Chapter 172

「Is this really Min-seo’s?」

Lee Hyuk-soo’s mother-in-law, Gil Soo-jin, stared wide-eyed at the grade report her daughter had brought home.

A daughter who had never once ranked within the top three grade levels.

However, today’s report card was almost entirely within the second rank, with only one exception.

And this had happened within just two months.

「Yes, yes.」

The daughter, who was mumbling while standing before her, looked fairly exhausted.

But that didn’t matter to Soo-jin in the slightest.

Because to Gil Soo-jin, this report card was everything.

Until now, the second-born had only been cute, her future entirely unclear.

But now, she had turned into the delightful child that Soo-jin had so long hoped for.

Especially when looking at these scores.

Clearly, Yoo-joo was the real deal.

Not only from her own abilities, but Soo-jin felt certain that it was undoubtedly due to her brother’s portfolio.

‘If she follows this path, she can definitely get into Baekyeon Medical School…’

Min-seo had practically given up on that, but if this kept up, both of her children had a clear shot.

「Our Min-seo has really been working hard, hasn’t she? On the other hand…」

Gil Soo-jin’s eyes narrowed and turned towards Min-soo’s twin brother, Min-hyeok.

Min-hyeok’s scores were overwhelmingly better than Min-seo’s.

Most were in the top rank, with a few in the secondary rank. Only one minor subject was in the third rank.

「You’re consistent, our son.」

「…」

But the key point here was that while Min-seo had made a huge leap, Min-hyeok’s scores had remained stagnant.

Though this time Min-hyeok’s scores were higher, the next mock exam, or even the college entrance exam, could be different.

No, actually, with Min-seo being so close to Yoo-joo, it was quite possible she would outperform Min-hyeok.

After all, Min-seo’s scores had made an incredible jump in just two months.

「Please don’t disappoint me, Mom. From next time onward, when Min-seo meets Yoo-joo, you should come along too.」

「Mother.」

「Son, I only do these things for your own good.」

Gil Soo-jin said this like her usual mantra.

All for him.

Of course, Min-hyeok understood that; this was undoubtedly for him.

But within that, there was definitely a little of her self-interest.

Min-hyeok also dreamed of becoming a doctor.

But…

「Understood, Mother.」

Min-hyeok couldn’t answer any other way right now.

Because frankly, no matter what he said, Gil Soo-jin wouldn’t listen.

Thus, Min-hyeok would have no choice but to join Min-seo whenever she met Yoo-joo.

「Ah, so you want to be friends?」

Yoo-joo smiled faintly and asked.

By the way, Min-hyeok had never said anything about wanting to be friends.

He had simply joined Yoo-joo and Min-seo naturally when Min-seo met her.

But Yoo-joo seemed to have instantly understood his intentions.

Well, if someone you had previously despised suddenly approaches you, the reason would be obvious.

「If you don’t want to…」

「I don’t hate it. It’s just a bit odd.」

After saying that, Yoo-joo quietly looked at Min-hyeok.

That gaze was characteristic of Yoo-joo, a look that belittled others.

It had been several months since entering high school.

During that time, Yoo-joo had already won over the hearts of teachers.

After all, she was the top student.

Outstanding in the already elite Baekyeon High School students, and her recent mock exam results were excellent too, with her midterm exams being outstanding without a doubt.

「What? Yoo-joo, you don’t really mind being with your brother, right?」

「I don’t really care.」

Min-seo looked somewhat flustered.

Meanwhile, Yoo-joo was silently staring at Min-hyeok.

While basking in that gaze.

Kim Hyun-seok, who was playing Min-hyeok, felt something strange.

As if there was a change in it.

Previously, it was a solely oppressive look belittling the other, but now it carried a hint of vulnerability.

A bit like the sharp spines of a hedgehog.

It was just concealed.

Somehow, it felt completely different.

Why?

Just as this thought was swirling in his mind…

“CUT! Hyun-seok, it’s your next line, please!”

“Ah, sorry.”

