Chapter 637: Who said *Music Station* is for Fuji?!

"Tamori-san, please take a good look at this proposal... Zhuyou has already negotiated with TV Asahi. If Tamori-san agrees, the first episode can be attempted this month!"

After *Waratte Iitomo* went off the air, Naoki Nagayama pulled Tamori and had a good chat with him about the joining of *Music Station*.

"Hai, I will definitely consider it seriously! I will give Naoki-san a reply as soon as possible!"

Tamori was actually also very moved after listening. His most famous program at the moment, *Waratte Iitomo*, was already in a bottleneck period. Although he often guest-starred or hosted in other variety shows, radio, and CM activities, none of those were programs that belonged exclusively to him.

However, as an artist of a management agency, he still had to discuss it with the company, and also had to scout from the side how much TV Asahi valued this program.

"Good, then it's settled~"

The two shook hands and left the studio very friendly, even saying polite words like wanting to have a drink together later. What Naoki Nagayama didn't expect was that when the door opened, three familiar people were standing outside...

"Daitai-san, Xi Lumei-san, and Akimoto-san... you... are you waiting for me?"

The three people outside were none other than Sugira Daitai, Xi Lumei, and Akimoto Yasushi, who were waiting for Naoki Nagayama to come out.

"Hai~ Naoki-san hasn't come to see us for a long time, so when we heard that Naoki-san was at Fuji TV, we came to wait for your arrival~"

As a lady, Xi Lumei was the first to break the somewhat awkward atmosphere. Because of the previous small unpleasantness, Sugira Daitai and Akimoto Yasushi were embarrassed to speak.

"Ha, what are you saying, I came to find Tamori-san today. I originally planned to go to the preparation room of *Twilight Nyan Nyan* to see you after finding him. I didn't expect to be pulled to rescue the scene..." Naoki Nagayama laughed and explained the situation just now.

Tamori had been watching from the side. At this time, he interjected to thank him: "Really thanks to Naoki-san, helped a lot!"

Next, according to the Japanese culture, it was naturally a long period of humility and bowing... Although Naoki Nagayama felt it was very annoying, the whole environment he was facing was like this, and there was no way~

"Tamori-san..."

Just at this time, the voice of Song Ze Zheng Jun came from a slightly distant place, and next to him stood Masahiko Kondo with a stiff face. He didn't expect to see Naoki Nagayama as soon as he came out.

"Tamori-san, honto ni sumimasen! Our car had an accident halfway..."

Song Ze Zheng Jun was an old man in the entertainment industry. He knew that the backbone of the program *Waratte Iitomo* was Tamori, so he brought the Johnny's idol to apologize as soon as the program went off the air.

Facing these two guys who almost caused the program to open a skylight, Tamori didn't have such a good temper. He scolded seriously:

"I thought a big agency like Johnny's wouldn't have such a slip-up!!! I didn't expect you guys to..."

"Sumimasen, this is our negligence, we will definitely reflect seriously, absolutely won't have a next time!" Song Ze Zheng Jun exerted his traditional skills, pulled Masahiko Kondo to bow ninety degrees to apologize.

"You guys must reflect properly on your own actions!" Tamori still hadn't vented his anger. "Since entering the entertainment industry, I haven't encountered such a thing!"

"Hai, we will definitely reflect seriously!"

Song Ze Zheng Jun continued to bow. Although Masahiko Kondo was very unhappy, he still followed to bow and admit his mistake... In short, at least he had to have an attitude of admitting his mistake.

"Fortunately, there was Naoki-san to rescue the scene this time, otherwise the consequences would be hard to clean up!" Tamori looked at the few people watching the show next to him and said to these two guys, "You guys must thank others properly!"

"Hai, indeed should be so!"

Song Ze Zheng Jun bowed slightly, then took a few steps toward Naoki Nagayama's side, and bowed ninety degrees again,

"Very grateful to Mr. Naoki Nagayama for his help today! Only then did we avoid causing more serious consequences..."

Song Ze Zheng Jun didn't have anything; anyway, the manager was the one bowing and apologizing for the artist, and the money earned was for this job.

But Masahiko Kondo next to him, looking at Naoki Nagayama who wasn't much older than him, felt very humiliated... Clearly, this annoying guy even got the opportunity for exposure, yet he still had to thank him...

However, thinking of Johnny's punishment... he still trembled slightly, bowed his waist, made a standard ninety-degree bow, and covered up his hateful expression, only hearing him say muffledly:

"Very grateful..."

Naoki Nagayama looked at the top-tier male idol in front of him, waved his hand, didn't say anything, nodded to Tamori, and walked toward the preparation room with Sugira Daitai and the other three.

