wavenovel Chapter 1251-1260, My ultimate weapon is no less formidable!
Chapter 1251-1260, My ultimate weapon is no less formidable!
Chapter 1251-1260, My ultimate weapon is no less formidable!
When Naoki Nagayama saw the tabloid report, he was a little confused.
Especially striking is the headline, "Akina Nakamori suspected of relationship troubles, seen crying in her car, blaming Naoki Nagayama!" coupled with the footage taken in the parking lot.
Shuyou has good relationships with major media outlets, so major media outlets will not report negative stories about the couple without permission.
Even a magazine like Weekly Bunshun, which dares to report on the dark side of politics and celebrities, wouldn't want to offend Naoki Nagayama so easily.
But those tabloids don't care about that; they're just looking to make money one day at a time. Besides, this kind of gossip is the best way to attract attention!
"Akina." Naoki Nagayama looked at Akina, who seemed a little guilty, across the table, his eyes still slightly red. "Did you take 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' to the TV station to watch?!"
"This one, this one"
Unable to think of an excuse for the moment, Akina resorted to a woman's best trick: she acted coquettishly.
"It's because Naoki-san's novels are so captivating; once you start reading, you just want to keep going."
"."
Looking at his wife's beautiful face, which she was deliberately leaning closer to, Naoki Nagayama could only shake his head.
"You can just watch it at home. How could someone take a picture of you in the parking lot?"
"Couldn't help it"
Akina spoke with a deliberately aggrieved tone, her already reddened eyes appearing even more pitiful, making Naoki Nagayama unable to muster the will to reprimand her.
Sigh...
With a long sigh, Naoki Nagayama knew that in the next few days, rumors of a "relationship breakdown" and "marital breakdown" would likely resurface.
In this island nation, countless people secretly hope that this couple will separate, as if that would give them another chance.
It looks like during this promotional period for "Departures," I'll probably be facing some strange questions from the media again, such as whether I've been too busy with work and neglected actresses like Akina Nakamori.
On the other hand, Xia Hua was completely unaffected. The udon noodles cooked in chicken broth smelled delicious, and she was about to stuff them into her mouth with both hands, displaying a very unrestrained style.
"Eat the flower jam in small bites, don't rush."
Akina tried several times to teach the little guy to use a spoon without success, then glanced at Naoki Nagayama, who was eating pasta with gusto.
"She doesn't even look like a girl anymore! It must be from Naoki-san."
"."
Naoki Nagayama sighed again. "What's wrong? Is it my fault that I'm enjoying my meal?"
On the fourth floor of the Shuyu Building, the Tokyo Film Industry Association's executive meeting is being held.
Besides Chairman Shuichi Itō, Vice Chairman Ikuo Suō, Vice Chairman Atsuko Toyama (Ministry of Education), Secretary General Ohtomo Yoshimura, and others were present, along with some senior member representatives.
"Everyone, the main topic of this meeting is the postponed regular parliamentary session, which is scheduled to convene in the second half of this month."
Yoshimura Hirotomo, who was hosting the meeting, said this.
In fact, Japan's regular parliament usually ends at the end of June, but due to the "Toshiba-Konerb incident" in May of this year, the entire Japanese political scene was impacted, and the regular parliament did not perform its normal functions in May, so it was postponed for a month.
Fortunately, the tree friend's proposal was able to get through this delay, otherwise it would have been postponed until January next year.
"The hearing on the 'Proposal on Labor Protection for Film Industry Workers' has been held. The review committee has reviewed the content of the proposal and conducted a hearing. Next, it will be voted on in Congress to see if it can be passed."
As they were talking, one of the meeting members suddenly interrupted:
"Secretary-General, please wait a moment."
"?"
Yoshimura Daitomo looked at this member with some confusion.
"Mr. Nobuo Asai, is there a problem with the topic?"
"no no no"
Nobuo Asai shook his head. He used to be the president of the Film Promotion Association, but he stepped down some time ago and joined the Tokyo Film Industry Association.
Moreover, due to his previous experience in the film industry, he easily became a member representative and was able to participate in the executive meetings.
"I wanted to ask if all the members of today's executive meeting are present?"
Yoshimura Otomo and Itō Shuichi both frowned, sensing the hostility in his words.
As the host, Yoshimura Hirotomo began by saying:
"All the standing committee members and member representatives who were notified of this meeting have arrived!"
"Huh?" Nobuo Asai continued, "Shouldn't Naoki Nagayama be among the standing committee members? Why isn't he here?"
"."
Isn't that a rhetorical question?!
With Naoki Nagayama's "Departures" currently showing in theaters, he naturally has to be busy with things there!
Besides, Naoki Nagayama doesn't actually attend these executive meetings; Yoshimura Otomo and Itō Shuichi have already discussed everything!
"Ahem." Itō Shuichi explained, "Naoki-san is very busy, so he took leave. It's alright if he's not here for this meeting!"
