Tokyo Mystery Writers

Chapter 226 An Unparalleled Performance

Seeing the incredulous look on Isama Uguisuke's face, Kenzaki Mitsuki smiled and said, "Uguisuke, do we look like we're lying to you?"

"Kyoko and I are really here to take you to audition for Teacher Wucheng's 'Never Sleeps'!"

"And, if Ms. Maishiro has time, I might be able to let you meet her!"

Even after hearing Kenzaki Mitsuki's words, Isama Uguisuke still looked completely incredulous: "Audition—audience for 'Nightless Town'—Mitsuki, when we were chatting yesterday, didn't you say—you didn't know Maishiro-sensei—?"

"Why is it that today—"

"They said today they could take me to audition for 'Never Sleeps' — and I'll even get to see Teacher Wu Cheng?"

Kenzaki Koki, holding Isama Uguisuke's hand, followed Mikoshiba Kyoko out of the studio: "Hehe, Uguisuke, I just wanted to give you a surprise, didn't I?"

"When we were having dinner yesterday, I heard you say that you also like Mr. Wu Cheng's books. You have not only read all of Mr. Wu Cheng's works, but you also dream of playing a role in 'Never Sleeping City'."

"Honestly, I was quite surprised when I heard what you said."

"You know, back in high school, you and I used to argue endlessly about mystery novels—"

"I never expected you to like mystery novels!"

Memories from five or six years ago flooded into Isama Uguisuke's mind in an instant.

This made Isama Uguisuke a little embarrassed: "I—I don't like mystery novels, I just like Maijo-sensei's novels—"

Kenzaki Mitsuki's eyes crinkled into crescent shapes with laughter as she reached out and slapped Isama Uguisuke hard on the back: "Hahaha, it's all the same, anyway, Maishiro-sensei writes mystery novels!"

Isama Uguisuke's face flushed slightly: "No—that's not the problem!"

"The question is, how did you all get to know Ms. Maishiro?"

Kyoko Mikoshiba crunched her lollipop loudly, then turned to ask, "Yui, have you only read Maishiro-sensei's books without checking the publisher she works for?"

Uguisuke Isama tilted his head upon hearing Kyoko Mikoshiba's words, recalling Kyosuke Maijo's books, all of which were published by Kodansha.

The publisher's response: "A mistake?"

"So, speaking of which—Kodansha—"

Mikoshiba Kyoko considered that Isama Uguisuke might have been scared out of her wits by the pig-headed director.

Not having heard himself clearly, he pointed proudly at himself with his thumb and said with a smile, "Ying, you were right."

"Mr. Maishiro is a guest writer for my uncle's publishing house, Kodansha!"

"Moreover, all of Mr. Mai Cheng's works that you can see in bookstores are marketed by my dad."

When Isama Uguis heard Mikoshiba Kyoko's words, it was as if she had grasped a lifeline!

Ignoring the pain in his arm, he reached out and hugged Mikoshiba Kyoko tightly, as if he wanted to meld her into his body.

"So! Kyoko! Can you take me to the audition for Maijo-sensei's 'Never Sleeps'?!"

Kyoko Mikoshiba pushed away Uguis Isama who was clinging to her, chewing on the broken candy: "Of course, because Ms. Maishiro knows absolutely nothing about movies, so my uncle sent my dad to liaise with director Kinji Fukasaku to discuss the contract."

"Furthermore, yesterday, Mr. Maishiro invited my dad, uncle, and a group of other members of the 'New Orthodox Mystery Club' to watch his new book, 'Nostalgia.'"

"After reading 'Nostalgia,' during dinner, when Ms. Maishiro asked where Mitsuki was and why she hadn't come, Ms. Eri from the magazine department—who was also the founder of 'Top Hat' magazine—told Ms. Maishiro that Mitsuki had made plans with a friend—"

Before Kyoko Mikoshiba could finish speaking, Mitsuki Kenzaki interrupted her: "Mashiro-sensei? You mentioned me?"

"Hehe, even though Ms. Maishiro looks like a block of wood, she still cares about me!"

Kyoko Mikoshiba rolled her eyes at Mitsuki Kenzaki, completely ignoring her, and continued speaking to Uguisuke Isama, "I mentioned Uguisuke at the dinner table, and said that you are an actress."

