MMB Chapter 212 has become a hot commodity.
Chapter 212 has become a hot commodity.
Chapter 212 has become a hot commodity.
Kitahara Office, inside the president's office.
"Come with me to Karuizawa this weekend for a party." Kitahara Shin said casually, sitting behind his desk, as if he were just saying he was going to have a casual meal later.
Standing in front of the desk, Matsu Takako paused, pointed to herself, and asked incredulously, "Are you taking me with you?"
Kitahara Shin nodded matter-of-factly: "Yes, you don't want to go? The Nikakai has many veterans and titans in the entertainment industry; even if someone begged to go, they wouldn't have a way."
Upon hearing this, Matsu Takako didn't show any gratitude. Instead, she subconsciously took a half step back, crossed her arms, and stared at Kitahara Shin with suspicion: "President, what exactly are you planning?"
Kitahara Shin was speechless as he watched her wary movements, especially the defensive posture of hugging her chest tightly.
He was silent for a moment, then said irritably, "You don't need to be so protective of yourself. What could I possibly want from you? I've just considered things, and you have the worst network of connections in my previous company. Rie and Nanako are gradually getting on track and can handle things on their own now, so I don't need to handle their socializing anymore."
At this point, Kitahara Shin paused, then spread his hands very honestly: "And to be honest, I don't really want to deal with those old men myself, so I wanted to find someone to take the fall for me. If you don't want to go, that's fine too."
Hearing Kitahara Shin's shockingly frank answer, Matsu Takako felt relieved.
She sighed deeply and asked, somewhat resignedly, "So, if I go with them, what exactly will I be doing?"
"There's no need to do anything special," Kitahara Shin waved his hand. "It's just normal socializing. Just do what you're supposed to do, and be quick-witted when the time comes."
"Alright, fine then." Matsu Takako pouted and agreed.
In the evening, Matsu Takako returned to her traditional Japanese residence in Tokyo.
At the dinner table, she casually mentioned to her parents that she was going to Karuizawa for a Nikakai gathering over the weekend.
I thought my parents would be worried, but my father, a Kabuki master, and my gentle mother exchanged a glance and both smiled with relief.
"This is a good thing!" The father raised his sake cup and said earnestly, "President Kitahara is personally showing you around, introducing you to the world and helping you build top-tier connections in the industry. This is an opportunity that most people would kill for, so why are you showing such resistance?"
Matsu Takako poked at the rice in her bowl with her chopsticks and couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "But—I feel like the president isn't showing me around at all. He's just treating me like a personal maid or his servant, using me to keep him occupied."
Hearing their daughter's complaint, the parents couldn't help but laugh.
"You silly girl, you don't know how lucky you are. Have you ever met a boss who treats you so well and is willing to teach you step by step?" her mother teased with a smile. "If you were really a maid, you'd have to serve tea and water, run around doing everything in that kind of situation. How could you possibly enjoy a comfortable vacation like that?"
Upon hearing this, Matsu Takako pouted somewhat unconvinced.
Born into a prestigious family, she received the most rigorous traditional education from a young age. As the eldest daughter of a large family, she always had a good temper and was dignified and well-behaved in her dealings with others.
However, since meeting Kitahara Shin, she felt herself slowly changing. If she remained as obedient and honest as before, she would definitely be tricked into leaving nothing but bones if she continued to act obediently and honestly in the face of that boss who always did things the wrong way, whose personality was extremely "bad" and cunning.
Of course, Matsu Takako was well aware that Kitahara Shin's so-called "trap" wasn't really about harming her financially or treating her badly. It was just that he liked to find ways to order her around and tease her with everyday tasks and errands. This forced her to learn to be a little more shrewd now.
A few days later, it was the weekend.
The most convenient way to get from Tokyo to Karuizawa is by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train).
As the train slowly pulled into Karuizawa Station, the moment the doors opened, a cool yet refreshing gust of air instantly rushed into the carriage.
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The two walked out of the station one after the other. Snowflakes swirled in the air, and as far as the eye could see, Karuizawa was covered in a thick blanket of snow, resembling a colorful and tranquil white world.
Karuizawa, Japan's most famous summer resort and ski destination, boasts four distinct seasons and an excellent climate. It's also a favorite retreat for Japan's wealthiest individuals and political figures. Almost every well-known wealthy person owns a vacation villa here.
Given Kitahara Shin's current wealth and status, he was no exception and had long ago purchased a high-end property here with an excellent view.
However, they did not return to their villa today, because the meeting place for the "Two Sciences Association" was set at a more secluded and luxurious high-end hot spring ski resort.
While waiting for a taxi outside the station, a gust of cold wind blew by.
