Chapter 1372

Japan didn't fall into silence because of Naoki Nagayama's departure; under the continuous promotion of Tree Friends Film, the film circle became even hotter because of *Jurassic Park*.

"First-week box office exceeded 2.5 billion!!"

When Otomo Yoshimura heard Eiichiro Watanabe's report, the wrinkles on his face were smoothed out!

The first-week box office is generally one-third or one-fourth of the total box office; *Jurassic Park*'s total box office has a very high probability of exceeding 10 billion!

A 10-billion box office in this era is truly very rare!

"Yes!"

Eiichiro Watanabe was very excited,

"Plus, the popularity of *Jurassic Park* shows no signs of declining; in random surveys, many viewers even said they wanted to watch it a second or even third time. Looking at it this way, the total box office might see a big increase!"

"To think that even the sales trend hasn't declined!"

Otomo Yoshimura's good mood was fully reflected on his face; at this rate, maybe they could challenge the historical record of Japanese film box office!

"Good, good, good... I said we should shoot this kind of commercial film!!"

"What awards, what depth... making the audience enjoy it and the production company make money is the hard truth!"

Everyone comes to the cinema to relax, not to be educated; what's the point of depth!

If even a manzai wants to educate people and wants bitterness before sweetness, then what are schools for!

"Mm-hmm~"

Eiichiro Watanabe was full of agreement,

"There are really too few directors who can combine artistry and commercialism like Naoki-san!"

"By the way, Otomo-san, the overseas promotion for *Jurassic Park* is already proceeding as planned; several overseas film companies have already come to inquire about purchasing matters..."

As long as it enters the overseas film industry, such a hot sci-fi film will naturally be spotted by film companies with a keen sense of smell!

However, Otomo Yoshimura didn't seem too happy after hearing Eiichiro Watanabe's words, instead saying:

"Regarding this point, Eiichiro, you can slow down the negotiations..."

Eiichiro Watanabe was a bit surprised:

"Eh? Why is that? The quotes from those European and American companies are quite good... I was just about to make an inquiry table to report to Otomo-san and Naoki-san!"

"It was Naoki-san's instruction!"

Otomo Yoshimura explained,

"You know Hollywood is holding the Oscars, and filmmakers from all over the world will gather there!

He said that in Hollywood, he will negotiate the overseas distribution of *Jurassic Park* with film companies from other countries... talking directly to the people with real power in their companies..."

"I see..."

Eiichiro Watanabe usually contacts the heads of business departments, and the conditions they negotiate still have to be reviewed by senior management, which certainly can't compare to the conditions decided directly by the two company bosses.

This is purely due to the difference in status, so Eiichiro Watanabe wasn't too disappointed,

"However, isn't Naoki-san going this time for *Departures*?"

"Haha, *Departures* is for fame, *Jurassic Park* is for profit!"

Otomo Yoshimura laughed,

"Isn't the Oscar occasion just a gathering of fame and profit..."

"Otomo-san truly has profound insight!"

"Eiichiro is also getting better at flattering!"

"I'm speaking from the heart..."

"Hahaha~"

In the office, Otomo Yoshimura and Eiichiro Watanabe exchanged information about the first-week box office of *Jurassic Park*, then arranged for the press release of this good news, and only then did he enjoy the joy of the company's rapid development alone.

"*Jurassic Park* has various peripherals, character licensing, etc., besides the box office... By the way, the behind-the-scenes footage can also be released to keep the topic going..."

"And... Naoki-san's Jurassic Island Park will also be a long-term profitable project by then..."

"By the way, shouldn't we also start thinking about the preparation for *Jurassic Park 2* in advance?"

"......."

A series of thoughts churned in his head, making him feel restless for a moment.

And just at this moment, the mobile phone on the desk suddenly rang~

"Diri-diri..."

Although Otomo Yoshimura's private number isn't as confidential as Naoki Nagayama's, those who have this number are basically quite important people, so Otomo Yoshimura didn't hesitate and hurriedly answered.

"Moshi moshi, this is Otomo Yoshimura!"

"Otomo-san!"

A young voice came from the phone,

"It's me... Yoshihiko Noda!"

Hearing this name, Otomo Yoshimura's brows furrowed slightly.

Because after Takako Doi took office, Yoshihiko Noda, as a ruling party member, called him less often to greet him... When they went to the club for entertainment together, his tone and attitude also changed quite a bit...

Otomo Yoshimura also understood; young and suddenly in a high position, naturally one will be a bit floaty; and the previous kindness of Tree Friends was a bit too great, making him feel a bit uncomfortable... This is the reason for the "grudge from a bushel of rice"~

However, as long as he experiences the blows of reality, this Noda assemblyman, who doesn't have much of a foundation, will soon realize the importance of having a powerful supporter behind him.

"Ah... Noda-kun!"

The old fox naturally wouldn't have any slip-ups in keeping up appearances; Otomo Yoshimura's tone was full of enthusiasm,

"Long time no see!! When are we going to gather at the club again! Let's have a drink!!"

