National Tide 1980.

Chapter 1366: The "Leader" of the Entertainment Industry

In Singapore, director Toyotomi Osawa and representative producer were both shocked when they received the cross-border call from Tokyo.

They didn't expect that Fog Studios would decide to bear all the losses so quickly, abandon all the filming results in Singapore, and let the crew go to France to shoot instead.

In particular, Tokyo solemnly told them to evacuate as soon as possible at all costs, try to appease the main actors, and consider modifying the original settings of the script.

Such an order made them realize that the situation was irreversible and they also realized the seriousness of the matter to some extent - if they did not leave this place as soon as possible, there would probably be more trouble.

The burden on their hearts suddenly increased, and they felt a lot more panic, so the implementation under this situation also affected the emotions of the actors to a certain extent, and they also became nervous and panicked.

In particular, there are some objective restrictions that exacerbate this negative effect.

For example, several Hong Kong and Japanese actors who originally had few roles had time scheduling issues when it came to announcements.

Some mainland actors also have problems with their passports and visas.

These actors were a little confused about what to do, and if the problem wasn't resolved, there would be no way to go through with it.

But then again, "Crazy Rich Asians" has a sufficient budget and is a big-budget production.

For Ning Weimin, anything that can be done with money is not a big deal.

With the help of money, Osawa Yutaka quickly coordinated everything on behalf of the crew and the actors who had time problems.

Moreover, France is also half of Ning Weimin's home base, especially his connections in the French film and television circles and the fashion industry, which are no less than those in Japan.

With the help of French connections and financial guarantees from the Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, the French Embassy in Singapore also quickly arranged visas for the actors from the mainland of the Republic.

So even though the entire crew left Singapore in a somewhat embarrassing manner as if they were fleeing, they finally reached safety in time.

In addition, Alain Delon was in charge of coordinating the filming in France and staying in a hotel. The favorable conditions in all aspects were beyond the crew's expectations.

When they arrived at the place, they were no longer confused.

Some actors were even a little happy when they saw that the accommodation conditions were good and that the filming process was slowed down because the crew covered all expenses.

  At this time, they felt like they were on vacation instead of working.

In short, the matter was handled promptly and smoothly, and nothing happened that Ning Weimin didn't want to see, which made him feel relieved.

Perhaps in the eyes of others, he was making a big deal out of nothing.

Before even trying to communicate with the other party, he actually made such a decision, causing himself considerable actual losses, which was truly unwise.

It is also easy for opponents to mistakenly think that they are too timid and will become more unscrupulous.

But Ning Weimin knows best where his psychological bottom line is and what he really cares about.

Money means nothing to him, whether it is hundreds of millions, billions, or even tens of billions of yen.

With his ability, this little financial loss can be easily earned back.

But if the crew encounters legal risks or threats to personal safety in Singapore, he will be powerless to do anything.

Only by ensuring that all the people working for him are out of danger can he calmly deal with the predicament.

…………

On the second day after the "Crazy Rich Asians" crew arrived in France, Ning Weimin, along with Akira Okamoto and the legal lawyer from Matsumoto's office, went to the entertainment Burning Project agency that called them to provoke them.

Their visit this time was an uninvited and proactive one.

The purpose is to find out as soon as possible why the other party is releasing malicious intent and deliberately targeting them.

On the surface, their actions were completely legitimate reactions and a direct response to the other side's provocation.

But the other party's call is likely a bait, hoping that they will do this impatiently.

This will undoubtedly cause them to lower their own value and become passive.

So Ning Weimin came up with an idea. They had agreed before coming this time that they would only visit in the name of Okamoto Akira's factory director.

Ning Weimin himself stayed behind the scenes as an accompanying staff member, secretly observing the situation.

If you can talk, then talk. If you can’t, go back and talk about it later. This will at least give yourself some wiggle room.

As expected, they were soon met with a distinct cold reception.

When he first arrived, Ning Weimin went to the front desk as a secretary and politely introduced himself to the female clerk at the front desk.

"We are from the Mist Studio. We are here to discuss something at the invitation of your company's president. Please let us know that Director Okamoto of the Mist Studio is here to visit us."

Perhaps it’s because Ning Weimin’s handsome face, comparable to that of a celebrity, is so likable.

At this time, the female front desk clerk was very enthusiastic and showed a smile that was much more sincere than a professional smile.

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Well... actually you called us, and the agreed time was not today. But today is the only time that is convenient for us, so we came to visit the president of your company in person. You can ask, I think he will meet us."

Ning Weimin chose his words carefully and tried his best to sound confident.

