Chapter 60

Reckless Genius Composer's Regression - Chapter 60 (60/482)

Indeed, it was a ghostly situation.

"Patient Kim Hyeja's unpaid hospitalization fees, treatment, and surgery costs have all been paid in full."

But who could it be?

"They just said to pass on that they are a tall stranger."

Could it be that someone paid the hospital bills for my mother?

Manager Kim walked with no particular destination, lost in thought. It was hard to figure out. Who could have so readily paid such a large sum and left only the mystery of a tall stranger?

Could it be... Kim Wooseok? Yes, if it were him, finding out such information would be no trouble at all. The last time I saw him, he seemed determined to bring me over to his side, and this level of favor would be quite possible.

However.

If it were him, he would have boasted about it by now. Or could it be Mr. Choi? Right, no one else knows my situation in such detail. But even this is just a guess; I can't be certain.

My mind was filled with nothing but question marks...

Stopping his aimless steps without a clear answer, he thought, No, that's not important right now. Tomorrow is the release day for Hyunsung's new project, the 'Island of Animals' OST album.

I need to focus on what I can do. Since I helped Hyunsung get started, I need to do my best to see it through to the end.

Thud, thud—

His steps quickened as he headed toward his destination. Now, I can practically walk to Hyunsung's studio with my eyes closed. This is the first time I've been coming and going from a personal composer's studio as if it were a second home.

"Hmm?"

As Manager Kim arrived at the studio door and turned the doorknob, a pleasant melody flowed through the crack.

"Hyunsung, how are you?"

"Ah, you're here."

"What was that song just now? It doesn't sound like the theme song for 'Island of Animals.'"

"Just something I prepared to match the spring season."

Hyunsung, who had turned to confirm his presence, stopped the audio playing. Though he acted as if it was nothing, the song sounded quite complete even at a glance.

"Are you preparing another hit for this spring?"

"Sure, why not."

"It has a strong spring vibe just by listening to it."

Hyunsung scratched the back of his head and said, "If so, that's a relief," as he moved to the sofa.

"Even with your busy project, you're still preparing such a hit song? You must be living in the studio."

"Manager, you seem pretty busy these days too, right?"

"I'm always busy dealing with your mess. Anyway, it's good to work, but you should get a haircut too."

Manager Kim approached Hyunsung and tousled his hair.

"Hey, I took care of it, so why are you messing it up?"

"Really? It looked like a bird's nest to me."

"Have you never heard of 'order in chaos'? It's all calculated."

He then plopped down on the sofa with a chuckle. Despite not seeing each other for a while, they exchanged jokes and laughed, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

Yes, I need to help Hyunsung with his new song. I need to see it through to the end, doing my best to help him soar even higher.

Of course, he would have done it even without me...

"Hmm? What's this?"

While lost in thought, his eyes were drawn to the scattered papers on the table.

"This looks like a real estate contract, doesn't it?"

"Yes, I just bought a new apartment."

"You're moving into your own place after less than half a year of renting?"

Hyunsung casually replied, "Yes, that's right," and tidied up the scattered papers, putting them back into an envelope. Yes, this is no big deal for Hyunsung now. With the steady flow of royalties and the contract fee from his collaboration with Man Records...

The income from selling just one apartment would be enough to earn praise for his modesty.

"Wow, to achieve this much in just a year, I'm proud of you."

"It's already late, to be honest."

"True, if you had chosen a more stable path, you might have achieved even more explosive results."

"But it was fun, right?"

"That fun, it always made my heart race."

They chuckled at each other.

Home (自家)

Those two characters weighed heavily on his heart. A sharp sense of envy pierced him. As a human, he couldn't help but feel envious.

When will I be able to buy my own home?

Yes, now is not the time for such vague thoughts; I need to focus on my work.

"I'm leaving now."

"Already?"

"Your OST is released at midnight."

"So?"

"So, I need to go to the PR department and push for some promotion."

Hyunsung also extended his fist, and they lightly tapped each other's fists.

"Thank you."

"It's my job."

Yes, it was something he naturally did for Hyunsung.

* * *

It had been three days since the 'Island of Animals' OST was released. While it wasn't a major event for the entire LS Entertainment, it was a big deal for those close to Hyunsung.

