In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

Translator: MarcTempest

Editor: Rxel

Chapter 28

He was supposed to have a meeting with Director Jo, but thanks to someone who insisted on doing everything together, he had to sit down for a while.

The atmosphere was harmonious.

“Rihyuk, here’s a special wrap for you, Hyung.”

“Oh, thanks. You have some too.”

What was going on?

The youngest and Seo Rihyuk exchanged pork belly and trotter wraps with each other.

And the result.

“Phew-! Hey! Wang Jiho, what did you put in there?”

“Cough! Hyung, what is this cough-?”

Of course.

They both had red faces from stuffing their mouths with peppers or garlic.

Sometimes he wondered.

Maybe they were programmed at the DNA level to assassinate each other.

“Hyung, have this.”

Kim Bijoo piled up the most appetizing parts of the pork belly and trotters on Seon Woojoo’s plate like a mother bird.

Maybe he was hungry.

He didn’t have much appetite, but once he put it in his mouth, it melted.

Unlike the younger line who were always bickering, the older line was eating peacefully in the opposite seat.

Kim Junghyun, who was inhaling the trotters with bones, spoke seriously as if he had thought of something.

“Woojoo Hyung.”

“Yeah?”

“The technique you used to take down the Director.”

Kim Bijoo and Seon Woojoo burst out laughing. The rapper who was loud enough to be heard by the neighbors said with a smile, “Kim Junghyun, why are you trying to take down the Director? He’s not a villain.”

“Oh, right. Then, the technique you used to ambush the Director…?”

The rapper struggled to find the right word, and Seo Rihyuk clicked his tongue.

“Hyung, you’re a rap maker, but you have poor vocabulary?”

“I’m just focusing on eating right now. Anyway, the technique you used to pin the Director to the floor. Where did you learn that?”

“Just watching various videos on YouTube.”

“Is that enough?”

“That Hyung, he can learn dance just by watching, right?”

At the youngest’s remark, everyone nodded in agreement.

“That’s true. It’s unbelievable, but I’ve seen him do so many unbelievable things that I just accept it now. Oh, that’s just Woojoo being Woojoo, you know.”

“Was I that weird?”

At Seon Woojoo’s muttering, the siblings answered in unison.

“You were really weird.”

“We thought you were an alien who came to help us.”

“You pretended to be bad at dancing, and then you got praised for being good at dancing. You did a week’s worth of arrangement in a day, and we got asked to work with Jang Sowon Sunbae at the end-of-year evaluation. And when we went to work with her, you suddenly played the guitar and arranged the song on the spot, and that song became number one.”

“Now that I think about it, it is really weird.”

Seon Woojoo laughed at Seo Rihyuk’s agreement.

Was that a compliment, or an insult?

But even he thought that the things that happened after he joined this company were all weird.

They were causally related, but they seemed too unbelievable.

“Maybe the only explanation for all this is Director Jo’s miracle.”

When the youngest brought up a strange theory, Seon Woojoo remembered the promise he had forgotten.

Oh, right.

He had an appointment with Director Jo.

“Wow, I’m out of it. I’m late.”

“Where are you going?”

“I had a meeting with Director Jo.”

“A meeting…?”

Seon Woojoo licked his lips as he looked around at the members who were looking at him with bewildered expressions.

It was an awkward time.

He thought it was better to keep this worry to himself.

“I’ll be back soon. See you later.”

***

President’s office.

Seon Woojoo came up here to have a meeting with Director Jo, but when he came to his senses, he was in the President’s office.

“Cheers~”

The middle-aged men clinked their beer cans with red faces.

Who was he and why was he here?

The President smiled kindly and offered him a can.

“Woojoo, do you want a drink?”

“Mr. President, please don’t say that. He has a radio show tomorrow.”

Director Jo waved his hand and stopped him.

Seon Woojoo gulped down a Coke Zero while President Park Kyuho gave him a piece of bossam.

“You’ve worked hard, Woojoo. Really.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ve felt it since the end-of-year evaluation, but ever since you came, things have been going smoothly. Haha, you’re the second lucky charm of our company after Gyuhwan.”

“That’s right.”

Director Jo agreed.

“The head of the management support team was singing happily. He said the music revenue for this quarter will break the all-time record. I haven’t seen him smile since he hit 10 million at the movies.”

“Woojoo did a great job. Director Yoon must be proud too.”

“Oh, it’s all thanks to you and Director Jo.”

“What are you talking about? Woojoo did well, and the kids did well. It’s the result of everyone’s efforts, haha.”

“If it weren’t for you tying the knot with Hwai Entertainment, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

President Park’s face bloomed with laughter every time Director Yoon’s tongue moved.

Seon Woojoo saw clearly.

He didn’t get that position for nothing.

While Director Yoon was busy flattering the President, his attention shifted elsewhere.

“By the way, you’ll be making a lot of money this time. Have you thought about what to do with the royalties?”

“Not yet.”

Seon Woojoo answered with a smile.

