Reed chapter first at Utoon.net

these Chs are commissioned if you want your series to be translated you can contact us at discord for your favorite series.

Chapter 496

It was two weeks ago. Just as Park Moondae had finished filming TeSTAR’s own content, Cheongryeo was in the midst of wrapping up preparations for his comeback.

“Next is the interview, right?”

“Yes!”

The preparations were going smoothly. The representatives of LeTi moved as if ensuring that every activity of Cheongryeo proceeded without any errors was their utmost virtue.

“He has been waiting since earlier. Please try to be quick…”

“Oh! Yes.”

Cheongryeo was a celebrity known for his thorough self-management. Although he was professional and gentle, never showing any signs of capricious irritation, it was also true that he didn’t come across as easy to approach.

Hmm.

Cheongryeo knew it too, but didn’t bother to change his attitude just to reassure people.

People tend to listen better to those who are difficult rather than those who are easygoing. It was a method he honed through inductive reasoning over countless attempts.

Anyway, Cheongryeo wasn’t the type to feel comfort and a sense of belonging just by sharing daily life. Cheongryeo thought about talking about his pet dog, Kongi, but it didn’t matter since there was someone else involved.

After checking the time, Cheongryeo called that ‘someone.’ This time, however, it wasn’t to send a picture of Kongi like the occasional messages.

“…”

After a short ring, the other person picked up.

“Did the self-produced content shoot go well?”

-Yes, Sunbae-nim.

It was Park Moondae.

An interesting point is that this junior always uses formal language whenever he calls or texts. It’s not like there haven’t been times when they’ve spoken informally before. It was a habitual meticulousness.

That’s not a bad thing, either.

A cautious attitude never hurts, no matter where you are. Cheongryeo found it somewhat amusing. So, working with such a proven resource is a pleasure.

Soon, Park Moondae’s indifferent congratulatory words were heard.

-Congratulations on your solo album comeback, Sunbae-nim.

“Thank you.”

Cheongryeo, who had heard the same words from countless people over the past few days, responded lightly and got straight to the point.

“It’s about time to start preparing for what we agreed on back then.”

-…

“As I mentioned before, you won’t be featuring on my album.”

-Yes.

Cheongryeo almost laughed, recalling how flustered Park Moondae had been at the time, but continued speaking without showing it. It was about the feature method he had chosen.

“I have a program I’m going to be on this time, so let’s go together.”

-…!

“I’m sure you’ll like it too.”

Cheongryeo finished his calculations.

“The name of the program is…”

* * *

<Nice to Meet You>, an MBS variety show airing at 5:40 PM on Saturdays. It’s one of the few long-running competition programs where singers can appear on public broadcasting. Just by looking at the title, it seems like a typical public broadcasting program that introduces skilled, unknown singers or masters active in genres other than pop music, right?

That’s right. Indeed, it’s the style that public broadcasting loves. But that’s only half correct.

They can’t get good ratings just doing that.

What needs to be done to sell it? The answer is simple.

Package a deal.

Not only do artists from less popular fields appear, but also famous established singers looking to promote their albums or concerts. And when you pair up two cast members to perform together, you can create a variety of interesting scenes. This is how the program has managed to last until season 7. The lineup for casting is still quite impressive, but with the main audience being middle-aged viewers, it has a bit of an old-fashioned feel…

But this guy is going to be on it? I glanced at Cheongryeo.

VTIC’s appearance on this show seemed excessive, given the large and chaotic cast. For someone of that caliber, it would make more sense to have a special episode dedicated to them, yet he’s the only one appearing?

Hmm.

Of course, there must be a reason behind it. I recalled his response to my straightforward question about why he chose this program.

“Because there’s something I want to show.”

So, today, I came to the pre-meeting for this program.

By the way, the main PD here has been pushing this show since season 3, and even though the ratings are over 7, instead of passing it on to a junior PD or creating a new program, they just keep doing this one… After talking with him, I think I understand why.

