GIJS

Chapter 80 Where is the Scholar?

Although Gunja had just stepped into the entertainment industry, he already had a number of reliable allies.

From the A-Yuk-Si training team to Leon, whom he met through [Unmannered Ones>], Pael, whom he got to know through [Suit Up>], and even the Prime Minister – the Nauri couple whom he happened to meet in Jeju Island.

BET's Executive Director, Woo Kyung-hoon, was also one of them.

Despite missing out on [Unmannered Ones>] in an auction against Leon, Woo Kyung-hoon had never given up on his interest in Gunja.

He had been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, but he had never seen a character like Yu Gunja before.

With a crazily compelling gimmick that seemed to brainwash both viewers and himself, an SSS-class appearance that gave coherence to the concept, and skill and buzz to match.

Watching the live broadcast of [Masterpiece Genuine Antiques>] elicited spontaneous applause. When Min Kang-hoo of Favorite was turned into a laughingstock, he and his daughter laughed heartily.

"Min-ah, can you believe Dad knows him?"

"Then bring him to Dad's company~"

"Wouldn't that be great?"

Fortunately, Gunja was not yet signed to a company. Having debuted without a management agency, he would be able to sign with an individual agency after the 3-year contract with 7IN ends.

By then, both domestic and international top agencies would likely be in a rush to recruit Gunja.

Woo Kyung-hoon's goal was also to recruit Yu Gunja. Although he lost [Unmannered Ones>] to Leon, he was determined to secure Gunja.

To do that, he needed to start reaching out now.

When Gunja needed something, BET and Woo Kyung-hoon had to be close by.

However, there was a problem.

"...I don't have his contact number..."

There was no way to reach Gunja. He wanted to occasionally send check-in texts and maybe even a bonsai or vase.

Moreover, Gunja did not use social media, so there was no way to contact him.

In a desperate attempt, he tried to send a chat through the communication channel of 7IN, J-Live.

[Hello Yu Gunja, I am Woo Kyung-hoon, the executive director] [Gunjaaayaaayaaya] [♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎] [Today's weather is so beautiful] [ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ] [Butts are all seated] [Oppa, I've just finished the fried chickenㅠㅠㅠㅠ] [ㅠㅠㅠ I'm late for workㅠㅠㅠㅠ] [My husband asked me to cook dinner, but I just ignored itㅎ] [ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ What happened to your looksㅠㅠㅠ]

The absurdly high energy of the chat made it impossible to keep up with it using his 120-words-per-minute typing speed.

"Should I hope to run into him at the broadcasting station..."

But hope came from an unexpected place. He saw Pael from BET's boy group 'Veloce' exchanging personal messages with Gunja.

[Yu Gunja: How are you doing today, Hyungnim?] [Raphael: ㅇㅇ] [Yu Gunja: Haha] [Yu Gunja: You're always so warm, Hyungnim] [Raphael: Warm? What's that?] [Yu Gunja: Didn't you know? Being cold and distant is called warm.] [Yu Gunja: Geun-hyung taught me.] [Raphael: It's just being chic, you fool.] [Yu Gunja: Ah-ha] [Yu Gunja: As expected, Hyungnim] [Raphael: Hyungnim?] [Raphael: You little shit] [Raphael: This isn't a typo, right? lol] [Yu Gunja: Haha, there's no way it would be]

"What? Is this Yu Gunja?"

"Yes, Director. Why?"

"How did you get his contact info?"

"Leon gave it to me."

"When did you get so close?"

"Oh, not that close. He just clings to me."

"Invite me too."

"Excuse me? Invite you to the chatroom? Director?"

"Is that not okay?"

"No, it's not!"

Despite the back-and-forth between Pael and Woo Kyung-hoon, Gunja's messages continued.

[Yu Gunja: But Hyungnim] [Yu Gunja: Could you help me with something?]

"What's he asking for help with?"

"Why are you reading other people's messages?"

"Ask quickly! What does he need?"

"Alright, just a moment. Please let go of my arm."

[Raphael: What's up? lol Tell me]

Gunja explained the situation. Woo Kyung-hoon read the conversation, sometimes getting angry and sometimes laughing at the absurdity.

"Ah, look at those scheming guys from Curly Music."

"Director, please respect my privacy..."

"Fine, but you're going to help, right?"

"Of course, since it's Gunja's request."

"Okay, let's help together!"

"Uh, well, thanks, but..."

Thus, the top three agency in Korea, BET, mobilized to help Gunja.

With key members of top idol groups and even BET's executive director involved, the dance team and music video production team were quickly secured.

The dance team 'Quasar' and the music video production team 'Visualize' were top-class experts with global recognition.

Although Solar System's plans were disrupted by Curly Music's scheme, it ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Manager Lee Yong-jung appeared relieved.

"Phew, that's a relief, Team Leader."

"Indeed."

"It seems that connections are a skill in this industry too."

However, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo's expression was not entirely bright. He understood why Woo Kyung-hoon was being so proactive in helping Gunja.

"BET and Director Woo must have their own agenda."

"Agenda?"

"Yu Gunja's contract ends in 3 years. After that, he'll have to choose."

Whether to re-sign with Solar System or sign a new contract with another management.

BET was likely planning a big move to recruit Gunja. For Solar System, which wanted to retain Gunja, it was essential to be cautious.

Moreover, Gunja was someone who always repaid kindness.

If goodwill kept accumulating, Gunja might lean towards BET someday.

