I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 176 He Can Only Be Mine! Sato Tokugawa's Resolute Determination!

Meanwhile, in another private room not far away, Sato Tokugawa was gulping down a cup of sake. His obese body was kneeling with difficulty behind the table as he looked at the several gray-haired, thin officials in front of him who were in charge of housing and construction-related fields. He was extremely obsequious.

Around him were four or five other general managers or chairmen of construction groups who were also very well-connected in Tokyo.

The air inside the private room was thick with the arrogance of money and power. Every subtle exchange of glances carried a profound meaning that was difficult for others to fathom, as if the room were in a completely different world from the hustle and bustle outside.

"Gentlemen and presidents, Happy New Year!"

An elderly man with gray hair, dressed in a traditional kimono, sat at the head of the table. He raised his glass first, his face beaming with a warm smile, but his voice carried an undeniable authority: "We are gathered here today for the future of the Greater Tokyo Area. As is customary, let me first offer you all a toast, wishing you all a prosperous and auspicious new year!"

Everyone raised their glasses, the wine shimmering under the lights.

"Respectfully yours!"

"Respect to all club presidents!"

After a glass of sake, the atmosphere became even more lively.

Sato Tokugawa put down his wine glass, his portly face beaming with smiles. He broke the brief silence by speaking first: "You're right! Our Kirin Real Estate has already planned three large-scale new housing projects near Tokyo this year, ready to officially launch when spring arrives. Moreover, we also intend to connect them in the Tokyo metropolitan area to create a super-large building complex, forming a landmark project for the greater Tokyo metropolitan area!"

As soon as he finished speaking, several heads of construction groups next to him chimed in, each offering their own thoughts on the bright future.

"President Sato is right! Our Daiwa Construction also plans to acquire several plots of land in the Tokyo Bay Area to develop a high-end residential area and contribute to the greater Tokyo metropolitan area!"

"That's right! Our third-tier university's architecture program is also planning to expand its scale this year, introducing the most advanced construction technologies to ensure that our project quality reaches world-class standards!"

"Gentlemen, company presidents, the future of our Greater Tokyo metropolitan area is limitless!"

Their words were filled with optimistic expectations for the future, optimistic assessments of housing prices, and boundless hopes for economic take-off.

Of course, beneath these grand narratives lie some more practical and covert distributions of interests.

"Speaking of which, President Sato," a lean, sharp-eyed official said with a light laugh, his tone carrying a perfectly timed reminder, "your Qilin Real Estate's projects have always been industry benchmarks. I wonder if you've considered giving more support to our local outstanding companies in terms of building materials?"

As soon as he finished speaking, another official chimed in with a warm smile: "Yes, President Sato. Tokyo has many excellent construction teams with superb skills and rich experience. If we could have the opportunity to participate in your projects, the boost to our local economy would be enormous!"

"Oh dear! You two are absolutely right! Absolutely right!" Sato Tokugawa immediately understood, his plump face plastered with a fawning smile: "Rest assured, Your Excellencies! Kirin Real Estate has always supported local businesses! When the time comes, whether it's building materials or construction teams, we will give priority to cooperating with outstanding local companies!"

He paused, his tone carrying a perfectly timed "hint": "Of course, Qilin Real Estate has also established some construction teams overseas. If any of you gentlemen or company presidents are interested in overseas construction projects, we can... exchange ideas."

Upon hearing this, a subtle glint of shrewdness flashed in the calm eyes of the officials present.

Overseas construction teams.

These four words are enough to make them think of those hidden overseas accounts and those illicit transfers of benefits.

"President Sato, there are some things you can't say carelessly." The elderly man sitting at the head of the table suddenly coughed lightly, his smile unchanged, but his voice carried an undeniable warning: "We are all civil servants serving the people, and everything must be done according to the rules and regulations. We can't listen to those irresponsible rumors."

"Yes, yes, yes! You're right! You're right!" Sato Tokugawa immediately lowered his head, his fat face filled with just the right amount of "fear" and "apology": "It's all because of my mouth, talking nonsense! Gentlemen, please don't take it seriously! I'll punish myself with three cups!"

As he spoke, he picked up a wine cup and downed three cups of sake in a row. His "sensible" manner made the officials present smile knowingly.

They knew that the distribution of profits had already been completed.

"Hahaha! President Sato, you're too kind!" an official said with a laugh.

“Yes! President Sato, your alcohol tolerance is truly astounding!” another official chimed in.

The atmosphere relaxed again, and everyone chatted, envisioning a bright future, as if the feast of money and power was just around the corner.

