The quiet road stretched ahead.
Hiratsuka Shizuka glanced at Su Yu with a puzzled expression.
Something about him felt… different today.
He was running with ease—far more effortlessly than before.
Previously, by the time they reached the park, he would be noticeably tired. But now, he barely seemed affected at all.
Had his stamina improved just from this level of training?
When they arrived at the park, Su Yu didn't even pause to rest. Instead, he immediately began practicing the combat techniques she had taught him, executing each move with precision.
"You're not tired?" Hiratsuka finally asked.
"Shizuka-sensei, morning runs at this level don't affect me anymore. You take your time to rest—I'll head back first. I'll keep practicing the techniques you taught me."
With that, Su Yu turned and jogged toward Sakura Dormitory.
Hiratsuka stood there, momentarily speechless.
Watching him disappear into the distance, she gritted her teeth and chased after him.
There's no way I'm losing to this brat!
The two of them returned to Sakura Dormitory one after another.
Su Yu felt slightly fatigued, but Hiratsuka was completely out of breath, unable to say a single word.
"Shizuka-sensei, don't push yourself too hard. You're not that young anymore. I'm still in my prime," Su Yu teased.
"I'm still young!" Hiratsuka shot him a glare.
"Alright, then shall we continue?" Su Yu smirked, getting into a combat stance.
"Hmph. You still need more practice before you're qualified to spar with me." Hiratsuka turned her head away.
She knew that if they fought now, she'd definitely lose.
Su Yu understood as well. If she had the energy to fight, she'd already have smacked him.
So, he simply chuckled and headed upstairs.
Hearing his laughter, Hiratsuka clenched her fists.
Was that guy mocking her?
Damn it. Next time, I'll definitely beat him up.
After Breakfast – At School
Once again, Su Yu spent the exam period writing—this time, expanding on his original anime project.
Last night, he had only written a rough outline.
Now, with plenty of time, he worked on refining the concept.
The project was divided into three main themes:
Friendship Between GirlsThis could be approached lightly, focusing on comedy rather than deep emotional storytelling.Or, it could be more intense, portraying psychological and emotional development with meticulous detail.Girls' Hard Work & AspirationsThese stories would center on young women striving for success—be it as idols saving a shopping district, rookies at a game development company, or animators trying to bring their visions to life.The core theme: growth and recognition through effort.The Idol & Virtual Idol CrossoverThis section would pave the way for real-world idols and virtual idols.It could start with a manga, then transition into an anime series.
By the time the morning exams ended, Su Yu had compiled a detailed project proposal.
With this, there would be no shortage of original scripts for future anime productions.
Whether it was Tamura Wakana, Arato Niino, or Miyazumi Uta, all of them could work on these projects.
But even with their talents, more staff would be needed.
Su Yu wanted to produce four anime per season:
Two original seriesTwo adaptations (from light novels or manga)
That would require additional staff and more high-level directors.
The best candidates? Experienced animators who had left Shining Animation.
Lunchtime
After finishing his bento, Su Yu headed to the rooftop and called Sata Kana, discussing the need for animators.
Kana immediately responded, "No problem! There are already promising talents emerging from Shining Animation School."
Before long, all three of Su Yu's animation studios would be able to expand their workforce.
In fact, Niino and Tamura had already recommended several former Shining Animation staff members.
Many wanted to return now that the company had changed leadership.
However, there was a problem—
None of them were anime directors.
A great director is the soul of an animation production team.
For various reasons, most directors rarely left their companies.
Which only further proved how badly Shining Animation had been mismanaged in the past.
Many talented directors had likely left feeling deeply disappointed.
If the company had focused on original anime, it could have become much bigger.
With a sigh, Su Yu told Kana to continue searching for talent.
After hanging up, he pondered.
Should Miyazumi Uta and Yukinoshita Yukino take on more responsibility?
Or… should he become a director himself?
Afternoon
After the exam, Su Yu rode in the Yukinoshita family's car with Yukino, heading to Shining Animation.
He explained his original anime project and the staff shortage issue.
After listening, Yukino looked at him and asked,
"Aren't you rushing this too much?"
Su Yu paused for a few seconds.
Was he… being too impatient?
Was it because of the 50 billion yen investment?
Seeing his thoughtful expression, Yukino leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Don't be in such a hurry. Once I gain full control of Shining Animation, we'll invest in the idol agency together."
"Yukino, I…"
Su Yu suddenly realized—
Yukino thought he was pushing so hard for the sake of the idol agency.
She assumed he was worried about the investment.
"My money is yours, Su Yu. I trust you to use it wisely and make Shining Animation's future even brighter," Yukino murmured.
Su Yu fell silent for a moment, then said softly,
"If I owe you too much, I'll never be able to repay you."
Yukino lifted her head to look at him, then wrapped her arms around him.
"Then pay it back with a lifetime," she whispered.
Su Yu chuckled and hugged her back.
"You've become bolder, Yukino."
"No matter how bold I get, there will always be other girls around you, Su Yu-kun. You're awful."
Her voice carried a hint of resentment.
"I'm sorry. It's all my fault."
Su Yu didn't even try to make excuses.
Seeing him admit it so readily, Yukino let the matter drop and simply rested her head against his chest.
Su Yu gazed down at her, but didn't bring up the 50 billion yen.
Since Haruno hadn't told her about it, he wouldn't either.
If Yukino found out, she would only feel more pressure.