"Team Leader, will we be able to keep Gunja?"

"We will keep him. No, we must keep him."

Having overcome the crisis thanks to Gunja, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo vowed never to repeat the same mistake again.

* * *

With help from Woo Kyung-hoon and Pael, 7IN was quickly able to meet the new dance team 'Quasar.'

"Damn, it's really Quasar."

"I was a huge fan."

The 7IN members, meeting a world-class dance team, seemed quite nervous. However, Quasar was also equally nervous.

"Wow, it's really Yu Gunja."

"He looks even better in person..."

In Solar System's conference room, the two teams exchanged shy introductions. After a delicate handshake, they continued to blush and laugh shyly whenever their eyes met.

"What's this? A 7-to-7 meeting?"

Manager Lee Yong-jung's confusion was unnecessary.

As soon as the new song [Origin>] played, Quasar members began to focus seriously on the music.

"Got it."

"The music is really good."

"First, we'd like to hear about the concept of the song. If there's a group world view as well, we'd like to know about that too."

"Ah, yes. First, the song concept is..."

Producer Ji Hyun-su led the explanation of the song concept and group world view. Quasar members nodded in agreement.

"The performance composition doesn't seem difficult. The music itself isn't complex, so the draft should come out quickly. However..."

The "but" was always the most crucial part. Gunja and the members perked up their ears.

"There's a chance that the result could be ordinary."

"Ordinary?"

"Yes. Acceptable and somewhat watchable, but lacking impact."

"Ah..."

"Just saying 'scholar' is too broad."

Quasar leader Ha Jeong's straightforward remark made Ji Hyun-su ponder deeply.

"So, what should we do? If we adjust the arrangement to give more impact..."

"No, that's not it. The current arrangement is just right, not too much. But to enhance the performance, it would be best to add just a touch of detail to the current concept."

After Ha Jeong's explanation, In-hyuk spoke up.

"I understand what you're saying."

"Really?"

"There's a concept of a scholar emerging from a wind, but it's unclear what kind of scholars they are, or how the image looks. Is that what you mean?"

"Exactly. That's the feeling."

Ha Jeong clapped his hands, agreeing with In-hyuk's words. The music started playing for the second time.

"Even though it's a scholar, what kind of scholar..."

"It's best to get hints from the music."

"Hyung, what was your first impression when you heard the song?"

"Sexy?"

"Right? The song has a bit of a sexy vibe. Even though it has oriental instruments, it still feels sexy."

"Yeah, songs like 'Dawonkyung' are like that."

"Wow, I really like that one."

The members of Quaisa quickly exchanged their opinions and suggested to 7IN:

"How about this: 'A playfully sexy scholar.'"

"!"

It's a scholar, but they're a bit playful. Kind of... seductive."

"Oh?"

"Not just studying all the time, but also drinking a bit. Playing the gayageum a bit. Sitting on a pavilion railing and smoking a pipe."

"I like it."

"Right? If the scholar was just studying, there wouldn't be a reason to stand out in a painting. They could just study in Joseon."

"They must have come out because they wanted to do something fun."

"Exactly, that makes more sense."

The 7IN members seemed to like the concept. Except for one person: Gunja.

A playfully sexy scholar? Gunja was definitely not that kind of scholar. He had never even tried smoking a pipe, and he went to the Giru not for leisure but to learn singing and instruments.

Moreover, there was another reason why he couldn't take on a seductive concept right now.

"What do you think of this idea, Gunja?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure..."

"Huh? Don't like it?"

"Yes. A seductive scholar seems contradictory..."

Gunja cautiously expressed his opinion, but it seemed difficult to change the mood in the meeting room now.

"Ah, that's what makes it fun!"

"Yeah, even in dramas, it's sexy when a usually calm and quiet character gets angry."

"Is that so?"

"And you did a sexy concept during the 3rd round of 'Suit Up,' right?"

"Oh, that was..."

"Ah, you're embarrassed, aren't you?"

"Well, a sexy concept does require some exposure."

"Isn't it too bold for a debut album?"

"Good things should be shared. You were quite something during 'Suit Up,' haha."

"Gunja, Taewoong, Inhyuk. Are you ready?"

"Of course!"

Taewoong casually lifted his shirt to show his toned abs. Inhyuk also shyly lifted his shirt. The contrast between his bashful attitude and his physique was striking.

"Wow..."

"That's no joke."

Thanks to Taewoong and Inhyuk, the atmosphere suddenly turned into an abs-revealing show. Amid the rising heat, Gunja could not hide his embarrassment and was flustered.

"Gunja!"

"Oh, I'm..."

"Come on, it's just guys!"

Despite trying to refuse and blushing, since the other two had already joined in, Gunja felt he had no choice but to reveal his abs as well.

"Yu Gunja-."

"Yu Gunja-."

"Ugh..."

What am I supposed to do? I really can't avoid this!

With a tearful face, Gunja carefully lifted his shirt.

Swoosh-.

"...Huh?"

And there was, contrary to their memory, a cute and gentle-looking belly.

"...Gunja?"

"What happened..."

"Haha, so cute~"

With tears in his eyes, Gunja looked at everyone and said,

"...After the audition..."

"?"

"...I started eating chocolates again..."

"!?"

At that moment, a status window suddenly appeared in front of Gunja.

[Special Mission: Retrieve the Two Scholars (士).] [Go back to Hell Teacher Lee A-rong.]

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