God of Music Chapter 81-83

– Flight number XX0000 arriving from Los Angeles…….

Incheon International Airport was busy with numerous people visiting it every day. People of different features busily moved about with their travel cases, and people with staff name tags did their best to provide the utmost of services. When the announcement flowed out, some people started running. The airport was filled with vitality.

"It's about time he's here…."

Lee HyunJi was currently amidst numerous people. Looking at the dashboard, the flight had already arrived. Many people were exiting the arrivals door, but the person she was looking for wasn't seen yet. There was no call either. It was a stifling situation.

"Am I the President or the secretary, I don't know anymore…"

Grumbled Lee HyunJi. She knew well that the person she was waiting for might be late if the arrivals process took longer. However, considering the suffering she had been through in Korea while he was not here, she couldn't help but say those words.
Fortunately, the person she was looking for finally entered her vision. His wide shoulders and long legs were impressive. With a tanned face, he was dragging a travel bag as he walked out at a leisurely pace.

"Mr. KangYoon. Over here."

Lee HyunJi waved her hand. It seemed the other had noticed her as he ran over to her.

"It looks like you've waited for a while."
"Not at all. Anyway, it's been a long time, Mr. KangYoon. No, I guess I should call you President, now? It's been half a year."
"Now I don't think I'll get used to you calling me that."

After shaking hands, the two headed to the parking lot. They exited the airport and drove on the relatively free highway.

"You're quite tanned. It seems like you've been to a good place?
"I visited Florida with HeeYoon before I came back."
"Oh? Looks like HeeYoon's in good health now, huh?"
"She's normal now."

Spoke KangYoon as though it was nothing. However, there were a lot of unspoken backstories in his words. For the first year, he could do practically nothing as he had to stay next to HeeYoon, and only after the 2nd year could he start doing his own things.
Lee HyunJi knew this well since she went to and from America in the past 3 years.

"I heard a few of the songs that HeeYoon composed last time, and they were quite good. She has a good sense as well. As expected of your sister."
"She's still ways off."

Even though he said that he did feel good to hear someone compliment his own kin. KangYoon smiled lightly.

"You should have heard a lot about Korea when you were there, but the market has changed quite a lot recently."
"For me personally, Chairman Won's news was the most shocking. To see such a lively person, fall ill…."
"Me too. They say the world is unpredictable, and I think I know why. Isn't that why I'm here?"
"Looks like we must go visit him first."

KangYoon felt bitter. Chairman Won JinMoon controlled the rivalry between the board of Directors and the President's using his authority and proved that he was the most veteran in this industry. However, the sudden appearance of myocardial infarction (MI, heart attack) was frightening. With the chairman becoming like that, MG Entertainment was practically controlled by the decisions of the board of directors. The relatively weaker President's faction was pushed out, and because of that, Lee HyunJi had to abdicate from her position as President.

"You're right. But even so, I guess it's good that I don't have to deal with those stressful guys anymore. I even lost a lot of hair."
"You lost hair? If you lose hair at your age…."
"Stop there."

Lee HyunJi's expression crumpled slightly at the sensitive topic.

"Got it, President."
"I'm a director now, President Lee KangYoon."
"Hahaha. It's so awkward yet good to hear you call me President."
"You must get used to it. You'll have to get used to it especially when we start expanding the company."

The two also talked about the entertainment industry as a whole, the celebrities that KangYoon raised during his time at MG, as well as the plans for the future. It seemed like some time was necessary for KangYoon to adjust to the drastic changes that occurred in the Korean entertainment industry in the past 3 years.
While they were conversing, they eventually arrived at their new home, their new office. The office was in Yongsan, the building was a rather aged building with 2 stories. The words 'WORLD ENTERTAINMENT' was written on the sign as well.

"If we factor in the rental costs, Gangnam was a little too far-fetched. Just as you told me, I rented a 2-story building. Including the underground floor, there are 3 floors in total. Although it looks old on the outside, the interiors are quite good."

KangYoon and Lee HyunJi entered the building.

"From now on, you are the President, Mr. KangYoon. I shall treat you like one."
"Understood, Director."
"That feels strange."

When the two entered the 2nd floor, someone was waiting for them there. It was a woman in a suit with long hair. She was a woman in her 20s with a long neck and long legs.
(T/N: Okay, let me get the floor numberings straight. There will be no '0th floor'. It will be ground floor=1st floor, then the 2nd floor. It's too confusing for me to keep up with different numbers on the Korean version and the translated version (I used to study in the UK where ground floor = floor 0))

"Director, welcome back."
"Hello, Miss HyeJin. President, this is Miss Jung HyeJin. She's in charge of administration and distribution of budget."
"You're the President? Hello? I've heard a lot about you."

Hearing the word 'President', the lady named Jung HyeJin stiffly greeted him. KangYoon held her up saying that there was no need to go that far. KangYoon asked what she was doing until now and asked her to do well in the future.
Jung HyeJin brought them coffee, and KangYoon and Lee HyunJi sat in the office. Unlike moment before, the mood was slightly sunken. Both of them knew that it was time for the more serious topics.

