On December 24th, the top three trending topics across social media and news networks were unusually consistent.
The hottest topic came from the National Meteorological Agency:
[1. Heavy Snow Incoming – Take Special Precautions!]
Much of Japan was being hit by the strongest cold front since the start of winter. The severe cold snap brought massive temperature drops and widespread snow.
Next was a controversial social news report from Ameba Prime, based on a documentary-style interview and widely believed to be true:
[2. Shocking! Real-Life Harem?! A Freeloader with Four Wives and Two Girlfriends!]
The title says it all. Ever since it was published, it had gone viral, getting tons of shares and comments.
Even in today's eccentric Japanese society, this kind of story was mind-blowing.
Chisato had also read this report. Unlike the average reader who viewed it as juicy gossip or took a moral stance, he felt a strange personal connection to the man being reported.
After all, their situations weren't entirely dissimilar…
So he figured, if things around him ever reached that point, he might be able to learn how to handle it from this guy's experience.
Having someone blaze the trail is always helpful.
With that thought in mind, Chisato spent several nights combing through comments line by line.
What surprised him was that, besides the malicious takes, there were also quite a few people showing support.
Many argued that as long as everyone involved was willing and no laws were broken, there was no need to make a big deal out of it—some even sent their blessings.
He didn't expect people to be this open-minded about it.
The more he read, the more amused he became, until eventually Utaha noticed.
She leaned over to check what he was reading, and after a thoughtful moment, quietly ducked back under the blanket.
Soon after, Chisato let out a soft breath and tossed his phone aside.
The wind outside was icy, but inside, it was as warm as spring…
And finally—
[3. Kesshoku Band's New Song Tops the Charts – Blazing Hot Response!]
On the afternoon of December 24th, after the majority of the new songs were released using the official account of Kesshoku Band and simultaneously published on major music platforms, Chisato led the entire company's staff in grand fashion to a restaurant for a Christmas dinner.
During the dinner, when Ikuyo walked over with a dazed expression, trembling slightly, and tugged on Chisato's sleeve to show him the screen of her phone—
Chisato too was momentarily stunned.
Less than two hours after the new song was released, the combined comments and reposts under the official account had already exceeded 100,000.
It was even climbing up the international music charts, welcoming a dream-like explosive launch.
Still in a daze, Chisato borrowed Ikuyo's phone, pulled Seika aside, handed it to her to look at, and asked, somewhat confused,
"Did the promotions start early?"
Now that they had their own company and had gone from amateur to professional, everything had to follow industry standards.
Because of that, for Kesshoku Band's new song release, as the boss behind the scenes, he had already prepared the funds in advance, planning to start paid promotions on various major platforms at the right time.
But he clearly remembered instructing that the promotional campaign was to officially begin tomorrow.
Otherwise, the new song exploding in popularity immediately upon release would seem unnatural.
It was Chisato's first time doing something like this, so he was still a bit reserved.
However, after looking through the content on the phone and hearing his question, Seika slowly lifted her head, suppressing her excitement, and said calmly,
"How could it have started early? You told me again and again that the campaign was to start tomorrow—there's no way I'd take action early without telling you."
Chisato was silent for a moment. He paced back and forth on the spot, then took the phone back and stared at the news feed on the screen.
"So, what you're saying is… this outcome was the result of spontaneous action by netizens and fans, without any external interference?"
Seika nodded slowly.
"Looks like it…"
"Seika-nee."
"Yeah?"
"Given the current situation, I might not be able to fulfill the promise I made to you anytime soon."
He was referring to giving her some time off.
But Seika didn't mind in the slightest. Rather, seeing how well the newly released song was performing, she not only felt surprised but also let out a long breath of relief.
Though she had never shown it during her time at STARRY Hall, the trust and delegation from Chisato had put her under considerable pressure.
She'd been worried that she wasn't capable enough to lead Kesshoku Band properly and that she might fail to meet their expectations.
In the two days before the new release, her nervousness made it impossible for her to sleep without the help of alcohol.
But now, it felt like the clouds had cleared, and she could finally let go of that weight.
"Heh, just make sure we're paid overtime."
Seika lightly bumped her fist against Chisato's chest.
"Don't worry. It won't just be overtime pay and bonuses—once this busy period is over, I'll make sure to properly reward you all."
Chisato didn't return the same fist-bump to her chest. Even if they were close, reaching toward a woman's chest was still a bit too inappropriate.
So he just bumped fists with Seika.
"So, should we still go ahead with tomorrow's paid promotions?"
"With such strong momentum right from the start, of course we should continue. Not only continue—we might even need to increase the scale, depending on how things go."
It was very likely that this was a breakthrough moment for Kesshoku Band's influence. Chisato wouldn't let the opportunity pass.
Seika nodded to indicate she understood.
"But for now, let's stop thinking about that. Let's eat and drink our fill—once we're back at the office, we can talk more."
"Mm, you go back first. I'm going to the restroom."
"Seika-nee!"
"?"
Seika turned back, confused, at Chisato calling out to her.
He smiled and said,
"Thank you for everything during this time."
"…!"
Seika's cheeks flushed red in an instant.
She hadn't expected Chisato to suddenly say something like that with such a gentle expression.
Her heart thumped, and she felt a tingling current ripple through her entire body.
She waved a hand casually in response and quickly turned to leave.
She didn't even dare to reply, afraid that he might pick up on her restless feelings.
At that moment, she finally understood where the strange fluttering in her chest was coming from.
But she still couldn't bring herself to accept that truth, and so instinctively tried not to think about it or face it.
Fortunately, due to the explosive success of the new release, a mountain of work quickly piled up for her—just as she had hoped—allowing her to push that matter to the back of her mind for now.
Once fully immersed in work, time passed quickly.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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