I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 213 Arrival in Kumamoto! Masaya's Boyfriend! Fujiwara Isshin from the Ministry of Finance!
The night sky, like a piece of deep blue velvet that has been washed countless times, quietly covered the sky above Kumamoto City.

The clock had quietly passed eleven o'clock. For this city located in the midwestern part of Kyushu, most people were already fast asleep, with only a few scattered lights, like weary stars, stubbornly twinkling in the world.

However, in a typical Japanese wooden detached house in Kumamoto City, the lights in Koyama's house are as bright as day, casting a long, slanted shadow of the old plum tree in the courtyard.

"Quick! Quick! Wipe the tatami mats over there again! With a dry cloth! Otherwise there will be water stains tomorrow!"

Yoshiharu Koyama, the patriarch of the household, stood in the center of the living room with his hands on his hips, like a general about to inspect his troops, loudly directing a sudden and massive "battle"—a thorough house cleaning.

Fine beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, but his eyes burned with an excited light.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of cleaning agents and the warm aroma of old wood after it had been wiped clean, while the deep hum of the vacuum cleaner was the main melody of this late-night symphony.

"Okay, Dad! You've said it three times already!"

A slightly languid yet clear female voice came from the corner.

Xiaoshan Mengya, the most pampered and lazy youngest daughter in the family, was behaving very differently at this moment. She was kneeling on the ground, holding a rag in her hand, meticulously wiping the cracks in the floor.

Although her movements were not particularly skillful, her focus was unprecedented.

Sweat dampened her bangs, and a strand of hair playfully clung to her cheek. She simply wiped it away impatiently with the back of her hand and continued working diligently.

"Mengya, stop complaining, or Dad will make you clean the toilet later."

The eldest sister, Maya Koyama, who was tidying up the cupboard, turned around and gently reminded her.

But it was also a joke.

Her movements were always so orderly, calm and elegant, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the house.

“That’s right, Mengya, this is the first time Misae has brought Hiroshi-kun to our house, so we absolutely can’t afford any mistakes.” Mother Koyama Takaya said softly as she smoothed out the newly changed tablecloth, her face filled with anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

"Of course I know!" Mengya stopped what she was doing, straightened up, and said in an exaggerated tone, "That's Hiroshi Nohara! Who in all of Japan doesn't know his name now? He's a famous director! Our Misae-neechan has really struck gold!"

Mentioning this name seems to change the atmosphere of the entire room.

Nohara Hiroshi.

A year ago, this name was simply the name of the ordinary office worker boyfriend that the second daughter, Misae, was dating in Tokyo.

But now, this name is adorned with a long string of dazzling halos, like a comet that suddenly streaks across the night sky, so dazzling that it's hard to look directly at it.

They were caught completely off guard.

Yoshiharu Koyama's expression grew even more smug. He cleared his throat and said, "Of course! Look who her daughter is! Misae's taste comes from me!"

"Yes, yes, whatever you want." Gao Ya smiled helplessly and continued tidying up the vases on the table.

Mengya pursed her lips, but in her heart she had to admit that her future brother-in-law was indeed impeccable.

The last time the two sisters went to Tokyo with their father, Hiroshi Nohara treated them with utmost hospitality.

He stuffed bags of expensive gifts into their hands, seemingly oblivious to the value of money, at upscale restaurants and department stores in Ginza.

After my father returned, he spent a whole week showing off those Tokyo specialties to the neighbors.

“Speaking of which,” Yoshiharu Koyama said, as if remembering something important, slapping his thigh, “have we prepared all of Kumamoto’s specialties? Horse meat sashimi, spicy lotus root, and ‘Honoka Jintaiko’ (a type of drum) – they all have to be the freshest and highest quality!”

"Don't worry, Dad, I already ordered it this afternoon, and it will be delivered first thing tomorrow morning," Masaya replied, always so reassuring.

"Well, that's good." Yoshiharu Koyama nodded in satisfaction. He looked around his bright and clean home, and an unprecedented sense of pride welled up inside him.

