The most recent and arguably controversial sapphic series is now available in GagaOOLala! This love-hate drama, starring Sugai Yuka and Nakamura Yurika, tells the story of an ex-lover who unexpectedly reunites in a collaboration between their companies. The deepest yearning in their hearts resurfaces, along with resentments from their mysterious past. When the pain of the heart is stronger than the mind, will Itsuki and Fuyu be able to get over their past? Find out in this BLTai recap of Episodes 1-2 of ‘Chaser Game W: My Evil Boss Is My Ex-Girlfriend’.
Warning: Spoiler alert. Read at your own risk.
Episode 1
Senior artist Itsuki and animator Risa excitedly talk about their next project inside the well-known Japanese game development company Dynamic Dream. Two former lovers battle in the sapphic game “Tenyo Sekkai,” also known as “Celestial Goddess.” In the meantime, Yoko, the manager of the company, is taking a tour of Fuyu, the Chinese producer of Vincent, with whom they will be working, meanwhile, Fuyu remains stoic the whole time
Itsuki is shocked to discover a surprise birthday celebration in her cubicle as her coworkers wish her a happy 27th birthday and good luck in finding a lover soon. Itsuki responds timidly to the team that her lover is her job. While the team is still extending their greetings to her, Yoko shows up and introduces Fuyu to everyone as Vincent’s representative. When Itsuki looks at the newcomers and recognizes Fuyu among them, her face instantly goes pale. As Yoko is introducing her, Fuyu interrupts and speaks for herself. Fuyu informs everyone that Vincent has not yet given Dynamic Dream their full trust in the development of Tenyo Sekkai and that during the next six months of collaboration, that will determine whether or not the project is ultimately given to them. Fuyu challenges them to perform to the best of their abilities to produce positive results for both parties and tells them to leave if they don’t think they can handle the expectations. One of Itsuki’s teammates, Misaki, who also happens to be a working mother, arrives late and awkwardly greets them just as Fuyu is about to wrap up her introduction. As the team is having lunch, Nanase, the Visual Effects manager, pulls out Fuyu’s profile from the company email, and they talk about how uncertain they are about their ability to work with someone like Fuyu. Five years ago, Fuyu, a Chinese national, completed her studies at a Japanese university and began working for Vincent. Nanase continues, pointing to a picture of Fuyu in a purple sweater, saying that Fuyu and Itsuki are the same age. Meanwhile, Risa comments that Fuyu seems to be someone who doesn’t fear anything. Misaki asks if Vincent may send a representative when the project is still not fully turned over to Dynamics Dream, and, unknown to them, Fuyu just so happens to overhear them, and approaches them. Fuyu tells them that such a move is common in China and questions them if they are aware of the size of the Chinese game market. With a huge amount of money on the market, the company doesn’t suffer from spending six months on a project and stopping it if needed. She goes on to say that although she truly has no fears, there are some things that she detests, such as betrayals, and she adds this while casting a mocking glance at Itsuki before leaving the room. Itsuki and Fuyu are seen spending time together in a park and taking pictures together in a flashback, with Fuyu wearing the same purple sweater as seen in her corporate profile. Returning to the present, freelance writer Aoyama sends Itsuki a message asking if she has any interesting articles to write. Asking if Aoyama still remembers Fuyu, Itsuki calls him and makes a promise to tell him more about her recent encounter with her the next time. Following the call’s conclusion, Aoyama’s phone starts receiving calls and messages from loan collection companies.
In the office, Misaki questions Fuyu’s decision to move her to a different team, particularly after Fuyu says that it seems like she’s having trouble raising her child. Itsuki tries to step in and explain that Misaki is genuinely interested in working on the project and is hoping Fuyu will change his mind. Fuyu asks them if it’s common in Japanese culture to overlook an employee’s tardiness if they are overly eager, rather than expressing sympathy. Itsuki tries to respond, saying that’s not what she meant, but Fuyu cuts her off with a cold stare. The manager of Storyboard, Ayaka, makes an effort to help Itsuki, Misaki, and herself as a mother, but Fuyu refuses to give in. Itsuki remarks that Fuyu is being overly harsh and doesn’t know what it’s like to be a mother. To everyone’s surprise, Fuyu responds that she is a mother herself before placing a framed family photo on her table. She then goes on to say that Misaki can go since her daughter is waiting for her and starts to list all the things she knows about her team, although she noticeably skips Itsuki. Itsuki finds Fuyu in the bathroom but the latter abruptly cuts her off and advises her not to bring up the past because their relationship is only one of client and subcontractor. Before Itsuki has a chance to respond, Nanase and Risa show up to inform Fuyu that they have already purchased the alcohol she had asked them to for a toast. Itsuki is surprised when Fuyu tells her that she can leave if she has other plans, implying that Itsuki might be somewhere else. Itsuki responds that she will join them. At that moment, Fuyu gets a message on her phone, prompting her to inform everyone that she needs to run an errand and will be returning shortly. Fuyu picks up her daughter Tsuki and brings her home before returning to the office to begin the celebration. To the surprise of everyone, Itsuki and Fuyu begin drinking competitively with one another until the group decides to head to a club. When someone asks Fuyu her true name as the team starts talking, she responds that she chose Fuyu because it is simpler for people to say. This reminds Itsuki that Fuyu’s name was originally given by her. A bar host approaches Itsuki and tries to make a move on her but Fuyu inserts in Chinese that Itsuki shouldn’t be in a relationship considering she is a cheater. When the team starts interviewing Fuyu, they ask her about her husband, whom she describes as sincere and someone who won’t cheat on her before she excuses herself to use the restroom. Aware that Fuyu isn’t good at drinking, Itsuki follows her right away and finds her on the bar’s balcony. Itsuki approaches Fuyu in an attempt to assist her, but Fuyu kisses her out of the blue. She shoves the drunk Fuyu, who gets up to leave after appearing to regain sobriety. Upon returning to their room, she discovers Fuyu in her element of confidence once more, who challenges her to down a bottle of alcohol because she won’t talk about her romantic life. Itsuki drinks straight from the bottle, much to everyone’s surprise, even though she eventually trips and falls. As this is going on, Fuyu grabs the bottle and spills its contents on Itsuki. At that point, she whispers to Itsuki that it is customary in China to accept alcohol from clients. In front of everyone, Itsuki gives Fuyu a hard slap.
Watch ‘Chaser Game W: My Evil Boss is My Ex-Girlfriend’ on GagaOOLala.
