mchenry-crisis.org Chapters 1389 and 1398: People always help those they have already helped!
Chapters 1389 and 1398: People always help those they have already helped!
Chapters 1389 and 1398: People always help those they have already helped!
More than ten hours later, Naoki Nagayama's plane finally landed at Los Angeles Airport.
After saying goodbye to the captain and passing through the checkpoint, Naoki Nagayama finally arrived at the exit.
As soon as he stepped outside, a strong wave of heat rushed towards him, making him feel as if he had suddenly stepped into a steamer. It was still around 10 degrees Celsius in Tokyo, but it was over 20 degrees Celsius in Los Angeles!
"Summer arrives in a second~"
Naoki Nagayama expressed his feelings.
This wasn't his first time in Los Angeles; he had previously attended the Oscars, and it was there that he bumped into Akina Nakamori, who had just debuted!
Looking back now, it really feels like something out of an idol drama!
However, before he could continue reminiscing for long, he saw two people standing not far ahead next to the stretch Lincoln, waving and walking towards him.
"Naoki-san!"
Shuichi Itō and Genta Nakai arrived at the airport early and waited until the early hours of the morning.
"I've finally waited for you!!"
"Haha, Xiu-ichi-san, Yuan-tai-san!!"
Naoki Nagayama opened his arms and hugged his two friends, jokingly saying with a smile.
As the saying goes, "A day apart feels like three autumns," I've missed you so much!
"Hahaha~" X2
However, while observing the two, Naoki Nagayama once again remarked:
"Shuichi-san and Wonta-san have both lost a lot of weight! Wonta-san has lost even more weight, it must be due to the change in environment, not eating or sleeping well in America! You've both worked so hard for your jobs!!"
"."
They should have been touched by these heartwarming words, but they felt a little awkward at that moment.
They'd long since adapted to the change in environment, the lack of good food and sleep. That's not why they lost weight! They simply succumbed to the allure of America and wasted their energy!
"Hehehe, Naoki-san, there's no need to say any more."
Shuichi Itō glossed over this point first, then pulled Naoki Nagayama toward the luxury car beside them.
"You must be exhausted after such a long flight. Let's go to the hotel and rest first."
"Yeah yeah!"
As he helped take the luggage, Nakai Genta casually chimed in.
"Once Naoki-san has rested enough, we'll have a proper welcome-back dinner for you. We'll find some local specialties."
Just then, it was heard that Shuichi Itō coughed, and Nakai Genta suddenly realized what was going on!
He's been in the US for so long that he's become somewhat assimilated; he casually mentioned asking for a waiter!
"Cough cough!"
Nakai Genta quickly changed his tune.
"Let's find some local restaurants and have a good meal!!"
"Yes, the local restaurants in Hollywood are quite good."
Watching the two of them work together to pull him into the stretch Lincoln, covering for each other, Naoki Nagayama shook his head:
"You two?"
What's wrong with a good friend inviting you to a foot massage to welcome you home?!
Naoki Nagayama couldn't say anything about this, after all, both of them were successful and wealthy men, and it was difficult for them to control themselves when there were temptations everywhere. One of them had even been forced to stay in a foreign country for so long.
Once in the back seat of the Lincoln, Naoki Nagayama patted Shuichi Itoh on the back:
"I won't talk about Yuan Tai-san. But Shuichi-san, you've only been in New York for a few days, and America is already this corrupting!"
"."
Itō Shuichi's expression froze for a moment, then he turned and knocked on the partition between the carriage and the driver's cab.
Then the partition quickly went down, revealing a face—it was Sugiyama Yoshihiko!
"It's all his fault!"
With a hint of shame on his face, Shuichi Itō said...
"As soon as he saw me, he wanted me to experience American hospitality. Little did I know that as soon as I entered the hotel room, I would be greeted by so many enthusiastic, long-legged beauties!"
"..." Sugiyama Yoshihiko only gave a docile smile. "Naoki-san, I don't care."
