People are in animation, but they can connect to reality

"It's not Deng's fault. Aine should be blamed. She was the one who gave up first. She's weak-willed and weakest, but she's also aggressive and prone to causing trouble. So, it's all Aine's fault!"

After saying that, Asagi reached out and touched Takamatsu Deng's head. Takamatsu Deng was very short, about the same height as Takeda-senpai. Asagi could easily touch Takamatsu Deng's head.

Takamatsu Deng sniffed, raised her head, and looked at Asagi with tear-stained red eyes. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded vigorously. Chihaya Aine glared at Asagi unhappily, wanting to refute but considering Takamatsu Deng's feelings.

Gao Songdeng looked at Asagi for a long time before he made up his mind and said,

"I will try my best to persevere. Together with Sushi and Aine, we will carry out this bet to the end and rush to the martial arts hall. No matter what the outcome, we will not give up."

Asagi finally felt relieved. As long as they didn't give up, he still had a way. Takeda-senpai clapped her hands earnestly and looked at Takamatsu Deng with satisfaction.

Chapter 259: These people are really bad

Having received the agreement from Aine and Deng about the joint live, this matter was basically a success. Once the joint live started, wouldn't Su Shi and the others be like fish on the chopping board, at his mercy?

It's just that this idea feels like a villain.

Asagi shook his head to dispel the bad thoughts.

June is coming soon, and the first music season of the summer is about to begin. During this time, Shiomi Miura has been looking for a suitable house. One that is large enough, affordable, and can be used as a place to live, work, and practice.

Finally, Miura Shiomi chose a small 5-story building. The first floor is a restaurant, which mainly sells desserts for girls, various teas and coffees. In addition, some complementary foods are added to meet the needs of customers.

The second floor was used for storage, while floors 2, 3, and 4 were not being used effectively. Due to poor business in the past year, the owner, a restaurant owner, decided to rent out floors 5, 1, and 3 individually. Each floor had approximately 4 square meters of interior space, and the monthly rent was 5 yen. Thanks to Miura Shiomi's expert negotiation skills, she managed to negotiate the price down to 70 yen for all three floors.

Miura Shiomi liked this place because it was affordable and large enough for them. However, there was a problem: the owner of the property required annual payments. This was completely unacceptable, as they simply didn't have the funds. After Miura Shiomi's strong protest, the rent was changed to quarterly payments, but the deposit required three months' payment. This cost nearly 3 million yen.

500 million, 500 million, this is a lot of money, and they don't have much money at the moment. For this reason, Miura Shiomi contacted everyone to gather at Yoshinoya to discuss the issue of starting capital.

When Asagi walked into Yoshinoya, MMK and the others were already sitting there waiting for him. Asagi walked over and found an empty seat to sit down.

MMK, 486, and Miura Shiomi all stared at him with wide eyes. Rupa, Nina, and Ebizuka Satoshi were still working part-time.

"Would you like to take a look at the contract first?" Miura Shiomi handed a stack of documents to Asagi. Asagi looked at the paper, counting about five sheets. He was impressed. She was indeed a professional, even a rental contract was so meticulous.

"Yeah." Asagi took the contract and started reading it.

"By the way, this is just a draft. If you think there is anything inappropriate, I will discuss it again with the owner." Miura Shiomi adjusted the black glasses on her nose, appearing very confident.

"The monthly rent is only 75? We can definitely afford it," Asagi flipped through the documents, "but the first payment is a bit too much. What should I do if I don't have money?" He looked at everyone with a bitter face.

A monthly rent of 75 yen isn't considered expensive. Both Rupa and Ebizuka Satoshi's rentals cost over 10 yen, but their rooms are only a little over 30 square meters. Here, a 70-square-meter apartment costs 25 yen a month, which is quite affordable. This is because the locations are different. One is in a residential area, the other on a commercial street. Rents in commercial streets are much higher than in residential areas. So, with that in mind, 75 yen is quite affordable.

Asagi looked at everyone, hoping that everyone would speak actively and find a good solution.

"Why don't we all just do a live show to earn some money, and bring Suyo and the others along?" This was Asagi's idea. Since the last big party, the band's fan base had nearly reached 25 in the following days. Now, selling tickets for live shows is a breeze, and it's even possible to hold large-scale shows like Diamond Stardust, with capacity for thousands of people.

If it's a live event with 4500 people, assuming an average ticket price of around 1000, that's 450 million yen. After deducting various expenses, such as venue rental and promotional costs, there should be around 100 million yen left. Of course, this is all just Asagi's fantasy; whether a live event in a venue with a capacity of people is truly feasible requires further verification.

