The Daughter of a Conglomerate Family Has Debuted - Chapter 33

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Chaebol’s Daughter Debuted

Episode 33

While other groups’ stages were ongoing, the trainees who had been reacting with comments like “they’re doing well” or “ah, that part’s disappointing” couldn’t get their bearings and maintained silence.

‘Why did they do it like that…’

To be honest, I think they might be the only group among the six participating teams that truly ruined their stage.

Because throughout the entire performance, I kept thinking ‘Why? Why did they do it this way?’

Poor quality arrangement, not to mention the concept, under-rehearsed choreography, and vocal ability that wavered constantly to the point where you’d wonder if they’d ever had lessons.

Their expressions kept stiffening as if they themselves knew the atmosphere wasn’t good.

To make matters worse, even their costumes clearly had less investment than the broadcasting station.

‘But why?’

Aren’t they the debut group?

Even though they must be a group selected through countless competitions, their skills are like this?

They must have had mentors too?

This wasn’t at a level that could be dismissed as a song selection mistake like I Meet You.

While everyone was just watching each other’s reactions, unable to respond appropriately, only the judges’ expressions were growing cold.

Eventually, as soon as the song ended, one of Romance Story’s members burst into tears.

Including that, it was quite a spectacle of a stage.

Romance Story left the stage after hearing evaluations full of disappointment and lack of practice.

And shortly after, all seven members returned to their seats with their eyes and noses red.

Even then, their continuous sniffling and the resulting silence were finally wrapped up by Choi Gyu-jin’s appearance.

“Wow, everyone worked so hard!”

Choi Gyu-jin shouted in an even brighter voice as if to offset the awkward atmosphere.

“As expected, the next representatives who will lead the future of K-POP are different! These were such amazing stages that we can’t even rank them.”

While he was hosting, the judges put their heads together and ranked the groups.

“I too watched with continuous admiration. Everyone really worked hard for a week.”

Choi Gyu-jin recited the efforts of the trainees and mentors who had worked hard, and especially the particularly impressive stages in order.

Then he glanced toward the judges’ seats.

“In a moment, the first competition ranking of the six teams our trainees belong to will be decided. As I mentioned, there’s an important reason why this ranking matters!”

When wouldn’t rankings in competitions be important, but this result was especially more important.

‘No, it’s the most important.’

The reason for being so obsessed with rankings even though this is the only round in the competition with no eliminations?

Because the benefits received according to this ranking are too significant.

“Based on this round’s ranking, the stage placement for Start Plan’s theme song will be decided.”

And depending on which stage our team stands on, the success or failure of my third mission will also be determined.

I opened the mission window again.

Shouldn’t I at least get into the top 3 to get on the main stage or side stage to get closer to achieving the mission?

‘I can’t aim for 1st place in good conscience.’

I just need to be in a noticeable position on stage. From 4th place, you dance below the stage.

At least 3rd place is the minimum line to properly receive cameras and lighting.

“Now, you’ve waited a long time. Everyone must be very curious about what rank we’ll get. I could see everyone trembling even while I was talking.”

While I was lost in thought looking at the status window, it seems the first competition evaluation has been completed.

The spotlight that had been shining only on Choi Gyu-jin gradually faded and soon the entire set studio brightened.

Choi Gyu-jin spoke in a much more serious voice.

“Your first round ranking has just been decided! Which team will be the lucky team to rise to the main stage of Start Plan’s theme song! We’ll start announcing the rankings now!”

Majestic BGM echoed.

At the same time, the bright lighting dimmed again and light poured only on Choi Gyu-jin and the judges’ seats.

The atmosphere was more solemn than ever.

Then someone firmly grasped my hand. It was Choi Song-i.

Choi Song-i looked at me with a face that didn’t seem very nervous.

“Unnie, aren’t you nervous?”

Am I not nervous?

“I’m nervous.”

I’m dying here? How could I not be nervous. So much is riding on this ranking.

It’s just that Ryu Ji-ye’s facial muscles are so stiff, but I’m actually really nervous.

“What about you? Aren’t you nervous?”

Choi Song-i herself doesn’t look nervous at all.

Her expression was just like a cat with bright wide eyes staring at me intently.

The ranking is about to be announced but she’s surprisingly calm. Even her voice isn’t trembling.

Then Choi Song-i softened her expression and said in a small voice.

“I’m holding your hand because I’m nervous.”

“Huh? Ah… Right, right, hold my hand.”

That’s right. This kid expresses herself through clinging rather than words, right.

As soon as she said that, I patted Choi Song-i who snuggled closer and looked at Choi Gyu-jin.

The lightness from earlier was nowhere to be found.

He looked at the camera with an utterly serious atmosphere befitting the BGM and pointed to the judges’ seats.

“Now then, judges, please explain what the criteria for this evaluation were.”

The cameras and everyone’s gaze shifted from Choi Gyu-jin to the judges.

Among the judges, So-hae nodded and picked up the microphone.

“Yes, first of all, we evaluated based on how complete a stage the members created in a short period of time. However, we excluded aspects like direction. Since it’s the first time, we looked at how well this team blended into the stage, whether they made the audience immerse themselves…”

To summarize, they looked at how much they avoided showing amateur signs.

“Also, we considered whether there were any impressive points while performing on stage. Since this is a competition where you need to appeal yourself and your team to the audience here and the viewers watching the broadcast, we think it’s important whether each team’s members understood this well and organized their stage accordingly.”

“Ah, that’s right. Yes, most importantly, it’s about how much the team can appeal to our Start Plan’s beacon, the K-POP fans. I very much agree with judge So-hae’s words.”

Choi Gyu-jin agreed with So-hae’s words and clutched his chest.

“Oh my, I’m getting nervous too. Then judge So-hae, it’s time for the long-awaited ranking announcement! Please announce from 6th place!”

“Yes, then I’ll announce the rankings. The 6th place of Start Plan’s first round is…”

Ta-da!

Sound effects echoed in time with So-hae’s words. Choi Song-i gripped my hand even tighter.

I can feel her palm getting damp as if we’re going to get last place…

‘Actually, 6th place is already decided.’

This wasn’t very nerve-wracking.

There was already a team whose results could be known from the venue’s atmosphere during the performance and from the judges’ comments.

So-hae paused for a moment then spoke.

“6th place is Romance Story.”

As expected.

“…”

“…”

6th place that we can neither congratulate nor console.

No sound effects or BGM could be heard.

It seemed like even someone’s voice or breathing couldn’t be heard.

The atmosphere was so cold you’d wonder if the venue’s mood could sink this low.

The trainees couldn’t even look toward where Romance Story was and just watched each other’s reactions.

Then Choi Gyu-jin picked up the microphone with a stiff face.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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