My daily life with the original diva

Chapter 243 The Arrival of the New Year

On the last day of the year, Japan has two extremely important music events. The first is the NHK Red and White Song Battle, which includes almost all of Japan's most popular singers. If you are not invited by NHK and cannot perform on the Red and White Song Battle stage, it only means that you are not popular enough.

The second event is the Recording Awards, which is broadcast live by TBS. However, the two programs are almost simultaneous. If you only participate in one, it's fine, but if you have to participate in both, it's quite tiring. You have to run back and forth to make time. Unfortunately, this year, Akina Nakamori was one of them.

As a favorite for the Recording Awards, she has to attend the Recording Awards first, and she also can't miss the Kohaku Uta Gassen, which is a show with a viewership rating of over 70%. Being able to appear on the show is an honor, and she absolutely cannot miss it. As a result, Akina Nakamori has to run between the two.

Hiroshi Kimura, waiting backstage to go on stage, was watching the TBS Record Awards ceremony on a backstage TV. Next to him were Kyoko Koizumi, Ikuya Fujii, and others, all of whom were popular idol singers and performers at this year's Kohaku Uta Gassen.

"Kimura-san, do you think Akina-chan will win the Grand Prix this time?" Kyoko Koizumi asked expectantly as she watched the nominees being introduced on TV. She would be very happy if her best friend won the Grand Prix.

“It should be possible. Akina-san’s ‘Northern Wing’ is more popular than Itsuki Hiroshi’s ‘Nagara River Ecstasy’, so it should have a better chance of winning the grand prize,” Fujii Ikuya said first.

However, Hiroshi Kimura just smiled and didn't answer. He knew that it would be extremely difficult for Akina Nakamori to win the Recording Award this year. If the award was given based on popularity, then it would belong to Hiroshi Kimura, and no one else could choose it.

The final winner of the Grand Prize depends on the votes of the members of the judging committee. These judges consider many factors when selecting the Grand Prize winners, such as the singers' qualifications, compromises between different factions, and various off-stage influences, etc., and do not rely on objective data.

If it weren't for Johnny's influence, Kimura Hiroshi knew that the Grand Prize would ultimately go to Itsuki Hiroshi. The reason it didn't go to Nakamori Akina was because she had only been in the industry for three years, and the judges felt that she wasn't qualified enough. Her lack of experience was also a major factor in her failure to win three consecutive awards. These old guys didn't want to see young people receive such high honors.

Now that Johnny's Entertainment has attempted to bribe the judges, and the enka school is the most affected, the chances of Hiroshi Itsuki winning the Grand Prize are even greater. To prevent Akina Nakamori from being upset if she doesn't win the Grand Prize, Hiroshi Kimura has prepared a small gift for her.

If Akina Nakamori doesn't win the grand prize later, she can get a gift from him as a small consolation. It's not convenient to bring the gift to the TV station, so Hiroshi Kimura left it at his apartment and will give it to Akina Nakamori when he goes back later.

After the performances of the nominated singers for each of the previous awards, and the awards being presented one by one, such as the Newcomer Award and the Best Newcomer Award, the final award before the Grand Prize was the Most Popular Star Award. This was the last award before the Grand Prize was presented. If you won this award, it meant that you were no longer eligible for the Album Awards. However, this award was also the most prestigious award under the Grand Prize.

"Now I announce that the winner of the 26th Japan Record Awards' Most Popular Star Award is Akina Nakamori." Upon hearing the host announce this name, several people watching TV all sighed, including Hiroshi Kimura.

That faint hope was shattered completely in that instant.

There was nothing that could be done. Seeing that the grand prize was just one step away but not winning it, you can imagine how that felt. No one doesn't want to win the grand prize.

However, Nakamori Akina was so excited when she received the award that she cried. After all, this was the most important award she had received since entering the music industry, and it was an affirmation of her three-year singing career. For Nakamori Akina, she would never take any honor lightly.

"It's such a pity, we were just a little short," said Kyoko Koizumi, with a hint of disappointment.

