Chapter 36

Reckless Genius Composer Returns - Chapter 36 (36/482)

“I will check it again thoroughly and get back to you.”

After finishing the call in a calm tone, he gazed intently at Hyunseung.

In contrast,

Hyunseung appeared as calm as usual, as if nothing was wrong.

“You seem to be quite troubled.”

At this, President Jeon Nam-il smiled.

“Troubled?”

But, well?

‘Anyone can see that you’re deeply worried, so what’s the point?’

Even without understanding the content, the agitated tone coming from the phone was enough to tell that the atmosphere was far from harmonious.

Although he couldn’t understand exactly what the other party was saying, it was clear that something had gone wrong.

“Hopefully.”

At that moment, President Jeon Nam-il dismissed him.

“I think it’s best to support his personal album for now.”

“Suddenly, you’ve changed your mind?”

“The golden goose shouldn’t be curious about the outside world.”

The president openly gave his permission for the personal album.

Though he spoke bluntly...

It was undeniable that he was someone who could be reasoned with.

“Yes, I will do my best to ensure there are no regrets.”

With that, Hyunseung left the president’s office...

“Hmm.”

For a long time, President Jeon Nam-il stared at the door Hyunseung had just left through before finally picking up the phone.

“Kim Secretary.”

Then, in a dry tone, he added.

“Could you please ask the management team to bring me the first official letter from Man Records right away?”

The conversation, consisting only of instructions, ended...

Tap, tap, tap, tap—

The president drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair, trying to organize his thoughts again.

Man Records is not a small, struggling agency or a small label.

It is one of the top ten labels in the global music market.

And the representative of such a prestigious label...

Had specifically expressed a desire to collaborate with Hyunseung.

“Why...”

Why did he discover Hyunseung’s shining talent so early?

Certainly, he is full of potential, but...

This was unprecedented and beyond comprehension.

What kind of cause and effect could be hidden here?

The important thing was that such an extraordinary event had actually occurred.

“The golden goose.”

The thoughts that had been jumbled in his mind like a puzzle began to fall into place.

Hyunseung is indeed the golden goose.

His intuition, the circumstances, and the truth over the years all said so.

How should one handle the golden goose?

Right now, he can only support what Hyunseung wants to do.

To prevent the goose from dreaming of a wider world and flying away...

He must make it believe that its own coop is the safest place.

Then, one day.

If the goose shows signs of leaving the coop?

“I can’t let it be taken away.”

He thought it would be much better to twist its neck himself rather than let someone else take it.

After all, LS Entertainment had grown based on such ruthlessness.

In many ways.

Lately, it had been a series of events he couldn’t predict.

It was confusing but also interesting.

And at the center of all these events was always Hyunseung.

Leaning back on the sofa, he looked up at the ceiling with a faint smile.

“HS, HS, HS...”

He muttered Hyunseung’s pen name like a mantra.

* * *

“HS...”

Moon Bum-jae straightened his leather jacket with a determined hand.

Finally.

The day had come to meet the composer whose music had captivated him.

When did it start?

At some point, the domestic music industry, which had always prioritized popularity, had become dominated by songs with familiar melodies and beats that were all too common.

In short, there were no songs that made his heart race.

With the single-minded goal of finding a ‘masterpiece’ that met his standards and singing it, Moon Bum-jae had scoured the entire industry.

For years.

As the years passed and the anxiety grew from the warnings of those around him that he might never enter a recording booth again if he didn’t lower his standards...

It was then that he encountered this song.

A song by a genius composer that even the snobbish A&R team members of LS Entertainment, known for their high standards, praised unanimously.

‘When I first heard that song...’

He felt like shouting “Eureka!” and running around the office like Archimedes in his bathtub.

He expressed his desire to sing the song and, before receiving a response from the composer...

Moon Bum-jae listened to every song the composer had created, over and over again, with the enthusiasm of a rookie.

From Seo Ji-nee to Jeong Ah-rin to Gong Hyo-ju...

Though the number of songs was not large, each one was at least a minor hit.

Furthermore...

Some had even achieved unprecedented mega-hits.

His songs were flawless.

Familiar in their progression, based on what is commonly known as a money-making formula, yet they clearly conveyed a message.

They were filled with a series of metaphors and were nearly impossible to find fault with, even upon close inspection.

“Is he bewitched by the song...”

Especially, the fact that the song was to be included in the composer’s ‘personal album’ was particularly appealing.

Unlike the current trend of composers who chase only commercial success, this was an album with a niche theme.

Clearly, it was not a song created solely for profit and fame, yet it was catchy.

So, what can I say?

In a word, it’s a good song.

Most timeless songs are like this.

Thud, thud—

As Moon Bum-jae got closer to the agreed location, his anticipation grew.

Thud, thud, thud—

His steps quickened with the eagerness to meet the composer named ‘HS’.

Knock, knock!

Arriving at the recording studio, he knocked politely and then opened the door.

