National Tide 1980.

Just when Yasuko Sawaguchi and her agent were arguing over quitting the show.

In fact, Ken Utsui and Tomokazu Miura are also worried about the same thing and are also dissatisfied with the attitude of their agents and agencies.

However, unlike Yasuko Sawaguchi, they were dissatisfied with their agent and agency's request to resign on their behalf.

They themselves were not willing to repay the Mist Studio for hiring them to act with high salaries in this way, and they were even less willing to do such an unfair act that would damage their own reputation.

To this end, they each argued with the firm and even made impassioned speeches.

I hope the firm can consider this matter carefully, not do such a dishonest thing, and not force them to do it.

But unfortunately, Tomokazu Miura's current agency, Hori Production, has a close relationship with Ikuo Suho.

The artist agency that Ken Utsui works for belongs to the Burning School, and he is a staunch supporter of the school.

So there is actually no room for negotiation on this matter.

The two agencies had already made all the preparations, and now they just needed to send an agent to notify them.

So, both Ken Utsui and Tomokazu Miura called each other on this day and made an appointment to meet at the Western-style bar they often went to.

Besides feeling sympathy for each other, they couldn't help but sit together and complain about the matter and drown their sorrows in alcohol.

The two of them also wanted to discuss with each other what to do.

They are all honest people and have never done such a dishonest thing in their lives. They really feel ashamed to see the people from Fog Studio again this time, and they are worried about how to respond to the media about this matter.

Reporters will surely ask them why they quit the show, so what will they say?

If we go by the excuse given by the company, it would be tantamount to lying with blatant eyes, and it would be taking advantage of someone's misfortune and abetting the evil.

Even they themselves felt so embarrassed that they couldn't bring themselves to speak of it.

So they discussed it over and over again, and both of them drank a little too much, but in the end they couldn't come up with a solution that would satisfy both parties.

However, Ken Utsui rarely lost his temper. He drank alone and seemed to be angry, and said these words to Tomokazu Miura.

"No matter what, I can't do this. I have no desire to stay in such an agency. I have already made up my mind that if the agency really wants to force me to do this, then I will just leave the agency and be independent from now on."

This scared Miura Tomokazu so much that he almost sobered up.

Because they have collaborated on many TV dramas and because Utsui Ken has always treated Yamaguchi Momoe as his daughter, they have always had a good personal relationship.

They are not family but are better than family, and they know each other's family situation very well.

Of course, Tomokazu Miura knew that Ken Utsui's wife was suffering from leukemia, and the financial burden of medical expenses and nursing care was a huge number, which was currently supported by his film pay.

Moreover, as Ken Utsui is now in his fifties, he no longer has any chance of playing the leading role.

He is not some popular young idol.

Currently, I can only get decent roles and jobs by relying on the good relationships I have accumulated in the industry over a long period of time and by using up my past fame.

Especially in the entertainment industry, it is common sense that if you want to "go solo", you must coordinate with the agency, otherwise you will suffer "retribution".

Therefore, if he rashly leaves his current firm, not to mention the corresponding legal responsibilities he will have to bear.

Just say that the firm will take its anger and revenge on him, which will affect his own network and cause him to suffer huge losses.

After all, he has become completely opposed to the agency. Anyone who wants to help him in the future may anger the agency and offend Suho Ikuo, which is different from the past.

In other words, his acting career will definitely be difficult in the future. It will most likely decline rapidly, and it will be difficult for him to get any well-paid jobs.

What about his family?

So Tomokazu Miura naturally advised Ken Utsui to stay calm and cautious, and never make such an angry decision easily.

However, Utsui Ken still insisted on his own opinion. He looked at Miura Tomokazu and said seriously, "Miura-kun, please stop trying to persuade me. I have thought about it. The result is nothing more than no guarantee of work and income in the future. In fact, at my age, it is inevitable to go downhill. I have realized it a long time ago, and it is not a bad idea to retire from now on. But people still have to have a conscience. I can't give up what I have insisted on all my life."

"Besides, Wu Studio treated me well and offered me very generous conditions. Especially Matsumoto-san, she was my junior who used to work at Daiei. Even her husband, Mr. Ning from China, is a very nice person. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have known that I was so popular in China, and that there are hundreds of millions of Chinese audiences who like my role. It's such an honor."

"You know my personality. Have you ever seen me break my promise to anyone? From my point of view, how could I do such an immoral thing? I don't want to bring shame to my family, and I don't want to help others do evil. Just like what the office said, since they decided to support President Suo based on their own position, I also have my own position. This is what I, Ken Utsui, think is the only right thing to do."

Everyone knows that Ken Utsui has excellent character.

But this time, he was able to persist in morality to such an extent that even Miura Tomokazu was moved.

However, the reality makes him particularly worried about this respectable old actor with whom he has a deep friendship.

Perhaps he was worrying too much with his frown on his face, but he still couldn't help but speak out to stop her.

"But... but it would cost a lot of money to terminate the contract with the agency, right? If you act rashly, your family...

