Sakayanagi Arisu Wants to Get to Know Him / Like Him? Or Not?

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was used to this style of instruction and didn't suggest going back to get another layer of clothing. He simply began to study the snowman left behind by Kitagawa Ryo.

As the only designated success candidate for the White Room before Kitagawa Ryo's meteoric rise, Ayanokoji Atsuomi was well aware of Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's strengths, which, if he were to summarize them, would be his unparalleled learning ability.

To give an example, if it were the first time he was working on a project, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka might lose to a novice. But given time, not too long, he would easily find the knack for it, and from the second time onwards, no one could beat him.

As expected, the first snowman that Ayanokoji Kiyotaka tentatively built was not substantially different from the one that Kitagawa Ryo; they were almost equally rough and simple.

But then, to the astonishment of the guards Ayanokoji Kiyotaka began to focus on a massive project.

Finally, what appeared before them was a snowman nearly two meters tall, which was huge for a child. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka also found some branches, but he didn't intend to stick them in as a nose. Instead, he patiently sculpted eyebrows and eyes for the snowman, and made the arms by sticking together Koyuki of the same shape. It looked quite endearing.

After doing all this, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka returned to Ayanokoji Atsuomi's side with his hands and face flushed red.

"Go back to sleep."

"Yes."

The two didn't exchange more than a single word from beginning to end. Only after Ayanokoji Kiyotaka left did Ayanokoji Atsuomi nod in satisfaction.

Compared to Kitagawa Ryo, who was highly suspicious and only had a business relationship with him, he definitely preferred that Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, his own son, could become the spokesperson for the White Room.

Because in Ayanokoji Atsuomi's view, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was the kind of person who would never betray the White Room.

At this point, he was once again entitled to the surname Ayanokoji.

Whether by blood or by law, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka should be his property, and the owner should naturally have all rights, including the right to decide whether he lives or dies.

Unlike the illegitimate children of the wealthy families in the White Room, and unlike Kitagawa Ryo who was brought out by the Sakayanagi Family, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, born in the White Room and identified as his biological son, is destined to never escape the White Room or his side.

He had nowhere else to go.

Before leaving, Ayanokoji Atsuomi had his guards knock down both snowmen together.

Whether simple or exquisite, at this moment they all turned into snow clumps rolling on the ground.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka kicked a black button away.

Back in his room Ayanokoji Kiyotaka soaked his icy hands and feet in hot water. For the first time, he learned a skill he had never encountered before in the White Room —building a snowman. Thus, for the first time, he developed a little interest in things outside the White Room.

Meanwhile, Kitagawa Ryo and Yuki were already fast asleep, embracing each other in the blankets.

It looks like the snow will continue all night.

Chapter 107: Sakayanagi Arisu Wants to Know

"Therefore, I hereby announce that the spin-off variety show of <The Strongest Genius>, <The Daily Life of Geniuses>, officially begins filming today!"

The middle-aged man, wearing a baseball cap to conceal his thinning hair, energetically led the applause after making the announcement. The reporters who had been invited in advance were also allowed to take pictures. For a moment, the flashes of cameras and applause mingled together, which can be said to have dealt a blow to Kitagawa Ryo and Sakayanagi Arisu, who were standing on the left and right respectively, on both visual and auditory levels. This could also be seen from their increasingly stiff smiles.

Given the unprecedented popularity after the first episode aired, and adhering to the sustainable and sustainable production philosophy, White Room quickly took the lead in organizing and planning this so-called behind-the-scenes spin-off variety show, with the idea of taking advantage of the momentum to further boost the topic's popularity.

The result was that Kitagawa Ryo and Sakayanagi Arisu inexplicably ended up with another filming task.

After the press conference, the middle-aged man in a baseball cap, who is said to be a well-known domestic variety show director and producer of many hit dating variety shows, leisurely approached the two of them, stroked his neatly trimmed beard, looked them over for a moment, and then extended his hand in a friendly manner:

"I'm Taiga, the director and producer of this variety show. I hope you two will take good care of me during the filming."

The other party was very friendly and did not look down on the two children at all. After all, there are many child stars in the variety show industry. Not to mention children like Kitagawa Ryo and Sakayanagi Arisu who are over seven years old, even younger ones, Taiga, who has worked with many experienced people, has seen and worked with them.

Besides, since the two of them are known as child prodigies, they shouldn't be unruly kids.

Please give me your guidance.

Please give me your guidance.

As expected, Kitagawa Ryo and Sakayanagi Arisu responded quite politely and said they would do their best to cooperate with the subsequent filming.

After Taiga left satisfied, Kitagawa Ryo nodded towards Sakayanagi Arisu:

"We meet again."

"Yes, we meet again."

To Kitagawa Ryo's surprise, Sakayanagi Arisu's response was quite indifferent. She stood there with her hands behind her back, as if she was thinking about something, and then tilted her head slightly to look at him, but did not say anything.

Just as Kitagawa Ryo was about to ask a question, Director Taiga returned with a script in his hand, seemingly there to give the two actors some acting instructions.

"Hmm, this sense of distance is just right."

Having just walked over, Taiga noticed the subtle atmosphere between Kitagawa Ryo and Sakayanagi Arisu, and let out a rather hearty laugh:

"You two are aware of the background of this show. On the one hand, there are indeed many voices on the internet paying attention to your daily study and life, and on the other hand, both of you have very good looks, especially after the first episode of <The Strongest Genius> aired, many CP (couple) fans emerged."

