Chapter 223: Naoki-san, are you in a relationship?

Naoki Nagayama, sitting in the chair, found that he was almost becoming a public enemy.

Facing the "eye-killing" of Chikako Aoyama and Suzumi Hoshino, he hurriedly got away with the excuse of wanting to participate in media interviews.

With the end of the film's credits, organized by the host, the final interview session of the preview began.

Naoki Nagayama stood under the big poster in the front row of the screening hall with the main creative team and the starring actors.

Ready to accept the round of bombardment from the reporters on the scene.

After watching such an excellent and moving film, even the usually picky film reporters had their tone softened a lot.

They asked very normal questions to the actors and directors in front.

"Kanako Higuchi-san, how do you view the emotion of the character you played toward Hachiko in the film?"

"Nana Okada-san, as an idol, what is the difficulty of playing this role?"

"Shinichi Chiba-san, the roles you played before were biased toward the samurai style. What is your feeling about playing a professor this time?"

And Naoki Nagayama, who was originally standing in the corner, originally only wanted to play a background board, but the host didn't let him go and walked directly to his side.

"Next is the screenwriter of this film—Naoki Nagayama. Mr. Naoki Nagayama is an excellent actor, but he didn't appear in this film, but acted as a screenwriter. What is the consideration?"

Of course, it's because I'm afraid of stealing the limelight from the movie's protagonist. Don't you know just by looking at how handsome I am?

However, facing the media, of course, he couldn't say that: "Ah, this is because there is no suitable role in this film."

"So that's how it is~" The host's quality was still there. Such an obviously perfunctory answer was still very agreeable, and then he turned his head and handed the microphone to other reporters at the scene. "Then do the reporter friends at the scene have any questions?"

Perhaps understanding Naoki Nagayama's identity as a screenwriter, the anger toward the tragic ending of Hachiko began to find a direction.

Although the reporters didn't scold people, the questions they asked were strange:

Reporter A: "Mr. Naoki Nagayama, this is the second film in half a year, right? Are you not worried about the decline in quality by shooting films in such a fast way in a short period of time?"

"You should ask the director about this. I am just a screenwriter behind the scenes. Our director is very capable."

"Uh..."

Reporter B: "Mr. Naoki Nagayama, I heard that you never participate in gatherings in the film industry? Do you look down on the atmosphere of the film circle?"

This question is a bit heart-stabbing.

"Eh? I haven't received an invitation? Besides, I'm not a director, I'm a screenwriter, a person behind the scenes!"

Anyway, as long as I don't admit it, these pots can't be thrown on my head.

Reporter C: "Mr. Naoki Nagayama, Hachiko insisted on waiting for his master even in the miserable situation of the second half of his life, which is tear-jerking. Is such a moving story inspired by your own life?"

What kind of question is this!

So... I wrote the story of a dog, so I am a dog???

"Uh, this... "Hachiko Monogatari" is adapted from a true story. I naturally don't have such an experience myself."

Reporter D: "Mr. Naoki Nagayama, Hachiko still didn't forget the bond with his master after experiencing the cold and warmth of the world. Do you look forward to such an emotional bond?"

So... my feelings also have to experience the cold and warmth of the world before they can appear???

Naoki Nagayama replied with a fake smile: "Hehe... the bond between a dog and its master after experiencing hardship is indeed beautiful, but I personally still want a peaceful emotion..."

Shinnosuke Matsuzawa, a reporter for "Weekly Bunshun," signaled to raise his hand at this time:

"Mr. Naoki Nagayama, I took photos with Kanako Higuchi and Nana Okada-san before. May I ask if you are dating one of them now?"

"Eh? This reporter, you look familiar..."

Naoki Nagayama saw Shinnosuke Matsuzawa. It seems he also came to the TV preview last time, but for this kind of question, there are complete plans.

"However, your news is wrong. The reports in those low-level gossip tabloids are completely catching shadows. I am just friends with the two actors, and that day was also a party for the crew to wrap up!"

Shinnosuke Matsuzawa didn't give up. Of course, he knew that he couldn't ask anything from this kind of question:

"Mr. Naoki Nagayama, then may I ask if you have a dating partner now?"

"Eh? Are reporters now asking questions so privately?" Naoki Nagayama was a little surprised. It was so straightforward. Is this reporter a novice?

The host hurriedly interrupted: "This reporter friend, don't ask questions unrelated to the movie. Nagayama-san can choose not to answer."

But Shinnosuke Matsuzawa still held the recorder: "Mr. Naoki Nagayama, is there none?"

"Since you want to know so much, there really isn't... I'm still single~" Naoki Nagayama didn't want to dwell on this question too much, because there was no big problem in the first place.

But at this time, Shinnosuke Matsuzawa suddenly took out a few photos. One was taken when he was shopping in Takadanobaba with Kanako Higuchi a long time ago;

Another was actually in a high-end hotel in Sumida River. It was when he took a houseboat, and then met Yuko Tanaka and Kanako Higuchi there. And in the photo, it was Naoki Nagayama who had just played the piano, and then Kanako Higuchi appeared at the door.

