How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 201 What toilet caught fire?
Wang Yao wasn't very familiar with the Japanese film industry, but a middle-aged female director with this kind of image and temperament was indeed quite rare.

"Hello Mr. Wang, I apologize for bothering you." Naomi Kawase smiled and bowed.

"Hello." Wang Yao smiled and nodded, looking at Lin Zhiling.

Lin Zhiling whispered in Wang Yao's ear, "One of the most outstanding female directors of art films in Japan and even Asia, Ms. Naomi Kawase. She won two Cannes awards at the age of forty, one Golden Cinematography and one Grand Jury Prize. Her status is probably similar to that of Director Guan."

Wang Yao's ears tickled from her blowing, and after slightly dodging away, he smiled broadly, "I've long admired Director Kawase, I'm a fan of yours."

Seeing Wang Yao's sincere and natural smile, Lin Zhiling and Gulnazar rolled their eyes at the same time.

This man is such a good actor! He clearly doesn't even know her!

"Oh? That's quite an honor. Guys generally don't like watching my movies." Naomi Kawase naturally noticed the problem and joked with a smile.

Naomi Kawase is hailed as a bridge for Japanese independent films to connect with the international community. Her insistence on shooting without the aid of stabilizers has promoted the Japanese aesthetic of "Nara imagery" to the international art and literature scene, and her unique female perspective has garnered significant attention in the art and literature world.

Therefore, she knew very well that Wang Yao was unlikely to be her audience.

"You said yourself, he's just an ordinary guy." Wang Yao laughed and inquired about the other party's purpose.

Naomi Kawase has a gentle and elegant demeanor, but her personality is very straightforward. She admitted that she follows Gulnazar on MS and feels that her words and image are very similar to her when she was young. Recently, she wants to prepare a movie based on herself and wants to invite Gulnazar to play the lead role.

All of Nazha's social media accounts are operated by the company. The characteristics and remarks that Naomi Kawase valued were almost all based on the framework originally set by Wang Yao. The essence was to create a "girl with attitude" persona for her to attract more fans to the fairy-like brand.

Surprisingly, it even attracted a mom like Naomi Kawase.

Although I don't know Naomi Kawase's style, a top female director who can win awards at Cannes and be nominated every few years is definitely not easy to fool. I guess she can be seen through after a little contact.

Not to mention that Gulnazar herself has no talent for acting. If she were to film an art film of this caliber, she would either drive herself crazy or drive the director crazy.

It was a great opportunity, but unfortunately, it wasn't suitable.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Kawase, our company’s development path for Naza is purely commercial, and she hasn’t received systematic acting training yet, so she’s not qualified to play your leading role. However, our company has some other talented actors that you might want to consider,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"You're refusing already?" Lin Zhiling frowned slightly, feeling a bit rushed.

Acting skills depend entirely on the director's ability to guide the performance and the cinematographer's skill in filming. She thinks that Naomi Kawase might be able to bring something new to the acting of a novice like Gulnazar.

"An art film? Forget it, it's not for me." Nazha understood the situation and waved her hand.

Wang Yao had already planned out her career path. She could easily gain popularity through variety shows and cameo roles in movies and TV dramas, without having to consider pursuing a career as an actor before graduating from university.

If you're still interested after graduating from university, go and hone your skills on the stage.

She trusted Wang Yao unconditionally. Besides, her initial motivation for becoming a star was that she felt she had nothing to offer except for her beauty, and all young girls yearn for a life under the spotlight.

As for whether she's an acting star or a traffic star, she doesn't care at all; she just wants to be a star.

Lin Zhiling glanced at Nazha with some pity, thinking she must be a poor little girl who had been brainwashed by Wang Yao, and then turned to help with a tactful translation.

"That's a pity. I understand. There aren't many artists these days who are willing to put in the hard work on their acting skills and their work." Naomi Kawase looked disappointed, but she accepted it with a smile. As for the other people recommended by Wang Yao, she naturally wouldn't consider them.

A director of her caliber could easily attract actresses from all over Asia just by making a announcement.

