Chapter 1055: Overcooked (8)

There was a family motto in the New household.

Well, there wasn't just one family motto.

There were several.

But among them, one stood above the rest in importance.

Prevent excessive self-importance and maintain a healthy entertainment career!

The nature of their profession made it dangerously easy for egos to swell.

When people received constant attention, they gradually began overestimating themselves without realizing it.

They started seeing themselves as more important than they really were.

Typical symptoms included things like:

"Kuahaha! If I make a single comment about a social issue, Korean society itself will be transformed!"

"This is terrible. What will happen to the Korean entertainment industry if I disappear?"

"Ah... I cut my finger on a potato peeler. What should I do? My viewers will stop eating and spend the day weeping over my suffering."

People who fell into that mindset inevitably ended up in embarrassing scandals.

That was why NewBlack always tried to stay self-aware.

As Kim Deoksun liked to say:

A leaking bucket inside the house shatters completely outside.

Treating the general public the way you treated your fans was a shortcut to disaster.

You had to know exactly how people saw you.

What image you projected.

From NewBlack's perspective, their most objective self-assessment was simple.

A group of friendly neighborhood kids who happen to sing well. Somehow they ended up becoming incredibly popular.

Objectively speaking, they really were incredibly popular these days.

Anything they advertised sold out.

Any event they attended drew enormous crowds.

"That's why we scheduled it for autumn..."

"Exactly."

The members stared blankly at the proposal documents the production team had sent.

[University Festival Special Applications]

The number of universities that had applied left them speechless.

For autumn?

This many?

Different schools had different traditions, but Wooju was fairly certain spring festivals vastly outnumbered autumn festivals.

"Seriously?"

"I don't actually know."

"You'd have to attend university to know."

"..."

"I slipped off the university track like somebody stepping on a banana peel."

The members burst out laughing.

"Still, that's how I met you guys."

"I'm really glad you didn't go to university, hyung."

"If you'd gone, you never would've met us."

"True. Good thing I didn't."

"Technically you didn't choose not to go."

"You failed to go."

At Ri Hyuk's comment, Wooju looked toward Junghyun.

Junghyun.

Yes.

Swift justice was delivered.

Then they returned to the agenda.

"Anyway, spring and autumn festivals are different."

The famous university festivals in places like Sinchon and Anam all took place during spring.

Most of the festivals that became national talking points because of idol appearances happened during spring as well.

Ri Hyuk nodded.

"That's exactly why we chose autumn."

"The festivals are generally smaller."

If they'd wanted a full-scale university festival special, they could have filmed it next spring.

The reason they chose autumn this time was because it was comparatively quieter.

If they'd attempted this during spring semester, the resulting chaos would have been unimaginable.

"So are you booking our artist or not?"

"Just a moment. We're currently negotiating with NewBlack. If that falls through, can we talk afterward?"

"Why are NewBlack doing their own variety special during the busiest festival season of the year?!"

Spring university festivals were prime season for singers.

The thought of barging into that schedule was terrifying.

NewBlack would only be there briefly for a variety show.

Other singers relied on those events.

And they couldn't create problems for student organizers already buried under preparations.

That was why they chose autumn.

Compared to spring, it was supposed to be quieter.

Supposed to attract less attention.

Then Jiho and Junghyun spoke one after another.

"And after all that careful planning..."

"The result is..."

"Every university in the country invited us."

"Dun dun dun."

Everyone stared at the monitor before bursting into disbelieving laughter.

Not only had every university with an autumn festival submitted an application—

Some schools that didn't even have autumn festivals had applied as well.

"Doesn't this university normally skip autumn festivals?"

"They said they'll create one if we come."

"..."

Even schools that traditionally held only spring festivals were waving their hands enthusiastically.

If NewBlack comes, doesn't that automatically make it a university festival?

That was the feeling.

As reports continued arriving about new applications pouring in even now, Wooju stared into the distance.

"First..."

Ri Hyuk spoke.

"Let's make some guidelines for PD Gu."