Manager Kim had been visiting Hyunsung's studio every day since the release to relay the reactions to the songs. Today was no exception; he finished his morning work and headed to Hyunsung's studio with a stack of materials.

"Since it's not a publicly released song, we can't immediately see exact metrics or results, but it seems to be getting a good response from users."

He glanced through the materials and casually mentioned.

"This is a good start for a game soundtrack."

"That's enough, I made it for the users to listen to."

"It will do even better in the future. How about we go to the cafeteria?"

In response, Hyunsung got up and said,

"I feel good today, let's go out to eat."

"Are you treating me?"

"What are you talking about? It should be Dutch pay."

Manager Kim feigned annoyance and stuck out his tongue.

"You rich guys are really something."

But the smile on his lips revealed that he was excited about the idea of going out with Hyunsung.

...

"Hyunsung, could this be the apartment you bought last time?"

Manager Kim looked up at the high-rise luxury apartment complex and asked.

"Yes, it is. Let's take a look around."

"Is this just an excuse to show off?"

"Yes, I brought you here to make you a little envious."

At that, Manager Kim let out a hollow laugh and looked back at the apartment. The luxury apartment complex, standing tall in the heart of Seoul, was different in every way. Just looking up at it made his neck ache.

As he followed Hyunsung into the apartment, the air felt foreign, as if he didn't belong there. The scent of the new apartment stung his nose as he reached the door.

"Wow..."

A natural exclamation of admiration escaped his lips. The smooth entrance and the living room visible through the sliding glass door looked like a set from a movie.

"Isn't it nice?"

Hyunsung, who had already opened the door and stepped inside, asked.

"It looks great at first glance."

"Come in and take a look around."

"Let's go eat first."

Hyunsung grabbed his arm and urged him.

"Come on, take a look with me."

Manager Kim reluctantly stepped into the apartment, moving from room to room like a fish in water. He imagined how he would use each room before returning to the living room and checking the view from the balcony.

"Hyunsung, is that the Han River over there?"

"Yes, it's not close to the city center, but you can see it."

"Wow, this is really something."

As he moved closer to the balcony and looked around, he could see his company and the hospital where his mother was staying, not far away. The location was excellent, being in the heart of Seoul.

"Wouldn't you want to live here?"

At that moment, Hyunsung, who had quietly approached, asked.

"Well, of course. Who wouldn't want to live in a place like this?"

"Then, would you like to live here?"

He then handed over a document he had been holding.

"Hey, stop it. Don't joke about such things."

"But I'm not joking."

"What? If you're not joking, that's a big deal, man!"

Manager Kim waved his hand before even looking at the document.

"This is a tough industry. If you act so soft, all sorts of hyenas will stick to you and drain you dry."

He added a lecture about not knowing the world and firmly rejected the offer.

"Manager, you're not the type to drain me dry like a hyena."

"That's true, but still, the rent on a place like this would be close to an average salary per month."

"Rent is only for those who buy with a loan. I just need to pay my taxes on time."

"Why are you acting like this today? The closer the relationship, the more thorough you should be about money, right?"

Hyunsung nodded vigorously.

"Of course, the closer the relationship, the more thorough you should be."

"Yes, but how can someone who knows that offer a place like this...?"

"Then, let's sign a lease agreement, tenant."

Manager Kim, surprised, asked, "A lease?" and looked at the document again. Sure enough, it read "Real Estate Lease Agreement" at the top.

"Really? You want to do a lease business with me?"

"You just said to be thorough with close relationships..."

Manager Kim felt a bit embarrassed for jumping to conclusions. Right, who would give a place like this for free? Even if someone makes a lot of money, no one is immune to the value of money.

Of course, it wouldn't be right to accept it.

But Manager Kim, feeling a bit awkward, spoke in a teasing tone.

"Che, che. Rich guys are really something. How can a salary man afford the rent on a place like this?"

"Then, let's look at the document and decide. I'll consider our relationship..."

Hyunsung extended the document again.

Buzz—

His phone vibrated with a message from the landlord, reminding him that he couldn't respond immediately. Even though the surgery fees were covered, he didn't have 50 million won in cash.

