Tokyo Literary Masters: Starting from the Late 1980s

Chapter 78 Sachiko Kamachi's Debut Plan

Hearing Kitahara Iwa say so confidently that not a single word would be changed, Kamachi Sachiko's initially anxious gaze instantly turned into astonishment.

She opened her mouth slightly, somewhat incredulous, and said, "Kitahara-kun—you're not just trying to comfort me, are you?"

"The words and phrases here are so straightforward, there isn't even a hint of rhetoric."

"Compared to the heartwarming words in 'Love Letter,' it's practically like—"

"It's like laying bare your most sincere heart and showing it to others."

Kitahara Iwa gently interrupted her self-doubt, saying in a gentle tone, "Sachiko, writing skills and vocabulary can be learned, but this kind of sincerity that remains clear and full of vitality even in dire straits cannot be cultivated."

"Besides, this song doesn't need any extra embellishment at all."

Seeing the slight glint in Sachiko Kamachi's eyes, Kitahara Iwao's tone became extremely serious as he asked, "Sachiko, do you want this song to be heard throughout Japan?"

"Are you ready for your official debut?"

This question left Sachiko Kamachi speechless.

Then, she lowered her head somewhat awkwardly, her fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes.

"But—I'm just an exclusive model for one company right now."

She softly confessed her current situation and predicament: "My daily work is to go to the photo studio to shoot a few magazine pages or to provide background displays for some products."

"The people at my agency always say I'm too quiet —"

She bit her lower lip, her voice tinged with confusion, and said, "In my mind, singers who can stand on stage should be like the sun, full of energy, and know how to stir the emotions of the audience and spread happiness to everyone."

"But I'm a bit introverted, not good at talking, and don't know how to liven up the atmosphere—"

"Although Kitahara-kun, you previously asked me to change my singing style—"

"It seems like all I can do is stand there blankly and sing."

Kitahara Iwao looked at Kamachi Sachiko's downcast eyes and retorted directly, "Who says a singer has to be as dazzling as the sun?"

Upon hearing this, Sachiko Kamachi immediately looked up at Iwata Kitahara in disbelief.

"If everyone is striving to shine and give off light, then you are like a spring, quietly nourishing people's hearts, reaching the depths of their hearts with gentleness and steadfastness."

Looking into Sachiko Kamachi's tense eyes, Kitahara Iwao said, word by word, "As long as your voice is clear enough, there will always be people who, when they are exhausted, will be willing to stop and listen to you sing."

"You don't need to force yourself to cater to other people's preferences, nor do you need to learn how to liven up the atmosphere."

"If all you can do is stand there and sing, then let's find a stage where you can just stand there and sing."

"All you need to do is hold the microphone in your hand and sing your heart out."

"And I—will help you!"

These words were like a silent thunderclap, instantly shattering Sachiko Kamachi's daily confusion as a marginalized model. The confusion in her eyes gradually turned into determination, and then she nodded firmly, saying, "Kitahara-kun, I believe in you!"

"And I will work hard to sing as smoothly as a spring!"

Having made the promise, Kitahara Iwao would not hesitate for a moment.

He turned and walked to his desk, picked up the receiver, and skillfully dialed a number.

This number is Haruki Kadokawa's private hotline.

At this moment, the atmosphere was lively in a VIP box of a top club in Ginza, Tokyo.

Haruki Kadokawa was reclining on a leather sofa, enjoying the alcohol and the company of others.

However, when he saw the flashing number on his personal mobile phone, Haruki Kadokawa's previously dazed eyes instantly cleared.

He then rudely pushed away the hostess who was feeding him grapes, and even ignored the toasts from the investors around him. He strode to the relatively quiet corridor and pressed the answer button.

"Feeding? Brother Kitahara!"

Haruki Kadokawa's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement and anticipation, as if he had grasped some priceless treasure: "Calling me in the middle of the night, are you planning to hand over the film and television adaptation rights to your next novel to me?"

"Mr. Kadokawa, I apologize for disturbing you so late at night."

Without any unnecessary pleasantries, Kitahara Iwa went straight to the point, but his tone was as calm as if he were talking about something trivial: "I have a personal matter I'd like to ask for your help with."