"Oh~~"
Nobuo Asai drew out his words, revealing his true colors.
"So, members of the Standing Committee can skip meetings at will? Then they might as well not be Standing Committee members at all!"
"."
The meeting room fell silent for a moment.
Shuichi Itō and Ōtomo Yoshimura's gazes turned cold. They had sensed that someone within the association was causing trouble, but they hadn't expected it to start so quickly.
Their gazes swept not only towards Nobuo Asai, but also over Atsuko Toyama, the Ministry of Education's representative at the association, who had nominated Nobuo Asai as the new member representative to participate in the meeting.
"Most of the standing committee members of the Film Association are on a part-time basis, so it's common for them to be busy with work."
Itō Shuichi spoke up to ease the tension.
"Who knows, maybe one of us—Otomo-san, Suo-san, or Toyama-san—will have to take leave from any meeting."
"You can't say that!"
Nobuo Asai was ordered to join the Film Association this time. The Film Promotion Association, which was originally under the Agency for Cultural Affairs, has now been completely overshadowed by the Film Association. The officials of the Agency for Cultural Affairs have long wanted to extend their reach into the Film Association!
"As a standing committee member of the Film Association, I naturally need to pay more attention to the association's operations in accordance with the charter!"
"If even the standing committee members can't set a good example, how can the Tokyo Film Industry Association guide and protect the development of the film industry?!"
This is making a mountain out of a molehill! They're fixated on Naoki Nagayama's leave of absence!
However, on the surface, this statement is correct; it's a high-sounding and reasonable statement.
"Asai-san is right!"
Shuichi Itō had no choice but to force a smile and applaud.
"Our Standing Committee also needs to set an example and take the lead in abiding by the association's charter! Association members should also listen carefully to the opinions of the Standing Committee."
"However, the film industry association is still in its early stages, and its various rules and regulations are not yet perfect. Let's write down the opinions of the standing committee members who need to participate in the operation of the association."
At the next plenary session, we will discuss the work requirements and performance evaluation for the Standing Committee members.
This is a delaying tactic, postponing the conflict until next year's plenary session, which is still a long time away!
"The president is right!"
Nobuo Asai nodded without offering any further opinions. This was merely his initial appearance, an attempt to establish his persona within the association. His ultimate goal was to run for president next year!
Following that, Yoshimura Otomo continued to chair the meeting, discussing the parliamentary vote in the second half of the month, and asked the standing committee members to do their best to mobilize their connections and get the members to support the proposal.
In fact, most of the non-factional members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) had already agreed to support it through the recommendation of Koichi Hamada, while the Tanaka faction members of the LDP all supported the current prime minister and also supported the proposal put forward by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
In addition, there were opposition Socialist Party members contacted by Shuichi Itō, as well as idle members of parliament contacted through upper-class individuals attached to the proposal.
The probability of this proposal passing is at least 70%!
The association's meeting now is just a final mobilization effort.
"During this period, the Film Association will launch a media campaign, inviting celebrities and social figures to promote the 'Proposal'."
Itō Shuichi began to speak.
"Everyone must remain vigilant until the final vote on the 'Proposal for the Protection of Film Industry Practitioners' is over!"
"Hi" X5
The other members at the meeting nodded in agreement, including Nobuo Asai.
Yoshimura Otomo chimed in at the opportune moment:
"The next item on the agenda is to vote on the projects supported by this round of the Tree Support Fund."
"What about the votes from the standing committee members who didn't come?"
Nobuo Asai spoke again, his gaze still fixed on the absent person.
"I will exercise Naoki-san's voting rights on his behalf!"
Shuichi Itō was already getting a little angry.
"Asai-san, if you have any questions, you can call Naoki-san right here to confirm!"
"Hahaha, since Chairman Itō said so, of course I won't disbelieve him!"
Everyone knows that Naoki Nagayama, Shuichi Itō, and Ōtomo Yoshimura are the three driving forces of the Naoki fandom, forming a group with shared interests, and can be considered as one entity.
"However, if power is always exercised in this way, the power of the Standing Committee members will not be so authoritative. In the next election of the Standing Committee, we must elect responsible members!"
"It's only temporary!"
Itō Shuichi looked at Toyama Atsuko, initially assuming that Toyama Atsuko nominated Asai Nobuo as the member representative in order to expand the association's influence.
Why does it seem like they're here to nitpick, and it looks like they're running for a standing committee position in the future?!
Atsuko Toyama was also feeling very frustrated. She had been doing well in the association, where there was not much to do and she could easily accumulate seniority.
Once the proposal is passed, it will add a highlight to one's resume. After the term of this Standing Committee member ends, one might even be promoted to a higher level in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, with a bright future ahead!
But a few days ago, a member of the "Takeshita faction," who was gaining momentum within the Liberal Democratic Party, suddenly became involved with her.
