China Entertainment's Standout

Chapter 1048 Princess Toho, Cherry Blossoms in Bloom

For Minami Hamabe, who has turned eighteen, her life trajectory can probably only be described as smooth sailing.

Just like her senior, Masami Nagasawa.

She won the New Generation Award upon her debut at the 7th Toho Cinderella Contest.

From then on, she was regarded as a treasure by Toho and was known to the outside world as the Toho Princess.

From childhood to adulthood, I've had a smooth and successful career path thanks to the company's arrangements.

Toho is one of Japan's five major film studios. It evolved from the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, which was founded in 1932. The name Toho means Tokyo Takarazuka.

In terms of historical and cultural heritage, it is indeed profound.

This includes the Godzilla series, which pioneered the monster movie genre and has a significant influence worldwide.

Japanese film legend Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" and "Ikiru," as well as animated films like Detective Conan, Doraemon, and Crayon Shin-chan, are all Toho's signature works.

However, despite owning hundreds of cinemas, the influence of this major player in the Japanese entertainment industry is ultimately limited to Japan.

Compared to Jiangdong Entertainment, which has risen rapidly in recent years and gradually gained a voice in the world media field, it is still somewhat lacking.

It was precisely because Minami Hamabe was exceptionally talented that she received significant resources from Toho Entertainment and was able to secure a role in the drama "It's Your Turn," produced by Koto Entertainment.

"Thanks for your hard work!"

"Minami, do you have any more announcements tonight?"

"Yes, there's an urgent matter that came up at the last minute."

Today, the filming schedule was cut short, and Minami Hamabe, as always, politely said goodbye to everyone in the crew, from the director and senior actors to the makeup artists.

A 90-degree bow, perfectly measured in obedience and propriety.

After getting into the company car, the personal assistant was still nervously going through a notebook, giving instructions on what to do that evening:

"When you see Zhou Sang, greet him politely and respectfully, and don't say anything irrelevant."

"Thank you for your trouble."

Hamabe Minami listened quietly, nodding in response with a smile.

In fact, Minami Hamabe had already taken the time to memorize the distinguished guest's life story, preferences, and taboos, and even studied the micro-expressions he made during the interview.

If you want to get close to someone and please them, you should at least show some sincerity.

Moreover, Minami Hamabe is indeed a loyal fan of that distinguished guest.

To this day, her phone's screen saver is still a screenshot from the sensational Japanese romance film "Love Like a Bouquet," directed by the other party.

This is probably one of the reasons why she accepted the agency's arrangements without feeling burdened.

It is often said that girls are more mature than their peers, and this is certainly true.

Having grown up in the Japanese test server environment, Minami Hamabe is very clear about her strengths.

Being able to endure hardship, being willing to learn, and understanding the rules of this circle are all sufficient but not necessary conditions for success in this circle.

Otherwise, out of so many people who are willing to endure hardship and study diligently, how many will actually succeed?
The essential conditions for standing out in this industry are still appearance and figure.

Minami Hamabe, who had just come of age, was 1.68 meters tall, which would definitely be considered a tall beauty in Japan.

What's even more remarkable is her physique; she's not the kind of paper doll that would collapse at the slightest breeze. Her proportions are close to the golden ratio, with a head-to-body ratio of 1:8.
Coupled with that pure, first-love-like aura, it's simply irresistible.

That head of thick, black hair that could stir the hearts of countless men is the dream of many Japanese men.

At this moment, she had coiled it behind her head.

A few playful strands of hair jumped out and fell down to her forehead.

This is the conclusion that Minami Hamabe reached after watching countless interview clips about that distinguished guest and summarizing information from various sources.

—This hairstyle suits his aesthetic better and is also very suitable for the kimono he's wearing tonight.

"Hamabe-san, you're so captivating."

Toho Studio specially assigned a senior makeup artist to be in charge of her makeup tonight.

When the makeup artist, who had seen many grand occasions, saw Minami Hamabe put on that kimono, he was slightly stunned.

She possesses both the purity of a young girl and the charm of a woman.

Like cherry blossoms blooming in front of a mirror, it's captivating and impossible to look away from.

"Thank you."

Minami Hamabe wore her signature sweet smile.

She knew that the company had done many things like today, things that seemed rather embarrassing to talk about.

But no one ever forced her to do it, nor did she need to, because Princess Toho's value went beyond that.

Tonight's arrangements are also a reflection of her own value.

