National Tide 1980.

Chapter 1255 The Master

"The Denenchofu Station is just ahead. Have you been here before?"

"No, this is the first time."

"If you don't drive, it's only ten minutes from this station to Shibuya by train, and it's also very convenient to go to Shinjuku and Ikebukuro by subway."

"Oh, if that's the case. That would be great, it's really convenient."

"Look, there's a shopping street just over there from the station. There are all kinds of shops like Japanese confectionery, tsukudani, eel, and flower shops. There are also many old shops. It's a pity that there's no Chinese restaurant. And right after you get out of the station is the Tokyu Plaza Garden Station, which has supermarkets, pharmacies, and other shops that are essential for daily life. Look over there..."

Listening to Matsumoto Keiko's introduction to the surrounding situation, Ning Weimin drove the car while looking forward through the window with interest.

Today is the first time that Matsumoto Keiko brought Ning Weimin back to her villa. Considering that the two will live together here after marriage, she can't help but give Ning Weimin a general introduction to the surrounding situation along the way.

The car the two people were riding in was the dark blue Nissan S130 that Matsumoto Keiko kindly picked up Ning Weimin in at the station in the heavy rain to take shelter from the rain when they had just met.

Although the car and the people are still the same, the relationship between the two has changed substantially.

You know, just yesterday, they completed a series of necessary legal procedures and became a legal couple in Japan.

Not only did the two of them formally sign a property protection agreement for both parties at a well-known law firm, they also submitted a marriage application to the Citizens' Division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The only legal procedure left to complete is to write both names together at the household registration department of the municipal government.

After all, there has never been a marriage certificate in Japan. In the future, the most important thing to prove the relationship between husband and wife is probably the household registration information.

That is why Japanese law has a strict requirement that a husband and wife must have the same surname.

In other words, once the change of household registration information is completed, Qingzi's surname will be changed to Ning Qingzi.

However, it was precisely because Ning Weimin had long expressed his support for Qingzi to have her own career after marriage that he did not require her to change her name to her husband's.

So in the future, at least in the film and television industry, Matsumoto Keiko can continue to use the surname "Matsumoto".

From this perspective, it can be said that Ning Weimin broke his promise.

To be honest, the information on Matsumoto Keiko's household registration was originally Han Keiko.

The name "Matsumoto Keiko" was originally a stage name given to her by Daiei Company in order to cover up her Korean-Japanese mixed-race identity.

The point of Ning Weimin's promise was not whether Qingzi's registered surname had changed, but that he did respect Qingzi's social rights and work rights as a woman.

In this era when Japanese people are still very conservative, this can be considered as shocking understanding.

This can completely comfort Keiko and satisfy her fans and moviegoers.

If other Japanese actresses are able to possess such power, it is often because they have sacrificed themselves and accepted an extremely mismatched marriage in order to gain the understanding and tolerance of their husband's family.

For example, Sayuri Yoshinaga, who had a similar status in the film industry to Keiko Matsumoto, married TV producer Okada, who was 15 years older than her.

Of course, perhaps in the eyes of the Japanese, the fact that Ning Weimin is Chinese is enough to offset all his advantages such as being young, rich, handsome and tall.

It is very likely that when they look at Keiko Matsumoto, they will think that the national goddess is marrying down.

But this is another topic and will not be discussed here for the time being.

"So, which street should we go to next?"

Soon, Ning Weimin had driven the car past the station and couldn't help but ask.

There are countless diverging forks in the road ahead.

With the station as the center, the trees and residential streets on both sides of the street are designed in a radial distribution.

This is also the most distinctive feature of Denenchofu, a well-known residential area for the wealthy.

"Well, go in from the intersection with the cafe, and then go along the road with the ginkgo trees. Please drive slowly, there are few people here, and sometimes there are animals."

So, following Matsumoto Keiko's instructions, Ning Weimin slowed down and slowly turned right.

Afterwards, he discovered a new world. From there, covered by tracts of flowers, plants and trees, there was a large area of ​​very conspicuous high-end residential areas with different structures.

"It's so beautiful. Aren't all the houses here different?"

The houses on both sides slowly flowed backwards, and Ning Weimin looked towards both sides of the road.

I have to say that this area is truly worthy of being called Japan's old-fashioned wealthy area.

The houses all have gates and walls, and they come in all kinds of styles, including Japanese, Western, and a mix of Japanese and Western styles.

The houses here are not single-family houses, but real villas.

Although the number of floors is not high, with a maximum of two floors above ground, each household has a garage and a large courtyard.

A place name sign with the words "Denenchofu X-chome XX" is hung on the wall of every household.

It is obvious at first glance that the magnificent mansions and green courtyards here are home to all kinds of wealthy people.

