America: My Time

Chapter 530 Momoko Kikuchi
Chapter 530 Momoko Kikuchi
Among the first generation of artists at Elite Entertainment was the veteran actress Momoko Kikuchi. However, her current situation isn't ideal; her popularity is declining rapidly. This is the cruel reality of the Japanese idol industry, and also the norm. An idol's popularity cannot last forever, and the turnover rate is so fast that even the idols themselves are terrified. It was precisely because she understood this situation so well that Miho Nakayama chose to take this step. Since she couldn't escape the rules of the industry, and since she would eventually have to give up her body, why not use it at her peak to gain the appreciation of the big shots, like Naoko, Hitomi Kuroki, and Akina Nakamori, achieving instant fame and making them afraid to have any other thoughts about her?

With this in mind, Miho Nakayama made a decision that shocked many people. After all, her idol career was not long, but she had experienced a lot and witnessed too many dark deals in the industry.

Kikuchi Momoko's situation was similar. As her popularity declined and she grew physically, she attracted considerable attention. If the rumors were debunked, Kikuchi Momoko knew her situation wouldn't be much better. With declining popularity, poor record sales, and a lack of top-tier acting opportunities, she too would be gradually driven down a path of madness. This is the cruelty of the entertainment industry. Not everyone in this industry has the good fortune of Naoko Nakamori or Akina Nakamori.

After being persuaded and explained by her manager, Momoko Kikuchi realized how dangerous her situation was. Unless she left the industry, she wouldn't necessarily escape the gaze and attention of those malicious people. In fact, leaving might plunge her into an even greater disaster. With her status as an artist, she still had some protection. Without that unique level of attention, her situation would be even more dangerous.

If it weren't for her manager's reminder, Momoko Kikuchi wouldn't have realized how dangerous her situation was. After realizing it, she became nervous, afraid that she would follow in the footsteps of her seniors and take the same step. However, she didn't expect to meet a junior, which made her wonder if juniors these days had become so pragmatic.

However, Kikuchi Momoko quickly came to understand. Nakayama Miho's situation was different from other idols. Although she hadn't been in the industry for very long, she had chosen to abandon her studies from the beginning and devote herself entirely to acting. This had exposed her to a lot of darkness and made her understand the dark side of the entertainment industry. While rumors from the agency could provide protection for everyone, Nakayama Miho was an exception; her academic issues were her biggest weakness.

After understanding Miho Nakayama's situation, Momoko Kikuchi couldn't help but sigh. This was the cruelty of this industry. When faced with pressure and danger, she had no choice but to compromise. Miho Nakayama was the same. Once they stepped into this industry, they could not escape its constraints. Beauty brought them both benefits and disasters.

"We're both in the same boat," was Kikuchi Momoko's thought at the moment. This situation, this sudden encounter, brought a hint of surprise and relief to the eyes of the two beauties. They realized they weren't the only ones who had made this compromise; there were others in the same boat, which gave them a sense of ease.

Having someone by their side might have given them a sense of security. There was no hatred or hostility between them. The two beauties nodded to each other and greeted each other silently. This encounter arranged by fate might be considered a good opportunity. At least seeing each other's presence relieved the pressure in their hearts.

In Japan, such situations are commonplace, both in the entertainment industry and in other sectors. For many Japanese women, the best option is to return to family life. However, neither of these two beauties is willing to accept this. Miho Nakayama left the industry out of necessity, facing poverty and hardship. Although the industry is cruel and dark, it offers her the life she desires. Momoko Kikuchi's situation is slightly better, but she also doesn't see it as a worthwhile endeavor. The longer she stays in the industry, the more she understands how difficult it is to escape.

Not all idols can retire at their peak like Momoe Yamaguchi, their fame enough to protect them. Most idols aren't so lucky, find it difficult to make the same decision, and don't have such good opportunities. Many beautiful Japanese idols have met tragic ends, all having chosen the wrong person.

