11-15

Chapter 11: Meeting the Director 

A train bento? Never tried one, but it sounds tempting. 

A “housewife” bento? Never had that either, but it’s got my curiosity. 

“Um… Che-kun, I made an extra bento this morning. If you don’t mind…”  

Sayako Kawai’s face flushes with shyness as she speaks. Tetsu Fuyukawa pauses his steps. “Sure, I was just wondering what to have for lunch.” 

+500! 

“I’ll go grab it! Please wait a moment, Che-kun!”  

A huge number floats above her head, her face beaming with uncontainable joy. She bows quickly to Tetsu before her heels click-clack away from the cubicle. 

“Being the boss has its perks,” Tetsu mutters with a grin, scratching his head as a whiff of her perfume lingers. He settles back onto the sofa, flipping through documents. Meanwhile, in the office: 

“Tch, tch, tch. Sayako-san moves fast, huh?”  

Mrs. Nogi, a middle-aged coworker, flashes a teasing smile as she watches Sayako grab the bento.  

Sayako’s already rosy cheeks deepen in color. Too shy to respond, she clutches the bento and hurries back to the office. 

“Team Leader’s got it good. Sayako-san’s so pretty,” Kawaguchi says, pulling out his single-guy bento with a mix of admiration and self-consciousness.  

Mrs. Nogi pats his shoulder with a hearty laugh. “Don’t worry, Kawaguchi. You might not have the looks, the build, or the fancy degree, but you’re honest. Someday, a woman will see your heart and fall for you.”  

“…Nogi-san, is that supposed to be a compliment or just pity?” Kawaguchi sighs, glancing at the closed blinds of the cubicle. “Still, if Sayako-san’s found a guy like the Team Leader, maybe it’s the universe making up for her rough past.”  

There’s a weight to his words. Mrs. Nogi, who worked with Sayako in their previous department, seems to recall something too. She sighs. “Who knows? There’s a bit of an age gap between them. But if it means Sayako-san gets to live happily for a while, that’s not bad. Her past… it’s been tough.”  

Mrs. Nogi’s mood dips, and she quietly starts eating her bento, though her eyes keep drifting toward the cubicle door. 

“This tempura—is there cream in it?”  

Crunch.  

Tetsu bites into the fried tempura shrimp, its crispy, springy texture bursting with a rich, creamy flavor.  

Sitting on the small sofa, his eyes widen slightly. “This is really good.”  

“Yes… I added a little cream to the batter. How… how is it?” Sayako sits with her legs crossed at an angle, her gaze a mix of shyness and anticipation.  

Tetsu smiles. “Delicious. I’ve got a sweet tooth, you know. Oh, wait—you’re not big on sweets, right? Last night, you only asked for a third of the sugar in your milk tea.”  

“It’s not that!” Sayako fidgets, a bit flustered. “I’m just… trying to lose some weight, so I’m avoiding super sweet stuff.”  

Lose weight?  

Tetsu glances at her curvaceous figure—her full bust, soft waist, and the way her stockings hug her thighs. Picking up a piece of tuna sushi, he chuckles. “No need to slim down. Your figure’s already plenty attractive. Losing weight might actually take away some of that charm.”  

+500.  

“Attractive? Che-kun, you always say such bold things!”  

Her words sound shy, but under Tetsu’s warm gaze, Sayako’s eyes betray a spark of deep satisfaction.  

Guess I won’t diet then.  

A little thrilled, she leans forward slightly, her chest drawing attention. Tetsu, chewing his sushi, looks up. “Did you sort things out with your part-time job?”  

“Yep, I talked to my boss yesterday. They’re already looking for a replacement. Tonight’s my last shift.”  

Sayako’s voice carries a hint of wistfulness. Tetsu nods. “Got it. How about starting work tomorrow?”  

“Tomorrow? No problem. Oh, um, I don’t think I know where the office is yet,” she says, sticking out her tongue sheepishly.  

Tetsu laughs. “It’s at my place.”  

“Huh?”  

Sayako blinks, caught off guard. Tetsu shrugs. “It’s just the two of us for now. Renting an office would be a waste. Unless you have—”  

“No, no, that’s not what I meant!”  

