N-M Chapter 1314, Chapter 1323: This time we're going to do something "bad"!!
Chapter 1314, Chapter 1323: This time we're going to do something "bad"!!
Chapter 1314, Chapter 1323: This time we're going to do something "bad"!!
As it was nearing the end of the workday, Shuichi Itō arrived at the Shuyu Building with the list of winners from the Tokyo International Film Festival and began discussing it with Hirotomo Yoshimura.
"Has Naoki-san's movie already started filming?"
Yoshimura Daitomo flipped through the list of winners in his hand and said to Itō Shuichi, who was sitting on the sofa...
"Everyone's gone to Jurassic Island!"
"Filming should officially begin after the blessing ceremony."
Shuichi Itō spoke casually, his gaze fixed on the list of winners in his hand—the final results of the 3rd Tokyo International Film Festival Grand Prix.
Naturally, "Departures" won the grand prize, the highest honor, with a significant advantage.
This film, which was originally intended to compete for major awards, has won praise from many judges for its unique cultural background, heartwarming narrative, and special shooting and editing techniques. It has been hailed as an excellent film that can promote Japanese culture!
"Will Naoki-san attend the closing ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival?"
Yoshimura Daitomo looked up and asked with some curiosity,
"After all, it's on Jurassic Island. We couldn't leave during filming."
“They’ll definitely come!” Shuichi Itō said confidently. “Putting everything else aside, the two main characters are both important stars, and they will definitely be able to set aside a day to participate in this important closing ceremony.”
"Yeah, too."
Just then, there was a knock on the office door, and Eiichiro Watanabe from the publicity department walked in.
"Otomo-san, Shuichi-san."
After greeting the two bigwigs, he handed the photos and manuscripts he was holding to Yoshimura Otomo.
"This is the press release for Naoki-san's filming launch ceremony. Please take a look, Otomo-san."
"So fast?"
Yoshimura Otomo took it, glanced at the photo, and then started reading the press release.
Itoh Shuichi, however, seemed curious and came over to take the photo and look at it:
"Oh ho? The one offering blessings has changed to the apprentice. Looks impressive~"
"The male lead, Harrison Ford, seems to have gained a little weight. The female lead, Yuko Tanaka, well, she looks quite thinner."
Yoshimura Daitomo answered while looking at the press release:
"After all, the affair between Yuko Tanaka and Kenji Sawada was a huge scandal, and Yuko Tanaka hasn't had any new works for several years since 'Yasha,' so she must be under a lot of pressure."
Because of his relationship with Yuko Tanaka, Kenji Sawada officially divorced his wife at the beginning of the year. This also tarnished Tanaka's reputation as a "marriage destroyer," which is a very bad thing in Japan.
"Haha, because of love."
Shuichi Itō shook his head, seemingly feeling that the relationship was not worth it. After all, before this, Yuko Tanaka had already become very famous because of "Oshin," and after winning the Blue Ribbon Award, her career was at its peak.
"But speaking of which, Kenji Sawada is quite daring! He gave all 18 billion yen to his ex-wife."
Even for a rock music king, 18 billion is all the money he earned in the first half of his life!
"Yes, 18 billion! That's a lot."
Yoshimura Daito put down his manuscript, sighing deeply. Even as the CEO of the prestigious Shuyou Group, he couldn't earn this much money!
However, his mind changed, and he became happy again:
"But once Naoki-san finishes his business operations in the US, I'll probably have 100 billion yen, right?! Thinking about it that way, it doesn't seem like that much! Hahaha~"
"Haha~"
At this point, Shuichi Itō laughed. He had also participated in Naoki-san's scheme, but unfortunately, he only invested 600 million. However, combined with his previous savings, his net worth was close to 10 billion.
The office echoed with the laughter of the two bigwigs, causing Watanabe Eiichiro to shrink back and try to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. He seemed to have overheard some incredible inside information.
It seems that Naoki-san secretly orchestrated a massive profit for Otomo-san and Shuichi-san during the US stock market crash?!
Could it be true that the rumors circulating in the US lately claim that Japanese capital orchestrated the stock market crash?
At this moment, Watanabe Eiichiro desperately wanted to possess Kijima Kyō's physique; he didn't want to be silenced by the two powerful figures!
