Chapter 163

Chapter 163

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

Episode 163: The Young Head Of The Household

“No, am I asking for something extraordinary? As Gaeul’s mother, it’s only natural that I should manage her money. That’s what parents do!”

It wasn’t entirely a wrong statement.

Since Gaeul’s father could no longer exercise his rights as a guardian, the only remaining guardian for her was this woman—her mother.

However, there was a fundamental misunderstanding on her part.

“Gaeul has no earnings right now.”

“…She’s been on TV, released songs, and is even filming abroad now, and you’re telling me she has no earnings? How stupid do you think people are?”

I didn’t think it was particularly stupid, but after hearing that, it really did make me wonder.

“It’s only natural that there are no earnings. We haven’t done the settlement yet. How long has it been since her debut? Even Alcest, who ranked number 1 last time, hasn’t done it yet. They’ll need about 6 more months of hard work before they can talk about earnings.”

Unfortunately, due to the sudden halt in activities, the Girl Revolution hadn’t had main income activities like festivals or events, so they were far from settlement.

Thus, contrary to Gaeul’s mother’s expectations, the only money Gaeul could use was the small allowance I gave her.

“So when will the settlement happen?”

“Well, I can’t give a definite date because that depends on the future.”

“But as a manager, you should at least give me an estimate!”

“Probably 1 to 2 or 3 years.”

“2 or 3 years?”

Surprised by the much longer period, Gaeul’s mother’s face turned pale, but then she seemed to realize something and said,

“Right, the contract money! You must have received the contract money!”

“We did, but Gaeul’s father cleanly lost it all through gambling.”

“Don’t lie. So, you’re saying she’s working with no money? What about Gahyeon? Would Gaeul, with her personality, neglect Gahyeon? If there’s no money, she’d be working part-time and supporting him, not just being an idol.”

“That’s right. Gaeul is that kind of person. So, I’m covering all the living expenses, education costs, and maintenance costs for Gahyeon.”

“…What?”

Gaeul’s mother looked at me as though she couldn’t understand something and said,

“Why are you doing that?”

“I want Gaeul to be an idol. And I also found Gahyeon to be quite likable. I don’t know if you’re aware, but Gahyeon has a talent for art.”

“…”

Recently, to celebrate Parents’ Day, Gahyeon even drew my face with pencil sketches.

I questioned whether it was okay to receive it on Parents’ Day, but it still made me feel pretty good.

In any case, I had to consider that there was no possibility of her using Gaeul as an excuse to receive money, just as she wanted.

After all, by the time the financial settlement happened, Gaeul—who was now 18—would have become an adult, meaning she wouldn’t have to worry about losing her rights under the guise of needing a guardian.

However, despite my polite explanation, Gaeul’s mother refused to leave and raised her voice—whether because she didn’t understand or simply because she couldn’t let go.

“Even so, as her guardian–”

“Stay away from Taeyang Oppa!”

At that moment, Gaeul, appearing urgently, blocked me as if protecting me and glared at her mother.

“No, I was just–”

“Don’t say strange things to Taeyang Oppa and just go back.”

“Gaeul, it’s not just because I’m having a hard time, as I explained last time–”

“Please go. Please.”

“…”

Gaeul’s mother looked at me and Gaeul, then retreated as if fleeing.

Gaeul, who had been breathing heavily after witnessing that, tried her best to appear calm only to me and said,

“I’m sorry for getting caught up in this strange situation. I feel like I’ve bothered you, Taeyang Oppa, who already has so much to worry about.”

“…”

“…Haha, really, they are my family, but I’m embarrassed. Acting like that now, I wonder if it’s shameless.”

“…”

“Don’t worry. I know what’s important to me now. I won’t let this weird sense of responsibility tie me down and make you frustrated. I’ll cut it off cleanly and won’t leave any lingering regrets.”

I looked at Gaeul’s face as she said that.

Then I spoke.

“Gaeul.”

I felt that I couldn’t just ignore it.

“Is that okay for you?”

“…”

After a long silence, Gaeul spoke in a seemingly indifferent manner.

“What’s important to me right now is Gahyeon, and then TwoBear and Girl Revolution.”

“…”

“I don’t need anything else.”

While I was discussing Gaeul’s plans with TwoBear’s staff on messenger, I received a call from Dokgo Chan, the PD of Music Road.

