Cherreads

Chapter 21 - Ch 21- Gaining Popularity

Without a stable job and relying only on odd jobs, he was completely unable to repay that mountain-like, massive debt.

What awaited him was either being driven to a dead end by debt collectors, eventually choosing to jump off a building to end this painful life; or being taken away by underworld forces to undergo TS surgery and become a male prostitute, satisfying the twisted desires of those with special fetishes.

No matter the ending, it meant that his life had completely reached its end.

At this moment, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, spilling into the luxurious private lounge like golden silk threads.

Kenji was leisurely leaning back on the soft sofa, sitting steadily among four beauties. Not a trace of worry could be seen on his face, as if all the world's troubles had nothing to do with him.

His left hand casually and gently embraced Natsuka's slender and soft waist, feeling the warmth from her delicate skin as he lightly stroked her flat and soft belly; his right hand tenderly held Reina's shoulder, resting on her large bosom, naturally and slowly kneading it, fully enjoying this rare moment of leisure and comfort.

Seeing this scene, Kanako, who was nearby, had the corners of her mouth curl up slightly, revealing a sweet smile as she smilingly handed over a glass of champagne.

The golden liquid swayed gently in the exquisite glass, creating layers of delicate ripples, as if it were also adding a unique luster to this joyful atmosphere.

Yoshida Saki, with a look of careful focus, gently picked up a grape, her slender fingers nimbly peeling away the skin. Then, she gently placed the peeled grape into Kenji's mouth, and the sweet, moist taste instantly spread through his mouth, reaching straight to his heart.

Enjoying the service of the four beauties, Kenji narrowed his eyes slightly, sighing inwardly.

This so-called company was merely a product of a whim, founded because he simply had more money than he could possibly spend.

The rise and fall of the company, while not entirely irrelevant to him, at least wouldn't affect his already luxurious and comfortable life in the slightest.

Today, the company's software app officially went online, and the anime also began broadcasting simultaneously.

If the results were good, that would naturally be for the best.

This would not only accumulate a good reputation and word-of-mouth for him but also provide momentum for his subsequent conquest plans.

If the results were poor, it wouldn't matter much to Kenji.

Even if the company remained in a state of negative income afterward, he wouldn't be afraid at all.

Just like Jack Ma during that TV station interview, he didn't like money, nor did he love money.

After all, to him now, money was truly like a pile of useless waste paper, even too stiff for wiping one's bottom.

Even if the company really shut down, he could still rely on his inexhaustible and bottomless wealth to continue living a free and easy life.

Time passed quietly in the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, and before they knew it, it was ten o'clock in the morning.

"It's starting!"

Kenji sat up slightly, a flash of excitement in his eyes as he let out a soft exclamation.

At the same time, the software officially went online, and various platforms began to push traffic heavily, like soldiers receiving an order.

The intensity of this promotion was unprecedented. Not only was there all-around promotion on various popular social platforms, but even the giant screens in front of major buildings and billboards at bustling train stations were replaced with the striking LOGO of Tohei co. ltd. and the exquisite promotional images of sword art online.

Anyone using SIM cards from Japan's big three operators—NTT DoCoMo, SoftBank, and KDDI—received a promotional message about 'Tohei co. ltd.' at this moment, with a download link thoughtfully attached to the message.

Such a grand gesture was undoubtedly advertising to the entire Japanese population, as if announcing Tohei co. ltd.'s powerful debut to all of Japan.

Soon, the data began to soar wildly like a runaway horse.

People were drawn in by this sudden promotion and began to discuss it heatedly.

"Huh? Tohei co. ltd. ,Entertainment Company? Never heard of it... Shonen Dream? What kind of software is this again?" a young man asked with a face full of confusion, furrowing his brows.

"Tohei co. ltd.? Didn't you see the previous promotion? It was heavily promoted on several mainstream platforms. That anime about to air, sword art online, is their company's work," his companion quickly explained.

"sword art online, I know that. It's the first time I've seen an animation in this style, it left a very deep impression on me," another young man said, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Look at the promotion, Shonen Dream has the sword art online novel, and three new songs. I don't know how they are, let's go listen?" someone suggested.

Relying on the previous promotion of the anime and novel, the first to be attracted were those curious and novelty-seeking young people.

For them, who were already tired of those old-fashioned animations, the unique style and novel setting of sword art online were incredibly attractive.

Soon, a large number of accounts were registered like a tide, and the software's download count and the anime's view count began to skyrocket like a rocket.

