Chapter 1262
On September 12th, all of Yokohama seemed to be cheering for one person's name... Michael Jackson.
The harbor city was suddenly flooded with twice the usual number of people, and the roads were much more congested than before, causing Naoki Nagayama and Akina to arrive at the Yokohama Stadium a little late.
At this moment, a large number of fans had already slowly gathered around the perimeter of the Yokohama Stadium, just waiting for the moment the concert would begin.
"Terabayashi-san, arigato~"
As Akira Terabayashi led the staff to bring Akina into the venue, Akina thanked him with some embarrassment.
"The road was too congested, we actually ended up late~"
"Daijobu, you're in the second half of the final rehearsal anyway..."
Before the performance officially begins, the production team runs through the process one last time to ensure that there will be no problems at the final moment.
Akina's duet with Michael Jackson is in the second half, so it really has no impact.
"Naoki-san, I'm going to change my clothes~"
Akina hurriedly said goodbye to Naoki Nagayama and then followed the staff to the dressing room, leaving Naoki Nagayama and Akira Terabayashi staring at each other.
"Sigh... Akina used to take her work very seriously, always arriving at the scene early; if the staff were late, she would lose her temper~"
Akira Terabayashi said pointedly, letting out an aimless sigh.
"After getting married, things are really different now~"
"Terabayashi-san... we both left early." Naoki Nagayama laughed, "But I didn't expect there to be so many people outside; we really weren't late on purpose~"
After complaining a little, Akira Terabayashi was not one to dwell on it, and instead asked:
"Naoki-san... when the official performance starts later, where do you want to be? It might be very busy backstage..."
"Of course I'll be in the first row!"
Naoki Nagayama took a ticket out of his pocket.
"I bought a ticket!"
"....... First row...."
Akira Terabayashi was a bit speechless; guest tickets are really convenient.
"However, this performance is being recorded by a television station, and the probability of being filmed in the first row is very high. Naoki-san, that should be fine, right?"
"Haha, what of it... I'm not someone who can't be seen in public~"
He is Akina Nakamori's legitimate husband, not someone sneaking in to watch a concert with a mistress.
"Alright then... after it ends, you should return to the hotel first. At that time, we will disguise Akina and take her out of the venue, then send her to the Hotel New Grand..."
"Uh... that works too~"
Looking at the crowd of fans outside, Naoki Nagayama knew that it would be very troublesome for Michael Jackson and Akina Nakamori to go out.
Just as they were talking, they saw Michael Jackson, who had changed into his performance outfit, walking toward the side door.
"Hey... Naoki!"
Michael was very happy to see his friend.
"You're here... so Akina has arrived too?"
"Yes, she's putting on her makeup."
Naoki Nagayama replied.
"She should be coming out in a little while~"
"Good..."
He originally wanted to chat for a bit, but staff were already reminding him of the time, so Michael Jackson could only prepare to go on stage.
"I'm quite busy today; let's have a good chat after the concert ends..."
"Sure~"
After watching Michael Jackson go on stage and seeing the people backstage each starting to do their own jobs, Naoki Nagayama felt that wandering around here alone was a bit conspicuous, so he walked toward the audience seating area outside.
The time had not yet come, so the fans naturally hadn't entered; the entire venue was very empty, with only the camera team checking their equipment...
As Naoki Nagayama passed by, he suddenly heard a voice:
"Isn't this Naoki-san!!"
Turning his head, he saw the very familiar producer Kazuhisa Fujiwara!
"Fujiwara-san, why are you here?"
Naoki Nagayama felt very strange. Kazuhisa Fujiwara was a veteran producer active in the entertainment industry and the producer of the first season of "Sound of Japan," serving as the bridge between Nippon Television (NTV) and Tree Friend.
"Because we need to record Michael Jackson's concert and are short-handed, I happened to be drafted to manage the recording team..."
Kazuhisa Fujiwara explained briefly, then added in a very resentful tone:
"Naoki-san... when will the second season of 'Sound of Japan' start production... there's been no definite word."
He had turned down quite a few opportunities for the program "Sound of Japan," which is why he was drafted.
"Uh... I estimate it will be after the Tokyo International Film Festival ends."
Naoki Nagayama did not hide it.
"During this period, Tree Friend is quite busy..."
Currently facing the Tokyo Film Association matters, the film festival matters, the bribery case, and a Black Monday in October, Naoki Nagayama really had no energy to start another side plot.
But for the program "Sound of Japan," many things required his final decision, and it wouldn't work without him~
"After the film festival, huh..."
Kazuhisa Fujiwara nodded. Last year's "Sound of Japan" was also around the end of the year, so he didn't worry too much.
