September 20, 2014

Skip Beat [Chapter 216]

And, Kyouko happily looks at a tray of takoyaki [battered balls with octopus]. Ah~~it has such a Japanese feeling to it when she obviously doesn’t really like takoyaki. Nom. Nom. So delicious~~ It turns out that on her way out of the airport, her stomach is rumbling and she heard some kids telling their parents that they want takoyaki. Since Kyouko slept soundly in the plane, she didn’t get to eat the airplane meal and ended up being hungry. Putting her snack aside, she decides to check when the Narita express train will be passing by. She opens her cellphone and sees that it is about 2pm so there should be one coming soon. She is startled when her cellphone starts ringing. After reading her message, she rushes through the airport meeting area and meets up with Yashiro. They happily greet each other. Yashiro says that it is great that he managed to find her for he has no way of contacting her while she is on her mission. After thanking him for helping her with her luggage, she asks him what’s up for she is startled that he would unexpectedly fetch her.
Yashiro tells her that he wanted to know the situation at that side but then he has no way of contacting during the mission because Ren’s perfect in pursuit of his goal. [<- probably very good in covering up his tracks] Yashiro says that even if he wanted to know the situation, there is also someone else who wanted to know so he was sent over. Yashiro explains that he wanted to get a taxi but considering that it is a classified secret. Yashiro gestures for Kyouko to please get in the limousine. Kyouko lamely asks if it is Lory, the other person who wants to know. Yashiro sheepishly nods. Kyouko gets in. The driver helps Yashiro in putting the luggage aside. Kyouko is surprised that Lory isn’t inside. Yashiro says that Lory has some work that he has to do so he cannot come. While saying is that so, Kyouko rudely thinks that Lory would actually properly work. And then, Kyouko tells Yashiro what happened. Yashiro says is that so, so there is no mishap in Guam and the shooting went smoothly. Kyouko says yes, even the intense heat.
And on contrary, it is already scheduled in advance that Setsuka would collapse from the intense heat that she would stay in the room and won’t come out since her protective brother won’t let her go out. And then, they set things up that she will go back to England ahead of her brother. Yashiro says then, Setsuka would naturally disappear from the sight of the film crew. Kyouko says that’s right. Yashiro asks if this means, her job is finished. Kyouko happily shows him her reward from Ren. She tells him that Ren told her that he’ll properly make the seal when he gets back. Yashiro smiles and says is that so, then, at that time, please also let him give her [one too]. This made Kyouko happy that she thanks him. Yashiro says no problem, for he felt that she really had done quite well. He adds that because it is Ren, he thinks that even if Ren is by himself, he can do it well. But without anyone’s help, a mysterious person [/riddle] like Cain Heel, is still quite strenuous. Kyouko looks surprised when Yashiro says that even if Ren is acting the part of a mysterious person, he himself is a mystery. Kyouko wants to ask something but she immediately says that it is nothing. She tells him that she thinks that even as a manager, it is impossible for one to know everything about the actor/actress.
Yashiro tells her that it is because this industry is quite extraordinary that he thinks that the people working in this industry, has a special situation and it isn’t a few who do not want the public to know [of that special situation] at all costs. Kyouko wonders if she also within that group who has a special situation but then, her past is also something that she doesn’t want others to know at all costs. Yashiro thinks that there are times when Ren would go overseas for a modeling job, and they would separate when he goes. Speaking of that, he was also personally chosen [/matched up] by Lory to become Ren’s manager. His manager [sixth] sense told him that he shouldn’t wade too deeply into Ren’s lost [/missing] part [of his life] though at most, he can surmise that Ren was a delinquent before. Kyouko decides to give it up and not be interested with that part of Ren which ordinary people do not know, even if she is really interested in his real name. She also decides not to ask anyone again until one day, Ren himself would willingly tell her. Both Yashiro and Kyouko think that waiting for that moment might take a lifetime. They look at each other and laugh.
Then, Yashiro starts telling her that it seems to be the first episode yesterday, and he watched it. He says that he was startled for it is a totally different temperament ‘villain’ compared to her Mio. Even if he had seen her dressed up at the recording of Dark Moon before, but in the drama, she is simply like a different person from the action, mannerism and language, that in a while, he couldn’t react. He happily tells her that really, no matter how one sees it, it is a super charismatic high school girl. Then, after looking somewhat puzzled, Kyouko exclaims that’s right, Box R’s first episode was broadcast yesterday. Yashiro thinks that like before, Kyouko isn’t too interested in the drama that she is in. He thinks that from the looks of it, she shouldn’t be interested with the ‘result’ because after all, it doesn’t have the same big pressure like that time with Dark Moon. [<- since it is a re-make, they are pressured to make it better than the original.] After Kyouko bows and thanks Yashiro for fetching her, she starts walking through a building, and spots Amamiya and her manager. She happily greets Amamiya with a formal bow.
After greeting her back, Amamiya sighs and says that she is still quite vigorously energetic. Kyouko asks her what’s up for she seems listless. Amamiya tells her that the rating for yesterday’s first episode is at its extreme point that she doesn’t even want to mention the figures. Realizing that she meant Box R, Kyouko asks how it was. Amamiya and her manager stare at Kyouko. Amamiya angrily asks if she totally didn’t care and that stupid attitude of hers is quite infuriating. She also asks Kyouko if she didn’t get some information from her office [/LME] or rather, there was a summary of ratings for the new dramas in this morning’s news program. Kyouko sheepishly apologizes that she has some other things to do so she wasn’t able to get any news until now. Amamiya says is that so, then it cannot be helped. She tells Kyouko that it is quite depressing for there are a lot of favorable criticisms before but right now, it is such a sorry sight. Kyouko protests that one cannot know the real essence of it just by watching the first episode and the group have totally not yet showed their capabilities.
