Chapter 128: Taming of the Shrew (1)
Chapter 128: Taming of the Shrew (1)
Recently, Seo-yeon had added one more person to her narrow circle of social connections.
It was none other than Cha Na-hee.
The core member of the girl group Summer Girl.
Realizing they would be working together on Sky Garden following Dream Future, Seo-yeon used that as an excuse to reach out.
"But won't it be exhausting to appear in two projects back-to-back?" Seo-yeon asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.
Filming Sky Garden immediately after Dream Future was a feat that required more than just average stamina. Furthermore, Cha Na-hee was currently the sole breadwinner of her group. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Summer Girl’s entire public recognition rested on her shoulders. Consequently, she was active not just in dramas, but in variety shows and commercials as well.
"…Um, Seo-yeon."
"Yes?"
"I’m more worried about you than me."
Na-hee meant it from the bottom of her heart. Seo-yeon’s recent schedule was nothing short of murderous. Even though Dream Future had ended, she was being pulled into various follow-up events. On top of that, she was a fixed cast member on a variety-slash-audition program called Hyper Action Star. And now, she was filming Sky Garden simultaneously.
While Na-hee was starting a new project after finishing one, Seo-yeon was doing both at the same time.
Just how much stamina does she have?
Na-hee had always considered herself to have decent physical endurance. She was capable of handling a packed schedule without much issue. But looking at Seo-yeon, she seemed to have transcended the limits of mere stamina.
She always looks so full of energy…
Na-hee wanted to become friends with Seo-yeon. She had received a lot of help from her during Dream Future, and Seo-yeon was a lovely girl. Na-hee prided herself on her diligence, believing she wouldn't lose to anyone in that regard, but she didn't dare say such a thing in front of Seo-yeon.
If only the girls in my group were even half like her.
No, not even half. If they were even one-tenth like her, wouldn't their situation be better than it was now?
"Unnie, is something wrong?" Seo-yeon asked softly, noticing the shadow that had fallen over Na-hee’s face.
Having lived her life mimicking emotions, Seo-yeon was incredibly sensitive to the feelings of others. She could tell that Na-hee had called her today because she needed someone to talk to.
"Oh, well…"
As Seo-yeon suspected, Na-hee did have something she wanted to consult her about today. And that was…
"A vocal trainer?"
"Yeah."
Summer Girl had been put in charge of the OST for Sky Garden. It was an insert song meant for bright, cheerful scenes. The song was already decided, and they had received the guide track; all they had to do was practice.
However, the vocal trainer at Hoyeon Entertainment had suddenly up and vanished. To make matters worse, when they tried to find a replacement, no one was willing to take the job—perhaps because Summer Girl’s notorious reputation had preceded them.
"…I see."
"Huh? You’re not surprised?"
"I just thought… that sounds like something that could happen."
Seo-yeon recalled the members of Summer Girl she had met not long ago. The impression she’d gotten from them back then was…
Beast-dols.
She didn't mean an idol group with a wild, fierce image. She meant a bizarre group that literally functioned on animalistic hierarchy. Seo-yeon had managed to settle the hierarchy once and for all by showing them a simple magic trick, but that would be impossible for Na-hee.
A Shih Tzu stuck between a Beagle and a Chihuahua.
That was exactly how it felt. Na-hee worked the hardest, yet she was at the bottom of the group’s hierarchy. It made no sense, but in Summer Girl, it was possible. It was partly because Na-hee was almost foolishly kind, but it was also the result of constant gaslighting.
"Unnie."
"Oh, y-yes?"
When Seo-yeon spoke in a low, calm voice, Na-hee flinched. To be honest, when Seo-yeon spoke like that, it was quite overwhelming. It wasn't just her looks; it was her aura.
An actress really is an actress.
Despite having met many actors, Na-hee could clearly feel that Seo-yeon was special. The members of Summer Girl were beauties who would draw eyes on any street, but standing next to Seo-yeon, they were usually turned into squids. It wasn't just about physical appearance; it was a matter of atmosphere. There was a vague, formidable power about her that made her difficult to approach.
