Chapter 384
We were momentarily caught in silence after hearing the planning manager's words.
Then Song Hyung-bin, who came to his senses first, confirmed the truth.
"So, Connex and our comeback schedules overlap perfectly. Is that what you mean?"
"Yes, that's what happened. We also found out unexpectedly the day before yesterday, so we made a meeting because we thought we had to tell the members the news quickly."
The planning manager wiped his glasses slightly and put them back on.
He seemed to be organizing his thoughts.
"First of all, let me tell you the conclusion. COC Entertainment did not intentionally target our comeback schedule. Of course, we can't be 100% sure that this information was received from an external source. In the first place, information circulating in this industry is bound to be less credible unless it's directly mentioned by the company."
"It can't be helped. There are so many rumors."
Chae Eun-gyu nodded and asked an additional question.
"If it wasn't intentional, then it could be that they didn't know we were making a comeback at this time and planned their schedule accordingly?"
"We're thinking the same way Eun-gyu kun mentioned. It's just a simple coincidence. Actually, there was a reason why we held our comeback schedule meeting so late. Everyone thought that this comeback was very important in terms of timing, so it took a long time to find the best date."
"Everyone thought this comeback was that important......... ?"
Yoo Min-ha said as if he didn't understand.
At that, Kang Si-yoon, who was sitting next to him, laughed and conveyed his thoughts.
"Min-ha thought last year, when we were preparing for our first full-length album, was the most important?"
"Yes, of course. Isn't it not a full-length album this time? I think it would be difficult to release regular albums consecutively with a lot of work."
"The first full-length album we released last year was definitely a huge turning point. And how did it perform in the end?"
".........We had the highest album sales and even triple crown with
Ji Yoon-chul answered in a low voice instead of Yoo Min-ha.
Kang Si-yoon nodded as if he was right.
"That's right. The end result was that our first full-length album did really well, right? I think the public's expectations for our next album are bound to be much higher than before. That's how we've always been, setting new records and sales records with every album we release. But now... things are a bit different."
"It's uncertain whether we can surpass the performance of our first regular album."
I finished Kang Si-yoon's words neatly.
Seleste, who has always drawn an upward graph.
Since debut, we have shown explosive growth by breaking all the records set by Korean male idols, and even showed an incredible performance that will break the new records we set without fail in our next comeback.
In that process, the public's expectations for us have been rising day by day.
Fortunately, we have been able to rise to a high position by producing results that exceed those expectations so far.
In order to go higher and gain more fame, we must always meet those expectations.
The problem was that the record we set with our first regular album was so great that we wondered if we could break it this time.
The planning manager agreed with me.
"That was the first thing we had to address. How can we satisfy the hearts of fans, who grow higher with every comeback? How can we repay their love with even better results? One way to achieve good results is to choose the right timing. I think you've all felt that way in the past few years."
"I know. I personally know that it's very difficult to compete with big-name singers when you make a comeback together..."
Heo Yu-bin shivered slightly as he recalled old memories.
Major solo artists who felt like barriers on the music charts.
There were many difficult mountains to overcome, such as the big-name trot singers who completely dominated the middle-aged generation.
Avoiding a comeback with these artists as much as possible and choosing a time when competition is not overly heated is one of the main keys to success.
However..........
"If we make a comeback with Connex, there will inevitably be a risk."
"That's right. Even though we've recently made better records than Connex's albums, they're a group that can never be taken lightly."
My eyes naturally turned to Chae Eun-gyu.
Chae Eun-gyu, who has a deeper connection to Connex than anyone else here.
I thought that Chae Eun-gyu, who has seen each member's individuality and ability right next to him for a long time, would be able to speak more objectively.
However, Chae Eun-gyu said this with an expression that was not at all shaken.
"I think that's the same for us."
The eldest brother's short and bold words.
It was a sentence that contained nothing special, but contained tremendous confidence.
Upon hearing that, all the members raised their heads and looked at Chae Eun-gyu.
As if he recognized the gazes directed at him, Chae Eun-gyu smiled faintly.
"I think our members have learned and developed a lot over the past two years. The good times that the manager mentioned are of course important, but... I don't think it matters."
His voice was even more upright than usual.
Chae Eun-gyu spoke in a confident tone that seemed to be full of conviction, clearly conveying his opinion.