"What kind of plans do you have, President?"

The first one to speak was Lee HyunJi. KangYoon took out a set of documents from his travel bag. When Lee HyunJi opened it, it was a series of music scores.

"It's a score? Oh, this is the one from last time…."
"Yes, it's the one that HeeYoon composed. Would you like to listen to it?"

KangYoon played the song directly from his phone. The bright melody that came from the piano immediately enraptured Lee HyunJi's mind.

"The melody is bright, and it has a good feeling. Looks like it will be a good song after a good arrangement. Is there an arranged version as well?"
"I didn't have enough time to do the arrangements."
"Wait."

Lee HyunJi found something strange in KangYoon's words. 'I' didn't have the time? Didn't that mean that he was going to do it himself?

"You'll be doing the arrangements…?"
"Yes. I'm planning to do it myself."
"Hah…."

Lee HyunJi's eyes widened in surprise. Arrangements? She was surprised to hear that KangYoon's level of music was that high now.

"Arrangement isn't easy. And it has been just 3 years? It might sound unpleasant for you, but you are a newbie in this industry with no experience. Who would buy that?"

Lee HyunJi was skeptical about this. Although she was being roundabout, she was basically asking him 'do you have enough skills to do that?'. However, KangYoon looked back at her with unwavering eyes.

"I'll let you listen to the song once it's finished. Deciding at that time is also one method."
"…You're not the type to give false hope."

She knew that KangYoon had arduously studied music until now. However, this was business. Lee HyunJi was very cautious in her decisions. She accepted to decide after listening to the final version.

"Let's leave it at that for today. I'm still under jetlag."
"Okay, President. Should I give you a ride home?"
"It's fine, you must have your own work to do, director."
"So it's director now? It does sound quite awkward."

Lee HyunJi said that it was fine and dragged KangYoon. She made KangYoon get on board her car and rode him to his house.

'This is the beginning. Let's do this.'

In front of his house, he waved to Lee HyunJi as she drove back and resolved to make a song that would surprise her.
When KangYoon entered the house, the house looked the same as before. Although the thick grass bothered him a little, there were no big changes. Of course, HeeYoon's empty room did make him feel a little empty. KangYoon closed the door to HeeYoon's room and opened the door to his.

'Good. They're all here.'

Inside the room were 2 synthesizers, 7 speakers, 1 subwoofer, as well as a newly ordered PC. Lee HyunJi got them on KangYoon's request.

'I appreciate it.'

Although they were in a relationship of investor and investee, this extent of consideration from her made him speechless. He resolved himself to not make her regret investing in him.
He connected the speakers to the PC and put the synthesizers on their stands. He set them up so that they would go around the monitor and hung the speakers high up so that he could 'see' them well. It was set up for him to monitor the musical notes.

Although he was tired due to jetlag, he still hurried up in setting them. After over 3 hours of installation and testing, KangYoon's room had turned into a personal studio.

(T/N: Someone tell me why he needs 2 synthesizers and how he can connect that many devices to the PC without an amplifier.)

'Should I do it now?'

KangYoon looked at the score and started playing the synthesizer. When he did, a blue note flowed out from one of the speakers. The note created a constant light from its place. It was a weak blue light.

'Let's add some drums.'

Continuing, he switched to drums and created a beat. Then, he fused it with the sound that he just played before. He set them to be played back on different speakers and played it back. This time, there was a blue note and a black note. The two notes combined and generated a stronger white light.

'This looks good enough.'

He could see the notes and hear the sound well. It was satisfactory.
Now that he finished installing all these, fatigue overcame him. Although he didn't even unpack his stuff, he fell back on the bed and went to dreamland at the sense of accomplishment of having finished installing.

The era of girl groups. I referred to the music industry in the year 2011.
The competition between the unmoved 1st place since their debut, Eddios, and the close 2nd, DiaTeen, grabbed the attention of many fans. These girls, capable of singing, dancing, as well as general entertainment, induced the males in their 20s and 30s into consumers in the pop market. A strong cash cow had formed.

After those two, the popularity of girl groups ended up producing numerous forms of girl groups; ushering in the Girl Group Era. However, dark always followed the light. There weren't that many groups that saw the light.

"We're free again today? It's boring. It's booooooooring!"

The girl group, TNT, was one such group that did not see the light. One member, Jin SeAh, grumbled inside the studio as she rolled around on the floor. Agreeing, another member, Lee Min, also sighed deeply.

"We're free for a week already. Isn't there a small event or something."
"Would we be here if there was? It's because our last album went down the drain…."

Grumbled Joo JungHyun. She frowned a lot, remembering back to their last album.
All the members grumbled, but their leader, Kim HyoRin had nothing to say to them either. The song in their last single album was so crappy that it made her mad even now. She only consoled the others by saying that they should forget about past matters.

