Chapter 27

Reckless Genius Composer's Regression - Chapter 27 (27/482)

Dignified (端雅)

This is a traditional Korean fine dining restaurant that received its first Michelin three-star rating within two years of its opening by a famous chef. It operates on a reservation system.

Despite being the most expensive in Seoul, it always has a full year's worth of reservations, making it a bustling place.

"Your food will be served shortly."

The server placed a simple appetizer menu on the table and carefully left the room.

This place, being composed of individual private rooms, prides itself on its privacy...

For this reason, it is often talked about among celebrities, athletes, influencers, and celebrities.

"Let's start with the meal slowly."

Representative Jeon picked up the salad at the right time and said.

"Xian Sheng, I'm not sure if it will suit your taste."

"It's fine. I don't have any particular food preferences."

After that, no words were exchanged.

However, when the atmosphere became awkward, the clinking of the cutlery filled the room as the server brought out the food.

Before long, it was time for the main course.

On a plate larger than an adult's palm, only two pieces of 1++ aged beef ribeye steak were modestly placed.

"By the way."

Representative Jeon quietly opened the conversation.

"It seems there was a struggle for resources among the team members recently."

Xian Sheng paused, stopped cutting, and put down his fork and knife.

"To be precise, it was just a defense."

"Defense...?"

"I couldn't just stand there and take it."

He added,

"And it was a minor dispute that could have happened anyway."

Representative Jeon asked in a matter-of-fact tone,

"Are you making excuses?"

"I'm clarifying."

"Well, it's fine."

Representative Jeon wiped his mouth with a napkin and added softly,

"If the results were bad, I would have held you responsible."

Silence ensued for a moment.

"Both sides achieved appropriate results, so there's no reason to hold anyone responsible."

Xian Sheng narrowed his eyes slightly.

'I've felt this before...'

Representative Jeon seemed to be a thorough 'results-oriented' person.

How to put it?

It seemed that as long as it contributed to the company's interests, the means didn't matter.

"But what's interesting is..."

Representative Jeon picked up his chopsticks again and continued,

"I received a call from Mr. Lee Duseok."

Xian Sheng responded calmly,

"Yes, I'm grateful for his help."

Suddenly, Representative Jeon's voice dropped,

"He's not someone who easily offers help..."

"Is that so?"

"I'm curious how you persuaded him."

His voice was filled with curiosity.

Representative Jeon had a good grasp of the situation regarding this incident.

Company matters were like the palm of his hand.

Even minor issues in the entertainment industry weren't much different.

Of course, there was Mr. Lee Duseok's influence in Jung Ah Rin's debut...

Moreover, he rarely made the first call, but this time he did.

And he said...

"Watch Min Xian Sheng closely."

"That guy..."

"He seemed to have a strong character."

The words he left at the end of their conversation kept echoing in his ears.

To Representative Jeon, Mr. Lee Duseok was both a mentor and a benefactor, and someone he followed like a father.

Even in the process of building LS to its current size, he rarely praised anyone.

So why did he praise Xian Sheng so highly?

Since Mr. Lee Duseok mentioned Xian Sheng, a mere rookie composer, and instructed to watch him closely...

Wouldn't it naturally pique his curiosity even more?

At that moment,

Xian Sheng, after taking a few sips of water, carefully placed the glass down and continued,

"I'm not sure, but..."

After a while,

"It seems Mr. Lee enjoyed the game quite a bit."

Representative Jeon, stroking his chin, asked, "A game?"

"Yes, we played a game of Go."

Representative Jeon suddenly recalled an old memory.

"Mr. Lee, please help me."

At the time of establishing LS Entertainment, Representative Jeon bowed deeply to Mr. Lee Duseok and begged for help.

However, Mr. Lee Duseok repeatedly refused, saying he found it troublesome to take on a new role.

Despite his desperate need for help, Representative Jeon repeatedly pleaded...

"Then let's play a game of Go."

He managed to get a promise that if he won the game, Mr. Lee would help him.

'I suffered a complete defeat.'

Recalling the old days, he smiled faintly.

Past hardships and adversities eventually became cherished memories.

By a simple rule, those memories became memories.

He lost, and lost, and lost countless times.

But he never gave up and kept challenging.

Of course, he never won.

In the final game, he won by a half-point.

But it wasn't a 'victory.'

A half-point win meant an overwhelming defeat.

"I lost."

Mr. Lee let him win.

"Well, I couldn't stand the stubbornness of a young man."

Indeed, he let him win.

"I have to keep my promise."

Did he also let the young composer sitting in front of him win?

"Did you win by any chance?"

"No, I lost."

As Representative Jeon tilted his head,

"I lost by a half-point, which was a close call."

At this, Representative Jeon's brows furrowed for a moment...

"Wow."

A smile finally appeared on his lips.

'What an interesting person.'

If Mr. Lee Duseok discovered something, it certainly meant there was potential to be invested in.

