All the Heroines are my Ex-girlfriends

Chapter 174: Accidentally Entering the Film Set, I've Become the "Old Man Cheat" of the MC!

If it weren't for his recent focus on shogi news due to work, the young director would never have been able to associate the young shogi genius with the king of light novels.

The two didn't seem to have any relation at all.

And as for the recently released anime film,

This young director had heard about it too.

Upon inquiring, he found out that the well-known studio handling the film was hired for the project thanks to the young boy before him, who had invited them through the Shinomiya family's connections.

How could someone be this badass?

The young director thought to himself, feeling his legs tremble slightly.

Fortunately, when Yukima Azuma had approached him to discuss the correction video, the director had immediately agreed, hoping for more views.

If not, it was likely that the LoveforReal team would have been "exposed" in a disastrous way.

Clearing his throat, the young director wiped the sweat from his forehead and then got to the main point.

"Recently, there's been a project in the industry for a drama about shogi."

"The script is about a six-year-old boy who accidentally meets the spirit of a shogi master and then embarks on his journey into the world of shogi."

"After facing countless hardships, he eventually becomes the youngest Ryuuou—an entirely orthodox coming-of-age story about reaching the top."

"It just so happens that the Ryuuou tournament is coming up soon, so we're casting for the show. I'm one of the supervising directors for this project."

"I've also had the chance to meet with the President of the Shogi Association, Tsukimitsu, to ask if there's a shogi player who fits the image of a young genius."

"And President Tsukimitsu introduced Yukima-san... To be honest, you are the true prototype of this script."

When he reached this point, the young director looked at Yukima Azuma with a peculiar gaze.

He started to wonder if Yukima Azuma had really been blessed by some kind of spirit.

Because, based on what President Tsukimitsu had told him about Yukima Azuma's entrance into the world of shogi, it was even more badass than the script of the movie.

It was absurd!

Yukima Azuma, on the other hand... his lips twitched in disbelief.

What kind of look was that?

How could he be accused like this?!

Everything he had achieved today was purely due to his innate talent and relentless effort!

There was no such thing as a shogi master's spirit!

No way...

No way...

...System, please add points! ᕙ( ᗒᗣᗕ )ᕗ

"So, does the screenwriter want to discuss the story with me?" Yukima Azuma asked.

The young director nodded... then shook his head.

"Actually, if possible, the production team wants to invite you to act in the film."

As he said this, the young director eyed Yukima Azuma from head to toe.

This image... it was perfect!

As long as it's released, with proper promotion and image management...

It would be strange if he didn't become famous!

Clearly, he could make a living off his looks, but this "young master" was adamant about relying on his talent.

And his talent was just... too unreasonable.

"Appear? You want me to play the lead?" Yukima Azuma pointed to himself.

If he really took this role...

The entire shogi community might suspect that a shogi master's spirit was behind him.

Plus, if he accepted the role, Yukima Azuma would definitely only be playing the adult version of the main character.

But what bothered him was whether the production team could find a child actor with similar charisma to portray the younger version of the main character.

Would it feel awkward if they switched actors?

However, the next words from the young director immediately dispelled Yukima Azuma's doubts.

"No, the team wants you to play the spirit of the shogi master."

Yukima Azuma: Oh, so I'm playing the "old man cheat" of the MC.

"Umu, I understand. I'll think about it."

Yukima Azuma replied.

The young director nodded.

But he didn't expect much from Yukima Azuma accepting the role.

After all, the person before him...

Was a genius whom countless people in the industry had begged to appear with scripts and money in hand, but he remained unmoved.

He was definitely not lacking money.

As for fame, as long as he appeared at the film's premiere and gave interviews...

This young master would be famous everywhere.

Unless it was out of personal interest, it would be hard for him to agree to a project like this.

Although, to others, this was a rare opportunity—a leading role in a high-budget, quality film.

But, contrary to the young director's expectations…

Yukima Azuma was actually seriously considering it.

Because President Tsukimitsu had personally introduced him to the production team.

That meant the President hoped he would take part.

There was no way he had just casually thrown Yukima Azuma's name out there for no reason, right?

If this was a personal request from President Tsukimitsu, then out of respect, Yukima Azuma was willing to participate.

As long as the filming schedule wasn't too long and he had some free time.

....

Just as their conversation wrapped up…

The final episode of LoveforReal officially completed filming.

Even though the production team had been cursed at beyond recognition, the show could still be considered a success.

In this episode of LoveforReal—none of the couples ended up together.

MEM-Cho was just there as a mascot.

Her goal in joining the show was to win over audience affection and boost her YouTube channel's subscriber count.

As a JK (25 years old) working in social media operations,

of course, she had no interest in drama or romance—her main focus was maintaining her adorable mascot image.

And as it turned out, this was a very smart move.

When the scandal broke out, MEM wasn't dragged into it at all.

