wavenovel Chapters 1535 and 1544: The Villainess Akina, She Seems Quite Charming Too.
Chapters 1535 and 1544: The Villainess Akina, She Seems Quite Charming Too.
Chapters 1535 and 1544: The wicked Akina seems quite charming too~~
Naoki Nagayama hasn't been to a TV station for quite a long time, especially NTV (Japan Television), which he hasn't had much contact with.
However, NTV's management was very enthusiastic towards Naoki Nagayama. As soon as the Toyota Century parked in the parking lot, Yukinori Kasahara, the head of the production department, and Gakuto Nakamura, the head of the planning department, came downstairs to greet him.
Also, there's Fujiwara Kazuhisa, Uemura Sora, and others from "The Voice of Neon"~
"Naoki-san!"
Gakuto Nakamura reached out and grasped Naoki Nagayama's hand.
"Why haven't you come to NTV for so long? I thought our tea was bad, so we just changed to new tea today!"
"Haha, Minister Nakamura is so enthusiastic!"
One doesn't hit a smiling face, especially one as humble as this.
"I was just too busy with all sorts of things before! So I came over as soon as I had some free time!"
As he spoke, he also greeted Kasahara Yukinori, who was standing next to him:
"Director Kasahara, it's been a long time!"
"Naoki-san is such a busy man!"
Kasahara Yukino also responded with a smile,
"But we have to have a drink together today!"
"Haha, no problem!!"
Anyway, after watching the first few episodes of "Neon Voice" today, it was time for dinner. The TV station's entertainment expenses are quite substantial!
"Alright! Alright! Naoki-san, please come in. Director Koga is already upstairs!"
As the station director, he had to maintain some self-respect, so Kasahara Yukinori led the way with a smile, and the group walked towards the conference room upstairs, their demeanor unusually solemn.
At that moment, the newcomers who had just arrived at the TV station watched this huge crowd walk by, unable to even see the person in the middle clearly.
He asked a senior colleague at the TV station out of curiosity:
"Who were those people just now? Why did Director Kasahara and Department Head Nakamura come with so many people to greet them? Are they celebrities? That's quite a grand entrance!"
What do you know?!
The senior gave him a disdainful look.
"That's Naoki Nagayama! The founder of the Nagayama fan club! An internationally renowned director and star? Which star could be more important than him?!"
When celebrities come to the TV station, there's a huge group of people, but most of them are the celebrities' assistants, agents, liaisons, etc., who come with the celebrities themselves. The TV station will at most send a program producer to greet them.
When Naoki Nagayama came to the TV station, he was personally greeted by a high-ranking official. Can these two be compared?!
Upon arriving at the conference room, Naoki Nagayama saw that the station director, Ryuta Koga, had already arrived, and some staff members were setting up the television in preparation for broadcasting.
"Director Koga!" "Naoki-san!!"
After another round of pleasantries, and once they were both seated, Koga Ryuta sighed:
"The third season of 'Neon Voices' has been generating a lot of buzz since production began! The time for its release has finally come!"
Haha, yeah.
Fujiwara Kazuhisa chimed in from the side.
"This season can be said to be the peak of the show! With the pairing of Akina-san and Seiko-san, and the showdown between the king of enka and the king of rock, everyone is looking forward to it!"
"Yes, yes." "Not only the audience, but even the industry insiders are very optimistic about it." "This year's ratings champion is definitely it!"
The other members present all chimed in, as if this program were the cornerstone of NTV.
However, it's not bad either. Apart from the large-scale reality show on TBS, "Neon Voice" is arguably the most popular variety show in recent years.
"Haha, alright, alright!"
Ryuta Koga quickly stopped everyone from praising him.
"Let's take a look! The show is all ready!"
Okay~~
At the station director's suggestion, the third season of "Neon Voice" finally began airing.
This time was different from before; the mentors opened with a medley of their latest songs.
Seiko Matsuda's "Tabi-dachi wa Frieza (The Flower of Departure)," Akina Nakamori's "I Missed, the Shock," Shinichi Mori's "Erimo Misaki," and Kenji Sawada's "Ai no Fugakuzō" (The Fugitive of Love).
Several different styles of music made the opening of this season of "Neon Sounds" full of surprises!
Moreover, from the very beginning, it seemed to be conveying that the theme of this season was competition between mentors, rather than cooperation!
After the performance, the host began announcing this year's new rules and subtly stirred things up by interviewing the mentors.
"Seiko-san, what was it like recording a program with Akina-san this year?"
"I'm so happy. It's been so long since I've seen Akina-chan in the studio, I never thought we'd be recording a show together again!"
"What about Akina-san? She's able to collaborate with Seraphim-chan this time."
"It's been so long since I've seen Seraphim-chan! She hasn't changed at all! Even though she's a mom now, she still has the Seraphim hairstyle!"
"."
Seiko Matsuda was subtly mocking Akina for not retiring long ago and instead appearing on television programs, while Akina was subtly criticizing Matsuda for not changing at all after so many years in the industry and for trying to look young despite her age!
The tension between the two was palpable from the very beginning, whether it was intentionally orchestrated by the show's director or not. A clash between them was practically inevitable!
