wavenovel Chapters 1388 and 1397: Heading to Hollywood! Oscars, here I come!!
Chapters 1388 and 1397: Heading to Hollywood! Oscars, here I come!!
Chapters 1388 and 1397: Heading to Hollywood! Oscars, here I come!!
The storms and hardships of the outside world cannot reach Yama-oka-in.
The cherry blossoms in the courtyard were in full bloom, and the falling petals were a beautiful sight, gradually accumulating a light layer on the ground.
However, there was no one admiring the view from the eaves, and the living room was empty. Only from the bedroom on the second floor could one occasionally hear Eitaro's cries.
In the bedroom, Xia Hua was sitting on the bed, watching her parents pack a large suitcase.
"At this time of year, all you need to wear in Los Angeles is one layer of clothing!"
Despite being heavily pregnant, Akina remained focused on packing her husband's luggage.
"However, if you're going to a formal event, you'll need at least two formal outfits."
After packing the two shirts into the suitcase, Akina said she had also bought a floral shirt.
"How about this one? It's very flashy. Perfect for going out and relaxing."
"."
Naoki Nagayama looked at the floral shirt he'd brought back from Hawaii and couldn't help but laugh.
"Is this for the beach?"
"Los Angeles has beaches too!"
Akina said, and then her tone inexplicably turned jealous.
"And there are also long-legged beauties on the beach wearing bikinis."
"."
Naoki Nagayama is going to the Oscars, and with his looks, status, and wealth, he's bound to encounter many stunningly beautiful women throwing themselves at him. Plus, since he's in late pregnancy, the two haven't been intimate for a long time.
Naoki Nagayama quickly pledged his loyalty, tossing his floral shirt aside.
"What are you thinking, Akina! I have important business to attend to this time! I don't have time to think about anything else!"
Just as Akina was about to say something more, she heard Natsuka next to her huffing and puffing.
Turning my head, I saw that the floral shirt that Naoki Nagayama had just thrown had landed right on the little guy's head!
At this moment, Xiaoxia was trying hard to pry open the cover with her two little hands, but because she was so small, her entire head was still covered.
"Oh my, flower sauce~"
Naoki Nagayama reached out and removed the shirt, revealing the little guy's delicate brows furrowed.
"Private Marseille, I didn't notice you just now."
"Humph!"
The little one may not have learned anything else, but she seems to have picked up her mother's stubbornness completely. At this moment, she rolled her eyes and ignored her own father.
So Naoki Nagayama could only sit down, hug the little guy, and sincerely apologize before he could finally calm him down.
"Flower sauce~"
Naoki Nagayama, seeing Natsuka's curiosity about the suitcase, explained,
"This is the luggage I'm taking. Dad will be away on a business trip for two weeks in a couple of days, so we'll be relying on you at home!"
"?"
Xia Hua clearly didn't understand what a business trip meant.
"On business trip?"
"It means I've been away from home for a long time."
"Oh~"
She probably thought it was just like going to work in the morning and coming back in the evening. So she wriggled onto the floor and started scratching at the lying Eitaro.
Seeing the look of disgust on Eitaro's face, yet also his reluctance to move, Naoki Nagayama shook his head:
"Akina, my mother-in-law and my mother should be arriving in the next day or two. Please ask them to spend as much time with you as possible during this time."
"."
Akina looked slightly helpless after hearing this.
"This is the second time for me, there's really no need to make such a big fuss! It's only been half a month, and I have Moli Sang and the others helping me at home,"
But I'm worried!
Naoki Nagayama reached out and embraced his wife, gently stroking her protruding belly.
"Just take this as a way to put my mind at ease and take good care of yourself."
"Hmm~"
As they quietly chatted and tidied up, night slowly fell, and the light shining through the window seemed to carry a warm glow, creating a cozy atmosphere.
The evening breeze gently rustled through the leaves in the courtyard.
The following day, the popularity of "Jurassic Park" continued to explode, and with more and more people who had seen the movie sharing their experiences, the film's reputation continued to rise.
Before we knew it, dinosaur toys in toy stores were sold out, Jurassic Park novels were out of stock in bookstores, and dinosaur museums were packed with people.
There is no doubt that Jurassic Park also sparked a dinosaur craze!
As film sales continued to climb, Naoki Nagayama naturally had to come to the company to keep a close eye on the film's progress, handle any emergencies, and arrange tasks after he left!
Oh, and there's something even more important: he wants to take a copy of Jurassic Park to Hollywood!
"Naoki Mulberry"
On the top floor of the Tree Friends Building, Naoki Nagayama was on the phone with Naoya Sakata from Jurassic Island.
"More and more people are sneaking onto the island!"
"This morning the foreman caught five more. They were all teenagers, around seventeen or eighteen years old."
"."
Listening to Naoya Sakata's story, Naoki Nagayama could only helplessly touch his forehead.
