MMB Chapter 190 Nanako's Dual Faces, Boundaries Melting
Chapter 190 Nanako's Dual Faces, Boundaries Melting
Chapter 190 Nanako's Dual Faces, Boundaries Melting
Inside a high-end photography studio in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
They are filming a summer limited edition commercial for Kirin Beer here.
With the phenomenal success of "Flowers of Evil," Nanako Matsushima's value has skyrocketed. Her portrayal of a cold and ruthless female assassin who treats murder as an art form unexpectedly resonated with the aesthetic sensibilities of today's youth, allowing her to carve out a niche for herself among sweet idols and become a new darling of entertainment companies.
"Action!"
With the director's command.
The spotlight shone on the bar.
Nanako Matsushima wore a crisp white shirt with a slightly low neckline, revealing her delicate collarbone. She held a can of beer still covered in ice beads in her hand, her gaze sweeping across the camera with a detached expression.
There were no unnecessary movements.
She tilted her head back, her long neck tracing a graceful arc, her throat bobbing slightly as she drank half a can in one gulp.
Put down the wine jar.
She exhaled a soft breath, wiped the foam from the corner of her mouth with her thumb, and her eyes instantly focused, carrying a unique sharpness and allure as she calmly said to the camera, "This is what summer is like for adults."
"Cut! Perfect!"
The director jumped up from behind the monitor, pumping his fist in excitement: "Fantastic! Matsushima-san! That look is absolutely amazing! It has that dangerous allure, yet it's also incredibly refreshing!"
The staff around couldn't help but whisper among themselves, their eyes filled with amazement.
This is talent.
Despite being a newcomer, her on-camera presence was like that of a seasoned veteran. Her aloof demeanor even made the female staff on set blush.
Despite the praise around her, Nanako Matsushima did not show any pride.
She politely accepted the towel her assistant offered, wiped her hands, and wore a standard, impeccable professional smile: "You flatter me. It's the lighting technician who did a great job."
After saying that, she bowed slightly to the director and crew: "So, is that all for today's filming? Thank you all for your hard work."
Even when her agent offered her water, she simply nodded her thanks, exuding an aura of a top-tier female star who seemed unapproachable.
Mature, steady, and meticulous.
This is the current consensus in the industry regarding Nanako Matsushima.
A few minutes later.
The elevator doors opened in the underground parking lot.
Nanako Matsushima, wearing sunglasses and a trench coat, walked towards her van, escorted by her manager. Although only twenty years old, her aura was that of someone about to acquire a company.
Just then, her mobile phone rang.
The agent was about to reach out to help her take the phone when she discovered that her usually calm and collected superstar was faster than anyone else and grabbed the phone.
The instant I saw the caller ID.
That aloof, distant, and seemingly otherworldly queen-like aura instantly crumbled.
-
Her shoulders slumped, her mouth stretched to her ears, and she visibly transformed into a golden retriever who had just seen its owner.
"Hey! Teacher!"
Her voice instantly became excessively sweet; it was a coquettish tone that her manager had never heard before.
On the other end of the phone, Kitahara Shin was sitting on the terrace of his newly bought villa. Hearing this silly voice, he couldn't help but laugh: "Why are you so happy? Taking pictures of GG?"
"Mmm! Just finished filming!"
Holding the phone, Nanako, ignoring her manager's bewildered expression, excitedly reported, "It's Beer Guy! The director praised my acting! The beer was actually quite bitter, but I pretended it tasted great. Aren't I amazing?"
The cool girl who said "This is what summer is for adults" has completely disappeared, replaced by a little girl seeking praise.
"Amazing! Our Nanako is the most talented."
Kitahara Shinsuke complimented her, then got down to business: "Now that filming is finished, are you free?"
"Yes! Always available!"
Nanako answered decisively.
"That's perfect."
Kitahara Shin looked at the empty house in front of him: "I just bought a new house in Meguro Ward, but it's completely empty. If you're free, could you come over and help me take a look? We can also pick out some furniture together."
A new house?
Choosing furniture?
The two words automatically combined in Nanako's mind, instantly creating a pink mushroom cloud.
