Save a Failed Idol’s Life

#021. Dead end (2)

I know they want to get rid of their stock of an idol group they can’t use next year.

‘If the person being pushed is me, that’s another story.’

This was also the last project to be prepared after betting on everything.

That side might just be a budget cut, but this side is life-and-death revenge. It was something I couldn’t give in to just because I was looking out for someone else’s circumstances.

“I’m sorry, but by any chance, did you say anything about the first draft in advance?”

It looked like he didn’t know how to hold on so stubbornly on the other side, but his face was quiet, which made it even more worried. 

I was more concerned because he looked perplexed, as if he didn’t know I would hold out so stubbornly. 

“No, it’s not like that. First of all, quality is the best.”

The manager, who was in charge of the role of reconciliation in the middle, hurriedly shook his hand and tried to evoke the atmosphere.

“Then let’s go to number three.”

As for the quality, it’s enough to upload it through arrangement or recording. In response to my strong reaction, the team leader responded as if it were difficult.

“Yise-ssi, actually, we found a place that was perfect for concept art and music video sets. If we go to draft 1, I think it would be good to reduce the preparation period as much as possible… Do we really have to go to the draft 3?” 

At this point, it was the moment when the vague possibility in my head turned into certainty. 

They even arranged a discussion for another group, and then when I rejected it, saying I didn’t like it, so they tried to block it this way. 

Anyway, if it was summer, it might have been a decent proposal.

‘The quality should be good. It must have been more elaborate than preparing for Climax.’

But it’s October, October! I can’t believe we’re making a comeback with a midsummer concept in October. I couldn’t quite understand it.

“Then shall we do this? Instead of going to draft 3, I will do as much as possible with my team’s internal staff or my own money for planning, arranging, and writing lyrics, except for hiring staff. So there are no extra costs or manpower pay.”

“What?” 

Kyunghwa’s eyes widened at my unexpected suggestion.

“What are you talking about?”

The embarrassed Kyunghwa went out to settle the situation.

“Wait a minute, let’s talk….” 

“We don’t have to. And as much as I am investing my own money, I would like you to temporarily adjust the share of profits generated from this activity.”

When things didn’t go as they had hoped, the two staff members put on puzzled faces as if they were in trouble.

“Oh…that’s…” 

“I think it will be possible only after I talk to the director and get approval.”

 At that moment, the team leader quickly pounded the calculator in his head and smiled broadly.

“Perhaps the director will allow it. Then let’s do that.”

“Yes?” 

From the company’s point of view, it’s a group that doesn’t make money anyway. There was no reason to stop the kid from the rich family from saying that he would spend his money for the last time.

While only Kyunghwa and the manager Hyung stamped their feet in panic, I calmly sorted out the situation. 

“Then I understand that we will proceed with the third draft.” 

“Yes…”

The atmosphere, which had been cold and frozen for an instant, finally relaxed.

“You said earlier that you wanted to plan the concept within the team, but what do you plan to do?”

As soon as the argument was over, the team leader asked with a wicked smile as if he wanted to shake off his mouth. 

His mouth was clearly curved, but his eyes were not smiling. 

Since I didn’t do what he wanted, he asked me to prove what a great idea I had. 

Without hesitation, I held out the USB containing the presentation file I had made at Officetel.

“Can I use the beam projector?”

It would be nice to have a laser pointer or a clicker, but I didn’t want that much.

[2019-2020 autumn male idol concept analysis and planning proposal]

Design is also a skill. Everyone seemed surprised by the full-fledged presentation of a simple design that uses readability and moderation. 

“I will begin the presentation.”

As the stats prove, my ability as an idol was just slightly better than the average person’s. 

But what about my skills as a businessman, strategist, and negotiator? Having said it twice, it only made my mouth hurt. 

From an analysis that summarizes the response of loyal groups (fandom) and non-loyal groups (ordinary people) by a group to an analysis of the success graph. 

When I presented the data thoroughly analyzed from the investor’s point of view, everyone in the conference room was speechless. 

‘Of course it would be perfect. I analyzed it thinking that I was investing 30 billion won of my own money.’

Of course, to put it bluntly, I wasn’t one to invest in such an uncertain industry.

I’m the type of person who cares too much about stability to invest in a stock that can cut you in half if you buy one of the members.

“I think the 3rd album of Day After and the peak debut single concept series would be the best match for 3rd draft song.” 

Day After’s 3rd album had the concept of rebellious young people gathered in an abandoned factory. The peak debut single was a concept that used the sci-fi sense by adding a futuristic feel to it.

I thought it would be good to adjust the strength and weaknesses so that Yejun’s rough rapping could be hit while taking advantage of Seongwon’s unique voice.

“Wow…” 

“Manager Sejun, did you see it? This is how the analysis data is made.”

When everyone was staring with their mouths open, the team leader, who was the first to come to his senses, called the manager. 

“Yise-ssi didn’t strongly recommend 3rd draft for nothing.” 

And then I naturally finished it as if it went well. 

“Since it was number one that we wanted to push hard on…haha. I don’t have any regrets though. Since you have prepared it so reliably, I will trust you with the future progress.” 

Hmm? I reflexively asked back at the ominous ending.

“Yes?” 

Then, the team leader softened a little but still gave an ominous smile. 

