I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 117: Imagination of "Midnight Diner" and "The Solitary Gourmet"!

"You are... Nohara Hiroshi!?"

That cry filled with astonishment and ecstasy was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a thousand waves in this small restaurant full of stories!
"What?! Is it really Mr. Nohara?!"

In front of the bar, the nightclub guards who were wearing black suits, looked ferocious and gave off an aura of "keep away from strangers", jumped up from their seats almost at the same time!

Their faces, which were full of the expression of being difficult to deal with, were now replaced by a fanaticism that was almost like a pilgrimage.

That look was so hot that it seemed to melt Nohara Hiroshi on the spot!
"It's really Nohara-sensei!"

A burly man with a buzz cut and a corner of his Prajna tattoo visible on his neck, his face flushed with excitement. He rushed forward in two steps, his large hand like a palm-leaf fan reaching out halfway before retracting as if he had received an electric shock. He wiped it on his expensive suit and said in a shameful tone, "Mr. Nohara! I... I follow every episode of your "Wonderful Stories of the World"! That "Touch of Terror"! That twist! It's simply... it's simply a stroke of genius!"

"And 'Anshiju!'" A companion with a shallow scar on his face came up to him. His always fierce face was now filled with the excitement of a little fan seeing his idol. "My brothers and I used to love watching your 'Anshiju!'! That was the real horror! The real urban horror! Then we had that idiot Iwata, and what kind of rubbish he made! Thank goodness you're back! The king is back!"

Even the three "Chazuke Sisters" in the corner who always huddled together, chattering about men and always ordering chazuke, forgot their reserve at this moment. Their eyes lit up, and they whispered excitedly like three kittens seeing catnip.

"Wow... so handsome... even more handsome than on TV..."

"He's really quite charming. Look at the girl next to him, she's also very pretty. Is she his girlfriend?"

"Of course it is! Genius and beauty go together, it's only natural!"

Misae was startled by the sudden scene and subconsciously hid behind Nohara Hiroshi. However, her delicate little face was already flushed with a proud blush.

It's obvious that these people are Nohara-kun's fans. They respect Nohara-kun so much, which makes her feel really proud.

But I saw those guys with tattoos and cruel looks.

Meiya still stepped back.

In Japanese society, people with tattoos are either good people, or members of gangs or the underworld.

You will really be discriminated against.

Nohara Hiroshi looked at the humorous scene in front of him, and the helplessness in his heart caused by being disturbed was instantly replaced by a warm feeling of being both amused and sad.

He smiled and stretched out his hand, shaking hands with those "fanatic fans" who looked like they could kill a cow with one punch. His posture was calm and proper, without any arrogance caused by being sought after.

Although China in the past also had some strange views on tattoos, it was not as strict in hierarchy and social repression as Japan.

I totally look down on these gangsters.

Nohara Hiroshi also took it lightly.

After all, they are all fans.

If you hurt your fans, it will really damage your image if it gets out.

Nohara Hiroshi came from another world, so he certainly knew that sometimes being more generous and decent would actually be a very good plus.

So he smiled and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your support. It's just an ordinary show, not worthy of being called a 'masterpiece'."

"No, no, no! You're too modest!"

Behind the bar, the scarred boss, Shui Shangxiang, who had just watched everything quietly from beginning to end, finally put down the plate in his hand.

He bowed slightly to Nohara Hiroshi, his hoarse and steady voice filled with heartfelt respect: "You are worthy of any praise for creating works that make our guests feel happy and moved from the bottom of their hearts."

Nohara Hiroshi's gaze fell on him, and a barely perceptible gleam flashed in his clear eyes.

This face, this outfit, this aura that emerged from the hustle and bustle of the city, as calm as the deep ocean...

"Excuse me, have we met somewhere before?"

Nohara Hiroshi pulled Misae to sit at the bar and asked casually, "I have a friend named Kobayashi Kaoru who looks... a lot like you, boss."

Shui Shangxiang's hand wiping the dishes paused for a moment, and then, a look of surprise appeared on his face, which always looked a little distant, yet with a faint smile, "Really? That might just be a coincidence. There are always many similar people in the world."

Nohara Hiroshi smiled and didn't ask any further questions.

This in itself is nonsense.

After all, Kaoru Kobayashi was the protagonist of "Midnight Diner" in the previous life!

How does it relate to the world today?

