HPDBC Chapter 157 Favoritism
Chapter 157 Favoritism
Chapter 157 Favoritism
Although in private, Kitahara Shin had become close friends with those veteran actors despite their age difference, and could even chat with Nishida Toshiyuki about which eel rice restaurant was the best, and discuss antique clock repair techniques with Ishizaka Koji.
But as soon as that red "recording in progress" signal light comes on, all private interactions will be instantly cut off.
Standing in front of the camera are only Goro Zaizen, who wants to climb the social ladder, and Mataichi Zaizen, who wants to pave his way with money.
The rest area of the photography studio.
Toshiyuki Nishida was sitting in a folding chair, holding a script in his hands, with his eyes slightly closed.
As a "chameleon" in the Japanese entertainment industry, he can play both the hilarious comedy "Fishing Diary" and the deep and ruthless yakuza boss. This time, he will play "Zaizen Mataichi," a character who is very colorful even in the original work. He is the director of an obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Osaka, a vulgar, shrewd, yet nouveau riche who devotes everything to his son-in-law.
Toshiyuki Nishida has a habit.
Before taking on such a complex role, he likes to reflect on his own life.
He will search through the long river of his memories spanning decades, looking for fragments that resonate with the characters.
When I was young, did I work as hard as Goro Zaizen?
Toshiyuki Nishida's thoughts drifted back to the 1970s.
Back then, he wasn't particularly good-looking or fit, so it wasn't easy for him to succeed in this looks-obsessed industry. To get a supporting role, he had to drink with the producer until he had a stomach hemorrhage, endure the director's yelling on set, and fawn over everyone like a clown.
At that time, he was sensitive and insecure, yet he also possessed a fierce and unyielding spirit.
"Young people these days—"
Nishida Toshiyuki opened his eyes and looked at Kitahara Shin, who was having his makeup touched up by a makeup artist not far away.
The young man sat there, his back ramrod straight, even as he touched up his makeup. He held a financial newspaper in his hand, his expression focused, and the composure and sense of elitism that emanated from him were something I could never have possessed in my younger days.
so perfect.
Not only is her acting skillful to the point of being monstrous, but her interpersonal skills are also impeccable.
Nishida Toshiyuki remembered a box of tea, a local specialty from Kitahara Shin's hometown, that Kitahara Shin had specially brought him a few days ago. It wasn't an expensive gift that would be a burden, but it just happened to be the kind of tea that he had casually mentioned wanting to drink once.
This kind of meticulousness, this kind of emotional intelligence that allows one to navigate the world of fame and fortune with ease—
"If it's this kid, he definitely can climb to the top."
Toshiyuki Nishida sighed inwardly.
He then took a deep breath, suppressing his admiration for others, and rekindled his "Zaizen Yaichi" emotions.
It was the nouveau riche's thirst for power, the shrewdness of a businessman, and a father's fervent expectations for his "investment product" (his son-in-law).
"Mr. Nishida, Mr. Kitahara, are you ready?"
The script supervisor's voice came through.
"Here it comes!"
He responded with a heavy Osaka accent and walked into the set with his toes pointing outwards.
Action!
The air inside the private room was stuffy and hot.
Nishida Toshiyuki sat cross-legged, his tie askew. His face was flushed from drinking, and he swirled a sake cup in his hand, looking every bit like a money-grubbing Osaka businessman.
But the look in his eyes when he looked at Kitahara Shin was so intense it was almost burning.
"Goro—"
Nishida Toshiyuki spoke, his thick Osaka accent making the address sound particularly slurred: "That old fox, Professor Higashi, is setting you up. He keeps talking about 'open elections' and 'fair competition,' but it's all bullshit. He just wants to find a compliant puppet to oust you."
Kitahara Shin knelt opposite him.
The dark three-piece suit was like a layer of armor, completely covering him. Compared to his father-in-law's unrestrained behavior, his straight back exuded an almost neurotic restraint.
"I know."
Kitahara Shin's voice tightened, his fingers gripping the rim of his wine glass so tightly that his knuckles turned white: "But, no matter how perfect my surgery is, I won't get those crucial votes unless Minister Ukai makes a statement."
"Surgery? Silly child!"
Toshiyuki Nishida chuckled and slammed his wine glass heavily on the table.
He pulled a thick cloth bag from his pocket, which he had prepared long ago.
"Snapped!"
The cloth bag slammed onto the table with a dull thud.
"In this world, there are some diseases that your scalpel cannot cure. For example, jealousy, and greed."
97
Toshiyuki Nishida stretched out his chubby hand and patted the astonishingly thick stack of envelopes.
"This is the kind of thing you need to use in situations like this."
He looked at Kitahara Shin, his eyes showing no shame for the bribery, only a fanatical and doting desire to place his son-in-law on the throne: "You are a genius. Your hands are the hands of God, used to cut tumors and save lives. This dirty work—Dad will do it."
