Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 517: Concert (2)

"We are going to start with the Instargem live stream."

I had already prepared Cherry Blossom's Instargem live stream to counter the broadcast station's interference. With their hundreds of thousands of followers, Cherry Blossom going live would effectively spread the word that they were aiming for ten consecutive weeks at number one on the music show.

This would also influence real-time voting, which could provide additional points.

-Oh~ really? Then we'll share the live stream link with the fan club right away.

"Okay."

After finishing the radio call with Sung Ji-Yeon, I contacted Eun Ji-Yoo in the waiting room.

"Ms. Eun, you can start Cherry Blossom's Instargem live stream now."

-Yes, Mr. Jung.

A moment later, Cherry Blossom's real-time waiting room live stream began.

[Cherry Blossom LIVE]

(Backstage live from the concert venue)

-Hello~ Today, tomorrow, and forever, we are Cherry Blossom!

-We're at our concert venue, but since we couldn't perform live on MBS today, we decided to stream instead.

-You will vote for us today, right?

-Please~ pretty pleeease~~

Not only Sae-Ri but also Woo Yeon-Hee, Yang Eun-Bi, and even the shy Eun-Ah clasped their hands together, acting cute as they pleaded for votes. The Instargem live chat was packed with fans and exploded with activity.

'Alright, then this part is done.'

Now, it was time for the second phase of the plan. I called the company's promotion division.

"Mr. Sung, please send out the press release."

-Got it. Sending it now.

I had them distribute the prepared articles to entertainment reporters and then sent a message to Team Jung's actors and talent agents.

[Team Jung Yoon-Ho's Actors & Talent Agents Group Chat]

[Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho: Everyone, please post a message on social media supporting Cherry Blossom's goal of 10 consecutive weeks at number one with 'My First Love Story'. (Instargem live stream link)]

Lee Tae-Poong, Haru, Jang Joon-Hyuk, Sung Ho-Joon, and Park Eun-Sung were in the group chat. Soon after, the actors scheduled to be guest MCs arrived at the venue and started updating their Instargem posts.

As a result, Cherry Blossom's live stream reached 120,000 concurrent viewers in just three minutes. Fans watching the stream expressed their disappointment at missing the concert and promised to vote for them on Show! Music Center.

Not long after, entertainment news articles popped up and reported that Cherry Blossom was aiming for ten consecutive weeks at number one.

The current time was 5:45 p.m. Ten minutes before Cherry Blossom's performance on MBS's Show! Music Center, public attention was entirely focused on them, just as I had planned.

'It's done.'

With everything set in motion, I finally took a deep breath and headed to the control room overlooking the stage.

***

Current time: 5:50 p.m, meaning that It was time for the fans to enter.

Lee Dong-Min held his radio from the control room overlooking DX Hall. "Open the gates."

As the entrance gates to DX Hall opened, the audience began to enter. There was still a little over an hour left until the main performance, but everyone excitedly found their seats.

Watching the entering fans, Lee Dong-Min spoke. "Sigh~ When we hit ten consecutive weeks at number one last time, I didn't feel anything. But why am I so nervous this time?"

With the prospect of achieving a second consecutive ten-week streak at number one, tension filled the control room.

Taking a deep breath, Lee Dong-Min turned to Gong Do-Hoon who was also in the control room. "Mr. Gong, please start the MBS broadcast now."

Gong Do-Hoon pressed a button. "Understood."

A deep thump echoed from the speakers. The main screen on stage, along with the two massive side screens, began displaying the MBS Show! Music Center broadcast.

The entering fans started murmuring.

-Isn't that the MBS public hall?

-What's this? Why are they showing that venue?

-Are they just letting us watch it to pass the time?

-Oh, right! Today's the day Cherry Blossom is going for their second consecutive ten-week number one streak!

As I entered DX Hall and listened to the buzzing fans, I picked up the microphone. "Mic test. Currently, Cherry Blossom is on the verge of achieving ten consecutive weeks at number one on MBS's Show! Music Center. Just like with 'Hurry Up!' last time, let's all cheer them on so they can make it ten weeks in a row with 'My First Love Story'!"

Understanding the situation, the fans erupted in cheers.

-Yes~~!

A moment later, it was time for Cherry Blossom's 'My First Love Story' performance to be broadcast on MBS.

On the screen, Show! Music Center's MCs Lee Sang-Hee and Park Yi-Seo spoke. frёewebηovel.cѳm

-Now, let's listen to Cherry Blossom's 'My First Love Story', aiming for ten consecutive weeks at number one!

-Please give them a big round of applause!

Cherry Blossom's stage performance appeared on the screen. Dressed in yellow dresses, they took their positions.

Fans entering the venue screamed.

-Let's go for two consecutive ten-week streaks at number one!!

-Cherry Blossom, forever~~!!

