<Episode 35>
Even as it grew dark outside the window, there was still no contact from Kang Woojin.
In the meantime, composer Han Youngjoo had completed [POKER].
“Since today is the last day of Spade Joker’s promotions, we can treat them to something nice and let them hear it.”
Composer Han Youngjoo nodded.
“But aren’t you going to receive other songs?”
“Ah, I’m currently looking around in various places. I did commission one composer, but I haven’t gotten a response yet. Just in case, I should secure at least two songs, so I need to keep searching.”
“I happen to know a composer. Would you like to meet them?”
That immediately caught my interest.
“If it’s someone you’re introducing, I’ll trust you and meet them.”
“Then not today… when are you available?”
“I’m free anytime. Even tomorrow works.”
“Then I’ll try contacting them.”
“Thank you. That’s a weight off my shoulders.”
As I lightly bowed my head in thanks, Han Youngjoo quickly waved both hands.
“It wasn’t anything difficult. And I feel like if I had worked on more songs beforehand, you wouldn’t have had to worry like this.”
I had never imagined she was thinking that way.
“Composer.”
“Yes.”
“I think this is already a very fast working pace. And creative work doesn’t produce results instantly just because you squeeze yourself, does it?”
I couldn’t let her compose out of obligation or anxiety.
Songs made that way rarely turn out well.
“So please work comfortably.”
“Thank you.”
After replying, Han Youngjoo left the CEO’s office.
‘If I can get about two more songs, there’ll be no problem putting out a mini album…’
The next album couldn’t take too long.
When the tide comes in, you have to row hard… if we miss the timing, other idol groups will flood in and bury ours.
I lightly stretched my stiff neck and logged into social media.
[Spade Joker finishes strong, taking first place until the very end.]
[Spade Joker achieves 12 music show wins.]
I could confirm that Spade Joker’s promotion period had ended successfully.
‘That’s good. Did everyone receive their light sticks?’
[What was that about people waving light sticks at today’s music show? Shipping hasn’t even started yet.]
↳Ramos Entertainment staff suddenly showed up, asked for proof of purchase, and handed out light sticks.
↳↳That’s insane.
[I was waiting for the pre-recording today when someone from Ramos Entertainment suddenly asked who had bought a light stick. Then they said if we showed proof of purchase, they’d give us one. They said they brought stock in a hurry because fans would want to wave them right away. I was seriously moved.]
↳That’s definitely something to be touched by.
↳Wow. Since the promotion period was ending and they released light sticks, I thought maybe there’d be a fan meeting or concert, or even an immediate comeback. I came up with all sorts of theories, but this was the reason?
↳I’m so glad I didn’t leave the fandom. Otherwise, I’d be missing out on this happiness and just be angry alone.
The on-site distribution of light sticks was intentional.
It was to show that the company didn’t see fans as ATMs.
In a way, even such a small action could become a factor that attracts new fans, so there was no reason not to do it.
It had been quite profitable in the previous run as well.
[Ramos Entertainment is enviable. My group’s company doesn’t do anything for them, but this place is on another level.]
↳Sigh… same here.
↳This is so sad.
↳↳Sorry to say this in times like these, but the path to stanning Spade Joker is wide open.
Clovers didn’t miss opportunities like this, subtly promoting Spade Joker to fans of other groups who were wavering.
Because of that, many people considered joining or actually switched over.
This small action was taken to create that same positive signal again in this run.
[Today’s first-place acceptance speech from Spade Joker:
Cain: I still can’t believe we got first place until the very end. It feels like I’m floating on clouds.
Juseok: Thank you so much to Clover for always supporting us.
Sora: We love you!
Heeseo: And I’d also like to thank our manager Hyung, our CEO, and the company staff who always work hard for us. Thank you for believing in us and supporting us.
Leejoo: We’ll continue to work harder and show you even better sides of us.
Since it was the last day, everyone said a few words, and they all looked so at ease.]
↳I get what you mean by “at ease.” They must be even more tired now with more work, so how do they look more relaxed?
It was unfortunate for the fans, but that wasn’t true.
