In the conference room, people gathered together again.
Izuku Hashima stood in front of the conference table, looked at everyone present slightly nervously, encouraged himself secretly, and then spoke loudly.
"that--!
I am Demi Namishima, I am 14 years old, and I live in Nagoya with my family. My hobbies are animation, games, and painting~!
I am very honored to be a member of "TYPE-MOON". I would like to ask for your advice in the future, please————!"
After finishing speaking, he bowed deeply.
The clear and loud voice echoed in the room, sounding full of energy.
Pah pah pah pah——
"Welcome to join us and go to sea!"
An Yilun was also the first to applaud, smiling like a kind old father, very pleased.
"Congratulations on passing the exam and going to sea."
Sitting next to him was Namishima Iori, with a handsome face and a smile on her face. She was also clapping and applauding to express congratulations.
"Senior Renye, brother... thank you...!"
Namishima Dekai straightened up and said, his expression seemed like he wanted to cry, but he was also sincerely happy.
Whether he was sincere or just following the crowd, others also applauded.
An Yilun also looked sideways at Hashima Iori beside him, and couldn't help but mutter in a low voice: "You are not one of us, why are you here?"
Although the voice was small, Namishima Iori still heard it and responded with a smile: "We haven't seen each other for two years, so you are too cold, Toruya-kun?"
"I've said it several times, right? Don't call me 'classmate' in a nasal voice."
An Yilun said unwillingly: "Besides, didn't you move to Nagoya? Why did you come back?"
"Well, didn't you see that the person standing above is my sister? As an elder brother, I naturally have to accompany her. What's more -"
Namishima Iori continued without squinting:
"The winter COMI at the end of the year is coming soon, and I naturally want to attend the long-awaited event. I don't know how many business cards, emails, notebooks, boutiques and money I will receive this time? I am looking forward to it now.
I can’t stop~”
"Iori, you are indeed still doing that kind of thing...!"
"What reason is there to stop?"
"Don't make me repeat myself... I just don't like how you look like this!" An Yilun also said from the bottom of his heart.
As a conservative who sticks to the rules, there is a huge ideological conflict between him and his former friend who pursues fame and wealth!
The two met in the spring of their first year in junior high school.
Having the same hobbies, they only chatted for a few dozen minutes and became like-minded brothers.
At that time, Iori Namishima was already an elite among otakus. Not only did he possess a profound reserve of knowledge and a rich collection of collections, but he even had connections that were beyond the reach of Ai Yirun.
In the summer of that year, he went to Comiket for the first time with the other person, and he further saw the other person's power.
From big-name fan creators, to well-known cartoonists and animators in the commercial field, to big shots with the title of director and president, there are all acquaintances of Iori Hashishima.
Even with some important people they met for the first time, Iori Namishima was able to naturally chat with them and win their favor, and her social skills were unparalleled.
Of course, An Yilun was also severely shocked, but at the same time, he was even more fascinated by this first otaku friend he had made in junior high school.
Even if the other party is a handsome but carefree young man, and he is accompanied by a different girl every time we meet, he shows an annoying look that makes people itch!
——But he is still willing to interact with the other party, and he is happy for it!
It wasn't until he saw clearly the true nature of Namishima Iori's speculator that he would choose to part ways with him a year later, until the other person moved his family out of Tokyo and completely disappeared from his world.
In a nutshell, there was indeed a regrettable and unbearable bad relationship between the two.
While An Yilun was thinking about this, Bo Dao Chuhai also came over.
"Senior Renye, can I sit next to you?" The person involved pointed to the empty seat on his right and asked, dragging him back to reality.
"...Huh? Well, of course. Please sit down and go to sea."
"Okay~~Thank you, senior."
"There's no need for you to be so polite."
An Yilun also waved his hands pleasantly, feeling very comfortable.
Unlike his unpleasant ex-friend, Chuhai is the only fellow fan and disciple he has maintained.
"I always feel that Izuku and Aki-san are exactly the same." Hui, who was sitting opposite, suddenly said something with mixed emotions in his tone.
Hearing this, An Yilun couldn't help but ask: "...are you praising or criticizing? Depending on the options, it seems that there can be various explanations."
"Uh, none of that. I don't mean to praise or criticize you, I just express my feelings."
"Don't use excuses like those of elementary school students to deal with people."
"Well, this is..."
Megumi's eyes wandered between An Yirunya and Hashima Dekai, and said thoughtfully: "How should I put it? I just think that you two should have shared a quite fulfilling time two years ago~"
"Well, this is not bad..."
