Chapter 200: Tokyo City Television’s Reaction! Hiroshi Nohara’s Arrangement! Xiang Shuishang Falls Into The Trap!
Unlike the warm, hazy glow under that dim yellow light in a Shinjuku alley, the private club at the top of the Kirin Group headquarters building was like an icy cold palace floating above the Tokyo night sky.
The huge floor-to-ceiling windows cut the brilliant starry river formed by countless lights outside into silent and icy cold abstract paintings, reflecting on the mirror-smooth black obsidian floor, and also illuminating the young and handsome faces in the club, slightly flushed from alcohol and desire.
In the air, the crisp fruit fragrance of high-end champagne intertwined with various expensive perfumes, forming a decadent and flashy scent unique to high society.
Tokugawa Sato, the Kirin Group chairman whose body was as burly as a small mountain, was now comfortably sunk into a huge Italian leather sofa, a look of satisfaction after a full meal hanging on his fat face.
Surrounding him was a group of young men and women who treated him like the absolute core, like stars surrounding the moon.
Without exception, they were all the hottest idol stars in the Neon entertainment industry under the Kirin Entertainment Agency.
Shunsuke Kamiki, the absolute center of this group of idols, was now elegantly kneeling beside Tokugawa Sato, carefully pouring him a glass of top single malt whiskey from Scotland’s Islay island.
On his handsome face, hailed as “national treasure level,” hung a perfectly measured smile that was humble yet full of intimacy.
“President Sato,” his voice was like the finest silk, smooth and magnetic: “This time’s【 Tokyo Drama Awards】, thanks to your strategic planning, I was able to get a Best Actor nomination. This kindness, I…”
“Enough, enough, don’t say those useless things.” Tokugawa Sato impatiently waved his hand, picked up the glass and downed the expensive whiskey like water, then turned his small eyes, squeezed into slits by fatness, toward Shunsuke Kamiki.
“Just a nomination, what’s there to be happy about.” He belched from the alcohol, his tone full of unquestionable dominance: “I’m telling you, this year’s Best Actor is definitely yours, no one can take it away.”
However, beneath this domineering promise, a trace of barely noticeable annoyance quietly crept into his heart.
But at that moment, a female secretary dressed in a professional suit, appearing shrewd and capable, walked in quickly with elegant steps.
She first deeply bowed to Tokugawa Sato, then respectfully handed him a freshly printed document.
“President, this is the latest news just sent from Tokyo Television Station.”
Tokugawa Sato lazily took the document and casually glanced at it.
But when his gaze touched those striking large characters, his usually somewhat murky small eyes instantly shot out a sharp, hawk-like cold light.
“《Late-night Diner》… manga adapted into live-action drama?” He muttered to himself, his voice carrying a trace of barely noticeable solemnity.
The originally decadent and flashy atmosphere in the club seemed to be instantly frozen by an invisible force at that moment.
Everyone’s gazes subconsciously turned to Tokugawa Sato, confusion appearing on those young and handsome faces.
“President, what’s wrong?” Shunsuke Kamiki spoke first, his always affectionate peach blossom eyes now filled with concern for his lord: “Is… is something wrong?”
Tokugawa Sato didn’t answer; he just casually tossed the document onto the tea table, that light action like dropping a bomb powerful enough to explode the whole scene.
Shunsuke Kamiki quickly picked up the document, his peach blossom eyes rapidly scanning the content.
When he saw the keywords “Hiroshi Nohara,” “heartwarming healing,” and “manga adaptation,” his already handsome face instantly darkened.
“Tokyo Television Station… is actually making a heartwarming healing drama too?” A young male entertainer who was also a popular idol leaned over beside him, looking at the content on the document; a deep worry now appeared on his face that always wore a sunny smile: “And it’s personally handled by that Hiroshi Nohara? President, this… this won’t affect our upcoming《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》, will it?”
His words immediately elicited a chorus of agreement.