"I've already talked to Su Shi and the others. They're willing to accept our kindness and our favor. In this way, we can have a solo show with just us and Su Shi's band. The two bands take turns performing live. Can we make more money this way?" Suddenly, Asagi seemed to have thought of something, "It would be even better if we could get the Diamond Stardust band to come. But, they probably can't come, it's just a thought." Asagi smiled awkwardly.

At a typical live performance, the band's compensation is essentially the tickets themselves. However, live performances are short, requiring only a 20-minute performance. If it were a solo performance, like Minon, Asagi suddenly had a flash of inspiration, remembering Minon, the beautiful senior from MMK.

If the American music bands are included, the three bands should be able to support a live show of nearly 3 hours. They only need to pay the usage fee and can pocket the rest of the money.

As for inviting Diamond Dust to perform, that was just Asagi's wishful thinking. Diamond Dust was still a bit of a celebrity, having become a bit of a star. They had even organized several live shows for thousands of people. Asagi couldn't afford to pay a band of that level to perform.

"If Su Shi and the others can come, we can have a live show together. It sounds great and we can make a lot of money." 486 looked at everyone with a smile.

"But now it's the rent. If you miss out, it'll be hard to find a place like this. Besides, I went with Ms. Miura to look at rooms, and I think they're pretty cheap," MMK thought with a gloomy look on her face. Finally, MMK has been living in Tokyo for three years. Having rented so many apartments, she understands firsthand the meaning of the saying, "Don't miss out if you've seen it."

"Ms. MMK is right," Miura Shiomi agreed with MMK's idea. "We can't delay it for too long. If we delay it for too long, the owner might rent it to someone else. This is an uncontrollable factor."

"But we're broke, so we have to give up," Asagi sighed. Money is a key factor, and their biggest problem right now is lack of funds. Although they'd finally found a cheap, suitable house, they couldn't rent it without the money.

"How about we all try it together?" MMK's lips curled up into a smile. Asagi was puzzled. He looked at 486,486, who was also grinning mischievously. Across from him, Miura Shiomi also had a mysterious smile.

At this time, Rupa, Ebizuka Satoshi and Nina also came over and laughed together.

At this point, Asagi seemed to understand something. It was as if they had already discussed this. They were sitting here acting out this drama, hoping to see him look embarrassed and frustrated.

What a wicked bunch of people! Asagi thought.

Chapter 260 800

MMK took out a thick envelope from the bag behind her. The envelope was white and bulging, and you could tell at a glance that it was full of things.

"This is the little money I've saved over the years," MMK put the envelope on the table and pushed it to Asagi. Asagi opened the envelope and took a look. Most of it was in ten-thousand-yuan bills. He quickly flipped through it and saw that there was about half a million yuan.

"I'm so sorry, I've only saved this little after three years in Tokyo," MMK said, looking down in embarrassment. 3 yen is only about two months' salary. So, after three years in Tokyo, as the lead singer and guitarist in a professional band, while also working various part-time jobs, MMK only managed to save 50 yen.

Asagi could understand MMK's embarrassment.

Then MMK took out another envelope from her bag. This time the envelope was bigger and bulgier than the previous one. She handed it to Asagi.

"This is the money we've earned from various live performances since the band was formed. Since no one wants to take it, I can only keep it for you. Since we need the money, I think now is the time to take it out."

Asagi took a look and found it was around 100 million. The band had been formed for over two months and had held several live shows and taken on some small commercial contracts. MMK also went to the streets to perform solo live and sell CDs whenever he had time.

This makes 150 million.

Asagi thought for a moment, thinking the gang of bad guys must have already gathered, just to see his embarrassed and surprised look. So, when he took the money, he put on a very surprised expression, trying to exaggerate it, even opening his mouth wide. Sure enough, the bad guys smiled happily.

"I don't have much savings, so this is all I can give you." Nina handed an envelope containing about 30 yen to Asagi.

He knew that Nina didn't have much money. But he didn't expect Nina to be able to come up with quite a bit. Seeing Asagi looking at her, Nina explained in a panic, "Some of it is my own pocket money, some I earned from working, and some was given to me by my father before I left."

"He said he was worried about his daughter being alone in Tokyo, and that she was stubborn and naive, and wouldn't tell her family about anything. So, taking the money would give him and her mother some peace of mind."

As she spoke, Nina's eyes began to redden, and her voice became choked with sobs. Asagi had met Nina's father before, a typical Chinese patriarchal figure. Uncommunicative and strict with his children, they often resented him. However, they loved their children deeply, though they couldn't express themselves.

180 million.

