novelraw Chapter 177: Meeting with Governor Koike! Bureau Chief Sakata Brings Nohara Hiroshi Along to Add Honor!
Chapter 177: Meeting with Governor Koike! Bureau Chief Sakata Brings Nohara Hiroshi Along to Add Honor!
In the banquet lobby, the dazzling crystal chandeliers hung inversely like a river of stars, illuminating the entire space resplendent and magnificent. The air was filled with the mellow aroma of champagne intertwining with the whispers of celebrities, everything appeared so exquisite yet distant.
"Distinguished guests, respected leaders, ladies, and gentlemen!"
The impassioned voice of the host, like the bugle opening the prelude, instantly attracted everyone's gaze to the center of the stage.
A female host dressed in a gorgeous kimono, wearing exquisite makeup, was standing under the spotlight with a face full of smiles, the microphone in her hand, seemingly grasping the rhythm of the entire banquet.
"Welcome everyone to tonight's New Year welcoming banquet hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government! Tonight, we gather together, jointly looking forward to the brilliance of the new year, jointly celebrating the prosperity and development of our Greater Tokyo metropolitan area!"
Accompanied by a burst of enthusiastic applause, the opening ceremony officially commenced.
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Leaders of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, dressed in upright suits or elegant kimonos, sequentially walked onto the stage. Whether they were in charge of the economy, or supervising transportation, or responsible for people's livelihoods, everyone wore a perfectly appropriate smile, delivering speeches full of official coloring.
Their voices were steady and forceful, between the lines all filled with beautiful expectations for the future, grand blueprints for the development of the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area.
Nohara Hiroshi stood beside Sakata Nobuhiko and Fujiwara Hideaki, gaze peacefully sweeping across the stage. He looked at those leaders speaking with assurance on stage, yet couldn't help but mutter inside.
Knowing this many leaders, certainly could showcase his own status, but regarding actual work, those who truly can play a role, are still those leaders in vertical fields being the most crucial.
After all, professions have specializations, different trades are separated like mountains, not everyone can decide with a single word.
He subconsciously glanced at Bureau Chief Sakata and His Excellency Fujiwara beside him, and then looked at those civil servants in the private room currently similarly quietly listening, as well as His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda who exactly was giving a speech on stage just now.
They are the true helmsmen who can influence the direction of his career.
Very quickly, the speech of His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda finished, accompanied by yet another burst of enthusiastic applause, he smilingly walked down the stage.
Sakata Nobuhiko and Fujiwara Hideaki exchanged a glance, both seeing a trace of solemnity and expectation in each other's eyes.
"The most important one is here." Sakata Nobuhiko reminded in a low voice beside Nohara Hiroshi's ear.
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, his heart slightly shuddered, he raised his head, gaze casting towards the stage again.
Right at this time, an old man in his sixties, with a thin yet hale and hearty figure, slowly walked onto the stage. He didn't have gorgeous attire, nor exaggerated expressions, merely smiling, gently nodding his head towards the crowd offstage.
The impassioned voice of the host, once again resounded across the entire venue: "Now, let us use the most enthusiastic applause, to welcome the highest executive of our Tokyo Metropolis, Tokyo Governor —— His Excellency Koike Ryuichi!"
Hua la la!
The entire lobby instantly erupted with a burst of thunderous applause!
Everyone uniformly stood up, faces written full of respect and reverence, that respect from the bottom of the heart, was even more enthusiastic than the applause towards His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda just now.
Nohara Hiroshi also followed the crowd standing up and applauding together, gaze peacefully gazing at the old man on stage.
"This Governor Koike, is a legendary figure ah." Sakata Nobuhiko's voice, rang beside Nohara Hiroshi's ear, carrying a trace of sighing with emotion and respect: "From 1975 to 1985, he continuously served as the Station Chief at our TV Tokyo. It can be said, our TV Tokyo, being able to have the brilliance today, his contribution cannot be left unnoticed."
