novelraw Chapter 280: Brought to a Close! Going to Pick an Engagement Gift!
Chapter 280: Brought to a Close! Going to Pick an Engagement Gift!
In the office building of Kanto TV in late autumn, the air was filled with the breath of harvest.
The "A Bite of Neon" documentary series had successfully concluded. The viewership rating of the final episode, "Tokyo Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street," broke through 35%, setting the highest record for Kanto TV in the past ten years;
After the first episode of "Artisan's Heart: Passing the Torch," "Saitama Pottery," was broadcast, it not only gained unanimous praise within the industry but also drove a 300% increase in customer flow at Master Matsumoto Kiyotaka's pottery workshop;
The "Livelihood Policy Documentary" short films had also completed their preliminary filming and were entering the tense post-production stage.
Everyone at Kanto TV finally took a breather from the non-stop business.
That afternoon, Nohara Hiroshi convened a meeting of Kanto TV's senior management in the meeting room. Participants included core members like TV Tokyo Level 3 Director Suzuki Kiyoto, Deputy Head of Kanto TV Matsui Yuichi, and Planning Department Manager Yamada Takashi.
In the center of the conference table lay the latest viewership reports and project schedules. Everyone's face carried an exhausted yet gratified smile.
"Everyone, thanks for your hard work this past period," Nohara Hiroshi spoke first, his tone full of gratitude. "'A Bite' concluded perfectly, 'Artisan's Heart' had a smooth start, and 'Livelihood Policy Documentary' is also advancing as planned. These achievements could not be done without everyone's dedication."
Matsui Yuichi pushed up his glasses and said with a smile: "Hiroshi-san, you are the one who worked the hardest! From planning to filming to post-production, you checked everything throughout the whole process, sleeping only four or five hours a day. We old guys can barely keep up with your rhythm."
The crowd nodded in agreement one after another.Yamada Takashi took out a data report: "Right now, Kanto TV's brand influence has increased significantly. Three overseas TV stations have already contacted us, wanting to purchase the overseas broadcasting rights for 'A Bite' and 'Artisan's Heart';
the Ministry of Education also sent a notice planning to include 'A Bite' in the reference film list for traditional culture education in primary and middle schools. This was something we didn't even dare to think about before."
Nohara Hiroshi took the report, flipped through a few pages, and a gratified smile appeared on his face. But the topic changed quickly: "The achievements belong to everyone, but we cannot slack off either. The 'Livelihood Policy Documentary' still needs follow-up filming, and the remaining episodes of 'Artisan's Heart' must also guarantee quality. However, I might have to leave temporarily for a period of time next, and I'd like to ask everyone to trouble yourselves more."
As soon as these words fell, the meeting room instantly quieted down.
Suzuki Kiyoto frowned and asked with concern: "Hiroshi-kun, are you feeling unwell? This past period has indeed been too exhausting. If you're unwell, don't force yourself."
Nohara Hiroshi hastily waved his hands: "Sensei Suzuki, don't worry, I'm fine physically. It's mainly because my fiancée Misae's older sister, Masae, is holding her engagement banquet in Kumamoto Prefecture at the end of the month. I want to go attend, and take a vacation to adjust my state, let my brain rest, so I can throw myself into work better when I return."
Hearing the word "rest," everyone's hanging hearts instantly settled down.
Matsui Yuichi was the first to state his position: "You should! Hiroshi-san, you've been too tired this past period;
you should have rested well a long time ago. Rest assured regarding work. With us here, there definitely won't be any problems."
Yamada Takashi also chimed in: "Yeah! Go to the engagement banquet with peace of mind and play for a few days. I will keep an eye on the post-production for 'Livelihood Policy Documentary,' and if there are problems we can't solve, we'll communicate with you in a timely manner."
Looking at Nohara Hiroshi, Suzuki Kiyoto's eyes were full of appreciation and pity.
He had thought highly of this young man from the very beginning, not only because of Nohara Hiroshi's talent but even more so because of his love and persistence for documentaries.
That Kanto TV could have such achievements today was largely to Nohara Hiroshi's credit.
"Hiroshi-kun, attending an engagement banquet is a major matter, and resting is even more necessary." Suzuki Kiyoto put down the teacup in his hand and said with a firm tone, "I've decided to give you a half-month vacation! Starting from when you set off for Kumamoto Prefecture, you don't need to worry about work matters for this half-month. Keep you family company with peace of mind, have a good time playing in Kumamoto, and completely relax."
Nohara Hiroshi was stunned for a moment and hastily declined: "Sensei Suzuki, half a month is too long. A week is enough, otherwise too many things will pile up at work."
