He is an idol and a childhood sweetheart.

"I will work hard in the direction that the producer desires."

Both as an idol and in the future after that.

Looking at the man who was completely unaware of what "bastard words" he said, Duye Rinshi was full of determination at the moment.

Chapter 7: The changes I want to show you

In the vocal class the next day, Duye Rinse met Mr. Ishibashi and planned to discuss with him the selection of songs for Live.

"Oh~ Mr. Du Ye is finally going to perform on stage for the first time."

Just as he had expected, after a week of learning about modern vocal music, Duye Rinse's legacy of learning art since she was a child was enough for her to step onto the official stage.

At the same time, during this week, he also left homework for Duye Rinse, allowing her to listen to various styles of modern pop music one by one.

Although the selection of songs may not be as many as those of Enka Higuchi or Yuko Daito, there is still no problem in choosing just one song.

"So...does Du Ye have any ideas about the repertoire he wants to sing and the style of performance?"

Mr. Ishibashi asked:

"It doesn't matter whether it's vague, concrete, emotional or rational. Do you have any general ideas?"

"idea……"

Duye Rinshi thought for a moment and then said:

"I hope the producer will be happy after watching it..."

"...Oh, this request is too simple!"

Mr. Ishibashi shook his head:

"Considering that idiot's character, you are already very happy just standing on the stage. Is there a more ambitious goal? For example, making Watanabe-kun fall in love with you directly or something?"

"!? Then, that kind of request... is impossible."

Although Mr. Ishibashi's statement made Duye Rinse temporarily shaken, she did not lose her judgment because of such an impactful statement.

"Producer-sama wouldn't have that kind of thought about idols, and...it's impossible for me now to compare with Higuchi-senpai and Asakura-senpai's status in his mind."

"Hey, you're not talking about such a realistic topic!"

It can be said that Mr. Ishibashi already knew about Duye Rinse's infatuation.

If he can't hear anything from the "Producer" sounds based on his observation skills, then it's probably time for him to retire and return home.

"It's definitely not asking you to really win him over with just one song... But at least, you can convey something to him through this song. Or... like Higuchi-san, you don't expect to convey it to the other party, just Simply sing what’s in your heart.”

Mr. Ishibashi said.

After hearing this, Duye Rinshi showed a somewhat hesitant expression:

"When you perform a show... shouldn't you devote yourself wholeheartedly to the show? If you always think about what is in your heart, can you really devote yourself to the music or dance?"

"...Well, by the way, I forgot to tell you about this."

Mr. Ishibashi is certainly not unfamiliar with the questions raised by Duye Rinse.

In fact, he has seen countless traditional dancers because he

"Performance in the idol profession is different from art. You don't need to erase your own existence, and there is no fixed content that you need to perform. The only thing you have to do on stage is to show yourself. As for what to show, It’s something you have to think about yourself.”

"…………"

........................

Want something to show?

This is my first time thinking about this question.

After all, I only wanted to become an idol because of the producer. I never thought about self-expression, and the producer never asked me to do anything specifically.

And to the producer, my existence itself seems to be worth showing off.So he never asked for anything above that.

For example, what Higuchi-senpai said about "carrying out oneself", or what Dai-senpai said

The "royal route" I mentioned...the producer didn't point out such a clear path for me.

Could it be that her temperament from a traditional family background... her kimono... her appearance that he repeatedly praised... were enough to become an idol that he could be proud of?

……

…………

No, that's not the case, right?

What I saw on the train that day, the live performance of the two seniors, and the various performances of Asakura-senpai that I saw recently on the Internet were by no means that simple.

Higuchi-senpai's "complexity", Dai-senpai's "cuteness", and Asakura-senpai's "sensibility"... everyone finally found their own way of performing through continuous hard work and thinking.

The traditional temperament in me, as well as my reserved and polite words and deeds... are just a reflection of my upbringing and family background, and cannot be everything on stage.

If I want to become an idol on the same level as the other seniors... I still have to show off more things.

Ah... So it seems that the producer has always treated me with a certain degree of love and caution.

