People are in animation, but they can connect to reality

The store manager frantically explained, perhaps the little girls didn't understand. But he was an adult, wasn't his statement a deliberate attempt to exonerate himself? The store manager instantly became flustered, his righteous explanation only exacerbating Nagasaki and the others' suspicions.

Seeing that the atmosphere was almost right, Asagi burst into laughter.

"Just kidding. Suyo, Deng, and Aine, are you here? Oh, and these two next to you, please check your tickets, and then you can go in."

Nagasaki Motoyo glared at Asagi with a resentful look on her face, then walked in with her companions. Asagi greeted them one by one. The first time was strange, the second time was familiar.

"Sorry, I'm late."

After Nagasaki and the others entered, an adult woman in formal work clothes ran towards them in a hurry. Asagi saw a beautiful and intellectual career woman wearing glasses lying on the front desk, breathing heavily.

Chapter 94 First Encounter

Asagi thought she looked very familiar, and he had definitely seen her before. After thinking for a while, Asagi was almost certain that the urban beauty in front of him was Miura Shiomi.

He had never seen a woman before, but she looked familiar, which meant he had probably seen her somewhere else. Furthermore, her appearance and style also matched Miura Shiomi's image.

Miura Shiomi's chest was heaving violently. She lay on the front desk for a long time and couldn't say anything else. She must have run all the way here.

"Would you like a glass of water?"

While the store manager was checking whether Miura Shiomi had recovered, Asagi walked to the water dispenser nearby and filled a glass of water and handed it to Miura Shiomi. At this time, Miura Shiomi needed to replenish water.

Miura Shiomi immediately showed a grateful expression, took the cup of water and drank it in big gulps.

"Ah! Alive!"

Miura Shiomi drank the full glass of water in one gulp and held the glass with satisfaction.

"Thank you very much."

Miura Shiomi returned the water cup to Asagi. As she handed it back to Asagi, she took a few more glances at the boy in front of her. She felt Asagi was unfamiliar; she had never seen him before. Miura Shiomi frowned slightly and looked at the store manager, thinking Asagi must be a temporary worker hired by the store manager.

Because she was really busy today, Miura Shiomi had relied on their long-standing acquaintance with the store manager to get him to reserve a ticket for her. There was no other way, because agents had to go to offline live venues to discover talent, so getting to know store managers and waiters was a must.

"Has Miss MMK arrived yet?"

After Miura Shiomi recovered, the first thing she asked was about MMK. She looked at the store manager, eagerly awaiting his response. Seeing her panic, the manager didn't rush to answer, but instead deliberately delayed.

This made Shiomi Miura even more anxious, because MMK hasn't held a live performance for more than a month. How much luck will she need to meet MMK next time?

"Don't worry, someone wants to see you."

Miura Shiomi was stunned and looked at the store manager.

"Someone wants to see me? Who?"

"Well, that's him."

The store manager pointed at Asagi. Miura Shiomi followed the store manager's finger and looked behind Asagi. Her eyes passed through Asagi and looked elsewhere. Asagi also noticed that Miura Shiomi's eyes were not on him, even though the store manager was clearly pointing at him.

Asagi or Miura Shiomi wondered who he was looking at, so he turned around to look, but found no one behind him. At this time, Miura Shiomi blinked. There was clearly no one in the direction the manager pointed. She was a little curious, looking at the manager, and then looking behind Asagi.

Miura Shiomi didn't think the store manager would deliberately lie to her because she was quite familiar with him. Miura Shiomi planned to go inside to see if the man was sitting at a table in the store waiting for her.

"Hello? Where do you want to go?"

Seeing Miura Shiomi pass Asagi and walk into the store, the store manager was also confused. Did he not explain it clearly? The store manager quickly called Miura Shiomi, and Miura Shiomi turned around and looked at the store manager. Both of them were confused.

Asagi, the person involved, was also speechless. Although Miura Shiomi was a professional agent, the Miura Shiomi in front of him looked like a silly and cute woman.

"I want to talk to you."

At this time, Asagi walked up and introduced himself.

"My name is Asagi."

Miura Shiomi blinked and looked at Asagi, the boy who had just handed her the water. His face was calm, and he looked at her calmly. Miura Shiomi looked at Asagi. Asagi looked young, probably a high school student.

"Uh, I'm Miura Shiomi, a professional agent. What do you want from me? I've already told you that I don't accept boys."

Miura Shiomi knows her job, so why would a stranger want to talk to her? Then the matter is simple. Miura Shiomi's life trajectory is simple, and she doesn't think she is that important. When others come to her, it's either about work or about her personal life.

As for work, that's probably the responsibility of the agency. While girl bands are popular, there are also men who want to pursue a career in acting. It's just that Shiomi Miura isn't responsible for that.

Moreover, the boy in front of her didn't look like a musician. The rock boys she had seen all had a strange quality about them: they looked a bit arrogant, insolent, and a bit cold, keeping strangers away.