Shinnosuke Matsuzawa held the photo and asked: "Mr. Naoki Nagayama, you have collaborated with Kanako Higuchi-san many times and have been photographed dating privately many times. Is it true that you are not dating?"

Seeing this photo, Naoki Nagayama was really surprised.

Go, what kind of existence are the paparazzi in Tokyo? They can even get this kind of photo? I remember that there was clearly no one taking pictures in the restaurant at that time?

Could it be that a guest took it by the way? Then how did it get into the hands of the reporter in front of him?

The reporters around were like sharks smelling blood, each pointing their lenses at Naoki Nagayama and the photos in Shinnosuke Matsuzawa's hands. In an instant, the shutters flashed, dazzling.

And the audience at the scene also made exclamations, each looking like netizens who had eaten a big melon.

Shinnosuke Matsuzawa had a winning smile. If he didn't have such a final word, he wouldn't have asked on the spot.

You mediocre reporters, how could you know how much I paid for this photo!

(Shinnosuke-san, you want to take away such a photo for 100,000 yen? — The nameless restaurant waiter said so. He just wanted to take a restaurant promotional picture, didn't expect...)

Naoki Nagayama felt that things were a bit big. He looked at Kanako Higuchi standing on the stage in the distance. She was looking at this side curiously at this time. She only heard about the scandal, but she couldn't see the photo clearly from a distance.

This kind of thing... hiding it makes people imagine it even more~

"Kanako-san, come here, come here~" Naoki Nagayama waved to that side, as if a child wanted to share some candy. "There is a very powerful photo here!"

Kanako Higuchi blushed when she heard the words and walked over under the meaningful eyes of the people at the scene.

"Naoki-san! Don't make fun of me!"

Then looked at the photo... "Eh!

! It was actually that time!"

This photo also shocked Kanako Higuchi!

"Clearly didn't see the person taking pictures at that time? This can actually be photographed..."

"Right! So it's very powerful! The paparazzi in Tokyo are simply magical..."

Seeing the two on stage start chatting, seemingly without any pressure, Shinnosuke Matsuzawa couldn't sit still:

"Nagayama-san, Kanako-san, this is dating, right? You are dating, right?"

Naoki Nagayama glanced at Kanako Higuchi, and then both laughed. He said to Shinnosuke Matsuzawa:

"This reporter friend, it was really hard to find this photo..."

Shinnosuke Matsuzawa breathed a sigh of relief. Is he going to admit it?

"This photo was taken last summer when I was just on vacation at the hotel and happened to meet Kanako Higuchi."

Sophistry, how can there be such a coincidence, this is clearly a private date!

Then he heard Naoki Nagayama's next words:

"At that time, the preview of "Hokusai Manga" that Kanako Higuchi and Yuko Tanaka filmed was just about to be held. When waiting in the hotel, we three had a meal together."

"Three?"

Shinnosuke Matsuzawa was stunned. When he took back the photo and looked at it, there was indeed a figure showing his shoulders beside Kanako Higuchi, but it was not photographed.

Kanako Higuchi also spoke at this time:

"At that time, I was resting with Yuko-chan, and the next day the three of us also attended the preview of 'Hokusai Manga'."

Shinnosuke Matsuzawa was like being struck by lightning.

This kind of thing, since the process was clearly explained, the truth is very easy to verify.

If the three of them ate together... no matter how you pull it, it's just an irrelevant gossip, and there is no real hammer for dating at all.

If it were in a gossip tabloid, it might be able to gather some traffic, but in "Weekly Bunshun," such a report is completely worthless.

Naoki Nagayama saw his disappointed look and comforted him:

"Thank you for this reporter friend's concern, but Kanako-san and I are just friends. If I fall in love with someone in the future, I will tell you generously."

Shinnosuke Matsuzawa smiled powerlessly. Heh, the star's mouth, the liar's ghost!

"It's strange to say it then!"

A small storm ended, and under the guidance of the host, the scene entered the interview about the movie again.

Naoki Nagayama was finally quiet.

Until the preview finally ended, nothing else happened.

Naoki Nagayama sent away Old Man Aoyama and Genta Nakai and his wife, and stood in the lobby with Otomo Yoshimura to rest.

Looking at the audiences and reporters who were leaving one by one, Otomo Yoshimura wiped his sweat and said to Naoki Nagayama: "Naoki-san, I was just scared into a cold sweat..."

"Hahaha, I was also very surprised. There was even this kind of photo."

Otomo Yoshimura continued: "However, although Naoki-san has already explained it clearly, there will still be many scandals tomorrow."

"Daijobu, just come again according to the last method, and by the way, stir up the heat of 'Hachiko Monogatari' again."

"It's just Naoki-san's reputation..."

