Full-time comic artist

However, this is "Hanzawa Naeki," and Jun Tanaka and Hibiki Higashino are confident they can ask for more.

They remained silent.

After the TV station staff reported the incident by phone, they began to escalate the measures at each level.

In the end, TBS emerged victorious.

When the TBS producer gritted his teeth and proposed that the average production cost of "Hanzawa Naoki" was 7000 million yen, the entire conference room fell silent.

This is the highest level, exceeding the average budget by more than double, reaching the top level of investment for a Taiga drama.

TV Tokyo only had 900 million yen, Nippon Television had 2000 million yen, Fuji Television had 5000 million yen, only TBS was incredibly extravagant.

At the same time, TBS also offered the most discounts, exceeding the bottom line of other TV stations.

The contract has been partially completed.

"After all, the benefits of 'Life Is Beautiful' and 'Dream Flight' have been exhausted," Tanaka Jun said with a smile.

"Beautiful Life" and "Dream Flight" were the two most popular TV dramas broadcast by TBS after the millennium, reflecting the high production quality of TBS.

However, "Dream Flight" is a TV series from three years ago, and TBS urgently needs a top-notch production to take its place.

It is a TV series that can leave a deep impression on the audience.

Recently, only "Hanzawa Naoki" has been airing.

……

Hibiki Higashino returned home.

Higashino Ichiro was also there.

"Dad, you didn't go fishing?" Higashino asked in surprise.

He looked out the window. "There was no hail. I usually go out no matter the weather."

"Cough!" Higashino Ichiro coughed violently, his old face slightly red. "Come here, I have something to tell you."

"Oh."

Higashino Hibiki sat opposite Higashino Ichiro.

"Weiqi is already four years old. Which primary school do you plan to send him to?"

"The elementary school near my house," Hibiki Higashino said.

This is one of the reasons why he bought a house in the Hanhai Villa District.

The advantages of school district housing are yes.

“I’ve seen that elementary school,” Higashino Ichiro said with dissatisfaction. “Although the teaching facilities are complete, the teachers don’t care enough about the students and lack the dedication of teachers.”

"The relationship between teachers and students should not be merely one of mutual benefit. Teachers should lead by example and teach students how to be good people."

"In this respect, we are far from being able to achieve this."

This is something Higashino Hibiki didn't notice.

His time is precious, and he cannot observe a school in detail.

"Then what do you say?" Higashino Hibiki understood that Higashino Ichiro had made a decision.

In Tokyo, Japan, the quality of education in elementary schools is very consistent, with no significant differences between schools.

No matter which school he attends, it won't hinder Higashino Mirai's future.

He can learn English and participate in extracurricular activities.

While they might not join an Antarctic expedition team, forming a group for a foreign trip is certainly possible.

“Of course it was Meguro Elementary School! Don’t you remember? It was at Meguro Elementary School that I developed my interest in drawing!” Higashino Ichiro’s voice was loud, and his tone was nostalgic. “Principal Ota said that you have a great talent for drawing and that you will become the pride of your family in the future. He asked me to nurture you more.”

"I originally intended to train you to become an airplane pilot, so you could soar through the blue sky. But after Principal Ota's repeated earnest requests, I changed my mind."

Higashino Hibiki suddenly realized, "Ah, there's that too..."

Even Hibiki Higashino has forgotten these memories.

Now that Ichiro Higashino has recounted it, the memory suddenly resurfaced in Higashino Hibiki's mind.

"You're a drawing prodigy; it would be such a waste if you didn't study art!"

"You like drawing, right? Then don't give up on that passion."

"Speak your mind, don't follow a pre-arranged path."

Ultimately, Hibiki Higashino chose to draw what he liked.

In the midst of my hard work and striving for improvement, my passion for painting has recently been worn away.

In high school, Hibiki Higashino only regarded drawing as a routine part of her studies.

So the memory of that principal who protected the students' dreams was buried deep in his heart.

……

On Monday, Higashino Hibiki brought Higashino Mirai to Meguro Elementary School.

The elementary school is not far from the Higashino family home, only a 15-minute walk away.

“This is Dad’s alma mater,” Higashino Hibiki said to Higashino Mirai.