Going to Che-kun’s house? Just the two of us? Her big, dewy eyes shimmer with a mix of nerves and excitement as she rubs her thighs together. “It’s just… a bit unexpected. Um, how about I bring some ingredients tomorrow morning? We could cook lunch instead of eating out or having bentos.”  

“Already thinking about lunch? Sayako, you’re such a perfect wife material,” Tetsu teases.  

“! Stop it, Che-kun, don’t make fun of me!”  

The “wife material” quip sends a flush across Sayako’s face. Unlike her earlier shyness, this blush comes with a playful pout, her cheeks puffing out adorably. Tetsu almost wants to poke them.  

It’s clear Sayako’s the type to mirror others’ emotions. When Tetsu jokes around, she loosens up too.  

Time flies when you’re having fun.  

They eat their bentos, chatting away, until the clock on the wall hits 1:00 p.m.  

As other employees return from lunch, the building buzzes back to life. Sayako, swaying with her graceful figure, clears the dishes and heads back to the office. Tetsu returns to his desk.  

It’s the weekend and the end of the month. Tuesday marks the start of October.  

At NTsoft, the end of each month is for planning the next—allocating budgets for studios, coordinating equipment, and so on. There’s always room for last-minute changes, but the “monthly plan” serves as an anchor, giving the higher-ups a clear picture.  

Submitting the proposal today, rather than waiting for the start of next month when others have already locked in their plans, is the smarter move. Otherwise, they’d likely get a scolding from the director, and equipment requests would be pushed to the back of the line.  

A bit of pressure, but it keeps Tetsu on his toes.  

“Finally done.”  

Tetsu types the final period on the proposal, stretches his stiff neck, and checks the clock—2:55 p.m. Still over two hours until the end of the day, but he’s not slacking.  

Printing the proposal into hard copies, he slips on his suit jacket and steps out. “Sayako, come with me to the director’s office.”  

“Yes, Team Leader Fuyukawa!”  

Ready for the task, Sayako stands under the envious gazes of Kawaguchi and Mrs. Nogi. She grabs the folder, a touch nervous, and follows Tetsu out.  

The director’s office is on the ninth floor. Tetsu steps into the elevator, adjusts his suit, and slips his hands into his pockets. Sayako, staring at the closing elevator doors, clenches her fists in nervous anticipation.  

That nervous, huh?  

Not good.  

Tension can cloud your thoughts. Noticing Sayako’s anxious expression and the stifling atmosphere in the elevator, Tetsu leans in slightly. “No need to be nervous. If the director asks you anything, just speak confidently. I’ve gone over the spreadsheet a few times. Even if you slip up, I’ve got your back.”  

+5000!  

[Sayako Kawai’s emotions have surged significantly, with a chance to break through to the Admiration level!] 

Chapter 12: The Beautiful Minister’s Bet 

NTsoft is a publicly listed gaming company with a global reputation. 

With a big company comes a slew of projects, and the management structure isn’t like the simple “Section Chief, Deputy Chief, Minister” hierarchy of smaller firms. Sure, those titles still dictate rank and salary, but the actual work is a different beast. 

Section Chief, Deputy Chief, Minister. 

By the time you hit Deputy Chief, you’re leading your own game studio. Within that studio, you’ve got Section Chiefs specializing in different areas, each managing a handful of employees to form teams—like the planning team or the art team. 

Think of it like a tree diagram: a few regular employees plus a Section Chief make a specialized team. A few of those teams, plus a Deputy Chief, form a studio. And above all the studios in a major game category sits the Minister, overseeing everything. 

Ministers hold serious power, second only to the board of directors. 

Strictly speaking, Tetsu Fuyukawa, as a Section Chief, should report to a Deputy Chief. But due to the unique setup of Light Bird Studio, he gets to report directly to the Minister. 

That’s a perk, but the rank gap can put serious pressure on anyone less mentally tough when delivering reports. 

“Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.” 

Hands in his pockets, Tetsu nudged Sayoko Kawai’s arm with his elbow, a relaxed smile on his face. 

+5000! 

[Sayoko Kawai’s emotions are surging, with a chance to break into the Admiration level!] 

Sayoko’s body jolted slightly, her chest heaving noticeably before her breathing steadied. Her face flushed, she bowed ninety degrees. “Thank you, Tetsu-kun, your—” 

“Don’t overthink it now. Stay calm and focused. Let’s go. Don’t speak unless called on.” 

