Chapter 213
Chapter 213
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 213
Chapter Title: Karaoke Showdown
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“Yoo-jun. As soon as your schedule is over, head straight to the location I send you.”
-What's going on?
“Let’s go to a karaoke bar and have a drink.”
-A karaoke bar? Out of the blue?
“You’ll get paid extra.”
-…At your command!
Choi Yoo-jun’s booming voice came through the speaker, as if he’d finally caught on. He must be on a recording set. Isn't he embarrassed?
“Leave your car behind.”
-Yes, sir! As you command!
Then, I started typing in the Earl Grey group chat.
-Min-jun: You all worked hard today. I was told there were some complaints about the vocal training.
Since they hadn't done anything, they saw the message right away, but a reply didn't come quickly. It seemed like they were discussing something among themselves.
-Jang Hyun-seung: Honestly, while I can understand the other training, I really can't understand the vocal training. Our vocalization is fundamentally different, isn't it? From a band vocalist's.
Jang Hyun-seung, who had been the most cooperative, was the first to reply. He seemed to have pride in his vocals, confidently stating his opinion.
-Yoon Woo-sung: Hyun-seung's skill is a given, but I don't see why the rest of us need training. I'd understand if it were instrument lessons.
-Seo Bang-il: Our style is to gather power and explode with it… I don't think it fits with the techniques used while dancing.
Everyone except So Joong-han voiced their dissatisfaction.
-Min-jun: It seems like we have a lot of issues to resolve. Let's have a drink tonight. My treat, some whiskey.
-Jang Hyun-seung: Ooh!
-So Joong-han: Isn't that drinking session also a debt we'll have to repay?
It was a sharp point from So Joong-han.
Indeed, at any other agency, this would have all been considered an investment cost. He’s the leader for a reason, so meticulous.
At first, I thought So Joong-han was just prickly, but the more I dealt with him, the more that prickliness seemed like a positive trait.
I immediately took photos of two cards and sent them.
-Min-jun: (Photo)
-Min-jun: (Photo)
-Min-jun: The green card is for business expenses. The black card is my personal card. Of course, I'll pay with my personal card.
I said it was my personal card, but I never said it wasn't a corporate card.
-Min-jun: It seems we don't know each other very well. I hope we can comfortably sing, have some whiskey, and share some information.
-Seo Bang-il: Ah, singing too
The chat went silent for a moment. I could imagine their delighted faces on the other side of the screen.
-So Joong-han: What time?
-Min-jun: I'll come pick you up in an hour.
-Seo Bang-il: At 6? We’re drinking without even eating dinner?
* * *
-[Jjung-kko Singing Tavern].
When they arrived at our destination, the members of Earl Grey looked somewhat bitter.
“Haha. It’s a real karaoke bar.”
Seo Bang-il said with a deflated laugh.
What were you expecting?
“Isa-niiim!”
Choi Yoo-jun, who had been waiting for me, ran over, calling my name without any regard for the people around us.
“Loyalty, loyalty!”
Passersby looked at us, startled.
“…You’re seriously embarrassing.”
“I’m not embarrassed.”
“*I’m* embarrassed, so stop it.”
But I knew. Choi Yoo-jun would continue to embarrass me.
“So this is the famous ‘Jjung-kko Karaoke.’ I’ve only heard of it.”
This was the place where we could kill two birds with one stone—singing and drinking—saving time and, relatively speaking, company expenses. We were here for an educational purpose, so wasn't this the best it could get?
As promised, I ordered whiskey. A moment later, it arrived with a spread of sausages, fruit, and other snacks.
“Still, the prices are pretty steep.”
Seeing the 17-year-old whiskey that cost well over 200,000 won, the Earl Grey members seemed to be in a better mood. These guys couldn't even afford meals; had they ever had a proper drink of soju, let alone whiskey?
I poured drinks for the Earl Grey members and was about to pour one for Choi Yoo-jun, but he shook his head.
“I’ll drive.”
“It’s fine. Drink up.”
“I’ll just stick to the food. Don’t worry and enjoy yourselves.”
Seeing his determined expression, I decided to go along with his wishes. After all, Choi Yoo-jun hadn’t come here for the alcohol.
“To Earl Grey’s success.”
Cheers.
“Kuh.”
The Earl Grey members savored the taste with pleased smiles.
In that moment, I checked Earl Grey’s stats.