He straightened his back and said in a tone as if announcing a major decision, "I've made up my mind! Tomorrow, I'm going to invite Sasaki, Otomo, Sanada, and all our relatives over! Let everyone meet our son-in-law, the son-in-law of the Koyama family! Let the whole neighborhood know that the great director Hiroshi Nohara has come to our house!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Mengya, who was diligently mopping the floor, suddenly stopped. She slowly raised her head, squinted her eyes, and looked at her father with a helpless expression, as if he were an alien.

"Dad, are you serious?"

“Of course!” Yoshiharu Koyama raised his chin high.

“Excessive sharing only breeds annoyance, let alone showing off.” Mengya bluntly exposed her father’s little scheme: “Dad, don’t your old colleagues, friends, and relatives feel awkward?” She then pouted and added, “It always disrupts the atmosphere between us!”

"You!" Yoshiharu Koyama's face flushed red instantly, the redness spreading from the base of his neck to his ears, as if the emperor's new clothes had been exposed in public, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.

He opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but found that his daughter's words were so insightful that he had no way to argue back.

"Mengya, how can you talk to your father like that?" Mother Gao Ya scolded, but the smile in the corner of her eyes betrayed her true thoughts.

Yoshiji Koyama was momentarily embarrassed, but being a man who had weathered many storms, he quickly found a new foothold. He puffed out his chest, his face instantly switching to a righteous and awe-inspiring expression, and his voice rose eight octaves.

"How can this be called showing off? Hiroshi Nohara is about to become a member of our Oyama family! He's coming to visit us. Shouldn't our Oyama family, along with all our relatives and friends who have always cared for us, get together and celebrate for Misae and Hiroshi? This is a moment of glory for the family! It's about unity! What do you know!"

He stood in the center of the living room, the light shining down on him, giving him a golden edge. His smug look, as if he were standing on a moral high ground, left Xiaoshan Mengya dumbfounded, unable to utter a single word.

She sighed helplessly, holding her forehead, "Oh my God, where did my humble and cautious father go? How did he become like this?"

"Pfft-"

A soft laugh broke the silence.

It was the mother, Gao Ya, and the eldest sister, Zhen Ya. They were both covering their mouths with their hands, their shoulders heaving, clearly struggling to hold back their laughter.

Seeing his usually clever and eloquent younger sister get the short end of the stick in front of their father is a rare and amusing sight.

"Mom! Big sister! You're still laughing!" Xiaoshan Mengya suddenly became angry, her cheeks puffed up, like a wronged hamster.

She jumped up from the ground, stomped her foot, pointed at her father, and said indignantly, "You just wait! When my brother-in-law comes, I'll make him give me a good hearing! I'll make him stand up for me!"

"Hahaha, okay, we'll wait." Yoshiji Koyama was not angry at all; instead, he laughed even more heartily, as if he could already see Hiroshi Nohara standing on his side, "educating" his little daughter together.

"You...you all ganged up on me!" Mengya was so angry she couldn't speak.

The house was instantly filled with a cheerful atmosphere, and the fatigue from the previous cleaning was swept away, leaving only the warm and genuine laughter of family members.

After the laughter and commotion subsided, the atmosphere gradually calmed down.

Yoshiharu Koyama's smile slowly faded. He walked to his eldest daughter, Masaya, and his gaze softened and deepened.

He pursed his lips, seemingly choosing his words carefully, before asking softly, "Masaya..."

"Huh? Dad." Masaya stopped what she was doing and looked at her father.

"Um... Fujiwara-kun who works at the prefectural government, could you... invite him over tomorrow?"

The moment the question was asked, the living room fell silent.

Gao Ya, who was wiping the photo frame, and Meng Ya, who was still sulking, both turned their gazes toward Zhen Ya.

In that gaze, there was concern, inquiry, and a hint of barely perceptible expectation.

Koyama Masaya is the most steady and worry-free child in the family.

After graduating from university, she smoothly entered a local school and became a teacher, a respectable and stable job.

The Fujiwara-kun she mentioned is her boyfriend, who works at the Kumamoto Prefectural Government Office and has a bright future. He is considered a "golden bachelor" by the neighborhood.

In a sense, it was actually the Koyama family who were fortunate enough to marry into the Fujiwara family.