“I’m planning to save it for now. I’ve never had to manage this much money before.”

That was how it was for trainees.

Money kept piling up.

You didn’t know how to spend it, and you didn’t have anywhere to spend it.

“If I have to spend it, I’ll spend it for my grandmother.”

“That’s a good idea. What did you do when you hit your first jackpot, Director Jo? Did you buy a house for your parents?”

“I bought them a car first, Mr. President. The house came later.”

“Right.”

While the adults were talking about real estate, Seon Woojoo quietly ate his bossam.

He had nothing to say in their conversation.

Someone poked him in the ribs and he saw Director Yoon giving him a strange look.

Seon Woojoo nodded.

“I’m sorry about earlier, Mr. President. Is your back okay?”

“It’s a bit sore, but it’ll get better. I’ll just put a patch on it.”

“I’m really sorry.”

“No, it’s my fault. I tried to surprise you by grabbing your shoulder. You know what they say. Think of this as a good experience. Haha!”

Thankfully, the President let it go with a good-natured laugh.

Seon Woojoo looked at the other victim who was quietly eating with his chopsticks.

“What about you, Hyung?”

“I have a herniated disc, you bastard.”

“…I’m really sorry. If anything happens, I’ll take full responsibility.”

“Forget it, kid. Just take care of yourself and stay healthy.”

As Director Yoon shrugged it off, the President joined in with a warm smile.

“I heard you were supposed to have a meeting at this time.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Since we’re here, can we listen in?”

Seon Woojoo didn’t hesitate for long.

Whatever he said to the director, it would eventually reach the President’s ears.

It didn’t matter what he said.

He cautiously brought up the concern he had been having lately.

The slightly drunk trio of old men listened to his story quietly.

A brief silence followed his story.

The first one to speak was Director Jo.

“Do you want to show off your members’ singing skills?”

“Yes.”

“Do you really need to do that?”

“Huh?”

Director Jo said to Seon Woojoo, blinking his eyes, “You’re already breaking records on the music charts and dominating the music shows. The media is calling you the long-term rulers. I wouldn’t mind if it was your debut song, but it’s a project song, right? It’s not like you planned for this popularity. Don’t you think you have enough for now?”

Director Jo Gyuhwan finished his sentence with a somewhat indifferent face.

It felt like he had to give a good answer, but he was honest with his thoughts.

“Well… I’m a greedy person. And I think this is the time to be greedy. It may be unexpected popularity, but it’s not a chance that will come again. I want to make the most of it.”

Director Jo stared at Seon Woojoo.

Did he say something wrong?

He looked at him as if he was trying to figure something out, and then he smiled and drank his beer.

“That’s a good answer.”

Seon Woojoo looked around.

That was when he realized that the President and Yoon Seokhwan were looking at him with amusement.

By the time he noticed the situation, Director Jo said, “I was curious what you would say, sorry.”

“Ah…”

“Actually, I was a bit surprised.”

He smiled.

“Director Yoon and I were having the same dilemma as you.”

“Really?”

“We want to establish New Black’s image, but we don’t want to miss out on the attention without Seo Rihyuk. As you said, our kids have no problem competing with any decent singers.”

True.

The adults must have had the same worries as him.

“We agree with you. If you want to succeed in the entertainment industry, you need to take advantage of every opportunity you get.”

The others nodded in agreement.

“Director, please tell Woojoo too.”

“Yes.”

Yoon Seokhwan got up from his seat and took something out of his briefcase.

The document titled ‘New Black Activity Plan’ was filled with neatly organized plans.

“I was going to tell you when the schedule was fixed, but I’ll tell you in advance.”

“What is it?”

“We’ve been thinking about how to solve what you’re talking about. And we found it.”

You already found it?

Seon Woojoo looked at him with curious eyes, and Yoon Seokhwan answered him.

“We need to introduce the group New Black to the people, right?”

“Yes.”

“We can’t go on any variety shows. Especially not on public broadcasting. There’s no place that will invite us alone without any conditions, and you guys don’t have enough experience to fill the stories anyway.”

That was obvious.

It was like a newbie entering a game full of veterans in the competitive variety scene.

“But there’s one place where you can show off your musical skills without any pressure while getting the spotlight. Not radio.”

“Music show?”

“No, music broadcast.”

What was he talking about?

Music broadcast, as in the place they went every day?

Seeing Seon Woojoo blink, Yoon Seokhwan pointed to the program name on the paper.

“Ha Seungju’s Music Cafe…? Oh!”

Ha Seungju’s Music Cafe.

A late-night music broadcast that aired on PBS after midnight.

Music Cafe, hosted by pianist and composer Ha Seungju, was a popular program despite its late time slot.

It was famous for its good hosting by MC Ha Seungju and its high-quality live performances.

That was why appearing on Music Cafe meant that you had a certain level of skill.

It was a perfect opportunity for them.

Unlike music shows that only did stages, Music Cafe had a talk segment where the MC highlighted the charm of the invited singers.

