The hotel room's air conditioner hummed. After Director Aoyama Akihiro finished speaking, the room suddenly fell silent.
Only the red lights of the cameras blinked quietly in the corner, recording the somewhat tense moment.
Michiya Gōshin rested his chin in his hand, mulling over what the director had just said. After a moment, he slowly spoke.
"Director Aoyama, you mean... before the final episode, you want me to personally break up every potential couple?"
"That's right." The director gave a meaningful smile. "That is the job of the wolf."
"This isn't just about creating conflict; you're asking me to directly interfere with people's real emotions, aren't you?" Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment, a sudden self-awareness making his blond hair feel almost blinding.
Faced with the young man's question, Director Aoyama's tone gradually became serious.
"What do you think love is? Something you can confirm after three dates? Or completely commit to after just a month of spending time together?"
"Too naive!"
"Under the influence of the cameras, every member on a dating show will have their feelings of attraction amplified, which also breeds delusion. Of all those feelings that heat up so quickly on a reality show, how many actually make it in the real world?"
He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table, his gaze as sharp as a blade.
"Our show is called Love is a Required Course in Life, not A Guide to Speed Dating for Entertainers. What the audience needs to see isn't just sweetness, but also the hesitation, misunderstanding, and blindness that come with love."
Following that, the director pulled a stack of data reports from the file folder.
"Look at this. Last year, a total of six dating shows aired. Of the couples that successfully paired up, 78% broke up within three months."
"Why?"
"It's because the cameras gloss over conflicts and the editing amplifies feelings of attraction. They blindly invest themselves in an 'arranged sweetness' and forget that love is supposed to involve a process of trial and error."
"As the [wolf], you need to make them see what's truly in their hearts."
"But..."
Michiya Gōshin understood what he meant, but still frowned. "But isn't that too much pressure? When I do these things, the audience will turn all their criticism on me, won't they?"
After all, many viewers who like dating shows are in it for shipping couples and watching handsome men and beautiful women fall in love. Someone who suddenly shows up to destroy relationships would absolutely provoke their disgust.
"Michiya-kun... do you really care about criticism from the audience?"
Director Aoyama gave another meaningful smile. "Let me just give you the answer directly. The person who chose you was Suo-san."
"Suo-san learned about the conflict between you and Johnny & Associates. He thinks you handled the blacklisting beautifully and that you're a talent with great potential."
"Suo-san?"
Michiya Gōshin knew who he was talking about—the head of the Burning Group, Suo Fumio.
The power he wields isn't even in the same league as Johnny & Associates. The Burning Group's influence extends far beyond the entertainment industry; it affects the daily lives of countless ordinary people.
He's the kind of person who could truly cause an earthquake with a single sneeze.
"That's why we chose you."
Seeing Michiya Gōshin lost in thought, Director Aoyama spoke again.
"This role as the wolf on the dating show is a very suitable opportunity for you, Michiya-kun."
He suddenly pointed a finger at the cameras nearby. "These two cameras are still recording. My entire discussion with Michiya-kun just now about the show's theme has been captured."
"...You're planning to broadcast this directly?"
Michiya Gōshin's mind worked quickly; he instantly understood the director's plan.
"That's right."
"Although the wolf will face a lot of attacks and criticism in the beginning, this conversation between you and me will be released before the show's finale. It's to help everyone better understand the meaning of this program."
This man named Aoyama Akihiro seemed to have fallen into a kind of creator's madness, his eyes shining.
"When that time comes, the truth about your identity will become a complete reversal. Both the members participating in the show and the entire audience will understand your [well-intentioned efforts]. That is the true meaning of [Love is a Required Course in Life]."
"I see."
Michiya Gōshin rubbed his chin. He finally understood why the director before him could produce countless hit variety shows that took all of Japan by storm.
Because what he pursued was the ultimate manipulation of human hearts.
As long as the truth is revealed after the final episode airs, explaining that this wasn't about maliciously destroying relationships but about exploring the nature of love...
...then his 'wolf' role would be justified, no longer just a simple 'villain.'
In other words, this show was meticulously designed from start to finish. Whether viewers are fans of dating shows or not, everyone could find something to enjoy in it.
It's a huge gamble, but if they win, the rewards will be immense!
"I understand. It seems both Director Aoyama and Suo-san are people of great boldness."
After hearing the explanation, Michiya Gōshin suddenly felt a flicker of anticipation for the show. This was truly different from an ordinary dating show; it would definitely become a huge hit.
"So, what do you think? Are you tempted, Michiya-kun?"
Director Aoyama looked at the young man, who was lost in thought, and decided to add more fuel to the fire. After all, Suo Fumio had already decided that Michiya Gōshin had to play the 'wolf' role on the show.
"Hmm... let me think..."
Michiya Gōshin quickly replayed the events in his mind. This special interview...
From his initial confusion to his current realization, he had figured out a lot of things.
Inviting an entertainer to take on a job that required withstanding immense mental pressure from the very beginning would never happen without some kind of exchange of benefits.
He had already successfully recovered from the blacklisting by Johnny & Associates, and with the added status of a literary author, he was by no means desperate. There was no reason he had to accept this job.
Therefore... they must have another card up their sleeve.
"If... it was Suo-san who chose me, then what is your show of good faith?"
"Hahaha, Michiya-kun, you're as sharp as they say."
The director laughed heartily, then pulled a script from a drawer with a satisfied expression and handed it to the young man.
"Take a look at this. It's a gift for you from Suo-san."
It was actually the script for a television drama.
The cover was printed with the words Alice in Borderland, which instantly made Michiya Gōshin's eyes widen.
"This..."
Aoyama Akihiro leaned back in his chair, a merchant's smile spreading across his face.
"If you can complete the 'wolf' mission on the dating show, the lead role in this drama is yours."
"..."
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