"Good idea."

They decided to provide recommendations regarding selection criteria.

Biju smiled.

"I think schools that invited us back when we were rookies should get priority."

"The ones that gave us opportunities."

Everyone immediately agreed.

First priority.

Universities that had invited NewBlack when nobody knew who they were.

Junghyun cautiously raised a hand.

"Schools with agricultural departments."

"Junghyun."

"I was just throwing ideas out there."

Their third member smiled apologetically.

"Do you know what song people sing when they're sorry?"

"...What?"

"Sorry-song."

"I graciously accept your apology."

Wooju laughed so hard at the terrible joke that the others shook their heads.

Jiho changed the topic.

"But I don't think we should automatically pick every school that invited us."

"Why?"

"There were a few places that felt kind of weird."

"What happened?"

"You remember those schools where the student council executives sat in the front row with their arms crossed?"

"Oh. Right."

Their second criterion became schools with strong reputations and well-organized festivals.

One by one, everyone suggested ideas.

Then Jiho looked at Wooju.

"What about you?"

"You don't have any criteria?"

"Hmm."

Wooju finally offered his suggestion.

"I want schools where we can film additional content."

"?"

"If we're doing this, we should maximize the footage."

The others perked up immediately.

"You know how Junghyun mentioned agriculture departments?"

"Yeah."

"Think about it."

"Wouldn't it be fun?"

Their ears practically stood upright.

"NewBlack's University Experience."

"...!"

"Wooju auditing a songwriting class."

"Ri Hyuk auditing a physics lecture."

"Jiho auditing an acting course."

Every member looked interested.

They immediately highlighted the idea in giant bold red letters for the proposal being sent to PD Gu.

Then Ri Hyuk narrowed his eyes.

"...You're just using the festival as an excuse to experience college life, aren't you?"

"No?"

"I think that's exactly what you're doing..."

"Oh wow."

"Looks like rehearsal time."

Wooju quickly grabbed his in-ear monitors and avoided eye contact.

Their youngest brother was annoyingly perceptive.

Night.

Fwoooosh—

BOOM!

Brilliant fireworks painted the sky with color.

Fresh-faced young men rose into the air on lifts, microphones in hand.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

While NewBlack drove more than forty thousand fans into a frenzy at Singapore's National Stadium—

Korean fans were equally excited about a different topic.

[NewBlack Confirmed for 2018 Autumn University Festivals... Part of Overcooked Promotions]

The news sent university students' hearts racing.

HOLY SHIT LOL

Are we actually going to witness a university shutting down on Day 2???

How are schools even booking them? Can university budgets afford this?

Read the article. They lowered their appearance fee.

NewBlack at a university festival lol.

People nodded.

The article explained that NewBlack had voluntarily reduced their event fees.

Naturally, some reacted cynically.

Why's everyone acting like this is some huge sacrifice lol.

It's not like they're performing for free.

Celebrity life must be nice. Sing five songs, take home fifty million won, get worshipped for it.

Fifty million won is still fifty million won. Even big university festivals only spend around one hundred million on performers.

But most people were confused by those complaints.

To them, it seemed obvious.

Kids... that's how industry leaders work.

If the biggest act starts lowering their fees, it creates problems. Every organizer will start asking other singers why they cost more than NewBlack.

People saying they should do it for free would complain even louder if they actually did.

Did nobody read the article? NewBlack travels with a support crew the size of a military unit. Who's paying those costs?

For everyone saying it's expensive, that's less than ten percent of their normal booking fee.

And more importantly—

You're booking Billboard artists for THAT price???

That's basically a Korean concert for fifty million won lol.

Any university that lands this will brag about it forever.

You could put it on your résumé.

"As a student council executive, I played a key role in securing NewBlack's Korean concert..."

Instant sales-job acceptance lol.

Then there was the promise of seeing NewBlack's new song performed live.

Everyone's eyes sparkled.

I want to see it.

Honestly, everyone wanted to see a NewBlack concert.