"Oh, I see." Higashino Mirai looked around with great interest. He saw a group of children playing soccer. "This looks so interesting. Dad, wait for me here."

Then he dashed over, watching intently, his fists clenched as if he wanted to kick, occasionally cheering excitedly.

Ms. Takeshita, the receptionist standing next to Higashino Hibiki, smiled at Higashino Mirai and said with great interest, "Mr. Higashino also graduated from Meguro Elementary School, so did I."

"Huh? Which year was Takeshita-sensei in?"

"I entered the school in 87."

"It's a pity, I graduated in 86, just in time to pass the exam."

"That's Higashino-senpai." Takeshita-sensei covered her mouth and laughed. "Oh no, did I not rudely?"

“No,” Higashino Hibiki shook his head, “You are very responsible.”

As he looked at the school, a sense of familiarity washed over him as Mr. Takeshita introduced it.

These are his rarely touched-up memories of elementary school.

“Takeshita-sensei,” Hibiki Higashino asked her, “why did you become a teacher at Meguro Elementary School?”

“This has been my dream since I was a child,” Takeshita said shyly, smoothing his hair. “When I was in elementary school, my family was poor, and my stomach was always growling with hunger. After Principal Ota, who was also a teacher, noticed this, he started bringing two lunch boxes for me.”

The principal said, "I can't finish it all either, so I'll have to throw the rest away. Please take care of them, Takeshita-kun." I took it seriously and ate quite a bit; even Principal Ota sometimes went hungry. Looking back now, I feel really embarrassed.

“I wanted to become someone like Principal Ota, so I returned to my alma mater.”

After listening attentively, Higashino couldn't help but sigh, "The principal still cares so much about his students."

Then...

“Teacher Takeshita, you must be a good teacher if you have such thoughts.”

"Not at all," Mr. Takeshita waved his hand. "I need to keep trying."

……

The two of them arrived at the football field, where elementary school students were playing football enthusiastically, but the field was full of potholes and had bare spots.

Higashino remained calm, while Takeshita explained awkwardly, "Because we bought a baseball pitching machine, the school's budget is insufficient. More students prefer playing baseball."

"Understood." Higashino Hibiki nodded.

"Dad, I want to play too." Higashino Mirai tugged at Higashino Hibiki's trouser leg and looked up at him with her little face.

“My brothers are playing.” Hibiki Higashino spread his hands. “Maybe next time.”

"It's good to let the kids play for a bit." Teacher Takeshita called out to the soccer field, "Ono, Daisuke, Kujo... Is anyone tired of playing? Can you take over for this kid? Please."

The students on the soccer field all stopped. One student, standing on the soccer ball, looked out at the field and smiled, "I! I! I! I'm so tired!"

Other elementary school students also raised their hands one after another.

"Then let's go with Kujo-kun."

Higashino Mirai has entered the game.

He doesn't know how to play, but he's still very happy running around.

Higashino watched for a while, then asked Kujo, who was staring longingly at the soccer field, "Kujo-kun, do you still want to play soccer?"

"Mm." Kujo nodded.

"Then why did you agree to give up your spot?"

Kujo was around 8 years old, the age when she was most mischievous and naughty, so Higashino Hibiki found it a little strange that she was so sensible.

Kujo replied matter-of-factly, "Because it was Takeshita-sensei's request. She's such a kind person, we can't refuse her."

"Kujou-kun, you really touch the teacher's heart." Takeshita gently rubbed Kujou's head and smiled tenderly.

Higashino was moved: "Takeshita-sensei already has the demeanor of Principal Ota."

Only teachers who are selfless and passionate about their profession can earn such love and respect from their students.

Higashino Ichiro was very reliable this time.

"Haha, you're too kind, senior." Takeshita covered the back of his head and laughed heartily.

Twenty minutes later, Higashino Mirai couldn't run anymore and reluctantly left the soccer field.

"Don't be sad, there will be other opportunities in the future," Higashino Hibiki told him.

"Could it be?" Takeshita asked in surprise.

"Yes." Higashino Hibiki nodded.

"But we haven't checked the teaching area yet."

"I am already satisfied with having a responsible teacher like you, Takeshita."

Despite saying that, Takeshita still led Higashino Hibiki to the teaching building.

It has a music room, an art room, a craft class, and so on, all of which are available.