Hiroshi Kimura also felt it was a bit of a pity, but he took it in stride, saying, "She's only been in the industry for three years and she's already just one step away from the Grand Prize. She'll definitely be able to do it in the future. Kyoko-chan, you have to believe in Akina-san."

“Of course, I’ve always believed in her. Akina-chan is one of the most talented singers,” Kyoko Koizumi said with certainty.

After Akina Nakamori finished singing "Kita-Tsubasa" again, it was time to announce the grand prize. As expected, the grand prize was won by Hiroshi Itsuki for "Nagara River Enchantment". After announcing the winner, he immediately went up to Akina Nakamori and said a few words, which was a sign of respect for his biggest rival.

After the Grand Prize was decided, Nakamori Akina hadn't even sat down for long when Akiyuki Yoshizawa called her up from the audience and hurriedly left the Recording Awards studio. It was easy to guess what she was going to do next: take a car and rush to NHK TV to participate in the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle).

At this point, Hiroshi Kimura couldn't continue watching the record awards because it was time for them to start performing. First up were Kyoko Koizumi and Ikuya Fujii's Checkers band. As for Hiroshi Kimura, he had to wait for Akina Nakamori, since the two of them were the main attraction of this year's Kohaku Uta Gassen. If they couldn't compete against each other, wouldn't that be a big loss?

After waiting for more than half an hour, we finally saw Akina Nakamori, who had changed into a somewhat dazzling and exaggerated performance outfit. She rushed over, and when she arrived, the other singers who were waiting to go on stage and those who had already left the stage congratulated her. Although she did not win the grand prize, winning the Most Popular Star Award was still a great achievement.

As the people offering their congratulations gestured, Nakamori Akina finally walked up to Kimura Hiroshi. She showed off her extremely extravagant stage costume, smiled, and asked, "Does it look good, Kimura-san?"

Well, the dress was almost entirely blue with shimmering hues, like a blue plastic wrapping a flower. Kimura Hiroshi stroked his chin for a moment before giving a very tactful reply: "It looks beautiful, like a well-wrapped blue rose."

Blue roses, also known as blue enchantresses, are very beautiful artificially colored flowers that are expensive and delicate.

Hearing Kimura Hiroshi's praise, Nakamori Akina was very pleased and said, "You have such a sweet tongue. You're getting better and better at charming girls, Kimura-san."

Before the two could exchange more than a few words, the production crew came over to urge them to get ready to go on stage. After all, their performance time was precisely timed, coinciding with the time when Akina Nakamori was rushing over from the record awards and getting ready.

First up was Hiroshi Kimura from the White Team. He finished his performance to a faster-paced accompaniment, followed by Akina Nakamori. The two of them performed for no more than six minutes in total. There were just too many singers to perform, and they were all popular singers, so there wasn't enough time for the two of them to perform.

Moreover, they cannot leave immediately after the performance, because all the singers have to go on stage at the end of the show, which is similar to giving New Year's greetings.

There were many singers performing backstage, so the two couldn't be too intimate. They could only keep a distance and chat casually, not daring to say anything more intimate for fear of being overheard.

They waited until almost midnight, when all the previous singers had finished their performances. They went back on stage to give their New Year's greetings, and amidst their blessings, they welcomed the first day of 1985. This must have been a moment when couples would be together, watching the clock and cheering as they awaited the arrival of a new day.

But the two of them were on stage, in two different places, congratulating all the television viewers on welcoming the new year.

Chapter 244 Spending the Last Days of the New Year Together

Despite the large number of entertainment reporters and enthusiastic fans outside, cars from various agencies sped off with their artists. It must be said that the entertainment reporters and enthusiastic fans were exceptionally dedicated, still blocking the TV station's gates in the early hours of New Year's Day.

After speeding along and making sure no entertainment reporters were following, Ms. Michiko drove Kimura Hiroshi directly back to his apartment.

