Translator: Chamber

  Editor: Illidan

  Han JooYeon was currently receiving lessons from a veteran singer. This person was known for her singing skills and teaching skills. Although her lesson fees were very expensive compared to others in the industry, World Entertainment judged that it was worth the investment.

  Inside World Entertainment’s studio, Han JooYeon showed KangYoon the results of the investment.

  “Even if you can’t see — my heart —”


  The song was the perfect balance of singing and instruments and created a strong white light. Although Han JooYeon was very relaxed when singing, it could be seen that her skills had increased from the fact that her voice had become fuller.

  ‘It was definitely worth the investment.’


  KangYoon was satisfied with the results.

  It was as though he was gaining weapons to fight in the upcoming war.

  When Han JooYeon came out of the booth, KangYoon gave her a bottle of water.

  “Well done.”


  “Thank you.”


  Han JooYeon had a refreshed expression. She also seemed to have regained a lot of her confidence as her eyes were full of vitality.

  “Shall we sit for a moment?”


  KangYoon offered Han JooYeon a seat. When she sat down on the sofa, KangYoon started evaluating the song she had just sung.

  “I was worried since the vocal method had changed, but it looks like my worries were for naught. It was good on the ears and had power as well.”


  “Did at all it sound strange?”


  “I think it is a little still rough around the edges. But this can be solved over time, and the greatest achievement is that there’s power in your voice now. If you can get your body up to shape, then you can aim for a solo debut as well. Oh, your throat doesn’t hurt or anything, does it?”


  KangYoon was worried since these achievements may have come with side effects.

  Fortunately, Han JooYeon said that it was okay with a smile on her face.

  “Yes. I’m not putting any strain just as you told me to, president. Moreover, I’m quite healthy.”


  “That’s good to hear. Manage your throat well. Although a healthy diet is important, if you deem that your body’s condition is getting worse, you should just stop doing it, okay?”


  “Yes, sir.”


  Han JooYeon replied powerfully. She knew what KangYoon was emphasizing.

  “I’m going to work with you girls right after I’m finished with White Moonlight’s album. Talk to the director and prepare for it.”


  “Yes. We’re all thinking about the comeback these days. We just wonder when….”


  It was nearing almost half a year since they had returned from America. The past events, including how they wondered if they could stand again on the stage at all, flashed in her mind.

  “It’s already been half a year since we moved over to World. I feel like it’s been 3 years though… President, you’re… my savior. I’m really grateful for everything.”


  Han JooYeon took a deep bow to express her appreciation towards KangYoon. However, KangYoon laughed and shook his head.

  “I think it’s still too early for that. Also, I decided to take you girls in because I saw the potential in you all. I hope you don’t depreciate yourselves.”


  “…Yes.”


  When Han JooYeon made a faint smile, KangYoon stretched his arms out and spoke on.

  “You’ve all done well splendidly until now. You’ve led all of the projects, whether short-term or long-term, to success. We have those as the fertilizer now, so all we have to do is to create a blast when you girls make a comeback.”


  After listening to KangYoon’s future plans, Han JooYeon returned to her dorms.

  After she returned, KangYoon went back up to his office as well.

  In the office, Lee HyunJi was watching Lee HyunAh’s video that was uploaded to Tune. It was about the performance near Hongdae.

  “I can definitely see that video quality is rising.”


  Lee HyunJi played back several videos that shot Lee HyunAh at once.

  There were high-definition videos as well as low-quality ones. There were many different videos about Lee HyunAh’s performance.

  What she paid attention to was a high-definition video that had a close up on Lee HyunAh’s face. The change in her facial expressions could be seen clearly so it could even be used as a monitoring video.

  “…Equipment these days are amazing. To think that our video is lacking compared to a fan video….”


  KangYoon deeply sympathized with her. Other than sound quality, videos shot by fans had a better quality than theirs. This was considering that World Entertainment’s video cameras were set up close to the front and that they had very high-quality sound recording equipment. It was also due to the fact that KangYoon focused more on sound quality than video quality.

  “It must be because the newer cameras are so good. I think the quality of videos is rising because there is better equipment for consumers on the market.”


  “I don’t think it’s just because of the equipment. From what I see in the comments, there are actually quite a few ‘named users’ who record these kinds of things on a professional level.”


  KangYoon was reminded of a few things when he heard the words ‘named users’.

  ‘As DSLR cameras and expensive camcorders became more widespread, video quality rose exponentially. Although the quality of equipment rose on the professional level, the consumer level also increased which explains the overall increase in quality. That’s why singers and actors paid more attention to make-up.’


