Chapter 139
Alcest’s debut was a success.
With the unique color that SS had previously shown being praised as a perfected version, it was a common view among the public and critics that they possessed a charm that was more advanced than the former generational girl group “Seven Style.”
Seeing this achievement, SS decided to revise their evaluation of Cheon Jong-hoon and Alcest, opting for more aggressive investments.
As a result, numerous media outlets connected to SS, or those receiving contracts from them, were engaging in what is called ‘Alcest Promotion.’ In the aftermath, real media and communities began to follow suit, reproducing praises for Alcest.
“…”
However, right now, the eyes of Cheon Jong-hoon, who should be enjoying these praises the most, were not on the articles about Alcest.
“…Was Sunny that Jin Yeoreum?”
The media was buzzing.
Cheon Jong-hoon, having been in this industry for quite some time and aiming for the peak, was well aware of this trend.
Right now, it was merely a spark. Soon, like an erupting volcano, it would surpass its critical point and create flames that would shake the industry.
“A competitor has fallen.”
This was a clear opportunity.
The rising Alcest facing the most difficult adversary, the Girl Revolution, was a signal of their downfall.
However, for some strange reason, he did not feel happy about it. The reason was something he could not comprehend.
“Did you call for me?”
Thus, to uncover that reason, he summoned Seo Soo-yeon.
“Yes, I need to talk for a moment.”
“…A talk? If it’s me, I’d be happy to.”
Cheon Jong-hoon hardly ever engaged in face-to-face conversations in the SS office.
He usually scrutinized evaluation materials placed beside him, looking down from his lofty perch. It was the same when dealing with Seo Soo-yeon.
But his gaze now was different. He deliberately met her eyes, tearing away from the monitor.
Perhaps feeling the significance of this unusual interaction, Seo Soo-yeon slightly deviated from her usual indifferent and businesslike demeanor, showing hints of emotional turmoil.
“The time you and I have spent together has been quite long.”
“Yes, since I started assisting you in my first year of high school, I think I can say that it’s been long too.”
“Yeah, from those reckless days, through university, studying abroad, working at Cheon’s, and now here at SS, it hasn’t been a small amount of time we’ve spent together. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it half of life.”
“…That’s right. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it’s half of my life either.”
“I don’t do that.”
To be honest, for Seo Soo-yeon, who had been trained since childhood to assist Cheon Jong-hoon, it wasn’t just half; it was everything. However, instead of expressing this, she chose to sympathize with Cheon Jong-hoon’s words.
And Cheon Jong-hoon also knew her feelings all too well.
He took a sip of his cold tea and continued speaking.
“Except for music and management, I haven’t really cared much, so I’ve relied on your help a lot. Assignments, attendance, various events—all those trivial human management tasks I didn’t bother with. Thanks to you taking care of it all without me saying a word, I could comfortably focus on my role. Thank you.”
At his unexpected praise, Seo Soo-yeon completely crumbled her previously stoic face and waved her hands in disbelief.
“Ah… No, it’s nothing. I just fulfilled my duty to assist Lord Jong-hoon… no, Team Leader Cheon. It’s not something to be praised for. But if my actions meant something to Team Leader Cheon, then it is a great joy for me. Thank you. Really, thank you.”
Cheon Jong-hoon couldn’t hide his beaming smile as he watched Seo Soo-yeon nodding her head.
“It’s not something to thank me for, to be honest, I should have said this a long time ago. Was it an easy task? Fulfilling that vague request of ‘just take care of it’?… What I admired most about you was that. You handled the annoying tasks without crossing the line. That’s why I trusted you, Seo Soo-yeon. But now, I feel like I trusted you too much.”
“Um… I’m sorry, but I’m not quite sure what you mean…”
Taken aback by the sudden shift in atmosphere, Seo Soo-yeon trailed off. He spoke plainly.
“The revelation by Girl Revolution Jin Yeoreum. That was your doing, wasn’t it?”
“…”
This was something only he, who had shared half of life with her, could understand. The peculiar way of commanding people and the gradual shifts in public opinion spread through the media. She seemed to have tried to hide it, but it was impossible not to know.
It was all such a familiar sight.
“I believe you won’t pretend to be ignorant. Just as you know me, don’t you also know me?”
“Uh… I’m sorry…”
“That kind of apology annoys me. Let’s get to the point.”
His nonchalant black eyes flickered like a snake.
“Why did you do it?”
“…”
“Answer carefully. This is an important question.”
