229 - Upki Girl

<The Sixth Violet> Three Days Later. I couldn't prevent the dating rumor article about Yona that I had seen through a "spoiler." ―――――― [Exclusive] 'Up-and-Coming Girl' Yona in a Sweet Romance with Her Manager? Sweet Kissing Scene Captured A dating rumor has surfaced involving ‘Yona (real name Lee Yona)’, the leader of the girl group Up-and-Coming Girl, and the famous manager known as 'Manager Kim Yunho.' On the 18th, the two surprised fans of Up-and-Coming Girl by sharing a public kiss during an online live broadcast. ㄴ神殺: I’m an Up-and-Coming Girl fan, and to be honest, I’m not surprised at all. ㄴ희지재: Hey, reporter, maybe you should jot down your personal wishes in your bucket list. ㄴ티치: Using screenshots from the live to bait like this... isn't this just Yona tripping and accidentally bumping into him? ㄴcatki: At this point, truth or not, you just throw things out there. Even calling you a trash reporter is being too nice. ㄴ유노이야기: Seriously... ㄴ하늘라늘: What the heck, lol. Writing something like this and calling it news, and you still get paid? ―――――― Was it just clickbait by the reporter from the start? Or did my actions change the future? I couldn't stop Yona's kiss or the article, but what mattered most was that no further rumors erupted from it. Regardless, my decision to step away from managing Up-and-Coming Girl remained unchanged. Three days ago, when the girls ambushed my secluded hotel room, they all agreed. For some reason, all five unanimously decided to follow my decision. The reason Yona insisted on my presence at the ‘Top Songs’ award was none other than to express gratitude for winning first place. "During our Music Market first win, we cried so much we couldn't even thank people properly. Maybe others won’t understand, but we needed to thank you, manager." "Oh, come on. Do we need to say that in words? It's natural you'd be grateful to me. Likewise, I'm grateful to all of you." "But still, that’s not quite how we feel. When we win at ‘Top Songs,’ we want to say it right in front of you." "But then, brother, you didn’t understand us and just left a note before sneaking away at dawn, lying about being sick?" "I really am sick, damn it." "Oh, seriously? The supposedly sick guy was holed up in a hotel room drinking alone? Wow, the alcohol scent... You drank a lot, all by yourself. Must’ve been more than ten cans!" They casually attempted to open another can but were instantly stopped by Yona. After snatching the beer from me, Yona took a sip and said, “Manager, we talked among ourselves last night. We decided just to follow what you said.” “Really?” “Yes. It's not like you're moving to another company. You'll keep working at Hum Hum while nurturing a new group, right?” “That’s right.” “Then it’s fine with us. Besides, whatever excuse we make, living together with a male manager is objectively problematic.” Following Yona, Seowon and Hong added, as if pre-planned. "Instead, you must get a place near our dorm. Within walking distance, so you can come within a minute if we call." “And no women at your place. But I can do your laundry and clean up...” “What’s wrong with you, you pig. That wasn’t part of the plan.” “I’m saying it now.” “What do you know about glutinous rice cakes?” “Of course I know, why wouldn’t I?” “No, you don’t know. Only I know.” “What are you even talking about?” Fine. Getting even a bit of distance from the suffocating presence of the five persistent Up-and-Coming Girls was already a relief. Of course, the best benefit of leaving the dorm was eliminating potential triggers for malicious rumors. But why did they suddenly become so cool about it overnight when this wasn’t their stance just yesterday? Was there some kind of trigger? Could it be related to the disappearance of the violet aura? The answer came soon through Silver, the closest ally I had among them. "Originally, it was just Lia who agreed with you leaving as our manager, while the other four opposed." "So? Did Lia persuade the others?" “Yeah. Lia said something like this.” In her best imitation of Lia, Silver continued: “The more we act like this, the more Moon Dengdeng will pull away. Right now, it’s not time for a stick but a carrot. Regardless, Moon Dengdeng is always within our grasp, so no need to worry.” “Unbelievable... They’re just playing me like a puppet...” “And as you said, now that we’ve gotten more famous, we have to be cautious. It’s not only for you, but for us too. Mubaba is crucial, and we can’t afford to lose it.” “Thanks for recognizing that, better late than never.” “Hehe... But it’s been a long time since it’s just you and me going to a schedule, right?” “True. What was the last thing we did together?” “What was it... Oh, that! The Valentine’s Day event. Student Yu-jun!” “Oh, right, right. That was a hit. Even made the evening news, hehe.” “Have you seen Yu-jun’s mom’s album purchase certification post in the cafe?” “I saw it first and told you about it, right?” “Oh, you did?” “Get a grip, Silver! How will you pass the first round like this?” “Come on, no matter how dense I am, I can get past the first round. No one’s ever been eliminated in the first round yet.” Heading to the salon for Silver’s personal schedule to film ‘The Last Quiz King (T.L.Q.K.),’ a show she had longed to join—and fortuitously, the producers had reached out to her. The actor who was scheduled to film this week got caught up in a Me Too scandal, creating an urgent need for