wavenovel Chapter 1418-1427, I just wanted to smash a few sports cars!
Chapter 1418-1427, I just wanted to smash a few sports cars!
The next day, Naoki Nagayama finished breakfast but didn't go to Ginza right away.
Instead, he circled around the luxury cars in the garage, such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur and Toyota Century, for a long time, and even walked around Akina's blue Porsche 911 several times.
Eitaro thought his master had discovered his treasure hidden in the garage, and followed Naoki Nagayama around for a long time, shaking his head and swaying back and forth.
This puzzled Akina, who walked towards the garage, and Natsuka naturally followed her eagerly.
"Naoki-san? What's wrong?"
Akina looked at her husband with a puzzled expression.
Is there something wrong with the car?
Naoki Nagayama bent down and hugged the little one who ran towards him, then asked Akina a strange question:
"Akina, if my Silver Spur and your Porsche collided, which car do you think would be more damaged?"
"."
Akina narrowed her eyes; she sensed that her husband's imagination was quite unfriendly.
"Naoki-san, what are you trying to do?! Are you going to wreck our car?!"
"No, no, no, it's just a discussion, just a little discussion~"
Naoki Nagayama shook his head repeatedly, responding with a smile.
"I was just thinking of some great movie ideas yesterday. Wouldn't it be awesome to see a top-of-the-line sports car get wrecked in a movie?!"
If there's anything memorable about "Fast & Furious" besides the brotherhood and the racing, it's definitely the series of top-of-the-line sports cars. What's even more memorable is that these cars all crash, explode, and turn to rubble on some stretch of highway.
"...Awesome?"
Akina was extremely surprised.
"Naoki-san, how could you think like that?! Shouldn't you be heartbroken?!"
"No, no, no, actually, if it weren't for your own things being damaged, most people would feel a sense of destructiveness or excitement."
Naoki Nagayama said with great seriousness,
"The more expensive the item, the stronger this feeling becomes."
"It's like watching a show."
Listening to Naoki Nagayama's twisted logic, Akina couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
This world shouldn't be like this!
Then she saw Xia Hua in his arms, nodding as if she understood her father's words, and quickly took the little one back with her.
"Naoki-san, don't try to instill any of your fallacies in Hana-chan! You'll corrupt her!"
"This is not some kind of fallacy."
Just as Naoki Nagayama was about to explain, Akina had already led the little one into the room, leaving only the words:
Have a safe trip!
"."
Naoki Nagayama, somewhat speechless, petted the dog that had been standing beside him, then picked up the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur and drove straight to Ginza.
Along the way, seeing the luxury cars and sports cars coming and going on the road, I even had the urge to step on the gas and crash into them.
This is because the seven Fast & Furious movies are still lingering in his mind, and the emotions haven't been released, which makes him always feel like he wants to go on a high-speed chase.
"Tsk tsk tsk, I can't take it anymore, I have to finish writing quickly!"
Naoki Nagayama muttered to himself, subconsciously stepping on the gas pedal, then quickly releasing it.
"I don't have the driving skills of movie stars; one wrong move and I could really crash!"
"Reckless driving will bring tears to your loved ones' eyes!"
With these thoughts in mind, Naoki Nagayama once again visited Tree Friends Capital in Ginza.
"Naoki Mulberry" "Naoki Mulberry early." "...Naoki Mulberry, is it just adhesive tape?" "."
During this period, the company's employees have gradually become familiar with Naoki Nagayama and no longer feel too unfamiliar with him.
Hearing the greetings from outside, Matsuo Muneo came straight out of the conference room:
"Naoki-san, you've come!"
"Yes," Naoki Nagayama nodded. "Is today's filming ready?"
"The crew of 'Hi' has completed preparations."
When Naoki Nagayama went inside, he saw that Genta Nakai was also inside, reciting his lines.
"Good morning, Yuan Tai-san!"
"Naoki Mulberry"
Nakai Genta turned around, glanced at Nagayama Naoki's expression, and only felt relieved after finding nothing amiss.
"Is everything alright today?"
"No. I rested well after going home early yesterday."
Naoki Nagayama replied with a smile,
"I've conceived a movie about car chases."
"Car racing?" Nakai Genta nodded. "This kind of movie is quite well-received by the market."
Racing movies have always been a popular choice in film categories. Starting with "The Crazy Racer" in 1957, followed by "Fragmented" in the 70s and "Cannonball Run" in 81, these are all memorable racing movies.
