Chapter 178: The Issue With Shin! The Tale Of Hachiko Begins Production!
When the black business car slowly stopped at Hiroshi Nohara’s doorway, night had already fallen like thick ink, enveloping the entire Tokyo.
He pushed open the car door, and a chilly evening breeze hit him in the face, finally allowing his nerves, tense from the banquet, to relax a bit at this moment.
The lights from home shone through the windows, emitting a warm glow, like a guide in the darkness.
Hiroshi Nohara’s mouth unconsciously curved into a smile; he knew there was someone waiting for him there.
He took out his key and gently turned the door lock.
“Click.”
As soon as the door opened, the aroma of food rushed towards him, mixed with the unique warmth of home.
Misae’s cute little face peeked out from the kitchen; seeing him, her somewhat anxious eyes instantly lit up like two twinkling stars.
“Hiroshi, you’re back!” she called out sweetly, her voice filled with unconcealed excitement and a touch of grievance, as if saying “You’re finally back, I’ve been waiting so long!”
Hiroshi Nohara took off his jacket and hung it on the coat rack at the doorway, looking at Misae’s cheeks flushed even more from waiting, feeling a warmth in his heart.
“Yeah, I’m back.” He smiled in response, his tone carrying a hint of fatigue but full of tenderness.
Misae quickly brought out a bowl of steaming white rice, a bowl of hot miso soup, golden yellow fried eggs, and bright green boiled vegetables from the kitchen.
She moved nimbly, but her eyes stayed fixed on Hiroshi Nohara, as if afraid he would go hungry.
“I knew you must be hungry!” She placed the food on the dining table, her tone proud as if she had foreseen it, “The stuff at those banquets looks nice but definitely doesn’t fill you up! It’s all little bits and pieces, right?”
Hiroshi Nohara looked at the simple yet hearty home-cooked meal before him, smelling the familiar aroma of rice and dishes, and his stomach let out an unyielding “gurgle.”
Misae was right; at tonight’s banquet, though he had eaten his fill, the exquisite Japanese sashimi, French foie gras, and American barbecue were more about “tasting flavors” than “filling the stomach.”
He wasn’t the type with a “noble stomach” that got full after one or two bites; he was a true “rice gobbler.”
In that setting, he couldn’t pile his plate like a starving ghost reborn, stacking it into a little mountain—that would be too out of character for his steady persona.
So, he just picked a few favorites, tasted them lightly, and spent more time observing and listening.
The result was that the protests from his stomach started one after another on the way home.
At this moment, seeing the meal Misae had prepared, that heartfelt warmth instantly dispelled all his fatigue.
He felt a long-lost sense of security, the purest satisfaction that could only be felt at home.
“Misae, you really are my wise wife!” Hiroshi Nohara sincerely praised, then unceremoniously picked up his chopsticks and started devouring the food.
He first shoveled a big mouthful of white rice; the soft and glutinous grains released a faint fragrance in his mouth, paired with the perfectly fried egg—it was simply heavenly.
Then he took a sip of the warm miso soup, dispelling the chill in his body and warming his heart.
Misae watched him eat voraciously, a satisfied smile on her face.
She propped her chin, sitting across from Hiroshi Nohara, her eyes sparkling as she curiously asked, “Hiroshi, how was tonight’s banquet? Were there a lot of people? Did Your Excellency the Governor talk to you?”
Hiroshi Nohara swallowed a mouthful of food and smiled, saying, “Very good, very grand. There were indeed many leaders, like stars shining brightly. Governor Koike also met with me and praised my work.”
Hearing this, Misae’s eyes widened even more, her little mouth slightly open, full of worship: “Wow! Even Your Excellency the Governor praised you! Hiroshi, you’re amazing!”
In Neon, a governor is equivalent to a high official.
Moreover, the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis holds a position in Neon’s national system comparable to “one metropolis, one province, two special districts, and forty-three prefectures”—specifically “Tokyo Metropolis.”
