novelslam Chapters 1275 and 1284, Flower Sauce, might be a love-struck fool.
Chapters 1275 and 1284, Flower Sauce, might be a love-struck fool.
Chapters 1275 and 1284, Flower Sauce, might be a love-struck fool.
After spending one night at her hometown in Shizuoka, Xiaoxiahua cried so hard when it was time to leave the next day.
She grabbed the wild grass by the hair and wouldn't let go, making the little wild grass cry in pain while she had to comfort Xia Hua. At such a young age, she experienced the terror of a tigress.
"Flower Jam, let go! Let go!"
Akina was anxiously trying to comfort Natsuka, but she didn't dare to pry the little girl's hands open too hard. She knew that children this age would hold on to things and not let go, but their hands were very fragile.
On the other side, Tsuruko was also hugging wild grass, not wanting his hair to actually be pulled out.
"You'll see Brother Wild Grass in a while."
"Wow~~~ Ah~·"
Little Xia Hua didn't care what her mother said; she cried and refused to let go.
"Hana-chan, I'll come see you soon, let go now."
Wild Grass was in so much pain that tears were welling up in her eyes. If it weren't for her brother's pride, she would definitely have cried out loud!
At this moment, Naoki Nagayama, who had said goodbye to his father and mother, came out and saw the scene of Nozomi being pulled by the hair. For some reason, he felt a sense of satisfaction.
Wild Grass was born prematurely and was always a bit thin. She had fair skin and regular features, and looked very pleasing to the eye. At such a young age, she already had the potential to be a scumbag!
Xia Hua always clings to the wild grass. Last night, Xia Hua even wanted to sleep with her brother Wild Grass!
Seeing that Akina couldn't be persuaded no matter what they did, even her mother Nanako tried to talk to her, and the little girl was holding on so tightly that the adults didn't dare to pry her open.
"It seems only the weeds will have to make a sacrifice!"
Naoki Nagayama sighed, took a pair of scissors from the kitchen, and slowly walked between the two groups that were tug-of-war.
Looking down at the wild grass, I reached out and touched Xia Hua's hand, then cut off the few strands of hair I was holding, finally separating the two sides!
Seeing Akina quickly carry the flower sauce to the car, Naoki Nagayama gently stroked the little wild grass's head, feeling that the cut hair didn't affect the overall look much, before saying to his nephew:
"Weeds, what have we learned from this accident?"
"?"
Wild Grass looked at her handsome second uncle with teary eyes, seemingly not quite understanding.
"Tell us that boys can't have long hair, otherwise they'll get caught by the enemy when they fight!"
"!!!"
The weeds were momentarily bewildered.
Hearing this, Tsuruko suppressed a laugh, while her mother, Nanako Nagayama, came over and gave her second son a few slaps before taking the little weed back into her arms.
"Naoki, what kind of twisted logic are you teaching?!"
"What do you mean by twisted logic? This is the truth. Wild Grass is a boy from the Yongshan family, and he'll face fierce competition on campus sooner or later. I'm just giving him a heads-up!"
"Vaccinations?!"
Nanako Nagayama was furious and, holding the child, tried to chase after Naoki Nagayama to hit him.
As Naoki Nagayama fled, he continued talking to Konokusa:
"Weed, here's another lesson: Don't mess with girls!"
"."
Nanako Nagayama even wants to grab a broom!!
Tsuruko couldn't help but laugh out loud. After saying goodbye to the others, she walked towards her van.
Meanwhile, Akina had already secured Natsuka to her child safety seat, and Naoki Nagayama had taken the driver's seat.
Seeing that Natsuka was still crying, Naoki Nagayama sighed:
"Akina, what should we do? I think our Hana-chan might be a bit love-struck. She can't bear to part with any guy she finds attractive."
"Naoki-san, what nonsense are you talking about!"
Akina rolled her eyes. How could a father talk about his daughter like that?
"Hana-chan is just sad to part with her playmates! She'll be fine when she grows up~"
"I hope so"
Naoki Nagayama shrugged and glanced at the little guy who was now just sobbing.
"When you grow up, take Huajiang out to see the world and broaden your horizons. Don't let other guys easily fool you!"
Hearing this, Akina leaned closer, looking at Naoki Nagayama with some surprise, and teased:
"Oh? Naoki-san. The best way is to let Hana-chan date a few more boyfriends, that way she'll lose her charm quickly~ I just wonder if Naoki-san, as her father, will agree?!"
"."
Of course I disagree. Seeing the world isn't the same as falling in love!
However, Naoki Nagayama couldn't retort for the time being, so he angrily started the car and followed Tsuruko, who had already started moving, towards Tokyo.
The journey of more than two hours is neither long nor short.
Back at Yamazakura-in, Akina took Natsuka to wash up and then rested for a while. Naoki Nagayama, however, wasn't very tired. He took the newspapers from the past two days to his study to fill in the missing information.
The bribery case remains the top story in the Asahi Shimbun these past two days, and the scandal has spread to the Yomiuri Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun, with almost all the major newspapers participating in this media extravaganza.