Just as when they were powerlessly sitting there, a sturdy man walked in. It was their manager, Min SangCheol.

"What the, why are you all like this?"
"Cuz we're unemployed, duh."

Kim SeSol grumbled. All the women made pitiful expressions in sympathy. He nodded in understanding and continued speaking.

"We'll be recording a new song soon."
"Ah, yeah. It's been a month."

When Jin SeAh acted sarcastically, manager Min SangCheol coughed awkwardly. The pitiful results were embarrassing for him as well.

"It… it'll be alright this time. We'll get the song from outside."
"…That's good. I was worried that we might have to do President's again."

When Lee Min said those words, Manager Min SangCheol sweated cold sweat. With their first, second, and third songs producing pitiful results, it was no wonder that their trust in the President was so low.

"Anyway! You just need to wait a little more, okay? I'll let you girls run events like hell."
"Oh, sure."

Manager Min SangCheol tried to cheer them up, but they were all as unmotivated as they could be.

After a brief sleep, KangYoon felt that his fatigue was slightly relieved and started working right away.
The song that HeeYoon composed was the delightful, rhythmic kind. KangYoon wanted to bring out the essence of that. He was also planning to add hook-like elements as well.

'The melody is low at first, so let's go at a slower pace.'

KangYoon looked for a variation of an organ on the synthesizer. It was not an easy task to find the right organ sound among the many variations of organs there. However, once he tried them one by one while keeping in mind the feeling he wanted, he found it quite soon.
When he pressed on a key, a beige-colored note flowed out. He added the drums from before. Then, the light turned grey. Something went wrong.

'This isn't the one.'

Although it sounded fine by itself, it wasn't that good. KangYoon continued his search for a sound and repeated the same process of playing the sound and combining with the rest. Although the organ sounds were similar to each other, this particular one had a slight reverb to it. Thinking that this sounded okay, KangYoon added the drums as well. However, the what appeared in his eyes was grey yet again. In fact, it was a much darker grey due to the thudding sound of the drums.

'Ugh….'

KangYoon had to stop the playback due to the uniquely murky feeling that the grey light gave him. It seemed that the influence had become bigger as he felt the effects on his skin.

'Again….'

He resolved himself again and started browsing through more organ sounds. This one sounded alright, with the volume LEDs looking fine as well. However, as the song progressed, the light turned darker and darker until it eventually turned black.

"Uurgh!"

KangYoon immediately turned off the sound. He felt as though a murky kind of electricity just went past him. It didn't just end with the foggy feeling that he had before.

'Organ's definitely not the one.' (T/N: Well, duh. Organs in pop? Shakes head)

Thanks to that. KangYoon could realize. He went past the organs tab and went to strings. Then, he put in a relatively brighter-sounding set of strings with a little bit of bass. Then, he combined it with the drums again. When he did, the strings flowed out gently after a thudding beat from the drums and the notes started generating white light. A black note and a white note met together to create a stage of white light.

'This is it.'

Finding a sound was no easy task. When he looked at the time, 3 hours had passed already. Even though the entire song was only about 3 minutes long, it wasn't easy to work on it.
For the entire day, KangYoon did not leave his studio.

"Mr. KangYoon. It's been a long time."

Professor Choi ChanYang hugged KangYoon in delight as soon as he saw him. KangYoon did the same.

"Professor. It's been a while."

They sat down after a simple greeting. The two met after 3 years in an empty café with faint music. Although they exchanged news through phone calls and other things until now, it felt different to meet in person.

"You studied a lot of music in America, right?"
"Yes, I had a lot of opportunities. Although I couldn't go to college… I have encountered just as many things as if I went to one. I studied a lot."
"Well, then. Should we see the results?"

Professor Choi ChanYang did not say many things. KangYoon gave him the song that he was arranging for the entire day as his 'results'. Professor Choi ChanYang's face turned strange as he plugged the earphones into his phone and listened to the song.
After around 3 minutes, he took his earphones off.

"Nice. Did you do the arrangement yourself?"
"Yes."
"I can see you put a lot of effort in. It's a good song. Though, I don't think it's finished."

Professor Choi ChanYang stuck his thumb up. The beats were easy to listen to, and the rhythmic melody was very easy to the ears. This guy only learned the basics of harmonics before he went, but now he was able to produce such results. It was a pleasant surprise.

"Yes. I finished the bass line, but I'm thinking of adding some more."
"The strings are good. But it might sound a little too repetitive if you use the same thing repeatedly so what about using another effect towards the end?"
"Got it. You sure are different, professor."
"Not at all."

While KangYoon felt sorry, Professor Choi ChanYang shook his hand.

"I did promise, didn't I? That I'll be your consultant once you start your business."
"Oh, that…."
"I think it will be fun - working with you, that is. Whether it's today or in the future."
"I'll be thankful if you help me. You need not worry about compensation."
"I'm fine with anything."

