Chapter 150: New Job (14)

Akikawa Kyousuke was discharged from the hospital that afternoon, accompanied by Misaki Itakura.

"It's incredible that I've been discharged just three days after being admitted."

Akikawa Kyousuke and Misaki Itakura got into a taxi, and Kyousuke sighed as he addressed his manager.

"Yes, even though your wound was deep, it was a clean cut. Since the dagger only caused superficial soft tissue and muscle damage, it will take just two to four weeks for you to fully recover," Misaki explained with a smile.

However, she immediately realized that her highly technical explanation might not resonate with someone outside the medical field. She clarified more simply:

"In short, no nerves or critical areas were injured, so the healing process is quick."

"So, Mr. Akikawa, you're quite lucky."

"It's really 'luck'," Akikawa Kyousuke muttered as he stared out of the window, watching the street scene whiz by.

"Miss Yoko asks that you rest well during this period and only resume work after you've fully recovered."

"Okay."

"Also, it's almost time to decide what your next project will be after your break. What do you think of this?"

Misaki handed Akikawa a tablet as she spoke.

---

The jobs currently recommended to Akikawa Kyousuke had already been screened by Okino Yoko.

Normally, a manager's job is to independently select projects for their artists, and passing decisions to others might indicate incompetence.

Yet Misaki Itakura had no complaints about the arrangement.

For her, having Okino Yoko review Kyousuke's projects provided more opportunities to interact with the idol, something Misaki welcomed wholeheartedly.

Not only did it ensure safer projects for Kyousuke, but it also allowed her more chances to build rapport with Yoko.

---

Akikawa Kyousuke examined the listed projects on the tablet.

One job caught his attention:

The project was set in the most famous hot spring resort in Japan—

[Kosenan], a grand hot spring hotel located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture.

March is one of Hakone's peak tourist seasons.

With cold weather still lingering in Japan and students on spring break, many families flock to Hakone this time of year.

There, visitors can not only experience the healing waters of the hot springs but also visit the renowned Hakone Shrine to pray for success as children prepare to start a new school semester.

During this period, [Kosenan] had collaborated with the popular animated series Masked Superman to attract families during the spring holidays.

All families staying at Kosenan during the event would receive limited-edition merchandise related to Masked Superman and the hot spring hotel.

Additionally, daily theatrical performances of Masked Superman were scheduled at the hotel throughout the event.

This job required the performer to don the Masked Superman costume and act on stage.

---

"Is this the project Miss Yoko picked for me?"

As the taxi moved, Akikawa Kyousuke couldn't help but keep calling her "Miss Yoko." He glanced at the tablet and turned to Misaki.

"Eh? How did you guess, Mr. Akikawa?!" Misaki gasped in surprise.

"There's no need to guess, Miss Itakura. Previously, all the projects you chose for me aimed to boost my fame quickly."

"This project, however, won't even appear on television and requires me to wear a full costume that conceals my face."

"I suspect that even after completing this performance, my reputation won't improve at all. Am I wrong?"

Akikawa Kyousuke's voice was low, and his words were tinged with subtle irony.

---

Misaki hesitated but quickly responded:

"Even if it doesn't boost your fame significantly, it pays well!"

"Kosenan is an amazing hot spring hotel. I went there often with my parents as a child. My dad even called it a 'programmer's paradise.'"

"Though it's a children's show, the compensation is far higher than a typical commission."

She enthusiastically elaborated.

---

"Moreover, this job isn't entirely devoid of opportunities for recognition. Masked Superman is hugely popular among children."

"Plus, Mr. Akikawa, it says here that you won't always be in full costume. There will be moments when you appear in person."

"Additionally, during such events, TV shows often come to gather materials and conduct interviews."

"With your good looks, if you were to 'accidentally' remove your mask during a TV segment or while taking photos with children, the news would spread instantly—just like what happened at the Imperial Theater!"

---

"Miss Itakura, you're quite skilled at this," Kyousuke remarked.

"Hehe, well, that's what artists do. Before becoming famous, everyone tries their best to find opportunities for exposure," she admitted before adding quietly, "And you can enjoy free hot springs while you're there."

"Soaking in hot springs doesn't cost much. Most of the expense is in the accommodations," Akikawa quipped dryly.

"Mr. Akikawa, you're so dull. Haven't you heard the saying, 'free is the best'?"

---

Akikawa Kyousuke stared at the tablet for a moment before handing it back to Misaki.

"Let's take this job, then."

"Alright!" Misaki nodded.

At that moment, the taxi arrived at Kyousuke's apartment. Misaki said goodbye as he exited:

"Rest well, Mr. Akikawa. I'll see you in two weeks."

Kyousuke returned the farewell and entered his apartment—a space he hadn't visited in over a week.

---

The apartment had been thoroughly combed by the Metropolitan Police, and everything was returned to its original place.

However, the traces of others rummaging through his belongings were still evident to Kyousuke.

He headed directly to his bedroom and retrieved a disc case belonging to Okino Yoko.

Opening it, he confirmed that his three life insurance policies had been reviewed.

This was a key piece of evidence.

Thus, Akikawa Kyousuke's home had been subject to "physical surveillance."

For example, inside the disc case, Kyousuke had placed a lead core in the outer layer. If anyone opened it carelessly, the core would snap, revealing tampering.

---

Kyousuke had always intended to present the three policies to the detective, so he didn't hide them too deeply.

Additionally, after reviewing his camera footage, he noticed the handsome detective Sera Masumi had also entered his home to investigate.

It made sense that she had reignited her interest in the car accident case.

---

'But relying solely on detectives is still risky,' Kyousuke thought.

'After all, my understanding of the original owner and her mother is still too shallow.'

---

With that, Akikawa Kyousuke grabbed both his and his mother's IDs and headed out again.

(End of the Chapter)