Chapter 1150: Pass it on: Chikako-chan likes older men!!!

After the heat of the Film Awards in early February lasted for a week, the entertainment industry began searching for the next hot topic.

At this time, the Valentine's Day film season was aggressively approaching. Many films that had been delayed were aiming for this window, hoping to recoup their costs quickly.

Every newspaper was filled with news of upcoming films like "XXXX," and posters in cinemas and trailers on television programs kept appearing, making people's eyes dazzle~

And at this moment, the opening blockbuster from Shuyou Film, "Once a Thief," finally began its preview screenings!

Relying on powerful public relations, the Bungeiza cinema in Ikebukuro gathered numerous reporters again today, carrying long lenses and short cannons as if they were going to war...

"Shibata-san, Chikako-chan, and Leslie..."

Masataka Komori brought the three main leads to the lobby.

"Get ready, the preview screening is officially starting now!"

"Hai!" X3

Zhang Guorong had come to Tokyo when he attended the Film Awards ceremony earlier, and he had stayed until the preview of "Once a Thief," taking the opportunity to go on vacation.

When "Tiger of Ginza" won the Grand Prize, he also stood on the podium accepting everyone's applause. It was just a pity that as a foreigner, he didn't win any individual major awards the first time around.

However, starting with "Once a Thief," he should be able to look forward to it~

"Thank you for coming!" "It's a great honor that you could come..." "Please, take a seat inside..." "Long time no see..."

Masataka Komori was considered a person of status in the film industry, and with the reputation of Shuyou Film, the industry bigwigs who came all gave him plenty of face.

Seeing Masataka Komori at the preview, there was a round of pleasantries. Veteran actors like Gongbing Shibata also warmly welcomed acquaintances. As for Chikako Aoyama and Zhang Guorong, who were still considered half-newcomers, they just humbly greeted people...

The invited audience walked into Bungeiza in an endless stream, then slowly filled the screening hall. Finally, all the reporters sat down as well.

As the lights in the screening hall dimmed, "Once a Thief" began its official screening.

"Judging from the previous promotion, is it an action movie?"

Masafumi Naito was an invited film enthusiast. He whispered to his companion in private,

"Is it like an art thief similar to Kaitou Kid?"

"Yeah... but judging from the trailer, it seems to have romantic elements too..." Masami Nishiyama said, "The later trailer had a gunfight... it looks very interesting."

"Hahaha, it feels very novel, it makes people look forward to it!"

The conversation between the two represented the thoughts of most of the audience, who all felt that this was a very fresh film.

However, after "Once a Thief" began screening, it shattered this thought all at once.

From the very first scene, the beautiful city of Paris was surprising. The architecture and sculptures full of artistic aesthetic, the beautiful scenery of the suburbs under blue skies and white clouds, and Chikako Aoyama, who was charming and moving in the film, all made people's eyes light up.

"That's... Notre-Dame de Paris!"

"Chikako-chan is so beautiful, why didn't I feel it before..."

"I used to think she was just a young little sister, but now she has the feeling of a charming older sister... her figure is even better!"

"....... You pervert!"

The two best friends leaned their heads together and whispered, but it didn't affect the viewing of others.

There were also other directors and screenwriters watching silently, pondering the editing logic and story arrangement of this film in their hearts.

As the plot of "Once a Thief" developed, the story gradually changed from fresh and clear to tense and exciting, firmly grabbing the audience's attention.

From the very beginning, it was a theft plot targeting a famous painting. Gongbing Shibata and Chikako Aoyama were flirting while speeding on the road, making the audience unable to help but gasp... and they were just trying to attract the attention of the transport truck driver and security.

At this time, Zhang Guorong was quietly slipping into the big truck in the back, stealing the precious oil painting artwork.

High-speed skateboards, low-altitude gliding... a team of art thieves, each performing their own duties and possessing superb skills, was displayed before the audience's eyes!

In fact, the three protagonists were three gifted adopted children raised by a gang boss, who were actually being trained as loyal subordinates to help him steal precious artworks.

And the other two brothers, Kyōhei Shibata and Zhang Guorong, both liked Chikako Aoyama, the only sister in the trio...

After selling the previous painting, the next plot was "This is the last job" and "Once we steal this painting, we'll retire." In this era, there was no such thing as "flagging," but it also foreshadowed their subsequent sorrow...

