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

"Moshi moshi..."

"What?!"

"real?"

In the office, Kudo answered the phone and, upon learning of Sakamoto Yu's news, his face instantly lit up with a smile. His lips curled up excitedly, and he clenched his small fist tightly and waved it in the air.

"I knew you could do it!"

"Were those two promising roles I gave you?"

Suzuki, who was dealing with some business, raised his eyelids slightly.

He's so excited about just a minor role; it seems that's about all the other party is capable of.

She shook her head gently, no longer taking it to heart.

But the next second, Kudo suddenly exclaimed:

"Wait, you said you passed the audition for that prime-time supporting actor role?!"

"Sakamoto-kun, you, you're not lying to me, are you?"

Suzuki paused, his hand, which had been organizing the artists' information, hanging in mid-air.

A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

But his hand holding the pen tightened subtly as he quietly pricked up his ears to listen carefully.

Supporting male characters in prime time...

In addition to being a professional manager, Nozomi Suzuki also has her own personal studio.

The studio has registered as a talent agency, which allows it to sign new artists and also take on private projects.

This is paving the way for her future entrepreneurial endeavors.

Right now, she's worried about how to build connections within the production company.

I agreed to Kudo's request not only because of Kudo's potential, but also because I wanted to see if there was an opportunity to be a breakthrough point.

I originally thought the other party was just a low-level extra, but I was pleasantly surprised.

She suppressed the turmoil in her heart and calmly focused her gaze on Kudo.

"I need an agent to sign me now, could you help me find one?"

"Manager?" Shizuka Kudo bit her lip lightly, her brows furrowing.

Yes, Sakamoto-kun doesn't have an agent yet. Production companies generally don't like signing amateurs directly, but...

She secretly glanced at Suzuki Nozomi.

Suzuki had just reprimanded me, so I'm afraid I can't ask her for help now.

Just as Shizuka Kudo was feeling uneasy, a shadow blocked her view.

"Did your friend really pass the audition for a prime-time supporting actor role?"

Kudo Shizuka held the microphone, paused for a moment, then nodded quickly:

"Suzuki-san, my friend..."

Suzuki gestured that there was no need for further explanation and simply extended his hand:

"Give it to me, I'll talk to him."

...

Inside the phone booth, Sakamoto Yu heard a crisp female voice.

"Hello, I'm Suzuki, Shizuka Kudo's manager."

"I heard you passed your audition?"

Sakamoto Yu was slightly taken aback when he heard that the person had changed, but quickly realized what he meant and replied:

"Yes, the production company requires that contracts be signed through an agency."

Suzuki's voice lowered slightly on the other end of the phone:

"Excuse my bluntness, but you should know that reputable agencies don't take on clients who aren't qualified..."

She then changed the subject, saying, "But I'm currently setting up my own independent studio, so I can make an exception and help you with this contract, taking only the industry's lowest commission of 15%."

"But I have one request: you must give priority to my studio for all your future film and television contracts. We will sign a one-time business authorization agreement and not bind each other to long-term cooperation."

If you have any acting opportunities, contact me, and I'll do my best to get you the best pay.

When we're not working together, we don't interfere with each other. If you agree, I can help you negotiate.

Sakamoto Yu fell into deep thought.

His time working in the industry has given him a lot of experience.

He knew this situation existed.

After a moment's thought, Sakamoto Yu also put forward his own conditions.

Nozomi Suzuki was somewhat surprised, but she didn't stop it.

"Tell me about it."

"I need a business engagement agreement that is only for this project, limited to script signing, basic coordination, and other matters, and does not include any long-term cooperation terms."

This was a common practice in the industry at the time, with independent artists often using this type of low-binding contract to avoid their agents overstepping their bounds.

Although the other party promised not to interfere, he still needed some safeguards.

Nozomi Suzuki understood his meaning, which was perfectly reasonable.

"No problem, it's easy." Suzuki Nozomi readily agreed.

Sakamoto then left the production company's contact information, and Suzuki also gave Sakamoto his pager number for subsequent phone contact.

In 80s Japan, regulations on temporary agents and film crew coordination were relaxed.

This type of cooperation model without a formal contract is very common.

This is especially relevant for independent artists and actors working on temporary projects.

Nozomi Suzuki would contact the production company, discuss the terms and remuneration, draft the contract, and then hand it over to Yu Sakamoto for signature.

The simple intention to cooperate was finalized in this way.

...

The following day, Suzuki finalized the terms with remarkable efficiency.

Sakamoto Yu, Suzuki, and Kudo Shizuka meet at a coffee shop.

"According to the standard for newcomers, your original salary per episode was only 50,000 yen, but I managed to get you 80,000 yen."

Inside the coffee shop, Shizuka Kudo and Nozomi Suzuki sat side by side on the sofa, while Yu Sakamoto sat alone opposite them.

Nozomi Suzuki wore a smart light blue suit with a white undershirt.

Low heels paired with nude stockings.

With slender fingers holding a slim cigarette, he patiently explained the contents of the contract to Sakamoto Yu.

"Regarding compensation, meals for the crew are provided, transportation expenses are reimbursed, and costumes are provided..."

"Although your character isn't the main protagonist, you'll still be in ten episodes of filming."

"Five episodes per week, filming can be completed in two weeks."

"After deducting my agency fee, I received a total of 680,000 yen, which will be paid in two installments. The first installment will be paid this week, and the second installment will be settled after all the scenes are filmed."

Six hundred and eighty thousand yen.

Kudo Shizuka's eyes lit up instantly, and her hand unconsciously gripped the hem of her skirt.

Her performance and fixed allowance is at most 50,000.

The highest total income was only 150,000 yen.

Sakamoto Yu's earnings from just one film are more than four times hers!

She pursed her lips slightly and looked enviously at Sakamoto Yu across from her.

At this moment, Sakamoto Yu's face remained expressionless, but he was secretly delighted.

For him, who had been eating miso soup and multigrain porridge for a long time, 680,000 yen was enough to pay three months' rent.

You can also buy yourself a few well-fitting formal suits to deal with important work occasions.

What else can be said?

"Thank you, I'm very satisfied."

Sakamoto Yu picked up a pen and signed his name.

After the contract was signed, Suzuki Nozomi got up to leave.

She noticed that Shizuka Kudo didn't seem to be leaving, and paused briefly.

He wanted to offer a word of advice, but in the end he simply patted her shoulder gently and said:

"Remember to keep your distance, so you don't get photographed."

After saying that, he left directly.

Upon hearing this, Shizuka Kudo's ears instantly burned.

She lowered her head, fidgeting nervously with her fingers, and remained silent.

After a long pause, she mustered her courage, looked up at Sakamoto Yu, and asked softly:

"Sakamoto-kun, what are your plans for this afternoon?"

Before Sakamoto Yu could even reply, he had barely finished speaking.

A familiar voice echoed in Sakamoto Yu's mind.

"bite"

[At forty, you're addicted to pachinko, spending all your savings and unable to pay rent. At this critical moment, Shizuka Kudo pays six months' rent for you, but you, hurt by your pride, have a huge fight with her and give her the cold shoulder. It's you who pushed her into another man's arms.]

[Mission: Restore their relationship and win back Shizuka Kudo's acceptance of you]

[Reward: Mastery of Dialogue]

[Effect: You are able to portray the core of the character; your voice has a natural narrative quality, and your simple lines possess a power to strike a chord with the audience.]