Kyouko tells her that Box R is a slowly warming up [/slow in the built up] television drama. The more hateful the villain is, the more the audience will have a heroic substitute feeling and when the hero reverses the position, one would have this purified feeling. The manager nods in agreement. Giving her a thumbs up and a wink, Kyouko tells gloomy Amamiya that it is no problem, they can play the loathsome villain, then the ratings will go up, the future is healthy and secure. Also, the shooting is going to its enjoyable stage so let us do our best!! Amamiya still feels gloomy and depressed. She mutters that as the ratings go up, her feelings would go down...anyway, for it to come to this situation, it is also okay if the drama isn’t popular for there is no other way to rise up its reputation. Kyouko says that didn’t she said before in order for the image of villain role in the drama not to be restricted, one must act in some entertainment program. Amamiya thinks that’s correct for if one doesn’t change one’s image and can only play that kind of show. She had already decided not to act [but] when she wanted to act, she wanted it so much that she felt she is going crazy until.. She’ll only be staying in Box R because she cannot just give up midway, so she still has to continue..
Kyouko worriedly asks if as expected, it is still no good..could it be that the comedian said something to her. This immediately made Amamiya furious. While her manager is freaking out, Amamiya furiously glared at aghast Kyouko. Soon, walking back to the Daruma restaurant, Kyouko is holding Amamiya’s poison notebook. Her demons are happily saying that it is quite an intense captivating smell as they go around the notebook. Kyouko thinks that she felt that there is quite such a wrathful wave inside the notebook that she won’t dare open it. It is because the two have to quickly start preparing that there is no time to talk so Amamiya only gave her this. She wonders if it is such a big issue that cannot be clearly said with words so she’ll just slowly read it when she gets home. She puts the notebook in her luggage. She checks the time and it is 11:40pm. She decides to enter the back kitchen washing dishes area in order not to disturb the store. She thinks that she can help out a little at the store today. Outside, two customers are thanking the couple and ask if they can have a reserve order of mackerel. Okami [Daruma wife] tells them to wait until it is its season.
After bidding them goodbye, she sees Kyouko who happily greets her. Okami asks if she ate. Kyouko says that she did. While pushing her luggage in, Kyouko asks if there are still guests. Okami says that there are still two. Kyouko says that the bowls and chopsticks ought to be still piled up so she’ll help her out after she puts her luggage aside. Okami asks what she is saying, she just came back so she is definitely very tired. Kyouko happily assures her that she is really okay for she’s really strong both mentally and physically. Okami says that even if she also knows that and very happy that Kyouko has that kind of heart but it is alright today, she should properly rest up. Feeling sad, Kyouko thinks that she is really okay.. Okami says that she doesn’t know how to tell her but there is a guest. Pause. Kyouko asks if it is those two. Okami says no, not the store’s but hers. Kyouko is shock for at this time [late at night]. Okami says that because she doesn’t know if she’ll come back today or not so she made that person stay at the living room. Daruma boss comes out and tells his wife that the customer is going to pay his bill. Okami says okay. Kyouko quickly bows to the boss and says that she’s back. The boss just says, ya.
Putting her hand on Kyouko’s arm, Okami says that while she’s away, that person already came so many times, saying that no matter what, wants to directly tell Kyouko something face to face. Standing in front of the living room’s closed door, Kyouko recalls Lory saying that she directly got her ‘guardian’s signature’ and that time, there is no contact at all--? Kyouko wonders if it is her mother. She clenches her fist, prepares herself mentally and opens the door. And, she sees Shou eating by the table. Nom nom. Kyouko’s eyes widen. She rubs her eyes, and puts some eye drops. While her eyes are still dripping wet from the eyedrops, she stares at Shou with huge eyes. There is Shou holding out a bowl and telling her that he wants another bowl of bamboo shoot rice. Stunned Kyouko shouts, “WHY THE HECK ARE YOU IN THIS PLACE AH AH AH AH AH AH ke cou..cough..cough..ugh..my throat is bleeding..!!” After covering his ears, Shou asks if she thinks that he got nothing to do and came here for her [/came there for no reason]. Holding her neck, Kyouko angrily looks at him. Kyouko is surprised when Shou says, “..I heard that you got a passport, right? Aunt Saena [<- not blood related, just being respectful to someone older] have contacted [me].” Next chapter will be out on October 20th in Japan.
Comment: Okay, from the looks of things, Saena is indeed trying to get in touch with Kyouko or at least, know how she is doing. Acting as an adviser for a drama is a possibility of that, but for her to get in touch with Shou, it pretty much confirms it. She probably asked Shou what Kyouko has been up to. I’m not sure why she would contact Shou instead of directly contacting Kyouko. Most likely, she is probably ashamed/not too thick-faced to do that to someone whom she has abandoned. Hmm..pride is also a possibility. Though, it makes me wonder if Kyouko would rather face her mother when she opened that living room rather than seeing Shou. ^^; And, Shou is really thick-faced to ask her for a bowl of food. It makes me want to smack him with something. =P Nevertheless, it seems that Kyouko has entertained the thought that her mother might get in touch with her after she asked for that signature. Hm..somehow I think the Daruma couple more or less know the reason why Shou is there since Okami seems to be quite sober about not making Kyouko work and somewhat making her prepare for the guest.

