Second Try Idol

Chapter 242: Again After Rainfall (18)

“Callia, are you ready?" the manager asked.

Callia rolled her eyes skyward before nodding. “Ugh.” Her expression screamed reluctance, yet no one dared to point that out. Despite her attitude, she had a vast following of fans who supported her even though they knew full well how she was.

In Hollywood, where controversies often turn into publicity, Callia Lawrence's temperament was the least of concerns for her agency and manager as long as there were people supporting her music.

“I wouldn't have even looked at those kids if it weren't for Reina."

“Don't be so negative, Callia. It was all a misunderstanding, remember?"

“…That's why I'm going back now."

“Did you see what I posted on social media?"

“Yes, I did. All their songs have intense dancing. I don't see what Reina sees in them and why she recommends them so highly."

Callia had met Reina at an after-party for a fashion show. Recognizing her as a famous Korean singer, Callia had checked out a few of her songs and found them quite to her taste on the spot. This had led to a friendship strong enough that Callia would make time whenever Reina visited the US.

When Reina started shooting a Korean music variety show in the US and asked Callia to appear as a producer, Callia's company agreed after considering various factors, like the previous season's UTube clip views.

The payment was barely worth mentioning, but Callia had agreed to participate because her friend Reina had asked her to. She had squeezed time out of her busy schedule, but the sight of unknown singers merely dancing to music without properly singing was unacceptable.

Reina convinced her to watch a few videos from Chronos' official channel, which were all dance tracks and had dramatic music videos. Callia was honestly surprised because they were better than she had expected.

However, Callia's negative perception hardly changed. No matter which video she watched, she couldn't imagine them doing anything but lip-syncing on stage. They seemed like a group of decent-looking boys dancing their way through the industry, which wasn’t exactly Callia's taste.

“I hope this time they show me a performance worth producing. I don't enjoy elevating people I don't like. You know that, right?"

“I know. I hope they live up to your expectations. Here's a gift from Jhanel for you."

“A bag? Tell them I'm always grateful."

The manager chuckled and shook his head. “They should be thanking you. Think of the benefits you bring by carrying it."

Callia's mood finally softened, and she opened up. “I just hope the preparations I've made won't end up in disappointment." She played a song from her phone, a piece she had created for her role in Again After Rainfall.

Callia was aware of her sensitivity on that particular day due to unsuccessful work and a quarrel with her lover. She had prepared a song for the group, wanting to actively participate in Reina's show, but ended up being stubborn due to her mood. “Arrange some time for me to apologize to Reina before the shooting starts."

“Okay."

Having Callia as a producer was a significant opportunity for Chronos despite her challenging personality. If they could impress her, they could secure a song and marketing that would firmly establish their name in the US.

Every artist who had worked with her and had her as a producer had successfully established themselves, and were currently enjoying a long-running career. The news of Callia Lawrence's appearance as a producer had become a huge topic for that very reason.

“The people you are about to work with might be more talented than you think. There's a reason Reina introduced them to you, so let's go ahead with the filming," the manager consoled Callia, hoping that this time she would reconcile smoothly with Reina and conclude the broadcast shooting without issues.

***

After a journey that spanned several hours, Callia finally reached the designated square. She maintained the same level of disguise as the previous day. The moment she stepped out of the car, she was acutely aware of the paparazzi lurking around. Some concealed themselves within crowds and others more overtly approached her, yet she made her way toward the backstage with a practiced air of indifference.

Regret over her tardiness and the previous day's anger prompted Callia to arrive much earlier than the scheduled time. There was a lingering uncertainty about whether Reina or any of the cast members had already arrived.

The production team was caught off-guard by Callia's premature arrival as they were thrown into a state of turmoil. Frantic calls were made. “Someone please contact Reina!"

“She's on her way, should be here any moment!"

“And what about Chronos?"

“They are expected to arrive ahead of Reina!"

In the whirlwind of bustling activity, Callia found a moment of calm after taking a seat on a foldable chair. She crossed her legs and waited with a stern expression, biding her time for the cast to arrive.

“Chronos is here!"

Her peace was broken eventually by the arrival of Chronos as they greeted with a chorus of “Good morning!"

The group was still drowsy from their exhaustive overnight rehearsal, and they were momentarily taken aback by Callia's presence.