“Speaking of which, President Sato,” the elderly man sitting at the head of the table suddenly turned his gaze to Sato Tokugawa, a playful smile on his face and a hint of teasing in his tone, “I heard that the movie you recently invested in seems to have… not doing so well at the box office?”

Upon hearing this, the heads of the surrounding construction groups all smiled knowingly.

They knew that this gentleman was making fun of Sato Tokugawa's "sore spot".

Upon hearing this, Sato Tokugawa showed no embarrassment whatsoever. He simply waved his hand dismissively, a proud smile of self-deprecation playing on his fleshy face: "Hey! You're right! That movie was just a hobby. I only made it to please my 'canary.' A few hundred million yen is nothing to me!"

He paused, his tone carrying a perfectly timed compliment: "If any of you gentlemen or company presidents have a favorite movie or actress... just say the word! I, Sato Tokugawa, will invest immediately! As long as it makes you happy, an investment of several hundred million is no problem!"

"Hahaha! President Sato, you really are... incredibly wealthy!"

"Yes! President Sato, your spirit is truly admirable!"

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter again, their voices filled with admiration for Sato Tokugawa's "generosity" and "generosity".

Of course, they all knew it was just a joke, a lighthearted banter after the distribution of profits.

Sato Tokugawa understood that he was just keeping everyone company, telling jokes that mainly belittled the idol stars, to make everyone happier.

"Those idol stars are just pretty faces! Besides being cool and cute, what else can they do? Sending them to make movies is a waste of money!"

"Exactly! Those little girls, all they know is how to swoon over a face! They have no idea what cinematic art is!"

"So, it still comes down to those of us in the construction industry! Real skills are the only true measure of success!"

Sato Tokugawa's words undoubtedly resonated with everyone present.

They are all seasoned veterans who have been navigating the business world for decades, and naturally they have a great deal of disdain for idol stars who "rely on their looks."

After all, they had also met those idol stars.

He just casually threw some money away.

I wonder how many idols and celebrities are eager to come and drink sake with me!

In an instant, the private room was filled with a joyful atmosphere again. Everyone chimed in, offering their unsparing "criticisms" of the idols and celebrities they had met, encountered, or even been intimate with.

Amidst the clamor of money and power, the elderly man sitting at the head of the table suddenly glanced at the time on his wristwatch.

He knew that the formal banquet was about to begin.

"Everyone, it's almost time."

He slowly put down his wine glass, his smile fading, replaced by the authority of someone in a superior position.

The old man's voice was steady and powerful, instantly silencing the noise in the private room: "Next, we're going to the main hall for a formal banquet. But before we leave, I have a few words to say to everyone."

He paused, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone in the private room, his deep eyes gleaming with a profound depth befitting the mastermind behind it all.

"Everyone, you are the elite of our Greater Tokyo Area, the backbone of our Japanese economic development. Therefore, I hope you can see things from a broader perspective."

"Next, the government will regulate the economy, but please remember, real estate will always be the most resilient sector. After all, Tokyo and the Greater Tokyo Area are part of a national strategy! In the future, it will account for 60% of Japan's economy!"

"So, everyone, do your best." The old man's voice, like the warmest winter sun, gently shone into everyone's hearts: "As long as you keep up with the country's pace and the strategy of the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area, I guarantee that no one will suffer losses in the future."

As soon as he finished speaking, the private room fell into a deathly silence once again.

Everyone stared blankly at the old man, their faces filled with shock and awe, as well as a fervent fervor that had ignited their ambition.

Sixty percent of the economy!
These four words, like the most precise nuclear bomb, exploded in their hearts in an instant!
They knew that the old man's words were not only a promise about their future, but also a clear "command" from the highest level of power.

"Hi!"

"We will definitely follow the country closely! We will absolutely not fall behind!"

Everyone bowed in unison, their voices growing increasingly fervent and obsequious. After all, the old man's words meant they were the first to know.

Being the first to know is the same as being the first to get the spoils!
It's still the fattiest cut of meat!
They will be the most direct beneficiaries!
"Very good." Seeing that they understood his meaning, the old man nodded with satisfaction, a contented smile on his face: "Let's go, everyone. Let's go to the banquet."

He was the first to stand up and walk out of the private room with a composed gait.

The crowd followed closely behind.

Sato Tokugawa walked at the very back of the group. Looking at the old man's tall and upright back, and thinking of his own humble and subservient appearance, a cold and resentful glint flashed in his narrowed eyes.

Everyone has a temper.