He’d already messed up so many NGs that he was now somewhat indifferent to it.

He empathized with Min-seo’s state of mind to some extent.

Ironically, not being expected makes you more relaxed.

Of course, that didn’t mean he didn’t feel apologetic.

He felt sorry for the actors who were losing their energy each time he messed up.

But recently, something he realized from constantly being criticized and pointed out on the internet was:

No matter how anxious you get, it only leads to negative effects.

It’s better to remain calm and objectively observe yourself.

So,

Once the scene was adequately wrapped up,

After filming ended, Hyun-seok approached Joo Soo-yeon.

“Your acting feels different, doesn’t it?”

Hyun-seok, who rarely initiated conversations with Jo Soo-yeon, asked her this.

Upon hearing this, Soo-yeon widened her eyes.

She must have been surprised that he approached her with a question.

No, perhaps she was surprised that he noticed a change in her acting?

It was a somewhat ambiguous reaction.

“Have I slightly changed something? Is it noticeable?”

“Did…did you?”

The actress playing Min-seo, Park Se-jin, seemed completely unaware.

No, it wasn’t that she was totally unaware.

She felt a different vibe but had just assumed it was due to her condition.

“Yoo-joo looked somewhat vulnerable.”

What was the best way to express it?

It was as if the tone had changed.

Based on what Hyun-seok had observed up until this point, Soo-yeon’s acting was emotional.

Meaning, it clearly conveyed feelings, easily expressing emotions.

Hence, it was distinctly palpable that her emotional projection had shifted.

“Just thought a bit more from Yoo-joo’s perspective.”

Soo-yeon couldn’t resonate much with Yoo-joo.

Therefore, deeper emotional acting was difficult for her.

Primarily because it was hard to discern the clear reason why Yoo-joo disrespected others despite being a top student.

But now, she understood a little.

That Yoo-joo was, surprisingly, rather similar to her.

“And, Yoo-joo is just…an underdeveloped child.”

Muttering this, Soo-yeon’s attitude seemed slightly subdued.

Hyun-seok felt a bit odd.

Her atmosphere had oddly become a little quieter.

‘Could it be due to the ratings?’

The ratings for “Sky Garden” were quite high, around 10 percent.

At that level, it was certainly a hit among the recent dramas released.

Just the ratings themselves were quite satisfactory.

Only, with “The Grand Game” also airing as a Moon-Tuesday drama, most of the attention was drawn towards it.

Even if “Sky Garden” continued to maintain solid ratings, ultimately all the focus would be on “The Grand Game.”

Second place, no matter how well it does, is not what people remember.

Unless there’s a turning point, this ranking won’t change.

So, from Soo-yeon’s perspective as a lead actress, it must be disappointing.

Even though the ratings are good, they’re not receiving attention due to the first place drama.

“Oh, that’s right. This week’s episodes are 7 and 8, right?”

Seemingly noticing this strange atmosphere, Park Se-jin brightened the mood by saying this.

“Yes, it’s correct.”

“It’s surprising to realize it’s already come this far. We’re almost at Episode 10… I hope we get a great response as Episode 10 contains quite strong scenes.”

Episode 10 would be a turning point for the drama.

Not just for the drama itself, but also for Yoo-joo.

And for Min-hyeok and Min-seo.

On another note, “The Grand Game” also plans to place their bets in Episode 10.

‘Frankly, this is going to be difficult.’

‘Too much really.’

Hyun-seok and Se-jin thought this even without speaking.

But it didn’t matter.

Both were quite content with the current results of “Sky Garden.”

Therefore, even if Soo-yeon is compared to them and criticized online, they could accept it without much concern.

Besides, Park Se-jin wasn’t criticized that much.

Because her role as Min-seo wasn’t especially serious, it didn’t draw much attention.

“By the way, the Semi-Finals of ‘Masked Singer’ are this week, right? Is it this weekend?”

Se-jin whispered this to Soo-yeon in a low voice.

