Tokyo Bubble Life

Chapters 1479 and 1488: Otomo-san saw through everything!

In the building of the tree friend.

It was a rare occasion for Shuichi Itō to return to his top-floor office. He sat in the plush executive chair, feeling his back sink into the leather cushions for a moment of relaxation, and couldn't help but sigh.

"Ah~ This chair is so much more comfortable than the one in the Cultural Policy Research Office!"

At Shuyu, he is a billionaire with a net worth of over a billion yen, the third-in-command of the company, and enjoys the best view from the top-floor office and the most upscale office facilities!

In the Capitol, he was just a chief of staff. Even if this chief of staff could formulate policies that affected the entire country, his office was only about ten square meters in size. Office procurement required a budget!

"Knock knock."

The office door was pushed open, and there stood Yoshimura Otomo, who rarely visits other people's offices.

"Shuichi-san?! You're really here?"

"Why didn't you say you were coming?! I was surprised when I heard it from Xingxia-chan."

"Ah~~"

Shuichi Itō sat up and replied with a smile.

"Come over here and criticize the extravagant lifestyle of capitalism!"

"."

Upon hearing this, Yoshimura Otomo rolled his eyes, leaned back on his desk, and muttered a complaint.

"Since Shuichi entered politics and started studying policy, he's become quite the smooth talker!"

Haha, I'm used to it.

Itō Shuichi smiled and said,

"You have to consider the impact when you speak over there."

"By the way, where is Naoki-san now?"

Yoshimura Otomo pondered for a moment:

"Logically speaking, he should be home right now, having just returned from Osaka. You know, he likes to stay home."

"That's true."

As he spoke, Yoshimura Otomo suddenly became curious:

"So, you need to talk to him about something? Like, in person?"

"Yes"

Shuichi Itō had nothing to hide from his close friend.

"The Tokyo International Film Festival is just a month away! And coincidentally, the 'Culture-Based Nation' strategy has already been approved by the House of Representatives, and a hearing is about to be held."

"What does this have to do with the Tokyo International Film Festival?!"

"Sigh, I knew Otomo-san had no political sense!"

Shuichi Itō stood up from his chair and looked out the window at the bright summer scenery.

"To gain everyone's support for this strategy, we need to deliver the most perfect result!"

"The last Tokyo Anime Festival, while very successful, was still a niche cultural event, whereas the Tokyo International Film Festival, with its focus on film culture, is a mainstream cultural event!"

"I'm even planning to have Prime Minister Doi attend the opening ceremony of this year's Tokyo International Film Festival!"

"!!ha?!!"

Even Yoshimura Otomo was surprised to hear such an outrageous idea.

"You want the Prime Minister to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival?!"

As things stand, while the Tokyo International Film Festival's influence continues to grow, this year's event was at most attended by the Minister of Education.

However, since Shuichi Itō wants the Prime Minister to participate at such a high level, what about the next term? Will the Emperor attend?!

"yes."

Itō nods.

"This is beneficial to both the film festival and Mr. Doi."

On the one hand, the Tokyo International Film Festival's elevated status demonstrates the government's support for cultural activities; on the other hand, appearing at such a high-profile event, which boasts the highest visibility in Japan and globally, is also a positive publicity opportunity for Prime Minister Doi!

In the end, elected prime ministers are somewhat similar to entertainers; they both need to increase their presence in the public's mind!

"I even want the Tokyo International Film Festival's executive committee to be affiliated with a government department, becoming a public organization called the Tokyo International Film Festival Secretariat, so that the Tokyo International Film Festival can truly become an important event with direct involvement from the Japanese government!"

Shuichi Itō spoke fluently and at length.

"In that case, the Tokyo International Film Festival could become a regular event in Japan, and maybe there will even be a special 'Tokyo International Film Day' in the future!"

".Forehead."

Yoshimura Otomo was somewhat speechless.

"Shuichi-san, you're thinking too far ahead."

"Haha, just a beautiful imagination~"

Shuichi Itō returned to his desk and stood next to Ōtomo Yoshimura, whispering as they plotted:

"Since Naoki-san isn't here during the day, how about we get together tonight?"

"Ok?"

Yoshimura Otomo's gaze towards Itō Shuichi began to take on a playful quality.

So, you want to drink with courtesans?!

"We're talking about serious business this time, huh?!"

Shuichi Itō said, seemingly seriously,

"I really want to talk to Naoki-san about the plans for the Tokyo International Film Festival. Let's see if we can make it even bigger!"

"Hehehe, don't give me that nonsense!"

Yoshimura Otomo asked the core question.

"After we've finished talking, would you like to have a drink?!"

After a few seconds of pause, Itō Shu finally spoke:

".want."

"Want to have a girl accompany you when you drink?"

"Also."

Yoshimura Otomo saw through everything!! He gave his old friend a disdainful look:

"Pah! You just want to go out and have fun!! But you pretend to be talking about serious business. Hypocrite!"

"Otomo-san, this is pure slander!"

