At 2:50 PM, a black Toyota Century drove smoothly down the road before silently entering the exclusive underground passage of a magnificent skyscraper in Minato Ward.
This was the headquarters of HORIPRO Agency, located in Shimomeguro 1-chome, Meguro Ward.
As one of the veritable three major agencies in the Japanese entertainment industry, HORIPRO was distinct from the modern, open style of Hoshino Talent Agency. Its headquarters was permeated with the heavy, oppressive atmosphere of an old, established noble house.
The interior featured dark wood decor and marble floors polished to a mirror sheen. Huge portraits of famous artists under their banner spanning decades hung on both sides of the corridor, ranging from legendary actresses of the Showa era to current national idols. They seemed to silently speak of the agency's profound historical heritage and unquestionable status in the industry.
A faint scent of incense even lingered in the air. Every step seemed to tread on the pulse of history, making one involuntarily hold their breath.
Guided by a secretary in a crisp suit with a meticulous expression, Michiya Gōshin, Kato Megumi, and Manager Nakahara Kazuya walked through the long corridor, which was so quiet they could only hear their own footsteps, arriving at a high-end reception room named [Paulownia].
Pushing open the door, Michiya Gōshin found the interior of the reception room to be extremely spacious with an excellent view. Outside the wall-to-wall floor-to-ceiling windows was the bustling scenery of Tokyo, but the atmosphere inside was so oppressive it was suffocating.
Thick wool carpets absorbed all stray noise, and elegant European-style crystal chandeliers were embedded in the ceiling. The expensive rosewood conference table was incomparably smooth, yet it reflected the slightly tense faces of the visitors.
Several people were already seated at the head and sides of the conference table.
In the main seat sat an elderly man with hair combed meticulously, wearing a suit. His face was stern, and his eyes were sharp as a falcon's.
Although he was advanced in years, his back was straight, and his entire being radiated a powerful aura of authority and dignity that came from long years in a high position. Michiya Gōshin knew who he was. He was the founder of HORIPRO Agency, Hori Takeo, hailed as a master craftsman of the entertainment industry. Even though he had retreated to the second line, he remained the spiritual symbol and one of the final decision-makers of this massive agency.
His mere appearance demonstrated the importance HORIPRO Agency attached to this incident, as well as the severity of this "scandal."
Seated below Hori Takeo were several current senior executives of HORIPRO with equally serious expressions, including Executive Director Yoshida. Sakurajima Mai and her mother and manager, Sakurajima Sachiko, sat on the other side.
Sakurajima Mai was wearing a simple, elegant beige suit today with light makeup, differing from her usual bright and dazzling image. However, her back was straight, and her eyes held a complex mix of emotions.
There was nervousness and apology, but mostly an unquestionable determination. Sakurajima Sachiko, on the other hand, had her brows furrowed tightly, her hands clasped firmly on her lap, clearly extremely unsettled inside.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, old man Hori Takeo did not beat around the bush. He cut straight to the chase, his low and oppressive voice echoing in the silent conference room.
"Michiya-kun, and everyone from Hoshino Talent Agency, I won't waste words on politeness."
Hori Takeo's gaze landed on Michiya Gōshin like a physical weight, carrying scrutiny and accountability.
"Regarding the scandal that broke this morning between you and Sakurajima, one of our agency's most important artists, it has caused extremely vile and immeasurable negative impacts on both our parties, especially on Sakurajima's image and career! The internet is currently in a foul state. Various unsightly comments are not only attacking you but have also seriously affected her account!"
He paused, his tone becoming heavier, speaking almost word by word.
"Some say she has no shame and is throwing herself at a newcomer. Others say her taste is terrible—after all, this isn't the first time you, Michiya-kun, have triggered a crisis of public opinion... Some even question her efforts and achievements over the years. These malicious comments have severely damaged the public image and national goodwill that Sakurajima has painstakingly built over ten years."
"We at HORIPRO Agency absolutely will not allow our artists, especially one of her level, to be subjected to such vicious attacks and slander!"
The old man's gaze locked tightly onto Michiya Gōshin, carrying an unquestionable dominance.
"So, inviting you here today is to negotiate a clear and responsible solution. Michiya-kun, as the other party involved in the incident, and the central figure who caused Sakurajima to be dragged into this storm of public opinion, this old man believes you must take full responsibility for this matter!"
Hori Takeo looked into Michiya Gōshin's eyes.
"This old man's idea is that you should arrange a formal press conference as soon as possible to publicly apologize to Sakurajima, her fans, and the general public concerned about this matter! Clarify the facts and eliminate the negative influence!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone on the Hoshino Talent Agency side was startled.
