I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 94: Anti-Nohara Hiroshi Alliance! Angry Conspirators!

Hiroshi Nohara doesn't want to be harassed.

However, in this world, many things will not come to an abrupt end just because you don't wish them to.

……

Osaka, Kansai Television (KTV) Headquarters Building, Production Department.

"Snapped!"

A crisp sound was heard.

The black receiver slammed down on the phone like an executed prisoner, with such force that the entire phone jumped back in fear.

Ichiro Agaya, the deputy director of the production department who is known for his decisiveness in the Osaka television industry, is now staring at the phone that has been hung up, with a dark look on his face.

No one dared to hang up on him yet.

The originally relaxed atmosphere in the office instantly froze into ice.

Several subordinates who were holding coffee and preparing to come over to report on their work stopped in their tracks. They were like puppets under a spell, not daring to even breathe.

"Bastard... that kid from Tokyo TV..."

Ichiro Yama squeezed out these words from between his teeth. The sound seemed to come from the cold wind of Siberia, carrying with it a cold murderous intent.

He didn't understand.

He really couldn't figure it out.

Ichiro Agaya has been working in the Osaka television industry for twenty years. He started as a young man carrying a camera and climbed up step by step to his current position where countless younger generations look up to him. When has he ever suffered such humiliation?
He humbled himself and personally called a fourth-level director who was a few years younger than his son. This in itself was a huge honor.

He even rehearsed it countless times in his mind before the call was connected.

The opening remarks needed to be friendly, without the airs of a major television station. Then, they needed to casually reveal Kansai TV's keen interest in the genre of "urban ghost stories" and its willingness to invest top-tier resources, far exceeding those of TV Tokyo. Then, using the voice of a seasoned veteran, they hinted at the inevitable factional struggles and repression the young person would face within TV Tokyo.

Finally, he threw out an olive branch that any young person drifting in Tokyo could not refuse - the position of chief producer of horror series at Kansai TV, and a detached mansion with a courtyard in the center of Osaka!
He even thought out the details of the contract.

But he never expected that his perfect rhetoric that was enough to convince the stubborn stone was abruptly cut off by the other party in an almost humiliating way before he even finished his opening remarks.

The hung-up phone still has a cold busy tone.

"Beep...beep...beep..."

It was like an invisible slap in the face, burning with pain.

"Deputy Director..." A bolder section chief approached cautiously and asked tentatively, "Um...are Tokyo TV still refusing to give in?"

"Release?"

Ichiro Yasuo whipped his head around, his bloodshot eyes fixed on him like an enraged lion. "That brat named Nohara Hiroshi hung up the phone before I could even finish my sentence! He doesn't even take Kansai TV seriously!"

These words instantly caused a huge uproar in the small office.

"Nani?!"

"How arrogant! A newly debuted Level 4 director actually dared to hang up on you?"

"Exactly! Do you really think you can fly high just because you make a show with a 20% viewership rating? People from Tokyo TV are all the same, looking down on us local TV stations!"

Curses and accusations were heard one after another.

But these voices not only failed to improve Ichiro's mood, but made him even more irritated.

He knew, of course, that this was not just the young man's personal behavior.

Behind this is Tokyo TV, the behemoth that has been at the top of the Japanese television industry for decades. It is a naked and arrogant silent demonstration against these local tyrants.

"Shut up, everyone!"

He roared and swept a stack of documents off the table, the white papers scattering like butterflies caught in a whirlwind.

"What's the point of making sarcastic remarks here?! The director's mission for me is to dig up that brat and the gold mine of 'urban legends' in his head and bring them to Osaka! Now, they won't even let us touch the shovel! Tell me, what should we do?!"

The office fell into silence again.

Everyone looked at each other and opened their mouths, but couldn't say a word.

Yes, what should I do?

He is now the hottest and most sought-after person in the entire Neon world, and standing behind him is the giant Buddha, Tokyo TV.

No matter how attractive the conditions offered by these local stations are, they seem so pale and powerless in the face of the absolute platform advantages.

After a long time, Ichiro finally let out a long, slow breath, which was filled with the exhaustion and unwillingness of a trapped beast.

