The sun started setting quickly.
Inside the office, KangYoon, Lee HyunJi, and Jung HyeJin were discussing ways to utilize Eddios’s fan cafe.
It was way past dinner time when his phone suddenly rang.
‘Who is it at this time?’
KangYoon picked up his vibrating phone. The call was from Bang SanHyuk. KangYoon thought that he should have finished teaching Jung MinAh by now and pressed the answer button.
“Hello?”
– Team leader, it’s me, Bang SanHyuk.
The voice was very cheerful from what he could hear. Bang SanHyuk joyfully told him of the results of practice.
– MinAh’s skills are top-notch. She digests harsh moves like elbowing without a problem, and breezes through steps and turns…. I now understand why you told me to consider her as JooAh. She’s a splendid girl.
He believed that Jung MinAh was that capable. KangYoon smiled hearing the expected report.
“That’s good. Didn’t MinAh perhaps act all cocky or something?”
– She’s very polite and she knows what she’s doing. JooAh was calm back then too… This keeps reminding me of back then. The singers under you are all pretty and kind, team leader. I wish to know what your secret to that is.”
“Hahaha.”
After that, Bang SanHyuk and KangYoon discussed the future schedule and all that. Bang SanHyuk wanted to up the moves since Jung MinAh unexpectedly followed him well and that ignited his desire. However, KangYoon requested that the dance routine should still be popular with the masses whilst being difficult.
– Don’t worry about it. I’ll make the masses fall out of their chairs.
“Of course, I believe in you. I was just worried you’ll take things a little too far.”
KangYoon ended the call with Bang SanHyuk on a good note.
After the call, Lee HyunJi, who was next to him, spoke to him.
“Was that crew leader Bang?”
“Yes. He seems very satisfied with MinAh’s performance today.”
KangYoon talked about how Bang SanHyuk wanted to do more difficult moves. Lee HyunJi also perked up when she heard that he was surprised by Jung MinAh’s skills and want to do more fancy moves.
“That’s a good thing. However, those people may drive the boat up the mountain if they’re too motivated….”
Being too geared towards the breakdancing side may end up being not so popular with the general population. Jung MinAh’s performance was supposed to be a good combination of the two.
KangYoon also nodded at Lee HyunJi’s words.
“You’re right, director. That’s why I asked him to balance the two out. As you said, it will be trouble if they decide to drive the boat up the mountain in their eagerness.”
“So you knew that after all. Well, you’re better than anyone when it comes to that so I guess I was needlessly worried. Let’s just talk about what we were doing before.”
Lee HyunJi turned around to her computer again. On her monitor was the main pages of Aries, Eddios’s fan cafe.
Jung HyeJin had logged into the cafe with the administrator account. She clicked a few links and it led to a video about Han JooYeon. It was none other than the duet video with Lee JunYeol they did back at Christmas.
Jung HyeJin spoke while watching the video.
“The video on the cafe alone has 8 million views. Thanks to that, the number of visitors to the cafe increased dramatically as well.”
“…Looks like that duet worked wonders.”
Lee HyunJi clicked her tongue hearing Jung HyeJin’s report. It had been 3 months since Christmas. Even looking back, that was an enormous number of views. There were requests for another duet in the comments even from a recent date.
Han JooYeon’s duet video was very popular on ‘Tune’, the biggest video platform in the world, as well. Combined, the number of views was well over 20 million. There were even some saying that Eddios maybe dead but Han JooYeon was not.
KangYoon replied calmly after listening to all of Jung HyeJin’s report.
“It was a good result. After Christmas, JooYeon regained a lot of confidence as well, and the general mood of Eddios is gearing towards that they will be able to make a comeback.”
“President. Since it’s like this anyway, why don’t we get some more things for JooYeon to do? I think we should make use of this momentum….”
KangYoon lightly shook his head at Lee HyunJi’s proposal.
“I wish. However, this was a success because JooYeon had a duet with Lee JunYeol. Going solo is a different story. Although we have a good relationship with the artist Sedy, releasing a duet album is a different problem altogether. If we do things wrong, she would no longer be the JooYeon from Eddios, but the Han JooYeon from Sedy’s duet.”
