Crossover: Pen name: Dazai Osamu, Omega Kasumigaoka

"Kitahara Makoto, I'm going shopping with my sister whom I haven't seen in ages."

Kitahara Shin opened his eyes and saw the anticipation and energy sparkling in Sakurajima Mai's eyes. He knew this was a party she had been looking forward to for a long time...

He shook his head, and said with a hint of apology:

"I have some things to take care of at the company today, so I probably won't be able to go with you."

"However, you can enjoy your time with your sisters without worrying about me."

Mai Sakurajima nodded and smiled understandingly.

She bent down and gently kissed Kitahara Makoto's forehead, as if to give him warmth and encouragement.

Then, she turned and walked towards the door, picked up her bag and coat, and prepared to leave.

"Be careful and don't come back too late."

Kitahara Makoto sat up from the sofa and gave her instructions.

Mai Sakurajima turned around and gave him a bright smile, saying:

"Don't worry, I will. You focus on your work, see you tonight."

With Mai Sakurajima gone, the room returned to silence.

Chapter 175 The Invitation from the Netflix CEO

After Mai Sakurajima left, Makoto Kitahara sat on the sofa, his gaze falling on the sunlight outside the window. After a moment, he picked up his phone, preparing to call Haruko.

He took a deep breath, composed himself, and then dialed Haruko's number.

Haruko's clear voice quickly came from the other end of the phone:

Hello, who is this?

"Haruko, hello, I'm Kitahara Makoto."

Kitahara Makoto said with a smile.

"Oh, it's Mr. Kitahara, hello!"

Haruko's voice was filled with surprise.

"Do you have anything to do with me?"

"Yes, there's something I want to tell you."

Kitahara scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly.

"I probably won't be able to go to the Starlight Tavern tonight at midnight."

"Ah? Why?"

Haruko's voice carried a hint of disappointment.

"I'm so sorry, Haruko. There are some things that suddenly need to be taken care of at home today, so I have to go back."

Kitahara Shin made up an excuse.

"Oh, I see." Haruko paused for a moment, then said gently.

"It's alright, Mr. Kitahara. I understand, family matters are more important. Let's make it up another time then."

"I'm so sorry, Haruko. I know you've done a lot of preparation for tonight's party."

Kitahara Makoto felt somewhat guilty.

"Don't say that, Mr. Kitahara. Your matter is more important. Besides, we'll have a chance to get together again."

Haruko comforted her.

"Thank you, Haruko. You're always so understanding."

Kitahara Makoto said gratefully,

"Let's meet up again next time. I'll treat you to dinner as compensation."

"Okay, then I'll be waiting for your invitation."

Haruko's voice was full of anticipation.

"Definitely, Haruko. I'll hang up now, there's something urgent at home, I need to go back quickly."

Kitahara Makoto said.

"Okay, Mr. Kitahara. Take care on your journey."

Haruko gave him some words of advice with concern.

"Yes, I will. Haruko, take care too."

After hanging up the phone, Kitahara Makoto refocused his gaze on the work desk in front of him.

He looked up at the wall clock and realized it was getting late.

Realizing that there were still many unfinished tasks, he took a deep breath, quickly adjusted his mindset, and prepared to get back to work.

He turned on his computer and began dealing with the pile of emails and files.

His fingers flew across the keyboard, his eyes focused and determined. Soon, he was in work mode, forgetting all external distractions.

Just then, assistant Li Hua knocked and entered. She held a document in her hand and smiled as she said:

"Mr. Kitahara, I just received a notification that the CEO of Netflix has invited you to attend an industry conference next month."

Kitahara Shin looked up at Li Hua, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He took the document, quickly glanced through its contents, and then nodded, saying:

"Okay, I understand. This exchange meeting is very important, and I will prepare in advance."

"Is there anything I can arrange for you?" Li Hua asked with concern.

"Okay, could you please help me arrange the flight and hotel?"

Kitahara Makoto said,

"I want to make sure the trip goes smoothly so I can focus more on preparing for and participating in the exchange meeting."

"No problem, Mr. Kitahara. I will arrange the airfare, hotel, and all the necessary travel details."

Li Hua answered readily.

