised the teacup beside her, made a clinking motion, and smiled brightly.

Dinner ended in a relaxed and warm atmosphere.

The two of them cleared the table and washed the dishes together, then returned to the living room and sat down on the spacious, soft sofa.

The TV was on, playing a summary program. The laughter of the host and guests was the background noise, but no one was actually watching.

Mai Sakurajima pressed a few buttons on the remote control to turn the TV down, and then the girl's body naturally leaned towards Yuu Genkawa.

Yuan Chuanyou stretched out his arm, and she leaned into his arms, adjusting herself into a comfortable position.

Her body was soft, carrying the fresh floral scent of lingering shower gel and a hint of the smoky aroma from the kitchen.

Genkawa Yu lowered his head, his chin gently brushing against the top of her soft hair, and wrapped his arms around her slender waist, holding her even closer in his embrace.

The two leaned against each other, enjoying a long-lost intimacy.

Gradually, the atmosphere became heated.

Mai Sakurajima suddenly moved, raised her head, and stared at his profile.

The light from the floor lamp cast tiny golden glints in her eyes. Her gaze was no longer concealed; it was filled with hesitation and anticipation, as well as a certain resolute light.

Her lips parted slightly, and her breathing became a little more rapid.

Genkawa Yuya looked down at her.

Their eyes locked on each other in mid-air. He could see the light in her eyes and the rising temperature, and he could feel her heartbeat quickening slightly.

He knew what she wanted to do.

Genkawa Yuu slowly lowered his head, and Sakurajima Mai closed her eyes, her lips slightly pursed, in a posture of waiting for a kiss.

Just before the two were about to touch

The phone on the coffee table, like an untimely intruder, suddenly started vibrating violently.

The shrill and urgent ringing of the bell was like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the romantic atmosphere that had been brewing in the room for so long.

They both froze.

Genkawa Yu's movements stopped less than a centimeter from her lips, and Sakurajima Mai also suddenly opened her eyes, a clear sense of helplessness and embarrassment at being interrupted flashing in them.

Take a closer look.

Caller: Akane Kurokawa.

"..."

Volume 3: I Am a Knight of the New Era - Chapter 7: First Promotional Program, Human Observation?

Looking at the caller ID on his phone, Yuu Genkawa couldn't help but smile wryly.

Mai Sakurajima naturally saw that name as well.

Her slightly upturned face changed expression slightly, and the small hands resting on Yuan Chuan You's chest tightened unconsciously, her eyes flashing with displeasure.

The enchanting atmosphere that had been floating in the air instantly dissipated, replaced by an awkward silence.

"I'm sorry, Mai."

Yuan Chuanyou said in a low voice. He gently patted the girl's hand that was clutching his shirt, straightened up stiffly, left that warm embrace, and walked towards the place where he could answer the phone.

Mai Sakurajima didn't say anything, but silently sat up straight, hugged her knees together, rested her small chin on her knees, and followed the back of Yu Genkawa as he got up.

"What the heck..."

The girl muttered, her feelings becoming very complicated, "Is this considered checking up on someone?"

On the other side, Genkawa Yu pressed the answer button and walked straight to the glass sliding door leading to the small balcony at the other end of the living room.

"Hey, is this 0? 22Ⅳ俬, Akane?"

The moment the call connected, Genkawa Yu switched to his usual gentle tone, showing no sign of anything amiss.

Kurokawa Akane's clear and pleasant voice immediately came from the other end of the phone.

"Yu-kun, Director Doi just called to tell me he has some really great news!"

"Well, you said."

Genkawa Yu leaned against the railing. It was eight o'clock. The streetlights in the port area were just coming on, and the traffic flowed like rivers of light. The noise of the city seemed distant and blurry from a distance.

"This is an official announcement regarding the promotional schedule for 'Love Like a Bouquet'!"

Akane Kurokawa sounded very happy, and she spoke a little faster than usual.

"The director just finalized the details with the TV station. Our first promotional program will be 'Human Observation'!"

"Human Observation?"

Genkawa Yu was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, which was then replaced by bright joy.

"Is it that prime-time variety show on Nippon TV every Thursday at 7:30 PM?"

"Yes! That's the one!"

Akane Kurokawa's tone became even more cheerful, as if one could imagine her beaming with joy on the other end of the phone.

"Although we can't possibly take up the entire hour and a half of the program, Director Doi said that the production team has promised to give us at least a 30-minute observation segment!"

"I see, that's really quite good."

Upon hearing this truly good news, Genkawa Yu's lips curled into an uncontrollable smile.

The program "Human Observation" holds a very important position in the Japanese variety show industry.

It is known for its carefully designed hidden camera scenarios that observe the real reactions of ordinary people in specific situations. Because of its relatable, sometimes heartwarming and sometimes hilarious content, it has consistently ranked among the top in Thursday night ratings, with an average rating hovering around 20% for many years, making it a truly national-level variety show.

The audience reach is extremely wide, ranging from students to office workers to housewives, and there is a loyal audience of them all.

Promoting a new film during prime time on such a program generates exposure and increased public awareness that far surpasses that of ordinary variety shows or interviews.

This undoubtedly demonstrates the high importance and resource allocation that the production team places on the film "Love Like a Bouquet".

"When exactly is the recording scheduled for next week? Has the production team come up with any preliminary ideas for the content?"

"The recording is tentatively scheduled for next Wednesday, and the broadcast will take place next Thursday night."

Akane Kurokawa explained, her voice tinged with mystery and anticipation, "The specific plan seems to still be under discussion. The director is already communicating with the production team, and they will notify us when the time comes."

"I understand."

"Oh, right, Yu-kun, there's something else very important."

Akane Kurokawa's tone became more serious. "There's a formal promotional meeting for the 'Love Like a Bouquet' project this Friday at 2 PM. We can go together then."

"Yes, everyone should be there."

Genkawa Yu's gaze calmed down, and his eyes became deep as he looked into the distance.

"Love Like a Bouquet" is his first key film project with Suo Shun, aimed at winning over Suo Shogo's first performance at the end of the year.

Now that half the year has passed, Genkawa Yu and Suoh Hayabusa's strategy is actually quite simple: to prepare for both possibilities.

The animated film "Your Name" focuses on commercial box office and market influence, aiming to become a social phenomenon, while the romance film "Love Like a Bouquet" focuses on awards and industry reputation, thanks to director Doi's reputation and the film's profound emotional analysis and artistic quality.

These two battlefronts complement each other, yet they are also independent of each other. A mishap on either side could put him at a disadvantage in the final showdown.

If "Love Like a Bouquet" wins an award, it will have a greater advantage in the year-end competition.

"The director said the final cut of the film is complete, which is really exciting." The girl on the phone sounded expectant. Although she, as the female lead, knew the whole plot, she was still looking forward to the final cut.