Isn't this exactly what—this is like something—newlyweds would do?
"I'll be right there!"
Nanako felt her face burning and her heart pounding: "Teacher, give me the address! I'll take a taxi there!"
"No need to take a taxi. Have your driver drop you off at the nearest street corner, and I'll pick you up."
"Okay!"
hang up the phone.
Nanako took a deep breath, trying to hide the silly grin on her face, but she failed.
She turned her head, looked at her petrified manager, put on her sunglasses, and tried to regain her aloof persona, but the cheerfulness in her tone was impossible to hide: "Um—Tanaka-san, take me to Meguro Ward. Hurry up."
The manager looked at her artist, who had just been an "ice queen" but turned into a "love-struck girl" after receiving a phone call, sighed helplessly, and started the car.
This is probably what they call "one thing subdues another".
Half an hour later.
A black Mercedes drove into Aobadai in Meguro Ward. This is a traditional upscale residential area in Tokyo, quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, surrounded by politicians and presidents of large corporations.
The car stopped in front of a white two-story villa.
-
Nanako Matsushima got out of the car, looked at the house in front of her through her sunglasses, and couldn't help but open her mouth slightly.
Even now, right after the bursting of the bubble economy, such a house is something most people can only dream of their entire lives. It boasts enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, meticulously manicured lawns, and even a small, extremely luxurious private garden on the side, a luxury in Tokyo's city center.
"Ding-dong"
She rang the doorbell.
A few seconds later, the door opened. Kitahara Shin, dressed in simple loungewear, stood in the doorway, smiling and waving at her: "Come in."
Nanako blinked and trotted over with light steps, like a happy little deer: "Teacher, did you call me over here specifically so that I could visit your new mansion?"
X
"Don't rush, let's go in and take a look first."
Kitahara Shin stepped aside to let her into the house.
The entryway is spacious, and the high ceilings of the living room are breathtaking. The decor isn't the ostentatious, nouveau riche style, but rather a modern, minimalist design. Sunlight streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled light on the floor, while outside, the garden is lush and green.
"I've already had the garden in the back taken care of; they've planted some hydrangeas and basil. There's also a dedicated barbecue area next to it, so we can have a BBQ here when we're on vacation in the summer."
Kitahara Shin introduced the place as he walked, speaking as casually as if he were introducing tonight's dinner.
Nanako followed behind him, growing to like him more and more with each look.
Compared to the upscale but cramped celebrity apartments she currently lives in, this place is paradise. The walk-in closet alone is bigger than her current bedroom.
"How is it?"
After walking around and returning to the living room, Kitahara Shin stopped and turned to look at her: "How are you feeling?"
"That's excellent!"
Nanako took off her sunglasses and exclaimed sincerely, "The lighting is great, the location is great, and the garden is amazing. No wonder the teacher chose this house; she has excellent taste."
"As long as you like it."
Kitahara Shin nodded, then looked into her eyes and casually said, "Here's the key. From today onwards, this house is yours."
"Why?"
Nanako Matsushima was about to offer a compliment when she heard these words and froze instantly.
For a moment, her mind went blank, as if it had short-circuited.
Immediately afterwards, a huge blush spread from the base of her neck to the tips of her ears.
She stood there, stamping her feet helplessly, then shaking her head frantically, stammering, "T-Teacher? What do you mean? Why, why are you letting me stay here? This is too valuable! And—and—"
And this is just too much like "keeping a mistress in a golden house"!
Although she was more than willing, wasn't this progress a bit too fast?
Seeing her frightened little rabbit-like appearance, Kitahara Shin couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to ruffle her hair: "Don't get the wrong idea. It's mainly to solve your living problems."
"Life problems?"
"Your personal manager—Ms. Yamada, who's in charge of your private life, complained to me the other day."
Kitahara Shin crossed his arms and looked at her with a half-smile: "She said your apartment is about to explode. Clothes, shoes, and gifts from fans are piled up everywhere, there's not even room to step. And security there's been a bit of a problem lately, several paparazzi are staking out the area."
Nanako Matsushima blushed.
That's true. Although she's famous now, she has virtually no ability to take care of herself, and her home is indeed a complete mess.
