Chapter 548: As expected, he couldn't even last three rounds!

Tokyo's print media can be said to be one of the most sensitive groups in the entertainment industry. Some resourceful reporters even make famous politicians smile and welcome them; otherwise, if one is not careful, tomorrow's news headline might become "Shocking, a certain politician seeking pleasure late at night..... and not paying!"

Of course, the bosses of several major newspapers would not be so unwise, but some entertainment tabloids that specialize in catching shadows and chasing winds do not have such integrity.

As one of the freelance reporters, Masayuki Matsuzawa, since graduating from *Weekly Bunshun*, his reporting career has been flourishing. Currently, he is a contributor and columnist for several media outlets, and he can be considered to have a name in the industry.

His overly busy work even made him briefly give up tracking Naoki Nagayama's scandals, and the clue blackboard in his study hadn't been updated for a long time.

"Something's wrong, this is very wrong....."

Masayuki Matsuzawa muttered to himself while looking at several newspapers on his desk, because starting from the day before yesterday, many newspapers began to analyze the movie *Love Letter* extensively, and even newspapers that originally held critical opinions turned their direction.

"Did Kadokawa actually give up on *Detective Story* and *Dirty Hero*? What exactly is the reason?"

It should be said that in previous competitions, major film production companies like Toho, Toei, Shochiku, Kadokawa, and Nikkatsu would fully support their own company's movies. But looking at the developments of the past two days, Kadokawa had completely leaned toward Tree Friend Film, Shochiku was divided into three factions, Toho's momentum was still strong, but how could Toei also.......

Although Masayuki Matsuzawa was not clear about the complex relationships behind it, looking at the trend, it was obvious that Tree Friend Film had used relationships to handle many people.

"It looks like this time for the Blue Ribbon Awards and the Japan Academy Film Prize, this guy Naoki Nagayama is going to pocket everything!"

Pulling down the curtain on the blackboard for the first time in a while, looking at the clues about Naoki Nagayama, Masayuki Matsuzawa cut a piece from today's newspaper and pinned it with a thumbtack, then drew a line to Naoki Nagayama's portrait......

On the dense clue wall, there were very many people connected to Naoki Nagayama by lines. There were clear partners like Otomo Yoshimura and Shuichi Itang, artists under his banner, stars he had collaborated with, etc. Even a white dog with a grinning mouth was on it, and it was specially marked—pet.....

The Tree Friend Film under his banner, along with Kadokawa, Fuji TV, Shogakukan, Being Records, etc., had already formed a solid network of relationships.

This clue wall even had the portrait of Kaede Nagayama, especially since Kaede Nagayama also had a line connecting to a black portrait, marked with the symbol of the Yamaguchi-gumi.

However, the line between Naoki Nagayama and one of the stars was clearly denser. That portrait was a smiling face full of vitality—Akina Mori!

Masayuki Matsuzawa looked at this full clue wall and actually had a sense of satisfaction:

"Naoki Nagayama, everything about you is under my control!"

Actually, he could have exposed Naoki Nagayama's dating Akina Mori long ago, but this kind of exposure in the entertainment industry was just another piece of gossip news and had absolutely no impact on Naoki Nagayama.

And this time, if Naoki Nagayama's manipulation of the jury and plotting for the film awards were exposed, then....... it should be considered a big black mark!

Thinking of this, Masayuki Matsuzawa felt his whole body become excited. The "humiliation of being ignored by Naoki Nagayama," which he had forgotten because of busy work, suddenly surged into his heart again.......

This time..... Naoki Nagayama, you will finally remember me!

And Naoki Nagayama, who completely didn't know he was being targeted again, was at this time in a very old office building, meeting with an old man with gray hair.

"Nice to meet you, my name is Masataka Oishi, and I am the Editor-in-Chief of Japan's Jiyukokuminsha." The old man, who had gray hair but was very spirited, greeted him.

"Nice to meet you, I am Naoki Nagayama, please treat me well....." Naoki Nagayama also bowed formally.

Accompanying him today was Kuniharu Morikawa, who was an acquaintance here, so he wasn't too restrained: "Editor-in-Chief Oishi, long time no see...... how has everything been recently?"