"Do you have any intention of switching agencies later?"
"Well, I do…"
She did, but honestly, she lacked confidence. She couldn't even adjust properly at a place like Hoyeon; would she be able to survive at another management company? The words of the manager at Hoyeon always echoed in her mind.
'Our agency has a family-like atmosphere, but other places are jungles! Jungles! It’s true you’re the best among us, Na-hee, but do you know how many idols out there are just as good as you? For a celebrity, the best agency is the one that treats them well. Being in a top-tier agency isn't what's important, you know?'
Because she had heard such things constantly, it wasn't easy to make a move. Still, her contract was ending soon, so she was thinking about it…
"Then, let's do this."
"W-what?"
"I’ll help you with this current problem."
By "this current problem," she meant the vocal trainer. As it happened, Seo-yeon knew a truly excellent vocal trainer. In fact, that trainer had personally coached Seo-yeon for her own Sky Garden OST, so she was perfect for the job.
"How about our agency? They’ll treat you well."
As Seo-yeon said this with a bright, beaming smile, Na-hee froze. Despite the kind offer, the smile was so intensely villainous.
But she’s going to help me?
Ah, maybe she meant she would ask a vocal trainer from Nova Entertainment. Regardless of the ominous smile, it was a tempting offer. Unlike other places, she had an acquaintance like Seo-yeon at Nova.
Thinking back on everything she had endured at Hoyeon, Na-hee hesitated before finally speaking.
"…I’ll think about it."
For Na-hee, that was a very positive response.
*
She hadn't received a definitive answer, but judging by Na-hee’s reaction, she was halfway there. Thanks to that, Seo-yeon was brimming with motivation!
If I can bring Na-hee unnie over too!
Cha Na-hee was an SSS-rank prospect with a guaranteed future. She was an all-rounder who could act and sing. Her visuals were on par with any actress; she was a person whose presence at Hoyeon was utterly baffling. From the moment she heard Na-hee’s contract was nearing its end, Seo-yeon had been planning to lure her to Nova Entertainment.
If Na-hee unnie joins, it’ll be a huge help to Nova.
Of course, this wasn't a unilateral move on Seo-yeon’s part. she had already sounded out the CEO of Nova Entertainment, Kang Chan-yul.
"By the way, what do you think of Na-hee unnie from Summer Girl?"
"Huh? Oh, well… she’s a very talented idol."
Kang Chan-yul answered a bit tentatively.
"Then, what if I were to… bring her in?"
"Seo-yeon."
"Yes."
"By 'bring her in,' you don't mean in a physical sense, do you?"
"?"
Seeing Seo-yeon tilt her head as if she didn't understand the question, Kang Chan-yul breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, it didn't seem like she meant it that way.
This is all because of Hyper Action Star…
As Nova Entertainment’s precious SSS-rank actress, Seo-yeon was being carefully managed in many ways. Naturally, everyone at the agency watched every broadcast she appeared in. Consequently, there wasn't a single person at Nova who hadn't seen Hyper Action Star.
In the show, Seo-yeon was deflecting incoming bullets. She would sprint while dodging gunfire and then close in to fire her own weapon. She had already shown extraordinary abilities in Wilderness Survival and Star Fisherman, but because this was more direct, it left a powerful impression.
Even now, the most active posts on community forums were:
[Grizzly Bear vs. Ju Seo-yeon]
- Who wins?
- The bear wins if it has a gun.
- Ju Seo-yeon deflects bullets. The bear dies if it gets shot.
- Ju Seo-yeon has only deflected paintballs so far; don't exaggerate lol.
- So far????
- Are you guys even talking about a celebrity right now?
Since there were so many posts like that, the CEO was starting to worry about her image. If even the head of her agency felt that way, it was serious.
I should have her cut back on physical variety shows for a while.
There were plenty of other good options. Observational variety shows, or healing programs like Three Meals a Day.
Anyway, Cha Na-hee.
If they could actually bring her to Nova Entertainment as Seo-yeon suggested, there wouldn't be many bigger catches. Kang Chan-yul was already aware that her contract was ending soon.