Naoki Nagayama also saw the news that Komatsu, the director of the Construction Bureau, had resigned and confessed to his crimes. At the press conference, he bowed and apologized, saying that he had "favored" Recruit because of his personal feelings. However, he still stated in his speech that Recruit was indeed very capable and was the only choice for the land development.
However, this guilty plea and attempt to appease the situation did not satisfy the investigative journalists.
Besides the initial bribery scandal involving the Recruit intelligence building, more of Recruit's "private deals" were gradually uncovered. In addition to information secretly provided by Naoki Nagayama, even numerous members of parliament were exposed.
Because of the crucial information provided by Naoki Nagayama at a critical moment, the investigation into this bribery case was much faster than in the previous life. Many bribe recipients and associates, and even the Recruit Group itself, were caught off guard and failed to form a particularly effective defense.
The journalists also implied in their reports that even high-ranking government officials had accepted bribes from Licourt.
"Ha, he's already a member of Congress!"
Naoki Nagayama stroked his chin and took out a letter that had been printed out long ago.
This was the last whistleblower letter, and it directly involved the ultimate target of the bribery case—Takeshita Noboru.
The records document the purchase of 2000 million yen worth of banquet tickets for Takeshita's "Encouragement Meeting" by Recruit Corporation, the purchase of 3000 million yen worth of banquet tickets for Takeshita's "Iwate Long-Term Policy Consultation Meeting," and information regarding Takeshita Noboru borrowing 5000 million yen from Recruit Corporation.
Takeshita Noboru has been designated as the successor to the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidency. The party is currently going through the process, and after that, he will need to go through a vote in the Diet. However, since the LDP holds a majority of seats, the election process is a foregone conclusion. If nothing unexpected happens, he will become the next prime minister in November.
However, if he gets involved in a bribery scandal during this period, then he will definitely lose his chance to become prime minister, and he may even lose his chance to become a behind-the-scenes political leader.
Naoki Nagayama has never forgotten his initial goal: to bring down the "Takeshita faction." After all, the Takeshita faction had extended its reach into the Film Association and even tried to control the support fund.
His aim was never to expose major corruption cases or uphold justice.
The upper echelons of Japan are inherently a place where power and money collude to divide profits. The upper echelons of capitalist countries are much the same, consisting of power struggles and compromises among various interest groups. Once a new group of people takes the helm, things remain the same.
Just like a lyric goes, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss~"
Naoki Nagayama simply wants the Takeshita faction to lose power, resulting in two years of turmoil at the top, after which the bubble will burst, and things will become even more chaotic.
This allowed tree growers to continue to thrive amidst the chaos, eventually becoming members of a large interest group.
"This letter can't be given to the Asahi Shimbun!"
Naoki Nagayama pondered silently.
"If we face the next prime minister directly, given the current level of public opinion, even if the media reports it, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office may not seriously investigate Takeshita Noboru."
"We need to find opponents for the Takeshita faction!"
The largest opposition party at present is the Socialist Party! And Naoki Nagayama happens to know the address of the party leader because of previous contact.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Tax System Investigation Committee in the Diet Building is holding a hearing, where committee members and members of the public are listening to the Liberal Democratic Party's tax reform proposal, namely the "consumption tax."
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) representative delivered a passionate speech:
"Consumption tax reform will provide the country with an additional source of tax revenue, while also regulating transaction behavior and adjusting social wealth."
Then, during the questioning, Social Democratic Party member Yanosuke Narasaki stood up:
"Large corporations will basically not be affected by the consumption tax; it's just another form of exploitation targeting ordinary people!"
"Congressman Minosuke, your statement is baseless. The consumption tax underwent rigorous review and received support from various quarters."
"Is it because major corporations are pushing for a consumption tax so they can have more budgets next year and divide them up more easily?!"
Impatient with the continued stalling, Narasaki Yanosuke unleashed his ultimate move.
"According to my investigation, the Likurette Group alone has recently transferred benefits to nearly 13 Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members! Not to mention countless high-ranking government officials."
"These people are simply..."
No one expected that Narasaki Yanosuke would suddenly drop such a bombshell at the hearing, instantly making all the reporters at the hearing excited!
As Narasaki Yanosuke laid out the evidence from his investigation on the table, all sorts of cameras and microphones eagerly crowded around.
The clicking of camera shutters and the dazzling flashes of light rose and fell, and the faces of the Liberal Democratic Party members present turned pale and then red, making one worry that they might suddenly faint.
Everyone knows that this time, a group of high-ranking people may really be going to fall from grace!
"I'm going to Yokohama on September 12th, which is about a week away. I estimate I'll be there for 2-3 days."
Akina spoke to Naoki Nagayama in the living room.
"After arriving in Yokohama, we first had a rehearsal, and then we welcomed Michael Jackson."
"What about the flower jam these next few days?"
Naoki Nagayama asked,
"Should we take it with us?"
