Nagayama Kozo acted quickly. On the third day after persuading Cao Zhiqiang, he arranged a private reception at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
This cocktail party was nominally a private party hosted by Nagayama Kozo. The guests at the banquet were either rich or expensive, and they were basically people from the entertainment industry.
For example, senior cadres of various TV stations, great directors Akira Kurosawa, Katsumi Nishikawa, Junya Sato, etc., as well as actors Ken Takakura, Ken Utsui, Masaaki Sakai, Tomokazu Miura, Momoe Yamaguchi, Kyoko Enami, Keiko Matsuzaka, Shima Iwashita, Yoshinaga Sayuri, blah blah blah.
In addition, senior officials from various TV stations, as well as senior officials from related companies such as Shochiku Corporation, Toho Corporation, Victor Corporation (the predecessor of JVC Records), Warner Pioneer Corporation, and other related companies were also present.
It can be said that the standards of this cocktail party and banquet were quite high, and almost all the top figures in the entertainment industry in Tokyo, Japan were present.
Frankly speaking, Nagayama Kozo's status is indeed high enough, but with his current status, he cannot recruit so many heavyweights.
The reason why so many top figures in the Japanese entertainment industry can be invited to the party is also thanks to the face of Nagayama Kozo's father and the strong support of Cao Zhiqiang.
In fact, it was Cao Zhiqiang who came up with the idea of hosting this private reception.
The reason is that after the incident of Sayuri Yoshinaga snatching the role, Cao Zhiqiang realized that his foundation in Japan was not stable and he was not very popular, so he decided to slightly expand his social circle and raise his own status.
So, Cao Zhiqiang discussed with Nagayama Kozo and decided that Nagayama Kozo would personally come forward, with Cao Zhiqiang's support behind the scenes, to hold a relatively high-level private party, mainly to entertain some high-status entertainment industry personnel.
Although Nagayama Kozo is the son of a wealthy family, his income is not high, and he is not like the average rich second generation who can constantly take money from his family.
In fact, the Yongshan family has always been relatively frugal. When their children grow up, they basically have to support themselves.
So I want to hold a high-standard cocktail party, but with Nagayama Kozo's current financial resources, I still can't do it.
And even if he has sufficient financial resources, Nagayama Kozo is only a young man now and does not have that much face.
So, Cao Zhiqiang decided to personally provide money and supplies to support Nagayama Kozo behind the scenes, and asked Nagayama Kozo to beg his father to come forward and summon the big shots in the entertainment industry to take advantage of the New Year and Christmas. Let’s have a party first.
Nagayama Kozo's father, Nagayama Takeomi, is a high-ranking member of the Shochiku Association. It is high-end enough for him to convene this cocktail party.
However, just asking Yongshan Kozo to convene privately was almost impossible, so Cao Zhiqiang specially put a menu on it.
In short, Cao Zhiqiang got some top ingredients from the system and prepared for a top cuisine party.
Bluefin tuna, Black Sea caviar, French Lande foie gras, Peron oysters, Alba white truffles, Kobe Wagyu beef, Iberian ham and other high-end ingredients, as well as various top-notch red wines, are all produced by Cao Zhiqiang supply.
These top-quality ingredients alone are enough to make people interested, especially since everyone who is invited can taste them for free, and they can also expand their social circle, so why not?
Don’t think that big stars can eat top-quality ingredients all day long, that’s not true.
Especially people in the Japanese entertainment industry are not as glamorous as others think.
At least those top-quality ingredients provided by Cao Zhiqiang, it is impossible for an average Japanese star to eat them every day, let alone eat so much at one time.
Nagayama Takeomi is also very happy to have someone pay to support his son in holding this cocktail party. After all, this way, his son Nagayama Kozo can integrate into the circle faster and get to know more big people.
Being able to meet wealthy people and gain their support is a major advantage in itself.
So, with Cao Zhiqiang providing money and materials, Yongshan Kosan providing people, and Yongshan Wuchen providing face, the reception was successfully convened quickly.