These aggressive, unreasonable words, spoken like a command, directly pushed all responsibility and pressure onto Michiya Gōshin. Demanding a public apology was indeed too excessive. Doing so might resolve Sakurajima Mai's crisis of public opinion, but the accusations against Michiya Gōshin would instantly erupt to new heights.
Fine beads of sweat seeped from Nakahara Kazuya's forehead, and his eyes flashed with deep dissatisfaction, but because the person opposite him was Hori Takeo, he couldn't lash out directly. Kato Megumi remained calm, but her gaze became more focused.
Michiya Gōshin could feel the pressure that had almost solidified into substance, but he mentally reviewed the idea he had thought of before setting out and decided to deal with the other party from a different angle.
Just as he took a deep breath and was prepared to speak, Hori Takeo immediately threw out a more direct and sharp question, his gaze piercing toward him like a sharp sword.
"On the other hand, before discussing the specific apology plan, Michiya-kun, please answer explicitly in front of all of us—what exactly is the relationship between you and Sakurajima... right now?!"
This question exploded in the conference room like a thunderclap.
In the next moment, everyone's gazes instantly focused on Michiya Gōshin, awaiting his answer. The executives of HORIPRO Agency had sharp eyes, carrying unabashed scrutiny. Ms. Sakurajima Sachiko held her breath nervously, while Sakurajima Mai suddenly raised her head, looking at Michiya Gōshin with a complex gaze.
"...What kind of answer are you expecting?"
Michiya Gōshin naturally wouldn't be scared by his aura; he just smiled, intending to turn the tables.
"This old man only wants to hear the truth!"
Hori Takeo immediately glared at him.
And at this moment, Sakurajima Mai finally couldn't hold back anymore.
"Hori-san!"
The girl suddenly stood up from her seat. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from agitation, but her eyes were unusually bright and resolute, even carrying a trace of anger.
She could no longer tolerate Michiya Gōshin bearing this pressure alone, nor could she tolerate her agency forcing Michiya Gōshin like this, even demanding he apologize publicly.
"This matter has nothing to do with Gōshin-kun from start to finish! I was the one who actively approached him, I was the one who insisted on driving him home, and I was the one who actively requested to stay overnight!"
Sakurajima Mai's voice carried a tremor born of anger, yet it echoed with incomparable clarity in the conference room.
"All responsibility should have been mine to bear! Hori-san, requesting Gōshin-kun to hold a press conference to apologize is completely unfair and absolutely impossible!"
These words were like another bomb, directly stunning everyone present except for Sakurajima Sachiko.
The executives of HORIPRO Agency immediately looked at each other, their faces written with disbelief. Hori Takeo's gray brows furrowed tightly, and his face became even uglier; he clearly hadn't expected Sakurajima Mai to contradict him so directly and forcefully.
Facing everyone's gaze, Sakurajima Mai took a deep breath, as if she had made some major determination. She turned her head, meeting the gaze of her mother, Sakurajima Sachiko.
Although Sakurajima Sachiko's eyes were also full of nervousness, there was more understanding and decisiveness than shock. Recently, for her daughter's future, the secret preparations for an independent agency had progressed significantly. The relevant connections, funds, and preliminary structure were all in place, waiting only for the right opportunity.
At this moment, facing the forceful coercion of HORIPRO Agency, she saw the unquestionable determination in her daughter's eyes. She knew that the [Opportunity] had perhaps been forced to arrive early.
Under her daughter's inquiring gaze, Ms. Sakurajima Sachiko gave an imperceptible, yet unusually firm nod. Her eyes seemed to say: "Mai, do as you imagine. Mom will support you."
Having received this crucial support from her mother—representing her future path and confidence—Sakurajima Mai seemed to unload her last shred of hesitation. She turned back, facing the ashen-faced Hori Takeo and all the HORIPRO executives. She straightened her spine, fully unleashing the aura of a national actress, and spoke word by word in a tone that was clearer and more determined than ever before.
"Since the agency believes my behavior has brought such huge trouble and insists on solving it in this unjust way..."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the face of every HORIPRO executive present, and then spoke earth-shattering words.
"Then, I will bear all the consequences alone."
"My contract with HORIPRO Agency will officially expire at the end of next month."
"Therefore, I hereby officially announce—after the contract expires, I will not renew it!"
Buzz—
The entire conference room seemed to have been muted, then was instantly enveloped by extreme shock and dead silence. Everyone was stunned, including Michiya Gōshin. He looked at Sakurajima Mai in disbelief, his heart feeling as if it had been heavily impacted by something.
Michiya Gōshin had completely not expected that to protect him, Sakurajima Mai would actually make such an intense, such a decisive reaction. Wasn't this too excessive?