“Yeah! President!” A female idol known for her pure and innocent image now frowned, her pitiful appearance enough to move any man: “Our drama also focuses on ‘warmth’ and ‘healing.’ Now Tokyo Television Station is doing the same; isn’t that… isn’t that obviously challenging us head-on?”
“Moreover, that Hiroshi Nohara is now the hottest producer in all of Neon! His《The Tale of Hachiko》 has box office nearing 4 billion yen! If he makes a heartwarming healing drama too, then… then all our advantages are gone!” Another male idol on the tough guy route couldn’t hide his anxiety.
“Most importantly, I heard that Hiroshi Nohara is especially good at stirring audience emotions! Every movie he makes makes people cry! Our《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》 is moving too, but… but compared to him in tear-jerking, I… I just don’t feel confident!” A newcomer female idol who had just emerged, her voice carrying a trace of timid fear.
For a moment, the club was filled with voices of worry and unease.
These idol stars who shone brilliantly under the spotlights and enjoyed endless adoration daily now seemed like ordinary people, their faces filled with wariness and fear of the man named Hiroshi Nohara.
However, amid this atmosphere of worry and unease, three middle-aged men who had been silent suddenly exchanged glances, then simultaneously let out disdainful chuckles.
These three were the three veteran second-class directors whom Tokugawa Sato had poached at high salaries from television stations across the country.
They would be the absolute core of Tokyo City Television’s production field against Tokyo Television Station in the future.
“Everyone, aren’t you… overestimating that Hiroshi Nohara?”
The one who spoke was a director named Tanaka, slightly plump with a always amiable smile on his face, but his small eyes flashed with shrewdness utterly at odds with his appearance.
“Adapting manga into live-action drama isn’t easy.” He picked up his glass and took a small sip, his professional confidence making the entire club seem quieter: “Do you think manga and live-action drama are the same? I’m telling you, they’re completely different!”
“Director Tanaka is right!” Another director named Suzuki chimed in, skinny with glasses, looking refined, but his tone sharply incisive: “Mang a’s charm lies in its ‘blank space.’ The author uses simple lines to outline a world, and what the characters look like, their tone of speech, the smell of the environment around them… everything is secondarily created and ‘imagined’ by readers in their minds! Every reader has their own ‘Late-night Diner’ in their heart!”
“But live-action drama?” He adjusted his glasses, his always calm eyes flashing with worldly-wise insight: “Live-action drama is ‘filling in the blanks’! It concretizes everything! The boss must be this actor, his voice must have this tone, that bowl of cat food must taste like this! It replaces the reader’s unique, imaginative world in an unquestionable, domineering way! Do you think original fans will accept it? They’ll only feel their ‘holy land’ in their hearts has been defiled! Betrayed!”
“Director Suzuki’s metaphor is brilliant!” The last director named Watanabe couldn’t help clapping in praise, tall and dignified with an air of ancient warrior general: “It’s like your dream lover you’ve secretly admired for years suddenly appearing before you in a way you can’t accept. That disillusionment, that anger, enough to instantly destroy all previous affection!”
“Moreover, don’t forget, the success of《Late-night Diner》 comes from its unique, worldly life-filled atmosphere and that mysterious boss.” He paused, a disdainful curve at his lips: “Such atmosphere is hard to create through lenses. And that boss is even harder! Who do you cast? A handsome man? Original fans will say you ruined the boss’s mystery! An ugly guy? Casual viewers will find it unappetizing! It’s a dilemma paradox!”
“So that’s why I say you’re worrying too much.” Director Tanaka smiled in summary: “That Hiroshi Nohara may be a genius at jidaigeki films. A master at tearjerkers. But in manga-to-live-action drama, he’s just a novice! He chose the wrong track this time! Defeat is certain!”
The three directors’ analysis full of professional insight was like the most timely heart stimulant, instantly soothing the restless hearts of all the idol stars present.
