sinovels Chapter 213 Heroes Discussed Over Wine at the Hot Spring; The Master Deceiver Appears
Chapter 213 Heroes Discussed Over Wine at the Hot Spring; The Master Deceiver Appears
Chapter 213 Heroes Discussed Over Wine at the Hot Spring; The Master Deceiver Appears
Led by Toshiyuki Nishida, Nobuki Kitahara and Takako Matsu walked through the resort's elegant corridors and arrived at an extremely spacious private Japanese-style suite.
Because the entire resort has been booked by the "Niko Club" for the past two days, there are no outsiders disturbing us. Pushing open the sliding door, a warm breeze mixed with a faint aroma of charcoal fire wafts out.
The spacious tatami hall was already filled with a few people sitting in twos and threes. Kitahara Shin glanced around and spotted several familiar faces: Tsugawa Masahiko, Baisho Chieko, and actress Asano Yuko, who had previously invited him to film a drama but which he had declined due to scheduling conflicts.
The moment Kitahara Shin stepped into the private room, the hall, which had been chatting happily, suddenly fell silent for half a second.
Immediately afterwards, almost everyone's eyes were drawn to him.
This feeling was completely different from when he first came here with Sayuri Yoshinaga to "pay his respects" a few months ago.
Kitahara Shin clearly remembered that when he came last time, despite the extremely high ratings, most of these self-important veteran actors only glanced at him perfunctorily and nodded slightly as a greeting, their attitude revealing the arrogance and indifference of seniors towards popular newcomers.
But today, from the moment he stepped across the threshold, he could clearly feel the dramatic shift in the attitude in the air.
Those once haughty gazes now held less scrutiny and more undisguised amazement and enthusiasm.
Even some veteran actors who are usually extremely serious couldn't help but show a friendly smile when they saw him.
Seeing these subtle reactions, Kitahara Shin couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Sure enough, for these veteran actors who have spent their entire lives in the Japanese entertainment industry, although they usually say things like "awards are just empty titles, acting well is our duty," deep down, they all agree with this system of honors more than anyone else. They not only agree with domestic ones, but also have an extremely deep obsession with international awards from Europe and America.
In their view, TV ratings are mostly a mystery, the result of the combined efforts of the entire production team, director, and cast. Even if you are the absolute lead actor, it is hard to say that the 30% rating is entirely your achievement.
However, Kitahara Shin received the award this time as a "screenwriter".
This is a level of achievement earned purely through personal talent, stripped of any capital manipulation or luck, on the highest international stage. Someone who can write a screenplay for the Cannes Jury Prize possesses god-like resources that allow these veteran actors to shine on the international film scene!
It's fair to say that Kitahara Shin doesn't need to work hard like a salesman anymore. If he just lets the word out that he has a new script, everyone in the hall will be scrambling to act in it.
"Oh dear, Kitahara-kun is here!"
Masahiko Tsugawa, who was sitting near the main table, was the first to stand up. This highly respected veteran actor waved to Shin Kitahara with a big smile, "Come, come, sit over here. I just happened to have a seat for you next to me."
"Tsugawa-senpai, it's been a long time."
Kitahara Shin smiled slightly, neither humble nor arrogant, and nodded in acknowledgment. Then, he patted Matsu Takako on the shoulder and led her over to sit down near the head table.
Matsu Takako naturally sat in the seat slightly to the left of Kitahara Shin, towards the edge. As the least experienced, or even the least experienced, newcomer in the room, she immediately displayed extremely high manners as soon as she knelt down, bowing respectfully to all the senior colleagues around her and introducing herself.
According to the rules of the old-fashioned circle like the Second Science Association, a young person who has just emerged is absolutely not qualified to bring his new subordinates to the circle so quickly.
But times have changed. The Kitahara Shin of a few months ago is worlds apart from the Kitahara Shin of today in terms of industry standing. Faced with a genius tycoon who has just achieved legendary status in Cannes, none of these old guys are blind, and naturally they won't bother with such trivial details.
Moreover, Matsumoto Koshiro's daughter was already well-known. Matsu Takako was cute and charming, and her behavior was clever and shrewd. Everyone tacitly regarded her as a little girl who came with the boss to broaden his horizons and was responsible for serving tea and water.
