I really just want to grind for entries related to crossover anime/manga.

"Yuanchuan, are you alright?! I told you the Bunshun might be targeting you, and it really came true! What a bunch of bastards spouting nonsense! Don't worry, brother, I'm definitely on your side! I'm going to Twitter right now and have a three-hundred-round battle with those trolls!!"

"Stop kidding, your Twitter account is managed by the company, right?"

"It's okay, bro, I have a secondary account."

Following that, fellow cast members of the dating reality show also sent messages of condolence and support.

Nobuyuki Kumano and Kengo Morimoto sent messages full of trust, expressing their belief in Yu Minakawa's character regardless of external circumstances.

MEM sent a long string of voice messages, which, when opened, revealed her anxious and angry voice.

"Yu-kun! Please don't let those bad people get to you! That photo is obviously fake! The angle can't lie! Do you need us to speak up for you on Twitter? We can prove that we were there after the event that day!"

Asakura Toru's message was as brief as her style, consisting of only four words: "I believe in you."

Akane Kurokawa also sent a supportive text message; although her message was only a few words long, it carried a heavy weight.

"Yu-kun, are you home? Do you need me to come over now?"

The unwavering trust and support from everyone was like a bonfire lit on a cold winter night, gradually calming Yuan Chuan You's previously somewhat displeased mood.

He replied to each of them with thanks, telling them that he would handle it and that they didn't need to worry too much or get caught up in the media storm.

Finally, Suo Hayabusa called again.

His voice had regained its usual coldness and efficiency, like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath.

“Yuanchuan, I found out for you. The person who took the photo is Nakamura Satoshi, the top paparazzo of Weekly Bunshun. He is indeed shrewd and very good at creating these kinds of ‘viral’ stories.”

Suoh Shun paused for a moment, then continued.

"However, the weekly magazine Bunshun clearly knew you were one of my people, yet it still dared to pounce on you directly. There must be someone behind this."

"What do you think is the best way to deal with this? If you want this bastard to disappear, I still have people on my hands..."

Suoh Hayabusa's voice was cold, even carrying a strong killing intent.

What made the "burning" series a success?

It's the ultimate path!

"No...don't let him disappear, I've thought of a better idea."

After thinking for a moment, Yuan Chuanyou had a better idea in mind.

Volume 2 Tokyo Love Story: Chapter 13 How Can One Have It All? Mai Sakurajima's Showdown (Two-in-One 5.5K)

At 2:50 p.m., a black Toyota Century sedan drove smoothly on the road and then silently entered the underground private passage of an imposing skyscraper in the port area.

The headquarters of HORIPRO is located in Shimomeguro 1-chome, Meguro Ward.

As one of the three major talent agencies in the Japanese entertainment industry, HORIPRO's headquarters exudes a sense of weight and authority, quite different from Hoshino Agency's modern and open style.

The dark wood décor, the gleaming marble floors, and the huge portraits of the agency's famous artists from the past decades hanging on both sides of the corridor—from legendary actresses of the Showa era to current national idols—seem to silently tell the story of the agency's profound history and unquestionable industry status.

The air was even filled with the faint scent of incense, and every step felt like walking on the pulse of history, making one involuntarily hold their breath.

Guided by a secretary in a sharp suit with an impeccable expression, Genkawa Yu, Kato Megumi, and their manager Nakahara Kazuya walked through a long, silent corridor where only their own footsteps could be heard, and arrived at a high-class meeting room called "Wutong".

Pushing open the door, Yi Linqi and Yuan Chuanyu found the reception room to be extremely spacious with an excellent view. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of the bustling Tokyo metropolis, but the atmosphere inside was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

The heavy wool carpet absorbed all the noise, and the expensive rosewood conference table was incredibly smooth, reflecting the dazzling crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, but also the slightly tense face of the visitors.

Several people were already seated at the head of the conference table and on either side.

The person in the main seat was an elderly man with meticulously combed hair, wearing a suit, with a serious face and sharp eyes like a hawk.

Although he was quite old, he stood up straight and exuded a powerful aura of authority and quiet dignity.

Yu Minakawa knew who he was. He was none other than Horio Takeo, the founder of HORIPRO agency and a renowned master in the entertainment industry. Even though he had retired from the front lines, he remained one of the spiritual symbols and final decision-makers of this massive agency.

His appearance itself demonstrates the importance HORIPRO agency attaches to this incident and the seriousness of this "scandal."

To Hori Takeo's left sat several current senior executives of HORIPRO with equally serious expressions, including Managing Director Yoshida, while Sakurajima Mai and her mother and manager Sakurajima Sachiko sat on the other side.

Mai Sakurajima was dressed in an elegant off-white suit today, with light makeup, which was different from her usual bright and radiant image. However, she stood up straight and had a complex emotion in her eyes.

There was nervousness, there was apology, but above all, there was an undeniable determination. Sakurajima Sachiko, on the other hand, had her brows furrowed and her hands tightly clasped on her knees, clearly indicating that she was not at peace with herself.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Mr. Hori cut straight to the point without any beating around the bush. His deep and authoritative voice echoed in the quiet conference room.

"Genkawa-kun, and everyone at Hoshino Detective Agency, I won't bother with any formalities."

Horio's gaze fell squarely on Genkawa Yu, carrying a sense of scrutiny and accusation.

"Regarding the scandal that broke this morning between you and Sakurajima, one of our agency's most important artists, it has caused extremely bad and immeasurable negative impact on both of us, especially on Sakurajima's image and career! The internet is now a mess, with all sorts of vile comments attacking not only you but also seriously affecting her account!"

He paused, his tone becoming even heavier, speaking almost word by word.

