Chapter 20

Reckless Genius Composer Returns - Chapter 20 (20/482)

It was a late night.

Mr. Park, the executive, found his way to an entertainment bar located somewhere in the bustling Cheongdam-dong.

Not only were all the seats arranged in private rooms, but the space was so vast that it was difficult to find your way without an employee's guidance once you stepped inside.

Rumors had it that the cost of a night's drinking here could amount to two or three months' salary for an average office worker, yet the place was frequented by celebrities due to its exclusive atmosphere.

Among them, in the VIP room,

Mr. Park, seated in the best spot on the sofa, couldn't hide his boredom as he stared intently at his wristwatch.

"Mr. Executive, your party has arrived."

The door opened with the waiter's guidance...

"Hello."

As a middle-aged man with a plump build entered, Mr. Park greeted him with a brightened face.

"Mr. Kim CP, thank you for coming all this way."

"No, it's nothing."

"Sit down quickly, let's have a drink first."

Mr. Park naturally filled his ontherock glass with a few ice cubes and poured in an expensive whiskey.

"We've always been pushing and pulling each other, haven't we?"

As Mr. Park handed over the glass filled with alcohol, Mr. Kim CP began to look at him with a wary expression.

"Mr. Kim CP, you've helped me out countless times."

"Oh, no, that's not true."

"I called you because I want to give you some high-level information."

"High-level information?"

"But now I'm not sure if I should even say it..."

Mr. Park swirled his glass as he continued.

"You know I'm not a frivolous person, right?"

"Of course, I know that."

"It's a matter that's confidential even within the company..."

Mr. Park pretended to be hesitant, and Mr. Kim CP began to play along.

"You know, there's no one in this industry as tight-lipped as me."

"I know, but..."

"If my mouth opens, the next day the entertainment section will be in chaos, right?"

Mr. Kim CP shrugged and joked.

"How many people would have to resign, and how many celebrities would have to retire?"

Mr. Park responded, "Well, that's true..." and began to draw out the conversation.

"Just give me a hint."

Mr. Kim CP looked at Mr. Park with anticipation.

'Mr. Park, you old fox...'

Mr. Kim CP, who had known Mr. Park for over ten years in the broadcasting industry, thought to himself.

Mr. Park, with his bald head and large build, might seem straightforward and cool on the surface, but inside, he was a person who harbored hundreds of snakes.

Thinking back, when they first met, Mr. Park was just a nominal section chief, not much different from a road manager.

But he had used his unique skills to eventually reach the executive level, and Mr. Kim CP had watched this process from a distance, shaking his head in amazement several times.

'Today, he's probably going to draw out the main topic after a long pause. He might as well just tell me what he wants...'

Mr. Park was not the type to do favors without expecting something in return.

While his thoroughness might have helped him reach his current position...

Every conversation with him had the nature of a 'transaction,' which often left him feeling exhausted.

Today would probably be no different.

After revealing some 'high-level information,' he would surely ask for something in return.

However, their relationship had been maintained because of Mr. Park's excellent information network.

"You'll have to keep quiet for a while."

At that moment, Mr. Park warned again and added,

"Ah, I don't know. KOK will be returning to Korea soon."

"Really? They're currently active in Japan, right?"

It was news that even someone as well-connected as Mr. Kim CP had not heard.

KOK, the idol of idols, was currently on a nationwide tour in Japan...

If true, it would be top-tier information that would make entertainment reporters drool.

A cunning person like Mr. Park wouldn't just give away such high-level information for free, would he?

'Right, that makes sense...'

Mr. Kim CP, deducing Mr. Park's intentions, smiled deeply.

"You want to arrange a comeback stage for them on 'Music Center,' right?"

The only thing he could ask for would be a main stage on 'Music Center,' a long-running program he had been in charge of for a long time.

This could be considered a reasonable request that would benefit both parties.

What music show CP would refuse to feature a major idol like KOK on their comeback stage?

"Anyway, you know I'm a straightforward person, right?"

Mr. Kim CP waved his hand in response.

"Oh, you're flattering me."

Then, with eyes gleaming with desire, he added,

"Once the comeback schedule is fixed, just let me know. We'll put them at the end of the 'Music Center' lineup."

"I was actually hoping to discuss the comeback schedule. KOK's comeback is earlier than expected."

Mr. Kim CP showed his reluctance and asked,

"When exactly?"

After a moment of "Well, you see..." Mr. Park continued,

"Next week."

Mr. Kim CP's expression darkened.

'Next week, the last slot is...'

It was already reserved for 'The Superz,' an idol group from ON Entertainment, a company on par with LS Entertainment.

It was impossible to change the order due to the powerful influence of ON Entertainment, and...

'The Superz' was a group with a solid fan base and popularity, though not on par with 'KOK.'

Moreover, 'The Superz' had already confirmed their slot two months ago and finished discussions with the stage production team.

In short,

"Ha, this is quite a dilemma..."

At this point, changing the order would be almost impossible.

"I'd like to give you a definite answer, but the order has already been set, and the stage production and planning are complete..."