"It just so happens that my uncle was discussing the filming of the movie 'Never Sleeps' with Teacher Wu Cheng."

"After everything was settled, I asked my dad if I could give it a try?"

When Mikoshiba Kyoko saw that Isama Uguisaki was about to speak, she quickened her pace: "Uguisaki, although my father is the sales manager of Kodansha and my uncle is the president of Kodansha, the filming and casting of the movie were all handled by director Kinji Fukasaku and his son Shota Fukasaku."

"So you can't put all your hopes on us. At most, we can only take you to the audition."

"As for whether you can pass the audition and what role you can play, I certainly can't guarantee those things —"

Isama Uguis hugged Mikoshiba Kyoko again, tears welling up in her eyes—tears of joy, not of shock!

Isama Ui never expected that the audition she had been longing for and had always wanted to participate in would happen under such an unexpected circumstances!

"That's enough! That's enough! Kyoko, Mitsuki, thank you, thank you for saving me, and thank you for taking me to the audition!"

It's possible that Isama Uguisuke is a bit slow to react.

Just now, there was the matter with Director Pighead, plus the sudden opportunity to audition for the movie "Nightless Town" by Jingjie Maijo.

Isama Uguisuke's tears soaked Mikoshiba Kyoko's shoulder.

Kyoko Mikoshiba grabbed Isama Uguisuke's shoulder, a smile on her face: "What are you thanking me for? Didn't we agree on this before?"

"The three of us are best friends."

Kenzaki Mitsuki poked Isama Uguisuke's lower back with her finger: "Besides, you promised us, didn't you?"

"If you become a big star, you have to help us get Hideki Saijo's autograph!"

When Isama Uguis heard Kenzaki Mitsuki and Mikoshiba Kyoko's words, she was almost in tears.

Even though she was crying so hard she couldn't speak, Isama Uguisuke still managed to stammer while wiping away her tears, "Yes—I'll help you—get Hideki Saijo's autograph—"

"You are my best friends."

December 1, 1980, 10 p.m.

Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

Maijo Kyosuke used his hands to pull open his eyes, which felt like they were about to go blind, and put a few drops of eye drops inside.

He shook his head vigorously a dozen times, trying to get the eye drops to relieve his eye discomfort as quickly as possible.

As for why Maijo Kyosuke left "Chōmei no Yu" and appeared in Nishi-Shinjuku?

The main reason is that the sales manager, Yasunori Mikoshiba, known as the "King of Sales," is incredibly efficient!

Before six o'clock this morning, Mikoshiba Yasunori brought Eri Ryu to "Longevity Bath" and knocked on Maishiro Kyosuke's door.

They changed Maijo Kyosuke, who was still half asleep, into clean and tidy clothes, and then, like transporting a mascot, dragged him to Nishi-Shinjuku.

Dance Studios

The four large characters are clearly printed on a four-story building.

Jiang Liumei initially thought that Cheng Yi had misread the character "城" in "舞城".

But only Maijo Kyosuke understood that the character "成" was not printed incorrectly at all, because it was the "舞" from "舞城" plus the "成" from "成羿".

I entered "Dance Film Industry".

Maishiro Kyosuke immediately spotted Cheng Yi, dressed in a suit and tie, looking every bit the business elite, sitting in the living room.

It seems that Cheng Yi has adapted to his new identity quite quickly.

One of the men sitting opposite Cheng Yi was a middle-aged man with a full head of white hair, wearing brown glasses, a houndstooth suit, and a full head of white hair.

The other young man was younger, probably around the same age as himself, between twenty-three and twenty-five.

Judging from their appearances alone, these two should be father and son.

Thinking of this, Maishiro Kyosuke winked at Jiang Liu Meili beside him, signaling her to introduce the two of them.

Seeing this, Jiang Liu Meili naturally understood and introduced Fukasaku Kinji and his son Fukasaku Shota to Mai Shiro Kyosuke.

He also told Maijo Kyosuke the purpose of his visit today.

That means discussing cooperation.

Although—Mikoshiba Yasunori had already informed Fukasaku Kinji and Narihisa of the detailed requirements.

