America: My Time

Chapter 642 Testing
Chapter 632 Testing

"Riko, are you sure John isn't too angry and has accepted our explanation?" Akio Morita frowned as he asked Riko. His instincts told him that something was wrong, and a big problem at that. If they were to give John an explanation based on this reason, it could lead to serious trouble. How could John, that little fox, be so easy to talk to, especially at this particular time?

"That's how it appears on the surface. He accepted Chieko-san's explanation, but what he really thought is beyond my knowledge. However, judging from the situation at the time, Mr. John was still very concerned about Akina's condition!"

"That's right, otherwise this guy wouldn't have slapped her hard to wake her up. And if it were anyone else, they would have given up on Akina long ago. This little fox won't be fooled by a honey trap, and she's never short of beautiful women around her. Even if he himself really likes Asian beauties, he wouldn't accept a woman who keeps causing trouble."

Akio Morita's thoughts reflected the thoughts of most men in Japan, including those at the top, and fueled their unease. Naoko's decision to retire and move to the United States was bad news for Japan; they would lose someone they could talk to John about. Although Hitomi Kuroki still existed, many understood that Naoko held a higher position in John's heart than both Kuroki and Akina, a fact confirmed by this incident.

"Probably not. If Mr. John had such thoughts, he probably wouldn't have appeared in Tokyo so soon!"

"Hmph, that's just your folly. You think John, that little fox, came to Tokyo for something as trivial as Nakamori Akina? He's mostly testing us. That little fox is not as simple as you see him. The successive changes in the US and Taiwan all indicate that this guy is setting up a grand scheme. It's perfectly normal for him to use this opportunity to test us. It's just a pity that those bastards caused this mess, putting us in a passive position."

At this point, Akio Morita paused, then shook his head and said, "Perhaps this is his last chance for Akina. If Akina Nakamori can't wake up this time and recognize reality, she'll ultimately be abandoned. Human patience has its limits. Even if John has a good impression of Akina, it will be worn down by these repeated troubles. That's why Naoko has always been favored; she hasn't caused John any trouble and knows when to advance and retreat! You need to go to the hospital to find out more about Akina's situation, and also keep in touch with Naoko to understand John's actions!"

Riko nodded and said, "I will, but Naoko's knowledge is limited, and now that she has given up her career in Japan and didn't go to Taiwan this time, I'm afraid she doesn't know much. In comparison, Kuroki Hitomi should know more!"

"If that's what you think, you're just too naive. You think Kuroki Hitomi would know more? That's impossible. She knows nothing about such a grand plan. I sent you to contact Naoko not to find out what her plan is, but to find out John's whereabouts and his every move in the short term. He's playing a big game in the semiconductor industry. Not even women like Naoko, let alone the management, might understand John's scheme."

"Are you worried that Mr. John won't stay in Japan for long and will leave soon? That's impossible! Akina's situation isn't stable yet, and the two major music festivals are about to start! According to Mr. John's schedule, he'll eventually go to Seoul to watch the Olympics, so there's still a long time!" At this moment, Riko was somewhat shocked, feeling that this situation shouldn't have occurred!
“John’s original itinerary was like this, but who can guarantee that there won’t be other problems? The situation in the US is quite serious, and things are also accelerating in Asia, especially in Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. Many people are watching the deployment of this undersea communication cable. As soon as the cable is in place in the US, they will act quickly. Don’t you think John has been away from the US for a bit too long? From May to October, more than half a year away, is that normal? What’s so important about the Olympics? If there’s no temptation from South Korea, this little fox would never have gone to Seoul for the Olympics!”

It's only July, and the Fuji Rock Festival and Summer Music Festival in Japan are about to begin. At this time, many celebrities are receiving a lot of attention. Nakamori Akina's problem could easily escalate, which is what Morita Akio is worried about. That's why he sent Riko to the hospital to help. If Naoko and Kuroki Hitomi keep appearing at the hospital, they will easily be seen and cause unnecessary trouble. At this time, they need to play it safe and also find out what John, that little fox, is really thinking.

