Chapter 22

Reckless Genius Composer's Regression - Chapter 22 (22/482)

“We’re here.”

At those words, Hyun-seung slightly lifted his head to look out the front window, and the iron gate of a massive mansion came into view.

‘What a house.’

To put it with a bit of exaggeration, it certainly seemed to be on a scale similar to the *Afong Palace (*阿房宮).

Even after passing through the iron gate, they had to drive for quite a while before the mansion finally came into sight in the distance….

The bonsai trees in the garden, the pond with silk carp swimming, and the stone bridge over it all testified to the grandeur of the place.

Meanwhile.

Unlike the calm-looking Hyun-seung, Manager Kim was constantly exclaiming in amazement.

“Wow, what a house….”

It was so impressive that it felt like a drama set, making it impossible not to be amazed.

Of course, Manager Kim was also in the ‘high-salary’ group, but….

The monthly credit card bills, loan interest, and utility bills often left him in a state of suffering.

“Even if I had worked since the time of King Gyeoncho, I doubt I could have bought a house like this….”

Then he looked at Hyun-seung and asked again.

“Hey, why are you so calm?”

“What do you mean?”

“Aren’t you surprised or intimidated?”

“No, not really.”

As they chatted, they had arrived at the entrance of the mansion, which was located deep within the garden.

Soon, Choi Esa, Manager Kim, and Hyun-seung got out of the car one by one….

Ding-dong.

Just as Choi Esa was about to press the doorbell next to the entrance, the door opened….

“Teacher, I’m coming in.”

Choi Esa, speaking politely into the intercom, gently opened the door and entered.

As soon as they stepped into the entrance, a long corridor filled with various artworks greeted them….

Thud, thud.

From the far end of the corridor, an old man with a thin frame and rimless glasses walked out.

“Hey, Geun-sik.”

The fact that he called Choi Esa by his first name rather than his title made it clear that their relationship was quite close.

His hair, which was as white as if snow had settled on it, was neatly combed, and his casual hanbok was slightly disheveled at the collar.

He looked far too simple and unassuming to be the owner of such a luxurious mansion.

However.

The look in his eyes, visible through his glasses, was sharp and piercing.

Lee Doo-seok.

According to Choi Esa, he was a pioneer in the entertainment industry and a founding hero of the current LS Entertainment.

“Teacher, have you been well?”

As Choi Esa bowed deeply, Lee Doo-seok immediately stopped him.

“Enough with the formalities. I’ve already retired; what kind of teacher am I now? Just an old man in the neighborhood.”

After finishing his words, he smiled and then finally turned his gaze to Manager Kim and Hyun-seung, who were standing behind Choi Esa.

“By the way, I see you’ve brought some new friends?”

Choi Esa then introduced the two.

“First, this is my successor, Manager Kim Woo-hyun.”

At that, Kim Woo-hyun bowed deeply, and Lee Doo-seok nodded a few times in response.

“You look sharp and capable.”

Then he turned his gaze to Hyun-seung and asked.

“Let me see, this one….”

A moment of silence followed.

“From the look of it, you seem to have the face of an actor or a singer, don’t you?”

Choi Esa, with a smile, replied.

“This young man is often mistaken for that, but he’s actually a composer.”

Lee Doo-seok, looking puzzled, repeated “composer?” and reluctantly nodded.

“Alright, then….”

Then he started to walk ahead, adding.

“Let’s go inside and talk.”

As Hyun-seung and the others entered through the door at the end of the corridor, a spacious hall was revealed.

At first glance, it was filled with Swiss-made furniture that looked incredibly expensive, and a luxurious chandelier hung from the ceiling, sparkling brilliantly.

After a while.

Lee Doo-seok, seated at the head of the marble table, spoke.

“Since you’ve brought your ‘children’ along, it doesn’t seem like you’re just here for a visit….”

A moment of silence followed.

“There must be something you need, right?”

Choi Esa, hesitating for a long time, finally spoke cautiously.

“I’m sorry to come here unannounced and say this….”

Then he added in a very polite tone.

“I desperately need your help.”

