[Main Story 4-1]
I was alone, walking through the crowd.
I looked at my little hands,
and felt his temperature was still there.
I walked forward, trying to find the boy.
I walked until late night,
when I reached a street by moonlight.
All of a sudden, the moon not glowing
and the wind not blowing.
The bitter sweet smell of caramel,
led me back to the forgotten past.
He opened that dusty door and looked at me.
The moment he grabbed my hand,
I knew I will never forget that face
“Found you”
{{MC}}: Are you… sure about this?
Anna: No preparation at all?
Investment Councilor: Ugh! How many times do you want me to repeat myself? Just do as I say and everything will be just fine!
Investment Councilor: All investments are risky, you get me? You know what matters? Momentum! That’s the key!
With a notebook opened in front of us, Anna and I listened as the investment counselor prattled on.
But I kept getting the feeling that he wasn’t quite reliable…
Investment Councilor: Due diligence– Sure, there’s some things you have to look out for, but in the end, it’s about confidence!
Anna: But that’s not like what I heard from other companies…
Investment Councilor: Oh, that’s how it works! Aside from the obscene auditing procedures of LFG, but that’s beside the point!
Investment Councilor: But for an investment in a little operation like yours, there’s plenty of ways to skin that cat.
{{MC}}: But… What we are applying for *is* an LFG investment…
Investment Councilor: *Cough* What?! *Cough* Pardon me?
{{MC}}: We are applying for an investment from LFG. 50 million…
Investment Councilor: (Talking to himself in great surprise) LFG is investing in such a small studio?
{{MC}}: Is there a problem?
Investment Councilor: Sorry, but I don’t think I can do this.
{{MC}}: Hey! Where are you going?
Investment Councilor: You’d better find somebody else! Look at this little studio… You serious?
{{MC}}: Aww… He just ran away…
Anna: This is the third one that got spooked at the mention of LFG. Should we even try another one?
{{MC}}: …I guess it won’t make any difference.
{{MC}}: Is our studio that shabby?!
Anna: (Shakes head) Not *that* shabby.
Anna: *But* our company structure is a mess, we have just a handful of staff, and no other investors at the moment…
{{MC}}: (Covers her ears) Alright! I get it, I get it. We’re… teetering on the edge of a cliff…
Anna: So, we need that investment from LFG even more, you know?
Anna: No other investment firm will even talk to us now.
{{MC}}: Well, Victor gave me a chance, so no matter what the odds are, we have to try!
Anna: How about… You give Victor a call?
What?! No, no, no!
Right! Why didn’t I think of that?
Anna: Why not? It’s just asking. It’s not cheating.
{{MC}}: No. It’s against my principles.
{{MC}}: Not another word. Let’s find another investor!
(Half an hour later)
Calling Victor
Victor: What is it?
{{MC}}: …Hmm, actually… My, it’s a nice day today!
Victor: Get to the point.
{{MC}}: Uh! Yes! I want to ask you a question…
Victor: Is it investment-related?
{{MC}}: Yes! Sir, you’re so smart!
Victor: Every time you show up you’re squawking about funding. It would surprise me if this wasn’t about that.
{{MC}}: Just. About the… due diligence and report to Board…
{{MC}}: Can you give me some instructions? Like what should I pay attention to specifically?
Victor: Who was that before telling me confidently that there would definitely be no problems at all?
{{MC}}: …
I already regret calling him…
{{MC}}: It’s not like that! There’s no problems. I was just asking, just to be safe.
Victor: Then I guess I don’t need to tell you anything. Good luck.
Victor: I’m hanging up. See you at the board meeting.
{{MC}}: Hey! Wait!
Victor: What is it this time?
{{MC}}: Look… you already gave me a shot, and I don’t wanna blow it, so I just gotta ask…
Victor: The key is to have an ideal blueprint of development for your studio, with measurable goals to achieve along the way.
Victor: To convince the board, they have to believe you can reach those goals.
While I was still hesitating on how to ask the question, Victor had cut right to the heart of the problem.
{{MC}}: I see…
Victor: Do you think LFG has no idea what financial situation your studio is in?
Victor: There is no need to hide or gloss over anything.
Victor: What’s important is your potential.
{{MC}}: Thank you… I understand.
Victor: Next time, be a little more direct.
Victor: Next Wednesday, I’ll be in the office. You can come and give me a preview of your report.
{{MC}}: Huh?… Hello? Hello?
He had hung the phone up as soon as he was done talking.
I… I didn’t get a chance to answer back!
I just wanted to ask, why should I have to do extra work making another presentation?
[Main Story 4-2]
Miracle Company Investment Application Meeting
Anna: The most innovative studio… Um?
{{MC}}: Exactly! That’s our secret weapon that will convince LFG!
Anna: How?
Kiki: We… aren’t really that innovative. We aren’t even that productive. When do we get this month’s salary?
{{MC}}: *Cough*
{{MC}}: We aren’t looking for a handout from LFG. We need an ideal blueprint.
{{MC}}: We’ll tell LFG that we will be the most innovative studio once we get the investment!
Anna: Is this what he told you?
