Chapter 565: I felt he was up to no good the first time I saw him!!!

Without even waiting for the next day, the Tokyo Evening News reported the process of the Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony that same day.

Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Actress, and Best Newcomer—every winner was reported in detail.

However, *The Ballad of Narayama*, the film that had already been written about extensively when it won the Palme d'Or last year, had no more explosive points to dig out. Best Actor Ken Takakura and Best Actress Sayuri Yoshinaga were both big shots in the film circle, which was just adding another honor.

The most explosive points were naturally Naoki Nagayama, who won Best Director, and Akina Nakamori, who won Best Newcomer. Not only were they handsome and beautiful, but they also came wearing clothes that matched very well, and even more so because the two had played a couple in *Love Letter*...

The most surprising thing was that Akina Nakamori promoted Naoki Nagayama's new film during her acceptance speech!

So the point of discussion in this report was between the two!

"Are Naoki Nagayama and Akina Nakamori dating?" "Is the lead actress of the next film Akina Nakamori?" "The untold story between the screen couple..."

There were even resourceful reporters who found out their itineraries and discovered... these two had actually gone abroad at the same time!

Suddenly, the story seemed very surprising and coincidental~

"Hm, this reporter can actually associate them going abroad to travel together... the imagination really shouldn't be underestimated!" Naoki Nagayama was talking to Tsuruko on the phone. "It seems I have to be careful when going out in the future... maybe even abroad there are paparazzi."

"Hey! Don't change the subject, Nii-chan!" Tsuruko said very angrily on the phone. "My point is, you went abroad before, did you keep my gift in mind?!"

"Eh?! What gift?"

"Don't play dumb!" Tsuruko said fiercely. "Didn't you say you were going to give me a gift when you came to Waseda University last time? You can't just count it as nothing because we didn't meet due to the rain!"

"Ah... that..." Naoki Nagayama deliberately pretended to have just remembered. "Let's talk about that later, over!"

He hung up the phone quickly, blocking all of Tsuruko's unwillingness on the other end of the phone line.

On the way home, passing by Kenta Yokota's newsstand, he was tricked by the very business-savvy boss into buying an evening paper. He saw the report about himself, and then Tsuruko called to congratulate him shortly after, and by the way, to ask for a gift...

Pfft, what a joke~

Naoki Nagayama, who won the award as the older brother, why should he give a gift to his unlucky younger sister~

So Naoki Nagayama, who hung up the phone, felt refreshed. When he continued reading the newspaper, his mood was much better.

"There was a report in the evening..." Naoki Nagayama looked at this article and marveled. "Wait until tomorrow, all kinds of articles will be flying all over the sky!"

"I wonder how Akina will respond."

He himself didn't have much of a relationship with it anyway; he didn't rely on fame to eat~

In the evening, Chieko Nakamori of the Kiyose town was working in the ramen shop.

"Chieko-san, congratulations! Akina-chan won the Best Newcomer Award at the Blue Ribbon Awards!" A familiar customer said to Chieko, who was serving dishes, while looking at the newspaper.

"Eh? Best Newcomer Award?"

Chieko was also very surprised. For her daughter, whose fame was getting bigger and bigger, she didn't have real-time knowledge now.

Although she knew she had filmed a movie before... it was really surprising that her own daughter could appear in such a beautiful movie... The Nakamori family had all gone to the cinema to watch it!

But did she actually win the Blue Ribbon Award?! This is really a great happy event!

Chieko Nakamori borrowed the newspaper from the customer and read it hastily. Sure enough, it was a report about winning the award... but... what's up with that accompanying picture?! A photo that looks like a golden boy and a jade girl...

Could it be that Akina and Naoki Nagayama's dating relationship has been made public?!

Because the shop was very busy, Chieko just took a quick look and didn't have time to think deeply.

It wasn't until after nine o'clock, after the ramen shop closed, that Chieko returned home and had time to watch the news report carefully.

During this time, Miho Nakamori was also discussing it in a jumble: "It's really glorious~ Best Newcomer... and dating a handsome guy~"

Chieko patted her head: "You are not allowed to say such yin-and-yang words! Akina had this achievement only after trying her best~"

"Yee~~~" Miho Nakamori, who was still in high school, made a 'yee' sound. "Naoki-san was known before he debuted!!! At that time, I thought he was a playboy who wanted to date female stars, but I didn't expect him to be gotten by Akina!"

Chieko had to pat her youngest daughter again. Since Akina's fame and status had become higher and higher, her siblings had also developed jealousy to varying degrees.

It would be fine if these words were just said, but if they involved interests in the future, what would the family affection between family members become?