And through this cocktail party, Cao Zhiqiang and Nakamori Akina quickly developed friendships with these people, at least to the extent of knowing each other.
Of course, during this process, Cao Zhiqiang also met with Taro Okada and Sayuri Yoshinaga and his wife, and had cordial and friendly exchanges.
During the exchange, perhaps because she was short-tongued, Sayuri Yoshinaga apologized in various ways and said that she had no intention of stealing the role of the heroine in Cao Zhiqiang's new drama. This was all a rumor.
Sayuri Yoshinaga said that she just admires Cao Zhiqiang's talent and is also very interested in Cao Zhiqiang's new drama "Tokyo Love Story", so she hopes to play a role in it, but she has never thought about playing the heroine.
As for her wanting to play the heroine, others have been spreading rumors, so Cao Zhiqiang must not misunderstand her.
Of course, Cao Zhiqiang would not take this seriously. After all, these are all polite remarks.
If Cao Zhiqiang is really serious about not letting Sayuri Yoshinaga play the heroine of this drama, then it probably won't be that good.
However, with such a cocktail party as the backdrop, Sayuri Yoshinaga and Taro Okada's couple would be somewhat concerned about Cao Zhiqiang and Nagayama Kozo, especially Nagayama Kozo.
At least the appearance of this cocktail party shows that the relationship between Nagayama Kozo and his father is not bad, unlike the rumors that Nagayama Kozo is an underappreciated child.
In other words, the appearance of this cocktail party allowed Cao Zhiqiang to use his identity as Nagayama Kozo to act like a fox and a tiger, and he was no longer a transparent person.
Of course, Taro Okada is not only afraid of Kozo Nagayama, but also Tokumoto Yamamoto of Warner Corporation, Isao Matsuoka, the vice president of Toho Corporation, and Minoru Endo, the director of the Japan Music Association.
These three people are no worse than Taro Okada in terms of status, and these three people have all praised Cao Zhiqiang before and have worked closely with Cao Zhiqiang.
In particular, Minoru Endo, a senior figure in the music industry with extensive connections, valued Cao Zhiqiang very much. If they had a good relationship, they would almost accept him as their adopted son.
Before this cocktail party, Taro Okada only knew that "Qingquan in the Forest" was a very talented Chinese singer. Not only was he good at writing songs and singing, but he was also good at writing scripts. He also acted in a movie in China, but he has been very popular recently. The popular movie "Love in the Rain".
That's right, Taro Okada only thought that Cao Zhiqiang was a very talented Chinese who wanted to come to Japan for development, and didn't think too much about it.
Previously, Taro Okada wanted his wife to play the heroine of Cao Zhiqiang's new drama. He didn't think it was a slap in Cao Zhiqiang's face, but that he was promoting Cao Zhiqiang.
After all, doing so would actually give Cao Zhiqiang a chance to show his favor.
You know, with Taro Okada's current status, many people begged him to protect them, but they couldn't even get it.
Now that Taro Okada is optimistic about Cao Zhiqiang, he takes the initiative to show his goodwill and arranges for his wife to play the heroine. This is equivalent to giving Cao Zhiqiang a chance to climb the ladder.
Therefore, Taro Okada stood in his own position at that time and did not think that he was oppressing Cao Zhiqiang. Instead, he felt that he was discerning and lifting up the other party.
Naturally, if the other party doesn't know how to compliment, it means that the other party doesn't know how to behave.
A foreigner who doesn't know how to behave, no matter how talented he is, will not be able to go far in Japan.
Even if Taro Okada doesn't suppress people like this who don't know how to praise them, he won't support them.
After all, in Japan, it is also important to be a good person before doing things.
Guys who don't know how to behave will not be able to get ahead in the Japanese entertainment industry and will be dealt with sooner or later.
But now as the reception started, Taro Okada instantly understood that Cao Zhiqiang was not just a Chinese who came to Japan to make his debut. He really had backers and supporters.
