Tokyo Bubble Life

Chapters 1518 and 1527: Let Akina and Seiko fight and argue!

Inside the NYV television studio, the recording of the third season of "Neon Voice" is in full swing.

"Please welcome the next contestant!"

The host waved his hand, and the stage lights dimmed, but a beam of light focused in the center.

The band next to them was already prepared. The melodious piano began to play first, and the mournful tune slowly drifted into the studio. The contestant was singing "Snow Flower"!

"のびた人影を路にならべ (The shadows that continue to extend are juxtaposed on the road)"

夜夜のなかを君と歩いてる (Walking in this night with you)

手をつないでいつまでもずっと (I want to hold hands with you forever)

そばにいれたなら (Always by your side)

"

The contestant's singing style wasn't as deep as Akina Nakamori's, nor was her performance as emotionally charged. It sounded slightly different from Akina's singing.

However, this famous song still captivated the audience in the studio.

When the performance ended, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause!

"Snow Flower!" "I hear it every year!" "There are still two months left this year!"

Similar hushed discussions arose among the extras, which Akina, who was facing the extras, also heard, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of mixed emotions, including nostalgia and reflection).

Although she sang many songs, many of which were huge hits and sold over a million albums, after her retirement, the only song that has stood the test of time is probably "Snow Flower"!

Therefore, the careers of idols are all short-lived. Even their songs are mostly like fireworks, brilliant but fleeting. After their lives are over, only emptiness remains.

In this respect, enka singers are quite different.

Akina Nakamori looked at her other mentor, Shinichi Mori, whose song "Scape Erimo" would easily be passed down for a hundred years.

The idea flashed through her mind like lightning. Meanwhile, in the studio, the contestant's performance had stopped. Amid cheers and applause, Akina Nakamori pressed the large red button on her chair. Accompanied by a mist of dry ice, the entire chair instantly spun around.

The audience cheered again!

"She spun it!" "I knew Akina would spin it!!" "Of course she would, she's already singing 'Snow Flower'!" "."

One thing that's different in this season of "Neon Voice" is that all the contestants are very targeted!

Choosing a song by Akina Nakamori means you're definitely watching Akina Nakamori; choosing a song by Seiko Matsuda means you're watching for Seiko Matsuda; the rock singer is clearly Kenji Sawada; and as for enka, it's naturally no match for Shinichi Mori's influence.

Whether the mentors choose to turn around depends on the contestant's singing ability.

"Thank you for the wonderful performance!!"

The host cued the next segment of the program.

"Please, all instructors, turn around."

With a "whoosh," dry ice sprayed from the bases of all the mentors' chairs, and then they spun 180 degrees. In front of Akina's seat, a road made of light strips was shining brightly—this was the road leading to Akina Nakamori's team!

"Ms. Akina Nakamori opened the door for the contestants!"

The host smiled and looked at the contestant, knowing that the result was pretty much set in stone.

"Asano Yayu, what is your choice?"

"I choose Akina!!"

The young girl's face was full of anticipation.

"I love Akina the most!!"

"Arigato~"

Akina also smiled and said hello,

"Please continue to guide me in the future!"

"Uh-huh!!"

Seeing that the mentor and the contestant had reached an agreement, the host announced loudly,

"Then, Asano Miyu will join Team Nakamori!!!"

"Congratulations!!"

Applause erupted in the studio, and everyone seemed happy. However, behind the camera, two people were anything but happy!

"Fujiwara-san, this can't go on!"

Director Uemura Sora looked worried and was somewhat dissatisfied with the current selection of contestants.

One of the ratings highlights of "Neon Voice" is the competition between mentors to recruit contestants.

"Many conflicts and memorable quotes can become hot topics in public opinion, and even create popular phrases."

"But now, each contestant has chosen a song by a specific mentor, so the other mentors aren't competing anymore. Doesn't that turn it into a one-on-one interview?!"

"."

Fujiwara Kazuhisa also looked serious as he listened to the director's words.

He also noticed the contestants' choices. In essence, their cleverness actually reduced their chances of being selected, but from their own perspective, their goals became clearer.

This fundamentally violates the principle of "Neon Voice" that selects contestants based solely on their singing voice!

"Yes, this can't go on!"

Fujiwara Kazuhisa's gaze was particularly focused on Nakamori Akina and Matsuda Seiko. In the previous contestants' performances, as long as the contestant sang the other's song, the two of them would not compete for it.

This eliminates the biggest draw of the season!

"No, we have to make Akina-san and Seiko-san fight! Argue! Tear each other apart!!"

"yes."

Uemura Sora nodded,

"We need to add some rules!"

Fujiwara Kazuhisa, however, said:

"We also need to talk to our advisor. The current approach of each focusing on one area isn't working. There shouldn't be any conflict now!"

Uemura Soryu agreed wholeheartedly:

"So, will the next contestants be prohibited from choosing songs by the mentors?"

