Chapter 56

Reckless Genius Composer Returns - Chapter 56 (56/482)

Manager Kim's steps toward Hyun-seung's studio were heavy yet joyful, as usual. Although it was a contradictory expression, his mind was somewhat complicated due to the scouting offer he received yesterday, but he was also excited to bring good news to Hyun-seung as if it were his own.

Knock, knock.

With these two conflicting feelings, he stood in front of the studio, knocked lightly out of formality, and opened the door. He saw the back of someone who looked the same as yesterday. Is this what they call déjà vu?

"This kid didn't go home again."

"Manager, you're here again."

"Is that a problem?"

"Ah, no. But what about my meal?"

Manager Kim grumbled, "You always talk about food when you see me," but he had bought it out of habit. He placed the sandwich and smoothie he bought for a light meal on the table.

"Here you go."

Hyun-seung immediately took the smoothie, put the straw in his mouth, and sipped.

"Did you come to bring me my meal again today?"

"No, I came to bring you some other news."

"Did you finally decide to switch jobs?"

At that question, Manager Kim hastily averted his gaze and muttered, "No, of course not." That perceptive kid.

"I came to tell you as soon as I received a report from the employee in the Japanese branch this morning."

"Ah, about the Japanese localization album?"

"Right. The localization album released in Japan three days ago is getting better reactions than expected."

He placed the file he had brought under his arm on the table and continued.

"As you can see from the data I extracted, the response has been gradually increasing, and it entered the top 100 on the Oricon chart this morning. Your songs are indeed good, and it seems that Man Records has been actively promoting and distributing them."

"That's great."

"It's not just that. See this list of invitations? You're getting a flood of offers, from commercials to radio appearances, variety shows, and even as a judge on audition programs. They're all saying they'd be happy even if you just show up with a helmet on, begging you to appear just once."

"Fine, I won't do it."

Manager Kim, who had been excitedly talking, showed a somewhat dejected face and pulled out an invitation.

"Really, you're so decisive. I knew you'd reject them, so I'm already turning them down. But I think you should attend this one."

"What is it?"

"It's a quarterly banquet organized by the composers' association. You've been invited. This is a good opportunity to network with other composers..."

"Fine, I won't go."

It was exactly as he had expected. Hyun-seung didn't like mingling with others and disliked exposure, so he had anticipated the rejection.

"At least pretend to think about it."

He grumbled, feeling a bit disappointed. Although Hyun-seung wasn't an artist under his management and he hadn't raised him, he had always hoped for his success since he had recruited him. Hyun-seung was a child who shone more than anyone and possessed a natural talent.

Yes, because he was such a child, he wanted to support him as he grew into a more influential person, receiving recognition and love from many people. He wanted to help Hyun-seung, who was gradually revealing his presence in a broader world.

But the lukewarm reaction from Hyun-seung, the main person involved, made him feel deflated and disappointed. Feeling disappointed by someone ten years younger than himself showed that he hadn't fully grown up inside.

"Are you upset?"

"No."

"You are, aren't you?"

"No, I'm not."

"Ah, you're lying."

Hyun-seung poked Manager Kim's side while looking at his face, then got up and sat back in front of the console.

"Of course, as you know, I don't like being in the spotlight. But if it's something interesting, I'd be willing to participate as long as my identity isn't exposed."

When Hyun-seung touched the mouse, the window of the MIDI program he was working on appeared. Although he wasn't an expert, the numerous and elaborate codes on the screen showed the countless efforts Hyun-seung had put into creating a good song.

"Right now, I want to focus on the project with Man Records. This work is so interesting that I can't see anything else. I'll consider the other offers after finishing this project."

After finishing his calm statement, Hyun-seung turned his body toward the work monitor. It seemed that this project was very meaningful to him.

"Would you like to hear it?"

At that question, Manager Kim, who had felt disappointed, felt embarrassed and nodded, saying, "Sure." Yes, even without doing anything else or getting any other help, Hyun-seung was someone who would receive enough love and recognition through the songs he created with his fingertips. The other areas were just his personal desires.

"It's not finished yet, so please wait a moment."

Hyun-seung asked for understanding and continued to struggle with the master keyboard for a while. It seemed that something wasn't going well, but a pleasant smile appeared on his face.

"The chorus section of track 4 is well done, but the highlight section seems a bit weak. Let's compare and listen."

"Got it."

"In my opinion, track 7 of this album has the best intro, but the following verse isn't to my liking. Let's listen to it."

"Okay."

Manager Kim focused on the melody that kept repeating. It was rare for Hyun-seung to play his work first, but the fact that he was explaining it with an excited voice showed that he was really enjoying this project.

Yes, he really was a shining talent.

It's not easy to enjoy and excel at what you do without talent.

"Wow."

Each part of the tracks Hyun-seung played was so good that it was a shame to use them just as game theme songs.

I can confidently say that if the melody I'm hearing now were sampled and made into a pop song, it would be a hit.

"Really good."

That was enough to say after listening to the song. There was no need for better adjectives. They were all really good.

Suddenly.

Looking at the shining Hyun-seung, I remembered what former Director Kim Woo-seok said yesterday.

"Hyun, to be honest, are the kids you produced at LS just a few? They're living like stars, and honestly, don't you feel wronged?"

That said, he didn't envy Hyun-seung's talent and star quality. He didn't feel wronged that Hyun-seung was making more money than him. He just wanted Hyun-seung to do better and support him from the side.