"It doesn't matter. When I was at the peak of my career at Daiei, I used the money I earned to buy one or two properties. The market is pretty good now. I should be able to solve my financial problems by selling that 30-square-meter house in Roppongi. Besides, if the crew can resume filming, I'll still get paid."

At this point, Ken Utsui even drank the brandy in his glass.

Full of the heroic spirit of moving forward fearlessly and never regretting.

But then, seeing Miura Tomokazu's expression, his tone instantly softened, as if expressing relief and understanding.

"As for you, Miura-kun, you don't have to agree with me on this matter. After all, we are different. Hori Production not only discovered you, but also showed kindness to Momoe. If I were you, I would also feel torn in terms of friendship. Moreover, you and Momoe have been married for six years and have two children. In order to make it easier for your mother-in-law and Momoe to accompany each other, you also took out a loan to buy two high-end apartments in Takanawa, and the pressure of the mortgage is not small. In addition, you lost a lot of money in your side business a few years ago. So for the stability of your family, you just do it according to the requirements of the agency. It doesn't matter, don't worry about Kiri Studio, they are all reasonable people. I will naturally explain for you. I believe that the crew, whether it is the director or Matsumoto-san, will understand your difficulties."

After hearing what Utsui Ken said, Miura Tomokazu couldn't help but reveal a helpless bitter smile on his face.

He really didn't expect that Utsui Ken had already made plans for the economy, and even his own position...

But he still felt bad, and he couldn't tell why.

Perhaps he envied Utsui Ken's courage to resist, perhaps he hated his own lack of ability to resist, or perhaps he also felt a little regretful that he could not insist on himself like the other party.

He opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but he didn't know what to say.

However, Ken Utsui seemed to be too drunk and did not give him a chance to speak.

After calling the waiter to pay the bill, Utsui Ken stood up from his seat, patted Miura Tomokazu on the shoulder, said, "Take your time drinking, don't see me off," and left.

Seeing Utsui Ken staggering and leaving first, Miura Tomokazu fell into complete silence.

At ten o'clock in the evening, Tomokazu Miura took a taxi back to his home in Takanawa.

As expected, as soon as he got out of the car, he vaguely saw a few figures on the roof of the building opposite.

This made him even more depressed.

  He and Baihui have been married for several years!

Why are these damn reporters still so persistent in waiting to take secret photos of his wife?

He was still waiting all night.

Especially today, when Hori Sakuran gave him such an order, he couldn't help but think about it.

For many years, he had been begging the agency to use its influence to get those sports tabloid reporters to stop going too far and at least allow his wife and children to come and go freely from the apartment. But the agency refused him because they were worried about offending too many media, saying that artists are public figures and it is reasonable for the public to want to know about the personal lives of celebrities.

Now, looking at the situation now, the Burning Department actually mobilized these tabloids to discredit the Fog Studio. Such despicable behavior simply made him sick.

But Hori Production asked him to stand with such a villain.

  How could he not resist such an order?

Although it was Hori Production that brought him and Momoe career success, he is really a little confused now.

I don't know if it's worth staying in such a firm.

Ever since the former president, Mr. Takeo Hori, handed over the position of president to his eldest son, the firm's original humane management style began to change.

It seems that the new president cares less and less about the personal wishes of artists.

Just like this era of feasting and revelry, we are only concerned with expanding diversified programs in the television field.

Perhaps an artist like me who is old but still only thinks about acting, who doesn’t like variety shows and is not good at hosting and singing, is destined to no longer be valued by the agency.

Damn it, Baihui obviously believes in herself so much.

But now, it seems difficult for me to even support my family on my own.

Tomokazu Miura opened the door of his home. While thinking about his troubles, he took off his shoes at the entrance, but forgot to say "I'm back".

So in fact, Yamaguchi Momoe, who had changed her name to Miura Momoe, heard the noise at the entrance and ran out.

After taking a look at his face, she immediately asked him with concern, "Honey, is everything okay?", just like an ordinary Japanese housewife.

Tomokazu Miura came to his senses and quickly put on a forced smile to cover it up.

"No, why do you ask?"

Bai Hui's face was full of worry. "It's rare to see you come back so late recently. And I read in the newspaper that the news about Fog Studio is still not good. The time for restarting has not been determined yet, right?"

"Well, not sure."

Miura Tomokazu understood what his wife was worried about, and he suppressed his irritation and continued to comfort her, "But it doesn't matter. The difficulties are only temporary, and the crew will be able to start filming once the roles are re-selected. I know very well that Mist Studio has no financial problems. They were just framed. I came back late today because I was drinking with Utsu-san and talked about some unpleasant things."

"So this is ah."

Baihui felt relieved.

Perhaps because she trusted her husband too much, or perhaps because this matter involved her "other father" and there was a double trust guarantee, she believed her husband's words.

She no longer suspected him and immediately helped Miura Tomokazu take off his suit and asked him whether he wanted to eat first or take a shower first.

However, Miura Tomokazu did not make a choice either. He said he would take a shower after he sobered up. He was not hungry now and did not feel like eating.

