Chapters 1346 and 1355: Beautiful women are the most cunning.
Chapters 1346 and 1355: Beautiful women are the most cunning.
Chapters 1346 and 1355: Beautiful women are the most cunning!
Sometimes Naoki Nagayama felt that he might have other advantages after arriving in the Showa era, like a jinx.
Just as he had said before, it started snowing on Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas!
Christmas coincided with Tokyo's first snowfall, and "Jingle Bells" and "Snow Flower" appeared together!
The upbeat melody of "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way~" playing in shops and department stores contrasts with the melancholic tune of "This year, the first snow flower I've ever sung" playing in record stores and cinemas.
Intertwined, one recounts joyful times, the other depicts sorrowful love, creating a feeling of contrasting extremes.
Meanwhile, in the publicity department of the Tree Friends Building, the sounds of frustration were even more disconcerting. Many people were busy preparing for the premiere of "My Neighbor Totoro," and the phone kept ringing.
Among them, Ishikawa Susumu, the team leader, grabbed his hair and let out a frustrated roar:
"Why! Why did it have to snow at this time of year?!"
"..." Watanabe Eiichiro, the other half of the group, smoked a cigarette, his eyes dark-rimmed. "Alright, Ishikawa, it's just snowing, that's beyond our control. Now we should be thinking about how to deal with it!"
"What can we do?" Susumu Ishikawa asked dejectedly. "That's 'Love Letter'!"
If we're talking about Naoki Nagayama's most profitable films, one is "Kikujiro's Summer," and the other is "Love Letter"!
Furthermore, due to the enduring popularity of the theme song "Snow Flower," and factors such as the male lead Naoki Nagayama and the female lead Akina Nakamori, "Love Letter" has become closely associated with first love and romance.
It has now become a special tradition in Japan: every year when it snows in Tokyo, "Love Letter" is re-released.
Currently, watching "Love Letter" has become a must-do for young couples, and this habit will continue!
This film might have even greater potential than "Kikujiro's Summer"~
“Even if it’s ‘Love Letter’,” Eiichiro Watanabe stubbed out his cigarette, “we can’t just give up like this!”
"But the publicity and distribution for 'Love Letter' was all orchestrated by Naoki-san!"
According to Susumu Ishikawa, Naoki Nagayama's marketing strategy was brilliant. Even if he stops making movies, the constant re-releases of "Love Letter" will ensure that fans can still make a profit!
"Naoki-san, Naoki-san, what's wrong with you?"
Eiichiro Watanabe paused for a moment, ultimately not daring to say anything to his boss, and could only pant and say...
"Our marketing strategy for 'My Neighbor Totoro' was also suggested by Naoki Sante!"
"Moreover, the two films target different audiences! So the competition between them is minimal!"
As he spoke, he regained his confidence, and his voice grew louder and louder.
"Therefore, we must not be discouraged at this time, but should try to make the premiere of 'My Neighbor Totoro' even better!"
Before Ishikawa Susumu could speak, a voice came from outside:
"that's right!"
The office door was opened, and Naoki Nagayama and Otomo Yoshimura were standing outside.
"!!!" XN
Everyone in the propaganda department was shocked:
"Naoki-san, Otomo-san, what are you doing here?!"
"Because tomorrow is Christmas!"
Naoki Nagayama walked in with a smile, followed by Yoshika Hoshino and Kouka Suzuki, who helped carry some gifts.
"But everyone still has to work overtime, so I came with Otomo-san to offer my condolences."
As he spoke, he and Yoshimura Otomo handed out the prepared gifts to the various employees of the publicity department, and warmly thanked them for their hard work.
In fact, only the publicity department and artist management staff are currently working at the Tree Friends Building. The other staff have already taken their annual leave and will not return to work until after the Lunar New Year next year.
When they reached Eiichiro Watanabe, Naoki Nagayama patted him on the shoulder:
"Eiichiro-kun had a great attitude just now, he's not discouraged at all!"
"."
Eiichiro Watanabe's expression stiffened slightly. At this moment, he was extremely relieved that he hadn't said anything bad about Naoki-san earlier.
"Hi! I'll work even harder!"
"Mmm, relax."
Naoki Nagayama reassured him,
"As you just said, 'My Neighbor Totoro' is a children's film. The previous promotional plan was fine. We just need to communicate with the cinemas about the screening schedule. 'Love Letter' and 'My Neighbor Totoro' target different audiences."
"Hi!!"
After saying this, Naoki Nagayama handed the Christmas present to Eiichiro Watanabe, skillfully making empty promises.
"Eiichiro, you've worked hard this year. Sugiyama Yoshihiko is going to be the president of an overseas branch, so the publicity department will still need you!"
"Hi!"
Eiichiro Watanabe's face showed excitement.
"I will definitely not let Naoki-san down!"
"Uh-huh."