Why should he, Sato Tokugawa, the CEO of Kirin Group, be controlled by these old fogies and give away nearly 40% of his annual net profit for no reason?

He even dressed up as a clown at the banquet to amuse everyone?
……

Meanwhile, in the lobby of the "Golden Pavilion" club, a silent social game was also quietly taking place.

After meeting with the Minister of Public Relations and Hideaki Fujiwara, Hiroshi Nohara and Nobuhiko Sakata returned to the hall.

As soon as they appeared, they once again became the focus of everyone's attention.

Countless eyes turned to them.

"Minister Nohara! Where...where did you go just now?" A young reporter broke the silence first, walking quickly to Hiroshi Nohara, his voice carrying just the right amount of respect and inquiry.

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled and shook his head, his clear eyes remaining completely calm: "I just went with Director Sakata to visit a few senior colleagues."

He didn't offer much explanation; his nonchalant demeanor and the air of complete control he exuded captivated the surrounding reporters.

"Minister Nohara, I heard that you are currently preparing a movie called 'Hachiko Monogatari'? Is...is that true?" another reporter followed up with a question full of curiosity.

Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback by this, even though he had previously announced that he was preparing to write "Hachiko: The Tale of a Loyal Dog".

But how did this reporter suddenly find out?

Right next to him, Nobuhiko Sakata, standing next to Hideaki Fujiwara, smiled and nodded at him.

Everything is unspoken.

Hiroshi Nohara immediately realized that this reporter was from the propaganda department and intended to use this high-profile welcome banquet hosted by the government to advertise for himself.

The corners of his mouth were slightly raised.

This is indeed a great opportunity to advertise.

“Yes.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded calmly, a hint of confidence flashing in his clear eyes, and began to answer the question from the reporter, who was clearly there on purpose: “This film tells the touching story of an Akita dog named Hachiko who, after his owner’s death, waits for his owner at the station every day, rain or shine. It embodies the most precious spirit of our Japanese people—loyalty.”

"Loyalty? Dog?"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding reporters all showed a look of confusion.

They never imagined that Hiroshi Nohara would choose a story about dogs as his next work.

"Minister Nohara, are you... are you planning to use a story about dogs to guide the national character of Japan?" a reporter couldn't help but ask, his voice filled with barely suppressed doubt.

This question is the same as the questions raised by other officials before.

"Yes! Minister Nohara! Why did you choose a story about dogs to illustrate their loyalty?" another reporter chimed in, his face full of confusion. Faced with this flood of questions, Hiroshi Nohara's face remained calm and composed.

He knew this was the "challenge" he had anticipated, and also the best opportunity for him to explain his reasoning to these "intelligent people".

He raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and his calm demeanor, like an invisible force, instantly suppressed the noise in the room.

"Everyone, please listen to me." Hiroshi Nohara's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached every corner of the venue, and every word carried logic and power.

“I understand why people ask this question. In traditional thinking, dogs are just animals, domesticated beasts. They can’t be compared to humans at all, because animals themselves have no thoughts or feelings.”

"Especially since we Japanese are a people who value loyalty, there are countless stories of loyalty in history, from samurai, retainers, wives, children, lords, daimyo, and so on."

"But we've heard too much, we know too much, and many of these things are even memorized by our children."

"So everyone has become numb."

"But have you ever thought about it? Now that we've entered modern society, are these old-fashioned, rigid forms of loyalty education still useful? I think I don't need to say much; everyone knows the answer. They're completely useless. In fact, the word 'loyalty' feels unfamiliar and precious to everyone."

Hiroshi Nohara's tone seemed to penetrate all hypocrisy and scheming, reaching the softest corner of people's hearts.

"But when we look at the modern context, even an ordinary Japanese person and their dog can learn the most precious quality of us Japanese people—loyalty."

"Doesn't that mean that if we can't learn loyalty in this indifferent society, then we're not even as good as dogs?"

His question struck like thunder, hitting the hearts of everyone present.

Especially after Hiroshi Nohara reiterated his opinion of dogs in the private room.

All the reporters stared blankly at Hiroshi Nohara, their faces filled with shock, sudden realization, and awe at having their worldviews completely overturned.

They never imagined that a story about a dog could be elevated to a philosophical level!

"I see... so that's what it means..."

"My God! I... I never imagined that a dog's loyalty could be interpreted so profoundly!"

"He...he's right! Human loyalty is always mixed with too many things...but a dog's loyalty is so pure!"

The reporters nodded in agreement.

All doubt and dissatisfaction had faded from his eyes, leaving only amazement and admiration.

