NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1034: The Future of Phoenix
Chapter 1034: The Future of Phoenix
It was nearing the holidays when DAWN landed back in Korea. The chilly air was a very big contrast to the boiling pot of public opinion they had just left in the States.
For the past days, June was the center of attention on social media because they felt that his attitude toward Tyler King was unacceptable.
- Look at June! He thinks he can just say whatever he wants.
- He was so rude to Tyler King! Can you believe it?
- Well, that's the end of DAWN's career, I guess.
His members tried to comfort him about it.
"Don't worry, dude," Jisung said, ever the optimist. "People forget about these things in like...a week, tops."
However, in reality, June couldn't care less.
"Whatever," he said. "They can continue talking about it if they like."
However, just as soon as they talked about the heat they were getting, it was already being transferred to none other than Tyler King himself.
Pop My Base had uploaded a video of Tyler King mocking the boys of DAWN, and at that moment, it was Tyler's career that was in jeopardy.
- I can't believe I was defending Tyler King. The guy's a complete joke!
- No, but have y'all seen the video? Tyler King literally mocked DAWN's race. He's DONE. Canceled.
- Tyler King better start packing his bags for Retirement Island. And no, we don't accept racists there. - The way Tyler was trying to be relevant by picking a fight with DAWN. Sir, know your place. - So I defended Tyler King and called June rude, and then this video came out... *cries in betrayal* - Imagine being Tyler King and thinking you could take on the entire K-pop fandom. Rookie move. June couldn't help but smirk. The internet was truly a beast, but today, it was on their side. Now, they were having a short break before their holiday performances and the continuation of their world tour.
However, for some odd reason, Jay called June to the company early in the morning.
He sighed as soon as he saw their CEO/friend waiting for him in the lobby.
Jay walked to where June was and nervously rubbed his hands together.
"Good morning!" he exclaimed.
June clicked his tongue. "Why did you ask me to come here, Jay?"
Jay was silent for a few moments.
With that, June narrowed his eyes. "Why do I feel like I'm not going to like this?"
Jay grinned, and it set off alarm bells in June's head.
"I'm going straight to the point," he chuckled nervously. "You're going to the auditions."
"The auditions?" June repeated, unable to understand where he was coming from. "Why do I have to be at the auditions? Am I going to be in another survival show?"
"No," Jay said, shaking his head. "Not that kind of audition. What I meant was-you'd be one of the spectators for Phoenix's idol search!"
June still didn't understand. "Why?" he asked.
"You've got a knack for spotting talent!" Jay said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"No, I don't," June shot back, shaking his head. "It's going to be a room full of executives and the board of directors. They don't need me there."
"Well, Haruki will also be there!" Jay added, his tone brightening.
"Oh great," June deadpanned. "Haruki's going to be there too. That's even less of a reason for me to go."
Jay bounced in his seat, pleading now. "Please, June. I already cleared your schedule for today."
June stared at him, feeling like he'd been played. "You cleared my schedule?"
"Yup!" Jay replied, looking quite pleased with himself.
"It's today?" June asked, incredulous.
"Of course!" Jay nodded.
June let out a long, dramatic sigh and slumped back in his seat.
"I thought I was going to have a break!"
Jay scratched the back of his neck. "Can I use my CEO power now?"
June clicked his tongue.
"Whatever," he muttered. "There should be food, right?"
Jay enthusiastically nodded. "Don't worry! I won't let those oldies hog all the food."
With that, the two of them made their way to the exclusive hall designated for Phoenix's idol search.
As they walked, plenty of the hopefuls recognized June.
"It's June!"
"Omo! Is he going to watch the auditions?"
"I can't do this. I love him so much."
"What the heck? Why is he so handsome?"
June squeezed his way through the crowd, keeping his head down as he followed Jay.
"Is this really necessary?" June grumbled as they reached the elevators.
"You're our secret weapon," Jay said. "You might find our next big star!"
"Or I might as well sleep," June retorted.
Jay pressed the elevator button, and they waited. As the doors opened, Haruki stepped out,
dressed in casual but stylish clothes.
"Oh, you're here too," Haruki said.
June merely nodded.
"Don't worry. It's going to be fun," he added.
"Define fun," June muttered.
Haruki slapped him on the back, nearly making June stumble. "This is how we're going to
shape the future of Phoenix!"
"Or destroy it," June said under his breath, though he couldn't help the small smile tugging at
his lips.
Jay cleared his throat. "Alright, you two, let's not keep the board waiting."
June sighed, adjusting his cap once more. He didn't know what the day had in store, but one
thing was for sure: it wasn't going to be boring.
As they made their way to the audition hall, he glanced over at Haruki, who was grinning like
a kid on Christmas morning.
"You're way too excited about this," June commented.
"It's not every day I get to judge people without getting in trouble for it," Haruki chimed. It
really did seem like he enjoyed judging others.
"Touché," June said, pushing open the doors to the hall.
The room was massive, filled with executives and board members.
"Let's sit together," Jay whispered like he was afraid of the board of directors.
"Yeah, yeah," June muttered, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile.
It looked like he was in for a long day, whether he liked it or not.