wavenovel Chapters 1259 and 1268: Of course we can! And we've already done it!
Chapters 1259 and 1268: Of course we can! And we've already done it!
Chapters 1259 and 1268: Of course we can! And we've already done it!
When Eiichiro Watanabe strode into the editorial department of the Tokyo Sports newspaper with his subordinate Susumu Ishikawa, everyone turned to look at him with surprise, making him feel as if he were surrounded by a halo.
That was a magnificent, radiant entity called the Tree Friend!
*Ahem*. That was all just Watanabe Eiichiro's imagination. In reality, the two of them didn't attract much attention when they walked in.
As one of Japan's largest-circulation newspapers, the Tokyo Sports newspaper's editorial department is extremely busy. Reporters, editors, and business associates are all busy exchanging content, finalizing advertising layouts, and submitting applications for review. They simply don't have time to look at strangers.
Only the receptionist, very professionally, inquired:
"Welcome to Tokyo Sports News! How can I help you? Or do you already have an appointment?"
Eiichiro Watanabe set off immediately upon receiving instructions from Yoshimura Otomo, without making an appointment. However, it didn't matter, as he was a senior member of the publicity department of the Shuyu newspaper and was very familiar with the editor-in-chief of the Tokyo Sports newspaper.
"I am Eiichiro Watanabe from Shuyu. Please inform Editor-in-Chief Junichi Imamura that I need to speak with him!"
"Forehead"
The receptionist initially intended to use the usual method to delay those without appointments, but Shuyou's reputation was indeed impressive; he was definitely not to be underestimated in today's entertainment industry.
Hi, please wait a moment.
The receptionist then went directly to the editor-in-chief's office to inquire.
It's not like the Tree Friends Building; the headquarters of the Tokyo Sports newspaper doesn't have such a large office area.
A moment later, Junichi Imamura, the editor-in-chief of the Tokyo Sports newspaper, came out:
"Isn't that Watanabe-kun?"
He extended his hand warmly to greet Eiichiro Watanabe, shaking his hand and leading him to the reception room.
"It's so hot, why did you come so suddenly without even calling ahead?"
"It was quite sudden. I just came straight over."
Seeing Imamura Junichi's smiling face, Watanabe Eiichiro didn't put on a stern face either. Instead, he politely followed Imamura Junichi into the reception room, without showing any sign of wanting to interrogate him.
Sitting down in the meeting room, having chilled lemonade poured and some snacks served, really felt like a friendly business meeting.
"Editor-in-Chief Imamura, actually I'm here today for one thing."
Eiichiro Watanabe gestured to Susumu Ishikawa to bring out the newspaper and pointed it out to Jun Imamura.
"I came here because of this news report about Momoe Yamaguchi."
Looking at the newspaper on the coffee table, Junichi Imamura's expression stiffened slightly. He hadn't expected that his friend would come knocking on his door so soon after he sent it out.
"Haha, Watanabe-kun, this is just entertainment news, it's normal in the entertainment industry~"
Junichi Imamura chuckled.
"As you know, with summer approaching, readers crave eye-catching news. We only published it after seeing some tabloids report on it for a few days and realizing that our readers didn't seem to care!"
Eiichiro Watanabe set down his glass of lemonade, the clinking sound interrupting Junichi Imamura's explanation:
"Editor-in-Chief Imamura, I'm not here to offer any explanations."
"Before Momoe Yamaguchi's comeback, Naoki personally visited the heads of various media groups and reached a consensus with them that they should try not to report news about Momoe Yamaguchi, and if they really couldn't, they should consult with Kiyoshi first. This is how he gained Momoe Yamaguchi's trust and made her agree to make a comeback."
"Now, Editor-in-Chief Imamura, the Tokyo Sports newspaper has broken its promise."
Upon hearing this, Junichi Imamura broke out in a light sweat; he had indeed not consulted with his friend about this report.
The reason is that he had previously sued Naoki Nagayama and lost the case. He was also severely reprimanded by his superiors, so he has always harbored some resentment and grudges towards Naoki Nagayama and his friends.
That's how Japanese people are: they fear authority but don't appreciate it, they dare not confront it directly but are unwilling to submit, and they always suppress their resentment in their hearts, so sometimes they make some extreme decisions.
So when a reporter asked if he should discuss it with his friends first, he immediately refused.
Watanabe-kun
Now that his fellow tree growers had come to his door, Junichi Imamura realized the seriousness of the problem and explained somewhat flusteredly,
"These reports have been circulating in other tabloids. The rumors about Momoe Yamaguchi's relationship troubles didn't originate from our Tokyo Sports newspaper!"
"."
Hearing this nonsensical explanation, even Ishikawa Susumu, the least senior member of the publicity department, shook his head and couldn't help but speak up.
"You don't create rumors, you just carry them around! Heh~"
"Ishikawa!"
