Chapter 656: It must be that guy who did it!

"So annoying!"

Hearing the sound of propellers coming from overhead again, Sugiura Daitai of Fuji TV complained.

The office floor was high, and whenever the airship flew over his head, the sound he heard was louder.

"Daitai, this is romance! Romance, get it!" Nishi Rumi teased, "I'm so envious! I don't know whose birthday gift it is for Akina Mori!"

Sugiura Daitai seemed to have seen through everything: "Does this still need to be asked? Of course, it's Naoki Nagayama! It must be that guy who did it!!!"

"Eh? How are you so sure?!" Nishi Rumi said in disbelief, "Naoki is indeed possible, but would he really do something so exaggerated? Media, and Naoki and Akina, didn't they both say they were just good friends?"

Sugiura Daitai rolled his eyes: "Nishi Rumi... having been in the entertainment industry for so long, why don't you understand that the media's words are unbelievable!"

Yasushi Akimoto, who originally didn't want to participate in the discussion, couldn't help but interject at this time: "Sometimes judging the relationship between men and women, you can't just look at what they say, you have to look at what they do!"

"Didn't you read the reports from a few days ago? In the first episode of *Music Station*, didn't Naoki invite Akina Mori as a special guest? Even the short film was filmed together!"

"This..."

"Plus the previous movies, songs... Have you seen Naoki Nagayama have such close contact with other female artists? Giving so many resources to Akina Mori?!"

Yasushi Akimoto was full of certainty:

"I tell you clearly, the two of them are dating!!! And it's the kind of dating with good feelings and with marriage as the premise!"

Nishi Rumi was originally a bit emotional. Perhaps subconsciously, she didn't want Naoki to be snatched away by any woman... But after hearing her colleague's rational analysis, she finally admitted:

"Sigh... Naoki is such a handsome person, he's actually playing for real! Daitai... when do you think it started..."

Sugiura Daitai hadn't spoken since just now, as if he was thinking about something. At this time, he said:

"It must have been very early. Naoki seemed to have known Akina Mori before she debuted... It should be before Naoki sold *Tales of the Unusual* to Fuji TV for the first time..."

"So early! Akina Mori was only 15 at that time... Naoki actually likes younger ones..." Nishi Rumi muttered silently. She was already almost 27, a proper older urban woman... She definitely had no chance.

However, Sugiura Daitai didn't dwell on Naoki Nagayama's emotional problems, but instead asked Yasushi Akimoto:

"Akimoto... the program on TV Asahi, the ratings are very high, right?"

"Hai, I went to ask acquaintances, the ratings have reached the level of *The Hit* and *The Best Ten*. If it were in prime time, it might even exceed them." Yasushi Akimoto was full of emotion at this time, "Naoki Nagayama's ability in program production is no lower than his creative talent and directing ability!"

He originally thought that a variety show like *Evening Meow Meow* that could sweep Japan was the peak. After all, there were so many producers in the entertainment industry, and there were not many who could leave behind well-known programs.

But he didn't expect that after Naoki Nagayama cooperated with TV Asahi, he produced another variety show that was not inferior.

Yasushi Akimoto continued: "The second episode has invited Seiko Matsuda as a special guest... It seems they want to decide the top idol..."

"The gimmick is very attractive... It's also a music chart program... very long-lived..." Sugiura Daitai sighed. He already regretted it. If he could have tried a little harder to persuade Minister Takano at that time, wouldn't it just be a TV series~

If he had let Naoki film it, it would have been fine. Now he had sent a trump card to a competitor...

Just at this time, someone walked into the preparation office of *Evening Meow Meow* with a document, and after seeing Sugiura Daitai and Yasushi Akimoto, handed the document over:

"Sugiura, Akimoto, this is the data situation of *Evening Meow Meow* yesterday."

"Hai, Arigato."

Sugiura Daitai took it, aimed at several key data, and sighed:

"Sigh... sure enough, it dropped again."

