Chapter 55

### Chapter 55: The Reckless Genius Composer Returns

Manager Kim recently heard that Hyeonseung had been skipping meals and staying up for several nights in a row, working in his studio.

Of course.

It must be because of the collaboration project with Man Records. The guy is so obsessive that it's almost perverse, and it was clear to Kim that he was so engrossed that he was neglecting his health.

Worried, Kim finished his morning work at the speed of light, bought coffee and snacks, and headed to the studio. The closer he got, the faster his steps became.

"Phew."

As soon as he opened the studio door, he sighed at the back of Hyeonseung's head. Lately, it felt like he had a son, even though he hadn't even had a proper relationship, let alone gotten married.

"Have you been showering lately?"

"Ah, you're here."

In response to Kim's question, Hyeonseung turned his head and acknowledged him. The dark circles under his eyes made his eyes sparkle even more. Kim, using his large hands, tidied up Hyeonseung's messy hair and asked again.

"Have you been so focused that you haven't even had time to shower?"

"Yes, it just turned out that way."

"How much more work do you need to do on that project?"

"Um, about one or two months?"

Manager Kim was surprised and asked, "That long?"

"Besides the main OST I completed when Mr. Taiji was here, there are fourteen theme songs I need to create. It's a new concept and genre, so it's taking longer than expected. But it's really fun."

The more he talked about how enjoyable the work was, the more his lips curved into a pleasant smile. Kim thought it was a fresh and bright smile, typical of someone in their early twenties.

At first, Hyeonseung's sharp mouth and penetrating eyes seemed out of place for his age, giving an odd feeling. But recently, he had shown a mischievous and playful side, like a young boy.

It was a positive change.

Perhaps, seeing that face more often, he had gradually grown fond of him.

"Make sure you eat something."

The amount of food he had brought to worry about Hyeonseung's meals filled the table.

"Wow, Manager Kim, you're the best!"

Hyeonseung, taking off his headphones, ran to the table and stuffed a roll of kimbap into his mouth.

"What's this?"

Manager Kim wiped the stains on Hyeonseung's white hoodie with a wet wipe. He noticed that Hyeonseung required a lot of attention.

"I must have spilled some coffee."

"Hey, how do you plan to live without me?"

"You'll always be there to support me."

"Who knows, how can I promise that?"

The entertainment industry is notoriously unpredictable. While it would be nice if things could last forever, if someone finds a better opportunity, it's a virtue to support each other. Yes, both Kim and Hyeonseung know that where there is a meeting, there is also a parting.

"Didn't you tell me never to retire and that we should be together forever?"

"Man, retirement and changing jobs are different. And you didn't promise that either."

They both chuckled. No more words were exchanged. The only sound was the sound of chewing. After a while, Hyeonseung said with an unreadable expression.

"If I were to change jobs, please let me know in advance."

"Why? Planning to follow me?"

"No, I'll ask for the meal tickets you've given me."

At that, Manager Kim grabbed the back of his neck and muttered, "Oh, my blood pressure."

"But why aren't you eating, Manager?"

"I have a lunch appointment today."

And he immediately got up, adding,

"I'm having lunch with the former department head."

"Wow? Manager, are you already planning to change jobs?"

"It's not like that, man. Just clean up the trash."

Hyeonseung playfully replied, "Okay, okay," and Manager Kim pretended to punch him in the air before heading towards the studio door.

"I'm going, brat. Make sure you eat and get some sleep."

Finally, with a thud, the heavy soundproof door of the studio closed.

"Hmm."

Hyeonseung looked at the door Manager Kim had left through and stuffed the last piece of kimbap into his mouth.

"Dad..."

Yes, his back view was like that of a father leaving to work, leaving his young child behind.

* * *

"Are you saying that the upper management is keeping an eye on me?"

Manager Kim was skeptical. This was because of the proposal from Kim Woosuk, the former department head of LS Entertainment, who was sitting in front of him.