However, when he saw this familiar scene and the owner of the late-night restaurant named Shui Shangxiang, he also smiled.

They are indeed very similar in shape and appearance.

There is also a scar on his face.

So funny!

He looked around the small restaurant, at the diners who were all full of stories. At this moment, the brain of this top producer began to work frantically at a terrifying speed.

Late night, delicious food, lonely souls in the city...

These three keywords, like three perfect pieces of a puzzle, instantly fit together in his mind to form a grand blueprint full of infinite possibilities.

"Boss, can you make anything on the menu?" he suddenly asked.

"Yeah." Shui Shangxiang nodded, his calm eyes gleaming with the confidence of a craftsman: "As long as it's something I can do."

"Okay then." Nohara Hiroshi's lips curled up. "Give me a pork chop rice. And for my wife... a vegetable salad, thank you."

This is so similar to "Midnight Diner"!

"OK, just a second."

Shui Shangxiang turned and walked into the kitchen. Soon, an overbearing aroma mixed with lard and breadcrumbs, accompanied by a pleasant "sizzling" sound, floated out from the kitchen.

Not long after, a steaming, golden and crispy pork chop rice and a bowl of colorful, refreshing and delicious looking vegetable salad were served in front of the two.

The pork chop is fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. When you take a bite, the rich gravy mixed with the sweetness of the rice bursts in your mouth. The purest joy of carbohydrates and fats is enough to heal any tired soul.

“Mmm! It’s so delicious!”

Misae took a bite of the salad, and her beautiful big eyes instantly narrowed with happiness. She couldn't help but sneak a bite of Nohara Hiroshi's pork chop, and her little face was full of amazement: "Boss! Your cooking skills... are even better than those Michelin chefs in Ginza!"

Shui Shangxiang just smiled, said nothing, turned around and continued to prepare food for other guests.

While Nohara Hiroshi was savoring this delicious meal full of human touch, he was observing everyone around him calmly.

He looked at the nightclub guards who, after a few drinks, began to brag about their "glorious deeds" in the underworld when they were young. The cheap but real vanity that belonged to men made him smile knowingly.

He looked at the "Three Sisters Drinking Tea and Rice", who complained about not being able to meet a good man, while at the same time commenting on the new handsome guest. He couldn't help laughing at the gossipy and love-hungry nature of women.

He even saw an enka singer wearing a gorgeous kimono but with a somewhat lonely look on his face, who was alone in a corner, silently sipping a glass of sake. His eyes seemed to be recalling a glorious time that had long passed.

These are the most vivid and real stories of this city.

They don't need fancy packaging or twists and turns in the plot.

They only need a quiet stage, a plate of steaming hot food, and a gentle storyteller who is willing to listen.

A thought, like lightning that cuts through the night sky, instantly illuminates Nohara Hiroshi's mind.

"Midnight Diner".

This is it!

I found the one that is enough to become the king of late-night time slots like "The Strangest Tales of the World", and even trigger a new round of social phenomena, a brand new, god-level project!
And, that's not all.

When his eyes fell on the office worker who was eating alone, contentedly, with a look of happiness on his face, as if he was oblivious to the people around him, another equally demonic name suddenly jumped out from the depths of his memory.

"The Solitary Gourmet".

One tells the story of how a man searches for delicious food and happiness that belongs only to him in one inconspicuous little shop after another.

There are no fierce conflicts, no complicated interpersonal relationships, only the purest respect for food and love for life.

These two completely different philosophies about food, like two rushing rivers, intersected and collided in his mind, and eventually formed a vast ocean called "food drama" that was enough to drown the entire Japanese television industry!
"Not bad... this time it's really good..."

The corner of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth curled up into a brilliant smile that was almost crazy and full of absolute confidence.

He looked at the small restaurant in front of him, which was full of the atmosphere of worldly life. His eyes were like Columbus who discovered the New World, full of the scorching light of a conqueror!

He knew that from tonight on, a brand new, huge business empire that would make him a fortune and even allow him to extend his tentacles into the two new fields of catering and publishing had quietly been laid in his mind.

What he has to do is to turn this warmth that is unique to the late night into a ratings myth that will drive the entire Neon crazy!

……

The next day, when Hiroshi Nohara stepped into the office that had become his exclusive kingdom with a refreshed mind, the first thing he did was to press the intercom.

"Kitagawa, come to my office." Soon, a capable figure appeared at the door.

