N-M Chapter 168 An unexpected encounter with the future queen of voice actresses, the awakening of a &qu
Chapter 168 An unexpected encounter with the future queen of voice actresses, the awakening of a &qu
Chapter 168 An unexpected encounter with the future queen of voice actresses, the awakening of a "mature woman".
In December, the neon lights in Ginza are even more dazzling at night than during the day.
With the popularity of "The White Tower," in addition to Goro Zaizen's breathtaking ambition captivating countless male viewers, the sudden rise of another character has completely ignited the market for female viewers.
Keiko Hanamori.
The mistress of Zaizen Goro, played by Hitomi Kuroki.
In traditional ethical views, mistresses are considered pariahs, sinners who destroy families. But in Hitomi Kuroki's portrayal, Keiko Hanamori becomes a symbol of "independence."
She was not dependent on Zaizen; in fact, she was the only one who could provide him with a safe haven when he was at his most vulnerable. She did not ask for any status or get entangled in marriage; she simply enjoyed the present moment and utilized the resources that men brought her.
This "conscious decadence" has struck a chord with countless 0Ls (office ladies) in an era where women's status is gradually awakening but the glass ceiling in the workplace remains harsh.
A peculiar phenomenon has recently emerged in several long-established bars in Ginza.
"Boss, a Keiko-style drink, please."
There are more female customers dressed in business suits and with exquisite makeup. They no longer order those sweet cocktails, but instead specifically ask for whiskey with ice balls.
They mimicked Hitomi Kuroki from the TV series, gently swirling their glasses and watching the amber liquid flow between the ice cubes, their hazy eyes exuding a cool "I don't need a man to take responsibility" vibe.
As a result, Hitomi Kuroki experienced a career resurgence. Her previously established "good housewife" image was shattered, and invitations from various wineries, cosmetics companies, and even luxury apartments poured in.
Shinagawa Ward, Sato family.
in front of the TV.
Mrs. Sato was holding her face in her hands, watching on the screen Hitomi Kuroki, who was wearing a silk nightgown and pouring wine for Zaizen under the dim light.
The mature woman's charm made even she, a woman herself, blush and her heart race.
"Oh my god—this is so beautiful!"
Mrs. Sato sighed, "No wonder Zaizen doesn't come home. If I were a man, I couldn't stand it either."
Mr. Sato sat next to him, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets, but he still coughed twice, pretending to be serious: "Ahem, it's for the sake of the plot, it's for the sake of the plot."
Just then, Xiao Jian, who had been forced to watch the show along, craned his neck curiously and asked, "Dad, what are they doing? Why is that aunt sitting on that uncle's lap?"
"Snapped!"
Both hands reached out at the same time.
Mrs. Sato covered her son's left eye, and Mr. Sato covered his son's right eye.
"Kids shouldn't watch this!"
"This is the adult world; looking at it will give you a sty!"
Xiao Jian: "————"
He rolled his eyes in the darkness.
You two hypocritical adults, you were clearly enjoying it yourselves, I could even hear Dad swallowing his saliva!
Kitahara Apartments, Minato Ward.
In the living room.
As Akina watched the extremely ambiguous eye contact between Kuroki Hitomi and the pillow in her hand, she almost crushed it out of shape.
"snort."
'
She picked up the remote, pretending to change the channel: "This is so shameless! How can someone play the role of someone who destroys other people's families so—so—"
She wanted to say "So sexy," but with the spring water nearby, she swallowed it back.
The spring water, however, remained quite calm.
She sat cross-legged on the carpet, making corrections to something on the sheet music. Hearing Akina's complaint, she looked up at the television and said thoughtfully, "But—Akina-nee, don't you think she's actually quite pitiful? Because she loves so much, she can only pretend not to care. This emotional tension—if it were written into lyrics, it would be very moving."
Akina paused for a moment.
Looking into the spring's pure, unadulterated eyes, the jealousy she felt suddenly vanished.
"—You really are a singing fanatic."
