Ayumi sat at her cluttered desk, the soft glow of her laptop screen illuminating her focused face. She was surrounded by the comforting chaos of her writing process—notes scribbled on sticky pads, open books for reference, and a steaming cup of tea that filled the room with a soothing aroma. On her plate were cheese potato croquettes, her favorite writing snack, which she nibbled on between bursts of inspiration. Next to her, a can of cold caramel macchiato-flavored coffee provided a refreshing boost, the condensation leaving a small ring on the wooden surface.
As she typed out the next chapter of her upcoming novel, she felt a familiar sense of excitement mixed with the anxiety of meeting her own high expectations. Writing as Winter Rose had always been her sanctuary, a world where she could escape and pour her heart into stories of love and resilience.
Suddenly, her phone rang, jolting her from the creative flow. She glanced at the screen and saw it was her editor and boss, Mr. Tanaka.
"Hello, Mr. Tanaka," Ayumi answered, balancing her phone between her shoulder and ear as she continued typing with one hand.
"Ayumi! I have incredible news!" Mr. Tanaka's voice was practically vibrating with excitement.
Curious, Ayumi paused her typing. "What is it?"
"One of your books, 'Snow Flower,' has caught the attention of a major entertainment company. They want to adapt it into a movie!"
Ayumi's eyes widened, and she almost dropped her croquette. "A movie? Are you serious?"
"Completely serious! They've sent over a very generous offer. This could be huge for you, Ayumi. Think of the exposure, the new readers, and the chance to see your work on the big screen!"
Ayumi's heart raced with a mix of excitement and disbelief. "Which company is it?"
Mr. Tanaka cleared his throat, clearly impressed. "It's Sato Entertainment. They're one of the biggest names in the industry right now. This is a fantastic opportunity."
Ayumi's mind spun. Sato Entertainment. She knew of their reputation—they were renowned for producing high-quality films and had a knack for turning novels into blockbuster hits. But why would they be interested in her work?
"I... I don't know what to say," she stammered, still trying to process the news.
"Say yes, Ayumi! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. They're eager to get started, and they want to meet with you to discuss the project in detail."
"Okay, yes! Of course, I'd love to meet with them," Ayumi said, her voice trembling with excitement. "Thank you so much, Mr. Tanaka. This is incredible news."
After hanging up the phone, Ayumi sat back in her chair, staring at her laptop screen but no longer seeing the words. A movie adaptation of her book. It was a dream come true, one she hadn't dared to imagine.
But then reality sank in, and she felt a mixture of shock and surprise. Out of all her books, it was "Snow Flower" that had been chosen. Her first ever novel, "Snow Flower" had received mediocre sales when it was first published. It hadn't made any bestseller lists or garnered much attention from the wider literary community. However, it held a special place in her heart and was a favorite among her loyal fans who had discovered her work over the years.
"Snow Flower" had been a labor of love, a story she had poured her soul into when she was just starting as a writer. It was the book that had introduced her to the world of publishing and had established her as Winter Rose, even if only on a modest scale initially. It was a deeply personal tale of love, loss, and hope, themes that resonated with those who took the time to read it.
Little did she know, Alexander had already orchestrated this opportunity. After their unexpected encounter, he had her background checked out of curiosity and discovered that she was Winter Rose, the author of the very books he had been captivated by. His decision to have his company, Sato Entertainment, pursue the adaptation of her book was driven by more than just business acumen—it was a calculated move to intertwine their worlds further.
As Ayumi imagined the possibilities this new venture could bring, Alexander was in his office, reviewing the details of the offer his company had extended. His sharp mind was already considering the next steps, not just for the business deal but also for the intriguing connection he felt with Ayumi.
Their worlds were about to collide in a way neither of them had anticipated, setting the stage for a tale that would blend the ink of Ayumi's stories with the shadows of Alexander's reality.