Tokyo, Shochiku Film Company.
Looking at Matsuzaka Keiko pacing back and forth in front of him, Kurihara Komaki closed the "Tokyo Night News":
"Keiko-chan, you'd better sit down."
"Fang Yanjun is so true."
Matsusaka Keiko's tone was full of resentment, "I have been in Japan for so long, but I have never thought of contacting us."
Kurihara Komaki comforted: "Fang Yanjun must have his own arrangements for doing this. You see, he is now in the newspaper again."
"I have read this news."
Matsusaka Keiko's face was full of sorrow, "Many newspapers have reprinted the comments, and the voice of criticism has overshadowed the support and praise."
Kurihara Komaki Sighing: "This is already considered restraint and restraint. If Mr. Fang Yan were a Japanese writer, I'm afraid those mystery novelists, theorists, and critics would never be merciful, and the criticism would only be worse."
Matsusaka Keiko tried her best to protect her: "That's just the jealousy, fear and hatred of Fang Yanjun by the mediocre people."
Kurihara Komaki was playful: "Alas, you were angry with Mr. Fang Yan just now, why are you speaking for him now?"
"This is a word of justice!" Matsusaka Keiko asked with a guilty conscience. : "Don't you think so, Omaki-chan?"
"Of course I am on Fang Yanjun's side, not just me, the president, the vice president The same is true for the elders."
Kurihara Komaki said with a smile: "Otherwise, as soon as he received the news that Mr. Fang Yan had come to Japan, Vice President Okuyama would not have personally gone to Kyoto to invite him to the club. The annual Christmas party”
Matsusaka Keiko said enthusiastically: “Then when will they return to Tokyo?”
"On Christmas Day."
Kurihara Komaki said that the company specially organized a delegation specifically to welcome dialects, and he and Matsuzaka Keiko were both members of it.
Matsusaka Keiko was happy at first, and then screamed "ah".
Kurihara Komaki saw her startled look and couldn't help but wonder: "What's wrong? Is there any problem?"
Matsusaka Keiko shook her head, "I forgot to give Fang Yan has prepared a Christmas gift, Xiaojuan Jiang, are you ready?”
"Of course!" Kurihara Komaki smiled and raised his eyebrows.
“What is it?”
“I can’t tell you this, it’s a secret that only Mr. Fang Yan can reveal.”
“Roar!”< br>
When Matsusaka Keiko saw her best friend with a playful look on her face, she rushed towards her in shame and got into a fight.
"Okay, okay, Keiko-chan, stop making trouble." Kurihara Komaki said with a smile, "In the worst case, I will accompany you to pick out Christmas gifts."
"That's pretty much it." Matsuzaka Keiko stood up. He said, "Let's go shopping in Shinjuku now!
Kurihara Komaki grabbed her hand and said, "Look, you are in a hurry. You should first think about what gift you want to give Mr. Fang Yan. ”
…………
Time flies and it’s Christmas in a blink of an eye.
Tokyo Station is crowded with people, shoulder to shoulder, a sea of people, but compared with the Spring Festival Transport scene, it still pales in comparison.
Fang Yan, Oku Shanrong and others finally squeezed out of the crowd and walked out of the station.
I saw that the vehicles arranged by Songzhu Film Company were lined up and parked on the roadside. Apparently they had been waiting for a long time.
Fang Yan was first taken to the Shinjuku Hyatt Regency Hotel where he was staying, where he took a short rest, freshened up, and put on a brand new formal suit.
Then, he went straight to the building where Songzhu was.
There was a line of welcoming people standing inside the door. The leader was not the vice president Okuyama Rong, but the gray-haired old president who greeted him personally.
Fang Yan took the flowers from the staff, shook hands with the senior executives of Songzhu Company one by one, and greeted each other amidst bursts of applause.
When it was Kurihara Komaki's turn, she explained in a low voice the reason why she did not go to the station to greet her:
"Keiko and I were worried that if we showed up, we might be at the station. Cause unnecessary commotion and stampede, so..."
"Your worries are not unreasonable"
Fang Yan showed a faint smile, and then walked to Matsuzaka Keiko.
Matsusaka Keiko exclaimed, "Didn't Yoko-chan come?"
"I gave her a long vacation."
Fang Yan has been thinking about Suzuki Yoko for a long time. Before returning to Japan, she was asked to stay in Kyoto to reunite with her parents and reminisce about the past.
Matsusaka Keiko asked: "So that's the case, doesn't it mean that Mr. Dialect doesn't have a translator?"
Fang Yan glanced at Yoji Iimura who was standing next to him. This was the temporary translator and guide specially arranged for him by Okuyama Rong.
"If that's the case, why not let Komaki-chan do the translation at the banquet."
Matsusaka Keiko lowered her voice: "She will definitely be competent, and she will definitely do it. I’m willing to help.”
Then he winked at his best friend and said jokingly, “Really, Maki-chan?”