Masaya knew what her family was worried about.

She smiled slightly, a smile as warm and gentle as the spring sunshine, instantly dispelling the uncertainty in her father's eyes.

“Don’t worry, Dad.” Her voice was calm and resolute. “Fujiwara and I have a very stable relationship. He’s been looking for an opportunity to visit you and Mom. I’ll tell him, and he’ll definitely come. He might even be happier than anyone else.”

Upon hearing this answer, Yoshiharu Koyama's tense shoulders visibly relaxed.

He and his wife, Gao Ya, exchanged a glance, both seeing undisguised relief and joy in each other's eyes.

It is the most basic wish of parents—to see their children find a good home and live a happy and stable life.

“Okay, okay…” Yoshiharu Koyama murmured to himself, his voice trembling slightly.

He turned around and looked again at the spotless home that his family had kept so well, feeling a mix of emotions.

"That's...that's wonderful."

He let out a long sigh of relief, as if a huge burden had been lifted: "Miya found a talented young man like Hiroshi, and Masaya and Fujiwara are doing so well... Our Oyama family has finally overcome all our hardships and is moving step by step towards a better future!"

“Yes.” Koyama Takaya walked to her husband’s side, gently patted his back, and her eyes were filled with tears. “The children have all grown up and are doing well.”

A warm and sentimental atmosphere flowed quietly through the air.

However, this sentiment did not last long.

After finishing his reflections, Yoshiharu Koyama suddenly glanced sideways and slowly turned his gaze to Yumeya Koyama, who was still standing to the side.

That look in his eyes carried a hint of scrutiny, a hint of mockery, and a touch of disappointment.

Mengya was still immersed in her older sister's happiness and the warm atmosphere of the family when she was suddenly locked onto by her father's meaningful gaze, and the hair on her body instantly stood on end.

She immediately crossed her arms, adopting a vigilant defensive stance.

“…What are you looking at me for?”

Her voice was full of wariness, like a small animal being watched.

Yoshiji Koyama didn't speak, but stroked his chin, looked her up and down, then sighed meaningfully and shook his head.

That silent action spoke louder than a thousand words.

"Hahahahahaha!"

"puff--"

In an instant, Koyama Takaya and Koyama Maya could no longer hold back and burst into clear laughter.

The father's dramatic expression of "My daughter has grown up, and I'm heartbroken" combined with Mengya's tense, alarmed look was truly hilarious.

"Dad! What kind of look is that?!" Mengya's face flushed bright red, both embarrassed and angry. "I'm only 17! I'm still in high school! What's the rush for me?!"

"No rush, no rush." ​​Koyama Yoshiharu waved his hand while trying to suppress his laughter, his mustache twitching. "Our Yume is still young, she can play for a few more years. We won't rush her, absolutely not."

He said he wouldn't rush him, but the look in his eyes clearly said, "Look at your two older sisters, and then look at you."

"Ugh—I'm not talking to you guys anymore! I'm going to take a shower!"

Amidst laughter, Xiaoshan Mengya dropped the rag and fled the "crime scene" like a gust of wind, hiding in the bathroom.

The laughter continued in the living room.

Yoshiji Koyama smiled, but his eyes became a little moist.

He looked at his wife, at his eldest daughter, and listened to his youngest daughter's dissatisfied grumbling coming from the bathroom, his heart filled with an immense sense of happiness.

This family may not be wealthy, or it may be quite ordinary, but at this moment, because of the happiness of their daughters and the arrival of that outstanding young man, it is filled with unprecedented hope and vitality.

He could almost see what it would be like when Hiroshi Nohara stepped into this house tomorrow.

It wasn't just a daughter bringing her boyfriend home; it was a wind of the times blowing into their small family in Kyushu.

And this wind will carry them toward a brighter, more splendid future.

……

Meanwhile, in Tokyo.

The night wind whistled through the gaps between the apartment buildings, as if telling of the weariness and hustle and bustle of this city that never sleeps.

Hiroshi Nohara stood on the balcony of his apartment, a cigarette between his fingers, its crimson flame flickering in the night. He didn't smoke it, but simply let the slender column of smoke rise and be dispersed by the wind.

