wavenovel Chapter 1295, page 1304: I gave him a price he couldn't refuse!
Chapter 1295, page 1304: I gave him a price he couldn't refuse!
Chapter 1295, page 1304: I gave him a price he couldn't refuse!
Naoki Nagayama had no idea what the Takeshita faction, which he had personally overthrown, would do after he entered the NHK headquarters.
At this moment, he was sitting in the camp of the tree friends, watching the opening performance on stage with Akina. The Hikaru GENJI boy idol group from Johnny's was singing, dancing, and rapping enthusiastically on stage.
Actually, Naoki Nagayama couldn't really appreciate male idols in either of his lives, especially the Johnny's male idol groups that rely on selling sex appeal, but they do have a lot of female fans.
The female guests attending the Tokyo International Film Festival today had their female fans' eyes light up!
Even Akina, who was standing next to her, said, "None of them are as handsome as Naoki-san," but she couldn't say much while secretly glancing at Nagayama Naoki, since he also looked at all kinds of pretty girls.
After the performance ended, while waiting for the opening remarks, Michael Jackson did say something:
"The young idols in Japan are very different from those in America."
"Haha, isn't that right~" Naoki Nagayama nodded, "Even more refined and handsome."
Male idols' prime is typically between their teens and twenties; they haven't even fully matured yet!
There are rumors that Johnny & Associates is a puppet supported by the United States to implement Japan's "anti-male" policy. Whether this rumor is true or not is unknown, but it is true that all the idols in Johnny & Associates were harmed by that old guy Kitagawa.
Naoki Nagayama disapproved of the unspoken rules within Johnny's Entertainment, but he didn't intend to expose Kitagawa. The entertainment industry was a complex and sometimes corrupt place, full of all sorts of people driven by fame and fortune; meddling might not even be appreciated by the artists themselves. It was best to mind his own business.
After the performance ended, Ikuo Suo walked to the front of the stage, guided by the host, to deliver his opening remarks.
"It is an honor to speak at the opening ceremony."
"The Tokyo International Film Festival is now in its third year. I've watched it grow and expand step by step, becoming a world-class film event."
"."
It was all just high-sounding platitudes, enough to make Naoki Nagayama yawn, let alone foreign stars like Michael Jackson and Jackie Chan who barely understood Japanese. However, artists of this era had solid business acumen, and they smiled and nodded as if they had heard some golden advice.
At this moment, Yoshimura Otomo leaned over and asked:
"Naoki-san, is your audition going to end today?"
"Just have a few people collect the application forms today," Naoki Nagayama said, turning his head slightly. "The actors mainly need to find their own."
"I just saw Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones), and I'd like to go talk to him."
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has been released. This movie is a childhood memory, a legendary story, and Indiana Jones's adventurous spirit fulfills all the adventure fantasies of a young boy.
Naoki Nagayama believes that if he were to star in "Jurassic Park," he would definitely be very popular, but he doesn't know if Naoki Nagayama would be available.
Indiana Jones?
Following Naoki Nagayama's gaze, Yoshimura Otomo indeed spotted the very noticeable actor.
"If it's him, that would be great."
"Okay, let's wait until after the opening ceremony."
While the two were chatting, the opening ceremony continued. As Ikuo Suo stepped down from the stage, the host began introducing the jury to the stage, and then listed the films nominated for the Tokyo International Film Festival Grand Prix this year.
Naturally, Naoki Nagayama's "Departures" was the first one to stand out.
"It presents the profession of mortician in Japan from a unique perspective, showcasing the rich national culture while exploring intimate relationships between people in a humorous way."
"Departures" has received widespread acclaim. Congratulations to Naoki Nagayama for being nominated for the Grand Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival!
Upon hearing that his film had been selected, Naoki Nagayama immediately stood up and bowed to the surrounding crowd!
Next, here are the final results for the other shortlisted films in this year's film festival competition, which will be announced at the closing ceremony.
"Naoki-san, your film is likely to win many awards."
Shuichi Itō sipped his champagne and joked with a smile.
"There's no domestic film that can compare to yours. It's a pity that 'Ghost' didn't participate."
"Ghost is a commercial film, and it's not quite good enough for awards at international film festivals."
As everyone knows, in these film award competitions that encompass the entire global film industry, sales are not necessarily a major factor. Winning films must be very special, whether it be cultural, thematic, or avant-garde.
Therefore, some art-house directors also have the opportunity to win major awards.
"So there's a high chance that 'Departures' will win an international award?" Yoshimura Daitomo said with a smile. "Naoki-san, when are you going to go abroad and win an Oscar?"
"We'll have to wait until next year."
The Oscars are held from February to April each year, so even if Naoki Nagayama wanted to win, there was no way for him to do so.
