The sunlight of Shanghai filtered through the gaps between the high-rise buildings, spilling onto the path returning to the hotel.
Michiya Gōshin held a cup of iced pearl milk tea in his hand. A black mask covered most of his face, but the slightly upturned corners of his mouth clearly revealed his relaxed and pleasant mood at this moment.
Half a step behind him, Kato Megumi followed quietly, holding a cup of warm taro ball milk tea in her hands as well.
Unlike the meticulous assistant she usually was, the Kato Megumi of this moment—though still without much outward expression—seemed to have a trace of vitality injected into those always calm and rippleless eyes.
Naturally, she didn't need to wear a mask, so she was taking small sips of her milk tea. The sunlight outlined the gentle curve of her profile, and her bob cut hair brushed lightly in the oncoming breeze.
To be able to accompany him like this, not as an 'assistant' but almost like a friend, was an unprecedented experience for her.
Likewise, this was a memory she would cherish deeply.
As an artist assistant, although Kato Megumi was accustomed to not showing her emotions much, that didn't mean she truly had no desires in her heart. It was just that she understood restraint and boundaries better than anyone else.
She hid that quietly growing throbbing deep in her heart. When to reveal it, or whether to never reveal it at all, remained an unknown variable.
Walking in front, Michiya Gōshin seemed still immersed in the relaxation of wandering the market just now. Occasionally, he would turn back and comment to Kato Megumi in a relaxed tone about some interesting things he saw or the taste of a certain snack.
Kato Megumi mostly just nodded gently or responded with a brief 'Mn' or 'Yes,' but the aura lingering around her was much softer than usual.
The two returned to the hotel, crossed the lobby, and stepped into the elevator.
The mirror inside the elevator reflected their figures: one tall and upright, unable to hide his star quality even in casual wear; the other delicate and quiet, revealing a rare youthful aura after shedding her professional suit.
Michiya Gōshin looked at Kato Megumi in the mirror and suddenly felt that letting her relax like this occasionally might actually be quite good.
Back in the suite, Michiya Gōshin took off his mask and sank into the soft sofa, letting out a long sigh of relief.
Rare moments of leisure always passed particularly fast. Since becoming an entertainer, his holidays were truly few and far between, basically always occupied with various matters.
Kato Megumi, who had followed him in, immediately entered work mode. She gently placed her half-drunk milk tea on the corner of the coffee table, then began to deftly organize the jacket Michiya Gōshin had casually set down. She checked if the carry-on items needed for the return trip tomorrow were complete, her movements skilled and silent.
Watching her busy back, just as Michiya Gōshin wanted to say, 'There's no rush for these, you take a rest too,' the phone he had placed on the sofa armrest vibrated first.
The screen lit up, displaying the caller: Sakurajima Mai.
Michiya Gōshin raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. Didn't Sakurajima Mai say she wanted to rest when the event ended this morning? Why would she be calling now?
He swiped the answer key and brought the phone to his ear.
"Moshi moshi, Mai-san?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by Sakurajima Mai's voice, which sounded somewhat subtle and tense.
"Michiya-kun, is it convenient to talk right now?"
"Mn, go ahead."
Michiya Gōshin glanced at Kato Megumi, who was still quietly organizing things, his tone remaining normal.
"Do you have time tonight? I want to... find a quiet place to chat with you. After all, we are going back soon."
Sakurajima Mai's voice was very soft, carrying a hesitation that was hard to detect.
Michiya Gōshin could sense the unusualness in her tone. He didn't ask further questions, but simply agreed decisively: "Sure. This is Xia Country, so leave the location to me."
"Okay."
The girl seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and her speech speed picked up a little.
"Okay, then I'll come find you later."
Considering that Sakurajima Mai's Chinese proficiency might be limited in a complex environment, Michiya Gōshin naturally added a reassurance.
After hanging up the phone, Michiya Gōshin looked at the darkened screen, deep in thought.
Although Kato Megumi beside him had been organizing things the whole time, her hearing was very keen. She vaguely heard keywords like 'tonight' and 'chat,' as well as Michiya Gōshin's gentle response.
However, she showed no curiosity. She continued with the work at hand, carefully hanging a suit Michiya Gōshin was to wear tomorrow into a dust bag.
At eight o'clock sharp in the evening, Michiya Gōshin knocked on Sakurajima Mai's door.
The door opened quickly. Sakurajima Mai was already ready. She had changed into a smoke-gray silk shirt paired with black high-waisted trousers, with a beige long trench coat draped over it, appearing both capable and retaining a feminine softness.
Her long hair was tied in a loose low bun, with a few stray strands hanging by her cheeks. Light makeup outlined her perfect features. Under the corridor lights, her whole being exuded a cold yet charming aura.
"Let's go."
Seeing him, Sakurajima Mai's eyes flickered for a moment before quickly returning to normal. Her tone was calm.
Michiya Gōshin nodded and naturally walked in front to lead the way.
The two walked side by side on the streets of Shanghai at night. The early summer evening breeze carried a trace of warmth.