“Well, Sedy’s collaboration did play a big role.”
“It left a deep impact, yes. We’ll do one at a later date anyway. Since the two know that their voices go well together, we can’t stop them even if we wanted to.”
Lee HyunJi nodded her head in understanding.
“Well, a singer with momentum cannot be stopped even if the sky decides to collapse. We are helpless to stop them.”
“That’s a good analogy.”
“Phew. So this means that we need more investment to do. Only when Eddios becomes big again can Han JooYeon can move separately as an artist.”
Lee HyunJi sighed a little and KangYoon shook his head in resignation. He entirely agreed with her.
Recently, KangYoon invited well-known trainers for Han JooYeon. Although she said that she could do it by herself, KangYoon persuaded by saying that it was better to learn from a teacher.
With some teaching, Han JooYeon’s vocal skills rose by the day.
When they finished talking about her, they then talked about strategies to advertise Jung MinAh’s solo album. This was the main topic that made them stay working after hours and late into the night.
Jung HyeJin browsed through the fan club and showed the other two the mentions of Jung MinAh.
-MinAhs_future_hubby: When is my MinAh coming back?”
-JungMinAhFlower: Han JooYeon is here. Where is MinAh? ?
-Double_chaps_ftw: Zzzzzz…..
-Yoloman: I wanna see MinAh… T^T
Many fans wanted to see Jung MinAh again.
This was especially the case after Han JooYeon’s video was uploaded, and got even worse when Lee SamSoon’s appearance on a TV program was announced.
Lee HyunJi spoke.
“I’ll start the PR today.”
“Okay. We want the rumors circulating around on social media to feel natural so please be careful.”
“Yes, very natural.”
KangYoon was satisfied with Lee HyunJi’s answer and gave her the necessary materials for the PR.
Midnight.
A post was uploaded on the fan club regarding MinAh’s digital single. And then, it spread around like wildfire through social media.
***
“It’s Friday, but there’s nothing good to watch.”
Lee HyoJin grumbled while switching channels. Although today was TGIF, she had no appointment. The only thing she could do right now was to watch TV.
However, TV disappointed her today. As such, she bullied the remote control until the TV showed her something good.
‘Huh? What’s this?’
Lee HyoJin’s remote stopped at channel OTS. A novel program, named ‘Modern Farmer’, started and the young cast caught her attention.
“Mom, why don’t we watch this?”
Lee HyoJin asked her mother, who was lying on the sofa. Her mother gestured, in annoyance, to do whatever she wanted.
After some ads, the program started.
“What’s this?”
The cast was mostly female. The ladies had to hand in their mobile phones upon arriving and had to change into ahjumma clothes at an abandoned house. There were funny captions and laughing sound effects as well.
“What in the world…?”
However, as someone very picky, Lee HyoJin didn’t laugh. This program was about some clueless ladies going through hard work in the countryside. As she didn’t like watching people in agony, this was very unpleasant to her.
‘I should watch something else.’
She picked up the remote control. However, there was nothing else she could watch now.
Just as she was about to turn the channel, a tractor appeared on the screen. The ladies all danced in joy since they got to sit down for a change, and the eldest one there, Song HakTae, started to try to turn on the tractor.
Although he wrestled with it for quite a while, the tractor did not budge.
“I’ll have a go.”
Jennie stepped up and she poured hot water into some pipe like it was no big deal. It was the ones around her that made a big deal out of it. Some were worried that they may have to compensate for it if it breaks and some said that the machine and water didn’t go well together.
However, Jennie did not bat an eyelid and kept on doing what she was doing.
It was when she cranked the lever.
The tractor started rattling.
“Whoa…! Whos’ she? That, that’s awesome! hey isn’t she Jennie from Eddios?”
Eddios, to her, was a dead idol group that switched companies after completely failing their adventure to America.
Jennie, with her face that looked like she never lifted something heavier than a spoon in her life, was driving a friggin’ tractor! She was very proficient and she seemed used to doing it. The other ladies were all screaming ‘go! unni, go!’ and things like that. Hearing approval from the elder male as well, Lee HyoJin felt quite strange.
“This is fun.”
It was from then on. Lee HyoJin turned up the volume and started absorbing herself into it.
