A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 143

Dohyun was quite taken aback by Seokwon’s proposal. He had contributed to his own album and Icarus’s album, but producing an entire album for Seokwon’s group… the thought alone was overwhelming. Besides, Seokwon was a junior he cared for. Dohyun had never considered being the sole producer for a group that such a junior belonged to.

“Uh… I need to think about this, Seokwon. Sole production… I can handle my own album, but your team’s album…”

“Actually, I discussed it with all the members. They all want you to be involved, hyung [older brother or respected male figure].”

“…Can you give me some time to consider it?”

“Could you decide by Wednesday, then? The company’s already been informed. I’m sure Hyu Entertainment has heard about it too.”

“Okay… I’ll think about it. For now, let’s focus on our all-nighter this Tuesday.”

“Yes, hyung.”

* * *

Dohyun and Seokwon’s song remained at the top of the charts, an seemingly impenetrable fortress. Many popular boy and girl groups released albums, but they all peaked at second place. Dohyun and Seokwon’s synergy extended beyond Korea. The song was even more popular on overseas online music platforms.

After holding the top spot for several days, their collaboration became an international sensation. Dohyun and Seokwon received interview requests from foreign media outlets. Billboard, in particular, was very interested. A Billboard reporter flew to Korea to interview them on Tuesday, the day before the chart announcement.

“Whew… Hyung, did I make any English mistakes today? The interpreter was a big help, but I wanted to express myself, even if just a little.”

Seokwon tried to convey his message in broken English. Dohyun’s English skills were near-native. He showcased his fluency during the Billboard interview.

After the interview, they headed to Dohyun’s studio.

The Billboard Hot 100 chart would be released in a few hours. Dohyun and Seokwon were drinking canned beer, waiting for the announcement. Charts with a history of accurately predicting Billboard rankings suggested they would break into the top 50, heightening their anticipation.

“You did well in your own way. But if you’re aiming for Billboard and thinking about expanding overseas, you should build a foundation in Japanese and then add more English.”

“Seeing you today, hyung, I understand why English is so important. The words come to me, but when I try to speak, I can’t get them out.”

“I was the same at first. Ideas would pop into my head, but I couldn’t form a sentence. But… it improved with practice. I never expected to go to the Grammys and meet reporters, but what I practiced came out.”

“I really… want to be like you, hyung. Ah, hyung, have you thought about my proposal from last Friday?”

The request to be the sole producer of Seokwon’s group’s album.

Dohyun hadn’t forgotten. He had been agonizing over it all week. He even consulted tarot cards. The card he drew was the [Nine of Pentacles], symbolizing the readiness to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. That card solidified Dohyun’s decision.

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it.”

“Oh… What did you decide?”

“…Honestly, it’s not my album, and it’s not a one-time thing… so I was worried. But I’m going to do it. I want your group to succeed, so I’m taking on the challenge.”

Dohyun revealed his honest feelings. Seokwon grabbed Dohyun’s hand and shook it enthusiastically.

“Hyuuung… Thank you so much! Now I can go back to the members with confidence!”

“I hope you get along well with the members. Is it a mini or a full album?”

“I talked to the company about doing a mini album.”

“Oh ho. A mini… Well, I have a lot of songs in various genres, so I’ll give you several demo versions. I have to discuss it with your company’s A&R [Artists and Repertoire] team, so there’s a lot to do… It’s going to be a lot of work. I think I’ll be really busy before my overseas tour.”

Dohyun’s overseas tour schedule wasn’t finalized, but the details were being planned.

Dohyun considered producing Seokwon’s group’s mini album and quickly organized his schedule in his head.

* * *

[Dohyun’s Billboard chart release today! So excited! ㄷㄱㄷㄱ]

The song Dohyun participated in ㅠㅠ The chart is finally coming out. Radio airplay is important, so foreign fans sent bouquets to DJs ㄷㄷㄷ I heard they played it a lot because of that? I don’t expect it to be number 1 ㅋㅋ I just hope Dohyun gets the ranking he wants. I’d be happy if it’s just in the top 100.

┕What’s 100? I honestly think it should be in the top 50.

┕It’s an attention seeker, don’t feed it.

┕┕I’m a real fan of Dohyun? Why am I an attention seeker? Is it attention-seeking to want my singer to do well?

┕┕┕You’re jumping on me like you’re going to die. Okay, you be a real fan, I’ll be a fake fan.

