Chapter 205: 《late-night Diner》 Opening Theme! Healing From The Guitar! The Farce At Tokyo City Television!
When President Shimazu’s figure disappeared behind the heavy wooden door, the string in the meeting room that had been stretched to its utmost limit finally “buzzed” and slowly relaxed.
Nobuhiko Sakata, Asumi, and Toshihide Takada all simultaneously let out a long breath, which carried a fatigue like the aftermath of a disaster, as well as a shock from having their perceptions completely overturned.
“Hiroshi-kun…” Asumi was the first to break the silence. He turned his head, and on that usually cheerful face was now an indescribable complex emotion, his eyes looking at him like he was a monster that had just returned from another dimension: “I only knew before that you were great at producing programs, great at drawing manga, great at making movies… But I never imagined that you… you even know so much about elections?!”
“Yeah, Hiroshi-kun.” A genuine admiration bordering on awe appeared on Toshihide Takada’s face: “That ‘information cocoon’ you just mentioned is… truly terrifying. This isn’t just simple promotion strategy anymore; it’s practically… an open scheme that strikes straight at the heart. I dare say, even those old politicians who have been scheming in Nagata-cho for half a lifetime might not come up with such a… precise and vicious method.”
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly, the humility forming a stark contrast with the image of the one who had just been pointing at the world and stirring up storms.
“The two deputy directors are too kind.” His tone was calm as if the discussion just now, which concerned the nation’s fortune, was merely an ordinary program planning meeting: “I’m just taking some little tricks we usually use when producing programs to analyze audience psychology and… amplifying them a bit. In the end, whether it’s audiences or voters, don’t they all want that sense of identity from ‘being understood’?”
These words were spoken lightly, yet they made the three big shots in the room feel a chill in their hearts once again.
They exchanged glances and saw the same bitter smile in each other’s eyes.
Little tricks?
What kind of little tricks were these? This was clearly a dragon-slaying technique capable of manipulating hearts!
“Alright, enough of that.” Nobuhiko Sakata waved his hand with a smile, walked to the window, and looked at the city skyline outside gradually dyed golden by the setting sun, his eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation for ushering in a new era: “No matter what, President Shimazu has finally made up his mind. Our Tokyo Television Station finally has a true helmsman.”
He turned around, looking at everyone present, a sincere smile on his face.
“Everyone, starting next month, I, Nobuhiko Sakata, will officially take over as president. Please give me your guidance and support in the future.”
“President Sakata! You’re too polite!” Asumi was the first to stand up, bowing respectfully to Nobuhiko Sakata: “Your taking over as president is an honor for all of us at Tokyo Television Station! We will fully support you!”
“Yes, President Sakata.” Toshihide Takada also hurriedly stood up, glanced at Asumi, then bowed his head and said loudly: “Rest assured, our Production Bureau will be the sharpest knife in your hands!”
“Congratulations, President Sakata!” Hiroshi Nohara also stood up and bowed.
“Good.” Nobuhiko Sakata first looked at Hiroshi Nohara, then at the two capable generals in front of him who had once belonged to different factions but were now fighting side by side for the same goal, a surge of indescribable pride welling up in his heart.
He knew his era had come.
“Guidance is too much.” Nobuhiko Sakata shook his head with a smile, casting his eyes full of expectation and trust toward everyone present: “But we can’t forget President Shimazu’s kindness in recognizing us. For this election, our Tokyo Television Station must go all out! This is not just for President Shimazu himself, but for our Tokyo Television Station, for our ‘Tokyo Faction’, to fight for a chance of survival in the coming storm!”
“Yes!” Everyone responded in unison.
“But that said,” Nobuhiko Sakata’s gaze finally fell on the young man who had remained calm from beginning to end, a cunning glint unique to strategists flashing in his shrewd eyes: “Hiroshi-kun, since the overall direction for the election promotion is set, then… specifically for our station’s programs, what do you think we should do to perfectly combine President Shimazu’s campaign philosophy with our programs? For example… like your upcoming 《Late-night Diner》?”