Realizing there was no escaping from Cheon Jong-hoon’s attitude, Seo Soo-yeon trembled but opened her mouth.
Seo Soo-yeon, trembling but determined, faced the reality that there was no escaping Jong-hoon’s attitude.
“Team Leader Cheon, if the Alcest project fails now, we’ll face an unprecedented crisis. That’s why I…”
“Crises have happened before, but why is it different this time?”
“…It was the attitude towards the Girl Revolution, specifically Seon Taeyang, that felt different.”
“Attitude?”
“Master… I mean, Team Leader Cheon, you always exuded confidence. No matter the opponent or the situation, you believed you could overcome and prove you were the best.”
He was always arrogant. And he had the abilities to match that arrogance. That was the Jong-hoon Seo Soo-yeon knew. But he had changed.
“But this time was different. The way you looked at that man, Seon Taeyang, was completely different from before. That’s why I started feeling anxious. At this moment, where we can’t afford to fail and the successor’s position is at stake, if we face that man, I fear it might lead to the worst possible accident.”
Seo Soo-yeon’s eyes flickered like a candle flame. But the gaze of Cheon Jong-hoon looking at her was as unmoving as stone.
“…So I decided to take measures that I could. For Team Leader Cheon’s victory.”
With that, Seo Soo-yeon bowed her head deeply.
Watching her, Jong-hoon realized why he hadn’t felt joy at the downfall of Seon Taeyang and the Girl Revolution.
He hadn’t gained a chance to eliminate a rival; he had lost his first true adversary.
Without even having a chance to fight.
His pride was hurt.
More so than when Seon Taeyang had provoked him before.
Jong-hoon spoke with unfiltered wrath in his voice.
“Yeah, I can’t deny that attitude was evident. Seon Taeyang is indeed something else. That guy and Han Gyeoul’s group, the Girl Revolution, they’re definitely top-notch. Success is guaranteed, it’s just a matter of how quick.”
“…”
“Honestly, I thought of the word rival. I didn’t want to accept it, but given the results now, I have to. He’s that kind of guy… But you know what? I felt pride from that, not fear. After all, I’ve got confidence in the music I’ve built up till now!”
A chilling voice echoed through the office.
“Did you think I wouldn’t surpass him?”
The tremor in Seo Soo-yeon’s eyes began to spread through her entire body.
“I believe you won’t, but just in case…”
“Haha… just in case?”
“Only if by a long shot?”
Cheon Jong-hoon scoffed lightly.
“In the end, you don’t trust me.”
Seo Soo-yeon, startled by his words, trembled and said pleadingly, “I absolutely did not mean it that way. I was… I was simply doing it for you, Team Leader Cheon…”
“Cut the petty excuses and get ready to return home.”
With that, Cheon Jong-hoon completely turned away from Seo Soo-yeon, as if he had lost interest, and issued the dismissal.
“There’s no longer a place for you here.”
*
Left alone in the office, Cheon Jong-hoon stared blankly out the window.
“….”
He felt empty.
It was as if something he had aimed for had suddenly vanished like a natural disaster.
‘Did I really run all this way just for such an ending?’
During that time, Cheon Jong-hoon had worked more energetically than ever before in his life. He had unilaterally paused the finalized music that had already been confirmed by the board members of SS, including the producing team and the art team, to verify, overhaul, edit, and strengthen it, all to prepare his life’s greatest masterpiece.
He was confident that this Alcest girl group, unaware of the danger, would snatch the crown from the Girl Revolution, which was climbing toward first place. He had anticipated this clash and yearned for it more than ever before. But now, the outcome felt utterly hollow.
As feelings of emptiness and helplessness wrapped around him, a phone call came in.
“…What is it?”
“Team Leader Cheon, there’s someone looking for you. Should I send them up?”
“Who is it?”
“It’s Seon Taeyang from TwoBear.”
Cheon Jong-hoon instinctively jumped up from his seat. He didn’t even notice the smile beginning to bloom on his lips and asked,
“What’s the reason for them coming here?”
As his words were relayed, there were some muffled squabbles on the other end of the line. He could roughly make out a subordinate asking, ‘Did they really say that?’
“Say it exactly as it is.”
“…They said if you don’t want to die together, open the door.”
The moment he heard that response, Cheon Jong-hoon burst into laughter.
After having a good laugh and calling them a crazy bastard, Cheon Jong-hoon said into the receiver,
“Send them up.”
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