HPDBC Chapter 147 Special Training After the Audition
Chapter 147 Special Training After the Audition
Chapter 147 Special Training After the Audition
As Kitahara Shin's cold, emotionless command fell, the air in the audition room seemed to freeze.
Nanako Matsushima stood in front of the long table and took a deep breath.
She was to play a crucial scene in the later part of "The White Tower"—as a key witness in a medical malpractice case, directly confronting Goro Zaizen in court.
At first, she did not look at Kitahara Shin.
She hunched her shoulders slightly, her hands gripping the hem of her dress tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force. Her eyes darted around, like a frightened little animal cornered against a wall.
"I—I saw it."
The voice was very soft and trembled noticeably.
"That day—Professor Zaizen—"
As she said this, she seemed to be gripped by some immense fear, and instinctively wanted to back away.
She portrayed that fear, that struggle of wanting to escape but being unable to, to the fullest extent.
Director Hiroshi Nishitani's eyes lit up.
This kind of genuine "fear" is something many newcomers can't portray, or they portray it very artificially. But Nanako's current state is simply as if she is genuinely afraid of some kind of monster.
Sudden.
Nanako suddenly raised her head.
Her gaze pierced through the air and landed squarely on Kitahara Shin, who was sitting directly opposite her.
In that instant, the cold eyes behind Kitahara Shin's glasses felt like a scalpel piercing her heart.
It hurts, and it's cold.
But it was this pain that ignited her.
"I—I cannot refute your profound diagnostic logic, Professor."
Her voice was still trembling, but the volume had noticeably increased, and each word seemed to be squeezed out through gritted teeth: "I'm just a nurse, I might not understand complicated CT scans—"
"But I saw it! You didn't even listen to Mr. Sasaki's description that day!"
She took a step forward.
His previously hunched back slowly straightened, and a fire called "all or nothing" suddenly ignited in his large eyes, which always carried a hint of timidity.
"You didn't even take out your stethoscope before diagnosing it as esophageal cancer!"
"You're too busy—busy attending meetings, busy campaigning—"
"But those were living, breathing human lives—Professor!!"
With that final scream, her voice cracked.
Her eyes instantly reddened, and a tear slid down her cheek without warning, landing heavily on the wooden floor.
The entire room fell silent.
The poignant feeling of an ordinary person facing immense power, from extreme fear to being forced to stand up, and the explosive force of "even if I die, I will tell the truth," shocked everyone present.
"good!"
Director Hiroshi Nishitani couldn't help but applaud, his face full of surprise. "The sense of layering—it's fantastic! Especially that last look in his eyes, it was absolutely amazing!"
The screenwriter, Yumiko Inoue, nodded repeatedly, circling a line on the resume: "With such good looks, and such explosive acting ability, she's the perfect choice for the role of Kameyama Kimiko."
Kitahara Shin sat in the middle, looking at Nanako who was still standing there panting heavily with tears still in the corners of her eyes, and his feelings were somewhat complicated.
The acting was indeed excellent.
The anger and despair in his accusations were so real that he felt a moment of guilt.
Is this girl sure she's not settling a personal score?
I'm usually too strict with her, so I'm taking the opportunity of acting to vent my frustration.
However, seeing Nanako's tall figure of 1.72 meters, now bowing her head like a schoolchild who had done something wrong and waiting for her verdict, Kitahara Shin's smile softened.
He sighed inwardly and circled her name.
The audition is over.
When Kitahara Shin walked out of the building, the setting sun had already dyed the sky orange-red.
In a corner of the parking lot, two figures were huddled together, whispering furtively.
"How was it? Was that look intimidating?"
"It was so scary—I almost peed my pants!"
Seeing Kitahara Shin approach, Nanako, who had been whispering to Miyazawa Rie, suddenly straightened up like a student caught red-handed by her homeroom teacher.
"Teacher, you're out."
Seeing her stuttering and evasive eyes, Kitahara Shin couldn't resist teasing her.
He straightened his face, sighed softly, and said in a tone that was three parts disappointment and seven parts heartache: "Sigh, Nanako."
"I was so good to you before, lending you my hairband and teaching you acting. Did you never imagine that in your heart I was the kind of quack doctor who would disregard human life?"
"That accusing look I just got was like it wanted to tear me apart."
Nanako panicked upon hearing this.
Those simple-minded children couldn't tell it was a joke; they just felt like the sky was falling.
"No, no!"
She frantically waved her hands, her face flushed with embarrassment, "I was just acting, teacher! And—and that scene was the climax, if I didn't act with all my might, I was afraid I wouldn't get selected. I really didn't mean anything by it! I admire you the most!"
Seeing that she was about to cry, Rie Miyazawa couldn't bear to watch any longer.
She sighed and poked Nanako's waist, saying, "Idiot. Don't let him fool you."
"He was just teasing you. Look at the corners of his mouth, they're practically pointing to the sky."