Eventually, even her mother sat up on the sofa and focused on the TV.
The cast of Modern Farmer each had their unique charms. The rather chubby Kang HyunMi, Song HakTae, who was the oldest, but had no experience living in the countryside, as well as some well-known idol members.
There was a good combination of well-known celebrities and rookies.
The cherry on top though, was, of course, Jennie.
“…Did that girl use to live in the countryside? Why is she good at everything?”
“…I dunno.”
Lee HyoJin and her mother could only stare with their eyes when Jennie splendidly countered the frosty winds and when she made breakfast. This seemed nothing like a ‘refined idol’ that Eddios gave off as an image. It was shocking to them.
“That’s no Jennie. It’s Samsoonie!”
“Hahahahahah!”
Lee HyoJin and her mother couldn’t help but be enchanted by Lee SamSoon’s country life.
***
Midnight after Modern Farmer’s first airing.
A list of search term rankings.
Modern Farmer recorded the highest view rates among the programs broadcasted in the same time slot.
The best character on the program, Jennie, became a hot issue for many.
***
KangYoon had arrived at Incheon International Airport to send HeeYoon off.
Actually, HeeYoon was supposed to be in America by now. However, she decided to delay her departure in order to help her brother out. KangYoon couldn’t help but feel sorry for her since she had to miss a few lectures in the new semester.
“I’m having you do all the work before you leave, huh.”
“Nah, it’s between us, so you can’t say that.”
HeeYoon grabbed her brother’s hands tightly.
“I’ve met the people at the company in Korea, and was able to write songs to my heart’s content. It was very enjoyable. Once I graduate, I want to try my hand at composing for real. I think it will be very fun acting as Muse with you, brother.”
“Well, there’s a year left okay, so do your best in studying.”
“Okay. Don’t miss any meals, okay?”
“You don’t have to worry about me. You should take care of your own health instead.”
KangYoon patted HeeYoon’s head. She seemed to like the patting and smiled softly.
“Oppa, Reina has something to say to you.”
“Reina?”
When Reina approached, HeeYoon gave them some room. She was getting herself out of the picture for the two to talk.
[Thank you for a lot of things.]
[Don’t mention it. Actually, I haven’t done a lot of things even though this was your first time in Korea. I’m sorry.]
[No, not at all. You gave me confidence, and the tour as well… Thank you.]
Reina was very appreciative of KangYoon spending time with her when he had his own schedule to attend to. Also, he was the first one to acknowledge her potential as a musical actress. Thanks to that, she gained a lot of confidence. When she returned this time, she was planning to challenge Broadway officially.
[Please get along well with HeeYoon.]
[Okay, then. See you next time.]
[Be careful on your way home.]
KangYoon waved his hands. Reina picked up her luggage as well. But then, she spoke again as though she remembered something.
[If, you know, I become a successful actress, I’ll invest in your company.]
KangYoon blinked. Although this was rather sudden, he did not ignore her and replied.
[There are a lot of good companies in the States. Why would you invest in me?]
[I just have a good feeling about it. The people are good as well and above all… the CEO is the best one out there, I guess?]
[My word, I’m flattered.]
[Hahahaha!]
Reina laughed and picked up her bags again. She then spoke in a serious expression.
[You know, I wasn’t joking when I said I’ll invest in you. If I have the ability to, I really do want to invest here.]
[Our company will become more expensive as time goes. It won’t be easy you know?]
[I’ll have a lot of money as times goes as well. So no worries there.]
[Hahaha.]
KangYoon also laughed out loud.
After the conversation, HeeYoon came again.
“Okay then, brother. I’m off.”
“Call me when you guys arrive.”
“Yes.”
HeeYoon gave KangYoon a light hug before heading in. Reina followed suit.
Having sent the two off, KangYoon drove the car Lee HyunJi lent him back to the office.
He came to the office around noon.
However, neither Lee HyunJi nor Jung HyeJin was present, but there was someone else waiting for him.
“Yo, Mr. Lee KangYoon! It’s been a long time!”
“You… Yeon JooAH?”
“Heheh, hi!”
JooAh, wearing a beanie, greeted him with a big smile on her face
The sun started setting quickly.