Naoki Nagayama nodded, and seeing that the gifts had all been given out, he didn't say anything more.
"Everyone, you are all pillars of the tree community!!! After this project is completed, the company will arrange vacation compensation for you!"
"Everyone, please continue with your work. Otomo-san and I will be leaving now!"
“Arigato.” XN
As Naoki Nagayama and Otomo Yoshimura walked and chatted, listening to the expressions of gratitude coming from inside the office:
"Sigh, the people in the publicity department are really working hard, they'll be busy until next year!"
"Yes, but the bonus is very generous!"
Yoshimura Otomo nodded, then smiled.
"And what Naoki-san just said has made everyone even more excited!"
"Ha ha."
His ability to make empty promises is getting more and more sophisticated. But Naoki Nagayama ultimately delivered on all his promises, proving himself to be a reliable boss who keeps his word!
Then, his image in the minds of his employees will grow infinitely, and he will eventually become a dream achiever!
"Eh? Is Otomo-san going home for vacation too?"
"I...I'm not ready yet," Yoshimura Otomo shook his head. "I still need to go out for drinks with some people and reconnect with them."
As the CEO of Tree Friends Ears, Fangcun Dayou has dinner and drinking parties every day, usually until the Spring Festival!
"Thank you for your hard work, Otomo-san."
"Haha, anyway, I'm not really interested in Christmas."
Yoshimura Otomo laughed and said that for people at his level, holidays don't bring any material benefits; they could celebrate every day.
"By the way, where's Shuichi-san?"
"I guess Shuichi-san is still actively campaigning!"
The time for the prime minister's nomination is drawing ever closer. Shuichi Itō is currently busy every day at the parliamentary residence.
Furthermore, the influence of the Tokyo Film Association is evident, with many female celebrities publicly supporting Tagako Doi.
"Looks like Shuichi-san is going to be very busy this year!"
The Jurassic Island crew also had a holiday on Christmas Day. After strolling around the Tree Friends Building, Naoki Nagayama boarded the car back to Yamazakura-in.
Along the way, the two different styles of music gave him a refreshing experience.
"Well"
Naoki Nagayama heard two kinds of music as soon as he stepped outside and felt a strange shock.
"It's like Tokyo has a split personality."
When they returned to Yamazakura-in, Akina was in the courtyard, watching the snowflakes fall with Natsuka, who was dressed warmly in her clothes. The little one had probably lost her memories of the past, and now she seemed to be seeing snow for the first time, and she was very excited.
If Akina hadn't pulled me back, I might have wanted to roll around in the thin layer of snow!
"Naoki-san, you're back!"
Akina asked with a smile,
"Have the company matters been resolved?"
“Yes,” Naoki Nagayama nodded. “The crew and the company have all been given holidays, and those who are working overtime have been given a break.”
"Where's Akina?"
"I also sent gifts to my colleagues at Ken-On."
Like Ken-On and the agency under Shu-Yu, they don't take a holiday on Christmas!
"That's good! Looks like we can have a proper Christmas now!"
"Ok!"
Akina nodded, then placed Natsuka in his arms.
"Perfect timing! Naoki-san is back, so please keep an eye on Hana-chan. I need to go prepare the big dinner tonight!"
"Forehead"
Naoki Nagayama, holding his daughter, naturally wouldn't refuse, but he asked with some curiosity,
What is Akina's grand feast?
"It's a Christmas staple: roast turkey!!"
Akina said,
"Mori-san and the others are on holiday, so I made this all by myself today!"
"."
Upon hearing the word "roast turkey," Naoki Nagayama gave a hesitant look.
Turkeys are large poultry with a high meat yield. Chicken meat is low in fat, high in protein, and contains unsaturated fatty acids, making it a very healthy type of meat overall.
But it doesn't taste good!
In a certain large Eastern country, chicken feet, duck claws, and pig trotters are all consumed, and even poisonous foods like konjac are served on the table. However, few people try such a large piece of turkey meat because it doesn't taste good!
However, seeing Akina's enthusiastic expression in the kitchen, Naoki Nagayama didn't say anything discouraging. He looked down at Natsuka:
"Hua Jiang, when we eat turkey tonight, you have to eat it in small bites, okay?"
"Okay~" Xia Hua nodded without thinking.
Then Naoki Nagayama looked at Eitarou, who was wagging his tail beside him, and a smile appeared on his lips:
"Yotaro, you're in luck tonight!"
As a gluttonous Labrador, there's no reason for him to refuse such a healthy meat as turkey!
"Wang Wang!"
Completely oblivious to his owner's mischievous intentions, Yingtaro wagged his thick tail even more enthusiastically! Meanwhile, Nyantaro, lying on his thick cat bed, glanced at the silly dog.
Next, Naoki Nagayama played with Natsuka in the yard for a while, and then returned to the room as the snow got heavier.