Because now he is not sure of the other party's intentions, who knows what the other party is planning.

"Okay, please wait a moment."

It was probably not the first time that the female front desk clerk had encountered such a thing. She picked up the intercom and covered the receiver and asked a few questions in a low voice.

As a result, this phone call became a crucial turning point, and soon her expression became strange.

Although she had tried hard to hide it, perhaps because of her lack of professional experience, her eyes widened and her expression froze noticeably, which allowed Ning Weimin to discover the clue.

"I'm sorry, the president is in a very important meeting and it's not convenient for me to see you for the time being..."

Ning Weimin kept his composure and did not expect to see someone so soon.

"What about the vice president? You should have someone else who can make the decision, right?"

"The vice president is also in a meeting. In fact, all the main leaders of the firm are in a meeting. Otherwise, please make an appointment and come back next time. Is that okay with you?"

Ning Weimin thought about it and felt that the fact that the front desk clerk did not inform him that the president was not there meant that the other party wanted to have a conversation.

The other party refused to meet, probably just to put on airs and further undermine their prestige.

He immediately said, "We can wait!"

Ning Weimin didn't care about the other party's unnecessary tricks. In his opinion, this only proved the other party's pettiness.

Before he finds out the other party's cards, he has the magnanimity to tolerate a clown.

Sure enough, the female employee covered the microphone and whispered a few words, then she smiled with embarrassment, stood up and led Ning Weimin and his group to a waiting room.

He politely prepared a pot of coffee for them, and then... disappeared.

Ning Weimin and the other two just sat there drinking the pot of coffee for three hours, their buttocks were sore from sitting, and no one came to greet them.

At this time, Ning Weimin looked at his watch and it was almost half past six! This was already past the end of working hours for most companies.

So Ning Weimin didn't wait any longer, and didn't even go to the front desk to ask. He stood up and asked Okamoto Akira and the lawyer to leave.

He believed that his sincerity had been fully expressed.

If they leave at this time and the other party does not try to keep them, it means that the other party has no intention of talking to them and is just trying to trick them.

There's no point in staying any longer.

The result was just as he expected. As soon as the few people walked out of the door of the entertainment Burning Project agency and were waiting for the elevator, the receptionist who was responsible for receiving guests ran over to chase them.

Her face turned red and she changed her words, "The president asks them to wait a moment."

Just like that, under Ning Weimin's gaze, several people went back and waited for the meeting with their last patience.

Maybe the other party has fooled them enough and they have saved face.

Perhaps they were really afraid that their patience would run out and they would just walk away, thus making a fool of themselves. This time, they only waited for about ten minutes before the receptionist informed them that they could see the president and then personally led them to the innermost part of the office area.

At this time, it was already past the end of get off work time, and there was no one in the corridor. The artists, agency staff, and visitors from related industries who were occasionally seen were all gone.

The lights were dim, and all I could see were the closed office doors with their metal handles shining.

Perhaps it was because the air conditioning was too strong, Ning Weimin just felt a chill on his back as he walked in the empty corridor.

The receptionist who was walking in front of them and leading the way had particularly loud footsteps in her high heels on the linen carpet.

Finally arriving at the president's office, the receptionist stopped, knocked gently on the door, and then turned around to look at the guests.

Soon, someone inside pushed the door wide open.

A person who looked like the president's secretary didn't introduce himself, but gestured for a few people to go in.

The president's office is very spacious and brightly lit, and those who are not aware of the situation might think they have walked into a gallery.

Various large and small Japanese paintings are hung on three walls, with subjects including landscapes, figures and flowers. The rich colors of the artworks and the thick gold frames complement each other.

On the wall in the center of the back of the office hangs a large-scale print of a historical theme, commonly known as "Ukiyo-e" by the Japanese.

A middle-aged man sitting in the front seat raised his head at this moment, revealing a stern face with a smile.

This expression is actually very contradictory. The eyes are cold, but the corners of the mouth are smiling.

Perhaps the most appropriate description is an old Chinese saying: "smiling on the outside but not on the inside".

"President, this is Director Okamoto of the Mist Studio."

The guest had been brought in, and the receptionist took a few steps forward to introduce Akira Okamoto, who was standing behind him and was in the lead.

"Oh, here it comes."

This was his greeting when we first met.

"Are you President Suho?"

"Yes, I am Ikuo Suho."

This person had a narrow brow with several wrinkles, slightly large nostrils, thin lips, prominent cheekbones, and a flat and strong chin.

When he said this, his tone was full of confidence.

In contrast, Okamoto Akira acted very restrained after entering the room.

