Chapter 452: Sorry for occupying public resources

Involving news about popular stars, reporters are like people who have been hungry for a few days seeing food.

After Dayou Fangcun contacted some media, most reporters in show business knew the news. In the afternoon, they gathered outside the studio of the NHK building. Even if there were no people, they would send a few people to take some photos.

Yuko Tianzhong was discussing the Red and White Song Festival here in the afternoon, so a simple media conference was also held here, and Naoki Nagayama also rushed here.

"Yuko-san, I didn't expect it~" Naoki Nagayama found Yuko Tianzhong in the backstage. "Actually, I was hit by my crow's mouth~"

"Naoki-san, how can you be so calm?"

Yuko Tianzhong was a bit surprised looking at the smile on Naoki Nagayama's face. When she found this scoop in the morning, she and her manager were scared to death.

If it weren't for Dayou Fangcun of Tree Friend Film calling immediately to discuss this plan, maybe they would have to consider this public relations crisis during this period.

"Well, a few scandals will pop up every once in a while, I'm almost used to it~" Naoki Nagayama scratched his face, a bit embarrassed. "Hahaha, this is probably 'debt is not worried'~"

"Ha~" Naoki Nagayama's open-mindedness made Yuko Tianzhong's mood calm down. "Naoki-san really knows how to comfort people."

"Yuko-san, have you thought about who is pushing it in the dark? Generally speaking, such scandals will say hello in advance."

At this juncture, if Yuko Tianzhong broke out a scandal, then the organizers of the Red and White Song Festival might really consider changing people. This year, because of the most famous "Oshin," she got such a good opportunity, but it might not be certain later.

And for Naoki Nagayama, this impact will be much smaller.

"I don't know... maybe someone doesn't want me to be the host of the Red and White Song Festival~" Yuko Tianzhong flashed a few possible beneficiaries in her mind, but she really didn't know who made the move behind the scenes.

"Then there is no way, in short, let's deal with it this time."

Naoki Nagayama looked at the big characters held by the staff passing by. The background wall of today is actually the launch conference of the movie "Ring," using this name to invite major media.

After it was almost ready, Naoki Nagayama and Xiuyi Yin Tang checked the lines, and then walked through the small door of the studio to the media meeting table in front.

As soon as he entered the door, the flash went off as if it didn't need money. Naoki Nagayama hadn't practiced the skill of ensuring his demeanor in the face of the flash, and couldn't help squinting his eyes.

Tian Zhongyuzi, who was behind them, seemed unfazed, her expression calm; she didn't even pause her steps.

Only now did he understand what it meant to say, "One minute on stage, ten years of practice off stage." Without a strong psychological foundation and acting skills, how could one face such an intense barrage of camera flashes?

The temporary host borrowed from NHK held the microphone and explained the theme of today's press conference to the media present.

"We are very grateful to our friends in the media for coming. The director of the currently popular 'Hot-Blooded High School', Yin Tangxiu, and the producer, Naoki Nagayama, are about to embark on their next journey. The film project launching today, 'Ring', is a horror movie."

"Now, let us invite Director Yin Tangxiu to introduce it to us!"

The reporters below the stage applauded and took photos, giving them face; after all, the financial offensive of Shuyou Films could not be underestimated.

Yin Tangxiu cleared his throat: "Minna-san, the first film from Shuyou Films was a horror movie, and 'Paranormal Activity' achieved good results both domestically and abroad."

"With that experience, we were inspired to make a film with videotapes as the key element. This movie will be based on folklore, combined with the exploration of psychic powers that was once all the rage."

Yin Tangxiu was on stage babbling away with the introduction for 'Ring', but the reporters below had their eyes almost entirely focused on Naoki Nagayama and Tian Zhongyuzi, and their gazes toward the rambling Yin Tangxiu were becoming a bit impatient.

Until Yin Tangxiu finally finished: "That is the general situation of the film. We are confident that this movie will bring everyone the latest sensory experience and let everyone feel a different kind of horror!"

The host, very perceptive, took over the conversation: "Hai, thank you for the explanation, Director Yin. Do our reporter friends have any questions they would like to ask?"

Yin Tangxiu looked at the reporters below the stage with great anticipation, but the group responded with an awkward silence:

"Director Yin, do you really have no idea who we came here for?"

"Haha, it seems everyone is being very modest." The host forced a save, signaling with his eyes to the pre-arranged plants that they could get to work, "Please feel free to ask questions!"

"Hai, may I ask Director Yin, when is this movie planned to be released?" Finally, a plant remembered his duty.

