Traveling Through the Tokyo Bubble Era

Chapter 992 Finding a "retirement" job?
"Brother-in-law, please have some tea."

On a cool afternoon, Zhou Wenqiong served tea to Yu Sheng Hideki at the wooden table in the courtyard, pretending to be ingratiating.

Hideki Yuzuru gladly accepted the teacup, took a sip, and glanced at the two people sitting in front of him.

Zhou Wenqiong's expectant look was a bit exaggerated, but it was in line with her personality. Whenever she was in front of Hideki Yuzuru, her little girl nature would be revealed.

On the contrary, Ning Jing, who was only eighteen years old, although you could tell from her eyes that she was looking forward to Yu Sheng Hideki's guidance, seemed more composed than her boss Zhou Wenqiong.

This made Hideki Hanyu sigh, truly worthy of being a person who dared to "venture out into the world" alone at the age of 1980.

At least this kind of courage is something that ordinary people definitely don't possess.

After observing the two, Hideki Yuzuru put down his teacup and slowly spoke amidst their expectant gazes.

"Don't people in the entertainment industry like to take Mr. Zhang's quote 'One should become famous as early as possible' out of context?"
Xiao Qiong wants to promote Miss Ning, so she can't let her time studying at the Shanghai Theatre Academy go to waste. After all, the next four years will be the most important years for Miss Ning.

I don't know how to learn acting, but I do know how to make her famous quickly.

"Brother-in-law, how can we make her famous quickly?" Zhou Wenqiong asked anxiously.

Hideki Hanyu replied, "At this stage, of course, it's about making movies."

“I know about making movies. I’ve already arranged three movies for her, but none of them have made much of a splash.”

Zhou Wenqiong said with a somewhat dejected expression.

Hideki Hanyu said, "That's because you didn't choose the right one. When you arrange for her to make a movie, you need to consider what you want."

Zhou Wenqiong asked curiously, "What's the explanation for this?"

Hideki Yuzuru turned his gaze to Ning Jing, "The answer should actually be asked of Miss Ning."

Ning Jing never expected that when the big boss, Hideki Yuzuru, was talking to the boss, he would suddenly point the finger at her.

Faced with Hideki Hanyu's question, she was a little nervous and didn't know how to answer.

But Zhou Wenqiong said, "Xiao Ning, just say what you think. It's no use trying to outsmart my brother-in-law."

Upon hearing the boss's words, Ning Jing involuntarily looked at Hideki Yuzuru, only to find that Hideki Yuzuru was looking at her.

Those beautiful eyes, as bright as stars, seemed to see right through her, making Ning Jing's heart beat faster.

Trying to calm himself down, and remembering what Zhou Wenqiong had told him, Ning Jing answered honestly.

"I love performing and I want to become a big star."

"Do you want to be an actor and become famous?"

Hideki Yuzuru thought for a moment and said, "These two things are not contradictory, but rather complementary. After all, the entertainment industry is very realistic."

The prerequisite for you to only do what you want to do is that you are famous and valuable enough.

After all, this circle seems big, but it's actually very small. There are only so many high-quality resources. If you have no value and don't compete, you won't get the opportunities you want.

“Brother-in-law, could you be more specific?” Zhou Wenqiong asked.

"Okay, to put it simply, if you want to become famous in a short time by making movies, there are only two ways."

First, make films by influential domestic directors, especially those with international influence like Zhang Yimou and Director Chen.

Times are changing. In the past, it was enough for actors to receive high praise domestically, but now that domestic development is just beginning, the public and media are eager for recognition from the outside world.

This is why directors and actors who win awards overseas are so popular in China.

Making films for these directors not only brings fame but also recognition for one's acting skills—a win-win situation.

At this point in Hideki Yuzuru's story, Zhou Wenqiong couldn't sit still any longer. She got up to refill Hideki Yuzuru's tea, and while doing so, she asked a probing question.

"Brother-in-law, I remember you are familiar with many directors in China, and you even invested in the films of the two directors you mentioned. Could you help me recommend Xiao Ning to them?"

Upon hearing Zhou Wenqiong's words, Hideki Yuzuru did not immediately agree.

In his view, the films he invests in now, directed by domestic directors, whether they have already started filming or are in preparation, are not suitable for Ning Jing at present.

How did Ningjing become famous in his previous life?
It was through mutual success with director He Ping.

If you ask who He Ping is, the film "Swordsman of Double Flag Town," hailed as the number one Western film in China, is his upcoming work to be released next year.

It's worth mentioning here that Director He Ping was also a member of the "Technical Exchange Group" of Yunshang Satellite TV.

Although I only stayed in Japan for six months, I am now a member of the 'China Film and Television Technology Exchange Association'.

The other party has submitted its funding proposal for the filming of "Swordsman of Double Flag Town" through the exchange meeting and has received investment from Hong Kong Film Investment Company.

The film "Swordsman of Double Flag Town" received high praise on the internet in later years, but it was a complete failure when it was released.

Besides changes in the martial arts film market, audiences have also become aesthetically fatigued with traditional martial arts movies.

