The Stand User Of The Daily World

Chapter 141: I Started in Classical Literature Just to Date More Girls

The sound of running water echoed through the bathroom, accompanied by drifting mist. Shunsuke carefully washed off the paint stains from Mashiro's body as she sat on a small stool, making sure not to miss a single spot.

As the warm water cascaded from the showerhead, sliding down Mashiro's golden hair and flawless skin, tracing along her shoulders and collarbones, she suddenly shuddered like a little cat, sending water droplets flying in all directions.

"Don't shake like a dog."

With his face splashed wet, Shunsuke wiped it with a hand before giving Mashiro a light pat on the bottom. This girl was way too carefree.

After being thoroughly washed, Mashiro's skin was as smooth and delicate as jade. Running his hand over her, Shunsuke couldn't help but comment, "Looks like Editor Iida was right—this paint really does come off easily."

Mashiro mumbled, "Ayano never lies to me."

"Right, right, so I'm the only one who would lie to you, huh?" Shunsuke grumbled at her obvious favoritism. "Alright, let's get in the bath together now."

Having already done this once before, doing it a second time felt completely natural. Just like how someone who cheats once will likely do it a second and third time, Shunsuke could now bathe with Mashiro without any hesitation.

"Rita called me today."

Leaning against Shunsuke's chest, Mashiro suddenly spoke up.

Fujii Shunsuke's arms instinctively tightened around her. "Rita—the friend who's been taking care of you in England?"

—In the original story, she wasn't supposed to come this early…

"Yeah, she said she'll be coming to Japan next month."

Mashiro's tone carried a rare hint of joy, something that didn't happen often.

Shunsuke, despite already guessing the answer, asked knowingly, "What's she coming here for?"

Mashiro shook her head. "I don't know."

"She's probably just coming to take care of you again. After all, you like her so much, and she must like you a lot too. Maybe she's even thinking about transferring schools just to stay with you." Shunsuke spoke without any real basis, casually making things up. "If that's the case, she can just stay at our place. My house is big enough, anyway."

"Mhm, Shunsuke is the best."

Mashiro believed his words without a shred of doubt. She was so happy that she turned around and gently pecked his chest.

"...Shunsuke."

"What is it?"

"You're poking me."

"...And whose fault do you think that is?"

"Shunsuke's?"

"It's yours, Miss Mashiro."

"My fault?"

Mashiro tilted her head in confusion, clearly not understanding. But after looking down carefully…

"As long as we do it like last time, it should be fine, right?"

Seeing the serious look in Mashiro's eyes, what could Shunsuke possibly say? Did he have the right to deny her resolve?

Absolutely not!

Following his instincts, Shunsuke decisively responded, "That's right. Since this is your fault, you have to take responsibility."

"Mhm, I'll take responsibility for you, Shunsuke."

With a determined expression, Mashiro leaned forward.

A cat-like girl lacking common sense—except when it came to certain health education lessons, where she had been thoroughly taught by Fujii-sensei.

Though they had never gone all the way, everything else… she had already learned quite well.

...

Shunsuke ended up taking an unusually long bath today. Even after finishing, he went on to wash Mashiro's hair once more.

"Let's get a good night's sleep today. Tomorrow, we'll wake up early and go out shopping—you can gather some material for your manga."

Carrying Mashiro, who had gone completely limp like a kitten, he gently placed her on the bed. After tucking her in, he spoke softly.

"Shunsuke… are you asking me out on a date?"

Her eyes were barely open, but she still tilted her head up to look at him, her voice soft and sleepy.

"Oh? So you finally understand what a date is? Mashiro, you've grown quite a bit." Shunsuke chuckled as he patted her head affectionately. "That's right, it's a date. So don't stay up late drawing manga tonight."

"…Mhm, I won't draw tonight."

Mashiro's lips curled into a faint smile—delicate, yet captivating.

