Game Developer in the World of Anime

Around 3 PM, Ichin finally stopped what he was doing.

Seeing Ichin rubbing his eyes, Utaha smiled and asked, "Done reading?"

"Yeah, I'm done."

Ichin nodded and smiled. "I'll wait for the novel's release to continue reading. What I've read today is more than satisfying. Even if I got an early look, I shouldn't go too far ahead of regular readers, right? By the way, Utaha, does the publisher have any plans for releasing the novel's overseas edition?"

"Not yet. After all, even the second volume hasn't been released yet."

Utaha touched her chin thoughtfully and continued, "From what the editor mentioned, the decision for an overseas release usually depends on the sales of the first three volumes. If those do well and there's a chance of an anime adaptation, then an overseas release becomes more feasible."

"I see."

Ichin understood and, holding Utaha's hand, said, "With your talent, I'm sure the later volumes will do great. The editor should help you secure some promotional resources for this volume, right?"

"Of course! That's already settled." Utaha smiled brightly. "The editor has seen the outline and some of the manuscript during the drafting process. They even discussed promotional plans with the chief editor. Once I hand in the full second volume tomorrow, we should be able to confirm the promotional resources."

There was one thing Utaha didn't mention to Ichin, though. She planned to ask Eriri to help with the promotion. As a prominent illustrator in the industry with over 200,000 followers on Twitter, Eriri's support could significantly boost the novel's visibility. However, Utaha decided to wait until the publisher finalized their resources before asking for additional help.

Hugging Ichin's arm, Utaha said, "You promised to go to the library with me, right?"

"Of course. A promise is a promise."

Ichin nodded. "After school tomorrow?"

"Yep, after school."

Thinking of Ichin's studio, Utaha asked, "By the way, isn't Hazuki-san coming to the studio tomorrow? Should we reschedule?"

"No need. Let's go tomorrow as planned," Ichin said casually. "Hazuki isn't a rookie. She used to be the chief director at Eagle Jump, so she's not someone who needs hand-holding."

If it were someone like Aoba Suzukaze or Hifumi Takimoto starting their first day at the studio, Ichin might have felt the need to be there. But for someone as experienced as Hazuki, it wasn't necessary.

"By the way, Hazuki-san mentioned she'd bring her cat with her tomorrow," Utaha said, recalling the photos she'd seen of Hazuki's pet. "This is the first time I've heard of someone bringing their cat to work."

Ichin chuckled. "That's not uncommon in some Chinese internet companies. Some offices even have multiple cats and dogs, complete with designated pet rooms."

However, this practice was rare in Japan. It likely stemmed from Eagle Jump's unique work culture, where a relaxed environment allowed for such flexibility. With no corporate executives micromanaging and most of the staff being women, no one minded Hazuki bringing her cat as long as the game development stayed on track.

As for Ichin, he didn't mind having pets in the studio either. Animals could help reduce stress and improve the overall work atmosphere, making it a win-win for everyone.

Of course, as long as you don't get too carried away with it.

"So that's how it is," Utaha said with a look of realization. Firming her resolve, she added, "Then tomorrow, let's try to wrap things up early so we can head back. I'm quite curious to see Hazuki-san's cat, Mozuku."

That chubby cat was indeed rare, and its expressions in the photos were quite amusing.

Since they weren't going to continue reading the novel, Utaha pulled Ichin to watch a movie together. The two of them relaxed and enjoyed the film.

By the time it ended, it was about time for Utaha to head home.

At the entryway, as Utaha stood gracefully before him, Ichin didn't need a reminder this time. He gently embraced her and leaned down.

Nearly three minutes later, Ichin finally let her go.

Her face flushed with a charming redness, Utaha steadied her rapidly beating heart and looked at Ichin. "Keep up the good work, Ichin-kun! I'll head back now, but make sure to answer my call tonight."

"Got it, I'll be waiting."

After seeing Utaha out, Ichin closed the door and exhaled deeply. "This is tough. If this keeps up, I don't think I'll be able to hold myself back much longer."

Although giving in wouldn't be bad, Ichin wanted to take things step by step. He preferred to solidify their relationship slowly rather than rushing into things.

Starting a relationship with Utaha at this point was already moving fast in his eyes—there was no need to keep racing ahead.

Stretching his neck a little, Ichin headed toward the kitchen.

"Time to cook. What should I make tonight? Let's download a recipe app and try something I haven't made before."

---

It was Monday, a school day.

With midterms starting on Friday, Ichin and Utaha saw many students on the way to school holding small flashcards, memorizing English vocabulary as they walked. Others had notebooks open, reviewing key points from various subjects.

Holding onto Ichin's arm, Utaha cheerfully asked, "Ichin-kun, back in China, did students also study like this on their way to school?"

"Not really," Ichin replied. "In high school, morning classes started very early—most students had to be at school by 7 a.m. There was always a morning reading session before classes began, so there was plenty of time for studying."

After thinking for a moment, he added, "If I hadn't come abroad to study, I'd probably be like most high school seniors back home—showing up at school at the crack of dawn. Teachers often used the morning reading session to go over test papers or solve practice problems. And, of course, the PE teacher would call in sick for more than half the year, so other teachers reluctantly took over their classes."

As he recounted this, Ichin couldn't help but laugh.

Utaha couldn't hold back her laughter either. She'd heard of the strict management of Chinese high schools, but the part about the perpetually absent PE teacher was too much to suppress.

"PE classes, huh? I don't know whether to feel sorry for or amused by Chinese high school PE teachers in this situation."

"It's hard to say. It's become something of a running joke for us."

The two of them chatted and laughed, standing out starkly from the students around them who were frantically cramming for exams.

...

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