"Hamabe-san, this drama will not only air on Japanese television, but will also be heavily promoted on the overseas version of Bilibili."

"What does this mean? Not only will Japanese audiences see you, but audiences all over Asia and the world will notice you. This kind of influence is something that local dramas can't compare to."

"Hamabe-san, you are an ambitious and intelligent child. You should know that the platform is very important. Only by standing on a bigger stage can more people see your beauty."

"Zhou Sang will only be staying in Japan for two days this time, so we must make sure to treat him well!"

"Not everyone gets such a rare opportunity. This is very important to you, and it's also very important to Dongbao."

"So, please!"

The earnest words of the executive in charge of artist affairs at Toho kept echoing in my ears.

Minami Hamabe was only brought back to her senses when her phone vibrated – it was a confirmation message from her manager regarding her evening schedule.

"The guests have arrived at the club."

"I see."

With a swift flick of her fingertips, she replied to her manager's message and looked up at herself in the makeup mirror.

He slowly raised his little fist and pressed it against his chest, making a cheering gesture.

Hamabe Minami's thin lips pursed slightly, and her eyes, which had initially held a hint of naivety, gradually hardened, as if she had made a crucial decision:
"What I did tonight was also a very meaningful thing."

Now that the opportunity has presented itself, we can make full use of these conditions to gain more benefits and a better life.

Isn't that the same as that senior?

According to Chang, it seems that he has been confirmed to star in the sequel to the "Detective Chinatown" series, a super film and television IP with a value of tens of billions of yuan, which is produced by the Jiangdong Group and is a derivative of the crime universe of thieves. He will play a key role.

Minami Hamabe didn't mind at all.

At crucial moments, with the necessary people, some necessary things happen.

People in the industry always say that South Korean chaebols play elaborate games.

For example, when idols are singing and dancing energetically on stage, they are sometimes arranged by conglomerates to bring small props.

Then they enjoy the screaming and frenzy of the incompetent fans below the stage, deriving perverse pleasure from it.

When it comes to perversion, the Japanese, who seem to be living a comfortable life, have quite a few tricks up their sleeves.

Just like this banquet prepared for Zhou Yutang, every detail reveals meticulous design.

From Zhou Yutang's current position, he no longer needs to actively seek out women, nor does he have the time or energy to waste on women who don't take the initiative. His subordinates will naturally arrange everything clearly.

Aquaman always has his own principles regarding this—he neither rejects nor avoids it, nor does he take responsibility for such things, nor is there any need for him to take responsibility.

As night deepened, the dim lights cast an ambiguous atmosphere into the elegantly decorated interior.

The clinking of glasses still carried a faint, lingering aftertaste of intoxication.

After the toasts and drinks were exchanged...

The executive director of Toho Studio, who had a Mediterranean hairstyle, clapped his hands.

Suddenly, the sound of light footsteps came from behind the screen. Several geishas, ​​dressed in revealing clothing, bowed and then began to dance gracefully.

This private dinner, arranged by the top executives of Toho, was the result of considerable effort.

From the location to the menu, from the geisha to the companions, everything was carefully considered.

As his sleeves fluttered, Governor Zhou vaguely recalled the belt guy who had invited him several times.

The Zhujiang New Town, which he had longed to visit, was praised by Tian Ming and applauded by Teacher Ma, who was deeply impressed, but he had no idea what it was really like.

"That's it!"

The executive officer from Dongbao, who had been paying close attention to Governor Zhou's expression, perked up.

As a man himself, he knew very well what that expression meant.

Thinking about his impending success in winning over a top-tier figure in the Asian entertainment industry, a knowing smile appeared on his lips.

Unfortunately, his personal appearance was somewhat shabby, and his smile was rather lewd: "What do you think, Zhou Sang?"

"Is this Ms. Hamabe?"

"Oh, I didn't expect Mr. Zhou to know her?"

The Mediterranean executive perfectly timed a look of astonishment, then stood up and led the delicate and frail Hamabe Minami to Zhou Yutang's side, saying with a fawning smile, "Zhou-san, Hamabe-san is your most loyal fan. Please take good care of me in the future!"

"Please take good care of me, Mr. Zhou!"

Wearing a light purple kimono, Minami Hamabe immediately stepped forward, placed her hands together in front of her, and bowed at a ninety-degree angle.

She bent her waist very low and perfectly, as if to show her respect, her dark hair falling over her shoulders.

On the slender branches, large, pear-like fruits grow majestically.

