Chapter 99

### Chapter 099: If I Can't Debut, I'll Get a Terminal Illness

Actually, I had expected the preparation for the second album to go relatively smoothly from the beginning. This was because the company staff, who had tasted hell while preparing the debut album, had tried to start the preparation for the next album as early as possible.

"The list of candidate songs is almost complete, and we plan to select and arrange them according to the album concept. The rest will be moved to the next album or dropped."

"Understood."

The only problem was that the department head couldn't let go of his obsession with in-house production.

"Since we have plenty of time this time, take your time to discuss the title track and let me know when you're ready."

"Thank you."

"Understood!"

This was because he had once again postponed the production of the title track.

'...Was the success of the debut album the root of the problem?'

He clearly thought that his ideas worked well in the entertainment industry.

Still, it was fortunate that we had plenty of time this time. The deadline was set for more than two months, and most of the songs were already completed.

Thanks to this, the members' expressions were not too bad.

"Let's pick some good songs this time too."

"Can't wait for Rabin to arrange them?"

"Thank you."

Even when asked to select three songs from twenty title track candidates, despite the concept not being finalized, the atmosphere remained hopeful.

...However, a few days later, I began to think that in-house production might have been better.

* * *

"…A collaboration?"

"Yeah, that's it!"

I had a bad feeling from the moment the department head called me, but I didn't expect such a bomb to drop.

"Could you tell me what kind of collaboration you're talking about?"

"Here, take a look."

The department head handed over a document with a confident expression.

First, the large text caught my eye.

[New Business Proposal]

[Mobile Game]

[T1 Plays Co., Ltd.]

"……?"

"This is a game being developed by a venture company that T1 recently acquired as a subsidiary. It feels like it's a perfect fit. The timing is just right. If we collaborate with Testa, the synergy will be obvious. Plus, it's a game, so it'll be easy to set the concept and it'll be great."

The department head, who had rambled on, added with a satisfied look.

"This is an internal document, but I'm showing it to you because I trust Testa. Just look at it, don't say anything."

Fuck, that's none of my concern.

'Mobile game…?'

I wish someone would tell me this is a dream.

Ryu Cheong-woo, standing beside me, asked in the calmest voice he could manage. He seemed less shocked, probably because he had no connection to mobile games.

"…What kind of collaboration are you thinking of…?"

"Think about it. We'll be making a comeback at the same time as the game's release. If we promote each other, the interest will double, right?"

I have no idea where such a fucked-up idea comes from. Is he generating saliva instead of hormones in his pituitary gland?

'What do you expect from a mobile game…?'

Or did they receive some kind of request from the other side?

No, unless they're a model, there's almost no one who would welcome such a deep involvement with an idol album.

'They'll be overshadowed by the idol image.'

If it's set to release in two months, it's almost complete, and then they want to add content promoting an unfamiliar idol? It's a recipe for a disaster.

'If they pushed this, it means the Testa fans are just being milked for money and then abandoned…'

I could see the future where the Testa brand image would be ruined.

'They'll be labeled as a mass-produced, failed game meme.'

How are we supposed to include content promoting a game in an album, especially a mobile game?

I don't know if the department head has been scammed or is pushing this, but either way, it's fucked. It seems like he's just messing around.

"Friday afternoon, I've set up a meeting with them, so be mentally prepared."

"…Department head, is everything already decided?"

"I've already talked to the higher-ups and sorted everything out. Testa just needs to work hard."

"…Understood."

It was a confirmation of the death sentence. If I protest here, it will only lead to a fight with the company and a forced acceptance.

'Fuck, really…'

Maybe I should prepare the next album in advance and get it confirmed. I'm going crazy.

"……"

After ending the meeting with the department head and leaving, I checked to see if anyone had a proper grasp of the situation.

'Everyone except the two Isejin is in shock.'

I expected this from Big Isejin, but Little Isejin was surprising.

'Does he have a hobby of playing games?'

Anyway, the other four had a somewhat bewildered but determined atmosphere.

They probably expected difficulties similar to the debut album. …Let's just see how it goes.

'They'll figure it out when we go to the meeting on Friday.'

At that moment, Big Isejin elbowed me in the side.

"…What do you think?"

"It's over."

"Haha."

Big Isejin slowly laughed, but then a look of annoyance flashed across his face.

"This one is really bad, isn't it? …It's not something that can be solved with effort."

"…Yeah."

"It's really too much…"

Big Isejin seemed to want to say more but, realizing his voice was getting louder, he closed his mouth.

'Wise choice.'

Instead, I checked Isejin's reaction. Isejin was walking with a pale face, looking at the ground.

"……"

Is this because of the situation? I've never seen him look so dead.

Sure enough, Cha Yujin, who was right next to him, patted Isejin's back.

"Bro! Does it hurt?"

"…! No, …I'm fine."

He's speaking normally.

'Should I probe a bit?'

I thought about it for a moment but decided against it. He's not a kid; he'll handle it.

Right now… the urgent task is to find a solution to this fucked-up situation.