Tetsu straightened his suit and stepped out as the elevator doors slid open. 

The ninth floor wasn’t just home to the Minister’s office—independent departments like Finance and Contracts were up here too. But the hallway had noticeably fewer employees than the lower floors. 

“Good afternoon, Section Chief Fuyukawa.” 

“Hey, Section Chief.” 

Tetsu nodded back with a smile to the few employees who greeted him respectfully. After a few turns down the cool, white-tiled corridor, he reached the Minister’s office. 

Knock, knock. 

“Come in.” 

A cool, commanding female voice came from within. Tetsu glanced at Sayoko and pushed the door open. 

The Minister’s office was a clear step up from his own cramped cubicle. A luxurious U-shaped sofa greeted them first, and behind a massive floor-to-ceiling window sat a strikingly sensual woman at an executive desk. 

She looked around thirty-five, with mature, alluring black hair and a sharp, icy beauty. Dressed in a black OL uniform, her thirty-six emperors rivaled Sayoko’s, and her heavy peaches pressed into the leather chair, practically making it sigh. Her long legs, wrapped in glossy high-end black stockings, ended in sharp heels that dangled confidently. 

Her aura was cold, proud, and commanding. 

“Good afternoon, Minister Miyano,” Tetsu said with a slight bow. 

“Mm. Please, sit.” 

Miyano Mitei’s sharp gaze flicked up from behind her frameless glasses. She said, “Sit,” then went back to typing on her computer without another word. 

The air grew chilly. Sayoko’s fists clenched nervously, but Tetsu, no stranger to dealing with her, led Sayoko to the sofa and began sorting through their documents. 

For a moment, the spacious office was filled only with the clatter of the keyboard and the rustle of papers. It wasn’t until the clock struck 4:00 PM that Miyano’s fingers paused. 

Under Sayoko’s slightly awkward gaze, Miyano stretched nonchalantly, her white blouse straining audibly. She removed her glasses, laced her fingers over her toned stomach, and leaned back in her chair. Her red lips parted slightly. “I’ve read your proposal. Your market instincts are sharp—you know what men want these days. That’s commendable. But.” 

But. 

Tetsu’s face stayed neutral, but he sat up a bit straighter. 

When someone says “but,” everything before it is just noise. 

Miyano’s stockinged foot tapped lightly, her sharp, icy eyes scanning Tetsu’s handsome features. “Your proposed budget of one hundred million yen is too high. It’s out of line with what we discussed.” 

“I understand, but please trust me—this investment will be worth it.” 

Tetsu’s gaze was steady. 

Miyano was the new Minister, headhunted at great expense by the board earlier this year, and she’d personally promoted Tetsu. After deciding to greenlight Surrounded by Beauties, he’d had discussions with her about the market, character designs, and actor fees. 

Initially, he’d estimated just over eighty million yen, maybe ninety at most. But some agents, seeing it was an unproven “live-action interactive movie game,” had jacked up their prices. 

From just over eighty million to a hundred million—a nearly 20% jump. 

Miyano’s lips curved slightly. “Every team leader says that when they ask for a budget. Few deliver.” 

Men’s promises are just hot air. 

She didn’t say it, but Tetsu could practically see it on her face. He held back a wince—self-proof was tough. 

Surrounded by Beauties wasn’t some earth-shattering masterpiece. It even had some logical flaws. Its potential to succeed hinged on tapping into the emotional needs of young men today. 

Even Tetsu wasn’t 100% sure it would explode in this parallel-world Tokyo. Miyano’s skepticism wasn’t unfounded. 

His mind raced for a way to convince her, brows furrowing. 

As he frowned, Miyano’s thoughts drifted to a rainy night five years ago. She’d been drunk from a business dinner, collapsing on the street. Vaguely, she recalled being dragged into an alley by two vagrants, then hearing sounds of a scuffle. The last thing she remembered was a pair of deep, youthful eyes and the wail of sirens. 

Does he not remember me? 

But… this version of him is even more intriguing. 

Watching Tetsu’s furrowed brow, Miyano unconsciously licked her enticing lips, a flicker of desire in her sharp, icy eyes. “You seem conflicted. So… how about a bet?” 

Chapter 13: What’s Boss Fuyukawa Up To? 

“A bet?” 

Fuyukawa Tetsu froze for a moment. 