Shuichi Itō immediately retorted,

"It's just a coincidence! Anyway, after we finish our business, it'll be quite early, and we need to kill some time!"

Hehe~

At Yama-oka-in, the sun's strongest rays have already passed.

Naoki Nagayama has returned and had a wonderful afternoon nap!

At this moment, the courtyard was bustling with activity, and the sound of splashing water could be faintly heard.

The whole family was playing in the newly built swimming pool. Even the youngest, Ren Nagayama, went into the water and splashed around under his parents' watchful eye.

"Really? He can swim backstroke at such a young age!"

Naoki Nagayama looked at the naked little guy floating on the water and sighed.

"It seems that swimming skills are ingrained in our genes!"

"Ah~~ Ah ah~~"

She was a little scared and cried when she first went into the water, but now Little Lotus looks much calmer.

As he swung his arms, he surprisingly exuded a sense of calm and composure. He could even swim a short distance towards Akina.

"Haha, you can even control the direction! Come on, Ren-chan, try a freestyle swim!"

Akina was exasperated watching Naoki Nagayama tease his son as if he were some new and exciting toy.

"Naoki-san, that's your son, not a remote-controlled toy!!"

".Forehead."

Naoki Nagayama's smile froze for a moment, then he denied it.

"I never said he was a toy!"

"Then don't give the order!"

"."

After a pause, Naoki Nagayama turned his back and muttered a low scoff. What's the point of having babies if they can't be toys?! Little Ren is clearly happy too!

Akina seemed to hear her and immediately gave her a death stare:

"Naoki-san, what did you just say?"

There's nothing there!

Naoki Nagayama turned his head, looked at Natsuka who had swum to the end and was turning back, and shouted:

"Hana-chan, look, I'm coming to woo you!"

With that, she swam off to the other side, the splash she created giving Little Lotus a real taste of what big waves were like. Luckily, Akina immediately reached out and caught the little one on the back.

"This Naoki-san"

Meanwhile, Naoki Nagayama used his underwater swimming ability to quickly dodge behind Hana-chan, and then pretended to chase after her.

The little guy immediately let out a clear laugh and started swimming forward with all his might. Seeing this, Eitaro swam around them as well.

At some unknown moment, Hana-chan's speed suddenly increased, surprising even Naoki Nagayama.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that Hana-chan had somehow grabbed Yingtaro by the hair on his back and was being pulled forward.

"Tsk tsk tsk, Yingtaro is truly omnipotent~"

First, there was the monkey riding a dog when we were kids, and now it can be used as a speedboat!

"Alright, let's have a race to see who's faster!!"

For a moment, the poolside was filled with laughter.

A dozen minutes later, Xiao Xiaolian was carried ashore by Akina, took a shower at the showerhead by the pool, dried herself off, and was sunbathing on a beach chair.

Wearing a pair of small sunglasses, she looks quite fashionable. If she weren't holding a baby bottle, she would be even more trendy!

Hana-chan was also tired, so Naoki Nagayama carried her ashore and rinsed her off a bit. Then he wrapped her in a large towel and placed her next to Little Lotus.

Next up is Eitaro. As a member of the household, he naturally has to take a shower too. This guy always manages to get Naoki Nagayama soaked.

Once everything was settled, Naoki Nagayama went to a beach chair to enjoy the sun and wait for his skin to dry.

"Naoki-san applies sunscreen!"

After applying sunscreen to both her children, Akina handed the product to Naoki Nagayama.

"I don't need it for now; I want to get a tan."

Naoki Nagayama politely declined, saying that it was fine for a man to be a little dark-skinned. He was already too fair-skinned, either driving a luxury car or working inside buildings.

However, his gaze shifted to the fair-skinned Akina beside him, and Naoki Nagayama spoke with righteous indignation:

"Akina didn't wear sunscreen either. Let me help her!!"

"."

Akina rolled her eyes, but was secretly pleased. They're an old married couple, and they still pull this stunt!

However, she obediently lay down and let her husband help her clean up. Anyway, the housekeeper and nanny wouldn't be so tactless as to bother them.

After resting for a while, Hua Jiang regained her energy.

"Dad, I want some juice!"

Naoki Nagayama nodded:

"Okay~ What would Akina like to drink? I'll go get it with you!"

"Soda Bar"

"Hmm, where's the lotus sauce?"

Naoki Nagayama glanced at little Ren beside him, and the little girl looked down at the bottle she was holding. For some reason, she wanted to throw the bottle at her father.

"Oh, Ren-chan, no!"

Amidst laughter, Naoki Nagayama went to the refrigerator in the living room and grabbed some drinks and fruit.

And just then, I heard the voice of my mobile phone.

"what happened?"

Akina looked at Naoki Nagayama, who had brought his mobile phone.

"Who's calling?"

"I don't know, they hung up before I could answer, so I called back."

Only a few people knew this number, so Naoki Nagayama took the call very seriously. After pressing the redial button, the call was answered after a long beep.

