After the book signing ended, the weather in Tokyo grew warmer.
On the windowsill of Michiya Gōshin's rented apartment, several potted green plants stretched out their leaves, dewdrops glistening at their tips, looking lush and vibrant.
The young man looked at his phone screen, where more and more videos and topics about the book signing were appearing, almost completely dominating the trending charts on Twitter.
Under the tag #MichiyaGōshinBookSigningComeback, tens of thousands of comments had already been posted. The volume of discussion and the reversal of public opinion had become an unstoppable tide that no one could prevent.
Of course, some people who followed the entertainment industry and Johnny & Associates analyzed the behind-the-scenes culprits from the previous slander and other clues. They, along with Michiya Gōshin's fans, began to flood the official Johnny & Associates account with comments, demanding an explanation.
"Can you apologize to Michiya-sensei?"
"Johnny & Associates should just go bankrupt! Deliberately suppressing a newcomer is disgusting!"
"Michiya-kun was kicked off the set after filming just one episode of 49. That's outrageous!"
"But Michiya-kun's performance in the first episode was so much better than that Yamada what's-his-name they're pushing. It's hilarious!"
"Apologize! Apologize to Michiya-kun right now!!!"
Michiya Gōshin's Twitter follower count had surpassed five hundred thousand and was still climbing. These weren't purchased bots, but highly active real people.
Fans spontaneously created various Line groups and decided on an official term of endearment for Michiya Gōshin—"Michiya-kun".
Regarding these matters, his agent, Nakahara Kazuya, felt it was best to let the fans do their own thing. Michiya Gōshin didn't need to intervene; after all, the more fans he had, the more attention he would receive.
On another note, after the book signing concluded, the agencies and program crews that had previously been wary of the "ban" from Johnny's were now starting to make moves. After all, no one wanted to pass up on such readily available traffic and popularity.
Moreover, Michiya Gōshin was the author of the popular new novel Love Letter, and the general public online was very interested in him.
"Kurokawa, what do you think of this script? Help me evaluate it."
In the past few days, Hoshino Talent Agency had received many scripts, all specifically requesting Michiya Gōshin, and Nakahara Kazuya had delivered them straight to his door.
"Okay, let me see."
Sitting on the rug opposite him, Kurokawa Akane smiled faintly. She had no work today and had come to visit Michiya Gōshin, a familiar routine.
The two had become good friends, and Michiya Gōshin felt close to her.
After all, the girl had an easygoing personality, and she had bravely supported him through that difficult period. He felt this was a friendship worth cherishing.
Sitting across the small wooden table, Kurokawa Akane wore a simple cerulean jacket. Her long blue hair was tied back loosely with a hair tie, a few stray strands falling across her forehead, giving her a simple, elegant, and very pleasing look.
Holding the script he had handed her, the girl's expression was serious.
"These scripts are all pretty good, and the production teams are well-known. But Michiya-kun, you need to carefully consider the positioning of these roles. With your current popularity, you can't be playing minor parts anymore, can you?"
"Haha, I'm in no rush. I'll take my time choosing."
Michiya Gōshin sat opposite Kurokawa Akane. More than acting, he was currently more concerned with how to acquire the [All Living Things] entry as quickly as possible.
[Production Queue 1: All Living Things]
[Experience: 7/100]
Just then, the young man's phone suddenly rang.
"Ding-dong!"
The name of his agent, Nakahara Kazuya, flashed on the screen. He answered the call and put it on speaker.
"Hello, Nakahara?"
"Michiya, another job offer just came in. It's for a variety show, and I wanted to get your thoughts."
Nakahara Kazuya's voice carried a hint of excitement. Hearing it, Michiya Gōshin immediately asked.
"A variety show? What's it about specifically?"
"It's called Love is a Required Course in Life. The show is still in the planning stages, and they want to invite you to join as a regular cast member."
"A dating show?"
Michiya Gōshin raised an eyebrow slightly. "Are they asking me to go and date someone?"
At these words, Kurokawa Akane, who had just been looking down at the script, immediately lifted her head and stared intently at his face.
"Hahaha, of course not. No one says you have to date other members on a dating show. The point is the exposure and the reality show aspect," Nakahara Kazuya explained with a laugh.
"Ever since Love Letter became a huge hit, many variety shows have wanted you as a guest. But I think it's better to participate in a long-running program rather than just a one-off appearance on an ordinary variety show."
