51-55

Chapter 51: Be My Housekeeper for a Week 

“What kind of bet?”  

Miyano Mitei froze for a moment, but the word “bet” sparked a glint of excitement in her eyes. 

Fuyukawa Tetsu glanced at her voluptuous 93cm “peaches” and grinned. “If my game sells 100,000 copies…” 

“If your game sells 100,000 copies, I’ll let you kiss me anytime you want!”  

Miyano Mitei cut in, her face still carrying a skeptical smirk, though now tinged with a hint of shyness. But skepticism dominated.  

Joking aside, the best-selling interactive movie game in history barely hit 200,000 copies, and that one had a budget of over 3 billion yen!  

A 3-billion-yen investment only sold a little over 200,000 units—a colossal flop!  

This genre had no precedent for explosive success, and Miyano had done her homework on Fuyukawa Tetsu. Sure, his skills were top-notch, but his past projects were all ARPGs. That’s one reason she’d recruited him for Department Four—to work on ARPGs. She hadn’t expected Department Three to cling to him so stubbornly. 

A niche genre, no experience in this type of project, a tiny budget, low production costs, and minimal marketing funds—how could anyone make a product that sells 100,000 copies under those conditions?  

Sure, she could tell Fuyukawa had researched the genre thoroughly, but Miyano didn’t believe I’m Surrounded by Beautiful Women could hit 100,000 sales.  

Kiss me anytime?  

Fuyukawa paused, his gaze sweeping over her curvaceous figure.  

All I was gonna ask was for you to call me ‘Onii-san’ a couple times…  

Bet or no bet, he was determined to make a great product. But this unexpected perk? Fuyukawa wasn’t about to say no. “Deal.”  

“Wait!”  

“Hm?”  

Thinking she might back out, Fuyukawa raised an eyebrow. But then, Miyano’s lips curled into a sharp, icy smile. She crossed her arms under her ample “snow pomelos,” her gaze turning predatory, like a snake eyeing its prey. “What happens if you lose?”  

“If I lose?”  

“Yeah. If you lose, I want you to kneel and lick my feet! And from then on, every time you see me, you bow 90 degrees and keep your eyes on my toes!”  

“Fine. But your conditions are piling up, so I’ll add one too. If I win, you’ll be my housekeeper for a week—wearing a maid outfit and calling me ‘Master.’”  

“Tch, you pervert. Don’t tell me you actually think you’ve got a shot!”  

When someone pours all their focus into one thing, they either get fired up or spiral into anxiety.  

Before heading out that morning, Miyano Mitei was in a dark mood, radiating a chilling aura that felt almost menacing. But after an hour of boxing and some playful teasing from Fuyukawa, she’d loosened up considerably.  

Back at the company, though, she reverted to her fearsome “ice queen” persona. Her mere presence made the receptionist, Miss Hatano, tremble. Word of the bet she’d made with Department Three during the morning meeting had clearly spread like wildfire.  

“I heard from Department Five that if she doesn’t deliver a hit this time, they’ll team up with Department Three to pressure her.”  

“She’s not wrong to try something new. Our company’s market share is shrinking, and it’s about time we explored new directions. But she’s overestimating her position. Those kinds of bold moves are for executive-level leaders, not her.”  

“Yeah, she’s just a newcomer. She should’ve kept her head down and played nice for a while. Instead, she’s always got that icy face, acting all high and mighty.”  

“And I bet her bad days are coming soon. When she took over Department Four, their flagship studio, Firefly, was already in the late stages of developing Dead or Alive. But I heard yesterday the beta testing went poorly. Firefly’s deputy director, Yamanaka, was raging in his office. Tsk, tsk, tsk. A 4.7-billion-yen investment down the drain? She’s in deep trouble.”  

“Serves her right. She’s too cocky. Her name wasn’t even on the Dead or Alive project list. If the game flops, she won’t get any blame officially, but the board will still make her the scapegoat.”  

“She loves the spotlight, huh? Let her have it, haha.”  

“These people… they’re like hyenas.”  

