Chapter 420: Burning Productions

In the evening, at Shilla Hotel, in the bathroom, Arthur lay in the bathtub relaxing with Lee Boo-Jin in his arms, soaking in the hot water and enjoying the view of Namsan at night.

Lee Boo-Jin held Arthur's neck, leaning on him, "So, how was your meeting with Lee Jae-Hyun today?"

Lee Jae-Hyun, a director at CJ, was also Lee Boo-Jin's cousin!

"It was alright. CJ Entertainment seems to be managed by him along with Lee Mi-Kyung. They want to build multiplex cinemas and operate chain theaters," Arthur explained. "Every film distribution company needs its own theater chain, right?"

Back when Hollywood's Paramount Decree was strictly enforced, the major Hollywood studios shifted their theater operations overseas. They started investing in international theater chains.

"South Korea is likely to strongly support the cultural and entertainment industries next, increasing its cultural exports and boosting its international influence."

"The Korean Wave, huh," Arthur chuckled. That was indeed a significant export. Next, Korean entertainment idols would emulate the Japanese model and even enhance it.

"The entertainment industry is your strong suit. Are you interested in Korea?" Lee Boo-Jin smiled.

"Why wouldn't I? There aren't many developed countries in the world, and South Korea has a population of forty to fifty million. Who would give up on that?"

Both Japan and Korea were dominated by talent agencies with signed artists as the main focus. Arthur was definitely interested in getting involved!

...

After staying in Korea for two days, Arthur went directly to Japan. The Japanese entertainment industry was mature and well-experienced.

In Tokyo, at an already renovated independent villa in Setagaya, Yasuko Sawaguchi and Megumi Oishi met Arthur!

"Oni-san," Megumi Oishi was delighted to see Arthur again and gave him a quick kiss.

Arthur patted her and then sat on the couch. Yasuko Sawaguchi was about to speak but was immediately pulled into Arthur's arms for a kiss.

"Why don't you seem as happy to see me as Megumi does?" Arthur teased after the heated kiss, while Yasuko Sawaguchi lay in his arms.

"I'm older now, not as young as Megumi," Yasuko Sawaguchi leaned into Arthur.

"Onee-san is not old, still quite young," Megumi Oishi chimed in.

"Alright, I'm here this time to have you set up a talent agency in Japan," Arthur prepared to reorganize Japan's Freak Entertainment into Sky Entertainment.

The company included Game Freak games, anime, and was invested in pachinko and Uniqlo.

"Me? I'm currently an artist with Toho Eighon's talent agency," Yasuko Sawaguchi was worried. She was not confident about such things.

Arthur chuckled, "There's someone meeting me tomorrow that you should also meet. I've heard he's quite influential in Japan's talent industry. His name is Yasuo Suo, and he runs the Burning Production agency, known for its extensive network."

"President Yasuo Suo of the Burning faction?"

Of course, Yasuko Sawaguchi knew him. She was aware he was a notorious figure in Japanese entertainment, with many small agencies under Burning's umbrella.

"Sky Entertainment will support you in establishing a talent studio. You can affiliate with Burning, and also continue collaboration with Toho," Arthur had no time to get involved with a small talent agency's operations and management.

It would provide a safe haven for his women and potentially sign others too.

"I want to sign with this agency too!" Megumi Oishi pleaded while embracing Arthur.

"Of course, it's prepared just for you," Arthur caressed her thigh and nodded. If Yasuko Sawaguchi could develop further, it would be even better.

Even if she couldn't, it would still be a personal studio, meaning more income in her own hands.

...

The next morning, Arthur went cheerfully with Yasuko Sawaguchi and Megumi Oishi to meet Yasuo Suo at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

"Mr. Smith, it's a great honor to meet you," greeted the fifty-something Yasuo Suo, whose Burning Production agency was founded in the early 70s and was involved in various businesses.

Arthur smiled, "Take a seat. We're now partners. The pachinko business is quite enjoyable!"

"Indeed, and I must thank you and Mr. Okada for the opportunity," Yasuo Suo mentioned. He had been able to reach out to Okada through the Triad, but without Arthur's nod, Okada wouldn't have played along.

"Alright, today we're here to discuss Yasuko's talent management," Arthur waved it off. "You can talk to Mr. Suo."

"Yes," Yasuko Sawaguchi stood up and bowed, "President Suo, I'm Yasuko Sawaguchi..."

After her explanation, Yasuo Suo simply smiled and said, "It's simple. Although Burning is still relatively small, setting up a talent studio for Miss Sawaguchi is easy. I will meet with Toho Eighon. Miss Sawaguchi, you needn't worry. You can definitely continue to work with them.

Moreover, the Burning Group has multiple business ties. TV stations, newspapers, magazines -- all within reach. Given Miss Sawaguchi's fame, you'll have no shortage of work!"

Yasuo Suo understood that Arthur Smith wasn't interested in agency affairs; he merely wanted to secure a spot for those around him.

"Thank you very much, President Suo!" Yasuko Sawaguchi wouldn't dare transfer from Toho Eighon without backing.

Yasuo Suo nodded with a smile, "In the future, if Miss Sawaguchi sees someone to recruit, as long as they're not top-tier from major agencies, they can transfer here.

How about this: I'll send a list of talent under the Burning faction. If there's anyone Miss Sawaguchi would like to develop, contracts can be transferred. The new company should have some talents, right?"

Yasuo Suo's words were clearly intended to align with Arthur Smith's interests, ensuring preparation for the people around him...

*****

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