Furthermore, as the automotive industry becomes increasingly prosperous and cars become more and more common, people's love for cars is also growing stronger.
"Yeah~"
Naoki Nagayama looked at Genta Nakai and suddenly realized something.
"By the way, Mr. Yuan, do you have any connections with Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan, or other car manufacturers?"
"Hmm? Naoki-san wants to see if they're planning to place an ad?"
Nakai Genta was quick-witted; he immediately understood the meaning behind Nagayama Naoki's question.
"There aren't any particularly close business relationships at the moment, but that's okay. The financial world is only so big; we'll always be able to get in touch!"
"They want to attract some sponsorships."
Naoki Nagayama nodded.
"In the movies I envision, the cars will probably be quite demanding and expensive!"
Racing cars naturally need to be filmed with real vehicles, and those luxury cars are inherently difficult to replicate. Naoki Nagayama felt that if his own props department could make them, they might as well just open a racing track!
"Waste car?"
Nakai Genta had a bad feeling.
"Naoki-san, what are you doing?"
"Hahaha, what can I do?"
Naoki Nagayama waved his hand.
"It's just a few cars doing some stunt flying and crashing into each other for fun."
"."
Not only Nakai Genta, but even Matsuo Muneo, who was listening silently, swallowed hard. Nagayama Naoki really dared to think that way!
However, another key word also came to Matsuo Muneo's mind - Naoki Nagayama's next big commercial film is related to racing!
And it's already in the scriptwriting stage!
According to the current plan, filming is expected to begin in the second half of the year, with a release date expected early next year!
"Great! I knew that getting closer to Naoki-san would definitely bring some benefits!"
Matsuo Muneo immediately made up his mind.
"I must act quickly before this news gets out and tie myself firmly to Naoki-san's new movie!"
Naoki Nagayama stated before filming that the movie "Black Monday" is a niche art film.
Therefore, even as an assistant director, there may not be much of a boost to one's status.
However, if you hold an important position in Naoki-san's blockbuster films, that's the most prestigious qualification in the directing world!
While he was still lost in thought, Naoki Nagayama had finished talking with Genta Nakai and was finally ready to start filming "Black Monday"!
Deborah Elms, executive director of GM's Asia Trade Center, is having a major headache lately!
Because Toyota of Japan has officially surpassed American automakers such as GM and Ford to become the world's largest automaker!
At the beginning of the year, at the board meeting, CEO Roger Smith had yelled at him:
"Why are General Motors selling so badly in Japan?! Are you out of your mind?!"
While the language might not be as vulgar, that's the general idea.
However, you can't blame him for being the head of the Asia region. Besides, Japan is Toyota's home turf, which gives it a natural advantage. In Europe and America, even GM can't compete with Toyota, can it?
Therefore, this is a failure of General Motors as a whole, a failure of the overall environment, so how can we blame them?!
“Roger, Japanese consumers buy cars differently than American consumers; they value after-sales service more. We need to establish a comprehensive after-sales service system in Japan.”
But as CEO, Roger Smith was naturally inclined to shift the blame, so he simply ignored his explanations.
"I don't care what methods you use, if your sales in the Japanese market don't improve this year, I'll make you pay!!"
"."
What could Deborah Elms do?!
"I see."
After returning to Japan, numerous methods were employed, but General Motors' sales still did not show a significant upward trend.
"What should I do? I need time."
For large international companies like GE, financial reports are usually delayed by at least six months. Last year's financial report hasn't even been released yet, so she's not worried about accountability for performance coming so quickly.
"But a mid-year report needs some highlights!"
Actually, Deborah wasn't too worried about the threat from CEO Roger. After all, she wasn't without powerful backers; otherwise, how could she have reached the high position of head of the Asia region?
Her concern was that if she didn't have any highlights to share during her report, it would disappoint the major shareholders behind her.
Lost in thought, she dialed her secretary's landline directly:
"Notify all regional managers in Japan to urgently convene at headquarters for a meeting! The meeting topic is 'Marketing'."
Three cobblers with their wits combined can outwit Zhuge Liang.
Developing a new car model or improving technology in a short period of time is definitely out of the question. She can only pin her hopes on the fact that everyone can come up with some good marketing ideas!
Neon City isn't very big, and since they're all regional heads of car companies, they naturally drive very fast.
In the evening, all the leaders had gathered at the headquarters located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo.
In the huge conference room, apart from Deborah, everyone else had a Japanese face.
"Gentlemen, the reason I called you all here so urgently is because we have reached a critical moment of life and death!"
