Su Yu spent an hour discussing with the two veteran directors.
In the end, they agreed to his conditions—
But only if he truly managed to acquire Flare Animation.
While the Yukinoshita family already controlled a large portion of the company's shares, gathering the remaining stocks wouldn't be cheap.
At the very least, it would cost ten billion yen.
Meaning—
Su Yu needed twenty billion yen in total to buy out Flare Animation completely.
Even if Madoka became a highly-rated anime, it wouldn't necessarily increase Flare Animation's stock price.
After all—
It was a project funded by him and Yukinoshita Yukino, made under Studio Three.
At most, it would push Miyazumi Shi and Yukinoshita Yukino further into the animation industry, making Su Yu famous in the process.
So in the short term, stock prices weren't an issue.
However—
If Madoka became a massive success, then Harada would definitely raise the price of his shares.
Harada was a businessman.
He would never miss an opportunity like this.
If Su Yu wanted to buy him out, the best chance was right now.
A Lighthearted Conversation
After sending off Shinnohara Hito and Tamura Wakaka, Su Yu returned to Yuigahama Yui's side.
Meanwhile, Yukinoshita Yukino and Miyazumi Shi had gathered a team to discuss revisions for Madoka's animation.
Most of Studio Three's members were newcomers—
Naturally, they had been nervous about the quality of their work.
But now that they had received detailed feedback, they could calm down and work on fixing the first episode.
After all—
Even Studios One and Two had to revise their work frequently, let alone a team of newbies.
And besides—
Everyone saw Shinnohara and Tamura attend the meeting.
They assumed the modifications came from those two industry legends.
With that, there was no room for objection.
Su Yu let out a sigh and sat next to Yuigahama Yui.
"What's wrong, Su Yu-kun?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Yui, if I were ten billion yen in debt, would you still stay with me?" Su Yu asked.
"…Ten billion yen in debt?" Yui's eyes widened in shock.
"I want to buy Flare Animation… but I don't have enough money," Su Yu explained in a low voice.
"So I'll have to borrow ten billion yen."
"Oh… I see…"
Yuigahama's surprise slowly faded.
Then, she smiled brightly.
"Of course, Su Yu-kun. I would never leave your side! Is there anything I can do to help?"
Su Yu gently took her hand.
"I was thinking of offering you to the Yukinoshita family as collateral," he said, deadpan.
"If I can't pay back the ten billion yen—
Then from now on, you'll be Yukino's personal maid."
"E-Eh?!"
Yui froze for a moment.
"D-Do I even… have that kind of value?" she asked, a little flustered.
"In my heart, Yui is priceless," Su Yu said with a smile.
"I'm sure Yukino thinks the same."
Yuigahama's face turned bright red.
"T-Then… in that case, I'll let you use me as collateral!" she declared.
"Because I believe that Su Yu-kun will definitely earn that money!"
Su Yu chuckled and gently pulled her into an embrace.
"You're really too cute, Yui."
For a second, Yui panicked—
But then she realized…
He was teasing her.
Thinking back, it was obviously impossible for him to do such a thing.
She pouted slightly.
"…You tricked me, didn't you?"
Su Yu only smirked.
Then, his tone shifted to something more serious.
"If I really do borrow money from Yukinoshita Haruno… she'll probably make me meet Yukinoshita's mother together with Yukino."
"That's okay," Yui said softly.
"I understand, Su Yu-kun."
Su Yu tightened his embrace.
"I'm sorry, Yui."
But Yui simply smiled.
"I'm already happy, Su Yu-kun. Your confession… and the gift you gave me… I love them both."
"I know that you love Yukino more… But that's okay."
"I'll work hard to become better."
"…So that Su Yu-kun will love me a little more, too."
She spoke in a whisper, as if afraid to say it too loudly.
Su Yu gazed down at her.
Yui was resting her head against his chest, her fingers clutching his sleeve.
"…Su Yu-kun," she murmured.
"Please give me some time."
"I'll work hard to become someone you can truly acknowledge."
Su Yu sighed.
"Yui, your real opponent isn't Yukino."
"…It's yourself."
"As long as you surpass your current self, I will acknowledge you."
Yui's eyes wavered.
Then—
She smiled.
"Got it, Su Yu-kun."
Dinner Plans & A Gift for Yukino
At 6 PM, the three of them—Su Yu, Yukinoshita Yukino, and Yuigahama Yui—left Flare Animation.
After taking the train, they arrived at Yukino's high-rise apartment.
"Yui, just sit here and wait," Su Yu said as they entered.
"Yukino and I will make dinner."
Yui nodded knowingly.
She could already tell—
Su Yu was about to give Yukino his gift.
Yukino's cheeks reddened, but she didn't say anything.
She quietly walked into the kitchen.
Su Yu followed after her.
Meanwhile, Yui sat on the couch, happily texting Ebina Hina and Miura Yumiko.
A Private Moment in the Kitchen
In the kitchen, Su Yu took out ingredients from the fridge.
Yukino tied on her apron and began preparing them.
Then—
"Yukino," Su Yu suddenly said.
"I confessed to Yui."
Yukino's hands paused for a moment.
Then, she replied calmly:
"…You should have done that a long time ago."
Su Yu smiled slightly.
"…Sorry, but I can't confess to you just yet."
He reached into his pocket—
And pulled out a necklace.
Yukino turned around, glancing at the cheaply made necklace in his hand.
Then, she looked away.
"…Put it on for me."
Su Yu stepped behind her and carefully fastened the necklace.
Yukino lowered her gaze to the small panda charm dangling from it.
Her expression softened.
Seeing this, Su Yu wrapped his arms around her.
Yukino's body stiffened.
Her cheeks flushed bright red.
For a full minute, neither of them moved.
"…Can you let go now?" Yukino asked, her voice shy.
"I want to hug you longer."
Yukino's face burned even hotter.
"Y-You're going too far…!"
Su Yu laughed.
"Yukino, you're just as cute as Yui when you're embarrassed."
"Y-You…!"
With a sharp stomp, she stepped on his foot.
Yukinoshita Yukino's face flushed, and she turned her head and glared at Su Yu.
Yukinoshita Yukino's face flushed, and she turned her head and glared at Su Yu.
Su Yu simply closed his eyes, as if he was going to kiss her, which scared Yukinoshita Yukino so much that she quickly withdrew her gaze and lowered her head.
"Yukino is so cute. That's all for today. My gift has been delivered and my feelings have been conveyed. Whether you are a good friend or a girlfriend, I can accept it." Su Yu let go of Yukinoshita Yukino and said with a smile.
As Yukinoshita Yukino listened to his words, the blush on her face became more obvious, and even her ears turned red.
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X