On the contrary, she gained even more love from the audience, causing her YouTube views to skyrocket.

MEM: Keikaku Doori! (With Yagami Smile) ( ≖‿ ≖ )

As for Kurokawa Akane—

During the first half of the show, she was practically a background character.

In the second half, though she had more screen time, it was clear she had no interest in interacting with the male contestants.

Everyone on the production team was at least somewhat aware of the fact that Kurokawa Akane had attempted suicide after the scandal,

and was later saved by a genius light novel author, completely shifting public opinion online.

No one could miss the feelings Kurokawa Akane had for that author.

Sumi Yuki was probably the one with the highest chances of forming a couple.

During the early stages of the show, she was always at the center of attention.

She had good relationships with two of the three male contestants

and was even the focal point of the show's marketing campaign.

Although she had a natural presence on camera and knew a few small tricks, she was still considered a genuine person.

But when it came to the final confession round, Sumi Yuki still turned everyone down.

Even so, it didn't really matter that LoveforReal ended without any successful couples.

As long as the ratings skyrocketed, that was all that mattered.

A large portion of the audience watched just to see Kurokawa Akane happy and healthy.

After being left on a cliffhanger in the movie adaptation,

those tuning in to LoveforReal this time were basically just trying to climb back up.

As usual, after filming wrapped up, there was supposed to be a celebration party.

But in the end, all three female contestants declined…

And escaped together with Yukima Azuma.

Leaving the male contestants and the entire production team standing there in stunned silence.

...

"I'm heading out first, don't mind me."

After leaving the set with everyone, Sumi Yuki said her goodbyes.

In truth, this was just an excuse to slip away—she had no interest in attending the afterparty.

Even though she could chat casually with the male contestants,

after witnessing the scandal firsthand and meeting Yukima Azuma,

Sumi Yuki suddenly lost all interest in romance.

Attending the celebration party would mean having to make small talk, and that would just be awkward.

"Yuki-chan, bye-bye~!" (ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ

MEM waved as she bid farewell.

Kurokawa Akane stared at MEM with the same expression Kaguya had when looking at Chika.

—You're not planning to leave too!? (≖_≖ )

"Boss, what were you and the director scheming just now? I saw everything! Spill it!"

MEM turned around, flashing a sly grin at Yukima Azuma.

By now, she was completely used to hanging out with Yukima Azuma,

showing none of the nervousness she once had when facing the Big Boss.

"Said they wanted to shoot a drama, trying to drag me into acting."

Yukima Azuma answered nonchalantly.

It wasn't exactly a secret.

If he really joined, these two girls would find out sooner or later anyway.

Upon hearing this, Kurokawa Akane's heart trembled slightly.

—MEM-chan, good thing you stayed! (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

If MEM hadn't been here, she would've missed this information!

"Is it a drama series or a movie?"

Kurokawa Akane immediately asked.

She wanted the chance to work alongside Yukima Azuma.

—Doing what you love with the person you like, double the happiness!

♡〜٩( ˃▿˂ )۶〜♡

Yukima Azuma briefly explained the TV drama Hikaru no Shogi to them.

The two girls were left speechless.

"Boss, you know how to play shogi!?"

( ˶°ㅁ°) !!

MEM's face was filled with utter disbelief.

Her bright eyes stared daggers at Yukima Azuma, filled with resentment toward the unfairness of the world.

(◣ _ ◢)

He already had so much money—why did he have to be ridiculously talented too!?

Under MEM's piercing gaze, Yukima Azuma simply smiled back.

"Filming's over, MEM. Shouldn't you treat us to a yakiniku feast to celebrate?"

Hearing this, MEM's eyes widened in shock. ( ｡ • ᴖ • ｡)!!!

—Aaaa! Boss is exploiting me! How could he say something like that!

While internally wailing, MEM shot Kurokawa Akane a desperate look for help.

"Don't look at Akane-san! You know, back at her old company, she only got 20% of the cut."

The moment MEM heard that, she quickly retracted her pleading gaze.

—20%? That's way too harsh.

—How could someone have such rotten luck in this world!?

"Then what about you, Boss? How much money do you have!?"

MEM made one last desperate attempt.

"Want Boss to treat you to a meal? You're not a kid anymore—stop saying shameless things like that."

Yukima Azuma's words were a double-edged strike.

MEM felt like an arrow had just pierced her knee.

"Fine, fine! I'll pay!" (;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`)

Yukima Azuma glanced at Kurokawa Akane with a playful look in his eyes.

Kurokawa Akane couldn't hold back her laughter.

Why hadn't she noticed before? This boy was that scheming.

...

The three of them entered a yakiniku restaurant together.

Yukima Azuma showed no hesitation in claiming his "reward" from MEM.

A9 and Wagyu beef—he ordered without a second thought.

As the beautifully marbled, pink-and-white slices of beef were served,

MEM's gaze gradually transformed into that of an assassin…

(◣ _ ◢)