In terms of workload intensity, the past had been much worse. Back then, the members weren’t properly fed or allowed to rest while schedules kept piling up.
But there was no need to explain every detail like that.
Knock knock.
“Sir.”
It was Han Suseok’s voice.
“Yeah.”
The door opened, and Han Suseok entered.
“The staff have already moved to the restaurant.”
“Really?”
“Yes. When will you go?”
“I’ll head out now.”
I quickly organized the documents I was reviewing and stood up.
After turning off the office lights, I left the company with Han Suseok.
Today’s company dinner was at a beef restaurant near the office.
“Sir!”
“You’re here.”
“Hello.”
Since there had been an incident with reporter Kim Yerin at the last dinner, we reserved the entire restaurant this time.
It wasn’t a very large place, so it was possible.
“When is Spade Joker arriving?”
“Why? Do you want to see them?”
“Of course.”
“Haven’t you seen them a few times already?”
“I’ve seen them, but I couldn’t really talk to them. After all, we’re staff, and they’re celebrities.”
“If you want to talk, just do it. They don’t really distinguish between celebrities and regular people. They’d probably like it if you talked to them.”
“No, it’s not that… They looked so exhausted that I couldn’t bring myself to say anything. You know how it is, you see someone who looks drained, and even if you have something to say, you just can’t.”
At that, I understood.
Back when I lived as Kang Hajin, working an ordinary office job, I used to deliberately keep a neutral expression.
Hoping that no one would talk to me.
‘And since Spade Joker are celebrities, it must’ve been even more like that.’
“Try talking to them when they arrive later. They’ll be completely different from before.”
“Okay.”
Since Spade Joker had to come from the broadcasting station, we started the dinner first.
“Sir, there won’t be any reporters today… could you tell us more of the story you were sharing last time?”
“No.”
“Huh? Why not?”
Yoo Minsu pressed me.
“Why are you so interested in your CEO? Aren’t people usually intimidated?”
“I used to be, but not anymore. And I know you like me, sir. That’s why you allowed me to create an SNS account.”
He was half right, half wrong.
I suggested he make an account because I thought he was the right person for it.
“Think whatever you want.”
“Yes.”
Even with my half-hearted response, the smile didn’t leave Yoo Minsu’s face.
‘I think I chose the wrong seat.’
“But sir, you’re not drinking?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I’m waiting for a call.”
“Did you get a girlfriend?”
“I wish I had the time to date.”
At my answer, Yoo Minsu openly smacked his lips in disappointment.
‘That’s the face of someone who thought they’d get something to post on SNS.’
“Hello.”
Right then, the Spade Joker members and manager Kim Jauck appeared.
“You’re here early.”
“We were a bit excited.”
“This is our first company dinner, after all.”
“Sit over there.”
I gestured toward the table we had left empty for them.
“Yes.”
They quickly sat down and started eating.
“If you want to drink, you can order alcohol.”
“Then we’ll have two beers here! And one soft drink, please!”
The youngest, Leejoo, was still nineteen, so he had no choice but to drink a soft drink alone.
“Sir, you should give a toast.”
It sounded like something a higher-ranking person would say to others.
‘Why does it feel reversed in our company?’
“Ah, alright.”
“Sir, our arms are getting tired… we’re already holding our glasses!”
Pressed by the staff, I reluctantly stood up.
“Phew…”
Taking a deep breath, I raised my glass.
“You all must have had a hard time preparing this album, so thank you for trusting and following me. I’m also grateful that you came to work even on weekends. In return, tomorrow is a day off, so please rest well. I look forward to working with you all going forward.”
“We look forward to it.”
After the toast, everyone drank, and the atmosphere of the dinner grew lively.
“Thinking about having tomorrow off makes me so happy.”
“Same here.”
Bzzzt.
Feeling the vibration in my pocket, I instinctively took out my phone.
[Kang Woojin]
‘Finally.’
I immediately checked the message.
[I’ve sent about two songs by email, so please review them and contact me. I’ll be waiting.]
“An important message came in, so I’ll step out for a moment.”
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