Inside the office, KangYoon, Lee HyunJi, and Jung HyeJin were discussing ways to utilize Eddios’s fan cafe.
It was way past dinner time when his phone suddenly rang.
‘Who is it at this time?’
KangYoon picked up his vibrating phone. The call was from Bang SanHyuk. KangYoon thought that he should have finished teaching Jung MinAh by now and pressed the answer button.
“Hello?”
– Team leader, it’s me, Bang SanHyuk.
The voice was very cheerful from what he could hear. Bang SanHyuk joyfully told him of the results of practice.
– MinAh’s skills are top-notch. She digests harsh moves like elbowing without a problem, and breezes through steps and turns…. I now understand why you told me to consider her as JooAh. She’s a splendid girl.
He believed that Jung MinAh was that capable. KangYoon smiled hearing the expected report.
“That’s good. Didn’t MinAh perhaps act all cocky or something?”
– She’s very polite and she knows what she’s doing. JooAh was calm back then too… This keeps reminding me of back then. The singers under you are all pretty and kind, team leader. I wish to know what your secret to that is.”
“Hahaha.”
After that, Bang SanHyuk and KangYoon discussed the future schedule and all that. Bang SanHyuk wanted to up the moves since Jung MinAh unexpectedly followed him well and that ignited his desire. However, KangYoon requested that the dance routine should still be popular with the masses whilst being difficult.
– Don’t worry about it. I’ll make the masses fall out of their chairs.
“Of course, I believe in you. I was just worried you’ll take things a little too far.”
KangYoon ended the call with Bang SanHyuk on a good note.
After the call, Lee HyunJi, who was next to him, spoke to him.
“Was that crew leader Bang?”
“Yes. He seems very satisfied with MinAh’s performance today.”
KangYoon talked about how Bang SanHyuk wanted to do more difficult moves. Lee HyunJi also perked up when she heard that he was surprised by Jung MinAh’s skills and want to do more fancy moves.
“That’s a good thing. However, those people may drive the boat up the mountain if they’re too motivated….”
Being too geared towards the breakdancing side may end up being not so popular with the general population. Jung MinAh’s performance was supposed to be a good combination of the two.
KangYoon also nodded at Lee HyunJi’s words.
“You’re right, director. That’s why I asked him to balance the two out. As you said, it will be trouble if they decide to drive the boat up the mountain in their eagerness.”
“So you knew that after all. Well, you’re better than anyone when it comes to that so I guess I was needlessly worried. Let’s just talk about what we were doing before.”
Lee HyunJi turned around to her computer again. On her monitor was the main pages of Aries, Eddios’s fan cafe.
Jung HyeJin had logged into the cafe with the administrator account. She clicked a few links and it led to a video about Han JooYeon. It was none other than the duet video with Lee JunYeol they did back at Christmas.
Jung HyeJin spoke while watching the video.
“The video on the cafe alone has 8 million views. Thanks to that, the number of visitors to the cafe increased dramatically as well.”
“…Looks like that duet worked wonders.”
Lee HyunJi clicked her tongue hearing Jung HyeJin’s report. It had been 3 months since Christmas. Even looking back, that was an enormous number of views. There were requests for another duet in the comments even from a recent date.
Han JooYeon’s duet video was very popular on ‘Tune’, the biggest video platform in the world, as well. Combined, the number of views was well over 20 million. There were even some saying that Eddios maybe dead but Han JooYeon was not.
KangYoon replied calmly after listening to all of Jung HyeJin’s report.
“It was a good result. After Christmas, JooYeon regained a lot of confidence as well, and the general mood of Eddios is gearing towards that they will be able to make a comeback.”
“President. Since it’s like this anyway, why don’t we get some more things for JooYeon to do? I think we should make use of this momentum….”
KangYoon lightly shook his head at Lee HyunJi’s proposal.
“I wish. However, this was a success because JooYeon had a duet with Lee JunYeol. Going solo is a different story. Although we have a good relationship with the artist Sedy, releasing a duet album is a different problem altogether. If we do things wrong, she would no longer be the JooYeon from Eddios, but the Han JooYeon from Sedy’s duet.”
