After Seoyeon’s concept as the Vorpal Rabbit was decided for Masked Singer, PD Sim Kyung-hoon cheerfully promised, “I’ll send over the detailed schedule once it’s set!” and departed. He seed particularly pleased that Seoyeon would be joining the show, walking away with a noticeable spring in his step. However, there was one important thing:
"I guess I’ll have to start watching Masked Singer more closely."
Seoyeon had, of course, seen Masked Singer. Well, in her past life, that is.
Despite having watched countless video programs, she hadn’t watched Masked Singer often. Since the show focused on singing while wearing masks, it didn’t offer much value to her.
Seoyeon had mainly watched various dia to morize the emotions being expressed. Naturally, with masked faces and singing that didn’t resonate emotionally with her, she’d rely skimd through Masked Singer on fast-forward.
About the only things she picked up were the surprised faces of the panel, their astonishnt, and their emotional reactions to the performances.
And she stopped watching altogether once it beca more of a celebrity PR show.
“Oh, my dear, are you watching Masked Singer?”
“Yes.”
It was the weekend, and Seoyeon was watching Masked Singer from the morning. She didn’t want to make any mistakes in an upcoming appearance.
Since she started experiencing emotions fully, her reaction to Masked Singer had significantly changed. She could finally understand why it was so popular.
There was certainly a catharsis in discovering that those remarkably talented singers were actually certain celebrities.
'I think it would be great if Jiyeon joined too.'
Unknown actors and codians occasionally appeared as well. Of course, Jiyeon wasn’t exactly an unknown.
She’d had quite a notable role in a popular cable drama, and she was pretty well-known back at Yeonhwa High School before Seoyeon’s rise.
Still, joining would likely be beneficial for her.
“Honey, co over and watch this with .”
It was the weekend, and when Yeongbin finally shuffled into the living room, scratching his belly, Suah gestured him over.
He cast a wary glance around at the word “honey.” Since filming Golden Ducklings, he had developed a regular tendency to check for caras.
“There aren’t any caras today. I swear.”
Suah seed a little guilty as she reassured him, and only then did Yeongbin flop onto the sofa, dozing off almost imdiately.
“Aigoo.”
Suah seed a little displeased with his reaction. She was a loyal fan of Masked Singer, after all.
'Sotis, I think Dad is strangely uncomfortable with being called “honey.”'
In fact, Seoyeon knew this: Suah used to call him “Yeongbin Oppa.”
It must have been how she addressed him when they were dating.
As they both settled in to watch Masked Singer, they focused on the new contestant who’d made it to the finals. The contestant was a woman in a black raven mask.
Her costu was feather-laden, and Seoyeon couldn’t help but think about how hot it must be in there. The woman’s deanor seed so languid and uninterested that, despite PD Park Gichan’s best efforts, he struggled to enliven the interaction.
'Did she not want to be here?'
That’s what it seed like. A quick glance at the community’s reaction showed similar opinions.
Why even show up with that attitude?
They worked hard on that mask, and she’s just wasting it.
Her singing has been diocre. There’s nothing unique about her voice.
She’s decent enough, I guess.
The comnts suggested that, once her identity was revealed, she’d likely face significant backlash. Seoyeon herself found the attitude off-putting.
She usually approached everything with full sincerity and disliked half-hearted efforts.
However…
“Well, we look forward to a great performance!!”
With PD Park Gichan’s encouragent, music began to play, and Seoyeon was instantly captivated. The song was an old one, nearly a decade old—familiar as it was the opening for The Sun-Hiding Moon. Originally a ballad, it now had a lively tal arrangent.
The raven, who Seoyeon had thought wore the guitar only as decoration, held the instrunt in hand. Her hands, though obscured by feathers, were ungloved—perhaps to play the guitar more effectively.
As eyes focused on her, the raven stepped up to the mic.
And then…
“!!”
Seoyeon was montarily stunned.
