My Name is Hiroshi Nohara, Star of Neon Film and Television!

Chapter 169: Returning to Omagari City in the New Year! The Nohara Family's Sukiyaki is Waiting~

Nohara Hiroshi looked at Kurosawa Eiji's weather-beaten face, recalling his action just now at the press conference, pushing all the credit to him, even not hesitating to belittle his reputation accumulated over decades, just to help a younger generation achieve success, that emotion and sorrow, surged up like a tide.

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"Director Kurosawa, you... why must you do this?" Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible hoarseness.

He knew, those words of Kurosawa Eiji, seemingly understating the matter, in reality was using his golden body forged over more than thirty years, to pave a smooth road leading to the future for him.

This kindness and debt weighed heavier than a thousand catties.

Kurosawa Eiji heard this and smiled, he slowly reached out his hand, lightly patting Nohara Hiroshi's shoulder, that movement, like a kindly father, pacifying his most favored disciple.

"Hiroshi-kun, you inherently are a genius. I merely spoke a truth that's all, why speak of 'why must you do this'?" His voice carried free and easiness and relief, as if putting down all obsessions in his heart.

Right at this time, those seven actors performing in 'Seven Samurai' also walked over, they looked at Kurosawa Eiji, faces all carrying a trace of regret and admiration.

"Yeah, Director Kurosawa." The veteran actor Miyoshi Taiji playing Kambei, gave a long sigh, his tone full of reluctance to part: "We all know, you value Hiroshi-kun's limitless future prospects, thus willingly acting as the green leaves, completely handing over your reputation accumulated over decades. This tolerance, we juniors, truly can only see the dust making us far behind."

"That's right, Director Kurosawa, you are sacrificing yourself, to help Hiroshi-kun achieve success ah." The face of Makino Shunpei playing Kikuchiyo, was written full of emotion. Kurosawa Eiji hearing this, yet merely shook his head: "Sacrifice? Achieve success? You brats ah, are still too young."

He lightly chuckled, his tone carrying a trace of disdain: "I'll say it again, this movie, from beginning to end, is Nohara-kun's solo work. From the script, to the storyboards, and then to every shot on set, every arrangement, was all handled by him, single-handedly."

"This old man me, is nothing more than... helping him out, hanging an empty title of co-director that's all. He, is the true general director, the main person in charge. I'm just telling the truth based on facts, why do you all feel it's a pity?"

Kurosawa Eiji's words were exactly this resolute and decisive.

Nohara Hiroshi only fell silent.

He knew Kurosawa Eiji's straightforwardness, and also knew behind this magnanimity of his, was what kind of massive affirmation towards himself.

This affirmation, was more precious than any honor.

It wasn't until those seven "samurai" and Kurosawa Eiji left the venue one after another, did Asumi slowly walk over, he looked at Nohara Hiroshi and lightly opened his mouth: "Hiroshi-kun, you don't need to feel owing to Director Kurosawa. This matter, was inherently discussed by us. Director Kurosawa he ah, is a stubborn old man, he absolutely does not accept other people's charity. The reason why he said so, is because he truly saw on you, that talent that surpassed him."

Asumi looked at Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of trust and anticipation.

"Just like now, I still think Hiroshi-kun has already surpassed me!"

Kurosawa Eiji's voice suddenly came from the doorway, he came back after leaving, carrying a trace of free and easy smile on his face: "In my life, I've shot kendo films for a lifetime. I once thought, I had already exhaustively shot the glory of samurai, their tragicness, their helplessness. But after watching this 'Seven Samurai' of yours, only then did I know, those I shot, were nothing more than some, Hinayana Buddhism limited to the samurai themselves."

"And you..."

Kurosawa Eiji's gaze, landed on Nohara Hiroshi, full of appreciation: "What you shot, is a samurai film that deconstructs the era, deconstructs humanity, directly pointing at all living beings, this is the true Mahayana Buddhism. Your innovations and bold ideas on this movie, have already surpassed me."

"Senior Kurosawa!" Nohara Hiroshi once again deeply bowed to this stubborn old man.

These words of Kurosawa Eiji, were the highest affirmation towards him.

"So ah, Hiroshi-kun." Kurosawa Eiji once again patted Nohara Hiroshi's shoulder, on that weather-beaten face, at this moment written full of relief: "This old guy me, should also retire. Next up, I plan to slowly shoot some movies I like, no longer limited by future achievements, and also no longer pursue those illusory fame and wealth."

He paused, eyes flashing with light: "As for the future, I'll leave it all to you. You brat, is the hope of our Nippon film industry. Work hard!"