  If the widespread use of phone cameras spread the fear of being photographed in secret, high-quality cameras achieved the feat of bringing out the skin details from afar which made it possible to evaluate the skills of stylists and make-up artists. Although this meant that these kinds of jobs became more competitive, it also meant that their treatment was getting better.

  “Looks like we should be concerned as well. It’ll be hard for us if some strange photo floats around the internet.”


  She realized what the important matter at hand was immediate. KangYoon agreed with her.

  “Indeed. We should hire more make-up artists and put some consideration in their treatment as well.”


  “Ugh, and we’re so short on manpower… but we’re still getting more work in our hands. I’ll increase the number of staff once the deal with Eddios is over.”


  “Okay. Please do.”


  With KangYoon’s agreement came Lee HyunJi’s joy.

  “Fufufu, can I pick some handsome men as employees?”


  “I’d rather have pretty ladies instead.”


  “Hm? Are Miss HyeJin and I not enough for you?”


  The two joked around and continued to talk.

  KangYoon thought as he spoke.

  ‘We should increase the quality of the videos we upload on Tune. DSLR videos shouldn’t be a problem with our budget. We should also get some subcontractors….’


  Currently, DSLRs were considered ‘photo’ cameras. However, it was also a time where DSLR cameras with video capability were being released. KangYoon considered many things and contemplated on how to use those videos to his advantage.

  ***

  (T/N: These are random people.)

  “I’m back….”


  Joo MiRa, who had come back from work late at night at 9 p.m. hurriedly took off her stockings and entered her bathroom. She took a simple shower and tied her hair at the back and went to the living room in her underwear.

  “Are you some barbarian?”


  “You aren’t one to talk.”


  Joo MiRa’s elder sister, Joo MiYeon, was seated in the living room in the exact same attire.

  Eating some snacks, the two talked about the latest hot topic which was about how Lee ChangYeon (T/N: author) was so full of himself and relieved their stress while talking bad about him.

  Soon it became 10.

  Joo MiRa turned the TV channel over to SBB.

  “It’s starting.”


  Although some random soundtrack broke the mood last week, they still watched the show because the male lead was so handsome.

  “MiRa. Isn’t that the one where they randomly switched out the song?”


  “Yeah, but still, the man is so cool.”


  “You just like handsome faces….”


  The elder, Joo MiYeon, shook her head due to her sister’s attitude.

  The drama, titled ‘His Hospital’, was definitely fun. Episode 11 especially had many moments where they were bated for breath. Scenes where the male lead was running around all over the hospital looking for blood for transfusion, overlapped with scenes where the senior doctor was doing his best to keep a patient alive created a sense of tension.

  “Aah… so cool.”


  Joo MiRa’s eyes shone when the male lead came back with the blood transfusion pack at the last minute. It was all good,

  However, on his way to the surgery room, he had received an injury. He had a long gash on his arm due to falling over. Seeing that, the female lead became emotional and dragged him away.

  The scene then changed. The female lead was disinfecting the wound on the male lead’s arm.

  – …You should look after yourself! If you get injured like that then, I…. I…. dammit…


  – You what?

  – No, it’s nothing.

  – I want to hear those words though.

  The male lead’s eyes shone and the camera closed up on his expression. At the same time, the mood reached its peak and the music started flowing out.

  – I reached out to you with my hands – yet my hands –


  When the female lead tried to avoid direct eye contact with the male lead, the male lead grabbed onto her hands tightly. ‘Heartache’, sung by White Moonlight, flowed out again and deeply raised the immersion.

  ‘Aaah…’


  Joo MiRa became absentminded due to the strong glare from the male lead as well as his attractive face and closed her face towards the TV. Her elder sister, Joo MiYeon, also moved closer to the TV as well.

  “Look at that. Whoa, what a fox she is….”


  “If I get plastic surgery, I’ll also….”


  Along with the drama, the kinship between the sisters became deeper as well.

  (T/N: Translating cheesy lines is hard… not technically, but on the mind.)

  ***

  Episodes 11 and 12 of His Hospital had aired.

  The viewing rates fell to 17.4% on the 11th episode and recovered to 20% on the 12th. It was a rollercoaster of viewing rates which was very rarely seen. However, it was still the most-watched program of its hours.

  The soundtrack switched back to ‘Heartache’ on the 11th episode where the female lead was mad but still treated the male lead’s injuries, and the complaints on the online BBS were gone. Thanks to that, the 12th episode regained its former viewing rates.

  “…Yes, yes. Thank you for your work as well, producer.”


  KangYoon heaved a sigh of relief while ending the call with producer Kim DeokJoong who notified him of the results. His sighs made Lee HyunAh ask.