“Well, Sedy’s collaboration did play a big role.”
“It left a deep impact, yes. We’ll do one at a later date anyway. Since the two know that their voices go well together, we can’t stop them even if we wanted to.”
Lee HyunJi nodded her head in understanding.
“Well, a singer with momentum cannot be stopped even if the sky decides to collapse. We are helpless to stop them.”
“That’s a good analogy.”
“Phew. So this means that we need more investment to do. Only when Eddios becomes big again can Han JooYeon can move separately as an artist.”
Lee HyunJi sighed a little and KangYoon shook his head in resignation. He entirely agreed with her.
Recently, KangYoon invited well-known trainers for Han JooYeon. Although she said that she could do it by herself, KangYoon persuaded by saying that it was better to learn from a teacher.
With some teaching, Han JooYeon’s vocal skills rose by the day.
When they finished talking about her, they then talked about strategies to advertise Jung MinAh’s solo album. This was the main topic that made them stay working after hours and late into the night.
Jung HyeJin browsed through the fan club and showed the other two the mentions of Jung MinAh.
-MinAhs_future_hubby: When is my MinAh coming back?”
-JungMinAhFlower: Han JooYeon is here. Where is MinAh? ?
-Double_chaps_ftw: Zzzzzz…..
-Yoloman: I wanna see MinAh… T^T
Many fans wanted to see Jung MinAh again.
This was especially the case after Han JooYeon’s video was uploaded, and got even worse when Lee SamSoon’s appearance on a TV program was announced.
Lee HyunJi spoke.
“I’ll start the PR today.”
“Okay. We want the rumors circulating around on social media to feel natural so please be careful.”
“Yes, very natural.”
KangYoon was satisfied with Lee HyunJi’s answer and gave her the necessary materials for the PR.
Midnight.
A post was uploaded on the fan club regarding MinAh’s digital single. And then, it spread around like wildfire through social media.
***
“It’s Friday, but there’s nothing good to watch.”
Lee HyoJin grumbled while switching channels. Although today was TGIF, she had no appointment. The only thing she could do right now was to watch TV.
However, TV disappointed her today. As such, she bullied the remote control until the TV showed her something good.
‘Huh? What’s this?’
Lee HyoJin’s remote stopped at channel OTS. A novel program, named ‘Modern Farmer’, started and the young cast caught her attention.
“Mom, why don’t we watch this?”
Lee HyoJin asked her mother, who was lying on the sofa. Her mother gestured, in annoyance, to do whatever she wanted.
After some ads, the program started.
“What’s this?”
The cast was mostly female. The ladies had to hand in their mobile phones upon arriving and had to change into ahjumma clothes at an abandoned house. There were funny captions and laughing sound effects as well.
“What in the world…?”
However, as someone very picky, Lee HyoJin didn’t laugh. This program was about some clueless ladies going through hard work in the countryside. As she didn’t like watching people in agony, this was very unpleasant to her.
‘I should watch something else.’
She picked up the remote control. However, there was nothing else she could watch now.
Just as she was about to turn the channel, a tractor appeared on the screen. The ladies all danced in joy since they got to sit down for a change, and the eldest one there, Song HakTae, started to try to turn on the tractor.
Although he wrestled with it for quite a while, the tractor did not budge.
“I’ll have a go.”
Jennie stepped up and she poured hot water into some pipe like it was no big deal. It was the ones around her that made a big deal out of it. Some were worried that they may have to compensate for it if it breaks and some said that the machine and water didn’t go well together.
However, Jennie did not bat an eyelid and kept on doing what she was doing.
It was when she cranked the lever.
The tractor started rattling.
“Whoa…! Whos’ she? That, that’s awesome! hey isn’t she Jennie from Eddios?”
Eddios, to her, was a dead idol group that switched companies after completely failing their adventure to America.
Jennie, with her face that looked like she never lifted something heavier than a spoon in her life, was driving a friggin’ tractor! She was very proficient and she seemed used to doing it. The other ladies were all screaming ‘go! unni, go!’ and things like that. Hearing approval from the elder male as well, Lee HyoJin felt quite strange.
“This is fun.”
It was from then on. Lee HyoJin turned up the volume and started absorbing herself into it.
