Raising a Neglected Singer-Songwriter - Chapter 121



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Raising a Neglected Singer-Songwriter Episode 121

121. My Favorite Girl

A stream descended behind, adorned with splendid vines and flower arrangements, on which were engraved the English names of the eight surviving girls.

“The final 7 rounds of ‘My Favorite Girls’ will be broadcast live. The subtitle of today’s mission that everyone has been waiting for is ‘Proof’.”

[Round 1: Appeal to charm]

[Round 2: Unit Battle]

[Round 3: Genre Digestion]

[Round 4: Position Battle]

[Round 5: Conceptualization]

[Round 6: Potential]

It is a gateway where you must prove yourself by growing through the previous six rounds.

“Before we get to the actual competition stage, I’d like to explain how the final voting will proceed today.”

30% of global first-round votes tallied during the early voting period.

A method in which the debut members are determined by the final combined votes, with 70% of the votes coming from the second round of voting conducted during the live broadcast, limited to Korea.

And immediately the rankings for the pre-global first round of voting were revealed.

The ranking results, with domestic and overseas votes each accounting for 50%, were displayed on the screen.

[Final 1st round voting rankings]

1st place Lee Haru

2nd place Jin Ha-neul

3rd place Eunhye Min

···

‘Still in second place.’

Seongjun swallowed softly after checking Jin Ha-neul’s ranking.

Continued standing still.

If you don’t get to 1st place through this live broadcast, you will miss out on the [Promotion Mission].

“Next, it’s time to reveal the name of the group that the five girls who will be selected as the final debut members will be promoting in.”

As Ye-seon-ha snapped her fingers, the group names written in English and Korean appeared.

[BLIZ / Breeze]

The typography engraved in pure white and soft lavender elicits exclamations of “Ohhhh.”

“[Breeze] is a combination of ‘BeLoved’ and ‘IS’ to fit the program ‘My Favorite Girls’”

At the same time, it was introduced as containing the ambition to bring a refreshing breeze to the music industry, meaning a gentle breeze of fairies.

Anyway, it seems like the trend these days is to combine several words to give them a certain meaning when naming idol groups.

But still, when I was thinking that the name was pretty, Ye-seon-ha finally announced the start of the mission.

“The first mission of the final round is the ‘New Song Mission’.”

A mission that also appeared once in the semi-finals.

The composers who participated were the same two star composers as in the last semi-finals, Zeke and Sungjun.

Likewise, the mission song and part selection were also assigned based on consultation between the mentors.

Everyone agreed and agreed, as he suggested a song that would suit girls better.

Next, two teams, each consisting of four people, performed new songs on stage.

“High Light. Every moment of mine shines brighter than anyone else’s.”

In complete contrast to the semi-finals, Zeke’s song [HighLight] was more lively and bouncy than flashy.

“Break the spell. Break the evil spell that blocks my path.”

Sungjun’s song [Break the Spell] gave a twist with its strong band sound beats and melody.

Following the previous [FEST] and [BLOOM], these two new songs were also masterpieces that completely captured the eyes and ears of the audience.

The girls also performed their new song perfectly on the final rounddown professional stage, and the audience responded with a loud cheer to the effort and passion they showed.

The second mission, the theme song mission, followed quickly.

The eight contestants who made it to the final stage formed a team and performed the theme song ‘Wanna be your One’ that announced the start of ‘My Favorite Girls’.

“Wanna be your One.”

As the girls recreate the memorable stage, the audience also sings along to the familiar chorus.

Compared to the beginning of the program, it is definitely a stage where everyone has gained experience and become more relaxed.

Among them, the trainee who showed the greatest improvement was Jin Ha-neul.

“As expected, no one can match Sky Yang when it comes to songs with such an elegant atmosphere. Even when she’s not the center, people’s eyes naturally go to her.”

“I think it was because the expressiveness became more diverse, and the stage, which had previously been just innocent, became more lively. I enjoyed it.”

The mentors’ comments supported this.

Next, a special stage sequence followed.

“Huh?! These are the girls who were eliminated?!”

A special stage prepared by all 10 of your favorite girls, including the 2 girls who were eliminated.

The girls, who had gathered as a full group again, performed a medley stage of the mission songs they had performed in the previous round.

Thanks to all 10 girls participating, the stage was presented with a richer and more full composition.

That ended all the live broadcast stages.

All that remains is the final voting results to decide the debut members.

“Now… it’s time to decide on the final debut members who will be active as [Breeze].”

As Ye-seon Ha takes the mic, tension fills the room.

Meanwhile, Sungjun was looking at the trainees standing next to him, and a holographic list was spread out in front of him.

[Special Mission] with [Broken Music Box] parts, it had the names of the 5 expected debut members written on it.

There was also a [Promotion Mission] that required Jin Ha-neul to rise to the top of the final rankings.

Seongjun took a deep breath as he looked back and forth between the list and Jinhaneul.

