Chapter 750: Being a person, happiness is the most important thing!!!

In the Tree Friend studio, Naoki Nagayama saw Shuichi Itado again.

This dashing uncle, who originally had a very artistic temperament, had tanned a shade darker and lost a lot of weight after high-intensity roadshow promotions... but he seemed much more spirited...

"Shuichi-san." Naoki Nagayama greeted him with surprise, "Has the promotion for *Blue Sea* finally come to an end?"

"Ah... yes~"

Shuichi Itado nodded and took a light sip of the health tea in his thermos cup; one could see things like chrysanthemums and goji berries inside.

To think he started taking care of his body at such a young age!

"How was the result?" Naoki Nagayama asked.

"It's average~ The box office for half a month is expected to be over 60 million, and there is confidence that the total box office will exceed 100 million."

Shuichi Itado didn't intend to hide it. When shooting, he knew this was a niche art film; the box office wasn't too important; what was important was the fame it brought.

The film circle is half an art field, and there is a chain of contempt for pretentiousness; directors who shoot art films and avant-garde films naturally have a feeling of being a cut above others.

Some art film directors are always saying things like "film has been killed by commerce"... as if they are playing with art, while everyone else is a profit-seeking merchant.

However, directors like Naoki Nagayama, who can shoot art films into big-selling movies, are always at the top of the film circle.

"Hmm, this result... is about right~" Otomo Yoshimura interjected from the side, "As the first movie collaborated on by Chikako-chan and Yuki-chan, it can be considered okay."

Although Yuki Saito had gained no small fame because of *The Sea of Silence*, she was still a newcomer as an actress.

As for Chikako Aoyama, she was a pure film novice~

Speaking of this, Shuichi Itado proposed to Naoki Nagayama:

"Naoki-san, let's see if we can push Chikako-chan for Best Newcomer! Chikako-chan's performance in the movie was very good!"

Naoki Nagayama listened and nodded in agreement:

"Exactly, *Kikujiro* doesn't have the intention to make an impact on domestic awards this time, so the remaining human resources can be used to push Chikako-chan; it will definitely be more than enough."

In fact, the connections of Tokyo University of the Arts behind Shuichi Itado alone were enough to get the Best Newcomer award, plus the industry connections Naoki Nagayama had here and with Kadokawa, this award could almost be considered a done deal!

"By the way, which award's Best Newcomer? Blue Ribbon or Japan Academy Film Prize?" Naoki Nagayama asked.

Shuichi Itado revealed a wild smile, stretched out his palm in front of him, and then clenched it tightly:

"Naoki-san, this time... I want them all!"

"..." Naoki Nagayama looked at Shuichi Itado, "Shuichi-san, if you grew a goatee and permed your hair into a lion's mane, you would be even more domineering!"

"Oh?"

Shuichi Itado thought about it in his mind and felt this image was very distinctive...

"By the way, Shuichi-san... since *Blue Sea* is done, it's time to prepare for the next movie!" Naoki Nagayama had the look of a capitalist squeezing employees, "The scenes in the Dream Factory have been built... it's time to start shooting *Ring 2*!"

"*Ring 2*..." Shuichi Itado smacked his lips; this kind of horror movie is simple to shoot but makes quite a bit of money; it's a proper commercial film...

Otomo Yoshimura interjected again:

"Yes, Shuichi-san, the last movie planned for this year must be released before the end of the year!"

"..." Shuichi Itado complained, "You guy, you clearly already produced a movie outside the plan! Are you really using directors like livestock?"

"Shuichi-san, you are wrong to say that..."

Otomo Yoshimura began to earnestly tell Shuichi Itado about the low cost-effectiveness of art films like *Blue Sea* for Tree Friend Films, and that it was only because of Shuichi Itado that they went to shoot it, so from the company's perspective, Shuichi-san owed the company a movie!

And Shuichi Itado used reasons like company foundation, industry status, training newcomers, and that this box office was already considered good to block Otomo Yoshimura.

Watching the two of them pulling back and forth, Naoki Nagayama wanted to get a small stool and a handful of melon seeds to crack!