Eventually, even her mother sat up on the sofa and focused on the TV.
The cast of Modern Farmer each had their unique charms. The rather chubby Kang HyunMi, Song HakTae, who was the oldest, but had no experience living in the countryside, as well as some well-known idol members.
There was a good combination of well-known celebrities and rookies.
The cherry on top though, was, of course, Jennie.
“…Did that girl use to live in the countryside? Why is she good at everything?”
“…I dunno.”
Lee HyoJin and her mother could only stare with their eyes when Jennie splendidly countered the frosty winds and when she made breakfast. This seemed nothing like a ‘refined idol’ that Eddios gave off as an image. It was shocking to them.
“That’s no Jennie. It’s Samsoonie!”
“Hahahahahah!”
Lee HyoJin and her mother couldn’t help but be enchanted by Lee SamSoon’s country life.
***
Midnight after Modern Farmer’s first airing.
A list of search term rankings.
Modern Farmer recorded the highest view rates among the programs broadcasted in the same time slot.
The best character on the program, Jennie, became a hot issue for many.
***
KangYoon had arrived at Incheon International Airport to send HeeYoon off.
Actually, HeeYoon was supposed to be in America by now. However, she decided to delay her departure in order to help her brother out. KangYoon couldn’t help but feel sorry for her since she had to miss a few lectures in the new semester.
“I’m having you do all the work before you leave, huh.”
“Nah, it’s between us, so you can’t say that.”
HeeYoon grabbed her brother’s hands tightly.
“I’ve met the people at the company in Korea, and was able to write songs to my heart’s content. It was very enjoyable. Once I graduate, I want to try my hand at composing for real. I think it will be very fun acting as Muse with you, brother.”
“Well, there’s a year left okay, so do your best in studying.”
“Okay. Don’t miss any meals, okay?”
“You don’t have to worry about me. You should take care of your own health instead.”
KangYoon patted HeeYoon’s head. She seemed to like the patting and smiled softly.
“Oppa, Reina has something to say to you.”
“Reina?”
When Reina approached, HeeYoon gave them some room. She was getting herself out of the picture for the two to talk.
[Thank you for a lot of things.]
[Don’t mention it. Actually, I haven’t done a lot of things even though this was your first time in Korea. I’m sorry.]
[No, not at all. You gave me confidence, and the tour as well… Thank you.]
Reina was very appreciative of KangYoon spending time with her when he had his own schedule to attend to. Also, he was the first one to acknowledge her potential as a musical actress. Thanks to that, she gained a lot of confidence. When she returned this time, she was planning to challenge Broadway officially.
[Please get along well with HeeYoon.]
[Okay, then. See you next time.]
[Be careful on your way home.]
KangYoon waved his hands. Reina picked up her luggage as well. But then, she spoke again as though she remembered something.
[If, you know, I become a successful actress, I’ll invest in your company.]
KangYoon blinked. Although this was rather sudden, he did not ignore her and replied.
[There are a lot of good companies in the States. Why would you invest in me?]
[I just have a good feeling about it. The people are good as well and above all… the CEO is the best one out there, I guess?]
[My word, I’m flattered.]
[Hahahaha!]
Reina laughed and picked up her bags again. She then spoke in a serious expression.
[You know, I wasn’t joking when I said I’ll invest in you. If I have the ability to, I really do want to invest here.]
[Our company will become more expensive as time goes. It won’t be easy you know?]
[I’ll have a lot of money as times goes as well. So no worries there.]
[Hahaha.]
KangYoon also laughed out loud.
After the conversation, HeeYoon came again.
“Okay then, brother. I’m off.”
“Call me when you guys arrive.”
“Yes.”
HeeYoon gave KangYoon a light hug before heading in. Reina followed suit.
Having sent the two off, KangYoon drove the car Lee HyunJi lent him back to the office.
He came to the office around noon.
However, neither Lee HyunJi nor Jung HyeJin was present, but there was someone else waiting for him.
“Yo, Mr. Lee KangYoon! It’s been a long time!”
“You… Yeon JooAH?”
“Heheh, hi!”
JooAh, wearing a beanie, greeted him with a big smile on her face
