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Chapter 3 - The First Encounter

Reo sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone screen. The notification from Aika Hoshino was still there, glowing brightly in the dimly lit room. His heart pounded. This was it. This was the moment when everything could change.

> "I don't know who you are, but I'm intrigued. I'll meet you."

Her words were simple, but the impact was far-reaching. He'd always known that people were drawn to power—whether it was wealth, influence, or something else. Aika wasn't just a pretty face in the entertainment industry; she was a star in every sense of the word, and she was reaching out to him.

But why? Why would someone like Aika, with her own world of fame and luxury, want anything to do with a "loser" like Nobita? Reo didn't have the answers yet, but he would find them. He needed to. The game was in motion, and he had to play it carefully.

---

The next morning, Reo awoke early, long before his usual routine. The sunlight was still soft and pale as it filtered through his window. He wasn't going to school today. No, today was the day he had to make a statement, to step into the world that Aika occupied, the world he intended to conquer.

---

Doraemon, always on standby, was in the corner of the room, watching him curiously. It was clear that something was different about Reo today, and Doraemon, ever the guardian, was concerned.

"Reo... are you sure about this? It's one thing to make small changes, but involving yourself with Aika Hoshino? She's a big deal."

Reo glanced at the robot cat and smiled confidently. "I know what I'm doing, Doraemon. You've given me the tools, now I need to use them. I'm not the same person I was last week. I won't settle for anything less than greatness."

Doraemon hesitated for a moment but nodded. "Alright, but remember, you don't need to rush everything. Take things one step at a time."

Reo's gaze hardened. "One step at a time? I've already wasted too much time. I'm going to be the one to change everything."

---

Reo decided to meet Aika at a café in the heart of the city. A neutral ground. He could already picture it: sleek tables, the buzz of conversation, and the faint hum of music playing in the background. The perfect environment for making connections, for taking the first real step toward his goal.

When he arrived, the café was a bit more upscale than the places he was used to. The decor was minimalist yet elegant, the air filled with the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee. Reo wasn't used to this type of setting, but he knew it was where he belonged now. This was the world of influence, of power—this was where he needed to be.

He sat at a corner table, his eyes scanning the entrance. There she was. Aika Hoshino.

---

Aika wasn't alone. A bodyguard, tall and imposing, stood by her side, but she didn't seem to mind. As she walked in, her presence seemed to command the room once again. People turned to look at her as she passed, but she didn't acknowledge them. Instead, her eyes locked onto Reo, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

Reo stood up to greet her, a calm, confident smile spreading across his face. "Aika," he said, his voice smooth. "I'm glad you decided to meet."

Aika didn't immediately respond. Her gaze flickered over him, studying him, as if trying to assess whether he was worth her time. Finally, she nodded, offering him a polite smile.

"Reo, right?" she said, her voice soft but carrying a weight of curiosity. "I'm intrigued. Most people wouldn't be so bold. You said you had something important to discuss."

Reo motioned to the chair across from him. "Please, have a seat."

As Aika sat down, her bodyguard remained standing nearby, watching the exchange closely. But Reo wasn't concerned. He had already planned for this.

Aika glanced at the café's menu but didn't make a move to order. She was clearly waiting for him to speak.

Reo leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice just enough so only she could hear. "What if I told you that I could offer you more than just another deal? More than a simple investment or partnership. What if I could offer you a path to something even greater?"

Aika raised an eyebrow. "Greater than what? You've got my attention. But I don't see how someone like you could offer me anything that would change my life."

Reo smiled. "Not just you, Aika. Us. I know the entertainment industry. I know the games people play behind closed doors. But what if you could be more than just a pretty face on a screen? What if you could truly shape the future of the industry? Not as a star, but as a mogul, a creator?"

Aika's eyes narrowed slightly. She was intrigued, but still cautious. "Go on."

---

Reo's mind raced. He had thought of this moment for days—he knew he had to sell her the vision. This wasn't just about making her his ally. This was about drawing her into his orbit, about building something that would allow him to control not just his future, but hers as well.

"I have access to resources that most people would never dream of. Stock investments, real estate opportunities, technological advancements—things that can change the way industries function. I'm not offering you just a contract. I'm offering you power. The kind of power that no one can take from you."

Aika remained silent for a moment, her gaze never leaving his. Reo could tell she was weighing his words carefully. The room seemed to quiet down, the buzz of the café fading into the background as they locked eyes.

Finally, Aika spoke. "And what do you want in return?"

Reo's smile widened. "Nothing for now. Let's just say that we'll start with something small. But eventually, we can build an empire. Together."

Aika seemed to consider his words, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. "You don't sound like a typical businessman. But you're offering me something I can't ignore. I'm curious, Reo. I'll give you that."

Reo nodded. "I don't want to waste your time, Aika. I've studied this industry for years. I know what it takes to rise above, to stay on top. And I'll help you do that."

She stood up, her expression serious now. "I'll give you a chance, Reo. But remember, I don't trust easily. Keep that in mind if you want this partnership to work."

Reo stood as well, offering a respectful bow. "I understand. You won't regret this, Aika. I promise you."

---

As Aika left the café with her bodyguard, Reo felt a surge of excitement. The first real step had been taken. The deal wasn't sealed yet, but the foundation was laid. Aika Hoshino, one of the most influential stars in the country, was now involved in his game.

And this was just the beginning.

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