“So that’s how it is!”
“Hearing the three directors explain it, I feel confident!”
“Yeah! We almost got scared by that Hiroshi Nohara’s reputation!”
“Right! No matter how great he is, he can’t be a genius in every field!”
The worry and unease in the club were instantly replaced by heartfelt relief and… schadenfreude.
Everyone looked at the three directors talking confidently, their eyes full of admiration and trust.
However, amid this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, a slightly hoarse yet oppressive voice suddenly arose like a biting cold wind in warm spring.
“You’re still underestimating him.” The speaker was Tokugawa Sato.
He had at some point set down his glass, all drunkenness and satisfaction gone from his fat face, leaving only a heart-palpitating solemnity.
His small eyes now stared fixedly at the document on the tea table, that gaze like looking at a life-or-death enemy that could bankrupt him.
“Do you think this is just a simple drama?” He sneered, his voice full of solemnity: “You’re wrong! This isn’t art creation at all! This is… Tokyo Television Station launching a naked… political attack on us, on the newly established Tokyo City Television!”
Every word of his struck like a heavy hammer on everyone’s hearts present.
The club instantly fell into dead silence.
Everyone stared blankly at Tokugawa Sato, all relaxation and pleasure gone from their faces, replaced by perfectly measured “fear” and “cooperation.”
“President is right!” Shunsuke Kamiki reacted first, his handsome face now filled with righteous indignation: “Tokyo Television Station is too bullying! Our Tokyo City Television just established, and they’re already eager to suppress us! They simply… don’t take us seriously!”
“Yeah! President!” The three directors also chimed in, exchanging glances with mutual “tacit understanding.”
“But President, no need to worry too much.” Director Tanaka smiled, confidence returning to his face: “Tokyo Television Station is powerful, but we’re no pushovers! Behind us is the entire Tokyo City Government! And you, and other real estate groups controlling Tokyo City’s economic lifelines! In funds, we’re not inferior at all!”
“Right!” Director Suzuki agreed, his calm eyes flashing with “ambition”: “With enough funding, I’m confident in producing a work warmer, more healing, more touching than Hiroshi Nohara’s《Late-night Diner》!”
“President, believe us!” Director Watanabe said solemnly, his refined face full of unquestionable confidence: “We three together, plus Kamiki and these super popular idol stars! This battle, we win for sure!”
Tokugawa Sato listened to their bold words, but the solemnity on his face didn’t fade.
He exhaled deeply, that breath carrying helplessness, annoyance, and deep wariness of the young man named Hiroshi Nohara.
“Hope so.” He muttered, then downed the amber liquid in his glass.
The spicy liquor slid down his throat, slightly calming his irritable heart.
He cast his gaze over everyone present, his small eyes full of unquestionable command.
“For《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》, do you have confidence?”
“Yes!”
The three directors responded in unison, their voices full of fighting spirit and passion.
“We will give our all!”
Shunsuke Kamiki also chimed in, his handsome face now full of unquestionable confidence: “Believe me, President! My acting skills are enough to make all Neon’s young girls obsessed! They’ll cry, laugh, and give all their passion and… tears for Afu and his beloved dog!”
“Hahahahahaha!”
The club erupted in another round of knowing laughter!
Everyone knew Shunsuke Kamiki was right.
In this looks-obsessed era, appearance is justice!
Tokugawa Sato looked at their confident demeanor, the solemnity on his face finally easing somewhat.
He nodded, the dominance of a superior returning to his face.
“Good.” He said gravely, tone calm yet powerful: “Remember, this filming isn’t just an ordinary drama. It also concerns Tokyo City Mayor Mikami Tanaka’s reelection campaign promotion!”
“So, give 120% effort! Success only, no failure! We’ll win with this drama! Show everyone Tokyo City Television’s strength! Let those Tokyo Television Station guys know who the true king of the greater Tokyo metropolitan area is!”