Yasushi Akimoto took it and read it: "The ratings are still fluctuating within the normal range, but the interaction rate, fan calls, letters, and compared to before, have been declining!"

The fluctuation of ratings might just be that the theme of this episode was not very attractive, and the next episode might continue to rise, but the decline of other data represented that the potential of the program was declining... Simply put, one was blood loss, one was capping the upper limit...

"Our kind of variety show that broadcasts every day, as long as there is no freshness, the attractiveness will decline. Haven't we encountered it a few times before~" Nishi Rumi was open-minded, "Didn't they all get solved~"

"..."

"Those few times, they were all Naoki Nagayama's ideas..." Sugiura Daitai regretted even more.

"Ah... this"

Nishi Rumi also knew that Naoki Nagayama and Fuji TV had entered an awkward period. At this time, wanting Naoki Nagayama to come and help again...

Yasushi Akimoto listened to the conversation between the two and thought thoughtfully...

He felt he should do something.

The entertainment industry in Tokyo always reacted very quickly, not to mention such major news, especially when the protagonist of the news was at the TV station.

In the afternoon, Akina Mori came to Fuji TV for the recording of *The Hit*, which would be broadcast next Monday...

Originally, Akina Mori didn't need to come for this episode of *The Hit* because *Ten Commandments* had already been promoted. However, this record had the song *Sunny Day* on the back, so she came to promote it again.

It could be said that Naoki Nagayama had increased Akina's workload...

"Miss Akina Mori! Please wait a moment!"

After getting out of the sedan, before reaching the elevator, Akina Mori was blocked in the corridor by sensitive reporters.

In an instant, reporters who didn't know where they popped out from surrounded Akina Mori and her party, and the flashes made the originally dim parking garage as bright as day.

Except for the reporters from Fuji TV itself, there were many well-informed entertainment reporters. After a morning, almost everyone knew Akina Mori's whereabouts.

"Akina, is this a promotion for the company or a private act?" "Miss Akina! May I ask who planned the birthday celebration event?" "Is it a fan? Or an admirer?" "Does Miss Akina know in advance?" "Akina, is it Naoki Nagayama?" "Miss Akina, how are you feeling now?"

Questions came at Akina Mori like a machine gun, while Mingxing Fangze and Ueda Maki used their bodies to separate the excited reporters and worked hard to open a path toward the elevator.

Encountering such a situation, Akina Mori, as an artist, always had to respond, but today, although Akina Mori had a smile on her face, she had no intention of responding at all, just saying Sumimasen, and then walked toward the TV station building...

Today, she just wanted to keep this surprise in her heart.

"Akina, give us some response!"

As the elevator door was about to close, seeing Akina Mori's figure about to disappear in the elevator, a reporter pleaded loudly.

Akina Mori glanced at the crowded crowd outside the door, thinking of the airships still circling in the sky, and a sudden impulse surged in her heart.

She walked quickly to the front of the elevator door and then showed a brilliant smile on her face:

"I am! Very happy today! Very happy!! Especially happy!!!"

The reporters who could come here had unquestionable professionalism. For a time, the sound of clicking shutters increased by a level... until the elevator door closed completely.

Akina Mori in the elevator had a flushed face, covering her thumping chest and letting out a long sigh of relief...

Ueda Maki beside her was a bit puzzled: "Why did Akina-chan say that at the end?"

During the commercial recording in the morning, someone also wanted to interview her, but Akina Mori didn't leave a word.

"Naoki sent a gift in front of everyone, wishing me a happy birthday..." Akina Mori's tone was full of joy, "At least, I also want to tell him in front of everyone that I received the gift and how I feel!!!

What I said in front of the reporters should spread quickly... It will definitely be seen by Naoki very soon!!!"

Mingxing Fangze shook his head... Akina, what are you treating the media as? A billboard? A wish wall?

If you want to tell him how you feel, just make a phone call... I know you have a pager that can only contact each other!