Perhaps it was because the Fog Studio was just starting out, and as the director he didn’t have the aura of an industry boss yet.

Especially when you are sure of the other person's identity, you will subconsciously feel inferior.

I have the urge to bow, but because of my status and purpose, I don't want to be too servile.

It was awkward for a moment, so after thinking it over I had to step forward and extend my hand with a slight bow.

However, the other party did not even give him this little favor.

Perhaps because he could see that he was guilty, Suoh Ikuo lacked any courtesy.

Instead of extending his hand, he just sat in his seat motionless, and casually pointed at the chair opposite him, as if giving orders to a subordinate.

"Sit down."

Okamoto Akira immediately felt humiliated and wanted to turn around to look at Ning Weimin.

But he remembered the purpose of his visit today and held back. He moved his lips reluctantly but said nothing and just did as he was told silently.

As for Ning Weimin and the legal lawyer who accompanied him, they were completely ignored by Zhou Fang Yuxiong.

They didn't even deserve a seat and could only stand behind Akira Okamoto.

As a result, it was under such circumstances that Ning Weimin gained his first impression of Zhou Fang Yuxiong.

Arrogant, domineering, conceited, and overbearing.

It turns out that this is the "leader" of the Japanese entertainment industry.

Why does this person look like a villain who has succeeded?

This is a bit inappropriate. If this person has such personal qualities and can't even pretend, how could he have climbed to this position?

Is he sure he has us in his grasp, or is there someone backing him up?

Ning Weimin observed silently and pondered in his heart.

Yes, before coming here, Ning Weimin already knew some information about President Suho, and heard many rumors about him through Akira Okamoto and Mitsuru Watanabe.

But it was not until now that he compared what he had remembered in his mind with the person in front of him.

According to the two subordinates, with the decline of the big movie studio system and the rise of television entertainment, the living conditions of artists in Japan's entertainment industry have changed drastically.

Today, five economic agencies monopolize 80 percent of artist resources.

The entire industry calls them "One Super and Four Strong", so they have a lot of say in the entertainment circle.

Which firm is the most powerful among these five?

Without a doubt, it is BURNINGPRODUCTION.

This company is amazing.

Although judging from the ranking of entertainment agencies' tax payments and estimated income, BURNING does not seem to have as much income as other agencies. Its business entity is not large, and it does not have many first-line stars. It is at most a medium-sized agency.

But in fact, BURNING is a super aircraft carrier company.

The reason why it is called the big brother of the entertainment industry is that nearly half of the small agencies in the entertainment industry are affiliated with BURNING or have business cooperation relationships with BURNING.

In other words, more than half of the artists in Japan are more or less managed by BURNING.

Although these firms do not use the name BURNING, they are collectively referred to as the “BURNING system”, which means “burning system”.

Therefore, it is easy to imagine the influence that BURNING Agency's president, Ikuo Suho, has in the entertainment industry.

His own story of success is even more miraculous.

It is said that he was originally just a poor loser who worked as a driver for a politician and they had some connection.

Then he went to work at an artist agency, and after being fired by his boss, he started his own company.

Because when Japan tightened its copyright policy, he took advantage of the copyright of the Golden Melody Awards in advance and made a fortune.

Afterwards, they hooked up with the Yamaguchi-gumi, the largest Japanese Yakuza organization, which was interested in getting involved in the entertainment industry. From then on, they relied on intimidation and inducement to continuously swallow up artist management companies to grow and develop.

He even has the ability to manipulate media opinion. If any media dares to do something not to his liking, he will inform his artists to ban the media and never accept interviews again.

But then again, as far as Ning Weimin knows, the Yamaguchi-gumi's influence is not in Tokyo, and the case involving Suho Ikuo happened several years ago.

Judging from the time, it was after he became successful that he started to pay attention to whitewashing himself.

Moreover, in media reports, he has been praised many times for being well-mannered, humble and polite.

So according to Ning Weimin, it would be so tempting to make money by exploiting artists and monopolizing copyrights, but this guy must be mentally ill to actually get involved with the Yakuza.

Maybe he is just a drama bully who likes to scare people with the Yakuza, and he has been whitewashing himself for so many years.

Otherwise, with the current rampant Yakuza in Japan, he would have had no trouble at all in the past two years.

What's more, even if he can use his influence to completely block the negative news about him in the media.

But even if he really plays dirty, he may not be a match for Axia.

  After all, Axia has the support of the Inagawa Group behind him. They are the real local bosses in Tokyo. How could they allow him to show off in the name of the Yamaguchi-gumi?

(End of this chapter)