Chapter 6

Reckless Genius Composer Returns - Chapter 6 (6/482)

Manager Kim inserted several contracts into a neat file and placed it in his bag, then straightened his tie with determination.

"Min Hyun-seung, this time I will definitely get your signature."

His firm resolve to secure the contract today was evident.

Ding!

A clear notification sounded.

Manager Kim's stomach churned when he read the text from Hyun-seung, who had arrived just as the appointed time was about to pass.

However, despite his frustration, his fingers replied with a smiley face emoji, saying it was fine.

'Hold on, hold on...'

Hyun-seung entered the cafe about 20 minutes after the scheduled time.

"I'm quite late, aren't I?"

To his brazen question, Manager Kim forced a smile.

"No, I'm fine. By the way, did something urgent come up on your way here?"

At this, Hyun-seung replied, "Ah," and then showed him his phone album.

On the screen was a video of a rather cute stray cat.

"Actually, I met a cat on my way here."

"Oh..."

"I gave it some food, and it kept following me, which was quite a hassle."

You were late because you were playing with a stray cat?

What kind of farming, island fishing, and even pets do you like?

"To be honest, I can't stand dogs and cats."

"Is that so..."

"Anyway, let's cut the small talk."

Hyun-seung quickly got to the point.

"Did you come prepared this time?"

At this, Manager Kim hastily took out the file from his bag.

"Yes! I'm confident!"

It was a contract prepared with all the necessary precautions to capture a wild lion.

"Hmm."

Hyun-seung began to slowly read through the contract in the silence.

How long did it take?

Hyun-seung placed the contract on the table without a word.

"It seems you've finished reading."

Manager Kim straightened his posture and asked cautiously.

"Will you sign it this time?"

"Your effort is evident, but..."

Hyun-seung tilted his head and asked, trailing off.

"Did my music not impress you that much?"

"Not at all! I like it so much that I offered such generous terms!"

"Maybe we just don't see eye to eye."

Hyun-seung shrugged.

"What reason does a large management company like LS have to pin its hopes on a rookie composer like me?"

It was a clear threat.

"Similarly, I don't need to insist on LS."

At this, Manager Kim exclaimed.

"Wait!"

He took a deep breath and asked.

"Would you tell me what conditions you want?"

Hyun-seung asked, "Is that okay?" and then continued calmly.

"If it's okay, you should have said so earlier. Why make things so complicated?"

Manager Kim suppressed his anger and forced a smile.

"Here, write it down, please."

A sheet of paper and a pen.

"I'll do my best to meet them."

Hyun-seung, as if he had been waiting, immediately wrote down a few 'special conditions.'

Scribble, scribble, scribble.

How long did it take?

'What a lunatic!'

Manager Kim's expression twisted as he read Hyun-seung's demands.

They were filled with absurd conditions that only established composers with at least five hit songs could ask for.

'What is this?'

However, the strange thing was that there were no overly unrealistic or absurd demands.

"Hmm."

After a moment of thought, Manager Kim, with a great resolve, spoke.

"Min Hyun-seung."

Hyun-seung looked at him.

"Let's meet again in a few days."

"Sure, whatever."

"Make sure to bring the seal."

Manager Kim added, as if warning him.

"Next time, you won't be able to avoid signing the contract."

Hyun-seung smiled and replied playfully.

"Sure, I hope so."

Thus, the second meeting also ended without any significant progress.

* * *

A few more days passed.

1. Provide a personal studio.

2. Set up the desired equipment.

3. No touching the clock for check-in and check-out.

4. Contract period in one-year increments.

5. Absolute prohibition of personal information exposure.

Manager Kim, who had arrived at the meeting place first, carefully read through the newly revised contract that incorporated Hyun-seung's demands from beginning to end.

What can I say?

While the demands weren't unreasonable, they certainly weren't typical for a rookie composer's contract.

"Hmm."

At this point, he wondered why he was so invested in Min Hyun-seung.

Did he really believe Hyun-seung could be the lifeline for his career?