Eiichiro Watanabe gave a low reprimand, then turned to Junichi Imamura and continued speaking.
"Editor-in-Chief Imamura, regardless of the cause, it is a fact that Tokyo Sports has violated the previous agreement!"
"This is just a misunderstanding; we had no intention of breaching the contract."
Junichi Imamura could only stubbornly insist on his words.
"Alright, we won't follow up on this matter any further!"
"That happened later."
Eiichiro Watanabe shook his head, sat up straight, and stated his purpose for the day.
"Editor-in-Chief Imamura, I'm here today to convey the opinions of President Yoshimura Otomo and Chairman Itō Shuichi."
"Because your company breached its contract by reporting on Momoe Yamaguchi's story, which harmed Shuyu, President Yoshimura has decided that for the next month, all artists under Shuyu's management will refuse any interviews with the Tokyo Sports newspaper, and the Tokyo Sports newspaper will also be barred from obtaining any updates on any of Shuyu's artists."
"How could this be!"
Junichi Imamura stood up excitedly.
"How could Otomo-san do this?! This is unfair to the Tokyo Sports newspaper!"
He knew very well that without the latest news on top idols like Shizuka Kudo, Yuki Saito, Junko Ito, and Momoko Kikuchi, the Tokyo Sports newspaper would lag far behind competitors like the Yomiuri Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun in terms of entertainment content!
Moreover, the popular idol drama "Long Vacation" is coming to an end this month. If Aoyama Chikako and Fukuyama Masaharu do not give interviews, they will miss out on a huge wave of exposure!
Moreover, the Tokyo Sports newspaper relies on entertainment news to attract attention. To put it more seriously, the Tokyo Sports newspaper may not even be able to complete its marketing targets this year!
Having caused significant losses for two consecutive years, not to mention his year-end bonus, he might even have to hand over his editor-in-chief position!
"Watanabe-kun, you tree enthusiasts can't do this! This is an infringement on press freedom!!!"
Junichi Imamura's face contorted with rage.
"Of course we can do that! And we already have!"
Eiichiro Watanabe's face lost its initial calmness and turned cold.
"There's no need to make it so serious!"
Junichi Imamura felt a bitter taste in his mouth.
"It's just a report. At worst, we'll fire the reporter who wrote it!"
"This is our punishment for the Tokyo Sports newspaper breaking the agreement, and it's only been a month!"
"If you continue to break the agreement, the deadline will be extended!"
"besides!"
Eiichiro Watanabe stood up and straightened his clothes, and Susumu Ishikawa stood up beside him.
"Chairman Shuichi Itō asked me to convey that if your apology measures do not satisfy him, the Tokyo Sports newspaper will also be excluded from the Tokyo International Film Festival in October!"
"!!!"
Junichi Imamura was speechless.
The Tokyo International Film Festival, which lasts for a month, is a media extravaganza!
Global celebrities will be in attendance, making the opening ceremony red carpet one of the most high-profile events in the world!
If the Tokyo Sports newspaper is excluded, it will not even be able to maintain its status as a first-class newspaper!
The key point is that Shuichi Itō, as one of the three giants of the tree friends and the president of the Tokyo Film Industry Association, can actually exclude the Tokyo Sports newspaper!
"Watanabe-kun!!!"
Imamura Junichi immediately grabbed Watanabe Eiichiro's arm.
"Please allow me to personally apologize to President Yoshimura and Chairman Itō!! I will do everything in my power to gain their forgiveness!"
"This is Editor-in-Chief Imamura's business!"
Eiichiro Watanabe pushed his hand away, bowed slightly, and took his leave.
"I have conveyed your opinions, and I will take my leave now!"
With that, he resolutely led his men out of the conference room, leaving Imamura Junichi, who was left inside, pale-faced and speechless.
As he walked out of the Tokyo Sports newspaper, Eiichiro Watanabe glanced back at the editorial office and felt refreshed.
"Watanabe-san"
Ishikawa Susumu asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Did we overreact this time? It's just one report; it seems excessive."
"Yes, that's definitely an overreaction."
Eiichiro Watanabe nodded.
"But this is for a purpose!"
In fact, such severe punishment is also a measure to make an example of someone.
Under the immense allure of Momoe Yamaguchi's top-tier popularity, the Tokyo Sports newspaper was merely a test for the media industry.
After all, the agreement is based on the premise that both parties can protect themselves. If the tree friend is not determined or able to punish the breaching party, other media will naturally not let go of Yamaguchi Momoe, such a huge source of attention.
"In the past, fans of Naoki were relatively mild towards the media. Even when Naoki was slandered, they chose to sue."
However, filing a lawsuit is merely a defensive measure for tree enthusiasts.
The entertainment industry hasn't seen tree-fed attacks like this in a long time!
Those who only passively defend themselves only inspire worry and restraint, while those who actively attack inspire fear and deter others from provoking them.
