Chapter 1230: Naoki-san, How Could You Do This?!!

"Departures" is currently screening, and as the person in overall charge, Naoki Nagayama cannot simply hide away at home forever.

The day after celebrating Akina's birthday, he was summoned to the company by a phone call to discuss the situation following the premiere, as well as... the problems that had arisen.

Meanwhile, at Yamazakura-in, Akina was trying to frame the haiku Naoki Nagayama had given her.

Such an artistic creation naturally deserved to be displayed as home decor, allowing every visitor to witness the profound love between the husband and wife (come one, come all, to feast on this dog food)!

"Hmm... where should I put it?"

Akina tried placing the frame on the TV wall, the cabinet, the coffee table, and the windowsill, finally settling on the display cabinet.

This spot was originally reserved for the various trophies Naoki Nagayama and Nakamori Akina had won... but in Akina's heart, this haiku likely weighed heavier than all those awards combined.

Placing the frame right in the most prominent center, Akina looked left and right, thoroughly satisfied.

"Akina-chan, is this the love poem Naoki-san wrote for you?"

Nonaka Mari, walking over while holding little Xia Hua, also spotted the frame.

"A haiku?"

"Yes..." Akina smiled. "Naoki-san is truly talented, isn't he?!"

"Mm-hmm..." Nonaka Mari nodded, though she looked slightly puzzled. "Seeing Naoki-san spending so much time in the study those days, I thought he was writing a novel... turns out it was just this!"

"Yes... I thought it was a novel too..." Akina nodded. "But haiku can be very mentally draining... perhaps that's why it took so long."

"I see..."

Nonaka Mari only half-understood a writer's creative process, feeling impressed despite not fully grasping it.

Then she joined Akina in continuing to admire it...

Akina was naturally very satisfied with this love letter, but since she had been expecting a romance novel for the past few days, she still felt a slight sense of loss...

Just then, Eitaro trotted over with his food bowl in his mouth, his thick tail thumping against Akina's calves.

"Eh? Eitaro... do you want lunch?!"

Akina naturally understood this dog's thoughts perfectly, but since he had eaten a bit too well during spring, the dog was currently on a diet.

"But you already ate a lot this morning... so lunch has to be a little less, okay~"

After scooping just one spoonful of dog food into the bowl, Akina stopped.

Eitaro stared at the sparse kibble in his bowl and began whining pitifully through his nose.

"Dame... Eitaro, you need to lose weight!"

"Whine, whine, whine..."

The dog continued rubbing against Akina's leg, but Akina was far stricter than Naoki Nagayama; if she said no extra food, then there would be no extra food!

Anxious and out of options, the dog spun in circles on the floor, then suddenly dashed toward his doghouse... after some rummaging, he returned with something in his mouth.

"Trying to trade something for dog food again?" Akina asked, her expression guarded.

At some point, Naoki Nagayama had taught Eitaro the behavior of trading objects for food, so for a while, the dog would constantly bring toys, stones, leaves, and the like to exchange for meals; each time, Naoki Nagayama would be enthusiastically delighted, praising the dog for being so clever...

That was, until one time when Eitaro brought over a live mouse, letting the whole family understand the meaning of "a dog catching a rat," after which such behavior was promptly stopped.

And ever since that incident, Akina had become somewhat wary whenever Eitaro brought things over!

"Let me tell you, if you bring another mouse over, you won't even get the dog food you have now!"

But Eitaro simply opened his mouth, dropping a floppy disk at Akina's feet, and tapped it with his paw.

This was the treasure his master had secretly hidden in his doghouse; surely this could be exchanged for dog food now!!!

"... Hmm..."

Akina looked at the blue floppy disk with some surprise; at this time, she was naturally very familiar with floppy disks, as many of Naoki-san's manuscripts were stored on them.

Picking it up to examine it, the label on the case read "Sorry, I Love You"... just like his previous novels, he had written the title on the disk to distinguish them!

"Oh?!!"

"Could it be... this is also a gift from Naoki-san?!"

Akina's eyes lit up; so this was the novel Naoki-san had written after all, and he had actually arranged for the dog to deliver it!!!

"As expected of Naoki-san, he always manages to give people a little surprise!!!"

Thinking this, Akina headed straight for the study; she couldn't wait to print out the novel!

"Naoki-san..."

In the top-floor office at Shuyou, Kijima Ko reported somewhat cautiously.

"Some negative reviews have appeared."

"Oh?" Naoki Nagayama nodded; his state of mind was still quite peaceful. "A thousand people have a thousand Hamlets; differing viewpoints are normal! So, how are they evaluating it?"

"Fans of Yamaguchi Momoe have spoken out through the media, saying that Yamaguchi Momoe's image as a wife in the film is highly stereotypical!"