"In 1986, he resigned from the Station Chief position, ran for Tokyo Governor, and successfully elected with an overwhelming advantage, until today it has already been five years. He is the old leader of our TV Tokyo, and also the role model for all of us."
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this raised his brows.
He only then understood, this Governor Koike, actually had such a profound background and qualifications.
He subconsciously nodded, gaze once again casting towards Governor Koike on the stage, in that gaze also added a trace of respect.
"Yeah, old leader, old Station Chief, is truly admirable ah." Fujiwara Hideaki smilingly spoke, his gaze casting towards Sakata Nobuhiko, tone carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate teasing: "However, Governor Koike is having elections again in the middle of this year, at that time, it will again trouble your TV Tokyo, to help out more with propaganda."
Sakata Nobuhiko upon hearing this, a sincere smile immediately surfaced on his face: "What Your Excellency Fujiwara said is right, Governor Koike is our old Station Chief, he has made massive contributions for our TV Tokyo. Regarding his election, our TV Tokyo, of course will fully support! This is our unshirkable responsibility!"
The two exchanged a smile, that tacit understanding without words, quietly flowing in the air.
However, right in this atmosphere full of political confrontation and worldly wisdom and human relations, Fujiwara Hideaki yet suddenly frowned, tone also becoming solemn: "Speaking of which, Sakata-kun, how is the current Station Chief Shimazu's health? The last time I went to visit, his complexion looked very bad."
Sakata Nobuhiko upon hearing this, the smile on his face instantly retracted a bit, replaced by an unconcealable worry and sigh.
"Sigh..." He let out a long sigh, tone full of helplessness: "Still bad ah. The last checkup, the doctor said his body, already can't hold on for much longer."
Nohara Hiroshi standing to the side, hearing this also curiously looked over.
He only then understood, the current person holding power in TV Tokyo, that Station Chief named Shimazu Ihide, actually had already fallen critically ill to this extent.
He recalled previously at TV Tokyo, whenever he asked about Station Chief Shimazu's situation, those colleagues would always hum and haw, not daring to speak clearly, only saying Bureau Chief Sakata as the Executive Deputy Station Chief, was acting for the Station Chief's work.
Now looking at it everything became clear.
So that Station Chief Shimazu because of health reasons, could already be considered semi-retired.
Fujiwara Hideaki smelled Sakata Nobuhiko, a trace of regret also flashing in his eyes: "Yeah, Station Chief Shimazu, he is truly a regrettable talent. Back then, if not for failing in that Tokyo mayoral election, he also wouldn't have suffered such a heavy blow, his spirit becoming depressed, implicating his body to also have accidents."
Sakata Nobuhiko upon hearing this, also heavily nodded, on that refined face, at this moment yet surfaced a trace of unconcealable anger and unwillingness.
He subconsciously gritted his teeth, gaze sharply sweeping towards those burly-figured, arrogant and domineering merchants in the construction field not far away, as well as those officials supervising construction and housing, a cold light flashing in his eyes.
"It's all those guys causing mischief!" Sakata Nobuhiko coldly snorted in a low voice, tone full of disdain and anger: "For their own interests, they didn't hesitate to slander Station Chief Shimazu, spreading rumors, thus making Station Chief Shimazu unable to be successfully elected! This group of vampires who speculated and messed up housing prices, are simply... simply the parasites of society!"
Fujiwara Hideaki patted Sakata Nobuhiko's shoulder, tone carrying a trace of comfort: "Sakata-kun, you don't need to be too agitated. At that time, Tokyo City's real estate development was still in its peak stage, the entire society, was permeated with an impetuous atmosphere of 'money supremacy'. Even those above, also hoped for an official familiar with real estate projects to be elected, to drive economic development, increasing tax revenue."
He let out a long sigh, tone full of helplessness: "Although Station Chief Shimazu's own rank was very high, but after all he was an administrative official, not a political official. Those superiors, still preferred solid tax revenue and real estate development, coming in with fast money, seeing results quickly. So, Station Chief Shimazu's failure, was also... also an inevitability of the era ah."