However, no matter how busy he was, the original author, Kyosuke Maijo, had to attend the signing ceremony.

then----

Even with everything going smoothly, Maijo Kyosuke still spent the entire morning signing contracts here.

Kyosuke Maijo never imagined that adapting his work into a film would require so many considerations.

The print on the contract, in particular, was so small and dense that it looked exactly like the manuscript McCartney wrote for Mikado's three articles!

It almost blinded Maijo Kyosuke.

After signing the contract, when Maijo Kyosuke was about to go home and catch up on some sleep—

Kinji Fukasaku then proposed a new idea.

I want to call the actors here directly, have them audition here, and let Maijo Kyosuke vet them.

Although Maijo Kyosuke understood that Fukasaku Kinji was showing him his sincerity and expressing his attitude towards the work "Night City".

But to be honest, Maijo Kyosuke really wasn't interested in casting or anything like that, and he didn't care how Fukasaku Kinji chose the actors.

In any case, based on what I saw in my previous life, the movie "Battle Royale" directed by Kinji Fukasaku, Kinji Fukasaku's aesthetic sense and eye for casting are not bad.

This is also one of the main reasons why, after hearing the name Kinji Fukasaku, Kyosuke Maijo agreed to have Kinji Fukasaku direct "Sleepless Town".

Unfortunately, I couldn't refuse their kind invitation.

With sleepiness and exhaustion, Maijo Kyosuke could only accompany Fukasaku Kinji as they began selecting the main characters for "Night City".

After all, for some minor roles and extras, Cheng Yi could simply find people to play themselves.

Although Kinji Fukasaku's status is not as high as Yoshitaro Nomura's, he is still a well-known director in Japan.

In particular, he had also directed a "chivalrous film" that was very similar in style to "Sleepless Town," so a few phone calls were made.

They immediately contacted more than 20 agents, who brought their artists to "Dance Studios" to begin the audition process.

Although Cheng Yi didn't understand anything, he still enjoyed it.

After all, with Maishiro Kyosuke's help this time, Cheng Yi now has a legitimate livelihood and identity.

Moreover, they can also receive a large share of the box office revenue!

Cheng Yi is a seasoned veteran who has been mingling in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district for many years. Although he looks somewhat fierce, he is very shrewd.

Cheng Yi understood the principle that if one meal is full, then every meal should be full.

They have a clearer understanding of their position and status here, and who is in charge of the overall situation.

So Cheng Yi quickly became acquainted with Shinji Fukasaku.

Kinji Fukasaku is a well-known director who has met all sorts of people, so he's not afraid of Cheng Yi. After all, being able to befriend Cheng Yi would save a lot of trouble during the filming of "Night City" in Shinjuku Kabukicho.

Therefore, Shinji Fukasaku wanted to give Cheng Yi something to do so that he wouldn't feel so invisible.

So Cheng Yi was made to act as a background figure while other actors auditioned.

Therefore, Maijo Kyosuke witnessed a very interesting scene here.

Cheng Yi is sometimes "Liu Jianyi" in "Never Sleeps", and sometimes "Yang Weimin", "Yuan Chenggui", "Cui Hu", "Wu Fuchun" and "Sun Chun".

Even when other actors auditioned for the role of "Liu Jianyi," Cheng Yi also played female roles such as "Xiao Lian" and "Huang Xiuhong."

Although it sounds a bit funny.

But—it was precisely this somewhat comical anomaly that made Maijo Kyosuke realize how picky Fukasaku Kinji was.

Kinji Fukasaku sat in a chair, wearing brown sunglasses, his face expressionless, just like a strict school dean.

Maishiro Kyosuke, Eri Ryumi, and Mikoshiba Yasunori sat in a row with Fukasaku Kinji.

Just like the judges on some variety shows.

In front of them was a small stage, on which stood Cheng Yi, his face covered in sweat.

Kinji Fukasaku took a sip of water and waved to his son, Shota Fukasaku, who was in the distance.

Shota Fukasaku then spoke towards the black curtain beside him, "Next, please come in."

At Shota Fukasaku's signal, a young man with long hair and a sleazy demeanor walked onto the stage.

The young man's self-introduction was completely unimportant to Maijo Kyosuke, and it was best to let it go in one ear and out the other.

