episode_0014

Huh?

What did you just say? It seems like I heard the word “pass” from Camomile-nim. Thank you, but didn’t you mention that individual feedback will be given after all interviews are completed?

Unconsciously, she tried to cover up the slip of her tongue.

“…As the words automatically came out, you sing well. Honestly, I’m not at the level to judge. I’ll keep it brief.”

What’s this? At first glance, she seemed like a very cold person. Why does she seem increasingly cute and clumsy as time goes on? Anyway, in gratitude for her praise, I nodded and expressed my thanks.

“Thank you.”

“If I may add something boldly. You’re simply amazing. What will you show us next for the talent showcase?”

“I will be playing electric guitar.”

“Oh… Let’s hear the performance of a pro musician in a band. I’ll give it a listen.”

Confidently, I adjusted my posture with the guitar slung over my shoulder. I had set everything up during the preparation time earlier.

“I’ll start.”

Since the performance is closely related to subculture, I plan to play one of the game BGMs, a cheerful tune that gives a sense of hope. Captivated immediately upon hearing it, I switched to practicing this piece instead of the original one the day before the interview. A day. To some, it might seem like a short time, but for me, it was enough time.

After finishing the performance, I observed the reactions of the people. The interviewers and applicants 96 and 99 clapped as if they had forgotten it was an audition. After nodding in acknowledgment, I took my seat.

“You played exceptionally well. But, I heard this song was released yesterday with a new game area… It couldn’t have been practiced in just a day… Did you work on its production?”

“I didn’t produce it. Yes, I practiced it in a day. A viewer happened to recommend it to me yesterday, and I liked it so much that I changed to this from the original piece I was planning to play.”

“Oh?”

Whenever I bring up such stories, everyone gets flustered and asks again. Knowing the reason, I can’t help but smile.

“To come close to perfection with just a day of practice… It’s hard to believe, but I have no choice but to believe it. You played really well. There was nothing to fault in your guitar performance.”

“Thank you.”

The five-day long audition finally came to an end for me.

“If you pass, we will inform you via text message. If not, we will also notify you. Thank you all for your hard work.”

“Thank you for your efforts!”

It was fun. As they say, people should try various experiences whenever opportunities arise. Nevertheless, singing one song without accompaniment felt somewhat lacking. Maybe I should go to a karaoke later.

On my way out of the interview room,

That applicant number 99, Baek Minji, approached me. She seemed hesitant but mustered up great courage to speak.

“Um, I, uh…”

Facing each other like this made her seem even smaller.

Standing around 150 cm tall, roughly below my chest. Oh dear, I caught myself estimating heights again, probably from measuring kids’ heights at the orphanage…

“You worked hard today.”

I reassured her with a bright smile after she gathered the courage to speak.

“You worked hard too, Applicant 100. And, um… I find it difficult to talk to those people, but I felt like I had to say something…”

“What is it?”

She bowed slightly and thanked me.

“I’m really grateful for today. Before the interview and during it… Thanks to you, it feels like I’ve avoided the worst.”

“It’s all because of your skills.”

“My skills… I don’t think I’ll pass, but I’m sure Applicant 100 will make it. When you debut, I’ll definitely come to see you.”

“I was also very impressed by Applicant 99.”

Especially the impersonation medley was so cute and well done that it still evokes admiration and laughter.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Do you think you’ll pass?”

“To pass… Unless the heavens help me, it seems difficult…”

“Well, maybe not the heavens, but I helped you. Does that make it easier?”

She blinked her eyes rapidly and couldn’t continue speaking.

“Why is that?”

“Oh, no, it’s just that your comment was so good, I was momentarily taken aback. Indeed, professionals are different… It’s touching.”

“I hope we can debut together.”

“Yes. I really hope that’s the case. I’ll take my leave now.”

She seemed still tense from the interview as she left, her legs trembling. I watched until the end, worried she might stumble.

Some time later, while waiting outside for a reserved taxi, coincidentally, I ran into Number 96. It seemed like she was waiting for her mother’s car, which I had seen in the morning.

“Oh, Seoa. You were amazing earlier. Truly, there’s something different about a star. Playing a song from an elementary school textbook without accompaniment, that kind of emotion… And then performing the newly released song right away on the mock broadcast. The teacher roleplay was fun to watch.”

RP, an abbreviation for Role-Playing, akin to a YouTuber’s concept? That praise made me feel awkward, as it poured out all at once.

“Thank you. You were a great dancer, too. The broadcast had a refreshing vibe…”

“Haha, yes. I hope we both pass. Oh, by the way, would you like to exchange numbers? If it’s not too much trouble…”

It wasn’t awkward. After all, she wasn’t a real celebrity. We exchanged phone numbers with smiles.

“Wow, life achievement unlocked! Can I call you Seoa unni from now on?”

“Sure.”

“Yes! Maybe this is a bigger gain than passing? Thank you. Feel free to speak comfortably! Even though you’re two years older, I’ll contact you later.”

“Okay.”

Just then, her mom’s car arrived, and they got in. Their conversation was so lively that I couldn’t help but smile. My reserved taxi was also arriving. It was time to head back.