"Yes, I've always thought highly of you. As soon as I secured my position in the company, I came to find you, Manager Kim."

Kim Woosuk handed him an envelope containing a contract.

"Take a good look at the contract terms. I know Manager Kim will check everything thoroughly, but I've glanced over it, and it's practically the best in the industry. I think Manager Kim will agree, right?"

After a while,

"Ah, yes..."

Manager Kim took out the sharp contract documents and began to read them carefully. He had expected a job offer but was still half-doubting. He was one of the few pure-blood employees in the entertainment industry, where job changes were frequent.

Surely, he came here with a light yet heavy heart, thinking it would just be a meal. Just a meal and a cup of coffee, a chance to share their grievances and complaints after a long time.

But his half-guess was right. Even though he hadn't accepted the job offer yet, he felt guilty just for checking the contract out of curiosity. He kept drinking coffee whenever his throat was dry, and the cup was already empty.

Squish, squish.

The sound of air escaping from the straw filled the room.

'Why are you making me such an offer?'

The contract was filled with favorable terms. It started with a clause promising significant incentives based on performance, and it was full of conditions that seemed to benefit him. There were no poison pills, no matter how hard he looked. The most appealing part was the 1.5 times higher salary.

"Have you finished reading?"

Kim Woosuk urged him.

"Uhyeon, to be honest, aren't you a bit resentful that the stars you've produced at LS are now living it up? They're living like stars, and you must feel a bit wronged, right?"

"What's there to feel wronged about? They have that much shining talent. If you look closely, they all work hard for what they enjoy."

They can't even have a peaceful meal or a walk in front of their house. He thought they shouldn't feel inferior or deprived. Perhaps it's a given, but not everyone can be a star. To showcase their shining talents, someone has to take on the role of a supporter.

Like an artificial satellite orbiting a star.

On the other hand, Kim Woosuk tried to persuade him again in a firm tone.

"Yes, that's true, but let's be frank. The performance bonuses at LS Entertainment are peanuts, right? The internal politics are intense, and promotions are difficult. You should get what you deserve. Just change jobs. Our company is truly performance-based. The treatment is completely different."

And he added softly,

"Come over. I'll pull for you. We've always had good chemistry since LS. I had a lot of influence when drafting the contract."

Manager Kim looked at the contract intently. He was rumored to be a candidate for the next executive, but when that would happen was uncertain. Moreover, if he stumbled even once, it would only delay the uncertain future even further.

"Uhyeon."

Kim Woosuk moistened his dry lips and revealed his true intentions.

"But you must have quite a few people you can bring over, right?"

"Excuse me?"

"You've raised many talents, and they all follow you well."

Some are still at LS, and some have moved to other companies, but he had discovered quite a few stars. That's why he had been able to achieve rapid promotions despite being a roadie.

"How many people are you asking me to bring?"

"That would be perfect."

"Is that a condition for me to come?"

Manager Kim reiterated.

"I haven't decided to change jobs yet, but I can't bring anyone. I can't make such a request, and it would be unethical."

If the affiliated entertainers decided to follow him on their own, he couldn't stop them, but he couldn't ask those who have good contracts with LS Entertainment or other companies to follow him.

It's a small industry.

A place where a fixed group of people live, move, meet, and influence each other. There's no need to make enemies or be hated, as it would only come back to haunt him like a boomerang.

"Hmm."

Kim Woosuk broke the silence and added,

"HS, it would be great if you could bring him over."

"Excuse me?"

"You recruited him, didn't you? I have good ears, you know."

Even if he hadn't decided to change jobs yet, what couldn't be done was impossible.

"It's not possible."

Even if he were to change jobs, he had no intention of taking any affiliated entertainers, not just Hyeonseung. Taking eggs from a nest that's about to leave is a completely unethical act.

"As I've said multiple times, I can't take affiliated entertainers. If that's the reason you want to hire me, I respectfully decline."