Lee Doo-seok, repeating “help?” asked him to continue with a light nod.

* * *

How long had it been?

“Hmm.”

Starting with the fact that Executive Park had secretly produced and completed the 10th-anniversary album of ‘KOK’ in Japan….

The fact that he had intentionally brought forward KOK’s comeback schedule to sabotage Hyun-seung….

And the fact that a debut-ready rookie singer had been relegated to the first slot without any introduction in a music show due to this.

“Good job, good job.”

Lee Doo-seok, having heard all the facts, scolded Choi Esa.

“You’re still bickering like children?”

Choi Esa and Executive Park had been at odds with each other since before Lee Doo-seok retired.

However.

It was not a pleasant sight to see them still acting like enemies even though they were both in their fifties.

“So what?”

Lee Doo-seok’s cold response made Choi Esa look flustered.

“Are you asking me for help now?”

Silence fell again.

“This is a family matter; you should resolve it yourselves.”

“Teacher….”

“How many years have I been retired?”

Lee Doo-seok, narrowing his eyes, looked at Hyun-seung.

“Besides, the person most affected by this doesn’t seem particularly urgent.”

Lee Doo-seok, who had been watching Hyun-seung quietly and expressionlessly, continued to observe him.

From the story, it seemed that this young man was the one who would suffer the most from this situation.

Yet, he was acting as if it were someone else’s problem, which was quite perplexing.

After a while.

Manager Kim poked Hyun-seung in the side, and he reluctantly revealed his thoughts.

“Yes, but I firmly believe in the saying ‘a needle in a haystack.’ If it were a good song, it would have been a hit even if it coincided with the release of albums by the Jade Emperor or King Yama.”

“Wow?”

“Moreover, I can’t stop KOK from making a comeback after they’ve worked so hard on their album, and worrying won’t change the situation, will it?”

Choi Esa and Manager Kim’s gazes, filled with reproach, simultaneously fell on Hyun-seung.

It was frustrating to see him act so confidently when he should be on his knees begging.

However.

Lee Doo-seok seemed satisfied.

“I like your attitude.”

“…”

“You two should learn from him.”

After finishing his words, Lee Doo-seok was about to change the topic, saying, “Now that we’ve finished talking….”

“But that’s just my perspective….”

Hyun-seung continued in his usual calm tone.

“In fact, I do desperately need your help. The rookie singer, who is caught in the usual factional struggles, is innocent, isn’t he? If this young man doesn’t show results with this single, he might never get another chance.”

Lee Doo-seok, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, silently watched Hyun-seung.

“He has been training for over six years. From what I’ve heard, you are a person of great influence. Could you help ensure he gets a fair chance to compete?”

At that, Lee Doo-seok asked.

“Laying the groundwork….”

Hyun-seung had used the term ‘laying the groundwork’ because of the Go board and a few Go books by professional players on a nearby table.

“Can you play Go?”

“Yes, I can.”

“Wow, that’s great.”

Lee Doo-seok made an unexpected suggestion.

“Then let’s play a game of Go.”

Hyun-seung, in response, asked.

“Are you willing to bet the future of a young, inexperienced singer on this game?”

Lee Doo-seok, narrowing his eyes, asked.

“You have a talent for sharp words, don’t you? I don’t know what’s at stake for you, but for me, it’s just a fun game to decide whether I should get involved or not.”

He smiled and asked.

“What do you think? Will you play, or will you just eat and leave?”

Amid the silence, Choi Esa bit his lower lip nervously.

Go was one of Lee Doo-seok’s oldest hobbies.

He was so skilled that he occasionally invited professional Go players to his home for matches….

Choi Esa himself had learned Go from Lee Doo-seok for a few years.

Despite Lee Doo-seok’s casual and unassuming nature, Choi Esa had felt awkward when he was dragged to a Go salon, but it had helped him build a closer relationship with Lee Doo-seok and learn not only how to play Go but also many tips for his work.

Choi Esa, already convinced of Hyun-seung’s defeat, let out a deep sigh.

“If you win, I’ll help you to the best of my ability.”

Manager Kim looked worried as he assessed the situation.