An Yilun also scratched his head and turned his attention to the busty loli on the right, who gave him a sweet smile in return.
He was unable to refute or deny the views put forward by Hui, after all, they were facts.
During the six months before Hashishima went to sea and moved out of Tokyo.
The other party is his chosen successor, a comrade who deeply loves the same works, and a disciple who has inherited his otaku knowledge and spirit——
He has indeed been protecting this girl who is younger than him.
Although I didn't recognize each other the first time they met again, this was a true portrayal of their friendship at that time.
For An Yilun, who had lost two comrades in succession, the appearance of Hashima Dekai was like a new hope, allowing him to recover a little from the setbacks in elementary school and junior high school.
——The significance of it is extraordinary.
Seeing his look of reminiscing about the past, Shiyu joked: "It's great, I've got a clingy schoolgirl character from Ethical Classmate."
"Well……?"
"A junior high school student, different uniforms, a heavenly appearance, coupled with the dedication of waiting for the ethical classmates... I feel like I really let people see the essence of a dog-type female character."
"Yes...yes."
"If you add "yes" at the end of the sentence when you speak, it will be perfect."
"Yes? Isn't that the mouth habit of the heroine in "To Heart 2"? So Toruya-senpai likes this~? Well, I can try to add it~!"
"Huh...what nonsense are you talking about!"
Facing the innocent Haidao Dehai, An Yilun, who didn't want to be misunderstood for his hobby, also defended himself repeatedly and couldn't help but complain.
"Besides! You've been called a dog-type female character by others, aren't you angry?"
"Huh? No way, I don't hate dogs anyway~!"
"Ugh...good, so dazzling..."
"I hate it~~Senior."
"~"
Shiyu's eyes flashed with amusement, and he looked sideways at Yinglili, who was sitting on the right and was unusually quiet.
"Well, after hearing what the woman from two years ago said, what does the woman from six years ago, Sawamura, think?"
"...If you keep talking, I will not draw the characters in the work, but change it to a humiliation version of the author Kasumi Shiko."
Shiyu didn't care about this and laughed.
"But, judging from the time, it is obvious that you two have known each other for a longer time, right? But you, your childhood sweetheart, lost to the woman from two years ago~"
"——!"
Even though she knew she was deliberately fanning the flames, Yinglili couldn't help but feel a little irritated.
As the first original artist of the art department, she was originally inspecting the works brought by Hashima Dekai, but was disturbed by their noise, so she impatiently said something to the other side.
"I said, are you done yet? Is this the time to talk about these gossips? Can't we get down to business? Our studio is not for you to have fun!"
"..."
"..."
An Yilun and Bo Daochang immediately stopped talking, and then responded one after another.
"Ah, I'm so sorry, Sawamura-senpai! I was so excited to see Tomoya-senpai that I accidentally got carried away."
"It's not your fault, Izuku. After all, you were influenced by me... But even if you say you want to talk about business, Yinglili, what is business?"
"……Huh?"
Yinglili couldn't help being stunned.
She was just using the topic as a way to vent her emotions, but she didn't really think about it that much, and she fell into a misfire for a while.
"Speaking of which, I have a question~"
As if to help her out, Hui took the initiative and asked:
"You mean you don't live in Nagoya when you go overseas? How will you work then?"
"Ah, regarding this issue. Although I am very sorry, I will probably have to work remotely for a long time...but I will video chat with you! I have caused trouble to you all!"
"Telecommuting..."
Shiyu frowned slightly as he thought about it, looked at the young man sitting in the front seat who had never spoken a word, and asked, "Do you think this is okay, Yu-chan?"
Kato Yusuke knew what she was worried about, so he nodded gently and answered.
"It's okay. I know this well. Besides, in addition to going overseas, the studio will also recruit a local painter, so you don't have to worry."
When everyone heard this, they didn't say anything more.
"By the way, Yinglili."
An Yilun also subconsciously looked to the opposite side and asked: "It seems that you have been seeing Hai's paintings for a long time. What do you think?"
"Thinking...?"
Ying Lili frowned slightly, then put the works in her hands neatly on the table with an expressionless expression, and said lukewarmly: "It's okay."
"Hey, you are a senior who has gone to sea. This attitude is too cold, isn't it?"
"..."
Ying Lili folded her arms lightly and remained silent as if she didn't bother to answer.
"Ah, by the way...Sawamura-senpai~!"