It's said that Taiwanese girls from Taiwan are known for their delicate, high-pitched voices, and right now, this princess from Toho is the most outstanding since Masami Nagasawa, with a voice that is incredibly sweet and charming.

Zhou Yutang narrowed her eyes slightly as she examined the main dish for tonight.

Minami Hamabe, who made a stunning debut, starred in a series of film and television works under the arrangement of Toho Entertainment Agency after her amazing debut in the Toho Cinderella Contest.

Including "Sky Color Story", "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day", "Saki", and last year's "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" earned her several awards, including the Hochi Film Award for Best New Actress.

This led to her rising fame, and she was hailed by the Japanese entertainment industry as the most promising Gen Z actress.

The entry of people from Dongbao Fortress into the team naturally required Governor Zhou's approval, and the secretary had already prepared sufficient background checks in advance.

"sit down."

Zhou Yutang's voice was indifferent, revealing no emotion; he simply raised his hand casually.

Even if you've already made up your mind to gamble everything on yourself.

But Minami Hamabe had never experienced these things before, and when she was actually in the thick of it, there were too many uncontrollable factors.

She couldn't remain calm in the face of this media tycoon who dominated the Asian entertainment industry and was listed among the world's richest people.

That naturally condescending gaze, and that suffocatingly powerful aura, made Minami Hamabe feel uneasy.

She could clearly feel the fear and trembling that her body instinctively felt when she stepped out of her comfort zone to face the unknown and powerful.

Upon hearing Zhou Yutang's words, Hamabe Minami felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She slowly straightened up and obediently sat down in the empty seat next to Zhou Yutang.

The custom-made kimono perfectly accentuated her incredibly slender waist and firm hip curves.

My heart was pounding in my chest, filled with an indescribable excitement and thrill.

after all,

The legendary Asian entertainment emperor sat imposingly beside him.

The once high and mighty executives of Dongbao now wore fawning smiles in front of him, speaking cautiously like docile lapdogs.

What should a woman do in this kind of situation?

A sweet smile, a respectful nod, and being obedient enough is enough.

Hamabe Minami didn't do anything extra; she simply served Zhou Yutang food and poured him drinks attentively.

The cuisines of different countries always have completely different flavors.

Sushi wasn't really to Zhou Yutang's liking, but after getting tired of delicacies, it wouldn't hurt to try it once or twice.

After all, we are here.
****
The morning light streaming through the gaps in the curtains filled the bedroom.

Her usually neatly styled black hair was now scattered messily across the snow-white pillowcase, as she wasn't used to tying it up while sleeping.

The luxurious silk pajamas were gently draped over Hamabe Minami's shoulders.

Due to his biological clock, even though Governor Zhou only went to sleep at 4 a.m. last night, he woke up at 7:30 a.m.

He got up and leaned against the headboard, his gaze sliding down from the graceful lines of her shoulders and arms to her snow-white neck and fragrant back.

The clothes covering her body couldn't completely conceal her slender and alluring curves.

Toho's aesthetic sense is indeed trustworthy. This Gen Z Toho princess offers a different experience compared to her predecessor, Masami Nagasawa.

Minami Hamabe, wrapped in a thin silk quilt, had actually been awake for quite some time.

Last night's events unfolded in a way that exceeded Hamabe Minami's expectations.

Not knowing how to face Zhou Yutang, and feeling slightly pained, she simply buried herself in the covers and became an ostrich.

"Now that you're awake, stop pretending to be asleep."

Zhou Yutang got up, took the water glass from the bedside table, took a sip, glanced at the messages on his phone, and said casually.

Hamabe Minami then slowly sat up, still clutching the blanket: "Zhou-san, the crew has scheduled my scenes for today."

Looking back from Governor Zhou's perspective, he was lean where he should be, and fleshy where he should be, but without being overly exaggerated.

The half-concealed, half-revealed beauty exudes a subtle allure amidst her innocence.

She truly is a natural beauty.

Seeing the determined expression on that delicate face with a touch of baby fat, Zhou Yutang found it somewhat amusing: "Let's take a day off today."

"I can persevere."

The resilience of the women in the neon-themed test outfit exceeded Zhou Yutang's expectations, so he didn't insist and nodded, saying, "Come with me to the film set later."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhou. Let me serve you."

Minami Hamabe pinned her hair up at the back of her head, and Zhou Yutang leaned back comfortably.

And so, she began to enjoy Princess Dongbao's gentle, tender nature with a clear conscience.
(End of this chapter)