In the anime, Ai Li's father really doesn't want to be a yellow-haired man

"A walk?" Nino raised an eyebrow, her tone full of disbelief. "A walk takes a whole day? And you're not holding anything. Where are the 'things' you bought?"

Ichika was momentarily lost for words, her fingers unconsciously pinching the strap of her handbag as she quickly thought of an excuse, "Uh...actually, I went to the library, hoping to find some information. I realized I couldn't find anything, so I came back empty-handed."

Nino narrowed her eyes, her gaze as sharp as a knife. "Library? When did you become so interested in reading? Besides, the direction of the library is completely opposite to the direction you came back from, right?"

Ichika was a little flustered by Nino's questioning, and the smile on her face became forced: "Well... I actually took a detour and stopped by to look at the shops on the street."

Nino snorted coldly, her arms still folded across her chest, her tone tinged with sarcasm: "A detour? Ichika, do you think I'm easy to fool?"

Ichika knew that Nino was always smart and her excuses would not fool her. But she couldn't tell the truth, after all, she had secretly gone out to perform and had never dared to tell her sisters.

Nino looked at Ichika like this and became even more suspicious, but she also knew Ichika's character.

"Forget it, if you don't want to tell me, forget it." Nino sighed, with a hint of helplessness in her tone, "But, Ichika, if you have any problems, remember to tell us. We are family, aren't we?"

Ichika looked up, a flicker of gratitude and guilt in her eyes: "Yes, I know, Nino. Thank you."

Nino didn't say anything else, just patted Ichika's shoulder gently, turned and walked towards the kitchen: "Dinner is almost ready, go change your clothes."

Ichika looked at Nino's back, feeling a complicated feeling in her heart. She knew that Nino had already noticed her secret, but she didn't expose her.

"I'll definitely tell you when I succeed." Ichika sighed softly, turned and walked towards her room, secretly making up her mind.

As night fell, Ichika sat alone on the edge of her bed, clutching her phone tightly in her hand. The screen displayed the contact information Kozo had given her. Her fingers paused on the keyboard for a long time, her heart filled with hesitation and struggle.

"Do you really want to contact him?" Ichika murmured softly, a hint of uneasiness in his eyes.

Finally, she took a deep breath, made up her mind, and tapped her fingers quickly on the screen.

Ichika: Yukinoshita-kun, I'm Nakano Ichika. I'd like to know more about the opportunity you mentioned yesterday.

After sending the message, Ichika placed the phone against her chest, her heart beating a little faster. She didn't know how the other party would respond, nor did she know if her decision was the right one.

Not long after, the phone vibrated. Ichika quickly picked up the phone and saw Kouzo's reply on the screen:

Takashi San: Let's meet at a café in the city center at 2:00 PM tomorrow. I'll bring you the script and we'll discuss it in detail. (Includes location)

Ichika's lips curled up slightly, a hint of joy and anticipation flashing in her eyes. She quickly replied "OK," then put her phone aside, her heart filled with an indescribable excitement.

"Finally... there's a chance." She murmured softly, a determined glint in her eyes.

The next day, the sun was shining brightly, and Fuutarou came to the Nakano family as usual, ready to help the five sisters with their homework. The moment he pushed open the door, Yotsuba greeted him warmly, while Miku sat on the sofa, holding a book in her hands, but her eyes kept glancing towards the door.

"Fuutarou, what are we going to revisit today?" Yotsuba asked excitedly with a bright smile on her face.

Fuutarou smiled and was about to answer when he suddenly realized that Ichika was not in the living room. He looked around and asked in confusion, "Where's Ichika? Is she not here today?"

Nino leaned against the wall, her arms folded across her chest, her tone filled with dissatisfaction: "She said she had something to do today and went out."

"What's up?" Fuutarou frowned, feeling somewhat puzzled. Ichika always attached great importance to tutoring and rarely missed classes.

"Who knows?" Nino shrugged, a hint of helplessness in her tone. "She's always been mysterious lately. She won't tell you even if you ask her."

Fuutarou nodded, feeling vaguely uneasy, but didn't ask any further questions.

