Chapter 174

I heard that Nael has been really grinding her gears for this .

No way . Theres the size of their companies as well . Wouldnt Nael have more investment this time? I think she would be better .

While the host did his presentation, a couple talked about todays stages .

Birth of the Masterpiece had many stages that werent possible to do in KS TVs other program, the Music Count . As GNB Entertainment, the company Nael belonged to, promoted her appearance in this program a lot, and the fact that her rival, Eunha, was appearing on the program as well, people were focused on their performances .

Huh? Oppa, its about to start .

When the host smiled while looking at his script, the woman slightly tapped on her boyfriends arms . The couple sat up .

Thanks for waiting . I guess I should introduce the first singer to s.h.i.+ne on Birth of the Masterpieces first stage . Shes known as the guitar girl .

Ooooh!

(T/N: Guitar = Eunha, and Eunha = guitar . )

When the audience found out the first in line was one of the people they wanted, they erupted in cheers .

I actually had a look at the rehearsal today, and theres nothing that needs to be said about this . The other singers actually became a lot nervous after seeing her rehearsal .

Hahahaha .

It will be an even more special stage as there is a special guest this time . I shall not make you wait any longer! First up, Eunha!

Oooooooh!

The lights that shone down on the audience faded out .

The spotlight shone down on the left of the stage, showing a lady along with a grand piano . The lady with the eyes closed slowly put her hands on the piano and started playing the piano softly .

Seeing the lady through the screen, some of the audience became shocked .

Th, that person, shes Gye Gye HyoMin!

Whoa! That pianist?

Whoaaaa!

(T/N: Im surprised people in the audience know a cla.s.sical musician . )

The special guest that the host mentioned was none other than the world-cla.s.s pianist Gye HyoMin .

Although many of the guests in Birth of the Masterpiece were actors, other singers, and people like that, none of them were world-cla.s.s like Gye HyoMin .

As though to tease those shocked people, Gye HyoMins hands smoothly glided atop the keys . Her left hand forcefully pressed on the ba.s.s so as to heighten the atmosphere .

a a .

What the heck .

The intro was less than 20 seconds long .

However, everyone here was already mesmerized by her playing .

Gye HyoMin played both the high notes and low notes and set the foundation for Kim JiMins singing .

The unforgettable memories when I walk down that road I remember you under the suns.h.i.+ne

The spotlight turned on, showing Kim JiMin .

Whaaaa!!!!

She smoothly received the mood tossed to her by Gye HyoMin and sent it in the audiences direction . Gye HyoMins piano along with Kim JiMins singing charmed the audience in one go .

When the piano and Kim JiMins duet was over, the double ba.s.s, the cello, and the violin started breathing vitality into the song .

KangYoon was watching as all this happened on the stage from the back .

Just a little more

Kim JiMins and Gye HyoMins notes created a white light with something inside it, and when the Orchestra chimed in as well, the something within the white light became stronger and stronger .

Now, they were just entering the chorus . KangYoon became somewhat greedy after seeing signs of silver light .

The autumn with the falling leaves

The song entered the chorus .

Along with that, a grand timpani sound rang out and the lights all brightened up . At the same time, the 50 people in the orchestra appeared .

Whaaa!

No one imagined that there would be an entire orchestra behind the grand piano . Some people had their doubts while listening to the song, but no one imagined that there would be so many people .

My memories blur with the cold wind but I will remember the time with you

Yoo NaYoon, who watched Kim JiMins performance through a monitor from the waiting room, became absent-minded with surprise, fl.u.s.ter and many other emotions intermixed .

Thats unreal

Her president told her that Kim JiMin would not receive as much support as she does in GNB Entertainment and told her not to worry .

However, it seemed like their predictions were completely wrong .

An entire orchestra and a world-cla.s.s pianist? This was like bringing an adult into a kids fight .

Wow, World is putting full effort into this .

Even Yoo NaYoons manager exclaimed out loud .

However, he turned around to Yoo NaYoon and smiled .

But shes not better than my Nael, right?

Oppa .

She shook her head .

I cant win against that . Forget the orchestra . Isnt Gye HyoMin too overpowered?

. .

The manager became silent .

He thought that it was absurd that someone invited Gye HyoMin . He couldnt even begin to imagine how much money World Entertainment put into preparing this program . Although GNB Entertainment used a lot of money to hire dancers, well the scene in front of him was

In no time, Kim JiMins singing reached its peak .

The strings created a beautiful harmony and Gye HyoMins piano danced on top of it gracefully .