"I think that we can win now. No, we will definitely win."
This was definitely not unfounded confidence.
The two years that the members have built up together.
The numerous results we have achieved.
And it was confidence created by trust in each other.
Song Hyung-bin also nodded confidently at Chae Eun-gyu's words, as if he was stirred by something, and spoke to the planning manager.
"All the schedules are set to match that fixed date, right? Then we should just go with it. I don't think we need to worry too much about Connex and the comeback overlapping."
"And from the beginning, didn't we all say that we wanted to have a proper fight with Connex?"
"That's right!"
Kang Si-yoon said, lightly tapping the meeting table as if he were someone who was raising the morale of his teammates right before a soccer game.
"Now that we're on the subject, I'm saying this, but I was really upset that we were being compared to each other. We always avoided each other and got good results. If our comebacks overlap, we definitely won't get the same results. I hope we really show what we're capable of this time."
I think all the members have probably heard this at least once.
It seems like Seleste is getting such good results because they haven't met Connex in a while.
There were often people who would say a curse like, saying that if you stick to it properly, you will definitely lose.
So sometimes we would laugh amongst ourselves and say, 'I wish we could just fight comfortably.'
Now, that golden opportunity has come.
I nodded slowly, making a firm resolution.
"I want to make it clear who is above."
The moment I said those words, a status window appeared with a golden halo.
[Linked quest, 'Win the Battle with Connex' has been created.]
[Reward: System Recovery 14%]
I was quietly surprised when I saw the message in the status window.
This was the first time I'd seen such a high System Recovery percentage.
Even if I completed major achievements and quests, the System Recovery always gave 3~4%, or at most 7~8%, but now it gave 14% as a reward.
Does that mean that the all-out war between us and Connex is important and the difficulty is high?
Well, whatever the reason, it's good for me.
'If I just fill up that 14%... the recovery rate will soon be over 80%.'
While on the world tour, I've achieved various hidden achievements such as the cumulative audience achievement and the cumulative visited country achievement, and I've accumulated the system recovery rate to 68%.
If I successfully complete this linked quest, I'll reach 82% in one go.
The end of this long second grand quest is slowly coming into view.
At first, I wondered when I would ever fix this broken system, but I've finally come this far.
'It's come to the very end.'
I've been doing my best not to make any big mistakes up until now.
But now, I really have to pour all my strength and mental energy into completing this quest.
Meanwhile, the other members in the conference room also seemed to be fully charged.
In particular, Yoo Min-ha and Heo Yu-bin were expressing their full enthusiasm with their whole bodies.
Each for their own reasons.
"A rivalry match, I'm really excited! We really need to win here to make the whole story perfect."
"What were you talking about? It was about comics again?"
"Of course, the basic basis is comics! This is our story now, our story!"
While Yoo Min-ha was excited about pursuing his ideal world, Heo Yu-bin was trying to reach the top of the tower he had been building up step by step.
"Manager, then.......... How much progress has been made on the album?"
"Nothing has been decided yet. But I think that the overall work, including recording, will start by the end of this month at the latest."
"Aha.........."
The planning manager carefully observed Heo Yu-bin's expression.
Then, as if he knew what Heo Yu-bin was thinking, he said.
"Yu-bin ssi, you want to participate directly in the title song and album production, right?"
"Yes? Oh, yes. I always want to do it."
"You did well last time, so I'm sure you can do well this time too. Just tell me whenever. I'll convey your wishes."
"Yes, thank you always. But... Actually, I want to be a little greedy this time."
The remaining six members immediately turned their gazes toward Heo Yu-bin.
Heo Yu-bin, who realized that everyone's attention was focused on him, awkwardly laughed and showed his nervousness, but he continued to speak firmly.
"I've participated in a lot of song productions in the past, and I was really happy that the songs I worked on were included in the album. I really felt like I became an idol for this kind of moment. So this time... If you don't mind.........."
I knew exactly what Heo Yubin wanted to say.
I had been watching Heo Yubin for a long time, talking with him, and heard several times what he wanted to do the most.
And now, when Connex, who was considered the strongest opponent, appeared, I vaguely felt that Heo Yubin's competitive spirit and artistic spirit were burning.
For such a younger brother, I could only send silent support.
"Would it be okay if I personally took charge of the concept and title song of this album.........!"
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