Chapter 499
Chapter 499
The episode of the broadcast program I featured in for Cheong-ryeo’s stage, Nice to Meet You, was scheduled quickly without any delays.
And then, the day of the broadcast arrived.
Naturally, the show didn't start with the performance itself but with the segment introducing the singers preparing for it.
[Rom-J: I’ve been interested in (Pansori) for a long time...]
[MC: Oh, you’re the first rapper on this show to express interest in Pansori. Let’s see if a Pansori master actually showed up!]
It was that typical segment where they introduce themselves, talk about what genres they’re interested in, and form collaboration teams.
Near the very end of that part...
The guy I performed with finally made his appearance.
[Who is this figure stepping out of the car...?]
[Cheong-ryeo: Hello.]
Artificial cheers were layered into the background, and they even added lightstick effects all over the screen.
And then, a massive caption appeared.
[This man... is handsome!]
“…….”
Is this for real?
I would’ve believed it if someone told me the person who wrote that caption had just stepped out of a time machine from ten years ago.
This show would’ve flopped ages ago if the performances weren't actually good.
I stood up with a sour expression.
“Huh? Moon-dae, where are you going?”
“To get something to drink.”
For the record, I wasn't monitoring this alone.
We were currently in the middle of a tour while preparing for a new album, and today happened to be the day for our weekly group stay.
Since we were all gathered in a rented suite, everyone was there.
I had been watching the program on my smartphone, but...
—Moon-dae, Moon-dae, what are you doing? Oh, wow~ Is the broadcast today?
—...Yeah.
—Ah! I heard the TV in this hotel allows us to watch Korean public broadcasts via the internet! How about using the TV so you can watch it on a big screen? If the other hyungs are okay with it...
—Ayy, of course it’s okay~
—Oh, is Moon-dae’s show on today? Then let’s watch it together.
—OK!
...And that was how we all ended up sitting together, watching this outdated program.
[The King of K-POP, VTIC!]
[Leader Cheong-ryeo]
“...They’re really talking him up.”
“Tell me about it.”
If you’re going to watch with such a dissatisfied look, why did you turn the TV on in the first place?
Well, I was thinking the same thing, though.
Regardless, the program continued without anyone raising an objection.
Cheong-ryeo’s illustrious career was introduced, and soon, the scene where he discussed his ‘desired collaboration genre’ aired.
Of course, this was usually all scripted. Normally, the writers would have already recruited masters and then matched them based on seniority and popularity.
However, this time, Cheong-ryeo really did collaborate with someone from the genre ‘he chose.’
To be precise, he was the one who personally pulled the strings to get me on this show.
[Cheong-ryeo: I... would like to try it with an idol.]
[!!!!]
[MC: Cheong-ryeo-ssi, uh, you do remember that you’re an idol yourself, right...?]
[Cheong-ryeo: Of course. (Laughs) But actually, while I’ve had quite a few opportunities to perform with artists from other fields, I’ve almost never done it with a fellow idol.]
The MC asked, feigning bewilderment.
[MC: Then perhaps... with a female idol?]
[Cheong-ryeo: Not at all. With a male idol who is in a similar position as me.]
Cheong-ryeo smiled and casually brushed off the MC’s question, pivoting to another point.
[Cheong-ryeo: And since my members aren't here right now, um... it feels a bit lonely trying to pull off a stage all by myself. That’s the reason.]
I could practically hear the VTIC fans being moved to tears.
His image-making is lethal.
You can really see his years of experience.
I looked away from the captions and walked back toward the refrigerator near the hotel room entrance.
I was about to grab a bottle of mineral water from inside when... I saw it.
Dark beer.
“…….”
Come to think of it, it felt like it had been several years since I’d touched alcohol.
“…….”
And come to think of it, there was no concert tomorrow.
One can shouldn't hurt...
“Park Moon-dae.”
“Yes.”
Well, I expected as much.
The one who called me was Bae Se-jin, who had followed me to the entrance before I even realized it. Does he have some kind of alcoholic sensor?