This young man was only in his early twenties.

At best, he might have played some online Go.

‘Hmm?’

On the other hand, he felt a strange sense of anticipation.

‘What if…?’

Considering Hyun-seung’s hobbies, like fishing on an island or growing radishes….

‘What if he’s also good at Go?’

Then.

“Hmm.”

Hyun-seung, with a confident tone, asked.

“Do I just need to not lose?”

“Do you have confidence in winning?”

“A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Hyun-seung put down his chopsticks and added.

“Let’s play, then. Go.”

* * *

Soon, Lee Doo-seok and Hyun-seung sat facing each other with the Go board between them.

“There’s no need to choose sides; I’ll let you have the black stones.”

Lee Doo-seok said casually.

“No, I prefer fairness.”

At Hyun-seung’s response, Lee Doo-seok raised his eyebrows in interest.

“Alright.”

Lee Doo-seok took a white stone, and Hyun-seung, in turn, picked up a handful of black stones to choose sides.

The result was….

“There was no need to choose sides.”

Hyun-seung had the black stones, and Lee Doo-seok had the white stones.

“Still, since we chose fairly, don’t complain later.”

“Alright, how many points should I give you to start?”

Hyun-seung replied.

“Let’s just play an even game.”

“Play an even game with me?”

“I prefer fairness.”

Lee Doo-seok laughed heartily and nodded.

“Young man, you have a good spirit.”

“Thank you.”

“Then will you give me a handicap?”

“Yes, of course.”

The young composer in front of him was suggesting a fair ‘*Josen’ (*互先) game in a casual tone.

Lee Doo-seok, sensing that this would be an enjoyable match after a long time, had a smile on his face.

Although Choi Esa and Manager Kim, watching from behind, were only feeling anxious….

“Then I’ll go first.”

Hyun-seung’s hand, holding the black stone, calmly placed it on the board.

Click, thud.

From the way he played, he seemed to have spent a lot of time at Go salons.

“Wow….”

Choi Esa and Manager Kim let out small exclamations of admiration.

Even if they didn’t know much about Go….

The way he placed the stones was quite impressive.

Click, thud.

Click, thud.

The game continued in silence….

“Can you play Go, Manager Kim?”

“I’m not very familiar with it.”

“Then don’t get your hopes up.”

Choi Esa, in a calm tone, was convinced of Hyun-seung’s defeat.

“It seems this young man doesn’t have a talent for Go.”

As he watched the game, Choi Esa noticed that Hyun-seung was taking a long time to make each move.

If he were a decent player, he wouldn’t take so long for every move.

On the other hand.

Lee Doo-seok’s fingers showed no sign of hesitation.

It was as if all the variables were in his head….

He repeatedly picked up a stone and placed it on the board.

However.

Soon, Choi Esa began to doubt his eyes.

Click, thud.

Click, thud.

Click, thud.

As the game progressed, the pace quickened.

Moreover….

The situation was completely reversed.

“Hmm….”

Lee Doo-seok’s moves slowed down….

Click, thud.

Hyun-seung was steadily taking control of the game.

‘He’s using brilliant moves…?’

It was as if he could see several moves ahead, and the black stones he placed were firmly holding their positions and fulfilling their roles.

Thus.

After a tense match that lasted for hours, the game came to an end.

Thud.

Lee Doo-seok placed the last stone.

“Esa….”

Manager Kim asked in a low voice.

“What happened?”

After a brief “Wait a moment,” Choi Esa began to calculate the score, muttering to himself.

“Well….”

It was a close match, but….

“I lost, unfortunately.”

A narrow defeat by half a point.

He lost by half a point.

“Of course Hyun-seung lost, right?”

“Yes, it was very close….”

Choi Esa nodded, looking disappointed.

He had hoped for a miracle because of Hyun-seung’s strong performance in the second half….

But it seemed too much to ask against Lee Doo-seok.

“Unfortunately, I lost.”

Hyun-seung said calmly to Lee Doo-seok.

“I learned a lot from you.”

Then he added.

“Since I lost….”

He asked in a meaningful tone.

“You won’t help us, then?”

