Chapter 26

Maya Oze arranged for Zhenghui Shen to meet Takashi Shimizu in a small bar. The two sat in a corner, where hardly anyone would notice them. This was the typical night life of the Japanese.

Takashi Shimizu was an ordinary fat man, wearing a woolen cap and a beard, which made him look a bit sleazy. Due to his appearance, he looked much older than his actual age, which was only twenty-six years old, a young director.

Shimizu was very humble, politely introducing his resume and explaining that although he was a graduate of a formal school, he had not yet officially directed any works, only some experimental TV productions, which had been released on videotape through the recommendation of Professor Hiroshi Takahashi. Therefore, Shimizu was very humble, neither acting like a big director who thought highly of himself, nor like a director who promised everything just to get funding.

"Mr. Shimizu, what was the name of the film you directed?" Out of politeness, Zhenghui Shen asked casually.

"Ah, it's called 'Ju-on,' a horror film. Mr. Shen, are you interested in watching it? I have a videotape," Shimizu was very enthusiastic.

Damn, I'm so lucky to have met a future horror master. I wonder if he is as good at directing regular films as he is at horror films.

Zhenghui Shen felt his heart racing. He quickly waved his hands, "No, thank you. I'm sorry, to be honest, I'm terrified of horror films. I can't sleep for days after watching one, and it takes me a while to recover."

"That's too bad," Shimizu looked genuinely disappointed. "Speaking of which, the Japanese are probably the nation that loves this kind of film the most."

Yes, the world's second-largest economy, the most sensory-stimulating and bizarre films are your favorite. The third-largest economy, Germany, has a different taste.

"Director, have you read the script? I want to discuss the tone of this film with you. Do you think it's better to use a realistic or an exaggerated tone? This tone is very important, as the action scenes take up a large part of the film. Which one do you think Japanese audiences prefer?"

"Um..." Shimizu pondered for a moment, "Although a Hong Kong-style action film might do well at the box office, I think it's better to use a realistic tone."

"Oh, why?" Zhenghui Shen asked seriously, "Is it because Hong Kong films are no longer good?"

"Not exactly," Shimizu shook his head, "The key is that I think a realistic tone fits the theme of the film. If the theme is youth, there's no need for embellishment; it should be raw and direct."

Zhenghui Shen nodded, "If it's not raw, it should at least pretend to be raw."

Shimizu looked excited, "And I think if we shoot it this way, we might even win an award."

Zhenghui Shen pressed his hand to his heart, "Win an award?"

"A beautiful and cruel youth, if it's good enough, there shouldn't be a problem," Shimizu said confidently.

Zhenghui Shen blinked, "Director, let's talk about the cast."

Shimizu was delighted and couldn't help but clench his fist, but he kept a straight face, "I think the lead actress should be a well-known actor. What about Norika Fujiwara, or Eiko Koike, or Takako Matsu, or Nanako Matsushima? They are all the right age."

"Uh, Director, I'm not challenging your authority or interfering, but the lead actress has already been decided. She is an artist under the management of Miss Fukuda Mihime."

"Hmm? Who is it?"

"Her name is Tomoaki Aonuma, though she might use a new stage name."

"Never heard of her, is she a newcomer?"

"Uh..." Zhenghui Shen swallowed hard, "Yes, ah, I brought her photo, take a look."

From the photo, Aonuma Tomoaki looked more suitable for the role of a student than the others Shimizu had mentioned.

"Uh, it doesn't seem to be a big problem," Shimizu said understandingly. After all, the lead actress was just a pretty face and didn't need much acting skill. Zhenghui Shen breathed a sigh of relief.

"Who do you plan to cast for the lead and the second lead?"

Zhenghui Shen swallowed again, "Miss Fukuda's agency hasn't signed any male stars yet. Do you have any recommendations?"

"Better to find a newcomer," Shimizu rubbed his chin, "An actor with a tough student vibe. Hmm, it's hard to find such people in Japan these days; everyone is into pretty boys."

Ha... Zhenghui Shen rolled his eyes and exhaled, "I'll leave this to you."

"Yes," Shimizu nodded, then asked somewhat awkwardly, "Mr. Shen, when can I sign the contract?"

"Oh," Zhenghui Shen slapped his forehead, "Miss Oze will contact you tomorrow. It's getting late. Can you provide a list of candidates for us to consider tomorrow?"