Kadokawa Haruki on the other end of the phone was clearly taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter: "What are you saying, Kitahara-kun!"

"Your business is my business. Just tell me what you need!"

Upon hearing this, Kitahara Iwao turned to look at Kamachi Sachiko and slowly said, "I have a very good friend, a girl."

"She wanted to sing, and—she had a voice as clear as a spring."

At this point, Kitahara Iwa paused, seemingly giving Kadokawa Haruki time to process the information, before stating his next core demand: "But my friend is very quiet and can't do the traditional idol act of fawning over the camera."

"So I need a record company that is willing to sign her and give her absolute freedom."

"Let her not appear on comedy variety shows, and not take swimsuit photoshoots; let her just sing quietly."

"Mr. Kadokawa has extensive connections in the industry; could you help me find someone?"

Kitahara Iwa's insistence on securing an incredibly lenient contract, even at the cost of incurring favors, stemmed from his acute understanding of the price behind the "ZARD myth" of his past life.

Although ZARD was a legend created by Daiko Nagato, it was also the most typical powerful producer contract in the Japanese music scene in the 90s.

So-called mystery marketing comes at the cost of strictly limiting exposure.

She was banned from variety shows, refused interviews, and even concerts in front of her fans became a luxury. In her entire life, she made only seven public appearances.

Those were the years when she was kept in the recording studio like a canary.

The music style, the direction, and the promotional pace are all decided unilaterally by the producer.

This was accompanied by the routine of recording late at night, the heavy pressure of releasing albums frequently, and a meager share of the profits far below her market value.

In her past life, she burned her talent by overdrawing her life force.

Now, Kitahara Iwao will absolutely not allow Kamachi Sachiko to be bound by this short-sighted business shackles once again.

Upon hearing this, Kadokawa Haruki on the other end of the phone was momentarily stunned.

Then, this ruthless man, who had spent half his life navigating the world of fame and fortune, suddenly revealed an extremely shrewd glint in his eyes.

To be honest, he didn't care at all whether the nameless girl on the phone had any talent or not, or even whether she could sing.

At this moment, he had only one thing on his mind: Kitahara Iwao, the genius who was currently stirring up a storm in the Japanese literary world, had actually taken the initiative to ask him for a favor for the sake of a woman!

Thinking of this, a glint flashed in Kadokawa Haruki's eyes.

Kitahara Iwao is too opinionated, and his connection with Shinchosha is too deep. This makes it difficult for Kadokawa Haruki, who has always coveted his talent and wanted to recruit this great talent to Kadokawa Shoten, to find any breakthrough.

Now, as long as he helps him settle this friend and gives her a relaxed contract without any pressure, he can make Kitahara Iwa owe him a huge favor.

Trading a mundane job at a record company for a friendship that would bind Kitahara Iwatsu, this cash cow, to the end of the future—honestly, this deal couldn't be more worthwhile!

"Hahaha, Brother Kitahara!"

"Your friend is my friend! I'll take care of this little thing!"

At this moment, Kadokawa Haruki switched to an extremely righteous laugh and went along with it, saying, "Perfect timing, Being Music's president, Nagato Daiko, owes me a favor recently."

"His production style leans towards behind-the-scenes work, which is perfect for the kind of quiet singing environment you described."

"I'm organizing a gathering at a private club in Roppongi tomorrow afternoon."

"Bring that lady over here; let's finalize this contract in person!"

"Thank you, see you tomorrow then."

After hearing Kadokawa Haruki's reply, Kitahara Iwao nodded and then hung up the phone.

Then Kitahara Iwa turned around and his gaze fell on Kamachi Sachiko beside him.

At this moment, Sachiko Kamachi was clearly still in shock, her hands unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes, her eyes somewhat glazed over.

The series of behemoths and rising stars she had only seen in news and magazines now seemed like mountains suddenly looming over her, making her feel breathless.

Seeing Sachiko Kamachi's alarmed expression, Iwao Kitahara chuckled, reached out and ruffled her hair, saying, "Why the expression?"

"The debut arrangements are all taken care of."

"No need to dress up tomorrow. Just wear whatever you feel most comfortable and at ease, and bring your lyric book."

"Then come with me to Roppongi."