After a barrage of threats and inducements, such as "After the cabinet reshuffle, the Minister of Education will definitely be a member of Takeshita's faction," "New boss, new team," "If you don't choose sides in advance, your promotion will be a long way off," and "Now there's a good opportunity, aren't you a standing committee member of the Film Association?", Atsuko Toyama had no choice but to agree to Takeshita's faction's request and help them take control of the Film Association.
Nobuo Asai was the first pawn to infiltrate the Film Association.
The Takeshita faction wants to nominate him as the next chairman!
But anyone with eyes can see that this is very difficult!
The Tokyo Film Industry Association was originally established by Juyu. At least three seats on the standing committee belong to the Juyu Group. In addition, Ikuo Suo also has a good relationship with Juyu, and there are even rumors that he will be the second chairman.
Other representatives from TV stations, directors, producers, and members were all biased towards Shuyou (tree friends), and even Atsuko Toyama herself was originally a Shuyou supporter!
Taking control of the film association under these circumstances is a difficult task!
However, Takeshita's faction also made a guarantee that at least the people from the TV station and the representatives of the major production companies would support them!
Nobuo Asai himself is quite influential in the entertainment industry.
Therefore, the chances of a subordinate overthrowing a superior are still quite high!
"Chairman Itō, Secretary-General Yoshimura, shall we continue?"
Atsuko Toyama maintained a calm expression.
"Let's let it go this time, but please have Naoki-san attend the association's meetings again in the future!"
".Um!"
Shuichi Itō and Ōtomo Yoshimura exchanged a glance, both realizing that this woman from the Ministry of Education had changed her mind!
After the executive meeting ended, Yoshimura Otomo and Itō Shuichi returned to the top floor and went together to Nagayama Naoki's office.
Pushing open the door, I found Naoki Nagayama inside, seemingly writing something.
"Shuichi-san, Otomo-san, is your meeting over?"
Naoki Nagayama stopped what he was doing and noticed the expressions on his two friends' faces.
"What's wrong? You two look so pale?"
"What Naoki-san said before, that someone wants to seize power in the Film Association, has already begun!"
Shuichi Itō then explained what had happened in the meeting.
"Atsuko Toyama looks like she's already one of them! And that Nobuo Asai, he's obviously just here to steal the limelight!"
"Hmm...so fast?"
Naoki Nagayama was somewhat surprised; he had thought he would at least have to wait until the proposal was passed by the Diet.
After all, the entire association is currently united in its efforts towards a common goal, and everyone is working together with a strong sense of purpose.
"Atsuko Toyama is from the Ministry of Education. The fact that she was able to submit so quickly suggests that the Takeshita faction must have contacted her."
Naoki Nagayama stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"As for Nobuo Asai, he used to be one of those who didn't get along with the Vice Minister of Education, Sadanaga Kiba, and even tried to cause trouble at the Tokyo Film Festival. How come he's back? It seems like Sadanaga Kiba doesn't have any influence in the Takeshita faction!"
"This person is probably scouting ahead."
Yoshimura Daitomo said,
"Their goal should be to replace the president and the standing committee members in next year's election. If that happens, the influence of the tree growers in the association will be greatly reduced!"
"A change of leadership?"
Naoki Nagayama shook his head. He didn't value the position of standing committee member much, otherwise he wouldn't have missed so many meetings.
However, Yoshimura Otomo and Itō Shuichi took it very seriously.
"If their target is the chairman, shouldn't Suo Ikuo be more nervous?"
What does "Naoki-san" mean?
Itō Shu's eyes flickered.
"Tell Suo Ikuo? Let them fight each other first?"
"Of course, we'll sit back and watch them fight it out, and see what tricks they have up their sleeves!"
Naoki Nagayama smiled and said,
"As long as the Tree Friends Support Fund remains in their hands, the Film Association won't be able to easily divest itself."
Yoshimura Otomo, however, had some concerns:
"What if they want to control the tree support fund?"
Even if the fund manager is from Shuyou Capital, if the president of the Film Association becomes a member of the Takeshita faction, with the power of the Takeshita faction, they might actually be able to gather the approval of the entire Standing Committee and change the fund manager!
"It's not that easy for the entire Standing Committee to agree unless they use force."
Shuyou wields considerable influence in the entertainment industry. Even if none of them are on the Standing Committee, Shuyou can still influence the decisions of the Standing Committee members.
The only way to get all these people to stand against the tree enthusiasts is for the Takeshita faction to use the power of the Prime Minister to exert pressure.
Putting aside whether the Takeshita faction would actually invest so much effort in a single fund, just what if, just what if they did?
"If they really do use their power to intimidate us, then my ultimate weapon might just be just as formidable!"
Yes, Naoki Nagayama has another powerful weapon in his hand!
If Takeshita Noboru angers him, then expose the Recruit bribery case and bring down the entire Takeshita regime!
(End of this chapter)