“Oh, sir, you’re a bit early.”

“Would you like some tea?”

“We came because we heard you were recording, is that okay?”

The men gathered around the wide console, sensing his presence, quickly came out to greet him.

Recognizing them as familiar faces from the A&R team, he glanced around.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Min Hyunseung. Please take care of me today.”

The composer he had been eagerly waiting for also stood up and offered his hand.

‘More...’

Moon Bum-jae looked a bit surprised.

‘...younger than I thought...’

It was because his expectations were off.

The songs he had heard were filled with deep sorrow, longing, despair, and regret.

There was no trace of youthful sentiment, so he had assumed the composer was an older newcomer.

“Yes, I look forward to working with you.”

Of course, the composer’s age is not important.

But.

He was surprised by the unexpectedly young age.

“Now that I think about it, we didn’t have a proper meeting before the recording day. It would be too impersonal to start recording right away. How about we have a brief chat first?”

Hyunseung asked while pouring a fragrant cup of tea.

“Yes, that’s a good idea. It will be easier to work together if we get to know each other a bit.”

“While you enjoy a warm cup of tea, you can warm up your voice. Please, have a seat.”

Despite his young age, he was skilled in social graces and composed.

Considering that even veteran composers often froze in his presence due to his reputation as a senior artist, this was quite remarkable.

“I have one request.”

“What is it?”

“Could you speak more casually?”

Hyunseung smiled gently and added.

“I grew up listening to your music, so it feels a bit awkward to be so formal.”

Indeed, he looked younger than his own son.

“Then, I’ll be informal—”

Moon Bum-jae cleared his throat and cautiously added.

“Let’s be casual.”

Hyunseung nodded and said, “Good. I’ve listened to all of your songs, but I have a question.”

“Ask anything.”

“What is your current vocal range?”

Moon Bum-jae narrowed his eyes and answered.

“Well, in my recent songs, I’ve managed to hit up to a high C in the third octave. For the lower range, I can go down to a low F in the first octave.”

“I see, that’s impressive. I think I can make some adjustments to fit your wide vocal range.”

Hyunseung nodded in satisfaction.

Just...

He was thrilled to be working with Moon Bum-jae, who could handle an incredibly wide vocal range, thanks to his return to the past.

“Oh, right...”

Then, a question came to Hyunseung’s mind.

‘Why did you choose my song this time?’

This was a question he had been pondering since he heard that Moon Bum-jae had chosen his song.

In his previous life, Moon Bum-jae had repeatedly rejected his songs, citing that they didn’t fit.

Hyunseung hesitated for a moment.

“Could I ask why you chose my song?”

“Hmm, a reason...”

Moon Bum-jae scratched his chin and answered.

“I once visited a large glass sculpture at the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi. It was late afternoon, just before the sunset.”

“And?”

“The massive glass sculpture, with countless curves, was sparkling due to the light passing through it. The sunlight coming through the ceiling created a breathtaking and precious scene.”

He added.

“It was truly a work of art.”

Hyunseung narrowed his eyes and asked.

“That’s an intriguing story.”

Moon Bum-jae smiled.

“The moment I heard your song, I was reminded of that day.”

It was almost the highest praise a composer could receive.

“Thank you, that’s a great honor.”

Still, he was curious.

‘What’s the difference...’

Although the main title song he had proposed in his previous life was clearly different in style from the one he had created in this life...

The songs he had proposed to Moon Bum-jae in his previous life were undoubtedly of high quality.

‘They were all hits...’

Then, as if reading his thoughts,

“I felt like I had found the song I had been searching for.”

Moon Bum-jae provided the answer.

“It had a clear artistic quality and a message. Even with just a humming guide, it felt like there was something the composer wanted to say. It was like the awkward silence of a mermaid who had lost her voice standing before a prince...”

Something.

“Ah.”

A realization hit him.

Message.

In his previous life, the songs he had created were mostly hook songs focused solely on success.

Of course.

He could create difficult, complex, and challenging songs, but he pursued only those with a higher success rate.

Thus.

The ‘artistic quality’ that Moon Bum-jae sought was, in a way, far from his previous work.

“Do you only sing songs with clear artistic elements?”

“The meaning of art is diverse and ambiguous. I’d like to ask you in return: are hook songs not art?”

“Don’t people generally think and evaluate them as not being art? They are considered too commercial...”

Moon Bum-jae shook his head slightly and answered.

“I’m different.”

A moment of silence.

“I think something is art if it can capture a lot of people’s time.”

He smiled again.

“Like the day I stood mesmerized in front of the sculpture at the Abu Dhabi museum until the staff announced closing time. The day I first heard your song, I listened to it repeatedly and faced a series of deep thoughts.”

His thinking was surprisingly smooth and flexible for his age.

He was an artist who wandered like a wandering samurai, searching for masterpieces.

I had assumed he would have a sense of superiority about art.

‘I was completely wrong.’