Following behind Miyano, Fuyukawa could feel countless eyes and hushed whispers enveloping her from all directions as they entered the company lobby. Most were mocking, gleeful, or reveling in her potential downfall.  

A billion-yen budget, 100,000 sales, and no hot trends to lean into!  

The constraints were brutal, success near impossible. And with Department Four’s flagship project teetering on the edge of failure, despite Miyano’s clean record with employees, her cold, haughty demeanor made plenty of people eager to see her crash and burn.  

As the stares and whispers grew, Fuyukawa frowned, noticing Miyano’s body tense slightly. But she quickly regained her composure, standing taller, her aura sharpening into something even colder and more formidable.  

She hates this feeling but forces herself to channel that disgust into a drive to win?  

What an interesting woman.  

Fuyukawa, initially annoyed by the gossip, felt his eyes widen slightly, a spark of amusement and growing admiration in his gaze.  

They stepped into the elevator, the doors closing and shutting out the world.  

The ride up was silent in the confined space. But as the doors slid open at their floor…  

“Don’t feel pressured.”  

“Don’t feel pressured.”  

Their voices overlapped. Miyano’s eyes widened as she turned to Fuyukawa, who was equally surprised. A warm smile spread across his face. Under her stunned gaze, he reached out, ruffling her hair gently. “Don’t stress. I’ll help you take them all down.”  

His hand slid from her silky hair to pinch her cheek lightly before he strode out of the elevator. The doors stayed open even as he walked into Lightbird Studio’s office.  

This guy…  

Miyano stood there, dazed, her cheek stinging faintly from the pinch. The elevator’s voice prompt snapped her back to reality. Inhaling the lingering scent of men’s shampoo, her lips curved into a sweet smile.  

Just then, two male employees rushed into the elevator.  

Her smile vanished instantly, replaced by her signature icy expression, her gaze indifferent.  

“Yah! Minister Miyano!”  

“Good morning, Minister Miyano!”  

“Hm.”  

The two men froze, intimidated by her cold beauty and commanding presence. They turned their backs to her, standing stiffly, almost shrinking. Once their backs were turned, Miyano lowered her head slightly, and her lips curved into a faint, unconscious smile. 

Chapter 52: Lights, Camera, Action! 

I can’t stop picturing Miyano Mitei in a maid outfit, kneeling at my feet, scrubbing the floor. But for that to happen, Surrounded by Beauties needs to sell over 100,000 copies. 

Honestly, Fuyukawa Tetsu isn’t too worried about that. 

In its previous life, Surrounded by Beauties sold over a million copies. Sure, most of those sales came from Chinese players, but this world has global platforms like Steam. As long as we nail the Chinese voice-over in post-production, even if we can’t replicate the breakout success of the past, hitting 100,000 sales should be a breeze. 

That said... 

“We need to speed up production. Otherwise, Miyano might not last until the game’s finished.” 

It’s noon, and a black Volkswagen cruises through Shibuya’s bustling streets. 

Sayoko, dressed in a sharp OL (office lady) outfit, is behind the wheel. 

In the backseat, Fuyukawa Tetsu pauses his work on the script displayed on his laptop. He glances out the window at the towering buildings, lost in thought. 

Miyano Mitei signed a high-stakes bet with Division Three. On the surface, it looks like the company’s giving her a chance, but corporate politics in big Japanese firms are ruthless—bloodless battles. Division Four’s new game, Dead or Alive, is bombing in beta testing. It’s a massive ¥4.7 billion project that’s drained their budget.  

Miyano wasn’t involved in its planning—she only took over Division Four earlier this year when the game was nearly done. But if Dead or Alive flops hard, she’ll be the one taking the fall.  

Joining the company and immediately shouldering such a massive failure, plus her ties to President Kozuru, who’s been sidelined and only recently returned, has made her a target. She’s ruffled plenty of feathers. 

If Dead or Alive tanks and no strong follow-up projects emerge, Miyano could genuinely be at risk of getting sacked. Division Three’s willingness to sign that bet with her might just be a ploy to keep her in place until her poor performance gives them an excuse to fire her. 

