Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 136

Yuki-chan’s Ambition!

After sharing a laugh, they had to attend to business.

Ichinose, holding her phone, went through her private messages one by one, searching for a new agency.

Following the phone call with YG Entertainment, they agreed to part ways amicably, and now it was time to find a new company.

However, Kurosawa wasn’t satisfied with any of the agencies they considered.

Either these agencies had questionable reputations, their primary focus didn’t align, or they were large-scale companies with limited public disclosure, making it hard to understand the internal workings.

Apart from these, there were also super-large companies that seemed daunting.

Signing with such a massive company would likely diminish individual influence and lead to numerous situations where personal choices were constrained.

“Hikaru-kun, how about we approach Miss Itsuragi? I’ve met her before and had a conversation; I feel she’s a good person.”

After hours of searching until past six o’clock, with the twilight gradually settling in, Ichinose couldn’t find more options. She couldn’t help but suggest another possibility.

Illusion Star Agency had also contacted her during these few hours.

“Itsuragi, huh…”

Kurosawa, upon hearing this option, fell into contemplation.

He was well aware of Itsuragi’s character.

In fact, the reason he had ruled out so many agencies was that he had the best option right by his side. Yet, he found it challenging to make a decision.

If Ichinose joined the Zero Hour Agency, the benefits would outweigh the drawbacks.

The advantage lay in the fact that Zero Hour Agency currently had only a few artists.

The focus would naturally shift to Ichinose, and Itsuragi would use her resources to promote her for a mutually beneficial outcome.

Furthermore, Ichinose’s personal freedom and safety would be absolutely guaranteed, free from any concerns about unfair treatment.

As for the downside, there was only one – they would be in the same agency.

Even though he operated under the name Zero Hour within the agency, any slip of the tongue, any mention of the name Kurosawa Hikaru would lead to significant issues, potentially opening a Pandora’s box.

“She is indeed a good choice, but let’s compare a few more options. Don’t rush; I have a friend in the industry, and I’ll ask him which agency would be the better pick.”

After careful consideration, Kurosawa decided it was better to avoid direct competition for now.

He wanted to leverage Itsuragi’s insights and industry experience to understand other agencies and then help Ichinose choose a stage.

When he convinced Ichinose and Ninomiya to be tolerant, much like Shiromiya, and be willing to turn a blind eye, it wouldn’t be too late to bring Ichinose back from another agency.

Furthermore, if Ichinose flourished in another agency, there might be no need to bring her back.

“Alright, let’s have dinner first.” As the friend he mentioned was a guy, Ichinose didn’t inquire further.

“Let’s order takeout.” Kurosawa noticed that it was getting late, and it was indeed dinner time.

“Aren’t we going out to eat?” Ichinose felt a bit frustrated.

In reality, being a lively girl, she preferred not to stay in one place for too long. 

Today, apart from going out in the morning to buy shoes, they had been in this business suite for almost a day. 

If it weren’t for Kurosawa’s company, she would have likely changed location by now.

“After the termination of the contract, you will officially become a model. You may become quite famous in the future, so you should try to minimize going out.” After giving it some thought, Kurosawa advised.

Unlike him, who was a masked artist relying on talent, Ichinose, as a model, would undoubtedly rely on her face. In the future, she might be recognized quite often.

“Ah… So, if I date you in the future, will that be restricted too? If that’s the case, then I won’t become a model.”

Hearing this, Ichinose’s expression changed, and her thoughts shifted instantly.

While she did want to become a model to earn big money and be with Kurosawa by becoming more outstanding, if it meant restrictions on dating, then it would be putting the cart before the horse.

“It’s not that ridiculous. You just need to reduce some unnecessary outings.”

Seeing her strong reaction, Kurosawa reassured her.

With his current makeup skills, even if they went out for a meal or shopping in the future, he could disguise himself easily. 

However, he couldn’t stay with Ichinose all the time; he needed to cultivate in her a sense of self-protection.

“Really?”

Ichinose still seemed a bit worried.

Upon closer consideration, in TV dramas, both the lead actresses and actors often faced difficulties meeting their loved ones due to their identities and fame.

“If it would affect our dates, then I wouldn’t have helped you become a model. Don’t worry, even if you become a globally renowned supermodel in the future, with my makeup skills, it’s easy to handle.”

Understanding her concerns, Kurosawa teased her.

“How could I possibly become globally renowned…”

Ichinose blushed a bit and complained playfully.

This was too crazy for her; she couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to be globally renowned.

“Well, that’s not certain. What do you want to eat? I’ll check with the front desk.”

Kurosawa smiled and asked.

“Whatever you’re having is fine… Just try to keep it inexpensive.”

Ichinose wasn’t picky about food when it came to eating with Kurosawa. 