Although the Japanese are all eager to sit down and talk with John, they need to be cautious and careful as long as the matter with Akina Nakamori remains unresolved. Even though Akio Morita has a good relationship with John, he can't bring himself to host a party at this time.

"Miss Riko, you've come! Thank you so much!" Chieko was somewhat surprised when Riko appeared at the hospital, because she knew that Akina and Riko's relationship wasn't that good yet, but Riko had unexpectedly shown up. "Chieko-san, this is nothing. Naoko-chan and Kuromori Hitomi can't come. After all, their status is different. Even though they've retired now, they're still under scrutiny, especially at this time. The two major music festivals are about to start, and many people will notice them, just like Akina. I'm sure quite a few people have approached you. It's best to be cautious right now!" Riko explained to Naoko, explaining the current situation in Japan.

These days, many Japanese musicians are pulling strings for the two major music festivals. Although many performers have already been booked, there are still opportunities that can be seized flexibly, which is why many musicians are vying for them.

TV Tokyo attaches great importance to the two major music festivals, not only because of official subsidies but also because of the significant profits involved. Naturally, they will not be careless or negligent in the slightest and are unwilling to make any mistakes. Therefore, they have a considerable number of performers in order to prevent any unexpected events from causing problems at the music festivals.

"Mr. John has cancelled your performance at the summer music festival. Not only has your performance been cancelled, but ZARD's performance is also only scheduled for the Tokyo summer music festival. The Fuji Rock Festival performance has been cancelled, and I heard that Minako Honda will fill in for her. As for your performance, Miho Nakayama and Chisato Moritaka will take over for the Tokyo and Osaka summer music festivals!" Riko told Akina about the changes to the two music festivals, and this arrangement made Akina sigh.

It must be admitted that Riko's abilities are truly remarkable. To learn so much in such a short time is something that not everyone can do. It would be impossible without strong connections.

"How will the company explain this to the outside world?" This is what Akina is most concerned about. If she doesn't show up, it will have a significant impact on Ken-On, and she also needs a reasonable explanation.

Riko smiled calmly and said, "As for your illness, Ken-On's plan is to announce it a few days before the music festival starts. As for the ZARD band, it's even easier to say. They can give up the rock music festival and switch to the summer music festival. Everyone can accept that, since no one knows what the original plan was!"

In just one day, under John's intervention, both music festivals quickly made changes. No one asked why, because their boss had given the order, and Tokyo TV wasn't foolish enough to inquire about reasons; they just had to carry it out. What they thought in their hearts was unimportant, and no one dared to ask for any explanation!
Sachiko Kamachi opposed the decision, but unfortunately, she couldn't change John's mind. Under Naoko's persuasion, she was forced to accept it. Compared to traveling to the Fuji Rock Festival, participating in the Tokyo Summer Music Festival was much better, and it was the best solution. If it weren't for Naoko's persuasion, the ZARD band might not have even had a chance to appear this time. John would have canceled it directly, allowing Sachiko Kamachi to rest for a while and recuperate.

John didn't care about the boost music festivals gave to singers, but Naoko knew that she had to speak up for him to make this change, but that was the limit, which made Kuroki Hitomi shake her head repeatedly.

Fortunately, this farce didn't last long and quickly ended after Naoko's persuasion. Not long after, Yasuko Sawaguchi, Momoko Kikuchi, Miho Nakayama, and Chisato Moritaka arrived. Although they didn't know what had happened, they all sensed a hint of pressure from Hitomi Kuroki's words.

When they didn't see Akina Nakamori, the group was puzzled. They had all come, even Naoko had shown up; there was no reason why they wouldn't see Akina. Could something have happened? This instantly weighed heavily on their minds. What could have happened that prevented Akina Nakamori from being here?
At this moment, a shadow fell over the hearts of Yasuko Sawaguchi and the others. They were all eager to know what had happened and turned their gazes to Hitomi Kuroki, who had summoned them. They all wanted to get an explanation from her and understand the issues behind it so that they could be prepared!

(End of this chapter)