Chapter 196: No Regrets
Chapter 196: No Regrets
"Oh, it's just what the plot needs," Lin Qingshan said with a somewhat innocent blink. "This way, everyone will remember Himeno's character. And shaping Himeno this way makes her very memorable and beloved, right?"
Not only did it make fans remember Himeno, but it made her unforgettable to them.
Anyone who has read *Chainsaw Man* would surely never forget the beautiful senior named "Himeno" in the story.
Though she appeared whimsical and carefree, she was a woman who would go to great lengths for someone she cared about.
In *Chainsaw Man*, however, good women often end up dead.
Gu Qianli still looked somewhat upset, though she did not blame Lin Qingshan.
After all, it's just a manga. But Himeno's story was truly heart-wrenching.
Wu Shiqing, Chen Chunqiang, and Akatani Yuta were also sad, but they understood more deeply the character development from what Lin Qingshan had said.
"So... does Aki Hayakawa actually like... Himeno?" Gu Qianli asked, biting her lip.
Though Himeno didn't care whether Aki Hayakawa liked her or not, and wasn't concerned about causing him distress with her feelings,
[Translator: sauron]
Even if Aki Hayakawa didn't reciprocate her feelings romantically,
She would still give everything to ensure his survival.
However, Gu Qianli and the fans cared about this matter.
They hoped that Himeno's feelings would be reciprocated.
Aki Hayakawa's words before killing the Ghost Devil seemed to suggest he had feelings for Himeno as well.
But in previous plotlines, his feelings for Makima were also clearly affectionate.
This made everyone uncertain.
"Yes," Lin Qingshan nodded and smiled. "Aki does like Himeno-senpai."
"What about Makima?" Gu Qianli asked, puzzled. "What's the story between her and Aki Hayakawa that made him overlook Himeno?"
"Ah, that... I'll keep it a secret for now," Lin Qingshan winked. "In short, Makima and Aki Hayakawa's relationship isn't quite as... good as you might think."
"Alright then," Gu Qianli reluctantly suppressed her intense curiosity.
She understood Lin Qingshan; after all, revealing spoilers isn't ideal.
"Alright," Lin Qingshan said with a smile. "Next up is the conclusion of this storyline. Shiqing, Chunqiang, Yuta, let's continue drawing this plot."
"And I... have other tasks," he added with a smile. "I want to create a tribute to Himeno's character."
"I actually don't understand," Wu Shiqing suddenly spoke up. "Why did Aki Hayakawa end up smoking the cigarette that Himeno gave him? Why not keep it as a memento?"
"Yes, it's a token from a deceased person," Chen Chunqiang hesitated and suggested. "Wouldn't it be better to keep it as a memento?"
"Or perhaps Aki Hayakawa could have smoked it when he faced his end, as a final farewell..." Akatani Yuta agreed, nodding. "Wouldn't that be better?"
"Aki Hayakawa... smoking the cigarette left by Himeno?" Gu Qianli realized how the plot would unfold.
"Exactly," Lin Qingshan confirmed. "Though keeping it might be better, have you considered how long Aki Hayakawa would actually be able to keep that cigarette?"
Gu Qianli, Wu Shiqing, and others were momentarily taken aback.
"Aki Hayakawa is a devil hunter in Public Security, facing countless dangers ahead," Lin Qingshan said. "He might die unexpectedly, just like in previous attacks."
"At that point, even if he wanted to smoke that cigarette, he might not get the chance."
"Rather than leaving it and potentially having it become a regret, it's better to smoke it now."
"And then... take revenge joyfully, just as Himeno's words suggest!"
Though Aki Hayakawa might not end up joyful,
It's better that he has no regrets.
Lin Qingshan found this adaptation for the anime to be one of the better changes.
"Indeed..."
**Chapter 196: No Regrets (Continued)**
With Lin Qingshan's words, Gu Qianli, Wu Shiqing, and the others understood.
Indeed... rather than leaving it for a future where Aki Hayakawa might never get the chance to smoke it, it's better to finish the cigarette now and have no regrets.
Especially for Aki Hayakawa himself, who is not an observer with an omniscient perspective.
He doesn't know when he might die, so it's best to smoke the cigarette now.
"Alright, Qianli, why don't you stay for dinner tonight?" Lin Qingshan asked with a smile. "I'm planning to cook some good dishes tonight."
"Sure... no problem," Gu Qianli nodded in agreement.
"Then you can hang out with Pochita while we finish up the draft," Lin Qingshan added.
"Got it."
Soon, he and Wu Shiqing got back to work.
While Wu Shiqing and the others worked on the drawings, Lin Qingshan focused on composing music and arranging accompaniments.
After Aki Hayakawa finished smoking the cigarette, Himeno's storyline officially concluded.
But Lin Qingshan planned to commemorate Himeno with two fitting songs from a previous life.
Gu Qianli had the day off, so she was spending time with Lin Qingshan, playing with Pochita and catching up on the latest anime episodes.
After all, she was an old-school fan herself.
Just then, while Lin Qingshan was working...
"I couldn't wait for you to come clear the cupboards~"
Suddenly, Lin Qingshan's phone rang.
He glanced at the phone and was momentarily taken aback.
But he answered the call, "Hello, Liang Zhi Yuan?"
On the other end, Liang Zhi Yuan chuckled lightly and said, "Qingshan, just call me Zhi Yuan."
"Alright, Zhi Yuan, what's up?" Lin Qingshan asked curiously. Since *Cyberpunk 2077* had been released and received rave reviews, his work with Speedy Development Company had been completed. He hadn't had any contact with them recently.
So Liang Zhi Yuan's call was unexpected.
"Well," Liang Zhi Yuan began, "with the success of *Cyberpunk 2077* in both sales and profits, we're planning to hold a celebration."
"Qingshan, would you be available this Friday evening...?"
(End of Chapter)