Traveling Through the Tokyo Bubble Era

Chapter 1075 Give Me a Chance to Prove It
Norika Fujiwara's opening remarks immediately shut down Hideki Hanyu's carefully prepared conversation.

However, the other party's initiative reminded Hideki Yuzuru of a quote he had read on the internet in his previous life.

You won't know how proactive they are until you drive a luxury car.

The Lamborghini Concept E he was sitting in was an even rarer concept car than the limited edition, with only one ever seen on the road in the world.

Calling it a luxury car is perfectly reasonable, and even somewhat derogatory.

Looking at Norika Fujiwara posing in front of me, trying her best to show off her figure.

Hideki Hanyu seemed to be transported back to a past life, seeing images of beautiful women adding luxury car owners on WeChat while scrolling through short videos.

Indeed, none of the women who are willing to scheme their way into the entertainment industry are indifferent to fame and fortune.

Inside the car, Hideki Hanyu rolled down the window and scrutinized Norika Fujiwara with a scrutinizing gaze. The girl before him possessed a combination of innocence and sexiness, exuding a pure yet alluring charm.

Although it hasn't reached its ultimate form yet, it's already captivating enough.

He didn't reply immediately, but just looked at Norika Fujiwara, trying his best to maintain a smile and posture.

When the girl's legs started to tremble slightly, her sweet smile unconsciously stiffened.

Hideki Hanyu then casually asked, "Are you standing here as a contracted artist with Burning Production?"

Seeing that Hideki Hanyu had finally spoken, Norika Fujiwara quickly replied in a low voice, "Yes, I am an artist from Burning Production."

"I've collaborated with President Suo many times before, how come I've never seen you before?"

Hideki Hanyu lied through his teeth, as if he had never been to Elf Spreading yesterday.

Norika Fujiwara immediately explained, "I'm from Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. I'm signed with the Kansai branch of Burning Production and only recently came to Tokyo to develop my career."

"Oh I got it."

Hideki Hanyu feigned sudden realization, then looked hesitantly at the Burning Production office in the distance, before glancing at Norika Fujiwara in front of him.

He finally spoke slowly.

"I'm friends with President Suoh. Since you're his artist, I'll give you a ride. Get in the car."

Upon hearing Hideki Hanyu's agreement, Norika Fujiwara's eyes immediately lit up with undisguised joy.

As a beautiful woman, she knew very well that Hideki Hanyu's agreement to let her get on the bus meant that he at least acknowledged her beauty.

Otherwise, a big shot like Hideki Hanyu wouldn't waste his time on her just because of Ikuo Suo.

Norika Fujiwara may crave fame and fortune, but she is not stupid.

Compared to many brainless people in the entertainment industry who rely solely on their talent to make a living, Norika Fujiwara can definitely be considered shrewd.

Under Hideki Hanyu's guidance, Norika Fujiwara opened the scissor doors of the Lamborghini and sat in the passenger seat.

The car door had just closed, and before Norika Fujiwara could tell Hideki Hanyu where they were going, she saw several flashes of light suddenly appear around the corner not far away.

Although she was a newcomer to the industry, Norika Fujiwara immediately recognized that it was the light from a camera flash.

"Sir, it seems there are reporters here."

Norika Fujiwara reminded Hideki Hanyu.

Although he spoke nervously, he felt inexplicably excited inside.

Because she knew very well that if the news of her riding in the same car with Hideki Hanyu were to be exposed, it would definitely be enough to make her go from being unknown to becoming a hot topic in the news.

Hideki Hanyu said, "I saw it."

Actually, he had already noticed two suspicious-looking guys there before Norika Fujiwara reminded him.

Considering this is the headquarters of Burning Production, it's easy to guess who these people are—they must be reporters from the entertainment section.

Hideki Hanyu lowered the car window again, said nothing, but simply reached out and beckoned with his finger towards the flashing lights.

To Norika Fujiwara's somewhat surprised gaze, two people emerged from the corner and obediently walked to Hideki Hanyu's car.

Upon seeing this, four bodyguards in black immediately surrounded them. Two of them, who were clearly reporters, immediately showed expressions of fear on their faces.

Hideki Hanyu didn't care which media outlet the two came from, and simply asked with a detached expression.

"Did you destroy the film yourselves, or did my men do it for you?"

"Mr. Yuzuru, I'm very sorry, I'll give you the film right away."