{{MC}}: …That’s right. We’ll need to figure out how to achieve this in the proposed timeframe.
{{MC}}: And really… this is our goal anyway.
Anna: So, what’s crucial is to prove that we have what it takes to make the most innovative shows.
{{MC}}: Exactly! And our revamped Miracle Finder and the City News features show that.
Anna: But these shows themselves are non-mainstream. It’s easier to try new things there.
Anna: For a more traditional show like the music variety show we did, there’s not much room for innovation…
{{MC}}: When you put it that way… yeah.
Anna: How can we show that we can make the most common, or so to speak, the most boring program creative?
Kiki: But there’s also a limit to the kinds of shows we’d get assigned! Those shows would never reach out to us anyway.
{{MC}}: …What if it’s a show we made ourselves?
Anna: No funding, no channel, how?…
{{MC}}: An… online show? Kiki, don’t you know several online bloggers?
{{MC}}: How about we make a show with a limited budget and put it online?
Kiki: Sounds doable! It costs much less to make an online video.
{{MC}}: Then let’s do it.
Anna: … For real you guys?
Anna: Alright then. Common topics. Travel, food, sports, nightlife… If we have to limit costs… then that leaves…
{{MC}}: Food!
I don’t know why, but talking about food instantly makes me think of what Kiro said that night.
Kiro: Such good pudding! This is pudding from Souvenir! How did you manage to buy it?!
Kiro: Next time, let me take you to Souvenir. I am the boss’s biggest fan!
Anna: What interesting idea are you cooking up now? Look at that silly grin on your face.
{{MC}}: I think there’s a place that we could pay a visit to.
Half an hour later
Anna: Are you sure it’s Souvenir? I can’t find it!
{{MC}}: It should be right… Keep searching. Maybe there’s not a lot of info online about it.
Kiki: Ah! Here!… On this app that it looks like nobody ever uses.
Kiki handed her phone to me. There are barely 10 comments for Souvenir. And they seem very middling…
{{MC}}: However, all the comments, negative ones included, agree that the food itself is delicious.
Kiki: So why did they give a negative comment?
{{MC}}: Because… quote, “If you don’t want to do business, then don’t open a restaurant!”
{{MC}}: Quote, “What an arrogant boss! You think you’re the CEO of LFG or something?”…
{{MC}}: ??
{{MC}}: Does everyone know about Victor’s temper?
I quietly upvoted this comment.
Kiki: In the comment details, flavor gets an average of 4 stars, whereas everything else is 1 star.
{{MC}}: Um… Seems quite tricky…
Anna: Sounds risky…
{{MC}}: Let’s make it plan B… Perhaps there are more appropriate choices.
So, the boss nobody likes is Kiro’s idol.
The idol of the idol to thousands is hated by every customer…
Should I ask Kiro’s opinion?
I send Kiro a message.
{{MC}}: If I want to shoot a program about Souvenir, will you give me some suggestions?
(Lucien’s Phone Call: Daily Mission)
[Main Story 4-5]
Over the next few days, I searched around Loveland City for appropriate food material.
The only Michelin 3-star restaurant in Loveland.
{{MC}}: Um… The food is great, but it’s a little too elegant for wide appeal.
Internet-famous food street in Flower Fair.
{{MC}}: Hey! Hey! Stop pushing me! That’s me! I’m #399!
{{MC}}: Though popular online, the flavor is just so-so… And it’s been done already.
Secret Cuisine of Miss Z
{{MC}}: A very unique name, but the food… is actually pretty plain…
Century Time-honored Brand: Authentic Chongqing Hotpot.
{{MC}}: Hotpot… Hotpot… Hmm… Could we make a unique show around hotpot?
Late night. Home.
{{MC}}: Ahhhhh! I’ve gained 5 pounds!
I desperately sunk into my bed.
After eating so much, my taste buds were burnt out.
But what’s really sad is I still have no show ideas…
Though a food show is easy to make, to make such an old topic creative and popular is not so easy.
I began to fret over the 10 GB of food video files I’d amassed.
{{MC}}: Souvenir…
{{MC}}: That place… Hmm… Still kind of a long shot…
Despite my misgivings, I went to the address that Kiro gave me.
Supreme Dessert District… that should be where the dessert brand Sweet Desire’s headquarters is located…
Go down Sakura Bun Avenue. Turn at the Kobe beef place. Ah, is it this one?… Across from Lemon Milktea…
{{MC}}: Um? Is there a restaurant here?
Following a special Loveland Food Map Kiro had made, I came to the legendary Souvenir.
However, this small storefront, except for the closed door, has no sign indicating if it’s the place or not.
“It’s closed more often than not.” Looks like the comments online got this point right.
I look inside. It indeed looks like a tiny restaurant…
In the following days, I constantly paid a visit to this strange shop to see if it would be open.
{{MC}}: It’s the fifth day in a row… how could it still be closed?
I looked into the window and saw nobody.
{{MC}}: Did I get it wrong? Are there other tea stores on this street? Or another beef shop?…
{{MC}}: Should I ask Kiro once more…?