Sakata Nobuhiko upon hearing this, all the anger and unwillingness on his face turned into a helpless sigh.
"Sigh... pity about Station Chief Shimazu." He murmured to himself, eyes full of regret.
However, Fujiwara Hideaki yet shook his head, a faint smile surfacing on his face: "Sakata-kun, you also don't need to be too pessimistic. Those above aren't entirely valuing real estate. Governor Koike being able to be elected as Tokyo Governor, already explains the problem."
He paused, gaze casting towards Nohara Hiroshi, eyes flashing a trace of expectation: "Those above still hope culture and technology can revitalize Nippon's future, rather than purely relying on money. Culture and propaganda also must definitely keep up. We still have many opportunities, the future also has many opportunities."
Sakata Nobuhiko upon hearing this, a trace of pensiveness also surfaced on his face, he nodded, gaze casting towards Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of expectations.
And all this, Nohara Hiroshi merely quietly listened by the side.
He looked at Governor Koike speaking with assurance on the stage, looked at the conversation full of political wisdom between the two superiors beside him, he felt he himself as if was placed in a massive chessboard, everyone's words and actions, every gaze, all contained profound meanings, all possibly influencing the direction of the entire chessboard.
He knew, this banquet, was not only a simple social occasion, but even more was an excellent opportunity for him to understand Tokyo's political circles, to understand Nippon's future development direction.
He gathered this information, silently, bit by bit, all into the bottom of his heart.
Very quickly, all leaders finished speaking, the banquet officially entered the free communication stage.
The atmosphere in the lobby instantly became enthusiastic, people gathered together in twos and threes, holding champagne, conversing in low voices.
Nohara Hiroshi looking at this lively scene before his eyes, in his heart yet only had two words —— "Gourmet Food".
He knew, in this kind of occasion, as a "small character", he temporarily didn't need to bear too many social tasks.
He only needed, to quietly, enjoy this rare gourmet feast.
He quietly slipped to the buffet table, gaze peacefully sweeping over those dazzling superb collections of gourmet food.
Japanese cuisine area, exquisite sushi, sashimi, tempura, placed attractively like artworks.
French cuisine area, foie gras, snails, caviar, exuding attractive aromas.
American cuisine area, barbecued meat, burgers, pizza, full of rough temptation.
The corners of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth unconsciously hooked up a satisfied arc.
He picked up a dining plate, beginning to gorge himself.
He first picked up a few pieces of fatty but not greasy grilled Wagyu, and then tasted a few slices of melt-in-the-mouth tuna belly, and then paired it with a glass of mellow red wine.
That ultimate deliciousness, instantly explosively detonated in his entire oral cavity, making him so happy even his toes curled up.
While he ate, he listened to the idle chatter regarding politics, regarding economy, regarding gossip from the surrounding celebrities and powerful figures.
He felt he himself as if was placed in a massive ocean of information, those seemingly casual words, yet contained countless business opportunities and political trends.
He enjoyed this momentary tranquility and satisfaction.
He knew, the food provided in this banquet were all various gourmet cuisines of Japanese, French, American styles, the taste was excellent. Exactly at this time everyone was communicating, also no one noticed him this small character, he exactly ate to his heart's content.
He even saw not afar, that old geezer Sato Tokugawa, was holding a wine glass, with a flattering face, conversing with several officials in the construction field.
Nohara Hiroshi merely disdainfully curled his lips.
He knew, that guy will forever only roll in the mud pit of money and power. After all the construction industry, is exactly an industry fully relying on the government to live comfortably.
And he Nohara Hiroshi, wants to walk another path.
A brand new road, leading to the cultural peak, leading to era revolution.
...
The time of the banquet, like flowing sake, amidst the intertwining of wine cups and low-voiced conversations, quietly passed three hours.
The tide of people in the lobby was still surging, but that initial enthusiasm in the air, had gradually been replaced by a kind of lassitude belonging to nightfall.
Nohara Hiroshi followed Sakata Nobuhiko, once again returning to the area where His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda and Fujiwara Hideaki were.
