The literary era since 1979

Tokyo, Shochiku Films.

Watching Keiko Matsuzaka pacing back and forth in front of him, Kurihara Komaki closed the Tokyo Daily News:
"Keiko-chan, you should sit down."

"Fang Yan-kun is really something."

Matsuzaka Keiko's tone was full of resentment, "You've been in Japan for so long, and you never thought of contacting us."

Kurihara Komaki comforted him, "Fangyan-kun must have his own plans for doing this. Look, he's in the newspaper again."

"I've read the news."

Keiko Matsuzaka looked worried. "Many newspapers have reprinted the comments. The voices of criticism have overshadowed the support and praise."

Kurihara Komaki sighed and said, "This is already considered restraint and moderation. If Fangyanjun was a Japanese writer, I'm afraid those mystery novelists, theorists, and critics would definitely not show mercy and would only criticize him more harshly."

Keiko Matsuzaka tried her best to defend him: "That's just the jealousy, fear and hatred of Fang Yan-kun by the mediocre people."

Kurihara Komaki said playfully, "Ala, you were just angry with Fangyan-kun, why are you speaking for him now?"

"This is a just statement!" Matsuzaka Keiko asked guiltily, "Don't you think so, Xiao Juan?"

"Of course I stand on Fangyan-kun's side. Not only me, but also the president and vice president."

Kurihara Komaki said with a smile: "Otherwise, Vice President Okuyama would not have personally come to Kyoto to invite Fangyan-kun to attend the company's annual Christmas party as soon as he received the news that he had come to Japan."

Keiko Matsuzaka asked anxiously, "When will they return to Tokyo?"

"On Christmas Day."

Kurihara Komaki said that the company specially organized a delegation to welcome dialects, and she and Matsuzaka Keiko were both members of it.

Keiko Matsuzaka was delighted at first, then she screamed "Ah".

Seeing her startled look, Kurihara Komaki couldn't help but be curious: "What's wrong? Is there any problem?"

Keiko Matsuzaka shook her head. "I forgot to prepare a Christmas present for Fangyan-kun. Xiaojuan-chan, have you prepared it?"

"Of course!" Kurihara Komaki smiled and raised her eyebrows.

"What is it?"

"I can't tell you this. It's a secret. Only Fangyan can reveal it."

"Roar!"

When Keiko Matsuzaka saw her best friend with a playful look on her face, she rushed over in embarrassment and anger, and a fight broke out between them.

"Alright, alright, Keiko-chan, stop messing around." Kurihara Komaki said with a smile, "At worst I can go with you to pick out Christmas presents."

"That's better." Matsuzaka Keiko stood up and said, "Let's go shopping in Shinjuku now!

Kurihara Xiaojuan grabbed her hand and said, "Look at you, you're so anxious again. You should first think about what gift you want to give Fangyan-kun."

…………

Time flies, and Christmas is here in a blink of an eye.

Tokyo Station was packed with people, shoulder to shoulder, but compared with the scene during the Spring Festival travel rush, it was nothing.

Fang Yan, Aoshan Rong and others finally squeezed out of the crowd and walked out of the exit.

I saw that the vehicles arranged by Shochiku Film Company were parked in a row on the roadside, obviously they had been waiting for a long time.

Fangyan was first taken to the Shinjuku Hyatt Hotel where he was staying, where he rested for a while, washed and dressed, and changed into a brand new formal suit.

Afterwards, he went straight to the building where Shochiku was located.

There was a welcoming team standing inside the door, led by not the vice president Okuyama Rong, but the gray-haired old president, who came to greet them personally.

Fangyan took the flowers handed over by the staff and, amid applause, shook hands with the senior executives of Shochiku Company one by one and greeted each other.

When it was Kurihara Komaki's turn, she lowered her voice and explained why she didn't go to the station to greet him:

"Qingzi and I are worried that if we show up, it might cause unnecessary commotion and trampling in the station, so..."

"Your worries are not without reason."

Fangyan smiled faintly and walked in front of Keiko Matsuzaka.

Keiko Matsuzaka uttered a soft "Yoko-chan didn't come?"

"I gave her a long vacation."

Fangyan asked Suzuki Yoko to stay in Kyoto because she had not returned to Japan for a long time, so she could reunite with her parents and reminisce about the past.

Keiko Matsuzaka asked, "So that's the case. Doesn't that mean there's no translation for Fangyan-kun?"

Fangyan glanced at Iimura Yoji who was standing next to him. This man was the temporary translator and guide specially arranged for him by Okuyama Rong.

"If that's the case, why don't we let Xiao Juan-chan do the translation at the banquet next time?"

Keiko Matsuzaka lowered her voice and said, "She is definitely capable of doing the job and is definitely willing to serve."

Then she winked at her bestie and jokingly said, "Right, Xiaojuan-chan?"

"Qingzi!"

