Traditional idols require extensive training and a significant amount of resources.
Virtual idols, on the other hand, demand far less time and resources.
Of course, that doesn't mean traditional idols are inferior.
Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Once a traditional idol becomes popular, they bring immense profits to their agency and gain widespread recognition.
Virtual idols, by contrast, rely on live streaming. They don't require as much training—if their content is engaging enough, they can amass a large following.
The downside of traditional idols is that the training process is long and even after all that effort, there's no guarantee of success.
The downside of virtual idols is that they have limited participation in real-world events, making it harder to reach a broader audience.
Since virtual idols exist entirely in a digital space, even their personalities and backstories can be fabricated.
After reading Su Yu's proposal, Haruno leaned back in her seat.
"If we start from scratch and establish a new idol agency, the costs will be minimal. I've seen plenty of underground idols who struggle to debut—they'd be easy to recruit."
"What's the main downside?" Su Yu asked.
"An agency without a popular idol won't attract public attention," Haruno replied.
Su Yu nodded. "And what about the virtual idol project?"
"Now that's an interesting market," Haruno admitted. "Virtual idols have a unique appeal that regular streamers lack. They'll definitely attract a dedicated audience."
"So what's your suggestion?" Su Yu asked, studying her expression.
"Start with the virtual idol project—it doesn't need a well-known star to take off. As for recruiting underground idols, we can train them, provide some resources, and let them grow at their own pace. Popular idols, however, are trickier. They're bound by contracts, and poaching them isn't easy."
"So acquiring an existing idol agency would be more effective?" Su Yu inferred.
"Exactly. If you build a new agency from scratch, underground idols might be skeptical. Some agencies claim to be training idols, but in reality…"
Haruno trailed off, giving Su Yu a knowing look.
"I see. Fine, we'll buy an idol agency," Su Yu decided.
Haruno smirked and clinked her glass against his.
Su Yu lifted his own glass and took a sip.
"Su Yu-kun," Haruno said, lowering her glass. "Do you plan to personally manage the idol agency, or should I assign someone?"
"You handle it," Su Yu replied. "I just want to help a friend become an idol."
"A friend?" Haruno raised an eyebrow. "You mean a girlfriend?"
"Not yet," Su Yu corrected.
"Not yet?" Haruno tilted her head playfully. "So she might become one in the future? Su Yu-kun, you're terrible. Three girlfriends already, and you still want more."
"Don't count yourself in," Su Yu said dryly. "Even if you wanted to, I wouldn't agree."
Hearing this, Haruno suddenly leaned in and wrapped her arm around his.
Su Yu didn't resist, instead meeting her gaze head-on.
For several seconds, they simply stared at each other.
Then, slowly, Haruno leaned in, her eyes closing.
Su Yu raised a hand and gently stopped her.
"Am I not good enough for you, Su Yu-kun?" she whispered.
"This is my issue. You're very attractive."
"Is this about your ridiculous sense of responsibility again? I don't need you to take responsibility for me."
"Maybe not. But I'd still feel guilty."
Haruno sighed softly at his words.
Only then did Su Yu lower his hand and pick up his glass again.
Haruno, seeing this, suddenly grabbed his hand.
Su Yu, unfazed, simply offered her his glass instead.
She chuckled lightly, took the glass from him, and sipped from it without hesitation.
Then, batting her eyelashes, she looked at him expectantly.
Su Yu sighed and downed the rest of the wine in one gulp.
Haruno smiled in satisfaction.
The Next Morning
Before dawn, Su Yu woke up.
He glanced at Haruno, who was still asleep on the opposite couch.
Then he looked at the blanket draped over himself.
Last night, he had definitely drunk a little too much and ended up staying over.
Haruno had been the first to pass out.
The blanket had originally been on her, but now it was on him—meaning she must have woken up at some point and covered him.
Su Yu quietly sat up, picked up the blanket, and carefully placed it back over her.
Checking the time, he got up and left.
The bar was almost empty at this hour, with only a few staff members resting at the counter.
Su Yu took the elevator down to the parking garage, put on his helmet, and rode off.
Returning to Sakura Dormitory
By the time Su Yu arrived back at Sakura Dormitory, the sun had already risen.
Parking his motorcycle, he stored his helmet in the spacious compartment, which had room for two helmets and other small items.
Just as he was about to head upstairs—
The Kawasaki family's front door opened.
Su Yu turned his head and saw Kawasaki Saki stepping out.
He wasn't surprised.
She was always up early.
"Good morning," he greeted.
"Good… morning," Kawasaki Saki responded, momentarily stunned.
"What is it?" Su Yu asked, noticing her hesitation.
"Your… your face…" Kawasaki Saki pointed at his cheek.
Su Yu immediately understood.
It had to be Haruno's prank.
Thankfully, it was Kawasaki Saki who noticed.
If it had been Hiratsuka-sensei, he would've gotten a beating for sure.
"Thanks for the heads-up," Su Yu said. "And… don't tell anyone about this."
"I… I won't," Kawasaki Saki murmured, lowering her head.
Satisfied, Su Yu quickly made his way upstairs.
Hiratsuka-sensei would be waking up soon—he needed to get out of sight.
Kawasaki Saki watched him leave, recalling her little sister's words from the night before:
"If Onee-chan could be with Su Yu-oniichan, she'd definitely be happy."
At the time, she hadn't responded.
But now, the thought lingered in her mind.
Would she really be happy if they were together?
In the Bathroom
Su Yu washed the mysterious marks off his face.
As he stepped out, his phone vibrated.
Unsurprisingly, it was a message from Haruno.
"Sorry, Su Yu-kun. My little prank didn't cause you too much trouble, did it?"
Su Yu thought for a moment before replying:
"Next time, pick a different spot."
A few seconds later, Haruno replied:
"Alright~ If that's what Su Yu-kun wants. ❤️"
Su Yu didn't respond.
Pocketing his phone, he stepped outside.
It was time for his morning run.
He was looking forward to testing out his Physique Super Enhancement.
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X