wavenovel Chapters 1536 and 1545, Xiu-san! Please, please save me!!!
Chapters 1536 and 1545, Xiu-san! Please, please save me!!!
Chapters 1536 and 1545, Xiu Yi-san! Please!! Save me!!!
"Shuichi-san!!! Please help me!!!"
In the office of the Cultural Policy Research Office, Yoshihiko Noda, pale-faced, unshaven, and haggard, bowed 90 degrees to Shuichi Itō behind his desk and called out in a hoarse voice,
"I have nowhere else to go!!!"
After Motoko Haraguchi threatened to release his video, Yoshihiko Noda experienced a series of torments, including shock, anger, fear, and anxiety.
At first, he angrily tried to deny the existence of the recording, verbally threatening Haraguchi Motoko to make her pay. However, since Karune was Haraguchi Motoko's territory, Noda Yoshihiko's threats were weak and almost ignored!
What followed was a sarcastic and disdainful laugh from the madam:
"Noda-kun, I understand how you feel after being threatened. So I'm giving you two days to calm down and think it over carefully. If you still don't have the answer I want after two days, then this video will be sent to the editorial office of Bunshun!"
"Haha, by then you might not be a member of parliament anymore. How will you have the ability to retaliate then!"
A dazed and confused Yoshihiko Noda returned to his residence and didn't sleep a wink all night!
He considered offering money, pleading, and using his silver tongue to stall for time. In his most extreme case, he even considered having someone kill Haraguchi Motoko!
But reality is not a story. It's not that easy to suddenly kill someone, especially a famous madam in Roppongi!
Yoshihiko Noda wasn't a born killer, nor had he received systematic training in disposing of bodies, and he didn't have any bodyguards at home. If he were to hire a yakuza group or someone else to handle the situation, it wouldn't be impossible for him to do so, given his status as a member of parliament!
But that would be handing the underworld a huge handle, a hundred times worse than a scandal. At worst, they would just bow, apologize, and resign, but now it's turned into murder and they'll be in jail!
So after more than ten hours of mental torture, he chose the most reasonable course of action: to find help!
"Shuichi-san! Please, please save me!!"
"!!!"
Shuichi Itō, who had been in a good mood preparing for the vote, was startled at this moment.
Seeing that Yoshihiko Noda was about to dogeza (bow down), Shuichi Itō quickly helped him up:
"Akizumata, Akizumata Noda-kun, tell me first, what's going on?!"
She led him to the sofa and poured him a cup of tea, looking like she was waiting for him to have some fun, except for the lack of melon seeds.
"This"
Yoshihiko Noda's throat was a little dry. He took a sip, then sighed.
"I made a mistake that all men make!!!"
After some mental preparation, Yoshihiko Noda recounted his affair with Mama Karune, emphasizing the previous blackmail by Motoko Haraguchi.
"I never expected that Motoko Haraguchi would actually put a camera in the room!!"
"Where did this shameless rumor of filming oneself having sex come from?!"
As he spoke, Yoshihiko Noda's eyes reddened:
"I always thought that I was truly in love with Motoko Haraguchi!! I never imagined that it was all a scheme!!"
"."
Upon hearing this, Shuichi Itō almost couldn't hold back his laughter! Yoshihiko Noda is still too young!
Looking for true love in a club? What's the difference between that and trying to find clean water in a dye vat?!
Even someone like Yoshimura Otomo, a frequenter of nightclubs and known as "Roppongi's Teru Torato," knows that the gentleness and attentiveness in the club are all for the sake of Prince Shotoku in your wallet!
"Ugh"
However, at this moment, Shuichi Itō still had to comfort Yoshihiko Noda.
"Noda-kun, you've misplaced your sincerity. I never imagined that a mere madam would dare to threaten a member of parliament!!"
"."
Yoshihiko Noda felt a surge of gratitude for being recognized. Shuichi Itō, standing before him, truly understood him!
"I was too young! I couldn't resist the temptation and was tricked into bed."