Because Maijo Kyosuke had been sitting at the audition site for more than five hours.

No one has yet met Kinji Fukasaku's casting requirements.

Because Kinji Fukasaku is practically a "tyrant on set"!

The requirements for roles are so high that even perfectionists would be left in the dust.

No one who is too good-looking, no one who is too bad-looking, no one who likes to show off, and no one who looks dull.

Some people, before they could even speak, were turned away by Kinji Fukasaku for various reasons, while others met all the requirements.

The request was rejected by Kinji Fukasaku because his voice was too unpleasant!

In short, according to Kyosuke Maijo, given Kinji Fukasaku's casting criteria, it's estimated that even a month wouldn't be enough to find a suitable role.

Fukasaku Kinji sized up the sleazy-looking young man.

"His appearance isn't bad."

He then picked up a copy of the original novel "The City That Never Sleeps," casually flipped to a passage, and said, "Come on, I'll give you a scene now, and you act it out for me."

"This part will do —"

"You are sitting in the car right now, and in front of you is Xiaolian, the woman you love most."

"However, you now face the greatest crisis of all: it's either you or me."

'

"And then, the woman you loved most pulled the trigger on you without hesitation!"

"To save your own life, you have no choice but to kill the woman you love most."

"Come on, show me this complex emotion."

"Remember, you have to show that you love her, but you also have to suppress her feelings."

The sleazy-looking young man tilted his head in confusion upon hearing Kinji Fukasaku's words, then asked, "Where's the actress I was acting with?"

Kinji Fukasaku pointed at Cheng Yi standing on the stage: "There are no actresses. The person you're acting opposite is this man."

Upon hearing Kinji Fukasaku's words, the sleazy-looking young man's eyes widened like saucers: "Huh? A man?"

Kinji Fukasaku frowned, somewhat annoyed: "Are you going to try or not? There are so many people behind you. If you can't handle it, then get off!"

Upon hearing Shinji Fukasaku's words, the sleazy-looking man shrank back in fright and then began to perform with Cheng Yi.

Where would Cheng Yi learn to perform?

All he can do now is memorize his lines.

At first, the sleazy young man was able to withstand Cheng Yi's poor acting skills and terrible lines, and they performed back and forth.

But when Cheng Yi spoke in his rough, old man's voice, "Kenichi—I really love you, please believe me!"

When he cried out, "Don't kill me, Kenichi!"

Not only did the auditioning youths on stage burst out laughing, but even Jiang Liu Meili, who was sitting next to Mai Shiro Kyosuke, covered her mouth to prevent her laughter from affecting others.

"Nonsense!"

"They can't even withstand this much interference; how can they possibly amount to anything!"

Kinji Fukasaku slammed the book down on the table, his expression turning extremely angry.

This action startled Jiang Liumei, who thought the person was talking about her, and she hiccuped several times in a row.

Kinji Fukasaku pointed at the young actors on stage and said sternly, "Get off the stage!"

"Shota, tell this guy's manager not to bring this kind of trash up here again so I don't waste his time!"

Kinji Fukasaku was clearly furious; his face turned extremely ugly. "The actors these days are getting worse and worse with each generation."

"Before, when we were casting roles, we could just pick a few and still get some good ones. Now—sigh—"

Jiang Liu Meili originally wanted to advise Fukasaku Kinji not to be angry and to take her time choosing, but she was probably really frightened by Fukasaku Kinji's act of throwing the book, and she kept hiccuping and had difficulty speaking.

It was Yasunori Mikoshiba who spoke up, saying, "Director Kinji Fukasaku, what else?"

"How about we try out the female character first?"

"My daughter said she has a female classmate who graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, and she's very good-looking —"

Upon hearing Mikoshiba Yasunori's words, Eriyoshi, while hiccuping, chimed in, "It must be Miss Isama—hiccup—"

"She's also a fan of Mr. Maishiro — hiccup — she bought a collector's edition of 'The Tokyo Zodiac Murders' from him."

"Hoo---"

Jiang Liu Meili didn't know why she was hiccuping so badly. She apologized to Fukasaku Kinji and said, "I'm sorry—Director Fukasaku—hiccup—I can't stop hiccuping—I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

Kinji Fukasaku shook his head slightly, his eyes lighting up behind his brown-tinted glasses: "Miss Jiang Liu needn't worry about it. Besides, your hiccup didn't bother me at all; in fact, it helped me a bit."