At that, Manager Kim and Choi Esa sighed in disappointment.

“Ha….”

Lee Doo-seok, unable to hold back his laughter, burst out laughing.

“I can’t handle this.”

Surprised by the sudden laughter, Choi Esa and Manager Kim looked back and forth between Lee Doo-seok and Hyun-seung.

“Teacher, what do you mean…?”

Unable to contain his curiosity, Choi Esa asked cautiously.

“I won, but I lost completely.”

“You lost even though you won?”

“Where did you find such a young man?”

Lee Doo-seok, not interested in the answer, quickly took a photo of the game record.

“This is a truly overwhelming match. I need to keep a record of it.”

After taking several photos, Lee Doo-seok looked up at Hyun-seung.

At first, he played casually, hiding his true skills, to put his opponent at ease….

Then, he quickly turned the game into a fierce battle, breaking his opponent’s flow with a terrifying momentum.

He deliberately used brilliant moves to create a close match in the chaos.

And then.

He intentionally lost by half a point to finish the game.

Moreover.

Hyun-seung, who had the black stones, didn’t even give a handicap.

Lee Doo-seok, even though he won, felt he hadn’t really won.

Instead, he realized the overwhelming skill gap between them.

“Ha ha! I haven’t had such a tough match in a long time.”

After finishing his words, Lee Doo-seok suddenly opened a drawer.

Click.

He took out a thick notebook.

“After such a tough match, does the outcome really matter?”

At that, Choi Esa and Manager Kim’s faces lit up with anticipation….

“Alright, since I promised, I’ll help you.”

Choi Esa, glancing at the notebook, swallowed hard.

‘This is….’

A notebook filled with the contact information of the top predators in the entertainment industry, often called a concrete jungle.

“Let’s see….”

Lee Doo-seok, stopping his hand as he flipped through the notebook, looked around at everyone.

“But, you know….”

A heavy silence fell in the room.

“Even with my help, the rookie singer might not do well. I’m not saying it will definitely happen, but the entertainment industry is unpredictable….”

He trailed off and asked in a gentle but firm tone.

“Moreover, you and Park Executive, Geun-sik, and the rivalry between the two of you… If the rookie singer doesn’t achieve significant results, what will happen then…?”

In the short silence, the only sound was the rustling of the notebook pages.

“Will the CEO hate me?”

Then, with a faint smile, he asked again.

“Or will he come running to me, a retired man, to complain and drag you into a family feud without achieving any results?”

His gaze then turned to Choi Esa.

“Are you prepared to take that responsibility?”

At that moment.

“Of course.”

Hyun-seung spoke up for Choi Esa.

“So, you should also take responsibility and keep your promise.”

Lee Doo-seok, chuckling, exclaimed.

“Young man, I’ll definitely take responsibility!”

Choi Esa, who knew that Lee Doo-seok disliked formalities and was in a different category from the concept of authority, was surprised by his affectionate attitude towards Hyun-seung.

After all.

All their worries were resolved.

“Teacher, it’s late, so I’ll just leave the gift in the trunk and go.”

At that, Lee Doo-seok, shouting, “What gift?!” said something unexpected.

“No matter what you’ve prepared, I don’t need any gifts.”

“Huh? Then….”

“You don’t need to bring anything. Just this young man….”

His gaze turned to Hyun-seung.

“Min Hyun-seung.”

Hyun-seung, unimpressed, asked.

“Yes?”

After a moment.

“Would you come to my house occasionally to play Go?”

Lee Doo-seok, smiling brightly, added.

“I think that would be the best gift.”

Hyun-seung, without much thought, immediately replied.

“Sure, no problem.”

For reference.

Hyun-seung had never had a proper friend and had a strong tendency to stay at home, spending most of his time indoors, either at his house or in his studio.

As a result.

In his previous life, his hobbies after music and games were Go, Janggi (Korean chess), and Western chess.

Moreover.

He had lost interest in these hobbies because he couldn’t find a worthy opponent.

Although Lee Doo-seok didn’t know this….

Hyun-seung, through an unexpected Go match, had gained a reliable ally.