But considering how much of Hoyeon Entertainment she carries, they won't give her up easily.
And Na-hee likely received decent treatment at Hoyeon. Kang Chan-yul figured she wouldn't move unless offered exceptionally good terms. That was why he had worried Seo-yeon might try to "extract" her physically. He knew the girl had been sturdy since she was young, but he hadn't expected her to grow up to be this extraordinary.
"Well, alright. If it’s possible, I’ll help as much as I can."
"Yes."
"Just don't cause any trouble."
"Of course."
Seo-yeon answered with full enthusiasm. Now that she had the CEO’s permission, all that was left was to execute the plan!
The next place she visited was the voice acting academy.
She knew that 'Wizard Erzsebet' didn't have a scheduled broadcast today. Her real name was Han Da-young. She was a bit—no, very—flustered by Seo-yeon’s sudden visit and request.
"Vocal training… for idols?"
"Yes!"
"…."
Da-young was utterly bewildered.
Did this girl forget that I used to be an idol trainee?
She wondered if that was possible, but then realized it was entirely plausible. Seo-yeon certainly wasn't dim-witted, so she probably hadn't forgotten, but…
"There are plenty of other vocal trainers. Besides, if it’s Summer Girl, it’s a bit…"
There was even some bad blood there. She had crossed paths with some of them during her trainee days. Summer Girl and Han Da-young had been trainees around the same time.
"Oh, you won't be meeting them in person."
"Then how?"
"Well, couldn't you meet them in a different form?"
She didn't explicitly say the words 'Wizard Erzsebet.'
The Red Pill!
Seo-yeon didn't dare speak of it directly. If she said it out loud, she would end up asking too many questions about Ramiel as well!
This is the proper attitude of a fan.
Seo-yeon kept Ji-yeon and Ramiel separate in her mind. She did the same for Wizard Erzsebet.
"If we connect via a head-cam…"
At this point, Han Da-young started to find it a bit interesting. How would idols feel about learning to sing from a VTuber? Plus, since some of the people she disliked were involved…
It’ll be a great story to tell on stream later.
Would people even believe it because it was so absurd? She wouldn't be able to mention the group's name, of course.
I actually wanted to do it while streaming.
But she figured that would be going too far and held back. If she could do that, she could have grown the Wizard’s channel size significantly.
Then Ramiel’s channel would grow too…
Currently, Ramiel’s subscriber count was quite high for an indie VTuber. However, it was still far below what she’d had in her previous life. Back then, she was part of a corporate agency, and now she was doing it alone. Still, her skills were better in many ways than in her past life, so she had a solid fan base.
"Hmm… no. Actually…"
Seo-yeon crossed her arms and fell into thought for a moment. Han Da-young watched her with a puzzled expression before nodding.
"Okay, I’ll do it."
She gave the green light. She thought it would be quite fun to provide vocal training for a popular girl group.
Of course…
"…What is this?"
From Summer Girl’s perspective, it wasn't fun at all. What on earth was this situation?
「I am Wizard Erzsebet.」
Looking at the demurely speaking entity on the screen, Rabin was at a loss for words.
Who the hell are you? Wizard Erzsebet? Are you kidding me? Get lost.
The words were right at the tip of her tongue, but…
"This is a teacher I worked very hard to bring in at Na-hee unnie’s request."
Seeing Seo-yeon speaking while rolling a 500-won coin between her fingers, Rabin couldn't bring herself to say a word. It was as if Seo-yeon was telling her not to forget the coin trick she had seen before.
Of course, how could she ever forget? To make matters worse, Seo-yeon’s eyes were currently sparkling with a faint red glow as she looked at them. It was painfully obvious that Seo-yeon disliked them. If what she held in her hand had been a blade instead of a 500-won coin, Rabin was certain she would have wet herself right then and there.
What is Manager Im even doing?!
An actress from another agency was running amok, and he wasn't even stopping her! She vowed to tattle to the CEO later.
But then, Seo-yeon spoke calmly.
"Greet her."
"Hello, Teacher!!"
They all bowed to Erzsebet in perfect unison. They felt like they were about to cry.