KangYoon did not even think about making Professor Choi ChanYang work with him without any compensation. He was definitely going to reward him for his help. Though, he was quite poor right now because of HeeYoon's medical fees and starting a business….
The topic switched to a good mood.

"Did you hear about HyunAh?"
"HyunAh? No, I didn't hear anything at all."

There were people that KangYoon managed to stay in touch with, and there were people that he couldn't contact at all. Lee HyunAh belonged to the latter.

"HyunAh is currently facing a great crossroad of her life. She got a call from a major. It seems like she was offered a place from Yerang Entertainment."
"Oh, Yerang…."

KangYoon admitted that Lee HyunAh was good enough for that. She was even a composer on top of her good voice. It was definitely worthy of someone scouting her. If it was one of the three major entertainment companies of Korea, it would definitely help her out in the future. However, Professor Choi ChanYang's words didn't end there.

"But they want her alone and doesn't want the rest of the band. It looks like she's agonized over it."
"It's definitely not easy to succeed as a band. Although a band may look cool, there are all sorts of fancy stages in today's TV, and a band would require more time in installing those instruments too."

KangYoon sighed, saying that it was no wonder. Professor Choi ChanYang pulled in his chair.

"What would you say to her?"
"Sorry?"
"If HyunAh asks you what she has to do in a situation like that, what would you say to her?"

This was a difficult question. KangYoon closed his eyes after saying that he would think about it for a moment. Abandon the teammates that were with her through thick and thin? That was not nice. However, if a large company was appealing to her, then it was likely that they would support her quite heavily.

'That's a difficult matter. But if she plans to stay in this industry for a long time…'

Although it was indeed a difficult question, he found the answer after thinking about the basics. KangYoon calmly spoke up his mind.

"If it were me, I would politely refuse that offer."
"Really? Isn't it a pity to let go of such a big opportunity?"
"That's true, but the fact that one of the big three contacted her means that HyunAh has that value. Won't there eventually be a company that would take her in along with the rest of the band? If she accepts their offer right now, it would be hard to take the tag that she abandoned her teammates. Fans these days are frightening, you know?"
"Hm…."

Professor Choi ChanYang thought about it for a moment before nodding his head.

"I'll tell her exactly that."
"Sorry?"
"She asked me that question. Thanks for the wise answer."

KangYoon shrugged his shoulders. Although he did expect it a little, he never knew HyunAh asked him that for real. Professor Choi ChanYang was witty alright.
After they finished their conversation, they left the café and Professor Choi ChanYang spoke to KangYoon with a smile.

"Oh, yeah. Mr. KangYoon. I forgot that HyunAh told me to tell you one thing."
"She did?"
"I'll tell you word for word."

He suddenly took a deep breath.

"I'll kill you the next time I see you."
"What?"
"There. I told you, word for word. See you next time."
"Whoa…."

Seeing Professor Choi ChanYang leave with a laugh, KangYoon couldn't hide his awkward expression.

"Oh shoot… Maybe I should have told her before I went there…."

Considering how busy he was back then, it was impossible to contact every single one of his acquaintances. Anyway, KangYoon just shrugged his shoulders and went home, thinking that it wouldn't really amount to much trouble.

Having just created the company, Lee HyunJi was very busy. She used her connections she made while she was the President at MG Entertainment to make foundations for the business, and she also had to watch the trends of the entertainment industry. For KangYoon to focus on his work, this kind of work was necessary for her to do.
And thanks to that, there came a day where they could use their 'infrastructure' of the company. KangYoon took to his company, the song he arranged.

"Is it this one? Good Feelings? It reminds me of something."
"Yes."

Receiving the score, she connected the USB that KangYoon gave her. Soon, KangYoon's song started sounding out in the office.

"I guess it's kinda… retro? Is this HeeYoon's voice?"
"Yes. She wrote the lyrics herself as well."
"That's amazing. She even managed to record it."

Listening to it, Lee HyunJi umped her shoulders while listening to the rhythmic yet soft music. It was the kind that gave her a sense of déjà vu but didn't feel boring.

"It does feel very retro. But it's not too repetitive either. This actually feels great."

Lee HyunJi raised her voice as though she really liked this song. KangYoon calmly explained as he watched her being satisfied.

"I emphasized friendliness, comfort, and delight. That's how this came about. From what I saw, the trend seems to be that of reminiscence of the 90s. It's like how trends cycle."
"You're right. It's good. This should work."

Lee HyunJi didn't say a lot of things. She received the USB and stood up.

"Where are you going?"
"I should work as well. Us staying still means that we're losing money, you know?"
"Ah, that's true."
"You should also plan out how to operate the company, President. Now, our World Entertainment rests on your shoulders after all. Then I'll be off for a bit."

Lee HyunJi was the action faction. She left the office as though she was going to sell the song as soon as possible.

"Amazing. Looks like I should put more effort in if I don't want to lose."

He even wondered how she managed to stay in her seat all day while she was the President at MG Entertainment. Thinking that he should repay her for her vitality, KangYoon started making plans.
The evening of the same day.
Jung HyeJin (the employee) knocked and entered his office.
"President, I'll take my leave."
"Okay, be careful on your way home."