When entertaining company executives, shouldn't we be enthusiastic?!
"Tsk tsk tsk, men really do turn bad when they have money!"
Naoki Nagayama shook his head helplessly and still instructed Shuichi Itō.
"Shuichi-san, I can only advise you to protect yourself. Don't leave behind any inheritance or physical souvenirs in the United States."
"Also, once you're back in Japan, just pretend what happened in America never happened."
After all, Naoki Nagayama knew Shuichi's wife, Yoshimi Itō, and their daughter, Kaori-chan, so he hoped that Shuichi would maintain a good image at home.
Shuichi Itō and Genta Nakai both nodded silently, saying nothing more.
However, Sugiyama Yoshihiko, who was in front, did not understand what the big shots were saying and was blocked outside the partition with a puzzled look on his face.
After a high-speed drive, Naoki Nagayama arrived at a top-tier hotel in Hollywood and quickly checked in, heading to his presidential suite.
“Naoki-san,” Itō Shuichi said, “I’m on the right, and Yuantai-san is on the left, both on the same floor! Sugiyama Yoshihiko has already rented a villa; we can call him over if needed.”
"Good~"
After settling his luggage, Naoki Nagayama entered the room, looked around, and showed no intention of resting any longer.
"I slept for a long time on the plane, so I don't need to rest."
He gestured for the two to sit in the living room and began by asking:
"Yuan Tai-san, how's things going in New York?"
"New York~"
Nakai Wonta smiled and said,
"The chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, David Ludg, calls me every two days, urging me to sign a non-prosecution agreement as soon as possible!"
"I've made excuses several times. He left me hanging in Manhattan back then, so I'll let him experience what it's like to be anxious!"
The Japanese delegation has already returned home, and the agreement reached between Doi Tagako and the US high-level officials naturally needs to be fulfilled. Therefore, alleviating the concerns of Japanese capital has become an urgent matter, which naturally puts pressure on David Ludd.
While the US exerts significant control over Japan, almost to the point of having absolute power at the national level, capital is different. American capital is capital, and Japanese capital is capital. In a globalized world, capital can flow freely.
If you make me uneasy, I can go to Europe and America, I can go to Big Brother's house, I can go to South Asia, and I can even go to South America!
"Okay~"
Naoki Nagayama advised,
"What did the legal team say? Is there anything wrong with the agreement?"
"The agreement itself is fine, but TreeFriend Capital's US branch still needs to improve its internal compliance mechanisms and needs to engage a third party to monitor risks."
As Nakai Genta has said before, Nagayama Naoki has no problems.
"Alright. Since there are no problems, Yuan Tai-san should sign it quickly so we can return to Tokyo as soon as possible."
“No!” Nakai Genta shook his head. “You need help here too, right? After the Oscars, Naoki-san and I will go back together!”
"This"
Speaking of which, lobbying Hollywood bigwigs to win an Oscar certainly requires manpower. Nakai Genta's position is high enough that he can speak on many occasions.
"Two weeks won't make a difference!"
"Okay. Let's go back together at the end of the month!"
"Haha, let's go back on Naoki-san's private jet!"
The two of them happily agreed to it!
Next up was Shuichi Itoh's turn:
"Shuichi-san, just tell me the progress of your lobbying efforts!"
"Hi!"
Shuichi Itō thought for a moment and then spoke.
"We've now established connections with the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and we've already won over the heads of 10 of the Academy's 17 affiliated guilds, including those for art director, cinematographer, executive, and film editor."
"However, we haven't yet conquered the more influential producer guilds, director guilds, and actor guilds."
"Especially in terms of production, 'The Last Emperor' was a co-production of eight production companies, and they contributed a lot. Japanese film companies still don't have enough influence in Hollywood."
"."
As Naoki Nagayama listened to Shuichi Itō's story, he stroked his chin and frowned.
"It certainly looks like things are going very difficult!"
"Yes, some people are indeed very difficult to bribe!"
In this era of rapid film development, there is indeed a group of filmmakers who are purely and truly passionate about the art of film!
