Chapter 40

Li Huan deliberately remained silent for a moment, then said, "Participating in the show is fine, but... PD Ahn, let me be honest, my friends and I can go on the show together, but their personalities aren't exactly the best. I can't guarantee they will cooperate with your filming, and I might not fully cooperate myself. I talk a lot and say whatever comes to mind. If you can accept that, we can participate in the filming!"

Ahn Jung-hwan was taken aback, not expecting Li Huan to say these things. But upon reflection, it wasn't strange for young musicians to have some quirks. As long as they didn't hurt anyone, it should be fine. If there were any issues, there were always editors and post-production to handle it. What was there to worry about?

"Of course, there's no problem. However, since it's a TV show, there must be a basic flow for your segment so the host can introduce you and run the show!"

Li Huan felt relieved upon hearing the PD's response. If it was just the two girls, he wouldn't have to worry much. But with the Kim brothers and Panda Eye, who knew what they might say. If the Kim brothers started doing hardcore rap and cursing the seniority system in Korean schools, it would be a disaster.

"Alright, then. How about this: we're recording a new song. When we participate in the show, I'll perform this song live. As for the filming schedule, it would be best to do it next month so we can practice!"

Ahn Jung-hwan smiled at the mention of a new song. He didn't expect it to be amazing, but as long as it was as good as the two songs already uploaded online, the show would be interesting.

"Alright, let's settle on that. I'll notify you a week before the filming starts, and we can discuss the shooting process. Is that okay?"

"No problem!"

"Great, I'm glad there's no issue. I'm sorry for the disturbance. We'll be in touch next month!"

"No problem, see you next month, PD Ahn!"

"Alright!"

"Beep beep beep beep!!!"

After hanging up, Li Huan excitedly waved his fist. Finally, the first step was about to be taken.

Li Huan had two goals for participating in STARKING. The first was to gain recognition as a true musician through the new song. If he could get the public's approval and the song was of good quality, he might receive songwriting invitations and gradually enter the production circle.

The second goal was to see if he could get a rise out of Kang Ho-dong, as this directly related to his second plan, which needed to be accelerated to be possible.

Once the second plan was completed, Li Huan believed he could firmly establish himself in the industry and start looking for people to help the company.

But the immediate priority was to finish recording "Do Your Best First," then practice the live performance. Apart from the Kim brothers, the other three should have no issues with performing on stage.

"Phew! I hope the recording goes smoothly!"

Li Huan said this with a hint of helplessness, but he didn't blame everything on others. His own lack of production skills was also a factor in slowing down the process.

For example, when Quan Baolan recorded a segment of rap, Li Huan thought it was okay, but when Jin Aeman played it back, it sounded like a mess with poor phrasing.

Just like the title of Li Huan's video, this group was indeed a rookie band.

Li Huan didn't know that during his phone call, the others in the room were filled with enthusiasm, determined not to be a burden to him.

When Li Huan returned to the room and continued working, he was pleasantly surprised to see Jin Aeman slowing down and putting more emotion into the rap. He felt much more at ease.

The efficiency of the rookie band also increased rapidly. When it was someone else's turn to record, Jin Aeman and Jin Aeshik would help Li Huan with various recording techniques and how to correct mistakes. The ability to critique, however, required personal insight. Different people might have different standards for which lyrics were sung poorly or incorrectly. The producer's job was to make them perfect, or at least make them appealing to the majority.

Over the next few days, the rookie band's progress accelerated, though it was still much slower compared to professional recording. But everyone was enjoying the process.

...

Time slowly passed from February to the first day of March. After a week of being in the studio, Li Huan and the others were a bit worn out. With the recording almost complete, they were now practicing live performances. Li Huan also mentioned the show, and everyone was enthusiastic, even the Kim brothers, who were eager to try it out.

Another noteworthy event was that Li Zhiyan and Quan Baolan were summoned by the company president, Jin Guangzhu, to discuss their progress. After a few encouraging words, they were dismissed.

Although not much was said, the subtle attitude made them feel something.

Due to the two videos, Quan Baolan and Li Zhiyan gained many fans. The videos focused on their performances, and with the help of someone who paid for their styling and clothes, the effect was excellent. Especially the cute and innocent Quan Baolan, who, after people learned her real age, became even more popular, perhaps due to the charm of the contrast.

So, the two girls' happiness over the past two days also infected the four men with different personalities. Li Huan, in particular, found joy in teasing the pseudo-loli.

Today, Jung Joon-young went back to catch up on sleep, while the Kim brothers went out to hang out with friends, or perhaps cause trouble.

Quan Baolan and Li Zhiyan returned to the company to practice, as they were still trainees and needed to focus on their training.

Li Huan, on the other hand, was preparing to show brotherly care by accompanying his sister to the show.

After DAVICHI's mini-album was released, it received good reviews, especially the lead single "8282." Today was DAVICHI's comeback stage on a popular music show, and although Li Huan was resting, he decided to go along.

...

This was Li Huan's third time at the TV station. The first two times were also for music shows, back in 2002. To participate in live filming, it wasn't as simple as applying for tickets online as it is now. Fans had to apply through their fan organizations, and even individuals could apply online, and the TV station would arrange it.

Thinking back, Li Huan felt nostalgic. Although he was young then, he had a lot of freedom. Even though he didn't fit in at school, he wasn't a completely emotionless teenager. Remembering the times he led so many people to Jeonju, Li Huan felt it was a good memory, even though they ended up at the police station...

Walking through the floors of the SBS broadcasting building, Li Huan didn't look the least bit nervous. Instead, he walked with his head held high, looking like an employee. No one paid him much attention, as the TV station staff were always busy.