"Ah, we plan to start filming at the end of September, and it is expected to be released this Halloween!" Yin Tangxiu breathed a sigh of relief; the release date had long been set.

"May I ask Director Yin, will the filming of this movie conflict with the current 'Hot-Blooded High School'?"

After a few arranged questions, the host finally turned the topic to Naoki Nagayama:

"As the producer of 'Ring', does Mr. Naoki Nagayama have anything he would like to share with everyone?"

Before the words had even faded, a series of clicking sounds erupted, and the flashes merged into one.

Naoki Nagayama turned his head to look at the reporters around him, each one of them craning their necks in anticipation, and he couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Haha, everyone is waiting for my statement, right~"

"..." You know it, so why aren't you saying it?! Hurry up and give us the scoop we want!

The reporters' eyes were like those of hungry wolves, wanting to peel open Naoki Nagayama's head to see the real situation!

"Ahem!" Naoki Nagayama tactically cleared his throat.

"Actually, Yuko-san and I also noticed the public opinion in the newspapers this morning!"

"First of all, I want to say I'm sorry, because our personal private matters occupied public resources and caused trouble for everyone!"

As soon as this sentence came out, the reporters on the scene suddenly became excited. Was this a direct response?!

Some veteran reporters, however, suddenly felt it was very novel. "Occupied public resources"—this was the first time they had heard such a phrasing!

It neither admitted anything nor was it just a purely objective fact; it was harmless to both people and animals, yet it made people feel that he had considered the feelings of others.

Learned it, learned it!

Naoki Nagayama continued: "Actually, yesterday, I was discussing this movie with Ms. Tian Zhongyuzi, and after careful consideration, Ms. Tian Zhongyuzi has agreed to join the 'Ring' project!"

Tian Zhongyuzi, standing beside him, also nodded in confirmation.

"Click, click, click"—the sound of camera shutters accelerated abruptly.

Seeing Tian Zhongyuzi also come to attend this press conference, everyone had their guesses, but after it was truly said, it was indeed big news.

Naoki Nagayama wasn't finished yet: "The filming schedule for 'Ring' is quite tight, and there are currently many vacancies for actors. Taking this opportunity, Shuyou Films also officially announces that the casting audition for 'Ring' is about to begin."

"We don't care if you have acting experience or if you are a signed artist; anyone interested can sign up."

Naoki Nagayama held up a stack of documents: "This is a brief description of the roles and the method of registration. I will give a copy to the reporters present in a moment."

An audition for 'Ring'! And it's unrestricted!

People in the entertainment industry all knew that Yin Tangxiu and Naoki Nagayama of Shuyou Films were famous for boldly using newcomers, and they could make a group of amateurs famous with a single movie, such as Yuki Saito in 'All About Lily Chou-Chou' and Naoki Nagayama's Kaede in 'Hot-Blooded High School', etc.

And every movie Shuyou Films had made so far had been a huge hit!

The host also chimed in at the right time: "Next, please raise your hands if you have any questions."

The reporters were all excited. This was big news, and in an instant, almost all hands were raised. The host had to pick one at random:

"May I ask Mr. Naoki Nagayama, is there a time limit for the 'Ring' auditions?"

"Before the end of September; as I just said, the schedule is quite tight."

"May I ask Mr. Naoki Nagayama, will this movie participate in this year's film award evaluations?"

"According to the evaluation rules, we will participate if it's within the time frame..."

"May I ask Mr. Naoki Nagayama, can anyone participate in the audition? For example, can I?" This was a reporter intending to enter the film industry!

"Hai, there are absolutely no restrictions. You can send in an application form, and we will notify you by phone after our preliminary review!"

Just when Naoki Nagayama thought this press conference would proceed smoothly and cover up the scandal from this morning, a discordant factor appeared after all.

Someone raised their hand to ask:

"I would like to ask Ms. Tian Zhongyuzi, are you currently dating anyone?"

"..." The lively venue suddenly went quiet.

This reporter didn't ask if she was dating Naoki Nagayama, didn't ask if they were discussing the role yesterday, and didn't even focus on the movie; it was clearly aimed at Tian Zhongyuzi.

"This..."

Tian Zhongyuzi originally wanted to follow the entertainment industry convention and brush it off by saying she wasn't dating anyone, but Naoki Nagayama immediately thought of something, because Tian Zhongyuzi had always handled scandals with a cold approach in the past.