"Haha, thanks to you, my health is still fine."

Masataka Oishi responded with a smile, and then several people sat in the aged-looking conference room, drinking freshly brewed hot tea.

"Nagayama-kun, I have heard your name many times!" Masataka Oishi exchanged pleasantries with Kuniharu Morikawa and began to talk to Naoki Nagayama, "*Summer Garden* is even being read by my grandson! It's written truly too well!"

"That is my honor." Naoki Nagayama nodded slightly, trying hard to appear steady.

"Haha, *Love Letter* and *Koizora*, two consecutive best-selling novels, and also won the Naoki Prize......" Masataka Oishi counted Naoki Nagayama's literary achievements one by one, very appreciative of this young man, "Truly a young and promising author!"

"You overpraise me...." Naoki Nagayama tried hard to keep a straight face.

"Not to mention having such high achievements in the film industry..... Best Film Award, Best Director, Best Screenplay...... and the currently very hot *Love Letter* movie, even an old man like me has heard of it!" Masataka Oishi continued to praise, "You are truly the most excellent young person I have ever met!"

"Haha, Editor-in-Chief Oishi, you make me a bit embarrassed~" Naoki Nagayama couldn't help it and grinned~

Then he discovered Masataka Oishi saying to Kuniharu Morikawa beside him:

"As expected, he couldn't even last three rounds!"

Kuniharu Morikawa had been holding back his laughter just now, and at this moment, he couldn't hold it back anymore: "Haha, Editor-in-Chief Oishi still likes to do this kind of thing!"

"?" Naoki Nagayama was puzzled.

Kuniharu Morikawa explained: "Editor-in-Chief Oishi likes to joke with young people very much. Every time he sees a young person who appears steady, he likes to praise them with good words again and again......

Most people are already beaming with joy when they hear the first round of praise. There are not many left who can remain calm in the second round. Those who can still keep a straight face in the third round are already very few!

Haha, Naoki-san, no need to catch your breath; you are already one of the few who can last to the third round~"

Masataka Oishi, with his gray hair, was drinking tea and smiling at Naoki Nagayama at this time: "Haha~ Nagayama-kun, this old man just likes to joke with young people, please don't mind~"

"........" Naoki Nagayama was speechless. Are old people these days all this playful?

Then he turned his head to look at Kuniharu Morikawa: "Kuniharu-san, you actually didn't notify me in advance?"

"If I notified you, what would be the point?" Kuniharu Morikawa winked, "This is almost Editor-in-Chief Oishi's habit. Anyway, it's only this one time.

Besides, if it were Naoki-san, would you notify the person visiting in advance?"

Naoki Nagayama thought about it and sighed: "Perhaps I wouldn't either....."

Yes, he had been tricked, and he always wanted to see others fall into the trap too....... but......

"Editor-in-Chief Oishi, is the third round already the last?" Naoki Nagayama looked at Masataka Oishi curiously, "Is there no one who has lasted through it? How many rounds did Kuniharu-san last?"

"Haha, he was smiling like a blooming flower in the first round~"

Masataka Oishi looked at Kuniharu Morikawa with a smile, making him lower his head in embarrassment, and then recalled slightly:

"The young people I have seen are not many, and those who can last to the third round are already very few...... but come to think of it, there is indeed such a person who has always been calm."

"Who is it?"

"A new author named Haruki Murakami."

"Eh?! Haruki-san?" Naoki Nagayama was surprised.

"Hmm, it's him. I praised him for five rounds. Although he also smiled, I could feel it was just a polite smile." Masataka Oishi grumbled, "In the end, the look he gave me seemed like he was looking at some mental patient.... I don't know if he is naturally not one to smile."

"......" Naoki Nagayama grumbled in his heart, he might have really thought you had some problem.

"However, that guy's writing has potential! If he can persist, he will definitely achieve something in the future." Masataka Oishi said.

Naoki Nagayama nodded; Haruki Murakami did indeed become a great writer later.