Jiang Liu Meili tilted her head, her face full of confusion, upon hearing Fukasaku Kinji's words: "Huh?"

But then Fukasaku Kinji turned to Mikoshiba Yasunori and said with a smile, "Minister Mikoshiba, I don't usually like people who come to auditions through connections."

"After all, it's not good for people to talk about using connections, and it makes me have more to worry about."

"After all, it was you, Minister Mikoshiba, who introduced him—"

"Giving a role will affect the quality of the film I make."

"I'm afraid that if I don't give him the role, I'll offend Minister Mikoshiba—"

Kinji Fukasaku's hesitant expression prompted Yasunori Mikoshiba to give a wry smile: "Director Kinji Fukasaku, please don't say that. I just promised my daughter that I could give her classmate an audition opportunity."

"Whether she passes the audition is up to you!"

"You must not let my suggestion influence your thinking and judgment."

"After all, the most important thing is to make a good film of Ms. Maishiro's 'Sleepless Town.' If she really can't satisfy you, Director Kinji Fukasaku, you can kick her out!"

The phrase "Fukasaku Kin's second class is the same as Mikoshiba Yasunori's" is used.

Because Kinji Fukasaku really dislikes and resists the idea of ​​using connections.

Therefore, he naturally wanted to reject Yasunori Mikoshiba's suggestion.

But—after all, Mikoshiba Yasunori was someone sent by Kodansha to liaise with him, so it wouldn't be good to refuse him directly; it would seem too cold-hearted.

so----

Fukasaku Kinji turned to look at Jiang Liu Meili, who was hiccuping incessantly beside him: "Ms. Jiang Liu, could you do me a favor?"

Upon hearing Fukasaku Kinji's words, Jiang Liu Meili nodded: "Director Fukasaku—hiccup—you say so, and I'll definitely help if I can—"

Kinji Fukasaku turned to Yasunori Mikoshiba: "Minister Mikoshiba, please call your daughter's friend later."

"We'll have Miss Jiang Liu be her acting partner then."

"If she can perform perfectly, I'll let her join the cast and get a role. If she doesn't perform well, or if she laughs during filming, she can't blame me for not giving Captain Mikoshiba face —"

Mikoshiba Yasunori understood Fukasaku Kinji's considerations and nodded seriously: "Okay, it's decided then. I'll go call my daughter and ask if they've arrived yet."

After auditioning for a few more roles, about five minutes later...

Just as Maijo Kyosuke's upper and lower eyelids started to fight.

There was a knock on the door of the audition room.

Yasunori Mikoshiba opened the door.

Mikoshiba Kyoko, Kenzaki Mitsuki, and Isama Uguisuke walked in through the door.

Sitting in his chair, Kinji Fukasaku quickly glanced at the three people who entered the room, then suddenly pointed at Kyoko Mikoshiba and said, "This one—good height, but not so good tan."

"In Teacher Wu Cheng's story 'Never Sleeps,' none of the main female characters have this skin color."

"PASS!"

Before anyone else could speak, Kinji Fukasaku pointed at Mitsuki Kensaki and continued, "This one, she's too voluptuous, and her looks are rather aristocratic; she doesn't seem like someone from the lower class at all. Also, her height is a bit—"

"PASS!"

"If these are the two people that Minister Mikoshiba wants to introduce, then there's no room for discussion. Their appearances alone don't fit the main female characters in 'Nightless Town'."

"After all, in Teacher Wu Cheng's 'Never-Sleeping City,' there are only two main female characters: one is 'Hong Lian,' the boss Huang Xiulian, and the other is 'Xia Mei,' also known as Xiao Lian."

Kenzaki Mitsuki spent a lot of effort wiping the blood-stained diamond backpack clean with wet wipes before she went to see Maijo Kyosuke.

As a result—the moment I entered, I was met with a barrage of criticism from an old man with white hair!

I was instantly furious!

Mikoshiba Yasunori knows Kenzaki Mitsuki's spoiled personality all too well.