After reading the message, the apartment felt even more foreign.

Yes, this place doesn't fit my reality.

"Anyway, I don't need it, so find someone else."

Finally,

"Let's go eat."

Manager Kim urged as they left the apartment, but Hyunsung stood firm with a determined look.

"Just sign the lease agreement with me."

Manager Kim shook his head.

"Fine, but a lease is just money thrown away. How can I afford that?"

"From what I saw, you can renew your lease. Just sign with me."

"Talk to the real estate agency and find another tenant. I won't live in a lease."

Hyunsung stubbornly extended the lease agreement again.

"Really, I'm almost giving you a sublease."

"Che, che. Rich guys are really something. How can a salary man afford the rent on a place like this?"

"Just look at the document and decide."

Manager Kim grumbled, "Fine, let's see how much it is," and picked up the lease agreement.

"Huh?"

His eyes widened as he read the document.

"Hyunsung, is there a zero missing in the rent amount?"

"No, it's correct. One, ten, hundred, thousand, ten thousand, hundred thousand... it's correct."

"What are you talking about? There's no way the rent on this place is 100,000 won."

For a place of this size, a typical lease would require a substantial deposit and a monthly rent in the hundreds of thousands. However, the document stated a deposit of 50 million won and a monthly rent of 100,000 won, which was absurd.

"Are you making this lease agreement just for me?"

"That's why I said to look and decide."

"Really, I'm very grateful, but this is a bad deal for you."

The document was so unreasonable that anyone would think it was a joke or a scam. If this were a real listing, people would line up to sign it.

"Who would bring such an unreasonable document to someone who scrutinizes contracts like a strict mother-in-law?"

"It's an investment property, and it won't make a big difference to my finances if I rent it to someone else right away. It's fine."

That was true. With the steady flow of royalties, a million won in rent wouldn't be a significant loss for Hyunsung. Manager Kim thought about rationalizing it and putting aside his pride to accept it.

"True, but it's a bit unlucky..."

However.

Does he deserve such a favor? - No, he doesn't. In the end, Hyunsung got to where he is through his own choices and abilities, not just because of his help. Therefore, it wouldn't be right to accept such an unwarranted favor.

"Anyway, this is too unfair, so I can't accept it."

Hyunsung's expression changed subtly at his firm rejection. What is he thinking with that small head of his? His lips, which had been closed for a while, started to move, as if he had something to say.

"Hmm..."

Instead of an answer, a deep sigh escaped from Hyunsung's throat.

"This loss..."

He then asked meaningfully,

"If it's a loss for my future, wouldn't it be an investment in the end?"

"What do you mean?"

"To put it simply, if you live here, you'll be closer to the company, so I'm asking you to take better care of me."

"In other words, you want me to bring food to the studio every day?"

"Caught me."

Manager Kim looked at the mischievous Hyunsung and laughed, letting out a sigh.

Finally,

Hyunsung continued, his laughter gone.

"So, let's both take a small loss. Let's stay here until I move to a new place."

Manager Kim's pupils dilated. The contract and Hyunsung's face alternated in his vision, and his mind became a tangled mess. He hadn't mentioned his job change to anyone.

However.

The current atmosphere, Hyunsung's expression, and his tone of voice made it seem as if he knew about the job change. For a moment, he wondered if the hospital bills were...

"Was it you?"

"What?"

"The tall stranger."

While Hyunsung couldn't know his situation, the person who could show such generosity was limited. Given the favor Hyunsung had shown him, it was a plausible scenario.

"What do you mean?"

Hyunsung's ambiguous answer and awkward shrug confirmed his suspicion. The boy who had never even told a white lie to help someone couldn't hide his discomfort.

"Shall we go eat now?"

Yes, after spending a year together, there were things he could tell just by looking at Hyunsung's expressions.

"I'll start the car. Take a look around the apartment and bring the contract, then come out slowly."

He could tell that Hyunsung was trying to avoid the awkwardness by leaving first.

"Phew..."

Manager Kim watched Hyunsung's back as he left the apartment and rubbed his face.

"Where would I go without you...?"

Yes.

That was the moment his resolve crumbled.