“That’s simple.” Hiroshi Nohara answered so quickly it seemed like no thought was needed, as if this answer had already been brewing in his mind countless times.
“We can cut right after each episode of 《Late-night Diner》 ends into a special interview segment lasting about three to five minutes.” He looked at the expectant gazes around him, a confident arc curving at the corner of his mouth: “This segment will be called ‘President Shimazu’s Late-night Chats’.”
“President Shimazu’s Late-night Chats?” Asumi’s eyes lit up instantly upon hearing this.
“That’s right.”
Hiroshi Nohara nodded and said: “For example, the first episode is about the yakuza elder brother and the octopus sausage, with the core being ‘contrast’ and ‘inner softness’. Then, in the interview segment, we can have President Shimazu talk about his understanding of ‘the complexity of humanity’. He can share stories of people he met when young who seemed fierce but were actually kind-hearted inside. Then, naturally extend the topic to his governing philosophy—’Don’t judge by appearances, don’t judge by status, listen with heart to the voices deep in every citizen’s heart’.”
“Another example, the second episode is about the female singer and cat food, with the core being ‘dreams’ and ‘persistence’. Then, in the interview segment, we can have President Shimazu talk about his support for ‘young people’s dreams’. He can recount how he went from an unknown young person to realizing his life ideals step by step. Then, extend the topic to his campaign promises—’Provide a fairer and broader stage for all young people chasing dreams’!”
“Most importantly,” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice became low yet full of power: “The set for the entire interview segment must maintain a high consistency with the style of 《Late-night Diner》. Dim yellow lighting, wooden bar counter, a cup of sake, a plate of side dishes… We want the audience to feel that President Shimazu is not a high-and-mighty politician, but a neighborly uncle willing to have a heart-to-heart late at night. A confidant friend who can understand all their loneliness and confusion.”
“This way, we can subtly transfer the warmth and healing accumulated by 《Late-night Diner》, that emotional sense of identity, onto President Shimazu. Letting those audiences moved by the drama unknowingly become his most loyal… voters!”
“Clap! Clap! Clap!”
As soon as Hiroshi Nohara finished speaking, Asumi couldn’t hold back anymore. He slapped his thigh hard and applauded excitedly!
“Perfect! Absolutely perfect!” He exclaimed: “Hiroshi-kun! How is your brain wired?! This… this is a seamless promotion plan!”
“Yes, Hiroshi-kun.” Toshihide Takada also sincerely praised: “Combining the program content with the campaign philosophy so cleverly, so subtly. This skill is… truly astounding.”
“That’s it!” Nobuhiko Sakata slammed the table hard, his voice filled with excitement: “We’ll follow Hiroshi-kun’s plan completely for this election promotion! I want that guy Mikami Tanaka to see what true ‘public opinion warfare’ is!”
He paused, then cast his gaze full of expectation and pressure toward Hiroshi Nohara.
“However, Hiroshi-kun, all this is premised on 《Late-night Diner》 succeeding. Tonight is its premiere. Do you… have confidence?”
All eyes focused sharply on the young man again.
Hiroshi Nohara still smiled calmly, a absolute confidence shining in his clear eyes that could convince anyone.
“Of course.” His answer boomed like thunder.
……
Nightfall, like the gentlest brush, painted Tokyo, this steel forest, with a layer of mesmerizing color.
The clock hand slowly pointed to 8:50 PM.
In the vast office area of Nohara Independent Production Department, it was brightly lit and bustling with voices, filled with the anticipation and restlessness unique to the eve of a festival.
“Hurry! Beer and fried chicken are back! Everyone come get yours!”
Yō Kitagawa was like a happy butterfly flitting between workstations, holding a huge cardboard box filled with steaming bento boxes, fried chicken, french fries, and chilled beer and cola.