After wiping the sweat off their daughter, the two went to the kitchen and watched Akina bustling about.
"Today, I must make the most authentic American Christmas meal!"
Akina has already put the turkey in the oven. The smoked ham and salmon are relatively simple, along with some salad and other vegetables. She's currently making Christmas pudding.
Xiaoxia looked at her mother with some curiosity, and was even eager to go forward and help, but was pulled away by Naoki Nagayama.
"The flower sauce is too small, and the kitchen equipment is dangerous."
"If you want to help, why don't you tear this cabbage into smaller pieces?"
Afterwards, can cabbage be used to make hand-torn cabbage?
After giving my daughter a basin, I saw her happily start tearing it apart.
As dusk settled, the aroma of food filled the air in Yama-oka-in.
As night fell, the snow in Tokyo grew thicker, but the core commercial districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya remained brightly lit and bustling with people.
Many young people have no intention of going home; their exciting nightlife is just beginning!
Today, the energetic young man, Miku Sho Honda, went on a date with his beautiful girlfriend, Shiina Mishima. The music of "Jingle Bells" brought laughter, while "Snow Flower" was more suitable for the current weather, leaving some people unsure of which to choose.
"Let's go have a big meal first, then go see 'Love Letter'!"
Honda Mikuto said to his girlfriend, Mishima Shiina.
"Anyway, it's Christmas Eve today, so it's fine if I go home very late or not at all."
"Okay!" Completely absorbed in love, Shiina Mishima agreed without hesitation. "I've wanted to read *Love Letter* for a long time."
"But my friends all said that the first time I watch 'Love Letter,' I must watch it with my boyfriend, which is why it's been so long!"
Honda Miku was somewhat surprised:
"When did this rule come about?"
"I don't know, that's what everyone says." Shiina Mishima shook her head. "They say that if you do it this way, love will stay beautiful forever!"
"Feudal superstition!"
As a fearless teenager, Honda Miku naturally didn't believe in this kind of thing.
"It must have been made up by young girls!"
"Mikusho"
Shiina Mishima reached out and pinched her boyfriend's waist, immediately switching on her two-finger technique.
"We're going to watch 'Love Letter' together! Got it?!"
"Hi hi hi"
Honda Miku could only nod, and then the two went to Harajuku, the most fashionable Christmas spot, to begin their date.
They enjoyed a big meal, karaoke, and a carnival, and the young couple were overjoyed until they finally arrived at the movie theater close to midnight.
""love letter"?"
The ticket seller glanced at the two young men and shook his head.
"Tickets for 'Love Letter' are sold out!"
"Huh?! How could this be?"
Honda Mikusho exclaimed in surprise,
"Wasn't this supposed to be a movie that's been re-released many times? How come so many people are still coming to see it? There aren't even any midnight screenings left?!"
These words brought a smile to the ticket seller's face.
"Then why don't you think about why 'Love Letter' has been re-released so many times?!"
"It's because of this movie that it has endured!"
"Some couples booked tickets here as soon as the schedule came out, but the midnight screenings were already sold out, and there were only a few tickets left for the early morning screenings!"
"Early morning?"
Mishima Shiina asked,
"When was it?"
"Around two o'clock," the ticket seller said. "There are only a few tickets left, but they should be sold out soon."
Shiina Mishima turned her head and saw that there were still people queuing at other windows! In a moment of panic, she blurted out:
"Then we'll take them!"
"Good~"
The ticket seller quickly handed out the ticket.
However, Shiina Mishima, who had received the ticket, looked at Miku Honda with some concern:
"How are we going to spend the remaining hours?"
"Want to go shopping?" "Too tired." "Want to get something to eat?" "I'm full." "Want to go to the amusement park?" "Too cold."
Honda Miku, who had offered several suggestions, didn't immediately understand his girlfriend's meaning. However, following her gaze, a movie poster came into view.
"My Neighbor Totoro?"
The movie officially premiered at midnight, and there were already screenings starting in the early morning!
"Ah, Miku Sho, you want to watch 'My Neighbor Totoro' too!"
Shiina Mishima smiled.
"I didn't really want to watch cartoons; I felt they were too childish, and we're both adults. But since it's Miku Sho's wish, I'll watch them with you!"
With that, Shiina Mishima happily went back to queue for tickets. Only Miku Honda remained, looking somewhat bewildered.
"Something feels off."
Honda Mikusho scratched his head.
"I didn't want to watch it. She was the one who wanted to watch it, so how did it become 'accompanying me'?"
Sure enough, beautiful women are the most cunning! They can turn cause into effect!
Just then, Shiina Mishima walked over with a smile:
"Alright, let's go in. We'll see 'My Neighbor Totoro' first, then we can go see 'Love Letter'!"
"."
"Does Miku Sho have something to say?"
".No"
(End of this chapter)
N-M