Chapter 127
***
“Jeez, I really don’t get what this guy’s thinking . ”
President Kang ShiMyoung could not understand why World Entertainment decided to pick up Eddios . If it was some other company, he would have known that they were trying to suck off whatever juice was left in the girls, but from what he knew of KangYoon, he was definitely not the type to think that .
Vice president Yoo ChulShin also asked as though he couldn’t understand .
“You might find it hard to believe, but I believe that he took them out of fidelity . I can’t think of any other reason since the contract deposit should be enormous . ”
President Kang ShiMyoung fell into contemplation when he heard the vice-president’s words .
“Perhaps Eddios may have said that they don’t want the contract deposit . Since this is not open to the public, we won’t know for sure, but if World Entertainment did indeed pay a fee to bring them in, then they should be looking to make up for that deficit in the short run . You know, like what they did with Kim JaeHoon . We’ll see . Rather than that, how long did we expect to make use of Eddios if they came over to us?”
“2 years . And that’s considering that we have to market them as heavily as we did with Jace . A small company like World should have even less time due to the lack of manpower .
President Kang ShiMyoung nodded his head at the vice-president’s report .
“Well, their fans are as good as nothing now, so what do they have left? If it was a big company like MG, they might be able to slot the girls into some TV shows or have big showcases, but there’s no way that a small company like World would have any money to do that . Their decision was a bad one . ”
President Kang ShiMyoung was sure that bringing Eddios in was a mistake . It would be fortunate if World could break even . As his reasoning arrived there, he no longer cared about it .
“Let’s focus on our own business . Is the alb.u.m going well with the kids of Wanted?”
“Yes . It’s going well . ”
(T/N: “Wanted” is a group’s name unknown if it’s a boy group or a girl group… not that they are significant . )
Vice-president Yoo ChulShin handed him the doc.u.ment and started the report .
***
It was a snowy day .
KangYoon was wearing a trench coat and was headed to a cafe in Hongdae .
‘I’m late . ’
When he looked at his watch, it was already 10 minutes past 3 . KangYoon hastened his steps .
The place he went to was a room-style cafe in a back alley in Hongdae . He was guided by an employee to a room where a lady whose head was clad in a long scarf, was waiting for him .
“Ahjussi . Over here . ”
She waved her hand . KangYoon also waved his hand at her before sitting down .
“Sorry for being late, MinAh . ”
“You should be . You’re late by 11 minutes and 20 seconds . ”
“… . . Did you really count that long?”
“A certain someone told me I should be punctual . ”
The scarfed lady was none other than Jung MinAh .
She grumbled saying that she had waited from 20 minutes to 3 . KangYoon naturally knew that it was him that told her to be punctual . He always emphasized this to Eddios .
KangYoon made an awkward smile and said that he was looking after a trainee which ended up going past his schedule .
“Tch, you should have contacted me beforehand if you were going to be late……”
“I did leave you a message . ”
Hearing his words, Jung MinAh immediately took out her phone to check . There was a message from KangYoon at 2 . She hadn’t looked because her notification setting was on silent .
She grumbled but accepted .
“……Tch . I’ll forgive you this time . You must be the only one in this world to make lady Jung MinAh wait . ”
“Sorry, I’ll buy the coffee this time . ”
“Well, if you say so…… . ”
Jung MinAh smirked and told KangYoon that she would order something expensive .
The two went to order and not too long later, two black coffees were served to them . The thick fragrance of astringent coffee wafted out .
“I thought you were going to order something expensive . ”
KangYoon asked Jung MinAh why she ordered the same thing as him, which was the cheapest menu item on the board . Then, she spoke while having a sip .
“I’ll have one later . ”
“There is no later . ”
“What? Why!”
Jung MinAh acted cute in front of KangYoon . KangYoon just laughed and ordered her some snacks . Though, it was tofu snacks that were low in calories . Jung MinAh grumbled about eating tofu snacks again . Though, it didn’t work on KangYoon at all .
After they got what they ordered and the employee left, Jung MinAh undid her scarf and put it to her side .
“How are the dorms? Are you guys comfortable?”
“Yeah, we’re doing fine . Everyone likes it since it reminds them of the old days . ”
“With our finances, we can’t get rooms as large as MG can get you . Please understand . ”
KangYoon knew very well how wide Eddios’s former dorms were . However, it wasn’t feasible for him to provide Eddios the same treatment right now due to financial restrictions . Despite that, Jung MinAh waved it off saying it was okay .
“It’s fine, really . Before the contract, we acted high and mighty with the contract fees and whatnot, but now that we’ve joined, we can’t complain . None of the girls are complaining that the dorms are small . Who do you think we learned from?”