As I took out my phone, I caught the reflection of an elderly man in the window.
With fresh ingredients in his hands, he looked at me with a smile.
{{MC}}: (Making way) Hello? Are you going in?
Grandpa: Yes, thanks.
{{MC}}: !!!
{{MC}}: So are you the legendary boss?
{{MC}}: Finally, I found you! I’m so thrilled!
{{MC}}: Ah! Forgive me. I’m {{mc}}, a producer at Miracle Company. (Gives name card)
Grandpa: (Smiling) Hi, I’m Mills, the waiter at Souvenir. The boss isn’t here.
{{MC}}: Ah, Mr. Mills, very nice to meet you!
Mr. Mills: Please come in. It seems you’re our first customer today.
{{MC}}: Thank you.
There are only two tables in the restaurant. Seems they only offer a very limited amount of food.
Green plants, sunlight, floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s not big, but clearly upscale and tasteful.
The legendary annoying shop owner seems to have quite good taste…
Mr. Mills: Please have a seat. Anything to drink? Black tea is recommended in the morning.
{{MC}}: Thank you. I’m a producer, and I wonder if Souvenir would be interested in filming?
{{MC}}: I think making a show about this place would be pretty interesting!
Mr. Mills: Uhh… (with an apologetic look) The boss doesn’t like attracting too much attention.
{{MC}}: Leaving out the restaurants name and details wouldn’t be a problem!
Mr. Mills: Sorry, I have other duties to attend to. Excuse me.
{{MC}}: Hmm… Alright.
I should wait and ask this mysterious boss. After all, Mr. Mills is just a waiter here.
{{MC}}: Oh, yeah!
{{MC}}: I almost forgot. I should tell Kiro that his favorite secret restaurant is opened.
Just as I take out my phone to tell him, I get a call from him.
Kiro: Breaking news! Souvenir is open!
{{MC}}: That’s what I was about to tell you! I’m here right now. I met Mr. Mills on his way in.
Kiro: What? Save a seat for me. I’ll be there right away!
{{MC}}: No problem. See you later.
I sat in the restaurant, preparing what I would say to the boss.
Before long, Mr. Mills came back with an apologetic expression on his face.
Mr. Mills: I’m sorry, Miss {{mc}}, but you have to leave.
{{MC}}: Ah? Leave?
Mr. Mills: The boss doesn’t want you here.
{{MC}}: What? Can’t I stay here as a customer?
Mr. Mills: He said, “I have the right to choose my customers. Anyone not coming here for food is not welcomed.”
Mr. Mills: I’m really sorry!
{{MC}}: …
They would really do that?!
But to the polite and respectful Mr. Mills, I just didn’t know what to say.
{{MC}}: …Okay.
I seem to understand why this place got all those negative comments.
It’s not a restaurant. It’s a kingdom ruled by a tyrant!
(Gavin’s Phone Call: Daily Frustation)
[Main Story 4-6]
I stood outside of the place, looking back at it angrily.
{{MC}}: Forget it. That at least helped me rule out an option.
Then, someone tapped on my shoulder from behind.
I turned back and saw a pair of beaming eyes.
{{MC}}: How did you get here so fast!
Kiro: (Looking around) Shhh! Let’s talk inside!
{{MC}}: Huh? No… Wait…
But before I could say anything, Kiro dragged me inside.
Mr. Mills: Welcome! (Upon seeing me) Uhh…
How embarrassing…
{{MC}}: Hey… Uhh… Yeah…
Kiro: Mr. Mills. Allow me to introduce you, this is my best friend, {{mc}}.
Kiro: She makes such good pudding. It tastes just like the boss’s! Isn’t that something?
Kiro: So I thought, I have to take her here!
All I could do was give Mr. Mills an embarrassed smile.
…If I tell him I was just kicked out, it would be really… embarrassing…
Mr. Mills’ smile also froze. He looked at Kiro, then at me.
…Guess I’ll come out and say it.
Do nothing. Let it play out.
{{MC}}: Kiro, actually…
Before I could finish, Kiro interrupted me.
I averted my gaze from Mr. Mills and pretended like nothing happened.
Kiro: Oh, right. They don’t allow you to bring cameras in here. Did you bring one, {{mc}}?
I looked at Kiro, and he winked back.
He seemed to know something.
{{MC}}: Yes…
Kiro: Then let’s give it to Mr. Mills for safekeeping? It’s all about the food here.
{{MC}}: Um, yeah.
I took out my phone and handed it over guiltily.
Mr. Mills looked at me, then at Kiro.
Mr. Mills: (Taking the phone) Very well. Please sit and wait a moment.
{{MC}}: Thank you.
I looked at Kiro with gratitude and relief.
{{MC}}: Thank you for helping out.
I always feel like nobody can say no to Kiro.
Suddenly, I remembered the day when we were shooting the show.
When time was stopped, he could still look around.
Victor said he’s an Evolver. Could that be true?
Kiro waved his hands in front of my eyes.
Kiro: Hello?
{{MC}}: Oh, it’s nothing.
I smiled at Kiro.
Kiro: Hmm…?