She took a liking to Nazha simply because of fate, but she didn't expect that the source of this fate was actually Wang Yao.

Wang Yao didn't force it. Art films are hard to define. They may be elegant, and he believed that excellent films are great and can convey ideas, but their audience is too small and require a certain aesthetic threshold and talent to appreciate them.

It is far inferior to a popular work that conveys simple and genuine truths or values.

Wang Yao believes that quantitative change leads to qualitative change.

Based on his biased understanding, he believed that even the greatest art film, with a hundred lines, could not compare to a single line in a hundred popular films.

These artists always believe that most people in the world are like them and should 'awaken' and be clear-headed, so they hope to use various art forms to awaken them and express something.

But the reality is that those who should wake up don't need to be called, and those who shouldn't wake up can't be woken up even if you do. Instead, it's easy to fall into paradigm disorder, watching helplessly as your energy is inexplicably drained away, and in the end, you slip into nihilism.

The most painful thing is to have a vague understanding but not a clear one.

The statement "Humanity does not thank Luo Ji" should be followed by "Humanity does not need Luo Ji."

Intelligent artists should believe in the principle of "appealing to both highbrow and popular tastes".

If someone considers themselves an artist, then that's a different story.

Naomi Kawase was quite nonchalant about not being able to invite her favorite female lead, but during her polite and courteous chat with Wang Yao, she found that she did not feel the offense she had expected from this boy who exuded a strong patriarchal male chauvinism.

I don't know if it was thanks to Lin Zhiling's translation, or if the boy was simply a tough-on-the-outside-but-soft-on-the-inside person.
Female directors, especially those with a background in cinematography, are very good at observing details and human nature. In less than half an hour, Naomi Kawase, who originally wanted to say a few polite words and leave, actually became curious about Wang Yao.

She even started to steer the conversation toward women's issues, and Wang Yao's answers surprised her. Finally, they talked about her upcoming documentary, "Mysterious Female".

This is a documentary about a hospital in Japan, where the director consistently advocates for natural childbirth, showcasing the anxieties pregnant women experience during pregnancy and the changes they face in the face of new life.

"The process of life's creation is magnificent, but the result can be painful," Wang Yao said with a smile after a moment of contemplation.

"Hmm? I'd like to hear more." Naomi Kawase raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Driven by instinct and selfishness, living beings bring a new life into the world without permission and then mold it into a 'continuation' of their own imagination. We had a popular TV series airing last year, and one of the villains had a very interesting line."

Life begins with a cry. Adults laugh, but who truly knows the fear in an infant's heart? Did they even want to come into this unfamiliar world?

"Besides the baby crying, everyone in the delivery room was marveling at the joy of life. Only life itself was experiencing fear. Motherly love is indeed great, but how can it be highlighted without the child's fear?" Wang Yao laughed.

Lin Zhiling's translation seemed quite accurate. After listening, Naomi Kawase looked at Wang Yao in silence, and finally nodded with a smile, "My lens is my perspective."

She could tell that Wang Yao's approach to the structure of this work was to focus the camera on the 'process' of life's creation while seemingly ignoring the 'result'.

“Children are grateful to their mothers for giving them life, but mothers are equally grateful to their children for giving them a identity. If Director Kawase wants to promote this film, he can authorize me to act as his agent.” Wang Yao smiled.

“Mr. Wang seems to have a heart that knows how to love.” Naomi Kawase looked at Wang Yao with admiration.

"Me?" Wang Yao was taken aback, then shook his head with a smile and pointed to the film crew shooting in the distance, saying, "They all say behind my back that I'm using them as tools."

"A tool? At least she's still a person," Naomi Kawase chuckled.

"Hmm, that makes sense." Wang Yao stroked his chin. "What are Director Kawase's plans for the future?"

"I'm preparing a movie, and I still want to win the Palme d'Or," Naomi Kawase said with a smile.