He turned to ask about today's matter:
"Naoki-san, you came today... to accompany Akina Nakamori?"
"Haha, that's one of the reasons." Naoki Nagayama said with a smile, "Besides, I also want to experience the charm of the King of Pop!"
"So that's it!"
Kazuhisa Fujiwara smiled and expressed his agreement.
"Michael Jackson's world tour is indeed a very rare opportunity!"
Following Kazuhisa Fujiwara, the two chatted while inspecting the work of the filming team. At this time, music had already begun to play on the stage for the final rehearsal.
"Speaking of watching a concert, our camera position is indeed the best!"
Kazuhisa Fujiwara sighed with emotion.
"We can move around the inner circle at will, and can even go on stage..."
"Didn't you use a crane camera this time?"
"No..."
"Where is Naoki-san's seat this time?" Kazuhisa Fujiwara said, "Do you want to join us?"
"Haha, then help me get a work pass~"
One naturally shouldn't pass up an opportunity to enter the inner circle at will~
Time passed minute by minute~
The sky grew dark, and as the sun slanted to the west, it was finally time for the concert!
The stadium gates opened gradually, and groups of fans walked into the concert with excited expressions on their faces. Most of them were Japanese, but quite a few Western fans could also be seen.
Today, they would be able to enjoy the world tour performance of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson!
After more than an hour, the entire venue was packed with a sea of people, their noisy voices merging into one, forming a resonance similar to a hum.
In the reserved emergency passage, security personnel and medical staff were on standby, because every time Michael Jackson has a concert, people get so excited they faint; rescue efforts have become the norm.
As the sunset completely faded, the lights were extinguished one by one... the last ray of light disappeared, and the entire venue was shrouded in darkness... the concert was about to begin!
Gradually, the voices of the audience began to quiet down...
In this atmosphere, a burst of dry ice mist sprayed out from the stage, spotlights suddenly lit up, and in the bright white light, Michael Jackson and his backup dancers appeared together in the center of the stage!!
"Michael!!" "It's the real person!" "He appeared!" "I love you!!!" "....."
Michael Jackson's mere appearance instantly ignited the atmosphere of the stadium. Fans began to cheer loudly and scream, and the applause and cheers were like a tsunami!!
"This is the pulling power of the King of Pop!"
Naoki Nagayama, in the first row, couldn't help but sigh.
He had attended quite a few concerts—Akina's, other singers', including the massive "Live Aid" charity concert featuring top singers...
But no other singer could cause a sensation like Michael Jackson just by appearing.
The first song was "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," with a fast-paced rhythm and melody that seemed to echo the eager mood of the fans and audience~
Immediately following was "Things I Do for You," another classic song~
On stage, Michael Jackson's every move was full of power, as if he wanted to show everything in his heart to his fans.
After a few songs, Michael Jackson paused, rested for a moment, and interacted with the fans:
"Minna-san, konnichiwa~~"
Still using a Japanese greeting, it made the audience below the stage cheer again!
"This is my first time coming to Japan to hold a concert... thank you all for your support!"
It was a bit similar to the previous interview, but now Michael Jackson was speaking to his fans, making everyone full of passion.
At the same time, the cameras began to turn their lenses toward the audience... wanting to capture the lively scene.
Watching the footage from behind, Kazuhisa Fujiwara instructed via radio:
"Aim the camera at the middle of the first row....... yes, yes, that person is Naoki Nagayama, film him!!"
Kazuhisa Fujiwara was here on a mission to record the most exciting parts of Michael Jackson's concert!
How could he let go of such a conspicuous person as Naoki Nagayama!
After Akina Nakamori goes on stage, the cameras will have to pay even more attention to Naoki Nagayama!
"Remember, every time the camera sweeps across the audience, record Naoki Nagayama!!"
"Hai!"
At this moment, Naoki Nagayama did not notice the camera; he was already immersed in enjoying "She's Out of My Life"~
At the same time, Genta Nakai had already arrived in New York.
"Naoki-san said he has an apartment in New York that I can stay in...."
After following the address to the apartment in the Manhattan area, Genta Nakai remembered that this was the one he had helped buy!
"Ha... I didn't expect to be able to stay here myself this time!"
After walking in, the retro yet luxurious apartment made his eyes light up~
Naturally, the management company had already sent people to clean it; the entire apartment was bright and clean, exuding a gentle atmosphere in the morning light.
"This is my address for the next month! It feels pretty good~"
Genta Nakai put down his luggage and settled in a bit, but he didn't stay long.
He went out, hailed a taxi, and went straight to the Tree Friend Capital office in New York, where he met the receptionist, Susan:
"Susan, long time no see!"