After she went home, KangYoon also got ready to leave. On his desks were papers full of plans that he had devised.
Just as he was about to open the door to his office, there was a woman standing in front of it.

"WHAT the!"
"Why are you so surprised?"
"…It's you…."
"What the hell? Why is your reaction so bland?"

He was surprised at first but reacted very blandly after seeing who it was. Disappointed at seeing that, she put a vase on the desk while pouting. On the vase were the words 'Congratulations on opening.
KangYoon had to give up on going home and had to make some coffee. She accepted it naturally and sat down while crossing her legs.
(T/N: In South Korea, some large-scale 'individuals' (companies or people) present a large plant with a ribbon that has greetings and their name on it at certain events like opening a store, funerals, weddings, etc. I'm guessing this is a smaller version of that.)

"It's been a month. Have you been well, oppa?"
"…Yeah. Yeon JooAh, you damned…."
"Ouch."

KangYoon smacked her, JooAh, on the head. It was a smack filled with personal resentment. JooAh pouted before returning to her original, refreshing attitude again.

"Hahaha. Are you still mad about going to the beach without telling you?"
"Do you think that's a small matter? Huh? Why did you get HeeYoon to go to a place like that?"
"What's wrong with going to the sea? You know? HeeYoon put on some weight and she looks hella good. The men are just all…."
"Wha-wha-wha-wha-wha-wha-what? Tell me that again."

When KangYoon's eyes turned fiery, JooAh shrunk back while twitching. She felt that she went too far and pulled back.

"Sheesh, I can't even joke with you. Fine, fine. How many times do I have to apologize?"
"Forget it. Anyway, next time, don't ever take her to somewhere in secret."
"Next time it will be a nightclub."
"What was that?"

JooAh never backed out. However, she had to since KangYoon didn't look like the negotiable kind at all. Of course, this was all a joke.
KangYoon took out some wine and snacks from the office. They were the stuff that JooAh looked for a lot when they met in America. After a round of drinks, JooAh started getting serious.

"Is work going well?"
"It's just started. How are you doing? You had a hard time in America."
"Yeah… did you really have to say that?"
"It's revenge."
"You are such a bad guy, you know."

JooAh grumbled. However, her face had darkened slightly. KangYoon also stopped joking and spoke seriously.

"Going to America was a little too hasty. It wouldn't have been late even if you waited a little more. Whose plan was that?"
"It was from the directors. I also thought that I was good enough. Perhaps the Chairman would have opposed it if he was healthy. I thought I'd at least get into the top 50 of the billboard, but I wasn't even in the top 100. I'm so embarrassed now I can't lift my head in public anymore."

JooAh shook her head in embarrassment. She slowly climbed her way to the top of Japan and knocked on the doors of America using that achievement and stability, only to fail. She had to return home in bitterness. Although she talked about it very easily, failure was very bitter.
KangYoon didn't say much to her in consolation. She was probably here to just voice out her thoughts. He knew well that the best he could do was to listen.

"Sheesh, why did you have to leave the company…. Dammit, those trashy directors. Do you know that I've flipped over the company several times after you left?'
"You did?"
"I just went on a strike saying that I won't work for a while. I just rebelled saying that I can't believe in people like them. Hehe."
"Yeah, yeah. I've heard that over 10 times already."

She said this every time she came over in America. JooAh still insisted.

"Listen anyway."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Anyway. You should thank me you know? I tell you news about the other kids, give you the latest trends. Where could you find someone like me? Right?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm thankful."

Although he said that like a complaint, he was indeed very thankful to JooAh. When they were in America, she became a friend and a motivation for everyday life for HeeYoon. To JooAh also, the meetings with KangYoon and HeeYoon were like a comfortable rest.
She seemed to have gotten slightly drunk as she started to leak laughs.

"Oppa, hehe, do you know about JinSeo?"
"JinSeo? You told me last time."
"Hehe, did I? Ah~ JinSeo is a scaaaary kid, you know? When you left, I only rebelled from working, but she, that girlie, threatened to leave the company. She even told them that she'd pay the penalty for breaching the contract. So, the company was in an uproar for quite a while. A quiet kid is really scary when she gets angry, you know?"
"I must admit, she's quite bold. But why would she say that? She'd have a hard life."
"*Giggle* Well~ I wonder why~."

JooAh pointed towards KangYoon while giggling. She was weak to alcohol. KangYoon judged that this was enough and put away the drink and the snacks before lifting JooAh up. When they left the office, JooAh's manager was with them.

"Oh, team leader Lee…. No, how am I supposed to call you now?"
"You can call me with whatever you're comfortable with. It's been a while."

Perhaps KangYoon's footsteps were big, but JooAh's manager didn't change his attitude towards KangYoon even after 3 years. KangYoon put JooAh, who said to go for round 2, in the van and closed the door.

