Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 85

Are You Qualified to Make Demands?

After finishing the piece, Kurosawa came to a stop.

Although this was his first public performance, he had practiced it in his mind many times.

“Clap, clap, clap, clap!”

As he ceased playing and retracted his hands, the other three judges applauded one after another.

Perhaps not all of them were familiar with the piano, but even a layperson could feel the charm that Kurosawa’s piano performance exuded.

This appearance, this piano skill, this young man was destined for stardom!

Witnessing this scene, Itsuragi also felt delighted.

Indeed, during that day at the restaurant, Kurosawa had only given a glimpse of his abilities and had not fully demonstrated his true skill.

“Did you arrange this yourself, or was it arranged by someone else?”

Taking a deep breath to calm her emotions as much as possible, Hamada asked the question.

“By myself.” Seeing the joy on her face that she couldn’t hide, Kurosaw secretly breathed a sigh of relief and answered.

In a world without Maxim Mrvica, and since his version, being a solo performance without accompaniment by other instruments, couldn’t completely replicate the original, he had to fill and modify it based on his own skill level.

This piano piece, in the eyes of experts, might not be considered highly difficult in terms of playing—it’s more about technical showmanship and speed.

For those unfamiliar with the field, “Flight of the Bumblebee” is incredibly impactful and possesses strong allure. Its nearly frenetic rhythm, reminiscent of rock music, can ignite passion in people.

“Next, it’s my chosen piece. Since the melody of your self-selected piece is so fast, let’s perform ‘Nocturne’ next. As for the opus number, feel free to choose,” Hamada nodded slightly, then shook her pen in her hand and, after some thought, made the request.

“Alright, before we continue with the performance, I have a condition that I’d like to clarify,” Kurosawa nodded slightly, feeling that the timing was right to bring it up.

Those pianists who had passed away in the earlier years were now part of history, including Chopin.

The skill of piano proficiency not only provided him with the theoretical knowledge and experience to play for decades or even a lifetime but also encompassed the majority of piano compositions.

Chopin, as an indomitable figure in the piano world, naturally had works within his repertoire.

“A condition?” Hamada, who was already impatient to hear him continue playing, glanced at Itsuragi by the door upon hearing this.

“I want to be a masked singer, someone who doesn’t reveal their face or true identity,” Kurosawa stood up, facing the four judges.

“If you become famous with a lot of popularity, and fans hope you’ll show your face during concerts, would you reveal yourself?” Omu Maeda was somewhat surprised upon hearing this and asked immediately.

“I hope to perform with a mask on at that time,” Kurosawa shook his head slightly.

Becoming a singer was just an attempt he made based on the skills he possessed. 

Ituragi’s pursuit and enthusiasm were one of the reasons he chose to become a singer, but not the only one. 

He simply didn’t want to be confined to a life of studying and working after graduation. 

Instead, he wanted to experience various aspects of life and see landscapes he couldn’t have seen before.

“Why hide such an outstanding appearance?” Omu wanted to know his reasons.

“I don’t want my private life to be disturbed.”

“Don’t you think it’s contradictory? You want to be an idol but don’t want to be disturbed.”

“It’s indeed contradictory, but what I want to be is not an idol, but an artist.”

“With your outstanding appearance and talent, with a little promotion, you could become popular and earn a lot of money. Choosing to be a masked singer is like cutting off your own path.”

“Are you one of those who don’t want to rely on looks, and only on talent?”

“No, it’s just that my focus isn’t on being a singer, but on living my life,” Kurosawa clarified. 

Not relying on looks to make a living? Relying on talent? Kurosawa didn’t have such pretentious thoughts.

One of his initial reasons for not wanting to become a celebrity was that as public figures, celebrities would be under constant scrutiny, but more importantly, he felt he lacked the ability to become one.

However, things were different now. Since he possessed talent, being an artist was now a viable choice. He even had the idea of adopting a masked image.

“You haven’t even debuted, and you think you have the right to set conditions?” Upon hearing these words, Hamada finally couldn’t bear it any longer. Her face that couldn’t conceal her joy turned cold, and she asked in a cold voice.

What a joke! 

Artists, including her, all obediently followed orders, endured various pressures, unreasonable demands, and unfair treatment before gradually gaining the capital to communicate with the company and rise to prominence.

This icy and angry rebuke startled everyone, rendering them silent for a moment, all eyes fixed on her.

“Why do I not have the right? Discussing terms before signing a contract allows both parties to have a say. After mutual negotiation and accepting the results, that’s what we call cooperation.”

Kurosawa’s expression changed, noticing her unexpectedly domineering attitude. He squinted his eyes and replied coldly.

“Itsuragi Runa.”

Upon hearing this, Hamada didn’t want to argue with him. Instead, she turned her displeased and resentful gaze towards Itsuragi, who was standing near the door.

“Here,” feeling her angry stare, Itsuragi stood up somewhat nervously.

“Originally, based on his overall qualities and talents, as long as he performed a bit better, I planned to provide him with top-notch resources as a starting point and take him as my apprentice, personally guiding him. If he performed well in the market survey, he might even have the chance to upgrade to the top-tier.

However, regardless of how skilled he is in playing the piano or singing, if he insists on not revealing his face and doesn’t prioritize his career, the company will, at most, provide a result of a third-tier resource audit… or even not sign the contract.”

Hamada’s attitude was very firm and filled with anger.

However, the underlying meaning beneath her words was also straightforward – as long as Kurosawa was willing to reveal his face, everything would be fine.

“I…”

Itsuragi glanced at Kurosawa, then looked at Hamada, who was furious, unsure of how to respond.

“Judging from your expression, you are not surprised by his conditions at all… Knowing this, you still dared to bring him for the audition. Your ability to handle matters is getting worse. The audit stops here. It will continue when he recognizes himself. Today’s audition is over.”

Hamada’s mood had not completely settled, but with a resolute and unpleasant attitude, she concluded the matter and ushered them out.

“Excuse me.”

Facing one of the board members, Itsuragi had no right to refute or protest. She could only bow her head, apologize, and then wave to Kurosawa.

Reminded by this gesture, Kurosawa followed her steps and walked out of the room together.

“In fact, we could sign him. If he wants to be a masked singer, let him be. Even if we can’t provide top-tier resources, we can cultivate him with second-tier or third-tier resources.”

Seeing him walk out, the other examiners couldn’t help commenting.

“He has the potential to become a top-tier artist, but he’s content with not entering the mainstream. Moreover, he dares to set conditions before even starting. It will be harder to control him once he becomes popular. As long as he’s willing to bow down, obediently follow the rules, and comply with all the company’s requirements and conditions, I’m confident that we can promote him successfully.”

Hamada shook her head, disagreeing with this perspective.

“Are you resorting to coercion and temptation?”

“What if he gets signed by another company?”

Omu raised the worst possibility.

“Then it depends on Itsuragi’s performance. She already knows the value of Kurosawa, and I believe she will help us bring him into the company.”

Hearing this, Hamada nodded slightly behind her glasses and then expressed a sense of optimism.

Earlier, she had directly stated Kurosawa’s value, trusting that Itsuragi, the star manager, wouldn’t disappoint.

Kurosawa was, after all, a child who hadn’t stepped out of the school and hadn’t experienced the harsh realities of society. That’s why he had such naive thoughts, believing he had the right to set conditions.

But Itsuragi was an elite who had worked for many years, experienced many ups and downs, and had demonstrated a high level of professionalism.

 Presumably, she would realize her mistake and bring Kurosawa back.