Chapter 668

Arriving at Fuji TV, which he hadn't visited for some time, Naoki Nagayama felt a sense of nostalgia as he walked out of the parking lot:

"Wuchun-kun, it was right here that I stepped into the entertainment industry three years ago!"

Kawahara Wuchun, who had driven him over, looked puzzled. After joining Tree Friend, he had carefully studied his boss's rise to fame: "Didn't Naoki-san enter the entertainment industry by signing with SunMusic and selling his first song?"

"......"

Naoki Nagayama's overflowing emotions were stuck in his throat, and it took a while before he could utter a sentence:

"Wuchun-kun, when the President is expressing his feelings, you just need to nod and applaud, and then look completely in agreement... That is how you climb the ladder, do you understand?"

Kawahara Wuchun immediately caught on, nodding very earnestly with a face full of agreement, "Naoki-san is right!"

"You don't have to perform now!" Black lines appeared on Naoki Nagayama's forehead.

"Wasn't I doing exactly what Naoki-san said?" Kawahara Wuchun was confused.

"......" Naoki Nagayama sighed, "Wuchun-kun, you still need to gain more experience on the front lines for a few years..."

Bringing him along this time, besides making introductions, was for matters related to Shizuka Kudo. After all, Kawahara Wuchun was already an experienced manager and understood the agency's affairs well.

As the two talked, they arrived at the floor where Sugiura Taitai and the others were located. As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, they found Xi Rumi already waiting.

"Naoki-san, was the trip smooth?"

"Yes, didn't run into any traffic jams." Naoki Nagayama smiled, then introduced Kawahara Wuchun behind him, "This is Kawahara Wuchun, a manager at Tree Friend..."

"Nice to meet you, I am Kawahara Wuchun... I look forward to your guidance." Kawahara Wuchun handed over his business card very respectfully.

"Nice to meet you, I am Xi Rumi..."

The two had a brief introduction, and then Naoki Nagayama followed Xi Rumi toward the preparation office. On the way, Xi Rumi continued to introduce:

"Naoki-san, the ratings for 'Evening Meow Meow' have actually been slowly declining recently... Since it airs daily, there is no trend of a cliff-like drop for now."

"Hmm, such a program relies entirely on new viewers. If there are no new ones, it will only maintain a downward trend." Naoki Nagayama said, "Moreover, variety shows have a ceiling, so decline after reaching the peak is inevitable."

"But... the station has long-running programs that have been on for over a decade."

"Those programs must have put a lot of effort into cultivating viewers' watching habits and enhancing fan stickiness." Naoki Nagayama did not refute, but analyzed, "However, although 'Evening Meow Meow' has strong interactivity and gives fans a sense of participation, it actually lacks something that can truly hook the fans..."

While walking and talking, the three of them arrived at the preparation office, where Sugiura Taitai and Akimoto Yasushi were already waiting, along with several familiar screenwriters.

"Naoki-san, long time no see!" Sugiura Taitai revealed a warm smile, "You haven't been here for over a month!"

"Haha, I've been a bit busy lately~" Naoki Nagayama also responded with a smile, "Taitai-san, Akimoto-san, is everything well recently?"

"All good, all good... just worrying about the show's ratings..." Sugiura Taitai gave a wry smile and invited Naoki Nagayama to sit down.

During the pleasantries, Naoki Nagayama introduced Kawahara Wuchun, whom he had brought along, to the others again. After they exchanged business cards, Naoki Nagayama said:

"Akimoto-san, the recording tape for the latest episode should be edited, right? Let me take a look first~"

"Yes!"

On the television in the preparation office, the filming footage of 'Evening Meow Meow' began to play. Ever since the talk about going for a rebellious style, the overall atmosphere had become much more gothic, the main color scheme had turned dark... and the games and interactions played by the contestants showed even stronger conflict.

Naoki Nagayama watched the current state of 'Evening Meow Meow' very seriously. A variety show that didn't even have 'Let's Learn Cat Calls Together' anymore was completely different from the original plan.

