After Akikawa Kyousuke left the restroom, he saw Miss Itakura Misaki, his agent, chatting animatedly with the renowned star Okino Yoko. The two stopped their conversation and looked in his direction when they noticed him approaching.
"I didn't expect Miss Suzuki to favor Akikawa so much. That's incredible!"
Okino Yoko clasped her slender, white fingers in front of her face, feigning a surprised expression.
"Um," Akikawa Kyousuke nodded briefly, suppressing his curiosity. He pondered why Okino Yoko had deliberately distanced herself from the group that included Conan and Ran-Chan.
Given Okino Yoko's emotional intelligence and professionalism, she wouldn't act recklessly unless she had a solid reason—even if it risked offending someone as influential as the second lady of the Suzuki Foundation.
After a brief exchange, Okino Yoko looked at him seriously and said, "Akikawa, you should avoid associating with Miss Mori and Conan-kun from now on."
"Alright," Akikawa Kyousuke agreed without hesitation.
Okino Yoko's face lit up with delight, the corners of her lips curling into a deeper smile.
---
A short while later, Akikawa Kyousuke and Itakura Misaki followed Okino Yoko to an exhibition hall. Upon entering, Akikawa noticed a pair chatting inside—a man and a woman. Judging by the wall displays, the man appeared to be Yoshitoki Hota, a well-known director.
As footsteps echoed, both individuals turned to observe the newcomers. Their expressions remained neutral upon seeing Okino Yoko but turned puzzled when their gaze landed on Akikawa Kyousuke and Itakura Misaki.
"Miss Yoko, who are these two?" Yoshitoki Hota asked curiously.
"This is Akikawa Kyousuke, a young talent from our company with excellent acting skills," Okino Yoko replied, gesturing toward him. "And this is his manager, Misaki Itakura."
Introductions followed, and polite conversation ensued. Akikawa Kyousuke observed the attendees discreetly. Yoshitoki Hota had noticeable facial scars, likely from surgery, and a partial paralysis that affected his expressions. However, his confident demeanor suggested he was unbothered by these physical challenges.
Meanwhile, the woman, Ema Oda, carried a notebook and occasionally jotted down notes. Her focus during conversations leaned toward storylines, while Yoshitoki Hota emphasized themes and character emotions, confirming Akikawa's suspicion that one was a scriptwriter and the other a director.
Amid these observations, Akikawa noted a pale strip on Oda's ring finger—a sign of a recently removed wedding ring. Coupled with her flashy diamond necklace, he suspected an extramarital affair but refrained from commenting.
---
The group chatted until Yoshitoki Hota glanced at his watch.
"It's almost time for dinner," he remarked, signaling the end of their discussion.
Returning to the hotel, Okino Yoko confirmed Akikawa's room number before bidding him farewell. Akikawa took the opportunity to freshen up before heading to the grand banquet hall on the seventh floor at 6:30 PM.
At 6:30 PM, Akikawa Kyousuke arrived at the seventh floor of the Harbour Royal Court Hotel.
There, a massive banquet hall with a grand stage awaited him. The hall was already bustling with people, each exuding an air of sophistication.
Most of the men were dressed in tailored suits and polished leather shoes, while the women adorned themselves in glamorous evening gowns. Their exposed skin shimmered with various pieces of jewelry, adding an extra layer of elegance to the atmosphere.
Itakura Misaki, unused to such high-profile events, appeared visibly uncomfortable and shy.
In contrast, Akikawa Kyousuke, having attended countless banquets like this in his past life, felt no intimidation. Yet, given his current status, he understood the importance of maintaining a composed, respectful demeanor. Opting for discretion, he stayed near the entrance alongside Misaki, observing quietly.
---
When the clock struck 6:30, an elderly yet energetic man ascended the stage and took the microphone.
He was Suzuki Jirokichi, advisor to the Suzuki Foundation and uncle to Suzuki Sonoko. With a spirited tone, he addressed the crowd, officially commencing the evening's festivities.
---
The perimeter of the banquet hall was lined with chefs in crisp white uniforms, standing behind a buffet spread filled with exquisite dishes. On the opposite side, bartenders skillfully mixed drinks to suit each guest's preferences.
The large hall echoed with laughter and conversation as guests mingled and savored the luxurious setting.
After three rounds of wine and countless culinary delights, the pace of dining began to slow. Guests were now more engaged in conversations, their voices growing louder as the evening progressed.
Then, suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the lively atmosphere, silencing the room.
(To be continued…)
A