Influenced by the Jurassic Park craze, these energetic and daring young people are indeed capable of anything!
"Sakata-san, give them a verbal reprimand, then let them go."
"By the way, are there permanent police officers on the island now?"
"Hi!"
Naoya Sakata replied,
"Since what was mentioned before, the Ehime Prefectural Police Station has set up a temporary patrol post on the island."
They also said that, given the island's size, a permanent liaison office would be established once it officially opens to the public!
"That's good. Let's take those people to the police station to register them in case anything goes wrong."
Naoki Nagayama naturally wouldn't object to this. Having a police officer present can prevent many things from happening. You know, even though the island is full of construction workers who are Naoki's friends, there have been many arguments or fights and other security incidents!
"Hi!"
After explaining these matters, Naoya Sakata asked again,
"Naoki-san, when is Jurassic Park expected to open? We've been getting more and more inquiries lately."
"Officially open."
Naoki Nagayama pondered for a moment,
"At least until I return from the United States, we still need to plan things out carefully before opening up."
"I see."
After chatting for a while about the final stages of the project on the island, Naoki Nagayama hung up the phone.
Just then, Yoshimura Otomo walked in.
"Ha, with the movie being such a hit, why is Naoki-san still frowning?"
"Sigh, excessive popularity always brings both good and bad effects."
Naoki Nagayama remarked that he had gone to the publicity department early in the morning to gather information from various sources.
"Wild humans have appeared on Jurassic Island, and there have been voices of condemnation within the entertainment industry as well."
Yoshimura Otomo wasn't curious about the spawning of savages on the island, but on the other hand:
"Oh? There's actually a protest?"
"yes."
Naoki Nagayama remained helpless.
"Because it's so popular, all the theater chains and independent cinemas have heavily allocated their screenings and promotions to 'Jurassic Park.' Some theaters are even showing only one movie all day."
"This has made other production companies and directors unhappy!"
This is just news circulating within the industry, but in a few days, it will likely be said that phrases like "monopolizing resources," "leaving no way for other film companies to survive," and "unfair competition" will be spreading everywhere!
If we can't defeat Naoki Nagayama in terms of film quality, we'll defeat him in terms of character!
"Hahaha~"
Yoshimura Daitomo laughed.
"They compete on merit. Their films can't compare to others, so what's there to complain about if the cinemas choose ours?!"
"Don't worry, Naoki-san, I'll arrange for the media to control this public opinion! It'll be easy!"
"."
Naoki Nagayama rested his chin on one hand, tapping his fingers on his desk with the other, a hint of helplessness in his expression.
"I know suppressing public opinion is easy. But at this stage, it's very complicated, and I really need the support of the Japanese industry."
It's currently the time for him to go to the United States to compete for the Oscars. Although he will be lobbying there and has his own network of contacts to support him, the support from the Japanese film industry behind him is also very important!
You have to understand that no matter how big a film company is, it's not as big as a country's film industry!
If he falls out with the film industry at this point, many people who initially supported him out of consideration for his fellow Japanese director might change their minds.
"The ultimate goal is to make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible!"
Naoki Nagayama said to Daitomo Yoshimura,
"Mr. Otomo, could you please contact the major cinema chains on behalf of the Shuyu Group and ask them to reserve some screenings for other films?"
"We can't be the ones enjoying a lavish meal while others don't even get a drop of soup."
As Yoshimura Otomo listened to Nagayama Naoki's words, the smile on his face gradually turned into approval.
If it were him, achieving Naoki Nagayama's level of success at the age of twenty-five or twenty-six, he would be incredibly arrogant and wouldn't care about anyone else.
This is what it means to have self-control and a long-term vision!
"Okay, I'll contact the people at each theater chain."
Yoshimura Daitomo nodded.
"We will also spread Naoki-san's noble ideals!"
"Haha, then I'll leave it to you!"
Naoki Nagayama was certainly not trying to do good deeds anonymously; he needed the support of the Japanese film industry right from the start!
"Has the departure date been set?"
After recounting this, Yoshimura Otomo continued to ask,
"Is there anything else to arrange?!"
"The movie's promotional plan is already in place, and arrangements have been made at home. My mother-in-law and mother will probably arrive tonight!"
Naoki Nagayama pondered for a moment, then said,
"We can leave anytime!"
"Are you traveling on your private jet this time?"
"Haha, yeah, this time it's a direct crossing of the Pacific Ocean!!"
Since buying his private jet, he has always only flown within Japan. This time, he's finally going to fly internationally! As for the paperwork, Japan Airlines will naturally handle it.
"Then I wish you a safe journey!"
Yoshimura Otomo patted Nagayama Naoki on the shoulder and said with a smile,
"And bring Oscar back with you!"
"Haha, I appreciate your kind words!"
After returning to Yama-oka-in in the afternoon, I indeed saw new figures.