“Hai!”
Everyone responded in unison, voices full of fighting spirit and passion.
However, amid this passionate and fanatical atmosphere, the steadiest Watanabe Director suddenly spoke, asking a question that made everyone turn their heads.
“President, I heard the new Tokyo City Television reserved a Production Bureau Deputy Director position for you? Who do you plan… to give it to?”
His words instantly froze the passionate atmosphere in the club.
Directors Tanaka and Suzuki’s breathing seemed to stop at that moment.
They exchanged glances, seeing suppressed desire and… a hint of hostility in each other’s eyes.
They knew this position was more than just a job.
It represented future power at Tokyo City Television!
Tokugawa Sato looked at their eager expressions and revealed a meaningful smile.
However, deep in his heart, the annoyance just suppressed surged back like a tide.
He thought of that young man who made him both admire and angry, his distant nephew with the same blood but utterly incompatible—Kenji Sato.
If that kid took the position, with his ability plus his own control, the entire Tokyo City Television Production Bureau would be in his pocket!
Then, whether advertising his real estate projects or boosting Mayor Tanaka’s campaign would be effortless!
But… that kid actually… actually refused him!
He gave up such a huge opportunity to stay at Tokyo Television Station, to follow that countryside villager named Hiroshi Nohara!
This “betrayal” ignited raging anger in Tokugawa Sato’s heart.
But he didn’t show it on his face.
He just casually glanced at the three directors sitting upright with expectant faces, a playful curve at his lips.
“This position, no rush.” He said softly, tone calm yet powerful: “Depends on who performs best this time.”
“Boom—!”
This sentence was like the most precise stimulant, instantly igniting the “ambition” flames in the three directors’ hearts!
“President! Rest assured!” Director Tanaka declared first, his amiable smiling face now full of unquestionable confidence: “For this《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》, I’ll give 200% effort! Guarantee it becomes this year’s warmest, most healing, and most successful drama!”
“President! I personally wrote and polished this drama’s script for three whole months!” Director Suzuki chimed in, his calm eyes flashing with “fanaticism”: “We referenced Hiroshi Nohara’s《The Tale of Hachiko》, perfectly incorporating the core elements of ‘loyalty’ and ‘protection’ into our story! We’ll not only ride《The Tale of Hachiko》’s heat but surpass it with our own story!”
“Moreover, President!” Director Watanabe said excitedly, his refined face full of confidence: “We have Kamiki and these super high-appearance idol stars! Their faces are this drama’s biggest ratings guarantee! I believe with them, this drama absolutely won’t fail!”
Tokugawa Sato listened to their “loyalty pledges,” the annoyance on his face finally replaced by heartfelt satisfaction.
He knew these three would go all out for that deputy director position.
And he just needed to reap the benefits.
“Good.” He nodded, superior dominance returning to his face: “I’ll wait for your good news.”
The club was once again filled with a festive atmosphere.
Everyone knew a new war was about to begin.
A war over money, power, and… glory!
And they would personally participate and witness the final outcome of this “war”!
……
The next morning, when the first faint dawn light pierced the thin mist over Tokyo, like the sharpest blade waking the sleeping giant.
A smokeless war had quietly fired its first shot in the city’s newsstands and convenience stores.
Those freshly printed newspapers still carrying the fresh ink scent were placed on shelves one by one, their front-page headlines almost without exception occupied by the same name and proposal.