"Anyway, this is the last movie of the year; whether we can have a fat year depends on you, Shuichi-san!" Otomo Yoshimura ended the pulling back and forth between the two with this sentence.

"Hmph hmph~" Shuichi Itado was noncommittal.

Only then did Naoki Nagayama interject:

"Speaking of which... it's time for us to discuss the plan for next year!"

"What ideas does Naoki-san have?"

Otomo Yoshimura and Shuichi Itado both looked over; this annual plan was very critical and related to the overall actions of the Tree Friend Group next year, so they still had to listen to Naoki Nagayama, the final Boss.

"There were already two projects before, the TV series *Love Generation* and the movie *Diary of the Sea*; *Love Generation* can be finished shooting in the spring, but *Diary of the Sea* is a movie that will take the whole year to shoot... it is expected to be released in the autumn of next year..."

Naoki Nagayama analyzed the two projects with the two of them,

"So it left gaps in summer, autumn, and winter."

"My idea is to reserve a horror movie for winter as usual... it can be our Tree Friend's convention. As for the movies for the other two seasons... Otomo-san, haven't we already been collecting scripts? We can look to see if there are any suitable ones..."

"Yes."

Otomo Yoshimura nodded; Tree Friend Films had already been collecting scripts everywhere like other big film factories. Plus Tree Friend's fame now, there was an endless stream of various scripts sent over for them to choose from.

"In other words, Naoki-san will be responsible for the year-end horror movie script?" Shuichi Itado asked.

Naoki Nagayama nodded: "Hmm... I also have a few ideas..."

Otomo Yoshimura simply arranged the time periods on the draft paper:

"Just like this... it seems a bit few?"

"This is already the level of a big factory, alright!" Shuichi Itado retorted from the side, "Even Kadokawa and Shochiku wouldn't exceed too many in a year!"

"..." Otomo Yoshimura said, "But putting it in Tree Friend Films, it feels a bit few!"

"..."

Shuichi Itado still wanted to say something, but Naoki Nagayama terminated the two's words:

"Shuichi-san, Otomo-san... actually, next year, I also want to try producing an animated movie..."

"Really?" Shuichi Itado's tone was a bit solemn, "Naoki-san, animated movies and our live-action movies are two completely different fields... we don't even have people who can draw..."

"Haha, that's why we have to try~" Naoki Nagayama laughed, "Other old-school film production factories can produce animated movies; we can't be without them!"

"..."

Since the boss had spoken, the others could only obey; what's more, Otomo Yoshimura and Shuichi Itado also wanted to see if Naoki Nagayama could create a miracle again.

After a few people discussed the movie matter in the office for a while, Naoki Nagayama and Shuichi Itado went out together.

The two drove toward Setagaya Ward; they were going to visit Yuko Tanaka and invite her to come and act in *Ring 2* again... The part wasn't much; it counted as a guest appearance.

In the villa in Setagaya, Naoki Nagayama and Shuichi Itado saw Yuko Tanaka, who was dressed very casually in a turtleneck sweater and wearing a small cardigan...

"Naoki-san, Shuichi-san, truly rare guests..." Yuko Tanaka's distinctive monolid eyes narrowed, looking as cunning as a fox.

"Yuko-san... it's only been a month since we last met..." Naoki Nagayama said carelessly, looking at Yuko Tanaka's fair cheeks and joking, "It feels like the skin tone tanned by the sun has been nurtured back~"

"It wasn't tanned to begin with!"

Yuko Tanaka rolled her eyes, then brewed hot tea for the two.

Shuichi Itado and Yuko Tanaka's friendship was still quite good, so he also smiled and exchanged pleasantries: "Yuko-san, have you been resting at home after finishing the movie with Naoki-san?"

"Hmm... because I have to shoot some scenes for *Yasha* at the end of the year, I've been familiarizing myself with the script." Yuko Tanaka said, "Takeshi Kitano-san is also going!"

"Takeshi Kitano and Ken Takakura..."

Naoki Nagayama put the images of the two together; one was full of righteousness, even if playing a villain, he was definitely an undercover boss with justice in his heart, while the other was born with a bad-guy appearance, the kind that would scare children on the street...

