"I'm in Tokyo, and this is some kind of movie star comeback system?!"

Chapter 122 At the Height of His Power

Bunshun finally went ahead and released it despite the difficulties.

Many readers bought the book out of curiosity, only to find that Bunshun had indeed published insider revelations.

However, the expected bombshell revelations were lackluster, consisting mostly of trivial and innocuous scoops.

It's all the same old stuff: acting like a big shot and ignoring seniors.

This is completely different from what was said in the pre-launch hype.

The consequences were predictable: Bunshun chose to be criticized by readers over accepting the backlash from public opinion and changing the content.

After its reputation soured, the magazine couldn't sell. At that time, the Japanese publishing industry generally implemented a "commissioned sales system," meaning that unsold books could only be returned to the publisher.

The editorial office's public fax machine and telephone lines were bombarded with calls from angry readers.

The fax machine in the editorial office was frantically spitting out doodles sent by readers, depicting samurai kneeling and committing seppuku, with the caption "Bunshun, you're dead."

The newspapers were the first to react, initially thinking it was a routine campaign where "Bunshun digs up dirt and everyone else benefits."

Unexpectedly, after the production company executives and several endorsement companies issued statements at the same time, the once bold and daring "Bunshun" fell silent.

Newspapers that want to follow the trend now face an awkward choice: if they continue to blindly criticize, they will be directly proven wrong; if they turn to whitewash, they will appear to lack any principles.

After a brief period of confusion, the vast majority of newspapers will make the same choice and change course.

They quickly shifted their reporting focus, questioning the reliability of Bunshun's "insiders," analyzing "who exactly is behind this," and portraying actors as "victims persecuted by industry shady forces."

The reality is harsh; since the production company and businesses have taken sides, it means that the actors have stronger backing.

Continuing to smear him will not only bring no benefit, but may also offend the investors.

Instead of jumping on the bandwagon, they should capitalize on the reader traffic drawn by those who sympathize with the actors.

As a result, those newspapers that had already benefited from the "whitewashing bonus" in the first incident became even more adept this time.

"Nikkan Sports":

Bunshun's exclusive article faces scrutiny; multiple endorsement partners step forward to support rising star.

Hochi Sports:

Sakamoto Yu's "victim" identity emerges, industry heavyweights offer their support.

Weekly Shincho:

Lies from the Insider? A Complete Look at the Sakamoto-yako Incident

Less than six months later, Sakamoto Yu once again faced a collective "whitewashing" from the media.

This time, in addition to his skyrocketing popularity, he also won strong sympathy and goodwill from the public, becoming a good actor whose name was cleared.

Sakamoto Yu didn't take this popularity to heart.

He knew in his heart that actors ultimately need to rely on their work to establish themselves, and that superficial popularity was meaningless.

At this moment, the car had turned into a secluded corner, and Hitomi Ono was peering out the window.

"I didn't see any paparazzi staking out the area today."

"Sakamoto-san, let's hurry and rush in while we have a chance!"

She gently pushed open the car door and gestured for them to get going.

After getting out of the car, the two of them crouched down and pressed themselves against the corner, peering around to make sure no one was watching.

Sakamoto Yu took the lead and rushed out quickly.

A cold wind brushed his face, and he dashed ten meters away in an instant.

Hitomi Ono followed closely behind, her steps were brisk, and her physical fitness was in no way inferior to the others.

Just when the two thought there were no paparazzi staking out the place, a "click" sound came from behind.

The sound of the camera shutter is like a signal to launch an attack.

The paparazzi appeared out of nowhere, some crouching, some standing on tiptoe, taking pictures of Sakamoto Yu's back and side profile in all sorts of strange poses.

Since the outbreak of public opinion, there have been people on duty at the entrance of the film crew's location.

Upon seeing Sakamoto Yu and Ono Hitomi from afar, they quickly opened the door to greet them.

"Boom"

The two rushed inside, and the staff quickly closed the door at the opportune moment.

"I'm saved~" Hitomi Ono patted her chest.

Sakamoto Yu thanked the staff, who smiled and indicated that it was no problem.

"Let's go," Sakamoto Yu said to Ono Hitomi.

Then comes the routine workflow: makeup and changing clothes.

As is his usual practice, Sakamoto arrived at the film set early to prepare.

He remained humble, and even though the whole of Tokyo was talking about Sakamoto Yu's name, it didn't affect his professionalism on set.

He walked to a corner, holding the script, and devoted himself to studying the lines and refining his performance.

Not long after, Jiro Ikuno and Akina Nakamori arrived.

As soon as the two entered, they saw Sakamoto Yu preparing for his scene. They stopped in their tracks simultaneously. Ikuno Jiro saw this and couldn't help but nod in approval.

After spending these days together, Ikuno Jiro's impression of Sakamoto Yuu has become increasingly positive.

Despite being surrounded by controversy, she was able to maintain her composure and focus on filming.

