Chapter 132:
Translator: MarcTempest
Editor: Rxel
Chapter 132
They checked the fans’ reactions after uploading the announcement on their official SNS.
The Soufflés were dancing with excitement at the news of their first official fan meeting.
Bijoo spoke with a bright face.
“Hyung, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen the fans so happy.”
“I know, right? I’m so happy too. Hey.”
“It’s different, you know. Reality shows and stuff are just on TV, but this is actually seeing their faces.”
“Don’t you think we’re more excited than them?”
“No. We are.”
…As he was saying that, the laptop screen turned off in power-saving mode.
In the black screen, he was smiling so brightly that his teeth sparkled.
Woojoo coughed and kept his composure.
“…Let’s look at the fans’ reactions a little more.”
Woojoo shook the mouse and quickly turned the screen back on.
He relaxed the muscles around his mouth that had been tense.
A faint smile escaped and he felt good.
How long had it been since their last offline event?
The last broadcast was in July, so it had been three months already, and even if they counted fan signing events and such, it had been two months since they met the fans officially offline. 𝑓𝓻ℯ𝑒𝑤𝘦𝑏𝑛ℴ𝓋ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝓸𝓂
They weren’t even that far apart, but they hardly had any chance to meet the fans.
They only consoled their empty feelings with fan cafe posts or live broadcasts.
This was different.
It was a world of difference between showing their faces on a TV show and communicating with the fans directly.
Sometimes, when they saw their Soufflés in the seats of the event hall, Junghyun would spot them with his eagle eyes and be nervous, and Woojoo would remember and confirm them.
And then they would wave their hands like crazy.
Of course, there were also people who came to see them near the company or the dorm, but they didn’t answer them at all.
It was unfortunate, but they couldn’t help it.
They had already notified them in advance through the company’s announcement, and more importantly, it was strictly forbidden for celebrities to have personal relationships with specific fans.
It wouldn’t hurt to say hello, but if that led to a personal friendship, it always caused trouble.
For example, even saying a few more friendly words at the official seat could make the fans feel alienated over time.
In other words, the key was not to give the impression to other fans that ‘Oh? They’re being nicer to some kids? They only treat me well if I come near the company or offline.’
They might not know and pass it by, but it would be hurtful from the fans’ perspective.
It was an easy mistake for anyone to make.
Woojoo wouldn’t have thought of this if he hadn’t seen the accidents that the senior groups at TJ Entertainment had caused.
Rihyuk also agreed with him.
“That’s right. I moved around several book clubs because of the staff’s favoritism. I even had a big fight.”
It was a strange example, but it seemed appropriate.
Anyway, for that reason, the ‘Soufflé Week’ that Woojoo suggested this time was a festival that they planned so that not only the people who came offline, but also the Soufflés at home could enjoy with them.
A festival for all Soufflés.
Woojoo scrolled down the mouse and clicked on the notice about Soufflé Week.
“Soufflé Week”
Mon: Jiho – Member Talk + Game
Tue: Rihyuk – Member Talk + Debate
…
Sat: Official Fan Meeting
Sun: Surprise Gift Reveal
It was an event where they would spend time with the fans every day until the official fan meeting, taking turns by member.
For example, Jiho would play games with the fans, Junghyun would give quizzes, or Bijoo would give away soufflés that he made by lottery.
Of course, the prizes were small.
Almost like stationery jewel rings?
But it was meaningful to be with the fans.
“I think this event is really good, Hyung.”
Bijoo smiled.
“It doesn’t go over the budget and we can do it ourselves.”
“Right?”
“Yes, I need to search for soufflé recipes soon.”
Their Bijoo started tapping his smartphone.
Suddenly, when Woojoo suggested the title of the event later, he said ‘Bijoo’s Story’ instead of ‘Star’s Story’, and he flipped over and laughed.
Their kid had a weird sense of humor.
Their main vocal, who was always rumored to be nitpicky, showed a satisfied smile today.
“Well, I don’t want to admit it, but it’s good. We can also have a debate in front of the fans.”
“Why do you think the debate is more important? You?”
“Of course. Look forward to it. I’ll pick a topic that’s really hard to conclude.”
“Rihyuk.”
“What?”
“If artificial intelligence ever takes over the world, let’s not do this kind of thing. Okay?”
“…”
“Haha, look at your face, Hyung. You’re so embarrassed… Ouch!”
As Jiho pointed and laughed at Woojoo, he said to Rihyuk, “Bring something more fun next time. Like last time, whether you dip or pour the sauce on the sweet and sour pork, that kind of thing.”
