Chapter 2

In 2004, in South Korea, the capital, which was originally named Seoul, had already been renamed. At the international airport, a handsome man, at least 1.85 meters tall, looked up at the sky of Seoul with a gentle expression, feeling a myriad of emotions.

"I, Ahn Min-hyuk, am back."

Indeed, Ahn Min-hyuk, who had gone to serve in the military, finally returned after being absent for five long years.

"Sir, to S.M. Entertainment," Ahn Min-hyuk casually got into a taxi and said to the driver.

"Are you going to become a trainee?" The driver, looking at Ahn Min-hyuk's handsome face, asked with a smile.

"Trainee?" Ahn Min-hyuk was reminded of the past by the driver's words, but he quickly recovered and shook his head, saying softly, "No."

"That's a pity." The driver said regretfully, "With your looks, you would definitely become a big star."

"Ha ha." Ahn Min-hyuk smiled faintly and did not continue the conversation. He had already achieved stardom years ago.

The five years of military service were somewhat unbelievable. When Ahn Min-hyuk appeared in the barracks at the age of 15, the captain was ready to send him back with stern words, saying that he was too young to serve. However, the young and spirited Ahn Min-hyuk was not so easily deterred. He stubbornly insisted on staying, and the captain had no choice but to agree.

During his military service, Ahn Min-hyuk suffered a lot, mainly because of his inherent disdain for others. Unfortunately, this attitude did not work well in the barracks. If it were in music, Ahn Min-hyuk would have had the right to be proud, but in the barracks, the result was predictable. His arrogant nature was severely shaken when he realized how powerless he was.

However, Ahn Min-hyuk did not give up. He gritted his teeth and endured one training after another. His stubbornness made everyone look at him with surprise.

However, no one praised Ahn Min-hyuk. On the first day he entered the barracks, his deep-seated pride offended many people. No one liked him, whether it was the seniors in the barracks or the squad leaders. They found various reasons to torment him. Although he completed all the tasks assigned to him, it only made them dislike him more. Ahn Min-hyuk endured countless beatings, but his pride only grew stronger because he believed that he, through his efforts, had stepped on each of them.

Finally, the battalion commander issued a transfer order, sending Ahn Min-hyuk to China for training as an outstanding soldier.

After arriving in China, Ahn Min-hyuk truly realized how naive he had been. Although everyone in his battalion disliked him, they still recognized his abilities, and he could be considered one of the best soldiers in the battalion. However, on the first day in China, he was thoroughly defeated by the Chinese soldiers. The same training was completed by Chinese soldiers in half the time and with perfect results.

Ahn Min-hyuk still refused to admit defeat. He would not admit that he was inferior to others. However, no matter how hard he tried, he could not keep up with the Chinese soldiers. With their help, Ahn Min-hyuk's deep-seated pride and arrogance were gradually worn down, disappearing over the five years. The once arrogant and indifferent Ahn Min-hyuk was gone, replaced by a humble and polite one.

"Sir, we're here." The driver's voice interrupted Ahn Min-hyuk's thoughts. He paid the fare, got out of the car, and looked at the dilapidated building in front of him. For some reason, he felt a surge of excitement.

"Hey, who is that?" At the entrance of S.M. Entertainment, fans who were always lingering there were stunned by Ahn Min-hyuk's outstanding appearance and began to murmur in confusion.

"Is he a trainee? I've never seen him before."

"Is he an artist? He doesn't look familiar."

Hearing the comments around him, Ahn Min-hyuk smiled wryly and walked towards S.M. Entertainment. The once famous Ahn Min-hyuk in the entertainment industry had been forgotten by time.

"Stop." As Ahn Min-hyuk was about to enter the gate, a security guard shouted, "Who are you?"

"Hello, I am an artist from S.M. Entertainment," Ahn Min-hyuk replied politely.

"An artist from our company?" The security guard looked at Ahn Min-hyuk with doubt and said, "I've never heard of anyone like you. I've worked here for three years, and I know all the artists clearly."

Ahn Min-hyuk was helpless. From the guard's words, he knew that the guard had started working during his military service and would not recognize him. Just as he was unsure how to prove his identity, a light appeared in his eyes.

"Brother Kangta, hello." Indeed, Ahn Min-hyuk had spotted Kangta.

"Hey, who are you?" Kangta looked at Ahn Min-hyuk with confusion, feeling a sense of familiarity but unable to place him.

"I am Ahn Min-hyuk." Ahn Min-hyuk understood that five years had changed his appearance and demeanor significantly.

