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

"Werewolf?"

Yuu Minakawa thought the term was quite novel, since shouldn't dating reality shows be about pursuing sweet romance?

"Yes, when we first started this variety show, we decided to make a special program, so I gave up the idea of ​​choosing non-celebrity members."

Director Aoyama slowly explained, "The six members are all people who have appeared in the public eye."

“Whether you’re an idol or an actor…” he looked into the young man’s eyes, “and you, a man who is both a bestselling author and an actor.”

"So what? What does this have to do with werewolves?"

"Have you ever watched a dating reality show, Genkawa-kun?"

"I've seen it."

"Do you know the general process of a dating reality show?" Director Aoyama asked with a smile.

"I know, it's just a story about romantic relationships, where some people will end up as a couple, and others will leave alone."

"Yes."

After snapping his fingers, Director Aoyama continued to explain, "So the general public is already very familiar with the formula of dating reality shows. If there's nothing new, it's easy for the audience to give up on them."

"So that's why we're including werewolves?" Genkawa Yu roughly understood what he meant. "But what I'm more curious about is, Director, what do you plan to do with werewolves?"

"It's very simple..."

Director Aoyama stared into the young man's eyes and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"I hope that before the final episode of this show airs, all the confessions will fail and no couple will be able to ignite a spark of romance."

"This... is the job of a werewolf."

"?"

Volume One: The Shining Morning Star, Chapter Forty-Four: Yellow Hair Receives the Third Summoning

The air conditioner in the hotel room hummed, and after director Akihiro Aoyama finished speaking, the room suddenly fell silent.

Only the red light of the camera flashed quietly in the corner, recording this slightly tense moment.

Genkawa Yu rested his chin on his hand, pondering what the other person had just said. After a while, he slowly spoke.

"Director Aoyama, do you mean... that before the final episode, I have to personally break up all the possible pairings of Yi Ling yl (7) Si Wu Si Jiu Ba?"

“That’s right.” The director smiled meaningfully. “That’s what the werewolves do.”

"This isn't just about creating conflict; it's about me directly interfering with other people's real feelings, isn't it?" Genkawa Yu thought for a moment, then suddenly felt that his blond hair was a bit dazzling.

Faced with the young man's question, Director Aoyama's tone gradually became serious.

"What do you think love is? Is it about knowing your feelings after meeting three times? Or is it about completely committing to each other after spending a month together?"

"How naive!"

"With the camera's support, every member participating in a dating reality show will have their own feelings amplified, which can also create illusions—how many of those relationships that heat up quickly on the show can actually become real?"

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table, his eyes sharp as knives.

"Our show is called 'Love is a compulsory course in life,' not 'Celebrity Dating Guide.' Viewers need to see not only sweetness, but also hesitation, misunderstandings, and blindness in love."

Immediately afterwards, the director pulled out a stack of data reports from the file bag.

"Look at this, a total of six dating reality shows were broadcast last year, and among the couples who were successfully paired up, 78% broke up within three months."

"why?"

"It's because the camera beautifies the conflicts and the editing amplifies the good feelings that they blindly invest in the 'arranged sweetness' and forget that love should involve a process of trial and error."

"As a werewolf, you need to help them see their own hearts."

"But..."

Genkawa Yu understood what the other person meant, but still frowned: "But isn't this too much pressure? When I do these things, won't the audience turn all their anger on me?"

After all, many viewers who enjoy dating reality shows are there to ship couples and watch handsome men and beautiful women fall in love. If someone suddenly appears and disrupts the relationship, it will definitely cause them to feel disgusted.

"Genkawa-kun... are you really concerned about the audience's attacks?"

Director Aoyama smiled meaningfully, "I'll just tell you the answer directly: the person who chose you is Suoh-san."

"Suoh-san knows about the conflict between you and Jenny's agency. He thinks you handled the situation very well after being blacklisted and that you are a promising talent."

"Zhou Fangsang?"

Genkawa Yu knew who the other person was referring to—Suoh Fumio, the leader of the Burning Sect.

The power he wields is on a completely different level from that of Jenny Entertainment. His influence extends beyond the entertainment industry, impacting the daily lives of countless ordinary people.

He is a person who can truly cause a major earthquake with a single sneeze.

That's why we chose you.

After seeing that Yu Genkawa was deep in thought, Director Aoyama spoke again.

"This time, the identity of the werewolf in the romance variety show is a very suitable opportunity for Genkawa-kun."