《Tokyo Daily》 culture section headline used a near-war-report tone, title striking and full of gunpowder: 【《Late-night Diner》 live-action! Hiroshi Nohara strikes again, Tokyo Television Station draws sword, straight at new rival!】
“As Tokyo City Television partners with Kirin Group Artist Agency to announce the heartwarming healing project《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》, aiming to grab a share of the drama market, Tokyo Television Station’s ‘culture monster’ Hiroshi Nohara quickly responded late last night. His personally created manga《Late-night Diner》, highly acclaimed among urban white-collar workers, will officially launch live-action drama adaptation. Industry analysts point out this is undoubtedly Tokyo Television Station’s precise and tough ‘warning’ to the emerging challenger. Hiroshi Nohara choosing now to play his strongest ‘healing’ trump card, his strategic intent is clear. A ratings war over ‘warmth’ and ‘healing’ has begun. However, manga-to-live-action dramas are notoriously cursed; whether Hiroshi Nohara can continue his undefeated myth remains unknown.”
Compared to《Tokyo Daily》’s straightforward commercial view,《Yomiuri Shimbun》’s editorial was deeper and more professionally cautious: 【From《An Shizhi》 to《Late-night Diner》: Hiroshi Nohara’s “dimensional wall” gamble—genius confidence or novice arrogance?】
“It must be noted that live-actionizing《Late-night Diner》 differs vastly from last year’s successful《An Shizhi》 animation.《An Shizhi》’s success lay in retaining manga’s ‘kamishibai’ raw feel, more like ‘dynamic manga’—dubbing and translating original drafts, not true ‘adaptation.’ With no pre-released manga, no fixed readership, low audience entry barrier. But《Late-night Diner》 is different. It has millions of loyal readers, each with their own imaginative, emotionally projected ‘Late-night Diner.’ Live-action means ‘filling’ and ‘defining’ that imagined space with a specific actor and fixed scenes. For original fans, it’s a ‘trial of faith.’ What angle for the boss’s scar? How should the wood shavings float on cat food? Mishandled details invite tidal waves of criticism. Hiroshi Nohara has chosen the hardest, most dangerous path. Is this genius’s absolute confidence or an undefeated one’s arrogance in new territory? The market will decide.”
《Asahi Shimbun》’s culture commentary took a higher view, exploring the social cultural phenomenon: 【”Healing” consumption: When《Late-night Diner》 moves from page to screen, can it still bear urban loneliness?】
“《Late-night Diner》’s essence sells not gourmet but a cure for ‘loneliness.’ It provides a virtual ‘spiritual shelter’ for modern people exhausted in steel and cement jungles. This success roots in manga’s intimate imagination space. But when this private experience becomes mass TV, will its core dilute? TV’s nature demands broader audiences, clearer dramatic conflict. Will this dilute the original’s unique flavor in plainness? Cautious optimism is warranted—after all, it’s Hiroshi Nohara. But worry too: when ‘healing’ becomes mass-produced commodity, how much purity and sincerity remains?”
The most professional film review magazine《Eiga Shunpo》 directly targeted the core, fatal adaptation issue: 【Who can be that “boss”?《Late-night Diner》 live-action’s Achilles’ heel】
“Casting is key to《Late-night Diner》 live-action success, especially the soul ‘boss.’ He must embody contradiction: past-representing scar on face, eyes hiding worldly-wise gentleness; taciturn yet heals hearts with a dish, a word. He’s a symbol, a carrier of urban fantasies’ ‘ferryman.’ Such actors are rare in Neon’s industry. Famous actors’ images may clash; newcomers may not carry the drama’s aura? Hiroshi Nohara showed unique casting eye before, but this is his career’s sternest test. Not just picking an actor, but projecting readers’ dreams into reality. Perhaps his biggest gamble yet.”
Instantly, Neon’s media world was plunged into complex emotions of expectation, caution, doubt, and debate over《Late-night Diner》 live-action.
However, when these professional, rational texts seeped into the city’s capillaries, the chemical reactions they sparked were entirely different.
Early morning on the crowded Yamanote Line, the car rocked gently with the tracks, like a huge cradle full of fatigue and dreams.
“Xiaoya! Xiaoya! Look at this morning’s newspaper!” A young girl in professional suit, seemingly new to work, excitedly shook her companion’s arm; her sleep-deprived tired eyes now sparkled with excitement.