The term “bet” wasn’t hard to grasp—meet certain conditions, win a reward; fail, and face a penalty. Simple enough. But bets like this usually popped up in corporate financing deals, with stakes like equity or assets on the line. He’d never heard of an employee making a bet with their boss in a company setting. 

What do I even have that’s worth the boss’s attention? My kidney? 

After mulling it over, Fuyukawa raised his head. “What kind of bet are we talking about?” 

“I can approve a budget of one hundred million yen,” Miyano Mitei said, stepping out from behind her boss’s chair. Swaying her hips—curves that outdid even Kawachi Sayoko’s 93-grade peaches—and those long, toned legs, she sauntered over to Fuyukawa. Leaning in close, her breath warm and teasing, she whispered, “But if the product doesn’t hit the sales you promised… you’ll have to lick my feet.” 

“?!” 

Fuyukawa’s brain short-circuited. 

What is wrong with this woman?! 

He jerked his head to the side, eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at the stunning woman before him. Her breath was soft, but her eyes gleamed with the excitement of a viper sizing up its prey. 

“Uh, Minister Miyano, did you just say…?” His gaze instinctively drifted down her shapely legs to the delicate, pale feet wrapped in black stockings, perched in sharp high heels. 

Then, out of nowhere, Miyano burst into laughter. “Kidding! If sales don’t meet expectations, you’ll need to make a formal apology at the department meeting, and your team leader position will be revoked.” 

“…” 

The “lick my feet” comment hit like a freight train. It took Fuyukawa a good minute to recover. After some thought, he nodded. “Got it. But how do we set the sales target?” 

“Break down your proposal for me,” Miyano said, returning to her chair. She crossed her arms, her voluptuous figure settling in as her cold, elegant face turned serious again, eyes fixed on the screen ahead. 

Clearly, she wanted every detail of the proposal before setting expectations. 

Fuyukawa didn’t hesitate. He directed Kawachi Sayoko to connect her laptop to the projector. As the screen lit up and the room dimmed, he stepped beside the display and began his presentation. 

This wasn’t like the casual dinner discussion he’d had with Sayoko about the game’s story. Different roles, different perspectives. 

As a company executive, Miyano didn’t have time to play games herself. And honestly, game narratives were tricky—some called them poison, others called them gold. Even top industry pros struggled to judge a game’s potential purely from its story. It was too subjective. Otherwise, certain game sequels wouldn’t have been roasted into oblivion over something as trivial as a golf club. 

Miyano’s focus wasn’t the story. She cared about the game’s design direction, its target audience, and the market’s size and characteristics. Her judgment hinged on one thing: market fit and audience appeal. 

To put it simply, if the market loved “hot older women,” she’d check if the game had enough of that vibe. But whether those characters showed up at the front door, in the bathroom, or in a husband’s framed photo to spark a hit? That was beyond her. 

Fuyukawa’s job was to lay out his market research in detail and highlight how the game’s elements and story hit the right emotional triggers for players. In short, the proposal was about selling the vision. 

“According to Freud’s theory of personality, the human psyche is divided into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id is the raw, primal desires we’re born with. The superego is the moral and social constraints shaped by society, laws, and public opinion. The ego sits in the middle, balancing those desires with what’s acceptable. 

Both the ego and superego suppress the id in some way. In modern society, survival pressure is low—you can eat without working yourself to death. So why are most people still miserable? Why do they feel worse than their farming ancestors?” 

Standing in the projector’s glow, Fuyukawa paused to sip water. 

Kawachi Sayoko’s cute face lit up with admiration, while Miyano, leaning on her elbow with legs crossed, smirked faintly. “Interesting. Go on.” 

Fuyukawa nodded, pointing at the screen like a teacher. “Because modern cities crush the id. It’s not just about lust. Achievement, belonging, security, conquest—these emotions, wired into our genes, make up the id. But in today’s world, kids from average families struggle to feel accomplished in big cities. They can’t find belonging or security when they’re one missed rent payment from eviction. And conquest? Forget it. 

My ability is limited—I can’t satisfy every single one of those needs. So, I’m focusing on emotional fulfillment. In modern society, sincerity is mocked as ‘simping,’ and passing up an opportunity is ‘dumb.’ But those ‘simps’ and ‘fools’ who see love as a sanctuary? They have a massive emotional void. 