However, this group of people is very stubborn in some ways, but "Departures" is not a bad work, and in their eyes it is also competitive!
"I probably understand!"
Naoki Nagayama nodded.
"In that case, let's arrange a meeting with the college president today!"
"it is good!"
Itō nods.
"Where should we meet? I know a few clubs in Hollywood that have a really neon vibe."
"No! We're meeting at the movie theater! Didn't Sugiyama Yoshihiko buy a movie theater in Hollywood?"
"Hi!"
Shuichi Itō looked surprised.
Why should we meet with the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at a movie theater?
"Ha, at the movie theater, naturally, it's for..."
Naoki Nagayama took a copied movie tape from a suitcase; the title "Jurassic Park" was written on it.
"Watch a good movie!"
"Jurassic Park?"
Shuichi Itō was even more confused.
"Weren't we supposed to be promoting 'Departures'?!"
"Haha. Why make things difficult for someone the moment we meet!"
Naoki Nagayama shook his head.
"First, I want to ask him for a favor that is completely effortless."
"Although it's a bit late now, it shouldn't be too difficult to ask for the premiere of such an excellent film as 'Jurassic Park' at a movie-watching party during the Oscars!"
"We'll discuss other requests later!"
People will always help those they have already helped!
That's human nature! You could also call it sunk cost!
A psychological study specifically investigated this, finding that because people have already invested in helping others, they tend to help those they have already helped once.
Therefore, we often see this phenomenon in life: when some people want to borrow money, they usually look for people they have borrowed money from before!
At the beginning of Oscar season, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosts a film screening party at the Motion Picture Museum, partly to warm up the audience and partly to facilitate networking among film professionals from various countries. Many film imports and purchases are negotiated at these parties.
"Does Naoki-san want to distribute 'Jurassic Park' in Europe and America?"
"Yes, this movie won't disappoint them!"
Although they hadn't seen the movie, Shuichi Itō and Genta Nakai, seeing Naoki Nagayama's confident demeanor, both believed in the film's quality.
Nakai Genta even laughed and said:
"Haha, then I can take a look too!"
"Um"
In the Yamazakura Garden in Chiyoda.
From the moment she opened her eyes, Akina already knew that Naoki Nagayama had left for America, but since this had been agreed upon beforehand, she wasn't too worried.
Although Xiaohua didn't see her father in the morning, her mother and other familiar people were at home, so she didn't cry or make a fuss. She ate and played obediently, and kept this up until evening.
During dinner, the little guy would always look towards the entrance, because Naoki Nagayama usually comes home around the time of dinner.
"Hua Jiang, what's wrong?"
Nanako Nagayama was somewhat surprised to see the little one's distracted expression while eating. You see, this little foodie is usually very enthusiastic when eating.
"Didn't you like today's food?"
Xia Hua shook her head, lowered her head and continued eating, but she looked somewhat downcast.
Seeing that she hadn't changed much, Nanako Nagayama didn't ask any further questions.
After dinner, the little guy played with his toys on the carpet, while Nyantaro next to him would occasionally touch them with his paw, seemingly playing along as well.
Meanwhile, Nanako Nagayama, Chieko, and Akina were chatting on the sofa.
"By now, Naoki should have arrived, right?"
Chieko Nakamori shook her head:
"It seems like it takes fifteen hours to fly to Los Angeles."
Thanks to Akina, she and her whole family went on vacation to Los Angeles together, so she roughly knew the flight itinerary.
"Naoki-san flew directly on his own plane, without any transfers, and arrived in just over ten hours."
Akina began to explain.
"It should be early morning here in Los Angeles right now."
"It's past midnight, that's very late."
"Fortunately, adjusting to the time difference in the early morning is quite convenient."
While the group was chatting, the little girl somehow joined them and overheard Naoki Nagayama's name.
She barely remembered Naoki Nagayama mentioning a business trip, and asked directly:
"Why isn't Dad back?"