"Nakai-bucho..." Susan smiled very professionally, "To be specific, it's only been a little over a month... and we've been in contact on the phone almost every day..."
Because there was nearly 600 million in funds in the United States, Genta Nakai would communicate with this side regularly, and he would come on a business trip almost every two months.
"Nakai-bucho, how long are you staying this time?"
"This time, I might be staying for quite a while..." Genta Nakai laughed, "Susan, help me call Aldrich over; we need to have a good talk..."
Currently, most of the US funds are in the international currency market, and a portion has been used to purchase blue-chip stocks... Aldrich is operating all of these.
The matter of this stock market crash was still limited to a few people at Tree Friend Capital and had not been told to Aldrich... who knows if it would cause any chain reaction...
"Okay, I'll call him right away..."
Susan knew that a major change in investment might be happening, but she didn't ask too much... as long as it didn't involve her salary.
Sitting in the office, Genta Nakai pondered how to communicate with Aldrich later.
To short futures in New York, he still needed Aldrich, this local snake, to assist... but he couldn't tell him about the stock market crash prediction...
"If it were Naoki-san, how would he talk to him?"
Genta Nakai thought of Naoki Nagayama.
"Should I act cold and aloof and just have him listen to me directly?!"
Naoki Nagayama had already communicated with Aldrich once before, saying that he would send Genta Nakai over to perform some investment operations, and that he should listen to him completely during that period...
"I'd better reveal some predictions; self-initiative is also very important..."
Genta Nakai looked through the office window at the skyscrapers of Wall Street outside, thinking about how many people would jump from the tops of those buildings in a month...
After a long time, he sighed:
"Naoki-san..."
Naoki Nagayama at the Yokohama Stadium sneezed...
It might be because he was too close to the stage just now; the scent agent in the dry ice really didn't smell good...
Michael Jackson on stage had been performing for over an hour, his face covered in sweat yet still full of energy... making one can't help but sigh at the strength of the King of Pop.
The most famous "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" had already been performed. Michael Jackson, wearing one glove, had an iconic moonwalk that was impressive; the audience was cheering until they were out of breath!
What was being performed now was the hit "Thriller"...
The spotlights went out, and the glow sticks hidden on the dance costumes emitted a cold light, outlining the figures of Michael and his backup dancers, as if several human-shaped light strips were singing and dancing, full of cybernetic color.
Even in this era, Michael Jackson's stage art was at the forefront of the times~
When "Thriller" ended, it was officially time for the duet with Akina Nakamori!
"For the next song, I will invite a singer to perform on stage with me!"
Michael Jackson said on stage.
"She is a Japanese pop singer, she is... Akina Nakamori!!"
As the words fell, the spotlight illuminated Akina Nakamori, who appeared from the side door, instantly causing a strong welcome from the audience below. The long-awaited fans, the "Imperial Guard," immediately took out their cheering glow boards and began to cheer rhythmically~
"Akina~ Akina~ Akina~" "Akina-sama is the best!" "Finally waited for you!" "....."
After all, there were quite a few audience members who came specifically for Akina Nakamori!
"Minna-san... good evening!"
Wearing a studded leather jacket and smoky makeup, Akina was in high spirits, full of rock and roll energy. Standing with Michael Jackson, her momentum was not overshadowed at all~
"Today, the song Michael and I are singing together is... 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You,' I hope everyone likes it!"
The cheers were like a tide that never stopped~
As the lights dimmed, the scene gradually became quiet...
Then, a gentle melody began to play...
"I Just Can't Stop Loving You" is a soothing love song. With Michael Jackson leading, the sincere singing voice flowed slowly across the stage.
Ordinary male-female duets are usually bass and soprano, but at this moment, it seemed to be the opposite.
Akina's low, deep voice and Michael's clear singing voice intertwined, just like lovers telling each other of their love, or like saying the sweet words "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" to all the audience.
All the audience members were lost in the singing of the two...
Akina looked around the stage and soon saw her husband, and the smile on her face became even more at ease.
"
I hear your voice now.....
You are my choice now......
"
If the deep affection of the original song was 5 points sincere, then looking at Naoki-san while singing, the sincerity rose to ten points!!
The infectious power was even stronger~
At this moment, Naoki Nagayama, relying on his internal work pass, had occupied the best viewing angle, enjoying the performance on stage to his heart's content... and by the way, he raised his cheering board to support his wife...
A duet by two top pop singers—this is a very rare performance!!!
However, he did not know that at this moment, a camera was specifically focused on him, recording his appearance at this time completely...
End of Chapter