"By the way." Kurosawa Eiji seemingly suddenly thought of something, he smiled mysteriously: "That 'Hachiko Monogatari' project you mentioned to me before, I've seen it. Very interesting. I will together with Asumi, fully support you at the board of directors. I really want to see, what kind of surprise you can still bring us."

"This..." A warm current once again surged in Nohara Hiroshi's heart.

This wasn't just a verbal promise from Kurosawa Eiji, even more so it was him using his last afterglow, paving a broad road leading to the future for him.

"Thank you, Director Kurosawa." Nohara Hiroshi sincerely thanked.

Kurosawa Eiji waved his hand, once again leaving freely and easily.

Asumi looked at his back, and then looked at Nohara Hiroshi, emotion surfacing on his face.

"Yeah, Hiroshi-kun." Asumi gave a long sigh, he walked to the window, overlooking that brightly lit Tokyo night view at his feet: "Now, it just depends on what kind of records 'Seven Samurai' will ultimately create during the three months premiere period."

He paused, his tone full of excitement: "However, no matter what, we've all fought a beautiful victorious battle. After returning from the New Year, we'll have a celebration banquet, also considered as celebrating the start of the New Year."

(Please don't fuss over the time confusion problem... mainly because seven days after Japanese Christmas is Japanese Spring Festival, but I don't have this concept, writing it as our Spring Festival, whatever, minor issue, everyone please ignore it)

"Yeah, New Year." Nohara Hiroshi heard this, and only suddenly realized, turns out unknowingly, Nippon's New Year, was already quietly approaching.

This year full of challenges and opportunities, finally, was drawing to a close. And the new chapter, had only just begun.

...

Tokyo's winter, always carried a kind of crisp coldness that washed away all the glitz, as if this steel jungle also needed a moment of silence in the torrent of time, to wash away the hubbub and vanity attached deep in its soul.

When Nohara Hiroshi got off work from TV Tokyo, pushing open the apartment door, familiar warmth rushed at his face, mixed with the faint fragrance on Misae's body, like a gentle net, instantly pulling him out from the daily game, plummeting into the mortal world.

The living room lights were still bright, the TV was playing an unknown late-night program, only the sound was turned very low, as if afraid of disturbing this moment of tranquility.

Misae was sitting on the floor, two massive suitcases spread open in front of her, stuffed full of clothes and various bottles and jars inside, like a small department store.

She wore a soft homewear sweater, hair casually tied up, revealing a smooth neck, on that face always full of vitality and endearing silliness, at this moment yet carrying a trace of imperceptible seriousness and focus.

"Misae?" Nohara Hiroshi was slightly stunned, he took off his jacket, hanging it on the coat rack in the entrance, making a slight sound.

Misae heard the sound and lifted her head, those big bright eyes upon seeing him, instantly blossomed with the light of surprise.

She was like a startled kitten, violently bounding up from the floor, throwing herself into his embrace.

"Hiroshi-kun! You've finally come back! Are you tired?" She lifted her head, her small head rubbing against his chest, voice carrying a bit of slightly reproachful coquetry, yet full of un-disguise-able concern.

The public opinion pressure Nohara Hiroshi encountered recently she knew it all, and she had also always been silently supporting him.

These Nohara Hiroshi knew it all.

Nohara Hiroshi gently stroked her soft hair, smelling that familiar mixed scent of shower gel and faint body fragrance on her body, all the exhaustion in his heart, vanished into thin air at this moment.

He lightly chuckled and shook his head: "I'm fine, it's you rather, so late already, why are you still packing luggage?"

Hearing this Misae, that petite and pretty little face instantly puffed up, like an angry little pufferfish.

She broke free from his embrace, pouting, pointing at those two suitcases stuffed full on the ground, tone carrying a trace of taking it for granted grievance: "Of course I'm packing luggage ah! New Year is approaching, I definitely have to return to Kumamoto Prefecture right!"

"Returning to Kumamoto?" Nohara Hiroshi's brows slightly lifted, a trace of confusion flashing in those clear eyes.

He looked at Misae's taking it for granted expression and only then realized.

Right, New Year.

These few months, he buried his head in work, from 'Yamishibai' to 'Tales of the Unusual', and then to 'Kasou Taishou' and 'Seven Samurai', every project was like a massive mountain, pressing down on him until he couldn't catch his breath.

He got used to the fast pace of Tokyo, got used to the busyness of inverted day and night, even got used to dedicating all holidays to work.

He forgot although Misae had long adapted to the prosperity and hubbub of Tokyo, but deep in her bones, she was still that, most rustic Nippon girl from Kumamoto Prefecture.