Naoki Nagayama was also seeing the show for the first time, and he never expected it to be so explosive from the very beginning!!
He turned and quietly asked Fujiwara Kazuhisa:
"Fujiwara-san, is this a script?"
"Ah-hi."
Fujiwara Kazuhisa nodded.
"Because everyone was on good terms at the beginning, I asked the director and mentors to make the atmosphere a bit more intense, and we even re-recorded the opening scene."
After finishing speaking, he asked cautiously:
"Does Naoki-san think it's unacceptable? Is it damaging to Akina-san's image?"
"It's not that it's not up to you."
Naoki Nagayama shook his head, looking at Akina on the screen, who was brimming with fighting spirit, and felt a pang of emotion.
"I've never seen Akina so sharp-tongued."
Since dating Naoki Nagayama, Akina has always been gentle and cute, with a touch of tsundere. At most, she sometimes uses violence (two-finger punch). Unexpectedly, she can be cunning and sarcastic, which gives her a different feel.
Recalling that Akina had later starred in a drama called "The Villainess," Naoki Nagayama felt a stirring in his heart and began to plan how he could have Akina play a villainous, femme fatale role when he got back.
I wonder if that sharp tongue of hers will taste different when she kisses me now~
"Naoki-san?"
Seeing that Nagayama Naoki was lost in thought, Fujiwara Kazuhisa quickly asked him in a low voice.
Is there a problem?
"Ah cough cough"
Naoki Nagayama snapped back to reality.
"It's okay. The show is great, very engaging! It will attract a lot of viewers!"
Then, subconsciously pretending to have been thinking, I offered my opinion:
"But... Akina and Seiko's fans will probably start arguing, so the show needs to manage public opinion well and have contingency plans in place!"
"Hey!"
The point is to get the fans of both sides arguing, that's how you generate buzz!
But since Naoki-san said that, he must have his reasons, so Fujiwara Kazuhisa nodded.
"We will have contingency plans in place!"
Perhaps because the conflict was so interesting, everyone else in the meeting room was captivated by the opening of "The Neon Voice".
Director Sora Uemura, watching this wonderful scene, wondered if he should add another regular guest to the show, and have Seiko Matsuda and Akina come back for the next season.
Even Yukinori Kasahara, the production manager who had watched countless programs, found it fascinating.
"This feeling of about to argue is quite interesting. It seems like we can try it in other programs in the future."
Kasahara Yukinori pondered this in his heart.
"Perhaps we could create a pair of 'enemies'? No, 'rivals' personas in the entertainment industry."
The television station's director, Ryuta Koga, sees things from an even higher perspective:
"Neon Voice has reached its peak this season. It's unlikely that any mentor will ever reach the standard of this season again! After its peak, it will decline. Other TV stations' programs will take its place, and NTV will face even greater competition next year!"
"."
Everyone in the conference room had their eyes on the TV screen, but their own thoughts were constantly racing.
It wasn't until more than an hour later that I finished watching the first three episodes of the condensed version of "The Voice of the Neon".
"Naoki-san, as expected, 'Neon Voice' is still as wonderful as ever!"
Ryuta Koga patted Naoki Nagayama on the shoulder and said,
"It's a real loss to the entertainment industry that Naoki-san isn't here as a program producer!"
"Oh, not at all, I just happened to come up with this idea."
Naoki Nagayama attributed the credit to others.
"Thanks to the production of directors Fujiwara Mori and Uemura, this season of 'Neon Voices' has maintained its high standard!"
"Naoki-san, what are you saying!"
Fujiwara Kazuhisa quickly waved his hand.
"As expected, the mentors performed exceptionally well. Akina-san and Seiko-san are the core of this season."
"Hahaha!!" "You're amazing!" "You're amazing." "..."
The meeting room was filled with mutual praise and flattery. No one mentioned whether the review would pass or not; it was just a formality.
"So this season of 'The Voice of the Neon' will be released in early December!"
"A great day!" "Perfect for New Year's Eve."
After the review was completed, it happened to be lunchtime, so Koga Ryuta took Nagayama Naoki directly to a nearby upscale restaurant for dinner, insisting on having a drink. He also dragged Kasahara Yukinori, Fujiwara Kazuhisa, and others along to accompany them.
In a private booth at a high-end Japanese restaurant.
The group's faces were all a little flushed. After a few drinks, the atmosphere was right, and they started talking more relaxed.
"Naoki-san, your 'culture-based nation-building' initiative is great!"
Ryuta Koga's face was rosy.
"Once the policy is approved, it will be a major boon for the entertainment industry!"
"Our television stations can also reap considerable benefits."
The entertainment industry supports Naoki Nagayama and Shuichi Itō's cultural nation-building bill, so the overall public opinion is supportive. This is a bill that will expand the pie and benefit all those working in the entertainment industry.
It's just that some interest groups get more resources, while others get less!
If you want a bigger slice of the pie, you have to get close to the person who actually gets to share it, like Naoki Nagayama right in front of you!
"Naoki-san!!"
Ryuta Koga laughed, emboldened by the alcohol.