[Name: Jang Hyun-seung (23)]
Vocal: 83 / 94
Dance: 32 / 45
[Name: So Joong-han (23)]
Vocal: 65 / 75
Dance: 45 / 85
[Name: Yoon Woo-sung (23)]
Vocal: 53 / 63
Dance: 54 / 67
[Name: Seo Bang-il (23)]
Vocal: 69 / 85
Dance: 21 / 34
[Name: Choi Yoo-jun (21)]
Vocal: 70 / 73
Dance: 71 / 72
[Name: Min-jun (22)]
Vocal: 91(+20) / 97
Dance: 95(+20) / 97
With the exception of the vocalist Jang Hyun-seung, the members of Earl Grey were less skilled than even Choi Yoo-jun.
And even Jang Hyun-seung’s skill level was something Choi Yoo-jun could surpass with the help of my system.
“Alright, artists. Let's hear your complaints about today’s vocal training.”
As expected, Jang Hyun-seung, who was proud of his vocals, spoke up first.
“We’re a rock band, so I don’t understand why we’re learning idol-style vocalization.”
“And honestly, the trainer didn’t even seem more skilled than Hyun-seung.”
When even So Joong-han stepped up to defend Jang Hyun-seung, Seo Bang-il quickly chimed in.
“That's right, Manager-nim. And besides, with Hyun-seung here, I don’t get why all of us have to get training. It’s not like we’re going to be an a cappella group.”
Are they for real? A sigh escaped me.
I began to explain slowly.
“The album we're currently planning for Earl Grey has a different feel from traditional rock. Of course, Hyun-seung’s vocals will be the main feature and the killing point, but there will also be a lot of choral parts.”
“Choral parts?”
“…Haha.”
Suddenly, the Earl Grey members reacted as if they found the idea absurd.
“You’re going to leave Hyun-seung, who can stably hit an E5, and do what, a chorus? This isn't a school talent show.”
Yoon Woo-sung said, sounding displeased, while Jang Hyun-seung’s shoulders puffed out with pride.
“An E5 (3rd octave E) is not that big of a deal.”
“Wow…”
“Haha.”
At my words, Jang Hyun-seung and Seo Bang-il let out hollow laughs.
“Shouting isn’t even trendy anymore, but purely in terms of vocal range, most trainees can hit that note.”
“What?”
“Wow. Now that’s a new one.”
“No way.”
Even So Joong-han, who had seemed more compliant lately, scoffed.
But it was, to an extent, true. The systematic training for idols was constantly evolving, leading to dramatic improvements in skill. They just refrained from using high ranges to protect their vocal cords.
“I think you’re underestimating head voice way too much.”
Jang Hyun-seung said, his pride clearly wounded.
*Vzzzt.*
-PD-nim Lee Hee-jin.
It was an important call I couldn’t ignore.
“Excuse me, I need to take this call.”
Choi Yoo-jun looked displeased, but well, it should be fine.
* * *
“Ha, seriously. What? Most trainees can hit an E5?”
“That's ridiculous. Does he even know what he's talking about?”
“Is he getting cocky just because he landed a contract? Musicality is our exclusive domain.”
The Earl Grey members vented their frustrations, subtly ignoring the presence of their road manager, Choi Yoo-jun.
“Artists of Earl Grey, one moment.”
At Choi Yoo-jun’s words, his face hardened, the members of Earl Grey looked at him with a snort.
“First, let’s get the titles straight. He is not a manager, he is Isa-nim, the Director.”
“Seriously, are they just handing out director titles to any old person now?”
Seo Bang-il mumbled, just loud enough to be heard. At this, Choi Yoo-jun’s face hardened even more as he spoke.
“It seems you artists are completely unaware of the industry, but he’s a very influential person. He’s not some parachute director; he was appointed with the legitimate major shareholders present.”
“…Honestly, I don't know about the business side of things, and we’re talking about the uniqueness of our music, so I'd appreciate it if the on-site manager stayed out of it.”
Yoon Woo-sung said calmly, clearly thinking Choi Yoo-jun was being insolent. But Choi Yoo-jun didn’t back down an inch and spoke again.
“The reason he was appointed as a director is because he was cast in the new program from the main PD of Produce 202. As the representative of JD Enter.”
“……?!”
“……!”
The eyes of the Earl Grey members widened in shock.
‘Produce 202’…?! If that was true, it was obvious that producers from the top agencies that every viewer would know would be on the show.
“At first, I just thought of him as a guy one year older than me, but now I believe he’s someone who truly deserves respect. When Isa-nim Min-jun treats you well, you should accept it humbly. Mind your manners, and know to be grateful.”