After watching it at fast-forward speed, Naoki Nagayama frowned and said:

"Taitai-san, Akimoto-san... in terms of program format, 'Evening Meow Meow' is already very bloated. There isn't a great way to fix it, unless we start planning from scratch... but that would be a new program..."

"This..."

Sugiura Taitai also looked troubled; he knew the current crux of the problem. But giving up on 'Evening Meow Meow' or carrying out a drastic overhaul was impossible... The current ratings were still passable, and the station's management wouldn't allow it.

Akimoto Yasushi said in a somewhat urgent tone at this time: "Naoki-san, we know it's difficult, which is why we specifically invited you over this time. Is there really no way?"

The implication was that calling Naoki Nagayama over was to tackle a tough nut to crack, and if it didn't work... was it because Naoki Nagayama's ability wasn't up to par?

Naoki Nagayama didn't mind his tone; he had already prepared his draft before coming:

"I said there are no long-term ideas, but short-term methods naturally exist!"

"What method?" Sugiura Taitai immediately asked with concern.

"It's very simple... Summer is here, let the contestants have a summer cooling special at the beach..."

Before he could finish, Akimoto Yasushi interrupted: "Seasonal summer planning, just like other variety shows, we already have them, such as swimming pools, water parks, beach volleyball, and swimsuit parties, etc... This isn't a special idea."

Naoki Nagayama looked at Akimoto Yasushi with some surprise. The guy's chubby face was flushed because of the interruption just now... Is this guy's aggressiveness a bit high today? What's going on?

"Of course it's not that kind, Akimoto-san, let me finish~" Naoki Nagayama soothed him and continued, "Have you all heard of reality shows?"

"??" The others were a bit puzzled.

"As program producers, have you seen Hitler's 'Family Adventure: A Night with the Germans'?" Naoki Nagayama said. This program could be said to be the earliest reality show.

Watching the few people shaking their heads in unison, Naoki Nagayama sighed and began to popularize what a reality show was.

"In short, let the members of the Kitten Club spend a summer vacation or a vacation week at the beach in the summer, then rent a hotel and arrange cameras in every corner... to film the 'most real' side of the contestants..."

Naoki Nagayama stated the method that could increase traffic in the short term,

"Turning from ordinary idols into 'real idols' under the lens, understanding their joys, angers, sorrows, and real personalities, further narrowing the distance between fans and idols... Designing interactive games during the filming process, and being ready to eliminate contestants at any time based on the audience's opinions..."

Sugiura Taitai, Xi Rumi, and Akimoto Yasushi all listened to Naoki Nagayama's words very seriously, and one after another felt the attractiveness of the reality show format.

"Naoki-san, this format could completely be carried out long-term!" Sugiura Taitai said excitedly, "'Evening Meow Meow Reality Show', it could completely be built into a long-term popular program format!!"

"Hmm, indeed it can..." Naoki Nagayama said, "However, it is also very easy to be imitated. After the first episode, maybe other TV stations will appear with all kinds of reality shows! By that time, 'Evening Meow Meow' will still be outdated."

Reality shows are still a fresh thing in the current era, so they can act as a stimulant for 'Evening Meow Meow', which is pursuing freshness.

However, according to the broadcast frequency of one episode per day, creativity can't keep up!

Naoki Nagayama released the idea of reality shows and let Fuji TV promote it, also wanting to let various TV stations participate and cultivate the audience's acceptance of reality shows... He was preparing for the future 'Running Man'!

"But the ratings for this summer should be able to rise by a level." Naoki Nagayama concluded at the end.

"As expected of Naoki-san!" Xi Rumi immediately praised after listening, "Coming up with such a good idea all of a sudden!"

After she started, the people in the preparation office all praised him. As experts in the entertainment industry, their posture for praising people was truly very skilled~

However, Akimoto Yasushi seemed a bit unconvinced: "Naoki-san said earlier that this is a short-term idea? Then will 'Evening Meow Meow' necessarily decline in the long term?"

"There is no program that stays popular forever~" Naoki Nagayama patted him on the shoulder, "Akimoto-san, actually, in the long run, we need to prepare for a transformation... from making programs to making girl groups..."

