On the television screen, the late-night shopping program finally came to an end.
Eri leaned against the back of the sofa and chatted as though sharing a secret like a little girl. "Father complained over the phone yesterday, too. He originally wanted to bring in the drama jointly with several other local stations in the TXN Network, splitting the licensing and dubbing costs and sharing the risks."
"The other stations didn't agree?" Takuya gave a soft laugh, as if he had expected this outcome all along.
"Not a single cent!" Eri pouted, her tone carrying a hint of indignation on her father's behalf. "The people at TV Aichi and TV Hokkaido said it was an old Hong Kong Island drama from years ago, the picture quality wasn't new enough, and the subject matter—stock speculation—was too obscure. They said the risk was too high and refused to pay no matter what."
Takuya shifted into a more comfortable position, naturally resting his arm along the back of the sofa behind Eri.
"That's normal. Local stations were strapped for cash to begin with. They'd rather spend their money on safe local news and low-cost food variety shows. How did Father-in-law handle it in the end?"
"Father lost his temper and made the decision on the spot. TV Tokyo bought out the rights outright, all by itself! It even covered all the post-production dubbing costs." Eri turned to look at her husband, unable to hide the pride in her voice. "The External Relations Department and Finance Department rushed out the contract overnight."
"No one at the station objected?"
"Who would dare?" Eri smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. "Father's word at the station now carried the weight of nine tripods. Those flagship programs you planned for the station have all become TV Tokyo's money