Chapter 26

"Hearing the rumor? Me and Kanako-san?"

On Monday afternoon, when filming, Higuchi Kanako and her assistant, Xiao Liuzhen, informed Nagayama Naoki.

"Hey, the PR department of the agency has been notified. The specific article is expected to be seen by Friday," Xiao Liuzhen said.

"Didn't expect that just going out to play once could be photographed. I guess the paparazzi are really good!" Nagayama Naoki didn't seem bothered at all by being photographed.

"Well, what does the agency plan to do?"

"The agency doesn't intend to stop it. These small rumors are actually beneficial for Kanako-san's career. However, Naoki-san might be affected, as Naoki-san has already appeared on TV and is considered part of the entertainment industry, so the photos won't be blurred."

"Is that so~ I didn't realize I was considered an entertainer." RB is very strict about the privacy of ordinary people. If a magazine exposes the face of a non-public figure, they might have to pay a large sum of money.

"I'm sorry to cause you trouble." Higuchi Kanako felt apologetic.

"It's fine. Actually, since I started filming GG, I've been prepared for this." Nagayama Naoki waved his hand.

Ito Shuichi, after finding out, also said, "Actually, it's not bad. If we hurry, we can finish filming GG this week, and this rumor can serve as a good warm-up."

"Haha, that's true. Shuichi-san, let's hurry up and film. It's a good opportunity for free promotion." A few words eased the atmosphere on set, and the crew began filming the second scene, which involved the daily life of a couple in love and their marriage and children.

This time, it was an outdoor shoot. Taking advantage of the good weather, Yoshimura Daikun helped secure a quiet street and an empty house. Nagayama Naoki and Higuchi Kanako's playful interactions while shopping and their happy married life were captured, with cherry-flavored soda serving as a witness to it all. This scene was filmed smoothly.

The third scene's conclusion was at night, with the female lead being involved in a car accident after going out...

In the evening, everything started as a normal, happy life. However, due to a lack of drinks, the female lead went out to buy some but unfortunately got into a car accident. The male lead held her body in deep sorrow...

"Naoki-san, your expression needs to be more lost and confused."

"Naoki-san, your sadness should be mixed with some bewilderment."

"Naoki-san, your grief should also include a bit of anger."

...

...

Nagayama Naoki swore he would never act in such a ridiculous play again!

Ito Shuichi's pursuit of perfection was evident in this scene, and they shot over 30 takes. Higuchi Kanako, lying on the ground, felt like she was about to fall asleep.

"Naoki-san, the previous scenes fit your age and mindset, whether it's love or happiness. But the subsequent scenes of sadness and regret will require more effort, one take at a time." Ito Shuichi had confidence in Nagayama Naoki.

"Naoki-san is already doing well. I was prepared for over 50 NGs."

Nagayama Naoki broke out in a cold sweat: "50 takes? Spare me..."

"The next scene will be the male lead's solo journey and some additional flashback scenes for the female lead."

"Naoki-san, starting today, don't shave or get a haircut. It's best to stay up or get little sleep to look haggard by Wednesday."

"Hey..."

"As for the female lead, we'll shoot the next day. We need to wait for Naoki-san's haggard look. We'll shoot the indoor scenes in the morning and the outdoor scenes in the afternoon. We'll return to the studio in the evening to shoot the final scene."

Higuchi Kanako nodded in agreement: "I understand."

"Also, we need to work on the background music."

Speaking of which, Nagayama Naoki said, "Hey, about that, I've already had Daikun contact a suitable singer."

"Oh, you've found someone? Who is it?" Ito Shuichi was a bit curious.

"It's Kusunoki Yoshie, who debuted last year. I feel her voice has a sweet and slightly melancholic quality, making it very suitable."

"Kusunoki Yoshie? I haven't heard of her."

Yoshimura Daikun chimed in, "She's a newcomer. She's going to the recording studio tomorrow."

"Ah, Daikun, when did you come?"

"While you were tormenting Naoki-san... I came to take him back."

Yoshimura Daikun was almost becoming Nagayama Naoki's personal manager.

...

By the time he got home, it was already 2 AM. The next morning, Yoshimura Daikun came early to knock on the door and take him to the recording studio.

"How does Daikun maintain such good energy?"

Looking at the energetic man with a receding hairline, the severely sleep-deprived Nagayama Naoki asked.

"Nothing special. I didn't sleep last night and went straight to Roppongi, staying there until morning. I took a shower at home and came to pick up Naoki-san."

"Ah? You don't need to sleep?"

"After dropping off Naoki-san, I'll go home to catch up on sleep and won't pick him up today."

"Hey, thank you, Daikun!"

The agreed-upon recording studio was in Bunkyo Ward, not far away. When Naoki arrived, a manager and Kusunoki Yoshie were already there.

"Sorry for being late. I'm Yoshimura Daikun, who contacted you earlier. This is Nagayama Naoki, the songwriter and producer of this song." Yoshimura Daikun introduced himself, immediately establishing Nagayama Naoki's authority.

Being both the songwriter and producer gave him absolute power over the production.

"Hello, I'm Nagayama Naoki, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Kusunoki Yoshie, please take care of me." "Nice to meet you, I'm Kusunoki Yoshie's manager, Nagaoka Daigo."

Kusunoki Yoshie had just debuted, at 17 years old, and had only released one album, which didn't make much of a splash. She was still very inexperienced.

"Kusunoki-san, don't be nervous. Have you read the lyrics and listened to the demo?"

"Hey, I've listened to it and tried singing it privately."

"Then there shouldn't be any problems. This is a love song, so just sing it sweetly."

"But, I heard it should be slightly melancholic?" Kusunoki Yoshie asked hesitantly, looking at the disheveled, dark-circled "producer" in front of her, feeling a bit intimidated.

Nagayama Naoki explained, "It's not about forcing a melancholic tone, but rather the inherent melancholy in the lyrics and your voice. There's no need to overdo it."

"Hey, I'll give it a try." Kusunoki Yoshie entered the recording booth.

Nagayama Naoki signaled the studio staff to start the backing track, which had already been recorded by a band and was ready as separate tracks.

The iconic line followed:

"sakura sakura aitaiyo iyada kimi ni ima sugu aitaiyo"

On the first take, Nagayama Naoki noticed that Kusunoki Yoshie was imitating a male voice and deliberately expressing sadness.

As expected, the first take didn't work.

"Yoshie-san, it seems you were too influenced by the demo. Try it again with your own style."

"Hey..."

"This time, you unconsciously lowered your voice to express sadness... There's no need to do that... Please try again..."

"Hey"

"Why is it even lighter this time?"

"Private mumble..."

Nagayama Naoki's tone was similar to Ito Shuichi's from the previous day.

Looking at the inexperienced Kusunoki Yoshie in the recording booth, who seemed on the verge of tears,

"Yoshie-san is too nervous. Am I that intimidating?" Nagayama Naoki thought about how to guide her. He asked her manager, Nagaoka Daigo, "Does Yoshie-san have any ways to relax?"

Nagaoka Daigo said, "Reading or singing usually helps her relax, but it might not work here."

"Why?" Nagayama Naoki was a bit puzzled.

"Because Nagayama-kun is too serious!"

"Ah?"

"Didn't Nagayama-kun notice? Since arriving at the studio, your expression has been so serious, like you're about to kill someone... You haven't relaxed your brows once." Nagaoka Daigo described his impression of Nagayama Naoki.

I just didn't sleep well, and my face is a bit numb...

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