Beneath his feet lay Tokyo's dazzling sea of ​​lights, countless points of light converging into flowing galaxies, magnificent yet chilling. This city was brimming with opportunity, but also with pressure; everyone was striving for their dreams or simply for survival.

And he, Hiroshi Nohara, had already lit his own lamp in this sea of ​​light, and it was shining too brightly.

The box office success of "Hachiko Monogatari" continues to grow, and its reputation has completely broken out of the art-house youth circle, becoming a social phenomenon.

Nominations for major film awards poured in like snowflakes, and interview requests from television stations were booked until next month. He instantly became the most sought-after new film director in the Japanese film industry.

This feeling is wonderful, yet it also carries a hint of unreality.

"What are you thinking about, Hiroshi?"

A warm coat was gently draped over his shoulders, accompanied by Misae's gentle voice. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind and pressed her cheek against his back.

"It's nothing." Hiroshi turned around, pulled her into his arms, and gently rested his chin on the top of her head. "I was just looking at the night view. Tokyo at night is something you never get tired of looking at."

"Really? I think Kumamoto is more beautiful at night." Misae snuggled against him, her voice tinged with a hint of coquettishness: "Although there aren't as many lights, you can see lots and lots of stars."

"Yes, we'll see tomorrow." Hiroshi smiled and tightened his grip on his arms.

Visiting Misae's parents in Kumamoto was a trip he had planned long ago. For him, it was not just about meeting the parents, but also about fulfilling a promise.

He wanted to show Misae's family that their daughter was doing well in Tokyo and that the man she had chosen was someone they could entrust their lives to.

"Will my parents do anything rude?" Misae asked suddenly, a little uneasy.

"How could that be?" Hiroshi chuckled. "Have you forgotten how I treated your father-in-law when he last came to Tokyo?"

"It's precisely because you've treated me so well that I'm worried," Misae muttered. "My dad is extremely concerned about his image. Now that you're so famous, he'll definitely be very happy, and he might even brag about it everywhere. What if it makes things awkward?"

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He knew Misae's father, Yoshiharu Koyama, all too well. He was a typical Kyushu man: stubborn, strong-willed, but with an unparalleled love for his daughter.

"Don't worry." He gently patted Misae's back and comforted her, "Let him show off. It means he approves of me and is proud of his daughter. As for awkwardness, as long as we treat them sincerely, there won't be any awkwardness."

His voice was steady and powerful, as if it possessed a strange magic that instantly soothed all the unease in Misae's heart.

"Mmm." Misae nodded and hugged him even tighter.

The wind on the balcony was a bit chilly, so Hiroshi put his arm around Misae and they returned to the warm living room.

On the coffee table in the living room were piles of gifts he had prepared for Xiaoshan's family.

Every gift has been carefully selected.

It's not about money, it's about an attitude.

He wanted everyone in Xiaoshan's family to feel his respect and sincerity.

“Oh, right.” Misae pointed to one of the beautifully packaged boxes and asked curiously, “What’s this? It doesn’t look like it’s for Mom and Dad.”

"Oh, this." Hiroshi picked up the box and handed it to her: "It's for Masaya's boyfriend, Fujiwara-kun."

"Huh? There's also a gift for Maya-nee's boyfriend?" Misae's eyes widened in surprise.

“When I had drinks with my father-in-law last time, I learned that he values ​​Masaya and that Fujiwara-kun very much. In that case, I understand that this is my father-in-law’s support in Kumamoto Prefecture.” Hiroshi blinked and smiled. “I heard that he works in the prefectural government and is a very outstanding person. Since we are going to visit him, we can’t be impolite.”

Misae looked at Hiroshi, and seeing the gentle and considerate smile on his face, a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

This man not only possessed astonishing talent and decisiveness in his career, but he was also reassuringly meticulous in handling the complexities of life. He always anticipated her needs and arranged everything for her. "Hiroshi, thank you," she said sincerely.

"Silly girl, do we need to say thank you to each other?" Hiroshi flicked her nose.