Even before the concert had started, the fans were united in their wish for Cherry Blossom to make history.

Then, the intro to 'My First Love Story' began playing. At the same time, fans who had just entered started waving their light sticks and singing along.

『My First Love~ Story~』

There was still an hour until the concert, but the fans were already immersed in the atmosphere.

***

Cherry Blossom's song ended. The screen transitioned, now showing the other artists on stage except for Cherry Blossom.

Park Yi-Seo took a deep breath and held the microphone.

-First, here are the digital chart scores...

Cherry Blossom ranked first in digital scores with 3,123 points. LaLaLa Band was second with 2,512 points, and Im Ga-Joo came in third with 2,010 points.

For now, Cherry Blossom was leading in digital rankings. However, when the streaming, broadcast appearance, and other scores were added, they dropped to third place.

1st: LaLaLa Band: 7,553 points

2nd: Im Ga-Joo: 7,312 points

3rd: Cherry Blossom: 7,001 points

It was exactly the gap Sung Ji-Yeon had warned about from the scene. Now, all that remained was the on-site and real-time broadcast voting.

Just then, a deep drumbeat echoed from the speakers, making hearts race. After a suspenseful pause, Park Yi-Seo finally spoke.

-And now, today's number one is...

Park Yi-Seo deliberately paused for a beat.

At that moment, both the fans entering and those already inside held their breath and froze. The moment DX Hall fell into complete silence, Park Yi-Seo and Lee Sang-Hee shouted from the screen.

-Congratulations! With a score of 10,001 points, Cherry Blossom's 'My First Love Story' has set another incredible record, following their previous hit 'Hurry Up!'—a second consecutive ten-week number-one streak! Cherry Blossom, what an amazing achievement! Once again, congratulations~~!!

-We will now connect to their concert venue to hear Cherry Blossom's acceptance speech.

LaLaLa Band had 9,713 points, and Im Ga-Joo had 9,648 points. It was an incredibly close comeback victory.

As soon as the results were announced, the concert hall, which had been momentarily frozen, erupted in cheers.

-This is amazing~~!

-They actually pulled off a second consecutive ten-week streak at number one!

-Cherry Blossom is the best!

The roar of Cherry Blossom's fans filled DX Hall, nearly shaking the venue. Fans were overwhelmed with emotion, while security staff, event organizers, Performance Brothers' team members, and the two company heads in the control room hugged and celebrated.

I also felt my chest tighten with overwhelming joy, but there was no time to dwell on it. There was still more work to be done.

While Cherry Blossom continued their Instargem live broadcast and connected with MBS's public hall for their acceptance speech, I called Do Ran-Hee in the waiting room over the radio.

"Ran-Hee. Once the broadcast interview ends, we'll immediately stream the Instargem live video to the concert hall. Get the girls ready."

-Yes, Mr. Jung.

As soon as the MBS interview ended, I gave the order. "Send Cherry Blossom's Instargem live video to the venue screens now!"

"Understood, Mr. Jung."

The moment the interview concluded, Gong Do-Hoon transmitted Cherry Blossom's live broadcast to the massive concert hall screens. The main back screen and side screens on stage switched from Show! Music Center to the Instargem live feed.

The screen showed Cherry Blossom members in the waiting room, waving.

-Thank you! Thanks to all of you, we've won another ten-week number-one streak!

Sae-Ri's excited voice triggered another wave of cheers from the audience.

-Wowww!

-Sae-Ri unnie!!

-Congratulations!

Hearing their fans chanting their names, Cherry Blossom members enthusiastically waved back.

Then, Woo Yeon-Hee held up a tablet displaying a message to the camera.

-We could win two consecutive ten-week number-one streaks all thanks to our beloved fans. We sincerely appreciate you. We love you~

Seeing the message, many fans teared up with joy.

Seizing the moment, I gave the next instruction.

"Mr. Gong, please have Cherry Blossom's history video queued on all three screens."

To keep fans entertained while they waited for the concert, I had prepared a documentary about Cherry Blossom and Kang Ha-Na.

"Got it."

At that moment, the Instargem live stream on the main screen was wrapping up.

-We'll see you soon! Bye for now~~!!

As Sae-Ri waved goodbye, I signaled to Gong Do-Hoon. "Play it now."

"Understood. The video starts in three, two, one—cue!"

The Instargem live feed disappeared, and the main back screen along with the side screens began playing the prepared video.

[The Journey of Cherry Blossom]

The footage started with the four members' audition tapes from when they first joined Hoop Entertainment. Clips of their struggles from performing at local festivals, supermarket events, to even at open-air markets appeared on screen.

They had danced on the streets just to promote themselves, slipped and struggled through performances in heavy rain, and handed out flyers to passersby in an attempt to gain recognition.

As the scenes played, some fans' eyes welled up with tears. Then, the video transitioned to the moment Cherry Blossom met me and began their journey to success. The entire audience were united as one as they cheered at Cherry Blossom's achievements.

