Chapter 11

11

"Hey, it's nice that the atmosphere is warm, but now I have to go to the planning team meeting."

At the manager's words, Kang I-chae nodded.

"Right. I forgot because I was shocked by Ho-yun's dance."

"Do you want to die?"

When I asked, Kang I-chae giggled and followed the manager. I was serious, but it seemed like he was joking.

Sung Ji-won also chuckled and followed behind.

Ding!

[Quest arrived!

'Let's persuade the planning team!' Mr. Seo Ho-yun, you're doing well. I'm a bit worried about the dance, though...

Try to persuade the planning team.

Persuade the planning team (0/1)

Success: +10 Dance

Failure: -100 Dance]

Is the system nice, or not? I'm getting confused.

But these guys... did they really do a good job with the planning?

I was concerned because I had never discussed the planning due to being focused on the choreography.

That concern became reality as soon as we sat down with the planning team.

"We want a monster concept."

"Ah, no. A high school club concept."

"Huh? Wasn't it supposed to be an information agent concept?"

Everyone was chattering, putting forward their own opinions. These guys really couldn't properly discuss the planning because they were focused on the choreography. The planning team leader awkwardly laughed, looking at the members who were bewildered by their own words.

"Um... it seems like the discussion didn't go well?"

He was smiling, but it was a sign that he was frustrated. I silently watched him from the side.

"I thought we had a clear vision when we decided to change the planning."

"I want to adjust with the planning team slowly."

I quickly interjected. The planning team leader looked at me with wide eyes.

"Um, right. You're Seo Ho-yun, right? You were quite hot today?"

=You were quite annoying today?

"Yes, thank you."

=Yeah.

When I accepted it, the planning team leader raised his eyebrows, as if to say, "See that?"

I thought it would be easy because it was a pineapple-themed planning, but it turned out to be tougher than expected. I had made a mistake.

A power struggle was my specialty.

Sung Ji-won, who knew this, clenched his fist and cheered me on from the side.

"Thank you for the previous planning. The concept of releasing a song that matches the fruit is definitely trendy and popular. I could feel the thought that went into it."

=The trend is way behind. Did you even think about it?

"Ha-ha, thank you. As you know, The Dune is so popular. We made it to meet the fans' expectations."

=You guys aren't popular. Even if you make it roughly, you have no say.

"Yes, I thought you were the planning team. We trust and follow your meticulous care and passionate approach."

=What do you do if the planning team doesn't plan? Do you just steal salaries?

"......Ahem."

The planning team leader closed his mouth, as if my words had hit home. If you understand the context, you would realize that we were having a power struggle while smiling and laughing.

In fact, all the members except Jung Da-jun were tense and looking at us.

"I really appreciate it!"

Except for Jung Da-jun, who was smiling and greeting brightly. Jung Da-jun was probably sincere, but he unexpectedly countered the planning team.

'Nice one!'

"I have a slight modification I'd like to request for the planning. Let's listen to the song first."

The planning team leader, who had been caught off guard by Jung Da-jun, pressed on. As the song played, the planning team leader and the members' eyes lit up.

When the song ended, the planning team leader nodded.

"The song is good."

"It's a Blue Tiger song."

"Of course... I can feel it just by looking at it."

"Yes, I was lucky to get it. As you can hear, the current planning doesn't match the song, so I'd like to request a modification."

"Um. I understand that. Do you have any ideas in mind?"

Of course. I took out the printout I had prepared.

"In the entertainment industry, where new groups are constantly emerging, to stand out, we need a clear group direction. What do you think is the most important thing for a new group that hasn't performed well yet?"

"Ha-ha, suddenly a question? Um... popularity?"

The planning team leader laughed. But a team member on the side kept blinking, as if he had something to say.

He seemed to have something to say. When I glanced at him, he spoke up.

"Can I answer?"

"Sure."

I'm lenient with proactive people. When I nodded, the junior member, who seemed to be from the planning team, spoke excitedly.

"I think... otaku."

'Wow.'

I smiled. I knew there would be someone with a good sense.

"Right. Otaku, that's the answer."

The members, who hadn't caught on yet, waited for my next words.