They picked up their voice recorders and notebooks and began to quickly transcribe every word and every point of view of Hiroshi Nohara, afraid of missing any detail.

They knew that these words would once again spark a profound discussion about "loyalty" and "humanity" throughout Japanese society!

The celebrities and nobles who were watching Hiroshi Nohara being interviewed nodded in agreement, their faces showing genuine approval.

They are the elite of this society, the holders of power, and the masters of interpersonal relationships. They are all too aware of the fragility and complexity of human loyalty, and all too aware of the scarcity and preciousness of pure emotions.

"Minister Nohara is right. Dogs are indeed more loyal than humans," an elderly wealthy businessman said thoughtfully, stroking his beard.

“Yes, that unconditional love and waiting can indeed touch the softest part of people’s hearts.” A bejeweled lady said, a hint of emotion glistening in her eyes.

"Hachiko: The Tale of a Loyal Dog... This story sounds incredibly moving." A film company president's eyes gleamed; he had already sensed the potential for box office success.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how Director Nohara will portray this pure loyalty on screen," another scholar from the cultural field said, his eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation.

The entire hall was immediately filled with discussion.

"Chief Nohara is a genius! He can always find the most profound philosophy in the most ordinary things!"

"Yes, he always manages to touch people's hearts and resonate with society in the most unique way!"

"Hachiko: A Dog's Tale... I've made up my mind! When this movie comes out, I'm definitely taking my whole family to the cinema to support it!"

"Me too! I even think that if this movie is really well-made, I'd be willing to invest in it and even promote it!"

The celebrities and nobles expressed their eagerness for Hiroshi Nohara's new film, their enthusiasm even more fervent than their earlier praise for "Seven Samurai".

At the edge of the crowd, Nobuhiko Sakata and Hideaki Fujiwara calmly observed everything.

They watched as Hiroshi Nohara, under the spotlight, remained calm and composed, speaking eloquently and resolving seemingly absurd doubts one by one, even instilling his ideas deeply into the hearts of every listener.

That composed demeanor, that steady logic, that charismatic presence that commanded the entire room brought smiles of satisfaction to the faces of both elderly men.

"Sakata-kun, did you see that?" Fujiwara Hideaki chuckled, his eyes filled with admiration. "Nohara-kun, he's a natural-born politician."

Upon hearing this, Nobuhiko Sakata showed a look of surprise on his face.

He turned to look at Fujiwara Hideaki, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes: "Lord Fujiwara, you...you mean, Nohara-kun, is suited for politics?"

“Yes.” Fujiwara Hideaki nodded, a keen insight of a politician gleaming in his deep eyes. “What qualities does a qualified politician need?”

He paused, then looked at Hiroshi Nohara again, his tone tinged with emotion: "First of all, he must remain calm and fearless in the face of danger. He must be able to stay calm and deal with any unexpected situation with composure. Nohara-kun did just that."

"Secondly, he must maintain a calm demeanor, never revealing his emotions. No matter how turbulent his inner world may be, he must remain outwardly composed, preventing his opponents from discerning his true thoughts. Nohara-kun achieved this as well."

"Finally, and most importantly, he must be logical and eloquent. He must be able to persuade, inspire, and lead everyone with the clearest logic and the most moving language. Nohara-kun did just that perfectly."

Fujiwara Hideaki slowly withdrew his gaze, looking at Sakata Nobuhiko with an appreciative smile on his face: "So, Sakata-kun, you understand now, right? Nohara-kun is just that kind of man, born for politics. He has talent, vision, charisma, and more importantly, the power to control people's hearts. I admire him very much."

Upon hearing this, Nobuhiko Sakata gave a wry smile.

He knew that Hideaki Fujiwara was right; Hiroshi Nohara did indeed possess all the excellent qualities of a politician.

but……

"Mr. Fujiwara, please don't say that." Nobuhiko Sakata shook his head helplessly, his tone carrying just the right amount of "complaint": "Nohara-kun is a seed I left for TV Tokyo, a hope for creating a new era. You can't dig him up."

Upon hearing this, Fujiwara Hideaki simply chuckled and shook his head, a knowing glint flashing in his deep eyes.

“Sakata-kun, you’re overthinking it,” Fujiwara Hideaki said with a smile. “Of course I know that Nohara-kun is your precious son at TV Tokyo. I also know that although he is excellent now, he is still young and needs more experience and more training.”

He paused, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes: "He still needs time to mature and grow. Like a rough diamond, though its brilliance is just beginning to emerge, it still needs careful polishing to reach true perfection. So, Sakata-kun, you don't need to worry. We're just providing him with a stage where he can grow and shine even brighter."

