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

Looking at the girl who was slowly raising her head in his arms, Genkawa Yu asked, "What's wrong?"

"If you choose me for the third date, then Genkawa-kun will probably choose MEM-chan for the second date, right?"

"...Uh, why do you ask that?"

"I have a pretty good idea of ​​why Genkawa-kun came to participate in this program."

"Hey..."

Genkawa Yu exchanged a helpless glance with her, then gently patted her back. "I was just comforting you."

"Don't worry, I'll always stand by Genkawa-kun's side."

Akane Kurokawa stared intently into Yu Minakawa's eyes, her tone as if she were making a vow.

"Whatever Genkawa-kun wants to do, I will help you."

"..."

"Ah."

Volume One: The Shining Morning Star, Chapter Sixty-Six: The Victory Banquet, and the Passionate Suoh Hayabusa

With the airing of the first episode of "Love is a Required Course in Life," its popularity skyrocketed and showed no signs of stopping.

The cast of handsome men and beautiful women, who are not amateurs, the brisk pace, and the highly dramatic story development have all become topics of conversation among viewers.

After the first episode aired, the viewership continued to climb over the next two days, generating high levels of discussion and with various related terms dominating the trending topics list.

Such tremendous success naturally attracted the pursuit of capital. Before the second episode of the show has even aired, advertisers with keen sense of smell have already flocked to the show, and sponsorship and cooperation invitations have almost flooded Director Aoyama's office.

To celebrate the successful start and further solidify relationships with all parties, the Burning Series Agency and director Akihiro Aoyama quickly reached an agreement to hold a small, private celebratory dinner at a high-end members-only club in Tokyo.

In addition to the core members of the production team and representatives of major advertisers, the six members also received invitations to attend in formal attire.

At 8 p.m., luxury cars were gathered in front of the club.

Since today is a formal celebration banquet, the everyday outfits worn in the Love Show Villa are obviously not allowed. All six members have changed into carefully selected formal wear and suits.

On the recommendation of the stylist, Yu Genkawa chose a perfectly tailored black suit with a subtle pattern. He didn't wear a tie, and casually unbuttoned one button at the collar of his shirt, which was both polite and exuded a relaxed and elegant air.

When he arrived at the scene, the time was just right, neither too early nor too late.

Upon entering the venue, one is immediately greeted by soft lighting, melodious jazz music, and people chatting quietly.

He spotted several of his companions at a glance.

Nobuyuki Kumano, dressed in a light blue suit, stood tall and somewhat reserved as he spoke with someone who appeared to be an advertising executive. Kengo Morimoto, on the other hand, wore a pure white suit and leaned against the corner of the bar, fiddling with his wine glass.

MEM, dressed in a light yellow fluffy short skirt, flitted among the female staff members of the production team like a happy little butterfly. Her laughter was crisp and clear. She had strong interpersonal skills, so she was well-liked by the production team.

As for Asakura Toru, she chose a pearl-white halter dress, which made her skin look as white as snow and her temperament ethereal.

She was standing quietly near the food area, taking small bites of a delicate dessert, her eyes somewhat vacant, seemingly indifferent to the occasion.

Akane Kurokawa

Genkawa Yu's gaze swept around before finally finding her in a relatively quiet spot by the window.

The girl was wearing a burgundy knee-length satin dress, simple and elegant in style. She was holding a glass of juice, tilting her head slightly to listen to what Director Aoyama was saying beside her, with a calm and focused expression on her face, occasionally nodding in response.

Compared to the other female guests, who were either bright or lively, she was like a quietly blooming orchid, possessing her own serene charm.

"She's working really hard too."

Genkawa Yu smiled and then casually picked up a glass of champagne from the waiter's tray, choosing to walk towards Asakura Toru, who was closer.

"Asakura-san, you look beautiful tonight," he greeted with a smile.

Asakura Toru seemed startled and came to his senses. When he saw it was him, he nodded slightly and gave a faint smile. "Mr. Genkawa looks very handsome today. The desserts here are delicious."

"Really? Then I'll have to try it later."

Genkawa Yu readily agreed and chatted with her for a while about the atmosphere of the party and the desserts, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

But he could sense that Asakura Toru didn't seem to enjoy these social occasions; he was more like he was just completing a task.

"Teacher Genkawa."

Just as Genkawa Yu was about to turn and leave, Asakura Toru suddenly called out to him.

"what happened?"

"The second trip should be coming soon, does Professor Genkawa have any plans?"

Asakura Toru is still Asakura Toru; she doesn't like beating around the bush and asks directly.

"Uh... I haven't decided yet."