I took my eyes off the beer and just grabbed a label-less water bottle.
I had to monitor the show anyway, so I might as well just drink cold water.
Just as I thought that, Bae Se-jin suddenly asked.
“Are you perhaps in a bad mood or feeling frustrated right now?”
“...? No.”
He couldn't possibly think that Park Moon-dae’s condition had crumbled just because he’d been stopped from drinking, right?
“I see. ……If that’s not the case, I thought it might be okay for you to... drink one can comfortably every once in a while.”
“...?!”
Wait.
Is he serious?
The guy who had been disposing of every drop of alcohol since our previous dorm?
When I looked up, Bae Se-jin continued with a slightly embarrassed face.
“I know it was strange for me to be so bossy in the first place. But I just... I wanted to stop you because it seemed like a bad habit, like you were becoming addicted to alcohol.”
I suppose so.
“But if you don’t actually have a habit like that, then I’m just meddling for no reason.”
“…….”
“Of course! This is only if you’re certain that you don’t want to drink because of stress.”
I let go of the water bottle for a moment and reflected.
Now that I think about it...
At some point, the habit of craving a drink to vent my irritation had mostly disappeared.
I think he might have tested me a few times whenever I went near the fridge or a convenience store.
And right now, I definitely didn't want to drink as a way to relieve stress.
I let out a small chuckle and nodded.
“Yes.”
“Okay. I understand.”
Bae Se-jin nodded cleanly. As if he were granting me recognition.
Good grief.
I feel like I just received a certification for completing addiction treatment.
Well, thanks to him, I did give up the cost-effective habit of using alcohol to improve my mood.
I acknowledged that much.
“It wasn't meddling, hyung. I actually received help.”
“...Ahem, right.”
He couldn't hide his slight sense of pride. Well, fine.
How long has it been?
I reached out.
And finally, I grabbed a can of dark beer—a familiar brand I used to drink years ago—from the refrigerator and pulled it out.
They changed the design.
I popped it open immediately and took a swig.
Gulp.
The carbonation was sharp and thrilling.
The cold barley beer, the first I’d had in ages, slid down my throat.
It was refreshing.
Oh.
I returned to my seat, holding the beer can.
“If I think you’re acting strange, I’m going to stop you again.”
“Ah, yes.”
I took another swig.
Bae Se-jin looked like he had something more to say as he watched me drink, but he turned his head away without saying it.
Good decision.
I sat down, feeling refreshed.
On the TV screen, that slick bastard was opening his mouth.
[Rom-J: But really, choosing a collaboration artist from the same genre... I truly respect your single-minded devotion to being an idol.]
[Cheong-ryeo: Haha... Yes. Thank you. I’ve put my life on the line to be an idol, after all.]
[VTIC’s Cheong-ryeo, who is dead serious about being an idol! Who is the artist he will collaborate with?]
“…….”
The reactions of the cast members laughing and giggling were broadcast.
They probably had no idea that wasn't a metaphor, but the literal truth.
His talent for deception is top-tier.
I accepted it generously and silently gulped down my beer.
“Popcorn?”
Sure.
I even chewed on some of the popcorn Cha Yu-jin offered as a snack, but...
“…….”
“Eat more! It’s okay.”
It’s not okay.
It’s sweet.
I really don’t know how this guy stays in shape while eating stuff like this. Is this what they call 'innate muscle' or something?
However, Cha Yu-jin looked closely at my arm as I reached for the popcorn and said with sparkling eyes.
“Oh! Hyung, you’ve got muscles.”
“...? Really?”
“What are you eating?”
“Nothing.”
I hadn't eaten anything special.
No matter how I thought about it, there was only one variable.
I gestured with my chin toward the screen.
“I think I got them while practicing for that.”
“Whoa.”
Coincidentally, my entrance finally aired.
[VTIC Cheong-ryeo’s collaboration artist!]
[???: Hello.]
Soon, my image appeared on the screen, looking like I’d scraped together every last bit of motivation I didn't have.