Seeing Kenzaki Koki's delicate eyebrows furrowed, he quickly patted her shoulder and interrupted the conflict.

"Director Kinji Fukasaku, let me introduce you."

"This is my daughter's childhood friend, Kenzaki Mitsuki. You must be familiar with this surname. She is the president of the Kenzaki Group and the beloved daughter of Kenki Fanxiang."

Mikoshiba Yasunori patted Mikoshiba Kyoko on the shoulder again and said with a smile, "This is my beloved daughter, Kyoko."

"Kyoko, Mitsuki, this is the great director Kinji Fukasaku."

Kinji Fukasaku greeted Kyoko Mikoshiba and Mitsuki Kenzaki briefly, then fixed his gaze on Uguisuke Isama.

Although Mikoshiba Kyoko was also somewhat annoyed with Fukasaku Kinji, after all—she wasn't an actress, and even if the other party was a director, she didn't want to be judged by him.

But—Kyoko Mikoshiba didn't forget the important matter.

Seeing that Fukasaku Kinji was staring at Isama Ui, he wanted to introduce Isama Ui.

Although Isama Uguisuke has never acted in any important plays.

But I'm quite experienced when it comes to auditions!

After all, nearly a hundred auditions a month is no joke!

Before Mikoshiba Kyoko could speak, Isama Uguisuke introduced herself to Fukasaku Kinji in a fluent and generous manner.

Although Kinji Fukasaku was unwilling to accept the relationship between Uguisuke Isama and Uguisuke, he greatly admired Uguisuke Isama's decisive and generous demeanor.

"Isama Uguisune, is that you?"

"I'm telling you in advance, it's okay to audition here, everyone is treated equally."

"If you have the ability, stay here. If you don't, go home and do whatever you need to do."

Having gone through so many auditions, Isama Uguisuke had long since developed a strong heart, and she was naturally prepared for Fukasaku Kinji's words: "Kyoko has already told me, but I'm confident that I can win Director Fukasaku's appreciation!"

Looking at Isama Ui's defiant face, Fukasaku Kinji raised an eyebrow, then turned to Jiang Liu Meili, who was still hiccuping beside him: "Ms. Jiang Liu, it's your turn to go on stage."

Although Jiang Liu Meili had agreed to Fukasaku Kinji's request, she was inevitably a little nervous standing on stage for the first time, and her hiccups actually got worse.

Looking at the original novel of "Never Sleeps," Kinji Fukasaku said, "The current scene is in the home of Huang Xiuhong's younger brother, Huang Xiuxian."

"The role played by Isama Uguisuke is Huang Xiuhong."

"Jiang Liumei plays the role of Liu Jianyi."

"Cheng Yi plays the role of Xiao Lian."

"Because in this part of the plot, Liu Jianyi tells Huang Xiuhong that he is going to kill Yuan Chenggui that night."

"Izama Uguisho not only had to show shock and panic when she heard that Liu Jianyi was going to kill her sugar daddy."

"She also had to show that Huang Xiuhong was secretly pleased because after Yuan Chenggui died, she could be with her lover Sun Chun, in order to match Liu Jianyi's contempt."

Upon hearing Fukasaku Kinji speak first, Mikoshiba Yasunori and Maishiro Kyosuke exchanged a glance.

Both of them knew it well.

Kinji Fukasaku is really making things difficult for me!

They deliberately made the audition more difficult so that they didn't want Isama Usagi to pass!

After all—Jiang Liumei has absolutely no acting skills, and with her constant hiccups, she probably couldn't even deliver a complete line smoothly.

In addition, Cheng Yi, a burly man, plays Xiao Lian —

That scene was so beautiful—

Maijo Kyosuke has already sentenced Isama Uguisuke to death in the story —

"Do you know what kind of person your man is?"

"No matter what—never mind."

"This person only cares about his own survival. For that, he wouldn't care about his family, or even his own woman!"

"I don't know when he'll sacrifice you too, so be younger!"

Amid Jiang Liumei's hiccups and Cheng Yi's gruff voice, Izama Ying remained calm and composed, isolating herself from the surrounding commotion.

Dry property.

She formed a protective shield around her body, isolating herself from the outside world, and immersed herself in the role of Huang Xiuhong, portraying Huang Xiuhong's complex emotions!