‘Phew. I did everything I could.’

Last rehearsal before the live broadcast begins.

“Everyone worked hard to get to the finals. Let’s show off all the effort we’ve put in so far without holding back or regretting anything.

And no matter what the outcome, let’s take care of each other. When the program is over, I’ll buy each of you a delicious cup of ‘coffee’.”

In the words of encouragement to the girls, we added a keyword that only Jin Ha-neul would be able to recognize.

Since he couldn’t give any grand help for fear of being seen as biased, that hidden support was the best he could do as Sungjun.

“yes!!!”

I don’t know if he recognized the secret word, but Jin Ha-neul’s eyes sparkled brightly as he answered forcefully.

The final rankings were announced in order from 4th place.

“4th place goes to girl Alice!”

The first girl, a mixed-race Canadian girl, whose name was called, covered her mouth with both hands and blinked her big eyes in disbelief.

Alice, with her long legs and exotic mask, walked out to the debut zone at the front of the stage and shared her thoughts.

“It’s all thanks to this that I was able to debut with [Breeze]-”

‘Good start!’

Seongjun cheers and gives congratulatory applause.

At this moment, Alice’s name in the hologram list lit up brightly.

The effect was activated by ‘Final Member Bingo’.

‘You’ve done a good job of getting the first button of your special mission off to a good start.’

1st to 3rd place are somewhat concrete.

Since the fan base is so strong, a debut is likely.

I couldn’t relax about 4th and 5th place because there were variables due to the live voting, but with this, Hana got the answer right.

Well, if you don’t get to the last 5th place, you’re out of luck.

After calming down my excited mind, the next member’s announcement followed.

“The girl who came in third place is… Congratulations! Girl Eunhye Min!”

The ranking was as expected.

Hwaaak-

Eunhye Min’s name on the list shone brightly, and Ye Seon-ha’s introductory remarks flowed.

“Eunhye Min is a trainee who has been showing her potential as a main vocalist based on her solid vocal skills since the first round self-introduction mission. She came in third place with a final vote count of 2,850,707. Congratulations once again.”

Applause filled the recording studio.

This gives you two strikes.

But the real game starts right now.

“Now, let’s announce the second place girl.”

At the one word from the preliminary round, a strange tension flows through the audience where the applause has died down.

Sungjun, the mentor, also sat up straight.

There were already trainees that everyone predicted would be in 1st and 2nd place.

Haru Lee, the undisputed number one who has never once stepped down from the top spot.

And the beauty queen, Jin Ha-neul, who has been on the rise recently and is right behind her.

Since Eunhye Min, who was originally in a three-way battle, was decided as third place, the fight for first place naturally became the share of these two people.

In other words, it is safe to say that the first place is automatically determined based on whose name is called.

It seemed as if they had that in mind as well, as Jin Ha-neul and Lee Ha-ru stood side by side, their faces clearly showing tension.

Ye-seon-ha’s lips, which had been tense and silent for a long time, finally opened.

“The girl who took 2nd place in the final vote is! The powerful performer, Iharu!”

Seongjun’s eyes drew large circles along with cheers from the audience.

‘Iharu’s name was called for 2nd place…!’

Seongjun’s eyes meet a girl’s on stage.

“······.”

“······.”

Really, what they think happened is what happened.

Or maybe something unexpected happened.

Their silent gazes cross, filled with confusion, anticipation, and doubt.

“I’m so happy that I can debut as an idol, which has been my dream since I was little-”

I’m sorry, but I didn’t hear Iharu’s comments in Korean and Japanese.

At this moment, there was only one thing that Sungjun and Jin Ha-neul wanted.

A clear answer that will put an end to the current confusion!

The person who will tell you the answer is, of course, MC Ye-seon.

“Okay, then! Now I will announce the long-awaited first place.”

In one word, all eyes are focused on her.

“The long-awaited 1st place with a total of 3,289,495 votes······!”

The corners of Ye-seon-ha’s mouth, which had been tense with a stern expression, went up.

“The long-awaited #1, chosen as the most beloved girl by global fans around the world…! Congratulations to Jin Ha-neul!”

The cheers were so explosive that they left a lasting impression, along with a magnificent fanfare.

In the meantime, Jin Ha-neul was frozen with his mouth open in a daze.

As the girls shook her with tears and congratulations, Jin Ha-neul’s eyes were fixed on the total number of votes appearing on the screen.

[Final round final votes]

1st place. Jin Ha-neul 3,289,495 votes

2nd place. Lee Haru 3,288,273 votes

The difference in votes between Jin Ha-neul and Lee Ha-ru was only about 1,200 votes.

Juruk-

Just like Jin Ha-neul, a cold sweat runs down Seong-jun’s back as he checks the screen.

‘Almost···.’

Something that could have changed the rankings.

If that was the case, [the promotion mission] would have gone across the water.

“[I am so honored and grateful to be able to debut with] Breeze. To the fans who chose me as their favorite. I will become a great singer who can repay the love you have given me. Thank you!”