“Oh? Wow—"

“Hello. Hi!"

The Chronos members managed their expressions well and greeted everyone since they had experience appearing on TV. This frustrated some of the staff. Callia had stormed off in anger at Chronos the day before. No matter how warmly they greeted her, their effort could be in vain if she didn't reciprocate, risking their footage being cut despite the hefty appearance fee.

However, Callia rose from her chair and greeted them with a wide smile as if no tension had ever existed. “Hello! Nice to meet you~."

It was clear that Callia was more adept at navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry than most. She engaged in a brief yet warm conversation with Chronos by expressing her eagerness for their performance. “I'm looking forward to your performance."

“We will do our best."

“I will be keeping an eye out. Where's Reina?"

With effortless grace, Callia wrapped up her interaction with Chronos by asking about Reina's whereabouts before excusing herself.

“Wow, this is so unreal."

“I never thought I'd actually meet Callia Lawrence in my lifetime."

“Right? I figured we'd only ever see her on UTube."

The innocent members of Chronos couldn't hide their amazement following their short exchange with Callia Lawrence. Kang Joo-Han saw their reactions and couldn't help but smile broadly. His determination rekindled.

‘Just wait and see what we are capable of.' He hadn't forgotten even for a second the humiliation they had faced the day before, when they had been treated as if they were nothing.

Hyun-Woo might have brushed it off by attributing it to their relative obscurity in the US and Callia's known temperament. Kang Joo-Han personally viewed Hyun-Woo's leniency as an excess of kindness, nearly saint-like.

‘Our team is too good-natured,' he thought, and his frustration grew.

The idea of passively accepting their dismissal with a ‘Well, if the esteemed star finds us lacking, what can we do?' was unacceptable to him.

Kang Joo-Han was seething with resolve, determined to change Callia's perception of Chronos that very day. He envisioned securing her production services, impressing her enough to receive a hit song, and perhaps even gleaning some songwriting expertise from her to ascend to musical royalty if luck was on their side. This was Kang Joo-Han's form of revenge and his ambition.

“Everyone, gather around," he called out.

“Yep.”

“Okay.”

“Why?”

His group members were ever responsive and eager, so they quickly gathered around him.

“Did you see the crowd at our performance spot?"

“It's packed beyond belief. I never imagined we'd be performing in front of a department store."

“It's nothing like yesterday's stage," Goh Yoo-Joon and Lee Jin-Sung remarked.

Kang Joo-Han nodded in agreement before adding, “Most of these people don't know us. Our only way to capture their attention is through our vocals, understood?"

“Yes."

“Let's stay calm and perform just as we rehearsed. There's no need to overdo it just because someone famous is watching."

“Understood!"

Kang Joo-Han watched his group members nod in agreement, a look of satisfaction on his face, before leading them in the Chronos chant.

“Let's go!"

“Let’s give it our all!"

“Yeah!"

They were resolute in their determination to etch the name Chronos in Callia Lawrence’s memory and to leave an impression that she would never easily forget. This wasn't just about making a statement; it was about ensuring that Chronos became a name that resonated within the corridors of the music industry, particularly in Callia's circles.

***

“I'm sorry, Reina," Callia began, her tone reflecting genuine remorse.

Reina’s words were heavy with disappointment. “You broke my friends' hearts."

“I know. Leaving the way I did yesterday was a mistake on my part," Callia admitted. She acknowledged her hasty departure and the hurt it caused.

Callia had a more composed demeanor compared to the previous day. She sighed and nodded in understanding.

Reina told her, “Today, I want you to watch their entire performance. I promise you, you won't have any regrets."

With that, Reina led Callia to the front row of the audience seats and prepared her for an experience that could just change her perspective.

The stage was set in a low-rise platform in the square, largely ignored by the passers-by for now. Chronos and their accompanying band took their places one by one, making light adjustments and engaging in brief exchanges to ensure everything was set for the performance.

As Callia observed their preparations, her gaze sharpened again, not because of the irritation or disdain from the previous day, but because this was the discerning eye of a producer evaluating potential talent.

In that moment, it was clear she was assessing whether Chronos possessed the qualities worthy of her production expertise. This was a significant shift from her earlier skepticism.