The literary era since 1979

The night is dark and the moon is bright in the sky.

After watching the car Fangyan was riding in disappear from sight, Kadokawa Lehiko retracted his waving goodbye hand and said excitedly:

"Haha, big brother, that's good now. If nothing unexpected happens, the film adaptation rights of Love Letter will belong to us!"

"You are so brave!"

Haruki Kadokawa's face was so gloomy that water seemed to drip out of it.

Faced with the barrage of scolding, Kadokawa Lehiko's mind went blank, feeling both aggrieved and confused.

I clearly did a good thing for Kadokawa Pictures, whose performance was declining, so how come I became the one who made a big mistake?

"I know that everything you do is for the good of the Kadokawa family."

Kadokawa Haruki warned him seriously, "But is Kadokawa Pictures within your scope of authority? Just now at the dinner table, you should have fought for the re-authorization rights of Love Letter for Kadokawa Bookstore and persuaded Fangyanjun to cooperate with Kadokawa Bunko, instead of meddling in the film business that you don't understand at all!"

Kadokawa Lehiko was startled and realized that he was blaming himself for exceeding his authority and bypassing his position as the head of the family to get involved in matters that were not his business.

"I'm sorry, brother. I'm also doing this for the Kadokawa family..."

"How many times have I told you to use your job title when you're working?"

Haruki Kadokawa picked on his younger brother for not knowing the rules at the dinner party, and scolded him mercilessly even when he was drunk.

Being scolded by his elder brother in public, Kadokawa Koyomi felt like being slapped in the face and his cheeks were burning with pain.

"I'm sorry, President."

"Since you secured the adaptation rights for Love Letter for Kadokawa Pictures, I'll let it go this time."

Seeing his brother bending down to admit his mistake, Kadokawa Haruki's unhappiness disappeared by more than half, and he patted him on the back: "But don't do it again!"

Kadokawa Lehiko gritted his teeth and endured it, then took the initiative to open the car door for him.

Seeing his brother being so humble and obedient, Kadokawa Haruki was in a very good mood. Before getting on the bus, he still reminded him:
"Next, you have to make good use of the opportunity of the book signing event and find ways to get Fang Yan-kun to agree to cooperate with our Kadokawa Library."

"As for Kadokawa Pictures and Shochiku's co-production of Love Letter, I will send someone to follow up, so please stop interfering!"

"Hi Yi!"

Kadokawa Lehiko agreed, and after Kadokawa Haruki left in the car, he faced the strange looks from passers-by and got into the car as if nothing happened. However, as soon as he closed the door, his whole face immediately became hideous and distorted, and his fists were clenched tightly.

It's like this again! It's like this every time! If something's wrong, it's okay, brother!
The younger brother's credit is taken by the older brother, while the older brother's mistakes are the younger brother's responsibility!
How could he want to cross the line and interfere in Kadokawa Pictures' business? It was actually the declining Kadokawa Pictures that had already dragged down Kadokawa Shoten.

You can't possibly keep giving transfusions to Kadokawa Shoten, which you manage, right?
What's more, it was obvious that the actual management of the entire Kadokawa Bookstore, including Kadokawa Bunko, should belong to him, but he had repeatedly hoped to create a library for teenagers that included light novels, comics, games, etc., but was always blocked by him on the grounds of being "childish".

How can you repair it? You are really going too far in bullying your brother!
I may be angry and helpless, but who can blame my elder brother, the eldest son, for inheriting the family business, and I, as the younger brother, can only assist him.

Looking at the inky night sky outside the window, the light in Kadokawa Lehiko's eyes dimmed, and his heart gradually sank to the bottom.

The moon was blocked by floating clouds, and it was already late at night when Fangyan returned home.

At this moment, the lights in the living room were as bright as day, and the TV was playing a late-night drama that only adults could watch, but because the TV was muted, no strange sounds were made.

Keiko Matsuzaka was wearing pajamas and lying on the sofa. When she heard the door open, she immediately woke up from her sleep.

"came back?"

"Why are you sleeping here? Didn't I tell you not to wait?"

Fangyan picked up the remote control and turned off the TV.

"I can't sleep without you."

Keiko Matsuzaka stretched out her hand and gestured for a hug.

Fangyan gave her a princess hug and the two of them walked straight to the bedroom.

Keiko Matsuzaka smelled the strong smell of alcohol on him, "How was the book signing today?"

"Very good, Kadokawa Bookstore obviously cares about it."

Fangyan smiled, and then briefly talked about the cooperation he had discussed with Haruki Kadokawa and Koyomi Kadokawa at the dinner party.

"what?!"

Matsuzaka Keiko suddenly lost all her sleepiness and opened her eyes wide. "You want to lobby for Kadokawa Pictures and persuade Shochiku to co-produce Love Letter?"

Fangyan nodded and said, "What do you think?"

"You didn't fall into their trap and got drunk, so you agreed to it so confusedly, did you?"

Keiko Matsuzaka held his slightly hot face in her hands.

Fang Yan said: "Do I look drunk?"

"Then why did you agree to help Kadokawa Films connect with Shochiku?"