After getting out of the car, Kimura Hiroshi took out the gifts he had prepared in advance and gave them to Tomioka Yukio and Ms. Michiko, who were still in the car. He smiled and said, "You've worked hard this year. This is a small gift to show my appreciation. By the way, next year, I will increase Ms. Michiko's salary by 20%. As for Mr. Tomioka, I have also applied to Warner for a raise for you."

The two of them have worked very hard for him this year, so a little extra pay is nothing. He earns so much in a year, he should treat those around him well and not be too stingy. That way, they will be more attentive to him in the future.

"Really? Thank you so much, Kimura-san!" Ms. Michiko was overjoyed to hear that she would get a raise next year. She knew that middle-aged people had a heavy family burden and many expenses, so naturally they hoped that their salary would continue to increase.

Compared to Ms. Michiko's excitement, Yukio Tomioka was much more restrained, expressing his gratitude in a rather calm tone. The three then wished each other a Happy New Year before officially parting ways.

I went upstairs and went straight to my apartment. After changing my shoes, I quickly tidied up the dining table and took out the things I had prepared in advance. I took two pieces of high-quality chilled steak that I had marinated in advance to the kitchen, fried them with butter and black pepper, then added two shiitake mushrooms to cook and add flavor. After I finished, I put them on the dining table, and finally, there was a bottle of red wine.

Just as he finished, the doorbell rang, followed by the sound of a key unlocking the door. It was Akina Nakamori. They had arranged to spend the end of the New Year at his apartment after the Kohaku Uta Gassen.

"I'm here, Hiro-kun, come and greet me!" Nakamori Akina's voice came from the doorway. Kimura Hiro set out the plates and quickly ran to the doorway, where he saw Nakamori Akina standing there in slippers. When she saw him coming, she immediately smiled and opened her arms.

Seriously, she's come so many times already, and they still greet her like this. Kimura Hiroshi stepped forward and hugged her tightly. Nakamori Akina immediately snuggled up to Kimura Hiroshi, seemingly enjoying his embrace.

"Oh dear, why are you still so heavy, Akina? Have you even lost weight?" Kimura Hiroshi hugged her slender waist and carried her into the living room, complaining as he did so.

Knowing that Kimura Hiroshi was teasing her, Nakamori Akina rested her head on his shoulder and said, "Yes, yes, yes, I am that heavy, and I have to be carried by Hiroshi-kun."

The two carried each other into the living room. As soon as they entered, Nakamori Akina saw the grilled steak and the red wine on the table. Her eyes immediately lit up, and she asked in a very soft voice, "Did Hiro-kun prepare this when he came back?"

Nodding, Kimura Hiroshi replied, "Yes, I came back to prepare. This is the first time we've spent New Year's together, so how can we lack a sense of ceremony? Please sit down and try my Western-style cooking. It might not be as good as Chinese food, so please bear with me, Akina."

"You've worked so hard, Hiro-kun, but it's also very romantic. On New Year's Day, after all that hard work, you still prepared such a ceremonial Western meal for me. You're so kind, Hiro-kun." As if praise wasn't enough, Nakamori Akina tiptoed and kissed Kimura Hiro several times on the cheek.

After the kiss, she sat down happily. Kimura Hiroshi sat opposite her, and the two of them ate their steaks and drank their red wine in a very formal manner, chatting casually across a small dining table.

"Where's your sister? Is she going back to your hometown with you?" Nakamori Akina asked curiously, taking a small sip of red wine.

"She went back yesterday and is probably watching our performance at home now. Ah, she has a full seven-day vacation," Kimura Hiroshi replied.

"Is that so? That's great too. Ah, being a company employee is actually pretty good. You can rest on time during holidays, unlike us, whose rest depends on how busy we are." Nakamori Akina was very envious when she heard that her older sister, Kimura Ryo, had already gone back and had such a long vacation.

Unfortunately, her new single "Tears Are Not Decorations" is still selling well, and she can only rest at home for three days during this year's holiday before she has to come back to work.

