Kiki's Delivery Service Premiere
Two days after the fireworks display, Nakayama Takuya received a call from Studio Ghibli.
The call was made personally by Suzuki Toshio.
Her voice held a relieved excitement as she invited him to the premiere of "Kiki's Delivery Service" a few days later.
After hanging up the phone, Nakayama Takuya did so almost without hesitation.
The first thought that came to his mind was Nakagawa Eri's bright eyes under the fireworks, and the resentment and longing in her voice when she talked about her work.
He dialed her number immediately.
"Eri."
The voice on the other end of the phone carried a hint of laughter, as if it could penetrate the receiver and tickle the heart.
"Yes, Takuya- kun."
Are you free in a few days? I'd like to invite you to a movie.
A soft chuckle came from the other end of the phone, carrying a hint of knowing cunning.
"Is it really just about watching a movie?"
She retorted, "I don't believe that the head of Sega's Sega Nakayama would do something so 'inefficient'."
"Cough."
Nakayama Takuya cleared his throat. This girl really understands him more and more.
"It's the premiere of ' Kiki's Delivery Service,' and I was invited by Director Miyazaki and Suzuki. Suzuki."
"Oh?"
Eri's tone revealed undisguised surprise.
She was certainly aware of this highly anticipated new film, and even more so of the extraordinary relationship between Nakayama Takuya and Ghibli.
Nakayama Takuya paused, his voice becoming gentle and earnest.
"How about this being my first official date?"
There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone.
In that moment of silence, it was as if you could hear your own heartbeat.
Immediately following was Eri's incredibly clear voice, filled with boundless gentleness and affirmation.
"Good."
A few days later, at the Tokyo Imperial Theatre.
A black Sega- Elysee sedan came to a smooth stop, instantly attracting the flashes of all the media.
The car door opened, Nakayama Takuya, dressed in a well-tailored dark Armani suit, stood tall and exuded a powerful aura.
As he turned around and reached into the car, the sound of camera shutters reached its peak.
Nakagawa Eri lifted her skirt and placed her hand in his palm.
She chose an elegant champagne-colored evening gown, her long hair carefully styled up, revealing her beautiful, fair swan neck.
Bathed in countless lights, she resembled Clair de Lune, elegant and composed, instantly becoming the focus of the entire event.
"It's Nakayama Takuya! The genius producer from Sega that Director Miyazaki mentioned last time!"
"The girl next to him—good heavens, whose daughter is she? She's so beautiful!"
Suzuki Toshio, who had been waiting at the door, brightened up and quickly went to greet him.
"Nakayama -san, you've finally arrived! Director Miyazaki has been nagging you about this a million times in the dressing room!"
Suzuki Toshio's gaze fell on Eri, his eyes filled with undisguised amazement and admiration.
"Suzuki- san, it's been a long time." Nakayama Takuya squeezed Eri's hand and introduced her naturally, "This is Nakagawa Eri."
"Ms. Nakagawa, you are most welcome."
Eri bowed slightly, her smile gentle, "Suzuki- san, I've heard so much about you."
The poise and elegance he exuded earned Suzuki Toshio's secret admiration.
Entering the lounge, I saw a man in a white shirt with his signature mustache, frowning and crossing his arms, like a volcano about to erupt.
"Director Miyazaki," Nakayama Takuya called out with a smile.
Miyazaki Hayao looked up, saw Nakayama Takuya, and his brows relaxed slightly.
But when his gaze passed over Takuya and landed on Eri, that discerning eye, unique to artists, resurfaced.
He looked Eri up and down without any politeness.
Then, he snorted at Nakayama Takuya and muttered:
"Heng."
"I thought your brain was only capable of holding video games."
He paused, then added in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Your eye for talent is pretty good."
Nakayama Takuya amused and exasperated, and could only scratch his head helplessly.
Eri burst out laughing at the animation master's awkward yet sincere praise, her eyes curving into beautiful crescent moons.
That smile, like a spring breeze, eased the tense atmosphere in the lounge.
The movie has started.
When Hisaishi Joe's ethereal and melodious soundtrack began, and the black cat Jiji spoke on the screen, the entire theater fell silent, immersed in that magical world full of fantasy and warmth.
Eri was completely absorbed in watching.
She watched as Kiki left her hometown and came to Kiki's City alone.
Watching her full of hope to start her own business, only to repeatedly encounter setbacks and even lose the ability to fly at one point.
That feeling of wanting to prove herself to the world, yet feeling powerless and lost, pierced her heart like a dagger.
Isn't this a perfect reflection of her own life at TV Tokyo?
An idol worshipped as a mascot, an heir who seems to have everything but lacks a stage to realize his ambitions.
In the darkness, a warm and strong hand grasped hers.
Eri shuddered and turned her head to the side.
The light and shadow flickered, and she could only see Nakayama Takuya's focused and resolute profile. His gaze remained fixed on the screen, but the strength in his hand was gentle yet firm.
Eri's heart was instantly enveloped by a warm current.
He not only understood the movie, but also all the struggles and loneliness beneath her glamorous image.
This silent comfort was more reassuring than any flowery words.
She turned her hand around and intertwined her fingers with his, never letting go.
The premiere was a great success, and the celebratory banquet was extremely lively.
This event brought together half of the Japan animation industry, including Toei, Sunrise, and Tatsunoko —almost all the big names were present.
Nakayama Takuya did not discuss any official business.
He simply held his wine glass, took Eri's hand, and calmly moved through the crowd.
His introduction was concise and to the point, giving the other person ample face while cleverly steering the conversation back to the animation itself.
He didn't reveal Eri's identity, simply introducing her by name, "My girlfriend, Nakagawa Eri."
But those seasoned veterans who have been navigating the industry for years, aren't they all incredibly shrewd and calculating?
Looking at Nakayama Takuya's proud expression and Nakagawa Eri and elegant demeanor, they already knew what was going on.
Especially when they heard the surname "Nakagawa," the meaning in their eyes became even more profound.
Eri maintained a smile throughout, calmly greeting and conversing with each of the industry's influential figures.
She discovered that the way these people looked at Nakayama Takuya was not just politeness towards a business partner, but more of a heartfelt admiration and recognition.
They weren't talking about profits and financial statements, but about storyboards, drawing, and understanding the arc of a character.
She finally realized that Nakayama Takuya not only a successful businessman, but also a person who truly understood and loved the industry.
The promise he made at the restaurant was not just empty talk.
He is introducing her to this circle in the most natural and dignified way, laying out a huge network of connections for her.