He drew close with suspicion. At that moment, I felt he could see straight into my thoughts.
Kiro: So {{mc}} likes daydreaming too.
{{MC}}: Ah… maybe a little, haha…
I was relieved that Kiro didn’t press the issue further.
Kiro looks straightforward and simple, but could he have a lot more going on under the surface?
Kiro: You must have starting asking about filming as soon as you walked in, right?
{{MC}}: You are right again…
Kiro: Because I know you.
Kiro gave me a smile. I couldn’t help blushing.
{{MC}}: Is Mr. Mills talking to his boss? Will I get kicked out a second time…
Kiro looked in the direction of the kitchen, then drew near and whispered.
Kiro: If the boss refuses… I can take you somewhere else.
I nodded and laughed with Kiro.
Before long, Mr. Mills came out.
Mr. Mills: Here is your camera. I hope you will enjoy your meal.
{{MC}}: (Grateful) Thanks!
A while later, the food was served.
Kiro: The boss always makes sure the food is served at just the right temperature. Let’s dig in.
{{MC}}: Mmm…
As I took a bite of the food, all the previous unpleasantness melted away.
Kiro looked at me expectantly.
Kiro: So, what do you think?
{{MC}}: This! This flavor!
{{MC}}: What is it!? Oh my god!
Looking at me, Kiro laughed loudly.
As more dishes were served, Kiro and I didn’t find time to talk.
Juicy and succulent shrimp that’s retained the flavor of a sea breeze in summer.
Tilapia that melts instantly on the tongue and leaves an impressive aroma.
Verdant bamboo shoots made even more refreshing and crisp with a few drops of oil…
After destroying my palate over the previous days’ binge, I had forgotten what true flavor was.
Now my taste buds are saved.
Thank goodness this place has poor service, or else there would be a line around the block!
[Main Story 4-9]
I carefully spooned the final bite of parfait. Kiro, empty parfait cup in hand, eyed me eagerly.
{{MC}}: Ah–
Kiro: Ah…
With Kiro jealously watching, I finished the last bite.
{{MC}}: Hmm… Superb!
Kiro: Mr. Mills, will there be afternoon tea today? And dinner?
Mr. Mills: Sorry, we are preparing to close.
{{MC}}: Are we the only guests today?
Mr. Mills: Yes. Was the food satisfactory?
{{MC}}: It was beyond satisfactory!
We ate every last bite and my belly was just comfortably full.
{{MC}}: So, will there be pudding today?
I was curious about the pudding Kiro talked about.
Pudding made by the boss must be amazing! Why did Kiro say it tastes like what I made?
Mr. Mills: There is no pudding on today’s menu.
Kiro: The menu here is decided only by the boss. We’ll just have to hope for next time.
{{MC}}: Oh… Okay. This meal was just too perfect. Mr. Mills, can you give my compliments to the boss?
Kiro: And mine!
Mr. Mills: So, are you ready to settle the bill? We are preparing to close.
Mr. Mills handed us each a bill.
Kiro signed his name without even looking at it.
I snuck a peek at his bill and was surprised by all the zeros.
What a luxurious meal! Luckily I didn’t forget to take my credit card…
But when I looked at my bill, I was completely baffled.
{{MC}}: “Stay to clean the kitchen.” What does that mean?
{{MC}}: Can you write a bill like that?
Mr. Mills: It’s the rule in our shop. Every bill is set by the boss himself.
I thought of the comments on the app. If you don’t pay as asked, you face horrible punishment…
What a lousy, lazy, little despot. Could he be an underworld king who likes cooking?
Then a muscular dude with arm tattoos and facial scars, wearing an apron and holding a spatula appeared in my mind.
Yikes… how horrible.
Kiro: Let me take me a look… Wow.
Kiro got a jealous look on his face.
Kiro: I wanna go too. Hey {{mc}}, will you let me clean the kitchen with you?
{{MC}}: Do you like cleaning stuff?
Kiro: Sounds interesting.
Kiro: Will we get to see the boss in the kitchen?
I didn’t expect Kiro would be so psyched for this.
Although… If we get to see the boss, perhaps I would have another shot to bring up the show.
After all, I’ve already finished the meal. There’s nothing to regret even if I do get kicked out.
Mr. Mills: Then, are you ready?
{{MC}}: Yes… No problem. Please show us the way.
Obviously, Kiro was the more excited one, but just when he stood up, his phone rang.
And when he saw the name on the screen, his face changed.
Kiro: Hmm… Yes… Okay, okay… I got it.
Kiro: (Sadly hangs up the phone) I gotta go, {{mc}}.
Kiro: Tell me if you see the boss.
{{MC}}: Sure. I’ll ask for his signature even if it gets me kicked out a second time.
Kiro: (Laughing) Thank you.
To make Kiro laugh, that’s worth it even if I was about to meet a mob boss.
After parting with Kiro, I followed Mr. Mills to the kitchen of Souvenir.
The place that meal was made… Though it’s only my first time coming here, I feel almost like a pilgrim.
Warm sunshine poured in through windows, making the kitchen glisten even more.
