Chapter 870: Answer (23)

At that very moment, just before the live broadcast of the survival audition.

The staff at the American broadcasting station, who had been staring at the steadily rising ratings graph, clicked their tongues in disbelief.

"What the hell is this..."

The graph kept climbing.

Even though it was ad time, viewers were already flooding in.

It was a popular program, yes—but even accounting for that, this was far higher than usual.

"Are those all NewBlack’s fans?"

"Probably. The buzz online is exploding right now."

"Wow."

While the station staff stared wide-eyed at the sheer volume of Souffle fans visible even to the naked eye—

"Hoo."

The Souffles were waiting with their TVs already on.

Normally, it was a show they wouldn’t even want to boost the ratings for—but today was an exception.

Because the artist they loved was appearing.

"Hmm..."

Their gazes shifted toward social media.

Recently, a newly emerged force had been covering Twitter.

Colin was insane last week

Terry Austin 😭 He’s truly a genius of this era. We might be witnessing the birth of a new legend

(video) Hunter and Jacob’s moment from last week

Congrats on first place, Colin

Colin♡

Clips and photos of the contestants’ performances.

Watching the show’s regular viewers gradually take over social media, the Souffles narrowed their eyes.

"These bastards."

Posts like those weren’t the problem. Fangirling was free, after all.

The problem was the posts mixed in between.

Honestly my taste is closer to Light It Up

No hard feelings toward NewBlack. They’re just too skinny and not sexy

Am I the only one who finds NewBlack’s racial composition unnatural? They’re all Asian

There are a lot of unnatural things. Their stage feels too mechanical and choreographed, like watching a circus. I wish they’d be more natural

Honestly the Light It Up contestants are way better than NewBlack. In many ways

They could just praise their own favorites.

But instead, they constantly dragged NewBlack down while going "our kids are amazing!"

The American Souffles’ eyes sharpened.

"This looks professional no matter how you see it."

They were systematically spreading negative talk about K-pop and NewBlack while liking each other’s posts.

It felt one hundred percent organized—but there was no concrete proof.

Some accounts even looked fake.

Every time a post went up, agreement replies poured in instantly.

They were pushing the narrative that NewBlack was a setting sun and that this was the new trend.

Things you didn’t know about NewBlack’s racist behavior (proof included!!) (click)

NewBlack pretended to be rookies in the US for a Grammy but actually debuted in 2014

5 reasons why Answer is controversial (Spotify chart manipulation suspicion)

The shocking truth behind NewBlack’s so-called "talent"

The shocking reason NewBlack is even hated by fellow Asians in Japan

It was so severe that about 80 percent of all existing NewBlack rumors had been created in just the past few months.

To outsiders, it was the kind of situation that made you think, "Is that actually true?"

Meanwhile, they were praising the show.

It feels like we’re watching the birth of a truly American boy band

Colin is seriously sexy

Hunter is the hottest guy I’ve ever seen

The Light It Up contestants make me want to root for them every time. They have such bright charm

Terry who made Light It Up... you’re a genius

Terry Austin is honestly a genius

Even praise for the producer was mixed in, making the Souffles let out incredulous laughs.

"This isn’t normal."

What kind of idol fans posted pictures of the producer and praised him?

Unless it was something like a meme—like how Park Gyuho was jokingly called "rich bald guy."

In many ways, the situation was abnormal.

No matter how popular the audition currently was, there was no way its fandom could be this big.

But...

So where’s the proof?

Because there was no clear evidence, it was hard to raise accusations.

Instead, Souffles who tried to bring it up just got labeled as "crazy K-pop fans."

The frustrating situation continued.

"...This is weird. There’s no way we lose in sheer numbers."

The fandom sizes weren’t even comparable.

But it was happening.

The number of people slandering NewBlack kept growing like machines or paid commenters, making it difficult to fight back.

On top of that, they kept flooding social media as if they were the trend, pulling in clueless outsiders.

People who generally liked boy bands but had no interest in K-pop were getting drawn in.

Watching this, Light It Up fans were becoming more and more confident.

We might really be the trend

They say we broke NewBlack Jiho’s search ranking record

Did you see Colin’s buzz surpass Wooju’s this week? I’m so proud

Watching them brag so boldly, the Souffles made dumbfounded expressions.

"Ah, this is pissing me off."

As their round, bread-like faces flushed red—

Large hands came down onto their shoulders.

What’s going on?

The native Souffles stood behind them, casting shadows with their imposing builds.

The American Souffles immediately burst into tears.

Unnie! I’m so frustrated!

They’re clearly paid, but we’re losing in firepower!