"Regarding the policy bias towards NTV in the television industry after the bill's passage, could you please offer some suggestions?!"
"Just a little bit is enough to benefit us immensely!"
"."
Kasahara Yukinori and Nakamura Gakuto both looked on with anticipation, hoping that Nagayama Naoki would loosen his grip.
"Haha, Director Koga is referring to the allocation of the support fund?"
Naoki Nagayama didn't mince words and said directly,
"Regarding that, I really don't have any good solutions. It's all handled by the Prime Minister! I can't get involved."
Seeing their somewhat disappointed expressions, Naoki Nagayama continued:
"However, we could try talking to Shuichi-san and ask him to say a few more words during the meeting! After all, NTV is a good friend of the tree lovers!!"
"Hahaha!!"
Ryuta Koga laughed.
"Thanks a lot!! Cheers!!"
"Cheers!!" "[]~(￣▽￣)~*" "."
After a few more drinks, Naoki Nagayama talked to them about how, after the "Culture-Based Nation" bill was passed, the government would pay more attention to intellectual property rights and ask TV stations to prepare in advance, so that the practice of copying would no longer be allowed.
Then he added:
"The future goal is to promote Japanese films and television dramas internationally! You need to make the necessary preparations in advance."
"Establishing overseas branches and localizing programs, including subtitles and translations, can all be prepared in advance! Don't be caught off guard."
These were all valuable facts, and Koga Ryuta and the others listened very attentively.
Following that, Naoki Nagayama talked about multinational corporations, conglomerates, and their involvement in the cultural industry, before abruptly changing the subject:
"By the way, Director Koga, do you think we tree enthusiasts have gotten in anyone's way in this regard? Lately, we've been feeling like we're being targeted."
"Haha, Tree Friend is unique in the entertainment industry. A tall and imposing tree is bound to attract attention."
Under the influence of alcohol, Ryuta Koga lost his guard and blurted it out.
"Look, after Sony acquired Columbia Pictures, they wanted to develop in the film and television industry. Naoki-san is definitely a huge tree blocking their way!"
"Sony!"
Naoki Nagayama was aware that Sony had established entertainment and film companies, but he was unaware that they had already targeted his fans.
"Although Kazuo Inamori is very famous, why is he making such a rush to expand in the entertainment industry? How can he connect with Shuyou so quickly?"
Kasahara Yukino interfaced:
"Sony Entertainment is making a lot of moves, poaching talent from various agencies and film studios! Naoki-san, you've heard about it, haven't you?"
"Of course!"
Naoki Nagayama nodded.
"This is standard procedure. After all, we've acquired an American film studio, so of course we have to make a splash!"
A smile appeared on Kasahara Yukinori's face:
"But they couldn't dig anyone out of the tree friend! Hahaha!"
"?!ha?"
Naoki Nagayama paused for a moment.
"What does it mean?"
"In other words, Sony Entertainment poached talent from other companies and made some gains. But they couldn't poach anyone from Tree Friends!"
Kasahara Yukino said with a smile,
"I heard from the bottom of the corner that the president of Sony Entertainment even swore at people during an internal meeting!"
"what?"
Hahaha~
Ryuta Koga patted Naoki Nagayama on the shoulder.
"I heard some news from a good friend. Because of this, Sony Entertainment probably considers Tree Friends their biggest potential enemy!"
"Forehead"
Naoki Nagayama was astonished. Was Sony really going to take action against his fans just because of this?! This was too frivolous!
However, what Nakamura Gakuto said next made Nagayama Naoki understand somewhat:
"Naoki-san, at Inamori Kazuo's level, all he values is face. I heard he wants to acquire Columbia Pictures because when he was the head of Sony in the US, no one from high society invited him to any banquets."
"He felt this was a disrespect from mainstream American culture, so he directly decided to acquire Columbia Pictures. He wanted to show Americans the power of Japan in the cultural industry!"
"However, after confidently completing the acquisition and hiring the president to run the local Japanese entertainment company, he aggressively poached talent everywhere, only to find that one company ignored him."
"Do you think he'll be angry? Won't he feel like his friends look down on him?"
"This"
Naoki Nagayama paused for a moment.
"It can't be that bad! It's just that tree friends get better treatment."
"Sony offers pretty good benefits!"
Kasahara Yukino said,
"I'm even a little tempted."
"Oh? Sony is also poaching Director Kasahara?"
"Yes. Hire me to be the head of the production department. Double my salary!"
Kasahara Yukinori shook his head.
"But I've spent half my life at NTV, and I don't want to move."
"."
Naoki Nagayama looked at Yukinori Kasahara, who was speaking, and Ryuta Koga, who showed no unusual expression, and was quite impressed. They really treated the TV station like their own home!
But then his eyebrows furrowed:
"So, Sony now sees Tree Friends as a competitor?!"
"That's true. Who knows what kind of tricks they might pull!"
Ryuta Koga nodded.
"Naoki-san, watch out!!"
"Well"
After listening, Naoki Nagayama raised his glass.
"Arigato, Master Koga, I will be careful!"
"Haha, enough of that, let's keep drinking!!"
"We won't leave until we're drunk tonight!"
"."