The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol - Chapter 13

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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13

“Seo Ho-yoon.”

I’d been watching Sung Ji-won with concern when I belatedly noticed Lim Hyun-sung gesturing for me. Obediently, I moved over and sat beside her, and she whispered.

“Hey, your members are better than I expected. The kids are nice.”
“They’re not bad.”
“Yeah, I thought they’d all be like you—completely lacking in manners.”
“Is that a compliment, Composer?”
“Of course it is, you cute little brat.”

Lim Hyun-sung seemed to be in good spirits, continuing to hum contentedly.

“It’s refreshing after so long. It’s a bit rough around the edges, admittedly—all ad-hoc and improvised—but seeing a fresh group with such tight discipline after watching the same established idols over and over… it’s been ages. I’m having fun too.”

I rested my chin in my hand and studied Lim Hyun-sung.

“Composer, did you know you’re actually a softie at heart?”
“You mean kind?”
“Of course. You know how much I adore you.”
“You’re too sweet.”

Despite the plagiarism and the chart manipulation, Lim Hyun-sung seemed delighted, as if remembering her tadpole days. Sung Ji-won stood rigidly before the pop filter. Lim Hyun-sung activated the microphone that fed into the Recording Studio.
Sung Ji-won stood tense in front of the pop filter. Lim Hyun-sung turned on the microphone that connected to the Recording Studio.

“Yes! I’m ready.”
Yes! I’m ready.

The beat flowed out, and Sung Ji-won steadied his breathing. His eyes flickered with anxiety. Lim Hyun-sung murmured.
The beat flowed out, and Sung Ji-won steadied his breathing. His eyes wavered, as if he were anxious. Lim Hyun-sung murmured.

I hope you did well.

I let out a quiet chuckle.
Was Sung Ji-won doing well?

[Give me, Give me, Give me Second Chance]

The most useless thing in the world was worrying about entertainers.
Sung Ji-won’s voice resonated through the Recording Studio. Lim Hyun-sung’s eyes dimmed as she pressed her lips together.
As the song progressed, Sung Ji-won’s tension gradually melted away, and his immersion in the performance deepened.

[Say it once more, that this is the beginning, we are
I will come back everytime
This strange déjà vu, don’t you fear it]

Ah, the way Sung Ji-won’s high notes soared—it was so comfortable.
Comfortable.
I leaned back against the chair, releasing all tension.

“…W-was it okay?”

After finishing her part, Lim Hyun-sung turned on her microphone toward Sung Ji-won, who was gauging the room.

“Sung Ji-won.”
“Y-yes?”
“How did it sound to you?”

Lim Hyun-sung asked in a quiet voice. At those words, Sung Ji-won’s pupils wavered like waves on a stormy day.

“I… I think… the pitch was fine.”
“Pitch? That’s not the problem right now.”

Lim Hyun-sung let out a laugh.
Jung Da-jun gasped sharply. Kim Sung-hyun tensed up as well.
Lim Hyun-sung certainly knew how to create tension. There was a reason she was so popular as a judge on Competition Programs.

“Your voice is pretty good, isn’t it?”
“Th-thank you so much!”
“Why are you just showing up now? You’re doing well. Your endings are clean too… Did you train as a trainee for a long time?”
“I… trained for seven years.”
“I can tell. Just don’t get nervous. I feel like your tone is getting a bit dulled because you’re tense.”
“Oh, yes….”

Despite being told not to, Sung Ji-won only grew more tense and anxious.

‘Hm?’

Lim Hyun-sung didn’t seem to notice and gave some more directing before letting Sung Ji-won leave the recording studio. Even after stepping out, Sung Ji-won was still so nervous that his body trembled slightly.

‘That guy’s condition is a bit….’

“Well, he can do better next time. Let’s move on to the next rap part.”
“Yes! Kang Yi-chae, coming in for recording!”

Kang Yi-chae entered. Lim Hyun-sung listened and gave an assessment that was decent, though not quite as good as Sung Ji-won.
Kim Sung-hyun went in next, followed by Jung Da-jun.

“Kang Yi-chae, pay a bit more attention to your pronunciation. You’re spitting it out well, but…”
“Kim Sung-hyun has weak high notes, but decent vocal power.”
“Jung Da-jun… Your voice is unique and charming. Not bad. But you’ll need to practice more.”