Now, I’m wondering if the mangaka is just tricking us into thinking that Kanae would do something in regards with Saena and Kyouko, or that was just a set-up for Saena’s entry to the series. I mean, it turns out that Shou is also connected to this so Kanae might not be the ‘in between’ for them. Most likely, it is Shou. Also, I guess Shou is unusually calm in a way because he knows how Kyouko was affected and abandoned by her mother. I wonder if he can keep up that composure when he realizes how far did Kyouko and Ren’s relationship had progressed =P Then, we also get information that Box R is currently not doing well. In worst case scenarios, that might put Kyouko is a bad light. I’m not sure if Shou or her mother would start blah-blah that she better quit acting because it isn’t for her, etc. Of course, like Kyouko mentioned, it is too early to judge a series with just one episode especially if it is a slow-paced drama. Wait..isn’t the mangaka referring to her own series. When it was mentioned that Yashiro and Kyouko thinking that it might take a lifetime to know Ren’s past, I really think that the mangaka is referring to the readers’ thoughts. ^^;; How long will Kyouko even know of his real name? =P

Well, it makes me think if this arc about Kyouko facing her past will somehow coincide on Ren telling her about her past. The theme might be about the two’s past and how they somehow help each other with it though Ren already got a big help from Kyouko earlier on. Hm..I also wonder if the mangaka is also planning to do something about the other two Love Me members. Kanae seems to be in a more ‘community’-type of shooting whereas, Amamiya would have to overcome her gloominess and loss of enthusiasm for her current role. Oh ya, it is also interesting how Kyouko mentioned about the ‘essence’ of Box R. That can be applied to this series on how Kyouko is bullied and everything, and now, she is almost there in achieving her goal and in a way, ‘be purified’. ^^ Actually, it always happens in each acting arc when there is that nice feeling when Kyouko teaches those bullies a lesson or show them what she is capable of. Well, it is quite nice that Kyouko is quite optimistic about the drama even if it has low ratings. Apparently, Kyouko still doesn’t think too highly of her acting skills. I guess that it is because she still feels that it is still inferior compared to Ren’s. Well, it seems that we are still in the set-up stage..a long way to go for the exciting climax part of the arc..and once again, one month wait for the next chapter. Scans by 红莲汉

Word of the day:
Life is full of challenges and problems for which solutions need to be found. Rather than looking at that as negative, look at it positively – as an exciting daily opportunity! ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. Hebrews 13:6’ ~ 101 mottos for success by J. Richards and M.S. Fontaine.

72 comments:

  1. arigato :) but I m kind of disappointed cause Kyouko's negative ghosts didn't come out after seeing sho:(

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    1. maybe it's because she's not too focused on him anymore :)

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    2. You're welcome, ian ^-^

      Hm..true..maybe she is also too shocked to see him there for her ghosts to appear. =P

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    3. I am still wondering how he knew where she even lived. lol

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    4. True..maybe he asked around? Or, maybe, when Kyouko sent the letter to her mother, it has a return address so her mother told him about it.

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    5. I didn't notice the missing ghost until you point that out ian tara! I think Kyouko is finally letting go of the HATRED and moving forward! AWW! I can never get enough of skip beat! I always get this sinking feeling when I get closer to the end of chapter. The wait is too long!!! WHY!! I wish it was once a week release!!!!

      Thanks Kat for the translation! I always check your blog post first!

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    6. Hehe..true. It is quite addicting.

      Thanks for reading ^-^

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    7. I also think it's because she has somehow gotten over the past, and that Shou somehow has helped her realized her passion for acting :))

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    8. Well, indeed, give Shou that credit ^^ And made her find her 'fairy prince' again ^^

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    9. i think the ghost didnt show cause kyoko doesnt love sho anymore! her immense hatred towards sho was just the prove that she still loved him. she wouldnt have hated him so much if it wasnt so. it was the outburst of her hurt. thats how i see it. so now that she loves ren her hatred decreased. she doesnt need the ghost anymore. or i hope so :)
      thank you very much for the summary kat. i would die if i had to wait till the translation comes out ;)

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    10. Nice theory and hopefully, it is so ^^

      Thanks for reading ^-^

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  2. arigatou ne for this summary, Kat. *o*
    i can't wait for the next story of kyoko and her mother.
    will it be sad, happy, or awkward? -nirvana-

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    1. Thanks for reading, nirvana ^-^

      Ya..which will it be? Or maybe, something totally different.