He picked up the phone that had brought him so much humiliation and, with an almost self-abuse intensity, dialed the number he had already memorized.

This time he didn't even bother to think of an opening line.

He just wanted to know how arrogant that young man could be.

However, this time, what came from the other end of the phone was no longer the cold busy tone, but an even colder, emotionless electronic female voice.

"The number you dialed cannot be connected..." (Just treat it as it is, I don't know what's going on in Japan)
Ichiro Goya's body suddenly stiffened.

He subconsciously raised his wrist and took a look at the valuable Rolex gold watch.

2:15 pm.

It’s not time to get off work yet.

That kid, he...he actually unplugged the phone line?!

"what--!"

A roar filled with humiliation and anger came from the office, startling the crows resting on the power lines outside the window, and they flapped their wings and flew away in panic.

……

In fact, he is not the only one who is experiencing the same thing as Ichiro Goya at this moment.

Nagoya, Chukyo TV.

Fukuoka, Kyushu Broadcasting.

Sapporo, Hokkaido Culture Broadcasting Corporation...

Almost all the local tycoons who were ranked high in the Japanese television industry dialed the same number this afternoon with an almost humble attitude.

Then, without exception, they all tasted that ruthless rejection that was full of Tokyo flavor.

This is no longer a simple rejection.

It's a declaration.

A young man named Nohara Hiroshi, in the simplest and crudest way, issued a clear and arrogant declaration to the entire industry.

I'm not going anywhere.

Don't bother me anymore.

……

At seven o'clock in the evening, in Suginami Ward, downstairs of the apartment where Hiroshi Nohara lived.

The summer evening breeze was a bit hot, blowing on the beech trees on the roadside that looked a little listless.

Several black luxury cars with license plates from different regions stopped silently in the apartment complex like a group of sharks that smelled blood. They seemed out of place with the surrounding ordinary cars full of life.

The car door opens.

Several big names who usually could shake the television industry with just a stomp of their feet in their respective territories, now gathered at the entrance of the apartment like ordinary salesmen, with a bit of anxiety and a determination to win.

The leader was Ichiro Gasa, the deputy director of the production department of Kansai TV, who, after a fit of rage in the office, finally decided to come to Tokyo in person.

Next to him stood a middle-aged man wearing a floral shirt and gold-rimmed glasses, who looked a bit like a gentleman but a villain. He was Ken Yamada, the executive vice-president of the production department of Nagoya Chukyo Television.

On the other side was a slightly plump, always smiling man who looked like a neighbor's uncle, but with a shrewd glint in his eyes. He was Shigeru Tanaka, the director of the copyright purchasing department of Fukuoka Kyushu Broadcasting.

"My wife, are you sure that little devil lives here?"

Yamada Ken pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up on his nose, his tone carrying a touch of the shrewdness typical of Nagoya residents: "This place is a bit... shabby, isn't it? It doesn't quite match the style he displays on TV."

"Can't be wrong."

Ichiro Gaiya pulled a pack of Seven Stars cigarettes from his pocket, lit one, and took a deep drag. The pungent smoke cleared his head, which had been clouded by anger and jealousy. "I paid a hefty sum for this information from a private investigator in Tokyo. The address, the photos, even what time he gets home every day and what kind of ramen he likes—I found out everything."

As he spoke, a barely perceptible ruthlessness flashed in his bloodshot eyes.

Since literary means don’t work, let’s try force.

He just didn't believe that when he slapped the young man in the face a contract that no one could refuse, along with a check that could be filled with any number, he could still maintain that damn arrogance that belonged to Tokyo people.

"Oh my, it seems like everyone thinks alike."

Tanaka Shigeru chuckled, trying to smooth things over. His narrowed eyes flickered back and forth between the two men, "But let's be frank. Today, it's a matter of skill. Whoever can bring that 'Nohara-no-no-kami' back to their temple, the other two families, don't try to get in the way."

"Huh, that's natural."

Just as the three of them were each harboring their own ulterior motives and the atmosphere was tense, a Toyota Crown Majestic, exuding a calm and domineering aura in the afterglow of the sunset, slid out silently from the corner of the street like a ghost, and finally, stopped steadily in the exclusive parking space downstairs of the apartment building.