Producers and on-site directors have the power to improvise; they can even ask for more as long as it's for the sake of the show.

"OK!"

Only a dozen or so players have taken the stage so far, and this trend has only just begun, so banning them is still an option.

"Then go and communicate with the contestants' team."

Fujiwara Kazuhisa looked at the four mentors on the stage; this was his job.

"I'll go and try to persuade the four mentors!"

"Hi!"

After the director announced the intermission, Akina Nakamori started chatting with Seiko Matsuda, who was sitting next to her.

Although everyone says the two are competitors, that's only in terms of their work; their relationship is actually quite good in private. The two male mentors would occasionally chime in with a word or two.

"Akina Sauce"

On the other side, Shinichi Mori asked with some curiosity,

"I've heard that the cherry blossoms at Yamazakura-in are so magical that they hold cherry blossom viewing parties twice a year?"

"Haha~ Are you curious too, Mori-san?"

Akina smiled and said,

"Why don't you come over for a visit this weekend? The cherry blossoms are still blooming, though they're getting sparse."

"I just heard this anecdote~"

Mori Shinichi shook his head, showing no immediate intention to go and take a look.

Actually, the cherry blossom viewing party is the main point of the anecdote. The cherry blossom viewing party held twice a year by the Shuyou Group is said to be an occasion for the Nagayama family to make important decisions.

As a more gossipy woman, Seiko Matsuda naturally knows more:

"They say it's a special variety that blooms once a year during cherry blossom season, in October. It's incredibly beautiful!"

"No, no, it's just a rumor."

Akina naturally offered a tactful explanation; she certainly didn't want her family to become some kind of urban legend.

While the mentors were chatting, Fujiwara Kazuhisa walked over:

"Dear professors, there's something I'd like to discuss with you all. Please come to the small conference room!"

"??"

Although somewhat puzzled, all four mentors went to the small conference room next to the studio.

"Distinguished instructors."

Fujiwara no Kazuhisa didn't mince words and said it directly.

"The recording process during this period has been too bland. This is not good for the program!"

"The contestants you've chosen are too predictable. This will make the show lack conflict and will also cause an important part of 'Neon Voice' to disappear."

"This part is all about the battle between the mentors!!!"

"What the audience wants to see is mentors vying for outstanding contestants, forming teams to compete, not this kind of sitting-in-a-row and dividing up the spoils format."

Do you understand?

"."

The mentors present were all seasoned artists who had participated in countless events, and they immediately understood after listening to the producer's explanation.

Kenji Sawada spoke directly:

"So, Fujiwara-san, what do you want us to do? Have every contestant turn around?"

"But for those contestants who sing enka, I'm a rock singer, so I really can't find a reason to sing!"

Fujiwara Kazuhisa waved his hand:

"Our production team has already taken this into account."

"The next contestants will not be performing songs with a particularly distinct genre, especially the songs performed by the four mentors!"

"And you, your job is to judge them based on their singing voice and style, whether they are suitable to be singers, and whether they fit your own type."

He looked at Shinichi Mori, whose singing was particularly unique.

"Mr. Mori, as the king of enka, you are also very good at other pop songs, aren't you?"

"I've sung with Akina-san and Seiko-san before."

"This"

Mori Shinichi hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"That's right."

"But will those singers choose me?!"

"That depends on how Mori-san tries to win him over!"

Fujiwara Kazuhisa's eyes were sharp.

"For example, leading them to find the best producers to commission songs? Mori-san's connections are incredibly powerful."

As an enka singer, she holds a high position in the entertainment industry, so the connections she has built are all high-end.

"Is this even allowed?!"

Mori Shinichi's eyes widened. This was practically a contest of backgrounds! He instinctively looked at Nakamori Akina.

"If Akina-chan were to ask Naoki Nagayama to compose a song, wouldn't everyone else have no chance?!"

It's worth noting that Naoki Nagayama has always been known as the most reclusive and top-notch musician. Every song he creates is a hit, making him a songwriter that countless singers desire but cannot obtain!

"."

Hearing this, Akina shook her head helplessly.

"Mori-san, don't worry. Naoki-san won't commission songs for anyone else!"

"That's such a pity!"

Seiko Matsuda, listening nearby, was also quite frustrated. The first song was clearly meant for her, but she didn't appreciate it afterwards.

oh~~

This point has been agreed upon!

In the small conference room, Fujiwara Kazuhisa and the other mentors had a discussion. In the upcoming episodes, they would each showcase their talents, actively recruit contestants, and even compete against each other to make the show exciting!

By evening, Naoki Nagayama had returned to Yamazaki-in.

Now that his work schedule is more regular, he comes home even earlier than Akina, so he takes the two of them, one big and one small, out to play around at home.

Little Lian, who is teething, loves to bite things and drools all day long. Hua Jiang finds it quite distasteful.

So now the little one is running around the garden, while Naoki Nagayama is holding Little Lotus and pretending to chase after her, making Little Summer Flower laugh crisply.