Was it because she was bad? No, quite the opposite.
She was so outstanding that the singer from the previous performance now seed amateurish in comparison. The voice was crisp, yet not bland or monotonous as so clear voices can be. Instead, it had a universally appealing quality.
The high notes ca effortlessly, accompanied by intricate vocal techniques, and Seoyeon found herself gaping.
Unlike with acting, one could gauge singing ability simply by listening. While Seoyeon knew people were impressed by her acting, it rarely hit her emotionally.
Now, she found herself reacting the way others often did to her performances.
'But this voice… I feel like I’ve heard it before.'
Seoyeon wasn’t particularly good at identifying singers by voice, but she vaguely recalled hearing sothing similar in the song Jiyeon had played recently…
“Oh my.”
Suah, who had been listening as well, seed a bit flustered. But that was the extent of her reaction.
They waited until the raven’s performance ended.
“Wow!! That was absolutely incredible.” “I’m genuinely amazed.” “Gray Raven, you’re amazing!!”
Gray Raven beca the new nickna for the masked singer. Despite the flood of praise, she rely raised one hand in a lackadaisical wave, her nonchalant attitude unchanged.
But when you’re that skilled, it becos part of your character.
This is hilarious, lol.
Did Raven’s singing just blow everyone away? She’s amazing!
One of the best performances on Masked Singer in a while. Who is she?
The reactions had completely flipped. Unsurprisingly, the victory was a unanimous win for Gray Raven.
She had utterly crushed the reigning champion in a decisive battle for the crown.
“It’s been a while since a long-reigning champion has appeared.”
After a string of victories, she would eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fa. From Seoyeon’s perspective, Gray Raven was nearly at that level.
Learning to sing had given Seoyeon the ability to instantly recognize the singer’s skill.
“Huh? Oh, right. She’s amazing.”
Suah’s response was curious. Her mouth seed on the verge of saying more, but she held back.
She rolled her eyes around and casually glanced over her shoulder at Yeongbin, who was sprawled on the sofa, either asleep or sowhere between waking and sleeping.
“How was that performance? She was amazing, right?”
Despite wanting to ask, Suah turned to him, and Yeongbin yawned as he slowly opened his eyes.
“She was always good.”
That was all he said before dozing off again, leaving Suah slightly surprised, while Seoyeon couldn’t help but ponder.
'Always?'
Yeongbin’s comnt suggested not just that he’d recognized the singer but that he was thoroughly familiar with her voice.
With a sense of implicit confidence, like it was expected of her.
Turning her gaze back to the TV, she watched as Gray Raven received her crown.
'If she keeps the throne...'
Perhaps, by the ti Seoyeon appeared on Masked Singer, she might encounter Gray Raven as the reigning champion.
Preparing for the new variety show, Seoyeon frequently visited Hoyun Studio to get help from Nahyi and, in turn, assist with Nahyi’s acting.
After all, Nahyi was also part of Sky Garden, playing the role of Yoojoo’s friend.
“Standing next to you, any shortcomings in my acting will stand out.”
Nahyi had ant it sincerely, not just to flatter Seoyeon.
Being next to Seoyeon would inevitably invite comparisons. Seoyeon knew this from the atmosphere on the set of Dream Future, where scenes were often reshot when they acted together.
“Your presence next to her makes Nahyi’s role seem diminished. Should we rework the scenes?”
Director Kim Pilseok of Dream Future had comnted as much. But thankfully, after Seoyeon’s continuous guidance, Nahyi had made significant improvents.
“Show more of the character. The emotional arc is too weak. Give it more depth!”
Director Kim Ilsu often urged them to retake scenes until they felt right. Unlike before, where they comnted on her lack of presence, such remarks had all but disappeared.
“What do you think?”
“I think your acting has improved a lot.”
“No, I an about Sky Garden.”
They were resting after Seoyeon’s singing and Nahyi’s acting sessions.