"?"
Nanako was startled, and cautiously raised her head, meeting Kitahara Shin's smiling eyes.
"Really?" She blinked, a little confused.
"certainly."
Kitahara Shin smiled and shook his head. "Well done, very powerful. But—"
He looked at the two graceful young women in front of him, his tone becoming slightly more serious: "Why did you two come here without even consulting me? Were you deliberately keeping it from me?"
"snort."
Rie Miyazawa crossed her arms, tilted her head defiantly, and said, "You have your own good show to perform, but you're unwilling to include us. So what can we do but fight for our own opportunities?"
"You call yourself our boss, yet you don't give us any benefits at all. You're such a cheapskate."
Upon hearing the word "welfare," Nanako's face inexplicably flushed.
Suddenly, the image of Kitahara Shin personally demonstrating how to act out a kissing scene flashed into her mind—
—Actually, it's not like we never gave out any benefits at all—
I wonder if Rie-chan receives this kind of treatment?
Kitahara Shin looked at the two girls with very different personalities. One was proud and prickly, the other was cute and obedient, but the passion for acting in their eyes was the same.
"Alright, since you're all here, let's give out some perks tonight."
He took out his car keys. "Let's go, to my house."
"ha?"
Rie Miyazawa paused, her eyes instantly turning wary. "Go to your house? What do you want?"
"What are you thinking about?"
Kitahara Shin rolled his eyes at her. "I just got the latest script too. Since you're both going to be joining the crew, you should rehearse your lines beforehand so you don't embarrass me on set."
"and----
'
He paused, then smiled mysteriously. "I'm not alone at home tonight. I've also invited Quanshui."
"cut."
Rie Miyazawa pouted, her initial little bit of anticipation instantly vanishing. "Are you inviting so many women to your house for a party? Forget it, I'm not going. I have a gig tonight."
After saying that, she waved her hand somewhat defiantly, turned around, and got into the waiting nanny van.
Kitahara Shin didn't try to keep him.
Rie's personality is like a cat's: proud, independent, and with a strong sense of territory.
If you asked her to go to the "teacher's house" with other girls, she would probably feel very uncomfortable.
Moreover, she is currently in the prime of her career, and she also has to go to school, which is indeed frighteningly much.
After watching Rie leave, Kitahara Shin turned to Nanako and asked, "What about you? Are you coming?"
"want!"
Nanako nodded vigorously, her eyes shining like two big light bulbs.
"Is that Izumi Sakai?"
"Of course."
"That's great!" Nanako exclaimed excitedly, almost jumping for joy. "I've been listening to her songs a lot lately! 'Don't Give Up' is so good! Teacher, please introduce me to her!"
Seeing her silly, fangirl-like expression, Kitahara Shin smiled helplessly.
This guy is the kind of person who would be sold out and still help count the money.
8 PM, apartment in Nerima Ward.
The sounds of chopping vegetables and the cheerful chatter of girls came from the kitchen.
"Sister Quanshui, should I chop this onion into small cubes or thin strips?"
"Just cut it into strips. Um—Nanako sauce, don't be so polite, just call me Izumi."
-
"No, no! My sister is so gentle, and she's a big star; she deserves our respect!"
Kitahara Shin sat on the sofa in the living room, watching the busy figure in the kitchen, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
Quanshui, wearing a simple home apron, was washing vegetables by the sink. Her profile looked exceptionally soft under the warm yellow light, and the gentleness that emanated from her very being filled the room with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Nanako was clumsily chopping onions; although her movements were unskilled, her earnestness was quite endearing.
The two got along surprisingly well, even though it was their first time meeting.
Perhaps it's because the spring water itself has an unpretentious and refreshing character.
Nanako, with her straightforward and innocent "clumsy beauty," is most likely to evoke Izumi's protective instincts as an older sister.
"Okay, time to eat."
Half an hour later, three dishes and a soup were served.
Although Kitahara Shin did most of the work, the two girls also contributed a lot (mainly washing vegetables and chatting).
The atmosphere at the dinner table was very harmonious.
Kitahara Shin served food to the two of them while discussing their future plans.
"Quanshui, how did your driver's license test go?"
"I've already passed my driving test."
Quanshui smiled somewhat embarrassedly, "Thanks to Xin-kun's previous guidance, and also—that special method."
She was referring to the time when Kitahara Shin had taught her to drive.
Although she didn't know it was the effect of the equipment, the feeling of being taught step by step did indeed help her improve rapidly.
"That's good."
Kitahara Shin nodded. "Things at the company are all settled. From now on, you can decide what kind of music you want to make and what kind of album you want to release. I've turned down all those random commercial offers for you."
Since the Kitahara Office was officially established and demonstrated strong profitability and a wide network of connections, his bargaining power at the negotiating table has changed dramatically.
As for the record company that owns Quanshui, since this cash cow is being protected, they might as well go along with it and give them face.
