MMB Chapter 1244, page 1253: For the greater good!
Chapter 1244, page 1253: For the greater good!
Chapter 1244, page 1253: For the greater good!
When Akina Nakamori returned in her blue Porsche 911, it was already getting dark.
The butler, Alfred, opened the door at the opportune moment and helped take the things back from the car, including baby baskets that are essential for taking babies out.
In the passenger seat, Xia Hua, who had been out playing all day, was fast asleep as if her battery had been removed. Akina carried her out like a little doll.
Then I gently placed her in the crib in the living room. She should wake up hungry after a while, just in time for dinner.
"Has Naoki-san returned?"
I learned from the butler that Naoki Nagayama had returned, but I didn't see him in the living room. There was only a listless Eitaro and a lazy Nyantaro lying on the veranda.
Puzzled, Akina went up to the bedroom on the second floor and changed into some loungewear.
"You weren't resting either, were you in the study?"
As I approached the study, I could hear the crisp sound of keyboards clicking inside.
"Naoki-san?"
Akina opened the study door, peeked out, and saw Naoki Nagayama in front of the computer screen.
"what are you doing?"
"Ah!" Naoki Nagayama exclaimed in surprise, instinctively lying, "It's nothing, just some inspiration for my novel or something."
"Oh?"
Akina was even more surprised, because her husband usually only writes one novel a year, and he had just finished writing "Full House" recently, which was released just a few days ago!
"Does Naoki-san have any new ideas this time?"
As he spoke, he walked behind the desk and leaned over to take a look.
Naoki Nagayama was a little flustered at this moment. He had only written a small part of "I'm Sorry, I Love You". This novel was written with the intention of making Akina cry, and he absolutely could not see it now!
But Akina just happened to walk towards the computer again!!
How to do?
Why isn't the shortcut for quickly switching between interfaces using Alt+Tab appearing? Minimizing with the mouse is too slow.
Within seconds, Naoki Nagayama could only think of one quick solution!
He reached out and suddenly turned the screen off!
"???"
Akina walked over and stared at the black screen, her expression filled with confusion. Then her expression began to change, a complex mix of thoughts: "You're hiding something from me," "Is Naoki-san up to something bad?" and "You'd better have a good reason!"
"Can't I even watch Naoki-san?!"
(ˇˇ)
"."
Naoki Nagayama turned to look at Akina's aggrieved eyes, his mind quickly searching for the optimal solution.
"Akina, this is a surprise! It's not finished yet! Reading it beforehand will ruin the reading experience!"
"surprise?!"
Akina was initially skeptical, but then it suddenly occurred to her that her birthday was in a week!
Could it be? Did Naoki-san write this as a special birthday present for me?!
And then I remembered that he deliberately created this while I was away, and didn't want me to see it, which made me even more certain! This must be Naoki Nagayama's innovative birthday gift to me!
Yes!!! Absolutely right!
"Oh, it was a surprise birthday present!"
Akina's mood was like a plane ride, soaring into the sky.
"That definitely shouldn't ruin the anticipation!!!"
"Well then, Naoki, I'll go make you a glass of fresh orange juice."
After saying that, he walked out of the study with a smile.
Naoki Nagayama, who remained in the study, breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Akina hadn't discovered him. However, something seemed off!
"Akizuki, Akina just thought this novel was a birthday present, didn't she?!"
On her birthday, giving Akina a heart-wrenching novel that could make her cry—is he trying to give her an unforgettable birthday?!
this.
That sounds pretty cool.
For some reason, Naoki Nagayama's thoughts suddenly drifted off to some strange place!
He quickly shook his head, banishing the thought from his mind, before carefully considering a solution.
"Okay, then I'll write it down and hide it on a floppy disk! I'll give it to Akina after her birthday!"
Computers in this era still use floppy disks for storage (I bet many people haven't even heard of them!).
"Then hide it."
