novelnext Chapters 1282 and 1291: The Appeal of the King of Pop!
Chapters 1282 and 1291: The Appeal of the King of Pop!
Chapters 1282 and 1291: The Appeal of the King of Pop!
On September 12th, the entire city of Yokohama seemed to be cheering for one person's name: Michael Jackson.
The port city was suddenly flooded with twice the usual number of people, and the roads were much more congested than before, causing Naoki Nagayama and Akina to arrive at Yokohama Stadium a little later than usual.
Meanwhile, a large number of fans had slowly gathered outside Yokohama Arena, waiting for the concert to begin.
"Terashi-san, Arigato~"
As Terahina and her staff escorted Akina into the venue, Akina thanked them somewhat shyly.
"The traffic was so bad, I'm late!"
"Hey, you're in the second half of the last rehearsal anyway."
Before the performance officially begins, the team will go through the process one last time to make sure there won't be any problems at the last minute.
Akina's duet with Michael Jackson was in the latter half, so it didn't really have any impact.
"Naoki-san, I'm going to change my clothes~"
Akina hurriedly said goodbye to Naoki Nagayama and then went to the dressing room with the staff, leaving Naoki Nagayama and Terahashi Akira staring at each other.
"Sigh, Akina used to be very dedicated to her work. She always arrived at the venue early and would get angry if the staff were late~"
Terahiro Terahiro, with a pointed remark, uttered a nameless sigh.
"Things are definitely different now after getting married!"
"Terahina-san, we all left early," Naoki Nagayama said with a smile, "but we didn't expect there to be so many people outside. We really didn't mean to be late~"
After a slight complaint, Terabayashi Akira, not one to hold grudges, turned the tables and asked:
"Naoki-san, where would you like to be during the actual performance later? It might get very busy backstage."
"Of course I'm in the first row!"
Naoki Nagayama took a ticket out of his pocket.
"I bought a ticket!"
"First row."
Terahina Akira was speechless; having connections really made getting tickets convenient.
"However, this performance is being recorded by a TV station, so there's a high chance that people in the first row will be filmed. Naoki-san should be fine, right?"
"Haha, so what? I'm not someone to be ashamed of~"
He's Nakamori Akina's legal husband, not the kind of person who sneaks into concerts with a mistress.
"Alright then, go back to your hotel after this is over. We'll disguise Akina and take her out of the venue, then deliver her to the New Grand Hotel."
"Um, that works too~"
Looking at the crowd of fans outside, Naoki Nagayama knew that it would be very difficult for Michael Jackson and Akina Nakamori to go out.
As they were talking, they saw Michael Jackson, who had changed into his stage costume, walk toward the side door.
Hey Naoki!
Seeing his friend Michael so happy,
"You're here. So Akina's here too?"
"Yes, she's putting on makeup."
Naoki Nagayama replied,
"It should be out soon~"
"it is good"
He wanted to chat for a bit more, but employees were already reminding him that it was time, so Michael Jackson had to prepare to go on stage.
"I'm quite busy today, let's have a proper chat after the concert."
"Good~"
After watching Michael Jackson go on stage and seeing everyone backstage going about their tasks, Naoki Nagayama felt that he was drawing attention by wandering around alone, so he headed towards the audience seats outside.
The appointed time hadn't arrived yet, so the fans hadn't come in, and the entire venue was quite empty, with only the camera crew checking their equipment.
As Naoki Nagayama was passing by, he suddenly heard a sound:
"Isn't that Naoki-san?!"
Turning around, I saw that it was none other than the very familiar producer, Kazuhisa Fujiwara!
"Fujiwara-san, what are you doing here?"
Naoki Nagayama found it very strange. Kazuhisa Fujiwara was a veteran producer active in the entertainment industry, the producer of the first season of "Neon Voice," and a bridge figure between Nippon Television (NTV) and Naoki.
"Because we were short-staffed for recording a Michael Jackson concert, I was pulled in as a backup to manage the recording team."
Fujiwara Kazuhisa offered a brief explanation, then spoke in a very resentful tone,
"When will the second season of Naoki's 'Neon Voice' start production? There's still no definite answer."
He turned down many opportunities for the show "Neon Voice," which is why he was drafted into the program.
"I estimate it will have to wait until after the Tokyo International Film Festival ends."
Naoki Nagayama didn't hide it either.
"Tree enthusiasts have been quite busy lately."
Currently facing issues with the Tokyo Film Association, the film festival, and the bribery case, plus Black Monday in October, Naoki Nagayama simply doesn't have the energy to develop another side story.
However, for the show "Neon Voice," many decisions need to be made by him; they can't do without him.