As Lim Hyun-sung methodically directed, the recording wrapped up in no time.
At the same time, I reassessed the members. They lacked star quality, but most of them had decent skills. Their personalities weren’t honestly that bad either, but… well, that wasn’t really my concern anyway.
I was quietly sipping on a smoothie that a staff member had brought when Jung Da-jun, finished with his recording, exited the booth.
Lim Hyun-sung turned to me with a smirk.

“Well then, our con artist. Shall we go in?”
“Yes, yes.”

I answered playfully in sync and opened the recording studio door. The quality turned out better than expected, so I had to match it well.
The members’ worried gazes pricked at my back.
Ever since I got hurt and became a dancing machine, I didn’t even have the luxury of practicing vocals separately, so I was worried my singing skills might have regressed too.
According to the game setting, ‘Idol Seo Ho-yoon’ had dropped out of the group due to injury, so I probably hadn’t properly synchronized with the members before.

“Ready?”

Stepping into the Recording Studio and putting on the headphones, I heard Lim Hyun-sung’s voice. Since I’d been working on the Competition Program, I’d had reason to visit the Recording Studio from time to time, but this was my first time actually recording myself—it felt novel.
I tapped the pop filter experimentally, then gestured to Lim Hyun-sung.

“Give me the beat.”
“Are you insane?”

Lim Hyun-sung cursed at me, but giggled and started the track anyway.
I came in precisely on the beat, hitting every mark with exactitude.

[Ooh, Pick a card, a future that becomes clearer]

Lim Hyun-sung’s eyes widened.

[You grow anxious at the low odds
But there’s no need
It’s okay, I’ll lead you through]

At this section, just as any other member would have, I expected the recording to cut—but the beat continued flowing.
I glanced sideways at Lim Hyun-sung. Yet he only stared at me with gleaming eyes, offering no other gesture. As if telling me to keep going.
Well, it’s not difficult.

[Come to me, Come to me,
Don’t be Afraid, come to me
I have my second chance]

After I finished through the middle of the first verse’s pre-chorus, the track finally cut. The recording must have ended.

“….”
“…What?”

I lifted the headphones slightly and looked at Lim Hyun-sung and the other members. Their expressions were peculiar.

“Should we do it again?”

Wondering if something had gone wrong, I asked—and Lim Hyun-sung turned on the microphone.

“Hey, Seo Ho-yoon. Who taught you to sing?”
“Not really anyone in particular….”
“Huh, not a single flat note. Everything’s perfectly in tune….”

Ah, that’s what you meant. It wasn’t particularly surprising, so I nodded. Lim Hyun-sung stroked her chin.

“Usually when kids get caught up in superficial style, they pack in tons of technique, but you don’t have any of that. If anything, your clean approach lets your vocal tone shine through even more.”

There was no way around it. Her words brought back memories of the judges from the last Competition Program.
The barrage of harsh criticism and commentary they’d hurled at the contestants!

“Don’t add unnecessary technique.”
“Why do you think rhythm exists?”
“Are you aware your pitch control is that bad?”

And about seventy percent of that harsh criticism came from Lim Hyun-sung. When you’re editing, you end up reviewing those scenes dozens of times at minimum, so naturally the habit just sticks with you.
I’d listened endlessly to the judges’ critiques and the contestants’ performances.
For me, singing had been distilled down to three principles.
1. Always nail the rhythm—that’s non-negotiable.
2. Don’t try to show off technique; sing with honesty.
3. Pitch deviation is a sin.

“Was that okay?” I asked.

Lim Hyun-sung nodded.

“Yeah. But you’re lacking a bit of emotion. Don’t try so hard to sing honestly—let it flow a little more. That’ll fit the concept better.”
“Yes, I understand.”

I nodded and sang through it again. This time I made it all the way through the chorus, and then I was asked to add harmonies to Sung Ji-won’s part.

“Wow!”

Lim Hyun-sung got excited, fluttering her hands.

“Hey! How are you nailing the harmony perfectly on the spot like that?”

That was thanks to rewatching Lim Hyun-sung ramble on about harmonic theory for three straight hours while editing the program. It was an impromptu masterclass courtesy of “Harmony Theory Was the Easiest.”

“The emotion’s still a bit thin, but let’s think that through and do another take. Your fundamentals are solid, so you’re good.”

Lim Hyun-sung looked absolutely thrilled, giving two thumbs up. As we left the Recording Studio, the members gave me a standing ovation.

“Our little troublemaker… you’ve got a decent voice.”
“Brother! You were amazing out there!”
“I thought you were my vending machine, hyung. The moment you give an order, out comes the finished product.”