Akina put down the remote control and leaned over to look at the sheet music for Izumi's music.
That's the new song they're collaborating on.
It was also the "secret gift" they planned to give to Kitahara Shin.
Progress is going smoothly. With financial support from Kitahara Agency and promotional resources from their respective record companies, this duet, which is destined to be a sensation, is expected to be officially released in two months.
"Have you thought of a song title yet?" Akina asked.
Spring Water bit the pen, thought for a moment, and wrote a few words on the paper.
"The Invisible Oath" (见えない肖い).
"Although we can't say it aloud in the sunlight, that vow is real," Izumi explained softly. "Just like—Keiko Hanamori's vow to Zaizen, and just like ours—"
She didn't continue, but her cheeks flushed slightly.
Akina stared at the song title, remained silent for a few seconds, and then a gentle smile appeared on her lips.
"A good name."
She reached out and covered the back of the spring water with her hand: "Let's call it this. This is a song that belongs only to us."
a few days later.
Koganei City, Studio Ghibli.
The recording studio was extremely quiet.
Kitahara Shin stood in front of the microphone, wearing headphones.
Opposite him, separated by a pane of glass, Hayao Miyazaki sat behind the mixing console with his arms crossed, next to him sat Tokiko Kato, the famous singer who voiced the film's female lead, "Gina".
Another one is Akemi Okamura, who voiced the lively girl "Fei'er".
Everyone looked at the man in the shed with some tension.
Although Kitahara Shin is a popular actor, "acting" and "voice acting" are two different things. Many big-name stars who do voice acting often get harsh criticism from Miyazaki Hayao because they can't grasp the sense of distance and emotion in their voices.
On the screen, the images began to flow.
It was a red seaplane, soaring in the blue sky above the Adriatic Sea.
Kitahara Shin took a deep breath.
[Mental Equipment: Guardian's Oath - Ring of Life (Purple) - Aura Adjustment Mode]
A warm current flowed into his lungs, and his breathing became long and steady.
He didn't look at the script in his hand.
He just stared at the screen, at the pig wearing sunglasses, his eyes gradually becoming weary.
Even if I turned into a pig—
His voice changed.
It was no longer the sharp, elite tone of Goro Zaizen, nor the clear, bright voice he usually spoke. It was a deep, grainy voice, as if it had been tainted by tobacco and sea breeze.
"—It's better than becoming a fascist."
Outside the glass window.
Miyazaki Hayao's furrowed brows instantly relaxed.
Kato Tokiko covered her mouth in surprise.
That voice—it's so captivating. The deep affection and helplessness hidden behind that nonchalance are practically Polka Dostoevsky himself.
A five-minute monologue.
Kitahara Shin never looked down at his lines once. His gaze was fixed on the frame of the screen, every breath, every pause perfectly matching the character's lip movements.
"Cut."
Hayao Miyazaki's voice came through the headphones.
There was no call to "start over" or "adjust".
"Next game."
That's it?
The sound supervisor next to him was stunned: "Mr. Miyazaki, shouldn't we do another take? This is only the first audition—"
"unnecessary."
Hayao Miyazaki took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and a satisfied smile played on his lips: "If it feels right, then it's right. Recording it a hundred more times would just be adding unnecessary details. This kid—"
They brought the pig to life.
In the recording studio.
Kitahara Shin took off his headphones and asked somewhat uncertainly, "Mr. Miyazaki, are you sure it's okay? Should I exaggerate a little more?"
Hayao Miyazaki turned on the microphone: "No need. I can hear it in your voice; even your breathing is part of the story. And—"
The old man paused, then said with a hint of admiration, "You actually memorized all the lines? And you can perfectly keep up with the rhythm of those unfinished line drawings?"
Kitahara Shin smiled: "Since I've taken on this job, this is the most basic lesson. Besides—if I don't watch the screen, I'm afraid I won't be able to capture the feeling of that pig flying."
Miyazaki gave him a deep look, said nothing more, and simply waved to the staff beside him: "Continue! Let's try to finish recording the entire first scene today!"