"."
Shuichi Itō was speechless. This was a bit shameless!
He had seen the video; he had no idea how happy Noda Yoshihiko was in it.
"Cough cough."
He coughed tactically, thus bringing the topic to a close.
"Noda-kun, how would you like me to help you this time?!"
"Shuichi-san, you (Tree Friends) have influence in the political and business circles. I would like to ask you for help to suppress this scandal!"
Yoshihiko Noda stated his request directly.
"I've only recently entered politics and have limited experience. If my reputation is damaged because of this, I won't be able to contribute to Xiu Yisang's great cause in the future."
I'm young and have a bright future ahead of me. I'm about to soar to great heights thanks to the "cultural nation-building" strategy. How can I apologize and step down just because of a mere madam?!
Help me! Help me! I'm very useful!
"Moreover, Xiu Yisang, we are currently at a crucial stage of 'building a nation through culture,' and as a member of the drafting team, if such news were to leak, it would also change the course of the vote."
This is how I've drawn Shuichi Itō onto my side! If you don't help me, it won't benefit anyone.
"Well"
Shuichi Itō looked troubled.
"I do have some connections in the entertainment industry, and I have good relationships with the editors-in-chief of several newspapers."
"But after all, this involves a member of Congress's scandal, and it's really difficult for me to suppress such a scandal!"
Difficult?! If it's difficult, then go find someone behind you to help! Can't Naoki Nagayama just kidnap someone and force them to become a nun?! Why not just send Motoko Haraguchi to a nunnery?!
Yoshihiko Noda's expression shifted as he continued to plead:
"Shuichi-san, I know it's difficult, but please."
Then he spoke words of loyalty:
"If we can get through this safely, I, Noda Yoshihiko, will definitely follow Shuichi-san's lead from now on!"
"This"
Shuichi Itō quickly patted Yoshihiko Noda on the shoulder.
"We're brothers, there's no need for this!!"
"If Noda-kun is willing to listen, I'll ask Otomo-san for help. He still has some influence in the entertainment industry! Even in Roppongi."
"."
Yoshihiko Noda wasn't satisfied; he wanted to find Naoki Nagayama! That's the real big shot!
But for now, he could only nod.
"please!"
"."
After comforting Yoshihiko Noda and seeing him off, Shuichi Itō immediately dialed Naoki Nagayama's number.
"The hidden scheme that Naoki-san planted for Yoshihiko Noda has finally been launched!"
"Oh?"
Naoki Nagayama, who was in the car, was somewhat surprised.
"Now? What a coincidence?"
"Yes, just before the vote on 'building a nation on culture'."
Shuichi Itō thought that Yoshihiko Noda's dirty secrets would be used many years later, probably after Noda became an important minister.
"But that's also a good thing, since he brought it up himself. Once we help him build up his team at the celebration banquet later, it will probably be a bit more difficult to control him."
The big boss's dirty laundry is always a last resort. Now, it's like Yoshihiko Noda offered up his own dirt on him, so the relationship between the two can still be resolved.
"Okay, that's fine too~"
Naoki Nagayama nodded. He had heard that American politicians in alliances hold each other's weaknesses so they wouldn't be afraid of betrayal.
"So, Naoki-san, how can we get Haraguchi Motoko to give up the recordings she has and promise not to threaten Noda-kun again?"
At this point, Shuichi Itō already considered Noda as one of his subordinates and was thinking of his best interests.
"How about we send some Yakuza to scare her? Or just snatch her away?"
"Tsk tsk tsk, if that works, why doesn't Yoshihiko Noda find someone himself?!"
Can a madam who can open a shop in Roppongi be a kind person? Putting aside the financial backers behind her, she herself knows people from all walks of life.
"Moreover, this will make more people aware of the matter!"
"Then let Kijima-kun come back and bring it over directly?"
Naoki Nagayama pondered for a moment, then shook his head:
"Kijima is investigating the Fujita Group. And how do you know Haraguchi Motoko didn't have a backup?!"
