Chapter 98

Reckless Genius Composer Returns - Chapter 98 (98/482)

Meanwhile,

Hyun Seung frowned, completely unaware of Jayble's thoughts as he stared at him.

'My ears are a bit itchy.'

It was just frustrating that he couldn't scratch his ears because of the helmet.

"Mentor..."

At that moment, Yun Jae, who had been heading towards the corner, approached him again and cautiously called out.

"Can I really advance to the finals with this?"

"I thought you were going to ask something else."

"Yoo Ju's performance was so intense and good, so the audience will naturally prefer a stage that's visually appealing..."

Right.

Yoo Ju's performance? It was intense enough to grab everyone's attention. The arrangement was also interesting and not cliché, and the elaborate performance and production showed a lot of effort.

But.

'Just up to that point.'

Jayble must have put in a lot of effort, but the instruments were not great. Yoo Ju's vocal range was small and narrow, which limited her performance.

Perhaps Jayble knew this and tried to distract the audience by making the arrangement and production as elaborate as possible. Of course, in a competition, people cheer for such performances, but...

'Just that.'

Such a stage, intense as it is, is easily forgotten.

Right.

After watching the upcoming performance by Kang Ha Jun, you'll soon forget about it.

"Ah... Kang Ha Jun's performance is about to start, I guess."

Seeing Hyun Seung's lack of response, Yun Jae thought he was agreeing with his comment about Yoo Ju's performance and changed the topic.

"Oh, that's right."

Hyun Seung replied indifferently, shifting his gaze to the stage.

"Stop talking nonsense and watch Kang Ha Jun's performance."

"Yes..."

The stage, which was being set up, looked chaotic, and the MC was conducting an interview with Kang Ha Jun on the side to fill the time.

"How was it working with judge Lee Young Ah for this round?"

"Being called the goddess of vocals, she was a great help."

Kang Ha Jun was definitely a stage performer. With his attractive appearance, smooth talking, and natural sense.

Every time he spoke, the audience erupted in cheers, "Squeal!" It was clear that many people were already captivated by his sparkling star quality.

"Mr. Ha Jun seems to be very popular with the audience."

"Look at his face. Of course, he's popular."

"Yeah, he's nice and sings well..."

"Didn't he always come in first in the pre-voting?"

"Yes, and the number of fan club members is increasing exponentially..."

Hyun Seung was about to say something to Yun Jae, who was trailing off, when suddenly:

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

The stage went dark, and a soft spotlight shone on Kang Ha Jun's head, accompanied by enthusiastic applause.

Swallow.

The sudden silence was so profound that even the sound of Yun Jae swallowing beside him was audible.

As Kang Ha Jun's face appeared close-up on the stage screen, everyone held their breath in anticipation.

The power to draw attention with just his face.

While a singer's innate voice and skills are important, in today's music industry, an attractive appearance that draws people's attention is also a powerful asset.

Kang Ha Jun possessed that power. It wasn't just that he was handsome; his good looks and likable aura harmonized well, giving him an overwhelming star quality.

Perhaps.

Lee Young Ah knew this too. So, she chose a simple stage production and focused on close-ups of Kang Ha Jun singing, rather than showing videos on the screen.

This would make the audience more engrossed in his singing.

'Good start.'

As he exhaled, the accompaniment began.

─ I can't understand why we broke up.

It was a common arrangement for a traditional ballad, but originality always works.

Kang Ha Jun's performance was more immersive and skillful than when Hyun Seung first met him.

"Wow..."

Yun Jae, standing beside him, covered her mouth with both hands and stared at the stage in amazement.

"Take a breath and watch."

"No, no..."

"You're going to cry listening to this."

"He's really good."

"Definitely."

In just one week, Kang Ha Jun's vocal control and breathing had improved significantly, indicating that he had received proper coaching from Lee Young Ah, known as the queen of ballads.

"Mentor..."

Turning his head at the sound of Yun Jae calling him again, he saw her continue, still focused on the stage.

"Of course, I'll do my best, but if I don't make it to the finals, it's not your fault."

"Huh?"

"Do you understand? It's just that I'm not good enough..."

Listening to her, it seemed she was saying something pointless. She must have been discouraged after watching Yoo Ju and Kang Ha Jun's performances one after another.

She had been giving off an unstable vibe and a gloomy atmosphere for a while, and now it seemed she was mentally preparing to accept her elimination.

Such unnecessary worries.

"Yun Jae, you won't be eliminated today."

"How can you be sure?"

"You'll at least make it to the finals."

Yes.

Hyun Seung was confident. He had gone through several arrangements to help Yun Jae push her voice to its limits and had coached her obsessively.

Even he was looking forward to Yun Jae's main performance.

'It would be ridiculous for her to be eliminated.'

Of course.

The show doesn't objectively measure skills and declare a winner, so he couldn't guarantee first place, but he had been surprised several times by the sound Yun Jae's instrument could produce while preparing for the semi-finals.

Even if she were eliminated...

It wouldn't be because of her lack of skill or someone else's superior skill, but simply due to bad luck.

"Kang Ha Jun is definitely a formidable opponent. He has high public support and his skills are improving."

Realistically, Kang Ha Jun had a higher chance of winning first place today, given the overwhelming public voting.

However.

In the future, those without skills will gradually be forgotten, and only those with outstanding skills will survive in the music industry.

What helps a singer last long in the industry...

Is not temporary popularity, but the unique voice a singer possesses. A unique voice with powerful strength is the strongest weapon a singer can have.

"But, as a singer, there's no stronger power than a natural voice."

Based on this, Yun Jae already possessed a very powerful weapon.

"And Yoo Ju is not in the same league, so don't worry about her."

"Huh?"

"Unless you're going to be an idol star, you're not in the same league as a singer."