"The true core of 'Evening Meow Meow' should be the Kitten Club!"

"???"

Although Akimoto Yasushi looked puzzled, Naoki Nagayama didn't continue to talk to this 'Father of Idol Girl Groups' about the management of girl groups like AKB48 and Nogizaka46...

Idols come and go, but AKB and Nogizaka are ironclad... Idol girl groups that walk from the lens to outside the lens, this is the future development path for idols in Neon!

Naoki Nagayama looked at the time:

"I didn't realize I've been talking for so long..."

Then he turned to Sugiura Taitai: "It's been a long time since I've seen the filming set of the Kitten Club, Taitai-san, let's go to the studio and take a look!"

I've already given the idea, what about the promised reward?!

"Ah, indeed..." Sugiura Taitai immediately nodded in understanding, "Akimoto-san is more familiar with the Kitten Club, so let Akimoto-san accompany Naoki-san!"

Inside the dedicated studio for 'Evening Meow Meow', the recording for the next episode was nervously underway.

Ever since joining the Kitten Club, Shizuka Kudo had been busy recording almost every day... After all, it had to be broadcast every day.

She had already suspended her schooling; anyway, she couldn't learn much. Although being an idol was very tiring, the monthly salary could reach 300,000, which was already about the same as a white-collar worker!

However, today, she was a bit distracted... Last night, Akimoto Yasushi and Xi Rumi had talked to her about transferring her to Tree Friend...

Although they kept saying it was for her own good, Shizuka Kudo clearly had no right to refuse... The contract she signed with the agency behind the Kitten Club had Tree Friend as a shareholder...

Shizuka Kudo, who had been exposed to many dark sides of society, had heard of the unspoken rules in the entertainment industry... But this was the first time it had fallen on her~

"If those guys at Tree Friend want to mess around, I will absolutely not agree! Pillow sales or whatever, don't even think about it!"

This little girl, who was only 15 years old, silently made up her mind in her heart!

Just as the Kitten Club continued recording, the door of the studio opened, and then Akimoto Yasushi brought several people in.

Several people watched from the side for a while, and then when they encountered a break in filming, Akimoto Yasushi said to the director and cameraman on the scene:

"Minasan, let's take a short break~"

"Yes!"

The staff naturally had no objections, and after being notified, they relaxed a bit. And Xi Rumi went to call Shizuka Kudo over at this time~

"Shizuka-chan, you should recognize this person, Naoki Nagayama... the President of Tree Friend." Xi Rumi pulled the little girl and said, "From now on, you will be working under him."

Naoki Nagayama had come to 'Evening Meow Meow' many times before, and Shizuka Kudo had seen Naoki Nagayama from afar several times, but it was always just a glance before walking away.

Now that Naoki Nagayama was really standing in front of her, with his well-defined jawline, high nose bridge, deep eyes, and a gentle smile at the corners of his mouth...

The little girl looked at the tall and handsome man in front of her a bit dazed, and a thought suddenly popped into her mind:

"If the target of pillow sales is Naoki Nagayama, then... absolutely no problem!"

Then she began to fantasize about how, if Naoki Nagayama wanted to use unspoken rules on her, she should secretly open a door for him while showing her determination that she would never allow it... After all, if it were Naoki-san... it wouldn't be impossible...

"Shizuka-chan? Shizuka-chan?!"

Naoki Nagayama's voice woke up the little girl whose head was full of strange thoughts.

"Yes!" Shizuka Kudo gave a start and answered a bit flustered, "It's okay!"

"??"

What Naoki Nagayama was just asking was whether Fuji TV had told her in advance, but since Shizuka Kudo's answer was that it was okay, then it should have been communicated already~

"Haha, then from now on, Tree Friend's subsidiary Girl's Group agency will arrange Shizuka-chan's work." Naoki Nagayama smiled, then pointed to Kawahara Wuchun and said, "This is Kawahara Wuchun, he will be your manager from now on. Whether it's in life or work, if you have any questions, just find him!"