The villains on TV never understand the importance of backups! But in the real world, they'd definitely copy it immediately!
"Therefore, the key is to keep Haraguchi Motoko in check!"
Naoki Nagayama raised an eyebrow.
"Being a madam is all about money, isn't it? Let Otomo-san talk to her and settle the price!"
"Otomo-san's reputation in Roppongi is still quite good!"
"it is good"
After discussing it for a while, Naoki Nagayama called Otomo Yoshimura.
"Otomo-san, this time you'll have to sacrifice your charms."
"what?"
"."
Filming for "Sorry, I Love You" has wrapped up for today. After the shoot, the crew members all suggested going to relax, and so they left in twos and threes.
Tomoyuki Nishimoto and several other main cast members didn't go, because Rie Miyazawa is too young to go to bars or nightclubs. Takuya Kimura was in the same boat.
Seeing that the time was right, Takenouchi Yutaka immediately proposed:
"Director Nishimoto, Rie-chan, Kimura-kun, I know there's an underground bar in Tokyo."
"There are no age restrictions there, and it's very private. Many celebrities like to go there for a drink."
Nishimoto Banyuki was somewhat surprised:
"A members-only bar? That's for the upper class."
Those bars usually only serve members, and you have to be introduced by a regular customer to become a member. Although Yutaka Takenouchi has experience as a model, he definitely can't go there!
Even Nishimoto Banyuki himself has only been to the Tree Friends a few times; it seems only the three big names can easily get in just by showing their connections.
No, no, no, that's not true.
Takenouchi Yutaka waved his hands repeatedly.
"It's not a members-only bar; anyone can go, but it's very secretive, and word only spreads among a select group of people."
"Moreover, security inside is very strict; paparazzi, reporters, and even recording equipment are not allowed."
"Oh? There's a bar like that?!"
Rie Miyazawa was very interested; at her age, she was definitely seeking excitement.
"Take me there! Take me there!"
Kimura Takuya, standing nearby, also looked longingly at the bar, but Johnny's management was very strict, and he couldn't go to the bar in private.
Director Tomonoyuki Nishimoto, on the other hand, felt somewhat helpless, thinking that if Rie Miyazawa was going, then he would have to go too.
Rie Miyazawa is not yet a minor, and her guardianship is with the agency, but the director is responsible for her care and transportation on set during filming.
"Nishimoto Sanonei~~"
Knowing that only Nishimoto Tomonori could make the decision, Miyazawa Rie opened her big eyes and pleaded.
At this age, Rie Miyazawa's face is full of collagen, her features are delicate, and she exudes both innocence and allure. Her coquettish attitude makes even Tomoyuki Nishimoto feel a little weak in the knees!
"Rie-chan"
Nishimoto Tomoyuki sighed.
"Alright, let's go then!"
"Yay!!"
"However, you can't drink alcohol!!"
"Eh~~"
"No discussion!"
"."
In the end, Rie Miyazawa didn't get permission to drink, but she was still very happy because she was finally going to check out the bar she'd been looking forward to!
In the dimly lit bar, Takenouchi Toyokazu skillfully found a corner booth and sat down with Nishimoto Tomoyuki and Miyazawa Rie.
"This is a beverage."
I ordered drinks with Nishimoto and served sparkling water to Miyazawa Rie.
Soft music echoed in the bar, and neon lights rose and fell with the melody. It was time to go. There was also a live band performing, not loud rock music, but pop and country music.
Although they were all relatively unknown bands, the people in the bar were having a great time. It was a quiet bar, a place to drink, chat, listen to music, and relax.
Rie Miyazawa swayed to the melody, slightly disappointed.
"This is just a quiet bar. It's not as lively as the taxi stand."
"Of course, this is a quiet bar!"
Nishimoto Banyuki quite liked this atmosphere. After a long day, some people just don't want to be noisy. It's nice to have a drink and relax quietly.