Not long after they sat down, a veteran actor who had previously barely paid any attention to Kitahara Shin couldn't help but lean over with his wine glass, his tone carrying a hint of undisguised curiosity and probing.
"Kitahara-kun, how was it receiving the grand prize at the Cannes Film Festival? Is the film atmosphere abroad completely different from ours?"
Upon hearing this question, the ears of several veteran actors around them perked up without making a sound.
Kitahara Shin picked up his cup of tea, took a sip, smiled slightly, and replied with extreme composure, "As for my feelings, they're really just so-so, not as exaggerated as the outside world makes them out to be. However—"
He paused deliberately, looked into everyone's eyes, and continued, "Taking advantage of this opportunity, I got to know many top international filmmakers and actors, which gave me some clearer ideas and ambitions for my future film production plans."
Upon hearing the phrase "having a clearer idea of future plans," the seasoned veterans present immediately understood.
The subtext of these words is so obvious: Kitahara Shin is preparing to use his current international network to venture into a wider global market!
Although they are Japanese actors rooted in Japan, and most of them only speak Japanese in their lives, once they reach the top in this industry, who wouldn't secretly dream of making it on the world stage? Gaining recognition in a broader international market is a status symbol worthy of being recorded in one's family tree!
Even the most senior and rigid actors in the Second Academy are not immune to this kind of behavior.
In an instant, everyone's gaze toward Kitahara Shin became even more fervent.
Just then, the resort's staff began to file in, serving kaiseki dishes and fine sake one after another.
Everyone gathered around the warm Japanese fireplace, drinking, eating, and chatting happily.
Matsu Takako, on the other hand, very consciously took on the role of a "personal maid." Holding a wine bottle, she moved gracefully around the table, pouring wine for each of the senior guests present with extremely standard and elegant movements.
After a whole round of toasts, another round went on, and even with the heating on in the room, Matsu Takako's forehead was covered in a fine layer of fragrant sweat.
After everyone had finally started drinking, she carefully sat back down in her seat and quietly let out a long sigh of relief.
Not long after she sat down, Asano Yuko, who was sitting not far from her, smiled and turned to look at Matsu Takako, then said softly, "You're currently an actress that Kitahara-kun is focusing on developing, right? It seems like he values you a lot."
Matsu Takako paused for a moment, then politely replied, "To be precise, Kitahara-san is my boss and also my president. It's an honor for me to come out and intern with the president."
Yuko Asano covered her mouth and chuckled softly, a shrewd glint in her eyes: "The fact that he went against the rules to bring you to the Second Division Association's gathering is enough to show how much he values you. Speaking of which, I happen to have a variety show that airs during prime time, and I'm currently looking for a few female celebrities to be regular guests on the reaction panel."
She paused, then her tone became incredibly friendly and enticing: "That's a pretty good job. You don't need any special talents; you just sit there with the host, watch VTRs, chat about current events, and occasionally offer your own commentary. Not only is the recording easy and lucrative, but you can also get a huge boost in national recognition. How about it, are you interested?"
"If you'd like, I can personally recommend you to the production team."
Upon hearing these words, Matsu Takako blinked her beautiful big eyes slightly.
This was the first time she had ever encountered such a great opportunity, seemingly out of nowhere, from a senior figure in the industry who had no prior connection with her.
However, despite growing up in a prestigious family, she wasn't stupid; on the contrary, she was extremely intelligent. Her mind raced, and she immediately sensed the hidden clues.
In the extremely realistic entertainment industry, where would you find a helping hand for no reason? Clearly, Asano Yuko is trying to curry favor with him in order to indirectly get in touch with Kitahara Shin.
Although Matsu Takako was unaware of the past incident where Asano Yuko had politely declined Kitahara Shin's invitation to act in a film, she instinctively felt that if she readily accepted this senior's favor, she would unknowingly incur a debt of gratitude for her boss. Was it really a good idea to cause Kitahara Shin trouble? What if that cunning guy blamed her later? Wouldn't she be in deep trouble?
