Hotel, luxury suite, outside the door.
"What are you doing?"
Hearing Luo Zheng's broken Chinglish-style Japanese, the other party finally reacted and hurriedly switched to English.
Starting out a bit stumbling, it gradually became very fluent.
One could tell she had practiced it specifically before.
In just a few sentences, Luo Zheng learned Nagase Masami's identity.
She was a rookie actress from Toho Company and had just appeared in two movies.
She was also an exclusive model for a youth magazine.
Nojima Shinji had introduced her to be his tour guide.
He had to admit, the efficiency of this newly met Japanese screenwriter was high.
Nojima Shinji must have contacted Toho Company while they were still at the izakaya, which was why she arrived so quickly.
It seemed he was influenced by Kore-eda Hirokazu.
"How old are you? Masami?"
In Luo Zheng's impression, the current Nagase Masami shouldn't be very old, though he had forgotten her exact age.
Before letting her in, Luo Zheng thought it better to be cautious.
"I just turned eighteen, Director Luo."
Nagase Masami bowed slightly; her youthful aura made Luo Zheng feel like she was lying.
However, he didn't delve deeper. Eighteen was fine; any younger would be a problem.
"Would you like to come in and sit for a while?"
"May I?"
Nagase Masami was very excited.
When she was chosen to be Luo Zheng's guide, the other rookies in the company were green with envy.
Director Luo Zheng was a Golden Lion Award-winning director renowned in Hollywood.
Most importantly, he was the chairman of a U.S.-listed company.
It could be said he held resources in his left hand and power in his right.
Making a star famous was just a matter of a single word from him.
Nagase Masami naturally wanted to take a shortcut; her dream was to become an excellent actress, and she didn't want to remain a model forever.
"Of course!"
Luo Zheng stepped aside and let her into the Room.
The Tokyo International Film Festival organizing committee had provided him with a top-tier suite.
It came fully equipped with a living Room, kitchen, bathroom, and large floor-to-ceiling windows.
The interior decoration was even more magnificent.
Exquisite crystal chandeliers, splendid murals, and comfortable luxury sofas.
Nagase Masami, who was still living in a cramped rental apartment, gaped in surprise.
She hadn't expected a hotel Room could be luxurious to this extent.
As expected of a big director and big capitalist; the place he stayed was different from ordinary people.
The two sat on the sofa. At first, Nagase Masami was a bit stiff.
After a while, Luo Zheng's humor and wit made her gradually let down her guard.
She began to talk about her past.
Luo Zheng had heard of Nagase Masami's great name in his previous life.
As a national-level goddess in Japan, she had always been one of the most famous actresses in China as well.
Short hair, big eyes, and a round face with a bit of baby fat were her most unique traits.
Of course, to be a model in Japan...
...one couldn't do without a pair of long legs.
"Masami, it's getting late. Where are you resting tonight?"
Luo Zheng glanced at his watch, looking tired.
"Ah, I'm sorry Director Luo, I got excited and forgot the time. I'll come back to bother you tomorrow morning."
Nagase Masami stood up and bowed, unsure whether she truly didn't understand the underlying meaning in Luo Zheng's words or was just pretending.
Luo Zheng didn't force her to stay; after all, they had known each other for less than an hour.
Even hiring a prostitute requires getting to know each other a bit!
However, the bait still had to be cast.
Coming to the door, Luo Zheng suddenly told her:
"I'm going to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Film Festival tomorrow morning and walk the red carpet. If you want to go, arrive early."
"I can participate too?"
Nagase Masami's eyes lit up. High-end occasions like the Tokyo Film Festival were places she desired but could never hope to reach.
A minor actress and model like her wouldn't even have the chance to get close.
Being able to go and see it this time was entirely thanks to this big director.
"Of course. Your English is good; while being my companion, you can also work part-time as a translator."
"Thank you, Director Luo!"
Nagase Masami gave a deep bow. After straightening up, she found the courage from somewhere to step forward and give Luo Zheng a soft hug.
A youthful scent rushed toward him.
Luo Zheng felt the beauty of the young girl.
But the beauty was fleeting; Nagase Masami blushed, bowed again, and then turned to run away hurriedly.
"Slow down!"
Luo Zheng shook his head with a smile.
Internally, he was feeling smug: this girl really isn't reserved, hugging on the first meeting, so tomorrow wouldn't... Early the next morning.
Luo Zheng had just finished washing up and hadn't had time to change clothes when the doorbell rang.
He went to open the door, but it wasn't the expected Nagase Masami.
"Miss Miho, why are you here?"
Nishikawa Miho felt a bit embarrassed and bowed. "Luo Zheng-kun, it's your first time in Japan and you don't speak the language, so I specifically came to see if there's anything I can help with."
She had been holding her phone last night, waiting for Luo Zheng's call.
Unfortunately, to her disappointment, the phone hadn't made a sound until dawn.
This made Nishikawa Miho feel very defeated.
She believed that although she wasn't as beautiful as those female stars, her mature charm was also a unique sight.
But Luo Zheng simply didn't go for it.
Could it be that he liked the younger ones?
Despite her disappointment, Nishikawa Miho was still unwilling to give up.
She had finally encountered such a good opportunity; how could she give up easily?
Early in the morning, she put on makeup to cover the dark circles caused by insomnia last night and rushed to the hotel where Luo Zheng was staying.
"No need to trouble yourself, Miss Miho. Nojima-kun has already found a translator and guide for me."
Luo Zheng refused, with no intention of letting her into the Room.
After all, as a famous person, he needed to be mindful of his image.
Nishikawa Miho unbuttoned the top button of her collar, wanting to try one more time.
A sweet young girl's voice came from behind her:
"Director Luo, I'm not late, am I?"
"No, just in time!"
Luo Zheng replied, turning his gaze toward Nagase Masami.
To walk the red carpet today, this girl had dressed up grandly.
She was wearing a pure white short dress.
The lines were simple and sharp, with only a light bow decorating her shoulder.
Her short hair was neatly styled, her makeup was clear, and small pearls adorned her ears.
Overall, she looked brimming with youthful vitality while remaining formal and appropriate.
Nishikawa Miho turned around and saw this outfit.
Instantly, her suspicion was confirmed.
Director Luo indeed liked the younger ones.
But this young? That's almost animalistic!
Is this girl really an adult?
"Masami, you're even prettier today than yesterday!"
"Thank you, Director Luo!"
Seeing Luo Zheng satisfied, Nagase Masami smiled even more sweetly.
Then she glanced suspiciously at the stiff-faced Nishikawa Miho and followed Luo Zheng into the Room.
"I'm sorry, Miss Miho, I need to change my clothes."
Luo Zheng turned to close the door but added a polite remark.
"Then what about her?"
Nishikawa Miho pointed at Nagase Masami behind Luo Zheng, her face full of resentment.
At this moment, Nagase Masami finally realized that this old woman was here to steal her spot.
Then she wouldn't be polite.
Nagase Masami blinked her large, innocent eyes:
"Ah, changing clothes? I can turn my back!"
Nishikawa Miho: "..."