Kijima Ko quoted the criticism directly.

"They say it portrays her as 'beautiful, obedient, and willing to sacrifice,' which is nothing more than male-gaze fantasy! It belittles independent women..."

"Hmm..."

There was that flavor again!

Naoki Nagayama hadn't expected feminist ideology to have spread so widely in Japan... He had merely portrayed a virtuous wife in an ordinary family, yet he had been struck by the feminist fist!

It seemed he would need to be careful when filming female characters in the future; perhaps even the image of a good wife and loving mother would be viewed by independent women in Japan as labeling or a stereotype...

"Aside from this point, what other criticisms are there?"

Kijima Ko spoke with some indignation.

"There are also some critical voices saying things like the psychological transformation of the relatives in the story was too fast, the reconciliation between father and son was too dramatic, there was too much voice-over narration... and so on and so forth."

"This is clearly picking bones out of an egg!"

Naoki Nagayama smiled, dismissing it lightly.

"Having people pick faults is a good thing; it shows that everyone is still watching your work!"

Seeing Nagayama Naoki's calm demeanor, Kidai Kyo was the first to lose his patience:

"But in the past, Director Nagayama's films never faced such outright criticism! This time, they clearly don't want 'Okuribito' to have a good start!"

"Hahaha~"

Nagayama Naoki actually understood; this 'Okuribito' had generated massive momentum even before production began, first backed by the quality guarantee of Tomo Eiga, then boosted by Yamaguchi Momoe's comeback, and later fueled by his own statement aiming for an Oscar.....

The tone was set exceptionally high from the start, so it was understandable that peers felt resentful.

"Kidai-kun.... Let him be strong, I am like the clear breeze brushing against the mountain ridge..." Nagayama Naoki expressed the mindset of a supreme master, "These are merely background noise on our path toward the goal~"

"Then shouldn't we warn those who are speaking recklessly?"

"The correct approach is to find another group to challenge them in a debate...."

Nagayama Naoki immediately called Watanabe Eiichiro from the Publicity Department over,

"Watanabe-kun..... Gather a batch of media outlets to refute those opposing remarks and stir up the hype..... I was just thinking about how to get audiences into the theaters!"

"Yes......"

Watanabe Eiichiro nodded,

"Director Nagayama, we can actually further strengthen the publicity! For instance, we could increase discussions about 'Okuribito' on relevant television programs...."

"Mm, not bad, go ahead!"

Nagayama Naoki was very satisfied with Watanabe Eiichiro's initiative and encouraged him with a smile,

"Watanabe-kun, work hard.... You should already know about the plan to spin off a subsidiary for the distribution business, right?!"

"When the time comes, we will definitely select someone from within the group to lead this sector..... You all have a chance!"

Skillfully painting a grand vision is a basic capability of any boss! Nagayama Naoki was now doing it with natural ease~

"!!!"

A surge of delight arose spontaneously in Watanabe Eiichiro's heart, but in Nihon, the seniority system loomed overhead; good opportunities were usually allocated from top to bottom based on age and rank...

"But.... shouldn't this be Minister Sugiyama's opportunity...."

"Ah, Sugiyama-kun..... He is a man of Kadokawa..... It won't be that easy for him to leave."

"Ah.... Yes! I will do my best!"

Watanabe Eiichiro immediately made a loud promise~

Sugiyama Tohiko was the representative sent by Kadokawa Eiga, a shareholder, to Tomo Eiga, tasked with supervising Tomo's operations..... He served as an overt check and balance; how could he possibly be dispatched without Kadokawa Haruki's approval!

Coming to the company today was not only to understand the premiere situation but also to confirm the parts he needed to participate in for the upcoming 'Okuribito' publicity.....

He wouldn't participate in the roadshow, but for certain interviews and television appearances, he still needed to make an appearance!

After Kidai Kyo and Watanabe Eiichiro had both left, Nagayama Naoki sat alone in the study for a while, then walked out and turned toward the adjacent office of Tomomura Otomo.

"Tomomura-san..."

"Director Nagayama?" Tomomura Otomo, who was handling work, looked somewhat surprised, "Weren't you discussing matters regarding 'Okuribito'? Why have you come to my side?"

"That discussion is finished~" Nagayama Naoki sat on the sofa, "I came to find Tomomura-san because of another matter."

"Another matter?" Tomomura Otomo put down his current work, came over to the sofa, "What is it?"

"It concerns Kadokawa..." Nagayama Naoki did not hide anything, "Haruki-san and Tomomura-san are good friends, so I want to hear your thoughts....."

"Oh?"

Tomomura Otomo's expression turned serious; it seemed this involved Kadokawa's interests.....

