HPDBC Chapter 171 The Zhang Family's Path and "Zaizen Goro's" Kitchen
Chapter 171 The Zhang Family's Path and "Zaizen Goro's" Kitchen
Chapter 171 The Road Home and "Zaizen Goro's" Kitchen
The conversation in the tea room planted a seed in Kitahara Shin's heart.
Sayuri Yoshinaga's vote was not only a ticket to the award, but also the highest recognition of his "ambition." It was an award from the pinnacle of the old era, meaning that he was finally qualified to usher in his own new era.
Back at the office, Kitahara Shin didn't rest; he immediately called Ota to his office.
"I'm going to make a major adjustment to my plans for next year."
Kitahara Shin loosened his tie and tossed it onto the sofa. Then, pointing to the outline of the "Flower of Evil" project that Nojima Shinji had just faxed over, his eyes as calm as a deep pool: "I don't plan to just be the lead in this drama. I want my agency to invest and participate as a co-producer. And—"
He emphasized the "casting list" section of the proposal twice: "Except for Yoshinaga-sensei's episode and the main storyline I'm in charge of, I plan to use people from our agency for all the other episode protagonists."
"all?!"
Ota Shoichi nearly spat out the coffee he had just drunk. Without even wiping his mouth, his brows furrowed instantly, and his professional instincts kicked in, triggering a risk assessment: "President, are you serious? This is too risky."
He walked to his desk, placed his hands on the surface, and analyzed rapidly, "First of all, the TV station and the sponsors definitely won't approve it. Shinji Nojima's script is known for being 'dark and depressing,' which is extremely risky. The sponsors are willing to invest money because of the 'Nobu Kitahara' brand. They want guaranteed ratings, not to use a newcomer as a training ground."
"Secondly, while Rie Miyazawa is popular, the public's impression of her is still limited to 'idol' and 'pretty face.' Casting her as a psychologically twisted character like those in Nojima's works? The audience would be distracted. As for Nanako Matsushima—although 'The White Tower' gave her some fame, her foundation is still too shallow. Can she carry a whole episode on her own?"
"If you mess this up, not only will the newcomer's reputation collapse, but your brand will also be damaged. This is a risky move."
Da Tian's words are all reasonable.
In the Japanese entertainment industry of the 90s, the hierarchy was extremely strict. Newcomers who wanted to rise to the top had to spend several years playing minor roles behind established stars, gradually building their reputation. Kitahara Shin's approach of trying to "boost everyone's success" by directly promoting his own newcomers to leading roles was practically a challenge to the industry's unspoken rules.
However, Kitahara Shin was not deterred by these "rational analyses".
"It's all about taking risks."
He interrupted Da Tian, stood up, and walked to the French windows.
Outside the window, not far away in the direction of Roppongi, the new building that is about to be completed gleams with the cold light of its glass curtain wall under the winter sun.
"Datian, do you know the difference between a workshop and an empire?"
Kitahara Shin, with his back to him, said calmly, "If a firm relies solely on me to make money, even if I become incredibly famous, it's still just a workshop. I'm just a high-level employee. Once I collapse, or once I get old, this company is finished."
He turned around, his eyes blazing: "Only by developing Rie Miyazawa, Nanako Matsushima, and even all the newcomers we sign in the future, making each of them capable of standing on their own and becoming a cash cow, can we truly call it an empire."
"The format of 'Flowers of Evil' is an episodic drama, which is both a risk and an opportunity."
Kitahara Shin walked up to Ota, picked up the proposal as if it were a weapon: "Yoshinaga Sayuri and I are the bait," the anchor. "The audience comes for us; if the plot is strong enough, they'll watch the other segments too."
"Rie needs an opportunity to break free of her 'good girl' idol image, and Nojima's script is the perfect hammer. Nanako needs to prove that 'The White Tower' wasn't just a flash in the pan; she needs more experience honing her acting skills. If they aren't given these kinds of challenging resources, they'll forever remain just pretty faces."
"We'll be able to move into the new building in Roppongi next February. Before that, I want these newcomers to establish their own reputation through my influence. I want the industry to know that everyone from Kitahara's office is a monster."
