Dubian Che read the room—admitted defeat—and deftly changed the subject, "Even using all the prize money wouldn’t be enough?"
"As the producer, can’t you just put in some of your own money?" Dubian Che suggested.
By the end of the month, Jiutiao Meijie had nearly used up the one million yen she had given him for that month.
Although he had over a hundred million yen in his own account, suddenly taking out that much money and then having to explain it to Jiutiao Meijie afterward would be a major hassle.
"Can’t I get sponsors like Sakurai Haruhi did?" Kiyono Lin cast a side glance at Dubian Che, then started talking to the clerk.
Why compare with a two-dimensional female protagonist?
Dubian Che thought of how Sakurai Haruhi had managed to get the equipment for "Asahina Mikuru’s Adventures": the protagonist, Asahina Mikuru, had tricked sponsors into it by wearing a bunny girl costume in an advertisement.
Was Kiyono Lin planning to cosplay as a bunny girl?
Amazing, amazing—with such good fortune, the movie they would produce wouldn’t just be a hit in the Shinjuku District. It could be shown throughout the entire Island Country.
Surpassing "Asahina Mikuru’s Adventures" was just a matter of time!
While Dubian Che was lost in wild thoughts, he noticed Kiyono Lin, who was speaking with the store clerk, pointed at him.
"I’m definitely not wearing a bunny girl outfit!" Dubian Che quickly walked over.
"You’re just in time." said Kiyono Lin to Dubian Che, then turned back to the clerk, "This is the male lead of our movie."
The clerk glanced at Dubian Che purely out of politeness and told Kiyono Lin, "Sir, the male lead is very handsome, but I’m really sorry, I can’t make decisions about sponsorships."
"Mr. Dubian, please smile," said Kiyono Lin.
"People already said they don’t have the authority to decide, don’t embarrass him," said Dubian Che, who, other than Jiutiao Meijie and Kiyono Lin, never showed a smile to any other girls, and he certainly wouldn’t for a male clerk.
"He’s lying," said Kiyono Lin under her breath.
"It’s not about whether he’s lying or not—the key is, if someone is unwilling, don’t force them."
"What do you mean ’forcing them’? Isn’t getting sponsorship all about showing all your advantages to convince a sponsor who’s initially unwilling? His reluctance is just because he doesn’t believe in our value yet."
"Well, Kiyono," Dubian Che said uncomfortably, "when I talk about forcing someone, I mean you making me smile."
Kiyono Lin took a deep breath, as if conceding defeat, "Weren’t you the one who proposed making a movie?"
Before he could finish speaking, Kiyono Lin gave him a compelling look, urging him to smile quickly.
Dubian Che had no choice but to surrender.
He managed a forced smile at the clerk, "Please reconsider our offer; we guarantee this movie will be seen by many."
The clerk was stunned, staring blankly at him.
Dubian Che felt a chill down his spine.
Just as expected of a crooked businessman under a red meat light — even his soul was corrupted!
Meanwhile, Kiyono Lin nodded at him with satisfaction.
"Y-you, you are?" the clerk stammered.
Under Kiyono Lin’s intense gaze, Dubian Che managed to maintain a smile, ready to introduce himself.
But then the clerk suddenly bowed deeply, startling them.
"Mr. Dubian!" the clerk exclaimed respectfully.
Dubian Che recalled his father, who was either drinking or working. Could he be some estranged scion who looked just like his grandfather?
"Wait," he said, pointing down, "Is this place owned by the Jiutiao family?"
"That should make things easier." Dubian Che turned to Kiyono Lin, "How about I call Jiutiao Mei and ask her to sponsor us?"
Jiutiao Meijie would likely be very pleased to become their investor and then boss Kiyono Lin around, showing the true ugly face of capitalism.
"No need, no need!" the clerk waved his hands repeatedly, "If it’s for Mr. Dubian, we can give the biggest discount on this equipment; we already have enough money!"
Dubian Che looked to Kiyono Lin to make the decision.
"Thank you. We’ll mention your store in the movie to help promote it," Kiyono Lin told the clerk.
After paying their bill, Kiyono Lin and Dubian Che left the store with various pieces of equipment.
Against the evening glow, two teenagers in Goda High School uniforms walked along Shinjuku Street.
"Why didn’t you have the clerk deliver it to the school?" Dubian Che spoke, his right hand holding a tripod and his left carrying a shotgun microphone.
"Because I need to start getting familiar with the equipment now," Kiyono Lin replied, with two backpacks slung over her shoulder, aiming her DSLR at the distant bridge under the setting sun.
"Why not deliver it to your house?"
"It’s your punishment for tricking me with ’Asahina Mikuru’s Adventures’."
"..." The culpable Dubian Che had no choice but to play the role of mover willingly.
By six in the evening at the end of August, the temperature was not to be underestimated.
Reaching the bridge, an utterly tired Dubian Che suggested a break. Kiyono Lin nodded slightly, her fair skin already covered with a thin layer of sweat.
The two set their things down in the middle of the bridge, enjoying the gentle evening breeze that one could only appreciate when peaceful.
Kiyono Lin had already figured out how to operate the DSLR, taking some pictures of the thundering trains below the bridge.
Checking the results, holding onto the idea that this footage might be useful, she clicked to save.
Then she turned her attention to Dubian Che beside her, in his school uniform.
The evening twilight hit his handsome profile, casting a faint blushing hue, making him look spirited and remarkably dazzling.
Kiyono Lin couldn’t help but admit, this guy, who was full of nonsense, was indeed very good-looking.
She raised her DSLR, capturing Dubian Che as he gazed blankly at the tracks.