Chapter 131: 131 Supporting a Flower and Seizing a Flower

In the afternoon, in a cafe, Ichika sat across from Kozo, a warm latte in her hand and a faint smile on her face. In front of her lay a brand new script, with the title and her name written on the cover... Nakano Ichika, the heroine.

"This role really suits you." Xiao San said with a smile, a hint of approval in his tone, "She has a tough personality and a gentle heart, which is very similar to you."

Ichika flipped open the script, her eyes flickering with excitement as she quickly scanned the lines and scene descriptions. Her fingers gently traced the pages, as if she could sense the character's inner emotions. This had always been her dream, a dream she'd prepared herself to pursue for ten, twenty years, but now this perfect opportunity was right in front of her.

"Thank you, Yukinoshita-kun." Ichika raised her head, her eyes full of gratitude, "I really didn't expect to have such an opportunity."

Xiao San smiled and said gently: "This is what you deserve. Your hard work and talent deserve to be seen by more people."

A warm feeling welled up in Ichika's heart, and her smile grew even brighter. She had never imagined she would be so close to her dream. And it all seemed to be thanks to the gentle, handsome, and wealthy young man before her.

After finishing his coffee, Kozo suggested taking Ichika to the filming location. Ichika readily agreed, her heart filled with anticipation.

Kozo drove Ichika to a spacious studio. Inside, the lights were bright, the scenery was exquisite, and the staff were busy preparing. Ichika walked into the studio, looking around, and was filled with awe.

"This place... is amazing." Ichika murmured softly, his eyes full of amazement.

Takashi San stood beside her, his tone full of pride: "This is prepared for you. As long as you want, everything here can belong to you."

Ichika's heart was moved, and her eyes were slightly moist. She had never thought that she would have the opportunity to stand on such a stage and become the focus of everyone's attention.

"Yukinoshita-kun, I really don't know how to thank you..." Ichika's voice was a little choked, and her eyes were full of sincerity.

Xiao San smiled slightly, with a hint of deep meaning in his eyes: "As long as you are willing, we can go further together."

On the way back home, the atmosphere in the car was a little subtle. Takashi San gripped the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. His tone was calm but with a hint of tentativeness: "Ichika, I've always admired you. Not only for your talent, but also for your character and hard work."

Ichika was stunned for a moment, then turned to look at Takashita, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: "Yukinoshita-kun?"

Kou San sighed softly, his tone carrying a hint of tenderness: "Ichika, have you ever thought that we can be more than just partners? Perhaps... we can try dating?"

Ichika's heartbeat quickened, and a faint blush crept across her face. She quickly grasped what Takashi San meant, a wave of mixed emotions welling up within her. She lowered her head, unconsciously twisting her fingers together as thoughts raced through her mind.

"But, I..." Ichika's voice was hesitant.

Xiao San saw her hesitation, but his tone remained gentle: "You don't have to answer me right away. I just want you to know that my feelings for you are serious. You can take your time to think about it."

Ichika nodded, but her heart still couldn't calm down.

The car stopped near Nakano's house. Ichika opened the door and looked back at Kouzo: "Yukinoshita-kun, thank you for everything today. I will think about it carefully."

Takashi San smiled slightly, "I'll wait for you."

Ichika nodded and turned towards the door.

At night, in the bathroom...

Warm steam filled the air, and a hazy mist enveloped the entire space. Ichika stepped into the bathtub, and the warm water instantly enveloped her body, but she still felt that her heart could not calm down.

She buried half of her face in the water, closed her eyes, and kept replaying the conversation with Xiaosan today in her mind.

"Yukinoshita-kun... why did you choose me?" Ichika murmured softly, her voice becoming unclear in the water, leaving only the gurgling sound of bubbles.

Her thoughts were in a tangle, her heart filled with conflict and anxiety. Takashi San was indeed the perfect man... rich, handsome, mature, and about her own age. Why would a man like him be interested in her? Was it really just because of her acting skills and potential? Or... was he just playing around?

Ichika felt a surge of unease, her fingers unconsciously stirring the water, creating ripples. She knew she wasn't the type to easily attract such a brilliant man. There were many women in this world who were prettier and smarter than she, and she was just a slightly attractive high school girl.

"If I don't agree to him, this opportunity...will it just disappear like that?" Ichika's heart was full of struggle.