***

From candidate number 1 to 100, after interviewing all the successful applicants, the staff of Linne Virtual Department and Camomile gathered to discuss them.

“This person seems talented, but they didn’t seem attentive when others were speaking. It felt like they were lost in their own thoughts even when asked questions. I’ve interviewed many people, but I’m concerned about someone like this being in our team.”

“We should eliminate such individuals. It’s better to reject them than risk ruining the entire team just because we felt sorry for them.”

“Of course. I’ve seen many cases like this.”

Since they were selecting members for a virtual idol team, talent was important, but teamwork and personality were equally crucial. They carefully selected individuals, checking every detail.

“First off, number 100, Kwon Seoa. This person is definitely a pass, right?”

Whether based on skills or personality, there wasn’t a single flaw.

From assisting the inexperienced number 99 during the interview to showing consideration for others, she was too exceptional for our team, making us feel apologetic for accepting her.

“Yeah. But seriously, you were so funny earlier. Listening to music unexpectedly and then suddenly passing.”

“Hahaha. It’s because you disarmed me.”

Out of the blue, a fable by Aesop came to mind.

“Taking off the coat isn’t due to a fierce wind, but a warm sunlight…”

“Yes. Just looking at them warms my heart. It may sound like a joke, but as long as that person is around, half the battle is won.”

Now it all depends on how she leads herself. Just like how even with good ingredients, a chef who can’t cook is useless, or how even with a great player, without a good coach they can’t fully showcase their skills.

“Next up is number 69… the person who was a utaite. Is this person confirmed?”

“Yeah. I knew them to some extent because they were somewhat famous, but getting to know them more, they’re really impressive. Running a utaite channel, graduated from In Seoul with a four-year degree. It’s not easy doing two things at once… and yet, even someone like that struggled with financial difficulties. It’s quite sad.”

“Well, there’s not much we can do. Cover songs don’t bring in revenue. But it’s not easy for them to make money by creating their own songs either… Most utaites in Korea seem to live like that.”

Although it’s careful to say it’s thanks to them, our company now has two reliable vocalists because of them.

“But it feels like a waste for number 69 to be a sub-vocalist with that skill level.”

“The main vocalist is unbelievably good though. You’d understand as soon as you hear them.”

“Well, that’s fortunate. I’m just worried if they might do something unexpected.”

Through the interview, it seems unlikely that her personality would be like that, but these days you never know. Camomile left a warning to watch out just in case.

As one by one, the numbers decreased gradually from one or two to a total of around ten or six.

“Ye-seul unnie, didn’t the chairman ask us to select five people?”

“Yeah. We’re down to three now.”

“It’s so competitive, I wish we could choose more…”

“I know, right.”

12, 57, 83, 96, 99…

Looking at the numbers, you immediately recall the interviews with those impressive individuals.

“So, how was number 96 who danced?”

“They weren’t bad. But the thing about them is, even though they were eliminated from the Vtuber audition, they know too much. They’re at a level where they could be hired as department staff.”

“That’s true. They really know a lot.”

Not just information, but their cheerful personality makes it seem like they will handle any task confidently.

“After checking the broadcasts they’ve done, they seem very diligent. I really want to pass this person. Any objections?”

“None.”

“And then there’s number 12… looking to recruit that former corporate employee who unfortunately suffered due to past financial troubles.”

“That’s good. They draw well, excel in communication and ASMR. Their performance is also excellent. There’s nothing more to say. But, they mentioned they are currently taking psychiatric medication. Is that okay? Are they being managed?”

“They’ll have to work hard. It’s such a waste to see their talent going to waste all this time.”

The atmosphere momentarily tensed up, but quickly transitioned to the final spot.

“To wrap up, number 83. Number 99 seemed like they could have been an interesting wildcard, but it’s a shame. There were just too many strong candidates.”

Before notifying the successful candidates, they went through the final verification process, which in some ways is more critical than the interview itself. They needed to ensure that no senseless remarks were made on social media, and that there were no controversial actions during broadcasts.

[@Scarlet]

[1st Album Digital Album Release]

[Performance Schedule…]

…

…

“It’s clear this person only used SNS for promotional purposes. That’s not easy to do.”

The more you investigate about this person, number 100, the more rumors surface. It’s almost disconcerting for me as the verifier.

“Manager! This…”

At that moment, one of the employees approached Ye-seul with a tablet. On the screen was a social media post from number 83 containing hateful expressions.

“Sigh…”

Ye-seul shook her head and removed number 83. And after much deliberation, she replaced that vacant spot with Baek Min-ji, who had been eliminated last. Fortunately, in the broadcasts and social media of the newly selected five, there was not a single controversial issue to be found.

[@뭉뭉__]

[Recently, I can’t stand this world where you can’t even say you like what you like… Respect for preferences seems to have disappeared overnight, and even fans are rejecting fellow fans. When will this toxic culture disappear…]

[Posted at: AM 03:00]

Instead, I found a heart-wrenching line from the SNS of user 99 Baek Minji.

“This person was helped by the heavens.”

“The heavens? It’s people who help.”