Namishima Izumi clasped his hands on his chest, with a innocent and harmless smile on his face, and a hint of excitement in his big round eyes.
"Well, I heard it from my brother! I didn't expect that the beautiful girl from Shimamura Middle School, Sawamura-senpai, is actually the famous teacher Eri Kashiwagi. I'm really surprised!"
As soon as these words came out, the room suddenly fell silent.
"From Shimamura Middle School..."
"Jade girl...?"
Shiyu and Hui murmured unconsciously, focusing on Yinglili among them.
An Yilun also had a strange expression, as if he was suppressing a smile, "... Ying Lili, it turns out that you were called that embarrassing nickname when you were in junior high school."
Yinglili glared fiercely and choked: "Nonsense, don't you know that I am also being praised in an exaggerated way now?"
"Oh, that's true."
An Yilun also nodded with deep feeling and couldn't agree more with these words.
As for Shiyu, she said it unintentionally.
"Let me think about it, "The Ace of the Art Club", "The Most Beautiful Girl in the School", "The Golden Legend of Toyosaki"... You have quite a few nicknames, Sawamura."
"Why did you tell it on purpose? Besides, you are called the "Snow Girl" yourself, and the last legend is not a compliment at all, right?"
Eiriri's cheeks felt a little warm, and she subconsciously glanced at Kato Yusuke, who was in the first place, and then hurriedly looked back.
Her movements were concealed and fast, but she was clearly seen by Hui who was walking in the same direction.
The girl couldn't help but frown slightly, her eyes alternated between the two people, and finally she lowered her head slightly without saying anything, pretending to be deep in thought.
After everyone had stopped laughing, Haidao continued talking about the previous topic.
"Um, Sawamura-senpai... No, Kashiwagi-sensei!
I've actually heard of your name a long time ago, and I'm also a loyal fan of your community website, and I've been following your works.
So I am really honored to have the opportunity to create with you in the future like this!
Please give me your advice in the future——!”
His voice was slightly stuttered due to excitement, but at the same time it also contained a bit of respect for his seniors.
"..."
Yinglili failed to respond politely.
If she were to face a female fan who shares the same hobbies in normal times, she would definitely happily chat with her for a few words.
However, after what happened in the park just now, she couldn't be happy no matter what, she just felt like there was a knot in her heart, which was extremely awkward.
In silence, Kato Yusuke gently knocked on the table twice to attract everyone's attention.
"Okay, let's stop talking here first.
It just so happens that it's almost noon now, and Kano-chan has booked a table at a nearby restaurant. It's a welcome party for the new members. Let's pack up and get ready to go."
"""""Welcome party?"""""
An Yirunya, Haidao Chuhai, Eirili, Shiyu, and Hui said in unison, showing unexpected expressions.
Namishima Iori touched her nose, raised a hand and asked: "Kato-kun, since you are going to have a dinner together, then I will..."
"You and Ms. Kosaka's seats have also been reserved, so just come together."
"That's it..."
Hearing what Yusuke Kato said, Iori Hashishima suddenly showed an understanding expression, smiled and nodded, "Well, then I'd rather be respectful than obey."
"Miss Kousaka?" x3
Except for Megumi and Hashishima brother and sister, the other three people all expressed doubts about this unfamiliar name and looked at Kato Yusuke in confusion.
The next second, a lazy voice sounded from the door.
"Oh? Are you finally done talking? I'm almost bored."
Everyone looked at the source of the sound in unison.
A mature woman with long brown-red hair and wearing a black trench coat came into view.
Shiyu's eyes narrowed slightly, and she stood up from her seat unconsciously, "Miss Akane Benisaka...why are you here...?"
Following closely——
"What--!?"
A loud voice full of surprise also sounded, shaking the ears of everyone present.
"Red, Akane Benisaka——!?"
An Yilun also ran up in three steps and two steps at a time, excitedly clenched his fists in front of his chest and shouted:
"That! Miss Zhuyin, I am your super fan!
The work you once created, "The Cardinal of Gotanda", is my favorite animation.
If you can, please sign it for me——!”
Because he moved so quickly, Iori Hashishima didn't even have time to stop him, so he just watched him step on the thunder.
As expected...
After being stunned for a moment, Akane Benisaka's originally smiling expression gradually turned cold.
"Hey, kid."
She asked Kato Yusuke angrily: "Where did you find such an ignorant brat?"
"???"
An Yilun was also stunned on the spot.