Naoki Nagayama turned to look at his secret stash of money, then at the area around his study. The entire study seemed unsafe!
"Let's hide in Eitaro's den! Eitaro is afraid of Akina, and Akina won't bother searching his den."
On a street in Tokyo, the final episode of "Long Vacation" is being filmed.
The story begins with the female protagonist, Minami, running through the city streets in a white kimono, searching for her fiancé; and ends with the male protagonist, Sena, running through the streets in a formal suit, also searching for Minami.
Beside a bustling city street, a handsome young man in a suit and wearing a corsage was running briskly, attracting the attention of many people.
Fukuyama Masaharu, who plays Sena, was seen running and searching for the figure in the white suit, but he couldn't find him no matter what he did.
After running through several streets, I was panting heavily at an intersection when a place Xiao Nan might have gone suddenly popped into my mind, so I immediately prepared to head there!
at this time
"Crack!"
Nishimoto Tomoyuki called "cut".
"Alright, Mr. Fukuyama, that's enough!! You can rest for a bit now!"
Turning to the people in the camera van, he said:
"I knew Naoki-san's method would work. This panting look really makes it more realistic for the actor to run a kilometer himself!"
"."
Masaharu Fukuyama, who had just boarded the car and received the water, was immediately speechless. Why did Naoki Nagayama always teach his juniors such strange and unorthodox methods?
"Okay. Now for the reunion scene and the final kiss."
Nishimoto Tomoyuki addressed the two main characters,
"To film on the Meguro River, the background needs to be the shimmering surface of the water."
When the two reunited, they called each other's names three times, each time louder and more excited than the last, before embracing each other.
"This is the last scene, you two need to look very happy and excited."
"There aren't many requirements for kissing. Just imagine the joy of reuniting with your lover, hug tightly, and then kiss. But not a French kiss, okay?"
"."
Masaharu Fukuyama and Chikako Aoyama exchanged a helpless glance. Both of them were still single and had no lovers. Moreover, in the entertainment industry, dating is too damaging for artists in their rising phase!
There isn't another Naoki Nagayama in Japan who can support his partner's career!
"Just rely on your imagination!"
Nishimoto Tomoyuki left with just one sentence and then stopped offering advice.
Since it's all medium to long-range silhouette shots, and there's only one shot, all the audience needs to know is that they're kissing. Nobody will care about their acting skills!
Upon arriving at Meguro River, the crew members quickly set up their cameras.
"On your marks. Get set. Action!"
With the director's command, the crew was ready.
The camera starts from a wide shot and gradually zooms in, revealing two people gazing at each other from afar.
Chikako Aoyama, observing Masaharu Fukuyama's panting appearance, couldn't help but joke:
Why are you running in the street wearing that outfit?
Masaharu Fukuyama, not to be outdone, retorted defiantly:
"It's better than wearing a wedding dress, isn't it?"
The two looked at each other in silence. These words immediately reminded them of the beginning of their encounter, the start of their destiny. A strange atmosphere began to change as their eyes met.
"Xiao Nan!"
Masaharu Fukuyama looked at Chikako Aoyama across from him and called out softly.
"Hi?"
Aoyama Chikako subconsciously answered.
"Xiao Nan!!"
For some reason, Masaharu Fukuyama called out again.
"Hi??"
"Xiao Nan!!!"
"Hi!"
As Masaharu Fukuyama continued to call out, the two drew closer step by step, seemingly understanding each other's feelings through these calls.
In the end, the two were only one step apart, and Masaharu Fukuyama shouted Minami's name as if to vent his frustration:
"Xiao Nan!!!"
Chikako Aoyama answered loudly:
"Sena!!!"
Masaharu Fukuyama took a big step forward and embraced Chikako Aoyama, continuing to call each other's names like children. They looked at each other and laughed.
Next, looking at the smiling face in front of him, and remembering that this was the last kissing scene, Fukuyama Masaharu felt a sudden surge of emotion.