[Park Moon-dae: I’m TeSTAR’s main vocal, Park Moon-dae.]
[TeSTAR!]
All sorts of flashy effects were added again as TeSTAR’s career was introduced in detail.
Then, Cheong-ryeo and I pretended to be surprised to see each other, shared a handshake, and began preparing for the stage in a friendly manner.
[Cheong-ryeo: So we meet like this. It’s really good to see you.]
[Park Moon-dae: Yes, sunbaenim. I look forward to working with you.]
[Cheong-ryeo: Haha. Ah, I think we can just speak comfortably, right? Given the atmosphere.]
[Park Moon-dae: Then please, feel free to speak informally.]
[The two of them were already close...?]
Seeing it like this made it seem a bit hypocritical, but it came across quite heartwarming on screen.
Of course, the internet comments were screaming.
I decided I just had to endure the screams in the comment section, which were being flooded with things like 'Doom,' 'Is this crazy,' and 'So it was real.'
I’m going to get my profit out of this.
I ground the popcorn between my teeth and stared at the TV.
[Cheong-ryeo: We became acquainted around the time Moon-dae was debuting. Seeing him like this makes me look forward to the stage.]
Then, edited clips of me being warmly coached on the choreography and Cheong-ryeo looking satisfied as we harmonized flashed by.
He’s sweeping up that 'good senior' image.
Even though in reality, he was practically hammering the choreography into my head.
I’m certain that’s where the muscles came from. The dance moves he forced on me required significant power to control the body.
It meant I was using my strength in a very concentrated, compressed way.
Even though it looked all warm and fuzzy on the screen.
[Cheong-ryeo: Moon-dae is quick at picking up dances, so things are progressing smoothly.]
“Is that really the reason?”
“Don’t be fooled. We did it for seven hours every day.”
“Oh.”
[Park Moon-dae: Moon-dae...? No, please look forward to the stage (Mudae) a lot.]
[Natural idol aegyo??]
“Pwahaha!”
“…….”
They even kept that in?
And finally, after the interview clip that even included my slip of the tongue caused by exhaustion, the performance finally aired.
[Starting now!]
“Wait, is Moon-dae... coming out now?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh~ Let’s see, let’s see.”
The TeSTAR guys focused more on the TV, settling into comfortable positions as if they were ready to add a comment every three seconds.
But after the stage ended.
“…….”
“…….”
—This is insane
—Why are they so good?
—Is this the taste of K-POP’s top tier? So good
—Ah... Jae-hyun-ah, couldn't you have waited until the kids were discharged from the military... A stage like this.. ㅠㅠ
—ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Both the people around me and the internet went dead silent.
“Park Moon-dae, so this is why you practiced like that...”
“Yeah.”
And I also realized what effect Cheong-ryeo had been aiming for.
The sophistication stands out to an unbelievable degree.
Since this program was old, it had a classic stage formula that appealed emotionally to the middle-aged and elderly audience, who were its main viewers.
That wasn't a bad thing, but the fact that everyone else was using that same method was the point to exploit.
This stage stands out on its own.
That was why the impression of Cheong-ryeo and Park Moon-dae’s stage—which turned an early 2000s song into the essence of modern K-POP—was doubled.
If you insert one completely different color into a group of similar shades, wouldn't it catch the eye immediately?
Of course, if you can’t pull it off, it just creates a sense of mismatch.
He had suppressed that risk with his overwhelming stage presence and years of experience.
And as for choosing me... first of all, besides the guys who already went to the military, he probably needed a partner who would grit their teeth and produce quality according to his instructions.
And he probably wanted to grab some public opinion for the sake of growing his company.
Just as he had admitted last time.
I saw the signs of LeTi’s viral marketing already beginning to test the waters.
—Ah, I heard LeTi invested a lot since TeSTAR went independent this time. Since they’re in the same line now, it seems the company isn't cutting them off but linking them together lol
└ Hul
└ What, so they’re under the same roof?
└ Not the same roof, just like next-door neighbors? lol
└ Ah, still, it’s fascinating.