Just as Matsu Takako was struggling with her inner conflict and hesitating about how to politely refuse,
On the other side, Kitahara Shin, who was having a lively conversation with several venerable senior figures, suddenly put down his wine glass.
He straightened his clothes and, amidst the slightly puzzled gazes of the crowd, stood up formally.
Instantly, the noise in the entire private room subsided, and everyone's attention once again focused on him.
Kitahara Shin glanced around at all the veteran actors present, a calm yet alluring smile playing on his lips.
"Esteemed seniors, since you're all here today, I have a very important industry project I'd like to discuss with you," Kitahara Shin's voice was steady and powerful, echoing clearly in the quiet room. "I wonder if you would be willing to lend me your presence and listen?"
As Kitahara Shin stood up, the previously noisy Japanese-style private room instantly fell silent.
All the veteran actors who had been in the entertainment industry for decades put down their wine glasses and turned their attention to this young giant who had just made a name for himself on the international film scene.
Kitahara Shin didn't use the same "pie-in-the-sky" theory of peripheral empire that he had previously "drew promises" to the company's executives, because for these traditional veteran actors who only cared about their paychecks, fame, and awards, how many trench coats or water cups they sold was none of their business.
He threw out another bait that was enough to drive these veteran actors crazy.
"Dear colleagues, I'm currently working on a brand new television drama project." Kitahara Shin's voice was steady, carrying a confident air of control. "This is an unconventional police drama. Here, police officers aren't some superheroes who fly and leap, but rather low-level office workers who have to clock in on time, face reprimands from their superiors, and even have to write 800-word reports for firing a gun."
He spoke eloquently, clearly presenting the core structure of "Bayside Shakedown," its profound social satire, and its multi-layered script that perfectly integrates current hot topics in Japanese society to the audience.
"This drama will not only have extremely high exposure, but I also plan to create a series of spin-off movies and special episodes for it in the future." Kitahara Shin looked intently at the veteran actors present and threw out his final trump card, "As for the roles of the high-ranking officials in the Metropolitan Police Department, I need top actors with real depth and experience to anchor them. If you are willing to come, I guarantee that generous remuneration, national-level discussion, and nominations for major television awards next year will all be yours."
These words were extremely clever, perfectly hitting the soft spot of these veteran actors: they offer both high commercial returns and artistic depth that could win awards, and they could even cater to the public's current dissatisfaction with the bureaucratic system.
As expected, several senior figures present lit up slightly as they listened to Kitahara Shin's description.
Masahiko Tsugawa was the first to put down his glass, leaned forward slightly, and asked a very professional question: "Kitahara-kun, since the protagonist is a low-ranking detective, where exactly does the core dramatic conflict of this drama lie? Is it the traditional police-criminal confrontation?"
"No, Tsugawa-senpai." Kitahara Shin smiled slightly and uttered that classic line that would later resonate throughout Japanese television history, "The core conflict lies in—did the case occur in a carpeted conference room for high-ranking officials, or at a bloody crime scene?"
Upon hearing this, the veteran actors present gasped in astonishment, then nodded repeatedly, their eyes filled with extreme admiration and satisfaction. The concept was absolutely brilliant!
Following this, several other actors raised challenging questions about the main themes of the script and the characters' development. Kitahara Shin remained calm and composed, answering fluently and perfectly embodying these veteran actors' rigorous definition of a "good script."
Kneeling to the side, Matsu Takako watched Kitahara Shin's confident and composed demeanor at the banquet, and couldn't help but feel a little shocked.
Although she was happy that her boss was able to keep the situation under control, for some reason, seeing those usually imposing and extremely picky seniors on the TV station nodding and even looking expectantly after being coaxed by Kitahara Shin's few words, Matsu Takako had a very absurd feeling.
This company president is simply a master conman!
Even though there wasn't a trace of the film crew yet, he easily fooled these veteran actors who had spent most of their lives in the entertainment industry with just a few words, leaving them completely disoriented and even wishing they could join the crew immediately at their own expense.
The gathering, which included hot spring wine brewing, lasted until late at night, and both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves immensely.