She knew what this opportunity meant to her...to become a leading actress, to stand on a bigger stage, and to realize her dream.

All of this is what she has always dreamed of.

But if she agreed to Xiao San, how would she face her own heart? Could she really accept a relationship based on profit?

Ichika buried her face completely in the water, letting the warm water envelop her. Various thoughts kept flashing through her mind, and the conflicting thoughts in her heart made her feel extremely exhausted.

"Ichika, what are you hesitating about?" She asked herself in a low voice, her voice becoming unclear in the water.

She knew she had to make a choice. Whether for her dream or for her own heart, she could no longer escape.

Ichika raised her head from the water and took a deep breath, water droplets sliding down her cheeks. Through the mist, she looked up at the bathroom ceiling, a glint of determination in her eyes. "Maybe... I should give it a try."

Ichika was lost in her own thoughts...

Suddenly, there was a rapid knock on the door, accompanied by Nino's impatient voice: "Ichika! How long have you been in there? Are you asleep? Come out quickly!"

Ichika snapped back to her senses and quickly stood up from the bathtub, splashing water everywhere. She quickly wiped herself off, wrapped herself in a towel, and called out to the door, "I'll be right there! Wait a minute!"

Outside the door, Nino's voice still carried a hint of dissatisfaction: "Really, taking a shower can take so long... Hurry up, I still need it!"

Ichika could hear the impatience in Nino's tone, but she also knew that this was her usual character. Although Nino was harsh in her words, she was actually worried about her.

"Got it, I'll be right out!" Ichika responded again.

After returning to the room, Ichika sat on the edge of the bed, holding her phone in her hand, and Takashi's contact information was displayed on the screen.

After sending the message, Ichika placed the phone against her chest, her heart beating a little faster. She knew that this message meant she was about to take an important step, both for her dream and for her future.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the gaps in the curtains. Yihua got up early and sat in front of the dressing mirror, carefully dressing herself. In front of her were all kinds of cosmetics and clothes, and she repeatedly selected and tried on each one.

"This one's too flashy, no... This one's too ordinary, it seems like I'm not taking it seriously enough..." Ichika murmured, her brows furrowed slightly. She was still nervous, knowing that today's meeting was more important than any other audition.

Finally, she chose a simple yet elegant dress in a soft off-white color, which was neither too high-profile nor too subtle, and could bring out her temperament. She carefully applied light makeup to make her complexion look brighter.

"This... should be okay, right?" Ichika asked herself in the mirror softly, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.

Her heartbeat was still a little fast, and her fingers unconsciously tightened the hem of her skirt. She knew that today's meeting was not just to discuss the script, but also the official beginning of her relationship with Xiao San.

Downstairs, Nino was sitting at the dining table eating breakfast. Seeing Ichika coming down from upstairs, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, "Hey, why are you dressed so seriously today? Who are you going to meet?"

Ichika's face flushed slightly, and her tone was a little flustered: "No...nothing, I just have an important meeting today."

Nino narrowed her eyes, a trace of inquiry in her gaze: "Important meeting? Could it be that you're going to meet your boyfriend?"

Ichika's heartbeat suddenly quickened, and she quickly lowered her head to avoid Nino's gaze: "Don't make wild guesses, I'm just going to discuss work."

Nino snorted, a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone: "Whatever you say. But, Ichika, don't let anyone fool you."

After leaving the house, Ichika took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. The sun was shining brightly... She was still a little nervous, but more excited.

"Yukinoshita-kun...I hope my choice is the right one," Ichika murmured softly.

The sun shines on the park bench...and the breeze rustles the leaves.

Ichika stood at the agreed location, her fingers unconsciously pinching the hem of her skirt, her eyes wandering around until she saw Kozo walking towards her from a distance with a gentle smile on his face.

"Ichika, you're here." Takashi San walked up to her with a hint of tenderness in his tone.

Ichika's face flushed slightly, she lowered her head, and her voice was a little soft: "Well, Yukinoshita-kun, I... I'm coming."

Xiao San looked at her shy appearance, a smile flashing in his eyes. He asked softly, "You have made up your mind, right? Are you willing to date me?"

Ichika's heartbeat quickened. She clutched the hem of her skirt tightly with her fingers, took a deep breath, and looked up at Kouzo. With a hint of determination in her eyes, she nodded gently, "Well, I've made up my mind. I'm willing to... date you."