a replacement. Coincidentally, the show's writer had seen an interview article featuring Siba and reached out immediately. Luck really seems to favor Siba in these matters. I found myself chuckling softly without realizing it. Siba, sitting in the passenger seat, grinned and asked, "Hehehe, are you happy?" "About what?" "Happy to be rid of us." "Happy? Do you think I'm doing this for my own sake? I'm doing it so you guys can do well." "Pff, liar. I know you're frustrated because of us." "Does it show that much?" "Yeah, a lot. Tremendously." "Wow, our Siba's become observant during this time, huh?" "Of course. They say even a schooldog can learn after three years. I should pick up a thing or two." "Why would a schooldog shoot energy spheres? They're supposed to recite poems." "Can’t they shoot energy spheres?" "Nope." "Why not? Let them shoot a little." "No, no. Schooldogs mustn’t shoot energy spheres." "Please, let them shoot!" "Nope." "Oppa, come on, one shot for our poor schooldog, please?" "Ugh..." Cute. Whatever anyone says, Siba is undeniably cute. "Did you study a lot?" "Of course. Instead of worrying about getting eliminated in the first round, I should be concerned about becoming the last one standing." "Win the quiz king title, and I'll do anything you ask me to." "Really?" "Madrid." "Even if I ask you to date me?" "Just win. Dating isn't an issue." Becoming the final quiz king isn’t easy. In over ten years of broadcasting, only 12 celebrity quiz kings emerged, and even counting non-celebrity participants, it doesn’t reach thirty. "So... dating isn’t a big deal?" "Of course." "Then marry me." "Sure, sure." "Oppa, you're too confident, aren’t you?" "With Yoo Eun-bi as the opponent, I should be." "Watch out, or you'll really get hurt." *** “Today’s celebrity guest challenging ‘The Last Quiz King’ is from the hottest girl group, Up-and-Coming Girl’s Eunbi! Let’s welcome her with a big round of applause!” “Hello! I’m Up-and-Coming Girl’s entrance fairy, Bit Coin, sexy tank, God-given vitamin bomb, quirky-cute Eunbi!” “Hahaha, you said all that yourself?” “Yes! You know the saying, ‘Even if you have three bushels of jewels, they need to be strung to become valuable.’ No matter how many strengths I have, if I don’t voice them, no one will know. That’s why I say them myself!” “Although the analogy seems off, anyway! The producers told me you personally expressed your desire to participate. Do you have confidence you’ll become today’s last quiz king?” “I’m confident! I prepared a lot! I’ll definitely become the quiz king!” “That confidence looks great! Let’s start with the first question right away. Final~” “Quiz King is me!” “Question 1. Choose the correct word to fill in the blank.” [Up-and-Coming Girl member Eunbi is a person with a beautiful OO] 1. Release 2. Smile 3. Weak point ―Hahaha! It was a lighthearted question that made even the general participants laugh. The first two rounds typically have easy questions. “Eunbi is a person with a beautiful what? Please solve the question!” “Hmm... What could possibly be beautiful about me?” Whoa, wait a second. Why so serious? “Release, release... Hmm... If being cute, pretty, and sexy were crimes, I’d at least get life or the death penalty, so if I enter jail, release wouldn’t even be an option.” “Yes.” “That leaves either 2. Smile or 3. Weak point...” People might think Eunbi, the genius of variety shows, is acting. But I could tell. She was seriously contemplating... “A person with a beautiful smile...? Sigh, this seems too obvious; it feels like a trap.” Hey, the obvious is usually right. The first round is supposed to be easy! Don’t overthink it! “Eunbi is a person with a beautiful weak point...? From what I know, a person has more than one vulnerable spot, so which one is it referring to? Weak point, weak point... I think the term weak point fits better in my mouth than smile does.” No, no! Choosing based on what feels good to say isn’t how you answer! “Shall we finalize your answer?” “Yes, I’ll press the button.” Even the announcer, giggling, treated it like a joke. Though merely in jest, naturally assuming she'd choose ‘smile.’ However, Siba’s answer defied everyone’s expectations... “I choose number 3, weak point!” ―Click! Broadcast began on May 1, 2007. 518 episodes aired in total. Over 52,000 participants. And in that moment, history was made with the first-ever first-round elimination. Forget about all that talk about marriage. “Oppa, can’t we just say it didn’t happen and re-record? Please? Save me here. If this airs, I’ll really be seen as the ultimate fool!” “You think a re-record is possible? It's an unprecedented record in 11 years—being the first to fall in the first round.” “Ugh, how was I supposed to know it’d be this easy! Ergh...!” *** I planned to quit in a week, but to feel at ease, I decided to personally wrap up ‘Violet’ activities, carrying the Up-and-Coming Girl manager title for two more weeks. Before handing over the number one spot to VNF and Sominjeong, we collected seven trophies with ‘Violet.’ A total of 13 CF contracts were secured, but none of them were individual endorsements. Any potential solo deals were negotiated with advertising agencies or clients to become group CFs for Up-and-Coming Girl. Combining album sales, music streaming revenue, merchandise sales, and event income, the profits reached a level that could repay Lia's initial investment six times over. This was the amount earned in just one month from the "Violet" track. Since the disappearance of the purple aura, my ability to connect with the girls slightly diminished, and Yona displayed a peculiarity—a pink aura and a strange status window. Nonetheless, nothing changed significantly in the relationship between the kids and me. Thankfully, there were no incidents, and we didn't get entangled in any unpleasant rumors or scandals. Despite having only 2-3 hours of official sleep and no personal time outside album promotions, the kids happily relished their dreams without complaints. Indeed. The Up-and-Coming Girls considered their grueling schedules and fatigue as something to enjoy. On stage, they were like Thomson's gazelles frolicking across the Tanzanian plains, and offstage, they were renowned for cherishing and loving their fans more than any other celebrity. I, too, found the one-month campaign enjoyable and peaceful. It felt so seamlessly smooth that I sometimes paradoxically had the urge to bring challenges upon myself. Violet's final broadcast performance was on "Music Supreme." The hallway in front of our dressing room was lined with rice wreaths and gift boxes sent by fans to commemorate our last performance. After a five-day break, we'll promote the follow-up track "Want Some Coffee?" for two weeks, while regularly appearing on currently contracted variety shows and preparing the next mini-album. Song submissions are already underway. We'll probably go through this cycle four more times before we can enjoy a proper break. After bidding farewell at the goodbye stage, the kids came down from the stage, waving glow sticks to the fans in the audience, and moved to the waiting room after greeting the stylist and staff. "Thank you, everyone!” “Whew! It’s finally over!” “Ah... Finally, some rest...” “But resting isn’t really resting. We won’t have music shows, but we’ll continue training and filming variety shows...” “Still, just not having music shows is a big relief. They’re the toughest.” “That’s true.” “Oh? Then this is also Mundayng’s last schedule, right?” “Right? I was so busy I forgot about it.” “Director, shouldn’t we have a drink today?” “Meat! Meat!” “Let’s have an afterparty!” “Where are the Ameba (Up-and-Coming Girl + Ameba) going? We have a fan meeting to hold.” “We can do it after the fan meeting!” “Alright, let’s do it. Jangwoo, I’ll look for a place for the afterparty and make a reservation. You coordinate with the fan club for the fan meeting venue.” “Okay.” “This is my last task for you.” “Aw, hyung. Saying it like that suddenly makes me sad.” “Thanks for your hard work. Without you, I might’ve ended up taking my own life, haha.” “I’m the grateful one...” “What's this bromance between Mundayng and Manager Jangwoo?” “Hug it out! Hug it out!” “Get married! Get married!” “Hey, why not just become a gay couple with Jangwoo then? I’d approve.” “Han Seowon, your brain seems marinated in BL manga these days.” “Pig, if we can't have him, wouldn’t a gay couple be better?” “Exclude me from that ‘we.’” “What? You’re still the first to be eliminated.” “Both of you, keep it down. We’re still in the broadcasting building.” “Bibi, why are you packing your stuff already?” “Why? I’m getting off work.” “Aren’t you going on stage for the number one announcement?” “Oh, right. That’s still left!” Unexpectedly, my final broadcast task was uneventful and straightforward. Once we officially inform the fans today, my destiny as the fateful manager of Up-and-Coming Girl concludes. Even after 'Violet,’ I’ll be taking a well-deserved break for at least two weeks. “I’ll probably arrive in about two hours. Yes, for twenty people.” I finished booking the afterparty venue. It seemed like someone was waiting for me to end my call, and the pink aura of Yona—a proponent of the “waiting room fantasy”—boldly approached me. "Director, would it be okay if we invited Ji-in to our afterparty?" "Oh, did Ji-in come today?" “Yes, she’s here with her mom. They were in the audience too." “So why didn’t she contact me...?” Han Ji-in. Cafe nickname: ‘Back Pain Accident.’ She experienced a miraculous recovery, discarding her crutches after being paralyzed from a hit-and-run accident, thanks to Yona. I had secured her contact during our last fan meeting because of her overwhelming aura as a singer. I heard Yona was keeping in touch with her personally. I had suggested we meet with her mother sometime, and it seemed today was that day. “Alright. After the fan meeting, invite her mom to join us for dinner.” “Yes, I’ll send her a message.” *** 40 Minutes Later. "Ugh, I just can't... I really can't." “What’s the matter?” “Jangwoo, why has she turned violet again? It’s driving me nuts.” “Hmm?” “Never mind...” “But hyung, seeing Ji-in with her crutches again, it looks like her condition worsened. Are you really going to scout her as a trainee?” “That’s what I’m saying... Why did she come in a worse condition?” Han Ji-in's aura had turned violet in just two weeks. The problem is, her legs didn't seem to be in great shape either. I bet they aren’t, to the point where she can't pursue an entertainment career. How do I know? Because it's violet. Being violet means so. Because it's violet. Curse this status screen. Is there some twisted disease where you can't send me ordinary kids? Am I your servant to fulfill your grudges? At this rate, I'll develop an aversion to the color violet and even avoid grapes. <End of The Sixth Violet>