The car door opened, and a tall and straight young man in a casual suit stepped out from the driver's seat.

It was their target tonight - Hiroshi Nohara.

"coming!"

The three of them were cheered up at the same time, and almost subconsciously adjusted their collars. They immediately put on the most enthusiastic and hypocritical smiles on their faces and quickly walked towards him.

"Teacher Nohara! Hello! I've heard so much about you!"

Ichiro Goya was the first to rush forward. His sullen face had long been replaced by a smile full of the generosity and friendliness of the people of Kansai. He handed over his business card with both hands. His gesture was as humble as a little fan meeting his idol.

"My name is Ichiro Yamaguchi, from the production department of Kansai TV. You can just call me Ichiro!"

"Mr. Nohara, nice to meet you! I'm Ken Yamada from Nagoya Chukyo Television. I've watched every episode of your "Wonderful Stories of the World"! It's a masterpiece! A true masterpiece!"

"Teacher Nohara, nice to meet you. I'm Tanaka Shigeru from Fukuoka. This is a small gift from us in Kyushu. It's not much of a token of respect, but please accept it!"

Tanaka Shigeru was even more direct. He took a beautifully packaged wooden box from the assistant behind him and stuffed it into Nohara Hiroshi's arms without saying anything.

Nohara Hiroshi looked at the three "fans" who suddenly appeared in front of him and were a little too enthusiastic, with helplessness on his face.

He just calmly glanced at the luxury cars parked not far away that looked out of place in the surroundings, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Nohara Hiroshi seemed to have guessed something.

He did not take the business cards, nor did he look at the wooden box. He just gave the three people a just right, somewhat distant and polite smile.

"Three seniors, what can I do for you?"

This lukewarm reaction made the smiles on the faces of Ichiro and the other two freeze for a moment.

They exchanged glances, and finally, it was Ichiro Gaiya, the most shameless one, who cleared his throat and spoke straight to the point:

"Teacher Nohara, to be honest, we are here on behalf of our respective TV stations. We would like to discuss... cooperation with you."

"We at Kansai TV are willing to establish an independent, highly authorized 'Nohara Studio' just for you! Budget, staffing, whatever you choose! We only have one request: that you tailor-make a brand new urban horror series for us, similar to 'Wonderful Stories of the World'!"

"We at Zhongjing TV are willing to pay three times! No! Five times! the salary of Tokyo TV! As long as you agree, tomorrow, you will be the chief producer of horror projects in our production department!"

"We are Kyushu Broadcasting..."

The three of them rushed to throw out the conditions they had prepared long ago, which were enough to drive anyone in the industry crazy.

Their posture was like three hungry wolves that had seen a priceless treasure, and they couldn't wait to swallow the young man in front of them whole, skin and bones.

However, Nohara Hiroshi just listened quietly from beginning to end.

There is no statement.

There was no emotion on that handsome face, as calm as a bottomless lake.

It was not until the three of them were exhausted from talking that a hint of amusement finally flashed in those clear eyes.

"I appreciate the kindness of the three seniors."

He spoke slowly, his voice gentle but with an undeniable determination: "It's just that I personally think that Tokyo TV is an excellent platform. I'm living a very good life here, and for the time being... I have no plans to move."

After saying this, he gave the three of them another polite smile and bowed slightly as a farewell.

Then he turned around and walked into the apartment without looking back.

Only Ichiro Gaiya, Ken Yamada, and Shigeru Tanaka were left standing there blankly like three weathered stone statues, with expressions of disbelief and astonishment written all over their faces.

He...he just...left like that?
They prepared a lot of threats and inducements, they prepared countless negotiation techniques, and they even thought of the location of the celebration party.

But they never expected that the other party was not even interested in sitting down and talking with them.

The humiliation of being completely ignored was like a basin of ice water poured over their heads, cooling down the heat in their hearts caused by their covetousness.

"Bastard... this kid from Tokyo..."

Ichiro clenched his fists tightly, and his face, which was full of smiles just now, was now distorted beyond recognition. He looked at the cold, long-closed apartment door, and his eyes were like a wild dog that had been deprived of all its food, leaving only endless resentment and madness.