Not renewing? Sakurajima Mai wants to leave HORIPRO Agency?
If this was true, it would absolutely trigger a massive earthquake in the Japanese entertainment industry! Since Sakurajima Mai debuted as a child star, HORIPRO Agency had poured countless efforts and resources into her, cultivating her from a little girl into the national actress she was today. The cooperation between the two parties had exceeded ten years, and the relationship had always been regarded as a model in the industry.
HORIPRO Agency's artists, especially top-tier ones, had always been known for being well-protected and having abundant resources. For over ten years, there had been almost no precedent of a top-tier artist actively proposing not to renew their contract!
Sakurajima Mai was setting an unprecedented and extremely dangerous precedent!
In the next moment, Hori Takeo's face turned ashen instantly, and his knuckles turned white from gripping the armrest too hard. He slammed the table violently, making a loud "Bang," shaking the teacups on the table.
The old man's chest heaved violently; clearly, he was furious. His voice carried a tremor he couldn't suppress due to shock and anger.
"Sakurajima! Do you... know what you are saying?! Have you lost your mind?! For a man?! A man you've known for less than a year! You are going to give up everything HORIPRO Agency has built for you over these ten years? Give up your foundation and future?!"
His cloudy yet sharp eyes were filled with heartache, disbelief, and the fury of authority being challenged.
"This old man has cultivated countless excellent actresses, from Yamaguchi Momoe, Fukada Kyoko, Ishihara Satomi, to the current you! I watched you grow up! There has never been anyone! Not a single person like you! Who would make such an impulsive, reckless, and ungrateful decision for the sake of so-called feelings!"
"You really... have disappointed me too much! You've simply been blinded by infatuation!"
The old man's roar echoed in the conference room, filled with the heartbreaking pain of an elder seeing a junior "go astray" and absolute authoritative oppression. The other executives of HORIPRO also revealed expressions of extreme shock, disapproval, and worry, and whispering broke out everywhere.
After Sakurajima Mai spoke the words about not renewing, the atmosphere in the conference room dropped to freezing point, tense and ready to snap, as if it could completely rupture at any moment.
Michiya Gōshin looked at Sakurajima Mai. Seeing the expression on the girl's face remained firm, he knew the other party hadn't acted on a whim but had prepared for this long ago. However, if this continued, things would only get more troublesome.
Thus, Michiya Gōshin took a deep breath. Under everyone's gaze, he slowly stood up from his chair. His movement wasn't vigorous, yet it carried a strange steadiness and power that instantly attracted everyone's attention, like a calming needle thrown into raging waves.
"Hori-san, and everyone from HORIPRO Agency, please calm down a little."
Michiya Gōshin's voice was calm and clear, like an ice spring flowing over hot rocks, breaking the air in the conference room that had solidified to the point of suffocation.
"Sakurajima-san's decision was very sudden and surprised me deeply as well. I am unwilling to see things develop to this stage."
He turned his gaze to Hori Takeo, who was still in a rage. His eyes were sincere and sharp, without the slightest evasion.
"Regarding this scandal event, even if we hold a press conference or issue an apology statement, I still feel it would just be trying to cover up a mistake only to make it more conspicuous. Since the other party has targeted me and Sakurajima-san, it's impossible for them not to have follow-up moves."
Michiya Gōshin explained slowly, his tone very calm.
"Since public opinion on the internet has already exploded with preconceived notions, the more we rush to defend ourselves, the more we might fall into the trap of public opinion set by the other party, thereby becoming passive punching bags."
He paused, then threw out his core idea.
"So, I have an immature proposal now. Since the other party likes candid photography so much, likes manufacturing explosive hits, and likes hiding in the dark to manipulate public opinion... then why don't we actively give them a chance for a bigger explosive hit that they cannot refuse?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone in the conference room was stunned, including the originally furious Hori Takeo and the resolute-faced Sakurajima Mai.
Give the other party a chance for a bigger explosive hit? What did that mean?
Even Sakurajima Sachiko, who had kept her head down, couldn't help raising her head to look at Michiya Gōshin in surprise. Michiya Gōshin smiled and continued to explain a plan he had already reviewed several times in his mind.
"My idea is that we can 'cooperate' a bit with this dedicated paparazzi reporter and the people behind him. Doesn't he want fiercer material? Doesn't he want to thoroughly confirm the so-called romance, or even dig up more private and explosive content? Then we will meticulously design an excellent stage for him."
His eyes became sharp, like a falcon aiming at its prey.
"We can deliberately release some vague but temptation-filled schedule information through certain channels, creating signs that Sakurajima-san and I will meet privately alone again in the near future. We choose a location that seems private but is not completely untraceable and is convenient for the other party's actions, and then..."