"Run, Hua Jiang!!"

Naoki Nagayama, holding little Ren in his arms, chased after Natsuka.

"If you don't run faster, Ren-chan is going to bite you, woof woof woof!"

Eitaro, who was following the group of one adult and two children, was suddenly surprised and called out to Naoki Nagayama:

"Woof woof woof!! (Boss, you finally spoke again?!)"

"Yangtaro?"

Naoki Nagayama was unexpected.

"Do you perhaps want to bite Ren-chan?!"

"Woof woof woof!! (Boss, why can't you talk again?!)"

"Alright, since you've made that request, I'll grant it!"

Naoki Nagayama shouted at Natsuka:

"Hana-chan, come quick! Hold Eitaro down. Cover his mouth. We'll let Ren-chan bite him!!"

"Okay!! Add lotus sauce!"

Xia Hua ran over happily, grabbed the dog's neck with both hands, and pushed him all the way down onto the lawn.

Then Naoki Nagayama placed Little Ren on Eitarou's lap, and Little Ren naturally started biting his ear.

"Waaaaah."

Eitaro surrendered instantly!!

Just then, Nonaka Mari came out from the veranda and called out to the people in the courtyard:

"Naoki-san, someone's calling to see you."

"A phone call?! Okay."

Upon hearing this, Naoki Nagayama picked up little Ren again.

"Hua Jiang, hold on a minute, Dad's going to answer this phone!"

After hearing the phone call, Xia Hua immediately let go of the dog:

"I want to answer the phone too!!"

Naoki Nagayama touched the little guy's flushed and sweaty cheeks and forehead, and nodded. It was time for the little guy to rest.

"Okay, okay, let's go together then~"

After arriving in the living room, Naoki Nagayama asked Mori-san to bring a towel and warm water to wipe Hana-chan's sweat, while he answered the phone.

"Moses, Moses?"

"Naoki!"

A familiar voice came through the microphone.

"it's me!"

"Ah, it's Brother Feng! You're still in Qingshui?"

"Um"

After a few pleasantries, Nagayama Kaede got straight to the point.

"Naoki, what should we do if someone tries to scam my family out of money?"

His tone was fierce, as if he had returned to his Yamaguchi-gumi days.

Upon hearing this question, Naoki Nagayama raised an eyebrow:

"Of course, it's first XXX, then XX, then XXX, and finally XXXX."

"Stop! Stop! Stop!!"

Nagayama Kaede, on the other end of the microphone, quickly interrupted.

"Naoki, stop joking! We're not psychopaths!"

"Haha, good, good."

Naoki Nagayama laughed.

"Tell me, what exactly happened?!"

So Nagayama Kaede recounted from beginning to end how a guy from the agricultural cooperative named Kinui tried to get his father, who knew nothing about real estate, to invest in the property.

Naoki Nagayama, having understood the situation, frowned.

"The agricultural cooperative?! Why would they suddenly contact Uncle Kumahara?"

Japan's agricultural cooperatives are no small organizations; they are interest groups comparable to zaibatsu (conglomerates)! Even more powerful than zaibatsu. Zaibatsu wouldn't dare let the Japanese people go hungry!

Was this a spur-of-the-moment decision?

"It shouldn't be. Kanai knows his father's assets very well."

"Well"

Since that's the case, then Naoki Nagayama can't just handle it casually. After thinking for a moment, Naoki Nagayama said...

"Brother Feng, in that case, let Uncle Xiong Yuan stall for time while I investigate."

"If there are other plans behind this, then we'll see what to do!"

"...There are other plans?!"

"Hmm, maybe it's targeting your karaoke bar or your friends?!"

"!! Will they still target Naoki-san?"

"It's not impossible."

Naoki Nagayama nodded. The Tree Friends Association is currently at a point of expansion.

The enactment of the Cultural Nation Act will solidify the Shuyou Group's position in the cultural industry; the execution of its financial investment operations will allow Shuyou Capital to influence the entire financial industry.

There are other activities in other areas, especially the Nagayama family's holdings of vast amounts of land and forestry, as well as some mineral resources.

If this continues, the tree enthusiasts will really become chaebols. There are definitely people who don't want to see that!

Naoki Nagayama is already feeling some inexplicable pressure.

"In any case, let's investigate whether someone is behind this."

Naoki Nagayama explained,

"That Jinjing is very likely just a pawn!"

"Since Naoki says so..."

Yongshan Feng nodded,

"I understand! I'll make sure Father delays it for a while!"

"Haha, it won't be long. It'll definitely be finished before the end of the year."

Naoki Nagayama nodded as well.

"After the end of the year, we won't have to worry anymore~"

"Hi"

At this moment, Xia Hua, who had changed her clothes, ran over:

"Dad, I'll answer the phone!!"

"Hmm, that works too. Uncle Feng is on the other side."

"Moshi Moshi. This is the Yongshan family home!"

"Ah, it's flower jam." (End of Chapter)