Your fragrance the nostalgic streetlight I still remember

Gye HyoMins piano and the orchestra firmly supported Kim JiMins singing . She felt as though she was on top of an unshakable rock .

Kim JiMin was immersed in her own singing as well . Her husky voice filled the stage and the piano embraced her voice .

I remember

After the peak, Kim JiMins voice slowly faded out along with the orchestra .

The piano was left solo and eventually, it faded out as well .

Like that, Kim JiMins song was over .

Thank you .

.

.

The lights turned off and only a faint spotlight reminded the audience of the stage just now . However, they all sat there dumbfounded . They felt rather disappointed that it ended so early .

However,

Waaaaaaaaa!

Eunha! JiMin! Ah, I dont know anymore! Youre the best!

Eunha! Eunha!

Loud cheers erupted from the audience .

Thank you!

Kim JiMin thanked the audience again and finished the stage after giving the orchestra conductor and Gye HyoMin a hug .

***

Kim JiMins stage was over, but KangYoon wasnt able to take his eyes off the stage .

What was that?

He still couldnt forget about Kim JiMins song just now .

After the first verse, beautiful silver light started spreading out and the silver light wrapped everyone .

The incident came after that .

The notes that Kim JiMin and the instruments created had a change . The notes that Kim JiMin and the instruments made were absorbed into the silver light . Then, the silver light started turning gold from the rim .

KangYoons heart thumped loudly in expectation of the golden light he only saw from the worlds best pop singer, Samuel .

If they sang a little more

The gold rim around the silver light only lasted for a brief moment . However, just that brief moment made the audience erupt into cheers for a long time . It had left behind an enormous lingering image .

While he fell into thought, the evaluation of the stage was beginning on the stage .

The 450 hurdle! Its past that already! 460, 470, just how high will it rise!?

The number of votes from the people that liked Kim JiMins stage was rising, but KangYoon couldnt care less about the number . The hosts excited voice could not make him exit his thoughts .

Fiiiiiiive Hundreeeeeeed! Its over five hundred! Eunha is setting a record! 501, 502 510!

The number on the screen rose endlessly .

This was a record since the programs founding, but now that KangYoon was given the a.s.signment of looking into the gold light, it wasnt of much interest .

How can I create a completely gold stage?

Hahaha .

Along with the laugh from the audience, the count started slowing down . The number went beyond 540, then 550 .

1, 2, 3, and 4 it stopped there .

The final count was 1 less than the maximum total of 555 554 .

-Five hundred and fifty-four! This is a record since the founding of Birth of the Masterpiece! 554! Please give a round of applause for Eunha again!

-Oooooh!

Along with loud cheers, the audience started shouting Eunha again, but KangYoon still couldnt hide his disappointment about the gold light .

***

Dance Revolution? Its not a pilot program . So its like an event program for Thanksgiving .

Lee HyunJi frowned while reading the report that manager Kim DaeHyun gave her . The only team with dancers among the four teams of World Entertainment was Eddios .

Lee HyunJi was already very scary when she was nice, but when she frowned, manager Kim DaeHyun became nervous .

Whens the recording?

Its on the 10th of September .

The tenth, huh . Lets see, wheres the schedule

Just as Lee HyunJi was about to open a doc.u.ment on her computer, Yoo JungMin, who was listening to the conversation, abruptly stood up and spoke in a loud voice .

Jennie has a shoot in Hongcheon, and Ris and JooYeon have a schedule in DLE as well . SeoYu has an interview and a photoshoot with a womens magazine . Also

Does MinAh have a schedule?

Miss MinAh uhm, doesnt have anything for that day .

Okay, thanks .

Lee HyunJi turned around to manager Kim DaeHyun from the Yoo JungMin, whose face was turning red .

Ill have to talk to the president about it, but Im considering sending MinAh alone on this program . What do you think, manager DaeHyun?

I think thats a good idea as well . I dont think well get anything off it if all of Eddios goes there . Its also harsh on their schedule as well

Okay then . First, contact producer Han TaeYoung and ask if its alright to send MinAh alone . He wont reject us . MinAhs popularity and her dance skills are both perfect for this program .

MinAh played a vital role in Eddioss comeback alb.u.m . Moreover, in regard to dancing, the public view was that she was threatening JooAhs position . Unless the producer was an idiot, there was no way he would reject her .

Though, if he does, then MinAh could just have something else scheduled for her .

Okay .

And next?

Regarding the producer matter you told me last time, I talked about it with producer Oh and . .

Manager Kim DaeHyun continued his report nervously .