Ha... this is the first time I’ve felt this kind of resentment...

"Hm?"

But to the native Souffles, this was a familiar sight.

Watching the tearful American fans, they realized—

"Ah. These kids haven’t really fought before."

From their debut days, battling TNT fans for music show first place, and surviving the chaotic era of TenTinNew—

For Korean Souffles who had dealt with malicious rumors and even paid commenters, this wasn’t anything new.

Like scars from glory etched into them, they gave advice.

In times like this, just wait a bit.

In these battles, victory wasn’t decided by which fandom had more firepower.

If money alone determined first place, NewBlack would have never reached the top.

In the end, there were only two things that mattered in an idol popularity battle.

One was the quality of the song.

The other was the stage.

In the end, the one with the better song and better performance wins.

And in that regard, their artist had never once experienced defeat.

As the Korean Souffles quietly smiled—

[Light It Up begins!]

The advertisements ended, and the live broadcast finally started.

"Hoo."

Backstage, I stretched as I steadied my breathing.

The stage itself wasn’t particularly difficult, but the tight rehearsal schedule hadn’t left any time to catch my breath.

Cold, who had been standing nearby, slung an arm over my shoulders.

"How is it, Sunny? Nervous?"

"There’s always some tension."

I grinned.

"Before going on stage, I always get nervous. Big stage or small... you just get used to it."

"True enough. Want some gum?"

I waved him off as he chewed.

After checking my condition, the senior artist moved off toward the others.

They were the jazz musicians who would be performing with us today.

"How are you all feeling today?"

"Great!"

Perhaps because he was also involved in Black rights movements, the Black musicians looked at Cold Brown with warmth.

He wasn’t just a popular artist to them—he was more like an icon.

I had heard he was treated like a revolutionary figure among them, but seeing it firsthand was fascinating.

Cold smirked and glanced at me.

"See that?"

I smiled and nodded.

Then the jazz musicians approached me and extended their hands.

"It’s an honor to meet Sun Myungju’s son. Haha."

They offered words of praise.

"I’ve never met him personally, but Sun Myungju was my professor’s teacher. You know Professor Raymond Barkley, right? He taught me."

"I really enjoyed your father’s performance."

"And Answer, the song you made this time—it’s excellent. As a jazz musician..."

They looked at me as if I were the rightful heir of some royal bloodline.

I turned to Cold.

"You see this?"

As if asking whether he could see my influence, Cold made a competitive expression.

While we were bonding beneath the stage—

[Today’s Light It Up!]

The MC, a popular actor, began the live broadcast, hyping up the crowd.

Who would be eliminated today?

Whose stage would shine the brightest?

As the MC built anticipation and introduced the judges, the contestants took their seats.

"Waaaaaaah!"

Amid the roaring cheers, a staff member wearing an intercom nodded.

"It’s time to prepare."

The musicians went up first.

Cold and I took our positions on the lift.

Normally, I would press shoulders and heads together with my members and say "let’s do well," but without them, it felt empty.

Instead, I grinned at the managers waving at me and muttered—

"I’ll do well, hyung."

I spun the microphone in my hand before gripping it firmly.

My gaze sharpened.

A survival TV audition currently airing to great popularity.

True to its reputation as the land of reality shows, Light It Up had recently become a hot topic among Americans.

[I watched Jimmy’s stage and my first thought was... ugh.]

[I’ll completely destroy it.]

Young contestants threw sharp remarks at each [N O V E L I G H T] other.

[If you think you can stand on a broadcast stage with that level of skill, you should quit right now—pfft. Aiden, is my fart that funny? This isn’t the time to laugh. It just proves my ass sings better than you.]

Harsh critiques from trainers were standard.

On top of that, there were power struggles and politics whenever contestants worked together on stage.

Those who gained good impressions from viewers were already rising fast.

The venue itself was packed with banners.

We love you, Colin!

Team Hunter

Jacob is Canada’s pride

Amid the passionate atmosphere, the live broadcast finally began.

As contestants and judges entered one by one and exchanged comments—

[Now! Who will light up today’s stage?]

A concept where famous artists were invited to "light up" the opening stage.

It symbolized igniting the recording and inspiring contestants as senior artists.

‘Who’s it going to be today?’

As the audience watched with anticipation—

[At this age, we often start questioning life. Sometimes, we feel the need for our own answer.]

At the keyword "Answer," the audience erupted in cheers.

‘Cold Brown!’

As reaction shots of stunned audience members appeared on screen—

The MC pointed to the darkened stage.

[The greatest rapper of this era and the vocalist of an international superstar group!]

[Please welcome them with applause! Cold Brown and Wooju!]

