America: My Time

Chapter 526 The Decision to Retire

Chapter 526 The Decision to Retire

Are there enemy pawns within the elite agency? Of course there are, John knows perfectly well. Those guys from Japan have definitely planted pawns in their agency! Perhaps Kikuchi Momoko's manager is one of their pawns, and this so-called transformation is just a scheme against her. Perhaps Kikuchi Momoko doesn't know it, but she may very well have already been led by the nose and fallen into their trap.

Why did this happen at this particular time? John couldn't help but be suspicious. Ever since he learned about Yasuko Sawaguchi's schemes, John understood how vicious those Japanese guys were. They had the home-field advantage, so it was impossible for them not to have pawns planted in their own agencies. And it was the most obvious thing in the world.

For a small price, they could obtain some core secrets, or even influence events. These guys in Japan would naturally be willing to do it. If elite agencies have such schemes, other companies probably have them too. However, John wasn't too concerned; at least these guys couldn't affect him yet. Since they were already making their move, he'd play along and see who would have the last laugh.

With a thought in mind, John informed the president of the elite agency to arrange a meeting with Momoko Kikuchi tomorrow to inquire about her thoughts. As for the woman's lack of ability, John didn't care too much; it wasn't the right time yet. For the agency, which had just integrated into the Phoenix Group, stability was paramount.

After making the decision, John felt much better. At least he had gained some understanding of how treacherous and cunning those Japanese guys were, which gave him more reason to stop having so many reservations.

Seeing John's complexion improve, Naoko breathed a sigh of relief. Having followed John for so long, she could see some things, but she knew even more clearly that this was not something she should ask. She just needed to do her job and take care of John's life, and she could ignore everything else.

"Having learned so much from me at the Elite Agency, what are your thoughts now? Do you have any ideas about starting your own business, like Akiko, and having a position in the Phoenix Group?" After his mood improved, John couldn't help but ask Naoko about her thoughts. The incident involving Yasuko Sawaguchi and Akina Nakamori had made Naoko even more determined to retire as soon as possible, not wanting to face these problems and dangers anymore.

These changes made Naoko realize that she needed to leave this circle, otherwise she might be schemed against and harmed one day. She knew very well that if she hadn't been lucky enough to follow a kind-hearted person like John, her situation might not have been much better than others. The longer she stayed in this circle, the more she understood how dark it was. So, taking advantage of this unexpected turn of events, she intended to retire as soon as possible. However, she didn't want to make any moves to retire; she would simply leave the circle quietly and no longer have much contact with it.

If John were like those bigwigs in Japan, Naoko knew that the three of them would likely be implicated. This gave Naoko a different perspective, making her eager to extricate herself from this industry. When John asked her, Naoko shook her head and said, "No, I don't have Akiko-nee's abilities, and I don't want to stay in this industry any longer. Since I've already prepared to retire, I'd rather not have any more contact with it!"

Yes, Naoko is very self-aware. She has no problem composing music, but she doesn't want to be involved in the company's management or even personnel matters, even if it's just as a nominal position.

"Alright, if that's your idea, then do whatever you want. Don't have any worries or pressure!" Although John already knew that Naoko would refuse, he still wanted to hear her decision.

As night fell, Naoko, Akina Nakamori, and Hitomi Kuroki were all in the courtyard. After waiting for a long time without any sign of the enemy, John didn't want to wait any longer. There's no such thing as a thief who can be thief for a thousand days without being on guard against him for a thousand days. John trusted the three beauties beside him completely; they wouldn't betray him. To do so would be suicide.

“Naoko, Akiko, Akina, you all need to be careful from now on. Although those people have toned it down, this matter is not over. I've discovered some problems at Elite Agency these past few days. Perhaps those guys' influence has already reached into Elite Agency. Naoko is considering retiring. Akiko, what are your thoughts? And Akina, what do you think?” After discovering the problems at Elite Agency, John didn't intend to hide it from Naoko and the others. Instead, he directly told them the news so that Naoko, Hitomi Kuroki, and Akina Nakamori could be prepared. Naoko and Hitomi Kuroki's problems weren't too serious, since they had already left the industry. However, Akina Nakamori's situation was more complicated. It was hard to say whether her agency and manager would have problems. Even the slightest carelessness could put them in danger.