"We communicated briefly earlier; since the proportion of the distribution business is expanding, next year the group will spin off a subsidiary to coordinate distribution operations.

The company's overall framework needs adjustment, and the shareholding structure will change accordingly...... Additionally, as Tomo has grown to its current scale, it now requires more support.... Therefore, I plan to issue new shares to bring in third parties...."

Looking at his good friend, Nagayama Naoki spoke directly.

Ever since Tomo half-stepped into the political arena, he had felt somewhat isolated and lacking strength; indeed, it was necessary to make the group's shareholding more complex.

"Currently, Kadokawa still controls 10% of the group's shares...."

"Does Director Nagayama mean...." Tomomura Otomo paused, "to reduce Kadokawa's shareholding percentage?"

"Correct...."

Nagayama Naoki spoke without falsehood,

"When Tomo was just starting out, Haruki-san indeed helped Tomo greatly.... However, the returns received now have already exceeded tenfold, right?... He has taken who knows how much just from film dividends alone...."

"But as the company grows larger and larger, Kadokawa's contribution to Tomo has become smaller and smaller..... We need to use equity to win over others!"

"......."

Tomomura Otomo remained silent for a moment; in truth, he also agreed.

"Actually, according to the general trend of corporate development, as the company scale expands, the shares of early shareholders are inevitably diluted...... Only shareholders who grow and struggle alongside the company will maintain their shareholding percentage~"

Nagayama Naoki continued speaking,

"For people like Tomomura-san and Ito Shuichi-san, who have grown with the company, there is naturally no problem; their shareholding percentages will only rise....... But Kadokawa has now fallen somewhat behind~"

Tomomura Otomo had always devoted immense effort to the group's operations; one could say that without him, Tomo's daily operations would encounter problems.

And outside of film operations, Itō Shūichi was now also involved in the development of the Tokyo Film Industry Association, serving as an important pillar for Tomo's future growth.

The importance of both individuals to the company was increasing~

"So, Director Nagayama is communicating with me first because you considered my friendship with Haruki-san?"

"Yes...." Nagayama Naoki looked slightly embarrassed, "Haruki-san and I are merely superficial friends, drinking buddies..... Our relationship is mostly transactional, lacking deeper emotional bonds, but Tomomura-san is different...."

Tomomura Otomo and Kadokawa Haruki had formed a friendship in earlier years~

"If I were the one to speak about increasing the shareholding, it might cause Haruki-san to overthink..... It could even lead to a rupture in the relationship between both parties...."

"Director Nagayama, is the plan officially launching next year?"

"Correct.... Establishing the branch company, adjusting the structure and equity, all will happen next year...."

Diluting equity hurts feelings, but if you don't hurt feelings, you hurt money..... So, considering everything comprehensively, it is better to hurt feelings.

A brief silence fell between the two men before Yoshimura Ootomo pondered for a moment and made his decision:

"Very well... I will go speak with Haruki-san!"

Although Haruki-san was an old friend from his early days, Nagayama Naoki was now his true bosom friend!

Moreover, he himself held a five percent stake in Shuyuu; expanding the company's scale and diluting other shareholders' equity meant putting money directly into his own pocket!!

Weighing the two options, it was clear... better to hurt Haruki-san's feelings!

"Ootomo-san, I leave it in your hands!"

Nagayama Naoki sighed inwardly; with a good friend and colleague like Ootomo-san, failing to grant more equity would truly be a failure to recognize talent!

By the time Nagayama Naoki finished his affairs and returned to Sanyouin, dusk had already settled.

"I'm home~"

Upon entering through the genkan, Nagayama Naoki was first greeted enthusiastically by the dog, then spotted Mrs. Nonaka Mari in the living room looking after little Xia Hua.

"Naoki-san, you're back!"

"Mari-san..."

Nagayama Naoki stepped forward, lifted little Xia Hua into his arms, and shared an affectionate moment before asking,

"Is Akina not at home?"

"..." Nonaka Mari hesitated, "Akina-chan is... in the bedroom..."

"Oh? What's wrong?" Nagayama Naoki asked, somewhat surprised. "Is she feeling unwell?"

"... It's her heart that feels unwell..."

Nonaka Mari said with a sigh.

She had witnessed firsthand how cheerful Akina had been that morning; upon printing that stack of manuscripts and mentioning she had received another gift, Akina had been delighted and immediately begun reading them right there in the living room.

As she continued reading, Akina's expression began to grow strange... by noon, she had become somewhat melancholy~

Then in the afternoon, she started reading again and grew even more sorrowful...

Only after she began crying did she head upstairs to the bedroom to rest...