"Sorry, Misae." Nohara Hiroshi gave a bitter smile and shook his head, a self-mockery surfacing on his face: "I was truly muddled by busyness, forgot all these things. Seeing you mention this, I just remembered, we aren't married yet, according to custom, you indeed should return to your maiden home for the New Year."

Hearing this Misae, that puffed up little face only slightly calmed down a bit, she walked to the sofa and sat down, patting the spot beside her, signaling Nohara Hiroshi to sit over too.

"As long as you know!" She lightly snorted, tone carrying a trace of minor smugness: "But speaking of which, Hiroshi-kun, how do you plan to go back? Taking an airplane? I already bought the plane ticket long ago!"

Nohara Hiroshi sat down beside her, feeling the warmth transmitting from her body, his heart totally peaceful.

He reached out his hand, gently wrapping around her waist, letting that small head of hers, happily lean on his shoulder.

"Airplane?" Nohara Hiroshi lightly chuckled, in those clear eyes, flashing a trace of playfulness: "Kumamoto Prefecture is on Kyushu Island, the southwest side of Nippon, indeed quite far from Tokyo, taking an airplane is indeed convenient. But me... I plan to drive back."

"Drive?" Misae upon hearing this, those dark round big eyes instantly widened, face written full of unbelievable horror: "Hiroshi-kun, you aren't joking right?! So late already, from Tokyo to Akita Prefecture, how long will driving take ah?! And you still have to go to work tomorrow!"

"Silly." Nohara Hiroshi lightly chuckled while pinching her small nose, tone full of doting: "Who said I have to go to work tomorrow? New Year holiday is fifteen days! Moreover, Omagari City's distance to Tokyo, is even closer than Akita Prefecture. I plan to take advantage of these few days, have a good rest, spend time with my parents. While I'm at it, also properly advance my 'Akita Inu Project'."

"Akita Inu Project?" Misae upon hearing this, those big eyes instantly filled with curiosity: "What's that?"

Nohara Hiroshi only smiled mysteriously, not explaining further. He knew, now wasn't the time to reveal this ultimate weapon "Hachiko Monogatari".

"Aiya! You are keeping me in suspense again!" Misae dissatisfiedly snorted softly, but also didn't pursue the question further.

She knew Hiroshi-kun's secrets were always full of surprises.

She dragged the two massive suitcases over from the floor, smilingly saying to Nohara Hiroshi: "Hiroshi-kun, haven't you been busy with work recently, having no time to buy things. These are the gifts I prepared for you, all new jewelry and new clothes for Uncle and Aunt. Look, do you like them?"

Nohara Hiroshi was slightly stunned upon hearing this.

He looked at those meticulously selected gifts in the suitcase, those sparkling gold jewelry, those well-tailored new clothes, that meticulousness and considerateness from his lover, like a warm current, instantly flowing past that heart of his that had long been numbed by work.

Only then did he realize, he actually... actually forgot to prepare New Year gifts.

This period of time, all his thoughts were on work, on those grand narratives, yet ignoring the most important person beside him.

That embarrassment from being "careless", instantly crawled onto his cheeks.

Misae looked at his窘迫 appearance, in those big bright eyes, instantly filled with mischievous smile.

Her tone carried a trace of minor smugness: "What's wrong? Hiroshi-kun, are you touched by me? Looking at your dumbfounded appearance, did you forget to prepare gifts again?"

Nohara Hiroshi's cheeks, instantly flushed completely red.

He wanted to refute, but also couldn't speak a single word.

Misae looked at his窘態 wishing to find a hole in the ground to hide in, finally couldn't hold back "pffttt" bursting out laughing.

She laughed so hard her whole body shook, that crisp laughter, like a string of silver bells, echoing for a long time in this warm living room.

"Alright alright, won't tease you anymore!" Misae finally stopped laughing, she reached out her hand, lightly patting his chest, tone full of understanding and tenderness: "I know you're busy. So ah, I already prepared them for you long ago. These gifts, were all bought with my own salary oh!"

"Bought with your own salary?" Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, that already flushed face, at this moment was so red it was almost dripping blood.

He knew, although Misae was now the president of Future Comic Club, but the majority of her income, all came from the royalties of 'YuYu Hakusho'. And this work 'YuYu Hakusho', from beginning to end, was all his Nohara Hiroshi's creativity.

These words of hers, seemingly getting him out of a predicament, in reality... in reality was using the most gentle method, to remind him, that this "genius" of his, in life, also had a "careless" side.