"In the early stages, we need core otaku to build a foundation. To do that, we need fresh settings, deep worldviews, and endless plot twists."

"Aha..."

Jung Da-jun had a look of realization. Moreover, the junior member nodded vigorously in agreement with my words.

"Our song is electronic, but we want to add such a setting. Based on the current trends, the most in-demand but least supplied in idols is post-apocalyptic content."

I pointed out the key points on the printout.

I'm not an otaku, but after producing programs and constantly adapting to changing viewer needs, analyzing trends like this is a piece of cake.

As my explanation continued, everyone seemed to agree.

"I want to take this direction. However, since I lack knowledge in this area, I'd like the planning team to add some details..."

Just as I said that, the junior member... suddenly burst forward.

"I want to do it! I want to do it!"

It was a sudden burst. She raised her hand and stared with shining eyes, surprising even the planning team leader and me.

She spoke non-stop.

"I completely agree with what Mr. Seo Ho-yun said. Moreover, the song is dark and electronic, which fits perfectly with post-apocalyptic content. For apocalyptic content, there are settings like sci-fi, military, and regression. Since there are five of us, we can divide into two groups and create opposing relationships to highlight each member's characteristics...!"

"......"

Otaku tend to talk about what they like without being asked.

Suddenly, silence filled the planning room. I nodded cautiously, slightly overwhelmed by her enthusiasm.

"Ah, yes... then I'll leave it to you. Team leader, this person seems to have a lot of ideas. Can I ask her to take the lead?"

"Y-Yeah. I've never seen her this excited..."

She must be an employee interested in this area. I noted her name.

Lee Ji-hyun. She could be useful.

I turned to the members for their agreement.

"What do you think, guys?"

I was going to push in the direction I wanted, but I was open to better ideas.

"Bro."

Kang I-chae quietly called me.

"What."

"Bro, did you hit your head somewhere? Why are you so good at handling people?"

"Is it a compliment or an insult?"

"Let's call it a compliment."

In any case, there were no objections. I shrugged and looked around at the members, who all nodded in agreement: Kim Sung-hyun, Sung Ji-won, Kang I-chae, and Jung Da-jun.

"Then let's proceed that way. I'm sorry, but we're short on preparation time due to the sudden changes. We plan to finalize the lyrics with the composer and record tomorrow afternoon. Can you provide the overall direction and a rough part distribution by then?"

"Tomorrow afternoon? That's a bit tough..."

"We can provide the general direction!"

"......Ahem!"

The junior member unexpectedly supported me. The planning team leader glared, but the junior ignored him.

Well, let's do our best.

It's good to have passionate people.

"Thank you. I'll send you the song separately. Please let me know when the planning is finalized."

After finishing my words, I patted the members.

"Let's go back and practice."

"Got it."

As soon as we left the planning room, I texted Im Hyun-soo.

[Me: We're going to record tomorrow afternoon. Please help with the lyric revisions.]

[Me: The schedule is tight, but please do your best. I'll send you the overall planning now.]

After pressing send, I soon received a reply from Im Hyun-soo.

[Im Hyun-soo: You crazy bastard, you'd ignore me even if I said no.]

"How did he know?"

I chuckled, and the planning team leader came out of the planning room. He glared at me for a moment, then sighed deeply.

"Mr. Seo Ho-yun, good job."

"Thank you, team leader."

"People can change so suddenly. It seems you're really sharpening your blade this time."

"Ha-ha, we have to do our best."

If you don't sharpen your blade, you'll never clear it. Who would do it half-heartedly in such a situation?

I had to become a practice bug. The team leader nodded.

"It's a tough schedule, but if you're going to do it, do it well. We're also a bit concerned about The Dune."

More gentle than expected. It's a part of social life, but having such a person is convenient. From his words, he didn't seem to be a rigid person and might be capable.

The Dune really sent a rough planning.

"I'll do my best."

"Your answer is refreshing. Good luck."

The team leader left, and the junior member bowed to me and followed him. It was a good combination.

[Quest completed: 'Let's persuade the planning team!' The junior member pushed it.

Still, it's a success!

Persuade the planning team (1/1)

Success. Your dance skill has increased by 10.]

[Special gift for newbies! A new system has been added.]

A new system?