Chapter 856: Answer (9)

The next day.

I was told that PBS’s music program had contacted us.

“Wooju. We got a call from PBS Music On.”

“What did they say?”

“They asked us to save them.”

I almost spat out the chocolate drink I was sipping.

While I coughed and Ri Hyuk handed me his handkerchief, Minki hyung continued.

“Cold Brown contacted the music show yesterday. Said something like he’s really grateful to be invited to a program where Korea’s top artists compete for first place.”

“....”

“Apparently he said he has huge expectations. When I spoke to the PD in charge, the guy sounded half out of his mind.”

Understandable.

Who was Cold Brown?

A singer who earns around 7 billion won per headlining appearance at a music festival.

And now that kind of global star suddenly says he’s appearing on a music show—of course it’s overwhelming.

“That’s not the main issue.”

Minki hyung shook his head.

“At first, they were thrilled. Said having Cold Brown would be huge buzz...”

“And then?”

“But then you got him all hyped up, so now he’s expecting way too much...”

“.......”

That was true.

It was my fault.

From the PD’s perspective, it would’ve been, “A world-famous artist appearing? Jackpot!”

But now imagine that same world-famous artist showing up with sparkling eyes saying, “Your show is legendary!”

“...Yeah. That’s on me.”

“Your sins run deep.”

Ri Hyuk nodded in agreement.

I shot a glare at the cheeky subordinate and turned back to Minki hyung.

“I do feel a bit guilty. What can I do to help?”

“They want suggestions. Like a gift for Cold Brown or a special segment that would suit him.”

“Hmm, give me a moment. Honestly, this is basically my first proper time meeting him...”

We had exchanged “Hey!” at award shows before, but we were practically strangers.

Still, recalling what I had observed over the past few days, I thought carefully.

“A trophy.”

“A trophy?”

“Yes. Something like a commemorative plaque or trophy for Cold Brown’s visit. Or even just handing out handkerchiefs with ‘Commemorating Cold Brown’s Visit’ printed on them.”

“...I’ll pass that along.”

As Minki hyung called the PBS PD with a doubtful expression—

Manager Jongwan’s car arrived at our destination.

A famous arts university in Seoul.

We were here for the showcase of Answer with Cold Brown.

I started this project because I want a Grammy, but I also believe our track has artistic value. I want that to be recognized in Korea too.

I agree.

Can we find an audience that will appreciate that aspect?

That’s how, after discussion with the TF team, we decided on our audience: music-major university students.

An audience capable of asking questions in English.

An audience with musical knowledge.

An audience that could relate to Cold Brown, a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

It was Manager Hong Seoyoung who suggested it.

Then let’s hold the showcase in front of music students.

And so, this special venue was arranged.

Of course, aside from a few insiders, no one knew about today’s showcase.

It had been disguised as a different event.

“It’s a lecture.”

Ri Hyuk smirked as he looked at the poster.

[Cold Brown Lecture: My Music and Life]

At a glance, it looked like Cold Brown was continuing his campaign-like schedule by giving a university lecture.

But when the lecture ended, I was going to appear with a “ta-da” and perform.

And during the Q&A, our main vocalist would act as MC, handling English and communication.

“You should be grateful.”

“Yes, yes.”

“I’m busy preparing for my driving test these days, but I made time. Wow, Seo Ri Hyuk is so kind.”

“You’re praising yourself again. You should enroll here as a traditional music major.”

“I’d love to, but dual enrollment would be difficult.”

As we exchanged playful banter, the car entered the campus.

Ri Hyuk and I both widened our eyes.

“Wow...”

It wasn’t the size of the campus.

It was the atmosphere.

Under trees swaying in the wind, students walked by with backpacks and instrument cases...

Going to work...?

I turned my head.

“What do you call it when university students go to school? Attendance? De-attendance?...”

“Isn’t it just ‘going to class’?”

“Do university students even say that? I’m confused.”

Anyway, the sight outside the window felt strangely romantic.

Students wearing school jackets.

Someone passing by coolly on a one-wheel electric device with wireless earphones.

“Looks like a lot of people use those these days. Wireless earphones.”

“They’re trendy now.”

Last year when Jiho bought them, we teased him for having “bean sprouts in his ears.”

Maybe our youngest had actually been ahead of the trend.

I should get a pair too.

As I thought that, Ri Hyuk pressed his face to the window.

“That’s the library! Reading books in a place like that would be amazing...”

“Nice building.”

Studying there would probably feel different.

Maybe because I once dreamed of being a university student, everything here felt strangely fascinating.

What would it feel like to study music at a university?

Ri Hyuk said, eyes shining.

“I want to properly attend university someday, even if it’s later in life. Retake the college exam, study seriously. Or maybe go to graduate school. I want to really learn.”

Attending university...

Something came to mind.

“Why not just ask Producer Gu Jaeyoung later? Maybe a one-day university experience?”

“...Whoa!”

“Wait. That’s actually a great idea.”

“Thinking about it, New Universe is amazing.”

As Ri Hyuk and I clapped and laughed in the spring campus air—

Our destination, the university’s arts theater, came into view.

The arts theater.

A large hall with a capacity of around 500 people was filled with professors and students.

Even after all seats were taken, students stood at the back.

“Wow. Our school really pulled this off.”

“Seriously... it’s Cold Brown.”

A banner hung on the stage.

[2018 Music Master Lecture for a Successful Career ① Cold Brown]

The music students looked stunned.

