On Wednesday morning, the boss of Yoko's agency received a call from the Suzuki Zaibatsu's eldest daughter.
"Mr. Eiichi, Miss Okino may experience some changes in her work in the future, and I hope you won't make things difficult for her."
Eiichi, who received this call, looked at Yoko standing in front of him, drenched in cold sweat.
Now he understood why Yoko, whom he had strongly promoted, had come to him with a contract to discuss termination. Who would have thought she was actually connected to the Suzuki Zaibatsu, and that the eldest daughter of the Suzuki Zaibatsu, who was also the president, would personally call him about it.
He hurriedly stood up from his seat.
"Not at all, I certainly wouldn't make things difficult for Okino."
"You didn't need to call me specifically. Actually, just telling Okino would have been fine."
He had to take this very seriously.
The Suzuki Zaibatsu was a major zaibatsu in the island nation, dominating both heavy and light industries, and still continuously rising. Such a large zaibatsu possessed terrifying power and influence.
Facing competitors in the same industry, a single word from them could cause immense damage to a peer, let alone his small entertainment company.
If the Suzuki Zaibatsu gave an order, he probably would not even dare to resist.
"Mr. Eiichi, you are joking. I believe this matter is very important, so I came to speak with you. Additionally, our Suzuki Zaibatsu also has thoughts of entering the entertainment industry. In this regard, we plan to seriously learn from others, and perhaps there will be opportunities for cooperation in the future."
Suzuki Ayako's voice was very gentle, but her words made Eiichi's scalp tingle.
A major zaibatsu preparing to enter the entertainment industry?
That was the biggest shock to small companies.
It should be known that the Suzuki Zaibatsu did not lack money. As long as there was enough money, what kind of actors and celebrities could they not bring in?
However, the last sentence did help Eiichi relax a little.
"There will still be opportunities for cooperation."
It sounded like a perfunctory remark, but whether it was perfunctory depended on his own decision.
Should he let go of the goose that laid golden eggs in his hand, or should he seek an opportunity for future cooperation?
As the boss of a typical small to medium-sized talent agency, Eiichi knew all too well the importance of such an opportunity.
As long as this opportunity existed, the Suzuki Zaibatsu's entry into the entertainment industry would not necessarily crush his small company.
Therefore, he had no hesitation and immediately made his choice.
"You are too kind."
"If the Suzuki Zaibatsu enters the entertainment industry, I believe you will quickly gain relevant experience. However, if you do not mind, our company would be very happy to provide you with experience in this area."
Eiichi offered flattering words with a smile.
Even a goose that lays golden eggs needs a large enough nest to hide in. If there is no nest, can he protect the goose that lays golden eggs?
Popular idols are not uncommon in the island nation. Some idols are only popular for a short time.
He had promoted one, and naturally, he would have the opportunity to promote others. There was no need to clash with a major zaibatsu.
What is more, by letting go of one Okino Yoko, he gained an opportunity to cooperate with a major zaibatsu. That was not a loss.
"It would naturally be best if Mr. Eiichi could agree."
"Mr. Eiichi, if possible, please cultivate more actors with real acting skills. My talk of cooperation is not just polite talk."
Eiichi's heart warmed. This sentence was like a shot of adrenaline, instantly exciting him.
It also made him realize that the Suzuki Zaibatsu's talk of entering the entertainment industry was not just talk. They were planning a big move and truly intended to make waves.
After a series of thanks, Eiichi finally hung up the phone.
He lost all strength and sank into his chair. He looked up at Yoko, who stood before him, then stood again.
"Okino, you have really gone big this time."
He no longer had the energy to be angry.
The popular idol he had personally promoted was now breaking away to go solo, and she had even pulled the Suzuki Zaibatsu into it. This completely stumped him, the owner of a small talent agency.
"You are really something, even dragging the Suzuki Zaibatsu into it."
"Fortunately, you are not stupid. You know what conditions are needed to jump out of here. Without sufficient background and capital, a popular idol like you would only be swallowed whole by this industry."
Eiichi did not speak in a blaming tone. Instead, he used a joking tone, like a friend.
"Boss, I am not an idiot either."
"If I did not have enough confidence, I would know I could not survive alone in the cannibalistic entertainment industry. It is just that someone supports me in doing this, so I want to see if I can do it."
Yoko's face showed no guilt or unease, only unwavering confidence and a calm smile.
A lover?
Eiichi pressed his lips together. He was not surprised.
Yoko's luck was indeed good. Her lover was even connected to the Suzuki Zaibatsu, and the connection was not shallow.
Of course, some things are best kept to oneself. Eiichi did not want to be caught up in trouble, especially when it was not necessary.
He steadied himself and looked at Yoko, who had become more mature.
"Okino, I do not know what the future holds. I wish you a bright road ahead now, but remember, a woman needs to have her own career. This is my advice, and I hope your final outcome will not be like Yuko's."
This admonition was not given as a friend, but as a former boss offering final advice to his employee.
Yoko accepted it gratefully, then bowed slightly.
"Mr. Eiichi, thank you very much for your advice. I will remember it."
"Well then, I will take my leave now."
"Yes."
Eiichi nodded slightly, then waved his hand.
After Yoko left, Eiichi sat back down.
"It seems Okino is much luckier than Yuko. She found a capable man."
Judging by how the Suzuki Zaibatsu's eldest daughter personally called to request on her behalf, the man Yoko met was definitely not like the freeloading man Yuko met.
"If Yuko knew about this, tsk-tsk... Yoko has far surpassed her in luck with men. Yuko's luck is truly bad."
Stepping out of the agency, Yoko finally breathed a sigh of relief. She checked the time, then excitedly dialed the person she most wanted to share the news with.
"Ren, I am finally free from the company."
(To be continued.)
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