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    2. let's see ^-^ in next month,, such a long waiting. haaaaaa

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  3. Thank you so very much!!!! so psyched!! i can't wait to see Ren again and their meeting!!
    Hopefully this will hold me over till next month!
    :) Thanks again!

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    1. You're welcome ^-^

      Hehe..seeing Ren again might take some time..or months for us.

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  4. "to get to knw ren past, it need a life time".

    sigh... my prediction is becoming true. i guess i will be 50 years old when this manga is over. huaaa.....
    thank you soo much for the summary! bless you! :)

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    1. Ya..it has been years..and now, monthly release.

      Thanks for reading ^-^ and thanks~

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  5. Omg omg thank you thank you thank you so so so so so so so much I can tell this is going to be my favorite arc!! Thank you Kat

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  6. I know this is an important arc, but there was no Ren, and there probably won't be any Ren for several chapters. WOE!!!! I sure hope we get Ren back by Christmas. D: But this will be good. Hopefully Ren will show up just when Kyouko needs some emotional support about her mom. I wonder if Shou is going to try to comfort her. As a kid he never knew what to do when Kyouko was crying. Does he have any more of a clue now? With his possessiveness, I can see him taking an "only I can make Kyouko cry" attitude and defending her against her mom (I just don't see her mom kissing and making up in the near future), but I'm not sure. I know at least that if Ren comes riding to the rescue like a knight in shining armor that Shou's going to be pissed. ... And I really want to see that. >:3

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    1. True, he won't probably be around after several chapters, Tohru13. Maybe we get a glimpse of him, here and there like when he is going to the Dark Moon shooting after his modelling work. By December, maybe if there is a bit of time skip because we already have two chapters for day one, and he is coming back at day three.

      Possible..and I'm wondering if it is possible that he'll also open up a bit about his past to her while he's at it =P I think Shou has more clue now..based on his reaction after the PV shooting. Hm..not sure about that..he might say that to a rival but to Kyouko's mother. It depends also what is his and her mother's relationship is like. Does he also fear her? Are they close?

      True..well, even if Ren didn't, since I would like Kyouko to more or less be able to handle this by herself, I'm sure we'll see Shou like that if he knows how close those two are now. =P Or knowing that they both love each other..or that, Ren was there for Kyouko while she was a kid. among other things ^^

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  7. Thanks for the summary Kat! I can't wait for next month. I think there's three options of how it will start. There might be a time gap, it might leave off with Kyoko or Sho talking, or maybe after Sho left. That's what I think. Anyways, Kyoko doesn't look like she's ready to face her mother, the pain lingers in her heart after all. It was funny how she was expecting her mom but to find Sho on the other side of the door instead. Lol. And what nerve he has to say that he wants more food, but I guess he's just trying to stay calm on this delicate matter. I wonder if because of this they won't have on of their usual fights.

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    1. Thanks for reading, Brittany ^-^

      Ya..time skips are unpredictable here..just when we thought it will continue from there, it doesn't.

      True..and that must have been quite unexpected for her. ^^;

      That's right..the nerve. It seems so..though they might go to the usual fights if Ren is involved.

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  8. Cant believe we have to wait another month.....please, bring it back to bi-monthly!

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  9. Thanks, Kat!! The last arc seemed like it would be tough to follow since it had some great developments, but this new arc is shaping up to be very interesting!! I'm excited!

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  10. Thank you for the summary Kat! It was a good chapter, even though not much happened. Let's see how their conversation unfolds in the next chapter! Thanks again!

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    1. Thanks for reading, DragonCryings ^-^

      Ya..let's wait and see ^^

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  11. Thanks a lot, and a big punch in shou's face o(`ω´*)o

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  12. thank you so much for the summary ;)

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  13. Thanks Tatsukida. It will be a long waiting!!

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  14. Tatsukida, I've been reading your Skip Beat chapter summaries for a long time now and just wanted to say thank you. By translating the raws, you make the long, agonising wait until the next chapter release bearable! I also like your personal notes at the end of each summary. It's food for thought!

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    1. Thanks for reading and the comment, Dandy ^-^

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  15. Thank's for the summary Kat :)
    Ah waiting for one month again :( such a long time T-T

    Tiara ^_^

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    1. Thanks for reading, Tiara ^-^

      Ya..wait again.

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  16. Thanks Kat!! You do wonders for my blood pressure while waiting for chapters haha.

    The (limited) impression I get of Saena is that she's not good at confrontation when it comes to Kyoko, no matter how good she might be at it in her profession. Kyoko seemed to be completely in the dark about why her mother was always upset and disappointed with her, why she left her, etc. So Saena taking an indirect contact route via the supervisor role and contacting Shou seems in line with that. I hope this contact attempt is due to a bit of increased motherly attitude on her part rather than the reason being that she doesn't want Kyoko's growing fame to impact on her own career (e.g. warning her daughter not to ever reveal her family name publicly, or to badmouth her mother in the media by talking about her childhood history when people interview her).