To be honest, Ning Weimin felt just like the last time he accompanied Kang Shude to Tianjin and visited the Fifth Avenue, the site of the old Japanese concession.

The only difference is that these houses are more exquisite and newer, the greenery is better and the roads are neater.

"Yes, no two houses here are alike. Every time a piece of land is transferred, the new owner will rebuild the house according to his own preferences. This is what has formed the unique landscape here. However, in order to maintain the style here, high-rise buildings are not allowed here. The maximum number of above-ground buildings is two floors and the maximum height is nine meters. In this block you see now, there are many houses of politicians and famous athletes living here..."

Matsumoto Keiko's words also verified Ning Weimin's judgment.

Thinking that he would live here in the future, Ning Weimin, who had indeed "only seen pigs run but had hardly eaten pork", couldn't help but get excited.

At this moment, he felt a sense of spiritual connection with Director Chen, who was expressing his emotion while riding in a Lincoln car in the future.

The words "From today on, I am also a superior person" were about to come out of his mouth.

However, he was a worldly person and had never thought of labeling himself as a talented person or an artist, so there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Unlike the famous director who made a living by his artistic talent, he was able to follow his businessman's instinct and care about the value of the real estate here.

"There doesn't seem to be much vacant land in this area. It looks like it's in great demand. The price should be quite high..."

"This is a street with fixed buildings and a long history. Everyone likes it because it has both suburban greenery and urban convenience, so there is no vacant land. It was not easy when I bought it. People who pursue quality of life and style like this place. As for now, because housing prices in Tokyo are generally rising, and everyone has become rich, real estate here is even harder to buy. As for the price, when I bought it, it was about 1 million yen per tsubo. Now, I heard that the price has risen to 2.39 million per square meter, which is theoretically equivalent to a six-fold increase, but there is still no demand. It's really scary to think about it. Affected by the changes in land prices, even the fixed capital tax has increased several times in two years...ah...turn left there."

While Qingzi lamented that the skyrocketing housing prices in recent years were too abnormal, he also did not forget to promptly inform Ning Weimin to go left or right.

Every time the car turned a corner, a new street appeared, but the shape and style of the houses remained the same.

Finally, the outline of Matsumoto Keiko's residence appeared in front of the car, and she informed it immediately.

"Look, it's the house in front. How about this place?"

Following the direction pointed by Matsumoto Keiko, Ning Weimin looked outside.

Ning Weimin noticed that the villa that Qingzi pointed to had an American-style red brick exterior and a French-style blue-black roof. It was mostly covered by the swaying shadows of trees, and had excellent privacy.

And it's not far from the station. If you ride a bike, it should take ten minutes to get there. Walking will be slower, but a distance of a little more than one kilometer is not unacceptable.

What is rare is the quietness. In the last few hundred meters of the road, there were only tree shadows and birds on the road, and no one at all.

Although this place is a bit remote, it is far less disturbed than the wealthy families near the station.

"Is it the one in front? The one with red bricks and a black roof? It's really beautiful! It's true that a house reflects its owner. Such a stylish house is only worthy of my Keiko."

Ning Weimin praised without hesitation.

Qingzi was so happy to be praised that she lowered her big watery eyes shyly, and the pearl earrings on her earlobes sparkled.

"No way! Please stop saying such exaggerated things! In fact, this house can be preserved thanks to your advice. Fortunately, I met you, so I didn't make the wrong choice and sell the house."

Ning Weimin shook his head and was unwilling to take credit for it.

"I'm serious. I believe that even if someone sees it for the first time, just by looking at the appearance of the house, they will know that its owner is a beautiful person. To be able to maintain a house in such a stylish way requires artistic vision and superior taste. I'm just a vulgar person, I don't have your ability. What's more, my Keiko was able to buy such a rare big house so early. Even in terms of property vision and ability to make money, if I hadn't caught up with the current good times, I would be far inferior to you. You are worthy of being the number one movie star in Japan who has won three Academy Awards..."

The gentle expression on Ning Weimin's face was enough to arouse any woman's heart.

He made no secret of his deliberate attempt to please his wife and licked her openly.

But unlike him, Qingzi couldn't stand such warm and straightforward praise.

Although she covered her mouth when she laughed, like magic, her fair skin suddenly turned rosy because of shyness.

"Amin, you are the best at flattering people. Your modesty makes me ashamed. You are the one who makes the most money, but you insist on saying such things. Your invention is amazing, but I don't have your business vision and business acumen. I now really believe that if you want to, your career achievements will definitely surpass those of Kazuo Inamori and Konosuke Matsushita."

What Qingzi said was not groundless, because Ning Weimin had recently signed patent licensing contracts with several Japanese luggage brands and travel products companies.