Upon hearing John's words, Hitomi Kuroki pondered for a moment, then shook her head, indicating that she had no thoughts. Under the current circumstances, she truly had no ideas. After all, the Yasuko Sawaguchi incident had brought her immense pressure, and she could sense that John might want to use this opportunity to confront those dark forces in Japan.

In contrast, Akina Nakamori looked hesitant. Deep down, she also wanted to retire like Naoko, but she still had a contract and needed to consider her family. Although John had warned her, she knew that her family would be hard to keep quiet, since all they cared about now was money.

"Don't feel embarrassed. I'm not forcing you to give up your current life. It's good to have your own ideas, as long as you can protect yourselves. If you still want to continue, then do what you want."

While John was trying to persuade Akina Nakamori and contemplating how to lure the enemy into the game, Momoko Kikuchi was discussing future developments with her manager. The manager had been consistently urging Momoko to form a band. The manager said, “Momoko, you should understand the changes at Elite Agency and how difficult your situation is. Admittedly, you don’t lack resources within Elite Agency, but those top-tier resources are gradually becoming scarcer. You know why. Among the three who debuted at the same time, you are now at the bottom. Yoko Minamino and Minako Honda have an advantage over you; their popularity has remained consistently high. But your popularity has been declining. Now even your juniors, Miho Nakayama and Yui Asaka, have surpassed you. If this continues, how can you still get top-tier resources from the company? You have to change. Change is the only way out. A band might be a good way out. Look at Izumi Sakai, the lead singer of ZARD, and Miwa Yoshida, whose dreams have come true—their popularity has soared!”

"But this conflicts with the company's arrangements for me, and my singing skills are far inferior to theirs, and my style is incompatible with the band. If I really change my style, it might be even worse!"

Upon hearing Momoko Kikuchi's answer, the manager pondered for a moment, then sighed and said, "Momoko, at this point, there are some things I should tell you. The reason I advised you to change your career path is not because I really wanted you to form a band, but to attract the attention of the higher-ups, or more accurately, to attract Mr. John's attention. Mr. John has been paying attention to Elite Agency's affairs lately, and I think this is your opportunity."

Opportunity? What opportunity? Having been in this circle for so long, Kikuchi Momoko naturally understood what an opportunity was: throwing herself at the boss. As long as she could have a relationship with the boss and get on his good side, she would naturally have no shortage of resources, and her status would change dramatically. In this circle, such things were commonplace.

Seeing Kikuchi Momoko lower her head and remain silent, the manager continued, "Momoko, you should understand that you can't escape this kind of thing. Even if you don't want to do it, you'll have to do it once your popularity drops. It'll just be much harder to get involved with the boss then. I believe you know how many people in the company are after the boss. Now is your best chance. Although there are rumors that all the idols in Elite Agency are the boss's women, we all know that's just a rumor. The agency hasn't explained it to protect you, but such protection can't last long. When your popularity hits rock bottom, can you withstand the pressure? I believe you know how many people are after you. You need to think this through carefully. Opportunity knocks but once. If you miss this chance, you'll never have another one."

At this point, the agent paused, giving Kikuchi Momoko a little time to consider, before continuing, "I've heard that Kawai Naoko has decided to retire. You understand what that means. If you don't act now, you'll regret it later. I'm doing all this for your own good."

What a convenient excuse for Kikuchi Momoko! It's all just his own calculation. If his plan succeeds, he'll reap even greater benefits in the future. That's why he's so 'dedicated' and so eager to help Kikuchi Momoko. He's only doing this for his own benefit, not for Kikuchi Momoko's sake. These are just excuses.

(End of this chapter)