Moon Bum-jae was not that kind of artist.

“Well, nowadays, people listen to idol group songs on repeat, right? Even if they are not captivated by the song itself but by the singer, if they listen attentively, that can also be considered art.”

“That’s a shock, but in a good way.”

“I have a clear standard for the art I pursue. There are songs that clearly convey a message, even without any lyrics or melody. When I hear such songs, I can feel the composer’s story.”

Moon Bum-jae smiled.

“I want to be remembered as a singer who sang such songs day and night.”

He added leisurely.

“It might be an old man’s greed.”

His thinking was smooth, flexible, and humble.

“You are a respected instrument.”

“Instrument?”

“No, I mean...”

Hyunseung quickly corrected himself.

“I meant to say artist, but I misspoke.”

There was a certain finesse in such people.

What can I say...

It’s an aura that commands respect.

“I don’t know what to say with all the praise.”

“I’m just being honest.”

“Can I make some adjustments to the song before we start recording?”

Moon Bum-jae asked, looking puzzled.

“Adjust the song... here and now?”

“Yes, now that I know your exact vocal range, I want to add some techniques.”

Not only Moon Bum-jae, but everyone was puzzled.

“Adjusting a song while the singer is waiting... It’s never an easy day.”

“Hyunseung is not just anyone.”

“Wow, now he’s making Moon Bum-jae wait.”

“My heart is pounding.”

“If he gets angry, it wouldn’t be surprising...”

The A&R team members were equally bewildered.

After all, arranging a song takes a considerable amount of time.

While the song is being rearranged, Moon Bum-jae would have to sit and wait.

Moreover, it would mean undoing all the effort Moon Bum-jae had put into practicing the original song.

He must have practiced the original song repeatedly until his voice was hoarse. If the song is rearranged, what good would all that effort be?

On the other hand,

Moon Bum-jae asked calmly.

“Will it improve the song?”

“I’m confident it will.”

“Then I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

Everyone was surprised by the unexpected turn of events.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Hyunseung immediately started the arrangement.

* * *

This recording session was, in a word...

A series of surprises.

“Already finished?”

Hyunseung’s arrangement, which was expected to take a long time, was completed in just about twenty minutes.

“L, l, let’s listen to it.”

Moon Bum-jae and the entire A&R team listened to the arranged song from Hyunseung...

The A&R team members, who were shocked, couldn’t help but glance at Moon Bum-jae.

The next moment.

“Listen.”

Moon Bum-jae voiced the question everyone had in mind.

“I think I can manage it somehow.”

“But?”

“Isn’t it a song that can be heard but not sung?”

The song had been transformed into something of an impossible difficulty.

For commercial success...

It was a taboo act that should never be done.

“It’s not meant to be hummed by just anyone. It’s fine.”

This is a song that tells my sincere story to the world.

And.

Moon Bum-jae is the instrument that can convey my story as intended.

The public.

They just need to listen with their mouths shut.

“Alright, you have a plan.”

Hyunseung added quietly.

“Since we’ve taken so much time, let’s start right away.”

With that, the actual recording began.

* * *

As mentioned earlier, this recording session was a series of surprises.

“Can you try it again?”

“Hmm, again.”

“This doesn’t feel right.”

Moon Bum-jae, who often completed recordings in one take, was...

Singing the song over and over again for hours.

“Let’s try it again, slowly.”

Surprisingly...

Click—

Despite the potential for frustration, he was willingly participating in the recording.

“How many hours has it been?”

“Fourteen hours.”

“Don’t we both need a break?”

There were short breaks, but with this level of intensity, it could be described as a grueling marathon.

“Will it end only when one of us collapses...?”

Then,

“Good.”

Finally, Hyunseung gave the okay.

“D, d, did it work?”

“Finally?”

“H, let’s go home.”

The A&R team, who had been watching the recording and were exhausted, smiled widely.

As mentioned earlier, this recording session was a series of surprises.

“No, again.”

A phrase that now made them feel nauseous came out.

However, this time,

It came from Moon Bum-jae’s mouth, not Hyunseung’s.

“Damn.”

The entire A&R team looked stunned.

“Fine, I’ll do it.”

Only Hyunseung had a wide smile on his face.

Just when he thought it was over...

The renowned instrument was indeed different.

Everyone watching the two of them had pale faces, but...

One person.

A team leader from the A&R department, who had been with the company since its founding, looked particularly serious.

“Wow, this is going to be a problem.”

One of the employees asked.

“What do you mean?”

The team leader replied.

“Accidents don’t happen easily.”

“Right?”

“Accidents happen when two crazy people meet.”

“So?”

The team leader clicked his tongue in frustration and added.

“I’ve seen this scene a few times, not many, but a few.”

“What kind of scene?”

“A scene where two perfectionists meet.”

“So what happens?”

The team leader sighed and said.

“What happens? An accident happens.”

He added.

“And it’s a big one.”