How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 197 Shower First or Eat First? [10,000-Word Update, Please Subscribe]

"Well, Skyfire acquired a live theater company, and in the future, it may have a large number of live theater properties. I'm thinking that relying solely on theaters might not be enough to meet the demand for so many properties, and it would be a waste to leave them empty. It just so happens that AKB48 has a model where they have performances every day."
In addition, the training of idol trainees has almost no threshold, unlike Korean idols which require several years, making it an effective use of costs and resources. "Wang Yao laughed.

“President Wang’s idea is not wrong. The threshold for becoming an idol is really low. As long as you are slightly good-looking and treat performances as practice rooms every day, fans can accept it. That’s why Japanese otaku are so eccentric,” Li Xiaomu said with a smile.

“The most effective way to build relationships between people is through the ‘shared hardship’ stage. This long-term companionship system, coupled with sunk costs, can indeed be very addictive,” Wang Yao smiled.

“I only knew about Mr. Wang from the news and from friends before, I didn’t expect his business scope to be so vast. Brother Cheng Long even mentioned collaborating with you on a movie before,” Li Xiaomu said with a smile.

"Hmm, there's a project in progress. Is Brother Xiaomu interested in acting?" Wang Yao raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Just a little bit. I'm a bit vain, and at my age, I've had my fill of fun, so it's time to find some new goals in life," Li Xiaomu said with a smile.

“If Brother Xiaomu wants to start a business, I can offer some good ideas,” Wang Yao said, narrowing his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiaomu exchanged a few pleasantries but did not respond to Wang Yao's words.

In fact, his current situation is not very optimistic. His underworld business has gradually declined, but he has a large number of underlings, and his daily expenses are huge. Relying solely on the income from his sex industry, he can basically not make ends meet.

So in recent years, he has been keen to participate in various variety shows in Hong Kong to increase his popularity. He has also published books and opened Chinese restaurants, all in an attempt to find a way out. Last year, after contacting Jackie Chan, he wanted to get on board, but was politely declined.

Indeed, his identity is somewhat marginalized, whether in Japan, Hong Kong, or China. In addition, the industry he works in is not respectable. This time, he plans to observe Wang Yao first to avoid an embarrassing situation like last time.

As the two chatted, Gulnazar and Dilraba changed out of the clothes they had brought and came downstairs.

Wang Yao brought them here not only for the filming but also to promote the brand. 'Fairy Style' has launched a Hanfu series, which can be used to promote the brand by leveraging its Japanese background.

"Wow, what a beautiful kimono! It's different from the ones here in Japan," Li Xiaomu exclaimed, her face filled with amazement.

"This isn't a kimono; it's a modified version of traditional Wu clothing," Wang Yao explained. "It can be considered the origin of the kimono. It was a traditional garment from the Wu Kingdom during the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties period. Later, it was introduced to Japan and modified to give rise to the kimono. Later still, it incorporated Tang Dynasty styles to form the framework of the kimono we know today."

The difference between the two is that Go clothing is made of silk, while kimono is mostly made of hemp. This is due to the influence of early material conditions. Moreover, in terms of design, Go clothing follows the traditional cultural concepts of the Tengen region.
"The kimono has been modified from the local concept into a 'bucket' shape because their oldest traditional clothing is the 'turban garment.' The 'Records of the Wa People of Wei' describes it as 'made of a piece of cloth with a hole in the middle through which the head is inserted,' which is like simply putting a bucket over it. In essence, it has no design or tailoring," Wang Yao laughed.

Li Xiaomu looked surprised after hearing this. "So that's how it is. I've heard that there's a saying that kimono originated from Hanfu. I didn't expect it to be so ancient. No wonder most of the long-established kimono shops in Japan are labeled as Gofuku."

"The word 'Gofuku' in Japanese likely refers to cloth. The Eastern Wu dynasty once gifted Japan some outdated and obsolete textile machines, which the Japanese emperor treasured and named the machine 'Gofuku-ji,' exclusively for the use of the imperial family and nobility."
Therefore, in the context of Japanese culture, "Wufu" refers to precious and traditional luxury fabrics, but it cannot be ruled out that this is a deliberate attempt to "de-Hanfu-ize" the public opinion. Wang Yao smiled.

"Mr. Wang knows more about Japan than I do, a country bumpkin who's lived here for decades," Li Xiaomu exclaimed.

"I've read too many different kinds of books," Wang Yao chuckled.