"Be careful on your way."
"Then I'll see you later."

JooAh seemed like she was causing a mess in the van, but KangYoon just waved his hand. The van seemed to shake once before disappearing with a swoosh.

'I should get some rest too.'

KangYoon headed home while half-drunk.

Lee WooSung, the CEO of Laurel Entertainment, and its group, TNT were currently selecting a title song for their new album. While listening to four candidate songs, they discussed which one was the best.
As a result, 2 fell, and 2 remained.

"So, it's down to 'Good Feelings' and 'Aha'. What do you think we should go with?"

Urged Lee WooSung as he told the girls to choose freely. However, the members of TNT didn't look like that at all.

'In the end, he'll go with what he likes.'
'It will be 'Aha'. He'll make up all sorts of reasons for that.'

Jin SeAh and Kim HyoRin leaned towards 'Good Feelings' but couldn't express it easily. They already noticed what their President wanted to do. The other members also grumbled on the inside, having realized what was happening.

"Go ahead and choose. 'Aha' has a sexy theme and a fast beat. It's slightly lewd too. And this 'Good Feelings'……. Hm, well. It feels quite old to me…."

President Lee WooSung definitely wanted to do 'Aha'. It was hard to reject the will of the President in a company. Just as the members were about to unwillingly agree, one lady raised her hand. It was Lee Min.

"I think 'Good Feelings' is better."
"…And the reason?"
"We failed the last time when we went with a sexy theme, so I don't think it's a good idea to do it again. Also, I feel that this song is more comfortable to the ears."
"Ehem."

President Lee WooSung said okay and looked at the others. The one who met eyes with him was Kim SeSol. She wasn't the talkative type, so the gaze of the President pressured her. All gazes looked at her. She felt scared. However….

'We can't fail this time too!'

Desperation won over shyness. Kim SeSol gulped before voicing her opinions.

"I…. I think Good Feelings… is b… better."

The others seemed to have gained courage from her words as they started agreeing.

"Shouldn't we go with something we didn't try before? A lot of idol groups are 'stripping' because of the sexy theme these days. I think it will be good to go with something else."
"I think Good Feelings is better."

Joo JungHyun and Jin SeAh voiced their opinions as well. This was a reversal.
President Lee WooSung turned around to see Kim HyoRin. It was a silent pressure for her.

'Unni, unni!'
'Unni, please!'

The members of TNT were desperate. They did not wish to miss their opportunity to rise just because of the strange songs their President gave them. The President was indeed scary, but the reactionless stage was much more frightening than that.

"I, also, think, Good Feelings… is better."

President Lee WooSung became silent. With even the leader, who usually followed him, turning like that, he could not say anything. He also knew that his songs were repeated failures. However, the reason he kept pushing on with it was because of the belief that they would eventually succeed one day. But this time, his song was rejected by the singers. What more, it lost against a trial song that he just brought for show.
After thinking for a moment, he accepted with a long sigh.

"…Okay. Let's go with that."
"Yes."

President Lee WooSung drooped his head as he left the studio. Only after a long time he left did the members of TNT grab each other's hands.

"Unni! We did it, finally!"
"It's freedom!"
"Cheers!"

They got a song from the outside and not from the President!
The delight of having done that made everyone rejoice.

KangYoon and Lee HyunJi started their morning meeting with the coffee that Jung HyeJin brought them.
Lee HyunJi spoke in joy as she drank the coffee.

"We sold the song."
"Really? Where?"
"TNT, they're singers belonging to Laurel Entertainment. They want to use it for their title song this time."

KangYoon brushed his memory, but the group TNT was not in his memories. They were probably one of the unknown singers in this era where girl group idols were everywhere.

"It's the first time I heard of them. Are they new?"
"Not really. It's been 2 years since they debuted, but they don't have any songs that are hits. You should see them as veteran rookies."
"No hits after 2 years…. Not really a good group, are they?"

KangYoon clicked his tongue. If there was no reaction from the public for two entire years, it meant that it was hard for them to appeal to the masses. He also thought that extreme measures were necessary at this point.

"Rather than the singers, their President is the problem. He's known for his stubbornness. His name is Lee WooSung, and he seem to have mindset that the title songs must be made by him. There are a couple singers that did well with his choice…. But TNT definitely isn't one of them. It looks like the songs he made for TNT don't fit them very well."
"Stubbornness is tough to deal with. Anyway, it's a good thing that our song is being used as the title song. When's the meeting?"
"I scheduled it for tomorrow. Is that fine with you?"
"Yes, then I'll go prepare…."
"Wait a sec."

Lee HyunJi stopped KangYoon as he was about to stand up. When he looked back, she gave him a caution.

"President. You must not step up before your opponent asks you to do something."
"Understood."

Hearing KangYoon's words, she repeated herself again as though it wasn't enough.