In the real world, they can’t find the kind of connection that brings inner peace. They can’t win a girl’s heart by being true to themselves, but they also can’t become smooth-talking liars. The gap between reality and their ideals tears a hole in their psyche. 

Our data shows Tokyo is full of young people like this. My game’s goal is to meet their emotional needs as much as possible.” 

After his long spiel, Fuyukawa’s throat was parched. Under Sayoko’s excited, silent applause, he took another sip of water and glanced at Miyano, who sat backlit in her boss’s chair. 

“You’ve done your homework,” Miyano said, rubbing her crystal earring with a soft smile. “Your prep is solid. But here’s the thing: your game is riding a specific user demand. Unlike evergreen genres like RPGs or stat-heavy MMOs, this demand is tied to current social conditions. It’s time-sensitive. If you don’t want the market to shift under you, you need to move fast.” 

“I know. I’ve planned for it to be done in four months.” 

“Four months? Good.” Miyano tapped at her computer. “Based on your pricing—2,980 yen in Japan, 1,980 in China, 1,350 in the Americas—after platform cuts, with a one-hundred-million-yen budget and a median price point, you’ll need to sell 51,478 copies to break even. 

Hit 50,000 sales, and I’ll call it a pass. Fall short, and Light Bird Studio disbands on the spot.” 

Sayoko’s heart sank, her hand instinctively clutching Fuyukawa’s sleeve, her eyes filled with worry. 

He gave her a reassuring look and set down his teacup. “No problem.” 

“Confident, huh?” Miyano’s gaze flicked between Fuyukawa and Sayoko, her brow furrowing slightly before a playful smile curved her lips. “I only mentioned the 50,000-sales bet. Care to make another wager, Team Leader Fuyukawa?” 

“Huh?” Fuyukawa frowned, puzzled. Then, under his bewildered stare, Miyano glided over to the couch, leaned in close, and purred, “If you can sell over 60,000 copies, I’ll grant you one not too outrageous request.” 

Chapter 14: The PUA Master 

"If Team Leader Fuyukawa can sell over 60,000 copies of this game, I might just grant you one not-too-extravagant request," she said with a teasing lilt. 

What the—?! 

Fuyukawa Tetsu, caught off guard by the subtle fragrance of the stunning woman beside him, was utterly baffled. 

What was she playing at?! 

Miyano Mitei, a high-powered, icy beauty like her, naturally piqued his interest. But the workplace was a battlefield, and diving in recklessly without understanding her motives could lead to a real misstep. Japanese corporate culture thrives on reading between the lines, after all—rushing in headfirst was a rookie mistake. 

With that in mind, Fuyukawa focused his gaze on the center of Miyano Mitei’s forehead, as if trying to decipher her intentions. 

[Name: Miyano Mitei] 

[Age: 31] 

[Measurements: 92, 64, 93] 

[Skills: Master-Level PUA, Lv9 (can be imprinted upon reversal), Master-Level Project Management Lv7 (currently non-imprintable), Master-Level Marketing Lv9 (currently non-imprintable)] (Click to expand additional skills) 

[Relationship: Friendly] 

[Recent Status 1: Recently joined a new company, a driven single career woman eager to make her mark, but her overly assertive personality has made things tough at work.] 

[Recent Status 2: The challenging work environment has only fueled her ambition and desire to dominate. Meeting a man who once helped her has left her feeling conflicted.] 

A burning desire to dominate?! 

A man who helped her?! 

What was all this?! 

Fuyukawa was floored but quickly regained his composure. The situation was unclear—better to play it safe. 

After a moment’s thought, under Kawauchi Sayoko’s slightly worried gaze, Fuyukawa looked up with a gentle smile. “It sounds like you have high hopes for this game?” 

Trying to change the subject? 

Not rattled by my pressure. Interesting. 

+50. 

A green number floated above Miyano Mitei’s head. She gave Fuyukawa a playful glance, straightened up, and chuckled. “Clever little guy. Alright, take your little sidekick and go.” 

“Have a good day, Director,” Fuyukawa replied smoothly. 

An abrupt dismissal. 

But knowing she was a woman who enjoyed PUA tactics, Fuyukawa didn’t let suspicion show. He stood, gave a slight bow—politeness is key in Japanese workplaces—and left the director’s office with Kawauchi Sayoko in tow. 