“How is that a topic for discussion?”
Junghyun shook his head.
“It’s dipping, obviously.”
“No, it’s pouring.”
“I prefer soy sauce…”
They ended up forming an alliance and attacking the soy sauce faction.
It was exciting to see everyone preparing an event each, and Woojoo smiled happily.
Jiho said, “Hyung, Hyung. But what about this? Can’t we do this every year?”
“Every year?”
It’s not a bad idea, but Woojoo didn’t know if it was possible.
“Well, it would be nice if we could.”
“I had this idea earlier. We do this every year and gradually increase the scale. And then when we become super successful, we rent out COEX and hold a souffle expo or something…”
The youngest was so enthusiastic that they joined him in imagining and burst out laughing.
A souffle expo, huh.
They joked among ourselves.
“By then, there would be giant balloons of our dolls floating around, right?”
“Oh, I want to sell Junghyun hot dogs, Junghyun burgers at a stall. I’ll ask Bijoo for the recipes.”
“Hey, I can do that.”
“I want to do that thing. You know, in the US amusement parks, there are people with cola bags who refill your drinks. I want to do that.”
“Excuse me, can we all talk sense? Please.”
Someone pointed out the lack of realism, but it was a funny scene to imagine and they teased each other.
Well.
Imagination was free.
Maybe it was because they planned this together, but they were just happy.
“Okay, then, shall we get ready?”
They all nodded, but Bijoo looked at the laptop screen and asked Woojoo, “But, Hyung. Friday is the day you chat with your fans, but why is there nothing on the event slot?”
“Oh.” Woojoo smiled and said, “I have something else to prepare.”
“…?”
Woojoo gestured to the studio table with his chin, and his siblings got it.
Woojoo asked with a smile, “Anyone curious about what I’m going to do?”
The scene where Junghyun and Jihyo visited the village in Yeoncheon County and reunited with the residents was accompanied by the appearance of the black goat Daegil as a scene stealer.
A veterinarian who appeared in that episode examined Daegil at the hospital and checked for any possible abnormalities in his body, but there was nothing wrong.
Soon after, an animal scientist who appeared on the scene looked at the video and the black goat and nodded his head.
[Im Jungho/Animal Scientist]: There’s nothing wrong with him mentally or physically. Simply put, he just has a bad… dirty, no, a bad personality.
The expression and caption of the animal scientist who awkwardly softened the words that he was crazy were somehow exquisite and spread all over the community.
At the end, the cause was revealed.
[Im Jungho/Animal Scientist]: This is the cabbage you feed him as food. You changed it recently, right?
[Ko Myungsik/Daegil’s Dad]: …How did you know? The farming was not good this year, so I changed the cabbage to foreign ones.
[Im Jungho/Animal Scientist]: It seems that he didn’t like the taste. That’s why he’s angry all the time.
[Junghyun/Daegil’s Friend]: He’s like that because he doesn’t like the food?
[Jiho/Daegil’s Younger Brother]: Wow. Amazing. He’s really immature.
Then, at the end of the broadcast, Junghyun grabbed Daegil’s hand and said, “You have to eat well from now on,” with a heartwarming ending.
The subtle and funny directing of the cuts of Junghyun walking with Daegil’s leash, along with the gentle BGM and the flying CG flowers, was quite a topic.
And on the same day.
The team of Around the World With Dice, whom Woojoo had chosen Hawaii as a travel destination, rolled in Pugok Hawaii after the preview, and the ‘Men Go’ male celebrity special was broadcast.
They had a lot of work to do, so Woojoo only watched the clips after it was over, and the video call between Woojoo and Taehyun had a pretty high view count.
Inside the car.
Taehyun: He’s the closest Hyung to me after our members. We were really close since we were trainees, and he’s also a veteran, so… I’m calling him to get some advice.
Then, Woojoo appeared on the screen wearing a military uniform.
Taehyun: Hyung, but your outfit…
Woojoo: I just finished the reserve duty.
Woojoo laughed for a while in front of Taehyun, who was laughing. Behind him, the younger brothers holding the placards that said [Milky Woojoo], [Welcome to Society] flowed out.
Among them, Bijoo shyly waved a mini flag.
Then, when Taehyun said that he was appearing on ‘Men Go’, Woojoo burst out laughing.
It was a bit mean, even for him.
Woojoo thought he might get cursed by TNT fans, but fortunately, the editing was good.
It showed him giving serious advice.
Woojoo: There’s no honey tip in the army. You just have to do what they tell you to do.
Taehyun: But there are times when you have to be proactive and stuff.