Tomorrow, he will travel to the tranquil city of Kumamoto as Misae Koyama's boyfriend.

In the future, he will become director Hiroshi Nohara, making the whole world go crazy for his stories.

He turned around and hugged Misae.

At that moment, all the lights in the homes outside the window seemed to pale in comparison.

Hiroshi Nohara said softly, "Let's go to sleep. Tomorrow, we'll witness a family's moment of glory."

……

As the Boeing aircraft landed heavily on the runway at Kumamoto Airport, making a reassuring rumble as it rubbed against the asphalt, Hiroshi Nohara looked through the small porthole at a sky completely different from Tokyo's.

The sky there is so blue it looks like it's been washed by the purest spring water, and the clouds hang lazily in clusters, carrying a touch of the unique leisure and tranquility of the countryside.

The clouds in Tokyo always seem to be in a hurry, as if they are being pushed by an invisible wind to attend one endless meeting after another.

The two-hour flight felt like passing through an invisible door, leaving the noisy, glamorous world, bathed in neon lights and desires, far behind.

"Misa, over here!"

Just as I stepped out of the arrival gate, a clear and familiar voice pierced through the noise of the crowd, carrying a hint of joy and urgency, like a lark returning to its nest.

Hiroshi Nohara looked in the direction of the sound and immediately spotted the smiling figure in the crowd.

Masaya Koyama, dressed in an elegant beige dress, is waving her hand vigorously. Beside her stands a row of people with different expressions, creating a vivid family scene.

The leader was a middle-aged man who was not particularly tall, but whose back was ramrod straight, and whose face was serious and never smiled. He was none other than the pillar of the Koyama family, the retired headmaster of education, Koyama Yoshiharu.

He merely nodded slightly, his gaze scrutinizing yet also concealing a subtle hint of satisfaction.

The woman beside him was completely different from him, gentle and warm. Time had left its mark on her face, but it had also given rise to a kind of loving glow.

Koyama Takaya's smile is like the May sunshine in Kumamoto—warm but not scorching, it warms the heart.

Next to her was the eldest sister, Koyama Maya, who bore a striking resemblance to Misae, but possessed a calmer and more gentle demeanor. She also had a younger sister, Koyama Yumeya, with short, playful hair and eyes brimming with curiosity and excitement, practically wearing the words "celebrity brother-in-law" on her face.

"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, it's been a long time." Hiroshi Nohara stepped forward quickly, bowed slightly, and his posture was humble and polite.

"Yes, welcome to Kumamoto, Nohara-kun. You must be tired from your journey." Yoshiharu Koyama's voice was deep and powerful, carrying the authority of an old-fashioned man.

"Not at all, it's my honor to visit you two," Hiroshi replied with a smile.

On the other hand, the women's reunion was much more enthusiastic.

"Mom! Sister! Mengya!" Meiya rushed over like a little butterfly and hugged her mother and sisters.

"My dear child, have you been eating well in Tokyo? You seem to have lost some weight again." Koyama Takaya stroked Misae's cheek tenderly.

"No, Mom, Hiroshi takes good care of me." Misae's cheeks flushed with happiness.

"Mom, Misae is the president of the company now, so it's only natural that she's busy," the older sister, Masae, joked, her words tinged with teasing.

"That's right!" Koyama Yumeya squeezed in, her big eyes sparkling as she stared at Nohara Hiroshi, making no attempt to hide her admiration: "Brother-in-law! I saw you on TV! You were in the Kanji episode of 'Tales of the Unusual,' you acted so well! So many girls at my school are crazy about you!"

"Yume, don't be so disrespectful." Yoshiharu Koyama coughed lightly from the side, but the slight smile in his eyes betrayed his inner pride.

Hiroshi Nohara smiled gently. "Thank you for your support, Yumeya. But at home, you don't need to be so formal with me."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the family prepared to leave.

“Let’s go, the car is right outside,” Yoshiharu Koyama said.

"Ah, please wait a moment, father-in-law." Hiroshi Nohara pointed to the baggage conveyor belt not far away: "I still have some things over there, and I might need your help."

