Chapter 59. First Appearance (2)

Translator: Synopsis

With a quiet applause, the six girls came up to the stage. After they got into a V-shaped formation, the AR started flowing out. KangYoon had judged that an AR was still better than an MR for the girls right now. (T/N: AR contains voices while MR is just the instruments)

With Jung MinAh at the center, the girls, wearing their heels, started dancing with vitality. Camera shutters could be heard and the important personnel from the industry also filmed their performance in secret with their phones and each focused on the stage in their own ways.

KangYoon, along with President Lee HyunJi was watching from the entrance of the Crystal Room.

“They’ve prepared a lot.”

President Lee HyunJi seemed to be surprised at the girl group’s energy and expressed her surprise.

There was naturally a machine-like synchro with each member.

The girls digested the violent movements even with their heels on. This made many surprised. KangYoon did make them practice hard after all.

However, KangYoon shook his head, saying that it was still far from okay.

“This is the AR version. Just this much won’t do.”

“You mean you’re going to do a live show with that kind of a dance? It won’t be easy you know…. JooAh may be able to do it.”

President Lee HyunJi felt that KangYoon was frightening.

There weren’t many singers that could digest both the dance and the singing on the stage.

No matter how hard he drove the girls, they should have a limit though….

While KangYoon and President Lee HyunJi were talking about the girl group, President Choo ManJi approached them.

“Oh, HyunJi.”

He lightly received KangYoon’s nod-greeting and put his hand towards President Lee HyunJi.

“It’s been a while, President Choo.”

“Don’t call me that. Call me oppa like you did before.”

“This is a public place, President Choo ManJi.”

“You’re no fun. Fine. President Lee. How have you been?”

President Lee HyunJi finally grabbed his hand as well. While the girls’ magnificent performance continued, President Choo kept praising them.

“Amazing. Those girls must have prepared for 5 years at the least. You’ve got good members too. I can see a nice picture.”

“Thank you for the praise.”

“Wow, I’m amazed the more I look at them. So they are the ones that will take after Sereny.”

President Choo ManJi didn’t stop praising. Even while doing that, he was giving glances to President Lee HyunJi. However, President Lee HyunJi didn’t seem to realize that and didn’t say much. She realized that she shouldn’t leak many things here.

The girls’ song eventually ended. The people kept clapping, and the next song began. It was another AR. President Choo said some words of disappointment after seeing the stage.

“They’re good, but it’s a pity that I can’t hear them live. I do want to listen to their voices.”

“Live voice with that kind of dance routine is plain impossible. That performance with heels on and live singing? Forget about it.”

“Well, that’s true. But you know? Looking at this showcase, they look like they’re going to debut soon, no?”

President Choo was smiling. However, his smile contained something in it. KangYoon realized that he was trying to pry for information from President Lee HyunJi. Perhaps this was natural.

‘Choo ManJi. The president of Yunseul Entertainment. He’s a big shot that leads one of the four big entertainment companies in Korea. What is he intending?’

KangYoon wondered. This man was a daring and adventurous man. People usually considered him as someone reckless. However, he was, in fact, someone who was very calculative and had a smart head. KangYoon thought that he had a reason behind his question.

“A debut, you say? Do you go leaking company secrets everywhere, oppa?”

“Fu. That’s true. Sorry. I was in the wrong.”

When President Lee HyunJi became serious, he took a step back. However, KangYoon’s expression wasn’t that great. He saw him smiling for a brief moment.

‘He’s sure that we will debut soon. I don’t know what he’s aiming f… wait.’

Yunseul Entertainment also had a girl group that they had been preparing for a long time. They were named Diateen and debuted almost at the same time as EDDIOS. In KangYoon’s previous life, EDDIOS had a huge failure when they started off, and the reason lay in the fact that they were continuously compared with Diateen.

‘Diateen actually debuted on the same stage as EDDIOS didn’t they? They were much more popular at the beginning too. Though, they gave the throne to EDDIOS due to various scandals and blanks. Looks like I should be wary.’

Thinking of his previous life, KangYoon was wary against President Choo ManJi. Although he was altering the future, there were many things that weren’t affected by him yet. No, it was instead more possible that something completely unexpected may happen due to his actions until now. KangYoon kept being calm.

“May I say something?”

When KangYoon was about to say something, President Choo ManJi didn’t hide his displeasure.