The rarity.

The prestige.

And lately, with all the Grammy speculation surrounding their American success, public interest had only grown.

Even fans of other idol groups were treating them like international artists coming to Korea.

My favorite idol is cute.

NewBlack is NewBlack.

That was how people thought.

And so everyone looked at university students with envy.

I'm so jealous.

Can graduates attend too...?

I want to go back to university.

I hate working.

Meanwhile, the university students receiving all that attention had their eyes fixed on their student councils.

[Messages Delivered Through Seonggwang University]

Post #13,789

Student Council.

I want to see NewBlack.

I'm holding my breath until you bring them here.

Hooooo—

Are people leaving final wills on Facebook these days?

└ LMAOOOO

└ LMAOOOOOOOO

I want to see NewBlack...

Starting tomorrow I'll pray every morning. Please lend me your strength.

└ Isn't that called a Miracle Morning?

└ Physics major here. Have some force (Joules).

Interest was exploding.

Student councils across the country were posting updates saying negotiations were underway.

Even universities without festivals were investigating whether NewBlack could be invited.

Of course they are.

If NewBlack came—

Wasn't that already a festival?

Build a stage in the athletic field.

Have NewBlack perform.

Congratulations.

You now have a festival.

Anonymous university communities flooded with posts.

[It Was Fun While It Lasted, SKY]

Until now, you were the SKY universities.

But what if NewBlack comes here?

Then Myeongseong University becomes the new SKY.

The explanatory parentheses are making me irrationally angry lol.

The most important part is "if NewBlack comes."

While everyone's busy preparing for the Yonsei-Korea rivalry game, Myeongseong University shall become the new sky.

Why isn't Seoul National University included?

Wait. Does Seoul National even have festivals?

The excitement was already building.

[I Bought a NewBlack Light Stick]

(Photo of a one-meter-long giant light stick)

Bigger is better, right?

I need NewBlack to notice me.

They haven't even been booked yet lol.

So this is what people who buy ion bracelets and miracle mats look like.

Wait until they're actually confirmed.

Why is the light stick so huge?

Is it for beating anti-fans?

I'm already memorizing the fan chants.

The memes kept coming.

[Let's Prepare Ourselves Emotionally]

If NewBlack comes:

I can see the greatest artists on Earth!

If NewBlack doesn't come:

President of the university, resign immediately.

Isn't it tradition to start insulting them after failing?

[OP] I tried but I think my hands would break.

LMAOOOO

"What's so special about NewBlack?" A completely ordinary group with a hundred-million-view children's song, record-breaking Billboard achievements, and global stadium tours.

Their résumé is way too ridiculous to downplay.

The internet was having a field day.

Interest couldn't have been hotter.

I really hope they come to our school.

Heartbeat.

Heartbeat.

A chance to see one of the biggest artists in the world perform live.

Their new song.

Uncle Bunny.

The King of Singers performances.

Everyone prayed.

Student council, please do your best.

University, please do your best.

While the nation watched the brave student councils struggling to solve this impossible challenge—

The student councils themselves were sitting in stunned silence.

"How many competitors?"

"...Probably every university in the country."

"..."

It felt less like a university festival application and more like a competition where first prize was a private concert by global Billboard superstars.

After a brief moment of dizziness, they got to work.

If we pull this off, it'll become school history.

Once word spread that NewBlack would personally review proposals and hold meetings with selected candidates, preparation escalated dramatically.

No matter how hard they worked, however, university students were still university students.

And eventually adults began stepping in.

"You need someone for the presentation, right?"

"Yes."

"I'm one of your alumni."

"And also a PBS news anchor."

"...!!!"

Graduates started helping with presentations.

Professionals from advertising agencies joined in.

Alumni from every conceivable industry volunteered assistance.

Meanwhile—

As proposal after proposal poured in—

Gu Jaeyoung PD and the NewUniverse production team began feeling genuine fear.

What is this?

Why has this gotten so serious?

We're just making a variety show...

Everyone slowly closed their eyes.

