Tokyo: Oreimo

"At least 50,000 people are active online."

Ryosuke gave a conservative figure.

“…”

Gokyo Shin'o was choked and couldn't say anything.

A server with 50,000 users who can freely post images requires extremely high server capacity and computing speed.

"That might require adding more servers, and it might be a bit difficult for me with my skill level."

Is that so?

Ryosuke continued his discussion with Gokou Mao for a while.

I learned from the other party that if I wanted to achieve the same initial effect as the well-known forums '2ch' and 'BiliBili' that I remembered, the cost could reach tens of millions of yen.

After all, one of these two websites was launched in the early 21st century, while the other only appeared around 09.

The technological capabilities were incomparable to what they are now, and the costs were on a completely different level.

Moreover, at the time, it was a model of passion for creating content, with a large number of ACG enthusiasts launching a "technology crowdsourcing" initiative, and some users even volunteering to help refactor the code and paying for it.

"Let's start by creating a company website and a small forum."

Ryosuke made his decision after all.

It's still a bit difficult to achieve this all at once right now; he can't possibly invest the entire budget into the website.

"Let's start by building a basic user base through the company's official website."

After discussing it, Ryosuke paid a deposit of 100,000 yen, agreeing to pay the remaining balance at the end of August.

On this point, Gokou Mao readily agreed.

She wasn't worried about Ryosuke not paying, because the website was hosted on her server and she could shut it down at any time.

If we're talking about risks, Ryosuke actually bore more of the burden.

"No contract needed? They just paid me cash like that."

Gokou Mao was surprised that Ryosuke was so agreeable and didn't even try to bargain.

"Well, this is a basic issue of trust. After all, your willingness to come to the offline meeting is based on your trust in CLAMP, isn't it?"

Ryosuke shrugged and said casually.

Actually, he just felt that 200,000 yen was a small amount of money for him at the moment, and it wasn't worth signing a contract.

"....grateful."

Gokou Mao said something in a low voice, a smile appearing on her face.

Ling Nai, who was standing to the side, curled her lip.

She couldn't understand much of what the two were talking about; aside from games, she knew practically nothing about computers.

However, it seems that an agreement has been reached.

"So, that's all for today?"

"Well, see you next time. If you're interested, you can come visit our booth at the CM exhibition."

"I will go."

Gokou Mao nodded to Ryosuke, and before leaving, she looked at Takashiro Ryono, who was in a bad mood beside her.

"What? You suddenly looked over here? Do you want to start another fight?"

"No, I just wanted to apologize to you, since I mistook you for an imposter before."

"..."

Takashiro Ryou was taken aback and turned her head away in a huff, but Ryosuke noticed that the corners of her mouth, which had been drooping, were now slightly upturned.

"Hmph, what a load of rubbish... not sincere at all..."

"But you can't entirely blame me. Who would have thought that Rumiko Takagi would be such a naive girl?"

"Don't call me childish anymore, you little kid!"

Faced with Ling Nai's outburst, Gokou Mao didn't get angry this time. Instead, she casually flicked her long black hair behind her ear.

"Well, I'll approve of you when you dare to openly admit your hobbies and become more frank."

She didn't linger and left the coffee shop in a hurry.

I didn't notice the time while we were chatting, and it was getting close to her work start time. If I didn't hurry, I might be late.

.....

"What the hell? He just said some nonsensical things and left."

Takashiro Ryouno puffed out her cheeks angrily.

Although she achieved her goal of being there today and heard an apology from 'Luna of Clow Reed,' her joy lasted only a few seconds before she was angered by the other party again.

"When I get back, I'll bombard you with private messages. You're just taking advantage of your offline presence."

"Looks like we can be good friends."

Ryosuke suddenly mentioned it from the side.

"what?"

Takashiro Ryouno's expression seemed to say, 'What nonsense are you talking about?'

"Well, just pretend I didn't say anything. It's about time to go home."

Ryosuke did not intend to argue.

In his view, two girls with the same hobbies and similar ages might develop into inseparable friends after their first encounter, which could very well lead to them being able to talk about anything.

After all, Ling Nai was completely oblivious to the situation.

When a player who has been playing solo encounters someone with whom they can have high-level communication, the probability of developing a strong friendship is quite high.

"Let's go, or we'll miss dinner time."

"Okay, I know, stop nagging."

The brother and sister embarked on their journey home.

"Oh, right, don't forget about Liuli. You promised to help me find a solution."

"Don't worry, I'll find a way."

......

Ruri Aragaki has been quite busy lately, receiving far more photography invitations than last quarter.

Today, we didn't finish work until almost six o'clock.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. That concludes today's event."

"Liuli-chan's professional skills have improved quite quickly; she can complete three sets of shoots in a single day."

"You flatter me, senior."

Ruri Aragaki only relaxed when the photographer announced the end of the shoot.

"By the way, is it still something you're unwilling to consider, the one I mentioned to you before? The price offered by the exhibitors is quite high. All you have to do is wear a specific outfit, walk the runway, and pose for photos."

"Wouldn't it be too revealing? Besides, I don't really like cosplay."

Ruri Aragaki politely declined.

The photographer is affiliated with Tokyo Stardust Media, the same entertainment company where Shizuka Hayakawa works.

This company has a cooperative relationship with the company they have a contract with, and they often receive outsourced shooting assignments. Over time, the two have become quite familiar with each other.

Previously, the other party had extended invitations multiple times, trying to persuade her to participate in the company's cosplay projects.

I heard that attending certain well-known exhibitions as a guest will help enhance industry visibility.

From a career development perspective, it's not that she couldn't accept the offer, but after hearing that the audience consisted of some annoying people, she subconsciously made a refusal.

"Is that so? If we're talking about being revealing, it's not too bad. There are also some characters who are dressed quite conservatively, like Maruko or Tomoyo Daidouji. School uniforms should be acceptable, right?"

The photographer looked regretful; having dealt with the other person before, he naturally understood the meaning behind their words.

But I still want to try, even if it doesn't work out.

"what?"

Just as Aragaki Ruri was about to shake her head, she suddenly realized that the other person seemed to have mentioned a familiar name.

"Dōji Tomoyo?"

"Yes, this character comes from the recently popular shoujo manga series 'Cardcaptor Sakura,' which is quite popular in the market. Our company has also received a promotional invitation from Kadokawa Group."

Has it become this popular?

Ruri Aragaki was genuinely happy for her friend.

Speaking of which, I recently made plans to go shopping with Ayano. If I dressed up as Tomoyo and went shopping together, she might like it.

"Fujiwara-san, if I take this job, could I borrow that custom-made outfit to wear when I go out?"

She asked the question.

Chapter 72 The World is Beautiful Because of This

That night, at the Takashiro family home.

After dinner, Ling Nai returned to her room and resumed her pursuit of Matou Sakura, while Ryosuke sat at his desk and took out his phone.

The screen displays a text message editing interface.

Recipient: Ruri Aragaki.

"There's something I'd like to discuss with you about Ling Nai. Do you have time on the 12th?"

Ryosuke edited a message, hoping to find a way to get Ruri Aragaki to meet him on the 12th. He thought that this would solve his sister's problem.

But after thinking about it, he deleted the sentence.