“Three months is already a tight schedule, and now we need to push even faster.” 

“This is gonna be tricky.” 

Staring out at the cityscape, Fuyukawa Tetsu furrows his brow. From the driver’s seat, Sayoko catches his expression in the rearview mirror. Her delicate fingers grip the steering wheel as she asks, “Tetsu-kun, are you thinking about something upsetting?” 

“Not exactly upsetting. It just feels like the calm before the storm, you know?”  

Fuyukawa shakes his head and changes the subject. “What about you? You mentioned at lunch that you and Koi had a fight. What’s going on?” 

“It wasn’t really a fight,” Sayoko says, turning the wheel with a hint of frustration. “She told me she wants to move out of her aunt and uncle’s place and live on her own. Rent’s not the issue—she’s earning her own money now. But she’s turning eighteen next week! A young girl living alone? That’s dangerous.” 

“She’s growing up, Sayoko. It’s normal for her to want some independence. You might not want to hold her back too much.” 

“Tetsu-kun, that’s so irresponsible!” Sayoko pouts through the rearview mirror, her lips forming a little sulk. 

Fuyukawa chuckles, shrugging. “The more you push against it, the more she’ll want to do it. How many kids actually listen to their elders’ advice? Let her try it out. Maybe after a couple of weeks, she’ll realize it’s tough and come back on her own.” 

“But... a young girl living alone still feels so risky. Hey, her birthday’s next week. Maybe you could talk to her? She always puts on a brave face with me and doesn’t open up about her worries.” Sayoko’s tone shifts, as if she’s passing the baton to the “head of the household.” 

“Alright, fine,” Fuyukawa says, resting his elbow on the window and idly touching his lower lip. His gaze drifts, thoughts wandering. 

Her birthday’s next week... 

That sheet music should be arriving soon, right? 

His mind drifts as the black Volkswagen pulls into an old residential complex. At the entrance to an apartment building, Fuyukawa spots the filming crew waiting. 

“Konnichiwa! Group Leader Fuyukawa, you’re here!”  

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.” 

Stepping out of the car, Fuyukawa nods with a smile at the short, wiry man bowing respectfully before him. 

This man, Honda Kojiro, is the director and cinematographer for the Surrounded by Beauties production team.  

Yes, director and cinematographer. Honda’s crew is lean: one lighting tech, one production assistant, himself handling both directing and camera work, and a girl in charge of costumes and makeup.  

It’s a small team, but it’s enough. Surrounded by Beauties relies heavily on filming, but it’s not a movie—it’s presented in short, episodic scenes. The production demands aren’t high, and with Fuyukawa handling the script, this compact crew can manage. 

With Honda’s eager smile leading the way, Fuyukawa, Sayoko, and Kawaguchi approach the apartment entrance. 

The filming crew isn’t alone—the six actresses are here too.  

Tsukitake Asuka and Shiraishi Mari are still in the van, touching up their makeup. Three high school girls in JK (joshi kosei) uniforms—sharp-eyed and quick to spot Fuyukawa—light up with excitement from a distance. 

“Group Leader Fuyukawa’s here!” 

“He’s just as handsome as he was at the audition!” 

“Hey, Yumi, does my makeup look okay?” 

“Stop fussing! Let’s go greet him, or we’ll look rude!” 

The three JK girls rush over, lining up to bow in unison. “Konnichiwa, Group Leader Fuyukawa! We look forward to working with you!” Their lowered faces show a mix of nervousness and anticipation. 

Nearby, Kawaguchi, watching Fuyukawa tower over the girls and eyeing their high socks and fair legs, is practically drooling with envy. 

These three JK girls are members of small idol groups. In Japan and Korea, unlike in China, idols often have modest social status and income. In Japan last year, athletes averaged ¥30 million annually, musicians ¥20 million, comedians ¥10 million, models ¥7 million, and idols? A mere ¥5 million—and that’s in yen! 