Keiko Matsuzaka blinked. "Have you forgotten the Five Companies Agreement I told you about? Shochiku might be willing to co-produce Love Letter with Toei and Toho, but they will definitely not agree to cooperate with Kadokawa Pictures, nor will they allow me to take on Kadokawa Pictures' films."

"Maybe not. Don't forget that you told me about Shochiku's current predicament."

Fangyan sat on the edge of the bed and let her sit on his lap.

Keiko Matsuzaka suddenly recalled that Shochiku did not have Fuji TV like Toho, nor Asahi TV like Toei. Its own film business and studio system were constantly impacted by TV dramas and variety shows. Even if it brought in Chinese-language films as a support, it could only barely keep its footing. Its other major pillar, Kabuki stage plays, was not popular among young people, and ticket revenue had shrunk significantly, resulting in losses.

"Shochiku is short of money, and Kadokawa Pictures is short of projects. Isn't this a perfect opportunity for us to form an alliance and win together?"

Fang Yan said, "Could it be that President Okuyama would rather let Shochiku follow in the footsteps of Nikkatsu and Daiei than to rigidly adhere to the Five Companies Agreement?"

"But……"

Keiko Matsuzaka opened her mouth.

Fangyan asked, "Besides, don't you want to jump out of Songzhu and shoot movies freely, taking on whoever's role you want?"

"Of course I do!"

Keiko Matsuzaka said that she and Kurihara Komaki had wanted to take on roles outside of Shochiku more than once, but due to restrictions such as the contract with Shochiku and the Five-Company Agreement, and considering the huge amount of resources Shochiku had invested in cultivating them, they gradually gave up the idea.

"As long as you want."

Fangyan smiled.

"It's not enough for us to just want to do it. The president and others also need to be willing to do it."

Keiko Matsuzaka shook her head and laughed. Unless Shochiku went bankrupt and reorganized one day, just like Daiei, its top star Wakao Fumiko would immediately become a free agent, and the former Five-Company Agreement would become a dead letter, allowing her to take on dramas from various companies without restrictions.

"I'll give them an offer they can't refuse."

Fang Yan said, "Let them agree to cooperate with Kadokawa Pictures and let you play the leading role in Love Letter. It would be best if the two companies could agree to jointly establish an entertainment agency. This way, you and Xiao Juan will receive more and more acting offers in the future, and will no longer be limited to Shochiku."

Keiko Matsuzaka was shocked: "Are you talking about entertainment agencies like Ken-On, Johnny's, and Hori Productions?"

Fang Yan said: "Yes and no. To be precise, it is more like the 'Toho Entertainment' you mentioned to me before."

"No wonder you asked me so many questions."

Keiko Matsuzaka suddenly realized that Toho Entertainment was affiliated with Toho Film Company and was the only one of the five companies to have established an office. In addition, it had held the "Toho Cinderella Selection" since 1984 and had signed artists such as Yasuko Sawaguchi and Yuki Saito, providing a one-stop service for self-production and self-sales.

Fang Yan said, "Have you and Xiao Juan never thought about joining an agency like Toho Entertainment?" "Yes!"

Keiko Matsuzaka said that she and Kurihara Komaki had not discussed it before, but after the long-term contract with Shochiku ended, she would consider joining Hori Production. Not only are they very professional, but they also have a sense of old times. Even if they are no longer popular, they will still be well treated by the agency, like Yamaguchi Momoe who has already retired from the film industry.

Fang Yan asked, "What if Shochiku and Kadokawa Pictures really set up an agency?"

Keiko Matsuzaka hesitated for a moment, "Perhaps out of gratitude, Xiaojuan and I will renew the contract for a short period of time, but I still want to go to a more professional firm."

Fangyan said in a joking tone: "Then what should we do if you have shares in this firm?"

Keiko Matsuzaka was stunned: "You are not kidding?"

Fang Yan said: "Do you think I'm joking?"

Keiko Matsuzaka said in disbelief: "How is this possible..."

"What's impossible? What's mine is yours, isn't it?"

Fangyan showed a playful smile: "Just like when I am taking advantage of you, you are also taking advantage of me."

………………

The next day, the sun broke through the clouds and shone onto the bed in beams.

Keiko Matsuzaka turned over and found that her pillow was empty, with only a piece of paper left on the bedside table.

Looking closely, I saw Fangyan heading for Kadokawa Bookstore's store in Shibuya, where there was a book signing event today.

The quilt made a rustling sound, and Keiko Matsuzaka lazily got out of bed, thinking back to last night. She regretted not having the time to ask Fang Yan how he planned to persuade Shochiku and Kadokawa Pictures to cooperate, and how to persuade the two to establish a joint entertainment agency...

But the most important point, I have already asked it clearly.

The reason why Fang Yan wants to invest in an entertainment agency is undoubtedly for her and Kurihara Komaki's future, especially when she retires.

"I just don't know what he means by 'AKB48'?"

Just as Keiko Matsuzaka was daydreaming, Fangyan had already arrived at the store in Shibuya.

Kadokawa Toshihiko was in charge and asked the staff to check the store inside and out again to ensure that the signing event was foolproof.