"Ahem~"
Yoshimura Otomo then noticed there was another person in the office, coughed, and stopped laughing.
"Eiichiro, did you hear that just now?"
"."
Eiichiro Watanabe gave an awkward smile; there was no point in making excuses at this point.
"Congratulations, Otomo-san! Congratulations, Shuichi-san!"
"Eiichiro-kun is a long-time employee of Shuyou, so it's nothing for him to hear this."
Yoshimura Otomo nodded solemnly:
"Just don't talk about it outside."
Upon hearing this, Watanabe Eiichiro quickly patted his chest and assured him:
"Please rest assured, I am utterly loyal to my friend, Tree Fellow!! I would never say anything out of line!"
"Hmm~"
"Ha ha."
Shuichi Itō, however, wasn't so serious. He patted Eiichiro Watanabe on the shoulder.
"It's nothing really. I'm just making money with Naoki-san."
"Eiichiro-kun, if you want to make money, take my advice. Just invest your money in Shuyou Capital. Naoki-san is the most talented trader I've ever seen! I remember Masataka-kun and the others made quite a bit this time."
Itō Shuichi blinked.
"Furthermore, Shuyou Capital offers special preferential treatment to employees of Shuyou Group!"
"Hi"
Thinking back to the stock market crash of the past, Masataka Komori and some of the more core members had smiles on their faces. Eiichiro Watanabe was a little tempted; it seemed they had made quite a bit of money!
Yoshimura Hirotomo then handed the press release back:
"Eiichiro-kun, that's good! Let's release this press release!"
"Hey, I get it!"
After Watanabe Eiichiro left, Yoshimura Otomo became somewhat puzzled:
"Does Tree Friends offer preferential treatment to its employees?"
"Haha, no! TreeFriend Capital treats everyone equally."
Shuichi Itō showed absolutely no remorse for lying.
"I just had this thought on the spur of the moment: giving Shuyou employees preferential treatment in investment banking would further enhance the company's cohesion!"
"Anyway, just tell Naoki-san to hire a dedicated investment manager to manage it, and reduce the commission a bit. Following Naoki-san won't hurt us~"
"."
Yoshimura Otomo was taken aback, and actually thought that Shuichi-san's words made a lot of sense!
If this is done, Shuyou's employees will definitely be the most united group in the entertainment industry!
"It seems that Shuichi-san has indeed learned a lot from being the president of the Film Association for so long!"
"Haha, of course!"
After boasting for a while, Itō Shuichi suggested to Yoshimura Ōtomo...
"Otomo-san, I'm in a great mood right now, how about we go grab a drink tonight?"
"Well, I really am going to Roppongi for a drink."
Yoshimura Otomo's expression was somewhat strange.
"However, this time we're going to do something bad. Are you sure you want to come along, Shuichi-san?"
"Otomo-san, now that you say that, I'm even more interested!"
Today, Yoshimura Otomo booked a luxury suite at the upscale club "Karune" in Roppongi.
It's similar to a hotel's presidential suite, with a bathroom and bedroom, but mainly features karaoke and other entertainment facilities.
Before Yoshimura Otomo arrived, there was already someone in the room.
The lights in the room were already on, and in the dim, somewhat ambiguous pink, club waitresses Kana Kotani and Kiyoto Takei brought over fruit platters and drinks, and then began to build a drinks tower on the coffee table in the center of the room.
"Takei."
After setting out the fruit platter, Kana Kotani, being a girl, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
"Didn't you say there were already guests? Why is no one here?"
"Maybe he went to pick someone up."
Kiyoto Takei was carefully stacking the sake glasses. Sake towers look sophisticated and beautiful, but they require great care from the person building them, especially in poor lighting.
"But...why do I feel a chill?"
"The air conditioning is set too low!"
Kiyoto Takei was getting impatient.
"Kana-chan, don't bother me right now! A broken crystal glass will cost a lot of money to pay for!"
"."
Feeling somewhat aggrieved, Kana Kotani could only stop talking, but her eyes swept around the room. In the dim, mesmerizing light, she indeed couldn't see anyone else.
"Something's wrong."
Fortunately, Kiyoto Takei had already set up the sake tower, and after filling it with sake, the preparations were complete.
