Chapter 26: 026, I'm never acting in this damn play again!

“A scandal? Me and Konan-san?”

During the shoot on Monday afternoon, Higuchi Konan and her assistant, Yanagi Marin, informed Nagayama Naoki of the news.

“Yes, the public relations department at the agency has been notified. We expect the specific article to appear by Friday,” Yanagi Marin said.

“I didn't expect that just going out to have some fun would get us photographed. I should say, paparazzi really are something else!” Nagayama Naoki seemed completely unbothered by the idea of being caught on camera.

“So, what does the agency plan to do?”

“The agency doesn't plan to stop it. These little scandals might actually be good for Konan-san's career. However, Naoki-san might be affected a bit. Since you've already appeared on television, you're considered part of the entertainment industry, so your face won't be blurred in the photos.”

“I see... I didn't realize I was considered an entertainer now.” Privacy protection for the general public is very strict in Japan; if a magazine exposes the face of a non-public figure, they could be liable for a massive amount of compensation.

“I'm sorry for causing you trouble, Naoki-san,” Higuchi Konan said apologetically.

“It's fine. Actually, I've been prepared for this since I started doing commercials,” Nagayama Naoki said, waving it off.

After learning the news, Itou Shuichi also remarked, “Actually, it’s not bad. If we hurry, we can finish filming the commercial this week. This scandal can serve as perfect pre-release hype.”

“Haha, true! Shuichi-san, let's get filming then. We might as well take advantage of this free promotion.” A few words lightened the atmosphere on set, and the crew began filming the second act: the romantic daily life and the marriage and children.

This part was an outdoor shoot. Taking advantage of the good weather, Yoshimura Otomo helped arrange a quiet street and an empty house. The scenes of Nagayama Naoki and Higuchi Konan's playful dating, their happy daily life after marriage, and the cherry blossom-flavored soda that witnessed it all were filmed smoothly.

The third act concluded in the evening, where the female lead meets with a car accident after leaving the house.

As night fell, life continued to be a picture of ordinary happiness. However, due to a shortage of drinks, the female lead prepared to go out and buy some, only to be tragically involved in a car accident. The male lead held her body, consumed by grief.

“Naoki-san, your expression needs to be more devastated, more lost.”

“Naoki-san, there needs to be a sense of wandering within that sadness.”

“Naoki-san, within that grief, there must first be a hint of anger.”

Nagayama Naoki swore to himself that he would never act in such a ridiculous scene again!

Itou Shuichi's pursuit of perfection was on full display in this scene. They filmed over 30 takes. Lying on the ground, Higuchi Konan felt like she was about to fall asleep.

“Naoki-san, the parts we filmed earlier matched your age's mindset perfectly, whether it was romance or happiness. But for the subsequent sadness and regret, we'll have to grind through them take by take.” Itou Shuichi actually had a lot of confidence in Nagayama Naoki.

“You've actually done quite well, Naoki-san. I was prepared for at least 50 NGs (No-Goods).”

Nagayama Naoki broke into a cold sweat. “50 takes? Have mercy!”

“Next up is a scene of the male lead's solitude, along with some reshoots of the female lead's memories. Naoki-san, from today onwards, don't shave or get a haircut. It would be best if you don't sleep, or sleep very little, so that by Wednesday, you can project a haggard look.”

“Yes, sir.”

“As for the female lead, we'll film her the day after tomorrow. We need to wait for Naoki-san's haggard look. We'll film her indoor scenes in the morning, film Naoki-san in the afternoon, and then return to the studio in the evening for the final scene.”

Higuchi Konan nodded in agreement. “I understand.”

“Also, we need to step up the effort on the background music.”

At this, Nagayama Naoki informed them, “Yes, regarding that, I've already had Otomo-san contact a suitable singer.”

“Oh, you've already found someone? Which singer is it?” Itou Shuichi asked curiously.

“It's Kashiwabara Fae, who just debuted last year. I feel her voice carries a certain magnetic sadness within its sweetness; it's a very suitable vocal line.”