“Section Chief Yamamoto! Yours is teriyaki chicken cutlet rice!”
“Director Sato! Yours is pork cutlet rice with double miso soup!”
“And this! I specially bought ‘Late-night Diner’ style octopus sausages from the convenience store downstairs! Everyone come try them!”
“Whoa—!”
The entire office instantly erupted in earth-shattering cheers!
Everyone put down their work, gathering in twos and threes, their young and vibrant faces brimming with excitement about witnessing a miracle.
“I say, aren’t you guys exaggerating a bit?” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto took the bento from Yō Kitagawa, saying with a wry smile: “It’s just watching a premiere, making it like a holiday.”
“Of course!” Yō Kitagawa puffed out her small chest righteously, her pride making her shine brightly: “This is our Nohara Independent Production Department’s first TV drama this year! And it’s personally adapted by the department head! Of course we have to welcome its birth in the most grand way!”
“Right! Right!” Several young employees next to her, also die-hard 《Late-night Diner》 manga fans, chimed in. They looked at the huge LCD TV on the wall, their eyes filled with fanatical worship.
“Let me tell you, I’ve been following 《Late-night Diner》 from the first chapter!” A bespectacled, scholarly-looking female planner had a “been there” expression, educating her colleagues: “You don’t know, when the first chapter ‘red sausage and tamagoyaki’ came out, it caused a huge sensation in the manga world! Everyone said Minister Nohara was a god! He actually depicted the yakuza elder brother’s inner nostalgia for childhood so… so gently!”
“Yes! Yes!” Another introverted male screenwriter chimed in, pushing up his glasses, his usually calm eyes now sparkling with “resonance”: “And that ‘cat food’! I cried my eyes out when I read it! The female singer had nothing, but she had dreams and that cat willing to eat cat food with her! That warmth in loneliness was… so heart-wrenching!”
“I prefer the ‘ochazuke three sisters’!” A female employee from the programming bureau who came specially to watch the fun said excitedly: “They say ‘men are all pigs’ on their lips, but whenever they gather, they can’t help discussing their emotional issues! Those bleak and real dialogues are exactly the real portrayal of us older single women!”
“So that’s why I’m most worried about the acting in the live-action version!” Worry appeared on the female planner’s face: “Especially the boss! He’s the soul of the whole manga! If the actor chosen is wrong, the whole drama will be ruined!”
“What are you afraid of!” Yō Kitagawa waved her hand carelessly, looking at everyone with her sparkling big eyes full of unquestionable trust: “Have you all forgotten who our minister is? He’s that ‘culture monster’ who can turn decay into magic! I believe whoever he chooses is absolutely right!”
Amid the rising and falling discussion voices, the huge LCD TV on the wall switched scenes.
Immediately after was the futuristic logo of Tokyo Television Station.
“It’s starting! It’s starting!”
Everyone instinctively held their breath.
The office instantly fell into an expectant silence.
Only the mellow yet slightly hoarse guitar sound from the TV, like the gentlest evening breeze, slowly drifted out.
The opening theme of 《Late-night Diner》 started playing.
That familiar melody and warm visuals instantly pulled everyone into that late-night world full of storytelling and worldly life.
The guitar was soft, like a lonely traveler’s silent sigh at a midnight alley, or a handful of clear spring flowing over the city’s icy cold cement ground. No ornate arrangement, no passionate drums, just the purest vibration of six strings, note by note, clean enough to wash away a day’s fatigue.
Then, a slightly hoarse male voice full of worldly life rose like mist from the spring, singing unhurriedly.
The voice had no technical polish, yet it was like aged whiskey—rich, warm, with just the right touch of hoarseness, every word telling a story long hidden in the heart.
On the TV screen, Shinjuku street scenes flowed slowly under the lens, finally freezing on that deep alley, the dim yellow lantern, and the faded blue curtain.
