Chapter 51

—————— Today's Second Update ——————

Even the girls sitting in the office, like Noda Yui, had their faces flushed from holding back their laughter.

"Just laugh if you want to... I can see how uncomfortable you all are," Kōkawa Haya said, speechless at the sight of the girls' red faces.

Am I really that scary?

"Ha ha!" The office was filled with the girls' clear and ringing laughter; especially Banri Tomomi, who laughed without restraint...

If there was anyone who could maintain a ladylike demeanor, it could only be Hoshino Miki and Horikita Maki.

Hoshino Miki was gentle and reserved, while Horikita Maki was aloof and cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Both of them covered their mouths and giggled softly.

"Alright, let's get to the main topic... Who here can type fast?" Kōkawa Haya asked.

The girls looked at each other, unsure of what Kōkawa Haya was up to.

Horikita Maki and Hoshino Miki raised their hands gently.

"From the looks of it, you two must be frequent internet users... Since you raised your hand, Horikita-san, you can write the statement yourself."

Horikita Maki nodded lightly.

"Statement: I feel deeply ashamed and apologetic for the incident at the Film Academy Awards ceremony... I am truly sorry for causing a disturbance. First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Film Association for their recognition... Lastly, I thank everyone for their concern and support. I have already forgotten about the incident at the awards ceremony, so please rest assured. I am grateful for the care from my seniors and the strong support from the media. I once had misunderstandings about you, but after this incident, I realized that there are still many kind people in this country... You are the bridge that connects people. In the end, I will repay your support and help with better works! Thank you, Horikita Maki!"

Kōkawa Haya dictated, and Horikita Maki typed. Soon, a lengthy statement was typed out.

Horikita Maki's face was flushed; she was too embarrassed to even look at the statement... The other girls stared at Kōkawa Haya in a daze.

"Is there a problem?" Kōkawa Haya put on a wise and detached look.

The girls all nodded in unison.

"Tell me what it is..."

"This statement doesn't quite fit Horikita-san's style... Would it be inappropriate to release it like this?" Shinoda Mariko hesitated before voicing her concern.

"After this incident, Horikita-san has grown... Everyone grows after experiencing certain things," Kōkawa Haya said seriously.

Horikita Maki looked helpless, and the other girls were speechless...

"Don't worry... Everyone knows I wrote it. Adding Horikita-san's name is just to save face for them..." Kōkawa Haya added, seeing the girls still looked uneasy.

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

In an unknown room in Tokyo.

A man with disheveled hair and a full beard lay listlessly on the sofa, surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol.

This man was now the disgraced Yashio Shun. Compared to his ambitious self a few days ago, he now looked like a powerless, weathered middle-aged man.

"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have ended up like this."

"If it weren't for that bitch, I would be basking in glory right now... Damn, that bitch!" Yashio Shun muttered, his speech slurred as he drank.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and a handsome, well-mannered young man walked in.

The glaring sunlight fell on Yashio Shun's face, and he felt an unusual warmth and comfort...

"I never thought the ambitious Yashio Shun would end up like this, truly pitiful..." The young man's eyes showed a hint of sarcasm.

Yashio Shun looked at the young man and couldn't help but laugh, his voice filled with sorrow and deep regret...

The young man's lips curled into a mocking smile at the sight of Yashio Shun.

"What are you doing here now... Come to laugh at me?!!" Yashio Shun's voice trembled with sorrow.

The young man's face showed a hint of pity. "Pitiful... Shameful. As a man, you can't even take responsibility for your actions, and you still have the nerve to bark like a dog here..."

Yashio Shun turned around sharply, staring fiercely at the young man.

The young man looked at Yashio Shun with contempt, his eyes red. "Your glare doesn't scare me. It won't scare anyone... If you want to make a comeback, you'll have to listen to me."

Yashio Shun instantly calmed down.

"Are you serious..."

The young man smiled. "Of course, I am!"

"Do you know why Watanabe Agency hasn't fired you yet?" The young man gave Yashio Shun a deep look.

"To be honest, I have some connections with the president of Watanabe Agency..."

Yashio Shun's eyes lit up, and he bowed deeply to the young man. "Please, Mr. Watanabe, guide me."

"Immediately issue a statement detailing the incident at the awards ceremony, and be objective. Finally, apologize sincerely to the public," the young man said seriously.

Yashio Shun hesitated. "What about after that..."

"After that, you should temporarily stay out of the public eye. For now, don't participate in any film, TV, or advertising projects. I suggest you focus on stage plays for now... Once the storm has passed, you can choose the right time to make a comeback. Understand?"

Yashio Shun pondered for a moment. "I will follow Mr. Watanabe's advice..."

The young man nodded in satisfaction...

After leaving the room, the young man looked at the cherry blossoms beginning to bloom in the distance and smiled lightly.

"This round, I admit defeat, but it's just the beginning... Since you have chosen three members of AKB48, I will also choose three members of AKB48... No matter what mysterious background you have, I will defeat you..."

PS: Guess which members he will poach...

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