I shrugged at the cascade of compliments. Truth be told, I wasn’t that skilled at singing.
I’d probably lowered expectations quite a bit with my dancing. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I was sipping the smoothie in front of me when I noticed Kim Sung-hyun wearing an expression that suggested the weight had lifted from his shoulders. His thoughts were crystal clear.

‘At least he’s less of a troll than expected….’

That’s probably what he was thinking.
As I watched with familiarity, Sung Ji-won went back in a few more times to add harmonies, and then Lim Hyun-sung played the recorded song for everyone to hear.

“Not bad.”
“It came out way better than expected. Good.”

Among the members heaving sighs of relief, Lim Hyun-sung nodded with satisfaction and murmured softly.

“Honestly, it’s better than the White Cherry track I’m working on right now.”
“Wow, that’s… such an honor!”
“Thank you so much, composer!”
“Haha, praise me, you brats.”

‘Showing off….’

Objectively, there was no way it could be better than the White Cherry track that had cost so much money.
He was just trying to show off with that comment, but the members fell for it completely and bent their waists as if about to bow.
Still, if it matched his taste, it was definitely a better song than White Cherry. The lyrics weren’t bad either, so as long as the music video interpretation was solid, it should work out.

“Anyway, good work, everyone. If there’s anything you’re not happy with, we can redo it, so let’s wrap this up. I’m busy.”
“Yes! Thank you!”
“Oh, Seo Ho-yoon. Come here for a second.”
“What for?”

When I approached willingly after being called, Lim Hyun-sung asked me casually.

“You threatened Joo Woo-sung, didn’t you?”
“….”

She must have seen Joo Woo-sung’s StarStar. Since I had no intention of denying it, I remained silent, and Lim Hyun-sung let out a hollow laugh.

“Are you seriously a con artist?”
“Why are you like this to someone genuinely trying to do well?”
“If you’re pure twice over, things are going to flip upside down real fast.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
“Ah, wait a second.”

I shrugged my shoulders. I was about to leave if she was just going to keep spouting nonsense, but Lim Hyun-sung asked me a question.

“I overheard the kids talking earlier—you’re shooting a music video with Director Jung, right?”
“Ah… yes. That’s how it turned out.”

Director Jung. To be honest, music videos weren’t really my area of expertise, so he was a complete stranger to me.
From what I’d gathered, he was someone who specialized in shooting idol music videos. But I wondered why she was bringing him up.

“I know him, and that guy shoots music videos pretty sloppily, you know? Plus he’s the type who just pockets the money. But originally, he was actually good at filming beautiful visuals.”
“Isn’t that just a self-introduction?”
“Want to die?”

That’s Lim Hyun-sung for you. People really do stick with their own kind, I guess.
As I was pondering this, Lim Hyun-sung gave my forehead a light push with her palm.

“I already told him to take good care of you guys.”
“….”

That was unexpected. She helped without me even having to threaten her?

‘What’s her angle?’

I raised my eyebrows, trying to read Lim Hyun-sung’s true intentions. But she just clicked her tongue at the sight of me.

“When did someone hurt you so badly? Why can’t you trust people? Well, I guess it’s a good habit in the entertainment industry.”
“…I don’t understand why you’re being so kind to me, Composer. I haven’t done anything noteworthy.”

When I spoke honestly, Lim Hyun-sung burst into laughter.

“It’s just a whim—playing along with a crazy person’s tempo, that’s all.”
“….”
“It’s fun, isn’t it? When nobodies like you guys make it big, I’ll feel proud of my talent donation.”

Ding!

[Your relationship with Lim Hyun-sung has become favorable.]
[You have completed the ‘First Recording’ Quest.]
[300 Points have been awarded.]

It was an unexpected stroke of fortune and goodwill that had fallen into my lap.
I nodded lightly. Lim Hyun-sung—I appreciated her for being straightforward and cool-headed, without any lingering resentment.

“Thank you.”
“Seo Ho-yoon, treat me well.”
“I’ll bring you some delicious sake next time.”

Lim Hyun-sung extended her middle finger at me. I couldn’t help but laugh at that moment.
I shrugged and headed outside to rejoin the members who were waiting. I thought everything had wrapped up nicely, but the moment I emerged, their faces looked blank with disbelief.

“Did I… really just record with Blue Tiger?”
“Is this a dream? Someone pinch my cheek.”
“Hyung, I can really do it for you.”

As Kang Yi-chae wound up his fist, Kim Sung-hyun quickly stepped back. A shadow crossed Sung Ji-won’s face.
I tapped them lightly and urged them forward.

“Let’s go practice.”

We still had a long way to go.

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