As the door clicked shut, Miyano Mitei walked over to the spot where Fuyukawa had been sitting. 

At 186 cm tall with a habit of morning jogs, Fuyukawa wasn’t built like an athlete, but his toned abs and solid frame left a noticeable dent in the sofa. 

Staring at the indentation, Miyano Mitei tapped her sharp chin thoughtfully. Then, turning around, she plopped down onto the seat, her hips sinking into the warm, slightly cool leather. The sensation sent a shiver through her inner thighs. 

“Hiss—” 

Her body instinctively tensed, but after a moment, her shoulders relaxed. 

“The same warmth as back then,” she murmured. 

Her eyes gleamed with a hint of desire as she gazed toward the door, a mix of longing and admiration in her expression. “I only meant to repay a favor, but his skills are the real deal. He might actually be useful to me in this company. Though… his personality is much stronger than I expected.” 

“A strong man, huh…” 

Miyano leaned back, resting her head on the sofa, legs propped up on the coffee table. Her dark hair cascaded down, and her cold, elegant eyes sparkled with growing excitement. 

“Phew!” 

The moment they stepped out of the office, Kawauchi Sayoko patted her chest in relief, trailing behind Fuyukawa. “Thank goodness she didn’t call on me. Director Miyano’s presence is so intense—I couldn’t even speak!” 

“She’s just a person with two shoulders and a head, same as you. What’s there to fear?” Fuyukawa teased. 

The proposal had been approved, and Fuyukawa was in high spirits. He nodded politely to colleagues bowing in greeting as they walked down the corridor—a common gesture in Japanese offices—while keeping up the light banter. 

“Only someone as capable as you, Team Leader, could face the director without flinching,” Kawauchi said, her face flushing. 

+500. 

Her cheeks glowed red, and her gaze, fixed on Fuyukawa’s back, shimmered with admiration and… something deeper, her big, watery eyes sparkling like jelly. 

But before she could bask in the moment, they stepped into the elevator. Fuyukawa slipped his hands into his pockets and grinned. “That’s because the gap in status between you two is so wide, you’re stuck looking up to her. Once Fate is done and you’re a nationally renowned artist, you’ll feel differently when you see her.” 

“A nationally renowned artist?!” Kawauchi’s eyes lit up with dreams, her breathing quickening. But then her head dipped, doubt creeping in. “Can I really do that—?” 

Before she could finish, she gasped, eyes wide with disbelief. 

Fuyukawa, one hand in his pocket, used the other to gently ruffle her hair. “First, you’ve got to believe in yourself, got it? Even if you don’t, at least trust my judgment. I think you’ve got serious potential.” 

“...Mmm.” 

Her head cradled under his hand, Kawauchi felt the warmth radiating from him. Her face turned as red as a boiled shrimp, her throat tight, unable to form words. But the green numbers floating above her head betrayed how much she was enjoying the moment. 

They chatted quietly as they returned to the floor housing Light Bird Studio. 

Though they’d only discussed one matter in the director’s office, it had taken a while. By the time Fuyukawa stepped out of the elevator, night had fallen outside the corridor windows. The other studios on the floor had already cleared out, but Light Bird Studio was different. 

Kawaguchi, the chubby programmer, and Nogi, the older office lady, were waiting anxiously in the office. 

Yes, anxiously. 

Even though Light Bird Studio was established, it wasn’t uncommon in Japan’s game industry for a studio to dissolve if a proposal flopped. For marginal employees like them, failing to deliver or being caught in a downtime could spell disaster. 

No surprise, then, that as Kawaguchi and Nogi trembled with worry, and Kawauchi stifled a giggle, Fuyukawa strode in with a serious face before breaking into a grin, announcing the proposal’s approval. 

The room erupted in cheers. Kawaguchi even shouted, “Long live the Team Leader!”—a playful nod to the camaraderie often seen in Japanese work culture. 

The team was thrilled, and as Fuyukawa returned to his cubicle to pack his briefcase, he felt the same. But more than joy, he felt relief. 

The production process for Surrounded by Beauties wasn’t complex. The main challenges were the script and casting. 

For the script, he’d make localized tweaks based on the original, incorporating feedback from his past life’s online discussions—like how Zhong Zhen’s role was too small or how minor logic issues could be smoothed out with a bit of polish. 