Here, Kenji didn't forget to add another wave of promotion.

He used that previous song 'One Last Kiss' as the theme song for sword art online and then cleverly diverted traffic to the music software.

Many people who clicked on the anime and heard 'One Last Kiss' were instantly drawn in by the moving melody.

The new songs 'Uchiage Hanabi' and 'Lemon,' along with 'One Last Kiss,' were hanging at the top of the playlist charts, attracting countless clicks and listens.

"Oh my god, I've heard this song before! It's from that video that went viral on the internet. Now there's actually an official audio!" a girl screamed excitedly.

"The lyrics and music were actually both created by this person called 'Kenji.' Is that a stage name? I've never heard of this person before!"

"Everyone, listen to 'Uchiage Hanabi' and 'Lemon.' They're also new songs written by that 'Kenji.' They're amazing!" someone shared impatiently.

"There's an MV below! Oh my god! This Kenji is too handsome! From now on, he's my male god!" a fangirl shouted excitedly, her eyes glowing.

In just two minutes, the single-song download count for the three songs instantly broke ten thousand.

The comment section below was a sea of praise, and there was no shortage of lovestruck girls screaming in the comments and MV bullet chats, expressing their love and adoration for Kenji.

"It's a hit! It's definitely a hit!"

Seeing the skyrocketing data and the tide of positive reviews in the comment section, the hearts of several department heads and managers completely relaxed, and satisfied smiles appeared on their faces.

They knew in their hearts that the quality of the anime, songs, and novel were all solid. The internet water army they had prepared wasn't even needed now.

At this rate of growth and fermentation, becoming a hit was inevitable; it was only a matter of time.

"But we can't just wait around. Let the operations department start moving. Send out the word: the online streamers we hired should also start promoting, and then release the exquisite videos we prepared earlier to start building momentum for The Esteemed President!" a manager ordered decisively, his eyes firm.

"Yes!"

Everyone responded in unison and then got busy again, each throwing themselves into their intense work.

Kenji's original intention for establishing the company wasn't to make money, but to increase his own popularity.

In his view, with high fame and a good reputation, picking up girls would naturally be more convenient.

Just like certain male celebrities in the domestic entertainment industry before he transmigrated, who changed partners every couple of days, dumping them when they got bored, yet still had many female fans willing to throw themselves at them, obsessed with them of their own free will.

This was the benefit of being rich and famous; it was as if one possessed everything.

Soon, under the team's meticulous operational packaging, titles like 'Genius Novelist' and 'Rising Star of the Music Scene' were sent out as if they had wings, spreading through every street and alley.

In various social media outlets, discussions about this were constant.

People marveled at Kenji's talent and looks, and were even more full of praise for the sword art online novel and anime he created, as well as the three new songs.

When these things were combined, it was like a powder keg being ignited—it exploded!

The entire internet was swept by Kenji's name and his works, creating a wave of craze.

Under the surging tide of capital's relentless and crazy momentum-building, all developments seemed so natural, as if Kenji's explosive popularity was destined.

However, amidst this seemingly excellent situation, sharp and piercing voices still rang out.

In the bustling social forums, waves of doubt began to emerge.

"It's probably all fake. It's definitely just another so-called idol pushed out by those unscrupulous capitalists. There's no such thing as a perfect person," someone immediately echoed.

"Yeah, how can anyone be so powerful? A person's energy is limited. He can write novels, compose lyrics, and sing so well. Did he start learning how to be an idol in his mother's womb?" The voices of doubt grew more numerous and their tone more intense.

"Exactly, it's definitely all just deceptive tricks. Everyone, don't be fooled!" The discussion in the forum became increasingly heated, and the skeptical remarks continued to ferment.

Several presidents, who were constantly monitoring the forum's direction, also saw these glaring comments. The public relations staff, in particular, furrowed their brows tightly.

Although these glaring comments were currently few in number, they were like sparks of fire, growing and expanding at an extremely fast speed and affecting other groups like a virus.

This was not a good thing.

Because it was indeed as that person in the forum said: a person's energy is limited, and it's impossible to specialize in multiple skills at the same time.

Writing novels, writing lyrics, and singing well—with so many strengths, it felt at first glance like it was specifically packaged.

It was quite reasonable to suspect it was false advertising by capital.

"This kind of thing isn't easy to explain. If we're the ones to say it, it might just make things worse and perhaps even spark more controversy!" one of the PR staff said with a frown, her face full of worry.

