I just love Kenzaki's keen insight into the kinds of roles that Yoshizumi plays, and the strengths and limitations of his acting skills: "As good as you are at acting, your independent streak is too strong for you to hide. It's so much a part of you that it's a part of every role you play." In fact, in some ways, he sees Yoshizumi more clearly than Yoshizumi does--though maybe that's not so surprising, since it's difficult to see oneself objectively.
I also quite like his insights into his own profession, which is perhaps why he's such a good host and manager: "We want to feel special because someone chooses to accept what we can offer, rather than having our gifts accepted because the recipient has no choice, or because the offer was mandatory." And I absolutely love the next line: "I guarantee you that my clients have much more fun buying jewelry I don't need than donating rice to the poor"!
And I love Yoshizumi not realizing what the "Kodak rolls" would set off--which nicely ties in with your "Present Understanding" story, where his aiding in what he thinks is a harmless joke sends the host into a homicidal jealous rage. He's an extremely clever and perceptive guy, but this one blind spot he has makes him both more human and more likable.
And yay--Ninomaya did not get fired! (I felt sorry for that poor guy, even if he was just an offhand mention.) I love not only that Yoshizumi stood up to Mochimune, but that he actually lost his temper--and I'm amused that it was Mochi who made him lose his cool. That guy would test the patience of a saint, I'm sure! And it's so Mochimune to be intrigued rather than offended by Yoshizumi's outburst. Of course, it wouldn't be special if Yoshi was a hotheaded guy, but since he's not, I can see Mochi being intrigued by this new facet of Y's personality.
Katou Youji had sent him a magnum of Dom Pérignon -- and, to Yoshizumi's amusement, so had Kikuchi Katsuya. He was never going to bring up the coincidence with either of them, but he was secretly, continually entertained by how often the two enemies demonstrated to him their similarities. -- This literally made me burst out loud into laughter! Actually, one reader recently pointed out to me that Kikuchi has been getting more Katou-like with his current jealousy/obsession with Onozuka, so I really liked that little touch.
And just as I was wondering who Mochi would cast in Kenzaki's role (and wondering if it would be Onozuka), Kenzaki mentions Miyasaka, which is brilliant! And I loved Yoshizumi's reaction to that possiblity, and in turn, Kenzaki's reaction to Y's reaction! (Dear, sweet Kenzaki with his protective instinct automatically kicking in.)
(And because I was squeeing so much, there has to be a Part 3...)
I just love Kenzaki's keen insight into the kinds of roles that Yoshizumi plays, and the strengths and limitations of his acting skills: "As good as you are at acting, your independent streak is too strong for you to hide. It's so much a part of you that it's a part of every role you play." In fact, in some ways, he sees Yoshizumi more clearly than Yoshizumi does--though maybe that's not so surprising, since it's difficult to see oneself objectively.
I also quite like his insights into his own profession, which is perhaps why he's such a good host and manager: "We want to feel special because someone chooses to accept what we can offer, rather than having our gifts accepted because the recipient has no choice, or because the offer was mandatory." And I absolutely love the next line: "I guarantee you that my clients have much more fun buying jewelry I don't need than donating rice to the poor"!
And I love Yoshizumi not realizing what the "Kodak rolls" would set off--which nicely ties in with your "Present Understanding" story, where his aiding in what he thinks is a harmless joke sends the host into a homicidal jealous rage. He's an extremely clever and perceptive guy, but this one blind spot he has makes him both more human and more likable.
And yay--Ninomaya did not get fired! (I felt sorry for that poor guy, even if he was just an offhand mention.) I love not only that Yoshizumi stood up to Mochimune, but that he actually lost his temper--and I'm amused that it was Mochi who made him lose his cool. That guy would test the patience of a saint, I'm sure! And it's so Mochimune to be intrigued rather than offended by Yoshizumi's outburst. Of course, it wouldn't be special if Yoshi was a hotheaded guy, but since he's not, I can see Mochi being intrigued by this new facet of Y's personality.
Katou Youji had sent him a magnum of Dom Pérignon -- and, to Yoshizumi's amusement, so had Kikuchi Katsuya. He was never going to bring up the coincidence with either of them, but he was secretly, continually entertained by how often the two enemies demonstrated to him their similarities. -- This literally made me burst out loud into laughter! Actually, one reader recently pointed out to me that Kikuchi has been getting more Katou-like with his current jealousy/obsession with Onozuka, so I really liked that little touch.
And just as I was wondering who Mochi would cast in Kenzaki's role (and wondering if it would be Onozuka), Kenzaki mentions Miyasaka, which is brilliant! And I loved Yoshizumi's reaction to that possiblity, and in turn, Kenzaki's reaction to Y's reaction! (Dear, sweet Kenzaki with his protective instinct automatically kicking in.)
(And because I was squeeing so much, there has to be a Part 3...)