Kurihara Komaki glared at him, then bowed slightly and volunteered: "If Fangyan-kun doesn't mind..."

"That really couldn't be better!"

Fangyan didn't think much about it and agreed readily.

Kurihara Komaki then replaced Iimura Yoji and served as an interpreter between him and the old president, Okuyama Takeshi.

"Mr. Fangyan, why did you come to Japan without informing us immediately?"

There was a hint of complaint in the old president's tone.

"Plans can't keep up with changes. I originally wanted to visit Shochiku as soon as I arrived in Tokyo, but I didn't expect to run into the Edogawa Ranpo Award..."

Fangyan gave an apologetic explanation, including how he made friends with Soji Shimada and exchanged mystery literature with the Kyoto University Mystery Club.

"I don't mean to blame you."

The old president walked into the elevator and said, "I have read all your theories in the newspaper. It seems that this trip to Kyoto has yielded a lot of results."

“It was definitely a worthwhile trip.”

Fangyan smiled and said that he had already got inspiration for a new work.

Everyone in the elevator, including the old president, looked at him in surprise.

Knowing the situation, Okuyama Jun whispered, "Fangyan-kun wants us to arrange a trip to Otaru City to collect materials for his new work."

"Of course there is no problem with that." The old president said with interest, "I wonder if it would be convenient for you to reveal the content of the new work?"

"It's a beautiful romantic love novel." The story was roughly described in dialect.

Keiko Matsuzaka stared straight at his profile, and her eyes sparkled when she heard key words like "pure love", "secret love", and "regret" from his mouth.

…………

"Ding ding."

The elevator door opened and a group of people filed out, chatting and laughing as they walked into the grandly decorated Christmas venue.

There are tables of tea breaks in the lobby, filled with snacks, fruits, fresh Japanese food, sushi, drinks, etc.

On both sides of the makeshift stage, there are two small Christmas trees, and between the two trees, there are stacked Christmas gift boxes that serve as rewards for employees.

"Fang Yan-jun, I would like to thank you very much on behalf of Qingzi."

As they walked, the old president said, "Because of the songs you wrote specifically for her, she finally made it to the Red and White Song Festival this year."

Kurihara Komaki was worried that the dialect might not understand the Red and White Song Festival, so she gave a detailed introduction.

Japan's "Red and White Songs Contest" is similar in nature to China's Spring Festival Gala, both of which are large-scale evening parties prepared for the annual New Year. However, the format is slightly different, with the Spring Festival Gala featuring skits, crosstalk, dance, opera, songs and other types of programs.

The "Red and White Song Contest" only has song programs, and it is a competitive singing competition.

The "red all" in "Red and White Song Contest" comes from the concept of red and white confrontation in Japanese kendo.

Therefore, the Red and White in the Red and White Song Contest actually divides male and female singers into two groups, red and white, which is similar to music competition reality shows such as "Our Song", "Masked Singer" and "The Voice of God".

The singers who perform on stage every year are recommended by the Japan Broadcasting Association. Anyone who can sing at the "Red and White Songs Contest" will become very popular the following year and will receive more performance invitations and even invitations from record companies. This has become a recognized "iron rule" in the Japanese performing arts industry.

Moreover, this rule applies not only to Japanese singers, but also to singers from overseas.

For example, Teresa Teng was selected to participate in this year's "Red and White Songs Contest" with her song "Repayment", which has dominated the charts in Japan for a year.

"Will Teresa Teng also attend?"

Fangyan raised his eyebrows and realized that Teresa Teresa was developing her music career in Japan at that time.

"Yes, she has made special preparations for this Red and White Song Festival just like me."

Keiko Matsuzaka said that the songs specially arranged for the Red and White Songs Contest will be marked with the name "Red and White Version".

Okuyama Rong smiled and said, "She is not as good as you. You have to sing two songs in a row at the Red and White Song Festival."

After asking Fangyan, I found out that, in principle, each member of the Red and White Group will sing a song, and each of them will sing the song they released this year.

However, there are exceptions.

That is, singers who release multiple hit songs in a year, or seniors who have participated in singing competitions for several consecutive years, have the opportunity to sing two or more songs at the same time. This format is usually a medley of songs, or marked as "Red and White Song Contest Special Edition."

"All this is thanks to Fang Yan-kun!"

Keiko Matsuzaka smiled beautifully and bowed.

Fang Yan gave him a false helping, "No, no, this is not just my credit."

"Mr. Fangyan, you are too modest."

Okuyama Rong grinned.

Keiko Matsuzaka's "Sunset Song" and "Sakura Tree Love" both made it to the Oricon chart in Japan. Like Teresa Teresa's "Repayment", they have been dominating the chart since they were listed, and also won the "Cable Broadcast Awards" in Kanto and Kansai.

In particular, "Sunset Song" broke Kobayashi Sachiko's record and set a historical record of 14 consecutive weeks at the top of Japan's cable on-demand broadcasting.