“Oh, nice to meet you, Moondae. My nephew is a fan. Could you sign an album for him? Not one that’s leftover, but a new one.”

“Of course.”

What a typical old-timer. I bet it’s not out of a sense of duty that he keeps doing this, but just because it’s cost-effective. Still, it’s amusing to see that even though I’ve made it to the top as an idol, the TV station PDs still hold all the power. At least he doesn’t treat me poorly, but his attitude is completely different when it comes to VTIC, whose international recognition is insane.

“And our Hallyu star, VTIC! It’s an honor to have you here. Please take care of us.”

“Haha, the pleasure is all mine.”

As expected, the answer is National Pride. For this typical old-fashioned senior, that was the best response. I nodded subtly while looking at the PD.

Let’s see after the next album. Coincidentally, aiming for the National Pride overdose to hunt for the cultural medal.

Anyway, the fan who asked for the autograph wasn’t at fault. At least they didn’t use the PD’s family connection to get into the waiting room. I carefully signed the extra album I brought just in case, and the PD quickly took it and finally started talking about the program.

“So, um, you two are performing together on stage… How did you become so close?”

“Oh, we did a variety show together when Moondae debuted. That show was also on MBS.”

“…Ah, I remember now! That’s right.”

He doesn’t remember at all. 

The PD is really good at socializing. I guess you have to be like that to make it big enough to sit comfortably on a major network show.

“Anyway, we’re really happy to have you both on our program—really happy.”

As expected, the PD avoided mentioning the specific variety show and instead subtly brought up what he wanted to say.

“But since both of you have the same job and similar images, I’m worried it might be tricky to include the peak, I mean, the climax, in the screen time. Is that okay?”

Yeah, it’s fine. Just… the fact that two top idols from different groups are teaming up is already a huge buzz.

So, what climax is he talking about?

He’s being clever.

If two famous idols were going to appear, he wanted to split the episodes to spread out the content and extend the ratings boost.

Nope, that’s not happening.

And without me having to say anything, Cheongryeo immediately responded. “Yes. You don’t need to worry about that part.”

“…Ah, okay.”

He seems confident. It was convenient that I didn’t need to speak up. Working with someone experienced like this is nice.

“And I heard that our manager had already informed you in advance. This is…”

“Ah, yes, yes.”

After that, there were no unnecessary distractions. The meeting proceeded smoothly as I conversed with the program writer and the assistant PD. I nodded as if I were listening intently, all the while thinking.

So, what kind of performance does this guy want to put on using me?

And soon, this question will be answered.

Right after the meeting, in the conference room of the LeTi building, which was 20 minutes away from the broadcasting station.

“First, let me show you the music video.”

Cheongryeo turned on the projector and immediately began discussing the stage setup. Originally, scenes where he came up with concepts for the program’s shoot should be included, but due to practice time constraints, many of those are often just reenactments.

It’s all scripted. So, I understand that part.

“Even though it’s a rough cut, it’s almost complete except for the intro and credits. There shouldn’t be any problem with you understanding the album concept…”

“Hold on.”

Something feels off.

“But why is Sunbae-nim showing your music video instead of the stage outline?”

“Hmm?”

We’re not even performing a song from the album, so why are you suddenly bragging about your soon-to-be-released MV? However, Cheongryeo answered calmly, as if it were the most obvious question in the world.

“It’s a program stage meant to promote the album, so of course, I need to make sure my new title track comes to mind immediately.”

“…”

“This title track is the concept that will serve as the base for our stage, so watch it carefully and remember it well. I can’t send you the music video file before it’s released.”

Alright. He’s clever. I held back a sigh and nodded my head.

I wondered if I had made a mistake by agreeing to cooperate with this guy’s stage without any complaints. I had previously told him that I would follow his stage composition as long as it didn’t damage my image. But if the vision is this clear…

I wonder if he just wants me to be the high-note shuttle. No, it might be better than having an unnecessary and unfitting concept.

I clicked my tongue and stared at the screen of the MV he was playing.