It was the best chance for the rookies, New Black, to leave a good impression and finish their activities.

But.

“…Can we appear on it?”

Music Cafe was known to be strict about its appearances.

Seon Woojoo heard that they didn’t hesitate to cut even popular singers if they thought their live skills were not good enough.

“Seungju Hyung and I know each other, and Director Yoon also has a good relationship with the PD, so it won’t be hard to appear.”

Really?

Seon Woojoo looked at him with hopeful eyes, and Yoon Seokhwan said, “We’re going to appear on Music Cafe next week.”

“I’ve been working hard to grease the wheels for you for the past few days.”

“Now it’s up to you to show how good you are on the show. How do you feel? Do you feel less worried now?”

“Yes.”

“But, Woojoo.”

Director Jo Gyuhwan smiled softly.

“Did you consult with the members before you told us? It sounded like they didn’t know anything.”

Seon Woojoo felt like he had been hit in the face.

Oops.

The thought that he had made a mistake naturally came to his mind.

“You’re the leader. We can only assume that you’re speaking on behalf of the kids when you talk to us.”

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. You did it for the team. But next time, I hope you talk to the members first.” He said with a smile, “New Black is not a group that you’re in alone.”

***

It wasn’t long before Director Yoon Seokhwan brought them some good news.

“You’ve been confirmed to appear on Music Cafe.”

Time flew by.

They were only supposed to be on for about 10 minutes, but they needed a lot of preparation for that one thing.

They had to do pre-interviews with the writers to come up with topics to talk about, and they also needed to prepare a different stage for the live performance.

They stayed up almost every night making the repertoire and rehearsing.

It was hard, but what could they do?

Opportunity was something that you had to grab with your own effort.

There were music shows that spent 12 hours for a 3-minute stage, so they couldn’t complain about this preparation.

Music Show Popular Singer Waiting Room.

“Music Cafe?”

Of course, New Black’s appearance was a joint one with Jang Sowon.

They didn’t have any songs of their own except for Something.

She was happy to hear that they were going to be on Music Cafe. It was also because Seon Woojoo had already laid the groundwork by consulting her about his worries.

“Oh, that’s great.”

Jang Sowon smiled as she ate her souffle and coffee.

“I was so annoyed by the comments you guys got that I replied to them more than once. Don’t let them call you a folding screen again and show them what you’ve got this time.”

“Thank you for going with us.”

“Going with you? I won’t be able to see you much after we finish our activities, so I have to see you while I can.”

She laughed.

“More than that, I’m looking forward to the stage we’re going to do together. How about it? What did you prepare this time?”

****

PBS Broadcasting Station Open Hall.

It was the day of the recording of Ha Seungju’s Music Cafe, when the spring flowers were beautiful in early April.

They had finished their music show activities by then.

They were still holding on to the monthly number one spot on the Mango Chart, but they had fallen out of the first place candidate in the fourth week, pushed back by a solo singer and a popular idol who had made a comeback.

Both sides of the agency decided that it was time to wrap up the activities.

And they had arrived at the final destination of this activity.

“Wow… it’s huge.”

When they came from the waiting room to the backstage to rehearse, they were surprised by the size of the stage.

It was a different scale.

It was a huge difference from the music show studio.

The tension was also doubled.

Kim Bijoo bit and released his lips repeatedly, and Seo Rihyuk wiped off the sweat that came out of his hand with a tissue.

Their youngest, who would have teased Seo Rihyuk if he was nervous, was also staring blankly with his mouth open.

In the meantime, only Kim Junghyun was calm like a bodhisattva.

He was the one who thought, ‘Wow, that skill is awesome.’ when Seon Woojoo knocked down the President, unlike the other guys who were startled.

It wasn’t a surprising thing.

The FD who appeared through the busy staff called them.

“New Black team.”

“Yes!”

The FD who wore the intercom listened to the instructions and looked around them.

“Who is Woojoo?”

“That’s me.”

“I’ll go up first and start the rehearsal. I’ll check the piano sound first. I’ll do it for about 2 minutes and then proceed with the team rehearsal right away. Don’t forget to pay attention to the route we told you in advance when you go up on stage.

The FD, who had rattled off the precautions like a machine gun for a minute, quickly disappeared somewhere else.

“What did he just say?”

“Uh… I think I forgot because I was nervous.”

“Kim Junghyun, you heard him, right?”

“Ah, I was distracted.”

Seon Woojoo’s confused siblings naturally looked at him, or rather, he didn’t know why that was natural.

Seon Woojoo sighed and handed them his phone.

“Here.”

“…?”

“I recorded it, so listen.”

“…!”

They looked at Seon Woojoo as if he was their savior and waved their hands. Then he went up to the stage.

The grand piano set in the center.

Below the stage, Seon Woojoo could see the writers holding notebooks to find points to improve and the production staff monitoring the screen.

Seon Woojoo checked the camera position first.

He felt the cold touch of the piano chair seat and closed his eyes.

And he started playing.