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Chapter 126: Tokyo Beauty
🕑 Added 2024-12-26 17:42:03 +0000 UTCOn the third evening of Ethan's stay on the set, just as Quentin was about to invite him out for dinner, Ethan received an unexpected phone call.
"Hello?" Ethan answered with a curious smile at the unfamiliar number.
"Good evening, Mr. Ethan. This is Kyoko Fukada." A sweet and respectful voice came through, accompanied by the faint sound of traffic, suggesting the caller was in transit.
"Oh, Ms. Fukada, is there something I can help you with?" Ethan gave Quentin a knowing look, prompting him to smirk and tap Ethan's chest in a way all men would understand.
"It's like this. Do you have some free time now? I'd like to ask for your advice about something."
"The shoot isn't wrapped up yet, but I'll be free afterward," Ethan lied, keeping a composed expression as Quentin leaned in with an amused grin, trying to listen in.
"That's fine. Please focus on your work. How about I come to you later?" Kyoko's voice remained polite and pleasant.
"Sure, I'll wait for you on set."
"Alright! I'll be there shortly. Thank you so much!"
"No problem."
After hanging up, Ethan shrugged with mock regret. "Looks like I won't be able to join you for dinner tonight."
"Ethan! I knew it! That girl's eyes were glued to you when she brought your food earlier!" Quentin teased.
"She just wants to discuss something. Don't get the wrong idea!" Ethan raised his hands in a mock defensive gesture, looking innocent.
"Oh, sure," Quentin said with a knowing look, crossing his fingers for luck—a common gesture in America. "Enjoy yourself tonight, Ethan. Asian women are all so gentle!"
As Quentin walked off, Ethan raised an eyebrow, pondering his words.
Gentle? Looks like this guy hasn't been idle since arriving in Tokyo either.
That evening, Kyoko Fukada arrived at the set's izakaya. She knocked cautiously on the door.
"Is anyone there?"
The door creaked open moments later, revealing Ethan.
"Good evening, Mr. Ethan!" Kyoko greeted him with a bright smile and a bow.
She wore a beige sweater over a shirt, paired with a pleated skirt, nude tights, and beige boots. Her makeup was fresh, and her bobbed hair rested gracefully on one side, giving her an air of gentle elegance.
"Good evening. Come in."
Ethan led Kyoko through the set, her excitement evident as she placed a hand near her mouth, marveling at the elaborate props.
"Wow, such beautiful scenery! As expected from a film set—this is incredible!"
"Wait, are these roofs just props? I thought they were part of the actual izakaya. Amazing!"
"What's this? Wires? The ones used for flying in movies? They're so unimpressive up close, yet so amazing. Mr. Ethan, do you deal with these every day?"
"Wow, you're actually the assistant director for the entire production? I can't even breathe properly right now. You're truly amazing."
Kyoko's flattery was relentless, turning ordinary details into awe-inspiring marvels and praising Ethan at every turn.
Perhaps this was a common trait of her culture—scenes like these often appeared in Japanese dramas. Though Ethan had seen it before, he'd never experienced such intense admiration firsthand.
After showing Kyoko around the set, Ethan steered the conversation back to the original topic.
"So, what did you want to ask me about?"
Kyoko turned toward him with a smile. "Mr. Ethan, how about we discuss this over dinner? I know a place with excellent sake, and I noticed you enjoy sake."
"Alright," Ethan agreed, the corner of his mouth curling up. "Lead the way."
Thirty minutes later, they arrived at a small, unassuming restaurant.
Inside, the main counter resembled a typical Japanese ramen shop, with a chef taking orders and a small kitchen visible through a side window. A few customers sat at tables, enjoying their meals, while a menu hung on the wall behind them alongside a television.
"Good evening, sir," Kyoko greeted the owner warmly. "Do you have private rooms available?"
"Yes!" The owner handed her a key. "Third floor, please."
"Thank you!"
Kyoko turned to Ethan. "This way…"
Curious, Ethan followed her upstairs, only to find that the modest exterior concealed a surprisingly intricate layout. The second and third floors were full of locked private rooms, giving the impression of a hotel rather than a restaurant.
With the help of a server, Kyoko unlocked a room. Inside, Ethan was once again taken aback.
Though the shop seemed simple from the outside, the private room was elegant and meticulously clean, complete with a bathroom and other thoughtful amenities. It felt more like a small inn than a dining space.
"Mr. Ethan, are you satisfied?" Kyoko asked expectantly.
"It's an interesting place."
Kyoko explained, "This used to be a guesthouse. Business wasn't good, so it was converted into a restaurant. It's very private, and the food is excellent."
She handed him the menu. "Take a look and see what you'd like."
Without glancing at the menu, Ethan replied, "I don't like tempura, sukiyaki, yakitori, or grilled fish. You can order anything else."
"Understood!" Kyoko thought for a moment before quietly placing the order with the server.
After a brief chat, the food arrived, served in neat trays by a server who respectfully backed out of the room and closed the door behind her. Kyoko locked the door and sat beside Ethan.
"Mr. Ethan… may I call you 'teacher'?"
The title brought a smile to Ethan's face, reminding him of his past experiences on set. "You may."
"Great, teacher!" Kyoko said playfully, elongating the word. Paired with her youthful demeanor and playful outfit, it gave Ethan the faint illusion of being a real teacher.
As they ate, Kyoko frequently poured sake for Ethan, but her tolerance was no match for his. By the middle of the meal, her face was flushed, and she leaned gently on Ethan's shoulder for support, their conversation becoming increasingly casual.
When Kyoko could no longer sit upright without assistance, Ethan brought the conversation back to the original topic.
"So, Kyoko, what's the issue you wanted to discuss?"
Blinking her large eyes at him, Kyoko asked, "Teacher, do you think I'm suited to act overseas, in Hollywood?"
"Hmm…" Ethan sat up straight and observed her carefully. "Hollywood's standards are high. I'll need to test your acting skills from different angles."
"Understood!" Kyoko took off her sweater, revealing her short sleeves and a well-toned figure. Bowing low, she said, "Please test me thoroughly, teacher."
Ethan's lips curled into a smile. "Then let's start with a talent showcase."
"A talent?" Kyoko pondered for a moment before placing a slice of salmon on her collarbone. With a sultry tone, she said, "Teacher, my talent is playing the role of a serving tray. What do you think?"
"A serving tray? Interesting. Looks like I'll have to act alongside you."
"Yes, teacher! Here are the chopsticks…"
Ethan took them with a nod. "Then, Kyoko, please begin."
"Understood…"
The room filled with the soft sounds of movement, chopsticks, and whispered exchanges about talent, dedication, and the nuances of Hollywood acting.