"I heard you're a bit dissatisfied with the contract terms?"

Xian Sheng nodded with a grim expression.

"Yes, that's true."

Although the contract terms were similar to those of established male composers in the company, considering the treatment he received in his previous life, any contract would feel inadequate.

"It's a gesture of goodwill from our side."

Representative Jeon then handed over a document envelope with the company's logo prominently printed.

Opening the envelope, a thick stack of A4 papers caught his eye.

"This is a new contract with improved terms. The upcoming first royalty settlement will also be calculated and paid based on the improved terms."

Xian Sheng smiled, intrigued.

"That's quite unusual."

Improving contract terms before the contract period expires is already rare...

Moreover, reflecting the improved terms for the entire previous contract period is unheard of.

There was no legal issue, so neither party would have asked for it.

"You didn't achieve just ordinary results, did you?"

"Thank you for saying so."

Xian Sheng, skimming through the contract, chuckled.

'He put a lot of effort into this.'

Having seen numerous contracts, Xian Sheng found this one to be particularly favorable and friendly to him.

'Hmm.'

However, the terms were unusually generous.

What was his intention?

Was he trying to keep him close at all costs?

'Is he determined to get what he wants...?'

Being someone who knows how to handle a golden goose, he must have led the company for a long time.

In his previous life, LS Entertainment was always one of the top three major agencies.

Although he didn't have a close relationship with Representative Jeon, he had heard praises for his business acumen.

He must have grown LS Entertainment into a leading management company through such methods.

"I'll take my time to review it and sign it, then submit it to Manager Kim."

There was no reason to believe the contract was tampered with, but it would be unwise to sign without reading it thoroughly.

"Sure, do that."

Finishing his words, Representative Jeon lifted the wine bottle slightly.

"Let's have a drink first."

He personally filled a ceramic cup to the brim.

"Let's have lunch together from time to time."

Xian Sheng turned his head, took a sip of the wine, and replied,

"Sure, that sounds good."

Although he seemed friendly now, Xian Sheng didn't fully trust Representative Jeon.

In the concrete jungle of the entertainment industry, there's a saying that there are no permanent friends or enemies.

According to his experience, there were no good or bad people in the entertainment industry.

Everyone...

Depending on their interests and situations, they could become friends or enemies.

Representative Jeon was no exception.

Although he seemed friendly now, his future actions could change based on interests and situations.

If he witnessed an unexpected side, it would already be too late, and they would be classified as enemies.

Yes, it would be after they were classified as enemies.

* * *

Xian Sheng bought a cup of coffee from the company cafe and was walking through the lobby.

However...

Since yesterday, he had felt the gazes of people in the lobby strangely following him.

"Min Xian Sheng!"

Someone called his name.

"You! Ah... "

Turning his head, he saw Manager Kim, who seemed to be about to say something, quickly leading him away.

"Let's go to your studio and talk. It's a bit awkward here."

Creak.

As soon as they entered the studio, Manager Kim started talking.

"Did you and the representative drink until your tongue was tied last night?"

"What? Me?"

"They said you drank heavily from morning until the restaurant's alcohol supply ran out..."

"What...?"

At this point, it seemed clear how myths and legends were exaggerated through word of mouth.

It seemed that people who saw him in the representative's car yesterday exaggerated the story.

'Even so, this is too ridiculous...'

Xian Sheng swept his hand over his face, as if it was too troublesome to respond.

"So that's why you look so haggard this morning? Right? Right! Right!"

"Really, I just had a simple lunch."

"Damn! Having a meal with the representative is a big deal!"

"Anyone who hears this will think I had a meal with the emperor."

Manager Kim shook his head at Xian Sheng's indifferent attitude.

In the years he had been with LS Entertainment, he had never had a meal alone with the representative.

It was impossible unless you were a top executive.

For some, it would be a great honor...

But for Xian Sheng, it seemed to be nothing special.

"Alright, what did the representative say during the meal?"

"Just that we should have meals together from time to time..."

"Wow, it seems the representative really likes you."

"Does it seem that way?"

"Moreover, they said the contract terms were improved, right?"

"Even that got around?"

Manager Kim replied with a sly smile,

"I heard it from Mr. Park from Jeju Island."

"Who's that?"

"A joke about the news spreading to Jeju Island..."

"Your joke is off."

Xian Sheng's sarcasm made Manager Kim mutter, "Alright, alright."

"Anyway, you're in my palm."

He plopped down on the sofa and asked,

"By the way, what are you going to do with your first settlement?"

Usually, young men of his age would say they were going to buy a luxury car or a watch...

"I'm looking for a new place to move."

Manager Kim, surprised by the unexpected answer, asked,

"Move?"

And he playfully asked again,

"Hey, you're not interested in cars or watches?"

"I don't need them."

"Surprising. What about investments?"

"I'm not interested."

"But I thought you were interested in real estate investments?"