This is also related to the film's limited budget, poor scene effects, and its non-mainstream expression style that adopts a minimalist narrative style, weakens dialogue and action design, and focuses more on creating atmosphere.

After all, domestic audiences have become accustomed to the flying and dazzling action designs of Hong Kong martial arts films, and the story of "Swordsman of Double Flag Town" did not break through the limitations of the genre, and it also chose a style and genre that audiences of this era could not appreciate.

Not to mention He Ping, even Wong Kar-wai's "Ashes of Time" three years later was still terribly bad.

Failure was therefore to be expected.

After the failure of "Swordsman of Double Flag Town", He Ping remained silent for three years before discovering Ning Jing to play the female lead and launching the co-production "Cannonball and Lantern".

This film also confirms what Hideki Hanyu said: that the domestic population in this era yearns for external recognition.

"The Firecracker and the Lantern," which won a special nomination for Best Actress at the 42nd San Sebastián International Film Festival and a Grand Prize at the Hawaii International Film Festival, also propelled He Ping to the throne of Best Director at the Golden Rooster Awards in China.

Ning Jing also rose to fame by winning Best Actress awards at overseas film festivals.

At this point in time, He Ping is still preparing for "Swordsman of Double Flag Town" and has no intention of adapting Feng Jicai's novel.

Even if there were, Ning Jing, who is only eighteen years old, does not meet the requirements of the film in terms of appearance, temperament, or acting skills.

Thinking of this, Hideki Yuzuru spoke up.

"You can send a copy of Ms. Ning's information to Hong Kong Film Investment Company. If there are suitable roles, I will have my subordinates help recommend her."

As for whether I'll get the role, I can't guarantee it. After all, when I work with directors in China, it's on the premise that I respect their creative independence.

Although he felt it wasn't a good fit, Hideki Hanyu was still willing to give him a chance.

"Thank you, brother-in-law."

After thanking him, Zhou Wenqiong immediately asked, "What about the second option that my brother-in-law mentioned?"

Hideki Hanyu explained, "Actually, once you've explained the first path, you should know what the second path is."

To put it bluntly, the fastest way to make Miss Ning famous in China is to first help her achieve success abroad.

Whether it's playing a role in a high-grossing movie, an award-winning film, or collaborating with big-name actors, the key is to provide material for media hype.

The only downside to doing this is that while you gain fame, you may not necessarily gain recognition for your acting skills.

Chen Zhong is a prime example; her overseas fame is like a get-out-of-jail-free card. Her past remarks didn't affect her career development in China.

When Chen Zhong is mentioned, Hideki Yuzuru really doesn't have a good impression of him.

At the beginning of the year at Quanjude, after kicking someone out, Hideki Hanyu also ruined the other person's chance to star in "Twin Peaks." This was in stark contrast to the partnership between Hanyu's companies and Paramount, coupled with his continued friendship with David Lynch after acquiring De Laurentiis Entertainment Group.

If you want to replace the actress in "Twin Peaks," it's just a matter of saying a few words.

Thinking of this, Hideki Yuzuru said to Wenqiong Zhou.

"Regarding Hong Kong, I will have someone keep an eye out for Ms. Ning. If there are any suitable Hong Kong films for her to star in, I will have someone contact you as soon as possible."

As for Hollywood, you've met and know both Fred Webber and Alan Horn when the Hibiscus Garden party was held. If you want to help Miss Ning find an opportunity, you'd better go and talk to them in person.

The same applies to Hong Kong. If you want to develop in this industry, you will inevitably have to deal with them.

Unless you only plan to promote Ms. Ning and never sign any new artists, you definitely need to utilize your connections in China, Hong Kong, and overseas.

When Yuzuru Hideki registered Qionghua Entertainment, his sister-in-law's business, he only gave money; he didn't ask for any shares at all.

Besides the current domestic policy restrictions, they are also considering future capital operations.

Once the time is right for the entertainment board to be listed, he will have plenty of ways to drive up the stock price.

Therefore, he also hoped that Zhou Wenqiong's company could develop, otherwise he wouldn't have sent Iwatani Masaki, a talented person, to help Zhou Wenqiong contact domestic exchange group members.

"Xiao Ning is just the beginning. I will definitely sign more new talents, not only actors, but also singers."

For example, I've recently been competing with others in Guangzhou for a singer named Yang Gangli.

To show her my abilities, I plan to take her to Hong Kong and borrow your recording studio to intimidate her. You'll have to cooperate with me then…”

As Zhou Wenqiong was speaking, Yu Sheng Hideki happened to be calling out to his beloved daughter who was swinging on the swing next to him. He didn't hear clearly what the singer his sister-in-law was arguing about was called, but he did hear that he needed to cooperate.

So without turning around, he replied, "You should ask my assistant about these things. I don't have time to worry about them."

That concludes my "guidance" to Ning Jing.

Zhou Wenqiong arranged for someone to take Ning Jing to a hotel, while she stayed overnight in the courtyard with her niece.

……

The following day, September 22nd, was the opening ceremony of the Asian Games.

