Chapter 88

Reincarnation of a Reckless Genius Composer - Chapter 88 (88/482)

Have you ever heard the term "classical conditioning" (古典的條件形成)?

To put it simply,

it refers to the process of repeatedly presenting a stimulus to elicit a specific response, thereby inducing a conditioned reflex.

This phenomenon, known as "Pavlov's dog," is also used in a negative sense today to describe being brainwashed to the point of doing something without thinking.

Indeed.

Kim Woosuk, standing in front of Vice President Park, looked exactly like "Pavlov's dog."

"What were you talking about, holding our busy kids back?"

At the single word from Vice President Park, Kim Woosuk's body involuntarily trembled.

When Kim Woosuk was part of LS Entertainment...

Vice President Park, who had been with LS Entertainment since its founding and was skilled in internal politics, made him worry that he might be fired and have to return his LS Entertainment ID card if he fell out of favor.

Moreover, since Kim Woosuk was not even part of Team 1, Vice President Park had never been particularly friendly to him, and as someone with significant influence both within the company and in the entertainment industry, he was difficult to approach just by his presence.

For these reasons...

Kim Woosuk had never once defied or opposed Vice President Park, fearing even his shadow.

But now, things are different.

At JN Entertainment, which is comparable in size to LS Entertainment, he is not a vice president but holds a position similar to a board member.

'There's no need to be overly nervous.'

Moreover, Kim Seong, the manager, is not part of Vice President Park's team and is an ally of Vice President Choi, who could be considered an adversary.

Yes, given what I know about Vice President Park's character, as long as it's not a major issue, he won't get deeply involved if I explain it well.

"Is it a secret between the two of you that you can't tell me?"

Vice President Park asked in a coercive tone.

"Yes..."

Feeling threatened by his broad build and sharp eyes, Kim Woosuk showed a moment of hesitation but then, aware of the gazes around him, responded with a seemingly composed expression.

"We were just having a casual conversation with Manager Kim."

The scene, with the vice president, manager, and board member of LS Entertainment and JN Entertainment gathered, was quite interesting for those in the same industry, and people began to gather around them.

"The atmosphere seems tense."

"Didn't they used to be part of the same team?"

"Kim Woosuk switched to JN Entertainment, didn't he?"

There was a murmur, and Kim Woosuk, like an animal trying to appear more threatening, spoke more forcefully.

"It's not something Vice President Park should be concerned about."

After listening to his words in silence, Vice President Park let out a sigh.

"Even if it's not something to be concerned about, I've already heard it."

He then narrowed his sharp eyes and asked.

"What kind of proposal did you make to Manager Kim?"

"An offer to switch companies?"

"Surely not a scouting offer to JN Entertainment?"

"Come on, no way."

Hyun Seung, who had moved behind Vice President Park, joined in the "pushing Kim Woosuk" by interjecting comments and then stepped back, smirking.

'The best view from the front row.'

Isn't the most entertaining spectacle in the world a fight? Especially this fight...

It's like a herbivore trembling in front of a carnivore, waiting to die.

Looking back...

Hyun Seung and Vice President Park, though part of the same company, were not on good terms. Vice President Park, for the sake of his Team 1, would not hesitate to take away the resources of other teams.

Because of this...

Hyun Seung had often coveted the resources that Hyun Seung had prepared.

However, there was no personal animosity.

In the end, there was no significant damage, and sometimes things worked out better because of the interference.

After the plagiarism controversy, the misunderstanding between Hyun Seung and Vice President Park had somewhat cleared up, hadn't it?

To Hyun Seung, Vice President Park...

was just someone who, like an omnipotent being, charged forward to take care of his own people. Yes, if he were on your side, he would be a very reliable ally.

"Vice President Park, what I meant..."

"Answer first."

"Yes, I made a scouting offer."

"But, Vice President, you know. In this industry, scouting offers are common, and as a junior who worked closely with Manager Kim, it's natural to want to bring him over again."

Vice President Park responded as if he knew everything.

"Right, you two worked well together, and Manager Kim is good at his job, so you wanted to bring him over. As you said, this industry is highly volatile, and changing companies is very common."

Then, after a pause, he added.

"But that's one thing, you also talked about other things, didn't you?"

As Vice President Park's gaze fixed on him, Kim Woosuk, like a well-trained "Pavlov's dog," shrank back.

"Aren't you going to answer?"

Despite the urging, his lips remained tightly closed. Vice President Park waved his hand.

"No, you don't have to say it."

While he couldn't know the exact details, the reason for the confrontation between the key figures of the agencies at this survival audition was obvious, wasn't it?

When a trainee from one agency is disadvantaged by a trainee from another agency.

In fact, this story wouldn't hold much weight in this dog-eat-dog industry.

It's just that one agency was weaker than the other.

But...

To make an issue out of it, to nitpick, and to bully?