"You consider the completion rate very importantly. You take risks thinking that the singer must do well. It's fine that you do so, but we're running a business here. If we say that we'll do something it becomes a free service. Crafty individuals may try to exploit that. We, World Entertainment, have just taken our first step. If we keep giving out services from the get-go, we might have to keep doing it."

KangYoon understood what she was saying. She was worried about his personality, his care, for the singers. KangYoon said he understood and nodded his head.

"Got it. I'll watch out for that then."
"You are definitely a capable person, President. However, there will be people who will try to use you without properly paying the price, and that's what I'm worried about. I'm actually looking forward to how much profit you'll bring us."

President Lee HyunJi had a very strong conviction. KangYoon also smiled in response to her expectations.

The next day.
KangYoon went to Laurel Entertainment. It was a relatively decent-sized company that used a 3-storey building. When he entered, a staff led him to President Lee WooSung.

"Welcome. I was waiting."

In the office, President Lee WooSung offered him some tea. President Lee WooSung did not bring up KangYoon's past achievements. Nor did KangYoon - he only mentioned his name, and did not mention his past career. He wanted to be acknowledged purely based on skills alone.

"It's a good song. It has a comfortable melody and will suit our girls very well."
"Thank you for your words."
"Would you like to meet them first?"

President Lee WooSung headed to the practice studio on the 3rd floor with KangYoon.
Five girls in training outfit were in the middle of practice against a mirror wall.

"Can you girls come over for a bit?"

When President Lee WooSung said that, the music turned off and everyone gathered around. He introduced them all to KangYoon. Everyone became delighted when he was introduced as the composer for 'Good Feelings'.
After a round of introduction, they played the song once to refresh their memories and talk about their impressions of it.
A slightly fast retro-style melody filled the studio.

– Making up to look pretty - and wore my prettiest clothes -

"It's so good."
"The more I hear it, the better it gets."

Joo JungHyun and Lee Min were ecstatic. Though, President Lee WooSung saw them in a bad light. However, the two girls kept praising the song and President Lee WooSung's expression twisted even more.

'What the?'

KangYoon turned around to President Lee WooSung to talk to him about the song, but his eyes were somewhat off. KangYoon was confused. There was no way he would feel good when he saw the Lee WooSung glaring at the singers that were complimenting the song. The members of TNT kept complimenting the song, seemingly oblivious to his glares.
When the song ended, President Lee WooSung asked.

"How is it? Is it okay?"
"Yes."

When Lee Min said that without a shred of hesitation, President Lee WooSung's eyes trembled slightly.

"R…. really?"
"The melody is somehow addictive. I think a good choreography is all we need."

Added Joo JungHyun.

"Oh… really. Do you think so too, SeSol?"
"It's really good."

President Lee WooSung asked Kim SeSol, who usually followed his intentions, but she was not that much different from the others either.

'Is he trying to haggle?'

KangYoon felt slightly disgusted as he watched President Lee WooSung's actions. Whether he didn't like the song, or he wanted to haggle, he definitely did have some shady intentions.

'I don't like him, he's rude too. What do I do?'

Although he was a newbie in this field, KangYoon had confidence in the song. It wasn't just conviction from his efforts. The song was created with his special ability as well as effort. He could feel the might of the white light from the song.
While KangYoon was pondering about that, the tug of war between the President and the members continued. KangYoon spoke after a while.

"Why don't we decide after you sing it?"
"Eh?"

Everyone turned around to him.

"No matter how great the song is in your opinion; you'd need to sing it first to see if it fits a singer or not. On my way here, I even saw a recording studio. I think it will be better to decide after you sing it for yourselves."

Hearing his words, President Lee WooSung and the members of TNT came to a truce and nodded their heads. KangYoon's words were reasonable.

"Then let's decide after trying it. Girls, is that fine with you?"
"Yes."

President Lee WooSung left saying he'd open the studio. Then, Jin SeAh complained as soon as he left.

"Sheesh, he keeps acting like that because he wants to do his own song…. This one's good, can't we just go with it?"
"SeAh, shush."
"Oh…."

When Kim HyoRin shushed her, Jin SeAh finally became conscious of KangYoon and shut herself up. However, KangYoon already realized what was happening when she said that.

'They don't believe in the President. Well, that must be because how they failed until now. It's a little bit of a pity.'

KangYoon felt bitter. He felt that President Lee WooSung was like him of the past where he always failed.

(T/N: She is actually called "student JiMin" here, but since there is no such thing in English, I'll use 'miss'. Just be aware that she's a student.)

"Miss JiMin has a good voice, and your guitar skills are good as well. You have plenty of potential to be a music artist."

Kim JiMin's expression brightened at the positive feedback. However, words must be listened to the end.

"However, our company is currently not looking out for an artist. I'm sorry. What we want as a company are trainees to become part of a girl group idol, not a potential musical artist."
"Is that so……."
"It's a pity that we don't have the room to take you in. I wish that we'd meet at a better place next time."

Listening to the male judge's soft words, Kim JiMin greeted and left.

'It's girl group everywhere….'