In fact, the food they had together was generally better than what she had before, considering the high level of consumption.

“Alright.”

Realizing she wasn’t fussed about food, Kurosawa stood up and headed towards the bedroom, where there was a landline to contact the front desk.

As for keeping it inexpensive? This was a five-star hotel. Ordering directly from the hotel might not be the most cost-effective option.

As he walked away, Ichinose sat in place, waiting.

In truth, her ambitions were not grand. She had never thought of becoming a globally renowned supermodel. 

She just wanted to earn more money than she did now, match Kurosawa’s spending level, and have more equal interactions during their future dates. 

Today, although she didn’t show it on the surface, she was deeply conflicted. 

She had even abandoned the plan she had been contemplating for a week—to knock down Kurosawa with a “home run.”

This was because Kurosawa had spent a lot of money on her—buying clothes, shoes, and cosmetics to make her happy.

In this situation, if she were to knock down Kurosawa with a home run, it would feel strange, like repaying him with her body.

Until today, their relationship had been quite balanced.

However, after coming to the hotel and receiving those outfits, she suddenly realized that her relationship with Kurosawa was unequal.

Regardless of the financial disparity between them, the issue was that she was the one receiving help and kindness unilaterally, while Kurosawa was the one making significant efforts.

If it weren’t for this concern, during that afternoon when Kurosawa watched her, eyes burning with desire, even in broad daylight, she would have pushed him away directly.

How could she suppress her impulses, pretending not to notice?

Once I earn more money, I’ll buy gifts for Hikaru-kun first, and then I’ll push him!

With her thoughts in a whirl, Ichinose secretly made up her mind.

Kurosawa wanted to help her, ensuring she wouldn’t worry about employment after graduation, and this couldn’t be stopped. 

So, she decided to cooperate and not let Kurosawa’s efforts go to waste.

She was determined to become a top model, earning tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, for a single shoot!

Not long after, Kurosawa walked out of the bedroom.

“I ordered a Japanese combo for two; we’ll eat together later.”

Hikaru-kun is too handsome… No, I have to quickly become a top model, earn money, and then sleep with him to take our relationship to the next level!

Ichinose, seeing him slowly walking back, couldn’t help but stare, a bit infatuated. Then, she shivered.

Today, Kurosawa was dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and black suit pants. 

His neck was long, his arms were slender, and between the cuffs, he revealed fair and smooth wrists. His hands were large and attractive.

Most importantly, his face was exceptionally good-looking, giving off a clean, gentle, refined, intelligent, and sophisticated vibe.

Such a guy was someone she had never encountered at school or before. He was like a perfect prince from a fairy tale.

Although she hadn’t been to the University of Tokyo, she had a strong intuition that Kurosawa was undoubtedly in demand and had plenty of girls interested in him.

“What are you thinking? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Kurosawa sat down on the sofa, puzzled by her strange expression and apparent contemplation.

“Mm-mm, Hikaru-kun, I can actually cook. How about I make something for you next time?”

Ichinose, thinking she had to seize the opportunity, nodded and suddenly suggested.

To capture a man’s heart, you must first capture his stomach!

Due to her parents’ work, Ichinose had been cooking occasionally since the first year of middle school, and her cooking skills were quite good.

“You can cook too? I’m looking forward to it.”

Kurosawa was momentarily surprised but then smiled.

“Eh, I always feel like you’re just humoring me.”

Although he was smiling, Ichinose’s thoughts were meticulous. She couldn’t shake the feeling that his words were not sincere.

“I can cook too, actually. I’ll let you taste it when there’s a chance.” Kurosawa shrugged casually.

Previously, he had acquired beginner-level skills in Japanese and Western cuisines, perhaps still in the form of experience cards. 

He hadn’t had the opportunity to try them yet, but he believed he could cook well.

In fact, the skills granted by the system, even at the beginner level, were enough to benefit someone for a lifetime.

Before cooking for Ichinose, he thought he should prepare a meal for Ninomiya first.

“Hikaru-kun, you’re just too versatile…”

Realizing that he could cook too, Ichinose suddenly felt useless. She felt a mix of emotions, and was unsure whether to be happy or sad.

Considering how excellent Kurosawa was at everything, her cooking skills learned in home economics class probably wouldn’t be impressive in front of him.

How is Hikaru-kun so outstanding? 

In his presence, she always felt like a worthless person.

“Don’t look so downcast. As long as it’s made by you, I should enjoy eating it.”

Kurosawa was unaware of the complex thoughts going on in her mind. Seeing her sighing with a troubled expression, he was momentarily confused but quickly tried to console her.

If Ichinose was willing to cook for him, he would definitely be happy. As for the taste, as long as it didn’t cause food poisoning, it would be fine. 

After all, it was unlikely that someone could turn a dish into a dark culinary creation in reality.