The lens cut inside the shop, where the man in a deep blue kimono with a knife scar on his face had his back to the camera, unhurriedly preparing ingredients in the tiny kitchen.
Until the last note of the opening theme, like falling cherry blossoms, gently dissipated into the air.
The entire office remained silent.
Everyone was still immersed in that warmth and emotion found in the ordinary, unable to extricate themselves for a long time.
Then, the boss’s rich yet slightly hoarse voice rose slowly like a voiceover.
“When the day ends and people rush home, my day is just beginning.”
“The menu only has these, but anything you want to eat, as long as I can make it, you can order. That’s my business policy.”
“Business hours are from midnight twelve to around seven in the morning. People call it—’Late-night Diner’.”
That voice was like an anchor, instantly fixing all floating emotions firmly in this small diner.
“Hiss—”
Finally, the office filled with irrepressible gasps, then like an ignited fuse, erupted into earth-shattering whispers!
“Oh my god! This is the feeling! Exactly this feeling!” The bespectacled female planner grabbed her colleague’s arm excitedly, stars almost shooting from her sparkling eyes: “This boss’s back view! This kitchen atmosphere! And that opening theme just now! It’s… exactly like the scenes I imagined in my head when reading the manga!”
“More than exact!” The introverted male screenwriter beside her chimed in, pushing up his glasses, his usually calm eyes now blazing with “fanaticism”: “I even think the live-action is better than I imagined! That boss’s voice is so magnetic! It made my… my heart melt, and I’m a grown man!”
“Right! Right!” Another young employee in charge of props review said excitedly: “Did you see that kitchen set just now? So real! Those pots and pans, those seasoning jars, just like in a decades-old shop! I can even smell that aroma mixed with soy sauce and oil fumes!”
“I think the most brilliant is that opening theme!” A female employee from the programming bureau who came to watch said with emotion: “That song is so good! Warm, healing, with a touch of loneliness! It’s practically a ‘soul comfort song’ tailored for us urbanites hustling in Tokyo!”
“Yeah! Yeah! It made me homesick…”
At the other end of the office, on the central sofa symbolizing core power, Asumi, Toshihide Takada, and lead actors like Ken Minamino had equally wonderful expressions.
“This opening theme… though not the first time hearing it.” Asumi’s emotions were complex as he looked at Hiroshi Nohara beside him, his eyes like looking at a real monster: “But hearing it now, without complex instruments, not even drums. Just a simple acoustic guitar and the most simple voice, yet it instantly grabs everyone’s ears and pulls them into the story. This skill of simplifying complexity is… truly terrifying.”
“Mm.” Toshihide Takada nodded, sincere admiration on his face: “It’s not just a song; it’s creating an ‘atmosphere’. It uses the most direct and effective way to set a tone of ‘warmth’ intertwined with ‘loneliness’ for the whole drama. Letting the audience subconsciously accept the story’s setting before the main episode. This precise grasp of audience psychology is… astounding.”
“More than precise!” Ken Minamino, this veteran actor who had been in the neon entertainment industry for half a lifetime, couldn’t help sighing. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara with bone-deep awe: “Let me tell you, when I was filming on site, the minister was right there, personally playing and singing this song on guitar. The moment I heard it, I felt myself sinking in. This song has magic.”
Amid the rising and falling praises, a young employee wearing headphones, seemingly from the music team, suddenly took them off, his face beaming with pride as he said to everyone.
“Everyone, this opening theme was personally arranged by our Minister Nohara, and he invited a folk independent musician he greatly admires to play and sing it.”
He paused, his tone more solemn, the pride of a professional making him shine: “Moreover, the minister personally ordered that this song called 《Nostalgia》（Memories） will be the eternal fixed opening theme for our 《Late-night Diner》 series! No matter how many seasons, it won’t change!”
“What?!”
“Minister personally arranged?!”
“Oh my god! He… he even knows music?!”
The office erupted in earth-shattering gasps again!