According to the three-month deposit and three-month payment contract, they needed 450 million yen, and they also needed to purchase some simple furniture and equipment, which would cost about 500 million yen. This left a difference of 320 million yen. Asagi himself, with some living expenses sent by his family and his own part-time job, could only come up with 5 yen. This 5 yen also included the money from the tickets he had sold to Su Shi and the others a few days ago.

There was no other way, as he had to run to Yoshinoya frequently, which was a huge expense. He didn't have much money to begin with.

"I can only come up with 5." Asagi said embarrassedly.

Rupa and Ebizuka Tomo chuckled softly, looking down at Asagi. Ebizuka Tomo pulled out a large bag from his bag and threw it in front of Asagi's face. Ebizuka Tomo sternly tried to put on a proud look.

"This is the money that Rupa and I saved together, which is about 280 million. Use it." Ebizuka Satoshi put his hands on his hips and looked down at everyone in front of him with an arrogant look.

Asagi looked at the large bag of money on the table and felt a little lost. He even felt like he was dreaming.

"Where did you get so much money, Chi-chan?" Nina jumped up in surprise, moving closer until her face was almost touching the money. Nina took a big gulp, greedily sniffing the smell of the money, her eyes wide and round.

"Hehe, I'm not as poor as you. I dropped out of school a long time ago. It's only natural for me to save some money over the years, isn't it?" Ebizuka Satoshi looked down on Nina with great pride. Nina kept nodding her head, very envious.

Everyone looked at Ebizuka Chi with envy, and she blushed deeply, even feeling a bit shy. She began to sway slightly, and stammered, "Actually, most of this was saved by Rupa."

With the addition of Rupa and Satoshi Ebizuka, the rent problem was solved immediately.

"Where did Rupa get so much money?" Asagi looked up and asked.

Rupa used a casual smile to hide her inner sadness. "I have been working all these years, and I have kept some inheritance left by my parents well."

Asagi was silent. Although he had thought of this, he hesitated. This was something that Rupa's parents had left her. Should he accept it? This was an important thing that her parents had left her, and it was also the last remaining connection between Rupa and her parents.

"Can I accept such an important thing?" Asagi stared at the table with a serious expression.

Rupa smiled, gently pushed the big bag to Asagi's hand, and gently pressed it on his hand. Asagi could feel Rupa's warmth on the back of his hand, which was a pair of very gentle hands. Asagi raised his head and looked at Rupa.

"This is a very important thing, something left by our parents. So, it's even more important to use it for something important." Rupa gently rubbed Asagi's hand. The warmth from Rupa's fingertips softened his heart. Hugging, this kind of physical contact, is the simplest and most effective way to comfort someone.

Any restlessness, uneasiness, and panic will become extremely peaceful at this moment.

"Thank you, Rupa," Asagi pressed his face on Rupa's hand and solemnly thanked Rupa for his support and trust in him.

"Ahem, ahem, the atmosphere needs to be so weird all of a sudden. Today is such a joyful occasion, everyone should smile more." 486 broke the tense atmosphere, chuckled, threw a card, and slapped it on the table. "Well, now it's my turn."

486 grinned, revealing her white teeth. She stared at everyone with a smug look, looking around and trying to keep everyone in suspense.

"This is the pocket money I've saved since I was a kid. I spent quite a bit, so there's not much left. Adding it all up," 486 tilted his head and thought for a moment, "I think there's probably over two million left."

It’s happening, it’s happening. Isn’t this too much?

This time, it completely exceeded 450 million.

486 continued, "Just having a location isn't enough. Professional equipment like modulators, recording studios, and practice rooms all cost money. Plus, the house needs renovations, which is another huge expense. This little money isn't enough."

486's words poured cold water on Asagi again. Why are there so many places to spend money?

"Since everyone has contributed, I'll give out my share. It's embarrassing that I didn't save any money and can only give out 50." Finally, Miura Shiomi gave out her share.

The total amount of money everyone contributed now is almost 800 million.

Chapter 261 Authorization

"Then, Miss Miura will take care of setting up the firm and the related registration matters, as well as signing the contract with the client. Oh, and by the way, the firm doesn't have a finance department, so Miss Miura will have to temporarily serve as the accountant. She will also handle all the tedious matters like opening the public account and so on."

"May I?"

Asagi stood up and looked at Miura Shiomi. Setting up a firm wasn't a simple matter; there were countless tedious matters involved. And then there was the need to deal with government agencies, which only made things incredibly complicated.

Anyway, Asagi doesn't want to take care of these things, so just leave it to Miura Shiomi.

"Leave it to me. Although I don't understand much, at least I know a little more than you."

Miura Shiomi nodded and agreed.