He inexplicably thought of a sketch *Protagonist and Supporting Role*...

"If these two people collaborate... it's truly something to look forward to!"

Yuko Tanaka also laughed: "Right, it's the first time the two have collaborated! But it doesn't matter; Ken Takakura-senpai is a very gentle person..."

"Oh? I haven't collaborated with him; we can try next time..."

Watching Naoki Nagayama chatting familiarly with Yuko Tanaka, Shuichi Itado had to admire his good friend's way with women... The handsome appearance paired with this silver tongue; no wonder he was called a playboy!

However, he didn't come here today to be a lightbulb!

"Ahem... Yuko-san." Shuichi Itado interrupted the conversation between the two, "Are you saying that shooting for *Yasha* will only start at the end of the year?"

"Yes, basically in winter; we have to shoot the atmosphere of severe cold, and it's very likely to snow..." Yuko Tanaka answered.

"In that case..." Shuichi Itado stated the purpose of the two, "Would Yuko-san consider coming to our crew for a guest appearance?"

"Me?" Yuko Tanaka asked, "Guest appearance as what?"

"*Ring 2*... still your previous role..." Shuichi Itado said, "Because it's a sequel, after all, the story line continues from the previous one."

"Eh~~~"

Yuko Tanaka's face became a bit strange. Ever since she shot *Ring* and went to watch it, even though she participated in it, she sometimes didn't dare to answer the phone at night... When she was alone at home, she was also a bit scared...

This indirectly led to her accepting a relationship with Kenji Sawada... After all, when a single girl encounters something she is afraid of, she always wants someone to rely on. (So, taking the person you like to watch a horror movie is a good way to get closer! Single dogs, write this down!)

"Are we shooting Sadako again?"

Naoki Nagayama hurriedly explained: "No... if Yuko-san comes for a guest appearance, it's just some shots; there is absolutely no scene of you acting against Sadako."

"So that's how it is..." Yuko Tanaka was still a bit hesitant.

Shuichi Itado hurriedly added fuel to the fire: "Yuko-san, they are all daytime scenes, mainly scenes in the hospital..."

Hearing that both of them requested it so much, Yuko Tanaka couldn't refuse:

"Alright then... but let's be clear, I'll probably join the crew in December, and by then I might not have time to come and shoot *Ring 2*."

"Please rest assured about this; I will shoot your scenes first thing and let Yuko-san wrap up!"

Shuichi Itado made a guarantee.

The main purpose was achieved, and the two didn't leave; instead, they had lunch at Yuko Tanaka's villa.

The vast villa naturally had a nanny to help with cleaning and cooking, allowing Yuko Tanaka to focus on... enjoying life...

In the afternoon, Naoki Nagayama arrived at the headquarters of Fuji Television.

The year-end special edition of the *New Word Buzzword Awards* was being recorded today, and Naoki Nagayama, as a special guest and planner, naturally needed to show his face.

He didn't go to the office of the first production group to find Rui Xi and the others; Naoki Nagayama went directly to the studio of the *New Word Buzzword Awards*... naturally, they were all acquaintances~

"Naotaro-san!"

Naoki Nagayama greeted the host, Naotaro Zhongxi, and incidentally also greeted the cameraman, Naoto Tsuji.

"Naoki-san, you've arrived already!"

Naotaro Zhongxi welcomed Naoki Nagayama very enthusiastically; he was full of gratitude for this noble person in his life. Naotaro Zhongxi, who had caught two big scoops from him in a row, had firmly sat in the position of a senior program host.

Even for Fuji Television's important year-end celebration program, he had the honor to participate!

"Hmm, the recording in November has been brought forward a lot..." Naoki Nagayama sighed, "Originally, it wouldn't be recorded until the second half of the month."

"Because this time we have to put all the buzzwords of the year in! And let the audience vote..."

Naotaro Zhongxi explained with a smile, completely unaware that the person in front of him was the main planner of this program,

"And that newly added annual kanji section did indeed keep the program team busy for a long time~"

"Hahaha, Naotaro-san, this is the essence of the whole program!"

