Chapter 607
"I've never heard of such a thing before...!"
"Now that you've heard it, it's the same as Umiri's."
"..."
"How about it? You hit the jackpot, right?" He raised an eyebrow at her, casually promising a bright future, "As long as everyone practices hard and reaches the required skill level, I'll sign our band in the future~ Don't worry—so please forgive me for missing practice sessions~"
"..."
Shiina Rikki had mixed feelings. Was this what it felt like to cheat in a game? So cool... If only the person on his end wasn't him.
The afternoon subjects are geography and history, and the exam time is similar to yesterday.
As usual, he finished the exam in less than a third of the time, and handed it in and left, just like in the morning.
He's too lazy to just finish his exams and go to sleep every day; he's a busy person!
He didn't go back to his apartment this time, but went straight to the entertainment company.
In the president's office, I processed some recent documents, reviewed the budget and activity reports for signed artists, as well as some upcoming project proposals, collaborative matters with Avenx, and signed and stamped applications for major personnel changes...
After dealing with these issues, he singled out the problematic ones and called a temporary "morning meeting" directly to the heads of various departments still in the company via the desk phone.
Ten minutes later, facing the assembled department heads, he held up the stack of problematic documents, his voice calm and composed, exuding authority without anger.
"These are all problematic parts. It seems some people think I'm too young and easily fooled, which is why they've sent me something so casual and full of loopholes."
"..." The crowd, whose average age was over thirty, fell silent, their hearts sinking involuntarily.
The person in the main seat was so elegant and beautiful, yet she seemed more imposing and intimidating than their previous bosses.
To enhance his authority and conceal his age, Okura Rumin wears glasses and tries his best to appear older. If he simply puts aside his usual carefree attitude, people will misjudge his age.
For convenience, [Sakura Rain] has two leaders: Chairman Sakurakoji Talent and President Ogura Asahi, who is currently using the identity of Ogura Asahi.
"First, the brokerage department. Your daily schedule is too vague, it's obvious you're being lax and haven't properly contacted and confirmed the availability of all parties. Do the people in your office just sit and drink tea all day? When you encounter someone difficult to contact, can't you go out and do some fieldwork?"
"..."
"Next up is the Film and Television Announcements Department. Although you don't have many artists or tasks right now, is that all you have in your logs and industry relationship summaries? Do you wish Avenx would do everything for you every day? Hmm?"
"..."
"If the next batch of submitted content is less than 50 pages, the person in charge can retire, and I'll choose a younger, more motivated person to take over. Don't even think about trying to fool me, unless you think you can get away with it."
"..."
"The most impressive department is the marketing department. They just casually bought some advertising space in some less popular shopping malls and streets, opened a few official online accounts, and hired some small bloggers for promotion, and they dared to apply for a budget of 40 million yen... That's at least twice the quoted price, right?"
He fixed his deep gaze on the department manager, who was covered in sweat and barely able to stand, his eyes filled with amusement.
"It's a small amount of money, but this isn't a good sign. You should submit your resignation yourself later, don't make me do it."
The middle-aged man's face was ashen. "Yes..."
Ogura Asahi crossed her Hands and scanned the people standing in a row before her, flashing a dangerous yet beautiful smile:
"The same applies to others; be careful in the future. For example, the management department using dual contracts, taking on private jobs to earn extra money, withholding artists' share of profits, embezzling commercial performance fees, concealing endorsement quotes..."
"The Ministry of Commerce has been accused of inflating endorsement prices, colluding to pocket exorbitant kickbacks, embezzling event funds, falsifying budgets, engaging in power-for-sex transactions, and harming artists..."
"The film and television announcement department is accused of inflating actor salaries, using dual contracts, overstating production costs, and taking kickbacks from outsourcing..."
"The makeup and costume department used inferior materials, falsely reported losses of expensive accessories, and misrepresented travel expenses and itineraries..."
"..."
"Of course, I don't know all of this, but I will have outsiders supervise and verify it. If I find out—the consequences won't just be a matter of leaving my post."