Somewhat puzzled, the group followed him. As the conveyor belt slowly turned, and one after another, beautifully packaged boxes and gift sets of varying sizes appeared before them, the expressions on the Xiaoshan family's faces began to turn interesting.

"Hiroshi, did you bring all of these?" Masaya covered her mouth in surprise.

"Well, it's not appropriate to come empty-handed for the first formal visit," Hiroshi said casually.

He first picked up a heavy box and handed it to Yoshiharu Koyama. "Father-in-law, this is a set of thirty-year-old whisky and a set of handmade cigars that I asked a friend to get from Scotland. I hope you will like them."

Yoshiji Koyama's eyes lit up slightly. He was a heavy drinker, but he still spoke in that serious tone: "This is too much trouble, Nohara-kun." But when he took the box, his hand was steady and firm, without the slightest hint of refusal.

Then, Hiroshi took out an exquisite jewelry box and handed it to Koyama Takaya: "Mother-in-law, this is a gold necklace and a pair of earrings that I specially selected for you. It's just a small token of my appreciation."

In neon-colored Japan, before the bursting of the economic bubble, gold jewelry was a symbol of wealth and prestige, and also the most popular and valuable gift.

Koyama Takaya opened the box and saw the pure gold jewelry gleaming under the light; his eyes were filled with surprise and delight.

"Oh dear, this...this is too precious!" she said, but her smile was incredibly bright.

"Sister, this is for you, a set of Shiseido's most high-end skincare products."

"Thank you, Hiroshi." Masaya accepted the gift, thanked him politely, and her eyes showed joy.

Finally, as if by magic, Hiroshi produced another stylishly packaged box and handed it to Koyama Yumeya, who had been eagerly waiting.

"Mengya, this is the latest Walkman, and there are also a few autographed CDs of Tokyo's most popular idol singers."

"Wow—!" Koyama Yumeya let out a happy scream, snatched the gift, hugged it tightly to her chest, and looked at Nohara Hiroshi as if she were looking at a shining god. "Brother-in-law! You are the best brother-in-law in the world! I love you to death!"

Besides these main dishes, there were also clothes and sunglasses chosen by Nohara, as well as a small mountain of various Tokyo specialty snacks and famous teas.

The Xiaoshan family was speechless for a moment when they saw this scene.

The significance of this gift far exceeds that of an ordinary visit; it represents an attitude, a formidable strength, and respect and importance placed on every member of the Xiaoshan family.

"Alright, alright, stop standing here." Yoshiharu Koyama snapped out of his daze, waved his hand, and the stern look on his face melted away. "Move everything to the car."

They then noticed that there were two cars parked in the parking lot.

One car was the Toyota Crown that Xiaoshan's family usually used, and the other was a newer Corolla.

“There was too much stuff, so I had Masaya bring her friend’s car over as well,” Yoshiharu Koyama explained.

Everyone hurriedly loaded the gifts into the car, and the two cars, one after the other, drove smoothly away from the airport, heading towards their homes in Kumamoto City.

The car drove through the fields on the outskirts of the city, onto the neat streets, and finally stopped in front of an elegant two-story detached house.

This is Xiaoshan's house. The pine and cypress trees in the yard are meticulously trimmed, just like the male head of the household.

"Come in and have a seat, take a rest." Yoshiji Koyama opened the door, and a pleasant fragrance of tatami mats and wood wafted out. "I've already arranged dinner at a hotel, we'll go there directly then."

The group entered the living room and sat down at the low table.

Yoshiji Koyama looked at Hiroshi with a mysterious smile and said, "By the way, Hiroshi, Masaya's boyfriend will be coming over tonight. His name is Fujiwara, and they're getting engaged soon. I'll introduce you two; you're both young, so you can get to know each other better."

“Really? That’s great.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded in response.

At this moment, Koyama Takaya came out of the kitchen carrying an exquisite lacquerware tray, on which were placed several plates of wagashi (Japanese sweets) that looked expensive, as well as a set of elegant tea utensils.

“Here, Hiroshi, Misae, try this. It’s yokan from Toraya. I specially asked someone to bring it back from Kyoto.”