Their group was preparing to bid farewell to His Excellency the Minister, ending this prolonged socializing.
His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda had a warm smile on his face, currently conversing softly about something with Fujiwara Hideaki, between his eyebrows revealing a few traces of appreciation towards Nohara Hiroshi.
"Your Excellency the Minister, Your Excellency Fujiwara, thank you for your hospitality tonight, we will take our leave." Sakata Nobuhiko bowed first, tone respectful.
Nohara Hiroshi also closely followed behind, bowing deeply towards the two seniors, that modesty and composure, perfectly appropriate.
"En, Sakata-kun, Nohara-kun, you've worked hard tonight." His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda smilingly nodded, gaze lingering on Nohara Hiroshi for a moment, in his eyes carrying a trace of expectation, "Nohara-kun, looking forward to your works in the new year, must continue to strive hard ah."
"Hai, Your Excellency the Minister, I understand." Nohara Hiroshi respectfully responded.
Just when they were preparing to turn around and leave, a figure yet like an arrow breaking open the water surface, quickly walked towards them.
That was an attendant in his thirties, dressed in an upright suit, his steps were vigorous, his eyes sharp and capable, every step treaded extremely rhythmically, as if carrying some sort of urgent and important mission.
On the face of His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda, seeing him come over, the originally warm smile instantly retracted, replaced by an unangry yet majestic solemnity, his gaze casting towards that young man, a trace of imperceptible respect revealing in his eyes.
This made Nohara Hiroshi's heart slightly shudder, he knew, to be able to make this high-ranking big shot value so much, is absolutely not an ordinary character.
The young man arrived close, bowing deeply towards His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda, and then leaned close whispering a few words by his ear.
His voice was very light, concealed by the surrounding hubbub, Nohara Hiroshi couldn't hear the specific content clearly, but from the suddenly brightening eyes of His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda, as well as the subsequently surfacing satisfied smile, clearly it was good news.
"Sakata-kun, Nohara-kun, please come with me." His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda straightened his body, a trace of unconcealable joy hanging on his face, he beckoned to Sakata Nobuhiko and Nohara Hiroshi, tone carrying a few traces of solemnity: "Governor Koike wants to see you."
"Oh?!" Sakata Nobuhiko's body violently trembled for a moment, those astute eyes widening instantly, face written full of unbelievable ecstatic joy!
He fiercely turned his head looking towards Nohara Hiroshi, in his eyes carrying unprecedented seriousness and excitement, "Hiroshi! Be serious! This is a unique honor for our TV Tokyo! Absolutely cannot have the slightest mishap!"
Nohara Hiroshi's heart also slightly blanked.
Governor Koike, that legendary figure controlling the entire administrative power of Tokyo Metropolis, and who once was the old Station Chief of TV Tokyo, actually wants to personally receive them?
This special honor, is indeed not a small matter.
He took a deep breath, suppressing all the surprise in his heart, that composure and unhurriedness re-surfacing on his face.
Under the guidance of that young man, they passed through the crowd, winding around several quiet corridors, finally coming in front of a heavy private room door carved from golden silk nanmu.
Here was far away from the hubbub of the lobby, the air permeated with faint sandalwood, appearing exceptionally quiet and solemn.
The attendant gently pushed open the door, the scene inside the private room came into view.
There were no other guests in the room, only Governor Koike alone, currently sitting by the tea table, smilingly tasting a cup of clear tea.
His figure was thin, hale and hearty, although already at the age of sixty, but that bearing of strategizing within a command tent between his eyebrows, was yet more majestic than any young person.
Sakata Nobuhiko at the moment he saw Governor Koike, all expressions on his face had already faded away, leaving only a kind of heartfelt, near pilgrimage-like respect.
He quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply towards Governor Koike, that posture was even more humble by a few degrees than when facing His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda.
"Your Excellency the Governor, Sakata Nobuhiko greets you." His voice was solemn.