“This is Seon Taeyang, Team Leader of TwoBear.”

-Yes, this is PD Dokgo Chan. I’ll get straight to the point. I’m sure you’ve heard about the fairness controversy spreading through the community, centered around fan sites.

His voice was quick and firm.

Somehow, I had a bad feeling.

“Yes, I’ve confirmed that too.”

-Then, I believe you understand that it’s not just the broadcast issue, but leaving the current situation unchecked will also negatively affect Yoo Gaeul’s image. For that reason, we’ve added a measure for the next round.

“A measure? What does that entail?”

-We’re going to pair Yoo Gaeul with an opponent who won’t cause any controversy.

“An opponent who won’t cause controversy? Wait, does that mean…”

-I think you’ve guessed it. Yoo Gaeul’s next opponent will be Lena Shin.

“…”

-I hope you understand for the sake of the broadcast. Goodbye.

As if finishing his business, the call was abruptly ended without waiting for a response, and I sat there listening to the ‘beep-beep’ sound, deep in thought.

…Who said Gaeul was only receiving favors from the PD?

Favors from the PD? What nonsense.

Looking at the singers who decided to appear on this Music Road, most of them had valid reasons to be there.

For example, Shin Ju-rim, the rocker who was eliminated first, had become less frequently contacted by broadcasters due to a public urination incident while intoxicated. Other singers had either been involved in controversies or were slowly fading from the public eye. Despite their experience and fanbase, they all decided to participate in this survival show.

However, this was not the case with Lena Shin.

If Lena Shin even mentioned her willingness to film for any music-related show, the main PD of that broadcast would rush out to her house to personally greet her.

She was still a senior in the R&B scene, always called upon when an R&B-related program aired. Despite being able to participate more actively in broadcasting, she was now focused on teaching music at a university, a position she took on with honor.

A universally acknowledged one of Korea’s top female vocalists, the matriarch of R&B. Loved by all ages and genders, she was a role model for many singers.

That was Lena Shin.

She was, of course, the strongest contender for the crown in this Music Road.

And pairing Lena Shin with Gaeul as an opponent was no different than saying they were going to eliminate Gaeul before any controversy over favoritism even arose.

Because in every match, 100 out of 100 times, Lena Shin would be predicted to win.

The special situation of busking abroad made it difficult to overcome this.

Simply put, Lena Shin’s Love rating in the first round was overwhelming with a 92% score, ranking her first.

No matter how much they talked about anonymity or visuals, it was meaningless in the face of overwhelming talent, and she was living proof of that.

And this was well understood by Cheon Aram, the president of TwoBear.

-Lena Shin? That’s quite troublesome.

I sighed deeply, agreeing with her words as we continued the conversation.

“Indeed, she’s a tough opponent.”

-It’s not just that it’s tough, it’s that it’s strange to think about winning against such an opponent. Honestly, considering Gaeul’s skills, I thought she could make it to the 4th round if she performed well, but this will be difficult. The PD must have gotten anxious after seeing the public opinion.

“Fairness controversies have to be taken seriously.”

-There’s nothing we can do about it. We can’t change the matchups. It’s unfortunate, but I understand. Don’t worry too much about the outcome, just focus on showing a good performance. Something like, “It was a good match, we lost but fought well.” You get the feeling, right?

“…Yes, I understand.”

-Right, don’t just work all the time. Take it easy and do some sightseeing, rest up, and good luck for the next recording. I’m counting on you, Team Leader Seon.

I finished my call with Cheon Aram and then talked to Gaeul about the PD’s decision.

“For that reason, your opponent will be Lena Shin. But don’t feel too pressured. I like your singing more than Lena Shin’s, but objectively, Lena Shin is not an easy competitor. Just relax and enjoy your music; do what you want.”

“If I win, it would be more helpful for TwoBear and Girl Revolution, right? Right now, it’s very important to create a positive image for Girl Revolution.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Then, I will win.”

“…”

Her competitive spirit was good.

It was also a positive sign that she was trying to stand tall in front of such an overwhelming opponent.

However, the determined expression on Gaeul’s face didn’t seem as positive as it used to.

It rather reminded me of a fragile pillar trying to hold up, unaware that its body was decaying.

“I will win… Because that’s the only thing I can contribute.”

…Just like when I first met her, living as a young head of the household.