They would probably keep testing the waters all night and then release articles tomorrow to solidify the idea that 'TeSTAR has joined the LeTi line.'
In that way, they would lower the sense of wonder or rejection toward TeSTAR appearing on LeTi’s platforms in the future, smoothly increasing the influence of their own platform.
He was successfully carrying out a mid-to-long-term plan to increase the agency’s weight class.
If there was nothing in it for me, honestly, it wouldn't be a very pleasant situation, but...
“Um, Moon-dae, was it fun...?”
“…….”
At Seon A-hyun’s question, I shrugged my shoulders.
Well, even though it seemed like the other guy had gained quite a lot from this.
“It was rewarding.”
That much was true.
“It’s good to acquire this kind of choreography style at least once.”
Seon A-hyun smiled at my answer.
“Mhm. I’m glad. Ah! The stage... it was really cool...”
“That’s right! The arrangement and composition were interesting, but above all, the stability in the harmonies and the proficiency in the choreography made it a very impressive stage.”
“Thanks.”
I nodded at the quite heartwarming atmosphere.
“I-If you want to try more of this kind of choreography... I can teach you...!”
That’s a bit much.
“Thanks. Let’s do it whenever we have time.”
I’ll just take the thought for now.
Honestly, I do have some expectation that doing more might increase my Dance stat, but the cost-effectiveness is just...
At a point where I can’t manually assign stats, the struggle to raise my Dance stat now is not very efficient compared to the time invested.
It’s not like there aren't one or two other guys in the team who are good at dancing, and from the perspective of someone doing group activities, other areas seem more attractive.
Like raising the stats where I’m already the core to their peak.
In other words...
I’d rather it be Singing.
I’m a bit curious about what would happen if I hit 'EX' in Singing.
...Like Steer Cha Yu-jin’s Star Quality stat.
Recalling the guy who was flying around during Waterbomb, I looked at Cha Yu-jin next to me, who was pouring popcorn into his mouth by the handful.
“Hmm? Is something wrong?”
“No.”
“OK. Oh, hyung, the stage is cool.”
Sure.
I turned my head back and recalled.
...Actually, Cha Yu-jin’s Star Quality stat has returned to S+.
Is it because his memories of his time in Steer have faded a lot?
Or maybe it will manifest as EX again if certain conditions are met when he goes on stage... but it is a bit concerning.
I’ve also witnessed a certain scene.
That guy, in the middle of the night, watching Steer Cha Yu-jin’s Waterbomb stage on his smartphone in the living room.
Cha Yu-jin, with a furrowed brow, had an expression that made it unclear whether he was analyzing it or feeling frustrated.
He’s a guy who does well on his own, though.
Well, I wonder if it would help if there was some kind of hint...
[Survey Available!]
[Help: You can custom-tune the <GM Ability> through feedback from the survey.]
Not you.
I said I’m not doing it.
This damn thing is persistent.
Is this a desperate cry saying it’ll add a function to raise stats? I dismissed the status window without even waving my hand.
“But Moon-dae, Moon-dae.”
What.
“You’re holding a beer in your hand?”
“Oh, I was told I could drink now.”
“By who?”
“Se-jin hyung.”
“Oh.”
I naturally finished the beer can quickly and set it down, thinking again.
Anyway, I got what I needed to get, and preparations are going smoothly.
Recalling what I gained by using this featuring stage as a deal, I actually feel like popping another beer to celebrate.
I want to put it into action right away, but...
Before that, there’s some groundwork to lay.
Iter.
That rookie group that 'benchmarked' TeSTAR.
It would be best to deal with them so that rookie group can no longer cling to TeSTAR before I move on.
And while I’m at it, it would be good to make the company’s finances a bit sturdier.
I smirked as I changed the screen on my smartphone.
I saw a text message that had arrived this morning.
[Spacer Kwon Hee-seung: Hyung-nim, we’ve finished our practice lol]
Spacer’s comeback preparations were complete.
The proxy war has begun.