Two hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Outside the restaurant, a luxury car came to a smooth stop.
Yukinoshita Haruno stood up, adjusting her coat.
Su Yu followed her out, knowing that "they" had arrived.
As the car door swung open, however—
Inside sat only a maid.
Not just any maid—
She had a sharp gaze, long black hair, and wore a perfectly pressed black-and-white uniform. Her cold expression gave off a distinct bodyguard-like aura.
The maid stepped out, standing rigidly before them.
She bowed slightly, though her movements seemed unnatural.
"My name is Asaka," she introduced herself. "I serve as the maid of Ojou-sama."
Su Yu studied her.
"Su Yu," he responded. "Pleasure to meet you, Asaka-san."
Asaka's icy gaze settled on him.
"Ojou-sama has outlined specific conditions for the financial arrangement," she stated.
"I'm listening."
"The 500 billion yen is yours to use freely. However, should you fail to repay it within five years, you will have three options to settle the debt."
Su Yu raised an eyebrow.
"And those are?"
"First, you can repay the debt with 100 original stories."
"Second, you must fulfill three personal requests from Ojou-sama."
"Third, you must return assets of equivalent value to 500 billion yen."
Su Yu rubbed his chin.
"Which one is the hardest?"
For the first time, Asaka paused, as if surprised by the question.
Then, after a brief silence, she answered.
"Ojou-sama's three requests."
Su Yu narrowed his eyes.
"Can I know what those requests are beforehand?"
"Ojou-sama does not wish to disclose them yet. However, she would prefer you settle the debt with assets instead."
Su Yu sighed.
"Alright. And the timeframe?"
"Five years," Asaka repeated.
Su Yu thought for a moment. Then, he smiled slightly.
"Fine. I accept."
Asaka studied him carefully.
Then, she handed him a contract.
Su Yu took his time, reading every detail.
After about ten minutes, he picked up the pen and signed his name.
Asaka turned, stepping back into the car.
She opened a laptop, pressed a button—
Su Yu's phone buzzed.
Glancing at the screen, he saw—
500 billion yen deposited.
"This contract does not legally bind you in any way," Asaka said, closing her laptop. "Ojou-sama trusts you. That is why she is willing to extend her support."
"Tell Ojou-sama," Su Yu said, slipping his phone into his pocket, "that when I finally qualify to meet her, I'd like to have a proper conversation."
Asaka gave him a long, hard look.
Then, with a slight nod, she stepped back into the car.
Haruno finally spoke.
"Pass on my regards to Ojou-sama," she said, smirking. "Next time I'm in Tokyo, I'll be sure to visit."
Asaka gave a small nod—
Then, without another word, the car drove off.
Su Yu watched it disappear into the distance.
"If I fail," he mused aloud, "I get the feeling Asaka-san would personally eliminate me."
Haruno chuckled.
"Su Yu-kun, you're sharp as ever."
With the 500 billion yen now in his possession, Su Yu wasted no time—
He immediately transferred the funds to Haruno.
Buying out the remaining shares of Future Manga Publishing wouldn't cost the full amount. The rest would be invested into Yukinoshita family projects, generating continuous revenue for Su Yu's grand plan.
This long-term investment strategy would take years to fully materialize.
For now, however—
The first priority was acquiring Future Manga Publishing.
Normally, the current president would never sell the company.
But with enough incentives, anyone could be persuaded.
Haruno planned to leverage one of Yukinoshita's major development projects as a bargaining chip.
Su Yu didn't object.
Nor did he sign any formal contracts with Haruno.
He simply left everything to her.
Then, mounting his motorcycle—
He drove away.
Haruno watched him go, then turned and headed back to her office.
She immediately called the Future Manga president—
Then had her assistant prepare a detailed negotiation proposal.
By the time she left the building, her next move was already set.
Meanwhile—
At Sakura Dormitory…
Hiratsuka Shizuka spotted Su Yu's motorcycle as he pulled up.
Her eyes sparkled.
"Su Yu-kun, let me take it for a spin."
Su Yu immediately refused.
"Not happening."
"I'll let you borrow my car in exchange," she bargained.
Su Yu shot her a blank stare.
"I don't have a driver's license, Shizuka-sensei."
"Details, details," Hiratsuka waved dismissively.
Ignoring her, Su Yu headed upstairs.
Upon entering his apartment, he noticed—
Yuigahama Yui's shoes were gone.
She must've gone home after waking up.
Su Yu shrugged, heading into his study.
Time to work on manga.
A few hours later—
His phone buzzed.
A message from Haruno.
[Future Manga acquired. Over 90% ownership secured. Time for the next step.]
Su Yu exhaled slowly.
He replied, sending her his next set of plans.
Haruno's response came almost instantly.
[I'll install a new president. You can give them your direct orders.]
Su Yu frowned.
[And who exactly is this "new president"?]
Haruno's next message made him pause.
[Hanada Yui.]
Su Yu blinked.
The bartender?
Immediately, Haruno sent a follow-up explanation.
Turns out, Hanada Yui was no ordinary woman.
She had once been a personal assistant to Yukinoshita's mother. Later, she had served as a branch manager of a corporate division—
Until an accounting scandal got her wrongfully blamed.
In reality, the culprit had been a distant Yukinoshita relative.
Yukinoshita's mother fired everyone involved, including the actual offender.
Haruno had taken in Hanada Yui, knowing her true capabilities.
Su Yu processed the information.
It made sense now.
As if reading his thoughts, Haruno sent one last message.
[She'll be grateful to you. Maybe even... very grateful.]
Su Yu rolled his eyes.
He ignored that remark and focused on the facts.
Reading through Hanada Yui's full background, Su Yu saw that she was originally from a small port town and had climbed the ranks on pure ability.
This opportunity was likely her best chance to reclaim a proper career.
Closing the file, Su Yu glanced out the window.
Night had already fallen.
He stood up, stretching.
He hadn't forgotten—
Tonight, he had a promise to keep.
Yukinoshita Yukino should still be at Flash Animation.
Which meant…
He had some time.
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X