***

Ive never seen such a dramatic chart in my life . 554 out of 555! Im not sure who this one person is, but I have to say youre amazing . Youve brought face to our program .

Hahahaha .

I wonder just who can break Miss Eunhas record, but I think this next stage will be able to . She debuted at the same time as Eunha, a friend, and a rival! Personally, I looked forward to this stage the most . Theres no need to wait anymore, is there? Please welcome, Nael!

Along with the hosts introduction, the lights shone not on the stage, but at the center of the audience seats . At the front was Nael, and behind her were 30 dancers .

Waaaa!

Yoo NaYoon was wearing a white one-piece dress, while the dancers were wearing black military clothes to completely compliment her . Along with their appearance came grand music and they stepped onto the stage . The audience cheered when they saw a lot of people doing a performance .

Perhaps we are-!

(T/N: Is it me or are the songs in this novel all about romance)

Yoo NaYoon, standing at the center of the stage, shouted strongly . Along with that, the lights on the stage shone brightly as the dancers all raised their hands in unison . They caught the attention of the audience with clear-cut dancing .

I couldnt fly and cried but you

This song, t.i.tled Flying the Night Skies, was completely different from the original . Yoo NaYoon stretched out her crisp voice which tickled the ears of the audience . The impact from the live band added more power to the dance and a stage with both splendid singing and dancing played out in front of the audience .

Behind the stage, Kim JiMin exclaimed several times as she watched .

Wow, sir, NaYoon is amazing . Shes good at singing AND dancing

Yeah . It seems like shes prepared a lot for this .

KangYoon was very surprised when he saw Yoo NaYoons stage as well .

Although he had seen her rehearsal stage, what she was showing right now was completely different from the rehearsal . Unlike the rehearsal where they only checked the basic movement lines, the 30 people all dancing in unison created a splendid performance, while Yoo NaYoons voice mesmerized the audience .

However, even while looking at such an exceptional performance, KangYoon could be at leisure .

To think there would come a day I can stay calm while looking at silver

He chuckled when he thought that he could watch his opponents silver music with leisure .

The dancing of the dancers, the music, and Yoo NaYoons voice created a strong silver light . However, it was unlike Kim JiMins performance in regards to the fact that there were no gold rims around the silver light and that the silver was a result of the mix of every note, rather than a single note .

Meanwhile, Kim JiMin became worried .

Sir . Am I going to lose? Ill lose if she gets 555 votes, hehe

When Kim JiMin spoke awkwardly, KangYoon chuckled and patted her hair .

Who cares?

I dont want to lose though

Hahaha .

Seeing Kim JiMin nervous even after getting 554 votes, KangYoon shrugged his shoulders .

Love is a beautiful dream grab my hand to your heart

The stage was reaching its peak .

Yoo NaYoon burst out all of her potential in her voice and the music became more powerful . The drums rolled around powerfully, and the ba.s.s added into the atmosphere .

And then

The beautiful dream the dream of you and me

Along with Yoo NaYoons high voice, the psychedelic lights and the moving lights flashed magnificently . Nael did a wave at the center of the stage, which was the cherry on top .

Waaaa!

With the dancers supporting her back, her slightly lacking performance became more magnificent .

The dream of you

The psychedelic lights flashed and two of the dancers suddenly lifted Yoo NaYoon up .

Along with that, Naels stage finished .

Whaaaaaa!

Her stage that pleased both the eyes and the ears finished and she stood at the center of the stage to count the votes . Next to her was Kim JiMin, who was first place with 554 votes .

The host stood between the two .

Ive been hosting Birth of the Masterpiece for 14 weeks now, but this was the first time that I have been so nervous . To think that two such young girls created awesome stages like this Regardless of the result, please give a round of applause to the two singers .

The audience all applauded before the host asked some questions to the two girls . It was mostly about how they prepared for the stage as well as what difficulties they had .

After a brief conversation, the results came in .

Naels votes . 100 votes, 200, 300

400 pa.s.sed by in a flash as well and it soon became the hurdle number, 450 . The people started exclaiming as well . 460, 470

Fiiiive Hundreeed! Is today the day of the youngest ones? Looks like Birth of the Masterpiece will have higher standards in the future!

Leaving behind the hosts excited voice, the number went past 510 . Then

Five hundred and thirteeeeeen! Ah, its 513 . Todays victor is Miss Eunha!

Along with a fanfare sound effect, confetti burst out on the stage .

Kim JiMin was unable to hide her joy and surprise and hugged Nael .

Congratulations .

Thanks, you did well too .