“President Lee. I don’t think that employee of yours over there can read the mood properly.”

President Lee HyunJi backlashed quite hard when she heard those rude words.

“Really? You’ll regret it though.”

“President Lee. Only those of the same social status should talk to each other in public places like this. This isn’t right.”

KangYoon was disdained outright, but he waited quietly. He already knew that President Choo was someone who was strong against the weak and weak against the strong. However, KangYoon had confidence in not being disdained in this place.

And as he had expected, President Lee HyunJi put a mocking smile on.

“President Choo. Have you heard of the name ‘Lee KangYoon’?”

“Lee KangYoon? Of course, I do. He’s the hottest topic among guys like us. From JooAh to Sedy, SeasonS and TheAce…. Oh, yeah, didn’t he come today? I actually wanted to see him the most.”

“Well, he was trying to talk to you.” (T/N: Savage.)

President Choo ManJi became both panicked and confused at once. KangYoon almost burst out laughing when he tried to look around, and President Lee HyunJi just dumped that line on him. He didn’t know she had such sarcasm in her. However, that was only for a moment, KangYoon indifferently spoke.

“Greetings. I am Lee KangYoon. I am currently working as the General Planning Team Leader in MG Entertainment.”

“…….”

President Choo ManJi was rendered speechless. He was rude to the man he called ‘the hottest person among guys like them’. He was embarrassed.

‘Dammit….’

He coughed continuously and left the place saying he’d go to the toilet. President Lee HyunJi and KangYoon burst out laughing after hearing that.

“Lol. Being with Team leader Lee like this can bring such joyous surprises.”

“I also didn’t know I would have fun like this. I also didn’t know President Choo was someone like that.”

“Well, he does give proper treatment to the people who deserve it. He’s publicly known as a great man, but actually, he’s not much….”

President Lee HyunJi shook her head. KangYoon immediately realized what she meant.

Some time had passed, and the girls’ performance was nearing its end. The energetic dance routine eventually faded out and the white light that only KangYoon could see also started dissipating.

“Thank you!”

The girls’ stage ended and was followed by an applause. The people gave claps without holding back. KangYoon also clapped towards the girls as well.

“Should we go around greeting people then? Follow me.”

“Okay.”

KangYoon started walking around the Crystal Room to greet the other people along with President Lee HyunJi.

***

The girls who finished their showers in the hotel shower room immediately ran to the Crystal Room. The room was already prepared with meals for them to enjoy.

“Wow~!”

From some unheard-of steak to various other luxury foods made them drool. They ran to the tables and cut the meat into pieces with their mouths knives.to eat.

Jung MinAh found KangYoon when she was about to feast. He was currently greeting ‘high’ ranking people along with President Lee HyunJi.

‘Ugh….’

No matter how she admired KangYoon, that kind of an iron castle wasn’t so easy to breach. She swallowed her tears and turned around to the meat again. However, an opportunity soon came.

‘Huh?’

KangYoon separated from President Lee HyunJi and walked off somewhere. Having found her opportunity, Jung MinAh also stood up.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“Poop.”

“Do you mind? We’re eating here.”

Jung MinAh stuck her tongue out to Christie An to tease her once and headed to the corridor following KangYoon.

KangYoon wasn’t far away.

“Ahju….”

However, KangYoon wasn’t alone. He was with a large man with ripped jeans on. Jung MinAh was curious about what they were talking about and quietly approached them.

“I’ve really enjoyed what you’ve done today. EDDIOS, was it? They were great.”

“Thank you for your praise.”

The big man was President Kang ShiMyoung of Yerang Entertainment. He gave a business card to KangYoon and showed him good will.

“I think you’ve prepared for a long time. They’re definitely slightly different from what our company strives for, but I think they’ll become great singers.”

“I’m only thankful that you’re praising me so much. I’m still not that good yet.”

“Not at all. I was honestly surprised. Mr. KangYoon, oh, can I call you that?”

“Yes.”

“I was honestly surprised at what you produced Mr. KangYoon. From the party-like showcase, and the contents as well. Everything was so novel. I even felt like you did this to crush us all.”

“Hahaha.”

KangYoon only laughed. However, he was inwardly wary about what this man was thinking. Most compliments came with strings attached.

And just as he had expected, he switched to the real topic after giving him the business card.