While 800 million yen wasn't much, it still stood out. To protect their starting capital, they decided to leave it with Rupa, who was nearby, and wait until tomorrow to sign the contract. Asagi had to go to school, so she didn't get to see the scene.

When saying goodbye, Nina suddenly stared at Asagi, tilting her head as if she wanted to say something.

"What's wrong? Is there something on me?" Asagi looked at Nina curiously.

Nina thought for a moment, then pointed at Asagi and said loudly,

"Asaki, when are you dropping out of school?"

"Huh?" Asagi was stunned, confused as to why Nina would ask such a ridiculous question. What did it have to do with Nina whether he dropped out or not?

"I always feel like that's pretty cunning. No one else graduated from high school, but Asagi is the only one who went to school and got a high school diploma."

"Huh? You're dwelling on that?" Asagi was speechless. Sometimes he just couldn't understand Nina's train of thought. As a friend, an important friend, Nina was actually upset that Asagi was still studying and preparing for further studies, and she even started to plot to get Asagi expelled.

How much you care about your friends!

"Instead of worrying about this, why not practice your guitar?" Asagi hit Nina on the head. Nina covered her head in pain and looked at him with tears in her eyes.

Don't say that when you look so miserable! However, Asagi felt a little sorry for Nina because everyone liked to hit her on the head. He wondered if Nina's stupidity was due to being hit so much.

"Nina, what nonsense are you talking about?" 486 quickly came over and put his arms around Nina's waist, trying to drag her away! Not only 486, but Ebizuka Tomoya also came to help drag Nina away.

As they were dragging her, 486 apologized to Asagi, "This kid is talking nonsense. There's something wrong with her head. Asagi, please don't take it seriously."

Renai wanted to resist, but 486 covered her mouth with lightning speed, and she could only make miserable whimpering sounds.

"They're just making a fuss," MMK said with a wry smile. Everyone was so used to this scene that they didn't take it seriously.

"If possible, I hope Asagi doesn't drop out," MMK said solemnly. She looked at Asagi with a mixture of reluctance and hope in her eyes. "No one has finished high school yet. To be honest, I still feel a little regretful. So, Asagi must not drop out. Please help everyone finish high school."

As he spoke, MMK lowered his head slightly as a request.

How could Asagi possibly refuse MMK when he looked like this?

"I know. I'll persevere and finish high school. Also, regarding this weekend's joint live performance, I'll explain it to Sushi and the others. Let's all work together to earn enough money for the equipment. Otherwise, renting a private room in a KTV to practice all the time will be quite an expense."

"As for the live venue, MMK, you choose."

After the group secured a new office space, they needed some simple renovations and some additional equipment. Music-related equipment was incredibly expensive; even buying used would cost several million. However, the upside was a quick payback, and it also allowed Su Shi and the others to save money on practice.

After saying goodbye to MMK and the others, Asagi boarded the train back home. Sitting on the train, he pulled out his phone and needed to inform Sushi of this matter. Otherwise, with the way Sushi and the others were practicing, who knew what would happen when they went on stage.

The venue for this live performance will most likely not be the "RiNG" LiveHouse. Asagi suspects MMK will choose the old, run-down live venue owned by the uncle. On the one hand, MMK is very familiar with the live venue owned by the uncle, and the uncle is also very easy to talk to. If they rent out the venue, it will go smoothly.

They also prepared some merchandise and CDs. This live performance was essentially a small sales event. It also marked the first step toward professional development for Sushi and the others. Tickets there were only 3000 yuan, and the venue only held about 100 people. After deducting the cost of the private room, they only earned 20 yuan. That was a bit too little.

Therefore, while the popularity has risen, surrounding areas also need to be put on the agenda.

Besides, Asagi also wanted to see how this live show would perform. Ever since they'd been featured on the SAG Summer Nights Gala platform, MMK's follower count had skyrocketed, reaching 25. Honestly, that many followers could fill the Tokyo Dome. But what about their paying capacity? That's a question.

For this live, Asagi wanted to gauge the band's future commercial potential based on ticket sales. If they could sell 1 tickets in a day, it would indicate strong demand and a strong paying fan base. They could then consider larger venues, such as arenas, for live performances with crowds of 100.

However, if they can't sell 100 tickets by Friday, it means that the fans' paying ability is relatively low, and they need to appear more frequently, attract fans, release new songs, and participate in activities. In short, this is a test of the waters.

As for why they didn't choose LiveHouse "RiNG," it was because they weren't familiar with the owner. Also, LiveHouse "RiNG"'s business strategy differed from that of typical live venues, making it difficult to negotiate.