Soo-yeon was startled.

How did Se-jin know about that?

“PD Lee Min-hwa and I were having a meeting, and she accidentally mentioned it. Don’t worry. I’ll keep it a secret.”

PD Min-hwa is human, so slip-ups can happen.

Apparently, it came up during a discussion about the promotion of ‘Sky Garden’ with Park Se-jin.

Incidentally, Hyun-seok had no idea what they were talking about.

“I’ll root for you!”

With that, Soo-yeon gave an ambiguous laugh.

After all, ‘Masked Singer’ was also causing headaches for her.

***

“Uhhh… Can we remake the theme song of a comic?”

Cha Na-hee looked taken aback as she glanced at Soo-yeon.

Technically, it’s possible.

But why a cartoon theme?

“Because it’s the song that brought my parents together.”

“Ah, that’s why it’s a nostalgic tune.”

Cha Na-hee quickly added after understanding.

Phew, she had almost made a big mistake.

But, why a cartoon theme? she thought.

Still…

“Surprisingly good.”

Actually, moving away from that…

“Is this a comic song?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, I didn’t know that.”

She had naturally assumed it was one of those older pop songs she often heard in places like karaoke rooms.

As Cha Na-hee rarely ever engaged with anime or manga, it’s understandable that she thought the melody had a traditional feel.

Maybe hearing some of the ‘Wizard’s’ stories recently sparked this interest in an entirely foreign world?

“But this kind of thing usually comes with copyright issues.”

“I’ve already secured permission.”

Action!!

Seriously, did she just walk in determined to do this?

That action was truly something to admire.

‘Still…’

Cha Na-hee subtly observed Soo-yeon’s expression.

She seemed down, unlike usual.

Was there some reason?

Even though she didn’t appear gloomy when spoken to, it was clear there was something on her mind.

“Is this for the Semi-Finals? And isn’t that Yeo-hee’s song?”

“No…if we advance.”

What, in the finals?

But does she actually think she’ll win the Semi-Finals?

“It’s not like that. Preparing hurriedly like this is impossible.”

“True.”

Still, if she did happen to win this round, that would be the bigger issue.

Soo-yeon didn’t have any backup songs prepared.

So preparing for the Semi-Final and having a ready song for the finals is necessary.

“Is it possible?”

“Of course! But the timeline is tight. With the finals in mind, we have around 12 days to prepare?”

“Yes.”

If she triumphs in the Semi-Finals, then that’s roughly the time available.

Given she’s already secured the copyright, it’s a close call but still within reach.

‘Still, Danyoung-ssi is busy too…’

Commonly known as ‘Wizard’, her real name is Han Da-young.

She too is occupied with recent broadcast preparations.

Unlike Cha Na-hee, who at least has time due to the limited ‘Sky Garden’ shootings.

“I’ll try.”

Nonetheless, Na-hee wanted to help Soo-yeon if given the chance.

After all, this is nothing less than the ‘Masked Singer’ Grand Finals!

If she can manage to arrange a song that stands a chance at success, she too could probably learn something substantial.

After all, her name would also be attached as the arranger, not to mention the arrangement process itself.

It’s not entirely devoid of merit.

“Should I mention this to Nova Entertainment?”

“No, I prefer working on these kinds of things alone.”

Na-hee said that and,

From that day, she dove into late-night work sessions.

In terms of music equipment, Nova Entertainment wasn’t as well-equipped as Ho-yeon’s side.

They poured unnecessary money into trying to properly train an idol, and that excess spending left behind mostly failed idols and high-cost equipment.

“…I’m a bit tired.”

Glancing at the time, it was already well past midnight.

Still, even if she wanted to sleep, the deadline was too close.

After all, this kind of work normally done by a whole team she was handling all by herself.

“A somewhat more vibrant feel would be good.”

The original song leans slightly toward an emotional tone.

That’s the type Soo-yeon excels at singing.

The song Yeo-hee will perform at the Quarter-Finals also falls in that category.