The kitchen is more spacious than the dining area. I’m supposed to clean it, but it’s actually very tidy already.
Nobody is here. Seems the boss has gone home.
{{MC}}: Okay, let’s start cleaning.
When I’m rolling up my sleeves getting ready to work, the oven timer suddenly dings.
{{MC}}: Yikes? Is there something inside…
{{MC}}: It’s pudding. Did the boss forget it?
I took it out.
{{MC}}: I’m eating it already in my imagination…
No, I can’t do that.
I overcame my evil desire and started cleaning the kitchen.
After that was done, I also watered the green plants on the windowsill. I looked around, still nobody.
I left a note under the pudding.
Slip: To Souvenir’s Boss: Thanks a lot for catering to a guest who came not just for the food!
Slip: I’m deeply moved by your food, and I really wish to let more people know about it.
Slip: Should it please you, contact me! And, your other fan Kiro sends greetings.
I left my phone number, e-mail, and after pondering a while, my social media handles, and the company’s contact info too.
That’ll do.
[Main Story 4-11]
{{MC}}: Job well done!
LFG Staff: I’ll submit the due diligence report to the company as soon as possible and give you a copy. Good day.
{{MC}}: Thanks!
Anna: Not surprisingly from a business standpoint, LFG really cares about our broad, consumer-facing productions.
Anna: We’ve got several plans for the food show. We need to get on that so it can be put online before the board meeting.
{{MC}}: Mm. It’ll have a direct impact on how LFG evaluates our capability as a business.
Anna: Did you read the plans? I like Celebrity & Cuisine by Willow. It’s got an interesting angle and will surely go viral.
{{MC}}: I… I actually still prefer Souvenir.
Anna: Did the boss accept your offer?
{{MC}}: No… And I’ve paid several visits there recently with my project proposal, but it’s never open…
Anna: You wrote up the proposal already?!
{{MC}}: Uh-huh.
Anna: When did you have time for that?! Didn’t you agree to give that report to Victor? Is that done?
{{MC}}: …Almost…
Anna: Oh god…
{{MC}}: I know, I know. I will do it.
Like Souvenir, even if you have the best food, without appropriate management, you won’t get popular.
If I want to keep this studio going, I can’t just focus on making shows all the time.
Even I understand that…
Anna: So about the food show, should I tell Willow to get started?
{{MC}}: (Dejectedly) Yeah…
Two days later, I came to LFG to do the mock report for Victor.
Not long after I started, I was interrupted.
Victor: You took this long to prepare a report like this?
{{MC}}: Is there a problem?
Victor: I think the board has better things to do.
I felt my heart fall heavy instantly.
Victor: If you are not taking this seriously, then don’t waste others’ time.
Victor: Compared to running a studio, you seem more at home on a film set.
{{MC}}: I…
Victor: If I said something wrong, by all means defend yourself.
Though he’s always looked down on me, this is the first time I’ve met with such cold indifference.
It’s not criticism. It’s complete denial.
It was a bitter feeling to swallow, but I remained silent.
Because he’s right…
I’ve devoted too much time to planning shows. As the head of the studio, I didn’t do what I should be doing.
{{MC}}: Thanks for your time… I’ll do more to prepare going forward.
Victor: The board will listen to your report, but I will not be there.
Victor: Now, you can go.
He didn’t give me a second glance.
{{MC}}: I’ll try my best on the report.
I trudged out of the office.
The feeling of regret and self-accusation weighed so heavily that I could barely breathe.
I would break down crying if I stayed here any longer…
But not until I got in the taxi did I find I had left my notebook in Victor’s office…
{{MC}}: It’s too embarrassing to go back…
I thought some more… it has the plans for the food show, the board report, and some meeting notes.
Can’t do the food show, failed the work report… now I even lose my notebook…
That report just has to succeed…
I’ve really let myself get sidetracked too much these past few days.
I’ve forgotten that Miracle Company is on the verge of bankruptcy.
In the depths of depression, I got a message on my phone.
Strange Number: You may film here.
You may film here? A message from a stranger. Is that some guest for a show?
But it says “here”…
{{MC}}: Holy moly, Souvenir!
When it suddenly dawned on me, I almost jumped up right inside the car.
I immediately sent a big string of replies.
{{MC}}: Souvenir’s boss? You’ve saved the day for me!!
{{MC}}: When is convenient for you? I’ll return with a detailed show plan!
It’s so great that I can make a show about Souvenir!
{{MC}}: Oh– but I still have to redo that report for the board.
{{MC}}: I can definitely do this!
Unable to hold back a smile, I read the message several times and carefully added him to my contacts.
[Main Story 4-13]
Two days later, I brought a cameraman and director to Souvenir as scheduled.
Mr. Mills was already there to welcome us.
Mr. Mills: {{mc}}, we meet again. I didn’t expect I would see the day that a camera is allowed in Souvenir.
{{MC}}: Thanks for helping us. Is the boss not here today?
Mr. Mills: Yes… I’ll be doing the interview today. Is that alright?
{{MC}}: Of course. Let’s begin.