Leaving the company, Kim JiMin's shoulders dropped in disappointment. It had already been 4 years since she decided to become a singer, and practiced music. However, no one recognized her passion for music as well as her songs. Many companies said that they wanted trainees to be part of a girl group and did not take her in, who had a short height and was far from skilled in dancing.
She even went as far as to practice dancing, which she wasn't talented in, to become a trainee. However, her stiff body could not follow the movements of other aspiring girls.

"Haa…."

Carrying the guitar powerlessly, the girl in the uniform walked on the street. She felt hopeless now that she failed the audition as well. She was annoyed by the cold wind blowing. However, her phone suddenly vibrated.

– Announcement for Korea ONE STAR Seoul region auditions. 2011…

It was the results of her application to a public TV audition that was hot nowadays. Kim JiMin's shoulders suddenly stood erect again.

'Yes. Even if I fail for the 100th time, I just need to try again for the 101st time.'

She held up the guitar case as she resolved herself.

The recording studio in Laurel Entertainment was small and cozy. Compared to the super-large mixer in MG Entertainment, the number of channels and even the number of speakers were smaller. However, it had all the necessary components such as glass screens and sound dampening materials.

"Then let's get ready."

President Lee WooSung sat down and put on his headphones. The members of TNT also entered the booth and stood in their positions with scores in their hands. They exercised their voice while President Lee WooSung also prepared to record. He soon signaled that he was ready.

"Should we start?"

According to his hand signal, the song began. Since they didn't formally separate the song into individual parts yet, they improvised it. First up was their sub-vocal, Lee Min.

– You are - the greatest gift - wait for me -

Lee Min's voice ran across the studio. Her voice was very light and bright just like the music.

– My heart is burning—Please tell me—

Kim SeSol came next. She added more power into the light intro.
After that the song progressed very smoothly. The main vocals receiving the song added more and more power. The repeated but comfortable melody was nice to everyone's ears. All members raised their voices at the climatic point.

However, unlike the members of TNT who were singing their hearts out, President Lee WooSung shook his head in dissatisfaction. Even while controlling the mixer, he didn't seem quite satisfied.
KangYoon was also sighing behind him.

'Why is it grey?'

When their musical notes combined, rays of grey light were being emitted. KangYoon had to endure the murky electric feeling the whole time. Even though it was definitely white when he finished composing the song. He could not understand what was happening.
After the song ended, the members of TNT lef the recording room with slightly agitated expressions, and President Lee WooSung let them listen to the recording. The girls tilted their heads in confusion when they heard that their own singing was even worse than the guide singer doing it.

"That's strange. It definitely felt good though… does it not fit us?"

Hearing Joo JungHyun's words, Kim SeSol chimed in.

"Might as well be. Perhaps this song does not match well with us."
"Is it…."

With all the members tilting towards the 'not matching' team, President Lee WooSung finally smiled.
At that time, KangYoon stepped up.

"Can we do it once again?"
"Sorry?"

President Lee WooSung asked back.

"I just feel that it's a pity. In my opinion it suits them quite well, so I think we should try again."
"Well… okay then."

President Lee WooSung made a strange expression before going to the mixer seat again. At that moment, KangYoon spoke again.

"Can I have a look at it this time?"
"…Go ahead, I guess."

President Lee WooSung stepped back with a doubtful expression. KangYoon then put on the headset and controlled the mixer to get a feeling of the voice range. Kim HyoRin inside the booth was a little surprised, but KangYoon apologized and continued.

"We'll start from the microphone settings."

Since there was only 1 omnidirectional microphone, the sound signals were very important. Even though the microphone would receive sound from all directions, it wasn't easy for it to receive voices from 5 people all equally. In cases like this, the mixer was important.
KangYoon told them all to sing and adjusted the volume. However, the gauge was going too high even though the voices of TNT weren't that loud at all. He could hear wind noises from his headset.

'The voices are equal, but there's too much unwanted noise.'

KangYoon controlled the device so that no unwanted noise could be amplified. He also slightly lowered the high pitch and raised the bass slightly. Then, he entered the booth and even put a windshield over the microphone. It was to prevent any useless noise from entering.

"Wow……."

The members of TNT were surprised at his degree of preparation. Even though this wasn't the official recording, he was showing such a high degree of meticulousness.
KangYoon listened to the headset again and heard that there were no unnecessary wind noises and was finally about to give the start signal. But then, something flashed in his head.

'This guy. Did he not properly do the setting on purpose?'

Making them sing under such horrible conditions, it was no wonder the song turned grey. When KangYoon looked at President Lee WooSung, he only looked back at him with no expression. KangYoon was assured.

'He did it on purpose.'

He had heard that the CEO was stubborn to do his own pieces, and it seemed so. He even went far as to hinder. KangYoon felt flabbergasted about this, but did not express it. Composers were supposed to do their talking with their music. He only needed to squash him to death with this.

"Then let's begin."

KangYoon gave the signal. Then, TNT began their singing.

Chapter end