Gu Jaeyoung pulled out his phone.

"PD-nim, what are you doing?"

"Texting my wife."

"..."

"I'm telling her I won't be coming home for a few days."

"..."

The workload was increasing by the second.

A snowball casually rolled by NewBlack had become an avalanche crushing the production staff.

While the internet and the real world were losing their minds over NewBlack's university festival special—

"Mm... Mmm..."

Ri Hyuk was having a nightmare.

"Handsome idol."

"Trend-setting idol."

"There are many nicknames for you, Ri Hyuk."

"Do you know yours?"

"No."

"I don't."

"It's Treaty Stone!"

"Hahaha!"

Ri Hyuk tilted his head.

Did that mean he was cute like a pebble?

Then the MC shouted.

"No!"

"It's Eulsa Treaty Stone!"

"No!"

"Traitor Stone!"

"BOOOOOOO!"

That was when Ri Hyuk woke up.

"Gasp..."

"Haa..."

He'd apparently fallen asleep against the car window.

Sweat covered his forehead from the summer heat.

As he wiped it away with a handkerchief, a familiar voice reached his ears.

Their leader was humming.

"My heart is a little pebble~ Even when battered by wind and rain~ I shall live a smooth and rounded life~♬"

"..."

For a brief moment, Ri Hyuk considered slapping those singing lips.

He restrained himself.

Today was not a day to hit the leader.

Wooju noticed him waking up and smiled.

"Ri Hyuk's awake?"

"Yeah."

"You should've slept more."

"I had a nightmare."

"Because of someone."

"Jiho?"

"That makes sense."

"..."

Ri Hyuk lightly shook his head.

Looking around, he saw the others sleeping.

Jiho and Junghyun were tangled together, mouths hanging open.

Biju was asleep too, producing a tiny bubble from his nose.

Everyone's tired.

They had just returned to Korea after completing part of the Asian tour.

And this was the schedule Ri Hyuk had been waiting for over the past several weeks.

Seo Ri Hyuk Children's Library

Today was the opening ceremony for the Seo Ri Hyuk Library and Kim Deoksun Library in Gunsan.

The project Wooju had launched with a major bank.

Libraries built across the country under the names of NewBlack's members.

Ri Hyuk's heart pounded.

My own library.

A children's library, too...!

His cheeks turned pink.

Wooju noticed.

"Excited?"

"More than I can put into words."

"The idea that my name can become part of children's dreams and hopes..."

"I'm excited too."

"You are?"

For a moment, Ri Hyuk thought Wooju was sympathizing with his feelings.

Then—

"I'm gonna see Kim Deoksun."

"Hehe."

"Hehehe... ehehehe..."

"..."

Watching the leader grin like an idiot, Ri Hyuk couldn't help laughing.

"Thank you."

"Hm?"

"You built my library next to Grandmother's."

"You probably wanted your own name beside hers."

"Well..."

"That was a huge sacrifice."

"Thank you."

This was Sun Wooju they were talking about.

The man who worshipped Kim Deoksun.

The fact that he'd surrendered the spot beside her name to someone else was astonishing.

Ri Hyuk sincerely thanked his oldest brother.

"Y-Yeah."

Wooju answered awkwardly.

Like someone hiding something.

That's strange.

The mystery didn't last long.

In the distance, Ri Hyuk spotted the sign.

Kim Deoksun Library

As the members woke the others one by one, their vehicle slowly entered the outdoor parking lot.

The opening ceremony was already underway.

Then Ri Hyuk blinked.

"Hm?"

Something caught his eye.

A statue of Uncle Bunny stood in the parking lot.

Kim Deoksun Library

The sculpture had been positioned perfectly to attract children's attention.

Uncle Bunny stood there holding a small sign.

And written on that sign was the name of the parking lot.

Sun Wooju Parking Lot

Ri Hyuk looked at the leader, who was carefully avoiding eye contact.

Then he nodded in understanding.

So he couldn't completely give up the spot beside her after all...