"Nice to meet you..." X2

Shizuka Kudo felt a bit dazed as she found herself thrown by Naoki Nagayama to a manager who looked quite young...

Why does the script feel a bit wrong?

Shouldn't it be that Naoki Nagayama took a fancy to her, snatched her from the Kitten Club to Tree Friend, and then kept her by his side to teach (train) her?

How come now...

After Naoki Nagayama finished speaking, he continued to talk to Akimoto Yasushi and Xi Rumi:

"The subsequent transfer procedures will be handled by Kawahara Wuchun... Akimoto-san, Xi Rumi-san, since Shizuka-chan has already transferred to Tree Friend, then she doesn't need to participate in the summer reality show mentioned earlier... We will arrange her subsequent record debut later."

Akimoto Yasushi nodded, then said somewhat unwillingly:

"Naoki-san, first it was Kaoru Kohirumaki, then it was Shizuka Kudo, the Kitten Club is almost becoming Tree Friend's reserve team!"

So that's why!

Naoki Nagayama found the reason why Akimoto Yasushi's attitude was a bit awkward today.

He had always regarded girl groups like the Kitten Club as his own private property, and his future wives were all found within the girl groups... This time, another potential idol was taken away by Naoki Nagayama... Naturally, he was in a bad mood.

"Hahaha~ No way... After all, I don't have any better ideas~"

Continuing to chat with the two for a while, Naoki Nagayama saw Kawahara Wuchun walk over: "Naoki-san, should Shizuka-chan continue with today's recording?"

"Hmm, it's not that urgent... Just let Shizuka-chan finish today's program recording." Naoki Nagayama said, "Tomorrow is the weekend, you can just go and explain the situation to Shizuka-chan's parents... After all, for such a big matter, the guardians still need to be informed."

"Yes, I understand!" Kawahara Wuchun nodded in agreement.

Having nothing left to say, he planned to take his leave. Naoki Nagayama nodded to Shizuka Kudo on the side, not wanting to have much more interaction with the future famous idol...

Please, Shizuka Kudo is only 15 years old this year. Although her features are delicate and distinctive, she is very thin, like a bean sprout... very similar to the legendary 'spirit girl'.

What Naoki Nagayama values is her future potential in the idol industry!

Because there was a press conference tomorrow, Naoki Nagayama returned to the studio to make some preparations after leaving Fuji TV, and it was already evening when he returned to Shanying Yuan.

The summer sunset is the most beautiful. The setting sun dyed the fish-scale-like clouds red, outlining golden-red cloud patterns on the blue scroll, with a magnificent and mysterious aura.

When this ray of sunset shone on the reinforced concrete, it left no trace, but when it swept over the lush green trees in the city, it left footprints, painting the leaves with a layer of dark red color, as if they were autumn maple leaves.

The cherry blossom trees in Shanying Yuan were no exception~

And Eitaro, who was lying on the veranda, had his white fur turned into a bright red, as if he had gone to a hair salon to dye it, but the orange cat next to him didn't have much change, just transitioning from orange-yellow to orange-red.

"Eitaro, I'm back!"

Naoki Nagayama happily petted the dog that was welcoming him enthusiastically,

"Get ready, I'm taking you for a walk!"

And so, he saw Eitaro happily go to fetch his dog leash~

In the evening, it was exactly the live broadcast time of 'Music Station'. Even if Akina Nakamori was not in Tokyo, she still needed to be connected via live broadcast~

"Really hard work~"

Watching Akina, who was still in her stage outfit, singing 'Ten Commandments' on the screen, Naoki Nagayama could only sigh again.

"This time she isn't even in the hotel. She probably didn't go back after the concert ended and waited for the live broadcast directly at the venue~"

Naoki Nagayama knew that he probably couldn't talk to Akina on the phone today, because after the live broadcast ended today, she would probably have to have a late-night snack or a celebration party with the staff... and then rush directly to the hotel in the next city to rest.

Tomorrow morning, there would be another performance...

"Really hard work~"

Saying it again...