He instinctively and forcefully supported the back of Aoyama Chikako's head, and then kissed her.
Chikako Aoyama responded passionately, and the two kissed each other, occasionally separating before kissing again.
The surface of the Meguro River shimmered with light, adding a touch of dreamlike beauty to the scene, as if celebrating the couple's relationship.
As Nishimoto Tomoyuki watched the footage from behind the camera, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly:
"Aren't they kissing quite skillfully?"
Then, looking at the handsome man and beautiful woman, Masaharu Fukuyama and Chikako Aoyama, a strange feeling of jealousy rose in her heart, a feeling of "why wasn't it me who went first?"
However, being a director, he quickly suppressed his fantasies and didn't let it affect filming. Nevertheless, he still couldn't help but comment on the silhouettes of the two kissing, changing direction, and then kissing again:
"It's like two roosters pecking at each other."
The two people in the middle of the shot were unaware of the director's intentions; they seemed to be completely absorbed in the story.
Masaharu Fukuyama suddenly picked up Chikako Aoyama and spun her around a few times. Chikako Aoyama laughed along in response.
"Click!!"
Finally, even the director couldn't stand it anymore and yelled "Cut!"
"Alright, alright, stop kissing! Are you two going to kiss forever?!"
The two young people, who had just been getting a little carried away with their flirtatious moment, were now somewhat embarrassed and wiped their slightly swollen lips. It was true, a passionate kiss could be a bit too much!
"Nishimoto-san, is this the end for us?!"
"not yet!"
Nishimoto Tomoyuki informed the crew to start packing up the props, then turned to the two men and smiled.
"In the very last episode, Naoki-san gave our crew a special treat!"
"He actually asked us to go to Boston to film the scene of our church wedding!"
"We want to leave the audience with the most beautiful ending!"
Nishimoto Tomoyuki's words made everyone on set's faces light up, and one of the cameramen asked nervously:
"Can everyone go?!"
"Yes! The entire crew is fine!"
Nishimoto Hanyuki announced:
"This is a paid vacation this year! Of course, we can only explore Boston after filming the finale!"
"!!!" "Oh my god!" "That's awesome!" "Naoki-san is the best, Nishimoto-san is the best!" "."
The entire crew cheered.
During the bubble economy era, although large companies offered excellent benefits, such as annual team-building trips, most of these trips involved visiting nearby hot spring resorts or seaside vacations.
It's too extravagant for the entire film crew to travel abroad!
At a private club in Roppongi, Takeshita Noboru was hosting a reception to win over other members of the Liberal Democratic Party and potential allies in the Diet.
Takeshita Noboru's baby face makes him seem very approachable, and he is also very eloquent and good at mediating. He can chat with all the members of parliament and has always been well-liked in the political arena.
After the toasts and drinks, the atmosphere in the club became very lively.
However, he had several events to attend that evening, so he had to politely say goodbye. But in order to continue to get closer to them, Takeshita Noboru acted impulsively.
"I have other things to attend to in Marseille, so I must leave now, but everyone can continue to have fun."
Tonight, all expenses will be charged to my account!
"Wow, Takeshita-san is so generous!" "Takeshita-san is the best!"
Men often speak recklessly when they're drunk, and these politicians, seeing such a generous gesture, naturally praised him highly, making even a veteran politician like Takeshita Noboru a little smug.
Sure enough, spending money can bring happiness!!!
After leaving the club, Takeshita Noboru got into his private car, where his secretary, Aoki Itahira, was waiting.
After the car started, a cool towel was placed on his face, which calmed Takeshita Noboru down. Now, he regretted his earlier act of generosity!
Those politicians wouldn't deliberately consume expensive, top-tier alcoholic beverages unless they wanted to make an enemy of Takeshita Noboru.
Even so, the usual spending level is not low. Dozens of people can definitely spend tens of millions in one night!
"The club must have spent at least ten million in revenue in one night."