However.

"Hyun-seung, let's go to the cafeteria for a change."

He was human, after all, and felt a little envious.

* * *

The cafeteria was relatively quiet as it was past lunchtime. Manager Kim and Hyun-seung took their trays and, as usual, found a corner seat.

"Hyun-seung, eat a lot."

"Someone might think you're buying it for me."

"What's the big deal?"

"Who comes to the cafeteria without a meal ticket?"

"I believed you would be here."

Hyun-seung shook his head and buried his face in the tray, shoving a lot of food into his mouth.

"Take your time."

Manager Kim looked at Hyun-seung, who was eating so well, and thought that his ability to maintain a slim figure despite eating so much was probably due to his tendency to ignore his appetite when focused on work. Not only that, but he also ignored the basic human instinct of sleep, so it was impossible for him to gain weight.

Suddenly.

He remembered Hyun-seung's smiling face from the studio earlier.

"Do you find your work that interesting? After all, it's a job. You do it to earn money."

"Is it not interesting for you?"

"I started because it was interesting, but how can you work 365 days a year just for fun?"

He aimlessly picked at his rice with chopsticks. It was a complaint, not a question. It's impossible to live pursuing only fun, right?

Ultimately, this is all a 'job' to continue living, and one must think realistically, considering not just 'fun' but also 'money' and 'conditions.'

After a moment of contemplation.

He looked up and saw Hyun-seung eating without a care in the world. Seeing him so focused even while eating, it seemed that he was naturally someone with high concentration.

"Is the food you eat every day that delicious?"

"I live because of the food I eat every day."

Hyun-seung finished the last sausage and added,

"How can you work just for fun? On days when work isn't fun, you just work to eat well and live well."

Manager Kim sighed softly, "Ah," and reflected on Hyun-seung's words. The more he thought about it, the wiser they seemed.

"Right, eat well and live well."

He then transferred a sausage to Hyun-seung's tray. Hyun-seung's words had made him lean a bit more towards changing jobs. Ultimately, it was his own responsibility, and he needed to think objectively rather than emotionally.

Yes, he needed to eat well and live well too.

The reason he had stayed at LS Entertainment was that there were no better options. Since this is an industry where job changes are common, everyone would understand whatever decision he made.

Of course, there would be those who criticized him, but close friends might even support and encourage him. Especially, the kid sitting in front of him would likely silently support his decision.

Thinking about this, his restless mind calmed down.

"Hyun-seung, you're light yet heavy, which is really good."

"What's that supposed to mean? It's creepy."

"Just, let's try to see each other as long as possible."

"Once a year, maybe we can see each other for life?"

"You brat, who else will buy you food if not me?"

"Well, the engineers and Jung Ah-rin sometimes buy it too..."

"You're so lucky."

Manager Kim got up with more than half of his tray left.

"I have a schedule, so I'm leaving first."

"Yes, be careful."

"Hyun-seung, remember, we work to eat well and live well. So, take care of your meals and work. Don't spill anything on your clothes like a kid."

At that, Hyun-seung grumbled, "Here we go again," and buried his face in the tray again. He stuffed the sausage Manager Kim had given him into his mouth and chewed. Looking up, he saw Manager Kim's back as he returned the tray.

It seemed he was at a crossroads. The Manager Kim he knew wasn't the type to be swayed by momentary emotions. But now, he seemed to be struggling like a boat in the middle of a stormy sea.

Based on his past life's experience, he was probably considering either changing his career or moving to a new company. Given that Manager Kim was passionate about his job, he probably wouldn't abandon his career. Since he was capable, he likely received a scouting offer after meeting the former director yesterday, which was why he was now hesitating like a flower in the wind.

The entertainment industry is inherently volatile, and it was the same for Manager Kim. However, he had always been the one to accept and nod, saying he understood.

Among the many employees of LS Entertainment, Manager Kim was one of the most senior. Despite his mature facade, he had probably never initiated a breakup.

Hyun-seung got up as if in a trance and followed Manager Kim.

"Manager Kim."

"Hmm?"

"Think about it lightly."

"About what?"

He fell into thought. What was he trying to say? He scratched the back of his head and moved his lips. Some awkward words came to mind.

"Just..."

He chose the most neutral words and said them indifferently.

"Don't hesitate and end up hurting yourself."

"What do you mean?"

"Since I got the sausage, I felt I should say something."

"Alright, I'll go first."

With that, Manager Kim hurriedly left the cafeteria. His expression suggested that his prediction was correct. He had never thought he would be with Manager Kim for life. This industry is like that, and he would support and cheer for him if he decided to move to a better place.

However.

Now, he wanted to keep him by his side.

He could make several attempts to keep him. In all relationships, the one who is reluctant to let go pays a price to maintain the relationship.

He didn't like using the word 'equality' in human relationships. It applied to parent-child relationships, romantic relationships, and even the relationship between Manager Kim and himself.

Yes.

In his past life, the agencies he belonged to or other agencies always offered tempting rewards, showing their regret at losing him.

At such times, he would list the tangible and calculable rewards, weigh them, and then choose his new home.

But now, he, who was so practical,

couldn't ask Manager Kim to stay by his side out of mere sentiment or moral responsibility. So, he had to pay the price of this regret. Of course, the choice was his, but he was willing to pay the price.

Yes, he had become that important to him.