Just like how a certain major power only ever protests, even neighboring small countries dare to chime in, and even the so-called four major underworld families dare to provoke that major power.
However, after the rebels "found a large amount of weapons and equipment in the woods," a small country immediately sent over the four major families in a package deal.
Previously, a paparazzi was forced to become a monk, which was seen as an attack by others, and directly made paparazzi in the entertainment industry dare not spy on Naoki Nagayama's home anymore.
The fact that they've taken action against the Tokyo Sports newspaper again is to make sure the media industry doesn't dare to offend the Shuyu Group again!
"Besides, Naoki-san is aiming for an Oscar next year, and he needs the support of the media."
As the second-in-command of the publicity department, Eiichiro Watanabe was naturally well aware of the publicity strategy following "Departures".
"Once others recognize the capabilities of our fellow tree-lovers, no one will have any irrational thoughts."
"."
Susumu Ishikawa was speechless.
"So there were so many plans all along."
"Haha, you still have a lot to learn, kid!"
Thanks to the deliberate dissemination by netizens, news of the punishment imposed on the Tokyo Sports newspaper quickly spread throughout the media circle.
The media groups behind major newspapers have all received the news, and it is even rumored that the political family that controls the Tokyo Sports newspaper severely reprimanded editor-in-chief Junichi Imamura and ordered him to resign immediately.
Other major media groups immediately withdrew their eagerness to report on Momoe Yamaguchi, and instead began praising the opening month box office performance of "Departures" as if nothing had happened, and even planned a special column related to the finale of "Long Vacation".
Tsuneo Watanabe, the managing director of the Yomiuri Shimbun Group, had previously been in contact with Itsuki and had also agreed to control the news about Momoe Yamaguchi. This time, he also heard about the news from the Tokyo Sports newspaper.
"Tsk tsk tsk, this time, Friend Tree, your reaction is a bit too strong!"
Tsuneo Watanabe said this while drinking with Ryuta Koga, the president of Nippon Television.
"Looks like they're just putting on a show for us. The Yomiuri Shimbun's chief writer even wanted to report on Momoe Yamaguchi before, but now he's too scared, isn't he?"
"Yes. He was all smiles and very polite when he asked Tsuneo-san for a favor."
Koga Ryuta took a sip of sake and sighed.
"Young people are so impetuous!"
"Haha, what kind of young person wouldn't be full of vigor?!"
Watanabe Tsuneo shook his head.
"The Tree Friends Group has made quite a few moves this year."
Just a few days ago, the "Labor Protection Bill for Film Industry Workers" passed the regular session of Congress, and it is expected to pass the Senate's review by the end of this month and then become national legislation!
"This has truly made the Tokyo Film Industry Association a powerful and wealthy industry association that can genuinely influence the entire film industry!"
"yes."
Ryuta Koga, now in his fifties, feels like he's dreaming about the rapid rise of Naoki Nagayama and his fan club in recent years.
"Before we knew it, a huge company that no one could ignore had emerged in the entertainment industry—no, in Japan!"
"The key is that Naoki Nagayama is still so young!"
Watanabe Tsuneo asked with a smile:
"What were we doing when we were Naoki Nagayama's age?"
"Haha, just like now, drinking!"
Ryuta Koga raised his glass and said with a smile.
"Haha, yes, yes, yes. They're drinking too!"
The carefree drinking of youth and the gentle sipping of wine in one's fifties seem to blend together at this moment.
After downing a cup of sake, Ryuta Koga sighed once again:
"What do you think Naoki Nagayama is doing right now?"
"Could he be drinking?"
"Hahaha, maybe!"
Meanwhile, on Jurassic Island in the Seto Inland Sea, Naoki Nagayama and Akina are spending their first night on the island.
With a whole team dedicated to serving the two adults and one child, all services were top-notch. Even the slightly tired Xia Hua had a nanny to help look after her.
Naoki Nagayama is currently in the garden next to the hotel, enjoying barbecue skewers and drinks with Akina over a bonfire, occasionally breaking into a light dance to the music.
They haven't gone on a date alone in a long time.
"Naoki-san~"
Akina, who had drunk several cocktails, had a flushed face in the firelight, whether from the alcohol or the heat of the flames, it was hard to tell.
She pulled Naoki Nagayama around a few times, then sat down on the sturdy log seat to rest for a while.
"Naoki-san, you've put everything aside, is that alright? I saw the news about Momoe-san before."
"Hey, there's still Otomo-san and the others, isn't there!"
I believe in them!
"Eek~~~~ Naoki-san is clearly being lazy, just dumping the complicated stuff on them, right?!"
"Akina, you know far too much!" Naoki Nagayama's face hardened. "I have no choice but to silence you!"
"?? Ugh~~~"
Before she could even react, her husband had already covered her mouth!
So that's how they "silenced" people!
Akina then realized what was happening, and wrapped her arms around Nagayama Naoki's neck, responding enthusiastically.
(End of this chapter)