    Given the mangaka's writing style (no pure villains I can think of?) I imagine there are probably some complexities going on that Saena has always been unable to express to Kyoko. It'll be interesting to see whether Saena's behaviour was due to feelings of resentment and hatred towards her daughter for getting in the way of the career she's passionate about (unexpected pregnancy?), or whether there's something else, like Kyoko reminding her of the father...

    - Jade

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    1. Thanks for reading, Jade ^-^ Hehe, is that so ^^

      True..most likely, we'll know more about her mother's reasons in the near future. And ya, she seems to be good at work but isn't good in dealing with her daughter. I'm not sure if we can say that she isn't good with kids since her work requires her to deal more with adults.

      Yup, it can either be that positive thing or negative thing. And yes, there is no pure villains in this series..even if there is drama, it doesn't go too heavy..yet. That's right..and there is also stress at work. Actually, there are so many possibilities and we'll probably keep on guessing until the mangaka finally reveals it.

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    2. It occurs to me that maybe Saena is a lot like Kyouko is now (with her grudge spirits and such) but Kyouko was so fairy-headed and tender and a cry-baby when she was little that their personalities clashed too much. Kyouko now would have little patience for someone who did everything they were told just not to be hated. Maybe her mom is like that, too, and had a hard time getting along with Kyouko-as-a-child. Maybe they'll actually get along much better now, or at least suit each other more, since they're both tough, career-driven women who can be really harsh and sharp-edged. .... Now I'm all curious about what her mother's like and how they'll get along, as well as Saena's back story.

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    3. It is possible, Tohru13. Maybe Saena isn't that cold-hearted or perhaps, at that time, she felt she is in a dead end and has to leave her. She probably assume that Kyouko would be in better hands with Shou's parents.

      I'm also starting to get curious about her. Suddenly thought, maybe, it is only after she left Kyouko that she became an amazing and cunning lawyer. If it is that, maybe now, she starts to realize what she gave up for her career. That might help some reconciliation..in some way. I tend to think that she is frustrated with work stress before and Kyouko not up to her expectation. Work stress = things aren't going well = she isn't an amazing lawyer yet, perhaps.

      I think that we can more or less assume that Saena is a single mother. So maybe, she couldn't juggle both work and family life. And, of course, that lead to that decision. Maybe she also felt that she doesn't have the right to know what happened to Kyouko afterwards since she abandoned her. Because if she totally didn't care, why would she bother now to start making moves towards getting in touch with Kyouko whether through Shou or be in a drama. Maybe she felt that for Kyouko to suddenly contact her about the signature, she is entertaining the possibility of talking properly with Kyouko or something like that..since Kyouko made the first move.

      Of course, she might be some mean mother who is out to contact her abandoned daughter just to make her life miserable again. That is somewhat unlikely given this kind of 'feel good' shoujo.

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  17. Sweeeet, thanks for the summary Kat :)
    Having read your conclusion about Okami-san 'understanding' the situation with Shou being there, it suddenly danged on me why the boss only gave her a 'ya' response. All protective like a real dad seeing the supposedly 'playboy boyfriend' coming over xD
    Suddenly want Ren to visit their store as well ^^

    Also getting really curious about her mother now, throughout the story with Maria before, Kuu, Okami and boss, heck even Lory. Kyouko's getting a lot of parent-like affection I just can't think of anythign else but a happy end with her mother. In that regard as she has been depicted as being cold and merciless I'm just really curious how the mangaka will reach the ending.. maybe something like in the past she was making a career and had her priorities misplaced? Now having a career she's figured out it's lacking after all? As usual this story just brings up so many questions with each new episode, it's like a curse I'm voluntarily suffering until the next release ;)

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    1. Thanks for reading ^-^

      Well, I'm thinking that Shou probably told him that it is about Kyouko's mother so he doesn't say much now. Maybe earlier, he did interrogate Shou. It also depends on how much he knows who Shou is and what he did to Kyouko. It would be nice if there is a flashback..if something funny happened ^^

      Indeed. And based on some of those you've mentioned, it seems like that there was just a lapse/momentary failure by the parent. For Maria's father, he lashed out on her when his wife died. Kuu wasn't too attentive to what's happening to his son and they were busy with their career until it is too late. So maybe, it is the same with Kyouko's mother. And, that is indeed possible..maybe her priorities were misplaced and she was really stressed then.

      Yup...^^

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  18. I think Shou might be pissing of Kyouko on purpose - In that arc where Kyouko acted in his video and cried, Shou remembered that he could never do anything to stop her crying as a child when she got scolded by her mum - maybe he thinks that any reaction from Kyouko is better than seeing her depressed over her mother? Especially if her strong reaction is one that centers around him (even if it's a negative reaction? - Even though Shou is childish, he's got to have a reason for his offensive behaviour.

    Thank you very much for the translation!

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    1. Hm..that's a possibility, Rekna. Some other reaction..before he drops the bomb.