"Alright, Kana-chan, let's go so we don't disturb the guests."
"But there are no customers?"
"It wouldn't be good if they came back from outside and bumped into us. The guests in the suite value their privacy."
"Okay~"
The two of them whispered among themselves as they left the room and closed the door behind them.
The room was quiet for a moment before a figure emerged from the shadows.
Kijima held up the high-definition camera with a hint of helplessness:
"Looks like my skills have declined. The waiter actually noticed? But the Rolex was already put away!"
He glanced around at himself, then took off the titanium silver necklace from his neck and put it away. His girlfriend had given it to him, saying it had some kind of magnetic field that would help her find him. It must be because of this necklace.
Kijima Kyō came today with a mission: he was going to take private photos of someone as a secret weapon!
Although a hidden camera was installed in the room, the dim lighting still required a relatively close-up, high-definition photo to ensure a clear view of the scene.
Because this matter needed to be kept secret, and the only trustworthy core member of the Tree Friends who could guarantee that the photos would be taken without being discovered was Kijima Kyō, who possessed special abilities, was the one who asked Yoshimura Ōtomo to do this!
When Yoshihiko Noda was driven to the club by Takeharu Kawahara, Otomo Yoshimura and Shuichi Itō were already waiting for him in the private room!
"Noda-kun! You're late!"
Yoshimura Otomo greeted him with a smile.
"We've all started drinking!"
"In Marseille, during the election, there's one question that voters absolutely must ask."
Noda Yoshihiko naturally smiled and apologized.
Now that it is time for a new parliamentary election, he is campaigning with all his might, aiming to become a member of parliament.
However, thanks to the financial and personnel support from fellow tree enthusiasts, both the venue and the activities went smoothly, and many voters were gathered each time.
"Haha, come on, let's have a penalty drink!"
Shuichi Itō smiled, raised a glass of champagne, and handed it to Yoshihiko Noda. Rather than a penalty shot, the champagne was more like a thirst-quenching drink.
He naturally knew Yoshihiko Noda, and had even met him after Noda came to Tokyo. During that time, he occasionally accepted Yoshimura Otomo's invitations to cultivate a good relationship with Noda.
After all, Yoshihiko Noda is the first politician supported by the fans, and he has great potential. If his election goes smoothly, we'll have a long time to work together in the future!
"Arigado~"
Yoshihiko Noda accepted the champagne and downed it heartily. This wasn't his first time relaxing at a club; he'd learned to unwind and enjoy himself. Elections were exhausting!
"What brings you here today, Shuichi-san?"
"This isn't the end of the Tokyo International Film Festival closing ceremony, so I'll take this opportunity to rest a bit."
Shuichi Itō said with a smile.
Actually, he was pulled over by Yoshimura Otomo after hearing that he was going to do something "bad," little did he know that it was to get dirt on Noda Yoshihiko.
Furthermore, Yoshimura Otomo even said that he was getting old and was afraid he couldn't outdrink the young Noda Yoshihiko, so he needed Shuichi-san's help. Clearly, he's getting stronger with age, and his alcohol tolerance is getting better and better.
"Oh? The Tokyo International Film Festival?"
Noda Yoshihiko's eyes lit up. This was a top-tier event, and if he could make an appearance here, his name would be remembered by even more people.
"Yes, it's going to be held in a couple of days, and the list of winners for the grand prize has already been released."
"The winner of the grand prize will definitely be Naoki-san from the tree-loving group, right?!"
"Haha, of course! The title 'Departures' is well-deserved!"
"What about the others?"
The winner of the second prize is...
As Yoshihiko Noda listened to Shuichi Itō share behind-the-scenes stories of the Tokyo International Film Festival competition, a sense of pride welled up within him. When he was a member of parliament in Chiba Prefecture, he had no way of knowing such behind-the-scenes information in advance, but now he could even offer his own opinions.
This even gave him the illusion that he could control the Tokyo entertainment industry.
Although he knew that Shuichi Itō's closeness to him must have ulterior motives, he figured he could always repay his friend after he was elected to the council.
Indeed, running for a seat in the Diet in Tokyo was the right choice!
A true man cannot be without power for even a day!