Takeshita Noboru felt an urge to slap himself; that was a fifth of his political donations! It was what he had used to vie for the prime minister's seat!
"What happened to Takeshita-san?"
Secretary Aoki Itsuki asked with some confusion.
"Sigh, I just spent a lot of money again trying to win over other members of parliament."
Even in front of his confidants, Takeshita Noboru did not hide anything, after all, he was the one managing the campaign funds.
"Since the money was spent on the right things, there's no need to regret it."
Aoki Ihei said,
"It's all for the greater good!"
"Well, that makes sense."
As a seasoned politician, Takeshita Noboru didn't regret his decision for long. He looked at his secretary, Aoki Itsuki, who usually wouldn't come to him at this time.
Is there anything you want to tell me?
"Hi"
Secretary Aoki Ihei nodded.
"Didn't I investigate the Tokyo Film Association before? I discovered quite a few key points."
After the hearing, Aoki Itsuki reported to Takeshita Noboru the importance of the film industry association. In order to control the association later, Aoki Itsuki had someone conduct a detailed investigation.
"The Tokyo Film Industry Association's main operating funds come from social donations and its own funds. Among them, the 'Tree Support Fund' has a capital pool of over 50 billion yen, with an annualized return of about 6%."
"It is said that the reason Hamada Koichi helped with the 'Proposal' was that he also set up a personal account at Shuyou Capital. The rate of return should be very high, because he has already invested all his liquid assets in it!"
"The association doesn't have very deep contact with the Socialist Party; it's just that we happen to have common interests on the proposal."
"."
Aoki Itsuki reported the information he had found, one by one. As the largest faction within the ruling party, the Takeshita faction found it quite convenient to investigate certain matters.
"At present, the Tokyo Film Industry Association not only has a huge influence in the entertainment industry and can attract votes in elections, but also has a lot of internal capital!"
"."
After listening for a long time, only one thing truly moved him.
"A 50 billion yuan fund! If we take control of the association, the annual political donations can at least double!"
Having just spent a large sum of money, he is particularly sensitive about money.
"More importantly, the association is backed by the Tree Friends Group."
Aoki Ihei continued,
"In particular, Shuyou Capital's influence in the financial world is not to be underestimated. If we can get Shuyou Capital to support the Takeshita faction, then we won't have to worry about campaign funds in the future."
"TreeFriends Capital."
Takeshita Noboru fell into silent thought. In Japan, capital is power.
The fact that Tree Friends Capital can manage so much money suggests that it has intricate connections with major investors, and it may even have accounts with established aristocrats.
Even after becoming prime minister, one must be extremely careful if they want to touch Shuyou Capital. Otherwise, the saying "blocking someone's path to wealth is like killing their parents" is not without merit!
The Shuyu Group, on the other hand, is a large entertainment company that attracts public attention and controls numerous celebrities with countless fans. Even internationally renowned directors and writers like Naoki Nagayama cannot easily control it.
"Let's not touch the tree friends yet, let's start with the film industry association first."
Takeshita Noboru instructed that although the association was started by tree enthusiasts, its members were quite complex.
"I remember that several members of the management team came from government agencies?"
"Hi!"
Aoki Ihei nodded.
"Officials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology are standing committee members."
"Then we must contact them and make sure they obey us."
It was inevitable that the Takeshita faction would take power. After the change of the Minister of Education, he would become the direct superior of the Ministry of Education. Takeshita was not worried that the officials would disobey him.
"Hi"
"Next year, in addition to replacing the chairman with one of our own, we also need to develop our influence within the Standing Committee and control the Film Association, so that they will lean towards the Takeshita administration in the future!"
Let's leave it at that for now.
"Hi!"
After giving his instructions, Takeshita Noboru felt relieved and closed his eyes to rest for a while.
He didn't believe that as a "future prime minister," he couldn't handle a small, newly established industry association.
(End of this chapter)