Chapter 99

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Translated by Sylph

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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Actually, I had already expected that the preparations for the second album would flow somewhat smoothly.

This was because the practical staff at the company, who had tasted hell while preparing for the debut album, intended to start preparing for the next album early without fail.

“We have almost filled the candidates for the b-side tracks, and we plan to select and compose them from within this pool according to the album concept. The rest will be moved to the next album or dropped.”

“Yes.”

The only problem was that the head of the division hadn’t been able to abandon that ‘self-produced’ obsession of his.

“Since there is plenty of time this time, regarding the title track, please consult sufficiently and tell us slowly.”

“Thank you.”

“Understood!”

It was because he had heatedly deferred the title track producing once again.

‘…Was the debut album being successful the cause of the problem?’

It was clear that he thought his ideas worked well even in the entertainment industry.

Still, it was a relief that there was plenty of time this time. Not only did they set the deadline to more than two months, but the songs were also already almost finished.

Thanks to that, the members’ complexions were quite good.

“Let’s pick good songs well this time too.”

“I’m already looking forward to Raebin’s arrangement.”

“Thank you.”

An optimistic atmosphere was created to the extent that even when told to pick three songs among twenty title track candidates while the concept was still undecided, they were hopeful.

…However, a few days later, I would think that the self-produced side was actually better.

* * *

“…A collaboration?”

“Yes, that!”

I had thought it was ominous since the head of the division suddenly called us, but I didn’t know such a bomb would come out.

“May I ask what kind of… collaboration you are talking about?”

“Now, look here.”

The head of division held out a document with an expression overflowing with confidence.

First, the large letters caught my eye.

[New Business Proposal]
[Mobile Game]
[T1 Plays Co., Ltd.]

“……?”

“It’s a game being developed by a venture acquired as a subsidiary by T1 this time, and it really feels like it’s going to hit. The timing is also perfect. I can see the synergy that will happen if we collaborate with our TeStar. Huh? Since it’s a game, it’s easy to catch a concept, so how great is that.”

The head of division, who poured it all out, added the last words with a satisfied face.

“This is an internal document, so I’m showing it because I trust our TeStar. Just look at it here, don’t speak of it.”

F*ck, I didn’t care about that at all.

‘A mobile game……?’

I wished someone would tell me it was a dream.

From the side, Ryu Chungwoo asked back with a voice as calm as possible. Since he was a person without any intersection with mobile games, he seemed to be a bit less appalled.

“…By any chance, what kind of collaboration are you thinking of…….”

“Now, think about it. We would also make a comeback together while releasing the game. And if we go with the picture of promoting each other, wouldn’t the interest double.”

“…….”

I didn’t know just where this kind of sh*tty thought came from. Does his pituitary gland produce saliva instead of hormones?

‘Just what expectations do you have for a mobile game…….’

Or did he receive some solicitation from that side?

No, if it were an advertising model, it would be different, but there would be almost no side that welcomed being released so deeply intertwined with an idol album.

‘Because it will be eaten by that idol image.’

If it was a release in two months, it would already be in an almost completed state, but you’re inserting content promoting an unfamiliar idol there? It’s perfect for becoming a failure.

‘If they also pushed this from that side, it really means they are fellows who intend to suck out the money from TeStar fans, have a big hit, and then quit…….’

The future where TeStar’s brand image would be shattered was vivid before my eyes.

‘A mass-produced sh*t-game meme will be attached.’

No, in the first place, how are you telling us to put content promoting a game into the album? Especially a mobile game.

I didn’t know if this head of division was hooked or if he pushed it through. Either way, it was sh*tty. Because it felt like that b*stard was dabbling in something like Lanage and then doing this.

“I’ve set a meeting with them on Friday afternoon, so be ready in your hearts.”

“…Head of division, by any chance, is it a situation where all the talk has already finished?”

“I already told the higher-ups and settled everything. Our TeStar just needs to work hard.”