But continuing with the same mood for the finals would be…

Well, it’s a competition, isn’t it?

Continuing with what she’s already established will only make it familiar for the audience.

A creator must engage the audience with their work.

And that work being highly rated often happens when it resonates with the audience.

Soo-yeon’s biggest asset.

However, sometimes a bit of novelty is required.

Placing too much faith in empathy and repeatedly using the same vibe won’t suffice.

Currently, Cha Na-hee is striving to find a way to blend these elements appropriately.

In the dark nights, staying back at her agency.

“…You’re still here?”

Rabin glanced at the still-lit studio and sighed.

“You’re still here, Sister.”

“And you’ve been here too, haven’t you?”

“But this is home for me. Besides, I never came here to work. It’s boring to play by myself at home, so I dragged So-eun along. Besides, it’s the mood!”

And ‘Let’s go to the karaoke room!’, and that’s how we ended up here.

So here was a place where she could sing for free anyway.

Plus, she even had a karaoke machine Rabin secretly brought in, making it quite the recreational setup.

But seeing her sober up mid-way through her buzz, Rabin was shocked.

She hadn’t expected Cha Na-hee to be working at this hour.

“Persistent chick…”

“She’s successful because she works like this.”

“Hey, are you asking for a beat?”

Rabin muttered as she turned her body around, claiming her singing time had been stolen.

“Hey, let’s go outside.”

When Rabin called So-eun, she didn’t follow.

“What the—”

“Sister.”

“Na-hee doing late-night work isn’t something new. I was about to leave—”

“I heard it’s something Yoo-joo asked for.”

That monkey-like girl?

Still, why should that matter? Let’s just go. Let her be.

Thinking this, she was about to walk away when her feet wouldn’t move.

That annoying girl.

Yet seeing her like this, it wasn’t easy to ignore her.

They say there’s love even in hatred.

“Damn it, is it the booze?”

Rabin scratched her head and muttered.

“Let’s send her home and continue our gaming. It’s making me feel awkward.”

“But, is there anything we can do to help?”

“How would I know?”

Still, Rabin approached where Cha Na-hee was.

Pretending it was just because she was tipsy.

***

‘Oh man, I shouldn’t have participated in “Masked Singer”.’

Yeo-hee sat hunched on the throne, reserved for only the reigning King, feeling rather uneasy.

It made a perfect, royal-like posture!

Even the “Ashen Crow” mask she donned added to the cool factor, making her look like some villain from a tokusatsu movie.

Just on the outside, though.

Inside, it wasn’t like that.

‘Please, please, let me lose this round.’

Yeo-hee fervently prayed.

There were two singers on stage.

Among them, the Rabbit with glowing red eyes.

The person who introduced themselves as “Man-Lap Rabbit.”

Though their voice was distorted during the interview, Yeo-hee knew exactly who they were.

After all, hadn’t she been a regular viewer since “The Moon That Hid the Sun”?

She even knew the vocal techniques they used for the latest insert songs of “Sky Garden.”

While others seemed unaware, Yeo-hee recognized the voice immediately.

This must be Jo Soo-yeon singing!

Though she regularly followed her efforts with a distant sense of encouragement, she never expected to come face-to-face with her like this.

‘Could she possibly know who I am?’

She had already altered her singing style somewhat.

Plus, the song chosen wasn’t her usual type.

Therefore, while the audience seemed unaware,

The moment they announced “Man-Lap Rabbit’s turn! The song… ‘Wings of Wind and Birds’!”

The moment she heard the name of that song, Yeo-hee instinctively stood in shock.

Because “Wings of Wind and Birds” was her song!

‘S-She knows?’

Maybe it’s a warning?

But I haven’t done anything wrong yet.

Who would have thought I’d be trembling this way at my age?

Yeo-hee remained petrified like a stone until Soo-yeon’s song ended, fervently hoping for a loss.

However, had her heartfelt prayers resonated with the universe?

Soo-yeon won the Quarter-Finals with a significant margin!

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