"Not only can it help you build up your fanbase, but it can also satisfy the public's curiosity about you."
"Hmm..."
Stroking his chin, Michiya Gōshin understood what his agent was getting at.
After all, variety shows were different from immersive works like dramas and films; they could satisfy the audience's curiosity and voyeuristic desires to the greatest extent.
The young man's current identities were author and actor. Naturally, many people were curious about what he was like in his daily life.
If he met someone he liked, how would he act?
These were all natural selling points that aligned perfectly with a dating show and were the core of its appeal to viewers.
"More than that, I'm more interested in why you think this show is a good opportunity. Who's the production company and the director?"
"Hahaha, good question!"
As Michiya Gōshin's dedicated agent, Nakahara Kazuya naturally knew which jobs were the best.
"The production company behind Love is a Required Course in Life is the Burning Group, and the director is Aoyama Akihiro. How about that? Tempted, aren't you?"
"..."
Big names, indeed.
Having read a lot of material about the entertainment world, Michiya Gōshin was no longer the novice he once was. The name 'Burning Group' was one he knew well.
'Burning Group' was just a shorthand; it represented Japan's Burning Production agency, a titan in the Japanese entertainment industry even more formidable than Johnny & Associates.
Their influence far exceeded their apparent size. Not only did they have powerful influence in the entertainment world, but they also had a presence in many areas ordinary people encountered, such as publishing, construction, and even beauty, education, and restaurants.
And the president of Burning Production, Suo Fumio, had a nickname known throughout the industry—The Don of Japanese Entertainment.
On the other hand, Aoyama Akihiro was also a very experienced director who had helmed countless famous dramas and films. He had also launched the signature variety show Shabekuri 007, a ratings king for the television station.
Such a powerhouse team was indeed very attractive.
"A production team like this can definitely turn this variety show into a true flagship program. It's an excellent opportunity for exposure for you."
"So, how about it? Give it some thought?"
"Wait, I don't actually know much about dating shows. Will the participants all be ordinary people?"
Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment and pressed further.
"Of course not. I heard that Director Aoyama specifically wants to break away from the original framework of dating shows with ordinary people. The chosen members are all people with a certain level of fame, like singers, band members, idols, and so on."
"So everyone has a different background..."
After hearing Nakahara Kazuya's explanation, Michiya Gōshin was suddenly reminded of the description for the [All Living Things] entry.
Participating in a dating show would definitely allow for deep interaction with people from various walks of life. This should align with the rules for gaining experience for the entry.
"Right, like you."
Nakahara Kazuya's tone was serious. "Compared to your identity as an actor, your identity as an author is actually more appealing."
"Send me the information first. Let me think about it."
"Okay. This is a huge opportunity. If you want to do it, get back to me before this Friday."
"Mm."
Hanging up, Michiya Gōshin suddenly met Kurokawa Akane's gaze. He smiled and asked directly.
"What's wrong, Kurokawa? Are you interested in dating shows?"
"Uh... no, not really."
Kurokawa Akane's face flushed. She had been listening to the entire conversation between Michiya Gōshin and Nakahara Kazuya, and was very preoccupied with the words 'dating show'.
"I've never been on a show like that, so I don't know how they're filmed."
Michiya Gōshin ruffled his hair. "Have you ever been on a variety show, Kurokawa?"
"Nope, so I can't give you any advice."
"Alright then, how about we find a dating show to watch now? Do you have to go back to the theater troupe this afternoon?"
"No, I don't. Let's watch one together."
Watching the young man's profile as he searched for a show, Kurokawa Akane seemed to think of something, a strange light flickering in her eyes.
The girl was actually quite a perceptive person, skilled at gathering various pieces of information to piece together the answer to a problem.
Although Michiya Gōshin hadn't sounded overly receptive on the phone, she felt that he must already be tempted.
He wants to be on this show.
If that's the case...
"Could I try out for it too?"
Once the thought emerged, it was impossible to suppress.
Kurokawa Akane wanted to see what Michiya Gōshin was like on a variety show, to know what kind of personality and tone he would show in front of the cameras.
She also wanted...
A dating show... do people really fall in love?
I should ask my agent.
The girl touched her own slightly feverish cheeks, her resolve suddenly hardening.
________________________________________
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