Otomo Yoshimura was a bit distressed, but Naoki Nagayama didn't care. Being a celebrity, it's common to be exposed...

"Naoki-san!"

Just as he wanted to say something, Masaki Kobayashi's greeting suddenly came from behind. He pointed to the old man beside him and said:

"This is Masahiro Shinoda, also a director of Shochiku Pictures."

Seeing this old man with a straight face, seemingly not wanting to talk at all, Naoki Nagayama bowed slightly and nodded: "Nice to meet you, please take care of me."

Masahiro Shinoda also returned the salute slightly, but didn't speak. He was really cold.

Masaki Kobayashi said with a smile: "Haha, Naoki-san, it's really a good movie!"

"Where, where, it's all the concerted efforts of everyone in the crew that can have such a good effect."

"There must also be Naoki-san's direction."

"Haha, Kobayashi-san made a mistake, Shuichi-san is the director."

"Alright, whatever you say~" Masaki Kobayashi didn't know why Naoki Nagayama wanted to give the director's title to others, but he didn't ask much. "Naoki-san, the selection for the Blue Ribbon Awards for films will start in September. Are you going to participate this time?"

"Ah?" Naoki Nagayama really didn't know about this, but if it was the Blue Ribbon Awards for films, "I should be..."

"Hahaha, one 'Convenience Store Robbery Incident' and one 'Hachiko Monogatari', it looks like this year's Best Newcomer Award must be Naoki-san."

"... Kobayashi-san is joking..."

After continuing to exchange pleasantries for two sentences, the two old men left together. Until this time, Shinichi Chiba, who was waiting on the side, asked: "Naoki-san, are you actually very familiar with Director Masaki Kobayashi and Director Masahiro Shinoda?"

Kanako Higuchi, Nana Okada, and Shuichi Yin Tang on the side all looked over.

"Eh? Not very familiar, the other one just met."

Nana Okada praised: "Naoki-san is really amazing, laughing and talking with great directors, and was invited to participate in the Blue Ribbon Awards for films."

Shuichi Yin Tang also looked surprised: "Naoki-san, you didn't say before that you knew these great seniors?"

It seems that these two old men have a high status in the film circle: "Just met a few times, not that familiar."

Not familiar and will introduce friends to you? Everyone else looked unbelieving.

Naoki Nagayama couldn't laugh or cry. Since he couldn't explain it clearly, let it be.

"Speaking of which, Minasang, it's not easy to get together, do you want to have a meal together later?"

As soon as this was said, plus it was already meal time, everyone agreed.

The commercial atmosphere in Takadanobaba is very strong.

Large shopping malls, commercial streets, izakayas, bars, fitness clubs, restaurants... everything is available.

However, this can only be considered an ordinary dinner, and they didn't look for a particularly famous high-end restaurant.

A group of 6 people chose a popular izakaya and asked for a compartment.

In the izakaya in Takadanobaba, although the dishes cannot be as exquisite as high-end restaurants, they must have their characteristics, otherwise they would not attract so many young people.

The specialty of this izakaya is barbecue cuisine. Whether it is beef, chicken, pork, fish, or various vegetables, the master can make them for you on the spot.

The charcoal is red, and the tongue of fire jumps from time to time. The meat skewers and vegetables are placed on the wire mesh plate, turning from time to time. The greasy aroma of sizzling sounds directly drills into the diner's nose. With a "chi" sound, the master brushes a layer of special barbecue sauce and sprinkles a layer of special seasoning. The small taste comes up all at once.

Except for Otomo Yoshimura and Shinichi Chiba, the others were young people, and they had long been hooked by the gluttonous worms in their stomachs. When the barbecue came up, they couldn't help but start to eat heartily.

Even Kanako Higuchi and Nana Okada, the two girls, were unceremonious about the yakitori skewers and ate them happily with big mouthfuls.

If they were tired of eating, they changed to vegetable skewers; if they were salty, they drank a sip of beer. While eating and chatting from all over the world, although it was just an izakaya on the street, eating here was more intimate, with more of a market atmosphere than high-end restaurants.

"After eating later, does everyone have any arrangements?"

Naoki Nagayama, who was drinking beer, asked, "If there are no arrangements, do you want to go to a nearby disco to play? It's very interesting~"

"Disco in Takadanobaba? Is it that one? It is said that it is a disco 100 years ahead of the world?" The young Nana Okada seems to have heard the name of the disco.

"Hahaha, what kind of place is it, the reputation is so big?" Shinichi Chiba's face was a little red, and he was very curious after hearing this. "It makes people curious!"

And Shuichi Yin Tang asked: "Naoki-san, disco in Takadanobaba? Could it be that the disco you opened is here?"

"Hahaha, yes, not far from the intersection of the street."

Kanako Higuchi was surprised: "Naoki-san actually opened a disco? Is it right here?"

"Hahaha, by chance~ so I opened one."

"Then you must go and see it!"

... ===== CHAPTER 224 =====