"Besides, I didn't buy this house as an investment in the first place, so it's just sitting empty anyway. I don't trust others to rent it out; it would be a real hassle if they got it dirty or damaged."
Kitahara Shin, with a straight face, fabricated a reason: "So, why don't you help me look for a place? That way, your accommodation problem is solved, and I can rest easy. We can talk about moving out whenever you want."
This reason—
Although it sounded grand and noble, Nanako knew in her heart that this was clearly just pampering.
The excuses about looking at houses and being afraid of getting them dirty are just that—excuses.
She lowered her head, her heart pounding, a sweet feeling exploding in her chest like sparkling water.
After a long while, she finally raised her head, her eyes filled with a mixture of expectation and uncertainty. She swallowed hard and asked softly, "Then... then am I... the mistress of this place?"
Kitahara Shin looked into her bright eyes and didn't deny it, but smiled and said, "If that's what you think, then so be it."
Nanako Kokoro felt like smoke was coming out of her head.
She tried to swallow again, but found her throat extremely dry and her whole body dizzy; she didn't even know how she got out of the door.
Half an hour later, it was clear.
Kitahara Shin drove Nanako to the IDC Otsuka Furniture showroom.
At that time, IKEA had not yet officially entered the Japanese market (it briefly entered and then withdrew), and large furniture was the first choice if you wanted to buy high-end, well-designed furniture.
The two put on a disguise.
Kitahara Shin was wearing sunglasses, while Nanako wore a large mask, completely covering her highly recognizable face.
"Large furniture needs to be custom-made, and a specialist will come to your home to take measurements. Today, we'll mainly look at styles and pick out some smaller items like lamps and rugs."
Kitahara Shin pushed the shopping cart and walked side by side with Nanako in the spacious exhibition hall.
"Hmm—how about this beige sofa? It looks so soft."
"Isn't that floor lamp a bit too retro?"
"Ah! This double bed—"
Nanako pointed to a huge European-style double bed, but halfway through her sentence, she suddenly realized something, and her voice stopped abruptly, her cheeks burning hot under her mask.
This moment.
The feeling of "choosing furniture for our wedding room with my future husband" was incredibly strong.
Looking at Kitahara Shin pushing the cart beside her, Nanako felt a strange feeling welling up inside her.
It's both sweet and has a hidden sense of transgression.
"I'm sorry, Rie-chan — I'm sorry, Izumi-san — I'm sorry, Akina-san —"
She silently repented in her heart.
While Rie is still eating bugs to prepare for her career change, Izumi is still working hard singing in the recording studio, and Akina is busy with her tour, only she has not only gotten a new house, but is also here shopping for furniture with her teacher like a newlywed couple.
This is practically a leak!
but----
Seeing Kitahara Shin turn his head to ask for her opinion, she couldn't help but add in her mind, "But this feeling—it's really amazing."
Is this the joy of being a "bad woman"? No wonder she played the assassin role in "Flower of Evil" so well; it turns out she's a "bad girl" at heart.
Shin Kitahara, walking beside her, was unaware of the complex and conflicted inner turmoil of the girl beside him.
At this moment, he was secretly activating the system under the cover of sunglasses.
[Equipment: The Red Thread of Fate (Treasure Hunt Edition) - Scanning in progress]
On the retina, various pieces of furniture emitted a faint glow.
Unfortunately, most of them are worthless gray.
Occasionally there are a few white dots, which are ordinary items such as "well-made teacups (white)" and "comfortable cushions (white)".
"Looks like there aren't any treasures in the furniture store."
Kitahara Shin shook his head inwardly and casually tossed the white-quality pillow into his shopping cart.
"This throw pillow is nice; it matches the sofa you chose perfectly."
"Huh? Really?"
Nanako snapped out of her reverie, looked at the body pillow, and smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescents: "The teacher chose it, so it must be the most suitable!"
After returning from the furniture store, the two carried the small items they had bought—a table lamp, a rug, cushions, and so on—into the villa. After a simple arrangement, although the space was still quite empty, at least the once-cold living room had gained a warmer, more welcoming atmosphere.