“Keiko!”
Kurihara Komaki glared, then bent down slightly and volunteered: "If Mr. Fang Yan doesn't dislike it..."
"That's really the best!"
Fang Yan also Without thinking much, I readily agreed.
Kurihara Komaki then replaced Iimura Yoji and acted as a translator between him and the old president, Okuyama Rui.
“Fang Yanjun, how come you came to Japan and didn’t inform us immediately?”
There was a hint of complaint in the old president's tone.
"The plan couldn't keep up with the change. I originally wanted to visit Shochiku as soon as I arrived in Tokyo, but I didn't expect that I would hit the Edogawa Rampo Award..."
Fang Yan explained apologetically. The series includes everything from making friends with Shoji Shimada to exchanging mystery literature with the Mystery Club of Kyoto University.
"I don't mean to blame you."
The old president walked into the elevator, "I have read your theories in the newspaper. It seems that this trip to Kyoto Okay, the harvest is not small.”
"It's indeed a worthwhile trip."
Fang Yan smiled and said that he had received inspiration for a new work.
Including the old president, everyone in the elevator looked at him sideways and were surprised.
Okuyama Rong, who was informed, whispered: "Mr. Fang Yan hopes that we will arrange for us to go to Otaru City to interview him for his new work."
"Of course there is no problem with this." Old President Rao Someone asked with interest: "I wonder if it would be convenient for me to reveal the content of the new work?"
"It is a beautiful romantic love novel." Dialect roughly described the plot of the story.
Matsusaka Keiko stared straight at his profile. When the keywords such as "pure love", "secret love" and "regret" came out of his mouth, her eyes flashed with light.
…………
“Ding ding.”
The elevator door opened, and a group of people filed out, talking and laughing as they walked into the grandly decorated Christmas venue.
In the lobby are tables and tables of coffee breaks, filled with snacks and fruits, fresh daily food, sushi drinks, etc.
On both sides of the temporary stage, two small Christmas trees were placed. Between the two trees, Christmas gift boxes used as employee rewards were stacked.
"Fang Yanjun, on behalf of Qingzi, I would like to thank you very much."
The old president said as he walked, "Because of the few songs you wrote specifically for her, she finally successfully logged on. I attended this year’s Kohaku Song Festival.”
Kurihara Komaki was worried that Dialect didn’t understand the Kohaku Song Festival, so he gave a detailed introduction.
Japan's "Red and White Song Gala" is actually similar in nature to China's Spring Festival Gala, both of which are large-scale evening parties prepared for the annual New Year. But the format is slightly different. The Spring Festival Gala has various program types such as sketches, cross talk, dance, opera, and songs.
The "Red and White Song Festival" only has song programs, and it is a singing competition with a competitive nature.
The word "red" in "Red and White Utakai" comes from the concept of red and white confrontation in Japanese kendo.
Therefore, the Red and White song competition of Red and White actually divides male and female singers into red and white groups, and "Our Song", "The Masked Singer", "God-Sent Voice" 》These music competition reality show variety shows have different approaches but the same effect.
The singers who perform on the stage every year are recommended by the Japan Broadcasting Association. Anyone who can sing at the "Red and White Song Festival" will become popular the following year, and will receive more performance invitations and even invitations from record companies. This is already a trend in Japanese performing arts. The "iron rule" recognized in the industry.
Moreover, this rule applies not only to Japanese singers, but also to singers from overseas.
For example, Teresa Teng was selected to participate in this year's "Red and White Song Festival" with her song "Repay", which has dominated the charts in Japan for a year this year.
"Teresa Teng will also participate?"
Fang Yan raised his eyebrows and realized that Teresa Teng was developing in the Japanese music scene at this time.
"Yes, like me, she has made special preparations for this Red and White Song Contest."
Matsusaka Keiko said that the specially arranged repertoire for the Red and White Song Concert will be noted as "Red and White Version" " title.
Okuyama Rong smiled and said: "She is not as good as you, but you have to sing two songs in a row at the Red and White Song Festival."
Fang Yan asked and found out that, in principle, the members of the Red and White Group Each member has one song, each singing the song they released this year.
However, there are exceptions.
That is, singers who have released multiple hit songs continuously within a year, or elderly people who have participated in singing concerts for several consecutive years, have the opportunity to sing more than two songs at the same time. This form is usually a medley of songs, or a song marked "Red" Bai Ge Hui Special Edition”.
“This is all thanks to Mr. Fang Yan!”
Matsusaka Keiko smiled like a flower and bowed.
Fang Yanxu gave him a hand, "What the hell, this is not my fault alone."
"Fang Yanxu, you are too humble."
Okuyama grinned.
Matsusaka Keiko's "Sunset Song" and "Sakura Tree Love" have both entered the Japanese Oricon Chart. Like Teresa Teng's "Repay", it has always dominated the list since it entered the list, and has also been on the list. Won the "Cable Broadcasting Awards" in Kanto and Kansai.