The marble floor was reduced to ashes. In the middle of the ruined, antique Art Museum floor, there was a spot where paint was chaotically splattered and mixed. And there, lying alone on that spot, was Cheongryeo.

[…]

The contrasting image slowly passed from an aerial viewpoint. The sound of the wind could be heard. And then,

[The devil is in the details.]

A meaningful phrase appears, and soon, the song begins.

[Ash]

Cheongryeo’s latest solo album title.

–Oh, maybe we’re just in pain

A wistful minor key medium tempo.

And a jazz-style accompaniment.

-Ashes to ashes, dust to dust

In the remaining ashes

The same story

And love is dead

The intro throws out a very addictive chorus. Then, before moving on to the verse, there’s a slowly lowering hum. And the offbeat choreography.

Dancing barefoot in a turtleneck and black slacks on the ashes seems powerful enough to make the camera zoom in and out, changing angles. The guy, with top-tier proportions and physique, has managed his body to the extreme, making the minimalistic style the most impressive.

Damn it. He still got it. I almost bit my tongue.

He managed to perfectly blend impressive choreography with easy-listening music that’s good on its own. And on top of that, this choreography…

It’s actually easy to just follow the moves, but it’s hard to capture the right feeling.

This meant that there would be many people attempting the challenge, and it would be easy for evaluators to rank them. I could already see it.

-This person is really similar to Cheongryeo, amazing

└Please stop using fake accounts

└LMAO, nice shot

-This person dances well too, but there are really few who capture the original vibe, lolol

-Why are there so many hate comments? It looks like they tried hardㅠ

These kinds of comments and reactions would flood the challenge videos.

It’s the perfect choice for a confident solo dancer. If it could be made, it would be the most ideal result.

Even if TeSTAR delays military service as much as possible, some of them will have to enlist within a few years, and Cha Eugene and Ryu Chungwoo will inevitably have to go solo or form a unit. The competitive spirit to plan such a refined result was palpable.

“…”

I kept my mouth shut and watched the music video until the end. The background and costumes became increasingly extravagant, but in the end, it returned to ashes and concluded minimally, showcasing excellent tempo control.

-And love is the end

The screen abruptly cuts to Cheongryeo standing on dark water in a dimly lit space. And the person in question, Cheongryeo, only opened his mouth with a smile after the rough cut of the music video ended.

“Do you like it?” Without asking for an objective opinion, Cheongryeo jumped straight to a subjective question.

Confident, aren’t you?  I nodded calmly.

“Yes.”

“…”

“Sunbae-nim did a good job.”

Why are you so surprised? I have to give credit where it’s due. Anyway, there’s no point in having a pride battle when we have to work together right now. It’s not like our comeback timings overlap. But still.

“It will be hard for me to capture the feel of this choreography.”

“Hmm?”

“Just so Sunbae-nim knows, don’t expect me to replicate a similar feeling in just two weeks.”

It’s advice for the quality of the stage.

This level of completion can only be achieved by someone with at least an A-grade in dance.

Moreover, this program features established singers. Unlike a debut survival show where people understand if you show growth through effort, such a narrative would be laughable here. If I were to do choreography similar to this, I would have to be just as good as possible so as not to break the concept. But realistically, it wasn’t very cost-effective.

Just use me as a high-pitched shuttle, you idiot.

However, Cheongryeo burst into laughter. “Haha, I thought this was a stage where I could do as I pleased. Was I wrong?”

“…”

Are you serious?

“I’m joking.” The guy grinned slyly and tapped the table with his fingers as if calculating something. “Everyone should do what they’re good at… That’s what we agreed on, right?”

Yeah.

“But we still need to cover the basics.”

“…?”

Cheongryeo asked lightly. “How many hours have you practiced in a day?”

And then a level of practice reminiscent of <Idol Inc.> came crashing down on my head.

these Chs are commissioned if you want your series to be translated you can contact us at discord for your favorite series.

Reed chapter first at Utoon.net