‘Why is he here.’

‘I mean, I’m grateful... but why?’

‘Is this what a master lecture is supposed to be?’

Usually, successful people came to say, “Back in my day...” and lecture students about lacking passion.

A lecture sharing the principles of success.

In that sense, Cold Brown wasn’t out of place.

A music college graduate turned rapper.

In a way, a senior.

But—

‘What... are we supposed to learn?’

The scale was overwhelming.

So the students smiled brightly.

“Let’s just watch and enjoy.”

“Damn, I should’ve studied English. Sangcheol, I’m terrible at English. What do I do?”

“Are you sure that’s the only thing you’re bad at?”

As chatter filled the hall—

A professor with a strict expression stepped onto the stage.

Since a world-class artist is visiting, please show the standard of our prestigious school.

After reminding them to behave properly—

The red recording light turned on.

The lights dimmed.

A tall, solidly built man stepped onto the stage.

A rapper in a black hoodie and cargo pants.

“WAAAAAAAH!”

Cheers erupted like a concert.

Cold Brown raised an eyebrow in satisfaction.

His lips curved into a smile.

Taking the wired microphone, he spoke.

“Wow.”

Looking at the enthusiastic crowd, he repeated.

“What a warm welcome. Thank you very much. This might be the warmest reception I’ve received since arriving in Korea.”

His English was clear and easy to understand.

“So I’m sure everyone here is thinking—why the hell is this rapper here?”

Laughter burst out.

“They say honesty is the greatest virtue. As you know, I’m here to promote my track.”

“WAAAAAAAH!”

“Answer. The track Sunny and I will release at 1 PM today.”

After stating his purpose honestly—

“Of course, I also intend to give you some life advice. Many of you may not know, but I also graduated from a music college. So as someone in the music industry, I’d like to share some advice.”

His eyes gleamed.

“How to tell if this bastard is trying to use you as an intern and rip you off.”

The students straightened up.

“The typical tricks used in contract scams.”

Their eyes sparkled.

“How to crush those who try to drag you down.”

Cold Brown grinned.

“I’ll give you the answers.”

The students cheered at the wordplay.

He snapped his fingers.

The PPT appeared.

“Let’s begin. First piece of advice.”

The Korean title appeared.

[How to Make Money Through Music]

Students focused.

“I had the same 고민 before graduating. How do I make money? Considering I spent thousands—tens of thousands—on instruments... it’s only natural I should earn that back, right?”

They nodded.

“After years of experience, I realized the easiest way for music students to make money.”

“...!”

“That is—sell your instrument secondhand.”

Laughter exploded.

A black joke to start.

Students wiped tears of laughter.

‘Yeah... he really is one of us.’

The greatest American rapper suddenly felt relatable.

For the next 40 minutes, he captivated the audience.

Then—

“Now, let’s take questions.”

Hands shot up.

He answered industry and career questions.

Not everything smoothly.

“Hmm.”

He stroked his beard.

“To be honest, that’s difficult to answer. I’m not very familiar with Korea’s industry. But... I think there’s someone who can answer that.”

A strange hint.

As murmurs spread—

He raised the mic.

“Due to time, one last question. Yes, the gentleman standing at the back.”

All eyes turned.

“...What.”

“Since when was he there?”

Someone had been standing there unnoticed.

A figure in a black hoodie and mask.

Small head, sharp features.

And clear, striking eyes.

“...Wait?”

People hesitated.

‘Could it be?’

His build made it uncertain.

Broad shoulders. Solid physique.

Then—

“Mm.”

He took the mic.

Cheers erupted.

That voice.

‘No way.’

He spoke in English.

“I have a question, Cold.”

“Yes.”

“Did you know our track was just released?”

He lowered his hood.

Screams.

Cheers.

Phones raised.

Wooju removed his mask and smiled brightly.

“Hello. I’m Sun Wooju.”

Then he asked playfully.

“Why do you think I’m here?”

“...The stage?”

“Correct.”

He winked.

“Then I should greet you properly.”

He smiled.

“Welcome to our showcase.”

The hall exploded.

The reaction was already electric.

As I stepped on stage, cheers erupted again.

“Wow.”

Someone stood up shouting, “I love you!” making everyone laugh.

“Were you surprised?”

“YEEES!”

“I’m glad. That was the goal.”

Laughter.

After greeting Cold Brown with a hug—

‘The atmosphere is warmed up, Sunny.’

‘Thanks. I’ll take it from here.’

I raised the mic.

“As you all know, our track is now released. Please stream it, like it, and share it.”

Behind me, musicians set up jazz instruments.

“While they set up, let’s take a few questions.”

The banner was peeled off.

[Cold Brown]

Riiiiip.

[Cold Brown & Wooju]

Laughter.

Hands shot up.

After answering—

I nodded.

“We’re ready. Are you ready?”

“YEEEES!”

“Then let’s begin.”

Cold Brown and I tested the sound.

“Ay, ay.”

Cheers erupted.

Lights dimmed.

Soft jazz began.

I moved with the rhythm.

‘Don’t overthink. Just ride the rhythm.’

I grabbed the mic.

Cold Brown stepped forward.

“How can we become better people?”

Then—

A quote from Marcus Aurelius.

Cold spoke first.

“Marcus said,

Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be.”

I followed.

“Be one.”

The crowd roared.

At last—

It was time to reveal Answer.