Li Xiaomu led Wang Yao and the others to try local Japanese cuisine first.

The next day, Naza and the others went to the airport to pick up the film crew, while Wang Yao went with Li Xiaomu to meet AKS president Kubota Shi.

Kubota Shi is about the same age as Li Xiaomu, and he also looks like an old hoodlum. His smile is more frightening than his non-smile. He started out betting on horse races, and as he got older, he became obsessed with the youthful energy of young girls.

AKB48 just set a record of selling one million albums this year, officially becoming members of the entertainment industry from the bottom of the social circle. Kubota Shi is quite pleased with this, because it's not only a career achievement, but also brings nearly 10 billion Chinese yuan to AKS, which he founded less than five years ago.

It has quickly become a medium-sized entertainment company in Japan. This year, many investors have sought to cooperate with it, but Wang Yao, an investor from China, has indeed surprised him.

After some communication and understanding, Kubota Shi confirmed Wang Yao's background and qualifications, and began to get down to business, with Li Xiaomu acting as the translator.

"Does AKB have fans in China? Isn't that K-pop's domain?" Kubota joked.

“Yes, my cousin is a fan of yours and even voted for the general election,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"That's a real honor. I wonder who he pushed? I can have someone record a video and get a signed copy for Mr. Wang to take back later." Kubota Shi was very happy to hear this.

I didn't expect it to have a market in China.

“AKB’s grassroots dream-chasing philosophy is very much in line with the current entertainment atmosphere in China. There is a male star in our country named Wang Baoqiang who also became a household name by relying on this kind of persona and perseverance. His recently released movie is almost 700 million US dollars at the box office.” Wang Yao smiled and showed the other party a photo of Wang Baoqiang.

"That's truly remarkable. Dreams really are the greatest miracles," Kubota Shi remarked after reading it.

"President Kubota gave a group of ordinary girls an extraordinary opportunity; that's the real miracle," Wang Yao praised.

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. Anyone with a dream is remarkable." Kubota Shi smiled broadly upon hearing this.

"My company also has many girls with dreams, but because there aren't many stages and opportunities in China, many talented people are buried."
"AKB's model is a good fit for our company, so we've taken the liberty of visiting to see if there's an opportunity for collaboration and to contribute to cultural exchange between our two countries," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Of course, of course. China has the world's largest population market. It would be a great thing if AKB could spread to China."

Originally, we wanted to find a company to cooperate with in Korea first, but the idol market in Korea is too small. We can't even make a living in Korea, let alone come to Japan to compete for food. So I rejected the cooperation from Korea.

"But to be honest, we don't know much about the Chinese idol market either, but we know for sure that there are currently no idol artists debuting in China, right?" Kubota Shi questioned.

"The idol industry is a very new thing in China. If AKB wants to enter the market in a lucrative way, it will take at least three to five years. However, our company has enough strength to support the development of this industry."

Wang Yao spread his hands and smiled, "I even hope to become one of AKS's shareholders, so that the relationship between the two parties can be even closer."

Upon hearing this, Kubota looked at Wang Yao with some surprise.

Although AKB is currently doing very well, its profits are actually relatively limited. The valuation of one billion only represents the industry's view on the future, and he himself is still unsure about the actual revenue and investment.

Unexpectedly, Wang Yao immediately prepared to invest in AKS, which is different from other investors who wanted to invest in AKB, which was already profitable.

As the parent company, AKS not only has to maintain AKB's development, but also has to invest in other sub-groups. The failure of one sub-group could cause financial difficulties for the entire company.

After all, AKB's profits are not enough to support multiple sub-groups, but without opening sub-groups, the industry cannot expand. Akimoto Yasushi, that old fox, is also eyeing the outside world and is preparing to launch a Nogizaka46 project with Sony, trying to check and balance him.

Despite its seemingly vibrant development, AKS is actually facing internal and external troubles.

“Wang Jun, to be honest, besides AKB, AKS also has a sub-unit called SKE. Since its establishment in 08, it has been operating at a loss. This year, they are also preparing to establish another sub-unit. These are all heavy investments, and it is very likely that they will lose money.” Kubota Shi said seriously.

Actually, he doesn't object to people investing in AKS; what he objects to are investors who only want to reap the benefits of investing in AKB.

If Wang Yao is truly willing to be an investor who shares both the good times and the bad, Kubota Shi wouldn't mind having another multinational shareholder, which would be a huge advantage for the girl group's future expansion into China.