With those highly upvoted comments in mind, a few tweaks would sort out the script. Not a huge workload. 

With the script settled, casting was next. 

That would take a few days, but casting didn’t require constant mental strain, so it was less taxing. 

This freed up time and energy to focus on Fate. 

His thoughts cleared, and his mood lifted. 

Grabbing his briefcase, Fuyukawa was mulling over where to grab dinner when he pushed open his cubicle door. There stood Kawauchi Sayoko, clutching her purse, her face a mix of nerves. “Um… Team Leader, are you free tonight?” 

“Hm? Yeah, I’m free. What’s up?” Fuyukawa asked, caught off guard. 

Kawauchi fidgeted, her voice soft. “Could you… walk me home? I’m running late.” 

Chapter 15: O-neeto 

Women are fascinating creatures. When they’re not into you, you could pluck the stars from the sky, and they’d just shrug and say, “Big deal.” But once they catch feelings, they can become surprisingly bold. 

“Thanks, Tetsu-kun! Here, this is for you.” 

In the parking lot, Fuyukawa Tetsu stood by the car hood, scrolling on his phone. Sayoko Kawachi, grinning brightly, handed him a can of juice she’d bought from the vending machine, her face radiating joy. 

“Thanks. Let’s get going.” 

Taking the warm can of juice, Tetsu slipped his phone into his pocket and got into the car. But just as he fastened his seatbelt and prepared to drive, a red Porsche 718 convertible zoomed past. 

Behind the wheel was Miyabi Miyano, sporting stylish round sunglasses and steering with one hand. 

For a fleeting moment, their eyes met. Miyabi flashed a peculiar smile before speeding off. 

“She’s driving that fast in a parking lot? What a maniac! You okay?” 

Tetsu, startled, slammed his left foot on the brake, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he turned to check on Sayoko. But what he saw left him dumbfounded. 

The juice she’d just opened had spilled all over her plump thighs, clad in black stockings, soaking them completely. 

“Got any tissues?” 

“Yeah.” 

Sayoko spread her legs to keep the juice from dripping onto the seat, while Tetsu hurriedly grabbed tissues from the center console. But it was too late—the warm, sticky sensation, like she’d wet herself, had already crept up her inner thighs to her heart. 

“...Can we wait a sec before leaving? I need to deal with this in the back.” 

Her legs still spread, Sayoko’s face flushed red, her voice barely a whisper. 

Her stockings were completely soaked, and with sugary juice no less. Clearly, she was heading to the backseat to take them off. 

The atmosphere in the car turned subtly charged. Tetsu had no reason to refuse such a request. He reversed the car back into the parking spot, and Sayoko, like a thief in the night, glanced around to ensure no coworkers were nearby before quickly covering her backside and darting to the backseat. 

“All set. You can go now.” 

“Got it.” 

The car’s lights flickered as the black Volkswagen pulled out of the parking spot. 

Per traffic rules, Tetsu checked both sides before turning, but his eyes couldn’t help drifting to the rearview mirror. 

“Tetsu-kun! ~~~” 

Their eyes locked. Sayoko, in her tight skirt with one leg curled on the seat, was wiping juice off her pale, delicate foot with a tissue. Her cheeks flushed a bright apple-red, a mix of indignation and shy embarrassment. 

“Ahem, carry on, carry on…” 

Caught red-handed, Tetsu awkwardly averted his gaze. But soon, a strange thought popped into his head. 

Those stockings she’s wearing… aren’t they the kind that go all the way up to the waist? How’s she even taking those off? 

As if on cue, the sound of a zipper came from the backseat, followed by the rustle of sticky stockings being peeled off and the crinkle of tissues. 

Gulp. 

Vivid, colorful images from manga he’d read flashed through his mind. Tetsu swallowed hard, his eyes flicking back to the rearview mirror. 

All he could see was half of a pale, peachy curve. 

Just then, the car passed the parking lot’s exit gate, and a slight push against the back of his seat came from behind. 

Her foot’s pressing against my seat? 

What kind of position is she in? 

Nodding with a smile to the gatekeeper, Tetsu turned the wheel to the right, his mind wandering to odd places. 

Soon, the pressure on his seat faded, and Sayoko reappeared in the rearview mirror, smoothing out her skirt. But now, beneath that skirt, only her shapely, bare legs were visible. 

