Recently, a dark cloud seems to hang over every employee at S Entertainment due to some unfortunate rumors.
These rumors not only involve the company's rising girl group, Pretty Generation, but also the cornerstone boy band, The Dawn, and the wildly popular boy group, superstars. Mishandling the situation could lead to S's sudden collapse.
Worried about their jobs, some employees even suggest disbanding Pretty Generation to appease the angry fans during a meeting.
However, the higher-ups suppress all dissent and protests for now. It's said that Alvin Garcia, the man who created Pretty Generation, is making last-ditch efforts to salvage the situation.
In a practice room against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, the girls are drenched in sweat, their clothes soaked. They are tirelessly practicing a song called "Dancing Star," hoping to wow the public and regain their fading popularity.
They give it their all, correcting even the slightest mistakes reflected in the mirror. Not a single flaw is allowed, and they are working harder than ever, even more than before their debut.
Their faces have not lit up with a smile for a long time, and the oppressive atmosphere in the practice room is almost suffocating.
Even someone as clear-headed as Victoria is left in shock when she hears the news, her mind blank and filled with dread.
This rumor is indeed terrifying. The black ocean during their last stage performance shatters any glimmer of hope they had, leaving them with only one option: practice, practice, and more practice.
They aren't sure if practicing will save them, but it is the only thing they can do right now. The darkness ahead seems to be slowly engulfing them all.
After three to four hours of intense practice, the first member can't hold on any longer. It is Penny. Her ankle gives out, and she falls to the floor.
"I'm fine. I can continue," she says, forcing a smile on her pale face as she tries to get up.
At that moment, a figure pushes through the group, moving from the left to the right. Amidst the wide-eyed stares, Jessica walks over, grabs Charlotte's collar with both hands, and grits her teeth. "Tell me, what have you been doing all this time?"
As one of the only two members aware of the higher-ups' decisions, Jessica's eyes lock onto Charlotte's, waiting for a response.
"I've been doing everything I should," Charlotte replies, understanding the meaning behind Jessica's expression but unable to answer.
How could she explain? She thought staying out of scandals would avoid the black ocean. She repeatedly interacted with fans, gave countless reminders, and even directly instructed fans to avoid certain entrances and posters to prevent conflicts. But fate has other plans.
When Charlotte hears what had happened in the dressing room, she feels like she is questioning her existence.
Could fate really not be changed? The others, unaware of the situation, quickly pull the two apart.
"Jessica, let's talk this through."
"We're all worried, but we need to stay calm."
"Charlotte has been going through a lot too."
Voices of comfort echo around them.
"It's all my fault. If I hadn't made a mistake..." Penny regretfully mumbles.
Jessica slowly releases her hands from Charlotte's clothes and storms out without any hesitation. "I will take all back in my way!"
"What's wrong with Jessica?" At the same time, their manager walks in, looking confused.
"She has a bit of a stomachache and went to get some medicine," Charlotte quickly composes herself, acting as if nothing has happened. "What brings you here at this time? Any schedule updates?"
Everyone eagerly looks at him. Since the black ocean incident, all their schedules have been cut off, except for Victoria's drama filming. It is as if they were being given the cold shoulder. If there is any new schedule, it might help them bounce back.
"The performance at the New York University Welcome Event. I had to fight tooth and nail at the board meeting to get this for you," the manager says seriously. "You must seize this opportunity."
Meanwhile, Jessica storms into Alvin Garcia's office and knocks on the door.
"Come in."
"Jessica?" Alvin pushes up his glasses, puzzled. "Why are you here? What's the matter?"
"I..." Jessica bites her lip, struggling to speak. The pressure she has been under makes it hard to get the words out. She clenches her hands into fists, her nails digging into her palms, and finally speaks earnestly, "I hope you can stop the mistreatment of Pretty Generation."
"Mistreatment?" Alvin looks amused, but his expression quickly turns serious as he sees the determined look on her face. "You think this is mistreatment?" he says. "I see it as marketing. Jessica, haven't you noticed how many more people know the name Pretty Generation compared to before?"
"I understand, but the consequences are too severe. If we fail..." Jessica is cut off.
"Failure and success are two sides of the same coin."
"If our reputation can't be turned around, Pretty Generation will be destroyed," Jessica finally says, her voice trembling.
Alvin pauses his tea-pouring motion, then chuckles lightly. "Then let it be destroyed."
His words are light, as if discussing something as trivial as floating dandelion seeds. Jessica's heart tightens, but she forces herself to stay calm. "I believe that with Pretty Generation's own efforts, we can achieve the popularity you want."
"I believe it too," Alvin nods.
"So..." Jessica's face lights up with hope, only to be struck down by Alvin's next words.
"But how long will it take? One year, two years, or five years?" Alvin asks. "If I can wait, why not invest the same money, time, and resources into a more profitable boy band rather than waiting for an uncertain future with a girl group?"
"Jessica, you're smart. If you can figure out my intentions, you must know that all the girl groups on this peninsula are currently unprofitable."
He raises his whiskey glass, signaling the end of the conversation. "You should feel fortunate to be the focus of this experiment because it means you still have value."