Chapter 49

——————Today's second update, three updates tomorrow, continue to request recommendations——————

A group of reporters stared at Kawanishi Haru with affectionate eyes, as if a group of beggars who hadn't eaten for three days were staring at a roasted lamb.

Even Kawanishi Haru, who had extraordinary mental fortitude, felt a bit nervous.

"Mr. Kawanishi, you know... We in the news media are always ready to help the public. Wherever there is trouble, we step in... Even if there is no trouble, we will create it and step in... Especially our 'Weekly Bunshun,' we are the first to expose injustices, making the public aware of the harshness of the world... Similarly, we strongly condemn those who violate social morals... That's why we are called the conscience of the industry." The reporter from 'Weekly Bunshun,' Edogawa Fūryū, said all this without a hint of embarrassment.

Not only were his colleagues staring at him in shock, but even Horikita Maki, who was behind Kawanishi Haru, looked stunned.

This guy is really something...

"It's like this... When today's award ceremony ended, Miss Horikita, who was next to me, was assaulted..." Kawanishi Haru had a serious expression.

"What? There are such scoundrels at such a grand award ceremony?!" Edogawa Fūryū was about to say something, but a middle-aged reporter couldn't wait and blurted out what he wanted to say.

"It's true! The person is Shioya Shun... He's a nobody... I don't know who gave him the nerve to assault his colleague." Kawanishi Haru's face was very dark.

"The most tragic thing is that so many artists were present, yet no one stopped this despicable act... I am very heartbroken! How has the entertainment industry become like this? Artists like Miss Horikita, who remain pure despite the filth around them, are very rare... They just stood by and watched Miss Horikita being assaulted..." Kawanishi Haru's expression was a mix of heartbreak, anger, and frustration.

"Are you talking about Shioya Shun, who won the Best Newcomer Award with Miss Horikita this year?" a female reporter asked.

Kawanishi Haru nodded slightly.

"Do you have any witnesses?" the female reporter continued.

Just as Kawanishi Haru was thinking about how to respond, a very magnetic male voice came from behind him.

"I can vouch for it... What Mr. Kawanishi said is entirely true."

"Wow, it's Mr. Matsuzaka and Ms. Iijima from Johnny's..."

As they spoke, Matsuzaka Kenichi and Iijima Maki had already arrived beside Kawanishi Haru.

"First, I must apologize to Miss Horikita... I deeply regret and feel ashamed that I did not stop him at the time." Matsuzaka Kenichi looked very remorseful.

"It's nothing... I'm fine." Horikita Maki's voice was very cold and concise.

"Can you all believe me now?" Kawanishi Haru looked at the reporters with a sincere expression.

"Sorry... Miss Horikita hasn't eaten yet... Could you please let us go and have a meal?" Kawanishi Haru seemed very embarrassed, looking very shy.

The reporters, having obtained the news they wanted, readily made a path. Kawanishi Haru led Horikita Maki out of the hotel... Iijima Maki and Matsuzaka Kenichi also slipped out...

..................................

After getting in the car, Horikita Maki soon fell into a deep sleep.

Although it was already April, the temperature was still cold. Kawanishi Haru took off his coat and covered Horikita Maki with it.

"Tomorrow will be very interesting..." Kawanishi Haru smiled slightly.

On the other side, Iijima Maki and Matsuzaka Kenichi also got into their car to go home.

"That Shioya Shun is finished..." Iijima Maki said abruptly.

Matsuzaka Kenichi was taken aback and nodded slightly.

"This young manager is very scary..." Iijima Maki sighed.

"Why do you say that, Ms. Iijima?" Matsuzaka Kenichi looked puzzled.

"Today, his move outside the hotel was very clever. Not only did it ruin Shioya Shun's reputation, but it also won the media's favor... Most importantly, it increased his exposure and his status in the eyes of the big shots here today."

"Please enlighten me, Ms. Iijima..." Matsuzaka Kenichi looked very humble.

Iijima Maki glanced deeply out the window. "Why were the reporters and fans blocking the hotel entrance today?"

"Because of the controversy surrounding 'Always: Sunset on Third Street.'"

"How did Kawanishi respond to the media's inquiries today?" Iijima Maki looked at Matsuzaka Kenichi expressionlessly.

Matsuzaka Kenichi pondered for a few seconds and was suddenly startled. "You mean..."

"Exactly! His move was very clever... I'm sure the media's focus tomorrow will be on Shioya Shun's assault on Horikita Maki, and the controversy surrounding the movie will be overshadowed... NHK and the related networks will also have a favorable impression of him..."

Matsuzaka Kenichi calmed down and sighed after a long pause. "He is a very scary person..."

..................................

After dropping off Horikita Maki at her residence, Kawanishi Haru returned directly to his office in Akihabara.

Even a man of iron like Kawanishi Haru couldn't withstand the day's fatigue... But he seemed to have forgotten that his suit was left in Horikita Maki's car.

The next day, when Banri Tomomi, Hoshino Mitsu, and Shinoda Mariko quietly entered the office, they found Kawanishi Haru still asleep.

The three girls carefully sat at their desks, and soon Aragaki Yui arrived.

The last to arrive was Horikita Maki, who was holding Kawanishi Haru's suit.

Aragaki Yui was holding a newspaper that had just come out that morning. When she saw Horikita Maki, she gave her a thumbs up.

"Miss Horikita, congratulations on winning the Best Newcomer Award." Banri Tomomi spoke in a very low voice.

"Thank you..." Although Horikita Maki appeared very cold, she was actually a very gentle and considerate girl.

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