Because I come from a traditional Japanese family, because I am the eldest daughter, and because I don’t know much about the world, he always takes care of me in every possible way.

Just like when he went to Livehouse before, he would worry that I couldn't stand the sound of music there.

In his eyes, I have always been the "Yamato Nadeshiko who seems to have traveled from ancient times."

Even now, he probably still regards me as "the eldest daughter of the Azuno family" rather than "the idol of the Watanabe Office".

if it is like this……

I really want to find something I want to show the producer.

………………

Jingle bells!

"...?"

Kento Watanabe couldn't help but be startled when he heard the phone ringing suddenly.

And when he picked up the phone and saw the caller ID, he showed a rather surprised expression:

"Hello, Rinse?"

[…It’s me, good afternoon, Mr. Producer. 】

Du Ye Rinshi's voice came from the microphone, and his tone and speed were still as steady and slow as usual, which made people feel at ease listening to it.

"What's the matter? You should still be taking vocal lessons now, right?"

Kento Watanabe asked.

Duye Rinshi replied:

[Today's class has ended, so... I'm already on my way back. 】

"Eh?!"

Kento Watanabe was stunned when he heard this, and then hurriedly said:

"Wait a minute, Rinshi, where are you now?"

[Tram stop. 】

"Hey, you were in such a hurry to leave...Why didn't you wait for me to pick you up?"

[It’s because I don’t want to be picked up by the producer, so I want to take the train. 】

"Varied--"

Duye Rinse's answer made Kento Watanabe suddenly show an expression of astonishment.

"W-why is this? Did I do something wrong to make you angry?"

[It’s not that…the producer didn’t do anything wrong. 】

Duye Linshi said softly:

【I just want to take the initiative to get closer to you while talking on the phone like this. 】

呲——!

The door of the tram closed with a sound.

Looking at the slowly moving scenery outside the window, Duye Rinshi said with a smile:

[This... is what I wanted to express that day. 】

Duye Rinse's repertoire has been confirmed.

Chapter 8: Tokyo Retro

(The title is taken from the song "Tokyo Le Toro" of the same name by Takashi. It is recommended to read this chapter with the song.)

(It is recommended to choose Shikano’s version!)

Bah——!Bang-dang~bang-dang~bang-dang~

My acquaintance with the producer began with the sound of this array of cars moving.

Incredible fate made us meet on that day, on that train, in front of that seat.

Just like the producer said, our meeting was just like fate.

I became his last idol, and he became an important person who will stay with me for the rest of my life.

However, at that time, I did not think of such a distant future.

I simply think...this handsome and gentle gentleman is a very interesting traveling companion.

The originally boring journey became fulfilling and warm because of his company.

There was concentration and pride in his eyes that I had never seen before when he looked at those two idols.

And the appearance of those two idols on the stage also made me feel the shining of idols for the first time.

That is, from this moment on, my destiny...is blended with his.

If the first time we walked together was just due to fate and coincidence, then every time we walked together since then... was no longer due to chance.

Those eyes that would look back at me from time to time made my steps extremely light.

The figure from behind who helped me block the crowds and sight lines was also guiding me in the direction of progress.

After meeting him, the whole world seemed to have changed.

The distant clear sky, the elegant and pleasant fragrance of flowers, the brilliant and warm sunset.

Everything is so beautiful that I feel strange.

As a result, every time I came back to my senses, my eyes were searching for his presence.

Whenever I am separated from him

Sometimes, I feel inexplicably anxious and lonely inside.

I don't want to limit our connection to this miraculous encounter.

He passed through the city, through the country paths, through the Japanese style courtyard, and broke into my world.

It was he who pointed out the way to make me stay with him, and it was he who worked hard to convince my mother.

Then...it's my turn.

Swish, swish, swish...

The breeze ruffles the nandina bamboo forest.

click, click, click...

I'm on the road looking for him.

Passing through the courtyard full of my childhood memories, passing through the country paths that I am all too familiar with, passing through the urban jungle where I have never stopped looking...

I'm coming to see you soon, Mr. Producer.

........................