Jin Ha-neul, who finished her speech calmly despite her trembling voice, bowed 90 degrees to the audience.

While all the other debut members were shedding tears, he was the only one enduring them···.

As expected, he is a strong-hearted person who is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside, which is different from his appearance.

After pretending to be calm and finishing his speech, Jin Ha-neul buried his face in his hands and shook his shoulders only after entering the debut zone.

‘You held out well. That’s admirable.’

It was a time when I smiled happily while looking at that clear sky.

[You have achieved the promotion mission.]

[Singer-songwriter rank is upgraded to level 4.]

The message that the mission that had taken a whole month had been completed appeared before my eyes.

[Stat and skill level restrictions are removed.]

[Added 4th level idle/rest activity.]

[style-]

I put the rising message aside for a moment.

You can check the detailed upgrades later.

‘It’s still too early to be completely happy.’

[Special Mission] The announcement of the 5th place winners remains, which will determine success or failure.

Originally, in survival debut projects, the most curious thing is who will take the last spot rather than who will win first place.

“Please, damn it!!!!”

“Please vote for our Seon-ah!!!!!!”

“Choi Hyo-jeo, oh my gosh!!!!”

With the last vacant spot for the debut group left, cheers that sounded like appeals began to erupt from the audience, who had been desperately hoping with their hands clasped together that their favorite name would be called.

Amidst the heated cheers, Ye-seon Ha announced the name of the last member.

“The 5th place winner of the final debut group is! The owner of an attractive voice, the Nangpa girl.”

Four girls standing side by side holding each other’s hands give a congratulatory applause to the last successful candidate.

A Thai girl, Nangpha, collapsed on the floor, her legs giving out.

at that time,

Flash-

The names of the five girls on the hologram list all glowed.

[You have achieved the special mission.]

[You have obtained the ‘Broken Music Box Mainspring’ as a reward.]

At the same time, Bangsinki’s signature eighth note (♪) shaped mainspring suddenly appeared before my eyes.

*

The festival scene where MXM Entertainment’s first girl group [BLIZ] was born.

Two days later.

Sungjun was on the set of the music video for the second title song, ‘Ring a Ring’.

His face, sitting on the waiting chair, is a little more serious than usual.

An expression that seems lost in thought, absorbed in something.

That was understandable, for in front of Sungjun’s eyes was floating a music box in the shape of a gramophone, visible only to his eyes.

And the system messages displayed together.

[Current music box restoration progress: 100%]

The hole on the back of the music box contained the mainspring, the last piece of the ‘Broken Music Box’ obtained through the [Special Mission].

The recovery rate reached 100%, but nothing happened after that.

Since it is a music box, you will have to wind it up and operate it to see its full effect.

“···Should I turn it around?”

It was the moment when Sungjun’s hand, holding Tae-yeop’s head, moved.

“What are you doing, Oppa?”

Seongjun hurriedly put the hologram in when he heard someone’s voice suddenly nearby.

Then, when I turned my head to check the other person’s identity, I saw Yuna running towards me from afar, waving her hand.

“No, just. By the way, you’re early.”

Seongjun calms his heart, which was pounding in surprise, and greets Yuna, pretending to be calm.

“Of course, of course you should come early. After all, I’m playing the role of the female protagonist ‘A’!”

Then Yuna raised the corners of her lips and confidently stuck her chest out and said.

Yes, that’s right.

Match of the Century: Ye-seon Ha vs. Yuna

After a fierce battle, the winner who eventually took the role of female lead A was none other than Yuna.

‘Justice prevails, Sister!’

Yuna laughed loudly like a wicked young lady.

‘That’s ridiculous…’

The loser, with a look of despair on his face as he was about to compete in the preliminary round, just kept repeating those words over and over again.

Well, that’s what it was anyway.

“Then, I’ll go and say hello to Director Choi as well. As the female protagonist A!”

How happy I am.

Yuna, who had once again emphasized her role, walked away with light steps, bouncing like a rabbit.

As Yuna disappeared from sight, Sungjun also stood up from his chair.

“I’m going to go to the van for a bit.”

After informing the staff of his brief absence, he got into the black van.

Manager Oh Hae-soo and coordinator Wi Woo-ri were not there.

Only Sungjun himself.

Seongjun, who confirmed that it was his own space, took out the music box that he had hidden from Yuna a little while ago.

And then he turned the spring.

Kirik Kirik

The mainspring, which had been wound three or four times, slowly unwound, and the music box worked as expected.

♪~ ♬~

Along with the clear metallic sound characteristic of a music box, the LP record placed on top of the trumpet gramophone began to spin around.

It was while Sungjun was watching that petite movement.

“···uh?”

Seongjun’s ears perk up.

His widened eyes turned to the trumpet flower connected to the slowly rotating LP record.

From a tiny trumpet tube…

The voice of a ‘strange man’ was flowing out.