Girl idols are meant to be exploited!

As the aroma of tea filled the air, he spoke first: "Tell me, Xiao Tuo, this sudden visit, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Master Sakamoto, I do have something I'd like to ask for your help." Hoshikawa Taku put down his teacup, bowed slightly, and said seriously, "You've probably heard about the agency's current situation. To restore its former glory, I'd like to invite you to be a guest performer at Sumimi's concert."

"Sumi? What combination is that?"

Master Sakamoto had never heard of this name.

"It's a girl idol group that debuted recently. It has two girls as members and they can be considered popular idols nowadays," explained Hoshikawa Taku.

"Is this group an artist under your agency?"

"No." Hoshikawa Taku shook his head.

Master Sakamoto frowned slightly. "Then why do you want me to be the supporting guest of this group? For the sake of our past friendship, I will agree, but I hope you can use this favor for something more valuable."

Before Taku Hoshikawa came, Master Sakamoto had already decided to agree to Taku Hoshikawa's request, but he was puzzled as to why Taku Hoshikawa would help a group that had no connection with him for no reason?

"Actually, I have another request. I hope that Master Sakamoto can perform with a girl from our agency at your concert."

Hoshikawa Taku didn't hide his true purpose and directly stated his true purpose, "She hasn't debuted yet, so I want to use this concert as an opportunity, and your fame, Master Sakamoto, to let her debut in front of the world."

Takuya Hoshikawa knew that the opportunity to perform with Master Sakamoto was a rare one, and if it were on a bigger stage, the effect would definitely be better.

But now Taku Hoshikawa has no money, no people, and no resources. He doesn't know when he will be able to organize a concert.

What’s important now is the “start”. As long as we complete the step from “0 to 1”, it will be worth it even if there is a slight waste of resources.

"I see... this is your purpose." Master Sakamoto nodded in understanding and turned his gaze to Xiaozhi.

"Is this the lady I'm acting with?"

Upon hearing this, Xiaozhi was stunned for a few seconds, and then his cheeks turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye, and he became excited in an instant.

Although she had never heard Taku Hoshikawa ask her to perform at a concert before, she would definitely agree if there was a chance to perform with Master Sakamoto!

However, the next moment, Taku Hoshikawa poured a bucket of cold water on her.

"No, it's not her. It's a girl named Toyokawa Shoko."

Not yourself?

Xiaozhi was stunned for a few seconds before reacting.

Oh right...it definitely wasn't me, I didn't sign a contract with Taku Hoshikawa.

How could such great resources and such a good opportunity be given to a nobody like me?

Although she knew it was supposed to be like this, the huge gap still swept over Xiaozhi for a moment, making her feel depressed.

"Toyokawa Shoko...Toyokawa...Could it be?" Master Sakamoto pondered.

Master Sakamoto didn't know Sumimi, but he was very familiar with the surname "Toyokawa", and he thought of a lot of things in an instant.

Xingchuan Taku nodded, confirming his guess: "Yes, Master, you are right, she is indeed from that family."

"I'm not in a position to go into detail about the specifics, but she has temporarily severed ties with the family and is now signed to our firm."

To be honest, Sakamoto didn't understand why the members of the Toyokawa family had to borrow his own fame to make their debut?

As long as the Toyokawa family is willing, they can completely dominate the hot searches on the entire Internet and let this person make a high-profile debut.

However, he heard from Hoshikawa Taku that this matter was rather complicated and involved many people. In that case, he would not delve into it further.

He pretended to know nothing and was simply doing it to repay the favor.

There is something Sakamoto wants to remind Hoshikawa Taku.

He said seriously, "Xiao Tuo, I can perform with her, but you have to make sure she has sufficient piano skills to perform with me. If her piano skills are too poor, then using my fame to debut is not a good idea."

Taku Hoshikawa is still confident about Shoko Toyokawa's abilities.

He smiled and said, "Master, don't worry about this. Although she is not very old, she has been playing the piano since she was a child and has reached a professional level. She just lacks the opportunity to debut."

After thinking for a moment, Master Sakamoto slowly nodded.

"Since you say so, I'll believe it for now. When is the co-performance?"

Chapter 56: Do you really think I'm doing charity?

After reaching a consensus with Master Sakamoto, Taku Hoshikawa called Sumimi's agent.

