After sometime, Akira remove one of his hand as he signed something infront of Nishimiya Shouko's
When she saw it, her face immediately turned red as she understood what he wanted.
("Is it okay?") Akira Fujimiya signed again, his other hand softly pressing against her.
Shouko blushed and nodded slightly.
Despite her shyness, she felt their relationship was at a level where this much was acceptable.
("Yui and I have a closer relationship because she can do things that you can't. If I have the chance, I'll teach you some later,")
Shouko signed, asking what he meant.
Akira smiled and explained quietly to her.
As Shouko listened (saw and understand what he was telling by signed language), her ears burned with embarrassment.
After a moment, she signed again, asking if she could have a little time to prepare.
Akira didn't answer by signed language this time....he kissed her directly instead.
.....
When it was breakfast time,
Akira goes back to the small bedroom to wake Yuigahama Yui up, Shouko following behind him.
Yui yawned as Akira wake her, she didn't open her eyes as she asked him to help her change clothes without knowing that they were not the only one in the room, Shouko was also there.
Even though Shouko was behind him, he didn't hesitate and helped her efficiently, his movements smooth and practiced — clearly showing how experience he has become in it.
Shouko who has heard Yui say something but didn't understand clearly what she saying, simple watch as Akira started removing Yui's clothes, she froze at the scene before she turned and ran away in embarrassment.
...
In the Kitchen—
The three of them sat down at the dining table to eat— Yui and Shouko sitting beside each other and Akira sitting infront of them.
Shouko looked at Yuigahama Yui beside her and felt that the two of them were very very close, closed enough to let him changed her dress!
Could it be… that something had already happened between them?
She reminded herself that she knew some basics about relationships.
Akira, noticing Shouko's distracted expression, reach out one of his leg to touch Shouko's. She flinched as she turn towards the culprits infront of her.
("Don't just stare, eat quickly,") Akira signed before continue eating his food, pulling back his leg.
Shouko immediately lowered her head and ate quickly.
Yuigahama Yui glanced at her and noticed her blush.
She knew Akira must have teased Shouko in some way.
.....
After breakfast, the three went downstairs together.
Saori Tsurumi was no longer looked surprised at anything, as she calmly watch them.
When Hiratsuka Shizuka saw Akira, her face turned slightly red.
She had dreamed of him last night — In her dream, they had walked into a church together, she was wearing a beautiful white bride dress.
Akira with his usual smile as he placed a ring on her finger, and kissed her. Her first reaction (in the dream) had been to close her eyes as she accepted his kiss.
Upon waking, she had felt so embarrassed that she want to dig a hole and die in it. At the same time, she thought she should have pushed him away, not letting him kiss her.
'I can't like him… it was just a dream, don't overthink about it,' she had reasoned.
"Hiratsuka-sensei," Akira's voice rang out, pulling her out of her thoughts.
Shizuka subconsciously lifted her head and met Akira's meaningful smile.
Their eyes met for a brief moment before she quickly looked away.
"...Sensei, your face is so red," Yuigahama Yui who was walking behind Akira also noticed it and couldn't help commenting about it.
Hiratsuka Shizuka's face turned even redder at the remark.
Shouko looked at Akira, then at Hiratsuka Shizuka, and felt slightly confused.
Something about their interaction seemed… strange.
.....
On the way to Sobu High School,
Akira received a call from Hanada Yui.
"The video platform (or website) has already tested the virtual idol function. It can be launched at any time," She reported.
Since Akira didn't need so many virtual idols immediately, he instructed Hanada Yui to open the function only for selecting potential virtual idols.
The recruitment criteria required applicants to create an image of themselves and produce a video showcasing their individual traits. Those selected would receive an invitation from Future Comics Publishing House for an offline interview.
Passing the offline interview would allow them to become virtual idols under the publisher.
After personal account certification and getting or making their personal model (like V-tubers), they could continue cooperating with video websites. Exceptional virtual idols would get dedicated agents, while others would be managed by several agents.