She sighed in her heart and couldn't help but think of President Hanami of Burning Productions visiting a while ago, saying that for tax avoidance reasons, he wanted to register an independent agency for Akina, with Chieko as the president... and secretly mentioned letting other siblings be directors... and they could also get a salary...

Chieko, who basically raised six children alone, naturally understood the dark side of society and understood the meaning behind this very well...

As a mother, she valued family very much and sighed in her mouth: "If it's for money and giving up family affection... this is too pathetic."

"Nani? What is mother saying?" Miho Nakamori didn't hear clearly and turned to ask.

"Ah... I was thinking of calling Akina tonight to congratulate her. I don't know when Akina gets off work." Chieko found a reason casually, then turned to continue reading the report... "Besides, I also have to ask her about her and Naoki Nagayama..."

In the accompanying picture of the article, Naoki Nagayama was smiling, handsome, and his gaze towards her daughter also carried light:

"From the time this guy Naoki Nagayama came to my house, I felt he was up to no good the first time I saw him!"

"I didn't expect that he still cheated one of my daughters into his hands!"

After the recording of another program ended, Akina Nakamori finally returned to the apartment.

Having been abroad to record a new album for a period of time, there was a lot of backlogged work. It is estimated that there would be no time to rest during this period.

In the apartment, Fusanori Akina and Maki Ueda helped move the purchased items to the freezer, sorted them out, and then prepared to go back.

Just before leaving, Fusanori Akina paused and still said:

"Akina-chan, tomorrow, there should be many interview requests, and there will also be inquiry sessions in the program. Regarding the Best Newcomer Award... and Naoki-san..."

"Hai?" Akina asked with her eyes while drinking a bottle of milk.

"Regarding the awards, most of them are congratulations, so it doesn't matter. However, regarding whether there will be development in the film industry in the future, Burning Productions will issue an official response." Fusanori Akina said. "The question is... have Akina-chan and Naoki-san confirmed it? Are you going to appear in *April Story*?"

"Eh? Me?" Akina Nakamori waved her hand hurriedly. "When Naoki-san said it, he said this character doesn't fit my image very well, and it leans towards art films, so I don't need to appear in it."

"Is that so..."

Fusanori Akina looked at Akina Nakamori with strange eyes, the meaning in his eyes was very clear. Since it wasn't you appearing, why did you help promote it in the acceptance speech... didn't you see that others were promoting their own films?

Akina Nakamori clearly interpreted it and felt a bit embarrassed: "When giving the speech, isn't it because everyone else was promoting!!! I just felt that not saying anything would be very unsociable... but I didn't have a new film program, and I couldn't promote a new song... so I said Naoki-san's new film."

So that's it, it really fits Akina-chan's personality, Maki Ueda silently complained in her heart.

Fusanori Akina also understood, but still said: "Alright, but next time at the Academy Film Prize, you can't continue to promote Naoki-san's film... the agency will come up with some official rhetoric."

For future film awards speeches, it is estimated that most winners will bring along promotion for new films... Didn't you see that in tonight's newspaper, they have already started the 'Most Anticipated Film of Showa 59' selection?

Akina Nakamori, who sent away the two agents, collapsed on the sofa and finally felt that today's work was over. Looking at the time, it was almost eleven o'clock... should she make a phone call to Naoki-san?

Didn't they already meet during the day? And chatted a lot~

But she still wanted to hear Naoki-san's voice...

While hesitating, the apartment phone suddenly rang!

"*Ding-a-ling~*"

Akina Nakamori subconsciously looked at the clock, because Naoki Nagayama's *Ring* was a challenge to answer the phone at night!

"It's all Naoki-san's fault, filming what *Ring*..." Akina muttered a few words, but still picked up the phone. "Moshi Moshi Moshi Moshi, this is the Nakamori house."

"Akina, it's mother!"

Mother Chieko's voice came from the receiver!

"Okāsan!" Hearing it was her mother, Akina Nakamori was obviously very happy. "Why did you call! I was thinking of going home these two days! I bought a lot of gifts abroad! How is your health lately?"

Akina and her mother Chieko had a very close relationship. After hearing the voice, she said a lot like a string of firecrackers...

And Chieko on the other side of the receiver listened quietly, occasionally replying a sentence or two to explain the recent situation.

This phone call was very cheerful, making Akina's mood even happier.

"Akina, congratulations on winning the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Newcomer!" Chieko said. "It even surprised the uncle next door!"

"Haha~" The little girl was very happy to be praised by her mother and couldn't stop laughing. "It's all because the film shot by Naoki-san was excellent..."

"That's also because Akina performed very well!" Finally finding this opportunity, Chieko took the opportunity to start a heart-to-heart talk between women. "Akina, to what extent are you and Naoki Nagayama dating?"

"Eh... Ano..."

Of course, she had already been eaten clean!