The work that followed went remarkably smoothly.
Kitahara Shin is like a sophisticated human voice-over machine, incredibly efficient. What was originally expected to take three days, he completed the entire film's voice-over in just one day.
By the time it ended, it was already dusk.
When Kitahara Shin walked out of the recording studio, everyone from Studio Ghibli surrounded him.
"Kitahara-san! You've worked hard!"
"That's amazing! The voice acting is absolutely monstrous!"
Everyone applauded.
Hayao Miyazaki walked over, holding a piece of drawing paper in his hand.
The above is a sketch drawn with a pencil—a pig wearing sunglasses is sitting side by side with Kitahara Shin, who is wearing a suit, smoking on the beach.
"It's yours."
Miyazaki handed him the painting, his tone still somewhat arrogant: "Thanks for the takeout last time. This painting isn't worth much, keep it as a souvenir."
Kitahara Shin took the painting, looked at the vivid lines, and carefully put it away.
"Thank you. This is priceless."
After saying goodbye to Hayao Miyazaki, Shin Kitahara walked out of the studio alone.
In the late autumn evening, the sky darkens very quickly.
He nearly bumped into someone at the corner of the corridor.
"Oh! I'm sorry!"
A clear and pleasant sound rang out.
She was a young girl wearing a white sweater and with short hair, carrying a thick stack of scripts, and she looked like she was in a hurry.
Kitahara Shin reached out and helped her up: "It's alright, I was just walking too fast."
The girl looked up, revealing a delicate face. When she saw Kitahara Shin's face clearly, she froze instantly.
"Huh?! Kitahara-san?!"
Her eyes widened in disbelief: "Is...is it really Mr. Kitahara Shin?! Oh my god—that Professor Zaizen?!"
Kitahara Shin looked at her, his eyes narrowing slightly.
This face—and this highly recognizable voice.
Although he is still a bit green now, in his memory, this voice was the "queen" who ruled the entire animation industry in the 90s.
Megumi Hayashihara.
Right now, she's probably just started to gain recognition for her role as female Ranma in "Ranma 1/2," and is still a rising voice actress.
"You must be... Ms. Megumi Hayashibara?"
Kitahara Shin smiled and called out her name.
"Why?!"
Megumi Hayashibara was completely dumbfounded.
She pointed to her nose, her voice trembling with excitement: "You—you know me? I, I'm just a voice actor—"
In this day and age, voice actors are still behind-the-scenes workers, their status far inferior to that of actors on stage. To be called by name by a top-tier male star is like a dream come true for her.
Kitahara Shin nodded, his tone sincere: "Of course. I've read Ranma 1/2. Your voice is very energetic and has a lot of variation. I admire it."
In fact, he not only knew Ranma, but he also knew the future Rei Ayanami, and the originator of the emotionless girl.
"Thank you so much! It's an honor!"
Megumi Hayashibara blushed with excitement and quickly bowed.
Kitahara Shin glanced at the watch on his wrist.
5:30 p.m.
The recording ended much earlier than expected, and my schedule was empty that evening.
As he looked at the future "Queen of Voice Acting" before him, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.
Kitahara Office has already expanded into film and television production, but in this era that is about to usher in an animation boom, the sound industry is also a huge market.
"Um, Ms. Hayashihara."
Kitahara Shin suddenly spoke up: "Is there any work coming up?"
"Huh? No, that's all. I just finished recording my guest appearance here—"
"That's perfect."
Kitahara Shin flashed his signature smile that captivated countless girls: "To celebrate my successful wrap-up of filming, would you do me the honor of having dinner together? I'm very interested in the voice acting industry and would like to ask you some questions."
"Why--?!"
Megumi Hayashibara felt that her brain was somewhat oxygen-deprived.
Invited to dinner by Kitahara Shin?
Refuse? How could I possibly refuse!
"Okay, okay! If it won't cause you any trouble!"
A Western restaurant nearby.
The two sat facing each other.