Faced with Choi Yoo-jun’s momentum, speaking with sincere, shining eyes, the Earl Grey members couldn't help but back down a little.
“…No matter what, music is the band's unique domain.”
Just as Yoon Woo-sung said this, as if it were his last shred of pride, Min-jun, having finished his call, re-entered the room.
“We were talking about head voice, right?”
As Min-jun poured more drinks and continued speaking, the members of Earl Grey stared at him with completely different eyes.
Did something happen? Their gazes are different from before I left… Or am I just imagining it?
“…That scratchy singing style you all insist is head voice. If you don't fix it, you'll ruin your throats in a few years.”
After Earl Grey faded from the scene, one of their old songs belatedly saw the light of day thanks to another artist. It was an unexpected surge in popularity, a reverse climb up the charts that no one had anticipated.
But by then, their vocal cords were already damaged. Offers came flooding in from everywhere, but Earl Grey couldn't ride the momentum.
That was the futile past of Earl Grey that I knew.
Jang Hyun-seung flared up at my words.
“I may not know about other things, but I’m confident that my vocal cords are naturally gifted.”
“I think so too. That’s why I’m thinking of adding a momentary A5 (3rd octave A) shout as a killing point.”
“What does that even mean?”
Seo Bang-il muttered, seemingly confused by my sudden statement.
One moment I’m telling him he needs to protect his throat, and the next I’m talking about a shout in a range currently impossible for him. Of course, he’d be confused.
“I’m talking about the importance of the singing style you all like. Hyun-seung, sing one of your favorite songs. Then I'll explain why.”
With a couple of glasses of whiskey in him, his self-confidence was at its peak. It was the perfect timing.
He had to be broken at his best so he wouldn't think of climbing back up again.
“Hmph.”
With a bitter smile, Jang Hyun-seung casually punched in the numbers without even looking them up. It seemed to be his go-to song.
The song Jang Hyun-seung would choose was obviously a famous one that he could sing most impressively within his vocal limits.
And just as I expected, a famous rock ballad began, sweet but with an explosive shout in the chorus.
♪♬
My eyes speak of you
My two ears are seeing you
My nose is hearing you
And in your smile, I feel myself exist
♪♬
I asked Choi Yoo-jun, who was next to me.
“Do you know it?”
“Of course, I do… Don't look at me like that. It's impossible.”
Choi Yoo-jun waved his hands, having figured out my intention.
♪♬
Your scent surrounds me
My heart races toward you
I can't hold it back anymore
If you leave after taming me so…
♪♬
He was still using less than eighty percent of his talent, but his voice in the low and mid-ranges was quite sweet.
The members of Earl Grey glanced back and forth between Jang Hyun-seung and me with smug faces. ‘Is there any need for more words? At this level, what training is necessary?’ Their expressions strongly protested, making me want to scoff.
Time passed, and after the verse, the pre-chorus was approaching.
The time had come.
[Trait ‘Starmaker’ activated.]
[Choi Yoo-jun, with high trust, synchronizes with you.]
[A portion of your ability is transferred to the target.]
[(70+91)÷2 = 80.5]
[Choi Yoo-jun's vocal level is set to 80.5.]
As I grabbed a mic and stood up, Choi Yoo-jun followed suit as if mesmerized.
The Earl Grey members looked at us with smirks, as if to say, ‘Why are you suddenly striking a pose and standing up?’
Choi Yoo-jun and I took a deep breath, gathering our strength.
♪♬
What am I supposed to do?
♪♬
My shout and Choi Yoo-jun's burst out, supporting Jang Hyun-seung's pre-chorus.
♪♬
Whaaa! Ahhh! Ooooh!
♪♬
Choi Yoo-jun’s C5 and my E5 blended, and a magnificent major third shouting harmony echoed thunderously throughout the room.
“Wha—! *Cough, cough, cough*.”
Startled, Jang Hyun-seung choked and turned to look at Choi Yoo-jun and me.
The other Earl Grey members were just as shocked; the sausages and glasses on their way to their mouths had frozen in mid-air.
“*Cough, cough*.”
I naturally took over the part where Jang Hyun-seung had stopped.
♪♬
At least tell me that before you gooo—
Whaaa! Ahhh! Ooooh!
♪♬
Jang Hyun-seung, unable to even sit down, just stared blankly at Choi Yoo-jun and me, who were still focused on the song.
The faces of the Earl Grey members were gradually consumed by utter shock.