“Well, I’m thankful that you think that way . ”
“We can just earn money and move out ourselves . ”
KangYoon was feeling proud that Jung MinAh was able to say such mature words now . People would usually have complaints if they moved from better facilities to those that are worse . However, the girls were holding up just fine so he was glad to see that .
KangYoon talked about many things other than the dorms, such as future plans . Jung MinAh wrote down what was necessary and listened in . She was planning to tell the girls when she returned .
They eventually shifted to talking about the Christmas event at Lunas .
“When you came over to America, you told all of us, except me, that we wouldn’t be able to go on stage for a while, didn’t you? JooYeon became fired up after hearing that . ”
KangYoon chuckled . Han JooYeon was very proud of herself and she was likely to act that way .
“JooYeon isn’t the type of girl to stay still after listening to that . She has a large pride after all . She practiced a lot after that, right?”
“Yeah . She never left the practice room . ”
Jung MinAh shivered saying that she had never seen Han JooYeon act so desperate before . KangYoon sipped his now-cold coffee and spoke .
“For girls like JooYeon, it’s better to stimulate her rather than console her . ”
“Did you perhaps do that on purpose?”
KangYoon shrugged his shoulders . Only he knew the truth .
Their mugs were now empty .
KangYoon told Jung MinAh about the story of World Entertainment’s own theater named Lunas as well as the fact that he was constructing a practice room on the 4th floor . Jung MinAh was first surprised by the ‘theater’, then was shocked again to hear that a practice room was being built .
“Even MG didn’t have its own theater and a practice room on top of that? You really are different from the others . ”
“You won’t get anywhere by complimenting me . ”
“Tch, what a pity . ”
Jung MinAh joked around with KangYoon and told him that she wanted to see the new practice room . KangYoon expressed his difficulties saying that it wasn’t finished being built, but Jung MinAh insisted saying that it was okay .
“I don’t care . Let’s go . ”
In the end, KangYoon was pulled up by Jung MinAh . ”
KangYoon headed towards Lunas with Jung MinAh in tow, with her head wrapped in a scarf . She exclaimed after seeing the internals of the old building .
“Wow~”
Lunas was a mix of a night club and a theater and caught Jung MinAh’s eyes in a flash .
Jung MinAh then went up to the stage . She could see various instruments already set up there . She was bewildered by the sight of a synthesizer and the drums . She was just like a little girl, surprised by everything .
KangYoon restrained her from touching the drums out of curiosity .
The instruments aren’t ours . Don’t touch them . ”
“Oh, okay . Do other bands perform here too?”
“Yeah . On the weekends, the indie bands usually perform here . On weekdays, we rent them out for various events or use them for other purposes . We use them too . ”
“Aah, a performance, huh . I want to play too . ”
Jung MinAh wanted to fool around with music after hearing that indie bands performed here regularly . However, KangYoon shook his head .
“If you’re confident you won’t be caught, then sure . ”
“… . . okaaayy . ”
Jung MinAh became dejected . She didn’t have the confidence to do that . If she really did that, then it was obvious that the entire internet would be on her tail . She wouldn’t want rumors to rise about her .
Seeing Jung MinAh disappointed, KangYoon spoke .
“Once Eddios makes a successful comeback alb.u.m, I’ll let you play around to your heart’s content . ”
Hearing those words, Jung MinAh’s shoulders twitched .
“……Rather than that, can’t you play with me, ahjussi?”
“Me?”
“Yes . ”
Jung MinAh approached KangYoon with sparkly eyes . KangYoon took half a step back in surprise when she approached him so suddenly . Those eyes made even the invincible KangYoon step back . His heart even fluttered for a moment there .
Jung MinAh looked at him with still sparkly eyes and KangYoon coughed awkwardly .
“*Ehem* . Well, if you succeed, then… sure . ”
“You promised, alright?”
KangYoon relieved himself saying inwardly that he would only have to treat her to a meal once . Since he was the president of her company, there wouldn’t be any rumors either .
Jung MinAh smiled widely in fantasy .
“Hehehe . ”
“MinAh . You should visit the practice room . ”
“Yes, yes . ”
KangYoon headed towards the 4th floor with her .
The practice room was still under remodeling . They took out some of the pillars and were now working on the floor tiling .
Jung MinAh had a look at the floor tiles piled on the side .
“This flooring looks like it’s really high-quality… . . ”
“We may not be able to catch up to MG in terms of finances, but we still try and use good things . I can’t have you getting injured during practice .