Virtual idols would also have to take lessons to understand what they should or shouldn't say in public.
Overall, Akira's conditions were generous, even considering post-graduation matters.
According to Hanada Yui's original plan, graduates' accounts would be reclaimed, and no further resources would be invested.
Akira paused after hearing this.
"Your idea isn't wrong, but I think it's too harsh. If virtual idols are bodies, the people behind them are their souls," he said.
"Young Master Akira is too kind," Hanada Yui replied softly.
"They may have come here chasing dreams. I don't want to crush them. This world should be gentle...."
Akira glanced at Shouko walking in front of him.
"I understand. I will convey your intentions to the virtual idols and reassure them," Hanada Yui said seriously.
"When the contract comes out, send it to me. I want to review every clause carefully," Akira instructed.
"Yes!" Hanada Yui replied, jotting it down.
After chatting a few more minutes, Akira hung up.
He then called Hayama Riko to ask about the virtual idol situation.
"There are already twenty people trying to become virtual idols," Riko reported.
"Also, my friend helped me find a company. It has similar plans for virtual idols, but because the investors aren't optimistic, the project is semi-abandoned. If we want to take over the company, it'll probably cost around two million," Riko explained.
Akira instructed her to contact the company and forward their personnel information and videos to his email.
Riko understood and acted immediately.
....
In the School,
During morning physical education class, where everyone was outside — Akira didn't participate. Instead, he went to the student council office and borrowed a computer to used.
Riko had already sent the company's information and several videos to his e-mail.
The five girls involved had relevant training and experience with motion capture equipment.
The original plan had been to turn them into interactive virtual idols, but due to lack of investment, they could only continue high-intensity daily live broadcasts with existing equipment.
Riko's friend, who was currently in charge of the project, knew about Future Comics Publishing House's video website and the virtual idol initiative.
When Riko contacted her, she suggested acquiring the company. She offered help to ensure the five girls could continue progressing. She even hinted that the company didn't value the girls individually—they were just using the five virtual images.
Although they seemed like virtual idols, in reality, they were treated as ordinary workers, receiving only a small percentage of profits. If this continued, they would eventually become exhausted and be replaced.
At the end of the email, a video was attached.
Where—The planning manager bent slightly and said, "Please help them."
After reading the email and watching the video, Akira simply replied, "Let's buy it."
Riko heard his reply and mentioned that she had already booked the plane tickets.
Akira transferred the money to Hoshiyuu Agency's account. He also instructed Riko that if the planning manager continued participating, her salary should increase by ten percent.
Riko handled the company's operational matters herself. She understood that this was an opportunity to demonstrate her abilities to Akira.
After turning off the computer, Akira called Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Akira-kun, is something wrong? I'm about to board the plane," Haruno answered.
"About the video platform?" Akira prompted.
"Yes, I've found a partner. They don't want shares in the site but want to build a new platform borrowing from it. We need to discuss shares in the new site and management…" Haruno explained.
"We can leave management to them. What we need is resources. Virtual idols will be popular there, and there's also the future comics plan," Akira interjected.
Haruno listened carefully.
"Wait for my good news. I'll send the contract as soon as possible. If revisions are needed, I'll negotiate further," Haruno said softly.
"Okay, I'll wait for your update," Akira replied confidently. He wasn't worried about her making mistakes—she had learned from Mrs. Yukinoshita and had Hayama father assisting her.
And she definitely knew more about contracts than he did.
After hanging up, Akira stood and looked out the window.
He had originally thought about rebuilding a video platform based on the well-known Danmu site from his previous life.
{T/N: A "Danmu site" refers to video or live-streaming platforms using Danmu (or Danmaku), a unique commenting system where user messages scroll across the video screen in real-time, creating a "bullet curtain" of social interaction, popular in China (Bilibili) and Japan (Niconico) for shared viewing experiences. }
Now, someone had already started it here.
This was perfect.
By cooperating with them, he could save a lot of trouble and successfully launch the virtual idol project.
...
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Word Count — 1,590