"If Rie-chan reaches the age where she can drink, she'll be able to focus on appreciating the taste of alcohol."
"Then let me have a drink. That beautiful tricolor cocktail!"
"no!"
"Tch, so stingy!"
Rie Miyazawa, holding a glass of sparkling water, went to watch the band perform!
"."
Takenouchi Yutaka wasn't paying much attention to the bickering between the two; instead, he was focused on the other guests—he was waiting for someone.
Masaharu Fukuyama has been coming here for drinks frequently lately, almost every day, around this time. Anyway, he doesn't have much work to do these days, but Yukiko Okada is busy day and night because she has to participate in the Kohaku Uta Gassen!
Of course, every time Masaharu Fukuyama came, he would run into Yamato Kishimoto, the sales manager of Sony. It seemed like this guy was always at odds with the artists from Shuyou.
After waiting for almost an hour, and with the drinks nearly finished, Rie Miyazawa was getting impatient and wanted to go home.
Just when Takenouchi Yutaka thought he wouldn't run into him today, a familiar face walked in through the door!
Fukuyama Masaharu and Kishimoto Yamato walked in together, arm in arm.
"These two seem to have grown closer again!"
Takenouchi Yutaka remarked with emotion, but he hadn't forgotten his purpose, and spoke directly to Nishimoto Tomoyuki, who was watching the performance.
"Isn't that Nishimoto-san Masaharu Fukuyama?!"
"Oh?! Masaharu Fukuyama?!"
Nishimoto Banyuki subconsciously turned around, saw the two of them, and then frowned.
Although Yamato Kishimoto is the newly appointed sales manager of Sony Pictures Entertainment, he previously worked in the entertainment industry and is known by many people.
"How did these two end up together?!"
Suspicion arose in Nishimoto Tomoyuki's mind.
Meanwhile, Rie Miyazawa, who was on the other side, also heard it and was about to wave hello when Tomoyuki Nishimoto stopped her.
"Rie-chan, don't bother other people here."
"Oh"
Seeing Nishimoto Tomoyuki's serious expression, Miyazawa Rie obediently shrank back into her booth.
But the two groups were so far apart that they couldn't hear anything. Nishimoto Tomoyuki saw Takenouchi Yutaka:
"Takeno-kun, you're not familiar with Fukuyama-kun, are you?"
"I haven't seen you many times, but you might look familiar."
"Hmm, the lighting here is dim, and you're wearing a hat, so you probably won't recognize me."
Nishimoto Tomoyuki, a director, said after assessing the lighting conditions,
"Takeno-kun, I need to ask you a favor."
"Hey!"
It's just being a spy. If Takenouchi Yutaka hasn't acted in it, surely he's seen it!
Besides, he already knew about their affair!
Takenouchi Yutaka casually approached the bar and ordered a strong drink. Then, pretending to drink, he found a spot closest to Fukuyama Masaharu and began eavesdropping.
The music in the bar was actually quite loud, so we couldn't hear exactly what the people in the booths were talking about, but we could vaguely make out topics like work, year-end plans, and where to go for fun. It seemed that Masaharu Fukuyama and Yamato Kishimoto were indeed having a casual chat this time.
However, none of this mattered. Takenouchi Yutaka only wanted to tell Nishimoto Tomoyuki something else, something he already knew:
"Mr. Nishimoto, I didn't hear you very clearly."
A few minutes later, Takenouchi Yutaka returned to his booth, his expression hesitant.
"But it seems to be something like a transfer of residency."
"!!!"
Nishimoto Tomoyuki's face immediately darkened!
When he saw Masaharu Fukuyama and Yamato Kishimoto together, he guessed about 50-60% of the story. And what Yutaka Takenouchi said now was clearly misrepresented; he definitely heard it, but dared not say too much.
"Someone actually wants to leave Tree Friends?"
On the other side, Rie Miyazawa's eyes widened in surprise, then she quietly shrank back, not daring to speak!
(End of this chapter)