Japanese and Korean idols often envy the high earnings of Chinese idols. Beyond the money, the cultural differences are stark. In Japan, someone like Mikami Yua transitioning from idol to adult entertainment might shock Chinese audiences, but here, it’s not as surprising. Idols’ social status isn’t much higher than adult actresses, though it’s still above the average worker. 

“All Group Leader Fuyukawa has to do is crook a finger, and he could probably charm any of these girls!”  

Kawaguchi, perpetually single, is green with envy. 

But Fuyukawa isn’t interested in crossing professional lines. 

+50+50+50+50 

Looking at the respectful faces of the young girls, he smiles and nods. “No need to be so formal. Just focus on delivering a great performance. Go touch up your makeup—we’re about to start shooting.” 

“Yes! Thank you for this opportunity!” 

+50 

+50 

+50 

The three JK girls bow again, their polite demeanor hiding the whirlwind of thoughts in their heads, as evidenced by the numbers floating above them. 

Fuyukawa doesn’t dwell on it. Following their retreating figures, his gaze lands on Tsukitake Asuka in the van, touching up her makeup while stealing glances his way. 

Chapter 53: You Come Act With Me 

“This guy’s a total chameleon with his looks,” Fuyukawa Tetsu thought, catching sight of Tsukitake Asuka in the van and pausing for a moment. 

No big reason for the pause—just that Tsukitake had switched up her style again. Gone was the cool, short princess cut from before, replaced by what could only be described as a “dangerous wife” vibe. Her jet-black hair was now styled in a long braid, cascading over her ample chest. At 5’9”, her statuesque figure was draped in a black halter dress, her curvaceous hips pressing against the van’s seat, exuding a lazy yet magnetic allure. 

“Did her hair get longer? Extensions, maybe?” Fuyukawa’s mind wandered to the odd thought, but the next second, he froze. 

Not just him—everyone around, including Sayoko and Kawaguchi, turned to stone. 

Under Fuyukawa’s gaze, Tsukitake casually grabbed her braid with her right hand while holding a tube of lipstick in her left. With a light tug, she lifted the hair off her head. 

A wig! 

And beneath it—a bald head! 

A bald head glinting under the sunlight! 

A 5’9” bombshell revealing a shiny scalp! 

Sure, Tsukitake’s delicate features made her bald look oddly refined, her face appearing even smaller and more elegant. But the visual shock was too much. Fuyukawa was petrified on the spot. 

Then he caught the playful glint in her big eyes and the teasing curve of her lips. Snapping out of it, he thought, Curious and cheeky—this woman’s like a cat. A Persian cat, at that! 

Keeping his internal commentary to himself, Fuyukawa shifted focus. He directed Kawaguchi and Nogi to help the crew set up the scene, had Sayoko hand out the day’s script to the actors, and then led the cinematographer, Honda Kojiro, to scout the shooting location while discussing the script. 

Barely five minutes on set, and they were already prepping to shoot! The pace was lightning-fast, catching everyone off guard, but the crew quickly sprang into action. 

Honda Kojiro, after a moment of surprise, gave Fuyukawa an appreciative glance. Young and sharp—this guy’s got a bright future, he thought. In an industry full of overeducated underachievers, Fuyukawa’s efficiency stood out. 

Without wasting words, Honda shouted for the wardrobe and makeup team to get the actors ready, then dove into script discussions with Fuyukawa. “This guy’s on top of things—saves me the hassle,” Fuyukawa noted approvingly. 

As they hashed out the script and shooting techniques, the set buzzed with activity. Actors scrambled to memorize lines while getting makeup done, the camera crew set up equipment, and Sayoko and her team filled in wherever needed. The pace felt almost rushed, but it worked. 

In Japanese film culture, speed doesn’t always mean cutting corners. Take classic Hong Kong films—often shot in a flash yet still iconic. Young and Dangerous wrapped in seven days; Stephen Chow’s God of Cookery raked in millions in just two weeks of shooting; Gunmen took 19 days; Saw prepped in five days and filmed in 18; From Beijing with Love was squeezed into 28 days during downtime from another project. These films thrived despite tight schedules, not because of endless budgets or time, but because they nailed authenticity. 

