Michiya Gōshin sat on the leather sofa, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cover of the script for Alice in Borderland.
"So, Michiya-kun, I assume you've heard of this project?"
Director Aoyama watched the young man before him with a smile. "The original manga has sold over twenty million copies. Netflix saw its potential and decided to invest in a live-action adaptation."
"Suo-san acquired the rights for production and distribution in Japan, which is why he can directly recommend you for the lead role."
"A huge hit like this... and you want me, someone who's only played a supporting role in one drama, to be the male lead?"
Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment, feeling the offer was too good to be true—a sugar-coated cannonball.
"Heh, Michiya-kun, why don't you consider this: how much do you think your online presence will grow after you complete your mission as the 'Wolf' on the love variety show?"
Director Aoyama's expression was full of confidence. "This is our biggest show of the season. As long as you can make it a milestone in the history of love variety shows, your popularity will absolutely skyrocket."
"And on the flip side, having the 'Wolf' from the love variety show play Arisu Ryohei in Alice in Borderland—wouldn't that be a huge selling point?"
"After all, in the original story, Arisu Ryohei survives one dangerous situation after another by relying on his wits... his strategic thinking in life-or-death games."
"I think you understand what I mean by that."
"...I see."
Michiya Gōshin's perception of Nenshi and Director Aoyama was once again redefined.
It seemed they had thought this through very clearly. It was a perfect plan that accounted for every possibility.
If the "Wolf" persona worked well on the love variety show, it would not only boost the show's popularity but also increase Michiya Gōshin's fame, giving him the clout needed to star as the male lead in a popular drama.
If the "Wolf" failed, then the male lead role in the drama would naturally be out of his reach.
Director Aoyama poured himself a glass of warm water, took a sip, and looked at the young man opposite him again.
"I've filmed many variety shows. When entertainers are constantly being watched by cameras, they subconsciously tense up. Everyone wants to show their best side."
"That's why completing the 'Wolf' mission is such a difficult challenge."
"But the rewards at the end will be substantial, won't they?"
The director's tone was gently persuasive. "So, Michiya-kun, are you willing to join?"
"I'll do it."
Michiya Gōshin was very interested in this challenge. On one hand, it was a way to farm experience for his entries; on the other, it was a chance to experience this unique show format.
"I will complete the mission of the 'Wolf,' and I will claim the role of Arisu Ryohei."
Director Aoyama smiled slightly and pushed a confirmation letter across the table.
"Sign this, and from today on, you are the 'Hidden Wolf' of Love is a Required Course in Life and the prospective male lead of Alice in Borderland."
"Remember, only by hiding your claws and fangs can you truly catch your prey."
"Understood."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
He took a deep breath, hit the send button, and immediately retweeted the official post from the love variety show's Twitter account.
"I'm honored to be joining Love is a Required Course in Life. I look forward to learning how to love and be loved with everyone on this heart-fluttering journey~"
The moment the "Sent successfully" notification popped up, Michiya Gōshin's phone began to vibrate wildly, as if it had been dropped into a wok of boiling oil.
A retweet from the show's official Twitter account followed immediately, the caption filled with palpable excitement.
[Major Announcement! Rising author and actor Michiya Gōshin will be joining the cast of Love is a Required Course in Life as a member.]
[From the delicate prose of Love Letter to the heart-stopping moments of a real romance.]
[Everyone, are you ready to welcome this sweet storm?]
The comment sections on the show's official account and Michiya Gōshin's post exploded within ten seconds.
"Ahhh!!! Am I seeing this right? Michiya-sensei is going to date for real?"
"For real? Is he really participating as a cast member? Not as a panelist?"
"Michiya-sensei wrote about unrequited love so perfectly in Love Letter. I wonder how he pursues people in real life? I can't wait!"
He swiped his screen, watching the fans' frenzy, and couldn't help but give a bitter laugh.
If these people knew he was going in as the "Wolf," he wondered if they'd still be laughing.
The hashtag #MichiyaGōshinJoinsLoveVariety shot up Twitter's trending list like a rocket, landing in the top ten with a bright red "Exploding" tag next to it. Within half an hour, it had over five million views.
The clout-chasing media outlets, like sharks smelling blood in the water, rushed to publish their commentary.
"The author of Love Letter is dating in person? Uncovering Michiya Gōshin's views on love."
"At the book signing, his gaze was so gentle when he looked at the girls. He's definitely going to be a super smooth-talker on the show!"
"So excited!!!"
-------------------------------------------------
"Akane, this is the last time I'm asking you."
The manager's voice was more serious than ever before.
"Are you sure you want to accept? You'd be participating as a full-time member, not a guest star. That means living together in the Heartbeat House, eating and interacting together. The slightest misstep, and you'll be accused of 'creating hype' or being 'love-struck'."
Kurokawa Akane looked up. She was wearing a simple white shirt today, her blue hair tied back in a neat ponytail, but her eyes were exceptionally firm.
"I'm sure. Director Aoyama said during my audition that the show focuses on love and growth, not just simple CP matchmaking."
"Growth? The audience only sees what the edited footage shows them!"
Her manager, Sato, raised her voice, pointing at the comments on her tablet.
"Besides, Michiya-sensei is also participating this time. With his popularity, he'll probably steal all the attention on the show. Do you think you can compete with him for screen time?"
"I..."
Who said I wanted to compete for screen time?
Kurokawa Akane suddenly felt a little happy. She wanted to be by his side, to see how he truly was in a social setting.
She didn't want to miss this chance to stand with him, even if it was in such a risky way.
"I'm not afraid of the risk."
Kurokawa Akane's voice was soft but held an undeniable strength. "As a theater troupe actor, observing real emotions is helpful for my acting. Besides, I trust myself to handle the situation appropriately and not disappoint the agency."
Sato looked at the light in her eyes and let out a heavy sigh.
"The agency has already made it clear. They're making an exception to give you this opportunity. If the show's reputation flops after it airs, or if you get dragged on social media..."
She paused, struggling to voice the consequences. "For at least two years, you can forget about getting any good scripts. All your variety show opportunities will be cut off, too. It'll be like starting all over again."
"I..."
After taking a deep breath, Kurokawa Akane nodded firmly.
"I'm willing."
________________________________________
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