"It's just the extent of lovers~ lovers in the honeymoon phase..."

Chieko, who had been there, heard this answer and knew about it. However, there was no way between young people... they couldn't help it~

"Akina... you must remember, you must use a small umbrella! You must absolutely not get pregnant before marriage!"

"And that Naoki Nagayama... when will you bring him home to see?"

"......"

In the apartment in Sumida Ward, little Akina listened to her mother's words with a red face, nodding or answering from time to time.

The next day it actually rained... The rain of the cold spring made the temperature drop again.

Naoki Nagayama, who was woken up by his biological clock, had to change into the Toyota Century again and drive slowly towards the studio...

The team that went to Australia to shoot had returned, and the material for the music short film had been completed. He should go and set a sample so that the team would know what to do next.

The employees in the studio looked happy, and when they saw Naoki Nagayama, they scrambled to greet him.

"Naoki-san, congratulations on winning Best Director!" "Naoki-san, congratulations!" "Good morning, Naoki-san, double the honor!"

Amidst the congratulations of a group of people, Naoki Nagayama walked into the office while thanking them.

Today, only Tomo Arimura was there.

"Arimura-san, good morning!"

"Good morning, Naoki-san." Tomo Arimura didn't look up and was still looking at the documents. "Daotian Yamin-kun and Kijima-kun are both in the editing room, and Ito Shuichi-san is also there."

"So early?" Naoki Nagayama thought they would at least come later today.

"After all, KTV is not very urgent~" Tomo Arimura put down his work and handed a list to Naoki Nagayama. "This is a list of songs with high popularity. Naoki-san, take a look and see if there are any problems."

Naoki Nagayama took it and looked. Pop singers and their songs, as well as the copyright ownership company and copyright fees... There were about 500 commonly used ones. He also saw the CityPop track *Stay With Me* and so on.

"Was this list organized by Arimura-san?" Naoki Nagayama asked curiously. "Arimura-san is actually so interested in trendy music?"

"...... Although it wasn't me, but... in Naoki-san's impression, am I actually an old fogey? I can sing pop songs too!" Tomo Arimura said with a bit of indignation. "This song list combines the tracks provided by Shigeru Arakawa and Tetsuya Komuro."

"There are also idol singers like Junko Ito and Yutaka Ozaki... as well as urban girls like Riko-chan... in short, it covers most people's preferences."

"That's fine, anyway, we can continue to increase or decrease it later." Naoki Nagayama flipped through it and returned the list to Tomo Arimura.

"Then we will go buy the copyright."

Tomo Arimura picked up the phone and called. Not long after, Riko Hayano knocked on the door and came in.

"Arimura-san, Naoki-san."

"Riko-chan." Tomo Arimura handed the song list to her. "This song list, go directly to the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers to negotiate. We only need the copyright of the lyrics and music..."

"Hai!" Riko Hayano didn't say much, bowed to Naoki Nagayama and Tomo Arimura, and went out.

Naoki Nagayama was a bit strange: "Riko-chan seems to have lost a lot of weight..."

"......." Tomo Arimura looked at Naoki Nagayama with contempt. "Naoki-san, ever since the Shu You Group was reorganized, she has been in charge of the General Affairs Section... she has to sort out all kinds of things first!"

Ah... from Shu You Cinema to Shu You Co., Ltd., there really is a lot of stuff that needs to be handled! Especially when it just changed, it was the time when the General Affairs Section was busy.

Naoki Nagayama felt a little embarrassed. He actually made people lose weight. He thought about giving her a little more year-end bonus this year... but seeing Tomo Arimura starting to pack things up, it seemed like he was going out again...

"Arimura-san, are you going out?"

"Yeah, the girl from Nichu School, isn't she going to sign a contract... because of one word from Naoki-san, we have to run until our legs break!"

Tomo Arimura complained slightly, making Naoki Nagayama, who felt a bit idle, even more ashamed.

"Arimura-san..."

"Daijobu... this is our work, Naoki-san doesn't need to be too moved." Tomo Arimura comforted him. "Just double the year-end bonus and dividends!"

"......." As expected, an old fox!

In the meantime, Tomo Arimura had already packed his briefcase and was going out energetically: "Naoki-san, are you going to the editing room? I'm going to call Daotian Yamin-kun on the way."

"Why call Daotian Yamin-kun?"

"Of course, let him go to Nichu High School with me! He will be responsible for the agency part in the future. This time, I'll take him to get to know people, and in the future, the connection with Nichu High School will be up to him!" Tomo Arimura said. "Also, the signing of newcomers and the daily work of the GG agency all need to be handed over to him gradually!"

"All of them?"

"Yeah, anyway, Daotian Yamin-kun is very familiar with these~ Once handed over to him, I can be a little more relaxed!"