Looking into his boss's unquestionable eyes and listening to this grand plan full of ambition and a desire for control, Da Tian took a deep breath.
He suddenly realized that his thinking was still at the level of an "agent," thinking about how to avoid risks and how to please the TV station.
The man before them had already reached the level of a "capitalist" and a "market manipulator," contemplating how to strategize.
How to seize the market.
indeed.
The current Kitahara Shin is no longer just an actor responsible only for himself. He is the captain of this ship, a tyrant about to reign supreme in this entertainment empire.
The worry in Da Tian's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a burning fervor.
With a boss like that, it seems like you could build a bridge and cross a cliff even if there's one in front of you.
"Understood."
Ota straightened his back, closed his notebook, and his tone became crisp and decisive: "I'll talk to the TV station. If the sponsors aren't interested, we'll increase our investment and gain more say. As for Rie and Nanako's schedules—I'll arrange the most intensive auditions and training right away."
Work matters were all arranged, but personal matters were giving Kitahara Shin a headache.
New Year's Day is approaching.
As agreed beforehand, he was to accompany Izumi Sakai back to her hometown for the Lunar New Year.
This should have been a heartwarming occasion: seeing one's parents, having a family reunion dinner, and experiencing the long-lost warmth of family life.
But the problem is—
Akina Nakamori is going too.
Moreover, he was forced to join under the bizarre reason that "I am the good older sister of the spring, and the three of us should go on a trip together and freeload a meal."
Kitahara Shin watched the two women enthusiastically packing their luggage in the living room, and felt a throbbing pain in his temples.
Won't this "three-person" love triangle explode the moment they see Izumi's parents?
On January 1, 1993, the streets of Tokyo were still immersed in the quiet of the New Year.
A black Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan slowly drove out of the upscale apartment complex in the port area.
The trunk was packed full.
There were high-end Japanese sweets bought from Ginza, premium tuna just delivered from Tsukiji Market, and even two bottles of sake covered in gold leaf.
"Buying so much—you really don't need it."
Sitting in the back seat, Quanshui looked at the mountain of gifts and felt a little embarrassed: "My parents are usually very frugal. They'll definitely scold me for giving so many things."
"Take it."
Kitahara Shin, while gripping the steering wheel, glanced at the rearview mirror: "It's a matter of courtesy. Besides, it's our first visit, we can't come empty-handed."
Akina, who was taking a nap in the passenger seat wearing sunglasses, heard this and pulled her sunglasses down a little, revealing her eyes that seemed to be smiling but weren't: "Hmph. This is the standard setup for a 'son-in-law visiting the family,' isn't it? If it were me, I probably wouldn't even get a scallion."
Kitahara Shin's hand trembled, and he almost drove the car onto the curb.
"Speak properly." He glanced at Akina helplessly.
Akina pouted, took a bag of peeled chestnuts from her bag, and popped one into his mouth: "Eat yours. Focus on driving."
The car entered the highway and headed towards Kanagawa Prefecture.
Izumi's hometown is Hadano City, which is not far from Tokyo; it only takes about an hour to drive there.
The atmosphere in the carriage was fairly harmonious throughout the journey.
The two women chatted about their latest songs, occasionally complaining about how boring the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle) was. Kitahara Shin acted as their driver, occasionally being fed snacks by Akina.
"Xin-kun, are you tired? Would you like me to drive for a while?"
Quanshui leaned against the back of the driver's seat and asked with concern.
"No need. This short distance is nothing."
Kitahara Shin smiled. With the [Ring of Life] on him, he could drive for a whole day and night without breaking a sweat, let alone an hour.
10:00 AM.
Qinye City, a quiet residential area.
The car stopped in front of a cozy-looking two-story building.
This is the Kamachi family (Izumi Sakai's real name is Sachiko Kamachi).
Kitahara Shin turned off the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt. In that instant, the nervousness of "meeting the parents" still surged up.
Although he has played countless roles and faced hundreds of cameras, this was the first time he had ever faced his girlfriend's parents, especially since he was also bringing another "girlfriend" with him.
"call----"
He took a deep breath, adjusted his expression, and made himself look more like a composed and talented young man than the sinister Zaizen Goro.