The audience craned their necks.

A performance from Cold Brown—something you’d only expect at the Super Bowl halftime show or Glastonbury.

And Wooju of NewBlack, who was currently trending!

Even the contestants leaned forward, eyes shining.

"Waaaaaaah!"

The stage lit up.

A saxophonist, eyes closed, played a mesmerizing melody.

Other instruments joined, layering a beat over the jazz.

"Waaaaaaah!"

The lift rose.

Two men in black hoodies appeared—screams erupted.

Cold Brown moved lightly to the hip-hop beat and raised his mic.

"Light it up! Make some noise!"

As he introduced himself and Wooju, the contestants jumped to their feet.

"This is insane!"

With most contestants in their teens, the popular hip-hop sound ignited both the audience and performers.

Cold Brown began his narration.

Marcus said,

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

Wooju held out the mic to the audience.

Their response:

"Be one!"

Cheers exploded again as Cold Brown’s rap began.

He reached into the air as if speaking to someone.

His life unfolded in his lyrics.

The lights changed with each emotion.

Purple for sorrowful memories.

Pink for beautiful ones.

He was a singer who understood the power of truthful lyrics.

I’ve achieved everything except a Grammy

So don’t laugh too loudly

The audience laughed and sang along to the chorus dissing the Grammys.

Then the waves of lyrics settled.

Like someone finally reaching shore after a storm, Cold Brown murmured—

"So..."

"I—"

At that moment, Wooju stepped forward.

"I think I know the answer now"

"The answer I’ve been searching for"

"You know it too"

"You know what it is"

His clear voice rang out.

After the heavy tone before, it opened up the listeners’ ears completely.

"Waaaaaaah!"

Goosebumps spread across their bodies.

Amid the jazz, Wooju smiled softly and continued.

His clean ending notes lingered.

As the chorus echoed—

The second verse began.

This time, Wooju’s singing rap flowed smoothly.

Natural like running water.

"Huh?"

Viewers tilted their heads.

This was completely different from the image the show had been crafting about K-pop idols.

"They dance well, but their vocals are lacking."

Yet here he was, singing incredibly well—clear enough for "wow" reactions on camera.

"And they don’t interact with the audience."

Yet he moved across the stage with Cold Brown, making eye contact and smiling.

He was telling his story to the audience and judges.

Like the shifting lights, his voice created a fluid melody.

‘Wasn’t he... a boy band member?’

For general viewers unfamiliar with K-pop, it was a refreshing shock.

As the third verse came, Wooju approached the contestants.

"Waaaaaaah!"

He threw his hoodie into the crowd.

Chaos erupted.

"Me! I want it!"

"I got it first!"

Watching them, their producer Terry Austin fumed internally.

‘You idiots!’

The difference in level was obvious.

Wooju smiled and held out his hand to them.

Then he turned to the judges.

His curved eyes seemed to say—

No matter what you say, we’re on a different level.

"Alright! Everyone!"

Cold Brown threw off his hoodie too and wrapped an arm around Wooju.

The image formed clearly:

Wooju = Cold Brown level.

Ironically, the show’s earlier attempts to downplay NewBlack made this stage feel even more impressive.

"Wow."

As the stage ended, Wooju smiled casually.

The MC approached.

[That was an incredible performance!]

A short interview followed.

When the camera turned to Wooju—

He brushed back his sweat-damp hair and smiled.

[Are you familiar with Light It Up, Wooju?]

Instead of answering, he sang the show’s theme.

What once sounded youthful now became refined.

Cheers erupted.

"Is he emphasizing the difference in skill?"

The judges looked uneasy.

Then—

"Advice for the contestants? Hmm... something Cold told me recently. I think it’s important to find your own charm."

He spoke sincerely.

"And I heard the winner gets to perform at the Billboard Music Awards?"

He smiled.

"Then let’s meet at Billboard."

A senior artist impossible to rival.

At the same time.

American Souffles were cheering wildly.

The malicious fans of Light It Up had suddenly gone silent.

The Souffles approached them.

"Hey. Say it again."

"......"

"Say it again. What did you say?"

As they stayed silent—

In Korea, cheers also erupted.

"Hyungs! Look! Our leader did it again!"

"He’s insane..."

Watching their eldest shut down all criticism with overwhelming skill—

The Souffles laughed joyfully.

If history were written, it might say:

—The King marched to battle and burned the enemy’s stronghold alongside General Cold Brown, displaying unmatched might.

—Thus, the four followers wept at his majesty.

As laughter filled the air—

"...It’s fine. It was just one stage."

The malicious fans tried to calm themselves.

But soon—

They realized something was very wrong.