“…Understood.”

It was a finishing blow. It meant that even if I threw a fit saying I wouldn’t do it here, I would only have an emotional fight with the company and end up doing it with tears in my eyes.

‘F*ck, really…….’

Should I prepare the next album in advance, bring it, and receive confirmation? It was driving me crazy.

“…….”

On the way out after finishing the meeting with the head of division like that. I checked if there was anyone who properly grasped the situation.

‘Except for the two Lee Sejins, it’s a total annihilation.’

I knew Big Sejin would be like that, but Lee Sejin was unexpected.

‘Does he have a hobby of playing games?’

In any case, the remaining four were in an atmosphere of ‘it’s a bit perplexing, but we should try hard.’

They probably expected a hardship to the degree of the debut album. …For now, let’s just leave it.

‘Anyway, they will realize it when we go to the meeting on Friday.’

At that moment, Big Sejin poked my side with his elbow.

“…Hey, what do you think.”

“It’s ruined.”

“Haha.”

Big Sejin laughed slowly, and eventually, a trace of annoyance passed over his face.

“This one is really a bit like that. Right? …It’s not a part that can be solved with effort.”

“……Right.”

“It’s too much, really…….”

Big Sejin was about to continue saying something, but realizing his voice had become a bit loud, he just closed his mouth.

‘A wise choice.’

Instead, I checked Lee Sejin’s reaction. Lee Sejin was walking while looking at the floor with a pale face.

“…….”

That, was he like that because of this situation? It was a deathly face I hadn’t seen even during that .

As expected, Cha Yujin, who was right next to him, thumped Lee Sejin’s back.

“Hyung! Does it hurt?”

“…! No, …it’s okay.”

His speech was fine.

‘Shall I dig into it?’

I pondered for a moment and then soon quit. He isn’t a child, so he will take care of it himself.

Right now… thinking of a solution to this damn situation is the first priority.

‘……If we put only one bonus track and use it as a game theme song…….’

It wouldn’t even work with the head of division. Damn it.

I rolled my head all the while returning to the dorm, but I (naturally) couldn’t find a particular solution.

But, at that moment, this game collaboration situation was snowballing due to another unexpected accident.

It wasn’t only TeStar that was being grounded by this work.

* * *

The first occurrence of this matter was when T1 Stars Ent was finally registered in ‘JobUniverse’ and it became possible to write corporate reviews.

A few practical staff members who had quit after experiencing burnout while preparing for the debut album wrote a series of scathing reviews.

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[Pros: The affiliated singers work hard, the food is delicious.]
[Cons: A structure without a system, the stupid tyranny of the higher-ups without experience in an entertainment company, work-life balance that disappeared due to unreasonable schedules.]
[Overall Review: Career change is the only way to live. I hope the singers also change their careers.]
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The most recently written review was about this much. The rating was one star.

Since reviews by current employees of a famous agency were contents that received quite a bit of interest, this screenshot also circulated through several communities.

-They are grinding people here too… Since it’s a subsidiary of a large corporation, it seems to be even worse; it feels like someone who doesn’t know anything is causing trouble at the top.
-Save TeStar
-Ugh, only a sigh comes out
-It turns out the fans didn’t do a total offensive for nothing
└Isn’t that why the work-life balance disappeared even more?
└There isn’t a single mention of fans there, so why do your thoughts flow that way?
└Suddenly grabbing the fans’ hair;;
└It’s probably because you guys are like this that they couldn’t write it down haha…

Since TeStar’s debut activities were successful, conversely, everyone had a lot to say in various ways.

And this screenshot even advanced to the anonymous application for employees.