The streetlights stretched their shadows long and then shortened them again. There was a polite and subtle distance between them. There was no conversation, only the sound of footsteps and the distant hustle and bustle of the city as background noise.
Based on the address he had investigated in advance, Michiya Gōshin found a quiet bar hidden inside an old-style western house.
The facade was extremely low-key, marked only by a small copper plaque.
Pushing open the door, it was as if they had entered another world. Warm yellow lighting created a lazy atmosphere; low and melodious music replaced the noise of the streets, and the air was filled with the mixed scent of coffee and alcohol.
The booth seating was designed with great privacy, spaced far apart from one another.
A waiter led them to a quiet corner further inside. Sakurajima Mai took off her trench coat, revealing the silk shirt underneath; the fabric glowed with a soft luster under the lights.
She ordered a specially mixed cocktail, while Michiya Gōshin asked for a classic single malt whiskey, on the rocks.
After the waiter left, the small space fell into a brief silence.
Only the faint sound of ice melting in the glass and the lazy flow of music remained. This was not their usual mode of interaction. Whether it was the tacit understanding of work partners or the entangled ambiguity and disputes in private, there was rarely such deliberately created quietness.
Sakurajima Mai seemed to be organizing her words in her mind. Her slender fingers unconsciously rubbed the cold wall of the glass. After discovering today that Kato Megumi and Michiya Gōshin had gone out to play alone, her emotions had indeed become more complex.
Opposite her, Michiya Gōshin seemed to see her hesitation. He didn't rush her, simply tasting his wine quietly, waiting for her to speak.
After a while, the girl took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind. She finally raised her eyes and looked at Michiya Gōshin.
"Michiya-kun..."
Sakurajima Mai spoke, her voice lower than usual. She tried to make her tone sound like a casual inquiry, but her slightly tightened jawline betrayed her.
"This afternoon... seeing that you weren't at the hotel, did you go out for a stroll?"
After asking this question, she seemed a bit annoyed, immediately lifting her wine glass to take a small sip to cover up her unnaturalness.
Sakurajima Mai knew she was asking a question she already knew the answer to, and she knew she had no standing to question his whereabouts—their relationship didn't even have a clear definition yet.
But regarding the situation with Kato Megumi, it truly generated a lot of strange emotions in her. These emotions, mixed with dissatisfaction about her own position and uncertainty about the future, ultimately made her ask.
Michiya Gōshin was slightly surprised that Sakurajima Mai would ask this question, but he didn't overthink it.
Given his character, he never felt there was anything to hide about this.
"Mn, yes."
He picked up his wine glass and took a sip. The mellow liquid slid down his throat, bringing a trace of warmth. His tone was perfectly frank.
"Wasn't today a rest day? I saw Kato was constantly busy, so I let her relax too. We went out for a walk together. She's been learning Chinese recently, so it was a good chance for some field practice."
Michiya Gōshin's answer was so direct, so honest, without any evasion, even proactively explaining the reason.
This matched Sakurajima Mai's understanding of him. In certain aspects, he possessed a near-cruel honesty. Since he dared to directly throw out that 'absurd' proposal back then, presumably he wouldn't lie or cover up such small matters.
However, it was precisely this honesty that caused the girl's heart to sink sharply.
He mentioned that Kato Megumi was learning Chinese. This was a domain she could not yet touch.
Sakurajima Mai's mind uncontrollably conjured up the staff member's words—'Kato-san changed into casual clothes, looking like a different person'—as well as the image she imagined of the two walking side by side on the streets of Shanghai.
That shadow assistant, who was usually so quiet she was almost soundless, became incredibly clear in her imagination at this moment.
Sakurajima Mai understood Michiya Gōshin and knew he most likely hadn't noticed the hidden feelings Kato Megumi might harbor.
Or rather, given his current state of being entangled between herself and Kurokawa Akane, he might not have the energy to notice the quietly changing sentiments of another girl beside him.
Toward Kato Megumi, he might truly just be acting out of a superior's compassion for a capable subordinate, as well as friend-like concern.
But! That was exactly where the problem lay!
Ever since Sakurajima Mai had known Michiya Gōshin, Kato Megumi's identity as an artist assistant had been a very special existence. They were together almost every day.
Not to mention work hours—schedule arrangements, script coordination, business negotiations, daily trivialities... Kato Megumi participated in every aspect of his life. The time they spent together morning and night was probably even more than Kurokawa Akane, who was already cohabiting with Michiya Gōshin.
As a woman, Sakurajima Mai believed her suspicion didn't arise from nothing. After all, as a female, Kato Megumi often took the initiative to touch Michiya Gōshin's body.
Would a normal female assistant go that far?
Michiya Gōshin might be unaware now, but what about later? Who could guarantee that this accumulated companionship wouldn't quietly turn into something else one day?
Especially... if she herself ultimately really agreed to his 'absurd' request...
A thought that made her feel even more powerless, even somewhat self-abandoning, burrowed into her mind like a venomous snake.