“Really, you’re just… . ”
Jung MinAh gave KangYoon a thumbs-up .
KangYoon patted her shoulders and led her inside . Then he showed her the hole in the ceiling .
“The most important thing is the monitoring system . There will be 3 cameras, and we’ll also install a projector here so that you can watch yourselves . And once you’ve shaped back to your former selves, then I’m planning to upload your practice footage to the fan cafe .
“A monitoring system is indeed important . Oh, are we uploading videos again?”
Jung MinAh became cheerful about that . Ever since they moved to America, they no longer uploaded any practice footage to the internet . They had done that on a regular basis since their debut . It was a strategy that worked well and the fans were glad to see another side to their idols . Eddios was the first idol group to post their videos on the internet . After them, many other idols followed suit, regardless of gender .
KangYoon nodded saying that it was the only natural thing to do .
“I will . Oh yes, it looks like your practice video will go up first . ”
“So it’s like that? You did tell me I’m going to go solo . ”
Jung MinAh’s expression showed her expectations .
“Let’s talk about it once the song comes out . We’ll need a ch.o.r.eographer too . It looks like I have more work to do now . ”
“Yes . I’ll do my best . ”
Jung MinAh clasped her hands .
Her heart pounded when she thought that she would have a solo debut stage in a few months .
Not as Jung MinAh from Eddios, but as a solo artist Jung MinAh .
She was excited .
***
Lee JunYeol and Han JooYeon decided on a date to meet up to practice together after practicing separately .
The location was World Entertainment’s studio . KangYoon prepared the studio for the two of them when he heard that the two were coming .
On the day of practice .
KangYoon was watching Lee JunYeol and Han JooYeon’s practice .
“Bury our past in the white snow –”
When singing, Lee JunYeol had no hint of being a delinquent . His song sounded very serious and deep .
‘I can feel the winter from that song . ’
KangYoon focused on the song .
Lee JunYeol’s voice harmonized with the deep ba.s.s and the soft violin to generate white light . The white light was a very bright one .
“Our paused story will –”
Lee JunYeol’s part ended and Han JooYeon’s part began . Many other instruments started being played as well and emphasized her voice . The song progressed into the chorus . This was important because the chorus was sung together by the two . Both of the singers were flawless when they sang . Their voices matched each other and no flaws could be found . Han JooYeon sang the alto while Lee JunYeol sang high tenor .
‘This looks okay . ’
KangYoon was satisfied while listening to the two . Han JooYeon listened to Lee JunYeol’s voice and decided to drop a tone . Her voice was neither too strong nor too weak and quietly supported Lee JunYeol’s own voice .
Thanks to that influence, the white light from the song started showing changes .
‘Huh?’
KangYoon rubbed his eyes when he saw that they were going into the chorus after the 2nd verse . The strong white light was starting to turn silver . Although it was faint at the start, it quickly started gaining light and became brighter and brighter with a beautiful silver glow . The two voices synergized well in the 2nd verse and the silver became more distinct .
However, just as they were going past the chorus,
“Wait, wait . ”
Lee JunYeol halted the song and raised his hand . When he did, the silver light disappeared entirely as well . KangYoon was surprised and asked .
“What’s up?”
“Sorry, let’s adjust the sound before we go . ”
“Adjust the sound? Why?”
KangYoon wondered . The mood was just getting good and there was a sudden stop .
“Junior . How many tones below do you sing in the ‘not much’ part?”
“A 3rd . ”
Han JooYeon replied nervously . Although she was one of the most senior idols to date, Lee JunYeol was her senior in the industry . Although Lee JunYeol was nice to women usually, when he was singing, nothing could be seen of that .
“I think the ‘not’ part is a little off . Please pay more attention to it . ”
“Yes, senior . ”
Lee JunYeol pointed out a few more things to her and turned around to KangYoon .
“Sorry about that when the mood was getting good . This is just my way of doing things . ”
“It’s fine . ”
KangYoon waved it off . It was a little pity about that silver light, but he was considerate of Lee JunYeol .
‘Was JooYeon off? I don’t think so . ’
However, he knew that Lee JunYeol was in the wrong . Though, he didn’t say it to his face directly . KangYoon calmly waited until the right moment .
After that, practice resumed . However, there was no way the song was better than the last version . And just as he had expected, their voices started going out of tune with each other . In the end, Lee JunYeol stopped the practice before they even finished the chorus .
“That doesn’t feel right . It just feels… off . ”
“Senior, should we try what we did last time?”
“No, let’s just try raising the tone instead . ”
“Wouldn’t it become awful if we both raised our notes?”