To be honest, Tetsu wasn’t particularly fixated on stockings. In his view, smooth, porcelain legs with barely visible pores—like Sayoko’s, milky-white, straight, and just the right amount of softness—had a stronger visual impact than any ordinary stockings. 

They were stunning. 

He stole a couple more glances. 

“Tetsu-kun~” 

His gaze a bit too intense, Sayoko wrinkled her cute nose at the rearview mirror. But when she saw him sheepishly look away, her flushed eyes twinkled. Hugging the back of his seat, she leaned close to his ear. “Tetsu-kun… seems to prefer me without stockings, huh?” 

“!” 

Her warm breath grazed his neck, catching him off guard as he waited at a traffic light. His whole body jolted. “I’m driving here!” 

“Oh, my bad, Tetsu-kun,” Sayoko said, feigning remorse. But as she glanced at the red light and the empty crosswalk, a mischievous, fox-like grin spread across her face. Leaning even closer to his ear, she teased, “So, should I wear stockings to your place tomorrow? Or… maybe none at all?” 

“!” 

Feeling a rush of heat, Tetsu turned, ready to give this little vixen a piece of his mind. Just then, the light turned green. 

“You’re in for it tomorrow!” 

Frustrated but flustered, Tetsu shot her a glare through the rearview mirror. Clearly, away from the office and in their own little world, Sayoko was far more relaxed, her true personality shining through. His glare only made her burst into giggles in the backseat. 

Is she acting so carefree because she feels safe around me? 

Tetsu rolled his eyes, exasperated, but a small smile tugged at his lips. 

Night fell, stars twinkling above as the black Volkswagen cruised through Shinjuku’s streets. 

Tokyo, though bustling, isn’t that large. With the world’s most advanced subway system, surface traffic wasn’t too bad either. 

It didn’t take long for Tetsu to reach their destination—Kabukicho. 

It was around 8:30 PM, the peak of nightlife. The streets buzzed with energy, lit up by dazzling neon signs. There were punky teens with dyed yellow hair, middle-aged men in suits, and high school girls in JK uniforms, glued to their phones by the roadside. 

“Are those the famous kami-machi girls?” 

Stepping out of the car, Tetsu’s eyes were drawn to the JK girls on the street. 

Sayoko, her bare legs making her feel a bit exposed, grew even more self-conscious. “P-probably… Tetsu-kun, are you into those younger girls?” 

“They’re alright, I guess. Just not as stunning as I’d imagined.” 

Tetsu’s tone carried a hint of disappointment. In his past life, he’d read plenty of manga and novels that painted kami-machi girls—teenagers waiting for “sponsors”—as ethereal, almost otherworldly. But thinking about it, Japan’s adult entertainment industry was so advanced that any truly striking girls were likely scouted by agencies for films. The ones left, less standout or preferring discretion, probably worked in karaoke bars or soaplands. 

Sure enough, Sayoko, leading the way, glanced at the girls with a touch of pity. “It sounds harsh, but Kabukicho’s fuzoku scene is huge. The really gorgeous girls usually get snapped up by companies for adult films. The ones who are less striking, or who don’t want everyone knowing what they do, often end up in karaoke or soaplands to make money.” 

“I see.” 

Tetsu nodded, but curiosity got the better of him. “Soaplands? Like… that kind of place?” 

“Eek! That’s such a sensitive question!” Sayoko blushed but nodded shyly. “Yeah, that kind. But legally, full-on services aren’t allowed, and neither is soliciting—at least not openly. So they usually hand out little cards, and it happens in office buildings… Oh, don’t take those cards!” 

Sayoko’s face burned as Tetsu glanced at a small card a man had just slipped into his hand. 

“O-neeto, please give me the power of your love!” 

“The wording on this is… bold, to say the least.” 

Tetsu prided himself on being worldly, but this direct, heart-hitting gal-speak caught him off guard. 

Before he could process it, Sayoko snatched the card and tossed it into a trash bin. 

“Hey, I was just looking!” 

“No looking!” 

Tetsu felt a twinge of disappointment, but suddenly, something soft wrapped around his arm. Turning, he saw Sayoko clinging to his arm, looking up at him with starry eyes full of shy affection. 

“You’re such a perv, obsessing over a card like that. But… does Tetsu-kun really want someone to call him O-neeto?”