Manager Kim slightly pushed the contract away, but Kim Woosuk's fingers quickly blocked the documents.

"Come on, don't be hasty. I'm not insisting. You know, I really value Manager Kim's abilities. This contract is tailored to your abilities. It has already been approved by the upper management. It's just a matter of you signing it."

He took out a business card from his wallet and handed it to him.

"Uhyeon, I'm not asking you to decide right now. Take your time, think it over, and let me know. I'll be waiting. But remember one thing. If you change jobs, you'll start as a department head, a department head. I'm a capable executive, and I can fully support you."

Manager Kim looked at the business card.

"Internal Director, Kim Woosuk"

He had already noticed that his appearance was more polished than before, but it seemed that he had successfully taken a step up from a department head to an internal director in his new company.

Honestly, that business card, that position, was very enviable and tempting. Therefore, he needed to be even more cautious. He couldn't rush into something that looked too good to be true.

Finally,

Manager Kim picked up the business card and replied.

"Yes, I'll think it over and get back to you."

But...

Strangely, Hyeonseung's face kept overlapping with the business card.

* * *

After finishing his schedule, Manager Kim visited the hospital where his mother, who was battling pancreatic cancer, was admitted.

"Mom, I'm here."

"You must be tired, coming every day."

His mother, who had been lying by the window, smiled and sat up when she saw him.

"I'm fine. Do you want me to peel an apple for you?"

"Sure, an apple peeled by my son."

Manager Kim took out a bowl, a peeler, and an apple from the refrigerator and sat next to his mother. He skillfully peeled the apple while subtly checking her condition.

At least the jaundice has improved. Manager Kim cut the apple with a small glimmer of hope. His mother picked up a slice and took a bite, then asked,

"Son, are you seeing anyone these days?"

"Um..."

"You should bring a good wife home soon."

Manager Kim silently cut the remaining apple without answering.

Actually...

He had someone in mind, but he couldn't tell his mother. They weren't that serious yet, and he was no longer young, so he had to be realistic.

He was an only son taking care of his sick mother and didn't own a house in his name. With this future, he wasn't sure if he could get married or if he was even qualified to raise children.

To him, Miss Miyeon was an impossibly perfect woman. He wasn't shameless enough to drag her into his bleak reality and share her pain, sorrow, and hardships.

Clack.

He placed the peeled apple on the bedside table and put away the peeler. Despite his skewed thoughts, the fruit was cut neatly and looked delicious. His mother, sensing his mood, asked cautiously,

"Son, do you think Mom is really getting better? Can I be discharged?"

At this cruel question, Manager Kim looked up and stared at his mother's face. She must be gauging his reaction and worrying about the unaffordable hospital bills.

In reality, nothing has improved. The test results, the gaunt face, the thinning hair—all these were evidence that his mother was not getting better.

"Mom, please don't say that."

When his mother casually asked, "Can I be discharged?" it sounded to him like, "Mom, should I just slowly die?" It was a cruel question for him, who had no father or brothers to rely on.

"I have to leave early tomorrow, so I'll go now. Get some rest. Take your medicine on time and follow the treatment."

With that, Manager Kim quickly left the hospital room.

Thud!

He leaned against the wall in the corridor and asked a question that would never be answered.

Why...

Why does my mother keep lying like this?

"It's because of the money, all of it."

Yes, everyone is bound by the chains of money, just surviving day by day. They bow their heads for money, say things they don't mean, go places they don't want to, hold back what they must say, and say what they shouldn't. Most problems are due to money.

"I'm going crazy..."

His heart was conflicted. He didn't want to change jobs, but the conditions were too tempting. His mother was getting thinner, and reality felt heavier with each passing day. In the midst of this, his phone rang.

"Goldie"

It was a message from Hyeonseung. Normally, he would have checked and replied immediately, but he sighed deeply and put the phone back in his pocket.

"Ah-."

Everything felt so complicated.