"Mosimoxi?"

"Otomo-san?"

Naoki Nagayama recognized who it was.

"Why didn't I answer the phone?"

"Ah, it's nothing serious, it's just Xiu-san."

"."

As Akina was serving fruit to her daughter, she noticed Naoki Nagayama's expression change from curiosity to surprise, then he seemed to glance at Hana-chan before becoming serious again.

"Okay, I understand! It's settled then!"

After hanging up the phone, Naoki Nagayama walked over, his expression very serious:

"It's Otomo-san and Shuichi-san. They said they want to discuss the Tokyo International Film Festival. There are government officials attending, so I have to go out for a social event tonight!"

"I see?"

Akina nodded.

"So you're not eating at home tonight?"

"If I don't eat, I might get back a little later tonight."

"Um"

Since it was serious business, Akina didn't object. She was quite comfortable with Naoki Nagayama's social interactions.

"Then I'll go get Naoki some clothes."

"No need, I can go myself!"

Naoki Nagayama declined.

"You and Huajiang and Lianjiang can relax a little longer; the sun will be gone soon~"

"This"

"Don't worry, it's alright!"

Naoki Nagayama said goodbye to Hana-chan, patted Little Lotus's head, and then prepared to change his clothes.

A dozen minutes later, a Toyota Century drove out of Yamao-in.

Night had not yet fully fallen, but the club in Roppongi was already open for business.

Meanwhile, Yoshimura Otomo and Itō Shuichi were waiting for Nagayama Naoki at their usual Karuno Club. Upon seeing Nagayama Naoki, Yoshimura Otomo smiled.

"Naoki-san, you're so slow!"

"Don't you know about evening rush hour?"

Naoki Nagayama sat down in a booth, and the hostess, Motoko Haraguchi, quickly handed him a glass of chilled lemonade to quench his thirst.

"Why did you call me over in such a hurry? I haven't even had dinner yet!"

"Haha, it's been a long time since we've had a get-together, so let's get together while the Naoki-san crew is on a break."

Yoshimura Otomo laughed,

"We didn't eat dinner either!"

"Let's eat first and then relax a bit~"

Haraguchi-san

Shuichi Itō has been visiting Roppongi quite often lately, and asked with a smile.

"Has a new Thai restaurant opened around here?!"

"Yes, it's open, and business is pretty good!"

Motoko Haraguchi nodded, then asked,

"Shuichi-san, aren't we eating at the restaurant today? We got some fresh lobster this morning!"

"No need, I want something appetizing today!"

Shuichi Itō shook his head and looked at Naoki Nagayama.

"Shall we go eat Thai food?"

"Alright~"

After a brief discussion, the group headed to the newly opened restaurant and quickly sat down inside.

Thai cuisine is famous for its unique seasonings, which are spicy, sweet, and savory with a rich flavor. It's truly excellent.

However, the three of them came here to chat.

"The Tokyo International Film Festival has been upgraded, and Prime Minister Doi has been invited to attend. Of course, there's no problem with that!"

Naoki Nagayama ate and talked at the same time.

"I fully support it!"

"Shuichi-san, have you convinced Doi-san?"

"Haha, I think there's no problem!"

Shuichi Itō was very confident.

"This is a win-win situation."

"It's good that you have confidence."

At this moment, Yoshimura Otomo asked:

"Naoki-san, are you participating this time?!"

If Naoki Nagayama were involved, it would definitely be Jurassic Park. It might even sweep the awards again.

"I?"

Naoki Nagayama pondered for a moment and felt that winning this award didn't seem to have much effect on him!

It's like he's printing his own awards and sticking them on his own house. His current status doesn't need a few awards to highlight it.

I don't think we need to!

He shook his head and assessed the time.

"If the Tokyo International Film Festival is in October, it seems my 'Fast & Furious' movie isn't finished editing yet, so I won't be able to attend the premiere."

"I'm either not going to participate in this film festival at all. Let the other directors have their moment!"

"That won't do."

Yoshimura Daitomo waved his hand, "How could the Tokyo International Film Festival be complete without Naoki-san!"

At this moment, Itō Shuichi looked up from his Tom Yum soup and interjected:

"Why don't we have Naoki-san be a judge? He can be the referee!"

"?!""Um?"

"To be a judge?!"

"Well"

Naoki Nagayama stroked his chin. "It's not entirely impossible!"

The chairman of the jury for major international film events needs to be a highly respected person. Given his reputation and status in the film industry, he is absolutely qualified to be the chairman of the jury.

"Okay. Then I'll be the chair of the judging panel!"

The important arrangements for an international film event were finalized over the dinner table of these three!

"Okay! Then there's nothing more to discuss."

After finishing his Tom Yum soup, Itō Shuichi smiled and said...

"Is everyone full?! Let's move on to the next game!!"

Let's go have some fun!

Seeing Shuichi Itō's excited expression, Ōtomo Yoshimura shook his head.

And you still say you didn't come here to drink and have fun?! (End of Chapter)