  “Did the producer say something? Did something happen?”


  Lee HyunAh seemed worried. However, KangYoon shook his head and tried to relieve her.

  “No, it’s all going well. They’ve switched the OST back now. The reactions are good and the viewing rates have returned.”


  “Phew, that’s good.”


  Lee HyunAh sighed in relief. She was worried that the people would not like her song.

  However, KangYoon told her not to mind it anymore and drew the line there. Lee HyunAh also agreed that they should do that.

  “So, where are we going now?”


  Lee HyunAh asked in curiosity in the car as they were just entering the highway. However, the answer came not from KangYoon, but from Kim JinDae, who sat behind her.

  “We’re going to Changwon.”


  “Eh? Changwon, so suddenly? Are we doing an event or something?”


  This was the first time she had heard of this. Driving to Changwon from Seoul needed several hours. Moreover, the equipment they had on hand were all those used in street performances.

  Lee HyunAh thought about it for a moment before her face turned pale.

  “N… no way. Are we going to go busking there?”


  KangYoon smiled and nodded.

  “Yes. We’re also going to tour around while at it.”


  “Uuuuh…. I heard there’s nothing much to see in Changwon.”


  Lee HyunAh was scared stiff. Changwon was an industrial city so tourism wasn’t so active in that area. From what she heard from a friend of hers, Changwon was not a place that was friendly to busking.

  Moreover, they were going across the whole country without her knowing beforehand. There was no way KangYoon would do this without telling her. Just as she was about to ask, KangYoon spoke to Kim JinDae.

  “You didn’t know? I told JinDae yesterday.”


  “Oh, uhm….”


  Kim JinDae scratched his head awkwardly. Lee HyunAh, who knew about his forgetfulness glared at him with squinted eyes.

  “Argh! Why did you forget to tell me such an important thing?”


  “Sorry…”


  Kim JinDae looked down, not having anything to say.

  They started off early in the morning, but only arrived in the afternoon. Their destination was the KTX (bullet train) station where many people gathered. This area had many people from various parts of the country. Moreover, there was also a university around here so there was a high traffic of the younger generation as well.

  “…This is completely different from Seoul.”


  Lee HyunAh, as a stereotypical city girl, felt that this place was ‘different’. It was a ‘city’, but the wide, open, spaces were not what she imagined a city to be at all. Moreover, seeing many people grab a taxi instead of getting on the bus or the train made her feel new to all this.

  “Well then. Let’s get ready.”


  Despite that, no one complained about KangYoon’s arrangements. Everything he did had a clear reason behind it. Lee HyunAH, Kim JinDae, and Jung ChanGyu all thought that as they started to set up their instruments.

  Seeing instruments being set up, the passersby all showed a curious expression. This scene wasn’t that usual.

  Just then, someone wearing station employee’s clothing approached them. He told them in a stiff expression.

  “You can’t perform here.”


  However, KangYoon replied nonchalantly.

  “We were granted permission beforehand.”


  “What? I don’t think I’ve heard anything…”


  He had an awkward expression as this wasn’t notified to him yet. Then, KangYoon called up the stationmaster and gave the phone to the employee.

  “…Yes, I understand, then…”


  The employee sounded very humble during the entire phone call. After the call, he gave KangYoon an awkward smile.

  “*Ehem*… I apologize for this. I wasn’t notified beforehand.”


  “Not at all. Then have a good day.”


  The station employee went back to his post and KangYoon and co hurried up with their setting.

  When they adjusted the sound and installed the camera, It was a little past 5 p.m. The winds were cool, and it was just the right time for outside activities.

  “……”


  It was a sight to see, but the people didn’t have any reactions. They watched wordlessly as KangYoon and company set up their gear. Some even left midway, disinterested.

  Eventually, they finished setting up. The plaza was filled with around 30 people. These were the people who watched them curiously from the beginning.

  Lee HyunAh cheerfully greeted the audience.

  “Hello everyone!”


  “…..”


  She sounded as cheerful as possible, but the reactions were numb, to say the least. Other places at least greeted her back in a small voice, but this place was nothing like that.

  They didn’t have good reactions, but Lee HyunAh was also trained through numerous performances at Lunas. She cleared her throat before introducing her group.

  “Hello, everyone. We are White Moonlight. Thank you all for waiting this long.”


  Only then did some people start applauding. The reaction as a whole, though, was placid. However, Lee HyunAh was satisfied with what little she had and continued to speak.

  “Rather than dragging this out, I think I should get on with the song. Our first song is an OST of the drama ‘His Hospital’ on SBB. Please listen.”


  Along with some clapping sounds, Lee HyunAh began singing.