"At best, you'll be blacklisted from the industry; at worst, you'll be imprisoned. As you probably know, my family has considerable connections; we really can make it happen."
"Especially regarding infringing on the rights of the company's artists, once I discover it, even if it's not serious, I will treat you with the strictest punishment. As for the specifics... well, you can imagine it, there's no upper limit."
The crowd hesitated, not daring to speak, and one by one they glanced away, their uniforms soaked through.
At the same time, he complained inwardly, "What kind of boss is this? A company that doesn't infringe on the artists' rights, deducts their share of the profits, exploits them relentlessly, and even does worse things... is it still an entertainment company?"
After dealing with the problematic part, he picked up the half that was passable, leaned back in his executive chair, and didn't even glance at them.
"Stop muttering to yourself. This is how our company is. If you don't agree with our corporate culture, you can leave now."
"..."
With their boss saying that, of course no one dared to make a move.
Next came the sweet talk. Ogura Asahi encouraged everyone who had done a decent job, his tone gentle, which made them feel flattered.
"Well, in short, I assure you that as long as you do your jobs well, your annual bonuses will still be substantial, and your compensation will definitely be higher than your peers."
"While we can't let you get rich like those who embezzle from within the organization, we won't let you suffer any personal losses either."
"You can also build good working relationships with colleagues and peers, and cleanse your polluted, dark hearts—don't you think that's a really good job?"
He clapped his hands, a smile playing on his lips.
"..."
He picked up his phone, glanced at it, calculated the time, and then ended the short meeting. "Okay, that's all for today."
"One last reminder: Don't let me see you bringing your bad habits from outside into my company, especially things related to artists and creators, or you'll face the consequences."
Everyone felt as if they had been granted a pardon. After greeting him, they took their leave and shoved each other as they left the not-so-crowded office.
Watching the last person Kokoro close the door, Ogura Asahi felt no emotion.
He was serious about what he just said. Although the number of employees and artists is not very large at present, with the number of acquaintances signing contracts increasing day by day, he must tighten the company's management and establish strict rules in advance.
Corruption exists in every company and is almost impossible to completely eliminate, but even so, he cannot tolerate any irregularities happening here, not even minor violations that cause little harm.
Because all large baskets begin with these tiny cracks.
He wanted to turn [Sakura Rain] into a small utopia so that he could feel at ease settling Hoshino Ai and the others there.
After packing his things, he got up and went downstairs. Calculating the time, he figured RAS and the others would be arriving soon; he had arranged to sign a contract with them here today.
Chapter 549 A Relationship Like Knotted Threads
Is that all?
"I'm so nervous..."
"Yes, it's the first time after all."
"Decisions that concern one's life... are both incredibly heavy and incredibly light and casual..."
"What do you mean 'anywhere'!" Tamade Chiyu her eyes at her teammate, frowning as she clutched the snow-white paper. She had read its contents countless times.
Yes, it's the same as the one he sent them before, no changes...
"OK! Let's do it this way!" She nodded solemnly, making a decision that would affect her and her teammates' lives.
"Then please sign your names at the back," Ogura Asahi gestured, inviting them to do so.
They're in the middle of the café now, which has practically become his personal signing spot.
The five members of RAS swallowed hard, their expressions serious and their movements deliberate as they signed their names on several contracts.
A minute or two later, he put away the company's copy and backup, smiled, and clapped his hands. "Alright! From now on, you are all my colleagues! On behalf of [Sakura Rain], I officially welcome you to the company!"
"Please guide me in the future!" X 5
"Okay, I'll have the HR department process your salary cards later. Please give the necessary documents for the card application and all benefits to your previous agent."
"Learn."
"Understood!"
"..."
After the formalities were discussed, their bodies suddenly relaxed, and a complex emotion, a mixture of relaxation, exhaustion, and joy, filled everyone's hearts.
Asahi Rokka timidly asked, "Um, does this mean that we... are professional musicians now?"
"I guess so?" Sato Masuki casually grinned in response.