“What’s up, Miyuki, so excited first thing.” Called Xiaoya, she yawned, lifting from her phone screen showing last night’s idol drama binge.
“《Late-night Diner》! It’s《Late-night Diner》! Minister Nohara is turning his manga into live-action drama!” Miyuki thrust the newspaper almost to her companion’s face.
“What?!” Xiaoya’s sleepiness vanished; she snatched the paper, her big sparkling eyes lighting up at the familiar name: “For real?! Wow—! Awesome! I dream of seeing a moving ‘boss’!”
“Right! Right!” Miyuki nodded excitedly: “Last night I worked overtime till 11, starving on way home, wishing for a real ‘Late-night Diner’! Didn’t expect this news today! Wish granted!”
“Who do you think will play the boss?” Xiaoya’s face showed girlish longing: “I think that guy… Hiroshi Kawakami from taiga drama, fits! Tall, flavorful looks!”
“Hiroshi Kawakami? No, too handsome, too eye-catching for boss.” Miyuki retorted: “I think that yakuza movie guy Xiang Shuishang fits! His fierce face matches boss’s scar perfectly! But gentle smile!”
“Anyway, whoever! If Minister Nohara directs, it won’t suck!”
“Right! Can’t wait! Wanna watch so bad!”
The two girls’ chatter was like happy larks in the stuffy car, adding vibrant color to the dull commute.
On another university campus, during lunch on the lawn, boys sat eating convenience store bento, excitedly discussing.
“Hey, you see?《Late-night Diner》 getting live-action!” A baseball cap boy slurped fried noodles while saying.
“Of course! Iron fan from volume 1!” Glasses boy adjusted frames, calm eyes excited: “Curious how manga dishes look live: thick rolled omelet, cat food, ochazuke sisters… Thinking makes me drool!”
“I care more about supporting roles.” A literary boy chin-propped thoughtfully: “Especially yakuza elder brother A Long, stripper Marilyn—if miscast, whole drama’s flavor changes.”
“No worry! Director’s Hiroshi Nohara!” Cap boy waved dismissively: “He made Seven Samurai’s diverse samurai vivid; small roles no issue! Relax, await masterpiece!”
“True! Hahaha! So excited! Hope it’s soon!”
Young people’s world lacks “dimensional wall” worries or “commercial game” schemes.
They just know their loved work will appear fresh and alive anew.
This pure expectation is a world-shaking power itself.
……
This power naturally pierced regional barriers, reaching every corner of the Neon Archipelago.
Hokkaido, Hokkaido Television Station.
In President Taro Yamashita’s office, the atmosphere was far from the Tokyo youths’ ease.
An emergency phone conference covering all Neon local stations was underway.
“Everyone must’ve seen this morning’s news.” Taro Yamashita’s voice echoed via speakerphone, his northern roughness hiding subtle solemnity: “Tokyo Television Station’s Hiroshi Nohara is adapting his manga《Late-night Diner》 to live-action drama. Thoughts?”
“Thoughts? Hahaha! Laughing hard!” Kinki Television Station President Kenichi Sato’s schadenfreude laughter from the line: “That Hiroshi Nohara is too young! Thinks a few successes make him omnipotent god? Manga-to-live-action is Hollywood directors’ ‘minefield’! He dares touch it? Suicidal!”
“Sato, not quite.” Chubu Television Station President Osamu Watanabe cautiously: “Hiroshi Nohara isn’t ordinary. His past ‘adventures’ all succeeded.”
“Different!” Kenichi Sato retorted: “Past is past! This is now! I bet here: his《Late-night Diner》 flops hard! Then his ‘undefeated myth’ crumbles!”
“Sato has a point.” Kyushu Local Television Station President Koji Tanaka slowly: his southern mildness sharp: “But I care more about Tokyo Television Station’s motive launching now.”
“Motive?” Everyone paused.
