Auditions and Training Part 2

After that night in the car with Joy and Seulgi-noona, we became close friends. But after training for a year, we started growing apart because the ladies and the men started to train separately and were asked to meet less. As a trainee, I did not want to break any rules even if I'm a shareholder of the company.

Within the year instead, I decided to look for the idol girl that I dated back in the previous world. Cheesy as it sounds, but that's what I did. But sadly, she was nowhere to be found.

I decided to focus myself on my training, but there was still no news of when I was going to debut. EXO on the other hand debuted months ago. The problem was, there were just 7 of them. Chen-sunbaenim debuted as a solo artist.

This was sad news for me. The instructors were even curious as to why I was so down during his debut, when I should be celebrating.

For me EXO will always be EXO-M and EXO-K combined as one and will forever be one of the most iconic k-pop groups in the world.

Good news for Joy and Seulgi-noona though. About a month ago, I was called to a board meeting in the company. We made it as discreet as possible since we didn't want the entire company to know that a trainee is a shareholder of the company.

___________

1 month ago…

The board and I decided to launch a new girl group. It would be a four-member group. We discussed the nominees for the group and I decided to stay silent to prevent any biases since I know Seulgi-noona and Joy.

As if fate was on the move, they became part of the top choices for the group together with the third member, Irene-noona.

And then there were two more…

I'm probably going to use my power as a shareholder at this point.

"So as I was saying, we should put Somi in the group. We need someone who can speak English fluently." One of the board members said.

So Jeon Somi is in SM? Hmm…

I should be used to this messed up switched-thing in this world.

I shouldn't be thinking about it at this time. This group is on the line.

I have to fight for those members to be nominated instead of Somi. I must fight for the legit Red Velvet to exist in this world.

"I agree with Han-nim. Somi is fitting for the role." Another board member answered.

"Hmm… I think we should ask the legendary prodigy himself. He would know what's best. Sajang-nim?" One of my uncles who was my dad's friend tried to hear my opinion.

This guy…

I chuckled at my uncle's suggestion. He clearly knew me best and that's why I like him above all the other people here.

Before I answered, I scanned all the documents to analyze something.

Somi is still very raw. I don't think she's ready to debut yet. I think rejecting her would probably be the reason why she transferred to JYP. Let's see what happens.

Let's see…

Great, they're both here…

I threw both of their profiles on the table.

"Sajang-nim… are you saying that we will choose from this two?" One of the board members asked.

"But Sajang-nim, one of them just started training, the other one can't speak English." Another board member added.

I smirked at them and chuckled a little.

"Oh? Looks like Sajang-nim has a plan. Let's see what he has to say." My uncle gave me a push.

I gave my uncle a nod before putting my hands together. I calmly spoke out. "What I'm trying to say… is that we will choose these two trainees right here."

"But sajang-nim! We are debuting a four-member group!" The board member who wanted Somi to debut spoke out.

"That's why I'm saying we'll debut five people. It would create a very solid foundation for the group instead of four. And right now, these ladies fit the criteria to solidify the group." I answered.

"Sajang-nim, with all due respect, Wendy-ssi just entered the company. Although she's the top scorer among all who auditioned, debuting is still a different story." Another one answered.

They're actually right. But, I really want Red Velvet to debut as a 5-member group and with the original members at that. It isn't just my personal preference, even my ability as a prodigal businessman says so!

"Somi is still raw and too young to debut. And the way she presents herself, she would make a good solo artist in the future." I gave them my opinion.

"But sajang-nim, we will be debuting a group in a few months-time. Rumors have already begun spreading itself that we'd do so." The CEO told me.

Most of them were already voicing their concerns and was not listening anymore. This is why their style of music and performance are still not developing. It's because they are so caught up in sticking with their traditions and rules.

So I had to play the bad guy here to keep them quiet.

I made a come-at-me gesture with my hand and said, "Oh? It seems that all of you are doubting my ability to 'forecast'. Then have it your way. And oh, don't bother inviting me to the next board meeting. I'll be pulling out my shares the moment I step out of this room."