Early in the morning, the reception staff came to confirm the situation, mainly the meeting with leaders before the opening ceremony, as well as other related procedures, and most importantly, the seating arrangements, etc.

After listening to the introduction from the receptionist and expressing his own opinions, Hideki Hanyu simply waited for the car to pick him up and take him to the site.

Actually, he didn't have to wait long; a car quickly came to pick him up.

Hideki Hanyu was picked up along with his daughter, Sisi.

As for Zhou Wenqiong and Ning Jing, they entered the market through other channels.

Although the opening ceremony was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., the audience was allowed to enter between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The important guests' schedules actually started in the morning, and a state banquet was even arranged for them at noon.

Four-year-old and three-month-old Xiaoxi had no idea what she was doing or what she was going through; she just obediently followed along.

Anyway, she followed her father around, looking at this and that. Sometimes her father would take pictures with her, and sometimes he would talk to other people in a way that she couldn't understand.

Even in a large place, when she met a kind old man, she asked her dad to carry her because she was tired from walking, and the old man praised her for being cute.

What impressed Sisi the most during the morning's activities was that lunch was delicious.

Then, she and her father took a car to a crowded place and sat down with her aunt, whom she had parted ways with that morning.

In the stands of the Workers' Stadium, Hideki Yuzuru had just sat down with his daughter in his arms when Zhou Wenqiong asked in surprise, "Brother-in-law, shouldn't you be sitting there?"

As she spoke, Zhou Wenqiong pointed to the most prominent area where many distinguished guests and leaders were seated.

Not only Zhou Wenqiong, but Ning Jing was also very curious.

After all, he had witnessed Hideki Hanyu's grandeur that morning and knew that with Hideki Hanyu's status, he could certainly do that.

But the result?

Hideki Hanyu was sitting with them in the most ordinary seats, not even in the foreign VIP seats.

Hideki Hanyu, holding his daughter, replied, "Of course, my seat was always here."

Unlike the morning's reception process, which was completely closed to the public, the Asian Games opening ceremony, which began in the afternoon, would be broadcast live worldwide.

Under such circumstances, he would only do such a high-profile position if he were completely out of his mind.

That's why I strongly requested a reassignment when communicating with the staff.

This seat is perfect; it's right in the middle of the regular stands. With his hat on, even if the cameras pan across the room, no one will be able to tell who he is.

After entering, there was only the tedious waiting.

While waiting, I also listened to two songs, "Asian Heroic Spirit" and "The Same Song," both classics that were created because of this Asian Games.

After the waiting period ended, the opening ceremony officially began.

There's not much to say about the opening ceremony. Although it was historically significant, it lacked highlights and fell short of the Olympic opening ceremonies dominated by renowned masters in later generations.

After seeing that his daughter in his arms had fallen asleep, the opening ceremony finally came to an end.

Guided by staff, Hideki Hanyu left early via another passage.

Just as he was about to get on the bus, an old man hurried over and bowed to greet him.

"Mr. Yuzuru, I only learned that you were also attending the opening ceremony after I arrived at the VIP table. I am very sorry that I did not greet you immediately."

The old man's respectful greeting to Hideki Yuzuru naturally drew the attention of other VIPs waiting for their cars.

Holding his daughter, Hideki Yuzuru waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Takeshita-san, you're too kind. You're my elder; even when I greet you, I should ask for your guidance first."

"I wonder if Mr. Yuzuru will have time tomorrow? I would like to invite Mr. Yuzuru to lunch."

"I want to watch the game tomorrow, how about we change it to the evening?"

"Of course, the time...place..."

After a brief discussion to confirm the time and place for the meal, the two said their goodbyes.

After Hideki Yuzuru got into the car, Zhou Wenqiong asked curiously, "Brother-in-law, who was that person just now? I saw him sitting in the first row of the VIP section when we came in."

Hideki Hanyu replied, "The Prime Minister of Japan, or more accurately, the former Prime Minister."

The old man we just saw was none other than Takeshita, the former prime minister who resigned due to his involvement in the Recruit bribery case.

"No wonder the people around him looked at his brother-in-law with such surprise when he bowed to him. They didn't expect that you were so powerful in Japan that even the Prime Minister treated you with such respect."

As Zhou Wenqiong said this, Ning Jing, who was standing next to her, also looked at Yu Sheng Hideki with shock, as if she were getting to know Yu Sheng Hideki all over again.

Upon hearing Zhou Wenqiong's words, Hideki Yuzuru didn't bother to emphasize that she was a former prime minister.

In fact, Takeshita's involvement in the Recruit bribery case, which led to his resignation and becoming the former prime minister, was partly due to Takeshita's influence.

Not long ago, a person he supported reported to him that since the Ming Party decided to arrange for Zhu to attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, he had sensed the conflicted mentality of the upper echelons of Japan.

They saw the potential in Japan and wanted to cooperate, but didn't want to offend their own countrymen, so they sent an old guy with a bad reputation in Japan who had no political future.

However, he was very curious about what Takeshita wanted to do by asking him out.
Is she looking for a "retirement" job with him?
(End of this chapter)