Mr. Kim CP, gauging Mr. Park's reaction, added,

"Even if it's a request from Mr. Park and considering KOK's comeback, 'The Superz' is also making their first comeback stage after the album release, so it's difficult to give a definite answer here..."

Mr. Park pressed again,

"Mr. Kim CP, I'm not being biased because they're my protégés. Honestly, KOK is far superior to The Superz. Wouldn't it be good for you if KOK's first comeback stage is on 'Music Center'?"

Mr. Kim CP, after a moment of "Well, that's true, but..." touched his chin.

It was indeed an attractive offer, but the problems that would follow if he accepted were clear.

Most importantly, wouldn't he end up on bad terms with ON Entertainment, with whom he had built a good relationship?

"Mr. Kim CP."

Mr. Park, with his characteristic slippery tone, continued,

"I almost forgot."

He casually placed a watch case, clearly from a luxury brand, on the table and added,

"It's nothing much, but I thought I should show some appreciation. I brought this to thank you for all your help, completely unrelated to this matter. I hope you'll accept it without any burden..."

Mr. Kim CP, with trembling eyes, looked at the watch case.

Swallow.

It was a high-end Swiss watch, possibly more expensive than his annual salary.

"This is a bit too much of a gift..."

On the contrary, Mr. Park, showing no intention of backing down, pushed the watch case closer to Mr. Kim CP.

"What's the burden? Mr. Kim CP, it's time for you to wear something like this. Even young singers who tremble at your word have such watches..."

Trailing off, he opened the watch case for him.

"Take a look, it suits you perfectly, doesn't it?"

Mr. Park, after closing the watch case, pushed it to Mr. Kim CP's front and added,

"And I'm not the type to make unreasonable requests, am I?"

"No, of course not..."

"Right, I've also prepared a plausible reason, so listen to it."

Mr. Park lowered his voice slightly and said,

"Next week, we have a debut stage for a new artist from our company, right?"

Mr. Kim CP nodded.

"Yes, that's right."

He murmured, trying to recall the name, and added,

"Jeong Arin, right? Since she's a new artist from LS Entertainment, I already placed her in a relatively late slot. If I had known she was a friend of Mr. Park, I would have put her even later..."

Mr. Park, after a moment of "No, no," shook his head and paused.

"You can use her as the reason, can't you?"

Mr. Kim CP, narrowing his eyes, asked, "What?"

"If KOK, who made their album with top producers in Japan, takes the last slot, and we move our ambitious new artist from LS Entertainment to the first slot, wouldn't that give you a plausible reason?"

Mr. Park, refilling the empty glass, added,

"Wouldn't that give you a reason too?"

If it went as planned, it would be a 'win-win' situation for Mr. Park.

By secretly preparing KOK's comeback stage for the last slot on the music show...

He could also curb the growing influence of the young composer from the Choi executive's line.

"..."

A moment of silence.

"Really, what a pain."

Mr. Park, with a glare, asked,

"Why are you so hesitant?"

"That's..."

"It's not a request you should hesitate over at all!"

After a moment,

"Ha."

Mr. Kim CP nodded.

"Yes, I'll do it."

As Mr. Park said, if the circumstances were explained, ON Entertainment would have no other choice but to accept it to some extent.

"Hey, Mr. Kim CP."

At that moment, Mr. Park, with a cigarette in his mouth, suddenly stood up.

"Will you do it?"

In response to the high-pressure question, Mr. Kim CP immediately took out a lighter from his pocket and lit it for him.

"I'll arrange the order to your satisfaction."

Only then did Mr. Park, nodding in satisfaction, straighten his clothes and head towards the room's exit.

"Right, that's what I want to hear. I'll be back from the restroom. I'll bring in some girls on my way, so put two good ones at your table. Today, I want to repay the favors you've done for me, so order whatever drinks you want..."

He paused, pointing at the watch case with his chin.

"And wear the watch on your wrist."

"..."

"Anyone who sees it will think it's yours."

Mr. Park, after saying, "Hurry up," urged him on...

"Yes..."

Mr. Kim CP, fumbling, put the watch on his wrist, and Mr. Park, smiling, added,

"See, I told you it would suit you."

Then, he opened the door and left the room.

"Huff..."

Mr. Kim CP, looking at the door Mr. Park had left, suddenly cursed.

"That damn bastard..."

Mr. Park, who had risen to an executive position, had been subtly disrespectful and maintained a high-pressure attitude, which Mr. Kim CP found very annoying.

However,

The KOK comeback stage itself was incredibly attractive, and with a high-end watch in front of him that could be cashed out without tax worries...

"Alright, let's help each other..."

The entertainment industry and broadcasting world were always like this.

If their interests aligned, they would even team up with their parents' enemies.

"Hmm."

He glanced at his wrist.

"Does it really suit me?"

Smiling slightly, he picked up the glass in front of him.

Clink, clink.

The alcohol in the glass swirled like the desires of the two men.

It was a precarious situation.

* * *

It was past midnight.

"Yaaawn-."