On par with the status of the four coastal provinces combined from his previous life.
And according to rumors, even the Prime Minister doesn’t have it as easy as the Governor of Tokyo.
This says it all.
Now, for Hiroshi to be met and praised by such a figure, to Misae who thought even Omagari City’s leaders were impressive, it was simply heavenly!
Hiroshi Nohara looked at her adorable expression and couldn’t help reaching out to pinch her rosy cheeks, smiling as he said, “But though the banquet had all sorts of delicacies from land and sea, if you really want to eat your fill, you still have to come home to Misae’s cooking. That’s the real comfort, the real deliciousness!”
His words instantly delighted Misae, her cheeks red like ripe apples.
She happily clapped her hands, saying “No way, Hiroshi, you sure know how to talk,” but her upturned mouth and sparkling eyes betrayed her inner glee.
Hiroshi Nohara looked at Misae, feeling a wave of relief in his heart.
No matter how turbulent the outside world was, coming home always meant this pure warmth waiting for him.
This was his greatest fortune after transmigrating to this world.
He quickly finished every last bit of food in his bowl and contentedly set down his chopsticks.
Misae hurriedly cleared the bowl and chopsticks, humming a little tune as she went to the kitchen.
Hiroshi Nohara leaned back on the sofa, feeling the fullness from his stomach and the rare tranquility in his heart.
……
The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight playfully slipped through the curtain gap and fell on the bedroom floor, Hiroshi Nohara finally propped himself up from the tatami, clutching his waist and struggling to sit up.
He felt his waist muscles protesting silently after another intense workout.
He muttered to himself that at this intensity, it wouldn’t be long before that mischievous kid Shin arrived in this world.
Thinking of Shin’s energetic troublemaking and Misae’s violent side, Hiroshi Nohara couldn’t help but get twitching veins at the corner of his eye.
He didn’t want the next few years to play out like the plot from his previous life.
He sighed, silently praying in his heart: “Please don’t mess up the plot, Shin. Stick to your scheduled birth time; my waist can’t take the strain.”
Misae woke up then too, seeing Hiroshi Nohara’s “old waist” discomfort, a smile tugging at her lips.
“Hiroshi, what’s wrong?” she asked deliberately, “Are you okay?”
Hiroshi Nohara turned to look at Misae’s clear eyes, feeling a bit helpless inside.
This girl had him figured out.
He cleared his throat and said gravely, “Misae, I think… we should decide what to name our child if we have one.”
Misae blushed instantly, her little head lowering slightly: “Oh come on! Why say that.”
Hiroshi Nohara looked at her shy appearance, chuckling inwardly, and continued his “explanation”: “See, my brother hasn’t even gotten married or had kids yet. If we have one first, wouldn’t that be… a bit off? Feels like we’re ahead of schedule.”
His words sounded absurd, but Misae was stunned.
She looked up, confusion in her eyes but mostly shyness.
“But… but I haven’t had any signs lately.” Misae’s cheeks flushed deeper; she muttered softly, then looked up worriedly, “Hiroshi, do you think we should go to the hospital for a checkup? Maybe… maybe there’s something wrong with our bodies?”
Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback.
He stroked his chin, pondering inwardly.
He knew Misae asked this out of concern for their future.
But as a “transmigrator,” he knew full well this wasn’t a health issue; it was the great “timeline” at work, the so-called “plot inertia.”
Though he had transmigrated and changed many major life trajectories of the character “Hiroshi Nohara”—like becoming a department head at Tokyo Television Station, creating so many phenomenal works, even getting a personal meeting with Your Excellency the Governor—
These achievements were things the original Hiroshi Nohara at 23 wouldn’t have dared dream of.
But now it seemed some “minor life” details hadn’t fully changed.
Many familiar people and events were still proceeding in their destined directions.
For example, he met Misae and fell in love with her, which fit the plot.
For example, he later met the kindergarten principal, a key figure in Shin’s kindergarten.
