Chapter 108
After scooping Mai-senpai up, Mineo ignored her half-hearted struggles and carried her straight into the bedroom.
After a pleasant night, Mineo spent the next morning printing out the script he had written before heading out with Mai-senpai to visit a certain director.
This director was a woman and a long-time acquaintance of Mai's. In the past, many of Mai's roles had been under her direction. She had always looked out for Mai, so when Mai decided to invest in her own project, this director was the first person who came to mind.
"So, let me get this straight, Mai. You want to personally invest in a drama and star in it yourself? And you finished the script in just one night?"
After hearing the explanation, the female director looked at Mineo with a skeptical gaze. This boy... he didn't just scribble some random story and think he could make a TV show out of it, did he? Are rich young masters always this prone to throwing money away?
Mai-senpai sat on the sofa with her knees pressed together, remaining silent, while Mineo sat across from the director with a confident smile.
"Director, I've had the concept for this story in my head for a long time, so the actual writing didn't take much effort. As for the quality, I believe you'll be able to judge that for yourself once you read it."
Hearing his words, the director picked up the script and began to read. Almost immediately, her expression shifted to one of shock.
The quality was far beyond her expectations. As a professional, she was intimately familiar with screenplays, and she could tell instantly that this script had massive potential.
Japan had no shortage of school dramas or idol stories. But blending school life, idols, and a motivational "underdog" theme into one cohesive script was something she hadn't quite seen before. Furthermore, the plot progression and character designs were superb.
The director was certain that with high production values, this script could turn newcomers into superstars overnight.
Just who is this boy Mai is dating? she wondered. How did she find someone this talented?
She had seen the news online about the bold confession from a wealthy young man from China to Mai on campus. At the time, she had been worried that Mai's popularity would plummet now that her relationship was public. Even if the guy was rich, it was usually a loss for an idol-actress.
But now, those thoughts vanished completely. Are you kidding? A man this talented... if I were twenty years younger, I'd be the one chasing him.
Shaking off her internal monologue, she turned to Mai-senpai.
"Mai, thank you so much for trusting me with this! This project, Love Live!, is exactly my style. I'll take it. I'll pour everything I have into making this a masterpiece."
"I'll be counting on you then, Auntie Hanazono!"
The director was a career-driven woman who moved fast. Since she had decided to take on the project, she signed the contract with Mineo that very day. She immediately got on the phone, gathering her crew with infectious energy.
Meanwhile, Mineo took Mai-senpai to a nearby park.
"What brought this on? Taking me for a stroll in the park? From what I remember, Mineo-kun isn't the type of guy who likes 'quiet time' outdoors," Mai remarked.
Her beautiful legs, clad in black stockings and small leather shoes, swung gently beneath the park bench. Mineo looked at her curiously.
"Then in your memory, what kind of guy am I?"
Mai-senpai shot him a sideways glance. "Probably the kind of guy whose lower-body urges are much stronger than his upper-body logic."
"..."
"Ouch. It hurts to know that's the image I have in your heart!" Mineo sighed, caught between laughing and crying.
Seeing his helpless expression, Mai-senpai couldn't hold it back anymore and burst into a fit of laughter. It was a laugh more beautiful than any of the flowers in the park.
"Mineo-kun, taking me to the park really isn't your usual style. Is there something you wanted to tell me?"
"Yeah, there is."
Mineo looked into her eyes, his tone turning slightly apologetic. "Something came up at home. I might have to head back for a bit. I probably won't be able to stay with you on set while you're filming the drama."
"Is that all?"
"That's all! I was just worried you'd start overthinking things, so I wanted to let you know first."
"Mineo-kun, do you really think that little of me? I'm not the kind of girl who needs constant supervision just to survive." Mai-senpai reached out gently, straightening the collar of his shirt. "If there's family business, go home and take care of it. Why would I ever stop you from doing that?"
She paused, her gaze softening. "As long as you don't disappear and stop coming to see me after you go back. I've given you everything I have. If you dare betray me... I'll..."
"I'll bite you to death!"
"Don't worry! I like you far too much to ever betray you." Mineo pinched her cheek playfully before pulling her into a warm embrace. "It's just some family matters. Nothing serious, but I need to check on things. Once I have free time, I'll come find you. When the time is right, I'll carry you off to be the daughter-in-law of the Takamine family."
"Okay... I'll be waiting," she replied softly. Then she asked, "So, when are you planning to leave?"
"I'll be heading out tomorrow morning."
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