"That's about it."
Kitahara Shin dusted off his hands and checked the time: "I'll arrange for a professional moving company and cleaning team to come and tidy up in the next couple of days. You should go back to your apartment tonight. Once this place is completely set up, around this Friday, you can officially move in."
"good!"
Nanako Matsushima stood in the entryway, clutching the brand-new key tightly in her hand, and nodded vigorously.
The feeling of having a home of her own, especially one given to her by her teacher, made her feel quite elated.
"So—does the teacher have any time left?"
2
She looked up, a hint of anticipation in her eyes: "I was looking at the map, and there seems to be a small park nearby. The sun isn't too strong now, could we go for a walk?"
"no problem."
Kitahara Shin smiled and agreed.
Since her work for the day was already finished, the rest of the time was hers to have.
The two changed into casual shoes, put on masks and hats, and looked like an ordinary young couple as they slowly walked out of the villa area.
Although Meguro Ward is also an upscale residential area, it has a more lived-in feel compared to those heavily guarded, truly wealthy neighborhoods. You can see elderly people walking their dogs and young women pushing strollers along the streets.
Moreover, because of Kitahara Shin's current reputation—his frank and unpretentious high-profile style—paparazzi have lost interest in taking photos of him during his daily outings.
What are they filming? Are they filming him strolling in the park with an actress?
This isn't exactly big news. After all, everyone knows he has a good relationship with his female artists. If you secretly take pictures of this kind of "master-disciple stroll" and post them online, you'll only make yourself look creepy, and no one will believe there's anything fishy going on.
"Have you been eating well lately? Those nutritious meals?"
Kitahara Shin asked casually as he walked.
"Hmm...it's alright."
Nanako pursed her lips: "Although it tastes much better than the boiled vegetables I ate when I was a model, I still want fried chicken! I want that sizzling, oily grilled meat!"
"Just bear with it. When you don't have to play that aloof character in your next film, I'll take you out for a nice meal."
"Really? It's a deal!"
The two chatted casually for a while, and before they knew it, they had walked into the small park.
As the sun sets, the swings in the park turn a deep orange-red.
The two of them each sat on a swing and gently rocked back and forth.
"teacher."
Looking at the sunset in the distance, Nanako suddenly said, "Even now, I still feel that it was a very lucky thing to have met you."
Her voice was soft, but her tone was more serious than ever before: "If it weren't for your willingness to teach me—I probably would have given up being a model long ago and gone back to my hometown to find a husband through matchmaking."
Kitahara Shin turned his head to look at her profile.
This was the first time this girl, who usually seemed a bit silly, had so seriously opened up about her inner thoughts to him.
Why do you feel like you can't continue?
I'm so hungry.
Nanako gave a wry smile: "Being a model requires stricter diet control than being an actor. That feeling of being constantly hungry makes you very irritable. Although I didn't show it when I first met you, I was actually cursing you inside."
"But you are different."
She turned her head, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Kitahara Shin: "You gave me food, you gave me roles, and now you've given me—a home."
"So I definitely want to repay your kindness. Even if I'm no longer famous, even if I get old, I'm willing to do anything if you need me."
Looking at her resolute expression, Kitahara Shin couldn't help but reach out and ruffle her hair: "Silly girl. There's no need for repaying any debts of gratitude. Just be yourself, that's enough."
Nanako pursed her lips, about to say something more.
Just then.
"Hey! Bring the comic book over here!"
"That's mine!"
A noisy argument came from behind the slide not far away.
The two looked in the direction of the sound.
Three boys who looked like elementary school students were seen surrounding two even smaller children (a boy and a girl).
One of the chubby boys, who was the ringleader, snatched the comic book from the little boy's hand and tore it open with force.
"Tearing"
The comic book was split in two.
"Wow--!
"
The little boy who was robbed burst into tears instantly, and the little girl next to him trembled with fear. Meanwhile, the three bullies were laughing loudly.
Seeing this scene.
Nanako Matsushima's smile vanished instantly.
The soft, cute feeling she had just been acting like a spoiled child with Kitahara Shin vanished completely, replaced by a coldness and anger that seemed to possess the female assassin from "Flowers of Evil".