One of the reporters, with a camera hanging around his neck, apologized in a trembling voice as he opened his camera, took out the film, and handed it to the bodyguard next to him.

"Are there any other reporters besides you?" Hideki Yuzuru asked.

Another reporter immediately replied, "No, we're the only ones here at Burning Production today."

"Very well, I don't want what I'm doing here today to be seen in the media, otherwise you know the consequences."

After saying that, Hideki Yuzuru ignored their repeated assurances and rolled up the car window again.

At this moment, Norika Fujiwara, who had witnessed the entire event, was completely dumbfounded.

These small fry reporters, who went to great lengths to curry favor with him, were terrified like quails when faced with Hideki Hanyu.

What is a big shot in the entertainment industry?

Norika Fujiwara finally witnessed it firsthand.

However, it only scared two young reporters, which was nothing to Hideki Hanyu.

If it weren't for wanting to show off in front of Norika Fujiwara, he wouldn't have needed to get involved in this matter personally; his bodyguards would have taken care of it themselves.

Even reporters from Weekly Bunshun are the same.

Even if Hideki Hanyu can't stop them from reporting, he can still destroy their material through physical means.

Unconcerned, Hideki Hanyu turned to Norika Fujiwara and asked, "Miss, you still haven't told me where we're going?"

Hideki Hanyu's words brought Norika Fujiwara back to her senses from the shock.

He quickly replied, "I'm going to Gotanda in Shinagawa Ward..."

After giving the address, Norika Fujiwara then remembered to introduce herself.

"Sir, my name is Norika Fujiwara."

"Ms. Fujiwara, is the advertising brand you're going to interview for Uniqlo?"

Norika Fujiwara's destination surprised Hideki Hanyu a little.

"How did you know, sir?" Norika Fujiwara covered her mouth in surprise.

"Because I know that Uniqlo's design center is in the place Ms. Fujiwara mentioned."

Hideki Hanyu gave this answer.

Actually, when Hideki Hanyu was designing the encounter in Ikuo Suo's office, he didn't ask Norika Fujiwara which brand she was interviewing for.

Who would have thought that the other party was going to Uniqlo?

It just goes to show how small Tokyo really is. Yesterday he went to Elf Media, and today he went to Uniqlo—both of his companies.

However, many people know about his relationship with the former.

However, not many people outside the company know about his relationship with Uniqlo.

After all, he was only a "minor shareholder" at Uniqlo.

Apart from training that initial group of employees, I haven't participated in any work at Uniqlo since.

Of course, he has helped Tadashi Yanai and Uniqlo a lot with media and other resources, but ordinary people are unlikely to know this.

"lets go."

The moment Hideki Hanyu finished speaking, he slammed his foot on the accelerator of the Lamborghini.

As the Lamborghini's distinctive deep roar resounded, the entire sports car shot off like a dark red arrow.

This instantaneous acceleration slammed Norika Fujiwara, the passenger, hard against the car seat, giving her a taste of the supercar's thrust.

The woman felt the incredible speed and almost cried out in surprise.

Even without exclaiming, she was so frightened by the speeding supercar that she clung tightly to the car beside her.

However, Hideki Hanyu couldn't keep up with that speed for long.

During the day, Tokyo is bustling with traffic, and no matter how many horsepower your car has, you have to obediently crawl along in the flow of traffic.

After the car slowed down, Norika Fujiwara, who had regained her composure, began to have other thoughts.

Norika Fujiwara asked Hideki Hanyu to drive her home, but it wasn't really just so that Hideki Hanyu would drive her home.

If I can achieve some other goal, then it doesn't matter if I don't attend today's interview.

For example, she became one of the rumored girlfriends of Hideki Hanyu.

After all, any girl in Japan who aspires to be in the entertainment industry knows what it means to be associated with Hideki Hanyu.

Money, resources, popularity, opportunities for fame...

You can get anything you can think of from Hideki Hanyu.

It can be said that Hideki Hanyu is the fastest path to success for girls in the entertainment industry.

Norika Fujiwara pretended to be a little hot in the car and unbuttoned a few buttons on her trench coat.

As the buttons disappeared, the hem of the trench coat naturally slipped off her sitting legs, revealing her full, long, and beautiful legs covered in black stockings.

The open upper part of the trench coat reveals the abundant fruit outlined by the close-fitting cashmere sweater.