She rarely smiled, but whenever she did, it was like witnessing a piece of art—something that could move a person's heart.

Shunsuke recorded the moment once again through Star Platinum, then leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight."

"Mhm…"

Mashiro murmured in response, already drifting into deep sleep from exhaustion.

Shunsuke switched off the lights.

The moonlight streamed in through the window, casting a soft glow over Mashiro, making it seem as if she were sleeping beneath a starry sky.

Looking at the murals she had painted on the walls at night made them even more breathtaking than before.

Hmm? Someone's asking why Mashiro is sleeping in my room?

Did I forget to mention that she and I have been sleeping together pretty often now?

If it weren't for Eriri having a spare key to my place, I would have moved all of Mashiro's belongings into my room a long time ago.

Glancing at the time, Shunsuke walked into the living room and started working on some business planning.

What had originally begun as a game or a joke had turned into something much more.

In a society like Japan's, where employees often devoted their entire lives to a single company, the futures of over a hundred people had somehow ended up on his shoulders. Over time, his once-playful mindset had started to change.

"I should take a look at the resources Kirari Momobami has provided me."

With the advantage of foresight, Shunsuke had already mapped out a rough plan from the very beginning.

In this era, where clout is king, exposure is everything.

Rapid expansion and growth require resources, of course, but more than that, they require attention—and as luck would have it, he had an overwhelming advantage in that area.

Publishing light novels under the name Fujii wasn't much on its own—the light novel audience was still a niche group.

The real spark that lit the fire was the scandal involving Mai Sakurajima.

That incident had not only gone viral, but it had also inadvertently revealed his identity as a genius middle school light novel author, putting him in the national spotlight.

The younger generation across Japan now recognized him as a prodigy.

The second big wave of publicity came from Shueisha's exclusive interview with him and Mashiro.

As a publisher with millions of copies in circulation and tens of millions of readers—often shared within families or even entire classrooms—Shueisha's promotional power was beyond question.

Thanks to Shueisha's dedicated promotion, Mashiro's recognition may not have surpassed Mai Sakurajima's in sheer numbers, but in terms of depth, her reputation was unrivaled. She was hailed as the Pride of Japan, a once-in-three-millennia genius artist, the Eastern Picasso, and countless other grand titles. And once again, Shunsuke found himself basking in the spotlight thanks to a talented girl.

If it had only been these two factors, most of the attention he received would have been black-and-red clout—controversial fame. But now, the third wave was about to ignite.

Glancing at the upcoming Akutagawa Prize and Literary Prize announcement dates, a smirk formed at the corner of Shunsuke's lips.

If some people had still dared to say he wasn't worthy of Mai Sakurajima or Mashiro Shiina before, then… what about when he became a dual winner of Japan's most prestigious literary awards?

A multitalented prodigy—an artist, a writer, excelling in light novels, manga, music, and literature alike.

A self-made genius producer and Japan's youngest high school CEO…

Now tell me—does that sound unworthy?

For an ordinary person, just one of these accomplishments would be enough to be hailed as a genius.

But when they all came together? That wasn't just genius anymore. That was greatness. That was legend.

And more importantly—that was the ultimate shield against criticism. A pass that let him date multiple girls without facing the wrath of public opinion!

With these credentials, any interaction with a girl would be running on maxed-out buffs. His relationship score was bound to skyrocket in real time.

What's that? You think this is a shallow goal?

Come on, now. I entered the world of classical literature precisely to romance more literary girls. And, of course, to earn public acceptance for my multiple relationships. After all, a great literary figure doesn't cheat—he experiences life and expresses his true emotions!

And besides—what famous writer doesn't have a few eccentricities? The Japanese people understand that. They forgive that.

And you're telling me to have higher aspirations?

Wait, wasn't I supposed to be thinking about my company's future?

With a CEO like this, do you really think the company could ever go bankrupt? Even if I decided to do absolutely nothing and just coast along, I could still milk this for a lifetime!

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