“Yes, motive.” Koji Tanaka solemn: “Remember, days ago new Tokyo City Television announced Kirin Group collab on heartwarming healing drama《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》. Now Tokyo Television Station counters with《Late-night Diner》. Coincidence?”
“No coincidence! Naked suppression!” Tohoku Television Station President Ichiro Suzuki slammed table indignantly: “Tokyo Television Station can’t stand others succeeding! Tokyo City Television just born, they rush to kill it! Utterly domineering!”
“Yes!” Shikoku’s Matsumoto President agreed: “They’re monopolizing Kanto drama market!”
The call filled with denunciations of Tokyo Television Station.
These usually competitive local bosses united unprecedentedly against common foe Tokyo Television Station.
“Everyone, calm down.”
Silent Hokkaido Television Station President Taro Yamashita spoke again.
His voice like northern cold wind instantly cooled the heated conference.
“Tokyo Television Station’s dominance isn’t new.” He slowly: veteran steadiness quieting all: “Since last year, which of us hasn’t been crushed by Hiroshi Nohara and his monster team? Complaining now useless?”
He paused, gaze sweeping vast snowy plains outside, murky eyes hunter-decisive.
“I think this is… an opportunity for us.”
“Opportunity?” All stunned again.
“Yes.” Taro Yamashita’s lips curved meaningfully: “Enemy’s enemy is friend. New powerhouse Tokyo City Television with strong backing and funds—isn’t it perfect to ally?”
He paused, more meaningful: “We contact them for deep cooperation: our local broadcast channels, production resources. Even ally at【 Tokyo Drama Awards】!”
“Make Tokyo Television Station, that arrogant Hiroshi Nohara know: facing not just Tokyo City Television, but… all Neon’s local TV media alliance!”
“End his fearsome undefeated myth with total defeat!”
Taro Yamashita’s words rang like precise war drums, striking every heart.
Brief dead silence on the line.
Then earth-shaking agreement erupted!
“Good! Yamashita right!”
“Yes! Local stations unite!”
“Time to show Tokyo Television Station color!”
“End Hiroshi Nohara’s undefeated myth! Love it! Hahaha!”
A massive storm against Hiroshi Nohara, Tokyo Television Station quietly gathered over Neon Archipelago.
At the storm’s center, young man Hiroshi Nohara sat calmly in that worldly life-filled small shop, quietly eating plain ochazuke.
It was 6:40 PM, not yet Late-night Diner opening, so shop empty.
But Xiang Shuishang still personally made the ochazuke.
Watching Hiroshi Nohara eat, he brought octopus sausage with cabbage from kitchen, placed before him, gratefully bowing deeply: “Thank you, Mr. Hiroshi Nohara! Thanks to you, my daughter entered such a good school! Very grateful!”
Today daytime, someone contacted Xiang Shuishang to bring daughter for school enrollment.
Xiang Shuishang was originally anxious.
But after arriving with daughter, in under two hours, all procedures done; daughter now student at excellent middle school.
This sudden surprise felt dreamlike even now!
Xiang Shuishang knew, though daughter excellent student, no local house, no impressive gifts, no money.
Getting daughter into this school.
For past him…
Was pipe dream!
Now solved by single sentence from 24-year-old Hiroshi Nohara.
This made Xiang Shuishang infinitely grateful.
“No need thanks, Boss Xiang Shuishang.” Hiroshi Nohara looked up at Xiang Shuishang, nearly identical to past-life Kobayashi, smiling: “Tomorrow, report to my film crew.”
“Hai! Minister sir!” Xiang Shuishang smiled, 90-degree bow again, mood complex yet eager.
After all, in youth, he dabbled in film and television.
Just failed.
Nearly 20 years without acting; recalling youthful drive and unrealized dreams, he grew more excited.
Now in Neon, who doesn’t know Hiroshi Nohara means ratings and box office!?
God-like!
PS: Out today, delayed by matters, just finished writing…