"Hahaha, Otomo-san, please forgive me, I've been quite busy lately... If there's a chance, if there's a chance."

Yoshihiko Noda laughed it off and then got down to business,

"Otomo-san, I heard that Naoki-san and Shuichi-san are both in Hollywood recently, right? Did they say when they are coming back?"

"Ah? Naoki-san and Shuichi-san?"

Otomo Yoshimura confirmed,

"Naoki-san is indeed in Hollywood, isn't he going to attend the Oscars... But Shuichi-san went over with the visiting delegation before; it seems he stayed behind because of some task?"

"Hai..."

Yoshihiko Noda naturally knew that Shuichi Ido was instructed by Takako Doi to understand American cultural strategy, but he couldn't be contacted afterward...

He came to ask today mainly because if Shuichi Ido is in Hollywood, the "Cultural Prosperity" strategy he initiated would be at a standstill...

As a newly elected assemblyman, Yoshihiko Noda didn't have much seniority or political achievements; he had wanted to use this strategy to add a good entry to his resume!

And now, with his seniority, he had no chance to join the core of the Doi Cabinet... With Shuichi-san away, he had completely fallen into a state of having nothing to do...

"Shuichi-san's phone in Japan doesn't work abroad, and I couldn't contact him through the embassy for the time being!"

"I wanted to ask Otomo-san if you have a direct way to contact Shuichi-san... I want to communicate about the preparation work for the 'Cultural Nation-Building' strategy..."

"....."

Otomo Yoshimura couldn't help but pout after hearing this; he had introduced you to Shuichi Ido for so long, and he didn't even give you his contact information while staying in the United States!

This just goes to show that Yoshihiko Noda didn't build a good relationship with Shuichi-san at all!

At this moment, Otomo Yoshimura even doubted if Naoki-san was wrong when he said Yoshihiko Noda had the potential to be Prime Minister!

"This... regarding Shuichi-san's contact information, when he is in the country, we contact him directly by phone... Abroad, we can only wait for him to call us..."

Otomo Yoshimura bluffed, even though they clearly had two-way video calls,

"Chotto matte, I have his hotel address here; maybe you can leave a message at the hotel and let him call back directly!"

"Hai... then I'll trouble you, Otomo-san!"

Yoshihiko Noda was still a bit disappointed, but there was no other way.

He could only blame himself for treating Shuichi Ido as an equal or even lower political colleague for the past few months... After all, he is a member of the Diet elected to office, while Shuichi Ido is just one of Takako Doi's many aides.

He had even thought about stealing the credit for "Cultural Nation-Building" for himself; who knew that without Shuichi Ido, he couldn't even get some information from the Film Association... There were also very few companies in the entertainment industry that gave him face...

Even within the Liberal Democratic Party, there were many people who looked down on this lucky kid who stole a parliamentary seat!

Only then did he feel the invisible yet real class boundaries of Japanese society!

"After completing the 'Cultural Nation-Building' strategy, I must seek a position with real power! Make the entertainment industry, the Film Association, and Tree Friends all need to listen to my instructions!"

After hanging up the phone, Yoshihiko Noda only felt stifled in his heart, so he silently made up his mind!

And Otomo Yoshimura on the other side sighed:

"It seems this guy Yoshihiko Noda really doesn't have a good heart!"

Saying this, he looked toward the direction of his office safe, inside which were some videos filmed by Xu Mudao...

"Fortunately, we have long been prepared... I just hope that we only use it when Yoshihiko Noda is in a high position..."

Minato Ward, in a villa.

"Cut!"

Xu Mudao shouted cut with a megaphone,

"Alright, today's scenes are finished, and the filming process is completed in stages.

Tomorrow is the weekend, everyone can rest!"

"Oh!!!", "Finally!!", "Great!!", "......."

The crew cheered very happily because they needed to film all the content for the first three episodes during this period, so everyone didn't even have time to rest...

"But before getting off work, tidy up the equipment!"

"Hai~~~" XN

Looking at everyone's happy expressions, Xu Mudao didn't relax... Others were resting, but as the director, he had to return to the Tree Friends editing room to start editing the footage for *Full House*!

Presumably, it will be several sleepless nights again!!

However...

"I heard that Masataka and Munao and the others are very free now, they even have the leisure to go to Naoki-san's house to install appliances!"

Xu Mudao complained secretly in his heart,

"Sucking up to the boss like that, really thick-skinned..."

"Since they are so free, coming to help me edit should be fine too..."

After thinking of this, Xu Mudao finally showed a smile... This is perhaps the use of good brothers!

"Mudao-san!"

Suddenly, Xu Mudao heard a call, and saw Chikako Aoyama walking over...

Yes, it was Chikako Aoyama; she played the role of the male lead's "white moonlight" in *Full House*, who is liked by Masaharu Fukuyama but likes another male supporting character!