After all, no one wants to offend Kitahara Shin now.
"Thank you, Shin-kun."
The spring looked at him, its eyes filled with gratitude and dependence.
After the meal, Kitahara Shin called Izumi to his study.
"Nanako, wait for me outside for a while."
"Okay, teacher!" Nanako sat obediently on the sofa, hugging a cushion and watching TV.
The study door was closed.
About ten minutes later.
The door opened, and the spring water flowed out.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and there seemed to be some lingering emotion in her eyes.
Seeing Nanako's puzzled look, she didn't explain anything, but just smiled gently and patted Nanako's head lightly: "Then I'll go back now. Good luck, Nanako-chan."
"Okay, okay————"
After seeing the spring water off, Nanako returned to the living room, rested her chin on her hand, and fell into deep thought.
Why is Sister Yiquan's face so red?
Could it be that the teacher can sing too? Was she giving Quanshui-jie some private lessons inside just now?
No wonder Quanshui's songs are so good, it turns out she was taught by a teacher!
In her innocent little mind, Kitahara Shin was already an omnipotent god.
She wouldn't be surprised if she taught someone to operate an aircraft carrier, let alone sing.
When Kitahara Shin returned after seeing someone off, he saw Nanako still sitting on the sofa in a daze.
He walked over and sat down on the single sofa opposite him.
Then, his gentle expression vanished instantly.
He became the stern "Director Kitahara".
"alright."
He looked at Nanako, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Now, let's settle the score for how you treated me at the audition earlier today."
Nanako Matsushima looked completely bewildered, and even dropped the cushion she was holding.
"W-What do you mean?"
"It means—"
Kitahara Shin pointed to the thick stack of scripts on the table, "Tonight, we're going to practice all night."
"You need to act out all of Kameyama Kimi's lines, as well as all the scenes where you have to act opposite me."
Until I am satisfied.
"ha?!"
Nanako stared at him wide-eyed in disbelief. "All-all night? Teacher, are you serious?"
"What's wrong?"
Kitahara Shin frowned slightly, his eyes instantly turning dangerous. "You don't want to?"
"Yes, I'm willing!"
Nanako, seeing him staring at her like that, instantly chickened out and shook her head vigorously, "I'd love to!"
It's my pleasure!"
The next few hours were hell for Nanako Matsushima.
"Stop! Try again!"
"The emotion you're conveying here isn't right. You're scared, not shy! Look me in the eyes!"
"Your voice is too soft! Didn't you eat? Get your inner energy out of your chest!"
Three o'clock in the morning.
The living room lights were still on.
Nanako knelt on the carpet, holding the script in her hand, looking at Kitahara Shin with teary eyes.
She has been practicing for a full four hours.
My voice is hoarse, my eyes are swollen, and my legs are numb.
"Waaaaah—Teacher—I really can't take it anymore—"
Sobbing, she recited her lines, "Professor Zaizen—please—let me go—"
This line was originally from a drama, but now she speaks it with such sincerity that it's heartbreaking to hear and tear-jerking to see.
Seeing her pitiful appearance, like a little dog soaked in the rain, Kitahara Shin, though keeping a straight face, actually felt a little sorry for her.
But he knew he couldn't be soft-hearted.
The drama "The White Tower" is truly a battle of the gods.
Not only does it feature veteran actresses like Hitomi Kuroki, but also many other top stars.
If Nanako Matsushita cannot bring this role to its fullest potential, then under the spotlight of those big shots, she will truly become just a transparent, decorative vase.
"One last time."
Kitahara Shin stood up, walked to her, squatted down, and reached out to wipe away the tears from the corner of her eyes.
The movements were very light, but the tone remained stern.
"If you want to survive in that production, if you don't want people to say you got this role because of me, then you'd better fight back and prove me wrong."
"Prove to everyone that you, Nanako Matsushima, are not just a pretty face."
Nanako was stunned when she heard this.
She looked at Kitahara Shin, who was standing very close to her.
Although he was scolding her and pressuring her, the expectation and trust in his eyes were undeniable.
One of the teachers meant well for me.
He genuinely wanted me to become stronger.
A warm feeling welled up in her heart, mixed with grievances and gratitude, making her tears fall even more fiercely.
"Yes! I understand!"
She sniffed hard, wiped her face haphazardly, and picked up the script again.
The way he stubbornly acted while crying was both funny and heartbreaking.
that night.
The lights in the Nerima district stayed on until dawn.
For the next three days, this grueling training continued every day.
Kitahara Shin was like a tireless tyrant, polishing this rough gem again and again. Of course, he would give a sweet treat after every beating.
Sometimes he would pat her head, and sometimes he would cook her a bowl of hot noodles himself.
Amidst this painful yet pleasurable torment, Nanako Matsushima's acting skills are undergoing a transformation at a visible pace.
three days later.
Filming for "The White Tower" has officially begun.
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