This boss really knows how to keep a low profile.
I sat aside, recollecting my thoughts about the work report.
Scenarist: Mr. Mills, when did you start working at Souvenir?
Mr. Mills: Two years ago. When I happened to pass by, I was attracted by an aroma of wine.
Mr. Mills: I didn’t have any money on me back then. Luckily, I knew a thing or two about fine dining, so I was hired.
{{MC}}: Oh? Is that the payment that was asked of you?
Mr. Mills: (Nodding with a smile) Exactly.
Scenarist: You’ve worked here for 2 years to pay for a meal?!
Mr. Mills: (Laughing) A fair deal.
The director and cameraman both gasped in unison.
Mr. Mills: … Once last year, in front of the shop, we put cherry and corn crepes out as an offering to the neighbors.
Mr. Mills: But the people around here dislike the boss. Only some cute sparrows and one vagabond tried the crepes.
Mr. Mills: My boss was not happy that day. He asked the vagabond to pay for his food.
Scenarist: Ah? How much could a homeless guy pay?
Mr. Mills: We packed up 2 big boxes of cherry corn crepes and ordered him to take them away.
Scenarist: So that’s the bosses idea of payment?!
As I heard Mr. Mills depicting the scene that day, I couldn’t help laughing out.
The interview went smoothly.
Mr. Mills: (Walking out from the kitchen) This is a small “souvenir” we’ve prepared. Please accept.
{{MC}}: Thanks… Do we have to pay for it?
Mr. Mills: The bill for it is, please taste it very earnestly. I’ll go now.
{{MC}}: Thank you.
It’s freshly made… It means the boss was here today?
After hearing so many interesting things about Souvenir, my interest in the boss kept growing.
Sounds like he’s not some capricious, domineering boss, but a genuinely interesting person.
Go check out the kitchen.
The boss could be anybody…
I tip-toed toward the kitchen following the path I took with Mr. Mills last time.
The afternoon sunlight was dazzling. The glare from the glass door blinded my eyes for an instant.
Mr. Mills is leaving, and nobody is watching.
Now’s my best chance to find out.
I tip-toed toward the kitchen following the path I took with Mr. Mills last time.
The afternoon sunlight was dazzling. The glare from the glass door blinded my eyes for an instant.
By the time my eyes adjusted, I could only catch a tall figure leaving.
His silhouette somehow seemed familiar…
Though I didn’t get a clear look.
In the glare of the sun, the figure seemed tall and clean-cut.
The empty kitchen was clean and quiet. Nothing was left in the oven this time.
I watered the plants on the windowsill and went home.
The first thing I did when I got home was open the gift from Souvenir’s boss.
Since the last time I tasted the food from Souvenir, the flavor has lingered in my mind.
{{MC}}: Ah… pudding.
The pudding was put in a small, delicate porcelain cup, with a thin frosting of caramel.
The pudding I have been tantalized by these past few days is now in my hands! What a surprise.
{{MC}}: Thank you, boss.
I scooped up a spoon of pudding and stuffed it into my mouth.
As the aroma of pudding spread on my taste buds, deep in my memory, a door seemed to be pushed gently open.
What a warm, familiar flavor, buried deep in my memory.
Suddenly, something dawns on me.
All these years, I’ve been making puddings just to find this flavor…
I put down the spoon and impulsively ran out the door.
At that moment, the light was still on in Souvenir.
Before Victor, there was a bowl unbefitting of Souvenir’s decor. It had a small cartoon chick printed on it.
Victor, seemingly waiting for something, took one more look at the clock.
Then he laughed, somewhat self-deprecatingly.
Victor: What am I thinking… How could it be her…
He stood up, turned off the light, and left.
[Main Story 4-16]
When I realized what I was doing, I was at the door of Souvenir.
{{MC}}: What am I doing… It’s so late. No one will be here.
Then the door opened just at that moment.
Victor walked out of the door, and when he saw me, he stopped.
I never thought I would meet him here. I was dumbfounded.
The last time we met was in his CEO’s office, getting criticized by him…
The wind blew and the chimes on the door let out a brisk ring.
The ringing seemed to be knocking at the door of my heart.
Say Hello
Ask why he’s here
{{MC}}: Hi, Victor.
Victor: Mm.
“Mm”? That’s all?
{{MC}}: You… You’re a patron of Souvenir too?
Victor: No.
{{MC}}: You… You’re a patron of Souvenir too?
Victor: No.
{{MC}}: So you’re here…?
Victor didn’t answer.
Hmm… How embarrassing… Say something…
{{MC}}: Souvenir is really great. You really should have a try next time.
Victor: Great? Don’t you find it gimmicky?
{{MC}}: Not at all!
{{MC}}: I’ve eaten here. It’s basically the best thing I’ve had in my 22-year life!
{{MC}}: And the boss is super-low-key…
Good old Victor, making you angry as soon as he opens his mouth.
Seeing as I was trying so hard to defend the boss, Victor’s mouth curved into a seeming smile.
I was momentarily stunned.
He lifted up his hand like he wanted to hide something and started shifting his eyes around.