He doesn't hold grudges even when targeted, and he's low-key, a great actor, hardworking, and dedicated. What more could you ask for?

When Nakamori Akina saw Sakamoto Yu, her eyes lit up.

Counting the days, the two hadn't been able to meet privately for several days.

Nayuki repeatedly instructed her to avoid suspicion as much as possible during the scandal and not to have any private contact with her except when filming.

"Good morning."

Sakamoto Yu heard the noise, looked up, and greeted him with a smile.

"That's a great spirit, keep it up!" Jiro Ikuno stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder in front of everyone.

Jiro Ikuno pointed to a spot next to the monitor and said, "Move a chair and sit down to watch. Don't just stand there."

He then called out to Akina Nakamori, "Come and sit down too. You can ask me anything you don't understand before filming starts."

The staff present witnessed this scene, remaining silent on the surface, but they all knew that this treatment was extraordinary.

The area behind the monitor is not a place you can sit anywhere.

Even when the assistant director comes to communicate, he has to bend down to speak.

Anyone with eyes can see that inviting Akina Nakamori was just a side effect; Sakamoto Yu was clearly valued more.

Several veteran production assistants exchanged glances, all understanding the deeper meaning in each other's eyes. Regardless of public opinion or the situation on set, Sakamoto Yu was currently enjoying great popularity.

Once everyone was present, filming began.

Sakamoto Yu's scenes were almost finished; they only filmed for half a day before wrapping up.

Around noon, Sakamoto Yu decided to have lunch with the film crew before leaving.

Before Hitomi Ono could get him his food, Akina Nakamori came over carrying a bento box.

"Sakamoto-kun...san"

She realized something was wrong as soon as she shouted it out, and Ono Hitomi's eyes widened.

What did I just hear?

The relationship between the two seems to have changed; this title isn't something that can be used casually.

"Nakamori-san, is there something you need?" Sakamoto Yu pretended not to hear.

"I cooked too much food, would you like to try some?" Nakamori Akina pretended to be nonchalant, as if she had really misspoke earlier.

"Great, I was just about to go get my food." Sakamoto Yu readily agreed, and the two chatted as they walked toward the lounge, leaving Ono Hitomi alone.

"Wait a minute." After a while, Hitomi Ono, who still didn't understand, quickly followed.

In the cramped lounge, Akina Nakamori opened the bento box.

The box contained neatly arranged triangular rice balls, wrapped in seaweed and sprinkled with black sesame seeds.

Sakamoto Yu exclaimed softly, "It looks surprisingly good."

Ono Hitomi stared intently at the lunchbox, then looked at Sakamoto Yu with envy, wondering to herself, "My idol is actually cooking for me. Just how good is their relationship?"

"Quickly, try it and see how it tastes!" Nakamori Akina clenched her hands together, looking at Sakamoto Yu with anticipation.

Under Ono Hitomi's suspicious gaze, Sakamoto Yu said, "I'm starting," and reached out to pick up a rice ball and take a bite.

Meeting Nakamori Akina's expectant gaze, he suddenly frowned.

The two were stunned when they saw this.

"Is it hard to eat?" Akina Nakamori opened her mouth slightly, her eyes filled with unease.

Sakamoto Yu's expression changed, a triumphant smile appeared on his lips, and he covered his mouth, giving a thumbs up: "Just kidding, it tastes especially good."

Akina Nakamori puffed out her cheeks slightly, gave him a reproachful look, and seemed a little annoyed.

"Ono-san, have some too." Nakamori smiled and handed Ono Hitomi a piece of food when he saw her longing look in her eyes.

"Huh? Can I do it too?" Hitomi Ono said in surprise.

She quickly took it, treating it like a precious treasure, and though somewhat reluctant, only ate a small portion of the edge.

Seeing Sakamoto eating quietly, Nakamori hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "I used to be bothered by those voices too, if..."

She hesitated, her cheeks slightly flushed: "If one day you feel you can't take it anymore and want to talk to someone—"

She paused, as if hesitating whether to finish speaking.

Then she looked up, her eyes more determined than before: "You can come find me."

After saying those four words, she immediately looked away.

"You eat quickly, I'm going out now." A fragrant breeze blew by, and the person had already left the room.

The lounge fell silent.

Ono Hitomi was still munching on her rice ball, her cheeks bulging, her eyes darting back and forth between Sakamoto Yu and the direction Nakamori had gone.

Sakamoto Yu didn't say anything, but lowered his head and finished the last bite of his rice ball.

He closed the lunchbox and pushed it to the side of the table.

"Hitomi Ono, what are your plans for this afternoon?"

Hitomi Ono swallowed her food and pulled out her schedule: "No filming this afternoon—ah, Watanabe-san said there might be news from Toho."

Sakamoto Yu paused for a moment.

"What news?"

"It's about 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.' She didn't go into details, only saying to wait for further notice."

"Oh?" Sakamoto Yu frowned. Could it be that Toho had changed its mind?

"You were rejected before, but now—you want to get me back?"