◇
After stepping on the thunder, An Yilun finally got his wish and got the autograph, and also had a great talk with his idol during the banquet.
Although he was talking shamelessly to himself most of the time, when the conversation came to certain topics, Akane Kurisaka still had a few words with him.
In addition, Kato Yusuke also officially introduced the identity of Akane Kurisaka to everyone, using the name of a partner.
Although everyone was a little surprised by this, they quickly accepted it.
After all, they had the copyright deal for "Chainsaw Man" in front of them, so it would be strange to say that the two of them didn't know each other.
After the dinner party was over, An Yilun, who had nothing to do, did not stay in the studio for long. He said hello to Yusuke Kato and took the train home.
Surprisingly, Ying Lili also took the same bus as him, but she didn't talk to him along the way. She even deliberately kept a distance from him, but she didn't know what she meant.
An Yilun was a little troubled at first, but later it didn't matter.
He only has one mood left now, and that is to quickly take the collected signatures home and treasure them, without even wanting to delay for a second!
In this way, the two arrived at Gakushuin Station together and walked on the road like a pair of strangers.
An Yilun also thought that Yinglili would remain silent forever, but the other party opened her mouth when she walked to the detective slope.
"...Otakus like you just don't know how to care about others, so your social status remains low. You just do your own thing!"
"Don't you think that your high-pressure attitude of disrespecting others is the main reason for the low social status of otakus? They are unruly and unconventional..."
"Even if we are all otakus, Yusuke is ten thousand times better than you..."
"Ah, Kato is indeed very good. Even Iori is far behind him among the big people I know. But the problem is..."
An Yilun also said calmly:
"If you want to use Kato as a standard, let alone otakus, even among those super cashiers, how many people can match him?"
Yingli couldn't help but nodded and whispered: "Yusuke is indeed very good, although sometimes he is a bit unhuman... but no one is better than him."
"...By the way, have I been treated as nothing by you since just now?"
"I really ignored you."
"Then what do you mean by following me so aloofly? Are you angry?"
"not at all."
"Are you angry with me and Chu Hai? After two years of absence, friends will come back here. Of course, the conversation will open up, right?"
"I just said that I am not angry anymore. You have too much self-awareness and your misunderstanding is too deep."
"Yeah, that's good."
"Your attitude of explaining things to your own advantage and relaxing your mind is also very bad."
An Yilun also stopped immediately, "What are you doing? Are you angry?"
Ying Lili had displeasure on her pretty little face and asked in a murmur: "What kind of "Little Rhapsody" did you give me? You..."
"...Isn't that a masterpiece?"
"But, that's obviously...!"
"'Little Love Rhapsody' is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation."
An Yilun also adjusted the glasses on the bridge of his nose and said in a nonchalant manner: "When it comes to games that you want to give to ordinary girls who are not otakus, you usually choose this series of games, right?"
"Uh... Lun Ye!" Ying Lili frowned, unable to help but feel angry.
"Uh, did I say something wrong?"
"You obviously know...you obviously know what I want to complain about!"
"Yinglili, I don't think I have any reason to have you point my fingers at me?"
"How long are you going to hold grudges? When you are a boy, you only care about trivial things!"
"A true otaku is one who pays attention to details, right? What you said is incomprehensible."
An Yilun also said that the lenses of his glasses were glowing white under the afternoon sun, making it difficult to see his expression clearly.
"In that case! Why are you still..."
Yingli felt like she had a lump in her throat, and she couldn't come up with the question "Come to talk to me?"
"..."
"..."
They both fell silent.
After six years, the huge rift between them gradually emerged.
For Yinglili, the meaning of "Little Rhapsody" is not that simple at all, because it symbolizes the friendship between them and it was also the game she originally lent to him...
She originally thought that the other party should think so and cherish it.
As a result, today, another girl got this work from him.
How to describe this feeling?
It was like something she cared about very much, but was taken out by the other party in an understatement and given to others, which made her feel a deep sense of betrayal!
When she thought of this, Yinglili couldn't help but feel extremely irritable.
Not only has the long-standing knot in my heart not been resolved, but it has made my heart even heavier.
She took a deep breath, the expression on her face became cold, she paused and said: "...Forget it, there is nothing more to say."
After finishing speaking, he lowered his head and walked forward quickly.
When Ying Lili passed by, An Yilun also opened his mouth subconsciously, trying to say something, but was stopped by the hatred that emerged from deep within his heart the next second.