However, this amazement was quickly replaced by a near-“of course” composure.
“Sigh… I knew it.” The female planner sighed long, her voice carrying helplessness, a wry smile, and bone-deep worship: “Is there anything our minister can’t do?”
“Yeah.” The male screenwriter chimed in, pushing up his glasses, a habitual calm in his eyes: “I even think if tomorrow’s newspaper says the minister is actually an alien who can pilot Gundam, I wouldn’t find it strange at all.”
“Hahahahaha!”
The office instantly burst into knowing laughter!
Everyone knew that in front of Hiroshi Nohara this “culture monster”, any “impossible” would become “of course”.
“Shh—! Quiet! The plot’s starting!”
At that moment, Yō Kitagawa suddenly pointed at the TV, making a “shush” gesture.
The office instantly fell into expectant silence again.
Everyone’s gazes sharply turned back to that light and shadow world full of storytelling and worldly life.
They watched that man with a knife scar on his face but infinitely gentle eyes, unhurriedly making heartwarming, stomach-warming dishes in the tiny kitchen for those equally lonely urbanites.
They watched those guests of all kinds, late at night, drop all disguises and share their joys and sorrows.
They seemed to become part of this little shop.
Their hearts, with the plot’s progression, were sometimes warmed, sometimes moved, sometimes… thoroughly healed.
……
Tokyo City Television,
This newly completed modern building of icy cold glass curtain walls and steel structures was like a steel behemoth opening giant eyes in the dark night. In its top-floor multifunctional screening room, a grand and noisy opening ceremony and premiere was being held.
Crystal chandeliers lit the hall as bright as day, light refracting brilliant and flashy halos on the walls of tulip glasses filled with top champagne. The air was filled with the rich scent of high-end cologne and expensive perfume, cutting this small space off from the real night outside belonging to ordinary people into two completely different worlds.
Mayor of Tokyo City Mikami Tanaka sat in the central main seat, wearing a meticulously tailored dark high-end kimono. On that face furrowed with years, hung a perfectly measured mild smile befitting a politician.
But those hawk-like sharp eyes, like the most precise searchlights, slowly swept over everyone present, taking in all their expressions.
Beside him was Kirin Group Chairman Tokugawa Sato, whose mountain-like obese figure had an oily face from alcohol, now beaming with a victor’s smugness and arrogance.
“Hahahaha! Mayor! Just watch!” Tokugawa Sato raised his glass, his voice booming enough to lift the screening room’s roof: “Tonight, our 《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》 will absolutely explode! I guarantee the ratings will rub that whatever 《Late-night Diner》 from Tokyo Television Station into the ground!”
“President Sato, mind your words.” Mikami Tanaka waved his hand with a smile, his composure as a superior making him particularly poised: “Our Tokyo City Television is a platform serving citizens, no cutthroat commercial competition. As long as we make our work well and convey the ‘warmth’ and ‘care’ we want to every citizen, that’s enough.”
His words were lofty and impeccable, instantly drawing a chorus of agreement.
“The mayor is right!”
“Exactly! We make art! Sentiment! Not that fast-food culture chasing ratings!”
“Right! Our drama will definitely be this year’s phenomenal work!”
Invited media reporters and film critics also raised their glasses, professional smiles on their faces, mouths full of perfectly measured flattery.
And as tonight’s absolute stars, the three high-salary poached veteran directors and the idol stars led by Shunsuke Kamiki were like pumped with chicken blood, standing straight, faces brimming with excitement and arrogance for a new era.
“Mayor, President Sato, media friends.” The director named Tanaka stood first: “As the chief director of 《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》, I can responsibly tell everyone this drama is our team’s six-month meticulously polished… sincere work worthy of neon TV drama history!”
He paused, tone more impassioned, his professional confidence making him shine: “From the creation stage, we did the most precise big data analysis of Tokyo’s ratings market! We found young viewers, especially women 18-35, have near-instinctive love for ‘pets’, ‘protection’, ‘growth’! So our drama’s core revolves tightly around these three keywords!”