Let’s not talk about the relationship between Kozo Nagayama and Cao Zhiqiang, who have a big background, and they seem to be best friends. Let’s talk about President Yamamoto of Warner Corporation, Isao Matsuoka, Vice President of Toho Corporation, and Minoru Endo, who has a deep relationship with a political family.
Among them, Yamamoto Tokuhara has a complicated relationship with Americans, and he also has a good relationship with the Sato family, one of the political families.
Needless to say, Isao Matsuoka, the Toho Club behind him is a giant in itself. Compared with the Shochiku Club where the Nagayama family is located, it is only stronger.
It is a secret that everyone knows that Endo has a close relationship with the famous political family, the Hatoyama family.
As for Taiyo Yuden's representative, Kanzaki Yoshiro, although it seems inconspicuous, Taiyo Yuden is still a big company, and its strength is not bad.
There are so many big guys standing up for Cao Zhiqiang. This is no longer just a small singer and writer.
If Teresa Teng had these big bosses behind her, why would she have left Japan in despair when her career was on the rise due to visa issues?
Especially after I heard that Cao Zhiqiang was a senior executive of a state-owned enterprise in China, that he also had a private record company in China, and that he was entering into a joint venture with Taiyo Yuden, and that Cao Zhiqiang was also a well-known star in China, Taro Okada was even more afraid. Made a mistake.
Because he had a vague suspicion that there might be some political factors involved.
No wonder Taro Okada suspected that the timing was too clever.
Now is the honeymoon period between China and Japan. China covets Japan's capital and technology, while Japan covets China's market and resources.
Both parties have needs for each other and have long wanted to be together.
It's just that it hasn't been great for various reasons.
In short, this cocktail party was really shocking to Taro Okada and Sayuri Yoshinaga, let alone others.
Because being able to invite so many people is a strength in itself.
And being able to win unanimous praise from many big shots at the cocktail party is another kind of strength.
It was precisely because of this that Yoshinaga Sayuri put down her arrogance and gave Cao Zhiqiang various apologies and explanations, which was regarded as a step down.
Regarding this, Cao Zhiqiang naturally said it didn't matter, and then he received all kinds of praise.
Especially Akina Nakamori, like a little fangirl, flatters Sayuri Yoshinaga in various ways.
Why has she been famous for Sayuri Yoshinaga for a long time? She has long wanted to cooperate with Sayuri-senpai, who is known as the "most beautiful woman of the Showa era".
Anyway, all kinds of nice words were given free of charge. The gift made Sayuri Yoshinaga giggle and made Taro Okada very satisfied.
It doesn't matter what Sayuri Yoshinaga thinks, the key is Taro Okada.
Anyway, at this cocktail party, Taro Okada was very satisfied with Cao Zhiqiang. He thought that Cao Zhiqiang was not only talented, but also a good person. No wonder he got to know so many big guys in just a short time after coming to Japan.
"Cao Sang!" Taro Okada, who was already a little tipsy, laughed and patted Cao Zhiqiang on the shoulder, "I just discovered that you are not only a talented person, but also a capable person."
After burping, Taro Okada continued to speak loudly: "In Tokyo, there is never a shortage of talented people, but being talented does not mean that you will definitely get ahead.
Only those who are talented, capable, and good at being a good person can make a name for themselves in Tokyo.
Although you are Chinese, this is not a problem.
This cocktail party is a proof.
At the very least, prove that you are a capable and intelligent person. "
After laughing, Taro Okada patted his chest and said: "From now on, if you have any problems, just come to me directly! As long as I can do it, I will do my best, hahaha!"
"Ha, you drank too much again!" Sayuri Yoshinaga shook her head at Taro Okada angrily.
"No, no, I'm just happy." Taro Okada laughed at Sayuri Yoshinaga, "It's rare to meet such a promising young man, so I'm naturally happy, hahaha."
Having said this, Taro Okada drank down the glass of Bordeaux red wine in his hand, exhaled, and went to the toilet.