"No!" Suzuki Kiyoto waved his hand, saying irrefutably, "You've been running non-stop this period. Your body and spirit are in a tense state;
a week is fundamentally not enough to adjust. Furthermore, various tasks are on track now, and the team is mature. Even without you here, everyone can do the work well. If you don't feel at ease, I'll keep an eye on things personally to guarantee no problems will arise."
Matsui Yuichi also helped speak up: "Hiroshi-san, Director Suzuki is right! Rest peacefully for half a month;
you have us for work. Besides, Kumamoto Prefecture is a hot tourist destination right now. Kumamon in particular is incredibly popular now. You can take this opportunity to properly experience the local customs;
maybe it will even bring new inspiration for future documentaries."
At the mention of Kumamon, the atmosphere in the meeting room instantly enlivened.
Yamada Takashi said with a smile: "Speaking of Kumamon, we really have to thank Hiroshi-kun! Initially, you proposed the line of thought of 'building a local mascot IP' and suggested Kumamoto Prefecture promote local culture and tourism through a cute image. Now Kumamon has not only become Kumamoto Prefecture's calling card but has also become popular throughout all of Japan, and even has very high popularity overseas. The last time I went to Kumamoto Prefecture for a business trip, I saw Kumamon merchandise everywhere. Tourists were lining up to take photos with Kumamon, and local tourism revenue has nearly tripled compared to last year!"
Hearing this, Nohara Hiroshi couldn't help but chuckle softly: "I only offered a small suggestion. It's mainly because Kumamoto Prefecture's team is strong in execution and able to operate this IP so well. However, speaking of it, I still haven't seen Kumamon with my own eyes yet. Going this time is a good chance to see it."
Looking at Nohara Hiroshi's relaxed smile, Suzuki Kiyoto also felt very gratified: "That's right! Work is important, and life is also important. After you go to Kumamoto Prefecture, properly taste the local special foods, like Kumamoto ramen and basashi, and then go see scenic spots like Mount Aso and Kumamoto Castle to properly relax. After you return, we'll plan the next steps of work together."
Everyone nodded one after another, each recommending Kumamoto Prefecture travel strategies to Nohara Hiroshi.
Matsui Yuichi suggested he go experience local traditional crafts, like Kumamoto lacquerware;
Yamada Takashi recommended he attend local folk activities to feel Kumamoto Prefecture's cultural charm.
The meeting room was filled with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. The exhaustion previously caused by busyness seemed to vanish into thin air at this moment.
The meeting ended in a pleasant atmosphere. Nohara Hiroshi stood up and bowed deeply to everyone: "Thank you for your understanding and support, everyone. You will all have to work hard this period. I will rest well in Kumamoto Prefecture, and also pay attention to local cultures and stories;
maybe I can bring you new planning inspiration when I return."
"Go with peace of mind!" Suzuki Kiyoto patted his shoulder. "We'll wait for you to come back and share your Kumamoto Prefecture anecdotes with us."
Nohara Hiroshi packed up the documents on the table, bid farewell to everyone one by one, and walked out of the meeting room.
At this time it was already evening. The setting sun shone into the corridor through the windows of the office building, plating the floor with a golden halo.
He walked slowly along the corridor. Looking at the still-busy colleagues in the offices on both sides, his heart was full of gratitude.
It was precisely because there was such a group of like-minded partners who worked together with one heart that Kanto TV could achieve a counterattack and obtain such brilliant results in a short time.
Walking out of Kanto TV's office building, the evening breeze blew gently, carrying a trace of coolness, but it made Nohara Hiroshi feel exceptionally refreshed.
He looked up at the sky. The setting sun was slowly going down, and the sky was dyed a brilliant orange-red, exceptionally beautiful.
He took a deep breath, feeling this rare relaxation, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
On his drive home, Nohara Hiroshi's mood was exceptionally joyful.
He thought about his upcoming half-month vacation, thought about being able to attend his sister's engagement banquet with his family, thought about being able to properly relax and play in Kumamoto Prefecture, and his heart was full of expectation.
He even started planning his vacation itinerary in his head: the first day, attending the engagement banquet with his family;
afterwards, visiting Kumamoto Castle, going to Mount Aso to feel the grandeur of nature, tasting local special foods, and going to see the cute Kumamon...
When he returned home, Misae had already made dinner. The dining table was spread with Hiroshi's favorite dishes: grilled fish, stir-fried greens, miso soup, and his favorite natto rice.
Smelling the aroma of the food, Nohara Hiroshi's stomach instantly started rumbling.
"Hiroshi-kun, you're back! Hurry and wash your hands to eat." Misae came up with a smile and took the briefcase from his hand.
After washing his hands, Nohara Hiroshi sat at the dining table, picked up his chopsticks, and started eating in big mouthfuls.