Perhaps when he first met Akina Mori, he still valued this person who had hurt Akina in his memory very much, and even wanted to retaliate when he snatched his advertising opportunity for the first time.

But now seeing him, he felt he was just a commodity played by capital... The two were no longer in the same class... Just don't dirty his eyes in the future, and kick him far away when he finds a chance~

Seeing Naoki Nagayama not even replying to his bow, such a contemptuous attitude made Masahiko Kondo feel a fire of humiliated resentment burning in his heart, wishing he could rush up and fight immediately!

However, the reality of the situation forced him to swallow his anger, and then continue to accept Tamori's scolding...

"Naoki-san, do you know Matchy (Masahiko Kondo)?"

Xi Lumei, who was delicate in mind, seemed to feel Naoki Nagayama's differential treatment of Masahiko Kondo. Naoki Nagayama was usually kind to others, but this time he didn't even pay attention.

"Mm, met a few times, the impression isn't very good~" Naoki Nagayama didn't hide it, directly stating his view on Masahiko Kondo.

"I see~"

Sugira Daitai and Akimoto Yasushi also listened to Naoki Nagayama's attitude and silently decided in their hearts that they would try not to invite Masahiko Kondo to the *Twilight Nyan Nyan* program in the future.

After arriving at the preparation room of *Twilight Nyan Nyan*, Naoki Nagayama watched the latest recorded tape of *Twilight Nyan Nyan* at Akimoto Yasushi's invitation.

"Naoki-san, how is it?" Akimoto Yasushi was full of confidence. "The most outstanding one is called Kudo Shizuka, and her popularity is the hottest

Shizuka Kudo, huh...

As expected of an idol who is already burning bright across the Japanese entertainment industry, she really has some skills. She became famous a bit early, but her quirky personality and rebellious-looking attire really do capture the hearts of those teenagers!

"She really is full of energy..."

Although the dance she performed felt like just a few random wiggles, at this age, as long as she's cute, that's all that matters!

"The recent viewership ratings have maintained a positive growth!" Yasushi Akimoto's tone rose, clearly a bit proud, "It should spark a trend of rebellious girls!"

"For sure~" Naoki Nagayama naturally wouldn't interrupt someone else's showing off at a time like this.

After chatting for a while longer about "Twilight Nyan Nyan," Sugiura Taitai, who had been slightly silent on the side, spoke up:

"Naoki-san... I saw it when I was watching 'It's Okay to Laugh' before, are you planning to produce a music program? And you want Tamori-san to be the host?"

"Yes, that's right. Tamori-san's hosting skills are extremely formidable; he will allow the program to present the best possible results."

"But, Tamori-san doesn't know much about music, does he?" Rumi Nishi asked, puzzled.

"Hahaha, Tamori-san's resume is very rich, and his ability to learn is very strong. If he wants to understand an industry, it won't take him long..."

Yasushi Akimoto also beat around the bush and asked about some details of "Music Station."

"The content of this program leans towards a formal music show. It will be like 'The Best Ten,' having a ranking chart, and the scope it covers will be even larger... I also want to invite foreign singers to perform..."

Naoki Nagayama spoke about the situation of the program with great confidence, causing Sugiura Taitai on the side to be unable to help but interject:

"But Naoki-san... Fuji TV already has 'Yoru Hit.' Even with the framework agreement, your 'Music Station' won't be accepted by the department head and the station manager!"

"We at Fuji wouldn't want to produce another music program to compete with our most popular music show!"

Sugiura Taitai spoke very quickly, his tone full of regret; he also didn't want his friend to hit a brick wall before turning back:

"Naoki-san, if it's because of the last TV drama..."

"........ Uh...... Taitai-san, you might have misunderstood......" Naoki Nagayama hurriedly interrupted Sugiura Taitai's words, "Who said 'Music Station' is for Fuji TV?"

"Eh?" "Nani?" "??"

For a moment, the few people in the preparation room were stunned.

Naoki Nagayama explained:

"Taitai-san, 'Music Station' is a collaborative project between Tree Friend and TV Asahi. I was photographed at the entrance of TV Asahi before because I went to discuss this matter..."

"So it... isn't for Fuji?"

Sugiura Taitai couldn't quite believe it, because Naoki Nagayama had been cooperating with Fuji TV ever since he entered the entertainment industry, from the initial "Tales of the Unusual," "Boys Over Flowers," "Twilight Nyan Nyan," to the "New Words and Buzzwords Awards".......

In the past two years, any TV drama or variety show spearheaded by Naoki Nagayama had been launched on Fuji TV.

That late-night drama "Cat's Eye" wasn't even filmed by Naoki Nagayama...

Coupled with the five-year framework agreement, this made him subconsciously believe that Naoki Nagayama and Fuji TV were bound together.