"Ms. Agent, I'm already at Master Sakamoto's house. Can you come over today?"

"Of course, I'll be there right away!" The agent put aside all other things today and waited for Taku Hoshikawa's reply.

After learning the specific address from Taku Hoshikawa, she immediately hung up the phone and rushed over.

While waiting for her, Xiaozhi couldn't wait to take this opportunity to ask Master Sakamoto for advice.

Although the favor had already been repaid, Master Sakamoto still readily agreed to this small matter.

From piano playing techniques to key points in composing music, to how to adjust your mindset when facing an audience...

Xiaozhi benefited a lot from just sharing some of the experiences he had accumulated over the past few decades.

Xiaozhi's original disappointment was soon diluted by joy, and he thought happily that his trip today was not in vain.

Sumimi's agent didn't let Taku Hoshikawa wait too long. In less than an hour, the doorbell rang.

Master Sakamoto put down the music sheet in his hand, stood up and walked towards the door.

After opening the door, a woman in a professional suit walked in. She had a capable temperament but a hint of nervousness on her face.

It was Sumimi's agent.

She held an exquisitely wrapped gift box in her hand and bowed slightly. "Master Sakamoto, I'm sorry to bother you. On behalf of our team and Sumimi herself, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for your willingness to be a guest performer at Sumimi's concert!"

Sakamoto Ryuichi invited her into the house while casually waving his hand. His tone was calm but somewhat indifferent: "No need to be so polite. Things haven't even started yet, so there's no need to thank me."

"Master Sakamoto, it's a great honor for us that you're willing to support Sumimi's concert." The agent handed over the gift box with both hands, looking respectful. "This is a small gift from our team. I hope you can accept it."

Ryuichi Sakamoto took a look at the gift box, did not reach out to take it, but just waved his hand slightly.

"No, I helped because of Hoshikawa Taku. I don't need any extra thanks. If you want to thank someone, thank him."

The agent froze for a moment, his eyes scanning the room before landing on the only other male in the room, Taku Hoshikawa.

This was also the first time she met Taku Hoshikawa offline.

"Are you the one who called me?"

Hoshikawa Taku nodded with a smile: "Yes, it's me. Regarding the issue of cooperation, let's talk about it between the two of us. Master Sakamoto has entrusted this matter to me."

Master Sakamoto took Taku Hoshikawa and his agent to his study, asked them to close the door and chat alone, while he continued to listen to Xiaozhi's playing outside and give her guidance.

Listening to the melodious piano music coming from outside, Taku Hoshikawa and his agent began to discuss.

Hoshikawa Taku spoke first: "Ms. Agent, I have already agreed with Master Sakamoto that he will play two songs at the concert. It's not that he can't play more, but I'm worried that your budget may not allow it."

The agent gave a wry smile and said, "Our funds for this concert are indeed limited. However, if we can invite Master Sakamoto to perform, I will report any overspending to the agency."

There has never been a precedent of Maestro Sakamoto appearing as a supporting actor at an idol star's concert before. Even if it is not a favor price but a normal price, he must seize this opportunity.

"So, what's your offer, Mr. Xingchuan?" she asked tentatively.

Hoshikawa Taku crossed his arms, leaned forward slightly, and said in a steady tone, "I won't waste my time with you. The appearance fee is 15 million yen for playing two of Sumimi's songs. If you knew what Master Sakamoto usually charges for an appearance, you'd know how much of a bargain you're taking."

The price that Taku Hoshikawa quoted was only 50% of Master Sakamoto's appearance fee. You should know that normally even a guest appearance to play a piece of music would start at at least 30 million.

This offer of 15 million yen couldn't be more conscientious.

You know, there are countless organizers of events and performances who want to pay a high price to invite Master Sakamoto but still can’t do it.

The agent was stunned for a moment, then became ecstatic.

"Mr. Hoshikawa, is your offer real? Thank you so much! Without your help, we wouldn't have been able to invite a legend like Master Sakamoto! Sumimi and our team will definitely live up to your expectations!"

"Don't thank me yet." Hoshikawa Taku waved his hand.

"I have another condition. When Maestro Sakamoto performs, one of the pieces will be a solo performance, and the other will be a duet with someone else. She is also a pianist, an amateur who has not yet debuted."

