Chapter 9: 009: A photo shoot is possible, but it'll cost you extra!

“Yabei, I accidentally used my old talent scout pitch.” Yoshimura Otomo had inadvertently let slip the lines he used to use when inviting people to do gravure modeling.

He hurriedly explained, “Ano, not gravure, I meant commercials, commercials!”

Naoki Nagayama felt a twinge of tension. After all, this middle-aged man who had just been eyeing him lecherously seemed a bit unreliable.

“Is it that kind of commercial?”

“Which kind?”

“The kind printed on small cards.”

“What kind of small cards? No, no, if anything, it would be printed on soda bottles.”

Yoshimura Otomo was a bit confused; commercials on small cards hadn't become a trend yet.

At Yoshimura Otomo’s invitation, Naoki Nagayama sat down at a yakitori shop. It was lunchtime, and the aroma of grilled meat stimulated the customers' primal appetites. Naoki felt his mouth watering uncontrollably—the metabolism of a young man was truly something; the takoyaki from earlier had long since vanished.

“Nagayama-kun, this yakitori shop is one I frequent. The master’s control over the heat is truly masterful!” Yoshimura Otomo skillfully ordered a yakitori set, along with a few cold dishes like chilled tofu, and handed the menu to Naoki. “Nagayama-kun, please order whatever you like. The classic set here is quite famous, you should try it!”

“Alright, then I’ll have one classic yakitori set, and add a set of charcoal-grilled chicken hearts.” The portions in Japanese-style dining were notoriously small; a young man’s stomach definitely wouldn't be satisfied with just one set.

While waiting for the food, Yoshimura Otomo explained the commercial he was inviting him to shoot in detail.

“Souka, a new soda, huh? But aren't new soda products usually launched in the summer? It’s already the end of the year.”

“Hai, I heard this is a test run for a new series of products from the headquarters, so this commercial came up quite suddenly, and we are in a bit of a rush to find a suitable model.” Yoshimura Otomo completely omitted the fact that several previous models had already been rejected, nor did he show any particular signs of anxiety. “Seeing you today, Nagayama-kun, I found that your temperament matches the soda quite well, so I came to ask if you’d be interested in trying your hand at being a commercial model.”

“If you are selected, besides this commercial project, there is also a possibility of being chosen as the brand ambassador in the future!” The level of "pie-in-the-sky" promises in the Showa era was about the same as in later generations.

Naoki Nagayama wasn't actually short on money, but he had just spent all his assets. After paying for the apartment, having two or three ten-thousand yen left was already a miracle. As for his royalty earnings, he would have to wait at least two months.

He had originally planned to return to his hometown for the New Year, and once the holidays were over, the royalties would come in. Then he would move into his new home, use the royalty contract to secure a mortgage, buy another new property to start a snowball effect, and prepare for sudden wealth. However, if there was a windfall during this period, that would also be perfectly fine. But if he went into the commercial modeling business, wouldn't he have to sign a very harsh contract?

“Ano, Yoshimura-kun,” Naoki Nagayama asked, “I’ve heard that to be a commercial model, one needs to sign a rather strict management contract, right?”

“Hai, Nagayama-kun, you do have to sign one once you enter the industry. However, our agency’s contracts are very standard, basically identical to the terms of large agencies. I can guarantee that much.”

“But, I don’t have any intention of entering the modeling industry for the time being,” Naoki Nagayama said. “My family is still hoping I’ll go back and inherit the family business.”

Yoshimura Otomo grew anxious upon hearing this; this concerned his year-end bonus! “Ah, Nagayama-kun, the modeling industry has a bright future. To be honest, with your physical appearance, you have great potential in this field. Whether it’s moving into management or using it as a stepping stone to enter the entertainment industry as an idol, it’s all feasible.”

“And with the current collaboration with Tomomasu Beverage, it’s a rare chance for a young man!” Yoshimura Otomo added, “If I may be so bold, what is the family business you are inheriting? Can it offer such a good future?”

Having talked too much, his throat was a bit dry, so Yoshimura Otomo picked up his cold drink and took a sip.

*Exposed.* Seeing how eager he was, Naoki Nagayama knew the collaboration with Tomomasu Beverage was quite urgent. This made it easier to negotiate for more benefits.

Naoki Nagayama decided to apply a little more pressure. “Ah, it’s not a huge business. My grandfather is the boss of the Yamaguchi-gumi in Shizuoka City, and my parents have always hoped that I could contribute to the family in the future.”

“Pfft!” Yoshimura Otomo was indeed choked. “The Yamaguchi-gumi?!”

In the Showa era, the Yamaguchi-gumi was at its zenith, and ordinary people turned pale at the mere mention of them.

“Ah, I see, ah, well, the family business is quite important, and, well, the expectations of one’s family must indeed be met...” Yoshimura Otomo began to stammer, his words becoming incoherent.

Looking at the refined, handsome boy in front of him, who would have thought he was a direct descendant of a Yamaguchi-gumi boss? Yoshimura Otomo felt a pang of bitterness in his heart, not knowing if it was because the news was too shocking or because his year-end bonus was drifting further away.

Fortunately, the shop’s yakitori arrived at that moment. Naoki Nagayama tasted a skewer; it was indeed crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, rich but not greasy.

“Yoshimura-san, the master’s skill is truly exquisite!”

“Hai, please enjoy...” Yoshimura Otomo was actually feeling a bit restrained now.

Naoki Nagayama enjoyed the meal thoroughly, while Yoshimura Otomo ate with little appetite, his conversation brief and shallow. It wasn't until the shop cleared the plates and served dessert that he felt like he was recovering.

“Nagayama-kun, it’s a real pity. I suppose the family business is more important after all; one cannot go against the family’s wishes.”

“Yoshimura-san, no need to be so formal, just call me Naoki. As for the family business, my uncle’s family and my older brother can inherit it.”

*Nani?* Then why did you mention the Yamaguchi-gumi just now? Why mention inheriting the family business?

If he were a Chinese person from a later generation, Yoshimura Otomo would definitely have one thing to say: *Nothing can stop you.*

“Actually, the matter of shooting the commercial can be considered, but I don’t want to become a professional model,” Naoki Nagayama stated, indicating he only wanted to earn this one-time windfall.

“Sou desu ne, so Naoki-san wants to take on this business as an individual?” Yoshimura Otomo wasn't unfamiliar with this arrangement; other celebrities in the industry occasionally used this method when taking on gigs or commercials, but for a newcomer...

At this moment, Yoshimura Otomo suddenly realized that the rhythm of the conversation had been dominated by Naoki Nagayama. *Was he intentionally disrupting my state of mind earlier? This young man is not simple.*

However, if this project fell through, not only would he lose his year-end bonus, but he would also leave an impression of incompetence in front of the president. Thinking of this, Yoshimura Otomo said directly, “Naoki-san, why don’t we go for a screen test this afternoon to see if you’re suitable for this commercial?”

The implication was that if he was suitable, they would continue the discussion; if not...

Naoki Nagayama understood the subtext and said with a smile, “Of course, that’s fine. Gravure is okay too, but it’ll cost extra.”