Despite the nonstop rush of events, there was still no time to rest.

I said, "Mr. Lee, I'm heading to the waiting room now."

"Well done, Yoon-Ho. And tell the girls to stay strong."

"Yes, sir."

Now, it was time to head to the waiting room and prepare for the concert.

***

In the waiting room at DX Hall, everyone celebrated Cherry Blossom's second consecutive ten-week number-one streak. Soon after, the actors scheduled to be guest MCs for the night arrived.

At 6:40 p.m, Lee Tae-Poong, the first MC of the night, stood up from his seat.

"Hyung, I'll head up now."

"You must be busy with filming. Thanks for making the time to come."

"Come on. I couldn't possibly miss a Team Jung's event~"

Having overcome dyslexia, Lee Tae-Poong gladly showed up to support Cherry Blossom and Kang Ha-Na, who had gone through tough times. Looking as polished as a year-end award show MC, he left the waiting area with Lee Dae-Ho.

At that moment, I spoke into my radio. "Lee Tae-Poong is on the move. The moment he steps onto the stage, the concert begins. So everyone, be on standby."

-Okay~

Acknowledgments came from all directions. After one final check, I gathered Cherry Blossom together.

"Alright, let's do a team cheer!"

One by one, the members placed their hands on top of mine. Soon, the actors and singers from Team Jung added theirs on top.

At that moment, Woo Yeon-Hee looked at me and said, "Oppa, you should lead the chant."

Everyone turned to look at me. They had set an unbelievable record and become top of the industry, but their attitude toward me hadn't changed.

I had prioritized character above all else ever since I returned, and the result was a deeply fulfilling moment like this. Everyone stood closely together with their hands stacked on top of each other.

Looking into their determined eyes, I shouted firmly. "Bloom forever, Cherry Blossom!"

With one voice, Cherry Blossom and the actors echoed the chant, raising their stacked hands high into the air.

For a moment, it felt as if an everlasting flower had really bloomed before my eyes.

***

At exactly 6:50 p.m, Lee Tae-Poong stepped onto the stage. The sight of him in a suit sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd as it was rare for an S-class actor to appear as an MC for a concert.

-What is this? Is this real?

-Why is he here?

-Tae-Poong oppa! I'm your fan!

Lee Tae-Poong calmed the excited crowd and took the microphone. "To the person who just said they're my fan—thank you, but this is Cherry Blossom and Kang Ha-Na's joint concert. If you came to the wrong place, I'll personally give you a refund~"

His playful remark made the audience burst into laughter. Once rumored to be reclusive due to his dyslexia, Lee Tae-Poong now exuded confidence and a playful charm.

"I promise we've prepared plenty to make sure your ticket was worth it. In the unlikely event that you're disappointed, I'll even dance at the end of the concert, so look forward to it~"

-Tae-Poong oppa! Show us your dance!

"Ah, it's you again, isn't it? No way. Please stand up so I can refund your ticket."

Jokingly refusing to dance, Lee Tae-Poong continued teasing the fan and further lightened the atmosphere. Smoothly transitioning, Lee Tae-Poong spoke about Cherry Blossom and Kang Ha-Na's journey while effortlessly guiding the event forward.

Then, he took a deep breath and raised his microphone at exactly 7:00 p.m. Smiling with excitement just like the fans, he gestured toward one side of the stage.

"Now, let's begin the concert. The forever-blooming Cherry Blossom, please come out!"

Boom, boom, boom.

A deep drumbeat signaled the start of the show as the lights inside COEX DX Hall dimmed completely. At the same time, the main back screen and two side screens lit up, revealing the stage.

'It's starting.'

[A Meeting Between Everlasting Cherry Blossoms and Captivating Voices. And Then...]

The concert title appeared on the back screen. Soon, the intro to the first performance, 'My First Love Story', began playing.

As a soft piano melody filled the hall, Woo Yeon-Hee and Yang Eun-Bi emerged from both sides of the stage.

『On a spring day when cherry blossoms fell~ I met you for the first time~』

Spotlights beamed down on them, reflecting off the jewel-studded headbands adorning their hair. The audience cheered at the stunning sight of the two dressed in pure white dresses.

Slowly, the reinforced stage lifts began rising from the center of the stage. Eun-Ah and Sae-Ri stood atop platforms covered in cherry blossoms, singing with radiant smiles.

『The pounding of my heart~ swallows my voice~』

The spotlights illuminated the rising platforms. As the massive screens displayed Eun-Ah and Sae-Ri's graceful ascent, the fans erupted in excitement once more.

Once upon a time, these girls clung to stuffed animals and complained about sleepless nights. Now, they shone like goddesses on stage.

And just like that, Cherry Blossom and Kang Ha-Na's joint concert was off to a spectacular start.