No matter how she replied, the reporter's next question would likely be:

"Can you explain the scandal from yesterday?" "Then what about the previous scandal regarding Kenji Sawada..."

In short, they would definitely drag it in, and when it came to scandals, for a female star, it was always impossible to wash clean; even if she denied it, the media would write volumes about it. Especially on the eve of her appearance on the Red and White Song Festival, evoking such an image for the public was very unfavorable.

So Naoki Nagayama replied directly: "This question is not related to the movie, Yuko-san refuses to answer!"

"??" Not only the reporters, but even Tian Zhongyuzi looked over in surprise.

Naoki Nagayama looked at that reporter and said: "You can ask me similar questions!"

"Eh?" The reporter was speechless for a moment, but still asked, "Then is Mr. Naoki Nagayama dating anyone?"

Naoki Nagayama smiled: "I also refuse to answer!"

With a boom, the group of reporters present was shocked by such thick-skinned behavior. Is he teasing us reporters? Isn't this guy afraid that we'll write nonsense and ruin his reputation?

Ah, it seems that this guy, the playboy Naoki, didn't have much of a good reputation to begin with...

The host hurriedly came to smooth things over: "Mr. Naoki Nagayama really loves to joke, but reporter friends, everyone's questions should still be more relevant to the movie."

However, that reporter didn't give up: "Mr. Naoki Nagayama, then what explanation do you have for the previous scandals?"

It looks like he really took a lot of money. Naoki Nagayama looked at the young reporter; he was clearly here for this big news, but playing with me?

"Ha, I have so many scandals... which one are you referring to?"

The reporters present were collectively speechless. Is this guy completely shameless? Are you proud of having so many scandals?

Seeing that it was about to provoke public anger, Naoki Nagayama hurriedly explained: "I really don't know; they are all scandals that you media outlets have pinned on me!"

"Ahem!"

That reporter was choked up. He just wanted to say the one with Tian Zhongyuzi, but then he remembered that he had previously said it was to discuss a movie collaboration—the excuse was too good! There was no explosive point, and if it was too early, there was no heat...

"It's the one who was photographed at the 'Hot-Blooded High School' preview! What kind of relationship does she have with Nagayama-san?"

"Ah! You mean that one!" Naoki Nagayama smiled. It was really just lacking a bit of heat before it was delivered to him. "That cute girl is named Chikako Aoyama!"

Many reporters couldn't believe it. Did he actually say it directly? Is this an official announcement?

One after another, recording pens were extended in front of Naoki Nagayama.

Naoki Nagayama paused, looked around at the reporters, and said: "She is a newly signed idol artist from the GG agency! She will be debuting in the near future! I hope everyone will give her lots of support!"

A new idol artist? When did this happen? Which talent show did she come from?

For a moment, the name Chikako Aoyama spun around in the reporters' heads several times, and everyone wanted to find relevant news.

Just when everyone wanted to continue asking, Naoki Nagayama closed his mouth and said nothing!

The mysterious new idol Chikako Aoyama became an image that people were very curious about in subsequent reports.

The subsequent interview process was much more harmonious. Naoki Nagayama and Yin Tangxiu sincerely exchanged views with the reporter friends on issues related to 'Ring', and also provided some explanations regarding the casting criteria.

Even when someone asked Tian Zhongyuzi, it was more related to the movie—why she considered this film, whether it would be a breakthrough in her acting career, etc. —and they didn't focus on the previous scandals anymore.

After the hour-long press conference ended successfully, Naoki Nagayama chatted with Tian Zhongyuzi backstage:

"Yuko-san, do you know that reporter?"

Tian Zhongyuzi shook her head: "It's my first time seeing him. He must have been asked by someone, right?"

"It should be, otherwise he wouldn't have targeted Yuko-san. But he didn't get anything today."

It was also because Naoki Nagayama and the others reacted too quickly; the scandal was in the morning, and there was a press conference in the afternoon, otherwise the mastermind behind the scenes wouldn't have arranged for only one person.

Tian Zhongyuzi thanked Naoki Nagayama: "Thank you just now, Naoki-san."

"It's nothing, Yuko-san is now a member of our crew!" Attacking Tian Zhongyuzi at this press conference was equivalent to attacking this project~

"It's a pity, I still don't know who is behind it..."

"It doesn't matter, don't we already have a clue?"

"Eh? But he probably won't say it, right?"

"Everyone has a price~" Naoki Nagayama's eyes were very certain.

If he really doesn't tell... then let him know, is the Nagayama family with Yamaguchi-gumi background so easy to scheme against?