The document was titled "Sorry, I Love You"; had Nonaka Mari not glanced at the opening lines, she might have thought Akina had discovered evidence of Nagayama Naoki's infidelity, which would explain such profound grief!!!

"Her heart feels unwell... she's in a bad mood?!"

Nagayama Naoki grew even more surprised; hadn't they just celebrated her birthday yesterday? She had been in high spirits all day long!

Nonaka Mari explained:

"It seems to be because she read a novel..."

"A novel?!"

"Yes, it appears to be one written by Naoki-san, titled 'Sorry, I Love You'..."

"!!!"

Hearing that title, Nagayama Naoki jolted awake instantly, immediately turning his head toward Eitaro's doghouse and then looking down at Eitaro by his leg,

"Eitaro, what have you done?!!"

"Ah... yes... it was Eitaro who brought it over."

Nonaka Mari promptly delivered the final blow,

"It seemed to be a floppy disk, and then Akina happily printed it out..."

"!!!!!"

Nagayama Naoki slapped the dog's head,

"Eitaro, didn't I tell you to hide it?! Why did you bring it out?!"

"Ei-ei-ei... (I'm hungry)..."

Gazing into the dog's innocent yet aggrieved eyes, Nagayama Naoki found himself at a loss for words!

He could only ask Nonaka Mari:

"Mari-san, how long has Akina been upstairs?"

"She went up around three o'clock, so it's been a little over an hour now, perhaps?"

"..."

After hearing this, Nagayama Naoki's heart filled with unease.

As expected, that tragic romance novel had been seen by Akina after all! She was probably heartbroken at this very moment!

He glanced down at little Xia Hua in his arms:

"Hana-chan, shall we go see Mama together?"

"Okay~"

Little Xia Hua answered crisply; she too had not seen her mother for quite some time and missed her dearly.

"Alright... then let's go... Arigato, Mari-san."

"Naoki-san, will Akina-chan be alright?" Nonaka Mari asked with some worry.

"She should be fine; it's just a tragic novel..."

"That's a relief..."

Carrying the little one toward the second-floor bedroom, Nagayama Naoki tried to predict Akina's current state.

Was she angry? Heartbroken? Or silently weeping?

In any case, this tragic romance novel had been exposed at precisely the wrong moment!

Arriving at the bedroom door, Nagayama Naoki knocked softly:

"Akina... Daijoubu? Hana-chan and I are here to see you!"

Pushing the door open, Nagayama Naoki discovered sheets of A4 paper scattered across the wide bed, covered densely with printed text, evidently portions of the novel.

Zhongsen Mingcai sat in the center of the bed, holding a tissue box in one hand and the manuscript in the other, her eyes bloodshot as she flipped pages through her tears... yet her face wore an expression of gnashing teeth!

"Zhongsen Mingcai...."

"Mama...."

These two calls brought Zhongsen Mingcai back to her senses; only then did she see her daughter and husband had arrived.

Seeing Zhongsen Mingcai's sorrowful state, the little one anxiously twisted her body to climb down from the bed. Though she stumbled and fell for failing to stand steady, she quickly crawled to Zhongsen Mingcai's side, stretching her two small hands toward Zhongsen Mingcai's face.

"Mama.... hoo-hoo...."

When little Xia Hua used to fall and cry while learning to walk, Zhongsen Mingcai would gently blow on the painful spot just like this to stop her tears.

"Hua-chan~ is comforting Mama!"

Seeing her daughter's concern, Zhongsen Mingcai was deeply moved; she immediately pulled the little one into her embrace, yet her tears continued to flow uncontrollably.

Having just witnessed such a touching scene, her tear ducts were especially vulnerable!

"Arigato~"

Little Xia Hua, sensing her mother was crying again, could not help but join the weeping crowd... the child burst into loud wails!

Left standing aside, Nagayama Naoki watched this pair of large and small figures sobbing together with some helplessness... If anyone else saw this, they might think he had done something to betray this mother and daughter!

"Naoki-san....."

Being an adult after all, Zhongsen Mingcai reined in her emotions slightly and began to coax little Xia Hua.

Yet in the midst of this, she fixed her swollen, red eyes on her own husband and accused:

"Naoki-san..... How could you do this? How could you make Okazaki Ritsu's life so miserable!!!"

"....... Uh......"

Nagayama Naoki scratched his head...

It seemed his original intention in writing this book, *Sorry, I Love You*, had been fulfilled....

However, the goal now seemed achieved a bit too well, leaving Zhongsen Mingcai, amidst her sorrow, filled with anger toward the author!

Oh no!

Looking at little Xia Hua crying joyously in the bedroom, and then at Zhongsen Mingcai staring at him with piercing eyes, Nagayama Naoki felt the situation was slipping slightly out of his control!