Chapter 743: 2011- The Refusal

An hour later, Takeyama is walking through the halls, completely lost. He would have accepted the receptionist’s offer to show him around if he knew this would happen.    

‘I know he doesn’t like seeing me but to not even show up despite knowing that I am here. Had it been any other producer, they would have called Yuhi arrogant and not bothered with him anymore. But how can I let such an exceptional talent go to waste?’

Takeyama looks around the school. This is the first time he has actually gone inside. Normally he would just ambush Yuhi at the gate. But today he was in a hurry, the deadline for the participants participating in the festival is coming up. If he doesn’t submit M5’s entry soon, they won’t be able to join in even if they accept later.

Initially, he only came to scout Yuhi; however, after seeing Yuhi perform with the other guys, he changed his mind. Moreover, now he could use the other guys as leverage to persuade Yuhi. But even that plan failed.

‘There is no use persuading us; we have the same mindset as Yu-Yu. We won’t leave Mimi alone.’

Recalling Maon Kou’s blunt and cold rejection, Takeyama sighed. Why are they all so obsessed with Ibuki? He doesn’t understand it. No, that’s wrong. He did hear about Terashima Yuhi abroad, but the news that Sumire would be performing and was slowly returning to the entertainment industry caught his attention more. 

It’s not like he wants to hold a grudge against Ibuki Sumire. After all, that girl is talented, and he has always been after the talented ones. 

…….

Star Town Year 2011, March. Kitsune Entertainment.

Takeyama is staring at the woman in front of him with an even darker gaze than the previous days. He doesn’t know how many times he has come here to this same waiting room, hoping to meet Ibuki Sumire. Only to end up seeing the face of her manager. He understands that the company highly values her and that she must be very busy. But it’s not like he is someone with no status. 

It’s very unusual that she hasn’t come to meet with him at least once. Is she an arrogant person? Takeyama shakes his head. No, no, music doesn’t lie. The first time he heard her singing on the radio, he immediately found out her details and took the first flight there.

‘I won’t give up. I will make Ibuki Sumire a star.’

Katakura Leona, Ibuki Sumire’s manager. He even made an offer to take her along with Sumire. Normally most managers would take the bait, but she isn’t budging. It’s strange; when she saw the documents, she did seem interested. But she keeps refusing.

“I wonder how many times we have met now, sir Takeyama.”

“If we count today, and even the times I stopped you on the street, that would make this the fiftieth time.”

“Has it been that many times already? You are very persistent, aren’t you.”

“So about Sumire-“

“Sumire said no. She told you to go home.” Leona interjected.

Takeyama frowns upon hearing those words. “Did she truly say that?”

Even if she is arrogant, she would at least refuse directly. Rather arrogant people who think they are much better than the rest would more likely to do that. That’s why he doesn’t believe for one second that Ibuki is the one that is actually refusing.

“Of course she did. She told me yesterday during training at nine.”

“So she trains that late? She is very diligent.”

Leona shakes her head. “It’s the mandatory training session for all our artists in the morning.”

It’s strange whenever he praises her. This woman always refutes his words and makes Ibuki seem like a lazy person. 

‘I even detect a bit of hostility.’ But surely not. Ibuki is somebody who can make this woman’s career rise. Having a star like Ibuki will make her a golden manager.

“I am sure you know what I came here for. Please let me meet with Ibuki. I will explain it to her directly.”    

“Even if you say that, I am troubled too. That girl is very stubborn and threw a tantrum the last time I asked her.”

Before he could say anymore, there was a knock on the door. “Leona-san? I apologize for disturbing your meeting. But can I speak to you for a bit?”

“Fuuko? Yes, you can come in.”

Takayama sighed. Shouldn’t she ask him first if it’s okay? No matter, today he will be more persistent. A woman with pink-colored curly hair wearing a caramel-colored modest-looking dress stepped in with a few books in her hands.

‘Pretty, she looks like a doll. But looks are not everything.’

 The minute the girl started singing, Takeyama sighed. Se? Most people with pretty faces tend not to be able to sing. That’s why when he first saw Ibuki’s picture, he was skeptical at first, but he actually heard her sing in person from a distance when he first came here.

“Mister Takeyama, let me introduce you to our company’s new star. She has only been with us for a short while. But the company intends to focus on her.”

“Hello, I am Hori Fuko.”

“I see. It’s nice to meet you, miss. Are you an actress or a model?”

 “N-no, I am a singer.”

Well, he figured that out when she sang just now. She does have a decent voice, but it’s nothing special.

“I am an international producer. I came here to scout Ibuki Sumire.”

“I-I see. Sumire-chan is very good at singing.”

Are they friends? No, they probably don’t know each other well enough if she is new. It’s too bad he can’t find any other means other than her manager to get closer to her. 

“If you’re going to be focusing on this girl now. You can give me Ibuki Sumire, right?” Takeyama lip’s curved into a smile. “After all, I doubt an entertainment company as small as this one has the resources to promote two artists.”

“You must be joking; even our small company can do that much. But if not, somebody’s work will just have to decrease.”

‘Which one would they sacrifice? This girl who looks to be more like a model or Ibuki Sumire, who can sing very well?’ 

Either way, maybe he can take advantage of it. If the company would rather focus on this other girl, then that means Ibuki’s position in the company will be awkward. When that happens, he can take her, can’t he?

“Since you two have met now, this is good timing.”

“Oh?”

“Since you’re making such a good offer, the company has decided to accept.”

“I see, so when can I see Ibuki.” 

“-with Fuuko in the front.” Leona finished.

Takayama’s gaze dimmed upon hearing those words. Are these people crazy? Has he truly wasted fifty visits only for them to suggest him sign this random girl?

“I think you need to do your research a bit, Miss Leona. You seem to have misunderstood how I work. I only recruit exceptionally talented people. I came to Japan strictly to meet Ibuki Sumire and recruit her because she is talented. If you say I still can’t see her, I will find another way.”    

The only reason why he hasn’t searched for an alternative method is because he has been respecting how they do things here. But, if they continue behaving like this, he no longer has to respect their traditions.

“The company is pushing for Fuuko, and Ibuki will be kicked out soon for her disrespectful behavior and attitude.”

“If she is getting kicked out, then that is even more so for me to take her. She is a golden egg that I do not want to let go of. You can’t possibly expect me to pick up something that isn’t gold.”

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