“Right!” Another director Suzuki chimed in: “We’re not just telling a story; we’re tailoring a dream for our target audience that sparks strong emotional resonance! We use the most beautiful lenses for southern island nature, the most moving music for the protagonist’s loneliness and struggle, the cutest Akita dog to ignite their deepest maternal glow! Every part calculated precisely! I dare say any female viewer can’t resist our drama’s charm!”
“The two directors are spot on!” The last director Watanabe clapped in praise: “Art comes from life, but ultimately serves the market! Our drama is the perfect blend of ‘art’ and ‘commerce’! We have the most professional team, finest production, precise market positioning, and…”
His gaze slowly fell on that young man who had maintained an elegant smile throughout.
“…and, neon entertainment’s brightest star—Shunsuke Kamiki!”
“Wow—!”
All eyes instantly focused on that young man like a perfect artwork sculpted by deities.
Shunsuke Kamiki slowly stood from his seat, first elegantly bowing to everyone, then sweeping his peach blossom eyes that could make any woman fall with everyone present.
“Everyone, you’re too kind.” His voice like the finest silk, smooth and magnetic, every word carrying heart-soothing magic: “I’m just doing what I should as an actor.”
He paused, a crowd-toppling arc at his mouth, his top idol confidence and charm making him radiant.
“But I can guarantee one thing.” He looked at everyone, eyes full of affirmation: “My fans are the cutest and most loyal in the world. Any drama I star in, they’ll support and protect with all their passion. So tonight’s ratings, please watch and see.”
These words were light yet powerful.
The subtext clear—With me Shunsuke Kamiki, this drama absolutely can’t fail!
“Well said!”
“Worthy of Junskie!”
“We believe in you!”
The young entertainers behind him, also popular idols, chimed in, their moon-surrounded-by-stars fanaticism pushing the screening room’s atmosphere to a peak.
Amid this confident and fanatical atmosphere, the screening room lights slowly dimmed.
The huge screen lit up, and Tokyo City Television’s founding work officially began.
The opening was a upbeat youth-pop song by a popular girl idol group, its sweet voice and dynamic melody instantly pulling everyone into a world of sunlight and dreams.
The screen showed blue seas, white sands, lush coconut groves.
The male lead Afeng played by Shunsuke Kamiki, a fair-skinned, clear-eyed island boy, ran barefoot on the beach, his unrealistically handsome face beaming with boundless longing for the future.
Then the scene shifted to prosperous yet icy cold Tokyo.
Afeng came to this unfamiliar city chasing his dream of becoming a top chef. But reality was cruel; he hit walls everywhere, endured scorn and cold shoulders, and was finally ruthlessly thrown out by a restaurant boss.
At the end of the first episode, the down-and-out Afeng sat alone in the square in front of Shibuya Station, looking at the endless crowds, his always clear eyes for the first time filled with confusion and despair.
At that moment, a dirty but equally clear-eyed stray Akita dog cautiously approached, gently licking his palm with its warm tongue.
Afeng was slightly stunned. Looking at this fellow sufferer, his heart already chilled by reality melted completely in that moment by an unprecedented emotion called “warmth”.
He reached out, hugging the puppy tightly, his voice choked yet full of unyielding fighting spirit.
“From now on, the two of us will strive together in Tokyo!”
The screen froze on this warm moment of human and dog cuddling.
End credits rolled, lights came on.
“Clap! Clap! Clap!”
Thunderous applause swept the entire screening room!
“Amazing! Absolutely amazing!”
“This plot is so moving! I… I almost cried!”
“Yes! Especially that last scene! Divine stroke!”
“I even feel this drama has a bit of 《The Tale of Hachiko》 vibe! Both about human-dog bonds, both so warm and healing!”
Reporters babbled excitedly, thrusting mics at the creators.