It was agreed that starting from the second half of this year, several Japanese companies would be allowed to produce and sell trolley suitcases.

In addition to the 100 million yen deposit each, these companies also have to pay a 5,000 yen licensing fee to Ning Weimin for each trolley suitcase they produce and sell.

Therefore, Ning Weimin can now be called the "Father of Trolley Suitcases". It is estimated that he will be able to earn billions of yen every year just from the licensing fees of these Japanese companies.

In Japan, there is no one of his age who can achieve such results just by working in industry.

"Well, I admit that I have good taste. Otherwise, how could I choose such an excellent wife?"

Ning Weimin admitted it generously, but cleverly changed the focus of the topic.

As expected, Qingzi's face turned red again.

"Okay, okay, thank you for the compliment. But don't say such things again after you go in, or people will laugh at you."

Ning Weimin just smiled this time and didn't respond.

It was not until he drove the car into the garage of the villa that he realized that Qingzi was not just talking casually.

He was stunned to see a man and two women in work clothes waiting here respectfully.

And as soon as they got out of the car, the three of them bowed 90 degrees in front of the car, "Hello, sir, madam, welcome home."

After Matsumoto Keiko's introduction, Ning Weimin quickly confirmed his idea.

As expected, these people were servants employed by Keiko Matsumoto on a long-term basis, responsible for maintaining the normal operation of the villa.

The man looked honest, about 45 years old, his surname was Pingmu, and he was the gardener here.

Of the two women, one was slightly older and looked to be around 40 years old. Her surname was Ono.

The other one is younger, and looks to be under 30 years old. His surname is Qianye.

They are all housekeepers, to put it bluntly, what the Chinese understand as nannies.

  Wow, I became a rich landlord without realizing it!

He thought that everything had changed overnight and that from then on he would live the life of a rich man with clothes provided for him, food provided for him, and servants to serve him.

Everything in front of him made Ning Weimin, the "male host" who moved in with just his luggage, feel like he was in a dream.

To be honest, I am financially qualified to be so extravagant.

But even in his dreams, he never thought that he would really live such a life.

Don't forget, in terms of house size, Ma's Garden is several times larger than Keiko Matsumoto's house.

However, due to the different domestic systems, they are currently unable to hire a qualified nanny, and have to maintain daily cleaning by themselves.

Even Jiang Nianyun and her son, who were temporarily staying here, had to clean up the yard where they lived by themselves.

Of course, it may also be because Ning Weimin’s career started from too low a point and he has never enjoyed a truly wealthy life.

Anyway, having earned so much money, he never thought that one day, his daily life needs would be completely handled by strangers who had no relatives or friends.

Of course, he never thought of asking others to wear servants' uniforms and provide services to him in such a serious and humble way.

For him, this kind of life as a master far surpassed what Lin Yutang called the "four great enjoyments".

Perhaps such scenes only exist in movies and TV dramas, so they seem extremely unreal.

However, he had to admit that the Japanese were probably still very feudal at heart.

I don’t know if it’s because they have been enslaved by their American father for too long after the war, or because the royal family has not been abandoned after the accounts.

Anyway, although Japan, a semi-feudal and semi-colonial country, claims to be civilized and free in spirit, it claims to have achieved "100 million middle-class people" in economy.

But the whole country actually recognizes the class differences between the upper and lower classes.

Just like the attitude of these servants towards him, it was indescribably humble, as if several people were willing to fawn on him, their new master.

In terms of trying their best to curry favor and flatter people at the first meeting, these people went even further than the staff in hotels and restaurants who already provided good service.

Although Qingzi's family did not have a housekeeper, it was enough to further deepen Ning Weimin's sense of being "superior to others".

This made Ning Weimin's heart move, and he suddenly realized the secret of Japan's service industry.

Perhaps... there is a special reason why Japan's service industry is so praised.

Our Chinese people do not have this kind of talent of kneeling and licking others without any psychological burden.

So it is no wonder that our tourism industry cannot compete with Japan and is not as attractive to international tourists as Japan.

Because the services provided are essentially different, all we can offer are scenery, historical sites and basic services.

However, the Japanese are willing to kneel on the ground, regard themselves as slaves, and devote themselves wholeheartedly to their financial backers, which naturally makes the "fathers" very happy.

From this point of view, exciting scenes like those in the Japanese short film Kyoto, where there is a housekeeper wearing a cute maid outfit, calling "Master" and "Daddy Yami", are actually very likely to appear.

Well, it seems that the Japanese have great potential in the slave business. They do have a historical heritage and are definitely an underestimated supplier.

If it weren't for the price difference, the employers of Filipino maids would definitely be snatched away...