Now, even Shin’s birth time seemed pulled by some “plot inertia” and hadn’t advanced because of his arrival.
Hiroshi Nohara inwardly marveled at the power of “plot inertia”; it was like an invisible hand quietly correcting the world to keep it from straying too far.
He gathered his thoughts and smiled at Misae: “No need for the hospital, Misae. Our bodies are fine. Some things are best left to nature. A child is a gift from heaven; it will arrive at the perfect time.”
Hearing Hiroshi Nohara’s words, though Misae was still puzzled, seeing his confident demeanor eased her mind.
She nodded shyly, her flushed earlobes almost looking engorged—adorably so.
After breakfast, the two headed out together to their respective “battlefields.”
When Hiroshi Nohara reached the doorway of the Tokyo Television Production Bureau office, before he could push it open, a burst of heated discussion came from inside.
“《The Tale of Hachiko》! Have you heard? Minister Nohara’s new proposal!”
“Of course! Your Excellency the Governor personally named it; this proposal is definitely going to be a hit!”
“No doubt! Minister Nohara’s works are always top quality! Look at 《Seven Samurai》—box office is still climbing, now over four billion yen, a miracle!”
“Yeah! 《Super Change Change Change》, 《World of the Strange》, 《An Shizhi》, and those manga… When has Minister Nohara not surprised us? He’s practically Tokyo Television Station’s savior!”
“This 《The Tale of Hachiko》 is said to be a story about a dog and loyalty; it’s sure to wring tears from everyone! Minister Nohara excels at these heart-striking tales!”
“I heard Your Excellency the Governor has high hopes for this project, wanting it to promote Tokyo Metropolis and Neon’s excellent culture. This is the glory of Tokyo Television Station, even all of Neon!”
The colleagues in the office chimed in one after another, their tones full of trust and expectation for Hiroshi Nohara.
Their discussion of 《The Tale of Hachiko》 had elevated from a mere project to the heights of “cultural output.”
Hiroshi Nohara stood at the doorway, quietly listening to the chatter, a faint smile unconsciously forming on his lips.
He knew these voices were not just affirmation of his personal ability but a huge boost to his future career.
He pushed open the door and walked in.
The heated discussion in the office abruptly stopped.
All eyes turned to him in unison, filled with respect, worship, and an indescribable fanaticism.
Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze swept over the office, a mild smile on his face.
“Good morning, everyone.” He spoke softly, his voice not loud but instantly silencing all noise.
“Good morning, Minister Nohara!”
Everyone responded in unison, their voices loud and full of vigor.
Hiroshi Nohara nodded, walked to his desk, and set down his briefcase. He knew the new challenge, the new journey, had officially begun.
《The Tale of Hachiko》 was not just a film project; it was a cultural symbol, a “flag” bearing countless expectations. And he, Hiroshi Nohara, was the standard-bearer.
He would make that Akita dog named “Hachiko” not only an eternal cultural totem of this city and all of Neon, but also spread its loyalty and kindness across borders to warm hearts worldwide.
He took a deep breath, confidence shining in his eyes.
He knew the road to cultural peak would not be smooth.
But he firmly believed that with his ability, wisdom, and unyielding heart, he could overcome all challenges!
Back in his office, he sat down and began the day’s work.
First, he needed to refine the script for 《The Tale of Hachiko》, bringing to life those classic segments and deeply moving details from his memory.
He wanted this story not just to remain a legend, but to present it in its most perfect form to the world.
He quickly wrote the outline, words and scenes leaping to life in his mind.
He immersed himself in the sea of creation, as if seeing that Akita dog wagging its tail under the sunset, waiting for its beloved owner.
This was more than a movie; it was a responsibility, a commitment to culture and humanity.
He would use his works to change this world and influence more people.
In the afternoon, intense discussion voices came from Hiroshi Nohara’s office.
“Minister Nohara, this script… it’s a masterpiece!”