"Some people say she's shameless for throwing herself at a newcomer, while others say her taste is terrible. After all, this isn't the first time you've caused a public relations crisis, Genkawa-kun... Some even question her efforts and achievements over the years. These negative comments have seriously damaged the public image and goodwill that Sakurajima has painstakingly cultivated over the past decade."

"Our HORIPRO agency will never allow our artists, especially those of her caliber, to be subjected to such vicious attacks and slander!"

The old man's gaze was fixed on Genkawa Yu, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

"So the reason I've invited you here today is to discuss a clear and responsible solution. Genkawa-kun, as another party involved in this incident and the central figure who caused Sakurajima to be caught in the media storm, I believe you must take full responsibility for this matter!"

Horio looked into Yu Minakawa's eyes.

"My idea is that Genkawa-kun, you should arrange a formal press conference as soon as possible to publicly apologize to Sakurajima and her fans, as well as to all members of the public who care about this matter! Clarify the facts and eliminate the negative impact!"

Upon hearing this, everyone at Hoshino's agency was taken aback.

These aggressive, unreasonable, and commanding words placed all the responsibility and pressure on Yuu Minakawa, and even demanded a public apology, which was indeed too much.

Doing this might resolve Mai Sakurajima's public relations crisis, but it would instantly reignite the accusations against Yu Genkawa to new heights.

Kazuya Nakahara's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, and his eyes flashed with deep dissatisfaction, but because the person opposite him was Takeo Hori, he could not lash out directly.

Kato Megumi remained calm, but her gaze was even more focused.

Genkawa Yu could feel the pressure that was almost tangible, but he reviewed the ideas he had come up with before setting off and decided to deal with the other party from a different angle.

Just as he took a deep breath, preparing to respond, Horio immediately threw out an even more direct and pointed question, his gaze piercing him like a knife.

"On the other hand, before discussing a specific apology proposal, Genkawa-kun, please answer clearly in front of all of us—what exactly is your relationship with Sakurajima right now?!"

This question struck like a thunderbolt in the conference room.

The next moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Genkawa Yu, waiting for his answer. The executives of HORIPRO Agency had sharp eyes, filled with undisguised scrutiny.

Sachiko Sakurajima held her breath nervously, while Mai Sakurajima suddenly raised her head and looked at Yuu Genkawa with a complicated expression.

"...What kind of answer are you expecting?"

Genkawa Yu was naturally not intimidated by his aura; he simply smiled and decided to take the initiative.

"I only want to hear the truth!"

Hori immediately glared at him.

At this moment, Mai Sakurajima finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"Hori-san!"

The girl suddenly stood up from her seat, her cheeks flushed slightly with excitement, but her eyes were unusually bright and resolute, even carrying a hint of anger.

She could no longer tolerate Yuu Minakawa bearing this pressure alone, nor could she tolerate her own agency pressuring him so much, even demanding a public apology from him.

"This whole thing has nothing to do with Youjun! I was the one who approached him, I was the one who insisted on taking him home, and I was the one who offered to stay overnight!"

Mai Sakurajima's voice trembled slightly with anger, yet it echoed clearly throughout the conference room.

"I should bear all the responsibility! Hori-san, your demand that Yu-kun hold a press conference to apologize is completely unfair and absolutely impossible!"

These words were like another bomb, leaving everyone present except for Sachiko Sakurajima stunned.

The executives at HORIPRO exchanged bewildered glances, their faces filled with disbelief.

Horio's graying brows furrowed tightly, and his expression grew even more unpleasant. He clearly hadn't expected Mai Sakurajima to confront him so directly and forcefully.

Facing everyone's gaze, Mai Sakurajima took a deep breath, as if she had made some kind of important decision.

She turned her head and met the gaze of her mother, Sakurajima Sachiko.

Although Sachiko Sakurajima's eyes were also filled with tension, there was more understanding and decisiveness than shock.

Recently, for her daughter's future, she has been secretly preparing for the establishment of an independent firm, and the relevant connections, funds and preliminary structure are all in place, just waiting for the right time.

At this moment, facing the forceful pressure from HORIPRO, she saw the unwavering determination in her daughter's eyes, and she knew that the "opportunity" might have been forced to arrive sooner than expected.

Under her daughter's questioning gaze, Ms. Sachiko Sakurajima nodded almost imperceptibly, but with unusual firmness.

Her eyes seemed to say, "Mai, do what you want to do, Mom will support you."

With her mother's crucial support, which represented her future path and confidence, Mai Sakurajima seemed to have shed her last worry.

She turned around, facing the ashen-faced Horio Takeo and all the executives of HORIPRO, straightened her back, and unleashed the full aura of a national actress, speaking each word with an unprecedentedly clear and firm tone.

"Since the firm believes my actions have caused such enormous trouble and insists on resolving the matter in this unfair way..."

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the faces of every HORIPRO executive present, before uttering a shocking statement.

"Then I will bear all the consequences."

"My contract with HORIPRO will officially expire at the end of next month..."

"Therefore, I hereby formally announce that I will not renew this contract upon its expiration!"

"Om-"

The entire conference room seemed to have been muted, and then instantly enveloped in an extreme shock and deathly silence.

Everyone was stunned, including Genkawa Yu. He stared at Sakurajima Mai in disbelief, his heart feeling as if it had been struck by something.

Yuu Minakawa never expected that Mai Sakurajima would react so fiercely and resolutely in order to protect him.

Isn't this going too far?

Not renewing the contract?

Is Mai Sakurajima leaving HORIPRO agency?

If that were to happen, it would absolutely cause a major earthquake in the Japanese entertainment industry!

Since Mai Sakurajima debuted as a child star, HORIPRO has poured countless efforts and resources into her, nurturing her from a little girl into the national actress she is today.