Or was it out of stubbornness?

Perhaps he had expected Hyun-seung to sign immediately, but his unexpected response had fueled his stubbornness?

In fact, it was because of his 'intuition.'

As countless people often say, it felt right.

Intuition.

He was undoubtedly captivated by this one-word, intangible concept.

However,

His intuition was much sharper and more acute than others.

Thanks to this intuition, he had become the youngest manager.

Suddenly, the phrase *San Gu Cao Lu* (*三顧草廬) came to mind.

Liu Bei had visited Zhuge Liang three times to bring him out of seclusion, hadn't he?

Similarly, this was their third meeting.

Indeed...

Could Min Hyun-seung be his Zhuge Liang?

"It's been a while."

At that moment, Hyun-seung appeared at the meeting place.

"Nice to see you again."

He confidently handed over the contract.

"Everything is reflected, so please check it."

Hyun-seung nodded and carefully read through the newly added special conditions.

"Ah..."

Manager Kim, who seemed to recall something he had forgotten, asked softly.

"By the way, is the '4th condition' really sufficient?"

"4th condition?"

"Yes, the clause that sets the contract period in one-year increments."

Hyun-seung was clearly more demanding than anyone Manager Kim had directly negotiated with before.

It was puzzling that he showed little interest in the conditions for renewal.

"Yes, it's sufficient."

In contrast, Hyun-seung affirmed it immediately.

"Anyway, my value will skyrocket after a year, so let's just negotiate the terms then."

It was an overwhelming confidence.

'Wow...'

He was a stark contrast to other composers who were anxious about not specifying the minimum terms for future contracts.

"You're very confident."

"Yes, love yourself."

Where did this incredible confidence come from?

However...

The important point was that it didn't sound delusional.

"Thank you for your hard work."

After signing the contract, Hyun-seung extended his hand.

"You're Manager Kim, right?"

"Ah, yes."

"Please take care of me from now on."

Manager Kim shook his hand and replied.

"Yes, the pleasure is mine..."

He could understand how Liu Bei felt after finally getting Zhuge Liang.

Half of Zhuge Liang.

No,

Just half of half.

Please, at least that much.

* * *

After signing the contract, Hyun-seung left the cafe and headed home.

'Is the groundwork almost done?'

With the exclusive contract with LS Entertainment, the only thing left was to create 'good music.'

The studio and equipment would all be taken care of by LS Entertainment.

Thud, thud.

As the groundwork was almost complete, the situation began to come into focus.

'I need to move first.'

A steep hill lined with old and dilapidated apartment buildings.

Somewhere near the bottom of the hill was where Hyun-seung and his family lived.

Thud, thud.

A hill so steep that cars couldn't climb it in winter.

Far up the hill...

He could see his younger sister's back as she walked ahead.

"Hmm."

Her steps seemed visibly tired, probably because of the heavy school bag.

Hyun-seung quickened his pace and approached his sister.

"Min Hyun-a."

Hyun-a jumped in surprise at Hyun-seung's call.

"Ah! You scared me!"

Hyun-seung narrowed his eyes and asked.

"Why are you so surprised?"

"You scared me!"

Hyun-seung chuckled and took her bag, saying softly.

"Here, I'll carry it."

"No, it's fine."

"I said I'll carry it."

Hyun-seung forcibly took the bag and clicked his tongue.

'Why is this bag so heavy?'

It was probably full of textbooks, reference books, and various other books.

Thinking about his sister carrying such a heavy bag to and from school every day made his heart heavy.

"I need to earn money and move first..."

Hyun-seung muttered softly.

"What did you say?"

Hyun-a, who hadn't heard him, came closer and asked.

"Nothing, I didn't say anything."

"What did you say?"

"It was just a mutter to myself."

"What kind of mutter?"

Hyun-seung replied playfully.

"Just that, it's not just the bad students who have heavy bags like yours."

After saying this, Hyun-seung quickened his pace.

"What? Is that true-!"

Hyun-a, angry, followed him.

It looked just like

any other brother and sister.