At this, Xian Sheng, who asked, "Real estate investments?" with a blank face, replied calmly,

"Ah, I'm not interested anymore."

"Really?"

"And that's just..."

He was about to explain that his 'real estate investments' were just investments within a game.

"Didn't it go well?"

At this, Xian Sheng thought for a moment and replied,

"Well, it was a bit frustrating."

One thing Manager Kim didn't know.

A while ago...

The grand journey of the island of animals came to an end.

"I don't even want to look at it anymore."

It was because he had failed in real estate investments.

"By the way, are you looking for a monthly rental or a lease?"

"I'm looking for a lease."

"Okay? I'll go with you when you sign the lease."

"I'm fine, I'm not a child."

"You need an adult to go with you."

"I'm an adult too."

Xian Sheng sighed and shook his head.

Of course, he understood Manager Kim's concern given his young appearance.

"Make sure to go with me, I'll find the time."

"I don't need to."

"Shh, this time, listen to me."

But his concern was unwarranted.

Xian Sheng was a real estate expert before his regression.

To exaggerate a bit...

'The money I made from music and real estate was almost the same.'

He had accumulated a fortune through real estate appreciation.

Beyond just buying low and selling high, he divided ownership among multiple entities to reduce taxes...

He used his 'fame' as collateral to secure large loans and maximize leverage for significant gains.

"Really, it's fine..."

Thanks to this, there was a rumor that most of the land in Yongsan, where people walk, belonged to Xian Sheng.

"Clearly, I said I'll go with you!"

But he couldn't explain this to Manager Kim.

"Alright, I get it, stop it."

"Thank you for your help!"

"Yes, thank you for your help-."

It wasn't bad to have an adult looking out for him.

* * *

The lease signing went smoothly.

As expected, Manager Kim didn't provide much help during the lease signing process.

However,

It was reassuring to have an adult there to speak up for him.

Asking for new wallpaper, changing door handles, and negotiating lower fees...

Moreover, he promised to help with furniture orders, moving, and other small tasks.

"You can trust me and go comfortably."

"Do you usually do this kind of thing?"

"Am I crazy? I'm a manager, not a porter."

"Can I really leave it to you?"

He could go on a trip to Japan with his family.

He planned to show them the new house after the trip as a surprise.

While organizing his plans in his head,

"Brother, is this your first time traveling abroad?"

Xian Ah poked Xian Sheng's side, excited.

"First time? Ah, right."

It wasn't his first time, but it was.

"I'm so nervous. I didn't forget anything, right?"

"Only two nights and three days, how can you have so much luggage?"

"Hey, slow down!"

The airport was crowded with travelers.

Xian Ah, worried about losing her family in the crowd, was struggling to keep up.

Xian Sheng, intrigued, adjusted his pace to match his father's and headed for the business lounge.

"Xian Ah, you have to take off your shoes from here."

"I already looked it up on the internet."

"Did you really look it up properly?"

At this, Xian Ah replied, "Yes!" and Xian Sheng shook his head and explained,

"You don't need to take off your shoes for domestic flights."

"Yes...?"

"You need to for international flights, right?"

"Ah...?"

"Do you know that Americans don't take off their shoes at home?"

"Eh...?"

"Have you seen American TV shows? Did you see them take off their shoes before lying on the bed?"

"No...?"

"It's the same context."

Although the logic was questionable...

"Ah, I didn't know. I should have looked it up properly..."

Just as Xian Ah was hurriedly taking off her shoes,

- Xian Ah, why are you taking off your shoes?

Her father, noticing, quickly asked in sign language.

- Brother said we have to take off our shoes.

- No, put your shoes back on quickly.

Seeing this, Xian Sheng couldn't help but laugh.

"Xian Ah, how can you be so naive?"

"Brother! You lied to me!"

"Shh, be quiet in the airport."

Xian Ah, looking around, replied, "Ah, yes..."

"Let's go."

Xian Sheng helped Xian Ah put on her shoes and moved forward.

"Hello, thank you for choosing Korean Air."

Xian Sheng naturally followed the flight attendant's guidance to his reserved business class seat.

Xian Ah and their father, feeling awkward, exchanged greetings with the flight attendants several times before sitting down.

"Wow!"

Xian Ah, looking around the airplane with wide eyes, said,

"Brother! Brother! Let's eat the in-flight meal!"

"In-flight meal?"

"There's Korean and Western food!"

Then she muttered,

"Wow! There's even ramen?"

Just as Xian Ah was looking at the in-flight meal guide and chattering,

"Xian Ah, do you have any cash?"

"Cash...?"

"I forgot to withdraw cash."

"Why...?"

"In-flight meals can't be paid with a card."

Xian Ah, looking dejected, asked,

"Then we can't eat?"

At this, Xian Sheng shook his head and added,

"No, I'll ask the flight attendant if we can pay with a card after landing. I know it's possible on other airlines, but I'm not sure about this one."

At this, Xian Ah replied