Fuyukawa wasn’t a film scholar, but he suspected it came down to immersion. In Japan, where storytelling often draws from everyday life—think slice-of-life anime or grounded yakuza flicks—audiences crave relatability. Overpolished sets or flawless costumes can break the spell. A soldier in a war scene shouldn’t look like a K-pop idol with spotless clothes and perfect makeup. That dissonance pulls viewers out, making them question, Is this how a soldier would look? Once that happens, the illusion shatters, and emotional connection falters. 

For a project like Surrounded by Beauties, an interactive romance game turned film, staying immersive was critical. Players know it’s fiction, but the goal is to make them feel the story. Overacted performances or unrealistic costumes would ruin it. Luckily, Fuyukawa’s three-month shooting schedule aligned perfectly with this need for natural, grounded storytelling. 

Honda’s crew was impressively efficient, and since Surrounded by Beauties was a modern romance, the sets didn’t need much dressing up. Soon, with Tsukitake and the others in makeup, filming began under an old apartment building. The first scene featured Lao Liu, the sidekick, riding an electric scooter with the protagonist to meet Xiao Lu, a potential roommate. 

This wasn’t the game’s opening, but films aren’t shot in order. Fuyukawa chose this scene to ease the actors into the rhythm, as it was straightforward. Honestly, though, the most excited person wasn’t Fuyukawa or the actors—it was Kawaguchi. 

The game’s protagonist never shows his face, but for filming, someone had to play the role—reaching out a hand, say, while angling away from the camera. With a tight budget, Fuyukawa didn’t hire an extra; he tapped Kawaguchi for the part. 

Kawaguchi was over the moon, barely sleeping the night before. A 30-year-old lifelong bachelor, he was thrilled at the chance to get close to the actresses—even if “close” just meant holding hands or watching them flirt with the camera (or rather, a sound-capturing device for kissing scenes). It was the closest he’d ever been to a girl, and he was buzzing. 

Surprisingly, his nervous, earnest demeanor charmed the three young actresses—seasoned JK idols from Japan’s cutthroat entertainment industry. Their amusement helped them relax, which was key. Fuyukawa’s two rules for Surrounded by Beauties were simple: keep it natural, keep it real, make players believe this could happen. 

Thanks to Kawaguchi’s awkward charm, the first few scenes with the JK actresses passed in a single take! Even Honda, reviewing the playback, gave Kawaguchi a thumbs-up, joking that he had a “magic knack for putting women at ease.” 

Magic knack for putting women at ease! Kawaguchi’s ego inflated instantly. But then came the wardrobe scene with Tsukitake Asuka, and he froze. 

Tsukitake, now in a pale blue wrap dress and white blouse, was a knockout. Her beauty and figure—5’9” with a jaw-dropping 36D bust—rivaled even Japan’s legendary昭和-era beauties. The dress hugged her curves, accentuating her hips and leaving little to the imagination. It was a look straight out of a high-end Shibuya fashion shoot, dialed up to eleven. 

Kawaguchi’s face turned beet red, his nerves shot. But that wasn’t the worst of it. 

Tsukitake glanced at the flustered Kawaguchi, then turned to Fuyukawa with a sly look toward the wardrobe set. “He’s a bit short, and his presence doesn’t quite match mine,” she said bluntly. “How about you act this scene with me instead?” 

Chapter 54: Adding to the Scene 

“He’s a bit short, and his presence doesn’t quite match mine. Why don’t you step in and act with me for this scene?”  

In the living room, Asuka Tsukitake, dressed in a light blue body-hugging dress with a white shirt draped over her shoulders, turned to Tetsu Fuyukawa.  

Her words caught everyone off guard.  

“She’s got her eye on the team leader?!” 

“So bold, just straight-up inviting him like that!” 

“Damn it, I should’ve made a move first!”  

Three high school girls from an idol group whispered excitedly among themselves. It wasn’t just them—Kawaguchi, Nogi, and the others also turned to look at Tetsu. But the one with the most distinct reaction was Sayoko.  

“What’s she up to?” Sayoko muttered, her brow furrowing as she glanced at Asuka.  