As Hideki Hanyu's right hand reached towards the center console, Norika Fujiwara, regardless of what Hanyu was about to do, immediately tilted her beautiful legs as if to welcome Hanyu's hand.

However, Hideki Hanyu simply turned on the air conditioning and then gripped the steering wheel again, without even glancing at Norika Fujiwara beside him.

However, just as Norika Fujiwara was feeling disappointed and continued to deliberately show off her figure, she didn't notice that Hideki Hanyu's lips had already curled up slightly.

As the vehicle continued its journey, following the Metropolitan Expressway radial route into Shinagawa Ward, Norika Fujiwara's face showed obvious signs of anxiety.

No matter how she behaved, or even presumptuously asked, "Sir, what do you think of my outfit today? Will it help me complete the interview smoothly?"

They were trying to attract Hideki Hanyu's attention before taking the next step.

However, Hideki Hanyu gave a completely uncompromising review.

"Cheap brands, outdated styles, and poor combinations—if Ms. Fujiwara wants to pass the interview, she'd better not make her clothing a focus."

After commenting on the clothes, Hideki Hanyu didn't forget to add a sarcastic remark about the makeup.

“If there is a next time, I suggest that Ms. Fujiwara ask a professional makeup artist from Burning Production to do your makeup. Your current look is more suitable for going to Shibuya than for an interview at Uniqlo’s design center.”

The barrage of merciless criticisms immediately rendered Norika Fujiwara speechless.

The clothes she was wearing were already her most expensive clothes.

Her makeup was also carefully prepared, and she even borrowed high-end cosmetics from the agency.

But in Hideki Hanyu's eyes, it was terrible.

Before Norika Fujiwara could recover from the shock, Hideki Hanyu's car had already driven into their destination.

This Uniqlo office located in Shinagawa Ward is not Uniqlo's headquarters, but rather Uniqlo's design center.

Shiina Nobusada worked here before he went to America to found Supreme.

Norika Fujiwara did not notice that Hideki Hanyu simply lowered the car window, showed his face to the security personnel, and was then respectfully let in.

After parking his car, Hideki Hanyu opened the door and said to Norika Fujiwara, "Ms. Fujiwara, we've arrived at our destination."

Upon hearing this, Norika Fujiwara, looking somewhat annoyed, pushed open the car door and got out.

Then she saw that Hideki Hanyu had not left, but was striding toward the main entrance of the Uniqlo Design Center office building.

Norika Fujiwara quickly caught up, "Are you coming here too, sir?"

However, she never received a reply from Hideki Hanyu.

As soon as Hideki Hanyu arrived at the door, he was greeted by several people and was having a pleasant conversation with one of the men wearing a headscarf.

Norika Fujiwara tried to get closer, but was stopped by security personnel.

"Miss, the advertising model interviews are on the other side."

Norika Fujiwara turned around, as if to explain something, such as whether she had come with Hideki Hanyu.

Before she could even utter a word, Hideki Hanyu had already vanished from her sight. In the end, Norika Fujiwara could only stomp her foot in frustration and follow the security personnel's directions to the interview venue.

Meanwhile, Hideki Hanyu was asking the person next to him a question.

"So, Editor-in-Chief Jin Tian is here today for a model audition?"

It turns out that the man wearing a headscarf who was chatting happily with Hideki Hanyu in Norika Fujiwara's eyes was none other than Kaneda Shichiyo, the editor-in-chief of Cloud Fashion magazine.

"After it was confirmed that this year's OGC Spring/Summer Fashion Show would be held in Sapporo, the selection of runway models officially began."

Every year we need some fresh faces to showcase different styles and characteristics and attract the attention of the media and audiences.

Cloud·Fashion selects models itself, as well as from models recommended by participating brands.

I originally came here today to discuss design issues, but when I heard that Uniqlo was selecting advertising models, I decided to stay and see if there were any suitable people for OGC.

After explaining, Kindaichi asked Hideki Hanyu with some curiosity.

"Why would Mr. Yuzuru come to Uniqlo's design center? The person in charge here didn't tell me that you had a visit here."

Hideki Hanyu replied, "I decided to come here on short notice because of other things."

Upon hearing this, the head of Uniqlo's design center hurriedly and respectfully invited, "Mr. Yuzuru, my office is just ahead. I will arrange whatever you need me to do immediately."