The corners of his mouth curled into a cold and confident arc, as if he had already seen the ending.
"We just need to ensure that when this delusional Mr. Reporter thinks he has seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and attempts to conduct filming that is more excessive and invasive—such as using a professional super-telephoto lens to peer into a residence, or driven by profit, attempts to illegally break into a private domain to install wiretaps or conduct candid filming..."
"As long as we deploy manpower in advance, we can catch him red-handed with the evidence!"
Speaking up to here, Michiya Gōshin let out a cold laugh.
"At that time, what we hold in our hands will no longer be just pale and feeble clarification statements, but irrefutable ironclad evidence of the other party's involvement in illegal and criminal acts!"
"Not just invasion of privacy, but possibly even illegal trespassing into a residence! As long as the nature of this matter is clearly defined and chosen to be made public at the appropriate time, then the authenticity and legitimacy of all the explosive content released by him previously based on such illegal and despicable means will instantly collapse!"
"After all, once it is proven that he is a criminal, the scandal remarks he released previously will naturally lose credibility. This is also the key to reversing public opinion."
*Japanese Penal Code regulations regarding Unlawful Entry (Crime of Trespassing on Residence):*
*1. Basic Punishment Standards*
According to Article 130 of the Penal Code of Japan, anyone who enters a human habitation, a guarded building, or a vessel without justifiable grounds, or who refuses to leave such a place upon demand, shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than 3 years or a fine of not more than 100,000 yen.
*2. Aggravated Punishment for Special Places*
If the object of intrusion is a special place such as the Imperial Palace, the Forbidden Gardens, the Imperial Villas, temporary imperial residences, Grand Shrines, or Imperial Mausoleums, the punishment is heavier, with a maximum of 5 years imprisonment with work.
*3. Punishment for Attempted Crimes*
According to Article 132, attempts to commit the crime are also subject to criminal liability.
"Then we will issue clarifying statements. Then... the public's sense of justice will be ignited immediately. No matter how fierce the wave attacking us was before, the power backfiring on the other party will be just as strong! This is the true solution to solve the problem once and for all and completely reverse the situation!"
This bold, meticulous, and highly aggressive plan plunged everyone in the conference room into deep shock and contemplation. The anger in old man Hori Takeo's eyes was gradually replaced by a trace of amazement, scrutiny, and even an imperceptible surprise.
Having traversed the entertainment industry for decades, he had seen countless storms, yet he rarely saw such a young artist who, when facing such a huge crisis, could not only maintain calm but also conceive such a sharp counterattack strategy that removed the burning wood from under the cauldron.
The executives of HORIPRO Agency also began to exchange opinions in low, urgent voices, evaluating the feasibility of this plan and the huge benefits it might bring.
Michiya Gōshin struck while the iron was hot and added, demonstrating his thoughtful side.
"To guarantee the smooth implementation of this plan, and to ensure the absolute safety of Sakurajima Mai and everyone, I will ask Mr. Suo Hayato to provide assistance with manpower. He has many 'professional teams' under his command with rich experience."
"As long as this matter can be completed successfully, then this inflamed scandal event can definitely be solved much more simply."
Michiya Gōshin's gaze swept over Sakurajima Mai as well as the manager beside him—Kato Megumi. They were all shocked by the plan proposed by Michiya Gōshin.
The atmosphere in the conference room quietly shifted from the swords-drawn, bent-bow tension that was nearly breaking just moments ago, to a new state carrying nervousness and anticipation.
After a while, Hori Takeo rubbed his chin and suddenly asked.
"Michiya-kun... are you and Nenshi completely bound together now?"
"Not really. I'm just friends with Mr. Suo."
Michiya Gōshin smiled and did not answer this question directly.
"Since that is the case, then this old man will watch and see how you intend to quell this matter."
Hori Takeo turned his head to look at Sakurajima Mai beside him again. "Sakurajima, Michiya-kun has already thought of a way now. You should be able to change your mind, right?"
"No..."
Although Sakurajima Mai approved of this plan, she would absolutely not let go of the plan communicated with her mother just because of this.
Ungrateful? What a joke!
She and HORIPRO Agency had always had the purest business relationship. It was true the other party had provided her with many opportunities over these ten years, but Sakurajima Mai's total annual income had a very large portion extracted into this company to support those artists who couldn't get work or the directors.
Commercial cooperation never involved anyone owing anyone anything. Sakurajima Mai and her mother had already thought it through long ago.
Not renewing meant she could have a vast world and accomplish great things in the future. Moreover, she could be closer... to the desire in her heart.
"I... have still decided not to renew."
"?"
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