"But Naoki-san... don't we have a five-year framework agreement?"

"That's right!" Naoki Nagayama laughed, "We cooperate on one program or TV drama every year, haven't we already fulfilled that for last year and this year?"

Last year's "Twilight Nyan Nyan," and the "New Words and Buzzwords Awards" at the beginning of this year.

"This..."

Sugiura Taitai and Rumi Nishi exchanged a look, both feeling that something might be about to happen. Naoki Nagayama, this gold-medal producer, was actually going to cooperate with Fuji TV's competitor!

"Music Station" would become a direct competitor to "Yoru Hit"!

"Naoki-san......."

Sugiura Taitai didn't know what to say~ He also knew that it might be the previous unpleasantness that had caused a rift between Naoki Nagayama and Fuji TV.

"Taitai-san, this is actually quite normal!"

Yasushi Akimoto comforted Sugiura Taitai instead; he himself was also sent to the TV station by his agency, and compared to an artist, it was just a matter of short-term versus long-term.

"Sigh...... that's true~" Sugiura Taitai sighed deeply. He should have known that Naoki Nagayama wouldn't be trapped in just one TV station like Fuji.

Naoki Nagayama patted Sugiura Taitai on the shoulder: "Taitai-san, it's not like we won't cooperate in the future; it's just that this program isn't suitable for Fuji TV."

"Mm, I understand."

As a professional in the workplace, Sugiura Taitai quickly adjusted his emotions and even chatted with Naoki Nagayama about some problems "Music Station" might encounter.

The preparation room became harmonious again.

Half an hour later, Rumi Nishi saw Naoki Nagayama off, and the remaining Sugiura Taitai and Yasushi Akimoto said:

"It looks like Naoki-san won't be managing 'Twilight Nyan Nyan' anymore!"

Yasushi Akimoto didn't believe it: "Doesn't Tree Friend still have a ten percent stake in the Onyanko Club?"

"I think that after the program reaches a certain stage, he might use this ten percent stake to exchange for the original Wild Cat Group IP, as well as some members of the Onyanko Club..." Sugiura Taitai shook his head, "Didn't you notice that when we were watching the 'Twilight Nyan Nyan' program before, Naoki-san didn't offer any opinions at all?"

"Uh....."

Yasushi Akimoto was stunned. He had been showing off happily before, thinking that Naoki Nagayama didn't have any opinions because he felt the program was perfect.

"Why does it sound like Taitai-san thinks Naoki-san believes 'Twilight Nyan Nyan' is going downhill?"

"Prosperity leads to decline..."

How many long-running programs are there really... Having been a producer at Fuji TV for over ten years, Sugiura Taitai had seen countless variety shows rise and fall; some didn't even have a future after the first episode...

Naoki Nagayama, having left Fuji TV, didn't go back to the studio or Mount Zhishusangde; instead, he drove to a KTV in Roppongi.

It started raining again in the afternoon, the overcast sky as gray as any other evening.

However, the magnificent Melody KTV still had a constant stream of customers. Even at the entrance, taxis were always pulling up, and customers getting out with umbrellas would even bump into the umbrellas next to them, then apologize profusely.

"Naoki-san!"

The person working as the shift leader at the KTV today was actually Genta Nakai, wearing a well-fitting waiter's uniform, completely different from the little hoodlum he used to be. He immediately came over to greet him after seeing Naoki Nagayama.

"Nakai? How come you're already a shift leader?"

"I don't have much talent for acting, so I'll focus on nightclub management from now on."

In the movie "Crows Zero," which was full of delinquent fighters, the slightly frail Genta Nakai really didn't show a prominent image, so subsequent announcements and invitations didn't make much of a splash.

Now that he could change directions, Naoki Nagayama was also very happy; after all, KTV had a bright future.

"Then Nakai, you have to work hard! Ganbatte!"

"Hai! I will!" Genta Nakai agreed very seriously, then said, "Naoki-san, Brother Feng is in the office, but there is also a designer who seems to be there too..."

"A designer? A woman?"

"Hai, she seems very close to Brother Feng."

"Oh... then I'll knock on the door before I go in!" Naoki Nagayama revealed an expression of knowing exactly what was going on.

"....... It's not to that extent...... right......" Genta Nakai's expression began to fidget. Sure enough, after hanging out in the nightclub for a while, he knew everything!

"Haha, I think so too~"

Walking to the door of the manager's office, Naoki Nagayama first knocked on the door, and only after "Please come in" came from inside did he push the door open and enter.

"Naoki?"

Inside the office, Feng Nagayama was standing next to the desk, looking at the design drawings on it. He was very surprised to see Naoki Nagayama.

"Why didn't you just come in?"

