Devil’s Music

Three weeks ago

International Arts University of Beijing, China

The International Arts University in Beijing, owned by the Beijing Cultural Department, stood as a prominent secondary specialized arts school, distinguished as the first in Beijing to foster international exchanges in the arts. With six majors including dance, fine arts, acting, specialized secretarial studies, martial arts, and circus, the school emphasized specialized education over general knowledge courses, garnering acclaim even from overseas. Teaching middle and high school students, the school's aim naturally gravitated toward enrolling graduates in leading global art universities. Since 1995, it boasted over 23 gold medals in domestic and international artistic competitions, earning a prestigious reputation within China.

Today, sixteen-year-old Tsuh Mei was diligently carrying her newspaper-wrapped paintings to school, diligently navigating the weight of her larger-than-life artworks. Tasked with submitting them by this morning, she appeared an adorable sight, shuffling forward, alternating between glancing ahead and lowering the paintings to ensure her path, unable to see clearly due to their size.

Seeking a moment's respite from the burden, Tsuh Mei spotted a notice board a dozen meters ahead. Struggling, she made her way, propping her paintings against it, then wiped the sweat from her forehead.

"Ugh, this is exhausting. Did I choose art for nothing? This feels more like labor than artistry. Where's the beauty in this?" she lamented.

Tsuh Mei, a prodigy who had won several art competitions since childhood, though not sweeping every contest, had secured admission to the International Arts University through consistently achieving gold or higher in many competitions. While she had enjoyed a brief respite during the break, she now found herself dedicating late-night hours to rigorous drawing practice, tackling the high-level courses once more.

Taking a seat on the sidewalk in front of the notice board, Tsuh Mei gazed at the sky, lost in thought.

"I wonder what Geon Oppa is up to. Since the event in China, he hasn’t appeared on Chinese broadcasts, not even on Korean shows... I miss him so much," she sighed.

Running her right hand through her hair, she reminisced, "Even though I pricked myself with seven needles, it was worth it just to hold Geon Oppa's hand."

That was Tsuh Mei, the girl whom Geon had rescued at the Seowoo Airport during the event in China.

Standing up from the sidewalk, Tsuh Mei, fanning herself with her hand, scanned the various announcements pinned to the board.

"Why are there always notices for modern dance competitions? How many competitions are there in China anyway? There are plenty for fine arts, but even more for dance."

Pointing with her finger, she read the notices one by one aloud, "Mr. Wang Chen's class is canceled today? Lucky kids in martial arts, hmph. Our classes never get canceled. I want to have fun too... hmph. Oh? A K-pop listening club is formed? Should I join?"

Walking beside the notice board, she continued reading the next notice.

"Huh? What's this? Korean broadcasting? Seeking participants for a show?"

<Broadcast Participation Notice>

Greetings from the Administrative Office of the International Arts University.

We are recruiting participants for the Korean show "Three Meals a Day," which will be aired in China starting next month. To localize popular Korean content for the Chinese audience, this show will feature ordinary Chinese citizens and will be broadcast on CCTV. Interested individuals are requested to submit their applications to the administrative office by September 31st.

<Program Description>

A reality entertainment show set in a Korean rural village striving for self-sufficiency

<Participants>

Cha Seungwon (Actor), Yoo Haejin (Actor), Ham Chunho (Musician), Kim Geon (Singer)

Tsuh Mei pressed the part where Kim Geon's name was written and exclaimed, "Aack! It's Geon Oppa! He's on the show!"

Mid-excitement, her phone rang from her pocket. Tsuh Mei answered it, bouncing around in excitement.

"Yeah, Chai! Oh, I just saw it too! Aaah, Geon Oppa's going to be on a show! Did you call to tell me that?"

Tsuh Mei, slowing down from her lively manner, asked with a slightly serious tone, "But wait, are you applying too? What? Why! You didn’t even go to the event back then! What’s this, becoming a fan now? Where’s the consistency in that!"

Clutching her fist and kicking her thigh, Tsuh Mei expressed, "What? Already three hundred applicants? They're only selecting one?"

Hearing Chai's words, Tsuh Mei wore a worried expression, "The competition is too tough! It's really hard to even apply... What should I do, hmph."

Tsuh Mei returned to the sidewalk, crossing her legs and pondering.

"But why would a Korean show feature Chinese participants? They aren’t celebrities, just regular folks?"

Listening to Chai's explanation, Tsuh Mei remarked, "Ah, because it will air in China later? Having Chinese participants will make it more relatable? I see. But why regular people?"

"Yeah, yeah. To bring freshness? Well, there are indeed entertainment shows featuring regular people for a brief moment. But this notice doesn’t mention the filming duration. Do you know how long it will take?"

"Yeah, two days? That's short. So, no classes will be canceled?"

"Oh, I see. Alright. I’ll hang up. I'll quickly apply and come back! Classes? I don't know, just tell the teacher I urgently needed the restroom! Yeah, yeah! Thanks!"

Hastily hanging up the call, Tsuh Mei picked up her paintings and dashed towards the school's administrative office.

A while later, panting and sweating, Tsuh Mei entered the office, propped her paintings on a chair meant for waiting, and approached the staff.

"Um, I saw the notice about participating in a Korean entertainment show and I want to apply."

The staff member, sporting short hair and gold-rimmed glasses, glanced at Tsuh Mei and extended an application form. Tsuh Mei looked at the form and inquired, "Um, what are the selection criteria for this?"

Pushing up the glasses slightly, the staff member replied, "Hmm, I heard the teachers will decide based on the applicants' motivations."

Listening to the staff member, Tsuh Mei grabbed the form and, lying down on the chair, began writing fervently, pouring her heart out in every word she penned, striving to express herself at her best.

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