After this encounter, the atmosphere in the conference room began to become much more relaxed. After chatting about some interesting stories for a while, Masataka Oishi finally asked the main topic:

"Nagayama-kun, an acquaintance from Kadokawa Shoten called me yesterday and talked about this *New Words and Buzzwords Awards* program."

"To be honest, we are actually very interested....... however, if we want to host it, why not let our Jiyukokuminsha host it directly? Wouldn't that save a lot of trouble?"

Masataka Oishi asked directly. If they hosted it alone, then whether it was the subsequent fame or influence, it would be enjoyed exclusively by Japan's Jiyukokuminsha. Why let Tree Friend, Shogakukan, Kadokawa, and even Fuji TV share a piece of the pie?

Although the program's planning was proposed by Naoki Nagayama, it was just an idea. It hadn't been thought of before, but now that it had been pointed out, Jiyukokuminsha already knew. With their ability, they could completely organize it themselves. Japan's Jiyukokuminsha also had a close relationship with NTV.

Naoki Nagayama knew this was a critical moment, so he said cautiously:

"Editor-in-Chief Oishi, this is indeed a question worth pondering."

"We want Japan's Jiyukokuminsha to join, just for an authoritative endorsement. This point is more important to the upper levels, mainly because we saw the trend of the program's future development.

But when all is said and done, this is just an entertainment program. For ordinary audiences, Fuji TV, Shogakukan, and Kadokawa Shoten already have enough authority, so there is not much difference in the program's appeal."

Naoki Nagayama paused, seeing Masataka Oishi looking at him with an unchanging expression, and could only continue:

However, you only have an idea, while I already have a complete planning document, a complete team, and have already talked to Fuji TV...... the program can go online at any time.

If Japan's Jiyukokuminsha wants to host it alone, then it's just a competitor. All variety shows will be imitated by competitors. We have already considered this in our plan."

"Not to mention whether your side is excellent enough in the production of entertainment programs, Fuji TV's ratings will definitely be higher than NTV's."

"We will still leave the most important mark in the hearts of the audience as the 'first' buzzword variety show. If you become our competitor, then it will only disperse the impression of this kind of program."

"This might have an impact on the long-term development of the program, but it won't have much impact on the short-term ratings."

Naoki Nagayama saw that Masataka Oishi's expression was already a bit heavy, and finally said:

"It's just that cooperation is beneficial to both..... it's a bit of a pity for the future of this program."

Masataka Oishi listened quietly to Naoki Nagayama's words, closed his eyes, and pondered. Kuniharu Morikawa on the side secretly gave Naoki Nagayama a thumbs-up underneath.

"As expected, the most excellent young person I have ever met!" Masataka Oishi opened his eyes and looked deeply at Naoki Nagayama, "You speak with reason."

"?" Naoki Nagayama was stunned, then grinned, "Haha, is Editor-in-Chief Oishi starting to praise people again?! I can't last a round this time!"

"This old man didn't!" Masataka Oishi was almost choked by this sentence.

After recovering, Masataka Oishi said seriously: "Actually, when Kadokawa Shoten and Shogakukan called to communicate, we had already made up our minds."

"You have already arranged everything, you are responsible for your own profits and losses, and you have so many allies...... in the end, we only need to provide a name to enjoy the benefits of the program's success....... how could we refuse this kind of thing that is beneficial without cost~"

"After meeting you, the person in charge behind the scenes, I am even more at ease."

Seeing Masataka Oishi approve of this cooperation, Naoki Nagayama had a look of relief on his face:

"That is truly great~"

Since they had reached a consensus, the three people in the conference room took the opportunity to chat about the specific cooperation agreement. Although Kadokawa's representative was not there, given the friendship between Naoki Nagayama and Haruki Kadokawa, as long as the cooperation agreement wasn't too outrageous, it didn't really matter.

After all, Kadokawa Shoten, Shogakukan, and Jiyukokuminsha, like them, didn't want to rely on this to make money, but hoped that the final selection of the *New Words and Buzzwords Awards* at the end of the year could bring them connections, channels, and influence.