"I'll ask my mom to come and keep me company for a couple of days."
Akina said that since the Nagayama family had just had a new baby, Nagayama Nanako, as the mother-in-law, would definitely have to help take care of the baby, so Akina thought of having Chieko come over for a couple of days.
Although they have a nanny at home, it's still better to have a blood relative emotionally. Naoki Nagayama and Akina haven't developed the habit of large, prestigious families completely entrusting their children to housekeepers and nannies.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Chieko-san~"
Naoki Nagayama nodded, and then they started talking about how to entertain Michael Jackson.
Although the tour organizers will definitely arrange accommodation and meals, since Akina will be singing on the same stage with them, and I heard that Ken-On has gone to great lengths to do so, it's necessary to treat them well and build a better relationship.
"How about we take him to a livehouse with a neon theme?"
Akina said excitedly,
"As a king of pop music, he must want to learn more about the unique culture of Japan!"
"."
Naoki Nagayama remained silent. Based on his experience from two lifetimes, if the so-called "entertainment" consisted entirely of men, then he could simply take them to a club for drinks, dancing, massages, and relaxation—to experience real "customs." Everyone would surely have a good time.
But if Akina (the main dish) is also included...
"Akina, I think it's a good idea!"
Naoki Nagayama, with a "serious" expression, said approvingly.
"Michael will definitely feel the vibrancy of Japanese music culture!"
"Correct!"
Akina looked delighted, as if she had been acknowledged.
Naoki Nagayama chuckled to himself. Since Michael Jackson was going to stay in Japan for a month anyway, he might as well let him rest well for the first two days. After that, locals would naturally take him to experience Japanese customs.
Just as they were continuing to discuss matters related to the concert, the phone next to them suddenly rang.
"Dingling bell~"
"Moshi Moshi. This is Yama-oka-in."
Naoki Nagayama, who answered the phone, heard a slightly hoarse voice coming through the receiver.
"Naoki-san, that's me, Kuniharu Morikawa."
"Ah, Mr. Kunihisa!" Naoki Nagayama was slightly surprised. "How have you been lately?"
"not good!!"
There was a hint of bitterness in Kuniharu Morikawa's voice.
"I recently read your 'Sorry, I Love You' and it made me feel terrible!"
"what?!"
Naoki Nagayama did give this novel to Kunio Morikawa, but that was a long time ago. Why are you only reading it now?
"Bangzhi-san, you only finished reading it today?"
"Yes. Because this first draft caused such a huge impact, I didn't dare to look at it at the company," Kuniharu Morikawa said quietly. "I specially waited until I finished my work and took my annual leave to see your manuscript!"
"Well, that's not necessary."
Naoki Nagayama sensed Akina leaning in to eavesdrop; she looked incredibly curious, and her warm breath tickled his ear.
"I'm afraid to cry in public."
Kuniharu Morikawa looked shaken. As the male editor-in-chief, if he were to be brought to tears by a novel, wouldn't that be the end of his career?!
However, the heart-wrenching nature of Naoki Nagayama's novels has already made a name for itself in the news, bringing two top idols to tears, one of whom is Momoe Yamaguchi, who is known for her resilience!
"Luckily, I watched it at home!"
"."
Naoki Nagayama felt a pinch on his shoulder. He glanced at Akina, who was looking at him with great interest, and knew what she wanted to know, so he spoke up.
"Bangzhi-san cried too?"
Ever since Akina saw it and was moved to tears, I've really wanted to drag others into the "crying circle."
"Sigh, as expected of Naoki-san. Even someone as experienced as me couldn't hold on!"
Kuniharu Morikawa admitted it directly.
"I haven't cried so freely in so many years!"
For men, crying is often seen as a sign of weakness, so few men are able to cry freely as adults. However, such occasional emotional release can be beneficial to both physical and mental health.
Some studies suggest that women live longer than men because they cry more.
"Cough cough cough, it's all fiction, you can understand, right, Mr. Bangzhi?"
"Of course!"
Morikawa Kunji nodded,
"The reason I called today is to ask if Naoki-san could have the first draft shown to our editor-in-chief. Everyone's very curious!"
"Just don't copy it out."
Novels don't need the money from one or two industry insiders to write books.
"That's good"
Kuniharu Morikawa paused for a moment, then asked,
"Is Naoki-san really not considering printing this year?"
"Let's wait until the end of the year," Naoki Nagayama shook his head, "otherwise we won't have any new works at the beginning of next year!"
"Okay. We'll definitely give it our strongest recommendation then!"
"Arigato."
After hanging up the phone, Akina, having satisfied her curiosity, asked:
"Naoki-san, are there plans to adapt this novel into a TV series next year?"
"You know that too?"
"Then who will be the main character?"
"Does Akina want to?"
I don't want to.
Akina shook her head. Next year, she might be heavily pregnant.
"I just want to know who will play the male and female leads."
"talk later"
Naoki Nagayama shook his head; his first plan for next year was actually to film "Full House".
(End of this chapter)