He suddenly pointed to the cameras next to him, "These two cameras are still filming. Genkawa-kun and I have recorded our discussion about the program's theme."

"...Are you planning to broadcast it directly?"

Genkawa Yu's mind worked quickly, and he instantly understood the other party's plan.

"Yes."

"Although the werewolf will face a lot of attacks and criticism in the early stages, this conversation between you and me will be released before the show ends, so that everyone can better understand the significance of this variety show."

This man named Aoyama Akihiro seemed to be caught in a kind of creative frenzy, his eyes shining.

"At that time, your true identity will be a complete upheaval. Whether it's the members participating in the dating reality show or all the viewers, they will understand your good intentions. This is the true meaning of 'love is a compulsory course in life.'"

"I see."

Genkawa Yu stroked his chin. He finally understood why the director from two years ago could create countless wildly popular variety shows that swept across Japan.

Because what he pursues is the ultimate manipulation of people's hearts.

If the show reveals the truth after the final episode airs, explaining that it wasn't malicious sabotage but rather an exploration of the essence of love.

Then his "werewolf" role would have legitimacy, and he would no longer be simply a "villain".

Therefore, this variety show has been carefully designed from beginning to end, and every viewer can enjoy it, whether or not they are a fan of dating shows.

Although it's a high-stakes gamble, if you win, you'll reap the greatest rewards!

"I understand. It seems that Director Aoyama and Mr. Suo are both very decisive people."

After listening to the other party's explanation, Genkawa Yu suddenly felt a little excited about the show. It was definitely different from ordinary dating reality shows and would definitely become a hit.

"So, are you tempted, Genkawa-kun?"

Director Aoyama, seeing the young man deep in thought, decided to add fuel to the fire, since Fumio Suo had already decided that Yuu Genkawa had to play the "werewolf" role in the dating reality show.

"Hmm...let me think about it..."

Genkawa Yu quickly reviewed this unusual interview in his mind.

From initial confusion to sudden realization, he has come to understand many things.

Inviting an artist to participate in a job that requires mental resilience from the very beginning is almost always accompanied by an exchange of benefits.

Having successfully turned the tables on Jenny's agency and now with the added advantage of being a literary writer, he was far from being desperate and had no reason to accept this job.

Therefore... the other side must have another trick up their sleeve.

"If... it was Suoh-san who chose me, then what is your sincerity?"

"Haha, Genkawa-kun is indeed exceptionally intelligent."

The director laughed loudly, then took a script out of the drawer with satisfaction and handed it to the young man.

"Look at this, this is a gift that Suoh-san prepared for you."

It turns out to be a TV drama script.

The words "Alice in the Land of the Dying" printed on the cover instantly made Genkawa Yu's eyes widen.

"this..."

Aoyama Akihiro leaned back in his chair, a businessman's smile on his face.

"If you can complete the 'werewolf' mission in the dating reality show, the male lead of this drama will be yours."

"..."

Volume 1 The Shining Morning Star: Chapter 45 A Preview of a Romance Complex, Akane Kurokawa's Resolve

Genkawa Yu sat on the leather sofa, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the cover of the script for "Alice in the Land of the Dying".

"So, Genkawa-kun, you must have heard of this project, right?"

Director Aoyama looked at the young man in front of him with a smile, "The original manga has sold over 20 million copies. Netflix saw its potential and decided to invest in its production."

"The rights to film, produce, and distribute the film in Japan came into the hands of Suoh-san, which is why he was able to directly recommend you for the lead role."

"Such a popular work, do you really want me, a supporting actor who has only appeared in one TV series, to play the male lead?"

After thinking about it, Yuan Chuanyou still felt that the sweet talk offered by the other party was too much.

"Hehe, Genkawa-kun, why don't you think about how much your online popularity will increase after you complete the 'Werewolf' mission in the dating reality show?"

Director Aoyama had a very confident expression on his face. "This program is our main program this season. As long as Genkawa-kun can make it a milestone in the history of dating variety shows, your popularity will definitely skyrocket."

"On the other hand, wouldn't it be a big selling point if the 'werewolf' from the dating reality show played Arisu Ryohei in 'Alice in the Land of the Dying'?"

"After all, the reason why Ryohei Arisu was able to get through all the dangerous situations in the original work was because of his brain-teasing... strategizing in the life-or-death game."

"I think you understand what I mean."

"...I see."

Yu Genkawa has once again redefined our understanding of the "burning" genre and director Aoyama.