Sakata Nobuhiko breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and a gratified smile appeared on his face.

He knew that Hideaki Fujiwara was right.

Hiroshi Nohara definitely needs more experience.

“Yes, Mr. Fujiwara is right.” Nobuhiko Sakata sighed softly, his gaze turning to Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with expectation: “Hiroshi-kun is already very outstanding now, but he still has a long way to go before reaching his true peak. I often think that when he is in his forties or fifties, he may be able to have a place of his own in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area.”

Upon hearing this, Fujiwara Hideaki smiled and nodded, a look of agreement on his face.

He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his deep eyes filled with boundless admiration for the young man.

The two older superiors were now appreciating the young man even more because of Hiroshi Nohara's dazzling brilliance.

They seemed to have already seen that in the near future, Hiroshi Nohara would stand at the pinnacle of Japanese culture with an unparalleled presence, and even shine with his own unique brilliance in politics, business, and various other fields.

However, in this atmosphere filled with admiration and anticipation, in a corner at the edge of the venue, Sato Tokugawa watched Nohara Hiroshi speak eloquently, and in his small, narrowed eyes, there was a sense of amazement that even he could not quite explain.

His obese body trembled slightly uncontrollably, and the intense possessiveness and undisguised, naked emotions from the depths of his heart seemed about to burst forth from his obese body.

He felt that his heart, which had long been filled with money and power, was now completely ignited by this young man in an unparalleled manner.

"Hmph, President Sato, don't you also think that kid is indeed a rare 'geek'?"

Just then, a similarly obese CEO with a wicked smile on his face walked over with a glass of champagne in hand, looking rather malicious.

Looking at Sato Tokugawa's almost obsessive gaze, he smiled, sharing the same interest: "How about we two old guys work together to set up a scheme and get him? After you're done, you can talk to me, okay?"

His words had a nauseating quality.

All the expressions on Sato Tokugawa's fat face froze in an instant.

He turned his head sharply, and his small, narrowed eyes now flashed with a coldness and...anger like a venomous snake!
"Yamamoto Oura! What nonsense are you spouting?!" Sato Tokugawa's voice trembled slightly, and he clenched his fists tightly, the intense anger emanating from his heart almost consuming him completely.

The group's CEO, Yamamoto Oura, looked bewildered by Sato Tokugawa's sudden outburst of anger.

He never imagined that Sato Tokugawa would be so angry with him because of a young man.

"Sato, are you...are you crazy?" Yamamoto asked, puzzled. "You actually refused? Aren't you the type who likes...this type of young and handsome..."

"Shut up!" Sato Tokugawa's voice was slightly hoarse. He stood up abruptly, and the intense dissatisfaction from the bottom of his heart, along with... an indescribable anger at someone else coveting his treasured possessions, made his obese body tremble uncontrollably.

He looked at Yamamoto, his small, narrowed eyes flashing with a chilling, venomous...warning light.

“Hiroshi Nohara, he gives me a different feeling.” Sato Tokugawa’s voice was filled with indescribable complexity: “He… he’s someone I won’t allow you to touch casually. If he’s willing, I can lend you my Shunsuke Kamiki to play with. But, Hiroshi Nohara, absolutely not!”

Yamamoto stood there dumbfounded, looking at Sato Tokugawa's fat face with increasing confusion.

He looked at Sato Tokugawa, as if he had thought of something, and a smile appeared on his lips: "Okay...okay! Sato, I understand."

Yamamoto picked up his champagne glass, took a small sip, and was quite pleased with the cool liquid: "In that case, remember to have your canary, Kamiki Shunsuke, come and report to me."

"Hmph." Sato Tokugawa gave a cold snort, which was taken as an acceptance.

Then he glanced at Hiroshi Nohara's tall and slender back in the distance, his hands trembling with excitement: "He can only be mine!" He gritted his teeth.

At this moment, Hiroshi Nohara seemed to realize something, and his back, which was still talking eloquently, began to feel slightly numb.

Turning my head, I saw the obese Chairman Sato Tokugawa.

He stared straight at himself.

That look.

That desire.

This made Hiroshi Nohara subconsciously swallow.

Now, Hiroshi Nohara suddenly remembered that he was now a young, handsome, and charismatic version of himself.

Even Hiroshi Nohara, a greasy middle-aged office worker in his previous life, seems to be wildly popular with a certain group of people...

"Damn it." For the first time, Hiroshi Nohara felt like swearing because of the power he possessed.

(End of this chapter)