      Thanks for reading ^-^

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    2. LMAO That sounds like Sho. Drop the news about her mom in between pissing her off, so it gets downplayed. Although it will probably only work while he is there. I can't decide if that is him making a pathetic attempt at keeping her spirits up or if it is just him selfishly just not wanting to see her when she does cry. ;)

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  19. Wow thank you for the summary.. as always ur the fastest Miss.. whenever raws are out I always check ur blog and *TADA* a freshly summarized Skip Beat is already served.. love you girl♡♡♡

    Im excited to see Saena..wahahaha it seems to me that also Shou has also some other motives other than accompanying Kyoko's mom, I mean even before he is to be Kyoko's fiance right? If im not mistaken from the earlier chapters..

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    1. I had a goosebump when you mentioned that Shou was her fiancee before. It's true, but it was too late to claim his position. It's too unfair for both Kyouko and Ren.

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    2. Thanks for reading, Rhegz ^-^

      Yup..but if I remember correctly, he refused it..and ran away from home to be in showbiz. He mentioned it to Shoko that he doesn't want to be forced to marry a boring, no sex appeal= something type..and Kyouko also remembered him telling her that he wants to leave because he doesn't want to marry that kind of person so go with him to Tokyo..and it turns out to be Kyouko. ^^;

      Also, I'm not sure if Shou would do that..because this guy has a lot of pride. For now, he seems content to be always in her mind..even if it is a negative way. If he mentioned that he wants to be engaged to her again, doesn't that mean that Kyouko had won = make him regret for 'throwing her away'?

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  20. I intentionally didn't read the Guam arc, because I found it bizarre. The fact is, Kyoko is such an intelligent girl academically, so I refused to see Kyoko believing in this fairy tale cr*p, again, pardon my language. Anyway, this new arc is great.

    I have a few guesses why Kyoko 's care was given to Sho's parents. Kyoko's mother was most likely a perfectionist, and had demanded perfection from Kyoko. Though Kyoko was an A student and tried so hard to maintain it, I have a feeling her mother didn't like Kyoko's belief in fairy tales, and princesses, making her mother believe that she would not amount to anything. So, instead, she gave the responsibilty of her care to Sho's parents, and also aware of the fact that she would be Sho's bride in the future. maybe, she thought that was a better prospect for her , because, seriously, if she thought Kyoko was brilliant, why would she abandon her "brilliant" only child to a family for the purpose of making her a good housewife and future proprietess of an inn ?

    I guess I'm just perplexed as to the author's reason for making the heroine believe in something inimical to rational thinking . How can the author make the heroine truly believe that Ren is a prince of a kingdom , and he " flew " to somewhere far, far away. Then as an adult, she still believes it. * facepalm*

    Anyway, I'm annoyed that Sho shows his face again. There is just no way ( in my opinion ) he should have a chance with Kyoko. What he did to Kyoko was simply unforgivable. Making her a slave, then kicking her like an empty can.... and worse, did not even bother to know what happened to her after.

    And ,( in my opinion ), Ren should be a bit more aggressive in his pursuit of Kyoko. He is acting so pure and virginal, when , in fact, he had been quite sexually active even before he turned 16. * in the US * But even in Japan, I assume that he has been active too.... but very discreet. There has never been any gossip published about him. Yashiro calls him a playboy, and Ren has never denied it. When Ren invited Kyoko to his apartment, Yashiro was surprised that Kyoko didn't know the implication of that invitation. And of course we all know what happened in Ren's apartment. He tried to seduce her although he knew she was an innocent. I can presume other women had stayed... he didn't have to seduce.

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    1. I forgot what grades she got, megaworthit but from her flashbacks, her grades are not enough unless it is a perfect score. So, I presume that in her mother's eyes, she isn't 'brilliant' and it make Kyouko think that she isn't. That is a possible theory though until now, there was no hint of her mother 'hating' her for the fairy tale stuff. It does make me wonder, what is worse, to be 'given up to others' because Kyouko believe in fairy tales, or because she isn't 'perfect enough' for her mother?

      On contrary, I'm not perplexed at all by it because this series has always been about fairy tales from the start and a lot of stuff revolves around it. The comedy revolves around it. There are even demons that can freak out people and stop their movements. A guy who can see the demons. Actually, I like this series for it =P It makes it unique even if it is unbelievable..so, ya, it pretty much got all sorts of themes here including fantasy. If Lory can go over the top with his cosplays and stuff, Maria have her voodoos, Amamiya have her poison notes, why not Kyouko with her fairy tales? Even intelligent people are allowed to have some eccentricities, right?

      Hm..it suddenly make me wonder if believing in fairy tales is some sort of coping mechanism for Kyouko because of her miserable childhood life? You know, believing that there will be a 'happy ever after' later on..while she is suffering now. While her mother being strict and everything, she believes that everything will be okay later on with her prince Shou. Then, that happened..but she still has Corn the stone. Seems to be deeply ingrained in her heart and mind. Anyway, for me, it is fun and keeps that fairy tale feeling/theme consistent throughout the series.

      True.

      Maybe later on until he is sure of her feelings. Or maybe he will from here on since things had already changed now. He attempted it at the bus for the Dark Moon shooting but feared her adverse reaction. He is also keeping an act as 'Ren' who is all gentleman. Most likely, he won't try to destroy that image in public, just flash that smile and most girls would swoon already so no need to do more than that unless he's very interested in the girl. I presumed that he kept his distance since he has a vow not to fall in love.