Governor Koike slowly put down the teacup, smilingly nodding, gaze lingering on Sakata Nobuhiko for a moment, revealing a few traces of reminiscence in his eyes: "Nobuhiko ah, long time no see. Since you took over as Production Bureau Chief, we also haven't had a good chat for a few years. How is TV Tokyo recently? Is everything well?"
"Thanks to the blessing of Your Excellency the Governor, everything is well at TV Tokyo."
A sincere smile surfaced on Sakata Nobuhiko's face, he knew, this was Governor Koike catching up with him, and was also an opportunity for him to perform.
He immediately guided the topic to work, "Your Excellency the Governor, since you left TV Tokyo, we have always been upholding your teachings, striving hard to provide the highest quality cultural products for the citizens. Especially recently, our Production Bureau under the leadership of Nohara Hiroshi-kun, consecutively launched several phenomenal works, viewership ratings and box office all achieving unprecedented breakthroughs!"
As Sakata Nobuhiko spoke, he then cast his gaze towards Nohara Hiroshi, tone full of undisguised praise:
"Especially Nohara Hiroshi-kun, he is not only the producer of national-level programs like 'Kasou Taishou', 'Tales of the Unusual', 'Yamishibai', but is even more the author of phenomenal mangas like 'YuYu Hakusho', 'Doraemon', 'Midnight Diner'. Recently, he even more independently directed and wrote the movie 'Seven Samurai', this movie, within a short twenty-plus days of premiere, the box office has already broken through 3.9 billion yen, word-of-mouth even more detonating the whole country, being praised as an 'epic surpassing the era'!"
Governor Koike quietly listened to Sakata Nobuhiko's report, a faint smile always hanging on his face.
When he heard that series of jaw-dropping accomplishments from Nohara Hiroshi, in those profound eyes, also revealed a trace of imperceptible approval.
His gaze fell on Nohara Hiroshi, in his eyes carrying appreciation: "Nohara-kun, your name, I have long heard of it. Your works, I have also all watched. Whether it is the pure joy of 'Kasou Taishou', or the profound connotations of 'Seven Samurai', all make an old man like me, feel heartfelt admiration. You did very well."
"Your Excellency the Governor flatters me, this is all what I should do." Nohara Hiroshi modestly bowed in return, that neither arrogant nor servile, perfectly appropriate composure, made the color of appreciation in Governor Koike's eyes even thicker.
Governor Koike slowly stood up from his seat, taking unhurried steps coming in front of Nohara Hiroshi, he extended his hand, lightly patting Nohara Hiroshi's shoulder.
"Nohara-kun, continue to strive hard."
Governor Koike said warmly, "I also heard about that story of yours regarding a dog and loyalty, very interesting. I am very optimistic about your 'Hachiko Monogatari', hoping you can advertise our Tokyo Metropolis more, advertise our Nippon's excellent culture more, passing these beautiful spirits, to even more citizens."
"Hai, Your Excellency the Governor, I understand." Nohara Hiroshi heavily nodded, a warm current surging up in his heart. This direct recognition from the highest executive, was undoubtedly the greatest support towards his future career.
Governor Koike satisfyingly withdrew his hand, gaze turning towards Sakata Nobuhiko again, the smile on his face retracting a bit, replaced by an unconcealable worry.
"Nobuhiko ah," Governor Koike lightly sighed, tone carrying a few traces of heaviness, "Station Chief Shimazu's body, is it still no good?"
Sakata Nobuhiko upon hearing this, the smile on his face also instantly retracted, he gave a long sigh, tone full of helplessness: "Sigh, Your Excellency the Governor, still no good ah. The last checkup, the doctor said his body, already can't hold on for much longer. Moreover, his spirit is also very depressed, his whole person has become despondent quite a lot."
Governor Koike pursed his lips, a trace of self-blame flashing in his eyes, he slowly shook his head, tone carrying a few traces of sighing with emotion: "Yeah, taking the risk back then to let Shimazu run for Tokyo Mayor, was indeed my inadequate consideration. At that time, I thought he could rely on his prestige at TV Tokyo, as well as my support towards him, succeeding in one fell swoop. Didn't expect, it actually made him suffer such a severe blow."
He paused, gaze once again casting towards Sakata Nobuhiko, eyes full of trust and expectation: "However, Nobuhiko, you have done very well in this period of time. TV Tokyo's daily work, you must definitely persist, cannot lose it. You are the pillar of our TV Tokyo, and also the person I trust the most."
"Hai, Your Excellency the Governor, please rest assured, I understand." Sakata Nobuhiko again respectfully lowered his head, tone firm.
Governor Koike patted his shoulder, a faint smile re-surfacing on his face: "En, very good. Right, Nobuhiko, middle of this year, I will have to be elected again. At that time, still hope your TV Tokyo, can help out more with propaganda ah."
"Your Excellency the Governor rest assured!" On Sakata Nobuhiko's face, instantly surfaced an upright and stern smile, he straightened his waist, tone sonorous and forceful, "Governor Koike is our old Station Chief, he made massive contributions for our TV Tokyo. His election, our TV Tokyo, of course will fully support! This is our unshirkable responsibility!"
Governor Koike upon hearing this, a satisfied smile finally revealed on his face.
He knew, Sakata Nobuhiko's promise, was far more sincere, and also more forceful than any empty slogans.
He briefly chatted a few more sentences with Sakata Nobuhiko, then smilingly stood up, seeing them off to leave, and his tone also brought a few traces of apology: "I still need to receive other people, otherwise, I definitely still want to chat more with colleagues of TV Tokyo."
"You receiving us, is already our honor. Us troubling you is what it should be." Sakata Nobuhiko answered very politely.
And then then bid farewell again, leaving with Nohara.
However after leaving, on that originally unperturbed face of Sakata Nobuhiko, at this time also brought a smile of extreme mental excitement and delight.
His mood was truly very good.
...
The corridor's light was soft, lengthening the figures of the two, projecting on the floor smooth as a mirror, appearing steady and composed.
Nohara Hiroshi let out a long breath, in that breath, seeming to have taken away all the tenseness and suppression in his heart.
He turned his head, looking at that face of Sakata Nobuhiko beside him currently brimming with joy and satisfaction, a trace of exhaustion flashing in his eyes, yet carrying a few traces of sincere helplessness: "Bureau Chief, saw too many people tonight, my brain is almost unable to turn."
Sakata Nobuhiko upon hearing this, lightly laughed shaking his head, that heartfelt delight, made that severely strict face of his, also have a trace of rare relaxation.
"Hahahaha! Hiroshi-kun, you this brat, is truly... not knowing the blessing while being in the blessing ah!"
Sakata Nobuhiko said, tone full of appreciation and teasing: "Do you know, being able to receive the individual reception of Governor Koike tonight, is what kind of special honor? How many people squeeze their heads, and also cannot beg for this kind of opportunity ah!"
Nohara Hiroshi merely smilingly bitterly rubbed his brow center, that exhaustion originating from the bottom of his heart, made him at this moment only want to find a place, to quietly lie down, and have a good sleep.
"I understand, Bureau Chief." Nohara Hiroshi softly initiated, tone carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate modesty: "I merely feel, tonight's socializing, is much more tiring than me filming a movie."
"Yeah, Hiroshi-kun, what you said is not wrong." Sakata Nobuhiko upon hearing this, the smile on his face retracted a bit, replaced by a kind of, sighing with emotion belonging to an experienced person: "This kind of occasion, isn't only simple eating, drinking, and having fun. It is a stage where power and wealth intertwine, is a net woven by worldly wisdom and human relations. Here, every gaze, every phrase, might all influence your future direction."
"Need to know I walking to arrive here, took twenty-four years, you are now only twenty-three years old, and arrived here, it's already very fast."
He paused, gaze casting towards Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of expectation:
"However, based on your performance, you this brat, indeed makes me look at you with new eyes. You didn't have stage fright, didn't panic, speaking with assurance, planting your own ideas, deeply into the hearts of every listener. You did very well, truly very well."
