mijobooks Chapter 155 Paving the Way for the Future
Chapter 155 Paving the Way for the Future
Chapter 155 Paving the Way for the Future
Green Mountain Studios, Studio 3.
This space has been set up to resemble the interior of a luxury apartment. Dim, warm lighting, expensive leather sofas, and a faint scent of fragrance in the air all contribute to creating a private atmosphere befitting a "secret lover."
This is Keiko Hanamori's home.
In other words, it was Zaizen Goro's only safe haven amidst his exhausting power struggles.
"All departments, prepare!"
"The White Tower, Scene 15, Action!"
With the crisp sound of the clapperboard, the once noisy film set instantly fell silent, leaving only the white mist from the humidifier slowly rising under the lights.
Shin Kitahara, who plays Goro Zaizen, slumped wearily on the sofa.
He had just finished a suffocating professor election meeting; his tie had been roughly ripped off and was hanging around his neck; his usually sharp eyes were now tightly closed, and his brows were furrowed into a deep frown.
A dull thud came from high heels on the plush carpet.
Hitomi Kuroki walked over.
She wore a burgundy silk robe, loosely belted, revealing glimpses of her fair legs as she walked. She held a glass of whiskey in her hand, the ice cubes clinking against the glass.
In this version of the script, Keiko Hanamori is not just a pretty face and mistress, but also the only confidante who understands Zaizen's ambitions.
Hitomi Kuroki walked behind the sofa.
She didn't speak, but simply stretched out her long, slender, fair hands and gently placed them on Kitahara Shin's temples, beginning to slowly massage them.
The movement was extremely practiced, carrying a chilling intimacy and tacit understanding.
Kitahara Shin let out a comfortable sigh, tilting his head back to rest against her soft belly.
Hitomi Kuroki lowered her head, her hair falling onto her cheek.
Hitomi Kuroki: "That old man gave you a hard time again?"
Her voice was low, with a slightly husky and magnetic quality, like a captivating female hero on a midnight radio show.
Kitahara Shin: "He wanted me to back down. That hypocrite talks about medical ethics, but all he thinks about is factional infighting."
Kuroki Hitomi chuckled softly.
She walked around the sofa and straddled Kitahara Shin's lap.
The movement was bold yet natural; the silk robe slipped down, revealing a large expanse of rounded shoulders.
Rie Miyazawa, standing on the sidelines, gasped.
Nanako Matsushima stared wide-eyed, clutching the script tightly in her hand, as if she had seen something she shouldn't have.
In the lens.
Hitomi Kuroki cupped Shin Kitahara's face in her hands, her eyes hazy yet revealing a clear understanding of the world.
Hitomi Kuroki: "Then stomp him to death. Goro-chan, you're a wolf, and wolves don't need to reason with sheep."
She held the wine glass to Kitahara Shin's lips.
Kitahara Shin didn't refuse, taking a sip from her hand. The spicy whiskey rolled down his throat, bringing a burning sensation.
Kuroki Hitomi did not rush to make a move.
She simply leaned down slowly, her hands, painted with dark red nail polish, gently resting on Kitahara Shin's tie knot, as if to tie him down.
The distance has been shortened.
They were so close that their breaths mingled, and the air was filled with the ambiguous scent of evaporating alcohol.
She looked into Kitahara Shin's eyes, a dangerous smile curving her lips. Then she turned her head to the side, her warm lips gently brushing against the corner of his mouth before finally landing near his ear.
It wasn't intense; there was only a very restrained touch, tinged with the smell of alcohol.
But this kind of ambiguous, lingering contact is more unsettling than any blatant plunder.
That's why I'm so fascinated by you.
Her low, husky voice brushed against Kitahara Shin's eardrums like a feather.
Kitahara Shin's hands didn't move randomly; he simply supported her lower back in an extremely gentlemanly yet undeniably gentle manner, conveying the warmth of his palms through the smooth silk fabric.
Restrained, yet brimming with tension.
This desire to "hold back" is more sophisticated and more deadly than blatant entanglement.
There's no vulgar, erotic tension; instead, it's a sophisticated, high-tension interplay between adult men and women. These two don't seem to be acting; they seem like real lovers who have been living together for ten years.
Sidelines.
Rie Miyazawa stared intently at the scene, biting her lower lip, her eyes filled with undisguised bitterness and resentment.
Rie Miyazawa (muttering to herself): "————Pervert."
She turned her head and looked at Nanako, who was watching intently beside her:
Rie Miyazawa: "Hey, don't you think he's going too far? He's clearly acting, but I think he's actually enjoying it. Look at his hands, where are they?"
Nanako paused for a moment, then turned her head, her face filled with a mixture of bewilderment and admiration.
"But—I think the teacher was really into the role. That feeling of seeking release under pressure, and that dependence on Ms. Keiko—it's amazing! I never knew kissing scenes could be acted with such depth!"
Rie Miyazawa: "————"
She rolled her eyes at the big, silly guy whose mind was filled with nothing but "acting".
