Chapter 523: Tonight, let *Snow Flower* resound throughout Tokyo!

Seeing the sky start to drift with snowflakes, Ma Sai reacted immediately after being surprised. The timing... has arrived!

"Tsuruko, get in the car!"

"Nii-chan, where are we going?" Tsuruko was still a bit strange.

At this time, Tsuruko could no longer be sent back, and Ma Sai could only take her and drive toward the studio.

"Go to the company, there is an emergency mission..."

996 workers must be very familiar with this, right...

Galloping all the way, the falling snow gradually changed from snow beads to snowflakes, and it was developing in a trend of getting bigger and bigger. When Ma Sai arrived at the studio, the roof of the car had already accumulated a thin layer.

"Naoki-san... you're here!"

Hoshika Hana greeted him after seeing Ma Sai, but seeing a young girl following behind him, she didn't know what to say for a while. Today is Christmas!

This boss of mine is really flower-hearted! He changed to another young female companion by his side again! (Eh? Why did I say "again"?)

Ma Sai just nodded slightly: "Otomo-san is there, right?"

"Hai, he is in the office~"

While dealing with the greetings of other employees, he walked quickly toward the office.

Tsuruko followed her brother into the studio like this, and was very curious to look around. This company actually has a studio inside. So this is where brother works.

She didn't notice at all that the employees looked at her a bit strangely.

"Otomo-san." Ma Sai walked into the office and found Yoshimura Otomo, who was on the phone. "It's snowing!"

After Yoshimura Otomo hung up the phone, he said: "Hmm, I saw it too~ I was just talking to someone from Dentsu."

"So, the billboards in the subway station can be replaced soon, right?"

"Hai, they said at most one hour."

"That's good." Ma Sai then asked, "Then the record store? Is it playing?"

"According to the previous agreement, as long as it snows, they will start. I just asked Riko-chan to call and confirm with the commercial streets where the record stores are concentrated." Yoshimura Otomo answered clearly.

Because there had been a plan before, now that it snowed, like dominoes, one promotion plan after another was starting.

However, Ma Sai was still a bit uneasy: "Then what about the movie copies? The time is very tight, is it too late?"

"This is naturally a bit tight, but I asked Masataka-kun. It was originally an expedited one, and ten copies have been completed." Yoshimura Otomo said. "Now Xiu-san and Masataka-kun have gone to coordinate with various movie theaters, adjust the schedule slightly, and only ask the film delivery person to deliver the copies at full load!"

"That's it, but there are only a hundred or so movie theaters in Tokyo in total. If you squeeze a little, you should be able to satisfy..." Ma Sai didn't expect every movie theater to have a copy of the movie. "In short... it's fine if it can be screened in the movie theater today. When it is suddenly screened, there will definitely not be too many people going to see it."

"Yes, the subsequent promotion is even more important. Later, I will continue to contact various newspapers, ask them to send out the previous promotional articles, and the advertising departments of various TV stations must also call them, and the movie advertisements that have been proposed must also start to be exposed..."

Yoshimura Otomo seemed a bit nervous and said the promotional measures one by one. Although he had always seemed calm, he was also conducting movie promotion so anxiously for the first time.

"Naoki-san, you also have to contact Fuji TV. That advertisement that can be inserted at any time can start."

"Hmm, I will call immediately!" Ma Sai was a bit relieved. It is really good to have a reliable partner, and he was ready to make the call.

"However, there is one more thing that is more important!" Yoshimura Otomo paused and looked at Ma Sai.

"Eh? What is it?" Ma Sai was puzzled.

Yoshimura Otomo pulled Ma Sai's shoulder and pointed behind him:

"I've been wanting to say it since just now... This young lady... what's going on?!"

Turning around, Ma Sai saw Tsuruko, who was standing at the door at a loss. Seeing Yoshimura Otomo pointing over, she was a bit puzzled and pointed to herself.

"Ah..."

Ma Sai realized that he had been asking about *Love Letter* since he entered the office and actually forgot his sister.

"This is Tsuruko, my sister. The incident happened suddenly, so I brought her along. Tsuruko, this is Yoshimura Otomo, my partner!"

"Tsuruko?" Yoshimura Otomo reacted. Everyone knew that Ma Sai had a sister who was admitted to Waseda University, but this was the first time he saw her. "So this is Tsuruko-chan! Naoki-san's high-achieving sister!"

"Nice to meet you, I am Nagayama Tsuruko, please take care of me..." When dealing with strangers, Tsuruko was still very polite and asked properly.

"Hai hai, I am Yoshimura Otomo..."

After greeting, Yoshimura Otomo was curious: "Is Naoki-san spending Christmas with Tsuruko-chan?"