Akina pulled the little one onto the sofa, hugged her, and said:
"Didn't I tell Huajiang yesterday? Dad's away on a business trip and won't be back today."
Hua Jiang is a very reasonable child. Although she misses her father a little, since she already talked about it yesterday, there is no problem!
So she continued to ask:
"Then when will you come back?"
"Hmm," Akina thought for a moment, "it will probably take another two weeks or so."
"More than half a month?" The little guy couldn't understand the length of time.
"It will take about 15 days."
"??" She can't even count to ten yet.
"It's just one day at a time."
Akina counted on her fingers as she explained, but the little one only understood one thing: her father wouldn't be back for a long time!
A wave of sadness suddenly welled up in my heart, and I couldn't hold it in any longer!
"Hmm," the little guy frowned, his little mouth pouting, "Wah!!!"
"I want my dad!!!"
"!!!"
This sudden turn of events startled the three women present. Why did they suddenly start crying?!
Little did they know that this feeling of dejection had been building up for a while!
"Alright, alright. Don't cry, Huajiang. Daddy will be back soon!"
Nanako Nagayama held the baby in her arms and tried to soothe him, but he kept crying. When Chieko Nakamori tried to soothe him, he still cried.
Only when Akina, heavily pregnant, held her in her arms did she calm down a little, her wailing turning into sobs.
"Why is this little guy suddenly crying?" "Is he that attached to Naoki?"
Two of the three women had experience caring for more than one child, but even they couldn't calm the baby down. Akina wiped away the little one's tears, feeling helpless.
Children have poor emotional control and are easily caught up in their emotions.
That's how it is now; either Naoki Nagayama will suddenly appear, or something will be able to alleviate the sadness.
Either you can only wait for the little one to cry until they're tired and stop crying naturally.
Just then, the phone next to the sofa suddenly rang!
"Jingle Bell"
"Moshi Moshi. This is Yama-oka-in."
"Mother? It's me. I've arrived in Los Angeles!!"
On the other end of the phone was Naoki Nagayama, who had finished arranging things and was calling home to let his family know he was safe.
Just as Naoki Nagayama was about to explain the situation in Los Angeles, he heard his mother, Nanako, breathe a sigh of relief through the microphone:
"Great! Naoki, your call came just in time!!"
"Quickly, quickly, comfort your little crybaby!!!"
"???"
Just as Naoki Nagayama was somewhat confused, Akina's voice came through the microphone:
"Naoki-san, without further ado, let's appease Hana-chan first!"
Then the microphone was moved away, and Akina's voice became a little softer:
"Hua Jiang, listen, Dad's on the phone."
After that.
"Moses. Moses?"
The little one's tearful voice came through the phone. Xia Hua usually loves making phone calls, and she always says "Moshi Moshi" all the time.
"Flower jam?"
"Why are you crying?!"
"dad?"
"it's me."
Natsuka, holding the microphone in both hands, finally stopped crying when she heard Naoki Nagayama's voice. Then she asked very seriously,
When are you coming back?!
"."
Naoki Nagayama felt a gentle touch on the softest part of his heart, and his tone softened even more.
"I'll probably be gone for a few more days. I'm only leaving for my business trip today."
"Oh," Xia Hua choked up again upon hearing that he couldn't come back now, "Then come back soon!!"
"Good flower sauce, don't cry anymore, okay?"
"."
So, separated by the Pacific Ocean, I coaxed my daughter over the phone, and it took me a long time to calm her down.
After calming his daughter down and letting Akina and the others know he was safe, Naoki Nagayama hung up the phone.
However, remembering what Akina said about possibly having to use the phone line to coax him tomorrow, Naoki Nagayama felt somewhat helpless since neither of them could see each other! And there was no WeChat video call in this day and age.
He'll be staying in Los Angeles for another two weeks!
Unable to sleep, tossing and turning in bed at the hotel, Naoki Nagayama finally made a desperate move:
"Why not just set up a satellite connection between home and here?!"
Instant video call!!
(End of this chapter)