Woojoo: I’ll tell you one criterion. Something happens, right? But if you look at it and think, should I do it? Then you have to do it, and if you think, can I do it? Then you don’t.
Taehyun: Oh, oh.
That advice got a good response from the veterans on the internet community, Woojoo heard.
Woojoo: Don’t get hurt. That’s the most important thing.
Taehyun: But the broadcast time…
Woojoo: The broadcast time is important, but not getting hurt is the best. So be careful when the instructors tell you to be careful. If you think you can’t do it, just drop out. Your body is more important.
Taehyun: I’ll get scolded for being selfish. Hyung.
Woojoo: Then you’ll live long.
Taehyun: (Laugh) Hyung.
Woojoo: (Laugh) Anyway, don’t get hurt. The fans are the ones who are most heartbroken when you get hurt.
Then Woojoo asked him a question.
Woojoo: But how long are you going for?
Taehyun: Oh, I’m going for 2 nights and 3 days.
Woojoo: 3 days?
Taehyun: Yeah.
Woojoo: 3 days…? So you’re saying 3 days… Hoo…
The scene where he shivered on the screen was a funny point, judging by the comments below the clip.
On the other hand, the clip turned out to be a good thing for Woojoo.
The fans of TNT liked his advice to not get hurt, and he heard from the promotion team that they liked Woojoo a lot.
Plus, some stories.
-New Black Woojoo, ‘Men Go’ phone call with TNT Taehyun and prove their close friendship
Unlike their reality show, it was a terrestrial broadcast, so the publicity was quite powerful.
Everyone was happy about it.
Well, not everyone.
***
The first start of the Souffle Week, Monday.
“…”
In the silence, Woojoo spoke.
Everyone nodded their heads in unison.
Only Junghyun, who was about to raise his hand, was grabbed by the wrist by Bijoo.
While preparing for the upcoming Soufflé Week and the official fan meeting with the PR team, they also sped up the work on the reality show and the album.
They selected the songs for the album through a contest with the A&R team.
They decided to entrust the Intro and Outro of the second album, which would be the beginning and the end of it, to Junghyun, their rapper.
He had been burning with passion for work since he met Heysion at Around the World With Dice, so Woojoo asked him if he wanted to do it and he said yes right away.
They quickly found someone to help him with the song production.
Woojoo went to the studio with a bunch of red bean buns and pine tree drinks to cheer him on, and he saw a familiar face.
“…”
A tall and skinny man sitting next to Junghyun.
A black leather jacket over a hoodie.
And dreadlocks.
It was Heysion, who was on the same team as them at Around the World With Dice.
“Hi.”
“…Hi, nice to meet you.” Woojoo asked cautiously, “What brings you here…?”
“What do you mean? I came to help my rap brother with his work.”
Woojoo was a bit surprised.
He liked Junghyun enough to call him his brother, since he had been a fan of him since his minor debut album, but he was basically a person who had a strong aversion to the idol industry.
So Woojoo asked him while watching him work.
Woojoo beat around the bush, but what he really meant was why he was participating in their work when he hated idols.
And Woojoo got a really clear answer.
“Well, I still don’t like idols much. Oh, I’m not talking about you guys, I just don’t like this system in general.”
“…”
“But, what I realized as I got older.”
Heysion raised his thumb with a serious expression.
“Money is the best.”
Woojoo engraved his golden words in my heart.
With Heysion’s help, the Intro and Outro of the album came out beautifully.
The PR team was thrilled.
-Rapper Heysion, participates in New Black’s second album
-‘Around the World With Dice’s connection leads to the album’, New Black’s Junghyun & Rapper Heysion’s work
-Heysion, “New Black is a great junior singer”
Of course, the PR team and their managers were not the only ones who liked it.
-‘Animal Friends’, New Black… Reunites with the black goat Daegil
-Shock! Black goat Daegil ‘not an anger management disorder’
-Animal Friends, New Black surprised by the animal expert’s words ‘Daegil has good anger control…?’
The show that featured Daegil, the black goat who had more cult popularity than any celebrity since the Chuseok Special.
“Guys.”
“What? Traitor.”
“Traitor? Your words are full of thorns, Rihyuk.”
“You are a traitor.”
The youngest answered with a chubby face.
“You always bully us, scold us, and hit us.”
“When did I ever bully you, scold you, or hit you?”
“Well, there are many if you look for them. Anyway! You are so kind to Taehyun Sunbae, but to us…”
“Hey, that’s because…”
Woojoo explained to the guys who looked at him with pouting faces.
