"I'm in Tokyo, and this is some kind of movie star comeback system?!"

"Watching the show again?"

Convenience store clerk Nakajima greeted Sakamoto.

He was holding a stack of small, palm-sized pieces of paper in his hand, the contents of which were explicit, including shop names, prices, and photos of girls.

Sakamoto Yu recognized it at a glance: it was Japan's most famous folk activity—bubble bath.

These cards were all scraped off utility poles and convenience store door frames in alleyways.

In order to attract customers, those shops would secretly put up posters everywhere. If the shop staff didn't clean them up in time, the neighbors would think that the shop was not legitimate.

This benefited the shop assistant.

Many men in the neighborhood who couldn't stand being alone would come to him to ask which place had the best value for money and which place had new girls.

Nakajima Oki and Sakamoto Yu won each other over and gave a strange laugh:

"Sakamoto, with your looks, people might even be willing to pay you to go there."

Sakamoto Yu casually shifted his gaze back to the television.

"If I really go, the police will check me and, seeing my appearance, might think I'm the one who was ordered by the customer."

He shook his head slightly, "It's not worth it."

Sakamoto Yu's calm demeanor provoked another burst of strange laughter from the shop assistant.

He didn't deny it, after all, his good looks speak for themselves.

Just then, the announcement came on the TV:

"Next up is 'Twilight Meow Meow'!"

As cheerful background music played, a group of girls dressed in stage outfits walked onto the stage and sang "Don't Take Off My Sailor Suit".

Dynamic dance, coupled with youthful and energetic spirit.

Even though the singing was uneven, it still possessed a unique and vibrant charm.

The show typically includes Q&A sessions, games, pranks, and reading fan letters.

It also records members' rehearsals, backstage moments, and minor factional conflicts.

It allows the audience to feel a sense of immersion, as if they are "watching them grow up".

It can be considered one of the earliest idol group variety shows based on the "idol development" model.

The target audience is mainly middle school students and young office workers, and cards featuring members of "Twilight Meow Meow" are sold in convenience stores.

The group is also divided into several smaller teams, such as the Backstabbing Team and the Kitten Giras, etc.

At this moment, Shizuka Kudo is just one of the background figures. It won't be until next year that she will form a small team with a few other members to carry out activities.

It's no wonder she was so uneasy.

At that moment, the camera cut to Shizuka Kudo.

She slightly curled the corners of her lips, her eyes revealing a hint of rebellion and allure.

His voice is deep, husky, and mellow, making it highly recognizable.

"Is this the girl you know?"

Nakajima leaned against the counter, watching the TV screen. "His voice is very unique, and he's quite good-looking too."

Upon hearing the praise, Sakamoto Yu's lips unconsciously curled upwards, but he said calmly:

"It's just average."

An hour later, the program was nearing its end.

Sakamoto Yu had long since finished his beer, but he hadn't left yet, waiting quietly.

As expected, the pager beeped.

He walked to the public phone and dialed the number.

Are you watching?

A vibrant voice quickly came from the other end of the phone; the person had just come off the stage and was still a little out of breath.

"Yes, I'm watching," Sakamoto Yu responded softly.

"You're lying, you're probably just chatting and drinking beer with Nakajima again, aren't you!"

"Did he try to persuade you to go for a bubble bath again?!"

"Yes." Sakamoto Yu nodded truthfully. "He also said that if I go, I probably won't have to spend any money."

As soon as he finished speaking, the other end of the phone suddenly fell silent, with only muffled breathing sounds heard.

"Hmph, I don't care what you do. Go if you want, you idiot!"

Even through the microphone, you can imagine Shizuka Kudo puffing out her cheeks and rolling her eyes.

"I can't come visit the set tomorrow." She rested her chin on the microphone, her voice muffled.

"Suzuki said I have a chance to participate in group activities."

I need to work hard.

Kudo Shizuka said the first half of the sentence, but didn't dare to say the second half.

"Okay, I understand."

The two were silent for a moment, and after a long while, Kudo suddenly said:

"Don't talk to that woman too much."

"Who?" Sakamoto Yu paused, taken aback. "You mean Asano-san?"

"When filming, you have to rehearse your lines; how can you not speak?"

"Then just rehearse the scene, don't say a word else!" Shizuka Kudo tightened her grip on the microphone, her voice suddenly rising.

Sakamoto Yu was silent for a moment, then asked softly, "Kudo, what's wrong with you today?"

There was a pause on the other end of the phone.

The two fell silent.

After a long pause, Kudo hesitated for a moment, then finally whispered, "Can I wait until I'm an adult...?"

Sakamoto Yu had already sensed something, but he didn't say anything. He just said gently, "Didn't I tell you? I'll always be here."

"Whether I'm an adult, middle-aged, or old, I'm still here."

When Shizuka Kudo heard the first half of the sentence, her ears burned, but when she heard "middle-aged" and "old-age" followed, she couldn't hold back any longer. Her cheeks flushed, and she gripped the phone cord tightly.

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

"Just remember this: don't talk to that woman. That's it, I'm hanging up!"

She left those words and quickly hung up the phone, leaving only a busy tone on the receiver.

Holding the microphone, Sakamoto Yu was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

Not far away, Nakajima was bending down to take a bento out of a cardboard box.

They quickly put the items on the shelves, restocking while smacking their lips in amazement.

"The hazy, innocent love of a young girl is truly enviable."

The feeling in Sakamoto Yu's heart vanished instantly upon being disturbed.

He rolled his eyes at Zhongdao without saying a word and left the convenience store.

Back in my rented room, I picked up an old book.

But I just couldn't get into it.

Finally, I had no choice but to lie in bed, close my eyes, and try to fall asleep.

......

The next morning, Sakamoto Yu got up.

Filming wouldn't start until noon, so he planned to go to the public bathhouse to wash up first.

I took a bath, scrubbed myself thoroughly, and worked up a good sweat.

I took a bottle of coffee milk from the refrigerator in the rest area.

200ml, 110 yen.

He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

After returning to his lodgings and changing his clothes, he set off for the photography studio.

Today's main tasks are makeup and taking stills.

During yesterday's script reading, Sakamoto Yu's talent was evident to all, and because of this, the attitude of everyone on set towards him quietly and noticeably changed.

The look in his eyes now held more approval and respect.

Guided by staff, Sakamoto Yu arrived at the dressing room to wait.

A short while later, a middle-aged female makeup artist walked in carrying a toolbox.

"Hello there."

"Thank you for your help."

The two exchanged a brief nod and greeting.

Just then, a clear voice came from behind:

"Sakamoto-kun, you look really energetic."

Looking into the mirror, Sakamoto Yu saw that the people who had come were Asano Atsuko and her manager.

He suddenly remembered Kudo's instructions from yesterday, and his eyes instinctively darted away.

Atsuko Asano noticed something was wrong and asked with concern:

"Sakamoto-kun, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Sakamoto Yu quickly smoothed things over: "No, no, I was probably just a little excited, after all, it's my first time taking a costume photoshoot."

Asano Atsuko suddenly realized.

According to insider information from the production crew, Sakamoto Yu had previously worked as a background actor and extra, and had almost no opportunities to act in formal scenes.

For a moment, her gaze toward Sakamoto Yu held a newfound respect and care.

They clearly saw him as one of those pitiful people who had been working as extras for a long time and were finally discovered.

She smiled gently, looked at him, and softly encouraged him:

"This is a new beginning, keep up the good work!"