This arrangement was decided during the character selection, which can well inherit the traffic of *Long Vacation*, and there can also be gimmicks in terms of promotion!

"Chikako-chan, what's wrong?"

Xu Mudao asked with a smile; Chikako Aoyama was personally brought into the entertainment industry and signed by Naoki Nagayama, so they had a personal friendship!

"Ah... I wanted to ask when *Full House* will be released!"

"Release, huh..."

Xu Mudao sighed,

"It's expected to be in April!"

"Eh? So late?"

There are still two weeks left; Chikako Aoyama showed a puzzled expression,

"Isn't it being filmed while being broadcast?"

The footage for the first three episodes has already been filmed; she originally thought it could be broadcast next week!

Chikako Aoyama's question also attracted the other two leads, Masaharu Fukuyama and Yukiko Okada, who also gathered around to listen.

"This..."

Xu Mudao scratched his cheek,

"It's mainly to avoid Naoki-san's edge!"

"Huh?"

You are a TV series, Naoki-san is a film! The two shouldn't have much competition!

"No way... Now the whole of Japan is immersed in the world of dinosaurs... The popularity of other film and television works simply can't compete!"

Starting from March, except for films that had already been released and couldn't be helped, I don't know how many films chose to postpone... A good cherry blossom season slot was completely given up to *Jurassic Park*!

What can you do if you are unwilling?

For films released before, the Tree Friends Group at least negotiated with the theater chains to leave them some screenings.

For those newly released, whether the cinema will give them screenings is a problem!

Xu Mudao felt that his previous operation of holding the opening ceremony in advance was very clever,

"So it's better to wait until the film's popularity goes down before starting to promote *Full House*!"

Generally speaking, after a month, everyone should have basically watched it, and the popularity will go down...

"Then what if *Jurassic Park*'s release time is extended?"

"Haha, then just admit it's bad luck..."

Xu Mudao shook his head,

"But I still have confidence in *Full House*!"

"Plus, it's the cherry blossom season now, so romance TV series will definitely be able to attract a wave of young viewers!"

Not wanting to talk about this topic anymore, Xu Mudao looked at the three handsome men and beautiful women in front of him:

"It's not easy to have two days off, where do you plan to go for fun?"

"Us?"

Masaharu Fukuyama looked left and right and shook his head,

"We won't go out together... We'll be caught by paparazzi!"

Tree Friends' restrictions on the media are graded; anything related to Naoki Nagayama is top-level, and no news is allowed to be reported without permission, otherwise it will face Tree Friends' crackdown.

Below that is Momoe Yamaguchi, who has communicated with other media... Except for active promotion, reporting is not allowed.

However, for other artists under their banner, it is much looser; they won't care if it doesn't involve black material or is too excessive... After all, artists need exposure and popularity.

"Yeah, yeah..."

Yukiko Okada had lingering fears,

"I get followed even when I go to watch a movie with friends!"

Burning Agency's control over the media is much weaker... mainly because they have never had the tradition of shaving the paparazzi!

However, Xu Mudao shook his head looking at the three:

"Fukuyama-kun, Chikako-chan, Yukiko-chan... I actually hope you can appear in the media together..."

"You know *Full House* needs hype..."

"As the male and female leads of a romance TV series, this is a must..."

Chikako Aoyama and Masaharu Fukuyama both nodded silently; when they were in *Long Vacation* before, the two of them were hyped to death as a couple... Reports like "top-notch royal sister falls in love with a little puppy" were flying everywhere...

The other lead, Yukiko Okada, was a bit hesitant:

"This... I might have to discuss it with the agency..."

Before, she was an idol who followed the "jade girl" route, and it was because of her purity and sweetness that many fans were captivated... If a scandal appeared, it might make her fans dissatisfied!

"Mm-hmm, that's for sure!"

Xu Mudao wasn't worried that Burning Agency wouldn't agree; these are all unwritten rules of the industry.

Transitioning to an actor, naturally, one won't stick to the idol's "no dating" principle from before... Actors themselves have to adapt to all kinds of roles; maybe they will even kiss on screen in the future!

"But just be prepared... In the short term, you won't be able to compete with that group of dinosaurs!"

"......"

Masaharu Fukuyama and the three were a bit helpless; a popular young actor actually couldn't compete with a group of virtual animals, which is simply embarrassing!

"Alright, go rest..."

Xu Mudao packed up the footage, preparing to take it to the Tree Friends building,

"I'm going to prepare to work overtime to edit!"

"Mudao-san... thank you for your hard work!" X3

Xu Mudao waved his hand, let his assistant help carry the footage onto the van, and drove toward Ikebukuro.

Along the way, cherry blossom petals drifted onto the car window from time to time, and were blown away by the wind...

Looking at the pink flower clusters on both sides of the road, Xu Mudao was filled with emotion, and a haiku came to his mind:

"Cherry blossoms in full bloom, not as charming as dinosaurs... truly grotesque..."