“Is it really going to be okay? You seem so calm. I get nervous every ti I appear in a drama.”
Nahyi often worried about the possibility of failure.
'Because I know exactly what Sky Garden is about.'
This was why Seoyeon remained relatively unfazed.
Most people didn’t know that, so they likely thought Seoyeon’s composure was unshakeable.
In reality, Seoyeon was highly aware of the impact a drama’s success or failure had on its lead. Having the lead role for the first ti, she had every reason to feel the pressure.
“I think it’ll do well. Really. But more importantly…”
She turned her gaze toward the entrance, where Sumr Girl’s mbers were gathered.
“Why are you all standing there? We’re all part of Sky Garden, aren’t we?”
'As if!'
While Lavin smiled and nodded, she was inwardly groaning.
'Why does Nahyi keep dragging that monstrous girl here?'
At least she had stopped her weird coin-folding tricks. Lavin had almost developed a complex from the constant clinking noises.
'When you hear coins jingling, do not turn your head.'
That was practically an urban legend around Hoyun Studio, where Lavin had survived the ordeal.
“By the way, Lavin.”
“Y-yes? What?”
“Nahyi’s contract runs out this year, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Seoyeon gave a thoughtful hum, a soft smile curving on her lips.
“That’s good to know.”
That was all she needed. Sumr Girl felt too small for soone like Nahyi.
[The World is Ruled by Those Who Hold Wealth.] [Money is Justice, Driving the World Forward!]
Finally, The Grand Ga had begun airing. The Monday-Tuesday drama was a crucial indicator for the future of the soon-to-be Second Drama Division.
Unsurprisingly, all the KMB Drama Departnt employees were keeping a close eye on its ratings.
'Please be a hit. Please succeed!' 'Let it flop. Let it tank!'
In the end, The Grand Ga garnered:
[12% Rating for Episode 1!! A Good On for The Grand Ga!] [KMB on a Winning Streak with Success After Dream Future!]
It was a stunning start.
Naturally, for PD Lee Min-hwa of Sky Garden, this was not good news.
Even worse…
“Hello, PD Baek.”
“Oh, PD Lee! What a surprise.”
PD Lee Min-hwa inwardly cursed as she exchanged greetings with Baek Tae-soo, the last person she wanted to see this morning.
“Congratulations on The Grand Ga. It’s doing well.”
“It’s only just begun. We still don’t know what’ll happen.”
A rather ominous statent.
It didn’t sound like empty modesty. He seed to an it sincerely.
And then, as he slowly opened his smiling eyes, he added,
“Well, Sky Garden airs tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully, another ho run for KMB?”
“A ho run… right.”
“Ha-ha! A hit would be great, of course. But no need to worry so much about the Drama Departnt drama.”
With a final pat on the shoulder, Baek Tae-soo turned and walked away.
Watching them from a distance, the staff breathed a sigh of relief.
'Thankfully, there wasn’t any friction.' 'Maybe we’re overthinking this.'
So felt relieved, thinking it was just friendly banter. But as she rubbed the shoulder Baek had patted, Lee Min-hwa was left with a cold feeling.
He was smiling, but his eyes weren’t.
'He knows they’re in a better position right now.'
Baek Tae-soo had the backing of KMB’s president, yet he respected the current Drama Division Head, Ha Tae-oh.
It was a respect born of strength.
Lee Min-hwa wondered if Baek Tae-soo would still be so respectful if he were left standing with no rivals.
'Let’s hope Sky Garden does well.'
The first five episodes were ready, and she had confidence in their quality.
But whether the drama’s unique tone would resonate with the public… she wasn’t sure.
'Seoyeon Ju.'
Sky Garden’s lead actress.
An undefeated actress who had yet to experience failure in her brief career.
Lee Min-hwa trusted her, believing in Seoyeon’s eye for success.
And, the character Yoojoo that Seoyeon was bringing to life.
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