Kawaguchi, at 5’8”, didn’t quite match Asuka’s 5’9” stature, and they did look a bit mismatched. But Surrounded by Beauties was shot in first-person perspective, with the camera positioned on the male lead’s shoulder or head, so the male actor’s appearance wasn’t even in the frame. A slightly raised camera or a stool could easily fix the height issue. Yet Asuka was suggesting Tetsu take Kawaguchi’s place.  

“Is she into Tetsu-kun?” Sayoko wondered, her fists clenching unconsciously. A sense of urgency flickered in her eyes as she glanced at Tetsu, who was discussing the script with Kojirou Honda.  

To be honest, it wasn’t just the others who were surprised—Tetsu himself was caught off guard. But he brushed off the suggestion, simply instructing the crew to grab a stool for Kawaguchi.  

It wasn’t about playing coy; he was just swamped with work.  

Surrounded by Beauties had taken a year and a half to produce in its original form. While market research and scriptwriting ate up most of that time, the filming process alone took over six months. Tetsu, however, had just three months.  

The schedule was brutal. He’d shoot a scene, then immediately edit it into the game on his laptop. The script wasn’t set in stone either—he was constantly tweaking dialogue and scenes based on real-time feedback and inspiration.  

With no time to spare, Tetsu declined to act. Sayoko let out a quiet sigh of relief, unaware that Asuka caught the reaction, a glint of amusement flashing in her eyes.  

The crew brought over a stool, and filming resumed. Tetsu stood to the side, arms crossed, script in hand, watching intently. But soon, he frowned.  

“Cut!”  

It was the fifth time he’d halted the shoot. Under Kawaguchi’s nervous gaze, Tetsu walked up to Asuka, his brow furrowed. “You were great during the audition. Why can’t you nail the vibe now?”  

In the last five takes, Asuka’s line delivery was flawless, but her expressions and body language were off. The character, “Hao Hao’s Mom,” was supposed to exude a sultry charm. Instead, Asuka came across as aloof, more like a cold coworker than a seductive mom.  

In a scene like this, shot up-close in a closet, every detail was magnified.  

Asuka responded, “I told you, his vibe is too soft. There’s no edge to him. I can’t feel that ‘I’m hiding in a closet with a man’ tension when I’m with him.”  

“…”  

Tetsu glanced at Kawaguchi, who looked like he might cry, then scratched the back of his head in frustration. “Fine, fine, I’ll act with you. Everyone, get ready!”  

“Yes, sir!”  

With production lagging, Tetsu’s demeanor grew more serious. Kawaguchi, visibly shaken, scurried to help set up the scene, while Kojirou rallied the lighting crew.  

“Surrounded by Beauties, Scene 9, Take 27—Action!”  

The clapperboard snapped, and the closet scene began.  

As the camera focused on Asuka, cinematographer Kojirou Honda immediately sensed a shift. So did the rest of the crew.  

“Man, a guy in charge just has a different aura,” one whispered. 

“Yeah, Asuka-san seemed so haughty before, but now she’s all soft and delicate.” 

“Too bad the team leader doesn’t seem into me. Being his housewife might be kinda fun, though.” 

“Housewife? Please, you just want him to pin you against the genkan and teach you a lesson, you perv!” 

“Not saying I’d mind. Did you see his abs earlier? A hot guy with muscles like that? Bet we could try some bento box action in the genkan.” 

“Oh my god, if your fanboys heard that, you’d be done for!” 

“Who cares? They’re just a bunch of useless guys.”  

Women’s gossip can outscale men’s any day, and the three idol girls kept their whispers low. But they weren’t wrong.  

Even with Kawaguchi on a stool, matching Tetsu’s shooting angle, he lacked presence. Kawaguchi had a solid job at NTsoft with decent pay but was still single at thirty. His timid personality didn’t cut it in a society that admired strength, and it certainly didn’t hold up against Asuka’s commanding presence.  

No one cared much about Kawaguchi’s love life, though. What mattered was that with Tetsu in the scene, Asuka’s energy shifted.  

