Game Developer in the World of Anime

Everyone turned toward the entrance—and sure enough, Haruno walked in, smiling brightly.

Behind her was Yukino, carrying a cat carrier.

"Yukino!!"

Eriri didn't expect to see Yukino and immediately jumped up, running over with excitement and throwing her arms around the slightly shy girl.

With Eriri hugging her tightly, Yukino naturally turned red in the face.

"Eriri, let go—everyone's watching..."

"Hehehe, I'm just so happy! I didn't see you at all today."

Letting go, Eriri beamed and asked, "When did you get back?"

"Yesterday."

As soon as she said it, Yukino's expression turned a little pained. "I really don't want to spend New Year's like that ever again."

Haruno heard that and turned around with a teasing smile. "Yukino, this time you were just tagging along. If it were the old days, Mom would've already arranged a matchmaking meeting for you."

"I know, you don't have to say it," Yukino shot her sister a side glance.

Haruno walked over to the cat tower and opened the carrier to release her two cats.

In an instant, the number of cats in the office doubled from two to four. The room became lively and noisy, especially since it was the first day back at work—everyone was still in holiday mode. Soon, a bunch of staff gathered around for a good session of cat cuddling.

Meanwhile, Haruno made her way over to Aoba and Shinoda. She looked at the group of girls and said, "I think I heard someone say my name just now when I walked in. What were you guys talking about?"

Shinoda explained they were just discussing party events.

"Ahh, parties..."

Haruno tapped her chin with a graceful finger and smiled. "Like Eriri said, most of them aren't very interesting. They're just places where families meet to talk business, discuss potential investments, and look for collaborations. If the parents bring their kids, it usually splits into two zones after it starts—adults on one side, young people on the other."

Shinoda's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Haruno-senpai, did you ever see any handsome guys at those parties? Or celebrities?"

"Handsome guys? Celebs?"

Haruno tilted her head, thinking. "There were a few lookers, sure, but honestly? Not that exciting. Most of the smart guys around my age are already studying abroad. At the recent events, there really weren't many people I could even talk to."

"As for celebrities, yeah, there were a few—both male and female. What, you want autographs?" She grinned, then added seriously, "Just a heads up though, that circle is messy. If you can avoid getting involved, you probably should."

This company was one Haruno and Yukino had invested in, so technically they were insiders. And while Haruno was full of chaotic energy, she would never do anything to sabotage her own interests—or her sister's circle of friends.

Doing anything shady behind Yukino's back would absolutely blow up in her face. Better to behave.

"Messy?"

Shinoda leaned in closer, even more curious. "What kind of messy? Come on, give me the details. I'm just nosy, I'm not actually gonna go chasing anyone."

Haruno didn't mind sharing a few juicy stories. While she had no interest in getting involved with the entertainment industry herself, she did know some behind-the-scenes gossip thanks to her social network.

Of course, she wasn't about to drop real names—just pseudonyms. If any of it got confirmed by tabloids in the future, that was none of her concern.

And just like that, Haruno found herself surrounded. More and more girls gathered around her, eager for some celebrity tea.

She told them about actors and actresses who got too into their roles and started dating during filming—only to break up before the media even found out. Or male idols two-timing (or three-timing) their partners, all while maintaining their clean public image.

Even though Haruno wasn't part of the industry, her insights were so spicy and well-connected that it felt like insider knowledge.

She never gave real names, but everyone listening was still feasting on the gossip.

Ichin, who had gone to get some coffee, returned to find a whole crowd gathered near the art team's area.

Not only was Utaha there—who already had a keen interest in gossip—but even the normally shy Hifumi was blushing while listening intently.

Hazuki hadn't joined the crowd. She came over with her own coffee and whispered to Ichin, "Not going to listen? Haruno's gossip is actually kinda interesting."

"I'm not that into gossip," Ichin replied, shaking his head and heading for his office. "Hazuki, once Haruno finishes, ask the two sisters to come see me."

"Got it."

About fifteen minutes later, Haruno finally walked into the office—with Yukino in tow.

"Hellooo~ Ichin-kun~~ You called for us?" she said with a cheerful grin.

"Of course. This is company business, and it does involve both of you."

Ichin gestured toward the chairs across from his desk and handed them each a printed report.

"Here, take a look. This is last year's revenue report. Since you two only invested recently, your profit shares are still relatively small, but next year's should look a lot better."

"Ohh, so that's what this is. You're giving it to us earlier than I expected."

Haruno raised an eyebrow in surprise and started flipping through the document.

"Hmmm~ Game development sure does burn through money. Even though the new title isn't out yet, the preorder numbers are way better than I imagined."

Between renting two studio spaces, paying staff, buying equipment, and all the other overhead—monthly expenses were significant.

Fortunately, Hollow Knight and Slay the Spire had strong sales, and the recent investment from the Yukinoshita sisters plus the upcoming Persona preorder surge made the financial report look much healthier.

Without those preorders, they'd have barely broken even.

Haruno skimmed through the report and quickly began contemplating further investment.

She was very aware of Persona's development progress, and Ichin's company clearly had enormous potential. Investing more now would almost certainly pay off.

Originally, she'd only invested to help Yukino feel more secure—but now, she was seriously thinking about making real money from it.

Doing a quick estimate of potential sales for the new game and planning out future development timelines, Haruno grew even more certain.

She would be increasing her investment.

*

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