This last job was a trap set by the big BOSS, just to make these three steal the pearl on the crown of art for him—the "Mona Lisa"!

The subsequent theft of the bank vault and the brave entry into the heavily guarded storage room gave the audience a real sense of art thieves. Several screenwriters were particularly fond of the plot of using red wine to pass through the infrared corridor...

A corridor full of infrared rays—if it were changed to lasers, it might be even more exciting!

Finally, under the gunfire of security personnel, Zhang Guorong was injured... During the treatment, the two brothers said the classic dialogue.

"Sometimes, if you care too much about other people's feelings, you will lose yourself, do you know that?!"

"Loving someone doesn't necessarily mean you have to be with her for a lifetime."

"If I like a flower, I don't necessarily have to pick it..."

"I like the wind, should I let the wind stop so I can smell it?"

"I like the clouds, should I let the clouds float down? To shade me from the sun?"

"......."

After taking out the bullet, after a fierce gunfight, the stolen work was snatched away. Gongbing Shibata, as the big brother, faked his death to escape, fulfilling the love between Zhang Guorong and Chikako Aoyama~

And in fact, Gongbing Shibata finally found the person who framed the three of them—it was their foster father!

Thus began the revenge plot!

In the tango dance floor of the banquet hall, Chikako Aoyama appeared in a grand outfit, making people marvel at her moving charm that was both beautiful and playful; the handsome and dashing Zhang Guorong and his partner were a perfect match, a pair of jade people; and afterwards, Gongbing Shibata sat in a wheelchair, dancing a happy and charming dance...

"Wow... can you actually dance in a wheelchair?"

The audience off-stage spoke subconsciously,

"This shouldn't be a stunt, right?!"

"No stunt double, it's Shibata-san!"

"He really danced it himself!"

"......."

Gongbing Shibata, who was also watching off-stage, showed a gratified smile on his face... When filming this scene, he practiced until his hands had blisters (the wheelchair is pushed by hand) and he almost broke his bones—should he tell everyone about this too?!

One minute on stage, ten years of work off stage!

By dancing to get the bank manager's key, the trio finally stole that painting again! Carrying this painting, they faced their foster father directly...

Thus, the most explosive plot of the entire "Once a Thief," the indoor gunfight, began!

The gunfights in Japan were relatively realistic, but this film drew on the essence of Hong Kong gunfight films. Under the action of gunpowder, gunfire flew everywhere, smoke filled the air, and the visual sense was very explosive!

It made all the audience gasp continuously with the sound of gunfire. They also learned for the first time that gunfight scenes could be filmed like this...

In the end, the Mona Lisa hanging on the porch was shot by Gongbing Shibata with an arrow. After it caught fire, the audience's mood, which had just calmed down from the gunfight, was stirred up again!

"Did they really burn the famous painting just like that?!"

"I actually feel that this arrangement has some profound meaning... it can be considered a good ending!"

"But it's too much of a pity to burn it... couldn't they sell it?!"

"....... You have the potential to be a thief!"

Whispering discussions were endless. A film with such ups and downs in the plot, interspersed with complex emotional lines, was like an exciting cocktail, making people's hearts surge in just over an hour.

The performances of the three protagonists were each unique, especially Chikako Aoyama, who, as a character who should have been a vase, made it hard for people to forget her moving charm...

"From today on, I have re-recognized Chikako Aoyama!"

"Yeah, a charming great beauty should be like this!"

"......"

"Minna-san, next is the media interview for 'Once a Thief'!"

After the film ended, the host walked to the front of the stage and began organizing the media meet-and-greet after the preview. The reporters who had been waiting for a long time had already set up their cameras and microphones.

Even the audience who had just watched the film didn't leave much.

"Let us welcome the creative team of 'Once a Thief'!"

Under the applause, Masataka Komori brought Gongbing Shibata, Zhang Guorong, and Chikako Aoyama to the front of the stage. Masataka Komori first took the microphone to give a speech:

"Thank you very much for everyone's support for 'Once a Thief'..."

However, while he was speaking, a reporter glanced at the side door, seemingly expecting someone else to come out... but until the end of the speech, no one came.