Xiao San's lips curled up slightly, his eyes filled with tenderness and satisfaction. He took a step closer, his tone tentative: "Then... can I hug you now?"

Ichika's face instantly turned even redder, and her fingers twisted together unconsciously. She glanced at Takashi's handsome face, her heart pounding like a drum, and finally nodded shyly: "Hmm..."

Kozo smiled faintly, reaching out and gently pulling Ichika into his arms. His arms were warm and strong, and Ichika's body stiffened slightly before gradually relaxing. She rested her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"Ichika, thank you for believing in me," Takashi murmured, a hint of sincerity in his tone.

Ichika buried her face in his chest, her voice muffled but with a hint of sweetness: "Yukinoshita-kun, thank you too... for giving me this opportunity."

Takashi San gently stroked her hair, his eyes full of meaning: "Ichika, I will cherish you well."

Ichika felt a warmth in her heart, her fingers gently grasped the corner of his clothes, and she whispered back, "Yeah... I'll try my best too."

However, Ichika didn't know that this seemingly beautiful beginning was actually a carefully planned scheme by Kozo.

As time went by, Ichika's life was gradually filled with Kozo's arrangements... Kozo often took her out to play. They went to amusement parks, watched movies, and even took walks on the beach at night.

However, although Xiao San's gentleness and thoughtfulness made Ichika feel moved, she always kept a certain distance from him. Every time Xiao San approached, she would unconsciously take a step back, her heart full of contradictions and struggles.

Ichika knew that her feelings for Kouzo were gradually deepening, but she couldn't ignore the question in her heart...the relationship between Kouzo and Mai.

Whenever she saw an interview with Mai Sakurajima on TV or heard news about her, Ichika would feel a surge of unease.

She couldn't understand why Takashi San was so nice to her when he was already dating Mai? Could it be... was he really just playing around?

One evening, Takashi San and Ichika arrived at an upscale restaurant. The decor was elegant, the lighting soft, and the air thick with a faint aroma. Ichika sat across from Takashi San, a glass of wine in hand, her gaze wandering.

"Ichika, you seem a little absent-minded today." Takashi San asked softly.

Ichika looked up at Takashita's handsome face, feeling a complicated feeling in her heart. She knew she couldn't avoid this question any longer. She took a deep breath, mustered up the courage to ask, "Yukinoshita-kun, I... I have a question I've been wanting to ask you."

Xiao San raised his eyebrows slightly, his tone still gentle: "What's the problem? Just tell me."

Ichika's fingers tightly gripped the wine glass, her voice trembling a little: "You are already dating Sakurajima Mai, why are you still dating me...me? Are you really just...playing around?" Her voice became smaller and smaller, and finally turned into almost a murmur.

Chapter 132: 132 Lover Beats Mistress: Sakurajima Mai Beats Nakano Ichika

Ichika lowered her eyes, not daring to look into Takashi's eyes, feeling filled with trepidation.

Takashi was silent for a moment, a complex look in his eyes. He gently put down the wine glass in his hand, and said in a calm tone with a hint of deep meaning: "Ichika, why do you think so?"

"Because... because Miss Mai is your girlfriend, isn't she? You two were so close on TV, everyone knows about your relationship. And I..." Ichika raised her head, with a hint of grievance and confusion in her eyes.

Kou San's eyes flickered slightly, and his tone was filled with helplessness: "Ichika, things are not what you think."

"What exactly happened? Can you tell me the truth? I don't want to be kept in the dark anymore..." Ichika felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

Kouzo sighed softly, "Ichika, the relationship between Mai and I...is not what you think. Our interactions are more for our own benefit, that's all."

Ichika was stunned, a hint of disbelief flashing in her eyes: "So...you are just using each other?"

Takashi nodded, his tone full of calmness: "Yes. But I am serious about you. Ichika, you are different from them. Your purity and hard work have allowed me to see the real you. I don't want to lose you."

Ichika's heart was in turmoil, and she twisted her fingers together unconsciously. She didn't know how to respond to Kozo's words. She felt both relieved and uneasy. "But...but is this fair to Miss Mai?" Ichika asked softly.