"After the film festival?"
Fujiwara Kazuhisa nodded. Last year's "Neon Voice" was also around the end of the year, so he wasn't too worried.
Then he asked about what happened today:
"Is Naoki here today to keep Nakamori Akina company?"
"Haha, that's one of the reasons," Naoki Nagayama said with a laugh. "Besides, I also want to experience the charm of the King of Pop!"
"That's it!"
Fujiwara Kazuhisa smiled and agreed.
"Michael Jackson's world tour is indeed a very rare opportunity!"
Following Fujiwara Kazuhisa, the two chatted as they inspected the filming crew's work. Meanwhile, music began playing on stage, signaling the start of the final rehearsal.
"When it comes to watching concerts, our camera position is definitely the best!"
Fujiwara Kazuhisa sighed.
"They can move freely within the inner circle, and even go on stage."
"Didn't you use a crane camera this time?"
"No."
"Where is Naoki-san's location this time?" Fujiwara Kazuhisa asked. "Would you like to come with us?"
"Haha, then please get me a work ID!"
Of course, I can't pass up the opportunity to freely enter the inner circle!
Time passed minute by minute.
As dusk fell and the sun began to set in the west, it was finally time for the concert!
As the stadium doors gradually opened, groups of fans entered the concert hall with excited expressions on their faces. Most of them were Japanese, but there were also quite a few fans from Europe and America.
Today, they will be able to enjoy a performance from the world tour of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson!
After more than an hour, the entire venue was packed with a sea of people, their noise creating a buzzing resonance.
Security personnel and medical staff are on standby at the reserved emergency exit, as people often faint from excitement during Michael Jackson's concerts, and emergency care has become a regular occurrence.
As the sun completely set, the lights went out one by one, and the last ray of light disappeared, plunging the entire venue into darkness. The concert was about to begin!
Gradually, the audience's voices began to quiet down.
In this atmosphere, a burst of dry ice mist erupted from the stage, spotlights suddenly blazed on, and in the bright white light, Michael Jackson and his dancers appeared together in the center of the stage!
"Michael!!" "It's real!" "He's here!" "I love you!!!"
Michael Jackson's mere appearance ignited the stadium's atmosphere, with fans erupting in cheers and screams, the applause and shouts like a tsunami!
"That's the appeal of a pop king!"
Naoki Nagayama, sitting in the first row, couldn't help but sigh.
He has participated in many concerts, including those by Akina Namie and other singers, as well as the largest and most prestigious "Live Aid" charity concert, which featured a star-studded lineup of top artists.
But no other singer could create such a sensation with just one appearance as Michael Jackson.
The first song was "WANNA BE STARTIN' SOMETHIN'", its fast rhythm and melody seemingly echoing the eagerness of the fans and audience.
Next up is "Things I Do for You," another classic song~
On stage, Michael Jackson's every move was full of power, as if he wanted to show his fans everything in his heart.
After a few songs, Michael Jackson also paused to rest briefly and interact with fans:
"Everyone, I love you seven kids~~"
He greeted them in Japanese again, which made the audience cheer once more!
"This is my first time holding a concert in Japan, thank you all for your support!"
Similar to previous interviews, but this time Michael Jackson was speaking to his fans, which filled everyone with passion.
At the same time, the camera began to turn its lens towards the audience, trying to capture the lively scene.
Looking at the camera from behind, Fujiwara Kazuhisa gave instructions via radio:
"Aim the camera at the middle of the first row. Yes, yes, that's Naoki Nagayama, take a picture of him!!"
Fujiwara Kazuhisa came with a mission: to record the most exciting parts of Michael Jackson's concerts!
How could we possibly let go of such an eye-catching bag as Naoki Nagayama!
Once Akina Nakamori takes the stage, the camera will definitely focus more on Naoki Nagayama!
"Remember, every time the camera pans across the audience, make sure to capture Naoki Nagayama!!"
"Hi!"
Meanwhile, Naoki Nagayama was oblivious to the camera, completely absorbed in watching "She's Out of My Life."
Meanwhile, Nakai Genta had already arrived in New York.
"Naoki-san said he could stay at his apartment in New York."
After arriving at the apartment in Manhattan following the address, Nakai Genta suddenly remembered that this was the one he had helped buy!
"Wow, I never thought I'd actually be able to live on my own this time!"
Stepping inside, the retro yet luxurious apartment immediately caught his eye.
The apartment had already been cleaned by the property management company; it was spotless and exuded a gentle glow in the morning light.
"This is my address for the next month! It seems pretty good~"
Nakai Genta put down his luggage and made some arrangements, but did not stay any longer.