This feeling almost made Maijo Kyosuke think that she was Huang Xiuhong!

"Good! Very good!"

Kinji Fukasaku was very satisfied with Uguisuke Isama's performance and clapped his hands vigorously in approval.

But Isama Uguisuke didn't get carried away by Kinji Fukasaku's praise; she remained immersed in the role.

She only sighed and ended the performance after giving Cheng Yi, who played Xiao Lian, a very exaggerated look.

Maishiro Kyosuke hadn't expected Isama Uguisuke's acting to be so good, so he subconsciously asked Fukasaku Kinji beside him, "Director Fukasaku Kinji, Ms. Isama—has she passed the audition?"

Although Kinji Fukasaku did not perform as well as Kyosuke Maishiro, Kyosuke Maishiro could see a new change in Kinji Fukasaku's expression from the face hidden behind the brown-tinted glasses.

"Let's try this scene again."

"When Liu Jianyi learned that Xia Mei was in contact with Yang Weimin, he lost trust in Xia Mei."

To convince Liu Jianyi that she wasn't lying, Xia Mei twisted the cigarette butt out of Liu Jianyi's mouth and pressed it onto her own hand.

"Using self-harm to gain sympathy."

"Isama Uguisuke, you will portray Natsumi."

"Miss Jiang Liu, you should play Liu Jianyi instead."

Kinji Fukasaku took out a cigarette from his pocket, broke it in half, and handed it to Miri Eri along with the script.

After Jiang Liu Meili and Izama Ying quickly memorized their lines, they put half a cigarette in their mouths and began their performance.

Uguisuke Isama really adores the character Natsumi.

Jiu firmly believes that the role of Xia Mei was tailor-made for her!

Therefore—Izama Uguisuke has been preparing for this achievement all along.

After finishing her filming and returning home, Isama Uguisuke would watch "Nightless Town" and act out the character Natsumi in front of the mirror.

Although—Maishiro Kyosuke's "Never Sleeps" has only been released for a week.

But Isama Uguisuke is confident that, apart from the original author, Maijo Kyosuke, she is the person who understands Natsumi the most!

"As expected, there was no transfer. Once Kenichi has doubted it even once, you won't believe me even if I tell you it's true."

With tears in her eyes, Isama Uguis looked at Jiang Liu Meili with disappointment, grievance, and pain on her face.

That pitiful appearance made Jiang Liumei, who played Liu Jianyi, feel as if she heard the sound of something breaking!

Perhaps it's because Isama Uguisuke's acting was so good, and she was so similar to Natsumi in Eri's mind.

Even Jiang Liumei was drawn into the play by Izama Ying.

Jiang Liumei, with a half-smoked cigarette dangling from her lips, asked, "What are you planning to do this time? Are you going to do the Three Beans dance again?"

Isama Uguis slowly reached out, twisted the cigarette off Jiang Liu Meili's lips, and then pressed it onto the back of Ling's hand.

A large amount of tears welled up in the corners of Isama Uguisuke's eyes.

With a pained droop at the corners of Lingbian's eyes, tears fell to the ground like pearls: "I know everything. As soon as this is over, Kenichi will definitely abandon me. I just want some money so I can live on my own."

Although everyone present knew that the half-smoked cigarette in Jiang Liumei's mouth had not been lit.

But Isama Uguisuke's superb acting skills made everyone present smell the burnt meat: "Kenichi, will you take me to that place?"

"Go to a place where I don't have to rely on myself, a place where I won't betray Kenichi, a place where I don't have to think that others are more reliable than Kenichi, a place where I don't have to think about all those annoying things."

"I don't want to betray Kenichi either! I really want to believe in Kenichi first, and I really want to believe that Kenichi can protect me!"

"But I'm not wrong, Kenichi doesn't believe me, and I don't believe Kenichi either!"

"I just want to go somewhere where I don't have to think about so many things!"

Even though Jiang Liu Meili is a woman, she can't stand Izama Uguis's pitiful appearance with a cold and beautiful face and tears streaming down her face.

Because—isn't this Xia Meidou, as depicted in Maijo Kyosuke's "Never Sleeps"?