Victor: Low-key? And he’s still letting you shoot here?
{{MC}}: ?
{{MC}}: How did you know I was filming here?
Victor: …
Why did he go silent again?
Why is it that when he stops talking, it’s me who feel embarrassed?
While I hesitated, pondering over what to say next, Victor spoke suddenly.
Victor: What do you think tastes so good here?
{{MC}}: (Answering unthinkingly) Pudding.
Victor: …
He turned to look at me again with a wordless, serious expression.
The moonlight in the late night lit up the street, very gently.
In the calm summer night, you could hear the cicadas singing from time to time in the cool air.
Out of the blue, I felt my heart stop beating suddenly.
Victor: …Idiot.
Victor walked toward me.
{{MC}}: Huh?
He came close, with a faint, caramel-like, bitter-sweet smell on his body.
Victor: Let me give you a ride home.
I blinked and looked at him. He patted my head gently.
Victor: Let’s go.
I followed behind him, baffled.
{{MC}}: …Okay.
I have no idea why I’m so tame.
Maybe it’s the way his expression is barely discernible in the gentle moonlight, appearing so tender.
Perhaps it’s the summer breeze and the cicadas singing too loudly, that just tugs at your heartstrings.
Victor walked with me in the moonlit alley, like we were walking into a whole new world.
For an instant, I wished that the road had no end.
As I thought that, the world went all quiet.
The stars stopped twinkling. The trees stopped swaying.
I inadvertently turned to look at Victor. He didn’t stop his pace.
…Why did he stop time?
Does he want to stay in this gentle night longer and extend our walk, just like me?
I thought of the dream where time stopped and the boy I met in it.
I snuck a peek at Victor. I wanted to see his expression at this moment.
When I finally realized what was a little off, I was already home.
Why did I go to Souvenir?… Why did I return after I met Victor?
{{MC}}: Am I an idiot?
Thinking of the sight of me following Victor home obediently, I buried my head under my quilt.
After a while, I shyly emerged from my quilt cocoon.
{{MC}}: I was going to ask Souvenir’s boss about the pudding…
{{MC}}: I didn’t expect to run into Victor…
{{MC}}: …so how could Victor turn up there just then?
The figure I saw tonight… The figure I saw in the kitchen this afternoon… The smell of caramel on Victor…
When I visited Kiro on set last time, it was also nearby Souvenir, and I also happened to run into Victor…
In a flash, I thought of an impossible possibility.
{{MC}}: No?!!
I reflexively covered my mouth with my eyes wide open.
{{MC}}: (Murmur) No way…
[Main Story 4-18]
The Dictator of a Fine Dining Empire!
The show about Souvenir was a hit after it aired!
As I watched the number of shares and comments soar, my heart was filled with a sense of achievement.
Looks like I’m getting the hang of making shows.
But, the board report… tomorrow…
Thinking of that, all the delight was gone instantly.
The report material in my hand gave me no confidence at all.
Though I’ve been preparing seriously these few days, the criticism of Victor that day keeps hovering in my mind.
When it rains it pours. Someone seems to be moving in next door. I keep hearing the noise of furniture being dragged.
{{MC}}: Cannot focus…
{{MC}}: I’d like to time travel to the day after tomorrow when I’ve finished the report…
Then, the doorbell rang.
{{MC}}: Hello–Lucien?!
I opened the door. It turned out to be Lucien.
The expression on his face was just as surprised. He seemed unaware this was my apartment.
Lucien: {{mc}}, you live here?
{{MC}}: What brings you here?
Lucien: (Smile) Saying hello to my new neighbor.
{{MC}}: That’s you moving in next door?
Lucien: Yes. What a coincidence.
{{MC}}: Inconceivable. What are the odds…
Lucien: No matter how small the chance, I guess it happens.
{{MC}}: Like Murphy’s Law.
Lucien: When unlikely events like this happen, it gives people a feeling that fate is real, right?
{{MC}}: Hmm, yeah…
Lucien’s smile made me a bit shy.
{{MC}}: Come in.
{{MC}}: The work keeps piling up. I’m sorry that my home is a bit messy.
Lucien: I heard about it. Still working on the investment thing?
{{MC}}: Uh-huh… (Laughing) Tomorrow is the meeting with the board at LFG.
{{MC}}: The fate of our investment will totally depend on my report tomorrow…
Lucien: You seem unsure.
{{MC}}: Far worse than that, I’m practically terrified…
Hearing that, Lucien couldn’t help laughing.
{{MC}}: Professor Lucien, stop laughing!
Lucien: I can’t help it.
{{MC}}: I don’t want to prepare anymore. But if I stop, I’ll only feel more anxious…
Lucien: You do have to prepare, but…
{{MC}}: What?
Lucien: But, what you should prepare is courage and confidence.
{{MC}}: I know, I know…
Lucien: This board report, just think of it as a live show, in front of the board.
Lucien: I’m sure that you’ve made an exhaustive plan for the show.
Lucien: So perhaps your only concern is a lack of confidence, stemming from inexperience at live performance.
Lucien’s comparison somehow makes me feel a little more confident about the board report.