The three chatted happily and originally thought about going for a drink, but Naoki Nagayama and Kuniharu Morikawa both politely declined.

Masataka Oishi was so old; if he accidentally got drunk, would the subsequent cooperation continue?

After finally walking out of Jiyukokuminsha, Naoki Nagayama said to Kuniharu Morikawa:

"Kuniharu-san, it looks like this program is going to be officially online..... you Shogakukan should hurry up and choose the people to participate!"

Every program needs relevant personnel to explain the terms, and they also need to go to the place where the terms were produced for interviews. These people are all resident guests!

"Hai, we definitely won't delay!"

Kuniharu Morikawa nodded repeatedly. The competition within Shogakukan for this kind of opportunity to be on TV and increase fame was very fierce.

In the studio of Fuji TV, Yasushi Akimoto and Hiroshi Sugiura were rushing the recording of the latest episode of *Evening Meow Meow*.

Hiroshi Sugiura looked at the newly appeared mentor scoring process on the stage and quietly asked the person beside him:

"Akimoto-san, the first batch of mentors is the Wild Cat Group, so is there a reservation for the next batch? I think there will be many people in the entertainment industry who hope to sit in the position of this kind of mentor."

Yasushi Akimoto shook his head: "Not yet, and no talent agency has come to communicate. Perhaps there will be people after the program is broadcast."

"You say...... should we let Naoki-san be a guest?" Hiroshi Sugiura asked casually, "Naoki-san's fame is very hot right now, and he is also a well-known director......"

Yasushi Akimoto's expression was a bit stiff, and he hurriedly dodged by notifying the staff nearby to speed up the process. It wasn't until the program continued to be recorded that he answered to the side:

"Naoki-san..... his fame in the idol industry is actually not high."

"? Nani? He is the Prince Charming in the hearts of high school girls right now!" Hiroshi Sugiura said in surprise, "Didn't you see that segment in *Love Letter*?"

"I saw it...." Yasushi Akimoto's tone carried jealousy. Once upon a time, he also wanted to become a girl's Prince Charming, but unfortunately..... he was too fat.

"However, Sugiura-san, we have to look at it from reality. Actually, Naoki-san's focus is not on the idol industry; he doesn't even have the most basic fan group....." Yasushi Akimoto said, "So if he is asked to be a mentor, it has no guidance significance for the newly selected idols....."

Actually, his words were very pale. Won't guide idols? Then what about the Cat's Eye Three Sisters, Junko Ito, Yuki Saito, and the rising Tomoko Aoyama under Tree Friend?

Naoki Nagayama won't guide, but he knows how to promote idols!!

However, Hiroshi Sugiura didn't say much. After all, Yasushi Akimoto was now an important backbone of the *Evening Meow Meow* program. Without him, the next episode might not even be filmed.

Besides, Naoki Nagayama might not be willing to come over.....

"Haha, then forget it....." Hiroshi Sugiura patted Yasushi Akimoto on the shoulder, "But the next mentor also needs to be considered in advance!"

"Hmm, I will consider it in advance!"

After the two exchanged, they watched the recording of *Evening Meow Meow* again. However, after a while, Hiroshi Sugiura was a bit strange: "Akimoto-san, why do I feel...... among these girls, there are so many with short hair?"

I saw that among the members of the new episode of the Kitten Club, five out of ten had short hair.

Yasushi Akimoto took a look: "It seems to be because of the trend.

Didn't Akina Mori have short hair for a while a while ago? And Kyoko Koizumi also has short hair.......

So talent agencies feel that this kind of idol with a bit of boyishness is also very popular, and many newcomers have been taken to cut their hair short."

Hiroshi Sugiura nodded: "But there are too many, it feels a bit strange...."

"Hmm, let Etsuro Kikuchi not do this later...."

Yasushi Akimoto didn't care too much, because it wasn't certain whether these new idols could debut.

He focused on the recording of the program, only to hear one of the short-haired girls introducing herself in front of a group of mentors:

"Good evening, mentors, I am Kahoru Kohiruimaki from Hokkaido, I am good at singing....."

A thought flashed through his mind:

"This contestant looks very energetic~"