Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Three Stories
On the Way Back to Class
As Su Yu and Yuigahama Yui walked back to their classroom, lunch break was coming to an end.
"Yui, money isn't everything. If I could, I'd trade my entire fortune for just one meal with my parents. Even just seeing them again, even if it were for a moment, would be worth it." Su Yu spoke while gazing out the window.
"Su Yu-kun…" Yui looked at him with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"I have a billion yen in my hands. If I can use it to chase my dream and create a stable future, then I won't hesitate to spend it all."
"Su Yu-kun… your dream is to create anime?" Yui asked in a soft voice.
"More or less. What about you, Yui? You should think about your dream too. I want to help you achieve it."
"M-my dream?" Yui smiled a little awkwardly. "I don't think I have one."
"Then take your time and think about it. One day, you'll find it. And when my anime succeeds, tell me your dream. No matter how difficult it is, I'll make it come true." Su Yu gently held her hand.
"Mm." Yui nodded.
At that moment, a new wish sprouted in her heart—
To always be with Su Yu.
As long as that wish came true, she believed she could live a happy life.
Whether Su Yu's investment succeeded or failed, she wanted to stay by his side, and one day… walk into a wedding chapel together.
—
At the Service Club
After classes ended, Su Yu and Yui arrived at the Service Club.
Inside the clubroom, they found Yukinoshita Haruno, Yukinoshita Yukino, and their club advisor, Hiratsuka Shizuka.
A contract lay on the table in front of Hiratsuka, indicating that she had already reviewed it.
"Yukinoshita-san, thank you." Su Yu immediately understood that Hiratsuka was here thanks to Yukino.
"No need to thank me. With Hiratsuka-sensei here, you should feel reassured, right?" Yukino looked at him intently.
"Yeah, it's a comforting feeling." Su Yu took a seat.
"Su Yu-kun, are you sure you want to invest in anime production?" Hiratsuka asked with a serious expression. "This isn't a joke. If the project fails, you could suffer heavy losses."
"Sensei, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pursue my dream. I won't give it up so easily. I believe in my story… and I trust Yukinoshita-san's judgment." Su Yu answered firmly.
"…Alright. Then I won't stop you. Read this contract carefully." Hiratsuka pushed the document toward him.
Su Yu picked it up and began reading.
Since he and Yukino were co-investing and the Yukinoshita family owned shares in the animation studio—
They would receive 50% of the profits.
The remaining 50% would go to the animation studio, the promotion team, and physical production costs (such as Blu-ray discs).
Additionally—
If Blu-ray sales exceeded 10,000 copies, Su Yu would receive an extra 10% from Blu-ray profits.
If sales reached 5,000 copies, he would get 8%.
Merchandising and other revenues would be discussed later, once the anime was completed.
After reading through it, Su Yu looked up and asked:
"Miss Yukinoshita, how much would it cost to buy the animation studio?"
Haruno chuckled. "Su Yu-kun, animation studios are evaluated on many factors. The one we're working with is a top-tier studio, so it's unlikely they'd sell."
"…I see." Su Yu nodded, not pressing the issue.
"But—" Haruno's playful voice continued.
"I can sell you my shares. For ten billion yen. That would give you absolute control over the studio."
"Let me think about it." Su Yu glanced at her.
If Puella Magi Madoka Magica turned out to be a major success, then owning shares in an animation studio could be a smart investment.
"If you come up with three complete stories, I'll invest three hundred million yen alongside you." Yukino suddenly spoke.
"…I'll do my best." Su Yu was surprised but quickly regained his composure.
The fact that Yukino was willing to invest meant that she truly loved the story—not because of him, but because of the script itself.
Haruno watched the two of them with an amused smile but said nothing.
Su Yu signed the contract, then pushed it toward Yukino.
She signed as well.
—
Finalizing the Investment
"You two plan to oversee the entire production, or will you leave it completely to the studio?" Haruno asked.
"We'll be involved in every step." Yukino answered without hesitation.
"Agreed." Su Yu nodded.
With Yukino's meticulous nature, the anime's production quality would be guaranteed.
"At the current pace, it won't make it for the Summer (July) season," Haruno warned. "It'll likely be released in Fall (October) or Winter (January). You'll have to decide."
"When do I need to transfer the funds?" Su Yu asked.
"That depends on the studio's schedule. I'll arrange a meeting with the production team soon. Once the project is confirmed, you can officially invest."
"When that time comes, I want to negotiate with them in person." Su Yu stated firmly.
"No problem." Haruno smirked. "This is also Yukino's first investment. If it succeeds, I'm sure Mother will be quite pleased. She might even gift Yukino company shares."
"I'm not doing this for approval. I just… love this story." Yukino said softly.
Haruno gave her a knowing smile, then turned to Su Yu with an amused look.
Su Yu pretended not to notice her gaze.
—
Leaving the Service Club
An hour later, the group dispersed.
Before leaving, Yukino handed Su Yu a printed copy of the script, returning the original to him.
They also exchanged contact information.
She wanted to understand more details about the story. If possible, she even considered writing side stories for the game adaptation.
Su Yu watched as the Yukinoshita family's car drove off.
"Su Yu-kun, if you need any help, just let me know." Hiratsuka told him.
"Thank you, sensei." Su Yu bowed slightly.
"No need to be so formal. As your teacher, it's my responsibility to support you." Hiratsuka smiled and patted his shoulder before glancing at Yui.
"Well then, I'll leave you two alone."
Hearing this, Yui's face turned bright red.
Hiratsuka chuckled and walked away.
—
A Night Together?
Su Yu turned to Yui, who was still blushing.
"Tomorrow's Saturday. Do you want to stay over at my place tonight?"
"I-I…" Yui stammered, her face burning.
"Relax, I won't do anything to you. We'll go shopping first—for clothes, pajamas, and whatever you need. You can tell Mrs.Yuigahama that you're staying at Miura's or Ebina's house tonight."
After hesitating for a moment, Yui softly nodded.
"…Okay."