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[Entertainment companies must be really difficult]
: I looked into a career change because I was interested, but I’m scared. In any case, it will be difficult because I’m not in a related job group, but what are the reviews of those who actually attend? (Screenshot)
@Entertainment
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-Honestly, it’s not a job to do with this annual salary (MS Entertainment)
-The work people do is all the same haha (LeTi Entertainment)
-They give a starting salary only to the extent of not starving to death, but the work is rewarding. But even this seems to be case by case (Treasure Entertainment)

The complaining posts continued more or less. However, right before this post disappeared from the first page, the party involved suddenly appeared.

-Hahaha, it’s our company. Never come, stay… (T1 Stars Entertainment)
└Heol, you appeared
└Is it very difficult?
└Yes (T1 Stars Entertainment)
└TT TT Oh my
└Hahaha, you told us everything

The short and thick answer contained many things.

People flocked to ask things they were curious about, and eventually, the employee became angry in a gradation and left many things behind.

-First, there are really strange people at the top. I’ve met all sorts of people, but this level is a first. We almost ruined the debut album too. Bringing some strange concept…
-They are telling us to do something really strange this time too, but this has already been confirmed, so it seems we will end up doing it… Honestly, I feel sorry for the affiliated singers…
-It’s good to see TeStar, but seeing them suffer too much trying to persuade the higher-ups at the time of debut makes me feel a bit sorry… First, I feel very sorry for myself. That I’m attending here hahaha
-Since everyone is thinking similarly, I don’t think I’ll be caught even if I write more… but since I’m heated up, I’ll stop here. Never change your career to our company~ (T1 Stars Entertainment)

After a short while, after rising to the ‘Hot’ posts, this comment was deleted, but a screenshot remained and circulated this time too.

Naturally, the fans who were waiting for the next album with thumping hearts became in a situation where it felt like they suddenly had cold water poured over them.

-Just what does this mean?
-Is it really true?
└It’s real. That’s a place where you have to certify with the company email.
└Ah… I’m going crazy

The fans, who were feeling a rapid chill, hurriedly ended up watching the second episode of the reality show again.

And they began to receive a strange feeling from the second episode and those behind-the-scenes videos that looked like a heartwarming production diary full of passion.

-Is the presentation in the reality show by any chance because the higher-ups brought something strange and they were trying to persuade them?
-The fellow who brought it seems to be that head of division. The middle-aged man sitting in the very center. They are giving the presentation while looking at that person.
-Looking at it, they pushed the Magic Boy side title track onto the kids, and the company worked on High-Five. But Raebin was in the High-Five arrangement.
└It seems right that they persuaded the High-Five side.
└Then did they rework both songs from this time? With less than a month left?
└Hahaha, they did both songs, concept photos, music video, and choreography within a month? Are they in their right minds? Did they even let the kids sleep?
└I was already incredibly angry when I thought it was only Magic Boy, but it was double hahaha ah hahaha

The fans, who were burning up, soon had chills down their spines from worry about the future.

-The person who wrote said they brought some strange concept this time too, but it’s already been confirmed.
-Ah, no way
-Hah….
-Hey, please just give them plenty of time and let the kids do it, please.

The fans, who were seized with fear, put in inquiries to the company via phone and email. It was the question of ‘The story that the concept of TeStar’s second album, which is recently in preparation, has already been decided is circulating on the internet; is it true?’

At first, consistent answers that looked like they ran a macro came back, but soon the content and format became slightly more polite due to the pouring volume.

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[This is T1 Stars Entertainment.
First, we offer our apologies for the fact that we cannot arbitrarily answer the case you inquired about because it is a company secret.
However, the company is preparing many things for the preparation of TeStar’s new album, and we also respect the artist’s opinion…….]
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Of course, it was absolutely not content to be relieved about. If the album concept was undecided or if TeStar was directly in charge, a definite answer would have already come back for that part.

-It seems the content of the comment screenshot was right
-Ah, what to do
-Just give the company to TeStar instead; that would be better

The fans eventually started slightly more extreme actions.

-The person who appeared in the reality show is Head of Division Kwak Shingyun, right? I think a feedback will come out only if we directly strike at that person.

And an enormous result came out with this choice.