A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 131

The Grammys announce their nominees in early December, with the ceremony held the following month or early the month after.

“Oh… Reporter, I know, I know! Do-hyun needs to hold a press conference. But, you see… Wouldn’t it be better to come back and hold a press conference once he’s a confirmed nominee?”

The PR team leader was trying to appease everyone who contacted him. The PR team was incredibly busy.

The PR team was moving swiftly, compiling a list of reporters to invite to the press conference and securing a venue. This was all in a day’s work for Hu Entertainment’s PR team.

“Oh… The reporters’ requests are flooding in. It would be fantastic if he could win an award at the Grammy Awards, even if the chances are slim… It would be even better if he came back with an award in hand.”

The PR team leader muttered.

Another team member agreed, echoing his sentiments.

“I know, right? I was just imagining how cool it would be if Do-hyun showed up with an award! He’s nominated in two categories, but if he performs and wins, that would be incredible!”

“That’s right, that’s right. We’ve already booked a hotel for the press conference. It would be amazing if he came back with an award.”

Meanwhile,

Do-hyun was completely absorbed in practicing his song.

The Grammy Awards, where he would be collaborating with Adion, held immense significance. The stage was paramount.

He was relishing each lyric, correcting any mispronunciations, and envisioning the conversations he might have with other celebrities.

‘It’s also a place where I can network with celebrities… That’s important. Building friendships with them and securing better work opportunities will be crucial.’

Do-hyun was lost in practice, contemplating these possibilities.

Bzzzz─

While Do-hyun was practicing, a notification alerted him to a new email.

“…What is it? An email from Adion?”

Do-hyun paused his practice and turned on his computer.

[Do-hyun! I wanted to let you know that after discussing it with the organizers, we’ve decided to release a new song and perform it together at the Grammy Awards. Many people felt it was a shame that we were only doing one song. This will be the first public performance of the new song! I’m sending you the version I recorded first. Let’s collaborate!]

“What, what… They’re releasing a new song?”

If so, it meant performing two songs instead of one.

It was a golden opportunity to solidify Do-hyun’s recognition.

Do-hyun played the song Adion had sent.

This time, it leaned towards easy listening. While the previous song had a slightly complex feel, this one was definitely more accessible.

“Wow… This song is great! First, I need to tell Producer Lee Joon-hyuk…”

Do-hyun contacted Producer Lee Joon-hyuk to inform him about Adion’s second proposal.

Almost immediately, Producer Lee Joon-hyuk arrived at Do-hyun’s studio from his own.

“What’s this I hear, Do-hyun? Adion made a second collaboration offer?”

Producer Lee Joon-hyuk’s face was etched with surprise. He hadn’t anticipated Adion making such a proposal before the Grammy Awards.

“That’s right, PD [Producer]. The second offer came—a proposal to release a new song at the Grammy Awards. Well… having one more stage would be great.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for both the company and Do-hyun. We can’t afford to miss this. I definitely think we should proceed. I’ll take care of reporting this to the higher-ups since I’m the team leader.”

“Thank you, PD!”

“Let’s listen to what Adion sent. I assume we’re planning to proceed with a video call this time?”

“Since the Grammy Awards are scheduled for the end of January, I think they want to work discreetly rather than traveling back and forth. It’ll be obvious if I keep going back and forth.”

PD Lee nodded in agreement with Do-hyun’s words.

“That’s true. In that case, I hope we don’t let this opportunity slip away. We might miss some subtle nuances exchanging emails, but let’s do our best.”

“Yes! I’ll do my best!”

Do-hyun was brimming with enthusiasm.

He was thrilled about the prospect of performing twice at the Grammy Awards.

‘This kind of opportunity doesn’t come easily. I can’t miss this.’

* * *

That’s how the second collaboration song with Adion was completed. It was a bit challenging due to the time difference as we exchanged emails, but I was confident that the finished song could dominate the Billboard charts.

News of Do-hyun’s second collaboration was belatedly released through foreign media a week before the Grammy Awards.

Do-hyun had already departed for the United States and was working with Adion to fine-tune the song.

The rehearsals with Adion were more than satisfactory. If we continue to refine it like this, the performance will be exceptional.

─Our chemistry is amazing. Don’t you think so?

Do-hyun chuckled at Adion’s words and replied.

─It’s rare to find a combination like this. Thanks to you, Adion, I’m looking forward to delivering an amazing performance. There are only a few days left, so let’s keep it up!