“That’s a real shame. I was thinking of inviting Kawase, the guide, to film another one, which could be a documentary sequel to ‘Mysterious Female’,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Oh? Tell me about it." Naomi Kawase's eyes lit up.

“Your name ‘Mysterious Female’ must be taken from the Tao Te Ching: ‘The spirit of the valley never dies; it is called the Mysterious Female. The gate of the Mysterious Female is called the root of Heaven and Earth. It is continuous and seemingly ever-present; its use is inexhaustible.’” Wang Yao laughed. “Yes, it uses the origin of life as a metaphor, transforming the delivery room into a window to observe human nature and the mysteries of nature, witnessing the cycle of life,” Naomi Kawase explained.

"But there is another interpretation, which holds that the Gate of the Mysterious Female is a mysterious aperture located in the human body where the four elements are not attached, something suspended in mid-air. This extends to the idea that 'when desire arises, thought exists,' meaning that when desires arise, the Gate of the Mysterious Female will open and even conceive."

It may not be the gateway to the cycle of life, but rather the gateway to the cycle of desire. When we went to scout locations yesterday, we saw quite a few children around Kabukicho, which I think corresponds to another aspect of your documentary.” Wang Yao began by describing the situation of the Toyoko Haram boys.

Naomi Kawase's face turned pale upon hearing this. "Shinjuku, there are still kids like this?"

“You can go and see for yourself. If you’re interested, I’d be willing to invest in and sponsor the production of this documentary,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Thank you for sharing, Mr. Wang. I'll go and find out more about the situation." Naomi Kawase nodded, said goodbye to Guan Jinpeng, and hurriedly left.

"Brother, is there really such a miserable group?" Naza asked with a strange expression.

Although she felt that Edo wasn't as prosperous as she had imagined, it was still a developed city, and it didn't sound as good as her hometown.

“Where there is sunlight, there is naturally shadow. If you can’t see the shadow, it means either it’s blocked or you don’t care,” Wang Yao said with a smile and a shake of his head.

“Mr. Wang really has a heart full of love.” Lin Zhiling participated in the translation throughout the process and had a more direct understanding of the situation. She seemed to have discovered another side of Wang Yao that was not known to others. “But as far as I know, even if this kind of documentary is completed, it is difficult to release it.”

"If it can't be broadcast in Japan, we can broadcast it in China, on the internet, and let the whole world pay attention to see just how prosperous Edo really is." Wang Yao curled his lips, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

If Naomi Kawase really directed a documentary about the Toyoko group, then its screening in China would definitely attract widespread attention, generating huge buzz and giving a good slap in the face to those who are obsessed with cherry blossoms in China.

Then promote it on Western social media to attract the attention of the "Mother Mary" group, and hold a joint support event on Ms. and Mulan Street, which can probably generate at least a billion views.

It's not so much about great love, but it certainly brings in a lot of benefits.

Wang Yao was secretly pondering the order of this topic, but in the eyes of Nazha and Lin Zhiling, he looked completely concerned about the country and its people, as if his whole body was radiating golden light.

After filming ended, Lin Zhiling's arrival naturally became the focus of everyone's attention. Later, she, Zhang Tianai, and Gulnazar were going to record "Sisters Who Make Waves" together. In order to get to know each other quickly, she took the initiative to experience the group atmosphere in advance and stayed in the villa.

But the others weren't fools either, and they naturally knew that she clearly had ulterior motives.

"Mr. Wang, remember to lock the door properly tonight, or you might get caught sleeping in the bedroom," Zhao Liying subtly reminded him.

"Okay, your Japanese is quite useful." Wang Yao chuckled. "I have guests coming later, so please be quiet upstairs and don't make too much noise."

"Still having customers this late? It seems like you, as a big boss, are working even harder than us ordinary workers." Zhao Liying asked curiously.

"If you know I'm working hard, then you should make more money for me," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"I work hard not to fulfill my boss's dreams," Zhao Liying chuckled. She is an experiential actress and her style of doing things has changed recently due to the influence of her roles.

"Alright then, I wish you all the best in achieving your dreams. Go and call Sister Zhiling down for me," Wang Yao said with a smile.