"Yes, it's tough. How about you quit being a singer and go work for a company? I'll talk to the president about it," Kimura Hiroshi suggested, seeing how hard she was working.

However, Nakamori Akina shook her head vigorously and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Hehe, I was just envious of my sister and wanted to complain to Hiro-kun about how hard I work. I'm not ready to retire yet. Hmm, I want to sing for another two years. When I don't want to sing anymore, I'll become Hiro-kun's employee."

He took another bite of steak and gave Kimura Hiroshi a thumbs up, saying, "Delicious! Hiroshi-kun's cooking, no matter what it is, is always delicious."

I knew I would get this answer. Although I complained about how hard it was, I wasn't prepared to give up my beloved singing career.

"Yes, whatever Akina wants to do, I will support her." This is Kimura Hiroshi's unwavering promise to Nakamori Akina.

"Yes, Hiro is the best." Although Kimura Hiro had said this before, she was still very happy to hear it again.

After a busy night, the two of them were exhausted and hungry. They quickly finished the two steaks and then didn't want to move, so they leaned back on the sofa to rest.

Touching Akina Nakamori's still-curly hair, Hiroshi Kimura asked, "Are you unhappy that you didn't win the record award today?"

Shifting her body to find a more comfortable position in Kimura Hiroshi's arms, Nakamori Akina replied, "No, I'm still so young, I'll always have opportunities, unlike Itsuki Hiroshi, who has been in the industry for decades."

"Oh, I thought Akina would be very sad. I even prepared a comforting gift, but it seems I don't need it." Kimura Hiroshi teased her on purpose after hearing her say that.

Akina Nakamori jumped up from Hiroshi Kimura's arms and stared at him, saying, "Where's the gift? Hiro-kun, hurry up and give it to me. Akina is very sad because she didn't win the record award. I'm about to cry."

As she spoke, she opened her mouth and squinted her eyes, looking like she was really about to cry.

Knowing she was faking her tears, Kimura Hiroshi still played along, saying, "Okay, okay, stop crying. I'll go get it for you."

He stepped off the sofa and entered the room, where Akina Nakamori remained staring intently at him from the sofa.

Soon, a large doll appeared at the door. Nakamori Akina recognized the doll immediately; it was herself, in a cartoon version, wearing a black gauze dress—the very outfit she wore when she sang the Ten Commandments.

Kimura Hiroshi peeked out from behind the doll and said, "Akina, what do you think? Isn't she cute? This is our adorable anime diva Akina. Whether you won the grand prize or not, in my eyes, you are the best."

Unexpectedly, Hiroshi Kimura had prepared such a gift for her. Looking at the cute doll, Akina Nakamori could hardly resist. She loved these kinds of dolls the most, and she never expected that there would even be one in her own image.

She couldn't stay on the sofa any longer. She jumped down, snatched the doll from Kimura Hiroshi's hand, and examined it carefully. Yes, it was her. She was a little chubby, but very cute.

"It's so cute! I love it! It's such a wonderful surprise gift. Thank you, Hiro-kun!" Nakamori Akina smiled, her eyes crinkling into slits as she hugged the plush toy.

Seeing her happily hugging the doll, Kimura Hiro said mischievously, "Is this all the thanks you have? I've been preparing this for a long time, and I even designed the character. Shouldn't Akina show some sincerity in thanking me?"

Akina Nakamori, who was happily hugging her doll, heard Hiroshi Kimura's words and saw his eyes scanning her up and down. She knew he was up to no good again, but Hiroshi had indeed prepared many surprises for her today, so she decided to let him have his way this time.

With her face flushed, Akina Nakamori said in a voice barely louder than a mosquito's buzz, "Hmph, you naughty Hiro-kun, well, I can be on top today, but only this once."

Overjoyed, Kimura Hiroshi grinned mischievously. "Hehe, once there's a first time, there will definitely be a second."

Chapter 245 Returning Home and Being Interrogated

After a wonderful New Year's Eve, the two drove back to their respective hometowns early the next morning after breakfast. As for taking his girlfriend home to meet his parents, that was still too early. If Neon were to take his girlfriend home to meet his parents, it would mean that marriage was not far off.