As an American, Deborah's understanding of Eastern culture is not deep, and she uses many words strangely.
"Therefore, please come together to discuss this important matter!"
"."
The Japanese officials exchanged glances, all expressing their loyalty:
"Please tell us, Ms. Deborah, we will do our utmost!"
"The mid-year report is about to be held, and we need an idea! We need a highlight!"
Deborah continued,
"We want to be able to show our efforts and our future prospects to headquarters during our reports!"
"Make it clear to headquarters that the Asia Center is doing everything in its power to compete with Toyota!"
A murmur of discussion immediately filled the conference room, and Deborah made no attempt to control it, letting everyone talk as they pleased.
In the beginning, they naturally used legitimate business methods, such as increasing investment in research and development, developing new car models, providing car purchase subsidies, and increasing advertising investment.
After these measures were all rejected, the discussions among the crowd began to take on all sorts of strange forms:
"Find someone to commit seppuku in front of the Toyota factory!"
"Perform a ritual to curse the Toyota CEO!"
"Building a knife-shaped building next to Toyota's headquarters would ruin its feng shui!"
"Steal the lucky cat figurine from the Toyota headquarters building!"
"."
This was in the 80s, and in Japan, so using feudal superstition was indeed a business tactic.
Similar superstitious practices can be seen in various industries; even when Naoki Nagayama was filming a movie, there were blessing ceremonies.
Even though she was an American, Deborah was in awe of these Eastern mystical practices. Who says Americans aren't superstitious? America has the most cults in the world!
"Alright, alright, these methods can't be discussed openly!"
Deborah shook her head.
"We need measures that we can openly and legitimately promote, measures that will boost GM's stock price!"
"."
Upon hearing this, the leaders began to discuss it again.
But it was a mess, and after a whole night, we didn't come up with any good ideas.
"How about we organize a car race?!"
Just when I was feeling most drowsy, a young voice suddenly spoke up.
"If we at General Motors can win, it will definitely boost people's confidence, right?!"
Everyone looked up and saw that it was a young assistant.
Seeing that no one stopped him, Hideo Ohashi continued:
"Just like in a football match, the sponsors of the winning team get better exposure and fame."
"You mean sponsoring a ball game?"
One of the people in charge said,
"We're already doing that!"
"No no no!"
Realizing this could be a life-changing opportunity, Hideo Ohashi immediately said,
"I mean, hold a race!! As long as GM can beat Toyota, then..."
"."
"This is unlikely to be a car race; GM might not even win!"
"And why would Toyota agree to racing?!"
"Young man, your thinking is still too naive."
"."
Hearing more and more opposition, Hideo Ohashi's face turned red, but his mind was racing as he realized that if he failed in front of so many bigwigs, he would never be able to get ahead in General Motors!
"If reality doesn't work, then don't live in reality!!!"
"???!!!"
"What nonsense are you talking about?!"
"Get out of the way immediately!!"
"I mean!" As if his ideas had clicked, Hideo Ohashi raised his voice, "We could plan and shoot a commercial for a race car, with General Motors winning the race!!"
"No, no, it's not a commercial, it's a TV series!!"
"It's a movie!!"
"Invest in a movie that will help General Motors win the racing championship!!!"
"."
Such imaginative ideas have piqued the interest of many people.
For them, making a movie costs a few hundred million yen, which is just a few months' worth of advertising fees; it's not like they can't afford it.
However, someone soon pointed out:
"Wouldn't this cause legal trouble?! How could Toyota allow this?"
Hideo Ohashi is completely fired up:
"Then let's go to court!! Are you saying our General Motors' legal department is just sitting around doing nothing?!"
"It's very easy to drag things out for a year or two!"
"But our influence has already spread!"
"Even if we go to court, the worst that can happen is damages for defamation. How can the impact of a movie like this be quantified?!"
"."
Each sentence was very reasonable, and Deborah nodded slightly in agreement.
The crowd started discussing again:
"So, how do we ensure the film's impact?"
"Yes, yes, movies and TV series still need box office success."
"It doesn't look like an advertisement."
Hideo Ohashi said, panting heavily:
"Then we'll have to find an excellent director in the industry!"
"."
In an instant, this proposal seemed to have been subconsciously approved by the bigwigs present, and everyone subconsciously began to look for directors in the entertainment industry who could make this kind of film.
Of course, Naoki Nagayama, a very famous director, was the first one to be excluded!
Because his movies never need sponsorship. People with money and talent can do whatever they want!
(End of this chapter)