This guy is hopeless.
Back on the field.
Kitahara Shin was indeed attracted.
Hitomi Kuroki is a stunning beauty. Her kissing skills are on a completely different level compared to the inexperienced Izumi and the passionate but clumsy Akina.
That perfectly controlled breathing, that subtle yet alluring teasing, made it hard for Kitahara Shin, a normal adult male, not to have a physiological reaction.
But he was very clear-headed.
His mind remained calm throughout; he calculated the camera angles, controlled the micro-expressions of his facial muscles, and coordinated with Hitomi Kuroki's movements.
This is a play.
That's it.
"Cut!"
The director's voice finally rang out.
The two separated.
Kuroki Hitomi didn't get up immediately; the dazed look from when she was fully immersed in the role still lingered in her eyes. She looked at Kitahara Shin, who was so close to her, and gently ran her finger across his lips, wiping away a trace of the remaining wine.
Then, she leaned close to Kitahara Shin's ear and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, her breath sweet as orchids:
Hitomi Kuroki: "Want to come to my place for a drink tonight? I have some whiskey that's better than any prop. There are some things about the 'script' that I'd like to discuss with you in more detail."
She emphasized that word "deeply".
Kitahara Shin looked into her eyes, which seemed to hold spring water.
This is an extremely tempting invitation.
With just a nod, tonight will be a sensual night. In this industry, on-set couples or casual affairs are perfectly normal.
But he remained silent for a moment, then released his arm around her waist and politely and gentlemanly pulled up her slipped collar.
Kitahara Shin: "Sorry, Kuroki-senpai. I have plans tonight."
Kuroki Hitomi paused for a moment.
She looked at Kitahara Shin's eyes, which, though smiling, were devoid of any clouded desire, and was somewhat surprised.
Hitomi Kuroki: "Oh? You have a date with a beautiful woman?"
Kitahara Shin: "I guess so. There are people waiting at home."
This is the truth, and also an excuse.
For Kitahara Shin now, women have never been a scarce resource. But he has his own principles and plans.
Akina Nakamori and Izumi Sakai—these two women have already occupied most of his energy.
And Hitomi Kuroki—this thorny black rose—is too clever, too mature, and too difficult to control. Playing with her is a sure way to get yourself into trouble. He's a scumbag, but he's a scumbag with brains.
He avoids such uncontrollable risks.
Half an hour later, at the parking lot.
As soon as Kitahara Shin got into the car, there was a knock on the passenger window.
Hitomi Kuroki stood outside, having changed back into casual clothes, still impeccably elegant.
Kitahara Shin lowered the car window.
Hitomi Kuroki: "I'll just say a few words."
She looked at Kitahara Shin, the ambiguous smile on her lips disappearing, replaced by admiration.
Hitomi Kuroki: "It seems I wasn't wrong about you after all."
Kitahara Shin: "What do you mean?"
Hitomi Kuroki: "Actually, I didn't really intend for anything to happen between us. That invitation was just a little test."
She leaned against the car door, took a slender cigarette from her bag, and twirled it between her fingers.
Hitomi Kuroki: "In this industry, I've seen too many men who can't control their lust once they gain a little fame. If you had agreed just now, although I wouldn't have refused, after this film is finished, we'd be strangers."
"but----"
She lowered her head and looked into Kitahara Shin's eyes: "You refused. And you refused decisively, without any of those hypocritical excuses."
"I'm not telling you this for any personal gain. After all, if I were truly after something, I wouldn't have asked you to fend off that rich kid at the bar that day."
Kitahara Shin listened to these words and nodded thoughtfully.
indeed.
This woman lives a very insightful life.
Hitomi Kuroki: "In this world of fame and fortune, there are very few men who can interest me. Ambitious yet self-disciplined—Kitahara-kun, you are very likely the first one."
"Stay clear-headed. You'll climb higher than I imagine."
Kitahara Shin: "Then I am truly honored."
Kuroki Hitomi chuckled softly, straightened up, and waved to him:
Kuroki Hitomi: "Alright, I won't bother you anymore as you go home to pay your taxes. If you simply want to have a drink and chat sometime in the future, feel free to contact me."
After saying that, she walked away gracefully in her high heels.
Kitahara Shin watched her retreating figure and smiled.
This woman is definitely more suitable as a friend than a lover.
He was just about to start the car when he turned around and saw two furtive heads quickly retreating behind a pillar not far away.
Kitahara Shin: "————"
He opened the car door and walked over.
Kitahara Shin: "Come out. How long are you going to hide?"
Behind the pillar, Rie Miyazawa and Nanako Matsushima slowly emerged.
The two women had different expressions. Rie had a smug look on her face, as if she was saying, "Even if I've been caught, I'll still put on a brave face," while Nanako's face was flushed red, and she was so embarrassed that she wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
Kitahara Shin: "What are you doing here? Spying on us?"