During a break in their conversation, Yoshimura Otomo had already called up the club's girls via landline! At that moment, Yoshimura Otomo enthusiastically introduced a voluptuous woman.
"This is a famous madam in Ginza, a renowned beauty far and wide!"
"Nice to meet you, I'm Motoko Haraguchi."
Wearing an elegant kimono, Motoko Haraguchi bowed slightly in greeting. It was the gentleness of that bowed head that captivated Yoshihiko Noda, a strong young man from a military family, with the shy yet mature charm of a water lily.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Yoshihiko Noda."
"."
The dim, ambiguous lighting, the back-and-forth of drinks—the atmosphere in the room became increasingly lively with the arrival of the young ladies.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, toasts, singing, and dancing!
Motoko Haraguchi, who frequented the entertainment industry, was naturally adept at reading people and flattering them, which made Yoshihiko Noda burst into hearty laughter from time to time.
Yoshimura Otomo and Itō Shuichi, who were standing to the side, occasionally gave each other strange looks, but these quickly disappeared as they clinked glasses and exchanged toasts.
As the night deepened, whether it was the wine that made him drunk or the beauty of spring that made him intoxicated, Noda Yoshihiko, who usually had a high alcohol tolerance, somehow became drunk early on and collapsed onto Haraguchi Motoko's shoulder.
"Noda-kun?!"
Yoshimura Otomo, who had drunk quite a bit, asked in a tipsy tone,
"Come on, have another drink!"
"Yoshimura Kuwanoda-kun is already drunk."
Haraguchi Motoko kindly explained that, as a madam, she naturally wasn't so easily drunk.
"I'm not drunk!"
Yoshihiko Noda was talking nonsense, his eyes closed, his arm around Motoko Haraguchi's shoulder, and he was chuckling incoherently.
"Hehehe, Haraguchi-san, let's have another drink!"
"."
Shuichi Itō was also somewhat tipsy, but fortunately, he was on guard today and remained quite lucid.
"Otomo-san, it looks like Noda-kun is failing."
"I think that's about enough for today. Shall we call it a day?"
"That won't do, I haven't had enough yet!"
Yoshimura Otomo shook his head.
"I have to go to the next show! There are still friends in 'Lotus' at this time."
"What about Noda-kun? Should we have the driver take him home first?"
“The driver still needs to take us there,” Yoshimura Otomo said. “Anyway, there’s a bedroom here, so let Noda-kun rest for the night. We’ll pick him up tomorrow.”
He said to Motoko Haraguchi:
"Haraguchi-san, please take good care of Noda-san for us! He's a big shot in the future! We must treat him well and fulfill any of his requests!"
"Hi~~"
Hearing Yoshimura Otomo's words, Haraguchi Motoko nodded. What hadn't the madams of Roppongi experienced—essentially serving drinks and providing sexual favors?
After the commotion subsided, only Yoshihiko Noda and Motoko Haraguchi remained in the room.
"Noda-kun, come here. Let's go to the bedroom."
"Hmm? Where are Otomo-san and the others?" Yoshihiko Noda opened his eyes and asked vaguely.
"Noda and the others went back to drinking, so I'll take care of you."
"Arigato."
"Come on, take off your coat."
"Noda-kun, hold on tight, you're about to fall!"
"Hey, Noda-kun, you're pressing down on me."
"Noda-kun"
"Noda."
As if by accident, or perhaps intentionally, the two of them stumbled and fell onto the bed. Noda Yoshihiko seemed to be drunk, yet also seemed sober, as he pulled the Roppongi madam into his arms.
In short, both parties were willing to give and receive; under the dim light, two figures made love in an ambiguous atmosphere.
What neither of them knew was that this scene had been clearly recorded by several cameras and a person!
These photos and videos, and potentially more in the future, will become one of the most direct pieces of "dirt" that Shuyu uses to counterbalance Yoshihiko Noda.
"."
Watching the two making love, Kijima, who was secretly taking pictures, secretly rejoiced.
Luckily, I came from an adult magazine background; others might not have the same self-control!
"This time, my sacrifice was too great!"
Kijima's expression was somber.
"As for the year-end bonus, it wouldn't be right for Otomo-san not to double it!"
(End of this chapter)