Miura Shiomi retreated slightly, because there was another thing in her mind. If he came to her for personal reasons instead of work, then that would be it. Although she had been single for 20 years, but...

"Also, I don't accept personal questions..."

"It's not a personal matter, it's just a work matter."

"Oh?" Miura Shiomi breathed a sigh of relief.

"I am a member of MY ALL, a companion of MMK,"

"Ah? You, you, you said you are a member of MY ALL, a companion of Miss MMK? Are you really not lying?"

Miura Shiomi came closer, holding up her glasses.

Asagi saw that Miura Shiomi had changed her previously dismissive attitude and felt that she would be a good fit for MMK and the others. Asagi also liked managers with this personality, rather than the cold, stern type. While the stern type looked more professional, they lacked approachability. Being around them created a sense of pressure, making one feel less tense and exhausted.

Miura Shiomi stood up straight, half-bowed respectfully to Asagi, and then handed over the business card in her hand. Asagi took it, which had Miura Shiomi's contact information and the name of the agency written on it.

"Then Miss Miura Shiomi, can we talk alone?"

Miura Shiomi nodded.

The two found a coffee shop nearby. Asagi didn't like drinking coffee because he didn't like the bitter taste. If he had to choose, Asagi would definitely choose juice or something like that.

However, his brain told him that this kind of place was the best for conversation, because no matter if it was in movies, TV, or animation, those who talked about things were always here, drinking coffee and talking.

Besides, Asagi couldn't just pull Miura Shiomi into a corner and sit on the floor to discuss Miura Shiomi's future. The two of them ordered a cup of coffee each. Miura Shiomi must be a regular at the coffee shop, she has her own favorite flavor, while Asagi just picked one at random, and he didn't know what it tasted like.

After we took our order, the manager slowly brewed the coffee. Asagi thought instant coffee was more convenient, even though most people went to a coffee shop just for the handmade coffee.

"Ms. Miura Shiomi, what I want to discuss with you is actually very simple. I want to poach you."

Chapter 95 Poaching

Asagi went straight to the point, because he and Miura Shiomi didn't have any friendship or anything like that, and they weren't professionals. So, instead of talking about those things, it was better to get straight to the point.

Miura Shiomi was staring at Asagi, curious about what he would say to her. Last time, MMK had rejected her invitation. Could it be that this time, MMK agreed but was too embarrassed to come forward himself, so he sent someone to test the waters?

"Huh? Dig me? Can you explain it more clearly? I don't seem to understand."

Miura Shiomi was stunned for a moment, but she didn't look as shocked as Asagi had imagined. She smiled politely, sitting upright, her face showing no sign of hesitation or panic.

Once in work mode, Shiomi Miura can be said to be a qualified professional agent. Her expression is serious, but also warm and not so cold.

"As I just said, MMK wanted to set up a one-person firm. However, we didn't know anyone there, and MMK happened to have mentioned Ms. Miura Shiomi. She said that Ms. Miura Shiomi was a very reliable person. She seemed gentle and very friendly, and she was very serious about her work."

Asagi would never say that he wanted to set up an agency. If he said that, Miura Shiomi would probably have already passed him by in her heart. This is when the name of MMK should be used.

"Did Miss MMK really say that?"

Miura Shiomi rubbed her eyes, then put on a scary smile and looked at Asagi. Asagi instantly felt a chill and shrank his neck.

"No." Asagi immediately shook his head to deny what was said.

It seems she can't be fooled. Why are adults so hard to fool? Asagi was speechless. People like Nagasaki Motoyo, Chihaya Aine, Takamatsu Touma, MMK, they are all so easy to fool. Only the adults in the industry are so shrewd.

Still, Asagi could understand. The store manager had seen it all, watching over the live venue, watching countless musicians pass through his sight. And Miura Shiomi was a manager, a job similar to a lawyer's—it required a very shrewd person to be competent.

Because managers have to consider so many things. For every single thing, they have to weigh the pros and cons, the gains and losses, for the band. Then, they have to find the right balance between gains and losses, finding the right path. Therefore, those who are qualified for this job are almost always elite professionals.

"It's just my personal feeling. Although MMK never said such a thing, MMK also likes people like Ms. Shiomi Miura."

Miura Shiomi couldn't tell whether this sentence was true or false, because it was very vague and the word "like" had many meanings.

"So, this is Inoue Asagi, right? Excuse me, what do you want to tell me?"

Miura Shiomi looked at Asagi seriously, bringing the issue back to the starting point.

Asagi fell silent, thinking about how to express his plan. At this time, the coffee brewed by the store manager was ready, and he brought a cup of steaming hot coffee and placed it in front of Miura Shiomi.

Miura Shiomi gently blew away the hot air on it, then picked up the spoon, scooped a small spoonful and put it in her mouth to taste the flavor.

Asagi knew that clever tricks wouldn't work against someone like Miura Shiomi. So, he had no choice but to force himself.