"Don't worry, I will make sure everything goes smoothly."

"Thank you so much for your help, Li Hua."

Kitahara Makoto said gratefully,

"Your work efficiency is always so high, I'm so glad to have you by my side."

Chapter 176 The Boss Eats at the Company Cafeteria!

Li Hua responded with a smile:

"Mr. Kitahara, you flatter me. I'm just doing my job to contribute to your and the company's success. Please let me know if you need anything in the future."

Kitahara nodded, turned his gaze back to the computer screen, and continued working on his task.

He knew that although Haruko's situation was somewhat distracting him, work remained the most important task at hand. He couldn't let personal matters hinder the company's progress.

Seeing that Kitahara Makoto had returned to his work, Li Hua quietly left the office.

She understood that Kitahara was an extremely conscientious and responsible person who always gave his all to his work. She was also proud to work under such a leader.

Time ticked by, and Kitahara Makoto focused intently on handling his tasks.

He was extremely efficient and quickly processed the pile of emails and documents in an orderly manner.

In the evening.

Kitahara Makoto finally finished all his work. He stretched and felt a sense of ease and satisfaction he had never experienced before.

He knew that this was not only because he had completed the work, but also because he had found his own value and meaning in the work.

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the night view outside.

The city lights shone brightly, as if illuminating a beacon of victory for his hard work that day.

A warm feeling welled up inside him, filling him with anticipation and confidence for his future work and life.

After finishing his work, Kitahara leaned back wearily in his chair, his gaze inadvertently falling on the photo of Sakurajima Mai next to him.

He smiled slightly, a surge of longing for Mai welling up in his heart.

He picked up his phone and dialed Mai Sakurajima's number.

Mai Sakurajima's languid and gentle voice quickly came from the other end of the phone:

"Hey, is this Kitahara Makoto? Finished with work?"

"Yeah, I just finished."

Kitahara Shin answered, his voice tinged with weariness, but even more so with longing for Sakurajima Mai.

Where are you now? Still shopping with your girlfriends?

"Yes, we've finished shopping and are just getting ready to go home."

Mai Sakurajima replied, her voice tinged with reluctance.

"What about you? Have you eaten?"

"Not yet, I'll rest at the company for a bit before going home to eat."

Kitahara Makoto said,

"Do you want to wait for me to get home so we can eat together?"

"No need, don't wait for me, you should eat quickly, don't go hungry."

Mai Sakurajima said,

"I'll be home soon, then we can chat together."

"Okay, I'll eat first."

Kitahara Makoto said,

Be careful on your way home, and don't stay out too late.

"Okay, I'll head back now."

Mai Sakurajima's voice was filled with sweetness and happiness.

"Wait for me, I'll be home soon."

"Well, I'll wait for you."

After hanging up the phone, Kitahara Shin stood up, stretched, and felt his fatigue ease a little.

He glanced out the window; the night was beginning to deepen, and the streetlights were casting a warm glow.

He tidied up the files and computer on his desk, making sure everything was organized.

Then, he picked up his coat and prepared to leave the office.

Walking through the empty office area, Kitahara felt a pang of emotion.

The day's busyness seemed to have just ended, but he knew that tomorrow would be a new beginning.

His longing for Mai Sakurajima intensified, and he looked forward to returning home to reunite with her as soon as possible.

I walked into the company cafeteria.

Chapter 177 Boring News Gossip

Kitahara Makoto was surprised by the scene before him. Although it was already evening, the cafeteria was bustling with activity and every seat was taken.

He noticed that many people were engrossed in their meals, their faces showing a tired but determined expression. Some were talking in hushed tones, while others were enjoying a moment of peace and quiet by themselves.

Kitahara was deeply moved. He walked to the window and ordered a simple fried rice and a bowl of soup.

While waiting for his food, he looked around at the people who were staying at the company to work overtime.

They may be sacrificing their rest time to complete an important project or to pursue higher goals.

Soon, his food was ready. He found a relatively quiet spot to sit down and began to enjoy his simple dinner.

Although the cafeteria was bustling with activity, he sensed a unique atmosphere. This atmosphere was filled with a spirit of struggle and hard work, making him feel that he was not alone.