Rie Miyazawa snorted, crossed her arms, and said matter-of-factly:
Rie Miyazawa: "Who was spying on you? This is a public parking lot! We were just—just passing by, and happened to be checking to see if you were having an affair here, Akina-nee!"
Kitahara Shin raised an eyebrow.
"Akina came to you about something like this? Given her personality, it's unlikely."
Rie Miyazawa was caught out, and a hint of unease flashed across her face, but she remained defiant: "What? Even if she didn't come to me, can't I just act as a supervisor? Kuroki-san was so close just now, who knows what you were whispering about?"
Kitahara Shin shrugged, too lazy to argue with this teenage girl.
"Suit yourself. Supervise if you want. Anything else? If not, I'm leaving."
He was about to turn around as he spoke.
"Ah! That, that—"
Nanako, who had been hiding in the back like an ostrich, suddenly raised her hand.
Kitahara Shin stopped and looked at her.
"What's wrong, Nanako?"
Nanako Matsushima took a deep breath, as if to encourage herself. She pulled a slightly crumpled flyer from her bag and handed it to Shin Kitahara with both hands.
"Teacher—well, besides filming here, I also have to go to the theater troupe for rehearsals. Um—our theater troupe is starting a new tour next week."
Kitahara Shin took the flyer and glanced at it.
It was a very small underground theater troupe, and their repertoire consisted of avant-garde (meaning not many people watched) experimental plays.
"I know. Go ahead, you don't need to report this to me specifically, just don't delay the filming here."
"No, this isn't a report—"
She looked up, her eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and fear of rejection: "I was thinking—if you have time, could you—could you come and see my performance?"
Her hands were shaking as she said those words.
To her, Kitahara Shin is a god, a guide. Her biggest wish right now is for her teacher to witness her growth on stage.
Kitahara Shin looked at her.
Next Monday?
That was a day off he had specifically set aside. The original plan was to accompany Akina to Hakone for a hot spring bath that day.
But looking into Nanako's wet, puppy-like eyes, he swallowed the words of refusal that were on the tip of his tongue.
Ever since he gave her that "red thread of fate," he'd definitely developed a bit more favoritism towards this incredibly lucky girl. Besides, as a boss, it seemed perfectly reasonable for him to inspect his employee's "homework."
Kitahara Shin pondered for a moment.
His gaze shifted to Rie Miyazawa, who was eavesdropping nearby.
"Rie, are you going?"
Rie Miyazawa was taken aback, then bristled like a cat with its fur standing on end: "Huh? Me? Why would I go to see such a boring underground play? Besides, I have school that day! And I have to go to cram school! I'm so busy!"
Kitahara Shin smiled.
"Then take leave. You have to come."
Rie Miyazawa: "Why?! Are you a tyrant?!"
Kitahara Shin ignored her protest, turned to Nanako, and gave her a gentle smile: "Okay. I'll go next Monday."
Nanako was about to cheer when Kitahara Shin's next words stunned her.
"However, I'm not going alone."
"I plan to bring Akina, Izumi, and Rie. We'll all go and support you."
Quiet.
A deathly silence.
Nanako Matsushima opened her mouth wide, looking flattered and at a loss for words.
Bringing so many people? Akina-san? Izumi-san? To watch a nobody like me put on a show?
Meanwhile, Rie Miyazawa, standing next to her, was completely dumbfounded.
"Wait! Who did you say you were bringing? Akina-nee? And that—that Izumi Sakai? Are you crazy? Putting all these people together?"
This is practically a battleground!
Kitahara Shin merely glanced at her indifferently.
That look in his eyes was calm and resolute, carrying an undeniable sense of control.
"What? You have a problem with that?"
Rie Miyazawa swallowed back the retort that was on the tip of her tongue after being swept over by that look. She shrank back and became completely obedient.
"—No, no problem. I'll go then."
Kitahara Shin looked away, folded the flyer, and put it in his suit pocket.
Kuroki Hitomi's words just now did indeed give him some food for thought.
Now that I've decided to take this path, and now that these women have a place in my heart, I can't keep them in a state of "isolation" forever.
He's a scumbag, but he's not the kind of brainless scumbag who just wants to play around and then throw things away.
None of these women are easy to deal with. Akina's sensitivity, Izumi's introverted nature, and Rie's ambition—if not guided and integrated, they will inevitably explode sooner or later.
If that's the case, then let's pave the way in advance.
Through this informal occasion, which has the nature of a "group activity," they can interact in a relatively safe environment, gradually adapt to each other's presence, and work on their future relationship.
This is a risky move.
It's a move that must be made.
Kitahara Shin: "Then it's settled. Nanako, prepare well, don't embarrass me."
Nanako Matsushima: "Yes! Absolutely not! I'd risk my life to act!"
Kitahara Shin waved his hand and got into the car.
Looking at the two girls' figures in the rearview mirror, he gripped the steering wheel, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
Next Monday.
It looks like it's going to be a very lively day.