If she eventually compromised and accepted the reality of 'sharing' Michiya Gōshin with Kurokawa Akane...
Then, could she tolerate Kato Megumi continuing to stay by her man's side with this current identity and this intimate distance?
One Kurokawa Akane might already be the limit of what she could endure.
But adding a Kato Megumi who accompanied him day and night, had a delicate mind, and obviously held special feelings for Michiya Gōshin?
Wouldn't that be like burying a time bomb by her side?
Thinking of this, a deep sense of exhaustion and powerlessness flowed through Sakurajima Mai's heart. What she wanted had always been a pure relationship, yet she just had to fall in love with such a man, placing herself in such an awkward predicament.
Michiya Gōshin had been quietly watching Sakurajima Mai sitting opposite him.
He didn't miss the change in her eyes the moment she heard his answer, nor the complex emotions flashing across her face, nor her slightly pale complexion and tightly pursed lips at this moment.
Michiya Gōshin roughly knew what the complex emotions in her heart were. Thus, he put down his wine glass, leaned his body slightly forward, and looked at Sakurajima Mai across the small table with a gentle and determined gaze. A helpless faint smile curved the corners of his mouth.
"Mai-san."
He spoke softly, breaking the suffocating silence. "I originally planned to go find you this afternoon."
The next moment, Sakurajima Mai abruptly raised her head, looking at him with some astonishment.
Michiya Gōshin continued speaking slowly, his tone carrying a reassuring power.
"However, didn't you say earlier when the event ended that you felt tired and wanted to rest properly? I didn't want to disturb you. Going out with Kato was just a coincidence; seeing her working constantly, I just wanted to let her relax a bit too."
His explanation was clear and direct, instantly piercing through the uneasiness in Sakurajima Mai's heart.
Michiya Gōshin continued, "Besides... Mai-san, our time ahead is still long."
"After returning to Japan and the promotional activities end, aren't we going to join the production team immediately to film Strobe Edge, which you are leading? By then, we should have a very, very long time... to get along properly."
The pure love movie Strobe Edge was the first project since the founding of Sakurajima Mai's personal agency, and also her second collaboration with Michiya Gōshin as male and female leads after Alice in Borderland. It held extraordinary significance.
"Wu..."
Sakurajima Mai nodded. A movie filming cycle was at least three months. They would be each other's most important partners, having countless hours to spend together morning and night.
A long-lost confidence and fighting spirit, belonging to her, Sakurajima Mai, reignited in her eyes.
Although Kurokawa Akane seemed to be in the lead currently thanks to the 'cohabitation' advantage, so what?
Would she admit defeat easily?
The girl believed that as long as she was given enough time and opportunity, she was fully capable of becoming the most important person in Michiya Gōshin's heart!
As for Kato Megumi...
Sakurajima Mai's eyes became determined and sharp again. That girl was indeed a variable that needed watching, but she wasn't enough to make her lose her footing.
Having thought this through, the emotions she had been holding tight finally relaxed.
The girl picked up her wine glass. This time she took a genuinely relaxed sip. The liquor, sweet with a hint of bitterness, slid down her throat, but it seemed to bring new strength.
They chatted about some lighter topics again—interesting things about this Xia Country promotion, expectations for the upcoming movie filming. The previous awkwardness and tension were gradually replaced by a subtle and harmonious atmosphere.
Time passed unknowingly.
The wine in the glasses gradually hit the bottom, and the people in the bar became fewer and fewer.
Michiya Gōshin checked the time and signaled the waiter for the bill.
The two walked out of the bar, the cool night air lifting their spirits.
The road back to the hotel was short. The two walked side by side as before, but this time, the distance between them had closed significantly.
Walking up to the hotel, Sakurajima Mai raised her eyes to look at him again. Within those eyes that always carried pride, his figure was clearly reflected at this moment.
She raised the corners of her lips slightly, revealing a confident smile that came from the heart.
"Well then, Yu-kun,"
She no longer deliberately used the distant 'Michiya-kun,' but called out his given name directly.
This shift in address made Michiya Gōshin feel as if he had returned to the atmosphere before the 'Cold War' with Sakurajima Mai.
"After returning to Japan, I'll be waiting... to be your heroine."
This sentence was not just a confirmation of work, but more like a silent declaration and promise.
She finally stopped evading, stopped hesitating, and decided to face her heart squarely, walking bravely toward him to participate in this emotional contest destined to be extraordinary.
Michiya Gōshin looked at the starlight flickering in her eyes and heard the intimate address she had finally changed back to. His heart felt as if it had been gently bumped by something, ripples spreading layer by layer.
A gentle and determined smile also appeared on his handsome face. He responded in a low voice, conveying unquestionable seriousness and anticipation.
"Ah, I will be looking forward to it."
There were no excessive words, but the meeting of their gazes had already conveyed a thousand words.
The night was gentle, stretching their shadows very long in the hotel corridor, as if engraving this moment into the time of this night before parting.
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