"I think that's why the production team asked me to be the director and producer. After all, when it comes to dating reality shows, although I wouldn't call it bragging, I do have some confidence in myself."

After rattling off a long string of words, Taiga finally stopped, paused for a moment, and without waiting to see if the two of them understood, waved his hand dismissively:

"The so-called dating reality show is all about making the fake and non-everyday moments as realistic and relatable as possible. Since both of them are just kids, that shouldn't be too difficult to film."

"However, we must first find out the maximum level of physical contact and verbal interaction that the two of you are comfortable with?"

Before Kitagawa Ryo could even speak, Sakayanagi Arisu preemptively said:

"Since the director just said he's aiming for realism, then these things don't need to be regulated. Whatever the final product looks like is what it will be."

"Ms. Arisu has a great sense of variety show humor."

"What about cold?"

I have no objection.

Kitagawa Ryo shook his head. They were just kids anyway, and the show was just a bonus to increase the show's popularity.

"Then, let's try the 'benevolent rule' approach for now and see how it goes."

After receiving their answers, Taiga nodded.

"Just relax and do whatever you want; leave the rest to the post-production and editing team."

"The theme for the first episode will be tentatively set as '[It's actually the first time I've met you]'."

[First impression of them?]

"A boy who's even thinner than me."

"A girl who is perfectly healthy but still carries a cane."

Do you think they are a genius?

"Yes."

Isn't that so?

[Could you share your feelings after facing off on stage?]

"I can accept failure, but I also believe I can win next time."

"I think I won pretty easily."

Are you looking forward to the next showdown with them?

"I'm really looking forward to it, and I've been preparing for it all along."

"Hopefully, it will be even more intense than last time."

[What are your thoughts on the online shipping of you two as a couple?]

"An opponent can also be considered a type of couple, right?"

"I hope you'll continue to follow us in the future."

[After the encounter, did you ever consider getting to know them better? For example, becoming friends?]

"I have thought about it, because I'm genuinely curious."

"There really isn't anyone who doesn't want to be friends with cute girls, right?"

[After answering all the questions, please proceed to the designated location.]

The first shot has been taken.

Sakayanagi Arisu in hand, squatted there and read through all of Kitagawa Ryo's answers. Suddenly, she turned around and asked:

Was the cooling-off scene for the sake of the show?

"...?"

Faced with Sakayanagi Arisu's question, Kitagawa Ryo paused for a moment, realizing he hadn't really taken this spin-off variety show seriously.

"Maybe so, but I just think saying it this way might increase popularity and generate more discussion—"

"But I answered very seriously."

Sakayanagi Arisu held up one finger:

"Realistic."

She recalled what her father had said to her a few days earlier: the game of information asymmetry.

At first, she took it upon herself to annex him into her life as if he were family, and then she became his adversary.

Perhaps the sick Sakayanagi Arisu in the past wouldn't have cared about these things, because her world was too small back then. A fleeting glimpse of someone could make a childhood vow that she could remember for a very long time.

Imagine a love interest and a potential rival from the perspective of information asymmetry.

But things are different now.

"This is a real-life dating reality show."

"So, could you please let me see your true form, Ryo?"

"Consider it a chance to get to know each other again."

Kitagawa Ryo heard Sakayanagi Arisu say this, her short, silvery-white hair fluttering gently in the breeze.

Geniuses are often accompanied by solitude, but some also yearn to dance with other geniuses.

This is the first time I've truly wanted to get to know you.

I also want you to truly know me.

Chapter 108: Like or Dislike?

How do we define genius? Exceptional memory? Computer-like precision and speed in information processing?

Some abilities shine brightly on stage, while others are revealed in the little things of daily life.

What are their favorite foods? How self-sufficient are they? Do they have their own worries?

[Focusing on the behind-the-scenes stories of geniuses, this program exclusively presents 'their' daily lives!]

[5:50 AM]

"Hmm, it's... 5:50 in the morning."

"Even though yesterday's weather forecast said it would be colder today, I still really don't want to get out of bed."

"Anyway, let's go wash up and refresh ourselves first."

The small camera placed on the table began to rotate, opening the door in a first-person perspective, and then reflecting the subject's image in the mirror of the sink.

Holding a toothbrush and a mug in one hand, Kitagawa Ryo's hair, still a bit messy from just waking up, gushed out a mouthful of foamy water.

"You ask me whether I prefer washing my face or brushing my teeth?"

"What kind of questions are these?"

Kitagawa Ryo put down the toothbrush cup, switched to holding the toothbrush in his left hand, and answered indistinctly:

"But if I had to choose, I'd definitely find brushing my teeth more interesting than washing my face."

"Are there really children who hate brushing their teeth? From toothpaste to toothbrushes, society as a whole is desperately trying to make children enjoy brushing their teeth."

Kitagawa Ryo spat out another mouthful of foamy water, his expression serious.

"You know, before I even tried any of those fancy fruits, I'd already experienced toothpaste flavored with oranges, strawberries, watermelons, tangerines..."

"There's no need to focus on cavity prevention, whitening, or gum protection. For us kids, looking good and smelling nice is the most important thing."

After brushing his teeth came the tedious and unpleasant task of washing his face, as described by Kitagawa Ryo. Covering his face with a steaming hot towel was quite a pleasant experience for the current season.

After washing up, Kitagawa Ryo quickly received a task card from the production crew: