novelraw Chapter 265: Studio Backstage! Apprehension and Perseverance!
Chapter 265: Studio Backstage! Apprehension and Perseverance!
In the backstage of the Tokyo City TV studio, the air seemed to have solidified. The walls were painted a dull light gray, and only a few emergency lights emitted a faint glow, stretching everyone's shadows long and casting them on the cold floor.
Shimazu Yoshihiro sat on a folding chair against the wall, his hands clasped and resting on his knees. His usually steady spine was slightly tense, and his fingertips unconsciously rubbed the fabric of his suit pants—those were the clothes he had specially prepared for the election, but right now a small patch was dampened by the sweat from his palms.
Sakata Nobuhiko stood by the window, an unlit cigarette pinched between his fingertips. His gaze looked through the slits of the blinds to the crowded street outside.
Election voting had already been underway for three hours. From early morning to noon, long lines had formed at every polling station in Tokyo City. Voters, carrying their respective expectations and concerns, solemnly made their marks on the ballots.
"The first batch of voting results should be out soon," he said softly, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible hoarseness. "The first batch is the votes from three districts in the city center. Although the proportion isn't high, it's the key to a good start."
Takada Toshihide paced back and forth, the sound of his leather shoes striking the ground exceptionally piercing in the quiet backstage.
He was usually calculating and calm, but right now he couldn't hide his restlessness. The polling report in his hand had been crumpled tightly: "I can't rest assured. Tanaka Mikami has operated in the city center for so many years;
his connections are deeply rooted. The first batch of votes will probably be very tricky."
Asumi sat beside Shimazu Yoshihiro, holding a cup of warm tea, and handed it over: "Mr. Shimazu, drink some water, don't be too nervous. There are no problems with our policies, and Hiroshi-kun's promotion is also in place. The citizens have a scale in their hearts."
His tone remained steady, yet his eyes also concealed a hint of apprehension—after all, this election concerned not only Shimazu Yoshihiro's political career but also the future development of TV Tokyo, and even the economic trajectory of Tokyo City.
Nohara Hiroshi stood in the corner, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone.He could feel the anxiety and unease in the air. The beads of sweat on Shimazu Yoshihiro's temples, Sakata Nobuhiko's tightly pursed lips, and Takada Toshihide's rapid breathing were all narrating the tension of this moment.
However, he himself was exceptionally calm, as if he already had a well-thought-out plan.
"We can do it." He suddenly spoke up. His voice wasn't loud, but like a stone tossed into a tranquil lake, it shattered the silence backstage. "There's no problem with our philosophy. People's livelihood as the foundation, and economic diversification. This is what Tokyo City truly needs."
Shimazu Yoshihiro looked up at Nohara Hiroshi, his eyes carrying a trace of inquiry and reliance: "Hiroshi-kun, are you really this confident? I am still worried that everyone cannot let go of the short-term benefits brought by real estate."
"Worry is normal, but we cannot doubt our own choices." Nohara Hiroshi walked up to him, his tone firm. "Do you still remember those young people we met during the street interviews? They live in capsule hotels and commute two hours to work every day, yet they can't even afford to buy a small house. There are also those traditional craftsmen whose crafts were almost lost due to the squeeze from real estate. It was 'A Bite' that made them see hope again. These people, as well as countless ordinary citizens like them, all understand that your philosophy is the long-term solution."
Kurosawa Eiji leaned against the wall, arms crossed. A rare gentleness appeared on his usually stubborn and rigid face: "Hiroshi-kun is right. Real estate is like a malignant tumor. It looks glamorous now, but sooner or later it will drag down the entire economy. Tanaka Mikami only knows how to use real estate to stimulate the economy in the short term, but fails to see the crisis behind it. Citizens are not fools. They can feel that finding jobs is becoming increasingly difficult and living pressure is growing ever greater. They will naturally choose a leader who can resolve these problems."
"I am reminded of Matsumoto Sumie-san, the proprietress of Matsusaka Umeboshi," Asano Takata suddenly said, his tone carrying reminiscence. "She told me before that because housing prices went up, her shop rent doubled, and she almost couldn't stay in business. It was your policies that let her see hope. This morning, she took her whole family to vote early on, and even mobilized old customers around her to support you. There are many people like this;
they are all our source of confidence."
Ashikaga Takashi also chimed in: "Exactly! Those prop craftsmen I met while filming period dramas, their workshops were forced to move three times due to real estate development. You promised to designate a 'Traditional Handcraft Protection Zone' to prevent them from being displaced again, and they are all very grateful to you. These votes are tangible, solid support."
Looking at everyone's resolute eyes, the apprehension in Shimazu Yoshihiro's heart gradually dissipated a bit.
He remembered when he was debating, looking at the countless expectant eyes in front of the camera, and remembered the promises he had made—resolving employment, controlling housing prices, protecting traditional craftsmen, and developing a diversified economy.
Those promises were not empty slogans, but things he genuinely wanted to do for the citizens.
"You guys are right." He took a deep breath and straightened his back. "I cannot disappoint everyone's trust, nor can I disappoint those citizens expecting change. Regardless of the outcome, we have all fought for the correct philosophy."
Just at this moment, the backstage door was pushed open. A staff member from the campaign team ran in quickly, holding a printed slip of paper, his face full of excitement: "Mr. Shimazu! The first batch of voting results is out! In the three districts of the city center, your vote share is 48%, and Tanaka Mikami's is 52%! Although we are still four percentage points behind, it's much better than our previous polls!"
Hearing this, everyone fell silent for a moment, and then gratified smiles appeared on their faces. A 48% vote share, although temporarily trailing, was already a massive improvement compared to the previous 10-percentage-point gap.
"Excellent!" Takada Toshihide excitedly clapped his hands. "This shows our promotion has worked! The city center is Tanaka's stronghold. Being able to get 48% of the votes has already exceeded expectations!"
Sakata Nobuhiko also breathed a sigh of relief and stuffed the cigarette in his hand back into his pocket: "Next will be the votes from the suburbs and surrounding districts and counties. Voters in those places care more about employment and people's livelihood;
our advantage will be even greater."
Nohara Hiroshi nodded: "Everyone, wait patiently for a bit longer. The true decisive battle is still to come. The suburbs have a majority of young people and craftsmen;
they are the direct beneficiaries of our policies, and our vote share will definitely be even higher."
...
Unlike the rudimentary backstage where Shimazu Yoshihiro's team was located, Tanaka Mikami's lounge could be described as luxurious. Expensive oil paintings hung on the walls, soft Persian carpets paved the floor, exquisite wagashi and imported red wine were set on the coffee table. Several secretaries in uniform uniforms waited carefully on the side. The air was permeated with the smell of money and power.
Tanaka Mikami leaned back slanted on the leather sofa, holding a glass of red wine, an arrogant smile hanging on his mouth.
He was 66 years old this year, his hair combed sleek and shiny, the wrinkles on his face concealed by expensive skincare products, and his eyes full of the conceit of inevitable victory.
"How are the first batch of voting results?" He took a sip of red wine, his tone casual, as if victory was already in his grasp.
Takahashi Kazuo, the Executive Deputy Station Chief of Tokyo City TV, hurriedly stepped forward, a flattering smile piled on his face: "Mr. Tanaka, the first batch of results is out! You lead Shimazu Yoshihiro by four percentage points with a vote share of 52%! In the three city center districts, you are still as stable as Mount Tai!"
"I told you, that defeated opponent Shimazu Yoshihiro is fundamentally not my match!" Tanaka Mikami burst into loud laughter, his voice sonorous and full of arrogant arrogance. "He thinks he can shake my position by relying on a few flashy documentaries and a few empty people's livelihood slogans? It's simply wishing upon a star!"
Sato Tokugawa sat to the side, his obese body occupying more than half the sofa. He held a piece of wagashi, his mouth stuffed full of food, and said mumbledly: "Mr. Tanaka is wise! Real estate is the pillar of the economy. The citizens are not fools;
who would be willing to let their own real estate depreciate? What economic transformation Shimazu Yoshihiro is engaged in is just destroying everyone's wealth. Nobody will support him at all!"
Takahashi Kazuo quickly chimed in: "Mr. Sato is right! Shimazu Yoshihiro's policies are too idealistic and totally impractical. You see, the first batch of votes explains everything. Citizens still recognize your leadership more and believe more in the prosperity brought by real estate."
Tanaka Mikami put down his wine glass, his eyes full of disdain: "Shimazu Yoshihiro has stayed at TV Tokyo for so many years and still hasn't learned how to engage in politics. Does he think filming a few popular films can win the hearts of the people? Too naive! Politics is a game of interests, not filming heartwarming movies. I've brought citizens rising housing prices and urban expansion;
naturally, they will support me."
"Exactly!" Sato Tokugawa wiped the residue from the corner of his mouth, his tone arrogant. "Shimazu Yoshihiro's 'Information Cocoon' strategy sounds quite impressive, but it's actually just small-scale messing around. Our real estate ads cover the earth and sky, every community has our propagandists, and every enterprise has received our benefits. How can he compare with us?"
Takahashi Kazuo added: "Mr. Tanaka, although Shimazu Yoshihiro might have a little advantage in the upcoming suburban votes, rest assured, we have already made arrangements. When Tokyo City TV broadcasts the voting results, they will focus on highlighting your leading advantage to guide public opinion, making those voters who are still hesitating feel that you have already stably won, thereby voting for you."
Tanaka Mikami nodded in satisfaction: "Well done. Takahashi-kun, when I am successfully re-elected, Tokyo City TV's funding will increase by another twenty percent, and you can take a further step up."
"Thank you, Mr. Tanaka!" Takahashi Kazuo quickly bowed in thanks, the smile on his face growing ever more flattering.
Just at this moment, a secretary walked in and handed over the latest voting bulletin: "Mr. Tanaka, the second batch of voting results is out. In two suburban districts, Shimazu Yoshihiro's vote share is 53% and yours is 47%. He has overtaken by six percentage points!"
The laughter in the lounge abruptly ceased. The smile on Tanaka Mikami's face instantly froze. He suddenly sat up straight, snatched the bulletin, and stared fixedly at the numbers on it, unable to believe his eyes: "What? Overtook? How is that possible! Why would suburban voters support him?"
Sato Tokugawa was also stunned. The wagashi in his hand dropped to the floor, and he wiped his greasy fingers on the sofa: "Impossible! There are also many real estate projects in the suburbs;
everyone should support you! Are the statistics wrong?"
Takahashi Kazuo's face also turned unsightly. He took the bulletin and looked closely, his tone somewhat flustered: "Mr. Tanaka, the statistics should be correct. Shimazu Yoshihiro's promotion in the suburbs is very thorough, especially those young people and craftsmen;
they all heavily support his policies."
"A bunch of short-sighted guys!" Tanaka Mikami angrily threw the bulletin to the floor, his tone irritable. "They think Shimazu Yoshihiro's policies can bring them benefits? Simply dreaming! Without real estate, how can the economy develop? How can employment be resolved? Once I am re-elected, I will definitely show them my power!"
Sato Tokugawa also chimed in: "Mr. Tanaka, don't be angry. There's still the last batch of votes hasn't come out. Those are the votes from remote districts and counties. The voters there are older and value stability more;
they will definitely support you."
Takahashi Kazuo also hurriedly comforted: "Yes, Mr. Tanaka. The last batch of votes accounts for the highest proportion. As long as you can win them, we can still win. We will go make arrangements right now, emphasizing 'the final result is yet unknown' during the broadcast, and simultaneously contact our propagandists to have them call the voters in remote districts and counties to emphasize the importance of real estate."
Tanaka Mikami took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He couldn't panic;
once he panicked, he really lost.
"Good!" His tone was resolute, and arrogant flame reignited in his eyes. "Shimazu Yoshihiro wants to beat me;
it's not that easy! I am determined to win the final batch of votes!"
The atmosphere in the lounge became heavy again, and everyone harbored their own thoughts.
Tanaka Mikami leaned on the sofa, his fingers tapping the armrest, calculating various response strategies in his mind;
Sato Tokugawa frowned, worried that his real estate projects would be affected;
Takahashi Kazuo quickly walked out of the lounge, arranging the subsequent public opinion guidance work. They all knew that the result of the final batch of votes would dictate the ultimate victor of this election.
In Shimazu Yoshihiro's backstage, after everyone learned the news of overturning in the second batch of votes, morale was greatly boosted.
"Excellent! Overtook by six percentage points!" Takada Toshihide said excitedly, all previous restlessness swept away. "I told you suburban voters would support us!"
A long-lost smile also appeared on Shimazu Yoshihiro's face. He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the still bustling streets outside: "This is the citizens' recognition of our policies. They want change, want a better life, and we, happen to be able to bring them hope."
Nohara Hiroshi looked at the scrolling voting data on the screen, his tone remaining steady: "Now is still not the time to celebrate. The last batch of votes are those from remote districts and counties. The voters there are older, many possess real estate, and might lean more towards Tanaka Mikami. We still have to continue waiting and cannot drop our guard."
Sakata Nobuhiko nodded: "Hiroshi-kun is right. Tanaka Mikami definitely won't let it go so easily. Right now he must be thinking of ways to influence the result of the last batch of votes. We have to be prepared and remain calm regardless of the outcome."
Asumi added: "I have already contacted our propagandists in remote districts and counties to have them provide real-time feedback on the voting situation. If an anomaly occurs, we will immediately report it to the Election Commission."
The atmosphere backstage became tense again, but unlike the previous apprehension, right now there was more of determination and anticipation.
Everyone sat together, occasionally exchanging a few words in low voices, but their eyes remained tightly fixed on the clock on the wall and the phones in their hands—which were where they would receive the notification of the final batch of voting results at the very first moment.
(Chapter Ends)