Matsu Takako couldn't help but shrink her neck and put her hands to her mouth, breathing out warm air. Despite wearing a thick coat, the sudden drop in temperature still made her fair face rosy with cold.
Standing to the side, Kitahara Shin noticed that she was trembling slightly.
He didn't say much, but simply took off the cashmere scarf around his neck very naturally, tossed it casually, and draped it over Matsu Takako's shoulders, wrapping it around her neck once.
Suddenly enveloped in a scarf carrying a man's warmth and a faint scent of cologne, Matsu Takako froze. She blinked her beautiful eyes, looking at Kitahara Shin with a bewildered expression: "President—what are you doing?"
"Wrap yourself up tight, don't catch a cold before we even get there. I don't want to bring a sick person to a social event." Kitahara Shin put his hands in his coat pockets, his tone still lazy and relaxed. "I'm pretty healthy, I'm not afraid of the cold. Okay, the car's here, get in quickly, we're going to the resort."
After saying that, he opened the door of the taxi that had just come to a stop.
Matsu Takako touched the soft, warm scarf around her neck, looking at the man's broad, upright back, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes that she herself was unaware of.
Once inside the taxi, the warm air quickly dispelled the chill.
Matsu Takako leaned back in her seat, turned her head to look at the snow scene rushing past the car window and the elegant Western-style buildings that were faintly visible, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
This was her first time visiting Karuizawa, and even more so, her first time going to a high-end hot spring resort that was supposedly only accessible to the elite.
Looking back on her past sixteen years, although she was born into a prestigious family, she had actually lived within a relatively closed and routine framework set by her family.
She never imagined that in the short time she had been with Kitahara Agency, her life would undergo such a dramatic transformation. She had witnessed top-tier production teams, experienced phenomenal ratings, and now she had stepped into the heart of the world of fame and fortune.
What even more incredible things will happen in the future?
Deep within Matsu Takako's heart, an irrepressible anticipation surged. Her initial slight unease about the unknown situation completely vanished because of the man sitting beside her, a man who seemed capable of handling anything with ease.
The taxi smoothly drove into a high-end hot spring ski resort hidden among pine forests and white snow.
As soon as they stopped at the lobby entrance, hotel staff in impeccable uniforms greeted them, professionally opening the car door and taking all their luggage. As a high-end venue completely booked by the "Second Science Club," the service here was exceptional; they didn't even need to queue at the front desk for the tedious check-in process, and could simply go to their rooms to rest with their pre-prepared room keys.
Standing in the luxurious and warm lobby, Kitahara Shin turned to Matsu Takako beside him and instructed, "Your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Go upstairs first to see if you need anything and tidy up a bit. In about half an hour, come to the lounge area on the first floor to find me, and I'll take you to meet those old men."
Matsu Takako nodded obediently: "Yes, President."
After watching Kitahara Shin walk towards the rest area, Matsu Takako turned and headed towards the elevator.
As the elevator ascended smoothly, she could see the resort's exquisite interior decor through the viewing glass. It adopted Karuizawa's classic high-end "Japanese-Western eclectic" style—featuring the soaring domes, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and luxurious crystal chandeliers of Western architecture, while perfectly integrating the natural wood textures and dry landscape gardens of traditional Japan.
With a "ding," the elevator arrived at the designated floor.
Matsu Takako swiped her card and entered her room, and was immediately taken aback by the sight before her.
This is an exceptionally spacious luxury suite. The interior is carpeted with soft Western-style pure wool, and a huge leather sofa sits in the center, while the area near the floor-to-ceiling windows features traditional Japanese tatami mats. Most stunningly, opening the sliding doors to the balcony reveals a private cypress wood hot spring bath. Milky-white hot spring water steams gently, and outside the bath lies a vast, pristine white cedar forest.
Matsu Takako took off her coat and sank heavily into the soft sofa, letting out a comfortable sigh.
Looking at the luxurious and comfortable surroundings, a subtle feeling suddenly welled up in her heart.
Although the president is usually a bit sharp-tongued and has a terrible personality, and always likes to find ways to make her work for him, it has to be admitted that as a boss, he is extremely generous in terms of material resources. Working with such a powerful and influential financial tycoon not only allows her to witness the top world that is unattainable for ordinary people, but life here—does seem quite comfortable.
After resting briefly in her room and touching up her light makeup, Matsu Takako took the elevator down to the first floor precisely half an hour later.
As soon as she arrived at the lobby's rest area, she saw that Kitahara Shin was not idle, but was already chatting enthusiastically with a slightly overweight, extremely kind-looking middle-aged man.