"Minister, you're looking for me." Beichuan Yao walked over wearing a well-tailored professional suit.

"Yeah." Nohara Hiroshi pointed to the sofa across from her, motioning her to sit down, and then got straight to the point: "I'm planning to set up a new company, a cultural media company specializing in the incubation and operation of comic IP."

"Huh?!" Beichuan Yao was stunned, her big eyes that were always bright and shining were filled with astonishment.

These words were still too advanced for her.

Of course, Nohara Hiroshi didn't need her to know too much, she just needed to finish the next thing he arranged.

"I am the head of the company."

Nohara Hiroshi continued, his tone as calm as if he were announcing what to have for lunch today: "For start-up capital, put up 10 million yen first. As for office space, we'll rent a small office building near our TV station. You'll be fully responsible for this matter. Get it done as soon as possible, okay?"

Ten million yen!

Beichuan Yao felt like her heart skipped a beat.

This is not a small amount of money.

"I understand! But Minister... I don't quite understand how to register a company." Beichuan Yao also told the truth.

"That's okay. I'll assign you a professional team of lawyers and financial experts." Nohara Hiroshi's tone left no room for doubt. "All you have to do is follow my instructions."

He paused and continued:

"After establishing the company, our first task was to recruit cartoonists. We didn't need established masters; we wanted newcomers who were passionate, had the basic skills, and felt their talents were underappreciated. The work model was simple: they didn't need to come to the company to work. I would provide the complete script and character design sketches, and all they had to do was color and expand the content according to my requirements."

"This is my first work." He pushed a thick draft that still exuded the fragrance of graphite in front of Beichuan Yao.

On it, written in a unique artistic font were a few large characters full of childishness and magic - "Doraemon".

"This... this is..." Beichuan Yao looked at the chubby blue cat-shaped robot on the paper, and an incredible light suddenly burst out in her eyes!

"Help me, Beichuan, I will give you a reward." Nohara Hiroshi also smiled helplessly: "You know, I don't know anything."

"I understand!" Beichuan Yao suddenly felt like he was entrusted with an important task and immediately bowed again.

……

A few days later, on a weekend, the sun was shining.

Not far from Tokyo TV Station, in front of a small two-story office building that has just been listed for rent.

Nohara Hiroshi held Misae's hand and looked at the "Future Comics Club" in front of him. Although it was not big, it was bright and clean and full of infinite possibilities. A satisfied smile appeared on his face.

Beside him, Beichuan Yao and Nancun Xing, like two most loyal knights, proudly introduced this territory that would soon belong to their "Minister's Wife" to her.

Beichuan Yao, who was primarily responsible, held his head high.

This was a personal favor she was doing for Minister Nohara!

"Mrs. Meiya, you see, although this place is not big, it has everything! The first floor is the reception area and public studio, and the second floor is your president's office and our core meeting room. All the decorations and equipment are personally selected by the minister, and they are all the best!" Nancun Xing's voice was full of pride.

"Yes, yes!" Beichuan Yao also complimented earnestly, "The director said, this is just the beginning! Let your wife be the president! And then when Director Nohara's 'Doraemon' becomes popular, we will buy a bigger office building! And we will go public! By then, you will be the youngest and most beautiful president of our Neon!"

"Oh! You...you stop making fun of me!" Misae's face instantly turned red like a branding iron. She was shy and happy, and subconsciously buried her little face in Nohara Hiroshi's arms. The girl's heart had already been filled with a huge sense of happiness.

She raised her head, her eyes filled with stars, staring unblinkingly at the man beside her who held up the sky for her. Her voice trembled with a dreamlike feeling: "Guangzhi-kun... I... Can I really do this?"

"Of course." Nohara Hiroshi smiled and ruffled her hair. His voice was filled with unquestionable tenderness: "You just need to remember that you are my, Nohara Hiroshi's, woman. That's enough."

In the previous life, this was just a cheesy love talk.

but now.

This is a declaration full of the aura of a domineering president!

It makes Meiya’s heart so sweet that it almost melts!

"Um... Minister, Madam, let's... let's go to the newly opened coffee shop in front and buy you some drinks!" Beichuan Yao and Nancun Xing looked at each other and saw a knowing smile in each other's eyes.

The two of them tacitly found the most perfect excuse for the couple who were immersed in their own world and prepared to slip away.

However, the moment they turned around, two screams filled with terror, without any warning, broke the quiet afternoon!
"ah--!"