"Yes." Ma Sai had already sat down and signaled Tsuruko to find a place to sit. "Just finished eating, and when I was outside, I found it was snowing, so I ran over immediately."

"Haha, that's really a coincidence."

Using Tokyo's first snow as a signal to release *Love Letter*, without advance publicity, without a preview... This is a situation never seen in all movie distributions.

Ma Sai didn't say much, and the call he dialed to Fuji TV had already gone through:

"Daitai-san... I am Ma Sai..."

"Ah, it's Naoki-san!" Sugiura Daitai was a bit surprised. "At this time, shouldn't Naoki-san be spending Christmas? Why call?"

"Daitai-san... It's snowing!"

"?" Sugiura Daitai paused, and suddenly remembered the previous cooperation agreement. "Ah, it's snowing!

"

"Then Naoki-san's meaning is to insert that trailer now?"

Ma Sai looked out the window. The fine snowflakes were falling one by one, flying in the sky under the gust of wind, as if dancing.

"Hmm, the time has come... Daitai-san, insert it immediately!"

"Hai, Naoki-san, wait five minutes..."

Sugiura Daitai agreed and hung up the phone, while Ma Sai on this side turned on the TV, turned to the Fuji TV channel, and waited quietly.

In the office, Yoshimura Otomo was still contacting other promoters, asking everyone to start exposing everything about *Love Letter* immediately.

"Uh... Nii-chan, what is this urgent matter?" Tsuruko quietly sat next to Ma Sai. "I listened for a while, it seems like a movie is going to be advertised?"

"Hmm, it's a movie called *Love Letter*, and it's going to be released today!" Ma Sai said.

"Eh? Is it your novel, Nii-chan?" Tsuruko looked surprised.

"Hmm, it's a movie adapted from a novel." Ma Sai looked at the puzzled Tsuruko, explained the origin and filming time of the movie slightly, and then laughed, "It's starred by Akina!"

"Eh?!

"

Hearing that Akina starred in it in the morning, and hearing that her movie was suddenly released in the afternoon, this aroused Tsuruko's strong curiosity!

"Honto? Akina-chan starred in it? What does it look like? I really want to see..."

"Wait a moment, the trailer should come out soon." Ma Sai pointed to the screen of Fuji TV and said.

Sure enough, after a while, a line of text suddenly appeared on the variety show being broadcast: "It is reported that the first snow in Tokyo this year has already begun!"

Then, the screen switched like an advertisement, and the trailer for *Love Letter* was displayed with a soft song:

In the heavy snow, a beautiful lady is looking up and welcoming the falling snowflakes... About the most innocent memories of that year—loveletter... The silhouettes of the two protagonists and the memories of high school, that face in the memory...

This advertisement of nearly a minute was exchanged for the image copyright of *Ring*, and it appeared on Fuji TV with the first snow in Tokyo like this.

Tsuruko finished watching the trailer quietly:

"Nii-chan, is that protagonist Akina-chan?"

"Hmm, what's wrong?"

"Isn't Akina-chan only 18 years old? Why is she so mature in the trailer?" Tsuruko actually wanted to say, why is she so temperamental and so beautiful? "And Akina's face shape shouldn't be so thin... and hair... and makeup... why is her skin so white..."

"Tsuruko, you have to know that modern makeup will create miracles!" Ma Sai teased. "But more importantly, Akina's own bone structure is very good, and her skin is also very white. Plus the lighting, it was highlighted.

She specifically lost weight during the filming period, plus makeup, so she looks like she is twenty-six or twenty-seven..."

"I think if Akina really reaches that age, she will probably become the look in the movie~"

This is not nonsense. Ma Sai knows Nakamori Akina's beauty in her peak period in her twenties~

"However... it still makes people dare not believe it. Also, I seem to have seen Nii-chan!"

Ma Sai laughed: "Yes, I also acted in it... Didn't I tell you just now?"

"..."

Tsuruko was silent for a while, and actually said something that made Ma Sai's face black:

"Nii-chan acted in the high school period, right? Nii-chan at that time was not like that at all! Clearly like a thin bamboo pole!

To think you used your position to make yourself look so handsome... really thick-skinned!"

Yoshimura Otomo, who was still on the phone, couldn't help laughing, and Ma Sai's mouth twitched when he heard it:

"Tsuruko... I advise you to speak less if you can't speak..."

"But it doesn't matter, it's all in the past~" Tsuruko waved her hand generously. "Nii-chan, I really want to see it after seeing the trailer... Can you take me to see it?"

Ma Sai shook his head: "For this movie, it's better to find your Senior Kaneda to go together~ It's too wasteful to watch it with me~"

Tsuruko's face showed shyness: "... I'll consider it~"

In Tokyo outside the studio, the snow was getting heavier and heavier. The falling snow fell on the streets and alleys like cotton wool, and soon wove a thin hat for the roofs and treetops.

