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

"I'm really looking forward to it too."

The two exchanged a few more words about the details of other work arrangements for next week before ending the call.

After hanging up the phone, Genkawa Yu quickly turned around and returned to the warm living room.

Mai Sakurajima maintained the same posture of hugging her knees, like a cat protecting itself.

Hearing his footsteps, she looked up and gazed at Genkawa Yu's face.

Genkawa Yu walked to the sofa, but instead of sitting down immediately, he squatted down so that his line of sight was at the same level as Sakurajima Mai, who was sitting on the sofa.

Then, he reached out and gently cupped her face in his hands, his fingertips softly caressing her smooth, delicate cheek skin.

"I'm sorry, Mai."

Yuu Genkawa apologized again, his voice lower and softer than it had been on the phone, carrying an obvious tone of coaxing and reassurance.

"It's about work."

Mai Sakurajima let him cup her face without struggling, but she also didn't give any positive response.

She simply pursed her lips slightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on him, her gaze deep and unfathomable, as if veiled by a thin mist, making it impossible to discern the emotions within.

Genkawa Yu sighed softly to himself.

He knew she was angry, or rather, she was being difficult.

The two had just entered the sweet phase of their romance when they were interrupted by an unexpected phone call, which would have been disappointing for anyone.

Moreover, Mai Sakurajima herself has a proud and possessive side to her personality.

"It's part of the promotional arrangements for 'Love Like a Bouquet'."

Yu Genkawa continued to explain, trying to defuse the awkward atmosphere with specific work details: "Next week I'm going to record 'Human Observation'."

"Human Observation?"

Upon hearing these words, Mai Sakurajima's eyes finally flickered, her initial dissatisfaction replaced by the attention of someone in the industry.

She tilted her head slightly, her voice muffled, but she finally spoke.

"That observational reality show airing on Thursdays during prime time?"

"Ah."

Genkawa Yu nodded, sat down next to her, and then reached out to pull her back into his arms, letting her lean on his shoulder.

This time, Mai Sakurajima did not resist and obediently snuggled into his arms.

"The resources invested in this 'Burning' series are substantial. The core exposure during the prime time slot of half an hour will greatly help the early exposure of an art film."

Mai Sakurajima leaned on his shoulder, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke.

"It is indeed a very good promotional campaign. The audience of 'Human Observation' is very loyal, and it will definitely have a good effect."

"correct."

Yuan Chuan You tightened his arms around her, holding her even closer, and then gently rubbed his chin against her soft hair. The fresh scent of shampoo lingered in her nose.

"Director Doi's goal is very clear: he's aiming for awards."

Genkawa Yu's voice was clear in the quiet living room.

"He hopes that 'Love Like a Bouquet' will win awards this year, and I also really hope to win an award."

"Winning the lottery?"

Mai Sakurajima raised her head, stepped back slightly from his embrace, and looked into his eyes.

The displeasure in her eyes had faded, replaced by a hint of aroused interest, even tinged with a sly glint.

"What level are you aiming for? The Kinema Junpo Award? Or... the Japan Academy Film Prize?"

The Japan Academy Film Prize, often referred to as the "Japanese Oscars" by the media and industry due to its grand ceremony and authoritative selection process, is one of the highest honors in the Japanese film industry.

"Of course, the higher the better."

Genkawa Yu smiled, meeting her gaze with a spark in his eyes, "Winning the award would be a great help to my future plans."

If Suoh Shun can successfully inherit the position of president of the Burning Stars company, it will be an absolute boon to his future business plans.

Upon hearing this, Mai Sakurajima smiled beautifully. She seemed to have thought of something very interesting, and her voice became light and cheerful, carrying a hint of anticipation.

"If it's the Japan Academy Film Prize...maybe we'll have a chance to bump into each other at the awards ceremony."

Genkawa Yu was taken aback at first, but then immediately understood her implied meaning.

Mai Sakurajima won the Best Actress award at the Japan Academy Film Prize last year for her outstanding performance in the film "The Monster" directed by Hirokazu Imaeda.

This was a crucial milestone in the girl's career, and it solidified her status as a national-level actress.

If "Love Like a Bouquet" wins an award, Mai Sakurajima, who has previously won Best Actress, will naturally be present to meet him.

"Yes."

Genkawa Yu smiled, his voice gentle.

"If that day ever comes, I'm really, really looking forward to it."

"Yu-kun, you really have a lot of confidence."

She paused, her voice suddenly lowered, and a hint of awkwardness crept into it.

"If she really wins the award, Kurokawa will definitely attend as the leading actress, right? I don't want to see her standing side by side with you in that kind of setting, receiving everyone's blessings and attention."

"Really."