"Actually, we're planning to invite Ms. Miura Shiomi to join us at MY ALL."

Asagi revealed his true intention. This time, Miura Shiomi's eyes moved, and she raised her head slightly to look into Asagi's eyes, trying to discern the truth from Asagi's eyes.

Because it sounds like a joke. Setting up a personal agency? That's something only A-list stars would do. The cost of an agency is huge, and small bands simply can't afford it.

Asagi looked at Miura Shiomi, who still had no intention of speaking. This meant that Asagi's words weren't enough to get Miura Shiomi to speak. If it was MMK sitting here, Miura Shiomi would probably say something.

Even if MMK refuses, Miura Shiomi will definitely offer some advice and suggestions. For example, she will tell MMK not to have such unrealistic ideas. You should eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time.

Miura Shiomi scooped another small spoonful and slowly savored it. Then, she gently placed the spoon in the cup and slowly stirred the hot coffee.

"MMK and I have decided to set up our own agency, but we don't have any professional helpers to run it. Among the people we know, Ms. Miura Shiomi is the only one with experience. So, I'd like to talk to Ms. Miura Shiomi and ask if she can switch to our agency?"

Miura Shiomi stopped what she was doing and thought seriously.

“Can your band support itself?”

Miura Shiomi looked at Asagi calmly. At that moment, Miura Shiomi's heart was in turmoil, unable to calm down. As a fan, she really wanted to lead MMK and give them a bright future. However, as a professional agent, Miura Shiomi was not optimistic about this at all.

"Well, I can support myself now."

"In that case, if you don't want to join an agency, you can start an independent band. Setting up an agency is very troublesome, and the things involved are far from what you usually see. The cost is very high."

If you really don't want to join an agency, then being an independent band is also entirely feasible. First, maintain your base, then slowly promote and become famous. It's just that the process might take decades.

While the internet has accelerated this process, simply having a few hit songs isn't enough. Online buzz is equally crucial, and without the help of a manager, independent bands lack buzz the most.

Miura Shiomi sighed softly. MMK would rather establish her own agency than join another. Was she traumatized? What had happened to MMK after leaving Diamond Star? Why didn't she want to join another agency?

So, how can she work with MMK and help MMK?

As a fan of MMK, Miura Shiomi chose to express her opinion. She disapproved of MMK's rash actions. Otherwise, MMK would definitely be in a lot of debt.

"We know about this kind of thing. We didn't do it on impulse. We plan to start planning an agency after we have 10 followers."

"10 million followers?"

Miura Shiomi's eyes lit up. If she had 10 followers, then there was indeed hope for her to establish an agency. However, that was still a long way off. It wouldn't be possible without years of accumulation.

"If that's the case, then I'm relieved. Just 10 followers, do you know what that means? It's not something that can be achieved easily."

Miura Shiomi picked up the coffee and took a sip.

Chapter 95

Chapter 96: Dropout Party

Asagi sat opposite and stared at Miura Shiomi. She looked calm and confident. Perhaps in Miura Shiomi's eyes, Asagi was just a high school student.

In terms of cognition, high school students are no match for working adults, especially within Miura Shiomi's professional field. Therefore, although Miura Shiomi appears to be very polite on the surface, deep down, Miura Shiomi still looks down on Asagi and does not consider Asagi an equal.

"Ms. Miura Shiomi, when do you think MY ALL will reach 10 followers?"

Asagi asked casually, unable to easily end the conversation. His connection with Miura Shiomi was tenuous, relying solely on MMK. They were also strangers, and if he failed to establish a connection this time, Asagi would have a hard time finding another opportunity to speak with Miura Shiomi.

Miura Shiomi simply raised her eyebrows and quickly came up with a reward. The last time she spoke with MMK, her invitation to him had completely failed. And Miura Shiomi hadn't been able to find another opportunity to speak with MMK.

"Are you asking me? Are you seeking my professional experience? I can tell you, but it's not free. Afterwards, I want to talk to Miss MMK again, do you understand?"

Miura Shiomi pretended to be casual and looked at Asagi with expectation in her eyes.

"I will handle it."

Asagi agreed very readily. He knew what Miura Shiomi was thinking, but he also believed in MMK.

After receiving Asagi's assurance, Miura Shiomi's eyes shifted, glancing at the coffee on the table. Through her glasses, Asagi could see the lenses gleaming. Was this a major move about to be made? Asagi listened intently.

Miura Shiomi coughed lightly.

"Generally speaking, for most bands, 10 fans is out of reach. Generally, a band with 10 fans is considered to be relatively well-known. Take Diamond Star, for example. Their fan base hasn't even reached 3 yet, and they were a relatively well-known band locally during high school."

"The accumulation of fans is not a straight line that will continue to rise. On the contrary, it is a curve. It will fall, it will stagnate, and it will take a long time. Although MY ALL has more than 1 fans now, don't be too optimistic."