"Isn't Naoki Nagayama coming?" "Isn't he the screenwriter!" "Why isn't he coming again..."

The screenwriter of "Once a Thief" was the famous Naoki Nagayama, who had won many awards not long ago and was at the peak of his fame!

After the creative staff finished speaking, they entered the popular interview session. A reporter couldn't help but ask:

"Director Masataka Komori, where did the screenwriter of this film go? Why didn't he come together?!"

"......." Masataka Komori was speechless in his heart. He knew someone would ask, "Haha, Naoki-san is busy with official business and has other work..."

"Can you reveal what work it is?"

"Uh..." What counts as work for a vacation? Resting and gathering strength? Masataka Komori paused and said, "Naoki-san is looking for the location for his next film!"

Well, traveling and soaking in hot springs certainly counts as looking for locations. There is no problem at all!

The reporters who got the answer let Naoki Nagayama go for the time being and began to officially interview the several main leads.

"Shibata-san, may I ask how the dancing in the wheelchair operated by hand was filmed?"

"....." Gongbing Shibata sighed, "It was something I learned after practicing for a whole week!"

"Oh? Was it really filmed live? It must be very difficult, right?!"

"Actually, it's okay. It's like riding a bicycle. Once you learn it, you won't forget it!"

"......"

The reporters turned their attention to one of the most popular foreigners in Japan last year, Zhang Guorong~

"Zhang-san... is there any difference between filming in Japan and in the Hong Kong region?"

"The biggest difference is probably in culture. Communication during filming is still a bit difficult."

"Mr. Zhang Guorong... may I ask if you have any more films in Japan next?"

"There is no such plan for the time being." Zhang Guorong replied in Japanese, "However, I have a Japanese record that will be released..."

"Hontou ni?!"

"Hai, I hope everyone can continue to support..."

After interviewing Gongbing Shibata and Zhang Guorong, the next interviewee was Chikako Aoyama!

"Chikako-chan, if you had to choose one between Gongbing Shibata and Zhang Guorong, which type is your ideal type?!"

"Eh?!!!"

Chikako Aoyama subconsciously looked at the handsome and dashing Zhang Guorong and the cool and elegant Gongbing Shibata... making the reporters' faces show smiles...

After a few seconds, Chikako Aoyama slowly said:

"As expected... I still like older uncles who are a bit more mature..."

"Oh oh oh!" "Chikako-chan likes older men!" "Then it's Shibata-san!" "..... Chikako-chan, I'm not young either! Do you think I have a chance?!" "Get lost!" "....."

The reporters off-stage instantly started a commotion, and the entire media meet-and-greet became very lively.

This preview screening of "Once a Thief" could be considered a very good start... Next, just wait for the official release!

At the same time, Naoki Nagayama, who had just been asked about by the reporters, had come to Narita International Airport again.

Then, under the guidance of Department Head Tomoyasu Kawamura, he walked through the staff passage and came to a quiet hangar...

"Naoki-san, your plane is parked here... The interior decoration is currently finished, and the flight crew is conducting pre-flight checks..."

The Gulfstream III private jet that Naoki Nagayama bought had a ready-made stock, so the process went very quickly. After signing the contract and the US side received the payment, the plane had already been parked in the hangar exclusively for Naoki Nagayama.

After the interior was refitted, Naoki Nagayama could finally come to see his plane!

Tomoyasu Kawamura led the way in front while introducing:

"We have already arranged the flight crew. Three captains are on rotating duty. The captain on duty today is Kazuhiko Suda..."

"Kazuhiko Suda?"

Hearing this name, Naoki Nagayama was stunned for a moment, feeling very familiar.

"Hai..." Tomoyasu Kawamura nodded, "He is right... ah, he is right in front!"

As he spoke, he pointed to the captain who was already standing in front of the hangar door in formal attire waiting... After Naoki Nagayama walked in and saw Kazuhiko Suda's face, he finally remembered!

Isn't this the pilot who helped fly the helicopter to Otaru before!!

"Nagayama-san, long time no see!"

After seeing Naoki Nagayama, Kazuhiko Suda reached out his hand first.

"Suda-san! It's actually you! Long time no see..." Naoki Nagayama smiled and shook hands, feeling a bit puzzled, "Didn't you fly helicopters?!"