Manager Kim, who had returned to the company late due to a longer-than-expected meeting, yawned widely.

Ring, ring, ring.

An uneasy phone call rang.

"Why at this hour..."

It was a call from a subordinate in the Management 2 team, a colleague in the same department.

"Hey, can't you sleep? Haven't you gone home yet?"

He answered playfully, but...

- Manager, there's a bit of a problem...

"Problem? What kind of problem?"

- When do you think you'll be back at the company?

It seemed to be a serious issue.

"It will take at least thirty minutes to get there. Why?"

An unexpected response came back.

- Well, there's Jeong Arin's debut stage...

"Right, you got a good slot, didn't you?"

- I just got a call from the coordinator...

The subordinate, trailing off, cautiously added,

- The order has changed.

"The order?"

- It's been moved to the first slot...

Manager Kim, reacting instinctively, growled,

"What the hell is this all of a sudden?"

The subordinate explained again,

- But the situation is a bit strange. A few minutes ago, KOK's 10th anniversary mini-album teaser video was uploaded, and an article announced their release next week.

"What?"

- What's going on? This is completely unexpected. The team members are all stressed out. Even if she's a new artist, it's LS, and the first slot...

Manager Kim, trying to remain calm, replied,

"I'll check it as soon as I get there."

The subordinate added,

- I checked a bit, and before the order changed, it was 'The Superz' from ON Entertainment, who are releasing an album. The Superz are already established, and it's strange that they lost their slot to KOK, who rushed their release, and that Jeong Arin was moved to the first slot...

Manager Kim, rubbing his temples, replied,

"Right, it is strange..."

The subordinate continued,

- It looks like Jeong Arin was used as a pretext to move her to the first slot. This seems like Mr. Park's influence, doesn't it? There were rumors that KOK secretly prepared their album in Japan at Mr. Park's instruction...

Manager Kim, frowning, interrupted,

"Hey, hey, that's enough. Don't make assumptions about things that aren't certain."

- But...

"Colleagues should not be petty with each other."

Manager Kim ended the call.

"I'll check it when I get there."

What good would it do for employees to gossip about the internal politics of their superiors?

He said that, but it was clear that Mr. Park's influence was behind this.

Not only the surprise comeback of KOK at the same time as Jeong Arin, but also the intentional change in the stage order...

What benefit could he gain from deliberately blocking a colleague's path?

'Did he sacrifice Jeong Arin for a pretext?'

If Jeong Arin's slot was moved to the first, it would likely quell the dissatisfaction of ON Entertainment, who lost their slot.

However, something felt off.

He couldn't pinpoint it, but he felt like he was missing something important...

If it was just for a pretext,

There was no need to rush the comeback; it could have been handled with a week's leeway.

Was it out of spite?

But why would an executive like Mr. Park resort to such a petty revenge on a new artist like 'Jeong Arin'?

"Huh?"

At that moment, he recalled the encounter between 'Mr. Park' and 'Hyun Seung' in front of the elevator a few days ago.

"Could it be...?"

Manager Kim immediately called.

"Hyun Seung, remember when you met Mr. Park in front of the elevator?"

- Yes? What about it?

"That day when you met Mr. Park."

- Oh, yes, we met the other day.

"Did anything happen when you went up together?"

- No, we just went up quietly.

"Really, nothing at all? Really?"

A moment of silence.

- Hmm, he did ask me to have a drink with him.

"He asked you to have a drink? What happened then?"

- We were both busy, so we said we'd do it when we had the chance.

Manager Kim sighed softly.

"Ah..."

He suspected that Mr. Park had taken a liking to Hyun Seung.

Of course, Hyun Seung, who was indifferent to everything, wouldn't have shown much interest in such an offer...

But did Mr. Park, judging Hyun Seung to be in the Choi executive's line, decide to take action against him?

"Is this going too far...?"

But Mr. Park was the type who could go even further.

- What? I can't hear you. Is that all?

Manager Kim, in a hurry, replied,

"Hyun Seung, delay your work tomorrow and come when I call."

- Why?

"I think Mr. Park has a grudge against you."

Hyun Seung asked,

- He looks about sixty, and he's upset because I didn't accept his tea party invitation? That big, bald guy has a heart like a princess...

Manager Kim, sighing, replied,

"Anyway, we can't just sit back and do nothing, can we?"

- I don't understand what you're saying...

"I have a place to go tomorrow afternoon, so make sure you have time."

Hyun Seung repeatedly asked for the destination, but Manager Kim evaded the question and ended the call...

"Huff..."

After the call, Manager Kim began to formulate a 'strategy' to break down the current situation.

There's a saying, 'to catch a dog, you need to find the bone.'

To catch the 'dog,' you need to find the 'bone,' and conversely, to catch the 'bone,' you need to find the 'dog.'

He had tried to resolve it on his own, but he couldn't just sit idly by...

Executive Choi.

He needed to seek help from Executive Choi, who was in clear opposition to Mr. Park and was his superior.

"How did it come to this..."

Despite his intentions, the situation was only getting bigger.