“Alright then,” Asakura Toru stroked his light purple short hair, a gentle smile on his face. “For the second date, the guy makes the plans, and the girl chooses…”

"I will think about it carefully."

"Ah."

In fact, Yuu Minakawa had already seen the expectation in Toru Asakura's eyes. Although she had few emotional fluctuations, her easygoing personality made her tendencies very obvious.

This should count as completing one-third of the werewolf quest, right?

Genkawa Yu stroked his chin, and then naturally strolled over to Kurokawa Akane and Director Aoyama.

"Director, congratulations! The show has been a great success."

He raised his glass in acknowledgment.

"Haha, you guys deserve a lot of credit!"

Director Aoyama was in a great mood today, his face glowing. "You two young people can chat, I won't get involved."

After seeing Minamoto no Yuu walk away from Kora, Kurokawa Akane suppressed the emotions surging within him and forced himself to speak in a calm tone.

Good evening, Genkawa-kun.

"good evening."

Genkawa Yu exchanged a knowing glance with her; everything was understood without words. Last night's embrace had brought them even closer.

After a brief conversation, Genkawa Yu felt a little hungry.

His main purpose today was actually very simple: he had no interest in interacting with business people or people from advertising companies; he was just here to freeload off a gourmet meal at a high-class cocktail party.

Just as Genkawa Yu was launching his "attack" on the dazzling array of buffet items, a gentle yet unfamiliar male voice came from behind him.

"Good evening, Professor Yuanchuan."

Turning around, he found a young man of about thirty years old standing in front of him, wearing an expensive, clearly tailor-made silver-gray suit.

The other person's hair was neatly combed, and he wore a perfectly measured smile. He had a refined demeanor, but his eyes revealed a shrewd sharpness.

After checking repeatedly, Yuu Minakawa realized that he did not know him.

Good evening, and who is this?

Genkawa Yu maintained a polite smile on his face, but in his mind he was quickly assessing the other person's identity.

Is it an advertiser? Or a high-ranking member of the production team?

"Excuse me for bothering you, I am Suo Hayabusa."

The man smiled and handed over a business card with elegant movements. "I have always admired Mr. Yuan Chuan's acting skills and talent. I just happened to have this opportunity today, so I couldn't resist coming to get to know him."

Genkawa Yu took the business card and glanced at it.

The pure white business card had a simple yet luxurious design, and it read "Managing Director of Burning Project Co., Ltd."

Your surname is Zhou Fang?

This surname, coupled with his position as the managing director of the Ran Group,

Genkawa Yu's heart stirred slightly, but he showed no sign of it on his face.

"So it's Suoh-san. It's a pleasure to meet you. You flatter me. I was just doing my job."

Volume One: The Shining Morning Star, Chapter Sixty-Seven: Anecdotes of Internal Strife, Genkawa Yu's Thoughts

"Mr. Yuanchuan is too modest. I have also read your 'Love Letter'. Your talent is evident to all in the entertainment industry."

Suo Shun spoke very politely, without any airs of someone in a high position, and even with a hint of flattery.

"And you really deserve a lot of credit for the show's great success."

"I feel very honored to be loved by the audience."

Genkawa Yu knew the other party was a big shot in the entertainment industry, but he didn't expect him to be so nice. Could it be... that he wanted to win him over?

Suoh Hayabusa smiled and quickly steered the conversation in a more in-depth direction.

"I heard that Mr. Genkawa has recently been trying his hand at screenwriting?"

Genkawa Yu's eyes flickered slightly. Did the other party even know that he had privately written the script "Love Like a Bouquet"?

While it's not exactly top secret, it's not something everyone knows either.

This Suo Shun was clearly well-prepared.

"It's just a personal interest, still in the exploratory stage, and not yet worthy of serious consideration."

Genkawa Yu casually made a modest remark, but his vigilance increased.

"Interest is the best teacher. We always support talented artists to pursue diversified development."

Suoh Shun's smile remained unchanged, and he said in a very natural tone, "Especially artists like Genkawa-sensei, who have both market appeal and creative potential, are the ones we hope to collaborate with more deeply in the future."

"Resources, channels, and budget are not problems."

This sounds like standard rhetoric used by company executives to woo artists, but when said by a managing director named Suoh, it carries a completely different weight.

The two exchanged a few more words, discussing industry trends and audience reactions to different types of works.

Suoh Shun's attitude was very kind, fully demonstrating his extensive knowledge and insightful views, and his words constantly conveyed goodwill and importance.

However, what bothered Yuu Minakawa was that the other party did not make any specific demands or promises, as if this was really just a purely appreciative acquaintance.