He pushed the envelope in front of Kitahara Shin.
"Take this and use it. Go buy those votes back. If it's not enough, Dad will sell the hospital in Osaka to raise the money! I refuse to believe there's any professor that money can't buy off!"
This is a line that was already in the script.
But in Toshiyuki Nishida's interpretation, this is no longer a dark transaction of power and money, but a tragic story of a father who is willing to become a stepping stone to realize his dream.
Faced with this huge sum of money, Kitahara Shin did not immediately reach out for it.
He looked at the envelope.
That was his dignity as a "doctor," and also his ticket to the "top of the tower."
He closed his eyes and pinched his brow, looking somewhat tired.
At that moment, a crack appeared in the hard armor that Zaizen Goro wore. Beneath that shell called "ambition" lay the helplessness of a man who came from the slums, who struggled with all his might but still had to bow down to money.
Three seconds later.
He reached out and pressed his hand against the envelope.
"—Thank you for your trouble, Father."
Kitahara Shin's voice was hoarse. He raised his head, and the struggle in his eyes was gone, replaced by a dark, flickering fire.
That was the resolute attitude of "Since the world is dirty, I will climb up over the dirt."
This change in expression was so precise, it was like stitching a blood vessel together.
The director behind the monitor held his breath.
Inside the venue.
Nishida Toshiyuki looked into the eyes of the young man opposite him, and his heart skipped a beat.
It caught.
This kid handled this "sadness" perfectly.
He originally thought Kitahara Shin would act more "ruthlessly", but he didn't expect him to portray "pain".
It is this pain that instantly gives flesh and blood to the character of Zaizen Goro, who will stop at nothing to climb the social ladder.
He wasn't born a bad seed; he was driven into becoming a beast by this decaying white tower.
Toshiyuki Nishida has been acting his whole life and has seen countless young actors who want to play "ruthless" characters, but he is the first to truly understand "helplessness."
"Cut!!"
The director's voice finally rang out.
That suffocating tension vanished instantly.
President Toshiyuki Nishida let out a sigh of relief; his shirt was soaked with sweat. Sparring with such a master was more tiring than running a marathon.
He didn't stand up immediately, but sat there, watching Kitahara Shin straighten his suit and instantly regain his gentle demeanor.
It was a feeling of satisfaction watching a fledgling eagle finally grow into a mighty eagle, even tinged with a sense of awe at the potential of the younger generation.
When he was Kitahara Shin's age, he was just an extra on film sets, unable to even deliver a single line properly. But this young man before him not only possesses a face blessed by God, but also a heart that has long since seen through the nature of humanity.
"Kitahara-kun."
Toshiyuki Nishida suddenly spoke up.
Kitahara Shin stopped what he was doing, turned around, and resumed his usual gentle and humble demeanor: "Nishida-senpai?"
Toshiyuki Nishida stood up and walked up to him.
This veteran actor, who had spent half his life in the entertainment industry, stretched out his thick, calloused hands and patted Kitahara Shin heavily on the shoulder.
You must keep going.
Nishida Toshiyuki's voice was low, yet unusually solemn, completely devoid of the mercenary air he had displayed while acting: "Don't look back, and don't stop. You must become a legend in the Japanese film industry—no, even in the world film industry."
Kitahara Shin paused for a moment.
He looked into Toshiyuki Nishida's somewhat cloudy but hopeful eyes.
In those eyes, he saw an old actor's projection of his unfulfilled dream, and a flame called "inheritance".
This is no longer a joke.
This is an entrustment.
A warm feeling welled up in Kitahara Shin's heart. He put away his smile and bowed deeply to the senior.
"I will do my best, Nishida-senpai."
"Hahaha! Great! Keep it up!"
Nishida Toshiyuki burst into laughter, reverting to his cheerful demeanor, as if his earlier somber words had been nothing but an illusion. "Come on, come on, that sake was just a prop, it was boring! I'll treat you to the real sake after we wrap up!"
After the afternoon shoot, Kitahara Shin did not actually go for a drink.
He first returned to his van and rubbed his throbbing temples.
"Dae-tae, how's the situation?"
-
He called his agent, Daejeon, but instead of asking about the announcement, he asked about business.
On the other end of the phone, Da Tian sounded excited, accompanied by the sound of turning over documents.
Ota: "President! The renovation of that building in Roppongi is nearing completion! As per your request, the president's office on the top floor is made with the best bulletproof glass and soundproofing materials—it's absolutely magnificent!"
Kitahara Shin: "Hmm. Do you have enough money?"
Da Tian: "That's enough! That's more than enough! Mr. Sasaki (the financial advisor) is simply amazing! Those tech and export stocks you had him buy have seen impressive gains in the last few months. Although the overall market is still deflating the bubble, our assets are actually rising against the trend."
Daejeon reported a number.
Although it can't compare to top conglomerates like Mitsubishi and Sumitomo, and it's still far from the size of an entertainment empire like Johnny & Associates.