"Too arrogant! You're simply looking down on everyone!" Yamada Kenye was so angry that he was shaking all over. He crumpled the business card in his hand into a ball, threw it on the ground, and then stomped on it a few times with his shiny leather shoes.

"Alas!" Only Tanaka Shigeru let out a breath, and in that breath was a sense of helplessness that came from facing the reality.

"never mind."

He shook his head, and for the first time, a hint of bitterness appeared on his always smiling face. "It seems that he is determined to hang himself on that big tree. In his eyes, we local stations are not even qualified to be spare tires."

As he spoke, he glanced at his two colleagues who were still immersed in anger and resentment, and suggested in an almost self-deprecating tone:
"Let's go, both of you. Since we can't summon a god, let's not embarrass ourselves here. I know there's a good izakaya nearby, why don't we... go have a drink?"

……

In the izakaya, the lights were dim and the air was filled with the aroma of grilled skewers and the mellowness of sake.

After a few glasses of spicy soju, the suppressed anger finally found an outlet.

"Damn it! I'm so mad!"

Ichiro's flushed face looked a bit ferocious due to the alcohol. "That Nohara Hiroshi, who the hell is he?! He just got lucky and got a decent TV series! Why is he so arrogant?! Why does he look down on us?!"

"That's right!" Yamada Kenya was a little drunk. He unbuttoned the top two buttons of his floral shirt, revealing his slightly sagging chest. His eyes were filled with coldness. "Everyone who comes out of Tokyo TV is the same! Self-righteous and arrogant! They think that just because they have the best resources, they can be the boss forever! Dream on!"

"You two, calm down, calm down."

Tanaka Shigeru filled their glasses with wine while smiling and persuading them. In his eyes, narrowed into slits, there was a subtle glint of fox-like cunning.

"Since they won't show us the favor, there's no need for us to hang ourselves on to one tree. Tokyo TV is powerful, but it's not invincible. Nohara Hiroshi is a genius, but he's not a god."

He paused, drank the wine in the glass, and his voice was filled with a hint of cold temptation:

"I have a proposal."

"Since we can't invite him, then let's just... join forces and pull him down from that pedestal!"

"Hmm?" Ichiro Goya and Ken Yamada stopped moving at the same time and looked at him.

"It's very simple." Tanaka Shigeru's lips curled up in a cold arc: "Isn't he good at making 'urban legends'? Then let's do it too!"

"The three of us, Kansai, Chukyo, and Kyushu, are joining together, pooling all our resources, all our elite producers, all our ace screenwriters, to create one, no! Three, brand new urban ghost story shows!"

"I just don't believe that Nohara Hiroshi's brain alone can compare to the collective wisdom of hundreds of elites from our three TV stations!"

"Let's go head-to-head with him in the same time slot, using the same subject matter! We'll use the ratings to tell that clueless brat, and the entire Japanese audience, who is the true king in this field!"

These words were like a spark thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the anger that had already been burning in the hearts of Ichiro Goya and Ken Yamada!

"Okay! Just do it!"

Ichiro slapped his thigh, a desperate look of madness emerging from his ferocious face. "Isn't he broadcasting it every week? Then, starting next month, let's broadcast it every week too! If he broadcasts one episode, we'll broadcast three! We'll outnumber him to death!"

"That's right!" Yamada Ken's eyes flashed with a cold light. "Furthermore, we have to poach all his men! I heard that Hashiji Ichiro has been re-employed by him. With a history of betrayal, as long as we offer a high enough price, I don't believe he won't betray us again!"

"And the actors in his crew! That one called Xiao Xunhua, I've checked, she's just a country girl with no background. Send someone to contact her and give her the leading role in a prime-time drama. I don't believe she won't be tempted!"

Under the catalysis of alcohol, conspiracy and calculation quickly wrapped around this small box like wildly growing vines.

These three big men who call the shots in their respective territories, after experiencing common failure and humiliation, finally formed an alliance full of black humor... the Avengers.

They raised their glasses and clinked them together. The crisp sound was like a murderous death knell that sounded in advance for the young man far away in Tokyo.

"For victory!"

"cheers!"

(End of this chapter)