Thinking of all this, Jiang Liu Meili couldn't help but hug Izama Ying: "I really want to take you to a place like that, but—Xia Mei, we can't find such a place anywhere."

Isama Uguisuke shuddered as if he had been hit by a bullet.

Just as Maijo Kyosuke was immersed in the performance of the two.

Kinji Fukasaku, who was standing to the side, slammed the book down again.

This suddenly brought Jiang Liumei back to reality, and she started burping.

"Director Fukasaku—what's wrong?"

"What's wrong with Ms. Isama's performance?"

Kinji Fukasaku glanced at Miri Eri, then at Ui Isama beside him. He took off his brown-tinted glasses, wiped his eyes, and put them back on. "Ui Isama, are you free lately?"

Isama Uguisuke shook her head, the tears that had been pooling in the corner of her right eye streaming down her face, creating a perfectly symmetrical tear stain with the corner of Rei's eye: "Of course."

Kinji Fukasaku nodded in satisfaction at Uguisuma Asasama.

He then looked at Shota Fukasaku, who was standing to the side: "Shota, inform the manager behind you that the female lead for the movie 'Night City' has been chosen."

"The only female character left is Huang Xiuhong."

Kinji Fukasaku stood up and bowed to Kyosuke Maishiro and Yasunori Mikoshiba: "Today, I'd like to thank Mr. Maishiro, Ms. Mikoshiba, and Ms. Eryu."

"However, I am honored that Minister Mikoshiba recommended such a treasure as Miss Isama to me!"

"Next, I will sign a contract with Ms. Isama."

Excuse me.

Everyone was stunned when they heard Fukasaku Kinji speak first.

People don't think that Isama Uguisuke's acting skills are inadequate for the role of Natsumi, the female lead in "Night City".

Previously, Fukasaku Kinji always had an attitude of "this won't do" and "that won't do," making him seem very picky and difficult to deal with.

But—this time, Kinji Fukasaku agreed so quickly that it was quite unexpected!

However, the surprise of everyone else present was probably less than one percent of that of Isama Usagi!

Isama Uguisawa originally came here for the audition with Kenzaki Mitsuki and Mikoshiba Kyoko, just to give it a try.

At first, I just hoped to pass the audition and get a small role in "Never Sleeps".

Because Isama Uguisuke really wanted to play Natsumi.

However, he knew very well that with no status or background, his chances of playing Xia Mei were lower than winning the lottery!

However, this lowest probability event actually happened to me!

I—actually—won the role of Xia Mei in "Never Sleeps"!

As Mikoshiba Kyoko and Kenzaki Mitsuki rushed towards her with smiles on their faces, Izama Uguis grabbed the scab on her right arm tightly!

The intense pain caused Isama Uguisaki to shed a few more tears.

But these tears are tears of happiness!

Because Isama Uguisuma knew that this was no dream!

When Maijo Kyosuke saw that the matter of the female lead had finally been settled, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Because once the female lead is chosen, my mission for today is completely over!

I can finally rest in the "longevity soup"!

Thank you Kyoko Mikoshiba, and thank you Mitsuki Kenzaki.

If it weren't for those two people bringing Isama Uguis to the audition.

Kyosuke Maishiro had no doubt that Kinji Fukasaku would bring him, Misaki Eri, Yasunori Mikoshiba, and Seiichi to audition here all night long!

Fortunately, Isama Uguisuke captivated Fukasaku Kinji with her unparalleled performance.

I am grateful to Isama Uguisuke for ending this painful audition process.

Jiang Liumei drove her red BMW M1, carrying Wucheng Jingjie.

We drove slowly from Shinjuku Ward toward Taito Ward.

As if Jiang Liu Meili hadn't yet detached herself from her role, she kept talking to Mai Shiro Kyosuke along the way: "Mr. Mai Shiro, you don't know, when I stood in front of Ms. Isama and looked at her charming appearance, I not only thought she was Natsumi, but I almost thought I was Liu Jianyi myself!"

"To cry so easily is truly amazing. This is the first time in my life I've ever seen someone shed a tear from only one eye!"

Jiang Liu Meili said nothing to Mai Cheng Jingjie.

All he wanted to do now was sleep for a whole day, and after he was well-rested, he would write a perfect ending for "No One Dies" —