"Haha, I can fly many planes, I can even fly fighter jets!"

Generally speaking, the operation of fixed-wing and non-fixed-wing aircraft is completely different, but Kazuhiko Suda explained with a smile. He transferred from the military, loved flying very much, and could fly more than one type of aircraft.

Tomoyasu Kawamura was very surprised:

"Naoki-san, do you know Captain Suda?"

"Ha, I rented a helicopter before, and Suda-san was the pilot..." Naoki Nagayama explained, "Come to think of it, it's been a year or two, right?!"

"More than three years!"

Kazuhiko Suda said,

"However, when I was recruiting, I knew it was to serve as a private jet pilot for Naoki-san, so I agreed immediately!"

That time when he went to Otaru made him know that Naoki Nagayama was a very generous and kind person, and following him would not be a loss.

"Haha, thank you for your trust..."

Meeting a familiar person, Naoki Nagayama felt that this purchase of a private jet went even more smoothly!

After chatting for a few words at the door, Kazuhiko Suda led Naoki Nagayama towards the inside of the hangar, and along the way, he also urged him not to move things in the hangar.

The so-called hangar was actually a very large warehouse. Most of it was empty inside, and some maintenance tools were placed neatly...

In the middle was parked a white plane, Naoki Nagayama's Gulfstream III jet!

This behemoth, which was more than ten meters long, made people feel even smaller after getting closer~

"This is my plane!"

After seeing the real object, Naoki Nagayama finally had a real sense of buying a private jet. The instinct belonging to a man began to stir, and he couldn't help but touch the fuselage.

"This is a classic model of Gulfstream aircraft!"

Kazuhiko Suda said, then pulled Naoki Nagayama for a stroll. His eyes seemed to be shining,

"A plane is such a beautiful toy!"

"Hahaha, that's right!"

Naoki Nagayama couldn't agree more!

After walking onto the landing gear and entering the cabin, Naoki Nagayama felt that the large cabin was not cramped at all. He could see that the cabin was divided into several parts...

Tomoyasu Kawamura finally found an opportunity and began to explain:

"According to Naoki-san's opinion, the cabin has removed half of the seats and is divided into a bedroom, a living room, a leisure and entertainment area, and a bar..."

The bedroom area of the plane has two beds, which can be used for two people to lie down and rest; the remaining eight seats sit opposite each other in pairs, with a table in the middle; the leisure and entertainment area is connected to the bar, with a large table. The cabinets next to it have chess, cards, books, etc., and a TV and karaoke equipment are also installed in the middle...

In addition to drinks, the small bar also has a storage room, which can also be used as a kitchen. However, if you want to make a big meal, you need to find a chef yourself.

The entire decoration is fixed on the cabin wall, and small objects also have fixing measures to prevent shaking and falling... The overall decoration style is antique mahogany, with modern luxury in the classic...

Naoki Nagayama was extremely satisfied!

"Kawamura-buchou... when can it fly?"

"The mechanic is currently conducting the final inspection." Tomoyasu Kawamura glanced at Kazuhiko Suda, and after getting confirmation, said, "It is expected to take off in three days!"

"Then three days later!"

After Naoki Nagayama nodded, he excitedly came to the cockpit, but looking at the complex buttons, he didn't dare to move them for a while,

"Suda-san, are you on duty that day?"

"If it's three days later, I'm on duty!" Kazuhiko Suda nodded, "We change once a week!"

"Good... we are going to Hokkaido this time too... Lake Toya..."

"Hai, I will determine the nearest airport..."

Kazuhiko Suda nodded. The flight reporting and so on were naturally handled by him, the captain.

Naoki Nagayama looked at the two seats in the cockpit, and his heart felt a bit itchy:

"Suda-san, teach me how to fly a plane in the future!"

"......." Kazuhiko Suda didn't know how to answer for a while, and after being silent for a few seconds, he said, "Naoki-san... learning to fly a big plane is a very long process... actually, you don't need to learn it!"

"If you want to experience flying, learning to fly a small plane or a small helicopter is enough..."

"Hmm... that's fine too!"

Naoki Nagayama regarded it as the starting stage,

"However, I still want to learn to fly this kind of plane later. After all, it's my own plane, and I still want to fly it myself..."

"....."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 1151 =====