"Let's go."
Spring was very happy. Like a little bird returning to its nest, she ran briskly over and rang the doorbell.
"Ding-dong."
A few seconds later, the door opened.
A kind-faced middle-aged woman wearing an apron came out. She was the mother of the spring.
Behind her followed a young girl and a boy. They were Spring's younger sister and brother.
"Mom! I'm home!"
The spring water splashed into the mother's arms, giving her a big hug.
"Oh, Sachiko's back."
Mrs. Puchi smiled and patted her daughter's back, then looked up at the two people standing by the car.
When she saw Kitahara Shin and Akina taking off her sunglasses, her eyes widened instantly.
"This, this is—"
Not only her, but her younger siblings behind her also shouted out loud.
"Holy crap?! Kitahara Shin?! It really is Kitahara Shin?!"
The younger brother pointed at Kitahara Shin, almost jumping up with excitement, "Sis! You're amazing! You actually brought Professor Zaizen back?!"
The younger sister covered her mouth, looking at Akina with tears welling up in her eyes: "Nakamori Akina—it's the real Nakamori Akina! Oh my god, I'm your fan! I've bought every single one of your records!"
The scene was quite chaotic at one point.
Kitahara Shin awkwardly touched his nose, stepped forward, and bowed: "Hello, Auntie, I am Kitahara Shin. I am—Sachiko's friend. Please forgive my intrusion."
Akina gave an elegant bow, displaying the aura of a "national diva": "Hello, Auntie, I'm Nakamori Akina. I'm also Sachiko's good friend. I heard the scenery here is beautiful, so I shamelessly came along for a free meal."
Mrs. Puchi was a worldly woman after all, and although she was shocked, she quickly recovered.
Looking at the two radiant superstars and then at her daughter's blissful expression, she guessed what was going on.
So-called "good friends" are probably not that simple.
Especially this man. The way he looked at his daughter was impossible to hide.
But she didn't point it out.
"Oh, please come in, please come in! It's cold outside. You're a guest, don't worry about disturbing us."
She warmly invited everyone into the house.
Although the Pu Chi family home is not a mansion, it is kept very clean and cozy.
The living room is covered with a warm-colored carpet, and family photos hang on the walls.
After being shown to their guest room and having their luggage put down, Kitahara Nobukazu and Akina quickly settled into the family atmosphere.
Or rather, it was a forced assimilation.
The younger brother kept circling around Kitahara Shin, his eyes full of admiration: "Shin-nii! Is it true that 'Kitahara Shin can do anything'? Did you really do that backflip yourself?"
And that cucumber slicer!
"It's true." Kitahara Shin nodded with a smile. "I can show you my skills when we're cooking later."
The younger sister held onto Akina's hand tightly, chattering away with all sorts of questions about the concert and entertainment gossip.
Akina, unusually, set aside her usual aloofness and patiently answered the questions.
Only Mrs. Puchi seemed somewhat at a loss.
Two superstars suddenly showed up at her house and wanted her to stay for dinner, which put her under immense pressure.
"Um—Sachiko, go chat with the guests. I'll go to the kitchen to prepare lunch."
Mrs. Puchi tightened her apron, ready to get to work.
"Auntie, let me help."
Kitahara Shin stood up, rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular forearms: "I quite enjoy cooking. With so many people eating, you can't manage alone."
"Hey? That won't do! You're a guest, and a big star at that—"
"It's alright. There are no celebrities here, only juniors."
Kitahara Shin walked into the kitchen without saying a word.
In the kitchen.
Kitahara Shin skillfully washed his hands and picked up a kitchen knife.
[Mind-Controlled Equipment: Midnight Diner's Abandoned Chef's Knife (White) - Activated]
Mrs. Puchi, who had been worried that he was just putting on an act, shut up completely the moment she saw him chopping onions.
Tap tap tap tap tap.
The sound of the knife blade hitting the cutting board was dense and rhythmic. Under his hands, the onion was quickly transformed into evenly sized thin strips, each one as if measured with a ruler.
"this----"
Mrs. Puchi was so surprised she couldn't close her mouth. "This knife skill—is better than mine!"
