MC Bookstore Chapter 9 Perfect Pitch
Chapter 9 Perfect Pitch
Suddenly, the world became quiet.
The sustained sounds and roars all disappeared, and my hearing became exceptionally clear.
No, it's not just about clarity.
My understanding of sound is being reconstructed.
The convenience store doorbell, the distant traffic, Honoka's breathing...
The moment each sound enters his mouth, Hiroshi Nakajima instinctively senses how it is formed, how it flows, and which vocal organs it passes through to be produced.
This understanding is not based on thought or experience; it is undoubtedly Asuka's talent.
"Perfect pitch: You no longer need to expend mental energy analyzing sound; you can directly know its properties, but understanding still requires the support of relevant knowledge."
This talent is terrifying!
Without a doubt, he had indeed struck gold.
However, this makes something quite strange.
With such exceptional talent, it's impossible for her to sing like that...
"Nakajima?"
"Guest, guest?"
Asuka and her boss, one concerned, the other terrified.
"It's nothing, it's an old problem, it'll get better with time."
Nakajima Hiroshi waved his hand, suppressing his turbulent thoughts.
At the same time, a brand new mission is unfolding before us.
"Main quest has been released"
"Mission Objective: To enable the contracted candidate to complete the 'Disclosure Objective,' and in the process gain at least one staunch supporter (willingness score ≥ 80)."
"Success Reward: Permanent use of the agency premises and apartment; legalization of the host's native identity."
In addition, the newbie missions for recruiting artists are still there, but they have become permanent missions.
The above shows that each time a suitable artist is recruited, their talents and skills can be shared.
It seems that this is the core function of the system.
However, sharing the talent of artists... does that mean I can debut on my own?
Hiroshi Nakajima shook his head and focused his attention on the main quest.
Disclosure items.
This is a performance that is equivalent to a debut, usually the first public appearance of a candidate.
Smaller studios like Nakajima often opt for a variety show format.
For example, concerts like "Newcomer Unveiling" and "Spring New Star" are joint events organized by multiple talent agencies.
It can be said that the theme is clear.
"Come see our new little sister!"
The implication is already clear.
Therefore, most of the audience members who frequently participate in the unveiling ceremony are the type who specifically appreciate newcomers.
Compared to ordinary passersby, they are more discerning and react quite directly. Many candidates are overwhelmed by this environment and give up on the path of becoming an artist, which can be considered a screening mechanism.
Of course, it's not all old guys inside.
The organizers usually distribute invitations in places like cafes and comic book stores to attract passersby to participate.
If they perform well, they are very likely to be converted into initial fans, which is also the core objective of the system's mission.
This task is not easy.
Nakajima Hiroshi pondered to himself.
Don't underestimate the power of attracting just one die-hard fan. These kinds of events have many candidates competing at the same time, and each newcomer only has a few minutes to showcase themselves.
Without solid strength, it is easy to be overwhelmed by a large number of competitors and go unnoticed.
In addition, although there is no time limit mentioned above, the starting mission only provides 15 days of space, and if you cannot complete it, you will still be homeless.
Fifteen days...
Industry practice dictates that candidates typically undergo three to four months of intensive training before participating in the open competition.
Fifteen days is indeed too short.
What's even more problematic is that Nakajima Hiroshi lacks resources.
He didn't have much money left.
After deducting the 1500 yen he would have to pay tomorrow and the 4200 yen for the harmonica, he had less than 20,000 yen left.
This money should include tomorrow's training expenses and the cost of meals for the two of them.
It's clearly not enough... not even enough for food.
Even if they only eat cheap Namimori pork rice bowls, the two of them will still spend 2400 yen a day, not counting any unexpected expenses.
Moreover, even the worst agencies can at least hire professional singing and dancing teachers for the trainees and provide a quiet practice space.
He can't afford any of them.
I originally thought that completing the beginner tasks would give me some funds...
They actually forbid it!
It seems that the system's only help to me is in terms of location and talent.
If they want to make a living in the future, they still need to solve the problems with their investors themselves.
In other words, the two had to compete against other firms' highly competitive candidates, who had spent at least three months training them, in just 15 days despite a shortage of resources, and ultimately stand out from the crowd.
No matter how I look at it, I'm not optimistic.
In addition, participating in the disclosure also costs money, these...
Hiroshi Nakajima felt a throbbing headache.
Sudden.
A soft touch came from beside my ear.
There's a hint of strawberry-flavored e-cigarette aroma; it's Asuka.
She pressed her fingers against Nakajima Hiroshi's tragus and gently massaged it.
As the girl massaged Nakajima Hiroshi, she whispered, "I often get headaches too. Massaging here, or behind my ears, helps a lot."
As she spoke, she moved her finger to what she called the earlobe.
It's the temple.
Nakajima Hiroshi closed his eyes, enjoying the delicate and sweet aroma.
"Guest, guest, our little shop..."
It's already late, and the boss needs to rest, which is perfectly understandable.
But as soon as he opened his mouth, Asuka glared at him fiercely.
He felt so wronged.
Within just a few hours, he was rebuffed by two people.
At least I'll have an income of 4200 yen, so it's not like I swallowed this insult for nothing...
"Asuka, come with me later."
"We'll finish the paper contract first thing tomorrow morning."
"Then... you have fourteen days to go from a blank slate to a rising star who can stand on a small stage and deliver a ten-minute performance."
"no problem."
Compared to Hiroshi Nakajima, who is struggling with funding issues, Asuka has clearly regained the necessary confidence.
She straightened Nakajima Hiroshi's head and tightened her grip: "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, it's much better now, thank you."
Nakajima Hiroshi breathed a long sigh of relief.
It is now close to 1 a.m.
It's difficult to get a taxi in Ikebukuro during this time of day.
Since the last tram usually runs at midnight, workers who miss it often choose to take a taxi.
Many restaurants and karaoke bars also closed at this time, further increasing the demand for transportation.
Waiting for a bus at this checkpoint can easily take half an hour.
Nakajima Hiroshi calculated his limited funds, hesitated for a moment, and decided to find a guesthouse or capsule hotel nearby.
After all, wasting time now means that by the time you get back to your accommodation it will probably be past midnight, which will not only affect your rest but also easily lead to a reversed sleep schedule, wasting the already limited time you have.
Compared to money, training time is definitely more precious.
"Asuka, do you have your identification?"
In Ikebukuro, checking in usually requires tenant information, but Nakajima Hiro doesn't have legal status and can only rely on Asuka.
Passport, driver's license, personal identification number card, all are acceptable...
"no."
Asuka shook her head: "I... I didn't bring it with me."
Hiroshi Nakajima noticed that her eyes dimmed slightly when she answered the question.
Considering his previous resistance to asking about his family, it was probably because his documents were being held at home and he didn't know how to replace them.
This meant I had no choice but to find cheap, unreliable accommodations to spend the night in.
"I'm so sorry, sir, there's only one room left."
The boss gave a warm, glib welcome.
At the same time, he winked at Nakajima Hiroshi with an expression that said, "You're really something, bro."