Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Raise Three Idols Well And They’ll Launch a Confession Attack.

Episode 139: Crazy Bastards.

Alcest’s debut was a success.

It was praised for perfecting the unique color shown by SS in the past and was considered to have more advanced charm than the previous generation girl group, “Seven Style,” according to both the public and critics.

Seeing this success, even within SS, they changed their evaluation of Cheon Jonghoon and Alcest, deciding to make more aggressive investments.

As a result, media outlets connected to SS or those who received commissions were aggressively pushing the so-called “Alcest promotion.”

Amidst the ripple effect, real media outlets and communities began to follow suit, recycling praise for Alcest.

“…”

However, at this moment, Cheon Jonghoon, who should be enjoying the praise more than anyone else, found himself ignoring the articles about Alcest.

“Was Sunny actually Jin Yeoreum?”

The media was in turmoil.

Having spent a considerable amount of time in the industry and aiming for the top, Cheon Jonghoon knew this flow well.

It was just a spark for now. Soon, like an erupting volcano, it would cross a critical point and ignite flames that would shake the industry.

“My competitor has fallen.”

This was undoubtedly good news.

For Alcest, which had started to rise, this was the signal that their most difficult obstacle, Girl Revolution, was about to fall.

But for some reason, he didn’t feel happy about it. He couldn’t even understand why.

“Did you call for me?”

To understand why, he called Seo Soo-ae.

“Yes, let’s talk for a moment.”

“Talk? Of course, if you want to talk, I’m happy to.”

Cheon Jonghoon rarely made eye contact and had conversations with people in the SS office.

His default way of working was to have evaluation materials beside him, reading them and looking down as if evaluating.

And this was the same when he dealt with Seo Soo-ae.

However, the way he looked at her now was different. He looked directly into her eyes, no longer glancing at the monitor.

Perhaps because of this unusual behavior, Seo Soo-ae’s usual indifferent, business-like demeanor faltered, and emotional turmoil began to show in her eyes.

“The time we’ve spent together has been quite long.”

“Yes, I’ve been serving you since I was a first-year high school student, so I can say it’s been long too.”

“Yes, from the naive days, to college, studying abroad, working at Cheon’s house, and now here at SS, we’ve spent a lot of time together. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say half of my life.”

“That’s right. I could also say it’s been half of my life.”

In fact, for Seo Soo-ae, who had been trained from a young age to assist Cheon Jonghoon before even joining his side, saying it was half would not do justice—it had been everything. However, she chose to empathize with his words instead of expressing this.

Cheon Jonghoon also understood the psychology behind her words.

He took a sip of his cold tea and continued speaking.

“Aside from music and management, I haven’t paid much attention to many things, so I’ve relied on your help a lot—tasks, attendance, ceremonies, the little human management that I’d normally have to worry about. Thanks to you handling it without even being told, I’ve been able to focus on my responsibilities comfortably. I appreciate it.”

At his rare words of appreciation, Seo Soo-ae’s usually expressionless face completely broke down, and she waved her hands in confusion.

“Oh… no, I just did my duty to assist you, Team Leader Cheon—I mean, Mr. Cheon. I didn’t do anything to deserve praise. But if my actions have meant something to you, it’s a great joy for me as well. Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

Cheon Jonghoon couldn’t hide the smile that formed on his face as he watched Seo Soo-ae bow her head.

“It’s not something to thank you for. Honestly, I should’ve said this a long time ago. Was it really that easy? Fulfilling the vague command of ‘just handle it’? The thing I valued most about you was that you knew how to handle things I didn’t want to deal with without crossing the line. That’s why I trusted you. But now, I feel like maybe I trusted you too much.”

“I… I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand the meaning…”

Taken aback by the shift in atmosphere, Seo Soo-ae hesitated. He responded calmly.

“The exposure of Jin Yeoreum from Girl Revolution. That was your doing, wasn’t it?”

“…”

This was something only he, who had spent half his life with Seo Soo-ae, could recognize.

The way she directed people and the gradual movement of public opinion spread from the media. Although she tried to hide it, it was impossible not to notice.

It was all too familiar.

“I trust you won’t pretend you don’t know. Just as you know me, I know you too.”

“I… I’m sorry…”

“Even that apology is bothersome. Let’s just get to the point.”

His black eyes, usually indifferent, flickered like a snake.

“Why did you do it?”

“…”

“Answer carefully. This is an important question.”