“Say that after we try it . ”
Since it was not going the way he wanted it to be, Lee JunYeol became annoyed . Just as Han JooYeon was about to frown, KangYoon stepped in .
“JunYeol, relax . ”
“Oh, I’m sorry . Was I too sensitive?”
Lee JunYeol scratched his head . Han JooYeon turned around to KangYoon .
“President . ”
“JooYeon . Let’s just go with JunYeol for now, okay?”
“Yes . ”
Han JooYeon thought that the first method was better, but still followed KangYoon’s words regardless .
The instruments played and the song began again .
“It lasted longer — than I thought — the time we were separated —”
Han JooYeon raised her voice just like Lee JunYeol had said . As she had to sing higher than him, she had to use falsetto . Lee JunYeol also sang the original pitch while listening to her voice .
KangYoon shook his head after looking at the light that the two produced .
‘This is definitely a no-no . ’
The silver light from before was all but gone, and it had turned a weak grey instead . The cool refreshing feeling had disappeared completely, and it felt stuffy instead . KangYoon unintentionally frowned . The feeling given to him by grey light was not easy to endure .
The song ended like that .
“Dang…… . ”
Lee JunYeol scratched his head in awkwardness . He knew this version was bad .
“Looks like we raised it too high, let’s lower it a little . ”
Lee JunYeol was a tenacious man .
He tried out various methods after that . Han JooYeon felt stifled but still followed without a word while looking at KangYoon . She was someone who was very proud of herself and it was agonizing for her to stay obedient like that . However, she endured and did everything that Lee JunYeol requested of her .
Lee JunYeol was unable to find the right tone after several attempts and in the end, put down the mic .
“Ah, dang it . Why is it so hard?”
Lee JunYeol sat in his chair after grumbling . Han JooYeon left the studio saying that she needed to visit the toilet .
At that moment, KangYoon approached Lee JunYeol .
“JunYeol . Why don’t we try the first method?”
“The one where I sing high and her low? That didn’t feel good at all though . ”
“You didn’t go through with it until the end . Who knows? It might sound different the second time . Music is like that . ”
“Well, I guess music is indeed like that . Okay . ”
Upon KangYoon’s persuasion, Lee JunYeol grabbed the mic again . Han JooYeon, who came back in the meantime, approached Lee JunYeol .
“Senior, how do we go about it this time?”
“Let’s do it how we did it the first time . ”
When she heard that, Han JooYeon’s expression was about to distort .
‘What the h.e.l.l is…… . ’
Just at that moment, KangYoon caught what she was about to do and met eyes with her .
‘JooYeon . ’
‘Ah . ’
Han JooYeon knew that KangYoon intended her to manage her expression and she did just that . Living in society was just that hard . Thankfully, Lee JunYeol didn’t seem to have noticed that and turned around to see KangYoon .
“Bro, let’s start . ”
“Wait for JooYeon, you’re the senior . ”
“Tch, I’m letting her have it easy since she’s one of yours . ”
“Yeah, I’m really thankful for that . ”
“It’s just a joke . ”
KangYoon joked it off as well and played back the soundtrack . Soon, the drums came out and the chorus began . Lee JunYeol and Han JooYeon took a deep breath before singing high .
“It lasted longer — than I thought — the time we were separated —”
Like the first time, Lee JunYeol sang high, while Han JooYeon sang low .
‘Huh?’
Singing, Lee JunYeol felt that it was completely different from before . It was definitely the same as the first version, but the feeling he got was completely different . His and Han JooYeon’s voices fitted each other perfectly .
‘This was much better . ’
Han JooYeon felt that this was obvious and started exerting more power into her voice . Lee JunYeol didn’t seem to have noticed that and received the energy from her low voice .
“This winter is so warm — but you —-”
The two voices harmonized with each other and filled the studio . At the same time, KangYoon’s vision was filled with silver light . The silver light gave him a cool, refreshing sensation .
‘This feeling……’
It was the clear, cool feeling that silver lights gave him . KangYoon closed his eyes .
It came back to the chorus after the bridge and eventually the song faded out .
“Yes, this is it!”
Lee JunYeol gave Han JooYeon, who he called junior as he didn’t know her name, a high five . This was the first time he heard a voice that fits so well with his . He now knew why KangYoon recommended him a girl idol for the featuring .
“Bro!”
Pushing aside Lee JunYeol who was about to hug him, KangYoon shrugged his shoulders . Han JooYeon covered her mouth and smiled .
‘Now then . I need to think about how to make this come to life . ’
Trying to escape Lee JunYeol’s hug, KangYoon started thinking about the next course of action .