Seeing that Tamamo Hotaru was resolute and unmoved, Kazahana Koyuki made a couple of token attempts to persuade her, then dropped the subject and brought up Moqian instead.
"By the way, do you know where Moqian went? I haven't seen her today either. The director was asking about her."
The moment she heard that name, Tamamo Hotaru grew nervous, but then she relaxed a little, remembering that the woman probably knew nothing.
"I'm not really sure either. All I know is that she seemed to mention going to meet someone yesterday. Have you checked where she's staying?"
"The director sent people to look, but they all said they hadn't seen her. Do you think that huge explosion yesterday might have..."
"Might have what?"
"Nothing. Surely not. How could there be such a coincidence? Sigh, I hope she's all right."
"...Yes, she'll be all right."
"Speaking of which, you two were so close on set that I was a little jealous."
"Hehe, we got along pretty well."
Tamamo Hotaru gave an awkward smile, keeping many things to herself.
Feeling that she had laid enough groundwork, Kazahana Koyuki got to the point. "I'm serious. When you first parachuted into the production as the female lead, I really resented you. But later, when I saw you and Moqian chatting and fooling around together every day, I felt an envy I couldn't quite describe."
"Now that you're planning to quit, to be honest, part of me is secretly delighted."
"So could I treat you to a meal? Consider it a way for us to make peace, and a farewell dinner for you, too. Of course, if you really don't want to see someone like me again..."
Tamamo Hotaru had been ready to refuse, but she had never expected the woman to go that far.