"I'm very optimistic about this niche fan economy. Compared to following celebrities through a cold screen, the warm, face-to-face interaction might just create new miracles." Wang Yao smiled dismissively.

"Moreover, our company also has a large number of film and television production businesses, and artists with potential can try to develop in multiple dimensions."

“President Wang and Jackie Cheng are business partners,” Li Xiaomu added.

"I see." Kubota Shi was filled with respect upon hearing this.

Jackie Chan's name still has a great influence in East Asia.

"Not just Brother Cheng Long, my company serves more than 60% of film and television production companies in China, and we also have projects in Korea. If President Kubota wants AKB to represent Japanese idol culture on the world stage in the future, I can still provide considerable assistance."

"I saw that you guys did a project called 'Real or Fake Campus' at the beginning of the year. I thought it was very interesting, and we could consider co-creating it in the future," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Co-creation?" Kubota raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It's similar to a Marvel series, with the same theme and background, featuring girl groups from multiple countries filming together, connecting fans and creating a fair competitive atmosphere. For example, your current general election is in Japan, right?"

"In the future, we can collaborate with the China General Election to hold another 'Global General Election,' with rewards including various international resources such as film and television, advertising, and endorsements. Don't underestimate the word 'global'; it might become the motivation for fans to go all out. After all, it's quite tempting for your favorite idol to become an international star," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Wow, Mr. Wang is really going to suck the last drop of blood from his fans." Kubota Shi looked at Wang Yao with amazement.

I never expected that this young man, who looks just like a male idol, would have such a vicious heart.

This is hardly a 'global election'.
This is clearly a 'national conflict'!

At that point, not only will the girl group fans vote, but even the onlookers will probably cast a few votes.

I like!
Kubota Shi is a gambler by trade. Although he retired long ago, his gambling instincts are almost instinctive, and Wang Yao's strategy ignited them.

"How does President Wang plan to cooperate?" Kubota Shi sat up straight. "Does President Kubota have a financing plan?" Wang Yao asked in return.

“Of course, expanding the branch network also requires a lot of money,” Kubota Shi said with a smile.

Wang Yao felt somewhat relieved to see that he had accepted the financing rather than selling his shares to cash out.

Although Wang Yao didn't know much about AKB, he knew that its core was Yasushi Akimoto, and AKS was just a talent agency that controlled a large number of management contracts. Later, the two sides parted ways due to team management issues, and AKB declined for various reasons.

Wang Yao wasn't expecting to make much money from this investment, but he certainly didn't want to lose money. Kubota's proposal for financing indicated that the company's operations were still the primary focus.

After exchanging opinions, AKS ultimately agreed to sell 15% of its shares in Tianhuo Media to Wang Yao for 1 million RMB, and to obtain the operating authorization for AKB-affiliated sister group Huaxia SNH48, paying 10% of the copyright fee annually.

At the same time, Wang Yao also obtained the image rights for all artists under AKS, not limited to photocards. This business can indirectly help Wang Yao's clothing brand to enter the Japanese market.

The initial draft of the cooperation was delayed because it was a cross-border investment and the subsequent procedures would take at least half a month. Wang Yao declined Kubota's invitation to have dinner with AKB48 that evening, as he had to rush back to meet with the "22" crew.

On the way back, Li Xiaomu's mood fluctuated. Although he knew that Wang Yao was very wealthy, he did not expect that a deal worth 1 million could be finalized in just one afternoon.

This not only represents wealth, but also absolute control over the company.

Li Xiaomu doesn't understand business, but he has suffered many losses in business, so he knows that a good decision-maker needs to be very strong and cautious.

Wang Yao seemed careless, but in reality, he handled things with great care. There were almost no disputes during the negotiations. Assuming Wang Yao wasn't being taken advantage of, it could only mean that Wang Yao had absolute confidence and control over the negotiations.

Li Xiaomu has dealt with people all his life and has come to a conclusion.

Choice is greater than effort.

Especially in choosing a partner, it can be a matter that determines the rise and fall of one's life. Just as he was struggling with this, he suddenly heard Wang Yao speak.

"Brother Mu, do you think there are any Chinese-American neighborhood chiefs in Japan?"

When Wang Yao returned to his residence, he was immediately greeted by a lively atmosphere. The girls' cheerful chatter was a delight to hear.

"Wow, Mr. Wang is back! Quickly get dressed!" Zhao Liying exclaimed as she poked her head out after hearing the door open.