I stood up as soon as I finished saying what I needed to say and bowed at everyone before slowly walking towards the door.

Everyone began to panic and called out to me, but I slowly made my way to make them feel the agony of actually needing me.

How dare they invite the business prodigy and yet doubt me?

"Sajang-nim, please wait." The CEO himself called out.

I stopped but did not turn to look at him. I smirked knowing my plan worked.

"Are you seeing something that the rest of us don't?" He asked and I could tell that he was sincere with this question.

So I decided to face him and answered him honestly, "Yes, CEO-nim. You are right."

"May I ask what it is?" He continued.

"Of course! That's why I'm here aren't I?" I smiled at him and turned to face everyone. "We currently have Girl's Generation, F(x), EXID and many solo artists right now. If we launch one more group, it would create a fierce competition within the company. Therefore, I am asking everyone here to debut the group after a few more years of training. It would be enough to lighten the load for all our idol groups and solo artists. It would also create a chance to strengthen their fan base and allow Wendy-ssi to train. That way, they would have a very powerful debut."

The room became silent as everyone in the room began to contemplate about what I said.

The CEO then broke the silence, "Those who are in favor, raise your hand."

It was a unanimous decision.

"Then we have an agreement. This meeting is now adjourned." The CEO happily clapped his hands.

And everyone applauded. I could read their faces. It was as if they were saying "the prodigy has prevented another possible disaster."

I then walked towards the door ahead of everyone. After all, I was still a trainee.

I then remembered something and turned to face everyone. "Oh! I almost forgot!"

That got their attention and they all turned to look at me curiously.

"The name of the group shall be 'Red Velvet'. No questions asked. Is that clear?" I announced before turning around not waiting for their response.

____________

Now, they are just basically waiting for their debut. Joy actually called me and asked if I had a hand in it. I told her that when it came to Seulgi-noona and her, I didn't do anything. I told her that they got nominated on their own. She still thanked me anyway and promised to treat me to barbecue later on.

She was really happy because the five of them will be trained separately and will be asked to live in a dorm provided by the company.

This would help the members become closer and to learn from one another.

I thought about what happened and was completely satisfied with the result.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I bumped into someone on the way to the company's cafeteria.

"Ah! Sorry, sunbae-nim…" I said

"Oh JayB-ssi! It's okay. How are you?" He said.

"I'm good sunbae-nim. Congrats on your debut!" I exclaimed.

He then put his arm over me and began rubbing my head. "You little brat! Stop with the formalities! We trained together remember? HAHA! Thanks though! Are you heading to the cafeteria? Let's go together!"

"Yes Chen-hyung. I've been meaning to talk to you too." I told him sincerely.

Yes, it's Chen from EXO who debut as a solo artist.

"Ohoh! Is it about Joy-ssi? Are you finally going to ask her out?" He joked.

I did a face palm because he said it loud enough for others to hear it. Joy was already basically a celebrity in the building since she was about to debut. I on the other hand am nobody to the people here except for those who knew my real identity.

"Hyung… I already told you about it. We're just friends." I complained.

"Yeah yeah. Whatever you say! Anyway, let's go! I'm starving!" He replied before letting me go.

________________

"So, what is it that you want to talk about? It must be serious since you didn't get your banana milk." Chen-hyung knew me very well.

It's probably because we hung-out the most before his debut.

"Hyung… please don't over react like you usually do. I'm serious this time." I tried to confirm with him first.

"Okay, I promise." He turned serious as well.

I took a deep breath and told him the truth, "I'm thinking of transferring to another company to train."

His eyes widened before he sighed. "Well, I knew it would be serious but I didn't know it'd be this serious."

I just chuckled at his remark.

"Is it because that girl's not here?" He asked and I just nodded in response.

He sighed again, "Seriously though, you've been looking for her for years now. What makes you think that she'd be in a different company anyway?"

I just stayed silent not giving him a reason. I can't tell him that I know because she came from a different company before we secretly started dating, right?

This girl was the only girl that I dated in my previous life, but after a dating scandal broke out from one of their members, she decided to end it with me. I totally understand though. It was pretty risky to date back in that world.