Tch, I wanted to win this time .

Sorry, and thanks .

Kim JiMin patted Yoo NaYoons back after seeing that she was disappointed .

Despite what she said, Yoo NaYoon was slightly tearing up .

***

The Birth of the Masterpiece that Kim JiMin and Nael appeared in became a huge rumor on the internet . The appearance of the pianist Gye HyoMin and the 30 dancers became common knowledge and that episode of Birth of the Masterpiece became a hot topic before it was even aired .

-The best rivalry battle .

-Eunha, Nael . A glimpse into the future of female singers!

-Just forget everything and watch the episode .

-Pianist Gye HyoMin vs 30 warriors, the result?

It also became known that the girls hugged each other regardless of the result, creating a warm atmosphere, and that raised the peoples expectations even further . Some people spread rumors that Nael cried in frustration and whatnot, but most people despised such comments and they were buried immediately .

KangYoon and Lee HyunJi smiled as they had a look at the articles with so many clickbait-y t.i.tles .

To think it would be such a hot topic before its even aired looks like the results are good .

Lee HyunJi was satisfied to see this .

The last of Kim JiMins activities was Birth of the Masterpiece, and it ended on such a good note so she wished for nothing more . Gye HyoMin wanted help on her recital rather than financial compensation . KangYoon accepted it saying that he would do his best after they had the right conditions .

KangYoon also felt good since everything went well .

With that, it will be easier for her next alb.u.m as well . This episode will have a big influence on her future activities .

If rumors alone can have that much effect Well, the recording from the audience should be managed by the TV station, and the problem is GNB then . I think they thought the same things as us investing so much into this . Although they shouldnt have made losses with this, I dont know what they would do in the future .

KangYoon shook his head after hearing Lee HyunJis words .

Both GNB and we will meet a lot in the future . This matter couldnt be helped for both of us . Its not like we aimed for this to happen, so they shouldnt nag at us with this . Unless the president there is a short-minded person .

President Han YoungSook isnt that generous though

Is that the case? Do you know her?

I do . Ive met her several times in the past . You keep forgetting, but I was once the president at MG Entertainment .

KangYoon nodded his head .

Im sorry, I didnt notice .

If you are, then please reduce the amount of work for me . Im feeling exhausted these days .

Im sorry, but thats not happening .

Haaa, and here I thought I could be freer .

KangYoon pa.s.sed Lee HyunJis joke and switched topics .

Dance Revolution, huh? Does MinAh have anything to say about this?

Yes . Shes someone who will partic.i.p.ate as long as its dance-related . Shes has a gift for it after all .

Youre right . You told me she was practicing, right?

Yes . She visited me and told me shell be in Lunas . She told me that shell stay there to practice for the morning .

KangYoon took the papers about Dance Revolution that Yoo JungMin had printed and headed to the practice room in Lunas .

In the practice room was Jung MinAh, practicing dynamic dance moves by herself .

Can I excuse you for a second?

When KangYoon opened the door, Jung MinAhs expression became a lot brighter .

Ahjussi?

Hi, its been a while .

Jung MinAh drank the bottle of water that KangYoon handed to her and turned off the music .

As they had their respective schedules until now, they didnt get to meet that often . Jung MinAh was happy to see him after all this time .

KangYoon asked her if anything happened recently and talked about the Dance Revolution .

There will be a duel between two teams?

Yeah . The teams will be split into blue and white, and there will be 7 rounds . Whats interesting is that the partic.i.p.ants will be the ones to vote .

Then they can just vote on their own team, though .

This is just a TV show . The objective is naturally viewers.h.i.+p and fun . It doesnt matter who wins . I want you to take this lightly as well .

Ah, really? And here I was wondering if I should call SanHyuk-oppa again .

KangYoon shrugged his shoulders .

Such performance should be reserved for your solo alb.u.m or for important events . Youll ruin your body, you know?

Tch .

When Jung MinAh pouted, KangYoon patted her head .

Theres no need to ruin your body for such a program . It will be fine to show off just a little .

Jung MinAh said she understood as she brushed KangYoons handoff .

Okay, but please stop touching my head

Ah, sorry about that . Did that displease you?

Its not that, but its like youre treating me like a kid . Im not that young, you know

What? You little brat .

KangYoon rustled her hair several times as he found this absurd . Jung MinAh shook her head .

Dont do it!

Hahahaha .

Playing around with Jung MinAh, KangYoon laughed heartily .

Dammit, Im not a kid anymore . It cant stay like this!

Meanwhile, she was thinking about something else entirely .