He firmly believed she would make a mark in the music industry.

"You'll make it to the finals if you put in all your effort, as you said. Even if you don't, so what? It doesn't mean you lose value as a singer."

Hearing Hyun Seung's sincere words in a calm voice, Yun Jae nodded with eyes that seemed ready to cry.

"Yes, I'll do my best."

Behind her goggles, her expression showed a determination to give it her all.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

Just as Kang Ha Jun's performance ended, the venue was filled with thunderous applause and cheers.

* * *

"I really did my best to help, and I also prepared to the best of my ability to repay the composer."

Jayble looked up at Yun Jae, who was being interviewed on the side stage.

The last performance of the semi-finals.

Looking around, he saw that other judges and participants were waiting below the stage rather than resting in the waiting room.

Naturally, the most concerning participant would be the focus of attention.

Of course, he was included.

As the performance was about to start, Yun Jae walked to the center of the stage with a confident stride, unlike on other days.

Squeal!

In response, the audience erupted in even more enthusiastic cheers than usual. Turning his head, he saw several people holding signs that read "Yunbly," indicating they were her fans.

'When did she become so popular?'

Puzzled, he tilted his head.

Boom, boom, boom!

Suddenly, a rough drum beat signaled the start of the song.

What is this?

While Yun Jae was known for rhythmic songs, had she ever sung with such an energetic beat?

'It must be a famous pop song...'

As she started singing, the original song's melody and vocals in his head faded away.

As if trying to leap beyond her limits, her fast and mysterious voice surged with the beat.

'Oh, crazy...'

Additionally, Yun Jae moved her body to the rhythm with a relaxed gesture, as if she were a different person.

The shivers running through his body were short-lived.

He realized he wasn't the only one shocked by Yun Jae's performance.

"Wow, crazy."

Yeon Jin Sub blurted out his thoughts.

"Haha..."

Kim Gwang Jin let out a nervous laugh, as if he had seen a ghost.

"Uh..."

Lee Young Ah shook her head, at a loss for words.

And.

HS remained motionless, arms crossed.

'Unbelievable.'

He knew Yun Jae had a good voice. Her vocal skills were indeed excellent, but...

What was this performance?

His own preparation for Yoo Ju's performance, and even the other participants' performances, seemed like mere accessories compared to Yun Jae's.

The shocking flow of the song and Yun Jae's voice, perfectly in sync, showed no hint of urgency.

It was nothing short of perfect.

Facing this performance, his resolve to win first place and his confidence seemed pathetic.

He had been complacent.

Thinking that Yun Jae wouldn't or couldn't put on a flashy performance was a huge mistake.

It wasn't that she couldn't, but that he didn't know.

And HS must have revealed it to her. This performance couldn't have been created solely by Yun Jae's skills. Yes, this must be the ability HS possesses.

"Ha-."

Jayble looked at Yun Jae, who was performing brilliantly on stage, and let out a bitter laugh.

Really.

A solid misconception.

* * *

After all the performances, the five participants lined up on stage.

The tension was palpable on their faces, as if the stage were a judgment platform.

"Everyone has worked hard. Now, we're about to announce the results."

The five judges returned to their seats.

"Hmm."

Sitting in the judge's seat, Jayble looked at the stage, lost in thought.

'Yoo Ju...'

The performance he coached was indeed good enough to be chosen by the audience.

'Kang Ha Jun...'

But it was not enough to beat Kang Ha Jun, who had a strong and wide fan base.

'Yun Jae...'

Especially with the unexpected and shocking performance by Yun Jae.

Now, it was uncertain if she would even make it to the top 2.

However.

It wasn't entirely hopeless.

'Yoo Ju has a decent fan base...'

Although her skills were somewhat lacking, she had been a topic of discussion since the K-SingerStar preliminaries due to her pretty appearance.

The other judges seemed to share his thoughts, as they kept talking about Yoo Ju, Kang Ha Jun, and Yun Jae.

"Those three seem to be the most likely candidates."

"True, it's hard to rank them."

"They all showed different styles of performances."

Yeon Jin Sub and Kim Gwang Jin knew intuitively that their respective mentees, Kim Seok Hoon and Shim Da In, wouldn't make it to the final candidates.

"Unfortunately, Seok Hoon performed right after Yoo Ju..."

"Da In worked hard, but she was first..."

Lee Young Ah, hearing their complaints, offered a half-hearted consolation.

"Don't be too disappointed. You never know."

Though her tone was casual, she couldn't be certain that Kang Ha Jun would make it to the finals.

Even if he performed well today...

His performance was sandwiched between the shocking stages of Yoo Ju and Yun Jae, and the safe production designed to focus on his vocals might have seemed monotonous.

"We will now reveal the two participants who will advance to the finals."

Jayble stroked his chin, carefully observing the faces of Yoo Ju, Kang Ha Jun, and Yun Jae.

'One of these three will likely sing my original song in the finals.'

Right.

While it was uncertain if Yoo Ju would make it to the finals, it was almost a given that two out of the three would.

Their performances today had proven their worth.

'Then...'

Jayble's gaze finally settled on Kang Ha Jun.

'That guy...'

He wished, more than anyone else, that Kang Ha Jun would sing his original song.

'He would do a great job.'

Not only did he have solid vocal skills, but his wide range of abilities would allow him to interpret the song in his own style.

Most importantly.

If Yun Jae also made it to the finals and sang HS's song, Kang Ha Jun, with his strong fan base, would be a worthy opponent.

'Yes, I hope it's that guy...'

Jayble's heartfelt wish was short-lived.

"The faces of the two participants who will advance to the grand finals will now be revealed."

Soon.

As the MC spread his arms wide, pointing to the screen, everyone's eyes followed his gesture.