      Yes, he is a playboy..but it is inconclusive if he is still at it when he returned to Japan, especially after Rick died. I don't think he is the type to have flings with girls when he has been busy with work, building a reputation, learning Japanese, etc. But then, a guy is a guy so maybe he did that because of his 'needs'?

      Anyway, that doesn't really matter now, so yes, I think Ren can be/ought to more aggressive for he's very good at it like that emperor of the night stuff, etc..but I think for now, he is being cautious with her..not making her freak out or anything from him and his 'advances'. He tends to be more proactive, with Shou around, though =P So, maybe when he returns and Shou is around. ^^ Since Kyouko has pretty much admitted to herself that she loves him, maybe she'll react more positively..unless she got her 'acting' guard up.

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    2. I have 28 volumes of Skip Beat, and i think I reread them 2 or 3x, but I've quite forgotten mosy of the details, but I remember thinking her grades would be A here in the US. Not perfect, but still A. So, I don't know what kind of a mother she was that she could just dismiss her only child just because she wasn't a 100% student. I presume that if Kyoko was, she'd take care of her herself and not be given to another family. About her predilection to fairy tales stuff.... it's just my speculation... and maybe you're right.... it could Kyoko's way of coping with her mother's neglect. believing in fairy tales and princes gave her hope that she'd be fine. I'm just having a problem with her continuous belief in this stuff in her adult life. Even Ren was like, omg, does she really believe this stuff? In real life, anyone listening to her would think there might be some loose screws somewhere, lol. I believe in ghosts myself, but not unicorns, haha.

      the handsome guy what's his name? is "sensitive" . I can believe that too. But never princes that fly away to a kingdom far, far away. lol

      About Ren still at it in Japan..... it's a nuance that if we didn't pay attention to it, it would go over our heads. believe me, kat...... I paid attention to yashiro's and ren's conversations. believe me, it's there. But it doesn't matter, does it ? he's super handsome, an idol ...... he doesn't need to fall in love to sleep with women in his apartment. yashiro even admired the fact that the media couldn't find anything to gossip about. But yashiro knows.

      Ren is now so in love with Kyoko that he 's trying to be very careful that he doesn't shock her . he knows Kyoko is totally an innocent maiden, lol, and , not to mention, has an unfortunate past with a man. I;m wondering though.... do they even know that Kyoko and Sho lived together ? If they knew, would they think that a man and a woman living together might have done stuff ? You know, I always wondered about that. Kyoko never actually revealed this fact. If she did, at what arc, do you know? As I said, i reread it 2 or 3x times, but Sho and Kyoko living together never came up in any of her conversation.

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    3. Yup, megaworthit, it is still A so that's the reason we tend to think badly of her mother. Just because she couldn't get all 100s, she is no good. Of course, I now think that maybe there is some other reason than that..though for Kyouko, that was the reason why her mother left her.

      Hm..cannot say. Here, in our country, there are adults who still believe in dwarves, curses, etc living in forests, certain trees...though mostly in the province. I think it is also the same in Western. There are those who believe in fairies..they are in forests, certain pattern of mushroom growth, etc.

      Handsome guy? You mean Reino? Well..he 'disappeared'. =P

      I know...in real life, most guys in Ren's career and looks would probably do it with lots of women.

      True..again, does it matter? I'm not sure. If he made a fuss about it, won't she make a fuss about 'his women/love life past'? It made me recall in a certain manga, someone asking how come it is okay with guys but not for girls? Kyouko doesn't seem to mind since she knows he is a playboy, good with women, so I'm sure she can assume things..though maybe it is somewhat of a 'good thing' that even so, Ren hasn't really loved anyone of them.

      Also, I think Ren ought to know that Kyouko is 'innocent and everything' based on her reactions to his advances and probably how she was more 'used' as a slave/maid, etc to Shou rather than for anything else. =P

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  21. I read this the day it was released but I was too energetic (which means the opposite) to comment. Thank you Kat for translating this and about your comment, yeah I would hit him with that rice bowl too among other things (Kyouko has however graduated from hating him, which is good for her). Let's see how the story will unfold, I have a feeling though that based on how things are moving on with the mangaka, that I will be reading the new arcs with my grandchildren lol , hopefully not o.O

    Loads of cheers for you and thanks again, for your time, efforts, dedication and hospitality.

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    1. Thanks for reading, RoseFleur ^-^

      Yup ^^ Hehe...hopefully not.

      Thanks for the comment ^-^

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  22. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you Kat <3 :-)

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  23. Thank you so so much for your summaries. There was such a long wait between the raws and the scanlation for the previous chapter, I don't know what I would have done without your summary. :)

    I don't think setting up a connection between Saena and Moko was a trick or a set-up to introduce Saena, just because it seems completely unneeded. I think since she's gone so far as to stick Saena as part of Moko's show, Moko will play a role. Kyoko has overcome her romantic-love block, so this looks like a good way to have Moko confront her issues with her own family (who are really open and affectionate.)

    I'm sort of nervous about how Saena will be handled. Because I don't want her to be a one-dimensional villain, but I also don't want her actions to be waved away as a communication problem or something just in the past. I do think she's going to have an interesting backstory. I remember in one of Kyoko's memories, Saena seemed to be crying. And flinching away every time Kyoko tried to touch her and glaring at her. So I feel like she has to have some sort of sad backstory to draw that reaction.