"That's true," another department head nodded, his expression grave. "However, I do have a plan."

"What is it? Tell us quickly," everyone cast expectant looks.

"Isn't internet livestreaming very popular now? Perhaps we could have The Esteemed President hold an online livestream fan meeting. Letting The Esteemed President personally demonstrate his talents will naturally shut those guys up," the department head said with confidence.

"A good method indeed, but..." several department heads looked at the person who made the suggestion, a hint of worry in their eyes. "Why don't you, Kobayashi-san, be the one to propose this to The Esteemed President..."

"Uh..." Department Head Kobayashi's heart skipped a beat.

Asking the president to personally do a livestream... what if the president is unhappy? Would he be fired tomorrow just for stepping into the company with his left foot first?

Despite his inner trepidation, Department Head Kobayashi dutifully reported all the proposed plans and the cause of the matter to Kenji in detail.

"Have me do a livestream to prove my talent!?" Kenji raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Th-that's... yes..."

Department Head Kobayashi was startled, his body trembling slightly, thinking the president was about to lose his temper. However, the expected scolding did not occur.

"I understand. Then go and prepare well. At two o'clock this afternoon, we'll hold a livestream," Kenji said calmly.

Holding an online livestream was indeed a very good plan.

There was absolutely no need to take out his frustrations on a dutiful employee.

"Yes! We will certainly make proper arrangements!"

Department Head Kobayashi breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly went down to make the arrangements.

There were only a little over three hours left until the livestream started. Time was tight; setting up the livestream scene and pre-livestream warming up all required time.

But several department heads and managers, including the employees below, didn't feel there was anything to complain about.

Everything is hard at the beginning. Everyone knew the company was just starting out and would face many problems. As long as they persisted through this period, things would gradually stabilize and become easier later on.

And there was one most important point.

That was... the pay was great!

"We absolutely cannot let this company fail" was the true thought in the hearts of many employees now.

Imagine an eight-hour workday, with room and board included. The food was exquisite meals prepared by Michelin three-star chefs, and the housing was a dormitory building converted from a four-star hotel. There were plenty of snacks, fruits, and imported coffee. After work, one could go to the gym to exercise, with specialized fitness coaches and yoga teachers for guidance, and then go for a sauna. Those with children could even bring them to the company, where there were dedicated people to look after them.

Various benefits were also numerous. Not to mention anything else, just the president's treats over the past few days had already happened several times.

Thinking back to their previous bosses, every one of them treated them as consumables, squeezing them for all they were worth.

There's no harm without comparison.

If such a heavenly company went bankrupt, they'd have to go back to being corporate slaves. Who would want that?

By noon, when sunlight filtered through the mottled leaves onto the streets, Department Head Kobayashi, with a heart full of expectation, solemnly released the livestream room number.

As soon as the news was sent out, the livestream room became lively.

"Is anyone here?" one netizen tentatively sent a bullet chat message first.

"It hasn't started broadcasting yet, has it?"

At this time, not long after the room number was released, some people opened the livestream room out of curiosity, and people immediately began to file in.

"I've come to see exactly who can sing such beautiful songs. This voice is simply like celestial music, it's making my heart itch," one netizen commented excitedly.

"It really doesn't feel like lyrics an ordinary high school student could write! The depth and charm of those lyrics are definitely not something a naive youth could produce," another netizen followed with a sigh.

"That's why I think it's packaged by capital. This time we must find a way to expose his true face!" At this time, a netizen with the username 'Sushi Kojiro' jumped out, his tone full of certainty and provocation.

The moment Kenji, with his upright posture, officially entered the frame, the livestream room instantly boiled over. The number of viewers skyrocketed like a rocket, suddenly breaking over thirty thousand.

Many people, seeing Kenji for the first time at this moment, widened their eyes in disbelief.

"Really so young? When others said the one who wrote these lyrics and sang the songs was a high school student, I didn't believe it!"

"Onii-chan is so handsome!"

Netizens turned into fanboys and fangirls, starting to leave messages frantically, with bullet chats flying like snowflakes.

"Look, it's senior Kojima Miyuki! Senior Miyuki actually came?" Suddenly, a bullet chat exploded like a thunderclap.

"Oh my god, it's our queen of the Japanese music scene! She's a legend!"

...

Read advance chapters on p@treon

[email protected]/guilt_free_daoist

Join disc0rd link in synopsis.

GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.

More Chapters