You two lovers are really not worry-free. One sends a gift that everyone knows, and the other replies in front of the public... What are you doing? Shouting on the public screen?

Don't you know how much workload our managers and agencies have to increase again?!

In the morning, I communicated with President Huajian of Ken-On for a long time...

After putting on makeup in the lounge and changing into the stage costume, Akina Mori walked into the studio.

The recording of *The Hit* hadn't started yet, and the guests who came were chatting in groups of three or five, but after seeing Akina Mori, the studio even fell into silence for a short time...

At least today, Akina Mori was the absolute protagonist of the entertainment industry!

Akina Mori didn't expect this situation either, and her body was a bit stiff under everyone's gaze... Fortunately, at this time:

"Akina-chan! Happy Birthday!" Kyoko Koizumi greeted her, pulled Akina's arm, and walked toward the seat.

"Arigato..."

She also whispered in her friend's ear, "Akina-chan, today is really... making people envious and jealous!"

"I didn't expect it either..." Akina Mori whispered to her friend, "I was very surprised when I saw it..."

"That makes people even more envious! I also want to receive such a gift!" Kyoko Koizumi said dejectedly, "Unfortunately, my birthday is in half a year..."

But... would any fans spend a huge amount of money to celebrate Kyoko Koizumi's birthday... That was not within her consideration.

As the two sat down, the air in the studio seemed to start flowing again, and everyone started chatting again.

However, quite a few people were paying attention to the vicinity of Akina Mori, and some even walked over to chat... Toshihiko Tahara, relying on being very familiar with Akina Mori, ran over hurriedly and asked:

"Akina-chan... it's Naoki, right? It must be him, right?"

Akina Mori rolled her eyes, neither admitting nor denying... In this studio full of cameras and microphones, who knew if there were machines recording behind-the-scenes footage.

"What a big deal! Three airships... it must cost a lot of money!" Toshihiko Tahara also realized it and started to change the subject.

"About millions?" Yoko Oginome took the conversation on the side.

"Should be more..." Toshihiko Tahara said.

"I want it so much... Jun-jun, send me one on my birthday too!" Kyoko Koizumi interjected.

"What are you thinking!"

Then everyone started discussing how much it would cost to celebrate a birthday in this way and where it should be customized.

Akina Mori, who was a bit independent in the circle, suddenly found that she had become the center of a group of idols.

The entertainment industry is such a realistic place. If you have capital to support you and are famous, then you are the center of everyone's attention... And undoubtedly, today's attention belonged to Akina.

Masahiko Kondo originally wanted to join that group, but as soon as he thought that they were all talking about Naoki Nagayama, he felt upset, so he turned to chat with the older host, Mari Yoshimura, and made Mari Yoshimura very happy...

And Naoki Nagayama, who had been mentioned many times by everyone, was at the Sanmaiju Tea House in Shinjuku at this time.

He went to visit Yuko Tanaka yesterday afternoon and discussed the promotional matters before filming. And today, he specially invited Takeshi Kitano to the tea house for tea, and by the way, also invited Masaki Kobayashi.

In the private room on the third floor...

"Naoki... how did you think of inviting an old man like me for tea..." Masaki Kobayashi looked at Naoki Nagayama, who was pouring tea opposite him, with a smile, "Shouldn't young people be thinking about stirring up big news all the time?!"

The old director pointed to the sky with meaning~

He knew about Naoki Nagayama and Akina Mori's relationship when *Love Letter* was released.

After all, they were friends across generations, and Naoki Nagayama didn't hide it when chatting.

"Hahaha, the news has already come out~" Naoki Nagayama laughed, "Just let the airships keep flying..."

"Young people nowadays, they really play more fancy than our generation..." Masaki Kobayashi took a sip of the top-grade Gyokuro tea with overflowing fragrance, "At that time, the most was sending clothes, jewelry, and if you were rich, sending cars and real estate, unlike now..."