“Didn’t you say you would try to do your best with the team’s internal staff? It’s good. After a year and a half, this single shows the members doing their best. Don’t you think the fans would like it?” 

This…? I thought the presentation persuaded him. But he recognizes my skills. 

There seemed to be still resentment for not being able to use internal inventory.

“Coincidentally, Oh Yejun is also famous for producing his own songs. Great. I’ll give you the draft song, so make a demo with the lyrics.”

All of a sudden? While I was hesitant about the progress beyond my expectations, Kyunghwa, who had been hardened, intervened. 

“Yes, we’ll try.”

No, weren’t you usually the one to stop it at times like this today?

Ryu Kyunghwa, who continues to act unexpectedly today, was quite embarrassed. 

“Yeah, it’s great to see you confident.”

I swallowed dry saliva at the sentence, questioning whether it was a genuine compliment.

 * * *

“Haa…” 

After the first concept meeting, Kyunghwa let out a long sigh of relief the moment he got into the taxi.

“Then why did you say you would try it there?” 

When I asked with a puzzled expression, Kyunghwa answered right away.

“You prepared so hard there, how can I say I can’t do it?”

“It’s an excuse.”

Kyunghwa shook his head when I gave a short answer. 

“It’s not an excuse. Looking at you again. I also wanted to reflect and regain my senses. I was very nervous because this was the last time I had been to this place.”

“Are you all nervous?” 

“I did. It’s okay because I’m used to it on stage. I’m also nervous about something I haven’t experienced before.”

He was surprised, of course. He would have never thought that Cheon Yise could give such a professional-level analysis presentation.

Originally, it was an area that Cheon Yise couldn’t do, so there was no particular prejudice. 

“Don’t float it. There is no such thing as getting on a plane.”

It was said as a joke, but I noticed that Kyunghwa’s body stopped for a moment. It’s a very short time, so a normal person wouldn’t have noticed. 

“I’m not flying a plane. To be honest, I was surprised when you asked me to come into the meeting.” 

“What is there to be surprised about?”

This guy was also about the age of a son by the mental age difference, but on the surface, he was the same age.

That’s what it means. It meant that I could have a relatively equal conversation with him, unlike the other guys I had to take care of as an older brother.

“I wondered if I could enter such a place.”

I responded bluntly.

“What do you think? We are the ones who go on stage to sing and dance. We should be able to see and decide for ourselves what to do.”

“That…” 

Kyunghwa seemed to think for a moment about what to say, and then he sighed and replied.

“You have a different background from us.”

That was true. Since he opened it up, I’ll talk about it. I said with my arms crossed and my back on the seat. 

“If you know, use it.”

“What?” 

“Use it. Whether it’s the manager Hyung or the planning team leader, I don’t think that’s going to work, but do something else, do something like this. If you keep pushing something that’s obvious to fail, use my excuse and refuse.”

Kyunghwa’s answer did not return immediately.

“I can’t act rashly like Cheon Yise, whether it’s an excuse or a justification, I’ll take care of it. Just think about what can be successful.”

“….” 

While there was no answer, I added one more word.

“Do you know why I said I would come with you today?”

Only then did Kyunghwa finally open his mouth.

“No. I honestly don’t understand. Rather than me, Oh Yejun…” 

“He can’t.” 

“Why?” 

Kyunghwa’s eyes in the rearview mirror were shaking. 

“He doesn’t have the eyes to objectively see what will be successful. If it’s fun, he will stop. Even if our group fails, he won’t think that the group is ruined and that he himself is ruined, right?” 

To be honest, I felt a little sorry for Yejun because it was close to a blunt remark, but—the truth was the truth.

“So it is you. Like a person who somehow repairs broken pieces of porcelain to make a bowl when the kids fight. You don’t know what to do, but you feel responsible and try to solve it.”

“What does that have to do with this?”

Kyunghwa frowned at the vague words, not knowing if they were insults or compliments. 

“I mean, as the most desperate and worth leader, I needed your opinion in order not to ruin this group.”

“Tell me to understand.”

As we talked about this and that, before I knew it, familiar scenery was unfolding outside the car window. It was time to get off in front of the accommodation soon.

“I believe in you.”

Of course, it was a lie. Although I need it for reference because I am not confident in my practical business as an idol yet.

If this comeback was successful, there was no need to hang on while floating it like this.

Kyunghwa’s face seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, then changed to a determined expression.

“You said you need to reflect on yourself and get back to your senses, right? Go and help me persuade Oh Yejun and Son Seongwon.”

How did it happen? Why did the two of us decide it arbitrarily? What happened was going to be noisy. 

Sunwoo…there’s a part where he gets poked. Yes, yes, okay! He can’t say anything but that.

“I’ll ask Oh Yejun to arrange the song first. As for the lyrics, I think it would be better to listen to the song sent by e-mail, decide on a part, and write them separately.”

I also agreed. If Yejun and Seongwon had an argument over a part issue, this guy would act as a buffer.

I nodded and pointed to the alley opposite the taxi driver. 

“Driver, please drop me off over there.” 

The weather was steamy as if the rainy season would soon arrive.

As soon as I got out of the taxi, raindrops fell to the ground.

“It’s raining.”

“Your hair is going to fall out. Come in quickly.”

I heard that the ominous feeling doesn’t go away. Now it was time to deliver what we heard at the meeting to these trashes. 

I barely passed one and was walking into the eye of another typhoon.