"Bureau Chief flatters me." Nohara Hiroshi modestly lowered his head, tone sincere.
"No, not flattering at all." Sakata Nobuhiko shook his head, tone becoming increasingly earnest and well meaning: "I even often think, you this brat, are naturally born to eat this bowl of rice. You have keen insight, clear logical thinking, as well as that charm sufficient to control people's hearts. These, are all qualities, necessary for an excellent politician."
He looked at Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of appreciation and expectation: "So, Hiroshi-kun, you also don't need to feel tired. Because, everything you did today, is all paving a road for your future, leading to higher places."
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, his heart slightly shuddered.
He knew, this speech from Sakata Nobuhiko, was not only praising him, but even more was conveying to him a, clear "signal" coming from a superior.
"Bureau Chief, I understand." Nohara Hiroshi heavily nodded, tone firm.
"En, very good." Sakata Nobuhiko satisfyingly nodded, he once again patted Nohara Hiroshi's shoulder, a warm smile re-blossoming on his face: "However, Hiroshi-kun, you also don't need to be too worried. Those people you saw tonight, they are all 'old friends' of our TV Tokyo."
He paused, gaze casting towards that brightly lit lobby ahead, gaze profound: "Whether it is His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda, or His Excellency Fujiwara, they once were all members of our TV Tokyo. Even, Governor Koike, he is even more the old Station Chief of our TV Tokyo. So, you don't need to feel restrained, don't need to feel unfamiliar. Because, all of us, are of the 'TV Tokyo Faction'."
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, a trace of understanding surfaced on his face.
He only then understood, this speech of Sakata Nobuhiko, was not only giving him a "pill of reassurance", but even more was showing to him, that profound and hidden "background" of TV Tokyo.
"So ah, Hiroshi-kun." Sakata Nobuhiko lightly laughed, tone full of expectation: "What you are doing right now, is not only for yourself, but even more for our TV Tokyo, for the future of our 'Tokyo Faction'. So, you must absolutely continue to strive hard, continue to create, for our TV Tokyo, bringing more, even more excellent works. Because, the stage of TV Tokyo, will still need you to take over in the future."
"Bureau Chief, you flatter me." Nohara Hiroshi modestly lowered his head, tone sincere: "I am merely a newcomer, still have many places needing to learn. However, I will definitely strive hard, absolutely won't let down you and TV Tokyo, towards the expectation of me."
"Very good." Sakata Nobuhiko satisfyingly nodded, he looked at the time on his wristwatch, a faint exhaustion surfacing on his face: "Alright, it's getting late. You have also been tired for a day, go back early to rest."
He paused, gaze casting towards Nohara Hiroshi, in his eyes full of expectation: "However, rest is rest, work cannot fall behind ah. That 'Hachiko Monogatari' project of yours, I am extremely optimistic about it ah. Hoping you can bring it to the silver screen at an early date, for our Nippon, bringing more, even more excellent works."
"Hai, Bureau Chief, I understand." Nohara Hiroshi heavily nodded, tone firm: "I will definitely produce it properly, absolutely won't let you down."
The two exchanged a smile, that tacit understanding without words, quietly flowing in the air.
When they walked out of the "Kinkaku" club, the night had already deepened. Tokyo's neon, like stars falling into the mortal realm, blinking with charming light.
The black commercial vehicle, like a ghost, silently slipped into that never-ceasing traffic flow of Tokyo.
Nohara Hiroshi sat in the car, gaze peacefully sweeping over that radiant urban scenery outside the window.
He knew, tonight's banquet, was not only the expansion of his social circle, but even more the starting point of his future career.
He knew, what awaited him ahead, was not only new challenges, but even more new opportunities.
He took a deep breath, transforming all the exhaustion and pressure in his heart, into a firm response.
He wants to make that Akita Inu named "Hachiko", become this city's, and even the entire Nippon's, eternal cultural totem.
And all this has already begun!
(End of Chapter)