"what--!"

Nohara Hiroshi and Misae were both stunned. They looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the two young men who had just had evil smiles on their faces were now crawling back like two rabbits that had seen a ghost. Their faces were full of undisguised horror.

"The underworld! There are underworlds!" Nancun Xing stuttered, hiding behind Nohara Hiroshi, pointing with trembling fingers at the figure that was slowly walking towards him not far away.

Nohara Hiroshi frowned and looked in the direction he pointed.

They saw a man walking towards them slowly.

The man was wearing a visually striking yellow plaid suit, a pair of old-fashioned brown sunglasses, and a face full of "stories" under his messy black short curly hair, enough to make a child cry at night.

The deep nasolabial folds, the aura of majesty without anger, especially the thick stubble, coupled with the smile on the corner of his mouth that he thought was kind but actually looked more ferocious than a devil, the whole person exudes a strong aura of "I am not a good person".

In his hand, he was holding a SLR camera that looked quite professional.

"Guys, excuse me."

The man walked up to them and stopped. His hoarse voice, like two pieces of rough sandpaper rubbing against each other, was filled with an oppressive feeling. "I see you are both handsome and beautiful, and your temperament is extraordinary. I guess you must be celebrating something happy. My name is Takakura Bunta, and I'm a photographer. If you don't mind, I'd like to take a commemorative photo of you to record this beautiful moment. It's very cheap, one photo... only 500 yen."

As he spoke, the ferocious smile on his lips widened, revealing a row of teeth that looked a little yellow due to long-term smoking.

"ah--!"

Misae was so frightened that her face turned pale and she hugged Nohara Hiroshi's arm tightly.

Beichuan Yao and Nancun Xing were shaking like two fallen leaves in the wind.

This...how can this be called a photographer?

This is clearly the kind of gangster who uses taking photos as an excuse to blackmail people!

However, in this tense atmosphere, a complaint filled with suppressed anger came from behind Takakura Bunta.

"Takakura! You bastard! How many times have I told you! Don't smile at customers with that face of yours! It will scare people away!"

A man wearing a blue plaid suit of the same style rushed over in a rage. He pushed Takakura Bunta aside and gave Nohara Hiroshi and the others an apologetic smile.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! My partner looks... a little anxious. But he's definitely not a bad person!"

"You're the one growing up in a hurry!" Takakura Bunta retorted unconvincedly, a look of grievance emerging on his ferocious face: "I'm full of the vicissitudes of life of a man! You don't understand!"

"I know nothing!" the man in the blue suit was furious. "All I know is that ever since I became your partner, our sales this month are the worst in the entire company! Every time I go out, I'm either mistaken for a liar by customers or questioned by patrolling police! I'm so unlucky to be working with you! You should go back to your hometown in Kasukabe! Don't hang around in Tokyo anymore!"

"..." Takakura Bunta was speechless after hearing his words. All the fierceness on that ferocious face had faded away, leaving only a deep sigh full of grievance and loneliness.

He looked at the young people in front of him who were frightened by him, and finally put down the camera in his hand and bowed deeply to them.

"I'm so sorry for scaring you all."

His voice was filled with helplessness. "It seems... I'm really not suited to this line of work. Perhaps... I should open a kindergarten and play with the kids. That would be more suitable for me."

This speech full of contrasting cuteness left Meisai, Kitagawa Yao and Minamimura Xing stunned.

They looked at the uncle in front of them, who looked ferocious on the outside but was as soft as a child on the inside. The fear they felt inexplicably dissipated a little, and was replaced by a kind of sympathy that made them laugh and cry.

Only Nohara Hiroshi was stunned as he watched this scene filled with black humor. "This person is... Takakura Bunta!?"

Nohara Hiroshi's mouth curled up slightly.

Mr. Principal of Kasukabe Futaba Kindergarten!

I didn't expect that I would meet him in such a dramatic way in advance.

It seems that this world is really... full of wonderful stories.

Seeing Takakura Bunta looking so bewildered, Nohara Hiroshi stepped forward, and under the astonished gaze of the two men, he smiled and nodded and said:
"Mr. Takakura, is that so?"

His voice was calm. "Then take some more photos for us. Record this new beginning of ours!"

It's just a photo that costs 500 yuan.

This money is not expensive.

It can be considered as a small favor from Nohara Hiroshi to the director!
(End of this chapter)