"I was afraid of disturbing you while you were talking about business."

Naoki Nagayama looked at his cousin and the designer, Ishida Kokai, who were dressed neatly and looked calm, and gave a casual, perfunctory response.

"Kokai-san is here today too."

"Hai, I came to deliver the initial design draft for the next KTV for Feng-kun to see." Ishida Kokai revealed a shy smile and explained to Naoki Nagayama.

"Feng.... -kun....."

Naoki Nagayama silently chewed on this form of address, then saw Feng Nagayama's doting expression... sigh... more dog food...

However, on the surface, he still pretended not to know: "The next KTV, it's in Shinjuku, right?"

"Hai!"

Feng Nagayama also interjected: "Right, it's the one I told you about last time, the one inside the office building..."

"The one you're renting!"

After all, to expand rapidly, it's impossible to buy land every time. But even if it's rented, Japan's lease laws are very sound, so there's no need to worry about what the landlord might do to the KTV.

"Mm, because it's the entire first and second floors of an office building, there have been some changes in the decoration style..."

Feng Nagayama pointed to the design drawing and said.

Taking a look at the new design drawing, unlike the magnificent and high-end luxury of the Roppongi one, the KTV in Shinjuku appeared much simpler and more minimalist. The outermost sign was just a light box, even to match the exterior wall of the office building.

However, the interior decoration was still quite exquisite, giving people a feeling of low-key luxury.

"Mm-hmm, it looks very good." Naoki Nagayama didn't offer any opinions.

Regarding the KTV sector, with the first and second ones already opened, Naoki Nagayama had completely let go and left it to Feng Nagayama; he had more important things to focus on.

After looking at the design drawings, Ishida Kokai left with the drawings, preparing to contact the construction team to enter the site and start construction.

Only Feng Nagayama and Naoki Nagayama were left in the office.

"Brother Feng, you said on the phone before that there were changes on the Yamaguchi-gumi side?" Naoki Nagayama asked directly.

Feng Nagayama's expression also became serious:

"Yes, in Kobe, the Yamaguchi-gumi's designated fourth-generation leader, Masahisa Takenaka, invited the direct-line group leaders from various places to the Taoka residence the day before yesterday to consolidate the cup ceremony."

The so-called consolidation of the cup ceremony is actually the subordinate toasting the boss to indicate the confirmation of the superior-subordinate relationship, which is very common in yakuza culture...

In the "One Piece" anime, after defeating Doflamingo in Dressrosa, several members of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet drank with Luffy...

When the Four Emperors BIG MOM accepted the former Warlord of the Sea, Jinbe, they also drank... When leaving, Jinbe even returned the cup he drank from when he joined to the other party...

"So... did something happen during the consolidation of the cup ceremony?" Naoki Nagayama asked.

"Grandfather told me that during the gathering, the head of the China Group of the Toa-kai, Sanban Xiaohong Misaka, mentioned the KTV business." Feng Nagayama had some resentment on his face, "He said things like, 'Such a profitable business, why should it all be given to the Yamaguchi-gumi in Shizuoka, and we can't even go to collect protection money'."

"Isn't this an agreement between Grandfather and the fourth-generation leader? And Grandfather even gave a portion of the commission to the headquarters..." Naoki Nagayama was puzzled, "The fourth-generation leader had already released the news!"

"After all, it involves interests! After Sanban Xiaohong Misaka talked about the popularity of the KTV, several other group leaders also had some opinions..." Feng Nagayama continued, "Listening to Grandfather's meaning, the fourth-generation leader is a bit shaken... After all, he just took office and cannot reject the loyalty of the direct-line group leaders..."

Originally, there was some turmoil when the fourth-generation leader succeeded to the throne; if he lost the loyalty of his subordinates at this time...

"I see..."

This is a bit tricky...

"Grandfather told me that he would try his best to ask the fourth-generation leader to ensure the Yamaguchi-gumi's protection and not to collect protection money... If other group leaders want to build new KTVs themselves, it's very likely that it cannot be prohibited." Feng Nagayama's tone was solemn.

"Well... after all, it's a market worth hundreds of billions..." Naoki Nagayama didn't care about the rise of other KTVs; after all, this would only push KTVs to all of Japan faster, and their Melody had already occupied the first-mover advantage.

However, protection from the Yamaguchi-gumi... and not collecting protection money was still needed, otherwise, it wouldn't be so easy to open branches in other cities.

"I have to think about how to make the newly inaugurated fourth-generation leader continue to maintain his original attitude..."

Naoki Nagayama fell into deep thought, searching his brain for information related to the Yamaguchi-gumi, as well as the chips he had in his hand...

Gradually, the image of a star appeared in his mind... Hibari Misora.......