┕Dohyun and his junior worked well together, so I really hope it does as well as it did on the Korean charts.

┕┕I hope it ranks as high as when he worked with ADON.

┕┕┕That’s because of ADON. Honestly, Na Dohyun would never have received a Grammy if he hadn’t featured on ADON’s song…

┕┕┕┕Attention seeker, get out.

┕Everyone, don’t feed the attention seekers. They’re going crazy tonight.

* * *

Before long, it was past midnight. The Billboard Hot 100 chart would be released in two or three hours.

Dohyun and Seokwon had been talking about album work and had fallen asleep.

Dohyun, exhausted from the Billboard reporter interview, had fallen asleep at the table.

Seokwon’s phone alarm woke Dohyun. Even after waking up and checking the time, he couldn’t fully rouse himself.

“Hyung, aren’t you sleepy?”

Seokwon asked, his voice still hoarse with sleep.

Dohyun admitted he was tired and joked that waiting for the chart ranking felt like a chore.

“Hyung, should we bet again?”

“No. I’m going to be the sole producer of your album… What else is there to bet on?”

“There’s more! Like featuring on hyung’s album, or featuring, or featuring?”

“You’ll listen if I ask you to do that.”

“Hmm? I guess so. I can’t refuse if hyung asks me.”

“See? I have to ask. Unless I lose my conscience.”

“Hyung, there’s no beer in the fridge. Should I go buy more?”

“No. I want to experience this sober.”

“Whew… I want to smoke a cigarette, even though I don’t smoke.”

Seokwon looked very nervous, which made Dohyun more alert.

“What cigarette? No, no.”

“I know I shouldn’t, but I just feel like it…”

Seokwon sat upright on the sofa, crossed his legs, and meditated.

Seeing Seokwon like that, Dohyun played meditation music on YouTube.

Dohyun couldn’t resist filming Seokwon nodding off. It would be great content for the fans. He thought everyone would find it cute to see their singer dozing off before the chart announcement.

“Ugh… I’m sleepy, hyung.”

After a while, Seokwon stretched and woke up, wiping his mouth, saying he had drooled a little.

“Hey, I’m… Why am I so sleepy? I feel like I’m going to dream if I fall asleep now.”

“How about a dream of checking the ranking?”

“That would be a really good dream… But I have to hold on. Should I buy an energy drink?”

“Um. I think it’s better to make coffee with the coffee machine.”

“Then let’s do that.”

The two poured two cups of coffee from the coffee machine in front of the studio.

As they were about to re-enter the studio, Lee Junhyuk PD [Production Director] of Hyu Entertainment appeared, looking exhausted. The lights were still on.

“Oh… You two are together.”

“PD-nim, hello!”

“Yes. Hello, Seokwon-ssi. The Billboard Hot 100 chart is about to be released? Everyone is predicting good rankings… Are you two waiting for the announcement together?”

Dohyun and Seokwon confirmed Lee PD’s question.

“Then let me join you. I was going to check the ranking alone, but I thought it would be better to celebrate together.”

“Of course! We’re just hoping it doesn’t stay in the Bubbling Under chart!”

Seokwon answered enthusiastically.

Anything outside the top 100 is called the Billboard Bubbling Under chart. Both Seokwon and Dohyun hoped to avoid that chart.

“It’s also possible to climb from the Bubbling Under chart. It’s hard to even get on that chart. The albums released these days are all ranking high.”

Lee PD coldly analyzed the situation. He thought that good results for the two would be great, but even if they didn’t do well, it would still be a decent outcome.

“Still… Dohyun hyung’s tarot results were good. I believe good results will come out!”

“Haha… I don’t believe in tarot.”

Dohyun thought it was a typical remark from Lee Junhyuk PD, who had been watching them.

“Then where should we check together?”

When Dohyun asked, Lee Junhyuk PD suggested moving to the office with the sofa.

One floor up, there was a comfortable space with a sofa.

Seokwon sat down with a thud, followed by Dohyun and Lee PD.

“Wow… I’m so excited to see the chart released like this. I feel like my heart is going to jump out of my chest.”

Dohyun and Lee PD laughed at Seokwon’s exaggerated words.

“You’re making me nervous.”

“Hyuuung… I really hope the chart is good? I hope it comes out as predicted….”

“Yeah. It’ll be good. So let’s not be nervous. Hooo… Hooo….”