The agent's enthusiasm cooled a little.

Those who can be agents and negotiate business are the smartest of the smart. Her eyes flashed slightly, and she understood what Hoshikawa Taku meant.

"...Are you planning to use the gimmick of co-starring with Master Sakamoto to promote her?"

"That's right, it's easy to talk to smart people." Hoshikawa Taku snapped his fingers. "Otherwise, why do you think I used my connections to invite Master Sakamoto to your concert? Do you really think I'm doing charity?"

The agent frowned and said, "This is Sumimi's concert after all. The audience still wants to see their collaboration with Master Sakamoto. If you insist on adding an amateur, it might cause controversy and make her a target of criticism.

This will do more harm than good to both the amateur's future development and Sumi."

Hoshikawa Taku smiled indifferently.

"I know better than you how big the risk is. She's just a temporary guest who only made a cameo appearance on one song. It's not enough to cause public outrage.

When she performs on stage, I will have her wear a mask so that all the focus is on Master Sakamoto and Sumi.”

Hoshikawa Taku paused, staring into his agent's eyes provocatively. "Do you think even a masked girl playing the piano can steal Sumimi's limelight?"

Hoshikawa Taku deliberately provoked him.

The agent gritted his teeth and retorted, "Whether she steals the limelight or not is another matter, but if she, an amateur, makes a mistake at the concert, it could ruin the entire show. I have to consider Sumimi's concert."

As if doing something good for Hoshikawa Takumi, the agent earnestly advised, "As an amateur, it's best for her to debut on a stage that suits her. Taking too big a step won't be good for her..."

Hoshikawa Taku raised his hand and interrupted her directly.

"That's none of your concern. My request is for Master Sakamoto to perform a song with her. If you're not willing, then there's nothing more to discuss. If you agree, I can compromise and ask for just 12 million for the appearance fee."

"..." The agent was silent for a long time, as if weighing the pros and cons. After a while, she said, "I need to discuss this with the agency."

"Of course, you make the call, I'll leave for a while." Taku Hoshikawa got up and walked out of the study and closed the door.

After a while, the agent came out and said solemnly, "We've agreed. We'll do as you said: 12 million appearance fee."

"A wise choice." The corners of Hoshikawa Taku's mouth rose slightly. He had guessed that she would definitely agree.

Compared to the temptation of having Master Sakamoto as a guest at the concert, the risk of adding an amateur is simply not worth mentioning.

Today is Tuesday and the concert will be held this Saturday. Speed ​​is of the essence and she doesn't have more time to think about it.

As a result, the two sides "hit it off".

Chapter 57: Xiangzi showed a determined look, and Xingchuan Taku started laughing

The agent signed a contract with Taku Hoshikawa on the spot, and also decided on which two songs of Sumimi would perform.

The subsequent publicity and promotion tasks were the key, so the agent left in a hurry without staying for a moment.

She doesn't have much time left for promotion, so she needs to announce the news that Master Sakamoto will join the concert as soon as possible.

"Master Sakamoto, the contract has been negotiated. We agreed on a price..."

Hoshikawa Taku was interrupted by Master Sakamoto, "I don't need to know the contract between you and that agent. Three million, just pay me three million yen for the appearance fee."

Master Sakamoto agreed to perform on stage in order to repay a favor, and he didn't expect to get much profit from this concert.

No matter what price Taku Hoshikawa and his agent negotiated, he wouldn't ask for more.

The extra money would be considered as support he provided to Taku Hoshikawa to restore the glory of the firm.

Hoshikawa Takuya quickly understood what the other party meant.

Hoshikawa Taku said solemnly, "Master Sakamoto, thank you very much. When the agency develops well, I will invite you to hold a concert through official channels."

"Well, I'm looking forward to it."

Taku Hoshikawa said goodbye to Master Sakamoto and left the Sakamoto residence with Lupa and the reluctant Satoshi.

"I never thought that I could have such close contact with the master and receive his guidance..."

On the way back, Xiaozhi was still thinking about it.

Her eyes were full of envy, and she said to herself: "That person named Toyokawa Shoko is so lucky, she actually has the opportunity to perform with the master..."

It would be great if I could be the one to act with the master.

Before they even met, Xiaozhi was already envious and even jealous of the artist he was responsible for.