"Good morning."

Fang Yan greeted him, "Why do you look a little unwell? Did you not sleep well last night?"

Kadokawa Koyomi was evasive, saying, "Yes, I can't sleep no matter what when I think of Fangyan-kun's promise to give us the adaptation rights of Love Letter and his willingness to help Kadokawa Films and Shochiku form the 'New Five Companies'."

“This is just a preliminary intention.”

Fangyan planned to talk to him about the joint entertainment agency jointly established by Kadokawa Pictures and Shochiku.

After all, a conservative and traditional film company like Shochiku does not have the genes to incubate and cultivate idol girl groups. Only companies like Kadokawa Pictures, which once led the way in idol movies, have this awareness and ability. Of course, when it comes to producers, the first choice is none other than the fat guy Yasushi Akimoto.

"This this……"

Kadokawa Lehiko remembered Kadokawa Haruki's warning and had to apologize, saying that he was in charge of Kadokawa Bookstore's business and Kadokawa Pictures was not within his authority, so for all film-related business, it would be best for Fangyan to discuss all matters directly with Kadokawa Haruki in person.

"That's not right. We were still talking fine yesterday. Why is it not working today?"

Fangyan saw through it but didn't say anything, pretending to be surprised.

"It's hard to describe in words."

Kadokawa Lehiko said in distress.

"This is not okay."

Fang Yan said seriously, "Didn't I tell you that the reason I wanted to bring Kadokawa Pictures and Shochiku together to produce Love Letter was not because of President Kadokawa, but because of you. You and I hit it off right away and we have similar interests. But now I want to leave you aside. I absolutely cannot agree to this!"

"Mr. Fangyan!"

Kadokawa Lehiko was both moved and helpless, and could only persuade him kindly not to cancel the cooperation, while at the same time he did not forget to strive for the re-publication rights of "Love Letter".

"I'm afraid I can't agree to it." Fang Yan gave the reproduction rights to Youfei Pavilion.

"Why is that? Didn't we have a good chat yesterday?"

Kadokawa Koyomi is anxious. Could it be that he feels that Kadokawa Bunko's future development in the direction of light novels will damage the style and level of his great writer?

Fangyan raised his hand and said, "I don't think that the development of the library into light novels, comics, and games is the general trend of the publishing industry in the future."

"You think so too!"

Kadokawa Lehiko's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had found a like-minded soulmate.

"Times have changed, and audiences have also changed. Whether it is a publishing house or a library, how can it remain unchanged?"

The dialect said lightly.

"That's right!"

Kadokawa Koyomi firmly believes that the next golden window for Japan's publishing industry lies in the two-dimensional comics and light novels that young people like, so he plans to let Kadokawa Shoten, or its subsidiary, Fujimi Shobo, establish the first light novel-based library brand in the Japanese publishing industry.

Fangyan narrowed his eyes: "So when do you plan to launch it?"

“It’s still in the discussion stage.”

Kadokawa Koyomi changed the subject and said, "Let's not talk about this for now. If Fangyan-kun didn't refuse to cooperate with us because Kadokawa Bunko is developing in the direction of light novels, then what is the reason?"

Fang Yan shook his head and laughed, "Excuse me for being blunt, but as the vice president of Kadokawa Shoten, you can't be the boss of Kadokawa Pictures, so how can I believe that you can really be the boss of Kadokawa Bunko? That's why I chose Yuhikaku, because I know Vice President Suzuki very well."

"Mr. Fangyan, please rest assured."

Kadokawa Koyomi solemnly assured that his authority in Kadokawa Shoten was no less than that of Suzuki Shunjiro in Yuhikaku.

What is your role at Kadokawa Shoten?
Suzuki Shunjiro is the boss of Yuhikaku!

Fangyan curled his lips. Although Suzuki Shunjiro was only the vice president of Yuhikaku, the president was now keen on organizing the financial and technical department to trade foreign exchange, with one small goal every day. He no longer cared about the publishing business that made a small profit, so he handed over full authority to the vice president.

I thought so in my heart, but I said: "If that were the case, I'm afraid the light novel library wouldn't still be in the discussion stage."

"..."

Kadokawa Koyomi actually thought it made a lot of sense and was speechless for a moment.

Fangyan said in a veiled tone, "According to my observation yesterday, it seems that President Kadokawa has a prejudice against light novels and comics?"

"Mr. Fangyan is very observant."

Kadokawa said with a wry smile, "He thinks these are just new hobbies of young people that will become popular soon, so he keeps putting it off."

"really."

Fang Yan said, "Doesn't that mean that as long as President Kadokawa is still around, you won't be able to publish light novels and comics?"

Kadokawa Lehiko sighed deeply, "I believe that one day, I can convince big brother to let me do it."

"In my opinion, have you ever thought of other ways out?" Fang Yan said faintly, "For example, starting a new business?"

It was like the devil was whispering in his ears, and Kadokawa Lehiko's heart skipped a beat. Setting up his own business and starting a new one?
Fangyan laughed and said, "We Chinese have an old saying, 'A real man is born between heaven and earth, how can he live under others for a long time?'" (End of this chapter)