Yuu Minakawa knew it was impossible to make Mai Sakurajima completely indifferent.

After all, both Kurokawa Akane and she are in the entertainment industry, and the industry isn't actually that big. As Kurokawa Akane's fame gradually increases, the two may have more opportunities to meet in the future.

Genkawa Yu reached out and gently turned her face towards him, forcing her to look at him.

"This is the second time you've mentioned her. I've said before that when we're together, I'll be thinking of you with all my heart."

"You're the one who committed the foul now, Mai."

"Humph..."

Sakurajima Mai looked at Genkawa Yu's gentle gaze, gave a haughty snort, then buried her face in his warm neck again and muttered something softly.

"You always say such sweet things to coax me..."

Yuan Chuan You smiled and didn't say anything more. He simply tightened his arms, completely encircling her in his embrace, and gently patted her slender back, as if comforting a kitten that had finally put its claws back.

The living room returned to tranquility.

The two nestled together, neither speaking, enjoying this peaceful and intimate moment.

About another hour or so passed.

"I should go back now."

"Yuu Genkawa said softly, his tone clearly showing reluctance," he said.

Mai Sakurajima lifted her head from his embrace, a hint of lingering affection flashing in her eyes, but she didn't try to stop him. She simply nodded, her voice returning to its usual clarity.

"Okay, be careful on the road."

Mai Sakurajima knew that Yuu Genkawa couldn't stay overnight at this stage, since he had a live-in girlfriend.

Goodnight, Mai.

Goodnight, Yu-kun.

After escorting Yu Minakawa to the apartment door, Mai Sakurajima tiptoed up and pecked him on the cheek, which surprised Yu Minakawa slightly.

"Let's save our first kiss for next time. I'll let you have it this way for today."

Mai Sakurajima wore a sly smile.

"...Yes, I'll be looking forward to it."

Seeing the light in the girl's eyes, Yuan Chuanyou hugged her for a while longer before reluctantly turning away.

Two days later, on Friday afternoon, in the largest conference room of [Star Engine].

Today, Yu Genkawa chose a dark charcoal gray double-breasted suit, paired with a crisp white poplin shirt and a slightly dark navy blue tie.

His hair was meticulously styled with hair wax to create a casual yet sophisticated texture, and his face exuded the composure and sharpness befitting a young leader.

His agent, Kazuya Nakahara, followed closely behind, carrying a thick black leather binder containing well-prepared meeting materials.

The conference room was large, and at that moment, quite a few people were already seated around the table.

Director Doi sat on one side of the long table, near the head of the table, slightly turned to the side, talking quietly with the producer next to him.

Following behind Genkawa Yu, Kurokawa Akane quickly found a seat. Today, she was wearing an elegant light purple tweed suit, matching high heels, and her long hair was styled into an exquisite updo, revealing her fair and beautiful neck. Her makeup was light and delicate.

Meanwhile, Kato Arashi, the president of Hoshino Office, was already seated, intently flipping through a folder in front of him with the agenda printed on it.

Yu Genkawa took his seat in his designated spot, which was on the other side of the long table, almost directly opposite Director Doi, symbolizing his pivotal role in the project.

Kazuya Nakahara sat down on the row of assistant seats diagonally behind him against the wall, quickly turned on his computer and laptop, and got to work.

The staff gradually arrived.

The head of the publicity and promotion team for the Burning series also arrived. After a while, the heavy walnut door of the conference room was pushed open again, and Suoh Hayabusa walked in.

When Suo Shun appeared at the door, the low conversation in the conference room instantly ceased.

All eyes were involuntarily drawn to him.

Compared to Suoh Hayabusa, who was always impeccably dressed and exuded the aura of an elite nobleman whenever he appeared a few months ago, the person in front of him was almost unrecognizable.

His expensive, custom-made Italian suit, though still crisp, was noticeably wrinkled, as if it had been packed in a suitcase for a long time. His shirt collar was slightly open, and his tie, though still fastened, was tied loosely and crookedly.

What's most striking is his face. This tycoon's chin is covered with a layer of bluish stubble, his eyes are sunken, and his whole being exudes a sense of exhaustion and haggardness from the inside out, as if he has been suffering from severe sleep deprivation and extreme mental exhaustion.

However, despite his disheveled appearance, when he stepped into the conference room and walked to the main seat that symbolized the highest decision-making power of the project, his dignified aura of long-held authority still made everyone present unconsciously straighten their backs.

"Sorry, I just came straight from the animation studio. There was a bit of traffic on the way, so I'm three minutes late."

Suoh Shun's voice was much hoarse and low than usual, but his tone remained calm, without any unnecessary explanations or pleasantries.

"Thank you for your hard work, Suoh-san."