Production Department staff, including several veteran directors and screenwriters, were gathered around Hiroshi Nohara’s desk, their faces uniformly showing shock and excitement.
One veteran screenwriter was so moved his eyes reddened; trembling, he said, “I’ve been a screenwriter for thirty years and never seen such simple yet profoundly moving story! Minister Nohara, you… you’re a genius!”
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled, gesturing for everyone to calm down. He knew the story’s charm transcended any technique or flourish.
“The script is just the first step,” Hiroshi Nohara said gravely, his gaze sweeping over everyone, filled with power. “Next, we bring this story to the screen in its most perfect form.”
“We need the best actors, the finest team, the most meticulous production. Every lens, every image, must be filled with emotion, striking straight to the heart.”
“I want this film not just a box office hit, but a classic to endure for centuries! A work representing Neon culture, going out to the world!”
His words rang out powerfully, each one hammering into their hearts.
Clap clap clap!
Thunderous applause erupted in the office.
Everyone was infected by Hiroshi Nohara’s passion and responsibility, the same light shining in their eyes.
“Yes, Minister Nohara!”
“We’ll give it our all!”
“We won’t let you down!”
Hiroshi Nohara looked at his spirited colleagues, a satisfied smile on his face.
With their support, 《The Tale of Hachiko》 would surely become an immortal legend.
And he, Hiroshi Nohara, would take a firmer step on the road to cultural peak.
Over the next few days, the entire Tokyo Television Production Bureau buzzed with the 《The Tale of Hachiko》 project.
Hiroshi Nohara personally oversaw it, working day and night on casting, location scouting, and production meetings.
He poured every detail about Hachiko from his mind into the project without reservation.
He demanded actors not just perform but “become” the roles, feeling Hachiko’s loyalty and the professor’s gentleness.
He required cinematographers to capture the most authentic images, letting audiences feel the passage of seasons and the weight of time.
He even led the team to Shibuya Station to feel the weight of history and search for traces where Hachiko once waited.
On Shibuya Station’s plaza, Hiroshi Nohara watched the bustling crowds and the yet-to-be-erected Hachiko bronze statue, a strong sense of mission surging in his heart.
He knew Hachiko’s story was not just Shibuya’s, but Neon’s, and humanity’s.
He would spread this story through film to every corner of the world.
At an internal meeting, when Production Bureau Director Nobuhiko Sakata—the executive deputy station manager overseeing all work—heard Hiroshi Nohara’s grand blueprint already designed for 《The Tale of Hachiko》, shrewdness gleamed unbelievably in his eyes.
“Hiroshi-kun, you… you’re making history!” Nobuhiko Sakata said, slightly agitated. Looking at Hiroshi Nohara, he seemed to see Tokyo Television Station’s future, even Neon’s cultural industry’s future.
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled faintly, his eyes full of firm conviction.
“Director Sakata, this is just the beginning,” he said gravely. “Our goal is to take Neon’s culture to the world, to influence the world.”
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s steady, confident face, a strong premonition rising in his heart.
Perhaps he really could witness an era of change, a new cultural era opened by Hiroshi Nohara.
And he, Nobuhiko Sakata, would be one of the key witnesses of this era.
Under Hiroshi Nohara’s leadership, preparations for 《The Tale of Hachiko》 advanced at unprecedented speed and order.
The media began paying attention to this high-profile project.
“Hiroshi Nohara’s new work 《The Tale of Hachiko》 set to start filming—can it create another box office miracle?”
“Personally named by Your Excellency the Governor, pushed by Tokyo Television Station—Hachiko story may become Neon’s new cultural calling card!”
“From 《Seven Samurai》 to 《The Tale of Hachiko》, Hiroshi Nohara’s film blueprint quietly taking shape!”
News reports flooded in, pushing 《The Tale of Hachiko》 to the forefront of public opinion.
Hiroshi Nohara remained exceptionally calm about it. He knew all the honors and attention were temporary.
The real test lay in the work itself.
PS: Votes please~