Mikami Tanaka nodded satisfiedly, turning to Tokugawa Sato and Shunsuke Kamiki beside him, eyes full of undisguised praise.
“Sato-kun, Junskie, you did well.” He smiled: “This drama is high quality and sincere. I believe the citizens will love it.”
However, amid this praise and revelry, the senior film critics in the corner unanimously frowned.
They exchanged glances, seeing the same helplessness and… a trace of disdain in each other’s eyes.
They said nothing, just silently stuffing their prepared glowing press releases into their briefcases.
Soon the premiere ended, amid self-praising noise, Tokugawa Sato and Shunsuke Kamiki accompanied Mikami Tanaka to leave the screening room first for a more private office.
While Takahashi and other station staff smilingly escorted the reporters and critics to the elevator.
“Everyone, thanks for your hard work today.” Takahashi said while skillfully taking a stack of thick envelopes from his secretary’s hand, stuffing them one by one into the reporters’ and critics’ hands.
“This is a small token from our station, not much.” He smiled, voice carrying unspoken implication: “On your way back, please say some nice things.”
“Sure, sure!”
“Mr. Takahashi, too polite!”
“Don’t worry! We know how to write!”
Reporters and critics knowingly smiled in understanding.
They weighed the hefty envelopes, then turned satisfiedly and left.
However, when a few close senior critics met again in the underground parking lot, their professional smiles vanished instantly.
“Sigh…”
A senior critic named Kimura sighed deeply, opening his Toyota door and waving helplessly to the two equally frowning colleagues beside him.
“Get in.”
The three got in the car, Kimura taking three bottles of oolong tea from the glovebox and handing them over.
“Gulp, gulp.”
After satisfying swallows, the car fell into suffocating silence.
“Senior Kimura,” finally the youngest-looking critic broke the silence, his usually sharp face now full of helplessness and self-mockery: “What the hell are we even doing?”
“What else? Taking money to eliminate disasters.” The bespectacled, scholarly middle-aged critic smiled bitterly, shaking his oolong tea bottle, voice full of worldly hoarseness: “That’s it.”
“But… this is too fake!” The young critic said agitatedly, eyes blazing with anger: “That 《Minamijima Afu and His Beloved Dog》, what the hell is that?! Cliché plot, illogical, except the Akita dog being kinda cute, it’s utterly worthless!”
“Especially that Shunsuke Kamiki!” He got angrier, waving his fist: “Is that acting? It’s clearly a personal MV! All showing off and posing from start to finish! I even suspect his crying scenes used eyedrops!”
“Enough, Ono.” Senior Kimura patted his shoulder, voice carrying experienced helplessness: “First day on the job? Haven’t seen enough of this?”
He paused, gazing at the cold cement forest under the dim parking lot lights outside, a trace of indescribable fatigue in his eyes.
“This drama from the start wasn’t made for us who really know the craft.” He said slowly, voice not loud but like the sharpest knife slicing to the core: “It’s made for those fans who’ll willingly pull out wallets and contribute ratings just seeing a pretty face and touching story.”
“It’s a carefully packaged flashy commodity. And we’re just… the hype men cheering it on.”
“But senior!” Ono still unwillingly said: “What about Tokyo Television Station’s 《Late-night Diner》? I heard that’s the real conscientious work!”
“《Late-night Diner》?” Senior Kimura’s face showed a complex expression of expectation and… a trace of worry.
“Yeah.” He exhaled long, carrying emotion, admiration, and heartfelt respect for that young man named Hiroshi Nohara.
“That young man is the one truly treating TV dramas as art.”
“It’s just a pity…” He paused, crushing the empty oolong tea bottle hard.
“In the end, this world is ruled by capital. We can only watch this garbage propped up by capital, unable to see the works from that monster-like genius.”
His voice was full of endless sorrow.
The others nodded too, a trace of unwillingness flashing in their eyes.