"I practiced before for filming."
Kitahara Shin smiled modestly, but his hands didn't stop moving.
Heat oil in a wok.
Today, he's going to make a somewhat complicated "braised lion's head meatballs" dish, as well as several other authentic Chinese dishes.
The fragrance quickly wafted into the living room.
The younger siblings, who were originally pestering Akina, were drawn to the kitchen door by the aroma.
"It smells so good!"
The younger brother swallowed hard. "Brother Xin, you can cook Chinese food?"
"I know a little."
Kitahara Shin tossed the wok, and flames shot up half a meter high, startling everyone into gasping.
Just then.
The sound of a door opening came from the entryway.
"I'm back."
A middle-aged man's voice rang out. It was Quanshui's father, Mr. Puchi.
He had just come home from get off work, looking exhausted.
"Dad! Come quick! We have guests!"
The younger brother excitedly ran over and pulled his father toward the living room.
Mr. Puchi took off his coat with some doubt and walked into the living room.
When he saw Akina Nakamori sitting on the sofa, and her back as she tossed the food in the kitchen, he was completely stunned.
That silhouette —
That figure in a white shirt, sleeves rolled up, exuding an air of sophistication even while cooking.
Hearing the noise, Kitahara Shin turned off the stove and turned around.
He held a plate of freshly cooked lion's head meatballs, smiling as he looked at the slightly overweight, bespectacled middle-aged man.
"Uncle, you're back."
Eyes facing each other.
Mr. Puchi's glasses almost fell off.
He froze for three seconds, then his serious face instantly crumbled, replaced by an unbelievable ecstasy.
He strode forward, even grabbing Kitahara Shin's hand somewhat out of control and shaking it up and down: "Zaizen—Professor Zaizen?!"
"Why?!"
The whole family was stunned.
Mrs. Puchi poked her head out from the kitchen and explained with a smile, "Oh dear, my husband's been obsessed with 'The White Tower' lately. He keeps telling me how amazing Zaizen Goro is."
Kitahara Shinya was somewhat surprised.
He never expected that his future "father-in-law" would actually be a fan of his drama.
And judging from his demeanor, he's a die-hard fan.
"Uncle, I am Kitahara Shin."
"I know! I know!"
Mr. Puchi was so excited his face turned red. "That surgery! That follow-up visit! So cool! Seriously, I even imitate your walk at the company! Like that way with your hands behind your back!"
As he spoke, he even demonstrated two steps on the spot, his comical yet earnest demeanor making the whole family burst into laughter.
The awkward and reserved atmosphere that had been there vanished completely with that address of "Professor Zaizen".
The lunch was exceptionally lively.
The dining table was laden with dishes prepared by Kitahara Shin, as well as home-style dishes prepared by Mrs. Kamachi.
Everyone sat together, and there was no longer a barrier between celebrities and ordinary people; they chatted like family.
Mr. Puchi pulled Kitahara Shin aside for drinks, constantly asking about details from the drama: "Is Sasaki really dead? Will you win the later lawsuit? Oh dear, I'm so anxious!"
Kitahara Shin chuckled as he poured him a drink: "Spoilers wouldn't be good. But don't worry, Zaizen Goro won't give up so easily."
Akina chatted with Izumi's younger sister about cosmetics, and occasionally helped Izumi pick up food, acting like a "good older sister".
Izumi sat next to Kitahara Shin, watching this scene, her eyes welling up with tears.
She had worried about it.
She worried that these two radiant individuals would clash with her ordinary family. She worried that her parents would feel pressured because of their identities.
But now, watching Dad pull Shin-kun along like brothers, watching Mom chat with Akina-nee about everyday things.
This feeling—it's wonderful.
"Come on, everyone, cheers!"
Mr. Kamachi raised his glass, his face flushed from drinking: "To Sachiko for making such a good friend! And to Professor Zaizen's successful surgery! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Amidst the crisp clinking of glasses, the New Year's sunshine bathed the dining table.
Kitahara Shin took a sip of sake.
A subtle sweetness.
Just like the ordinary yet heartwarming everyday life.
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