'…If we just add a bonus track and use it as the game's theme song…'

The department head won't accept that. Damn.

I kept thinking on my way back to the dorm, but (of course) I couldn't find a solution.

However, at that moment, the game collaboration situation was unexpectedly growing like a snowball, causing more unforeseen problems.

This wasn't just affecting Testa.

* * *

The initial cause of this incident was when T1 Stars Ent. finally registered on 'Job Universe,' allowing employees to write company reviews.

A few former staff members, who had burned out while preparing the debut album and quit, wrote scathing reviews.

=========================

[Pros: The artists work hard, the food is delicious.]

[Cons: Lack of structure, foolish management by inexperienced executives, no work-life balance due to unreasonable schedules.]

[Overall: The only way out is to quit. I hope the artists quit too.]

=========================

The most recent review was this, with a one-star rating.

Reviews from employees of famous agencies often attract attention, so this screenshot circulated in various communities.

-They're replacing people… It's worse because it's a subsidiary of a large company. It seems the executives are clueless.

-Save Testa.

-Sigh.

-The fans' efforts weren't in vain.

└But didn't that make the work-life balance worse?

└There's no mention of fans in the review, why are you thinking that way?

└Suddenly grabbing the fans by the hair;;

└You guys must have been too afraid to write more, huh? 😂

The success of Testa's debut activities made people talk even more.

The screenshot even made it to an anonymous app for professionals.

=========================

[Is the entertainment industry really that tough?] : I was interested and looked into a job change, but it's scary. It's probably tough anyway since I'm not in the field. What do actual employees think? (Screenshot) @Entertainment

=========================

- Honestly, it's not worth the salary (MS Entertainment)

- Everyone does the same thing, haha (LeTi Entertainment)

- The starting salary is just enough to not starve, but the work is rewarding. But it's also a bubble (Treasure Entertainment)

The complaints continued. However, just as the post was about to disappear from the front page, the actual employee appeared.

- Haha, it's our company. Absolutely don't come here, stay… (T1 Stars Entertainment)

└Wow, you showed up

└Is it that tough?

└Yes (T1 Stars Entertainment)

└😭😭😭Oh no

└Haha, you told us everything

The short and blunt response was packed with meaning.

People flocked to ask questions, and the employee, gradually getting angrier, posted a lot of information.

- First, there are really strange people at the top. I've met all kinds of people, but this is the first time I've seen this level. The debut album almost failed. They brought in some weird concepts…

- This time, they brought in something weird again, but it seems it's already confirmed… Honestly, the artists are pitiful.

- Watching the artists work hard to convince the executives during the debut was a bit heartbreaking… I feel bad for myself. Being here is… 😂

- Everyone thinks the same, so I don't think anyone will be identified… I'm angry, so I'll stop here. Absolutely don't join our company~ (T1 Stars Entertainment)

The comment was deleted after the post went hot, but the screenshot remained and circulated.

Naturally, the fans who were eagerly waiting for the next album were suddenly hit with a cold shower.

- What does this mean?

- Is it true?

└It's real; you need to verify with the company email.

└I can't believe it.

Feeling a sudden chill, the fans quickly rewatched the second episode of the reality show.

They started to feel something was off about the second episode and the behind-the-scenes videos, which had seemed like a warm and passionate production diary.

- Did the kids present something in the reality show because the executives brought in some weird ideas to convince them?

- The one who brought it in seems to be the department head. The man sitting in the middle. They were presenting to him.

- Looking at it, the 'Magical Boys' title was left to the kids, and 'High Five' was worked on by the company. But Rabin was involved in the arrangement of 'High Five.'

└It seems they convinced the 'High Five' side.

└So, both songs were reworked from the beginning? With less than a month left?

└😂😂😂Did they really do both songs, including the concept, music video, and choreography, in a month? Are they sane? Did they even let the kids sleep?

└I was already pissed off thinking it was just 'Magical Boys,' but it's twice as bad now. 😂😂😂

The burning fans soon became chilled with worry about the future.

- The writer said they brought in some weird concept this time, but it's already confirmed.

- No way.

- Sigh.

- Please, at least give the kids more time and let them work on it.

Terrified fans started calling and emailing the company, asking, "Is it true that the concept for Testa's upcoming second album is already decided, as mentioned on the internet?"

At first, the responses were consistent, as if generated by a macro, but as the volume of inquiries increased, the content and tone became more formal.

=========================

[This is T1 Stars Entertainment.

First, we apologize that we cannot provide a specific answer as the matter you inquired about is a company secret.

However, we are preparing a lot for Testa's new album, and we respect the artists' opinions…]

=========================

Of course, this was not reassuring. If the album concept was undecided or if Testa was directly involved, a clear answer would have been given by now.

- The content of the comment screenshot seems to be true.

- What do we do?

- We should just give Testa the company; that would be better.

The fans eventually started taking more extreme actions.

- The department head in the reality show is Kwak Shin-gyun, right? We should give him direct feedback.

And this choice led to a significant outcome.