"What are you doing? Not wearing clothes in broad daylight?" Wang Yao stopped and laughed.

"It's not that I'm not wearing anything, it's that I'm wearing too little." Zhao Liying chuckled. "Later we're going to experience an open-air hot spring at night, Mr. Wang, would you like to join us?"

Filming for "22" has been underway for a month. To appear more mature for the role, Zhao Liying has reduced some of the baby fat on her face, making her look less round and more capable.

“Great! Perfect, I’ve never been to a hot spring before,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Tsk, you really dare to think that way." Zhao Liying rolled her eyes.

"Okay, okay." Naza's voice came from inside the house, and Zhao Liying opened the wooden door.

Wang Yao glanced around and saw four girls—Zhang Tianai, Zhao Liying, Gulnazar, and Dilraba—wearing Wufu (traditional Wu clothing) and standing in two rows at the door. They bowed and greeted Wang Yao as he entered.

"おかえりなさい~"

This background, combined with this atmosphere.

Wang Yao almost pulled his leg back as he stepped through the door.

Shouldn't we just skip this part of the story?

"See? I told you he'd definitely like it. Ha, men." Zhao Liying shook her head and scoffed.

The other three girls had rosy cheeks and shy yet playful looks in their eyes.

It was clearly not one person's idea; it was a prank by a group of people.

"No more lines? Shouldn't you be asking me whether I want to take a shower or eat first?" Wang Yao laughed.

"Master, would you like to take a shower first or eat first?" Zhang Tianai cooperated perfectly, smiling sweetly.

She tanned for the role, and now it's all done. Her skin tone has turned a healthy wheat color, and paired with this outfit and her updo, she has the look of a Japanese tanned gyaru.

"Let's go together," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"I saw in Japanese dramas that when they soak in hot springs, they always have plates. I'll try that later," Nazha said with a grin.

"Won't it cause indigestion?" Dilraba said, blushing.

"Then sashimi plus hot spring, wouldn't that be considered 'blanched'?" Zhang Tianai blinked.

"Hey, hey, hey, you guys are really getting into this." Zhao Liying clapped her hands. "As a member of the Discipline Inspection Commission, I forbid mixed bathing."

"I think it's better to vote on these kinds of things," Wang Yao joked, stroking his chin.

"No, no, Sister Zhu said that men become strange once they go to Japan. As the eldest sister, I must prevent such risks." Zhao Liying said with a stern face.

Because she felt that as long as Wang Yao made the suggestion, he could at least get three votes in favor.

"That's not true. Men only develop special feelings for Japanese women when they see them in Japan," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Why?" Naza asked curiously.

"Don't ask anymore, go prepare the dishes and chopsticks." Reba pulled her and ran towards the kitchen.

"I don't think Mr. Wang would do that," Zhang Tianai blinked.

"I'm a man too, it's inevitable," Wang Yao said with a smile.

Zhang Tianai blushed.

Halfway through his meal, Wang Yao received an unexpected phone call.

"Your Excellency Wang came to Japan without even informing me. You really don't consider me a friend at all," said Morita Ryu, the major shareholder behind the scenes.

"I just came to check on the filming of the movie crew, I didn't mean to disturb Mr. Morita." Wang Yao narrowed his eyes.

More than half a month has passed since the incident at the US photography studio.

He's been waiting to see what Chengtian's next move will be, to see if he can't hold on any longer and will take the initiative to ask for more capital to continue his desperate resistance.

It's not easy to reverse-acquire a listed company. Wang Yao is looking for the lowest cost and lowest risk model. Anyway, he's not in a hurry and can proceed steadily.

What he wanted was a Chengtian whom he could completely control.

"I've been having a lot of trouble lately because of that idiot Wu Kebo. Please forgive me for neglecting you, Mr. Wang. I just met a new friend at a dinner party today who mentioned that you've come to Japan, so I quickly contacted him to see if there's anything I can help with." Morita Ryu's tone was very tactful.

"Oh? May I ask which friend this is?" Wang Yao raised an eyebrow slightly.

Not many people knew that Wang Yao had come to Japan, and even fewer people were able to appear at a dinner party with Morita Ryu.

It is highly unlikely to be a coincidence.

“President Tan of Xingmei Group,” Morita Ryu said with a smile.

Wang Yao laughed out loud upon hearing this.

"Indeed, he's a new friend."

(End of this chapter)