At first, Megumi Hayashibara was very reserved, her hands even trembling as she held the knife and fork. But Shin Kitahara didn't put on any airs of a celebrity; he chatted casually about anime, voice acting techniques, and even imitated a few lines from anime.
The atmosphere quickly became lively.
Megumi Hayashibara was surprised to find that this big star not only looked amazing, but also had an astonishingly deep understanding of anime and manga culture.
"Really? You also think voice actors shouldn't just stay behind the scenes?"
Megumi Hayashibara's eyes sparkled. "Actually, I've always thought so too! I think voice is also a performing art!"
"certainly."
Kitahara Shin cut a piece of steak, his tone resolute: "In the future, voice actors will become idols. There will be dedicated concerts, dedicated magazines. And you—"
He looked at Megumi Hayashibara: "You have that potential."
The meal was a pleasure for both the host and guests.
Before leaving, the two exchanged contact information (written on slips of paper).
Watching Megumi Hayashibara skip away, Shin Kitahara stroked his chin.
Voice actor agency —
Perhaps it's really worth making some plans in advance.
Back at the Minato Ward office.
As soon as he entered the office, Kitahara Shin sensed that something was off.
Rie Miyazawa and Nanako Matsushima were gathered around his desk, pointing at a pile of letters on it.
"What's wrong?"
Kitahara Shin walked over.
"teacher!"
Nanako picked up a letter with a serious expression. The envelope was light purple and sprayed with perfume, smelling very expensive.
"These fans are going too far! Look, this person who calls herself a 'Ginza madam' actually slipped a Porsche car key into her letter! She said if you'd do her the honor of having a meal with her, she'd give you the car!"
"And this too!"
Rie, not to be outdone, picked up another letter. "This one's even more outrageous! She sent a photocopy of the villa's property deed! Saying she has an empty house in Izu and wants to invite you on vacation!"
The two little girls were sulking, their faces filled with a sense of crisis.
Since the drama "The White Tower" and the character Hitomi Kuroki became popular, a large number of "rich women" have suddenly appeared in Kitahara Shin's fan base.
These mature women's offensive tactics are simple, brutal, and direct.
This made Rie and Nanako, who were still considered "pure young girls," feel an unprecedented threat.
"Aren't we being too naive?"
Rie glanced at her school uniform skirt, then at Nanako's sportswear.
"Indeed—" Nanako bit her lip, "It seems like the mature style like Kuroki-senpai is popular now."
So, ten minutes later.
When Kitahara Shin came out of the restroom, he was stunned by what he saw.
Rie Miyazawa pulled out a black suit jacket that was clearly two sizes too big from somewhere, draped it over her shoulders, and had an unlit Pocky stick in her mouth (pretending it was a cigarette), trying to strike a "lazy" pose.
Nanako Matsushima, on the other hand, had her hair forcibly tied up, her cheeks smeared with two patches of blush resembling highland red, and she held a cup of cola in her hand, trying her best to appear "dazed" with her eyes.
Kitahara Shin stood at the door and remained silent for three seconds.
"puff."
He couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"What are you doing? You little brats who steal adults' clothes?"
Rie's face instantly turned red: "Who's a little brat! We're learning to be mature! We're learning to have poise!"
"temperament?"
Kitahara Shin walked over, reached out and snatched the Pocky from Rie's mouth, then put it in his own mouth and bit it off.
"Click."
He then casually took down Nanako's precariously tied hair bun, letting her long hair fall loose.
"Don't learn those unnecessary things."
""
He looked at the two dejected girls, a hint of amusement and indulgence in his eyes: "Want to be a mature woman? Wait another ten years."
After saying that, he took the Porsche car key and casually tossed it into the deepest part of the drawer.
"As for these things—I'll leave them to Da Tian to handle from now on. I don't need a car."
Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Rie and Nanako exchanged a glance, and their sense of crisis finally dissipated.
but----
"Ten years—"
Rie watched his retreating figure and muttered under her breath, "By then, I'll definitely be more charming than Kuroki-senpai. Humph."
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