I'm in Conan, I'm not a gangster

Chapter 469 A Private Gathering in the Entertainment Industry (1st Update)
Emi Shiraishi drove her understated and composed black Audi slowly into the underground parking garage of a renowned tower apartment building in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

The wheels rolled over the smooth ground, making a slight friction sound, and finally came to a steady stop in an empty parking space.

He raised his hand and glanced at his watch.

It was still early; according to the time Vermouth gave, we still had to wait for more than two hours.

Shiraishi E didn't want to waste time in the car.

It would be better to call Yukiko and urge her to come down quickly and cooperate with being tied up.

But before that, he checked the car to make sure Vermouth had installed any listening devices.

Shiraishi bought a signal detector from the bandit shop and began to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle.

After confirming that there were no listening devices, he then made a phone call to Yukiko.

"Hello? Why are you calling all of a sudden?" Yukiko's voice on the other end of the line sounded a little puzzled. In the background, the sounds of laughter and conversation could be faintly heard, indicating that she was at a social gathering.

“I’m in the parking lot downstairs at your party apartment building now,” Shiraishi E said bluntly.

"Huh? What are you doing downstairs?" Yukiko's tone was even more surprised.

"It's not convenient to talk about it over the phone, let's discuss it when we meet," Shiraishi E replied.

Yukiko paused for a moment, then said apologetically, "Could you wait a little longer? I have something important to discuss... If you're bored, you can come up and sit down."

Her voice suddenly took on a sly smile, "There are quite a few celebrities gathered here, I guarantee it will broaden your horizons."

Shiraishi E thought for a moment. Rather than waiting idly in the car, she decided to go up and check the situation.

Moreover, this was his first time attending a private gathering of the entertainment industry.

You might have a lot to learn here.

So he simply replied, "Okay."

"Wait a moment, I'll come downstairs to pick you up now." After saying this, Yukiko hung up the phone.

Shiraishi E got out of the car and walked towards the elevator. Through the screen, she could see someone coming down from the twelfth floor.

In less than a minute, the elevator arrived at the basement level.

As the elevator doors opened, Yukiko was about to step out when Shiraishi E stopped her, saying, "You don't need to go out."

Upon hearing the voice, Yukiko paused, then stared intently at Shiraishi E. Her eyes widened instantly, and she exclaimed in surprise, "Shiraishi-kun? Why are you disguised?"

Shiraishi E stepped into the elevator, glanced at the ceiling, and after confirming there were no surveillance cameras, said, "Someone asked me to kidnap you. I'll release you in three days."

Yukiko froze for a moment, then asked incredulously, "Why did you kidnap me? I haven't offended anyone!"

As she spoke, she pressed the button for the twelfth floor.

Shiraishi E glanced at her indifferently and said, "You haven't offended anyone, but your husband has."

Yukiko immediately looked annoyed and muttered under her breath, "I was worried that my return to the entertainment industry would cause trouble for Yusaku, but it turns out he's the one who caused me trouble first..."

She sighed, then tentatively asked, "Could you not tie me up? I've been really busy these past few days..."

Shiraishi E shook her head, her tone resolute: "No, we have to tie them up. This charade must be performed, otherwise next time someone else comes along, they won't be as easy to talk to as I am."

"Ah...you're right." Yukiko sighed and said helplessly, "I'll try my best to arrange it!"

The two talked in hushed tones as they took the elevator upstairs.

The elevator stopped on the 12th floor and opened its doors. Yukiko led Shiraishi E toward a luxurious double door and introduced in a low voice, "This is the private apartment of the famous producer Mr. Kurosawa. Both floors above and below belong to him." "The people who came tonight are basically from the entertainment industry, from celebrities to film directors, producers, and screenwriters, you name it."

She paused, then added, "In the film industry, the highest-ranking people are usually directors, followed by producers, and screenwriters and stars are about the same level—unless they are superstars who guarantee box office success."

Shiraishi E nodded slightly, remaining outwardly calm, but inwardly she was becoming interested in the gathering.

Although he is not in the entertainment industry, such occasions undoubtedly allow him to gain a more direct understanding of how the industry operates.

However, when he actually stepped into the party, the scene before him made him frown slightly.

In the brightly lit living room, well-dressed men and women raised their glasses and chatted, appearing elegant and respectable on the surface.

However, upon closer inspection, one can discover that some blatant transactions are taking place in the shadows.

Some young and beautiful male and female celebrities are actively approaching the producers, directors and screenwriters, with ingratiating smiles on their faces and flattery in their words. The bolder ones even take the initiative to hug the other party's arm to show the other party their power.

Clearly, they are trying to secure more performance opportunities.

Those powerful figures who control resources make no attempt to conceal their intentions, and even make explicit demands.

"Come with me to Karuizawa for a vacation next week. I'll have a good chance to observe what kind of roles you're suited for," a producer wearing gold-rimmed glasses said with a smile to a young actress.

“Three days? That’s too short. It should be at least a week, otherwise how can we get to know each other better?” another director said half-jokingly, while his eyes were openly scrutinizing the other person.

What surprised Shiraishi E even more was that these celebrities didn't seem surprised at all; on the contrary, they took it for granted.

Some celebrities even started bargaining.

"A week is too long, I have other commitments. How about three days?"

"How about... we split the bill? We can both keep you company, and we can split the time in half? I'll pay you back next time."

"........."

This vulgar scene shocked Shiraishi E, who couldn't help but whisper to Yukiko, "Is this how the entertainment industry has always been?"

Yukiko gave a wry smile, her tone tinged with helplessness: "Yes, it's always been like this. How do you think those roles are assigned? Is it really based on acting skills?"

"There are plenty of talented actors out there... we have no trouble finding them."

She paused, then added, "These people are considered good; at least they are actors with some fame, so there is still room for choice."

“Newcomers to the industry don’t even have the right to bargain. Once they’re chosen, they have to obey obediently, or they won’t even get a chance to show their faces.”

"As for those who aren't good-looking enough, they don't even have the right to be chosen. They can only slowly work their way up and gradually build up their fame."

“Of course, there are exceptions like me who suddenly become famous after playing minor roles.” Yukiko pointed to herself proudly and said, “After all, actors like me are cash cows, and no one dares to mess with them.”

"After all, nobody turns down money!"

Shiraishi E nodded and said, "The law of the jungle and the pursuit of profit are indeed in line with the nature of this industry."

Talking about morality in a place where fame and fortune are pursued is as absurd as seeking truth in a novel.

Yukiko glanced at her watch, then said to Shiraishi E, "You can wander around here for a bit, I'll finish my work as soon as possible."

Shiraishi E nodded slightly, watched Yukiko leave, and then planned to wander around aimlessly.

However, at this moment, someone took the initiative to approach him and strike up a conversation.

(End of this chapter)