"Yeah! Bought with my own salary!" Misae smugly raised her eyebrows, in those bright big eyes, flashing a pride and confidence belonging to a career woman: "Hiroshi-kun, don't you underestimate me oh! I Misae, am now also the dignified president of Future Comic Club! A mere little New Year gift, I can still afford it!"

"Moreover..." She paused, tone carrying a trace of mystery: "Let me tell you oh, Hiroshi-kun, I recently also quietly, saved up a 'private stash' for you! When your birthday comes, I'll give you a huge surprise!"

Nohara Hiroshi looked at Misae's face full of smugness and endearing silliness, all the embarrassment and 窘迫 in his heart, vanished into thin air at this moment.

He reached out his hand, gently hugging that small head of Misae into his embrace.

"Thank you, Misae." Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth, his voice carrying a trace of hoarseness, yet full of sincerity.

This is truly the fated Mrs. Nohara.

"Silly." Misae lightly snorted, that small head rubbing against his chest, tone full of satisfaction: "I'm your Hiroshi-kun's wife, doing these for you, is what I ought to do."

The two snuggled against each other, enjoying this moment's warmth and tranquility.

Outside the window, the night color grew deeper, Tokyo's neon lights, like stars falling into the mortal world, flashing with charming light.

However, in this bizarre and motley metropolis, this small apartment, was like a warm harbor, carrying the purest happiness of two people in love.

"Alright alright, Hiroshi-kun." Misae finally broke free from his embrace, she glanced at the clock on the wall, an anxiety surfacing on her face: "It's getting late, I have to go catch my flight! Quickly take me to the airport!"

Nohara Hiroshi nodded, he got up, grabbed the car keys, a gentle smile blossoming on his face again: "Let's go, my Madame President. I'll take you to the airport."

...

Tokyo Narita International Airport, brightly lit, crowds surging.

Countless travelers from all over the world, dragging large and small bags of luggage, shuttling back and forth in this massive steel behemoth, faces written full of anticipation for the holidays and longing for family members.

Nohara Hiroshi escorted Misae to the boarding gate, the two smiled at each other, everything understood without words.

"Hiroshi-kun, be careful on the road ah." Misae stood on her tiptoes, lightly kissing his cheek, those big bright eyes, full of reluctance and worry: "When you arrive in Akita, say hello to Uncle and Aunt for me. Also, remember to call me oh!"

"Rest assured, Misae." Nohara Hiroshi lightly chuckled and rubbed her head, in those clear eyes, full of tenderness towards his lover: "You too, be careful on the road. When you arrive in Kumamoto, say hello to Uncle and Aunt for me. Also, remember to call me oh!"

The two smiled at each other again, and then, in each other's gazes, slowly turned around, walking towards their respective journeys.

Misae's figure, gradually disappeared behind that massive glass door at the boarding gate.

Nohara Hiroshi stood at his original spot, until that door, thoroughly isolated her figure out of his field of vision.

He breathed out a long breath, carrying a trace of imperceptible desolation.

This brief separation is for a longer companionship.

He knew, what he needed to do, was in this era full of challenges and opportunities, continuously become stronger, continuously break through, forging a solid and warm harbor sufficient to resist any storm for him and Misae, for their future.

He turned around, walking towards the parking lot with steady steps.

The black Toyota Crown, like a ghost, silently slid into Tokyo's never-ending stream of traffic.

Inside the car, Nohara Hiroshi drove with one hand, his other hand gently resting on the spot Misae had just leaned against.

That residual warmth belonging to his lover, like a warm current, slowly flowing past his heart that had long been sharpened to the hardness of a rock by work.

He knew, waiting for him ahead, wasn't just that familiar land of Akita Prefecture, even more so was that group of lovely family members of his, as well as those, New Year plans full of infinite possibilities that he had already planned out long ago.

Heading north all the way.

Outside the car window, Tokyo's neon lights gradually receded, replaced by the silence of the countryside and the brilliance of starlight.

...

Late at night, when that black Toyota Crown, finally drove into that familiar countryside of Omagari City, in the sky, had long bloomed countless brilliant fireworks.

"Crack crackle pop——"

Fireworks exploded in the night sky, illuminating the entire Nohara household brightly.

At the doorway, Nohara Hiroshi's parents, Nohara Ginnosuke and Nohara Tsuru, as well as his elder brother Nohara Semashi, had already been waiting for a long time.

When they heard the sound of the car, they impatiently rushed out of the house, faces written full of longing and joy towards their family member returning from a long absence.