"......"

Squeezing level by level!

Tomo Arimura had evolved into a complete capitalist!

There were many people around in the editing room: Ito Shuichi Itō, Daotian Yamin Inada, Kijima Xu, and several others who went to Australia to shoot.

The small editing room suddenly seemed crowded.

"Daotian Yamin-kun, go out with me." Tomo Arimura didn't even enter the door and shouted directly at the door.

"Hai!" Daotian Yamin Inada walked out and greeted Naoki Nagayama first. "Naoki-san, you're here~"

"Well, this trip abroad to shoot, you've worked hard!"

Naoki Nagayama looked at this guy who was several degrees darker and patted him on the shoulder.

"It's all what I should do."

Daotian Yamin Inada revealed a smile, and before they could exchange pleasantries, he followed Tomo Arimura out.

The remaining people in the editing room were all surrounding a pile of video tape materials on the table. The small projector in the room was playing one of them.

Under the bright sunshine, by the blue seaside, several beautiful women in bikinis were playing and frolicking on the beach. The camera occasionally gave shots of waves, coconut trees, light, and shadow...

"This is the Cat's Eye Three Sisters." Naoki Nagayama joined in. "It looks like they are quite happy."

Kijima Xu saw Naoki Nagayama coming over and hurriedly explained: "This is just one of them. We shot a lot of material, the seaside in the morning, the evening glow on the sea in the evening... towns and suburbs in Australia..."

"Besides summer, we also went to the mountains to shoot the scenery of autumn..."

Naoki Nagayama nodded while listening: "Hm, well done..."

After watching the material almost finished, he said to everyone: "Then the next step is to classify these materials according to different types, and then cut them into short films of about three or four minutes."

"This is not a small project. It is estimated that it will be busy during this period."

Ito Shuichi Itō interrupted and asked: "Naoki-san, to what extent should such a music short film 'MV' be done?"

"With background, with subtitles, with music..." Naoki Nagayama saw that everyone still didn't understand, so he said, "It just so happens that today I came to set a sample..."

He found the material he had prepared before from the drawer:

"This is the material for the first commercial we shot in the studio... it's that song *Sakura~Anata ni Deaete Yokatta~* (Cherry Blossoms, Cherry Blossoms, Glad I Met You)."

Ito Shuichi Itō was very surprised: "This song?"

"Yeah, because that commercial and the MV are very similar, so I used it directly." Naoki Nagayama operated on the console. "Except for the soda commercial part in this material, the others are very suitable for making MVs, just need a little editing..."

Because Ito Shuichi Itō and Naoki Nagayama both participated when this commercial was produced, they were very clear about the composition of the short film. After Ito Shuichi Itō also came to help, it only took a few dozen minutes to edit the original commercial short film of over 5 minutes into a 3-minute MV.

"Sorry to keep you waiting~" Naoki Nagayama said to the employees who had been focused on the side. "Let's take a look!"

With the start of the projector, the adjusted short film played on the screen...

"

Sakura sakura aitai yo iya da (Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms, I want to see you, no)

Kimi ni ima sugu aitai yo (I want to see you right now)

"

The familiar music rang out, and Yoshie Kashiwabara's singing also began to echo in the editing room.

The screen played the commercial short film shot by Naoki Nagayama and Kanako Higuchi:

....... He was hiding from the rain under the eaves of the newsstand, and she also came to hide from the rain......

....... Fate let the two meet, their eyes met, and silent love sprouted.......

....... She pointed to the cherry blossoms in full bloom outside, and he also looked at the cherry blossoms, and the two smiled at each other......

Ito Shuichi Itō and Naoki Nagayama's memories all returned to the time when they shot this commercial. However, at this time, after cutting out the soda commercial part, the audiovisual effect was even more perfect.

"Naoki-san... I think we should buy back the copyright of this song and this commercial..." Ito Shuichi Itō said. "It's really perfect~"

"Haha, the copyright of the song has always been with me!" Naoki Nagayama laughed. "At that time, it was a record-sharing agreement."

Ito Shuichi Itō raised his head: "Then, we just need the usage rights of the commercial, right?"

"Hm... but we also need the usage rights of Yoshie Kashiwabara's singing..."

"These shouldn't be a problem!" Ito Shuichi Itō said. "Haha, I didn't expect that we could actually buy back the songs from that time..."

Naoki Nagayama nodded and looked at the surrounding employees:

"This is MV. The subtitles inside were typed out with a typewriter and then stuck to the film. Although the subsequent production will be entrusted to professional video tape factories, the original version still needs to be completed by ourselves..."

"Let's strive to complete it within a month!"

"Hai!" X5 ===== CHAPTER 566 =====