Hideki Yuzuru waved his hand and said, "I don't need to go to your office. My matter is also related to the advertising model interview. Just take me directly to the interview venue."

"Yes, sir."

The person in charge answered respectfully and immediately led the way for Hideki Hanyu.

Although Hideki Hanyu does not hold a position at Uniqlo, and even his board seat is filled by his subordinates.

As one of Uniqlo's top executives, this person in charge was well aware of Hideki Hanyu's status and influence within Uniqlo.

As an initial investor, and a close friend of Tadashi Yanai.

In addition, most of the Uniqlo employees trained by Hideki Hanyu have now risen to middle or senior management positions at Uniqlo, barring any unforeseen circumstances or early departures.

These people have always considered themselves Hideki Hanyu's students. Even though Hideki Hanyu has never asked them to do anything, his influence on them cannot be ignored.

Therefore, even if the person in charge had a hundred times the courage, they would not dare to neglect Hideki Yuzuru.

Soon, we arrived at the interview venue.

When they arrived, the interviews had just begun.

The group did not disturb the interview, but watched from a distance.

Accompanied by the person in charge, Hideki Hanyu began to comment on the girls who participated in the interview with Nanase Kaneda.

Hideki Hanyu: "Editor-in-Chief Kaneda, this one looks good. Although he's a little shorter, his legs are very nice."

Kindaichi said, "Sir is right. Because of the kneeling posture, Japanese girls' legs are often not very beautiful. Although OGC shows do not have high requirements for height, they have higher requirements for body shape."

Hideki Hanyu: "His physique is acceptable, but his face is too ugly."

Kindaichi said, "I think so too."

……

And so, after some comments from Hideki Hanyu and Shichibu Kaneda, it was finally Norika Fujiwara's turn to perform.

When Kindaichi saw Norika Fujiwara, his eyes lit up.

"This one is very good. Although the clothes and makeup are a bit lacking, the height, figure and posture are all very good. In particular, the kind of innocent and cute temperament that also contains a hint of sexiness is perfect for the OGC stage."

However, no sooner had Kindaichi finished speaking than Hideki Habu gave a firm instruction to the person in charge.

"Eliminate her."

Kindaichi asked in surprise, "Mr. Yuzuru, why did you eliminate her?"

"Because she is the reason I came here."

……

The entrance to the Uniqlo Design Center in Shinagawa Ward.

The howling wind of a winter afternoon chilled Norika Fujiwara, making the girl, who had just learned of her elimination, feel cold both in mind and body.

Norika Fujiwara knew very well that without passing this interview, she was no longer qualified to stay in Tokyo.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she will receive notification to return to Kansai tomorrow.

She achieved nothing in her work in Tokyo.

She had a lucky encounter with a big shot, but she still failed to seize the opportunity.

Her Tokyo dream shattered, leaving her only with loneliness and regret.

However, just as Norika Fujiwara was feeling down, that extravagantly styled red supercar pulled up next to her again.

The car window rolled down, revealing Hideki Hanyu's face.

"I didn't expect to run into Ms. Fujiwara on my way out. Would you like me to give you a ride?"

For Norika Fujiwara, who was in dire straits, Hideki Hanyu's invitation seemed to be the only hope that could pull her out of the icy river.

The girl had no choice but to refuse, and immediately forced a smile and agreed, "Then I'll trouble you, sir."

After saying that, Norika Fujiwara opened the car door and got in, looking somewhat eager.

"I live in an apartment provided by the firm, located in Shinjuku Ward..."

After Norika Fujiwara finished speaking, Hideki Hanyu asked a question he already knew the answer to.

"How did Ms. Fujiwara's interview go?"

Norika Fujiwara replied sadly, "I failed. I wasn't chosen."

"That's a real shame," Hideki Yuzuru said somewhat perfunctorily.

Seeing that Hideki Hanyu didn't continue, Norika Fujiwara feigned curiosity and asked, "I just saw you go into the building, sir. Do you also have a collaboration with Uniqlo?"

"cooperate?"

Hideki Hanyu was puzzled at first, then smiled and explained, "Speaking of which, I am also one of the founders of Uniqlo. I brought Ms. Fujiwara here and took the opportunity to go in and have a look."

As soon as Hideki Hanyu finished speaking, Norika Fujiwara's mouth dropped open in surprise, and her voice trembled slightly.