Just like that, after looking at his two sons who were already asleep in bed, Tomokazu Miura changed his clothes, moved to the dining room, sat down, and started watching TV.

Baihui made him a cup of tea and sat beside him to keep him company.

But the problem is that Miura Tomokazu has something hidden in his mind, and the more he watches TV, the more annoyed he feels.

Especially when I saw the reports on TV about the fake news about Wu Productions, I almost got depressed on the spot.

One of them couldn't help it and simply walked over and turned off the TV.

As a result, this abnormal behavior once again made Yamaguchi Momoe notice his emotional problems.

"Honey, what happened to you today? Did you encounter any unpleasant things with Yujin-san?"

She stared into her husband's face, filled with worry and confusion.

Tomokazu Miura didn't expect his wife to guess so accurately.

He actually wanted to talk, but he was afraid that Yamaguchi Baihui would worry unnecessarily, so he could only purse his lips, lower his head, and keep silent.

"Tell me, you can't hide anything from me. If you don't tell me, I will be more worried."

Seeing her husband's resistance, Yamaguchi Momoe became anxious.

These words also reminded Miura Tomokazu of the three promises he made before marriage - to quit smoking, be honest with his wife, and not take shortcuts in life.

As a result, he, an honest man who originally found it difficult to hide anything from his wife, softened his heart and found it difficult to keep the secret any longer.

He told his wife Momoe everything that had happened today and the personal decision that Ken Utsui had made.

However, what Tomokazu Miura did not expect was that even though he did not say a word about his thoughts, his wife seemed to completely understand his mind and actually took the initiative to apologize to him.

"I'm sorry, husband. Am I making things difficult for you?"

"Oh? Why is that? This is none of your business."

Tomokazu Miura was stunned by her sudden "I'm sorry", his Adam's apple rolled and he swallowed the tea in his mouth with some difficulty.

"Why is it none of my business? You don't have to tell me, I understand. It's your family that's holding you back, otherwise you would have done what you want like Mr. Yujin, right? With your personality, it's no wonder you're in so much pain being forced to do something so immoral. It's me, our children, and mom who've made things difficult for you, right? Because the whole family depends on you, you have so many concerns and your hands and feet are tied. But you must be envious of Mr. Yujin for being able to stick to what's right, right?"

"Nothing like that. How can family be a burden?"

Tomokazu Miura flatly denied it, saying that he loved Baihui very much.

Even if it was true as she said, he would never let his wife bear such a psychological burden.

"Don't let your imagination run wild. I just... didn't... well, I just... just felt it was difficult because of the favor that Hori Production had done for me. After all, the agency was so understanding of us back then. President Hori Takeo not only gave us a bright future, but also fully supported our marriage. This was a great favor. It's hard for me to choose between favors and morality now. I can't just go against the new president."

Tomokazu Miura was incoherent, but he finally found a passable reason.

I thought I had successfully evaded the issue, but I didn't expect Baihui to say, "If that's the case, then I'll go and negotiate with President Hori Takeo, and he'll give me some face. And I also believe that if you insist on yourself and ask for termination of the contract, the old president will understand. As for the financial aspect, don't worry. In fact, Mr. Utsu's idea is not bad. If he is willing to sell the house, of course we can do it too. In fact, over the past year I have been thinking, should we move our home to the suburbs? For example, Tachikawa City where you grew up. If that's the case, there will be many benefits. The financial pressure will be reduced, and the reporters will probably give up tracking me. And it will be good for the growth of the children. At least it can give them a quiet environment where they can grow up normally without being harassed."

These words shocked Miura Tomokazu. He didn't expect that his wife would actually support him in terminating the contract with the agency.

She is even considering moving her home to the suburbs. It seems that she really wants to sell the house, and she is not just talking about it.

"Momoe, are you serious? I don't mind moving, just think it through. But you actually supported me leaving Hori Production and were willing to go to the old president in person for me. I didn't expect this. Why? Why did you do this? Don't you know that this is risking our current life? If I leave, even if the agency doesn't hate me, what will happen in the future is still unknown."

"Because I want you to be happy." Baihui smiled without hesitation, "Besides knowing that you don't want to do such immoral things. I also know that at this age, you have long been disgusted with playing the role of a young idol full of literary and artistic atmosphere. However, Hori Production has only given you roles in this type of film, but Kiri Studio has given you the opportunity to transform. I am your wife, and of course I know what the two roles given to you by Kiri Studio mean to you. I am also very grateful to Matsumoto-san for this. She is really discerning and chose you as her partner. So if you want to act, go ahead and act, seize this opportunity with all your strength, and don't let anyone influence you. I am your comrade-in-arms, and I will unconditionally support you behind your back."

Tomokazu Miura was silent again, but this time it was not because he was depressed, but because he was indescribably moved and excited.

Although Baihui is not as perfect as she is deified in the minds of movie fans, she also has human flaws.

But she never complained, grumbled, or said discouraging words. Instead, she supported him with such amazing courage.

This is so precious to him. His greatest luck in life is to marry such a good wife who is compatible with him. (End of this chapter)