The scene involved Hao Hao’s Mom and the male lead hiding in a closet with Hao Hao (her son) during a game of hide-and-seek. With Kawaguchi, Asuka had overshadowed him completely, making him seem like the kid. But Tetsu? His natural intensity, combined with his frustration over the delayed schedule, gave him an almost aggressive edge.  

“Don’t move. It’s cramped in here,” Tetsu said.  

In the half-open closet, Asuka shyly pushed against his chest.  

Her coy demeanor was undeniably captivating, especially from the low-angle shot that gave Tetsu a clear view of the curves beneath her blue dress.  

Feeling a bit flustered, Tetsu averted his gaze. “If Masao (Hao Hao) never finds us, are we stuck here forever?”  

“You’re the one who said we’d play with him. Backing out now?” Asuka teased.  

“It’s not that. It’s just… standing here’s kinda uncomfortable.”  

As Tetsu mentally rehearsed his next line, Asuka leaned in closer, her delicate face inches from his. Her breath was soft, her voice sultry. “Well then, want to switch spots with me?”  

What the—?!  

That wasn’t in the script!  

Caught off guard by her bold move and the suggestive look in her eyes, Tetsu froze.  

Surrounded by Beauties was rated 15+, so Tetsu had avoided heavy physical interactions, focusing instead on suggestive camera work and flirty dialogue. 

Chapter 55: The Reward 

Asuka’s provocative pose wasn’t in the script—she added it herself! 

Having never acted before, this sudden improvisation threw Fuyukawa Tetsu off, but he stuck to the script, gritting his teeth. “No need, let’s keep it like this. Don’t want to make a scene.” 

Asuka smirked playfully, leaning even closer until her chest nearly brushed against him, then flashed a coy smile. “Hmph, such a timid guy, huh?” 

“…” 

Damn it, if I’d known I’d be playing the male lead, I would’ve rewritten the script! 

Staring at her breathtaking 36D “snow pomelos” so close, Fuyukawa was at a loss for words. Normally, if a woman teased him like this, he’d fire back without hesitation. But this was acting, and he was stuck. 

With no other choice, Fuyukawa kept delivering his lines as scripted, while Asuka grew more animated with every moment.  

Fuyukawa wasn’t one to yell, but his commanding presence was undeniable. Yuezhu often felt overwhelmed around him, but now, confined by the set and forced to play the “pathetic Tom,” he was at her mercy. She found it thrilling. 

The more they filmed, the more she got into it, their physical interactions increasing. Fuyukawa, too focused to notice, missed the growing jealousy in Sayoko’s eyes as she watched him and Yuezhu perform. 

Oblivious to Sayoko’s mood, Fuyukawa was frustrated by being teased without being able to respond. But Yuezhu’s stellar performance kept the shoot moving at a breakneck pace. 

“Cut! Great work, everyone. Take a break for dinner, then let’s keep pushing.” 

“Great job, team leader!” 

“Your acting was amazing, team leader!” 

After wrapping a scene where he practiced yoga with Haohao’s mom, Fuyukawa shot Yuezhu a glare. It was evening now, and he turned to direct Kawaguchi and the others to distribute bento boxes to the cast and crew before heading to the restroom. 

Honestly, the shoot had gone faster than he’d expected, but it was also exhausting. 

Asuka, a Japanese-German mix, had striking, exotic features and a dynamite figure. Being teased by her without being able to act on it was driving him up the wall. 

Does she like me? 

Doesn’t feel like it. More like… she’s too curious and wants to see how I’ll react? 

What a troublesome woman. Phew—feeling better now. 

At the sink, Fuyukawa splashed cold water on his face. October in Tokyo carried a slight chill, and the icy droplets calmed him down. Just then, Sayoko appeared at the door, dressed in a white blouse and a tight skirt.  

Their eyes met. Sayoko’s cheeks flushed, her hands fidgeting nervously at her waist. “Um… I noticed you seemed… kind of upset earlier, Tetsu-kun. Is everything—mmph!” 

Before she could finish, Fuyukawa pulled her into a restroom stall. 