"Times are developing... And like us directors, we can even tailor a movie as a gift!"

Naoki Nagayama smiled modestly.

"Hahaha, that's indeed a good way..." Masaki Kobayashi nodded in agreement.

"Actually, I invited Masaki here today because there are some things I want to ask..." Naoki Nagayama continued to talk about business, "I also invited the male lead of the next movie today, Takeshi Kitano, who is a tough guy, and a bit fierce..."

"Ah, him, I know him."

Masaki Kobayashi nodded. He had some impression of this actor and had met him a few times. After all, that face, although not handsome, was particularly recognizable.

"My next movie is called *Kikujiro*, it's a comedy..." Naoki Nagayama said, "Takeshi Kitano plays a wandering middle-aged man paralyzed by life, but still has a bit of purity in his heart..."

Naoki Nagayama told Masaki Kobayashi the plot. The story line was very simple, but if he wanted to film it well, it required very strong skills.

"Then what is Naoki's question?"

"Although Takeshi Kitano is very suitable for this role, he is too young now. The character in my movie is more like him a dozen years later..." Naoki Nagayama said.

"Although I can use makeup to increase his age, how to make a young actor perform the state of a dozen years later... I want to ask Masaki, who has rich experience, about this point."

"So that's it..." Masaki Kobayashi lowered his head and thought, "For this point, I might need to see the actor before I can have ideas..."

"Hmm, that's why I invited Takeshi Kitano to come over. He should be here soon..."

"Then let's see when he comes..."

The two continued to drink tea and chat about various gossip.

After more than ten minutes, the door of the private room was knocked, and Takeshi Kitano, who looked slightly fierce, walked in wearing a proper shirt and trousers...

"Naoki..." Takeshi Kitano first greeted Naoki Nagayama, then looked at Masaki Kobayashi beside him, "Director Kobayashi, I didn't expect you to be here too..."

"Haha, Naoki specially invited me here today..."

"Kitano, please sit." Naoki Nagayama let Takeshi Kitano sit down and poured him a cup of tea, "Because of the filming of the movie, I have some difficulties, so I asked Masaki for advice..."

Naoki Nagayama told the problem of the character played by Takeshi Kitano, which made Takeshi Kitano a bit confused:

"Me a dozen years later?"

"What should that look like?"

Masaki Kobayashi looked Takeshi Kitano up and down... Takeshi Kitano at this time was less than forty, just at the peak of a man's age...

Muscular, tight skin, and the whole person's spirit had the tough style of a Showa man. If he didn't look a bit fierce, he would feel the same as Ken Takakura...

Takeshi Kitano was looked at by Masaki Kobayashi until his hair stood up, before he heard Masaki Kobayashi speak:

"A dozen years later... First of all, the hem of the shirt won't be tucked into the trousers!"

"Eh?!"

Naoki Nagayama and Takeshi Kitano looked over in confusion.

"Haven't you seen those wandering middle-aged and elderly people? In summer, they basically wear their shirts outside... and they are very loose..." Masaki Kobayashi laughed, "That's cool!"

He continued:

"Also, Takeshi Kitano, you are too strong... A dozen years later, even if you have exercised, you will become thin... becoming what is called lean..."

"Hai..." Takeshi Kitano nodded subconsciously. This old man really had something.

"The back can't be so straight..."

"Can't show gums when laughing..."

"The hair should also be permed, a bit fluffy, preferably a bit sparse..."

Naoki Nagayama not only listened but also took out a small notebook to record it. This was the accumulation of decades of experience of Director Masaki Kobayashi. Even if he had complete movie memories, he might not be able to film it perfectly.

However, he looked at Takeshi Kitano. Other changes in styling were easy to say, but this body shape... how to become thin and lean in a short time...

Should he learn from a certain Batman actor who can freely control his weight? Eat only one apple a day?

This... what if Takeshi Kitano is starved to death... ===== CHAPTER 657 =====