{{MC}}: I guess so. How did I never see it like that…
{{MC}}: So this is basically just an episode of “Bankrupt Company Comeback”.
{{MC}}: (Eyes shine) I know what to do now!
Lucien: Good luck.
{{MC}}: Thank you, Lucien. You’re like my life coach!
It’s so nice to have a friend like you.
(Victor’s Text: Victor’s Reminder)
[Main Story 4-20]
The next day. LFG Board Meeting.
I’m in a suit, standing in the corner of the meeting room, trying to maintain a smile.
Why… are there so many people here?!
I’ve never seen so many old men in suits, their faces shrouded in skepticism.
Do you really need so many board members to scrutinize an investment like ours?
Seriously, shouldn’t they have a bigger project to concern themselves with? We should just be an appetizer…
I stopped Goldman as he passed by.
{{MC}}: Goldman, is this the right place for our investment application report?
Goldman: Hmm. Scared? Actually, it’s the third time I’ve seen a meeting this large.
{{MC}}: (Face turning pale) But it’s only an investment of 50 million? Why the big to-do?
Goldman: 50 million? It’s 500!
{{MC}}: What?
Goldman: The CEO has earmarked 500 million for Miracle Company. Why else do you think this many board members have showed up?
500 million?! Five. Hundred. Million? That’s 1, 2, 3… 8 zeroes!
I was so shocked my face went blank.
Is this some kind of prank from Victor? No, not a prank. He’s trying to kill me!
{{MC}}: Are… you sure there’s no mistake?
Goldman: Oh, there’s a mistake, the fact that you came here at all today.
Goldman: Even if you pass this, considering the state of your company, LFG will send a professional management consultant to take over leadership of Miracle Company.
Goldman: Which means your studio will no longer be yours…
{{MC}}: Wait. Management consultant?
Goldman: Yeah… We are talking about 500 million! Any problem with that?
{{MC}}: No, no.
Not only do I not have a problem with that, I’m quite contented actually.
Professional management consultant… Isn’t that what I’ve been longing for?
As I was thinking about all this, a familiar figure appeared in front of me.
Victor: The look on your face as I came in, made me think we could just call off the board meeting.
He said he wouldn’t come, but here he is.
Suited up, poker-faced, looking like a humorless tyrant.
The man I met that night couldn’t be him.
There is no softness in this man at all.
Victor: It’s not too late if you want to give up.
He couldn’t be the boss of Souvenir, right?
How can a man like this make pudding like that?
{{MC}}: Then I guess I’ll have to disappoint you.
Victor: Really? Disappoint me? A person that can’t even remember her own notebook?
In his hand is the very notebook I lost that day…
{{MC}}: My notebook!
Victor: Such sloppy penmanship…
{{MC}}: (Grabbing it back) You read my notebook?
Victor: I accidentally glanced at it.
Victor: And it’s almost as bad as I imagined.
{{MC}}: That was just a warm-up that day. Today I’m serious!
{{MC}}: Just you watch!
I turned around and walked toward the podium, head held high.
He dares to look down at me. I just have to show him up.
Looking at the back of the girl, Victor smiled gently.
Several days prior. LFG’s CEO’s office.
After the girl dejectedly left the office, Victor’s expression grew even icier.
Victor: This idiot. Just walks away without putting up any defense.
He took out his phone, found {{mc}}’s number, and tapped on the message button. The cursor blinked for a while.
He turned his phone off again.
Victor stood up in irritation, then he saw the notebook.
There was the poor work report she just made, miscellaneous scribbles and notes, and an exhaustive plan for a show about Souvenir.
Victor went through the whole plan carefully.
Victor: Really… This close to the meeting, and she’s still working on this.
At the end of the plan, there were some cute pencil doodles.
A girl with shoulder-length hair looking starry-eyed at a parfait cup.
He hesitated awhile, then took out another phone and typed “You may film here”.
He regretted having sent it immediately.
While he tried to recall it– Deet doot!– a reply came!!
{{MC}}: Souvenir’s boss? You’ve saved the day for me!!
{{MC}}: When is convenient for you? I’ll return with a detailed show plan!
Victor frowned, letting out an expression of helplessness.
Victor: …Too late…
Yet his lips curved into a smile.
[Main Story 4-21]
As Lucien went about unpacking everything, the TV was on, tuned to the show about Souvenir.
After blowing up online, it was picked up to be aired on TV too.
He took a sip of tea and let out a smile while watching the noisy show.
He typed out a message.
Lucien: I’ve got everything unpacked. So after today’s report, how about dinner in my new home?
A wind blew in through the window, flipping the pages of an investment agreement on the coffee table.
A huge investment targeting a research project about Evol stimulation and gene transfer.
And the investor’s signature on the agreement, was Victor’s.
The world is a cruel arena. Evolve or get eliminated.
Even though Gavin had told me about the assassination incident, that cruel world is still a long way away from me.
Afterwards, I often thought back on that time.
At that time, we had just met, and the story had just begun.
At that time, I had no idea what lay behind that glittering memory–
The cruel fact that would make my world collapse.