It was likely that they had a bad relationship from the beginning.

'It seems to be just such a situation now.'

Manager Kim had been emotionally hurt after his scouting offer was rejected, and with Kang Hahoon and Yoon Jai both securing spots in the top 10...

Kim Woosuk's plans and strategies must have been thrown into disarray.

'He must have started causing trouble because of that.'

After finishing his thoughts, Vice President Park called him over.

"Woosuk."

Then, very slowly, he asked.

"Do you know that I won't tolerate anyone messing with my people, no matter what?"

His voice was low and calm but exuded an indescribable sense of authority.

"We were once part of the same team, but it's a shame to see us bickering like this. I think I should suggest to the CEO that we arrange a meeting for reconciliation with JN Entertainment."

Kim Woosuk suddenly remembered a forgotten memory.

'About 7 years ago...'

It was when he went to the year-end music awards, one of the biggest events in the music industry. The affiliated artists of LS Entertainment and another agency were preparing a joint special performance.

Before going on stage...

A minor disagreement arose while they were finalizing the movements. However, with many people watching, the artists couldn't argue with each other.

In the end, it turned into a conflict between the managers.

At the time, he had just become a manager, and the opposing artist's manager was a department head. Overwhelmed by the situation, he was at a loss...

"Did you dare touch our kid?"

Vice President Park appeared. Since they were in a silent war between Team 1 and Team 2, he never imagined that Park would help him.

Truly.

At that moment, Vice President Park looked like a prince on a white horse.

What happened to that department head? Was he buried in the industry by Vice President Park?

Since he never heard from him again, it wasn't just a rumor.

"Ah..."

Not only was Vice President Park, who would destroy a person's career and even their chopsticks if they fell out of his favor, terrifying, but what was even more frightening was his backing.

Who was the backing standing "solidly" behind him? Wasn't it CEO Jeon Nam-il, whose name even newbies in the industry had heard of?

Kim Woosuk had spent 10 years at LS Entertainment and knew very well that the rumors about Jeon Nam-il were not just idle talk.

So.

From Kim Woosuk's current position, whether it was Vice President Park or CEO Jeon, there was no benefit in provoking either of them.

"Vice President, I admit I was petty and caused unnecessary trouble for Uhyun..."

In the end, Kim Woosuk, with his hands respectfully clasped, lowered his pride.

"I'm sorry for showing such a poor attitude as a senior. I'm really sorry, Uhyun..."

He repeatedly bowed and apologized.

"Vice President, please show your magnanimity. This won't happen again. Please, at least not with CEO Jeon..."

A shadow of concern crossed Vice President Park's face as he looked at Kim Woosuk. After all, they were once part of the same team.

Even though they were from different teams, they had cooperated as a community at times.

It was uncomfortable to see him like this.

Glancing sideways...

Manager Kim didn't look particularly pleased either.

'Hmm.'

Vice President Park relaxed the hand he had placed on his waist.

"Hey, Woosuk."

He called out to Kim Woosuk, who was bowing deeply.

"Desiring what others have and coveting their people will only make you miserable."

Just like I did.

He didn't add the rest, swallowing it silently.

A while ago.

When he found out that a composer from Team 1 had plagiarized HS's unreleased song, he felt a complex mix of emotions and drank alone.

The alcohol he drank that day was the bitterest and worst-tasting he had ever had.

But he forced himself to drink it repeatedly.

Despite the long night of drinking, he realized something.

'Don't envy or covet what others have.'

Jealousy and envy make people dull and foolish.

Indeed.

He realized this too late, only when he was approaching the age of knowing one's destiny.

"Woosuk, let's each do what we can."

It was a final warning and advice.

"Now that I've said my piece, go."

"Huh?"

"Go take care of your own business."

"Yes..."

Watching Vice President Park's back, Hyun Seung thought to himself.

'Oh, he's kind of cool.'

When he faced him, he would bare his teeth and growl, which was annoying and frustrating, but now, unexpectedly on the same side, he felt quite reliable.

I don't know what wind blew us together, but it's definitely a good thing that he chased away the flies bothering Manager Kim.

Soon, Hyun Seung spoke softly.

"Thank you."

Vice President Park chuckled and replied.

"What are you thanking me for? It doesn't suit you."

This time, Manager Kim joined in with his gratitude.

"I was wasting my energy on unnecessary talk, so I'm really grateful."

"Don't misunderstand, I was just dealing with someone I had it in for."

"Yes, I don't know why you stepped in, but thank you."

"Don't misunderstand? I hate you guys more than you can imagine."

Then, he looked at Kang Hahoon and added.

"Hahoon, let's go now that we're done."

Vice President Park walked ahead.

"Hurry up, Hahoon. We need to get your face stamped."

Kang Hahoon, who was already some distance away, alternated his gaze between Vice President Park and Hyun Seung, then bowed deeply.

"See you later, then."