Misae sat across from him, watching him wolf down his food, and couldn't help but smile: "Eat slower, no one is fighting you for it. Were you too tired from meetings today?"
"Not tired, actually very relaxed." Nohara Hiroshi said while eating. "During the meeting today, Director Suzuki gave me a half-month vacation to go to Kumamoto Prefecture to attend Sister Masae's engagement banquet, and also properly rest along the way."
"Really? That's great!" Hearing this news, Misae was so happy her eyes lit up. "I've wanted to properly go to Kumamoto Prefecture to play for a long time. I heard Kumamon there is exceptionally cute, and there's a lot of delicious food."
"Yeah, everyone recommended a lot of travel strategies to me. They said I must try Kumamoto ramen and basashi, and also go see Kumamoto Castle and Mount Aso." Nohara Hiroshi said with a smile. "When the time comes, we can set off a day early and stroll around Kumamoto Prefecture first to familiarize ourselves with the local environment, and then attend your sister's engagement banquet."
"Okay, okay!" Misae said excitedly. "I'll go check Kumamoto Prefecture travel strategies tomorrow to see what other fun places there are. Oh right, we still have to prepare a decent engagement gift for Sister Masae. Should we properly pick out the tea set we were talking about before?"
"Of course we have to." Nohara Hiroshi nodded. "We'll go to the mall together to pick one out on the weekend. We definitely have to choose a gift that's both practical and meaningful, and wish Sister Masae and Fuji-san happiness."
The two enthusiastically discussed holiday plans and the engagement gift for her sister while eating. The dining table was filled with a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
After eating, Nohara Hiroshi sat on the sofa, and Misae brought him a cup of hot tea.
He drank the hot tea, watching Misae earnestly searching for Kumamoto Prefecture travel strategies on the side, and a happy smile appeared on his face.
During this period, he had been busy with work and rarely had time to keep Misae company, so he felt somewhat guilty in his heart.
Having a half-month vacation this time would not only allow him to properly rest but also spend a pleasant time with his family, making up for his previous regrets.
He secretly made up his mind that during the vacation, he must definitely keep Misae and his family proper company, put work aside temporarily, completely relax, and enjoy this rare leisure time.
Late at night, after Nohara Hiroshi finished washing up, he lay on the soft bed, his mind still looking forward to the upcoming vacation.
He imagined scenes of playing in Kumamoto Prefecture, imagined the joy of tasting local food, imagined the surprise when seeing Kumamon...
Unknowingly, carrying this beautiful expectation, he gradually entered sweet dreamland.
He knew that when he returned well-rested, he would definitely throw himself into his upcoming work with even fuller enthusiasm and condition, creating even more brilliance for Kanto TV.
The early morning sun gently spilled onto the bedroom floor through the gap in the curtains.
Nohara Hiroshi slowly opened his eyes. Misae beside him was still fast asleep, her long eyelashes gently trembling, and a shallow smile on the corners of her mouth.
He reached out and gently brushed Misae's hair, calling softly: "Misae, time to get up. We still have to go to Ginza to pick a gift today."
Misae dazedly opened her eyes, saw Nohara Hiroshi's gentle smile, instantly woke up mostly, rubbed her eyes, and smiled: "Almost forgot, today we're going to buy a tea set for Sister."
The two got up briskly. After washing up, Misae walked briskly into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
She was deft with her hands and feet. Very quickly, she had pan-fried golden and crispy tamagoyaki, cooked two bowls of steaming miso soup, and also cut a plate of fresh strawberries, setting them on the dining table.
"Hiroshi-kun, hurry and taste it. Today's tamagoyaki has a bit of honey added, making it sweeter." Misae handed the chopsticks to Nohara Hiroshi, her eyes full of expectation.
Nohara Hiroshi picked up a piece of tamagoyaki. It was soft, sweet, and carried a faint taste of honey in his mouth. He couldn't help but nod in praise: "Delicious! Misae, your cooking is getting more and more wonderful."
The two chatted while eating, discussing that when they got to Ginza, they would first go to that time-honored tea set shop. They heard there was hand-fired ceramic tea sets there, which were very suitable as an engagement gift.
After breakfast, Nohara Hiroshi changed into a straight dark gray suit, while Misae wore a beige dress paired with a light pink jacket, appearing both gentle and generous.
The two packed up properly, carried empty tote bags, and walked out of the apartment side by side.
The street air in the early morning was fresh, and the sunshine was just right. Nohara Hiroshi held Misae's hand as the two walked toward the subway station, talking and laughing, their hearts full of expectation for the upcoming Ginza shopping trip, and also hoping to pick the most satisfactory engagement gift to add a warm blessing to her sister's engagement banquet.