Chapter Sixteen EP (1)

  "No way, Jerry, you have to release an album no matter what!"

  "But I don't have time!"

  "So, let's release an EP!"

  "No time at all!"

  "This is for the development of dream music, don't you know the sales volume of the single "Pie Jesu"? Number one on Japan's Music Trust Chart single sales ranking, do you know what that means? Calling power, market calling power! I haven't told you about the reaction from the US market yet?"

  "What? Dream Music has already expanded its market to the United States?"

  "That's not true! But many record sales companies have already started contacting us!"

  "Huh? What's going on?"

  "The Japanese Christian Church brought your single over when they were exchanging with the American church. So, your rendition of 'Pie Jesu' has surpassed Sarah Brightman's version and become an object of adoration among American Christians."

  Jerry's mouth twitched, "Yi Tian, this isn't true, is it?"

  "This is certainly true, I heard that even the creator of 'Pie Jesu', Andre Rieu, is looking for you. With such a huge demand in the US market, I think Europe, Asia, Africa - wherever there are Christians - will be no exception. So, Jerry, don't you think this is a great opportunity for Dreamusic?"

  "Is Inoue-san trying to ride on the popularity of this song and enter the market in each continent?"

  "Hey! If Jerry can collaborate with me on an album, it's not a difficult thing at all!"

  "Yorita-kun, don't you think your stall is too big?"

  "No, Jerry, not at all! Dream Music's vision shouldn't be limited to just Japan. Nana-chan said it before, our goal is to become the biggest record label in all of Japan, Asia, and even the world. Japan is just the beginning. And because of you, Jerry, don't forget, we have a secret weapon!"

  "You're talking about '_x_'? Hmm, okay, maybe it's an opportunity. Let's call a management meeting and make a detailed plan. I think Mina needs this! As for the album, let me think about it!"

  In June 1988, a strange phenomenon appeared on the Japanese music charts: a religious song and an instrumental piece occupied the top two spots on the singles chart!

  This world is crazy!

  Tokyo, Chuo Ward.

  "Hey, I'm here!"

  Haruno Aria rushed out of the kitchen upon hearing the knocking sound and ran to the entrance without even removing her apron.

  "Ah~ Jerry, how did you come?"

  "Hey, Miss Ya Mei, are you going to block me at the door and not let me in? Are you hiding some man inside?"

  "Oh, you're really something!"

  Yuan Ye smiled and hit Jerry, then gave way to Jerry.

  "What about John?"

  After Paulson's investment team stayed in Japan, due to unfamiliarity with the place and language barriers, their daily life was taken care of by Haruno Ami. Although she is now known as the head of JR Investment Japan, she is actually doing hard labor!

  "Mr. Paulsen and Mr. Ben are still in the company studying the investment trends of Mitsubishi Real Estate, they should need some more time before coming back!"

  Mitsubishi Estate?

  "Based on the capital flow in the real estate market, Mr. Paulson believes that Mitsubishi Estate will make a big move in the future."

  Mitsubishi Estate will make a big move in the future, and it's true that Mitsubishi Estate acquired Rockefeller Center in the United States in 1989.

  "What about Bob?"

  "Bob is feeling unwell and resting in his room!"

  "Are you ill?"

  "Yesterday when I went out with you, I accidentally caught a cold! Hmm? What's that smell? Ah~ the porridge I cooked!"

  Haruno Ame jumped up from the cushion and ran into the kitchen in high spirits!

  Will this guy get sick too? Jerry curiously pushed open the door, and then he stared at Bob in surprise as he jumped onto the bed naked, pulled up the covers, and closed his eyes to pretend to sleep!

  The whole process was smooth and effortless, without any stagnation at all!

  What's this guy playing at?

  "Hey! Bob, it's me, Jerry. Stop pretending and get up quickly, I know you're awake!"

  Jerry patted Bob on the back, and this guy carefully half-opened one eye, "Miss Ya Mei didn't follow up?"

  "No!" Jerry replied with a mix of anger and amusement!

  "Wow, being sick is really tough!"

  "Hey, can't you come up with something new? You were acting cool earlier, now you're acting sick. What's going on?"

  Bob threw off the covers, jumped out of bed naked, tiptoed to the door, carefully closed it behind him, sighed and walked back.

  "Hey! What's going on here?! If you don't tell me, I'll call over Miss Ya Mei!"

  "Alright, alright, I can tell you!"

  "What's with the pretentious act? Spit it out, or I'll really yell! Are you addicted to pretending? Ah Mei..."

  Jerry hadn't even shouted out before Bob covered his mouth, "Young man, it's been a long time, your skills have improved! It seems that even pretending can bring out one's skills!"

  Jerry grabbed Bob's hand and pried it open with force, "You little devil, trying to suffocate me!"

  "Sorry, Jerry! Actually..." Bob sighed again.

  This isn't right, I've never seen this guy act like this before.

  "Has that young fellow lost his love?"

  "It's almost as if I've lost love, even though I haven't!"

  "How was it? You confessed to Miss Ya Mei and she rejected you?"

  "That's not it, but..."

  "What's the point of sighing without you? Not having means there's a chance! Young man, keep working hard, I have high hopes for you!"

  "Alright, alright, stop bothering me! You don't know, Miss Ya Mei has gone on a blind date!"

  Jerry swallowed a mouthful of water without swallowing it, and was about to laugh out loud, but choked on the way, coughing out tears, "Hahaha ~ Hahaha ~"

  It's hard to say whether this guy is suffering or happy!

  "Alright, Jerry, you can stop laughing now! I'm so frustrated!"

  "Just because Miss Ya Mei went on a blind date, you pretended to be ill!"

  Bob nodded indomitably.

  "Bob, can you be any more adorable? I mean, are you running a fever or something?"

  Bob touched his forehead, "I'm really running a fever!"

  "Stop messing around, I'm talking seriously! If you're just pretending to be sick because Miss Ya Mei went on a blind date, that's too stupid! By the way, how did you know she was going on a blind date?"

  "Hey, I secretly followed her out a few times!"

  "I didn't know you had this hobby, you're a tailgater! Hmm, how did you confirm that Miss Ya Mei went out on a blind date?"

  "I accidentally answered her mom's phone call!"

  "Bob, I think you're particularly suited to be a spy! It's a mistake that Bond 007 didn't recruit you! Alright, listen to me, brother, what's the point of doing this? How long can you pretend to be ill? If she finds out, how will you explain it? Will you cut ties or beg pitifully? Don't be foolish, men don't act like this! If you really like her, tell her and let her wait for you for eight years. Eight years later, you'll marry her!"

  "Ah? Is this okay?"

  "I don't know if that's okay, but I do know that the way you are now is definitely not okay! As a man, you need to exude your masculine charm, wrap her in it, make her eyes unable to leave yours, let your brilliance envelop her, and make her heart forever unable to escape the palm of your hand!"

  "Isn't it too profound!"

  "Is it more profound than game theory and calculus? If all else fails, hold her down and give her a forceful kiss! Don't just be a thinker, think but don't do!"

  "Okay! I'll give it a try!"

  "A bit of confidence would be good! You are Bob Clemens! Right, I came to find you today because there's something that needs your help!"

  "You genius, what else could you possibly need my help with?"

  Jerry smiled mischievously and grabbed Bob's clothes, throwing them over, "Come record an EP with me!"