"Hiroshi! You've finally come back!" Nohara Ginnosuke, this old man always full of vitality, was the first to rush over, wrapping Nohara Hiroshi in a hug, that rough voice, full of unsuppressible excitement: "You brat, coming back so late! Were you fooling around in Tokyo again?!"

"Dad, what are you saying!" Nohara Hiroshi didn't know whether to laugh or cry, he patted his old man's back, tone full of helplessness: "I just sent Misae back from the airport, and then immediately hurried home without stopping!"

"Where is Misae?!" Nohara Tsuru, this mother always full of tenderness and motherly love, also walked over, she looked at that empty back seat behind Nohara Hiroshi, a doubt surfacing on her face: "Why didn't she come back with you?"

"Mom, Misae returned to Kumamoto Prefecture." Nohara Hiroshi explained: "We aren't married yet, according to custom, she has to return to her maiden home for the New Year."

"Oh, so that's how it is." Nohara Tsuru only realized after hearing this.

After being together for a long time, she had already treated Misae as her true daughter-in-law who had already married into the family.

"Hiroshi! Finally back!" Nohara Semashi, this elder brother always full of honesty and simplicity, also walked over, he heavily patted Nohara Hiroshi's shoulder, on that dark face, written full of longing and pride towards his younger brother: "Quickly go inside! Your mom made your favorite sukiyaki! Also, those Akita Inus, are all waiting for you to see them!"

"Yeah! Quickly go inside! It's cold outside!" Nohara Ginnosuke also pulled Nohara Hiroshi's hand, walking towards the house.

The family talked and laughed, harmonious and happy.

Nohara Hiroshi looked at this warm scene full of the vitality of life in front of him, all the exhaustion and worries in his heart, vanished into thin air at this moment.

This is his true harbor.

This is the ultimate destination of all his hard work.

"Crack crackle pop——"

"Whoosh!"

Outside the house, fireworks were still exploding in the night sky, brilliant light reflecting on Nohara Hiroshi's handsome and peaceful face.

The corners of his mouth hooked up a gentle arc.

He knew, this New Year, was destined to be a, brand new beginning full of warmth and hope.

And the sukiyaki inside the house, had long been bubbling on the stove fire, rising with an alluring white mist.

That hot steam was like the thin mist of early spring, permeating above the dining table, plating a layer of gentle halo on the simple wooden furniture of the Nohara household.

In the pot, thinly sliced wagyu beef rolled in the boiling soup, letting out alluring sizzling sounds, intertwining with bright green Chinese cabbage, fresh tender shiitake mushrooms, and chewy konjac noodles into an alluring picture scroll.

Beside it, crystal clear raw eggs, quietly waiting in small bowls to be beaten, becoming dipping sauce, that pure color, as if containing the most primitive reverence towards life.

Nohara Semashi straightforwardly took out a few bottles of sake from the cabinet, and also brought over chilled beer, the bottle bodies reflecting an alluring cold light under the faint lighting.

"Dad, come drink some Juyondai sake. Hiroshi, know you don't like sake, so let's drink some beer together."

He smilingly handed the sake to his father, and handed the beer to Nohara Hiroshi, that roughness and care belonging to an elder brother, was self-evident.

The family sat around, chopsticks shuttling in the pot, picking up slices of ingredients full of soup.

"Delicious delicious! Although it can't compare to the Tokyo wagyu Hiroshi brought back, but our Omagari City's own beef is also delicious!"

Nohara Ginnosuke chewed the beef in large mouthfuls, letting out sighs of satisfaction. Nohara Tsuru however meticulously picked up food for Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of un-melt-able motherly love.

"You ah! Eat less, let Hiroshi eat more!" Nohara Tsuru glanced at him, and used her chopsticks to pick up beef for Nohara Hiroshi again.

"Yeah, delicious." Nohara Hiroshi smilingly sent the beef dipped in egg wash into his mouth, that warmth and fresh sweetness, instantly dispersed the exhaustion of the long journey, and also diluted all the impatience brought by Tokyo's vanity fair.

He looked at the faces of his family members flushed red from the hot steam, listening to their chitchat about farm trivia, neighborhood anecdotes, a long-lost feeling of being grounded surged in his heart.

Outside the window, fireworks bloomed again, reflecting the silver-wrapped countryside outside.

Nohara Hiroshi knew, no matter how big a storm he stirred up outside, created how many miracles, this dining table wrapped in the vitality of life and family affection, is his eternal harbor, the starting point for him to draw strength and set off again.

Those grand narratives about class, about the era, at this moment all transformed into the tumbling food in the pot, and every bit of warmth shared with family.

PS: Three updates today, I'll sort out the outline...

(End of Chapter)