"So, sir, you're also the owner of Uniqlo."

Hideki Hanyu replied casually, "To be precise, I should say one of the owners."

Upon receiving a definite answer, Norika Fujiwara was so surprised that she didn't know what to say.

She felt that she had underestimated the weight of the word "big shot" in the past.

After a while, like a drowning person trying to grab onto the last piece of driftwood, Norika Fujiwara pleaded with Hideki Hanyu.

"Sir, can you help me? Help me become a Uniqlo advertising model?"

However, Hideki Hanyu did not answer, but instead asked an unrelated question.

"I'm suddenly feeling a bit hungry. There's a ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) I like up ahead. May I invite Ms. Fujiwara to have dinner with me?"

Norika Fujiwara hadn't expected Hideki Hanyu to ask that, but in order to seize this last opportunity, she immediately nodded in agreement, "I'm very honored."

The supercar then drove into the port area and parked in front of a restaurant that looked as unassuming as an ordinary courtyard.

As Hideki Hanyu stepped out of the car, a female ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) dressed in a kimono immediately came to greet him.

"Mr. Yuzuru, welcome to Kawayaku Cuisine."

It's easy to tell from his words that this wasn't Hideki Hanyu's first time here.

Actually, it was Honma who first invited Hideki Hanyu to come here.

Looking at it now, everything has changed.

The woman asked, "Is this the same private room you used last time, sir?"

"lead the way."

Two words were Hideki Hanyu's answer.

Led by the female general, Hideki Hanyu entered the restaurant.

Norika Fujiwara, following behind Hideki Hanyu, looked around at the traditional and elegant environment and decoration, and her whole demeanor was obviously restrained.

An experienced person could tell at a glance that this was their first time dining at such a high-end ryotei.

After the female attendant led the two into a private room, a variety of attentive one-on-one services began.

Norika Fujiwara adapted with slight nervousness, while Hideki Hanyu calmly enjoyed everything.

He also told Norika Fujiwara, "I like to eat beef, and this place happens to have very good quality beef at a reasonable price, so I always try it whenever I happen to be passing by."

With that, Hideki Yuzuru gave instructions to the female general.

"Same as before, two sets of the 320,000 yuan package."

However, when these words reached Norika Fujiwara's ears, they gave her a feeling of absurdity.

320,000 yen...

The price isn't expensive?

She felt that her values ​​had been overturned.

At the same time, her heart burned with passion, and she began to yearn intensely for Hideki Hanyu's life.

As the female general left the room, Hideki Hanyu's voice rang out again.

"You said in the car that you wanted my help?"

Upon hearing this, Norika Fujiwara quickly suppressed her unrealistic desires and nodded in agreement.

"Yes, sir, I need to get a job at Uniqlo, otherwise the agency won't let me stay in Tokyo and I'll have to go back to the Kansai region."

Hideki Hanyu said, "There are also many opportunities in the Kansai region."

"But that place is not Tokyo after all."

As Fujiwara Norika spoke, she approached Hideki Hanyu and knelt down beside him.

“If you are willing to help me, I am willing to agree to anything you ask.”

Let's eat first.

Hideki Hanyu did not respond.

And so began a dinner costing over 600,000 yen.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, the female chefs at the restaurant helped Hideki Hanyu and Norika Fujiwara into their sports car.

The vehicle continued on its way to its destination.

Hideki Hanyu stretched his right hand to the side again.

Not getting an answer, but still wanting to seize the opportunity, Norika Fujiwara once again adjusted her posture.

Having been disappointed countless times, she thought nothing would happen this time either.

This time, however, Hideki Hanyu's right hand did not land on the buttons on the center console, but instead actually touched the black stockings.

Amidst Norika Fujiwara's surprised expression, Hideki Hanyu's voice rang out.

"I take back what I just said. Although the quality of the stockings is just average, Ms. Fujiwara's legs are quite extraordinary."

A delighted Norika Fujiwara immediately seized the opportunity and spoke to Hideki Hanyu in a low voice.

"Sir, I'm not just extraordinary because of my legs."

"is it?"

"Please give me a chance to prove myself, sir."

"Ha ha……"

With a soft laugh from Hideki Hanyu, the concept supercar, which had been speeding along, quietly changed its direction.

(Illustration by Norika Fujiwara)

(End of this chapter)