In addition, "Jealous", written in dialect, unexpectedly but reasonably helped Keiko Matsuzaka open up the Japanese youth market.

"That's really good news."

The dialect was unexpected.

"Qingzi's fans now cover almost all age groups."

Okuyama Rong said: "Mr. Fangyan, when you wrote this song for Keiko, did you anticipate all this?"

Fangyan waved his hand and said, "I just wanted to try to help Qingzi break into the young people group. I didn't expect it to be so successful."

"That's right, otherwise Keiko wouldn't have been able to perform a medley of songs on her first stage at the Red and White Songs Contest."

Okuyama Rong laughed, "Qingzi, when you go on stage to sing later, you must thank Fangyan-kun."

"Hi Yi!"

Keiko Matsuzaka looked towards Fangyan with a smile and bowed to express her gratitude.

Next, amid applause and cheers, male and female actors signed by Shochiku Film Company took turns to go on stage to perform.

Keiko Matsuzaka sang "Sunset Song" and "Love under the Sakura Tree", which was considered an advance rehearsal for the Red and White Songs Festival performance.

"Crack, snap."

Okuyama Rong, like everyone else present, tapped the beat to the music. "Fangyan-kun, I just discussed with the president and asked Kurihara to accompany you to Otaru City after the New Year. What do you think?"

"That would be great, but I don't know if it would be convenient for Xiao Juanfang..."

Fangyan glanced at Kurihara Komaki.

"Stay a while, Mr. Fangyan!"

Kurihara Komaki spoke sincerely and then asked about Okuyama Jun's upcoming itinerary and plans in Tokyo.

Fang Yan said, "I'm going to just go shopping, buy some gifts for my family and friends, and take a look at some properties in Tokyo."

Ao Shanrong was very surprised. "Mr. Fang Yan, do you think the hotel we arranged is not suitable and want to move out?"

"You misunderstood, there is no such thing at all!"

Fangyan shook his head and laughed. Although the houses he bought were basically fully decorated, the home appliances and furniture inside were not complete.

Even if I were to move in now, it would probably take some time to decorate the new house. It would be better to live in a hotel and save myself the trouble and effort.

"In this case, won't Fang Yan-jun have to spend the New Year alone?"

Kurihara Komaki was shocked.

Fang Yan half-jokingly said, "I plan to stay in the hotel to watch the Red and White Songs Contest and wait for the performances of Qingzi and Deng Lijun."

"How can this be possible?"

Okuyama Rong suddenly had an idea, "Since we are watching the Red and White Song Contest, Fangyan-kun, do you want to go watch it with us?"

Fang Yan was stunned. "On the scene?"

"Yes, it's at the NHK Concert Hall not far away."

Kurihara Komaki said that a support club has been set up within the company to applaud and cheer for Keiko Matsuzaka.

"In fact, with Fangyan-kun's status and position, it would be no problem for him to be a judge at the Red and White Song Contest."

Ao Shanrong smiled.

Fangyan thought it was a joke, but he didn't expect it to be true.

Since the Red and White Songs Contest is a singing competition, there must be a winner, even if the winner does not have a very high prize money or reward.

However, after all, the contestants are all well-known singers in Japan, and if they fail to win, it would at least be a loss of face.

Therefore, the role of judges is quite important. In previous years, sports celebrities, famous actors, foreign friends, etc. were invited.

"Unfortunately, this year's judges have already been decided."

Okuyama Rong said: "If Fangyan-kun is willing, we can help you get the qualification of a judge next year."

"That depends on whether Keiko can participate in the Red and White Song Contest next year. I can then cast a vote for her group out of personal preference."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and their laughter was almost drowned out by Keiko Matsuzaka's singing.

After the song, the brightly dressed Matsusaka Keiko raised her wine glass, looked around, and her eyes finally fell on Fangyan:
"Merry Christmas, everyone! Cheers!"

"cheers!"

Everyone responded, clinking glasses and toasting each other, making the place very lively.

On the stage, people who signed up enthusiastically played games and competed for Christmas gift boxes.

In the audience, Fangyan, Keiko Matsuzaka and Komaki Kurihara said "Merry Christmas" to each other, and then presented jadeite bracelets and pendants.

The two girls were immediately attracted by the jadeite. Kurihara Komaki's eyes lit up. "Fangyan-kun, this must be very valuable, right?"

"As long as you like it."

Fangyan smiled and said that he also had a lot of glass-type and high-ice-type jade in his collection.

Keiko Matsuzaka put the jade bracelet on her wrist and couldn't let it go. She saw Fangyan unpacking Kurihara Komaki's gift from the corner of her eye. The exquisite box contained an Omega watch. When it was her turn, she suddenly said:
"Fangyan, can you open it when you get back to the hotel?" (End of this chapter)