Without any hesitation, she stood up from the swing.
Before Kitahara Shin could react, she had already taken three steps at a time and rushed over.
"stop!"
A sharp shout.
Nanako stood like a wall, blocking the way for the two crying children.
Standing at 1.72 meters tall, and still wearing that expensive trench coat, she looked like a giant in front of these elementary school students.
Is it fun to bully people weaker than yourself?
She lowered her head, staring intently at the chubby boy leading the group through her sunglasses, her voice as cold as the Siberian wind: "True strength is for protecting the weak, not for stealing things like this."
The three little boys had never seen anything like this before.
I initially thought she was just an ordinary passerby, but her aura was a hundred times more terrifying than the school's dean of students.
"Tch—what the hell—"
The chubby boy who was leading the group was stunned. He muttered something guiltily, threw down the half-finished comic book he was holding, and said, "This is boring, let's go!"
After saying that, he ran off with his two henchmen.
Only after watching the three kids run away did Nanako put away her cold aura.
She knelt down, picked up the torn comic book from the ground, and looked at the little boy and girl who were still sobbing. The frost on her face melted instantly, and she revealed an extremely gentle smile: "Don't cry."
She patted the little boy's head: "This book is broken. Shall we go buy you a new one?"
The two children blinked their teary eyes, looked at the beautiful older sister in front of them, and nodded blankly.
Nanako stood up, glanced back at Kitahara Shin who was still on the swing, stuck out her tongue at him playfully, and made a "wait a moment" gesture.
Then, she took the two children's hands and walked towards the convenience store outside the park.
This trip took twenty minutes.
Not only did she buy new comics, but for safety reasons, Nanako also escorted the two children back to their nearby home.
By the time she ran back to the park, panting, the sun was almost setting.
The swing was empty.
-
"Why?"
Nanako was stunned.
have they gone?
A wave of immense disappointment washed over her. Had she been too nosy? Making the teacher wait so long—
"It seems that our Nanako is not only a good actress, but also a champion of justice."
A cheerful voice suddenly came from behind.
Nanako suddenly turned around.
Kitahara Shin was leaning against a cherry blossom tree, holding two cans of hot coffee he had just bought, and smiling at her.
"teacher!"
Her disappointment instantly turned into joy, and she felt a lump in her throat.
"Here, it's hot."
Kitahara Shin handed her a can of coffee, looking at her cheeks flushed slightly in the sunset, and said with a hint of admiration, "I saw it all. Well done."
Nanako took the coffee, lowered her head somewhat shyly, and said softly, "Actually—it's nothing. It's just that I was someone who was helped before."
She raised her head and looked intently at Kitahara Shin: "So I know very well how important it is when someone can stand up and lend a hand in the most difficult and helpless times."
This sentence has a double meaning.
It refers not only to the child mentioned earlier, but also to oneself.
Kitahara Shin looked into her eyes, and a slight thought crossed his mind.
Her kindness was not a hypocritical saintly sentiment, but rather a genuine empathy.
"perhaps----"
Kitahara Shin chuckled and said half-jokingly, "You'd be perfect for those 'heroine' dramas. Like the female lead in Kamen Rider? Or a magical girl who brings dreams to children?"
"Huh? Really?"
Nanako's eyes lit up: "Actually—I really have a dream."
Looking at the sunset in the distance, her eyes softened: "I want to bring dreams to those children. Even if they are fictional, even if they are fantasy, I hope that when they watch TV, they can believe that there is light, justice, and beauty in this world."
Kitahara Shin looked at her serious profile.
"Can."
He nodded, his tone serious: "If you want to act, then go for it. I'll support you."
Nanako blinked.
Actually, she didn't say the second half of her sentence: "I want to act with you. You are the hero who brings light, and I will be the leading lady who will always stand by your side."
L
But that statement is too willful and too blunt.
She kept her thoughts to herself, but silently took a step closer to Kitahara Shin.
The two shadows stretched long in the setting sun, slowly overlapping.
At that moment, the simple boundary between master and disciple seemed to be quietly being broken by something warmer and more tacit.