He went out, hailed a taxi, and went directly to the New York office of Tree Friends Capital, where he met with the receptionist, Susan.
"Susan, it's been a long time!"
“Minister Nakai,” Susan smiled professionally, “to be specific, it’s only been a little over a month since we last met. And we’ve been in touch by phone almost every day.”
Because he has nearly 6 million in funds in the United States, Nakai Genta communicates with them regularly and comes on a business trip almost every two months.
"Minister Nakai, how long will you be staying this time?"
“This time, I might have to stay for a while,” Nakai Genta said with a smile. “Susan, please call Aldridge over for me; we need to have a good talk.”
Currently, most of the US funds are in the international money market, and some have been used to purchase blue-chip stocks; these are all being managed by Aldrich.
The stock market crash is currently only known to a few people at Tree Friends Capital; Aldrich hasn't been informed yet. Who knows if it might trigger a chain reaction?
"Okay, I'll call him right away."
Susan knew there might be significant changes to the investment, but she didn't ask any questions, as long as it didn't affect her salary.
Once seated in his office, Nakai Genta pondered how to communicate with Aldridge.
To short stock index futures in New York, one still needs the assistance of Aldridge, a local bigwig, but one cannot tell him about the stock market crash prediction.
"If it were Naoki-san, what would you say to him?"
Nakai Genta thought of Nagayama Naoki.
"How about you play the aloof role and just listen to me?"
Naoki Nagayama had already spoken with Aldrich once before, and that he would send Genta Nakai to handle some investment operations, during which he would follow Aldrich's instructions completely.
"Let me reveal a little bit of my prediction; initiative and autonomy are also very important."
Looking out the office window at the towering buildings of Wall Street, Nakai Genta wondered how many people would jump from those rooftops a month from now.
After a long silence, a sigh escaped:
"Naoki-san."
Naoki Nagayama sneezed at Yokohama Arena.
Perhaps it was because we were too close to the stage, but the scent in the dry ice really did smell bad.
Michael Jackson had been performing on stage for over an hour, his face covered in sweat yet still brimming with energy, making one marvel at the power of the King of Pop.
The most famous songs, "Beat It" and "Billie Jean," have already been performed. Michael Jackson, wearing only one glove, impressed the audience with his signature moonwalk, and the audience cheered so hard they were breathless!
The piece being performed right now is the hugely popular "Thriller".
The spotlight went out, and the glow sticks hidden in the dance costumes emitted a cold light, outlining the figures of Michael and his backup dancers, making them look like several human-shaped light strips singing and dancing, full of cyberpunk colors.
Even in this era, Michael Jackson's stage design was ahead of its time.
After "Thriller" ended, it was time for the duet with Akina Nakamori!
"For my next song, I will invite a singer to perform on stage with me!"
Michael Jackson said on stage,
"She's a Japanese pop singer, she's...Akina Nakamori!!"
As she finished speaking, the spotlight illuminated Akina Nakamori as she entered through the side door, instantly eliciting a thunderous welcome from the audience. The long-waiting fans, the "Konoegun," immediately pulled out their glow sticks and began cheering rhythmically.
"Akina~Akina~Akina~" "Akina-sama is the best!" "Finally, we've been waiting for you!" "."
After all, many viewers came specifically for Akina Nakamori!
Good evening, everyone!
Wearing a studded leather jacket and smoky eye makeup, Akina exuded confidence and rock 'n' roll vibes. Standing next to Michael Jackson, her presence was in no way overshadowed.
"Today, Michael and I will be singing 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You,' and I hope you enjoy it!"
The cheers were like a never-ending tide!
As the lights dimmed, the scene gradually quieted down.
Then, a gentle melody began.
"I Just Can't Stop Loving You" is a soothing love song. With Michael Jackson leading the way, the sincere vocals flowed gently across the stage.
In typical male-female duets, the male bass and female soprano are the main vocalists, but in this case, it seems to be the opposite.
Akina's deep voice and Michael's clear vocals intertwined, like lovers whispering their love to each other, or like whispering "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" to all the audience.
All the audience members were captivated by the duo's singing.
Akina glanced around the audience and quickly spotted her husband. Her smile became even more reassured.
"
I hear your voice now
You are my choice now
"
If the original song's sentiment was 50% genuine, then watching Naoki's rendition elevates that sincerity to 100%!
Its infectiousness has also become more powerful.
At this moment, Naoki Nagayama, with his internal work pass, had secured the best vantage point, fully enjoying the performance on stage while casually holding up a support sign to cheer on his wife.
A duet between two top pop singers—this is a truly rare performance!
However, he was unaware that a camera was watching him intently, recording his entire moment.
(End of this chapter)