"Of course! But this is just the beginning! Don't let your guard down!" Tamade Chiyu his right hand, instructing the group, "RAS's goal is still higher! To reach the summit faster than Roselia!"
"Yes!" X 4
"They're really motivated!"
They looked in the direction of the sound and saw Imai Risa smiling as she accompanied her teammates over.
"Is the signing complete?"
They were just standing nearby, but they didn't want to disturb their important moment. They didn't leave immediately so they could offer their congratulations as soon as possible.
"Yes, just finished." Ogura Asahi held up the document in his hand.
--Incidentally, when he first came to the company, he changed into business attire, so it wasn't Hanasakigawa's school uniform.
Upon seeing the aloof, white-and-purple-haired Songstress at the forefront, Tamade Chiyu's fighting spirit was instantly ignited. "Minato Yukina!"
Then she puffed out her chest proudly. "How about that~ We've signed contracts and joined the company with the same conditions as you!"
"Is that so? Congratulations." Minato Yukina in congratulations without any emotion.
"..." Tamade Chiyu not getting the result she expected. This woman was always like this!
With a helpless glance at her team leader, Imai Risa spoke on behalf of her childhood friend who couldn't speak, "Congratulations~ Layer, Rikka, Masuki, Pareo, chu2! From now on, we're colleagues in the same company!"
Hikawa Sayo: "Congratulations! Let's work hard together to improve in the future."
Shirabe Rinko wrapped her arms around her ample breasts, her pale face showing a shy yet pleased nod. "Congratulations, Desu!"
"Thank you, Miss Minato, Miss Hikawa, Miss Lisa, Miss Shiragane."
Although the others on the other side were all older than her, she was slightly closer to Wakana Rei and Imai Risa because they were all Bass.
"Oh! You guys too!" Sato Masuki exclaimed, clenching his fist in a hearty gesture.
"Thank you so much!" Nioh Riona bowed in gratitude, much like a maid—she had skipped her afternoon classes to secure the contract.
"...Thank you." Tamade Chiyu shyly, clasping her hands in thanks.
Udagawa Ako excitedly grabbed Asahi Rokka's Hands and shook them vigorously. "That's wonderful! Rikka! We can be together all the time again!"
"Hmm? "Ogura Asahi glanced sideways. "Can you please not be so ambiguous?"
"Yes! This is wonderful!" Asahi Rokka was also very happy, and tears involuntarily rolled down her cheeks.
"Speaking of which, Ako and Lock are in the same class~" Imai Risa remembered this.
"Yes! From now on, we'll form the strongest team of classmates!" Udagawa Ako struck her signature chuunibyou pose, "Great Demon Princess Ako! Together with our demon comrades who fought side by side..."
She froze, maintaining her pose, her purple twin ponytails swaying back and forth, her voice gradually fading.
"Darkness~" Shirabe Rinko, the teleprompter, whispered a reminder from behind.
"That's right! Let's bring unparalleled, explosive darkness to the world together!"
Watching this heartwarming scene, Ogura Asahi suddenly thought of a question: Is Yutenji Wakame currently trying to ride on Udagawa Ako's popularity?
So, since they're both drummers, they must be quite close?
"Ako is still the same as before~" Imai Risa watched over her like a loving older sister.
"That's it!" She clapped her hands in a flash of inspiration. "How about we throw a party to celebrate RAS's signing?"
"Oh, great idea!"
"If you all have the time, we were originally planning to hold one as well."
"Not bad~"
"We still have to practice today, right? And we also need to Program List." Minato Yukina poured cold water on her enthusiasm.
Imai Risa pressed down on her shoulders. "Well, well, a day of relaxation is fine too..."
"..." The group involuntarily turned their gazes to a certain person.
"Hmm?" Ogura Asahi looked up in confusion, but quickly realized what she meant and said with a look of understanding, "I have no objection."
"Great!" Imai Risa lowered her arms in a victory pose and asked the others, "Where would be a good place to hold this?"
How about your favorite family restaurant?