Especially "Song of the Sunset" broke Sachiko Kobayashi's record and set a historical record of being the No. 1 on demand cable broadcast in Japan for 14 consecutive weeks.
In addition, "Jealous" written in dialect unexpectedly and reasonably allowed Matsuzaka Keiko to open up the Japanese teenager market.
“This is really good news.”
Fang Yan was surprised.
“Qingzi’s fans today cover almost all age groups.”
Okuyama Rong said: “Fang Yanjun, when you wrote this song for Qingzi, did you already expect it? To all this?"
Fang Yan waved his hand, "I I just wanted to help Qingzi break into the young people. I didn’t expect it to be so smooth and successful.” , there is a 'track mix' benefit."
Okuyama laughed loudly, "Keiko, when you go on stage to sing later, you must thank Mr. Fang Yan properly."
"Hi Yi!"
Matsusaka Keiko smiled to the ground Go to Fangyan and bow to say thank you.
Next, amid applause and cheers, the actors and actresses signed by Songzhu Film Company took the stage one after another to perform.
Matsuzaka Keiko sang "Sunset Song" and "Sakura Tree Love", which was regarded as an advance rehearsal for the Kohaku Song Festival performance.
"Pah, pah."
Rong Okuyama, like everyone else present, beat to the melody of the music, "Fang Yan, I just discussed with the president and asked Kurihara to accompany you to Otaru after the New Year. "Shi, what do you think?"
"That's of course the best, but I don't know that Komaki is inconvenient..."
Fang Yan glanced at Kurihara Komaki.
“Stay long, Mr. Fang Yan!”
Kurihara Komaki spoke sincerely, and then asked Okuyama about his upcoming itinerary and plans in Tokyo.
Fang Yan said: "I'm going to go shopping, buy some gifts for my family and friends, and take a look at some properties in Tokyo."
Okuyama Rong was surprised, "Fang Yan Jun, do you think the hotel we arranged It’s not appropriate. Do you want to move out?”
“You misunderstood, there is no such thing!”
Fang Yan shook his head and laughed, even though the house he bought was basically fully decorated. , but the appliances and furniture inside are not complete.
Even if I want to move in now, I'm afraid it will take a lot of effort to properly decorate the new house. It is better to stay in a hotel to save worry and effort.
"In this case, wouldn't Mr. Fang Yan want to celebrate the New Year alone?"
Kurihara Komaki was surprised.
Fang Yan said half-jokingly: "I'm going to stay in the hotel to watch the Red and White Song Concert and wait for Qingzi and Teresa Teng's performances."
"How about this!"
Okuyama Rong had an idea, "Since you are watching the Red and White Song Concert, Mr. Fang Yan, would you like to come with us to watch it live?"
Fang Yan was stunned, "Live?"
"Yes, just At the NHK Concert Hall not far away.”
Kurihara Komaki said that a support group was formed within the company to applaud Matsuzaka Keiko.
“Actually, with Mr. Fang Yan’s status, there is no problem at all even if he becomes a judge of the Red and White Song Club.”
Ou Shanrong smiled.
Fang Yan thought it was a joke, but he didn't expect it to be true.
Since the Red and White Song Festival is a singing competition, a winner must be determined, even if the winner does not come with high bonuses and rewards.
However, after all, the participants are all well-known Japanese singers. If they cannot win, at least they will lose face.
Therefore, the role of judges is very important. In previous years, sports celebrities, famous actors, foreign friends, etc. were invited.
"It's a pity that this year's list of judges has been decided."
Okuyama Rong said: "If Mr. Fang Yan is willing, we can help you win the qualifications for next year's judges."
"That depends. If Keiko can participate in the Red and White Song Festival next year, I will vote for her group."
The two looked at each other and smiled, and the laughter was almost drowned in Matsuzaka Keiko's singing.
After singing the song, the brightly dressed Matsuban Keiko raised her wine glass high, looked around, and her eyes finally fell on Fang Yan:
"Merry Christmas, everyone! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Everyone responded, changing glasses, drinking and drinking, it was so lively.
On the stage, people who signed up enthusiastically played games and competed for Christmas gift boxes.
In the audience, Fang Yan, Matsuzaka Keiko and Kurihara Komaki said "Merry Christmas" to each other, and then presented them with jade bracelets and pendants.
The attention of the two women was immediately attracted by the jade, and Kurihara Komaki's eyes shone, "Fang Yan-kun, this must be very valuable, right?"
"As long as you like it."
< br>Fang Yan smiled. He also had a lot of glass and high-ice jade on hand.
Matsusaka Keiko put the jade bracelet on her wrist and couldn't put it down. From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Fang Yan opening Kurihara Komaki's gift. There was an Omega watch in the exquisite box, and when it was her turn , suddenly said:
"Fang Yanjun, can you open it when you return to the hotel?" (End of this chapter)