Well, it turns out that Taro Okada is a good drinker. He drank too much fine red wine here before, so he started talking.
So Cao Zhiqiang knew very well that what Taro Okada said just now was just bragging after drinking too much and should not be taken seriously.
After Taro Okada left, Sayuri Yoshinaga nodded quickly to Cao Zhiqiang, and then said with a smile: "Sorry, that's just him. He likes to talk nonsense once he drinks too much. Please don't mind it."
"No, no." Cao Zhiqiang smiled and said, "Mr. Okada speaks very straightforwardly, and I admire him very much."
Sayuri Yoshinaga paused slightly, looked around again, and then said: "Cao Sang's strength is really good. You are so young and have such strong connections. Coupled with your talents, your future prospects seem to be limitless. .”
"Where is it?" Cao Zhiqiang waved his hand modestly, "It's all friends who give me face. I'm just a helper. It's nothing."
Sayuri Yoshinaga glanced at Cao Zhiqiang with half-closed eyes, then covered her mouth and chuckled: "You are so good at talking, no wonder you won over a girl as good as Akina."
Cao Zhiqiang chuckled: "Ah, don't get me wrong, we are just good friends who get along well."
"Understood, I understand." Sayuri Yoshinaga smiled and nodded.
Immediately afterwards, Sayuri Yoshinaga looked around, and then whispered to Cao Zhiqiang: "I heard that you want me to audition for the role in person for your next drama, which is "Tokyo Love Story"?"
"That's right." Cao Zhiqiang nodded slightly seriously, "I'm doing this for your own good, Sayuri-senpai."
"Oh?" Sayuri Yoshinaga raised her eyebrows, "For my own good?"
"Of course." Cao Zhiqiang nodded again.
Immediately afterwards, Cao Zhiqiang listed the benefits of letting Sayuri Yoshinaga go for a public interview.
It's nothing more than Yoshinaga Sayuri participating in the interview in public, which can show that she does not bully others, has an approachable demeanor, and reflects the crew's fair, just and open attitude.
Especially for Yoshinaga Sayuri, she currently has a very high status and is married to a senior executive of Fuji TV. She is already a little overwhelmed by her high position.
Therefore, at this time, Yoshinaga Sayuri must be humble and low-key, so that people will not feel disgusted and can continue to win the love of others.
Having said this, Cao Zhiqiang smiled slightly and said: "Senior, there is something I don't know whether to say or not."
"Oh?" Sayuri Yoshinaga's expression changed, "Please tell me."
Cao Zhiqiang said: "Senior, I think you really like the acting career. You have never thought about quitting acting after getting married, right?"
Yoshinaga Sayuri looked solemn, then nodded: "Yes, is there a problem?"
"No problem!" Cao Zhiqiang quickly agreed with a smile, "I think your choice is right!"
Immediately afterwards, Cao Zhiqiang explained: "Senior, you are so beautiful and so talented. If you don't choose to retire and continue to be active on the screen, you will still be the radiant star.
By then, not only will you be able to be an independent woman with your own reputation, status and wealth, but it will also make Mr. Okada reluctant to let you go.
After all, I am a man and I know exactly what men like.
Compared to having a beautiful housewife as your wife, it is more respectable to have a popular star as your wife.
In this way, you are no longer dependent on a man for your life, but you have your own capital, so that you and your husband can complement each other and achieve mutual success.
But if you retire and become a housewife, you may be fine for the time being, but as time goes by, some men will inevitably get bored and a family crisis will inevitably arise.
At that time, if a man has money and a career, he can still continue to find young girls when he gets older. But how miserable will an old, lustful and rejected woman be if she has no money and no career?
In addition, putting all this aside, speaking more broadly, it would be a pity if an excellent actor like you does not create more classics.
The appearance ages easily, but the classic characters will last forever.
While you are in your prime now, you should do more filming and play more classic roles.
In this case, when you grow old in the future, you will not have any regrets and your life will not be wasted, right? "
(End of chapter)