But in this world though, I had the chance to do it.

"Have you decided which company you're transferring to?" He asked and I just shook my head.

"You haven't really thought about this, have you?" He asked and I just slowly nodded.

Honestly, for someone who can forecast the flow of a business deal, calculate risks, and do practically anything related to money, I suck at my love life.

"Well whatever you decide, I'll be here to support you fully as your friend. And I really hope you'd debut soon." We both continued talking about his debut and the ins and outs of the industry.

It was a great way to end the day…

____________

I was on my way to one of the practice rooms when my phone began to ring. It was already past 10PM and practice doesn't start 'til 11PM since Super Junior was using the room to practice for their comeback.

I checked my phone to see who it was, my smile turned to a serious face. It was my uncle who was also…

"Hello? JYP PD-nim?" I answered the phone.

I heard a cheerful laugh from the other end of the phone and he answered, "JayB-ah! You're still up? Is this a bad time to call you?"

"Not at all PD-nim." I answered him sincerely.

"Are you able to go out? I was hoping we could talk in person." He asked me.

Curious as to what he had to say I bit the bullet. "Well, I have training at 11PM tonight so I can't. Would tomorrow at around 11AM be okay? Is it urgent? Can't we discuss it over the phone?"

There was silence for a few seconds as if he was calculating what to say, "We can discuss it tomorrow, but I'll give you a heads up for what it is, and mind you, I'm going to be direct about this."

What is this about?

Oh well, let's see what he has to say first. "Sure, anyway, I have something to tell you too."

"Good, but I'll go ahead first. JayB-ah, I want you to train under JYP Entertainment." He said.

It was a like a bomb was just dropped on me.

Not hearing any response from me, he continued, "Hear me out first. JayB-ah, I know you've been looking for that girl for a while now. And I think she just might be in a different company. I can't guarantee that she will be here at JYP Entertainment but I can tell you this. I want to make history with you. You look for the girl and we'll create a super group of your choosing and write the best songs. How does that sound? It's a win-win situation! Look, I know you own most of the shares in all major k-pop companies, but what I'm after is not the money. It's the music and the performance that you can deliver with a powerful group! So that's why I'm reaching out to you. What do you say?"

I smiled at what he just said. It's as if he read my mind. She did come from JYP Entertainment in the previous world. So the chances are, she'll end up there too.

"You read my mind PD-nim. But I have to think about it more. Is it fine if I drop by your office tomorrow?" I asked him. I still need to think about this and weigh things over.

Happy with what I said he responded, "Of course! But let's meet at JYP BOB instead? I'm pretty sure you want to try the food there too."

I chuckled on what he said and agreed to it. We set up a time and ended the call. With that, I headed out to train.

______________

I was now on my way JYP Entertainment's famous cafeteria called JYP BOB.

It was still a little bit early so I decided to stop at a nearby café to get some coffee. I was still pretty much tired after ending the practice at 3AM this morning, and I had to wake up early because I had to tend to company matters.

After picking up my coffee, I stayed by the window seat near the door and watched the people pass by while replying to the emails on my phone.

Suddenly, one of the people who was ordering caught my attention. She really looked familiar.

The moment she turned around after getting her drinks my heart skipped a beat.

It was her… the love of my life…

I slowly stood up and watched her leave the door.

Not knowing what to do, I followed her.

Yes, I know!

I know!

I look like a stalker, but so what? It was her! I've been waiting for years to find her!

Through the busy streets and crowded sidewalks, I followed her.

I stopped when I saw her enter a familiar building. After checking which building it was, I followed her inside.

I only stopped when I saw her enter a room.

It was a dance studio.

I peeked through the glass door to see if it was really her, and it was. She's still so young!

I smiled and jolted a little when someone called me. "JayB-ah? I thought we were meeting at the cafeteria."

I didn't turn to look at him because I already knew who it was. Instead I told him, "Samcheon, I found her."

That was when I turned around to face JYP PD-nim with tears in my eyes.

"So… I guess you've made your decision?" He asked as he smiled at me in return.

I nodded deeply and said, "But I have to gather some people first…"

_________________________