Lin Zhiling came down wearing a pink floral dress. Judging from the length of the skirt, which barely covered her knees, it was probably Zhao Liying's size. The black stockings under the skirt looked very eye-catching under the orange light.

"Wearing stockings on wooden floors can be slippery," Wang Yao reminded her with a smile.

"They're not stockings, they're shaping stockings." Upon hearing this, Lin Zhiling lifted her skirt and generously showed them off. "Wearing them to bed can slim your calves and keep you warm."

"What's the difference between this and stockings? The material?" Wang Yao reached out to check the material.

"Hey, what do you want!" Lin Zhiling dodged to the side, her eyes filled with embarrassment and annoyance.

That's incredibly audacious! They just went straight for it, and there are four younger sisters upstairs!
"It feels like a scam, but since you're using it, it might actually have a market. Send me a sample later," Wang Yao said seriously.

"I'll just take it off for you tomorrow morning?" Lin Zhiling rolled her eyes; that was a really lame excuse.

“That works too. If it becomes a bestseller, we can put it in the exhibition hall, clearly stating that it was inspired by this place and addressed to Sister Zhiling.” Wang Yao smiled.

"Tsk!" Lin Zhiling blushed.

"The guests have arrived." Upon receiving the message, Wang Yao led her to the courtyard to greet them.

"Mr. Wang, good evening. I am Nomi Airi. Nice to meet you." The short-haired woman, dressed in a business suit late at night, bowed and greeted him. Behind her were four bodyguards who looked even fiercer than Li Xiaomu's men.

After all, he is the president of the largest and most neutral gossip newspaper in Japan. I dare not say that he has made countless enemies, but it is very likely that he has enemies all over the city.

The main theme of Bunshun is equality for all people. Regardless of their identity or influence, as long as it has value, they dare to report it, and they film it very clearly and produce excellent footage.

Nomi Airi wore black-rimmed glasses and was said to be over thirty years old, but she still looked like a female college student, clearly a liberal arts major.

She raised an eyebrow slightly when she saw Wang Yao, then smiled when she saw Lin Zhiling behind her. "Can this be published in the newspaper?"

Although Wang Yao is not well-known in Japan, his good looks and wealthy status combined with Lin Zhiling's popularity are enough to make him a headline on the secondary page.

"It's best not to, please come in." Wang Yao smiled.

Nomi Airi came in with only one female bodyguard, curiously looking at the courtyard and the villa's decor. "There are many rumors about Koki-kun's villa. We've been filming around here for years, but we haven't gotten any useful footage. Is there some kind of back door or secret passage?"

"He really didn't tell me whether it's tea or a beverage?" Wang Yao smiled.

"I bring my own water and I generally don't eat or drink outside," Nomi Airi smiled.

Be cautious, cherish your life.

Wang Yao felt he could learn more about it in the future.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Lin Zhiling, Ye Jian Ai Li and Lin Zhiling blushed and waved their hands awkwardly, Ye Jian Ai Li guessed that Lin Zhiling had probably asked her a lot of gossipy and private questions.

"Mr. Wang invited me here, is there some kind of collaboration?" Nomi Airi asked with a smile after investigating Lin Zhiling.

"Indeed, the main purpose is to reprint some news materials from your company, and to see if we can reach a cross-border cooperation and timely response model." Wang Yao smiled, just about to explain his thoughts.

Suddenly, she was interrupted by Nomi Airi's bodyguard.

"Sorry, there might be big news." Nomi Airi's expression changed, and her originally gentle, liberal arts student aura instantly turned sharp.

He got up, took the phone, and went outside to answer it. But then Wang Yao heard her shrill scream of shock.

"What's wrong?" Wang Yao asked, his face full of curiosity.

"It seems like something's on fire, the Jing something-or-other toilet?" Lin Zhiling tried hard to make out.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yao narrowed his eyes, and his smile deepened.

"Oh? Hopefully it won't cause a methane explosion."

(End of this chapter)