Pedestrians walking on the street also gradually felt the white snow piling up on the road.

On Christmas, university students were already on vacation. Aoyagi Rinka, who was passing by a record store, suddenly heard a moving melody, and then a soft singing voice came from it:

"

Mai ochite kita yuki no hana ga (The falling snow flower)

Mado no soto zutto (Falling non-stop outside the window)

Kotoshi, saisho no yuki no hana wo (The first snow flower of this year)

Futari yorisotte (We lean against each other)

Nagameteiru kono shunkan ni (The moment we look at it quietly)

Shiawase ga afuredasu (Overflowing with full happiness)

"

Aoyagi Rinka was caught by such a melody at once, and hurriedly pulled her friend into the record store:

"Manager, what song is playing?"

The record store manager was a mature uncle. He looked at the two who rushed into the store, but just pointed to the poster in the store.

A large movie poster stood next to the display stand. With snow-white snow as the background, in the center was the side profile of a lady in a black velvet jacket. At the top was the word *Love Letter*, and then promotional vocabulary such as "adapted from a famous novel," "Nakamori Akina's first appearance on the screen," "currently showing," etc.

Next to the poster were the records of *Snow Flower* stacked together, and even the novel *Love Letter*.

"Nakamori Akina?"

Although not a fan, Aoyagi Rinka naturally knew this top idol. After all, she was someone who often appeared on major TV programs.

Then she curiously picked up the record, "Is this Nakamori Akina's new song? Is it also the theme song of the movie? *Snow Flower*..."

Just thinking about whether to buy it, she heard the song in the store change, and it actually became a mournful female voice, the same *Snow Flower*, but it sang a completely different feeling.

"This... is this also in this record of Nakamori Akina?" Aoyagi Rinka asked.

The manager finally stopped pretending to be cold: "Hai, the peculiarity of this record is here. The same singer, two interpretations, and both are very outstanding. You won't get tired of listening to it dozens of times after taking it home!"

She was already very moved, and after hearing what the manager said, Aoyagi Rinka immediately decided to buy it!

However, after paying, the manager said another sentence: "By the way, this movie *Love Letter* also stars Nakamori Akina. I heard that it is better to listen to *Snow Flower* while watching the movie~"

How can you listen to songs while watching a movie?!

Aoyagi Rinka and her best friend Yamashita Yamashita Yumi complained about the manager's words, but when they left, they still subconsciously looked at the movie poster...

Is it currently showing? *Love Letter*... It sounds like a romance movie... But I promised my best friend to eat...

Just at this moment, the best friend Yamashita Yamashita Yumi beside her said: "Rinka-chan, I want to go see this movie with my boyfriend, so I won't eat with you tonight~"

"Hmph... valuing sex over friends!"

Aoyagi Rinka was very disdainful, but she also made a decision in her heart to go see this movie with her boyfriend!

And after the trailer for *Love Letter* was broadcast on Fuji TV, Nakamori Akina's fans called the Ken-On agency for the first time.

"May I ask, the *Love Letter* broadcast on TV is the one Akina-chan starred in, right?"

"Hai, yes!"

"Is that female lead really Akina-chan? It's completely different!"

"Hai, it was a makeover for the movie. Wearing a wig occasionally during this time was for this movie."

"May I ask, is the record *Snow Flower* really sung by Akina-chan? Why wasn't there advance promotion, and no other publicity?! Isn't the next one *North Wing*? Will it still be released on time?"

"This song is the theme song of the movie. Due to the requirements of the production side, there was no advance publicity... This song is also not used as Akina-chan's mainstream record..."

"..."

When the promotion started, the operator at Ken-On had already been notified of this situation and was prepared for the corresponding reply, so the answer was very smooth.

However, it seems that more and more people are calling. As the news ferments, I believe more and more fans will understand this matter.

At the same time, Fuji TV's hotline was also ringing constantly:

"Has the movie *Love Letter* been released?"

"Hai, you can already see it in the movie theater! However, it is temporarily limited to movie theaters in Tokyo~"

"Why haven't we heard of it before?"

"Because this is the first promotion..."

"Eh? There was no preview, no media report before the release?"

"The production side planned to start screening with the first snow in Tokyo. There was no preview."

"Is it so willful?"

"..." The operator lady was choked by this question, and it took two seconds to reply, "Hai, the director is Ma Sai, he is just so willful..."

Similar questions came one after another from the hotline. It can be expected that such consultations may continue until tomorrow's newspaper comes out...

In the studio of Shuyu Film, Tsuruko had already left, and Ma Sai and Yoshimura Otomo were contacting various parties by phone.