“It’s my business card.”

“Why are you….”

“Although not yet, you might see a need for it in the future. Please call me then. I’ll have the doors open anytime.”

He didn’t say a lot. However, he was pretty clear in his intentions. KangYoon also expressed his intentions after realizing what the opponent said to him.

“I apologize, but I….”

“I know. That you’re currently satisfied with your place.”

“…….”

“However, no one knows what may happen in the future. You might need it someday. After all, the future is unknown. Please keep it for then.”

He wasn’t wrong; and since it was wrong to just throw away the business card, KangYoon put the business card inside his wallet. There was no need to reply with malice to goodwill.

“Then I’ll look forward to EDDIOS’s actions in the future.”

After his business was over, he walked down the corridor. His presence was big just like his stature. When KangYoon took out the business card to take a look, Jung MinAh suddenly appeared in front of him. KangYoon was surprised and hid the business card.

“Ah! Oh, MinAh, it’s you.”

“Yes, it’s me. Ahjussi, that….”

“Did you see?”

“…Yes, it was a coincidence though.”

Jung MinAh honestly said that she had seen everything. KangYoon also didn’t lie.

“Keep it a secret.”

“Just like that?”

“…Don’t play around here.”

“Tch. Fine.”

When KangYoon became serious, Jung MinAh grumbled and said yes. When she pouted, KangYoon also gave her the carrot.

“I’ll treat you.”

“… from Jung Mumoon.”

“I’ll add a as well.”

“Yay!”

KangYoon was very generous when he treated someone. Jung MinAh shouted hooray.

***

The showcase ended, and he finally found some time.

KangYoon headed to Hallyeo Arts University. When he arrived at the practice room in the underground floor of the student council building, the band, Recovery, was absorbed in practice with beads of sweat dripping down their faces

– I am by your- side – opening the sails of hope—

When KangYoon opened the door, Lee HyunAh’s voice strongly provoked his ears. Her voice was a complete 180 from the previous unmotivated tone. The low bass resounded along with the drums and made KangYoon’s heart thump along with the rhythm as well.

KangYoon put the snacks he brought on the chair and sat next to Professor Choi ChanYang.

– My tears flow- in the violent wind—but when it stopped, I met you –

Professor Choi was also moving his shoulders in accordance with the music. He was also in the mood because they were now in the finals. Well, it wasn’t just him, everyone was. The practice was very hard, but everyone was full of energy.

The song ended and everyone put down their instruments.

“Thank you!”

Everyone lowered their head towards KangYoon. They still thought that Lee HyunAh’s score was KangYoon’s. KangYoon was the one who gave them the opportunity to enter the College Pop Festival finals.

“Ahaha….”

“Hyung-nim! We’ll do our best.”

Goo HyungSeok energetically bowed towards KangYoon. Moon MiYoung and Kim HeeJin also said that they would do anything for him. Of course, KangYoon didn’t intend to do anything like that. He looked towards Lee HyunAh, but she only shook her head. KangYoon felt awkward for taking credit for another’s work.

After a moment of rest, the practice began again. Everyone was in the Composition department, but this piece was at the level of professional bands. The most emphasized was Lee HyunAh. Going beyond characteristic, her voice had a charm.

KangYoon saw the musical notes that came out from everyone and focused on Lee HyunAh.

‘The light trembles whenever Lee HyunAh’s notes are added into the mix.’

KangYoon knew exactly what was happening. The light from the band, Recovery, was definitely strong. He didn’t know what the other bands in the College Pop Festival were like, but he did think that they were fine to expect good results with this level.

Their practice continued late into the night. KangYoon also wanted to stay, but he had to leave early because of his job. Professor Choi also left with KangYoon saying that he had some materials to prepare for class.

The two headed to the station together.

“The kids are doing well now.”

“It’s all thanks to you. HyunJi did say that nothing’s impossible with you, but now I think I know the reason.”

“Haha….”

KangYoon was embarrassed every time he heard words like these. Professor Choi continued speaking.

“I actually know everything.”

“Sorry?”

“The score that you gave to the students, was actually composed by HyunAh, wasn’t it?”

KangYoon silently smiled in acknowledgment.

“I noticed from the handwriting. There’s no way you would steal a student’s work so…. I asked HyunAh later. So, you stepped up instead of her because she couldn’t do it.”