    But I also really dislike the idea of Kyoko just accepting an explanation like "I was busy" or "your personality didn't mesh with mine." Because Kyoko made it clear in her talk with Corn that she sees her mother as the real beginning point of all her issues. Literally every time Saena is mentioned, it's to talk about how she screwed Kyoko up in one way or another. I'm just a little... discomforted I guess? at the idea that any of those excuses should make Kyoko feel better. Especially the idea that Saena abandoned her because she just didn't like her personality. That just goes back to the beginning, where Kyoko felt that if she could just be the way her mother wanted her to, her mother would love her. It makes Kyoko at least part of the problem. I don't think her clashing with her mother would be too dark tbh; she now has several parent figures who offer her unconditional love and as she says about the show, it might give a purifying feeling. (Sorry, I'm probably waaaay too sensitive about this subject.)

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    1. Thanks for reading ^-^

      Is that so ^^ True, it might actually for Kanae rather than for Kyouko.

      Ya, and I'm sure there will be more to it than being a 1D villain. In that scene, yes, it seems like she is repulse or do not want to be touched..and the cause seems to be partly stress..work stress perhaps, based on what I recall to be the setting..some sort of office.

      Hm..maybe not make Kyouko feel better but rather, empathize with her mother on what she did that. Of course, not with some lame reason like just because she is into fairy tales..because even I won't empathize with it. ^^;

      True..though when I mentioned for it being too dark..it is more like bringing out some insulting words like it is because you're a mistake, and other demeaning stuff. Something like, not make it too soap operaish...just keep it in the same vein as the other confrontations like before..though I guess in this case, it might be slightly heavier. Then, there would be that 'purifying feeling'..like with Kyouko acting with Maria about her father.

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  24. hey kat is my first shoot at your blog but I got to say is almost as addicting as the manga I love to read. you will be seeing alot more of me from here on. Thanks for the review and pics of chapter 216 I couldn't find anything but the raws. And all of a sudden google put you in my path! thank you, you have cured my addiction for another 2 weeks while the translators due their part.
    I can't have enoguh skip beat but this mangaka itself has lots of other wonderfull manga. Do you have any others from her on your blog? > ady.

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    1. Indeed, ady and thanks for reading ^^

      Actually no. When, I started blogging, Skip Beat has already been ongoing for sometime. I think her other series are already scanlated..well, at least the last one, Tokyo Crazy Paradise which unfortunately, ended prematurely due to cancellation, if I remember correctly. It is from TCP that I started this one though slightly hesitant..because of that 'hanging ending' which I hope won't happen here. ^^

      The ones before TCP I heard isn't that good. I think one of it is about basketball. And from the looks of it, this is her masterpiece ^^

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    2. TCP has hanging ending ? I haven't read it, and don't plan to because of some criticisms that I heard about the manga. One thing I dislike in a manga is if there's no definitive ending. I don't care if it's not a happy one, as long as there's resolution. In fact , I'm worried about Skip Beat. We know that Ren's dream is to go to Hollywood and be succesful there. Kyouko might stay in Japan . If she goes to the US, her hard work would be for naught. There's no way she can be a top actress in Hollywood. Ren ? Yes. he has lived in the US and has an American mother.

      But then, it's just a manga. The author can write anything... she can even make Ren the President of the US because he was born in the US.

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    3. Hm..it is somewhat like..that's it..there should be more stuff as if it ended abruptly-type of thing, megaworthit.

      Why not? I don't think her hard work would be for nothing..it is training ground and she learned a lot of stuff. She knows English. She is a fast learner and I recall Lory also believes that she is going to go to other places later on with her acting. And it is just a little more than a year since she started. I think it is already amazing. I think she can also easily blend in with his family ^^

      Lol..true ^^

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  25. Arigato for always always posting! :)) Can't wait for those 8 meal video evidences from Ren ^____^

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  26. Thank you for posting this!! i always read your blogs but this is my first time commenting on one :D...i don't think anyone else is thinking about this but me.... but i am really worried after reading this chapter. Kyouko has Amamiya's poison book! What if it gets into the wrong hands and they think it belongs to Kyouko!! Honestly if that happens, i will probably stop reading until it gets resolved.....D:

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    1. Thanks for reading, Yolanda ^-^

      Lol, that's a great idea. But contrary to what you're thinking, I'm thinking it can be used as something funny. Didn't Amamiya wrote something about the comedian who teased her? What if Shou thinks that Kyouko wrote it and it is about him? Of course, the handwriting would probably a give away... So, same with your fear, they might think it belongs to Kyouko but the handwriting would be different.

      Anyway, it would be nice if that notebook has a 'good' use in this arc ^^

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  27. as always, nice preview ^_^

    i also want to think that moko has something to do with mogami and her mother :D,
    oh and, nice to see sho and kyoko reconnect again ^_^ hhaha

    ~shira

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    1. Thanks for reading, shira ^-^

      Hehe, ya ^^ Her reactions to him are always extreme ^^

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