"Sure, I'll do my best," Shimizu stood up, and Oze was already preparing to pay the bill.

Zhenghui Shen also stood up to shake hands with Shimizu.

"Forgive me for saying this," Shimizu tilted his head and looked at Zhenghui, "Mr. Shen, don't you want to try playing the lead role in this film?"

Zhenghui Shen was taken aback, "Me?"

"Yes, I think your aura fits the protagonist very well," Shimizu said seriously.

"I've never learned how to act!" Zhenghui Shen rubbed his chin and looked at Oze, "Please see Director Shimizu out. I'll sit here for a while, and you can come back to pick me up later."

Oze seemed to be used to Zhenghui Shen's strange behavior and nodded, leading Shimizu out of the bar.

Zhenghui Shen watched their backs and fell into deep thought, "Be an actor? My intention was to learn directing through this opportunity!"

In the car, Oze handed an envelope to Shimizu and said, "Good job."

"Thank you," Shimizu took the envelope and put it in his pocket, "Um, may I ask what the budget for this film is?"

"Three million dollars," Oze said, "President Fukuda said that if it's not enough, more can be added."

"Thank you!" Shimizu nodded vigorously.

"Regardless of how the film turns out, President Fukuda has agreed to invest in the film version of 'Ju-on.' President Fukuda asked me to tell you that Mr. Shen is a very easy-going and serious person, and you can be strict with him during the filming process."

"Hai, I understand," Shimizu nodded, and though he was a bit hesitant, he said, "This is just my personal opinion, but I still want to tell President Fukuda."

"Please go ahead," Oze nodded.

"I've read the script, and it's actually a very good one. I can't guarantee the final result, but I think, for box office considerations, at least the second lead should be a well-known actor." He quickly added, "Of course, this is just my personal opinion, please consider it carefully."

"I will tell President Fukuda," Oze nodded in response.

After getting out of the car and walking back to his residence, Shimizu shook his head and muttered to himself, "Rich people's hobbies are really strange!"

Oze went to pick up Zhenghui Shen, who had been in deep thought since Shimizu left. Even when Oze came to pick him up, he still had a distant look on his face.

"Back to your place?" Oze asked.

"Maya, do you think I'm handsome?" Zhenghui Shen suddenly looked up and stared at Oze, who had turned to ask him from the passenger seat.

"Uh... You are quite handsome," Oze was taken aback, "But I already have a boyfriend."

"Do I give you such a bad impression?" Zhenghui Shen opened his mouth wide, "So I'm not handsome enough to be just?"

"Where do you want to go?" Oze looked at her watch, "It's very late."

"I want to find a place to be alone and think."

"Then go home!" Oze immediately instructed the driver, "If I come back too late, my boyfriend will worry, and if I leave you on the streets of Tokyo, I'm afraid you'll get lost."

"You're right!" Zhenghui Shen rubbed his chin, "It seems I really need a companion to walk and talk with."

"Are you not going to see President Fukuda or your Chinese girlfriend?"

Zhenghui Shen rolled his eyes, "I mean a companion to talk to."

"Ah, so women can only talk about love?" Oze huffed.

"Your hostility towards me makes me uneasy, Miss Oze," Zhenghui Shen frowned, "What do you think of me?"

"How could I?" She smiled, "How dare I?"

"It seems you are deeply influenced by Fukuda," Zhenghui Shen glanced at her, "But she isn't as emotional as you. I guess I've troubled you a lot tonight. If I've upset you and your boyfriend, that's my fault."

"Hmph," Oze raised her head and looked at the ceiling, then lowered it to stare at Zhenghui Shen, "Your apology isn't sincere enough."

Zhenghui Shen spread his hands, "Tomorrow, please mention the lead role casting to Mihime. This is something she should be concerned about."

"You're really good at exploiting people!" Oze huffed, "Not only me, but also the president?"

"This is a hidden benefit," Zhenghui Shen said irritably, "The president can choose the male actor she likes, and if you have a favorite male actor, you can also recommend him to the president. Do you like... Masahiro Nakai?"

"Then I'd rather have Takuya Kimura," Oze turned away, "Besides, aren't you the lead role?"

"That hasn't been decided yet," Zhenghui Shen responded.