No words wasted—he wrapped her in his arms, kissing her deeply. “Perfect timing.” 

Their lips locked, and Sayoko melted into his embrace, his arms holding her like a python. Feeling his warm breath against her, her wide eyes softened, her gaze turning dreamy. She clung tightly to the back of his neck. 

“This… someone might… hear us!” 

Her words were cut off as Fuyukawa sat her on the toilet tank, the cold surface sending a shiver through her thighs. Her shy eyes met his fiery gaze as he stood before her, legs spread confidently. “That’s what makes it exciting, right?” 

3000. 

+6000! 

“Yes…” 

Two huge numbers popped above her head. Sitting on the toilet with her legs crossed in an X, Sayoko’s body tensed, her eyes a mix of shyness and resolve. 

I can’t let Tetsu-kun be taken away! 

Recalling the scene between Fuyukawa and Asuka, Sayoko gripped her skirt tightly, her eyes firming with determination. But before she could say anything, Fuyukawa’s hands pressed her head, his fingers threading through her dark hair. 

As long as Tetsu-kun likes it. 

Her seductive eyes turned into pools of spring water. 

Fortune and misfortune are two sides of the same coin. 

As the old saying goes, there’s truth to it. 

After that intense moment, Fuyukawa stepped out of the restroom feeling refreshed, his earlier frustrations gone. He grabbed a bento and dug in heartily. A while later, Sayoko emerged, her face flushed, sneaking out like a thief. 

Such a silly girl. 

Watching Fuyukawa and Sayoko eat their bentos together, chatting intimately about the game’s UI design at the computer, Asuka sat by the window at a small table. Dressed in a white tee and jeans, ready to head home, she nibbled her bento, a faint smile on her lips. 

Her mind replayed the suggestive sounds she’d overheard at the restroom door and the morning’s scene—a man and woman leaving a judo dojo, heading to a nearby ramen shop. 

A guy like that, you’ve got to hold on tight. 

But this probably means our friendship’s over. Oh well, nothing lasts forever. 

The night breeze rustled her hair as she gazed out at Shibuya’s dazzling lights under the dark sky. She lowered her head, eating her bento bite by bite, her cool expression betraying nothing. 

People often think actors or influencers have it easy, raking in cash, and love to criticize them. But let’s be real—nobody’s dumb. If an industry was truly easy money with low barriers, it’d be overcrowded. 

The top actors make bank, sure, but the other 95%? Their wages often don’t even match the average salaryman’s, and the work is grueling. 

The shoot started at 1 PM and ran until 10 PM—nine hours of high-intensity work. Even older crew members like Aunt Nogi were struggling, yawning against a table until Fuyukawa called “Cut” with the megaphone, startling her awake. 

“Great work today, everyone. Let’s keep it up tomorrow.” 

In the middle of the crowd, Fuyukawa bowed politely, then returned to his desk to pack up his laptop and files. 

It was late, and the others left quickly. By the time Fuyukawa finished and stepped into the hallway, it was pitch black outside. 

The old apartment building was surrounded by low-rise houses. Under the bright moon, warm lights glowed from scattered homes, while the distant neon of the city flickered vibrantly. 

Taking it all in, Fuyukawa felt the day’s tension melt away. Then, a warm embrace wrapped around him from behind. 

“Mmm, I’m sleepy. Need a hug.” 

“Still acting like a kid, huh?” 

Feeling Sayoko’s playful clinginess, Fuyukawa chuckled and shook his head. To her surprise, he crouched down and hoisted her onto his back. 

“Eek! No—” 

She’d only meant to be cute, not get carried like this. Sayoko panicked, but Fuyukawa just pinched her thigh playfully, feeling the weight of her “snow pomelos” against his back. “You worked hard today. Consider this your reward.” 

“But… you’ve been working all day, Tetsu-kun, and I’m heavy!” 

“Quit yapping, or I’ll put you down.” 

“Hmph, such a bossy guy.” 

Chatting softly, they walked through the apartment building, the motion-sensor lights flicking on and off along the hallway.