"Ahn Min-hyuk?" Kangta looked at Ahn Min-hyuk with doubt, his voice filled with disbelief. In his memory, Ahn Min-hyuk always gave off a cold aura, but the person in front of him was very sunny and had no coldness at all.

"Yes, Brother Kangta. I was young and ignorant back then. Please forgive my rudeness," Ahn Min-hyuk said apologetically. After his character had been smoothed out, he realized how unpleasant he had been.

"Is it really you, Ahn Min-hyuk?" Kangta still asked with uncertainty, though he had already found the answer in Ahn Min-hyuk's appearance. The changes were so significant that he found it hard to believe.

"Yes, Brother Kangta," Ahn Min-hyuk replied without any resentment, knowing why Kangta was repeating the question.

"Wow, ha ha, I didn't expect it to be you. Five years have really changed you a lot," Kangta finally believed that the warm-voiced person in front of him was indeed Ahn Min-hyuk.

"Yes, I was young and ignorant back then. Now I realize how ridiculous I was," Ahn Min-hyuk said self-deprecatingly. "I was so impolite to you, Brother Kangta, I hope you can forgive me."

Hearing Ahn Min-hyuk's apology again, Kangta felt a warmth in his heart. Now, few of the artists who debuted with S.M. Entertainment remained with the company.

"Sure, I forgive you," Kangta replied sincerely, looking at Ahn Min-hyuk's genuine face. It would be a lie to say he had not been annoyed by Ahn Min-hyuk in the past.

"Thank you, Brother Kangta," Ahn Min-hyuk said happily, not expecting Kangta to forgive him so easily.

"Why are you standing at the entrance?" Kangta asked.

"The security guard didn't recognize me," Ahn Min-hyuk said with a wry smile.

"True, you've been away for five years. Many people in the company have probably forgotten you," Kangta said with a sigh. "I'll take you in."

"Thank you, Brother Kangta," Ahn Min-hyuk did not refuse, as he had come with this intention.

Kangta approached the security guard and said a few words. The guard looked at Ahn Min-hyuk in surprise, realizing that this was the legendary Ahn Min-hyuk who had once caused a sensation in the entertainment industry.

"Min-hyuk, I have some things to do. Do you remember the way? The company hasn't changed much," Kangta asked as they entered the building.

"Brother Kangta, you go ahead with your work. I'll go see the teacher," Ahn Min-hyuk said, feeling very excited as he looked at the familiar company.

Kangta did not say more and left, as he was indeed very busy. Chatting with Ahn Min-hyuk had already taken up a lot of his time.

Ahn Min-hyuk looked at the posters of artists who had debuted from S.M. Entertainment, examining each one carefully, his eyes often filled with nostalgia, especially when he saw his own poster.

"Hey?" Just as Ahn Min-hyuk was lost in thought, a light exclamation came from behind.

Ahn Min-hyuk turned around and saw Lee Soo-man.

"Teacher, hello," Ahn Min-hyuk greeted respectfully. He had not realized it at the time, but during his military service, he suddenly realized how good Lee Soo-man had been to him.

"Min-hyuk?" Lee Soo-man called out in confusion.

"Yes, Teacher, I'm back," Ahn Min-hyuk answered, trying to control his excitement.

"It's good to have you back, it's good to have you back," Lee Soo-man said happily, confirming that the person in front of him was indeed Ahn Min-hyuk.

"I made you worry," Ahn Min-hyuk said apologetically.

Lee Soo-man looked at Ahn Min-hyuk in surprise, not expecting such a significant change. He had never thought he would hear Ahn Min-hyuk apologize to him.

"Good, good," Lee Soo-man said, moved by Ahn Min-hyuk's new character.

"Teacher, I have completed my five years of military service, and my contract with S.M. Entertainment has already ended. I wonder if the company can still accept me," Ahn Min-hyuk said, looking at Lee Soo-man's obvious excitement with gratitude.

"Of course," Lee Soo-man replied without hesitation. "If you want to leave, I wouldn't allow it. You are my most satisfactory disciple, even better than BoA."

"Thank you, Teacher," Ahn Min-hyuk said gratefully. He had made such a mistake in the past, yet Lee Soo-man had still protected him. He never thought that Lee Soo-man would still value him so much.

"Welcome back, Min-hyuk," Lee Soo-man said, extending his hand with a smile.

Ahn Min-hyuk quickly took Lee Soo-man's hand with both hands and said, "I will trouble you again, Teacher."