“Kashiwabara Fae? Hmm, I haven't heard of her.”

Yoshimura Otomo chimed in from the side, “She's a newcomer, after all. She's heading to the recording studio tomorrow.”

“Wait, Otomo-san, when did you get here?!”

“While you were torturing Naoki-san... I came to pick him up.”

Yoshimura Otomo was practically becoming Nagayama Naoki's personal manager.

He arrived home at 2:00 AM, and the next morning, Yoshimura Otomo was already knocking on his door to take him to the studio.

“How do you maintain such good condition, Otomo-san?”

The sleep-deprived Nagayama Naoki asked the energetic, balding man.

“Nothing special. I didn't sleep yesterday; I went straight to Roppongi to play until morning. I just took a shower and came to pick you up, Naoki-san.”

“Wait, you don't need sleep?”

“After I drop you off, I'll go home to catch up on sleep. I won't be picking you up again today.”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work, Otomo-san!”

The scheduled recording studio was in Bunkyo Ward, not far from where they were. By the time Naoki arrived, a manager had already arrived with Kashiwabara Fae.

“Sorry we're late. I am Yoshimura Otomo, whom you contacted previously. This is Nagayama Naoki, the composer and record producer for this song,” Yoshimura Otomo introduced first, immediately establishing Naoki's authority.

When the composer and producer are the same person, they hold absolute power over the production.

“Hello, I am Nagayama Naoki. Nice to meet you,” Naoki said, taking the lead.

“Nice to meet you, I am Kashiwabara Fae. Please look after me.” “Nice to meet you, I am Kashiwabara Fae's manager, Nagashima Daigo.”

Kashiwabara Fae had only recently debuted; she was only 17 and had only released one record, which hadn't made much of a splash. She was still very green.

“Kashiwabara-san, there's no need to be formal. You've read the lyrics, right? And you've heard the demo tape?”

“Yes, I've heard it. I've already tried singing it privately.”

“Then there shouldn't be any problems. This is a love song; you just need to sing it sweetly.”

“But, I heard earlier that it should have a hint of sadness?” Kashiwabara Fae asked somewhat confusedly. Looking at the unkempt, dark-circled "producer" before her, she felt an instinctive sense of trepidation.

Nagayama Naoki explained directly, “It's not about forcing the sadness, but rather the sadness inherent in the lyrics themselves and your own vocal line. You don't need to perform it explicitly.”

“Yes, I'll try.” Kashiwabara Fae walked into the recording booth.

Nagayama Naoki signaled the studio staff to start the backing track. The accompaniment had, of course, already been performed by a band and recorded on separate tracks.

Then came the iconic lines

“Sakura sakura aitaiyo iyada kimi ni ima sugu aitaiyo”

After the first take, Nagayama Naoki realized that Kashiwabara Fae was imitating a male singing style and was intentionally trying to perform the sadness.

As expected, the first take wouldn't work.

“Fae-san, it seems you were too influenced by the demo tape. Try it again using your own natural singing style.”

“Yes.”

“This time, you unconsciously lowered your voice in some places. You don't need to specifically perform the sadness. Please try again...”

“Yes.”

“Why is it even lighter this time?”

“Sumimasen...”

Nagayama Naoki's tone was much like how Itou Shuichi had treated him the day before.

Looking at the green Kashiwabara Fae in the booth, she looked as if she were about to cry.

“Fae-san is still too nervous. Am I that scary?” Nagayama Naoki wondered how to guide her. He asked the manager beside him, Nagashima Daigo, “Does Fae-san have any ways to relax?”

Nagashima Daigo said, “Reading books or singing usually helps her relax. But I'm afraid that won't work here.”

“Why?” Naoki asked, puzzled.

“Because Nagayama-kun is too serious!”

“Huh?”

“Haven't you noticed, Nagayama-kun? Ever since you arrived at the studio, your expression has been as stern as if you were going to commit a murder... your brow hasn't unknotted even once,” Nagashima Daigo described the Naoki in his eyes.

*I'm just sleep-deprived and my face is a bit numb...*