Many veteran actors enjoyed the drinks immensely, and before leaving, several of them had already made verbal agreements with Kitahara Shin to make cameo appearances.
Once most of the people in the private room had left, Matsu Takako rubbed her aching knees, moved over to Kitahara Shin's side, and picked up the sake bottle to refill his glass of leftover sake.
"No need to pour it." Kitahara Shin reached out and gently pressed Matsu Takako's wrist, his voice tinged with a languid and hoarse quality from the alcohol. "Thank you for your hard work tonight."
Matsu Takako pouted and muttered under her breath, "What's so hard about it? You just planned for me to come here to serve you and be your maid, bringing you tea and water."
Hearing this slightly aggrieved complaint, Kitahara Shin smiled slightly.
He turned to look at Matsu Takako, the warm scent of alcohol involuntarily spraying onto the girl's fair face with each breath.
-
Matsu Takako frowned slightly, feeling a bit uncomfortable. She instinctively wanted to dodge, but looking at Kitahara Shin's eyes, which seemed particularly deep due to his slight intoxication, she ultimately held back and obediently remained frozen in place.
Seeing her frustrated expression, wanting to lash out but not daring to, Kitahara Shin's smile deepened. He reached out and gently patted Matsu Takako's head, like soothing a ruffled kitten.
"Alright, stop complaining. We all agreed at the table to go skiing in Karuizawa tomorrow," Kitahara Shin said, withdrawing his hand and casually asking, "Have you ever skied before?"
Matsu Takako blinked and answered truthfully, "Skiing—it's so-so. I've skied a few times with my family before. What? Does that mean you're quite good at skiing, President?"
"No, not at all." Kitahara Shin shook his head with utmost honesty and smiled, "I have absolutely no idea. How about you teach me tomorrow?"
Upon hearing this, Matsu Takako's eyes lit up, as if she had finally found an opportunity to manipulate this cunning boss. She smiled slyly and said, "Let me teach you? You'll have to pay me a very high tuition fee! If it's just a little bit, I, as your coach, absolutely will not accept it."
"Okay, okay, no problem." Kitahara Shin was amused by her money-grubbing attitude and agreed with a smile, "I'll cover your tuition, as long as you can teach me."
Hearing Kitahara Shin's slightly slurred speech, Matsu Takako realized that although the man had been maintaining a clear head while trying to deceive people, he was clearly a little drunk after drinking so much strong sake.
She shook her head helplessly and sighed.
After half an hour.
With half-supporting, half-dragging the slightly tipsy Kitahara Shin, Matsu Takako finally returned to his luxury suite.
Watching Kitahara Shin fall into a deep sleep the moment his head hit the pillow, Matsu Takako stood by the bed, pouting slightly in exasperation. But in her actions, she still very considerately straightened his crooked body, took off his coat, and carefully covered him with the blanket.
After doing all this, she turned around and poured a glass of warm water, placing it on the low table by the bedside in case he woke up thirsty in the middle of the night.
This young lady from a prestigious family was no stranger to taking care of drunk men. From a young age, she had witnessed her mother's gentle and skillful care for her father, a Kabuki master, whenever he returned home drunk from social engagements. Influenced by that traditional family atmosphere, she performed these procedures with remarkable ease and naturalness.
After everything was in place, Matsu Takako stood quietly by the bed, looking at Kitahara Shin's sleeping profile.
Having shed the shrewd, cunning, and calculating capitalist mask he wore during the day, he now appeared quiet with his eyes closed, exuding less of a menacing aura and instead revealing a rare gentleness and handsomeness.
Matsu Takako stood there thinking for a while.
The suite was nicely heated, and the dim wall lamps created a warm and inviting atmosphere. She glanced at the snow outside and ultimately decided not to return to her empty room.
She walked to the other separate sofa bed in the suite (or the other bed in the twin room), sat down gently, hugged her knees, and couldn't help but smile slightly.
Listening to the steady breathing in the room, she began to secretly plan in her mind how to use her identity as an "instructor" to "mess with" the club president who always liked to bully her when they arrived at the ski resort tomorrow.
Snow was falling heavily outside the window, but the atmosphere inside the room was just the right amount of warm.
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