Xiaoshan Mengya stared wide-eyed at the exquisitely crafted pastries, which were like works of art. These were usually treasures that were only brought out when the most important guests were present at home.

Today, they were presented to Hiroshi Nohara as a matter of course.

"Thank you, Mother-in-law."

Hiroshi picked up a piece of yokan (sweet bean jelly), put it in his mouth, and found it sweet but not cloying, with a delicate texture. Paired with freshly brewed premium Uji matcha, the slightly bitter tea aroma and the sweetness of the yokan blended perfectly in his mouth.

The family sat together, eating snacks and drinking tea, in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

The tension and fatigue of Tokyo seemed to be washed away by the fragrant aroma of tea.

Just then, a soft bell rang.

Maya Koyama took a small pager out of her handbag, glanced at it, then got up and walked to the telephone in the corner of the living room, dialed a number, and whispered a few words.

After hanging up the phone, she walked back and said, "Dad, Mom, Fujiwara-kun is already at the door."

"Oh?" Yoshiharu Koyama's face immediately lit up with a smile, a genuine and undisguised appreciation and satisfaction: "Quickly, invite him in."

"Ok."

Masaya Koyama turned and walked towards the entrance.

A moment later, she led a young man in.

He was a man of about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, wearing a well-tailored dark suit, his hair was neatly combed, and he had a faint, just-right smile on his face.

That smile was perfect, very proper, as if it had been measured with a ruler. It carried a politician's affability, yet it didn't give off a trace of genuine warmth.

His name is Fujiwara Isshin.

"Uncle, Aunt, good evening." Fujiwara Isshin first bowed respectfully to Koyama Yoshiharu and Koyama Takaya, his voice steady and his manners impeccable.

"Isshin's here! Please have a seat, please have a seat," Yoshiharu Koyama greeted him warmly.

Fujiwara Isshin's gaze then turned to Nohara Hiroshi, who nodded slightly, his signature smile still on his face.

"This must be Hiroshi Nohara, right?"

"Hello, I'm Hiroshi Nohara." Hiroshi stood up and nodded in greeting.

"I've heard so much about you." Fujiwara Isshin's eyes held a hint of scrutiny. "Not only do I often hear Maya mention you, but the recent news and newspapers are full of reports about you. It's truly admirable that you've achieved so much in the film and television industry at such a young age."

His words sounded like praise, but every word carried a formulaic politeness, as if he were delivering a prepared speech.

"Fujiwara-kun, you flatter me. These are just empty titles, nothing to be taken seriously," Hiroshi Nohara replied modestly, his smile gentle yet carrying an air of neither servility nor arrogance.

This might be the subtle competition among young prospective sons-in-law.

"Haha, you two stop praising each other here." Yoshiharu Koyama looked at the two equally outstanding young men in front of him, feeling extremely satisfied and pleased.

One was a rising political star who was about to become his eldest daughter's son-in-law, and the other was a famous director who was about to become his second daughter's son-in-law. This made him, as a father, feel extremely proud.

Fujiwara Isshin sat down next to Masaya, naturally accepted the tea offered by Koyama Takaya, and thanked her again. His every move exuded the composure and refinement unique to the elite class.

"I heard that Fujiwara-kun is now working in the Ministry of Finance, where he is in charge of finance?" Hiroshi Nohara asked, breaking the brief silence.

Fujiwara Isshin paused slightly in his teacup, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, as if he hadn't expected the other party to know so much.

His smile became more genuine: "Yes, I hold a minor position in the Accounting Bureau. Does Nohara-kun know anything about this?"

"I've heard a little about it," Hiroshi said calmly. "After all, Japan's economy is now entirely in your hands."

These words sounded like a compliment, but Fujiwara Isshin keenly sensed a different meaning in them.

He put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, looked at Hiroshi Nohara, and said, "Nohara-kun, you flatter me. We are just cogs in a huge national machine. What truly drives this country forward are artists like Nohara-kun who create value in the cultural field. After all, spiritual wealth is sometimes more important than material wealth, isn't it?"

These words were perfectly worded, both flattering the other party and showcasing the speaker's own magnanimity.

Yoshiharu Koyama listened from the side and nodded repeatedly, clearly appreciating Isshin Fujiwara's remarks.