But in this depressed era where "cash is king," Kitahara Shin's liquid funds and high-quality assets are enough to place him at the upper echelons of Tokyo's "wealthy class."
He is no longer an actor who simply makes a living off his acting fees.
He was a nascent capitalist who owned real estate, stock profits, and an independent firm.
Kitahara Shin: "Very good."
He looked out the car window at the receding street scene and calmly gave the order: "Now that the building is almost finished, let's start hiring."
"Whether it's agents, administration, finance, or the legal team, we want the best. As long as you're capable, your salary can be 20% higher than the industry average."
"We're moving to a new place. That old apartment can no longer contain our ambitions."
Dae-tae: "Understood! I'll get on it right away!"
After hanging up the phone, Kitahara Shin glanced out the window.
The setting sun dyed Tokyo Tower blood red.
The feeling of being in control made his blood slightly warm.
We arrived at the rest area.
Not far away, two figures were huddled together reading a script.
One was Nanako Matsushima, tall and dressed in a nurse's uniform; the other was Rie Miyazawa, dressed casually and still undeniably beautiful despite wearing glasses.
Kitahara Shin got out of the car and walked towards them.
"teacher!"
Nanako, with her sharp eyes, spotted him first. She immediately put down her script and looked at him with sparkling eyes, like a golden retriever that has just seen its owner.
Rie slowly raised her head, adjusted her glasses, and said casually, "Oh, busy man, you're done filming?"
Kitahara Shin walked up to the two of them and stopped.
He didn't speak immediately, but instead looked the two girls up and down with a scrutinizing gaze.
My gaze shifted from Nanako's strong, slender legs to Rie's slightly thin shoulders.
"----that."
Kitahara Shin suddenly spoke up, asking a question that left the two of them scratching their heads: "Between you two, who's usually in better health?"
"ha?"
Rie Miyazawa looked completely bewildered. "What do you mean? What do you mean by 'better health'? Do you want us to go do manual labor?"
Although Nanako didn't understand either, she would answer every question the teacher asked seriously.
She immediately raised her hand, beaming with pride, and said, "Teacher! I'm healthy!"
"When I was a model, I ran 10 kilometers every morning to maintain my figure! And I rarely got sick, I even rarely caught a cold!"
Kitahara Shin nodded as he looked at Nanako's rosy complexion and vibrant eyes.
indeed.
This girl looks like a "tank," with an astonishingly good physique. Moreover, she has a cheerful personality and her mental fortitude has also improved (after special training), so she shouldn't need any extra protection.
His gaze shifted to Rie Miyazawa.
Rie felt a little uneasy under his gaze and instinctively hugged her arms: "W-why are you looking at me like that? I may not run 10 kilometers, but I—I'm not bad, I guess."
Actually, it won't work.
Kitahara Shin was well aware of this.
Rie Miyazawa suffered from severe anorexia due to the exploitation of her controlling mother, and even became so thin that she was skin and bones.
Although she looks relatively healthy now, her delicate and fragile appearance is like a taut string that could snap at any moment.
She needs this more than Nanako does.
Kitahara Shin made a decision in his heart.
The purple equipment I crafted last night—[Guardian's Oath: Ring of Life]—can be bound to three targets.
The first spot has already been given to Akina.
The remaining two spots.
One of them must be left for Izumi Sakai. Although that "older sister" seems fine now, Kitahara Shin remembers that her health deteriorated very badly afterward, to the point that she died young. This "talisman" must be kept for her.
Well then, the last spot—since Nanako is so resilient, let's give it to Rie.
"It's nothing, just asking."
Kitahara Shin smiled but didn't explain anything.
A slight thought.
[System prompt: Bind "Ring of Life" to target Rie Miyazawa?]
【Yes. 】
A soft purple light, visible only to Kitahara Shin, instantly flew out from his body and entered Miyazawa Rie's body.
"Ugh————"
Rie suddenly let out a soft hum.
She subconsciously touched her chest.
strangeness.
Just a moment ago, it felt as if a warm current flowed through my entire body.
The fatigue I'd accumulated from filming non-stop these past few days while also juggling my studies miraculously dissipated at this moment. Even my stomach, which often aches from dieting, felt warm and cozy.
"What's wrong?" Nanako asked with concern.
"N-nothing—"
Rie shook her head and looked at Kitahara Shin with a puzzled expression.
She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she felt that the warmth she had felt earlier had come from this man.
But Kitahara Shin had already turned around and started talking to Nanako about the scene they had just filmed.
"Nanako, you could have handed me the scalpel a little faster just now—"
Seeing the two chatting happily, Rie's initial feeling of being touched instantly turned into bitterness.
"cut.
"
She pursed her lips and muttered under her breath, "Favoritism."
Little did she know that the most precious gift, the one that would ensure her lifelong safety, had already been quietly placed upon her.