This was the first time Kimura Hiroshi had driven himself back to Kasukabe City. Because he wasn't very familiar with the roads, what should have been a little over an hour's drive took him a full two hours to get home.

Although his hometown isn't far away, Kimura Hiroshi only comes back once a year. When he does come home, he's naturally met with complaints. His mother, Akiko, received his gift but wasn't too happy, saying, "He lives so close to home, yet he only comes back once a year for the New Year. He's really grown up; he doesn't cling to me like he used to when he was little."

"Hmph, the child has grown up and has his own life. He's so busy with work, it's already quite good that he comes home once a year. Don't say so many nagging things," the father, Nobushi Kimura, scolded.

This infuriated Akiko, the mother. She pointed at her father, Nobushi Kimura, and said, "Who is it that keeps asking about Hiro's show's broadcast time? Sometimes he's busy with work and has to get up in the middle of the night to watch the rebroadcast. Now I'm telling him to come home more often, and you're lecturing me. You're such a damn old man. Your personality hasn't changed from when you were young to when you're old."

Having his secret exposed again, the father, Nobushi Kimura, blushed and wanted to retort, but he couldn't say a word for a long time. He could only say, "Go and prepare lunch. Your son hasn't eaten yet."

Watching the couple bicker, Kimura Hiroshi and Kimura Ryo sat together and secretly laughed. However, since the matter was caused by them, Kimura Hiroshi quickly said, "It was my fault, Dad, Mom. I will come back at least three times a year from now on. If I'm not busy, I will come back to see you often."

"That's more like it. My son is so much better. Unlike this old man, he's just infuriating. Good son, wait here, Mom will go and prepare something delicious for you." After saying that, Kimura Akiko got up and went to prepare lunch.

Only three people remained in the living room. Nobushi Kimura, the father, took a sip of tea, looked at Hiroshi Kimura, and said, "Your sister has already told me about your company's situation after she came back. I am very satisfied. You have a good plan for your future. As an artist, no matter how popular you are, there will always be a time when you lose popularity. It is my Kimura family's child to use the resources at hand to develop a career while you are popular."

"Yes, thank you, Dad. I will definitely run it well." It was truly not easy to receive praise from this old man, and Kimura Hiroshi even felt a little smug.

“That would be great, but I want to tell you that your sister can only help you for another month next year at most. She has to come back in February to prepare for her first time participating in the selection process. She can’t waste any more time with you,” Nobushi Kimura said very seriously.

The so-called "election accompaniment" is to help local councilors in the election, such as helping them campaign, handle some matters, familiarize themselves with the process, and prepare for their own future elections.

Although he knew that his sister's ambition was not to become a company president, but to run for office, he did not expect her to get involved so early. He looked up at his sister, Kimura Ryo, and received a slight nod in response.

Since that's the case, we really can't delay her. Perhaps a great person will emerge from the Kimura family. Kimura Hiro originally thought that person would be himself, but he didn't expect it to be his sister. That makes sense. She has a family background, resources, and abilities. If she can't become a great person, then it would be a real waste.

"Okay, after I hand over the company's affairs next year, I'll immediately have my sister come back. I absolutely won't delay her important matters." This kind of thing really can't be delayed.

After finishing his business at the company, lunch was prepared. As his first meal back home, it was quite lavish, and Kimura Hiroshi ate with great pleasure, after all, this body had been eating this kind of food for more than ten years.

Kimura Hiroshi originally thought he could rest after dinner, but to his surprise, he was left in the living room. His mother, Kimura Akiko, hadn't even cleared the table, and she and his father, Kimura Nobushi, sat together, looking at him with a scrutinizing expression.

At this moment, his older sister, Kimura Ryo, kept shrinking back, as if she wanted to leave this place of trouble. Instantly, Kimura Hiro knew that something bad had happened; his sister must have told their parents about his relationship.