"In short, by tonight, I want to see the poster of *Love Letter* appear on the billboards on the streets of Tokyo!" Ma Sai said to an advertising agency, "I know you have a special connection with Dentsu, please mobilize it!"

After hanging up this advertiser, Ma Sai contacted another advertiser:

"Hai, in every radio channel, I want to hear the singing of *Snow Flower*. I want all the taxis in Tokyo to play this song!"

"Tonight, let *Snow Flower* resound throughout Tokyo!"

Yoshimura Otomo listened very painfully. Every time Ma Sai said a word, his face became more distressed!

Because every word full of dominance... behind it, all the white silver was spent!

"Naoki-san... today, at least fifty million has been spent!" Yoshimura Otomo said. "In this week, it is estimated that two hundred million in advertising fees will be spent!"

"Hahaha, Otomo-san, don't worry, it will all be earned back in the end!" Ma Sai comforted, "This time we not only have box office, but also the share of records!"

"... I hope so~"

Yoshimura Otomo nodded. "By the way, I have already notified that all live programs on various TV stations will mention our movie."

Ma Sai nodded: "Hmm, I'm not worried about promotion anymore. But now it's Xiu-san's side. Have the movie copies been sent to the movie theater? Is it coordinated?"

"Don't worry, Xiu-san has a good relationship in the film circle. He has been familiar with the bosses of movie theaters for the past two years. It will be coordinated soon!" Yoshimura Otomo said. "In another week, all movie theaters will have copies of *Love Letter*, and there will be no problem then!"

"... I hope so~" Ma Sai borrowed Yoshimura Otomo's lines.

"Everything should be going according to plan!"

Nakamori Akina didn't know the promotion and release plan of *Love Letter*. When it snowed, she had already arrived at the location to take photos.

Originally thought that it snowed, it would delay the photo taking.

However, the photographer seemed to think that such snow scenery was more suitable for winter photos and excitedly requested to take photos outside.

And at this time, some keen TV program producers had already hit Nakamori Akina's idea.

A live entertainment variety show directly asked the Ken-On agency, and then directly found the shooting venue, which scared Akina Fusoku.

After explaining for a long time, I learned that *Love Letter* was suddenly released, and then the TV station wanted to connect for a live broadcast.

Hurriedly asked for a ten-minute break from the shooting party, and then brought Nakamori Akina, who was confused, to the door of a shop on the side, and borrowed the power supply of the camera from the shopkeeper...

As the program connection started, Nakamori Akina listened hard to the host's questions from the headset:

"Akina-chan?"

"Hai, good afternoon!"

"May I ask what you are doing now?"

"Hai, I am shooting promotional photos for a magazine..."

"It's really hard work, working so hard even on Christmas~"

"Hai, this is work, there is no way~"

To think she said the truth... making Akina Fusoku, who was listening on the side, pat his forehead. Sure enough, if there is no advance communication, such a situation will occur!

"Hahaha, Akina-chan is really cute~" The experienced host on the program also laughed, and then entered the theme, "The movie Akina-chan starred in is officially released today! *Love Letter*..."

"Hai, I just found out too!"

"Eh? Akina-chan didn't know before?"

"Hai, I found out when the reporter came..."

"To think even the lead actress didn't know?"

"Don't know..."

It seems that this news was too shocking. The experienced host took a cold breath. Such a production side and distribution side are really rare!

"Then, Akina-chan must be very surprised now, right?"

"I was startled!"

"Can Akina-chan talk about the feeling of filming *Love Letter*? Are you nervous? Is it your first time participating in a movie?" The host still wanted the program to go on.

"Hmm, although it was my first time filming, the staff on the scene were all experienced film practitioners, so they gave me great encouragement..."

Nakamori Akina said polite words. In fact, she was not nervous at all when filming... because the director was her boyfriend, and when she performed, the guidance was very precise, and he was good at adjusting the shooting method according to the actor herself. The whole set was very harmonious.

Rather than filming a movie, it was more like a vacation with her boyfriend...

After Nakamori Akina finished speaking, the host said a few more words before thanking Akina for taking the time to accept the interview.

After the live connection ended, Nakamori Akina complained to Akina Fusoku:

"Fusoku-san, I didn't expect that my first movie was released, and I haven't seen it myself..."

Akina Fusoku was also very puzzled: "Yes, this distribution method... is really puzzling. However, Naoki-san might have his own ideas~"

"Then I will ask him well tonight!"

Speaking of her own boyfriend, Akina's mood suddenly got much better.

"Hai, today's shooting work should end very early. Akina might have time to go see the movie."

Akina Fusoku no longer stopped Nakamori Akina from meeting Ma Sai, but instead, for the sake of his idol's mood, he would provide convenience.

"Eh? Really?"

When filming, Akina was even happier~ ===== CHAPTER 524 =====