Yukinoshita Haruno's investment in the Original Anime Project was, in reality, an investment in Su Yu.
She had instructed Sata Kana to follow the opinions of both Su Yu and Yukinoshita Yukino—but in truth, Yukinoshita Yukino rarely made demands.
In other words, the real future owner of Flash Animation was Su Yu.
Sata Kana understood this perfectly.
As a result, her attitude toward Su Yu became even more respectful. As for any personal feelings she might have had for him? She wouldn't and couldn't afford to entertain such thoughts anymore.
After the two directors left, only Su Yu and Sata Kana remained in the conference room.
"Su Yu-sama, would you like to review Flash Animation's internal documents?" Sata Kana asked cautiously.
"I'm just an animator, not the president. Sata-san, you've left a very good impression on me. Even if Flash Animation's ownership changes in the future, I don't think you'll be replaced as president." Su Yu shook his head.
Sata Kana was momentarily stunned, then inwardly ecstatic.
"Su Yu-sama, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to command me. I will do my best to fulfill your requests." Her voice carried a hint of excitement.
"For now, there's nothing urgent. The Original Anime Project will take time to develop. In the meantime, let's reduce the number of adaptation projects." Su Yu thought for a moment before responding.
"Yes, I understand. I will fully support the company's original anime efforts." Sata Kana nodded firmly.
"I know you still have some doubts. But once Madoka Magica and Director Arato's anime are released, you'll understand why original anime is so important."
Su Yu got up, patted Sata Kana's shoulder lightly, and walked out of the conference room.
Sata Kana watched him leave, her admiration for him growing even stronger.
He had seen right through her concerns.
This Su Yu-sama… is truly extraordinary. He doesn't seem like an ordinary high school student at all.
Truthfully, she wasn't optimistic about the Original Anime Project.
However, with Yukinoshita Haruno and Su Yu both aligned in their decision, she had no choice but to carry it out.
Meanwhile…
After leaving the conference, Arato Haruto and Tamura Wakana immediately held an internal meeting to begin assembling a team for the original anime production.
The First and Second Studios both had one ongoing project each, which was expected to wrap up by mid-June, just in time for the July anime season.
In practice, the First and Second Studios often began preparing new projects while finishing up the final stages of ongoing ones.
So, in terms of scheduling, it was neither too early nor too late to start a new production.
If this original anime was to air alongside Madoka Magica, they had about four months to complete it.
If they rushed, they could finish production in three months, leaving the final month for promotion.
The moment they announced the project, animators eagerly volunteered to join the new production.
However, a new issue arose—
The novel had no title.
The first person Arato Haruto thought of was Su Yu, so he immediately went to ask for his opinion.
Su Yu pondered for a few seconds.
"How about Youth Love Story?"
Sunset at Flash Animation
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Su Yu and Yukinoshita Yukino left Flash Animation Studios together.
The second episode of Madoka Magica was already completed.
Tomorrow would be a day off, and the team would resume work on episode three the day after.
Su Yu didn't bother checking the quality of episode two—he trusted Yukinoshita Yukino completely.
Likewise, Yukinoshita Yukino didn't mention it either. She wanted to surprise him.
The car pulled up in front of Yukinoshita Yukino's apartment complex.
Su Yu carried a box full of fan letters as they took the elevator up to her apartment.
Once inside, Yukinoshita Yukino set out a pair of slippers for him before heading to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Su Yu settled into the living room, setting the box on the table.
There were over three hundred letters—he obviously couldn't respond to them all.
Some were filled with praise, some asked curious questions about him, some requested illustrations or autographs, and others inquired about a potential tankoubon release.
As he read through them, his head began to ache.
By the time he finished, Yukinoshita Yukino had quietly approached him from behind.
"What do the letters say?" she asked curiously.
"A bit of everything. I'm planning to have my future manga editor record a video, which I'll upload to my verified account. From now on, I'll answer all letters through video responses."
"How about selecting ten questions per video?"
"Great idea. Yukino, you're really smart."
"It would be a great way to engage with fans. You should also add a lottery system, where random envelopes are drawn for replies. That way, readers will feel like they have a chance to be chosen."
"Yukino, it's a shame you don't do video content yourself."
"I don't like being on camera. If there are any interviews in the future, I'll avoid them when possible. If I can't… you'll have to go in my place."
"And if they ask about our relationship, what should I say?"
Yukinoshita Yukino froze for a moment, then shot him a sharp look before heading back to the kitchen.
Su Yu chuckled and followed her.
After Dinner
Once dinner was over, Su Yu took care of the dishes while Yukinoshita Yukino prepared black tea.
By the time he returned to the living room, she had already poured two cups.
"Yukino, don't you think we're sitting a little too far apart?"
Su Yu glanced at her position on the opposite sofa.
"Don't mind it. This distance is just right."
Yukinoshita Yukino responded with a gentle smile.
"If possible, I'd prefer to hold you while I tell you about my recent experiences… and our date tomorrow."
Su Yu's voice softened.
"I… I never agreed to a date…" Yukinoshita Yukino murmured.
"Yuigahama deliberately gave us this opportunity. If you don't take it, I'll just go back to Sakura Dormitory." Su Yu sighed.
"You could at least appreciate Yuigahama's kindness… Why are you so terrible?" Yukinoshita Yukino's tone carried a hint of grievance.
"Because Yukino is too cute. Because you love my stories. Because you're just as dense as me. That's why I turned out like this."
Su Yu smirked.
"I… we're just friends. Aside from holding hands and hugging, you're not allowed to do anything else."
Her face turned slightly red as she whispered those words.
Seeing how adorable she looked, Su Yu got up and gently embraced her.
At first, her body tensed, but gradually, she relaxed in his arms.
"Do you know Kawasaki Saki?"
"I know of her, but I've never spoken to her."
"Her father left with her younger brother and sold their house. Her mother is in the hospital. I lent her one million yen and let her move into Sakura Dormitory."
"…As part of the cleaning and cooking duties?"
"Hiratsuka-sensei told you?"
"Mm. I was waiting for you to say it yourself."
Su Yu paused for a moment, then looked down at the girl in his arms.
So she was like Yuigahama in some ways—
She wanted to be told directly.
"Alright. Since we're already on the topic, let's talk about Hiratsuka-sensei's life request."
"…Hiratsuka-sensei's life request?"
Yukinoshita Yukino was visibly surprised.
She looked up at him, awaiting his answer.