The registered users of Future Manga's website were essentially potential users of the digital manga app.
While downloads were just a metric—since people could still access some content without registering—over 80% of registered users had already paid for content.
After all, reading manga legally had very limited options.
Buying physical tankobons was too expensive.
With the ranking battles heating up, the daily revenue from the digital manga app had already surpassed one million yen per day.
Hanada Yui was confident that within a year, the app's annual revenue would surpass that of Future Manga Publishing itself.
Digital manga might even replace traditional print.
Su Yu, however, had a different view.
Sure, digital manga was convenient, but the feeling of holding a book in your hands was something that could never be replaced.
Just like how ebooks and physical books gave completely different experiences.
No matter the era, physical books would always exist.
Just like how Yukinoshita Yukino preferred reading a physical book while sipping black tea.
That said, digital manga's advantages were obvious.
It was only a matter of time before it surpassed print sales.
Hanada Yui listened carefully to Su Yu's explanation.
She felt his perspective was more accurate and admired him even more.
—
"When we set up operations over there, we'll expand beyond online stores and digital manga—eventually, we'll develop games as well."
"If we can find partners, that would be ideal."
"But if we try to take too big a slice of the pie, we'll be squeezed out."
Su Yu reminded her.
"Understood."
Hanada Yui nodded seriously.
This was true everywhere.
"Our biggest advantage is that we have exclusive content."
"But in the future, when they start developing manga and light novels of their own, we should be the ones to proactively seek partnerships."
Su Yu continued.
"Su Yu-sama, you have incredible foresight."
Hanada Yui looked at him with admiration.
Su Yu just smiled, saying nothing.
It wasn't foresight—he had simply seen it happen before and was applying the same strategy here.
At that moment—
"Wouldn't the Yukinoshita family be able to join in on this?"
Yukino suddenly spoke.
"They could."
Su Yu glanced at her.
Hanada Yui pretended not to hear and silently poured tea for them.
She knew very well—
Su Yu and the Yukinoshita family were not the same entity.
Or rather—
Su Yu had no intention of becoming part of them.
Which meant—
The future of Future Manga Publishing depended on Su Yu, not the Yukinoshita family.
Since Yukino had brought it up, Hanada Yui chose to ignore it completely.
Even though she had been appointed by Haruno, in this moment, she wouldn't make decisions for the Yukinoshita family.
She only followed Su Yu's orders.
"As long as they pay enough?"
Yukino looked at him.
"Your sister owns 10% of Future Manga Publishing's shares."
Su Yu replied calmly.
Yukino opened her mouth slightly but didn't say anything.
Su Yu could tell what she was thinking.
He gently took her hand.
"Just because your sister owns shares doesn't mean the Yukinoshita family can influence my business."
"I can let your sister have a piece of the cake…"
"But I won't let your mother be the one who cuts it."
"Do you understand?"
"…Is that even possible?"
Yukino was stunned.
Su Yu's words implied that Haruno and the Yukinoshita family were two separate forces.
From what she knew about her sister, Haruno only listened to their mother.
How could she ever separate from the family?
Just then—
Ding!
Su Yu's phone lit up with a notification.
He glanced at the new message.
Then, he leaned in close to Yukino's ear.
"She won't always be the Yukinoshita heiress."
—
Lunchtime.
Su Yu and Yukino arrived at Flash Animation.
On weekends, Ebina Hina and Miura Yumiko were always there.
Ebina worked on scripts, while Miura—having proven her singing ability—was now officially earning from her work.
The four of them went to a Japanese restaurant together.
After placing their orders—
Miura stole a glance at Yukino, looking slightly nervous.
Meanwhile, Ebina Hina just smiled like she was watching a drama unfold.
"Congratulations, Miura-san," Yukino suddenly spoke.
"Th-Thank you…"
Miura responded quickly.
"No need to be nervous."
"I told you before—since you're Yui's friend, that means you're my friend too."
Yukino reassured her.
"R-Really?"
Miura felt a little more relaxed.
"Your singing ability is impressive."
"You'll definitely become a popular idol once you enter an idol agency."
"Though Su Yu-kun hasn't acquired one yet, I'm sure it's already in his plans."
Yukino praised her.
"An idol agency is different from a voice acting agency."
"If I want to acquire one, I'll need to wait for the right opportunity."
Su Yu commented.
"I can wait. It's fine."
"For now, I'll build experience and recognition through Flash Animation."
Miura replied softly.
"You won't have to wait too long."
Su Yu smiled at her.
Miura's face turned red, and she lowered her head.
Yukino pretended not to notice.
Meanwhile, Ebina Hina carefully observed the three of them, sensing an interesting dynamic.
When the food arrived,
Su Yu ate a few pieces of sushi before offering one to Yukino.
Yukino glanced at him—then ate it.
Then—
"Yumiko."
Su Yu picked up another piece and offered it to Miura.
"Su Yu-kun, I…"
Miura's face turned crimson.
Su Yu simply smiled at her, saying nothing.
Yukino lowered her head, eating her food quietly.
Miura hesitated for a moment—
Then, realizing Yukino wasn't stopping her, she took the sushi.
Su Yu smiled and looked at the last piece on the plate—
Then turned to Ebina Hina.
"I'm good, thanks."
Ebina casually picked up the last piece and ate it herself.
"Shame."
"I wanted to see if you'd blush too."
Su Yu sighed in fake disappointment.
"I'm not Yumiko."
Ebina adjusted her glasses, her smile playful.
"You're definitely different."
"My impression of you is that you're a smart girl."
Su Yu said, looking at her.
"Thanks for the compliment."
Ebina smiled sweetly.
"Also, you're very beautiful."
Su Yu added.
Ebina froze for a second.
Yukino's chopsticks paused.
Miura looked a little surprised.
"What's wrong?"
Su Yu asked, playing innocent.
Ebina quickly smiled.
Yukino rolled her eyes at him.
Miura lowered her head—but she still stole glances at Ebina and Su Yu.
After lunch, Su Yu paid the bill.
The two girls didn't argue about it.
As they left the restaurant—
Ebina suddenly spotted a middle-aged man in a suit.
Her expression instantly changed.
Her eyes turned cold.
The man saw Ebina—
And froze, looking slightly embarrassed.