“It’s different. He’s someone I see very rarely, so I’m nice to him. But you guys are close to me and we’re always together. So it’s more casual…”
“Hmm.”
Junghyun stroked his chin.
He seemed to want to say something smart, so Woojoo fed him a sweet snack.
It worked.
Then, Bijoo came out and said with averted eyes, “I’m a bit disappointed too, Hyung.”
“Come on… If you’re going to say that, you guys also ordered and ate something delicious when I went to the reserve army.”
“Wow, you were holding on to that?”
“I knew you would. You said you would keep it in mind.”
“Sigh…”
It was too hard to argue with four against one.
In the end, Woojoo slumped like a scapegoat.
“I have committed a great sin, everyone…”
“You should know that.”
Woojoo was angry and resentful because he didn’t know what he did wrong, but soon he laughed.
It was because they were all joking.
They were having a meeting at the company conference room with a camera in front of them, nervous about the first event of Soufflé Week.
The youngest nudged Woojoo with his shoulder.
“Hyung, I’ll forgive you, so please massage my shoulder.”
Ouch.
“Ow! It hurts!”
“Wow, our youngest. Your neck is so stiff.”
Woojoo massaged his neck and he groaned.
But it was strange.
His shoulders were always soft and relaxed without stress, but today they were stiff and hard.
“What did you do yesterday, you?”
“Ah. I practiced a lot for the game with the fans today.”
Bijoo asked, “Jiho, did you sleep at 2 o’clock as Hyung told you?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“I don’t think so. I woke up in the middle of the night and touched your laptop cover and it was hot.”
He clicked the mouse a few times and [Yesterday’s end time 05:34:29] came up.
The youngest looked at Rihyuk with a bitter expression.
He felt like he could have gotten away with it if it wasn’t for him.
While Bijoo sat the youngest down and talked softly about the dangers of using the computer for a long time, they finished preparing for the event.
The first part was a live broadcast with the fans, and the second part was a random invitation for Jiho to play games with them.
The company wanted them to do individual specials, but Woojoo opposed it.
It would be troublesome if the viewer numbers varied by member.
After killing some time.
“Two, three. Hello, we are New Black!”
“Wow!”
They clapped their hands and greeted the Soufflés who were coming in eagerly.
Then they started the live broadcast with Jiho in the middle and them surrounding him.
There were various Q&A and talk time about the youngest and them.
And then the game time.
Colorful beans were driving carts and running in a game, or there was a game with Fizz or something that looked like Rihyuk.
Woojoo didn’t know anything, so he just watched blankly.
He only played the games that were popular in PC rooms when he was in elementary school, so he didn’t know anything about these games.
“Ah, but I’m the only one doing it, so the other Hyungs might be bored. So I want to give you a chance, Woojoo Hyung. What do you want to do? Do you want me to turn on Go?”
“…I know how to play games too.”
He didn’t.
Woojoo always got teased by his younger siblings and the fans whenever he played the games that Jiho recommended. The chat window would fill up with ‘LOL’ as they watched him from behind or on the screen.
“…Ah, the mouse is stiff.”
“That’s the new one that the PR team bought this morning, Hyung.”
“It’s probably because the computer is slow…”
“I optimized it yesterday.”
After setting a record for the last place in every game, Woojoo looked at the camera and said, “I haven’t played any of the recent games, you see. I only used to play things like StarCraft.”
“Oh, we have StarCraft too.”
“You do?”
The youngest one clicked on the icon that was installed on the shared laptop.
Woojoo said, “But I don’t think there are many people who play this game… Oh, there is someone?”
“Wow.”
A match was made.
As soon as he created a random room, one of their fans joined.
It was someone with a fearsome nickname, [Killer_Soufflé].
“Hyung, the fan is asking if you can play well.”
“Of course.” Woojoo smiled and said, “I may not know much about other games, but I played this one a lot when I was in elementary school.”
“Oh, are you an expert?”
“Yes. This game is like my own territory, I think.”
…That was what I said. Then the game started.
And.
“Wow, Player Seon Woojoo. You really can’t control, huh. Are you showing us that you are the worst player ever?”
“That’s right. This is why we need a dome stadium. Did you see how Hyung flinched because of the monitor light just now?”
The idiot duo exchanged their ridiculous commentary while player lost three times in a row.
And with the same strategy each time.
When he typed GG, Killer_Soufflé left a cool remark and disappeared.
-You suck at games, Oppa
“…”
As his siblings burst into laughter, the fan cafe was flooded with gifs of him grabbing the back of his neck.
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