Faced with Cheon Jonghoon’s attitude, Seo Soo-ae realized that there was no escaping the situation, and despite trembling, she spoke.

“If Team Leader Cheon fails with the Alcest project now, it will lead to an unprecedented crisis. That’s why I…”

“It’s not exactly the same, but we’ve had crises before. So why is this one different?”

“The way you treated Girl Revolution, or more precisely, Seon Taeyang, was different.”

“Treated?”

“You—I mean, Mr. Cheon, you always showed confidence. Confidence that no matter the opponent or situation, you could overcome it and prove that you are the best.”

He was always arrogant, and he had the abilities to match that arrogance. That was how Seo Soo-ae saw Cheon Jonghoon. But now, he had changed.

“But this time was different. The way you looked at Seon Taeyang was completely different from before. That’s why I became anxious. If we’re facing a situation where we can’t afford to fail, and then we confront that man, I feared that a worst-case scenario might happen.”

Seo Soo-ae’s eyes shook like a candle flame, but the eyes of Cheon Jonghoon looking at her were as emotionless as a stone.

“So I decided to take the actions I could. For your victory, Mr. Cheon.”

After speaking, Seo Soo-ae bowed her head deeply.

Watching her, Cheon Jonghoon realized why he didn’t feel any joy in the downfall of Seon Taeyang and Girl Revolution.

He hadn’t gained an opportunity to knock out a competitor. He had lost his first true rival in life.

And he hadn’t even had the chance to fight.

His pride was hurt.

Even more so than when Seon Taeyang had provoked him before.

Cheon Jonghoon spoke, letting the anger in his emotions show without hesitation.

“Yes, I won’t deny that such an attitude was shown. Seon Taeyang is indeed a valuable asset. And his group, Girl Revolution, with Han Gyeoul, is also a proper gem. Success is certain, and now it’s just a matter of how fast they’ll get there.”

“…”

“Honestly, I thought of the word ‘rival.’ I didn’t want to admit it, but after seeing the results, I have to accept it. He’s a worthy rival. But you know, I felt a sense of triumph from that, not fear. Because, after all, I had confidence in the music I’ve built up!”

His eerie voice echoed through the office.

“Did you think I couldn’t surpass him?”

Seo Soo-ae’s trembling eyes began to spread to her whole body.

“I believe you think that’s inevitable, but just in case, for the off chance—”

“Haha… off chance?”

Cheon Jonghoon chuckled lightly.

“In the end, you didn’t trust me.”

Taken aback by Cheon Jonghoon’s words, Seo Soo-ae trembled and spoke, almost pleading.

“Absolutely not; I didn’t mean that. I… I just wanted to do what was best for you, Mr. Cheon…”

“Enough with the petty excuses. Prepare to return to your family.”

Having finished speaking, Cheon Jonghoon completely turned his gaze away from Seo Soo-ae, as if he had lost interest, and issued the dismissal.

“There’s no place for you here anymore.”

Left alone in the office, Cheon Jonghoon stared blankly out the window.

“…”

He felt empty.

It felt like something he had aimed for had suddenly disappeared due to a natural disaster.

“Was all this effort just for this kind of ending?”

In the past period, Cheon Jonghoon worked with more energy than ever before in his life.

He had already completed the confirmation of the tracks with the production and art teams, as well as SS’s board of directors. But he alone decided to pause, validate, revise, and enhance the tracks for perfection, preparing what he considered his life’s greatest masterpiece.

With Alcest, he believed they could take the crown from Girl Revolution, who were charging toward No. 1 without even realizing how terrifying they were.

Cheon Jonghoon had long awaited the proof of his growth through such a collision. But the ending was this disappointing.

Engulfed by emptiness and helplessness, as his thoughts consumed him, the phone rang.

“What’s going on?”

“Team Leader Cheon, someone is asking for you. Should I send them up?”

“Who is it?”

“It’s Seon Taeyang from TwoBear.”

Cheon Jonghoon stood up reflexively, without thinking.

He didn’t realize a smile was forming on his lips as he asked.

‘Why did they come here?’

Upon hearing his words, a sound of some arguing came through the receiver.

From what he could roughly hear, the subordinate was asking, “Did he really say that?”

“Just say it exactly as it is.”

“…They’re saying to open the door if you don’t want to go down with them.”

At that answer, Cheon Jonghoon burst into laughter.

Laughing heartily, he cursed, calling them “crazy bastards,” then spoke into the receiver.

“Send them up.”