In the living room, Natsuka was being affectionately held in Nanako Nagayama's arms, while on the other side of the sofa, Chieko Nakamori was chatting happily with Akina, her arm linked with Akina's.
"Mother, Mother-in-law, you've arrived!"
Naoki Nagayama greeted the two mothers.
"This is troublesome again!"
"Where is the trouble?"
Nanako Nagayama walked over carrying the little one.
"Look how cute the flower sauce is! It's not troublesome at all!!"
When Xiaoxia, nestled in her grandmother's arms, saw Naoki Nagayama, a happy smile appeared on her face:
"Dad~~"
"Good flower sauce, have you ever called her grandma?"
"Mmm, Grandma"
Xiaoxiahua turned around and called out to Nagayama Nanako again~
Looking at the exquisitely beautiful little girl, Nanako Nagayama's affection was overflowing. Her two eldest children were both boys, and they became quite mischievous as they grew up; none of them were as well-behaved and adorable as Natsuka!
After talking with his mother, Nanako, for a while, Naoki Nagayama then began talking with Chieko Nakamori.
"My mother-in-law's health?"
"I'm all better now. I've been so idle all day that I've gained weight!"
Chieko Nakamori is a restless person, but because of her previous surgery, Akina has long stopped her from working. Anyway, the Nakamori children are all adults and independent now, and the monthly allowance she gives Chieko is enough for her to live a leisurely life.
So Chieko is actually a bit rounder than before.
"I'll have to trouble you again this time."
"Akina is my daughter!" Chieko Nakamori feigned anger. "What's there to be so polite about! Naoki, you're becoming more and more distant!"
"I still want to thank you."
Naoki Nagayama responded with a smile.
"This is a feeling from the bottom of my heart!"
"Ha~"
Seeing the two of them pushing and shoving each other, Akina quickly spoke up:
"Mothers, dinner is ready. Naoki-san just got back; he must be hungry. Let's go eat."
This temporarily brought the conversation to a close.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, the dining table at Yamasakurain was already laden with a sumptuous dinner, all prepared by the family's live-in housekeepers, Nakagawa Anka and Nonaka Mari.
"The two mothers don't need to lift a finger when it comes to meals. Everything is customized by Ms. Morisang based on a pregnancy nutrition plan."
During the meal, Naoki Nagayama also gave a brief introduction.
"I've also instructed the housekeeper to be ready to drive Akina to the hospital at any time."
"If you need to go out, you can call the driver anytime."
"In short, your main job is to help take care of Akina and Hana-chan."
"."
Everything is arranged. I don't need to do anything; all I need to do is stay with Akina, who is pregnant, and take care of Natsuka.
For Chieko Nakamori and Nanako Nagayama, coming to Yamazakurain to take care of Akina and Hana-chan is practically like a vacation!
This made the two elderly people sigh and lament what kind of life they had lived before.
"Naoki, when are you leaving?"
Nanako, the mother, asked.
"When are you coming back?"
"I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning and probably won't be back until the end of the month."
"The luggage?"
Akina spoke up at this moment:
"My luggage was packed yesterday!"
"Are you in such a hurry?"
"There's still business in Hollywood."
The main problem is that there's not much time left for lobbying! It takes more than ten hours to fly from Tokyo!
The group talked for a while about Naoki Nagayama's departure, and Naoki Nagayama even promised to bring souvenir gifts for both mothers.
As for Xia Hua, who was at the same table, she was focused on eating, occasionally glancing up at the people at the table, but she couldn't quite understand what they were saying.
Early in the morning, Naoki Nagayama had already quietly gotten up.
Seeing that Akina was still fast asleep, Naoki Nagayama didn't intend to wake her. He turned his head and saw the little one sleeping in a crooked position, so he couldn't help but straighten her up and tuck her in. Only then did he quietly leave the bedroom without disturbing anyone.
But the little dog at the door heard its master's commotion and saw Nagayama Naoki come out, so its thick tail began to wag.
"shush"
Naoki Nagayama put his finger to his lips and walked downstairs with the dog.
The nanny, Anka Nakagawa, had gotten up early and prepared breakfast for Naoki Nagayama.
The butler, Afu, had already gotten up and loaded the luggage into the Toyota Century, which was already running. The driver, Toda Tomoyasu, was leading the way.
Just before getting on the bus, Naoki Nagayama gave the dog's head a good pat:
"Eitarou, while I'm gone, make sure you take good care of the house, okay!"
"Nyan Taro's whereabouts are always a mystery, so this family is counting on you!"
"Waaaaah~~"
The dog naturally shook its head and agreed.
Naoki Nagayama got into the car, which slowly drove out of Yamazakura-in and headed towards Narita International Airport in the misty morning light.
As dawn broke, a white Gulfstream jet slowly rose from Narita Airport and disappeared into the clouds.
(End of this chapter)