“It was just that she did well. That’s all.”

“But it was you that showed it to everyone else. Though short, I think I saw a fragment of the power of a planner. Indirectly make the others do what you intended. So, planners were such cool beings.”

KangYoon felt awkward at Professor Choi’s compliment. Professor Choi bought a drink on the way and asked him to stay friends with the students at the Composition department.

Having arrived at the station, the two waited for the bus. When the bus was in sight, Professor Choi stood up from his seat.

“The College Pop Festival will begin soon. Will you be able to come?”

“I’ll try to make some time. But honestly… I don’t know how things will go.”

“Please try to make some time. Well. Then….”

He separated from Professor Choi and headed to the subway station himself.

***

Busy days began again.

After the showcase, it was a countdown to the debut. The girls also kicked the practice up a notch and the company activated emergency protocols. KangYoon’s work time also increased and ran late into the night.

“Let’s end it here for today.”

KangYoon finished a meeting with the planning team that topped the PR team as the busiest team recently and headed to his office. Although he went home late every night, today was slightly different.

He left the company like an arrow and immediately headed to the sports field of D University where the College Pop Festival was held.

– Yaiyai—-

When KangYoon arrived at D University, he could already hear the music.

“Oh… Am I too late?”

Fortunately, the taxi dropped him somewhere nearby so he didn’t have to walk that far. He called Professor Choi while walking to ask where they were and immediately headed over there.

“Huh? Hyung-nim!”

“Oppa!”

When he rushed to the waiting room, everyone gladly met KangYoon. Everyone seemed to be surprised at KangYoon with a suit on unlike usual.

“Wow, you guys look great.”

Said KangYoon when he saw everyone undergoing makeup. KangYoon focused especially on Lee HyunAh, who even had makeup on her eyes unlike her usual simple and light makeup.

“Your eyes are done greatly. Did you do it yourself?”

“No, MiYoung-unni did it for me.”

Moon MiYoung drew a V with her fingers. She felt proud of her makeup skills on their youngest one.

KangYoon didn’t have much to do there so he left after a simple greeting. Just as he was about to find an empty seat for himself, someone tugged on his sleeve. He turned around to see that it was Lee HyunAh.

“HyunAh. What is it?”

“Uh…. I came here to say thanks.”

“Like this?”

“…….”

KangYoon’s light joke made her bright red. KangYoon found her cute and laughed.

“Hahaha, I was joking. How is it? Are you nervous?”

“…It would be a lie to say that I’m not.”

“You are nervous, eh? What do we do about that…. Oh, why don’t we do this?”

KangYoon also pondered for a moment before speaking.

“I’m going to be at the front, so, sing while looking only at me. What do you think?”

“Pffft!”

She burst out laughing since that was absurd. They were not lovers, what was all this about. KangYoon laughed along with her.

“How is it? Did that relieve some of your nervousness?”

“I’m not sure about that, we’re not lovers either…. What the heck was that? Are you trying to seduce me?”

“Nah, I don’t think jail is a nice place. Anyway, stages aren’t something that amazing. Don’t lose to your heart, okay?”

KangYoon patted her shoulders and headed to the audience seat.

‘Don’t lose to my heart?’

She didn’t know what it meant but kept those words in mind anyway. She somehow felt that she needed those words right now.

***

“Mr. HyunJin. I was eating gimbap the other day and I couldn’t rip a piece out. Do you know why?”

“Because the gimbap was made from Dol-gim(stone seaweed)?”

“…….”

While the presenters continued the stage with cold jokes, the next band was preparing. The instruments were connected to the amplifiers, while drums were set into position as well, and synthesizers were being set.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Then how about this? What do you call a king when he falls over?”

“King Kong.” (T/N: Kong is a sound effect for falling here)

“…….”

“Ehem.”

The presenters Yang HyunJin and Joo MinGuk received a sign that the next team was ready while they were exchanging cold jokes.

“So, they’re ready now. It was hard.”

Grumbled Joo MinGuk lightly. Then Yang HyunJin replied as well.

“I had it harder. Well, let’s stop this and can you please introduce them?”

“Yes. It’s our next team. Every member of this team are actually composers. It’s the band Recovery from Hallyeo Arts University. Everyone, please give a round of applause!”

The cameras all filmed the stage. The lights went on and Recovery’s stage began with four beats from the drums.