─That’s right. Let’s keep it up. Good job, Do-hyun. And about our matching outfits, I’ve already prepared them.

─Already?

─I have everything ready, from the clothes for the red carpet to the performance outfits.

─We could have prepared it on our side….

When Do-hyun said that, Adion waved his hand and said.

─Don’t worry about it. I’m looking forward to creating a very cool stage at the Grammy Awards. In that sense, I have to treat my partner well, right?

─Oh… Thank you, Adion. Thanks to you, my worries have lessened. To be honest, I was concerned about what to wear at the Grammy Awards.

─You’ll be very satisfied when you see the clothes I’ve prepared. They include pieces created through collaborations between my brand and various luxury brands. I’m curious to see which ones you’ll choose.

─When can I see the clothes?

─Some of them aren’t finished yet, but I expect them to be completed a couple of days before the Grammy Awards, so I’ll be able to show them to you around then.

Do-hyun was impressed by Adion’s thorough preparation.

Hu Entertainment had planned to purchase luxury clothing for Do-hyun to wear.

However, Adion’s agency had informed Hu Entertainment in advance that they would handle all the costumes and accessories for the Grammy Awards.

Thanks to that, Do-hyun felt much more at ease.

Now, he just needed to refine his demeanor for the Grammy Awards.

Do-hyun spoke with Adion, seeking advice on how to present himself humbly and maintain a positive image at the Grammy Awards.

─The reporters will ask you very nasty questions. You know? Hollywood is full of very nasty people. They won’t hesitate to do such things to create controversy. You have to be careful of those people. It’s better to respond with humor.

─I was a little worried because I encountered a nasty question when I was on an American talk show before. Thank you. I need to think about how to handle those questions.

─Yes. To win against those hyenas looking for prey… you can either be confident or show a humble attitude. Of course, I think the latter is also a good attitude… but I think it would be better to show the former attitude. Why? Because you’re the person I chose.

Do-hyun was moved by Adion’s words, ‘Because you’re the person I chose.’ He felt like he had a strong supporter.

During their first collaboration, he was simply excited to be working with the world’s best rapper, so he hadn’t considered him an ally.

But it was different now.

As the second collaboration progressed, Adion’s attitude toward Do-hyun had changed. He wasn’t just doing it because he liked Do-hyun; he was seriously working together as a partner who would be with him in the future.

That’s why Do-hyun also thought of Adion as an ally and felt he needed to perform even better.

─Let’s kill it on our stage, Adion.

─Do-hyun, we’re going to deliver the best performance that day. The entire audience will be mesmerized and captivated by our stage. You can look forward to that day.

* * *

A week later.

The day of the Grammy Awards arrived.

Do-hyun and Adion had their hair, makeup, and styling done at the same salon.

The clothes Adion had prepared for the red carpet were incredibly trendy. As a rapper renowned for his fashion sense, Adion’s style shone through.

It was leading the trend without being excessive. Adion’s attention to detail, which even considered Do-hyun’s physique, was commendable.

─How is it, Do-hyun? I think you look quite elegant. I imagined you would pull it off like this, but what I’m seeing now is beyond my expectations.

─Thank you, Adion. Thanks to you, I’m wearing these clothes. I think they’re very cool.

Do-hyun looked in the mirror and took a selfie.

These were photos to upload to his social media after the Grammy Awards.

He also took pictures with Adion because Adion said he would be sad if he didn’t. Adion made sure to tag him. Do-hyun smiled and agreed, finding the image a far cry from the charisma of a global rapper.

─Remember what I said? There’s only one thing we need to be careful about. You have to be careful of the media. They’re relentless. Especially since the first Korean male solo artist from the East is standing at the prestigious Grammy Awards, they’re going to be quite nasty and hateful.

Do-hyun nodded at Adion’s words and replied.

─Of course. I remember what you said. I won’t make a mistake. I’ve even brushed up on my American jokes in anticipation of today.

─Good. Now it’s time for us to enter. We’re going to announce the beginning of the new year in an amazing way.

Do-hyun and Adion high-fived.

And got into the limousine.

The car slowly headed to the venue where the Grammy Awards were being held.

Do-hyun’s heart began to pound.

Grammy Awards.

Something he couldn’t even dream of 11 years ago.

To Do-hyun, who only dreamed of becoming a popular singer in Korea and East Asia, the Grammy Awards felt surreal.

‘…Let’s not be disappointed even if we don’t win. Just being a finalist is a great opportunity that fate has given me. So… let’s give it our all in today’s performance! Let’s create more opportunities!’