Time passed amidst the proceedings on stage and the whispers below. The opening ceremony proceeded smoothly, and around 2 PM, the salon party finally began.
Naoki Nagayama walked through the crowd with a glass of champagne in his hand, chatting with familiar faces every now and then.
Almost everyone in the Japanese entertainment industry knows him, and directors and stars from abroad have also heard of him to some extent. In addition, he just stood up and bowed at the opening ceremony, so everyone recognized him.
"Director Nagayama." "Naoki-san, it's nice to meet you." "Let's work together sometime!"
Similar pleasantries were repeated over and over, and Naoki Nagayama smiled and said some polite things.
After searching for a while, Naoki Nagayama finally found Indiana Jones, who was having a passionate affair with an American actress.
This artist, who rose to fame with films like Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, and Star Wars, is currently enjoying a period of great success.
"Mr. Ford!"
Naoki Nagayama greeted them first.
"Oh, Mrs. Sorry, I'm not very good with Japanese names."
Harrison Ford paused for a moment. He recognized Naoki Nagayama, the famous director who had won the Palme d'Or, but couldn't recall his exact Japanese name.
"I am Naoki Nagayama."
Naoki Nagayama didn't seem to care and proceeded to introduce himself.
"Do you have time to talk?"
"Of course!"
Harrison Ford nodded, spoke briefly with his female companion, and then went with Naoki Nagayama to a quieter corner.
"Director Nagayama, is there anything I can help you with?"
Harrison Ford was a little reserved, feeling as if the Japanese director in front of him was appraising some kind of product, even making him question Naoki Nagayama's sexual orientation.
"Mr. Ford, I've seen you in 'Blade Runner' and 'Indiana Jones'."
Naoki Nagayama, on the other hand, was very relaxed.
"Your acting skills impressed me deeply."
"Thank you~"
Harrison Ford nodded in thanks.
"What projects are you filming lately?" Naoki Nagayama asked directly. "Indiana Jones 3?"
Filming for Indiana Jones 3 will not begin until the second half of next year.
Harrison Ford stated that he was already aware of the young director's ideas and that there was definitely a project he wanted to collaborate on.
"Next year, I plan to shoot a comedy and a crime film. My schedule is completely full for the whole year."
Well-known actors have very tight schedules, and some may even be filming several movies at the same time, leading to the possibility of filming multiple projects simultaneously.
Although he knew that the young Japanese director had great potential, his schedule for next year and even the year after was already booked!
"Haha, so you're saying you still have availability until the end of the year?"
Naoki Nagayama asked with a smile.
"That's true."
This period is a bit of a break, and there are various award ceremonies at the end of the year.
"That's fine then."
Naoki Nagayama wasn't trying to keep us in suspense.
"Mr. Ford, how about adding 'Jurassic Park' to my new movie?! This film, adapted from the novel, might just create a new dinosaur universe!"
"Uh, a dinosaur universe?"
Harrison Ford was somewhat surprised.
"Although I'm very curious, I only have about two months available."
"It's okay, filming movies is quick in Japan!"
Naoki Nagayama wasn't worried at all.
"However, regarding the salary, it will still be based on the overall quality of the film and the salaries of famous Hollywood actors today. I estimate that I can give you around $500 million."
The agency can handle the details, but money is not an issue!!!
When dealing with unfamiliar Americans, the most effective approach is to use money directly!
".!!!"
Sure enough, Harrison Ford was deeply tempted!
500! !
Although he earned over 400 million in salary for "Indiana Jones 2," this time he only needed two months to earn what he used to earn in six months to a year—a truly unbelievable opportunity!
Even for a Category III film, he felt the urge to agree!
However, considering his status and reputation, Harrison Ford still hesitated:
"This is Director Nagayama! I didn't even know your movie was made. Do you have the script?"
"The script... well... I didn't bring it with me."
Naoki Nagayama looked around. Because he was auditioning for a film at this year's film festival, there were many display stands inside the NHK venue, which displayed Naoki Nagayama's novel "Jurassic Park," including a translated version.
He walked over in a few steps, picked up an English version of "Jurassic Park," and handed it to Harrison Ford:
"The scripts are all based on this novel. I am both the author and the screenwriter, so there is no difference in content."
"Well then, Dr. Indiana, you can begin your new adventure by reading this novel!"
"Haha~" Harrison Ford took the novel. "I'll definitely read it carefully."
"Haha~ There will be auditions for 'Jurassic Park' at the film festival starting tomorrow."
Naoki Nagayama said,
"If Ford decides to participate, then they can simply register and go through the process!"
"OK."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Naoki Nagayama returned to the territory of his group of friends.