After exchanging a silent greeting, Nakayama Miho chose to step back first. After all, it wouldn't be good for either of them to appear at the same time. Although they both had the same thought, they both knew that it was better to come one at a time in this situation. Seeing Nakayama Miho turn around, Kikuchi Momoko breathed a sigh of relief.

Although they work in the same agency, idols don't have much contact. After all, they all have their own jobs, and the time they can spend together is limited. Even if they live in the same apartment, they don't necessarily have much time to get together. John wasn't surprised to see Kikuchi Momoko appear before him. When he saw through the secret behind the band's formation, he knew this moment would come. Whether it was her own will or for other reasons, it was bound to happen. And this was just the beginning; this competition was just beginning.

"Sit down. What are you thinking? I don't think you're someone who can't recognize yourself. Tell me why you did this?" Although John's voice was calm, his aura was incredibly heavy, making Kikuchi Momoko feel pressured and a sense of fear rise in her heart. The man in front of her was a real big shot. It was difficult to lie in front of such a big shot, and the consequences would be very serious if she did.

Just telling her everything wasn't easy for her. She thought she was fully prepared and could face any pressure, but when she actually faced it, Kikuchi Momoko realized that she had overestimated her ability to withstand it. It wasn't the first time she had met John, but she hadn't felt his powerful aura then. But at this moment, she truly felt the pressure, and boundless pressure was pressing down on her.

"It was the manager's suggestion!" The more she spoke, the less confident she became, and the softer her voice grew. Kikuchi Momoko was truly terrified, but getting up and leaving was impossible now; her legs were already weak. She also understood that once she stepped into this place, there was no turning back; she could only face whatever came her way.

Looking at Kikuchi Momoko, who was trembling with fear, her beautiful legs in black stockings shaking, John couldn't help but shake his head. It seemed this beauty was being used; her manager was the one behind it all. It looked like someone really couldn't resist jumping in; these guys in Japan were getting anxious now.

"Do you know what you're doing? Do you know what you want? It's not too late to leave now, it won't affect you at all. Think carefully before you make a decision!" Looking at the nervous and frightened Kikuchi Momoko, John smiled calmly. It seemed the agency was quite attentive to protecting these idols; otherwise, Kikuchi Momoko wouldn't have reacted this way. Having been in this industry for several years, without the agency's protection, she would have inevitably faced various troubles.

In an instant, Kikuchi Momoko seemed to be frozen in place, completely stunned. Her psychological defenses were incredibly fragile, and these words shattered her completely. Her initiative in coming to his door already explained everything, but the man in front of her said such things, which filled Kikuchi Momoko's beautiful face with emotion.

It's no wonder she felt this way. In the crazy country of Japan, those big shots wouldn't consider the feelings of a young woman. In their eyes, beautiful women were merely their playthings. Let alone a tycoon like John, who stood at the top of the food chain, even those with a little power in the industry only had thoughts of possessing and manipulating these idols; they didn't even give them a second glance. This made Kikuchi Momoko understand why so many people envied Naoko and Nakamori Akina. Following such a man was the best possible outcome for Japanese women like them.

Momoko Kikuchi was well aware of how crazy this industry was, and how few truly found happiness. The more beautiful a woman was, the more tragic her eventual fate. Which of those stunning beauties achieved a good life? None. They were all unlucky; cruel endings awaited them.

It is precisely because they understand all this that they are surprised and amazed by what is happening before their eyes. This is something that Japanese men cannot do. It's not that it doesn't exist in those big shots, or even in those second-generation rich kids. In their eyes, there is only possessive and domineering desire, without any affection. As for ordinary people, it goes without saying that all they want is money, possession, and even to use them as cash cows. This is the madness of Japan.

Just look at Akina Nakamori's situation to see how those at the bottom react. If even family members react this way, imagine how untrustworthy their so-called 'lovers' are. How many Johnny's idols were willingly given to Hiroshi Kitagawa by their families to escape poverty, sacrificing their own children to do so? It's fair to say that most Japanese idols are like this, including female idols. That's why this industry is so cruel and ruthless!
(End of this chapter)