Naoki Nagayama patted his shoulder. After the end of the year, the influence of this program would definitely expand a lot, and Naotaro Zhongxi, as the host, would also rise with the tide!

In the director's room upstairs, Haruta Kamishiya was preparing for the recording, and the program director off-stage was Fumio Kimura, the original director of *All Night Fuji*.

After the time was up, the studio had gathered the buzzword representatives of the first ten months, as well as the candidates for November. Yuya Furuya, whom they hadn't seen for a long time, was also explaining the meaning of the buzzwords to everyone through satellite relay...

During the recording, Naotaro Zhongxi first introduced the previous buzzwords to the audience, such as Naoki Nagayama's "In my BGM, no one can defeat me"...

"..."

After a long time, hearing this kind of talk again, and it was something that came out of his own mouth... Naoki Nagayama felt the awkwardness of his adolescent dark history being dug up...

Do you still remember the QQ signature that was awkward to the sky back then?

"Carrying too many expectations, how dare I easily fail," "The average me, average pulling...", "If you break her half a wing, I will destroy your whole heaven..."

And those Martian characters that are hard to understand: ╄→ゞWelcome to this space. χIе absolutely run awayτáйɡ. qιnɡ.... Don't run awayτáйɡ. Thank you for cooperation. _﹏ゥ〆

However, on the surface, Naoki Nagayama still had to smile and face Naotaro Zhongxi's interview, nodding and answering questions from time to time...

Fortunately, everyone's buzzword review was very fast, and Naoki Nagayama didn't feel too much awkwardness.

After the inventory ended, the host began to explain the buzzwords of November, encouraging the viewers to vote... only then did they reach the most important part:

"Minna-san, time passes quickly, and it's almost the end of the year!"

"In this year, you must have experienced something, you must have remembered something... If you use one character to summarize everything of this year, what character would you choose?!"

"Please actively tell us... and we will also announce these candidate characters in the next program and vote!"

"Before the New Year's bell rings, we will invite the head of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto to write it out with an extra-large brush!"

Naotaro Zhongxi said with some excitement about the voting method for the annual kanji and actively encouraged people who saw the program to come and vote~

Until the end, under the signal of the on-site director Fumio Kimura, the recording state was ended.

"Naoki-san, how did I perform?" Naotaro Zhongxi asked Naoki Nagayama off-stage.

"Very good~" Naoki Nagayama encouraged, "The final lines were rich in emotion, infectious, and the line skills were at a high level! I wanted to participate after listening to it!"

"Haha, Naoki-san is over-praising~"

Naotaro Zhongxi laughed, then asked again,

"Then Naoki-san, what do you think this year's annual kanji will be?"

Naoki Nagayama thought for a moment: "Hmm... this... if it were for me, I would choose—Happy!"

"Eh? Why choose this character?"

"Of course, because there were too many happy things this year! I am very happy! Hahaha~"

Naoki Nagayama laughed wildly. For Naoki Nagayama this year, there were indeed many happy things worth mentioning:

His relationship with Akina went a step further, it was made public and they even lived together; he shot two movies, both of which achieved good results; he planned a top-tier music program; and there was the merger of Fujitsu General, his assets were about to increase sharply!

One after another, they were all happy things that made people unable to close their mouths... not to mention many other happy things worth mentioning...

"..."

Hearing this, Naotaro Zhongxi was a bit speechless, but still said,

"It looks like Naoki-san's life is indeed very happy~"

"Yes, being a person, happiness is the most important thing!!!" Naoki Nagayama patted his shoulder, "Naotaro-san also had many happy things this year!"

"Hmm... no..."

Naotaro Zhongxi recalled it and shook his head; even if it was a promotion, it was accompanied by various pressures,

"Why is it that when I look back on this year, it's all bitterness..."

"..."

Naoki Nagayama looked at Naotaro Zhongxi, whose face was depressed, paused, and still said,

"Naotaro-san, if you always feel unhappy, it's very likely that you have depression... I know a very good psychologist, his name is Hitoshi Tanaka... I can introduce him to you..."

"... I think I'll pass for now..." ===== CHAPTER 751 =====