Shuichi Itō asked in surprise:
"So fast?"
"Yes, it's all settled! He'll definitely be participating!"
Naoki Nagayama took another sip of champagne, confident in his invitation; he believed Harrison Ford would definitely come to sign up!
"Harrison Ford, this must be your first time meeting, right?"
Shuichi Itō asked in confusion,
Why did he agree so readily?
"Because I offered him a price he couldn't refuse!!"
"how much is it?"
"$500 million!"
No artist can resist the allure of money, especially with such a great project!
"!!!"
Shuichi Itō's mouth dropped open, and Yoshimura Otomo and the others who had been listening nearby were also astonished. 500 million US dollars, at the current exchange rate, is 6 million yen!
This already represents most of Yoshimura Otomo's wealth accumulated over the years!
Akina Nakamori, who had been drinking juice the whole time, didn't seem to care much about the amount.
One reason is that it's calculated in US dollars, so she's not very familiar with exchange rates. Another reason is that she's become desensitized to money over the past few years.
The thought that her husband could earn billions a year made money seem like just a number!
"."
After a long silence, Itō Shuichi finally spoke.
"Naoki-san, is he worth it?"
What kind of actor is he? He can earn most of his fortune from just one movie!
"It's well worth it."
It's worth noting that Harrison Ford is one of the richest actors in American film history; he earned over $65 million for his role in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" shortly afterward.
This is how the market values Harrison Ford!
"This"
Shuichi Itō remained silent; he had always placed great trust in Naoki Nagayama's judgment.
He took a big gulp of red wine to calm his nerves, then looked at Harrison Ford in the distance.
"Then let's hope he can live up to such a high salary!"
"Baka!" "Got a tooth pulled!!" "."
A group of political heavyweights rushed to the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party, and upon entering, they heard the angry shouts of numerous politicians and members of parliament.
"Traitor!" "How dare he?!" "Takeshita Noboru, that guy, is a sinner of the Liberal Democratic Party!" "He deserves to die." "Seppuku! Seppuku!!!"
After seeing the press conference on live television, almost all the key members of the Liberal Democratic Party quickly came here!
Everyone was filled with righteous indignation, and they all gritted their teeth at Takeshita Noboru and the Takeshita faction's actions in splitting the Liberal Democratic Party.
When Takeshita Noboru left the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), he said that the LDP was no longer the party that represented the people, and that there were more corrupt and illegal activities within the party. This was not just his own problem; he had ruined everyone's livelihood!
Especially when the Liberal Democratic Party is embroiled in a public opinion storm, it's no less than a stab in the back!
"Tanaka-san!" "Nikaido-san!" "What should we do?!" "We can't let this continue!"
"Why don't we send someone to kill Takeshita Noboru?" "Heaven punishes us!!"
"."
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Kakuei Tanaka ascended the stage and slammed his hand on the table to silence the crowd.
"Stop arguing, you won't get anything out of it!"
"And that guy who wanted to kill Takeshita Noboru, why don't you grab a knife and kill him now!"
Kakuei Tanaka glared at him and said,
"After I take him out, I guarantee I'll arrange the best lawyer for you!!!"
"."
The senator, whose face had just turned red, immediately shrank back.
"Hmph, do you think this is the Edo period?!" Kakuei Tanaka scoffed. "Should we also find an assassin like Battosai?!"
"."
Everyone fell silent, staring intently at him, waiting for the core of the Liberal Democratic Party and the founder of the Tanaka faction to speak.
After taking a few deep breaths, Kakuei Tanaka finally spoke:
"Gentlemen, the Liberal Democratic Party has reached a critical juncture of survival!"
"With public opinion surging outside and internal divisions, the situation is already extremely precarious!"
"At this point, we shouldn't continue arguing, but rather think of ways to get through this!"
"Takeshita Noboru's betrayal caught everyone off guard, but he definitely has follow-up plans, most likely involving cooperation with the Socialist Party!"
"And our Liberal Democratic Party cannot sit idly by. We need all our core members to contact the opposition parties as soon as possible to find out their follow-up plans so that we can respond accordingly!"
"At the same time, we must also be prepared for significant losses. Members involved in bribery cases should confess as soon as possible, like Takeshita Noboru, or even resign."
"In the worst-case scenario, we should prepare for a potential reorganization of the Liberal Democratic Party, but that possibility is very small."
"Our Liberal Democratic Party members are all over Japanese government agencies, we won't fall so easily!"
"."
After being calmed down by Kakuei Tanaka, the Liberal Democratic Party members quieted down and began to investigate the cause as instructed.
And we are prepared for the worst.
At this point, no one wanted to continue helping the Recruit Company.
(End of this chapter)