Matsu Takako recognized the person immediately—it was none other than Kitahara Shin from the nationally acclaimed drama "The White Tower."
Toshiyuki Nishida, a veteran actor in the Japanese entertainment industry who has worked closely with China and played the role of "Zaizen's father-in-law"!
At that moment, Toshiyuki Nishida was patting Nobuki Kitahara on the shoulder with a big smile, and his hearty laughter echoed in the rest area.
"Hey Kitahara, you're definitely the star of this gathering today!" Nishida Toshiyuki grinned, his eyes crinkling into slits. "You don't know, several old guys who are usually impossible to get to come have been privately asking me if you're coming. I dare say, if you don't show up today, our ski resort will be missing at least a few big shots!"
As Kitahara Shin listened to Nishida Toshiyuki's flattery, he picked up his hot tea, took a sip, and shook his head with a smile.
"Senior Nishida, you're exaggerating. I'm just a junior, how could I possibly have such a big reputation?"
"Not an exaggeration at all!" Toshiyuki Nishida's joking expression faded, and he waved his hand with utmost seriousness. "You're still underestimating your current worth. You know, in our industry, although everyone talks about supporting domestic products, forming cliques and being closed off, only caring about the honors of domestic academic circles, ultimately, Japan is a country that completely accepts and even admires the West!"
Toshiyuki Nishida sighed and lowered his voice, saying, "Those old guys, they've acted their whole lives, won a bunch of domestic Best Actor awards, who wouldn't dream of winning an international award at one of the three major European film festivals to bring glory to their family? But they never managed to do it in their entire lives. And you, not only did you do it, but on the most prestigious stage like Cannes!"
Kitahara Shin smiled, his tone still perfectly humble: "But, senior, I won the Jury Prize based on my status as the lead screenwriter, not as an actor."
"So what?" Toshiyuki Nishida slapped his thigh, looking like he had seen through the world. "In fact, it's precisely because you're a screenwriter, a creator who can write god-level scripts, that they need to put aside their pride to please you! If you were just an actor who won an award at Cannes, people would at most be a little jealous. After all, actors are in competition with each other, and they wouldn't necessarily care about you as much."
Nishida Toshiyuki pointed at Kitahara Shin's nose and earnestly advised, "But you're the screenwriter, bro! You hold the key to getting them international exposure and a job! In short, you better watch yourself tonight, you're definitely the number one favorite of these old foxes."
Kitahara Shin listened to this remarkably insightful analysis, smiled noncommittally, and said nothing more. Because all of this, in fact, had already been part of his calculations.
Just then, Kitahara Shin caught a glimpse of Matsu Takako walking towards the elevator out of the corner of his eye, and immediately waved to her.
"come over."
Matsu Takako quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Nishida Toshiyuki, saying, "Hello, Nishida-senpai."
"And who is this?" Toshiyuki Nishida looked at the young girl in front of him with curiosity. She had an outstanding temperament and looked like she had received a good traditional education.
Kitahara Shin casually placed his hand on Matsu Takako's shoulder and introduced her with a smile: "Matsu Takako is a rising star that our agency is focusing on developing. Oh, by the way, her father is Matsumoto Koshiro."
Upon hearing the name "Matsumoto Koshiro," Nishida Toshiyuki was taken aback for a moment, then exclaimed "Ah!" in realization.
In the Japanese entertainment industry, where tradition is highly valued, the title of a Kabuki master is extremely prestigious.
"So you're Master Matsumoto's daughter! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner." Toshiyuki Nishida smiled at Takako Matsu and casually asked, "Young lady, you look quite lovely. How old are you?"
Matsu Takako answered very honestly, "Nishida-senpai, I am sixteen years old this year, almost seventeen."
Upon hearing this answer, Toshiyuki Nishida, who had just been beaming, froze, then gave a somewhat amused and exasperated look.
"Oh my god—" Nishida Toshiyuki reached out and touched his thinning hair, and exclaimed indignantly, "I'm forty-six years old this year, almost thirty years older than you, more than two cycles older. I'm old enough to be your grandfather!"
Sigh, you can't deny getting old!
After lamenting the blow of age, Toshiyuki Nishida turned his head and glanced at Shin Kitahara, who was standing next to Takako Matsu, young and handsome, and already at the top of the world of fame and fortune. He couldn't help but show a deep sense of admiration in his eyes.
"You're so young and accomplished! Standing next to you, I feel like an old relic outdated by the times."
Nishida Toshiyuki chuckled and shook his head, then waved his hand dismissively. "Alright, enough chit-chat. The main group should be waiting in the banquet hall. Let's go, we're going to meet those old guys at the party!"