In his view, this is the kind of speech and insight that true elites should have.

"Fujiwara-kun is too kind." Hiroshi Nohara smiled, not taking the bait, but instead changing the subject: "I'm just an actor, a storyteller. I portray other people's joys and sorrows for more people to see. In the end, it's just a skill, and I can't be compared to a great talent like Fujiwara-kun who can govern the world and benefit the country."

He adopted a humble posture, but his words exuded a certain integrity.

“Brother-in-law is not a craftsman!” Koyama Yumeya couldn’t help but interject, looking at Fujiwara Isshin with some dissatisfaction: “Brother-in-law is an artist! A star! Mr. Fujiwara, your job sounds so boring.”

"Yume!" Koyama Maya immediately scolded in a low voice, "Don't talk nonsense!"

"I'm not lying..." Mengya muttered aggrievedly.

"Haha, Miss Yumeya is quick-witted and very interesting." Fujiwara Isshin was not angry at all, but laughed instead. The smile seemed to dispel some of the formulaic feeling: "To be honest, sometimes I also find my work quite boring. Every day I face monotonous numbers and documents, which is far less colorful than Nohara-kun's world."

He turned to Hiroshi: "Speaking of which, I recently watched 'Seven Samurai' and 'Hachiko Monogatari' starring Nohara-kun, as well as several chapters from 'Tales of the Unusual,' all of which were very exciting. Especially the one about the choice on the last train, it was truly heartbreaking. I wonder what choice Nohara-kun himself would make if he encountered such a situation in real life?"

This question, seemingly about the plot, actually carries a probing tone, steering the discussion towards personal emotions and values.

The atmosphere in the living room became somewhat subtle at that moment.

All eyes were on Hiroshi Nohara.

Misae nervously gripped the hem of her dress. She could sense that Fujiwara Isshin, though seemingly gentle and refined, actually possessed a powerful aura and his words were full of hidden wit.

Hiroshi Nohara, however, remained calm and composed. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then slowly spoke.

"TV dramas are ultimately just TV dramas; they're fabricated stories. Stories need dramatic conflict and regret to make a lasting impression on the audience." His voice was calm and unhurried, with a unique magnetism. "But life isn't a story; life is about choices. Every choice means bearing the corresponding consequences."

He put down his teacup, his clear gaze fixed on Fujiwara Isshin, and also on Misae beside him, a gentle yet firm smile playing on his lips.

"If it were me, I wouldn't let my loved one take the last tram alone. Because I know that once we miss it, it might be for a lifetime."

After he finished speaking, the living room fell silent.

Misae's eyes instantly welled up with tears. She stared intently at Hiroshi's profile, her heart filled with immense happiness and a sense of security.

A relieved smile appeared on Xiaoshan Gaoya's face. As a mother, what she hoped to see most was that her daughter could find a man who knew how to cherish her.

Even Yoshiharu Koyama, who is usually serious, had a much softer look in his eyes.

Fujiwara Isshin's smile faltered slightly, but then returned to normal. He clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Well said. Nohara-kun is indeed a man of character. Maya is so lucky to have a sister like Misae, and Misae is so lucky to have a partner like you, Nohara-kun."

He skillfully steered the conversation back to sisterhood, defusing the slightly tense atmosphere from before.

"Alright, alright, it's about time." Yoshiji Koyama stood up, breaking the brief standoff. "Let's head to the hotel; I've already made a reservation. We're definitely going to have a good few drinks tonight!"

“Yes, everyone is eating and chatting.” Koyama Takaya chimed in with a smile.

Everyone got up and prepared to go out.

Fujiwara Isshin walked up to Hiroshi and said in a low voice, "Nohara-kun, what you just said really touched me. It seems I need to learn more from you about how to be a good man."

"You're too kind, Fujiwara-kun," Hiroshi replied with a smile.

The two men exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and understanding.

They all understood that this was just the beginning.

Two different lives, two different paths to success, clashed and collided silently in this small living room.

And those who are outstanding among their peers... cherish each other.

The road ahead is still long.

(End of this chapter)