Chapter 121

MG Entertainment, LA Branch .

He met up with Jung MinAh in the practice room .

A re-contract?

Jung MinAhs expression stiffened when her direct superior took out something difficult to talk about .

Yes . I want to know what all of you are thinking about regarding a re-contract .

Even I dont know what the others are thinking . This is a taboo .

She evaded mentioning it directly . Actually, all they talked about every day was the extension of the contract . However, the girls did not wish to talk about it with anyone else, even if it was their direct superior that was in charge of them . Their faith in the company had hit rock bottom .

It was now October .

There were two months until the end of the contract .

Everyones feelings must be quite complex . Since the situation is like this and all .

.

But if you wish to, the extension will definitely happen .

Despite the hopeful words, Jung MinAh had no words to speak . She didnt even want to imagine that her future lay with the company . Their lives in America had utterly shattered their faith in the company .

Is this coming from you, director? Or is it the companys wishes?

Thats .

Director Lee HanSeo heaved a long sigh . Jung MinAh knew the answer .

So it is coming from you .

Ah Nothing is for sure yet . So have some hope and .

Hope, you say . Hope, huh .

Jung MinAh bit her lips . Then, she shook her head .

Its fine . Ive long since given up the thought that MG will do something for us .

MinAh .

Director Lee HanSeo found it pitiful . He had gotten attached to the girls of Eddios . However, where did it all go wrong? Things called achievements and promotion ruined the future of these girls .

MG is thinking about nothing . Im sure of it .

Jung MinAh had predicted already . There were 2 months until the end of the contract . At this point in time, the company should be giving the girls incentives like well release a new album or the like . However, there was absolutely nothing like that at all .

The morale of the members had long since hit rock bottom . It wasnt just because of their position in Korea that was lost . Entertainers and musicians alike lived off their popularity and fame . And right now, their activities were far from such .

At this point, even the girls who were strict with managing their image were starting to stray off one by one .

What can I do for these girls to do well?

Director Lee HanSeo didnt want to see the always cheerful MinAh so downtrodden . He hated himself for being unable to stop the tyranny of the other directors . His heart ached .

As though she realized what he felt, Jung MinAh spoke again .

I know that youre different from the other directors . It was you who managed to shrink down our range of movement from the entirety of America to the few Korean towns in LA . Without you, wed be in utter despair . Im thankful for that .

I still couldnt have you come back . I can only apologize for that .

You cant help it . Those people had more power than you . It was old man KangYoon that was amazing to have gone against all of them . We were only able to hold out until now because of you, director . Really, I mean it .

Director Lee HanSeo felt bitter . After he was given Eddios from KangYoon to take care of, he thought that everything would go well . At that time, Eddios was the best in the country . They were young but had skills to back them up, and none of them had celebrity complexes or other detrimental personality deficiencies . They were humble to top it off . They struck the peak in Korea and he thought that theyd do well anywhere .

However, it all began when the other directors forced the girls to fly over to America . They lost both the Korean fans while not getting any American fans either, forgotten by both .

I guess we cant help it if theres no extension .

She looked like someone who had given up on everything . And she was only twenty-two .

If MG doesnt work, I need to send them somewhere else . This is my responsibility .

Director Lee HanSeo couldnt let the girls be . He couldnt ruin the Eddios given to him by KangYoon and be done with it .

He clenched his teeth while looking at Jung MinAh so powerless .

***

Autumn was a busy season for everyone in World Entertainment .

White Moonlight now had their personal theater and was able to gradually gain popularity with regular performances . Kim JaeHoon was busy with his new album . Kim JiMin also stopped doing vocal training only and entered a general training routine for her debut .

One common characteristic of entertainment companies was that busy musicians meant busy employees .

Director, there are too many receipts . Whos going to make me leave work?

Jung HyeJin had a teary face as she worked over-time for a few days in a row now . Lee HyunJi, who sat in front of her, snorted .

Not as bad as me .

Lee HyunJi showed her the mountain of files on her desk as well as the pimple on her face . Due to work overload, the women at the office were screaming in happiness(?) .

The president is such a bad guy .

This had gone on for days already .

The two women had been practically forced to live in the office .

Regardless, KangYoon was currently working with Kim JaeHoon on his album in the studio .

Lets try that again . Sing anything of you a little weaker .

-Okay .

Oh, just a moment . Is someone talking about me?

KangYoon took off his headset and scratched his ears .

-Hyung, you hadnt had the headset on for long .

Yeah, it looks like Im a little sensitive today .

He put on his headset again and signaled Kim JaeHoon .

Here it goes .

KangYoon played the MR . Then, a deep rock-ballad started flowing out . It was Only One, given to them by Lee HyunAh .

-I no longer wish anything of you

Kim JaeHoon was drunk with the lyrics in his hand . The deep punchy sound and his voice combined with each other to appeal to the listeners .

This is just the beginning, and its too strong .

However, KangYoon shook his head . When Kim JaeHoons notes made the light weaker . KangYoon turned off the music and spoke again .

A little weaker .

Yes .

The instruments started playing again . Kim JaeHoon relaxed his vocal cords and simply let the lyrics flow out of his body .

-I no- no longer wish anything of you

Kim JaeHoons notes combined with the notes from the accompaniment . The light became a little stronger than before . However, KangYoon wasnt quite satisfied . He felt that this could be a lot better .

One more time .

And again .

However, it didnt make that much of a difference . They had to try several times before the strong white light that KangYoon wanted came out .

That should do . Lets go on to the next bit .

Kim JaeHoon was also satisfied when he heard the recording . Normally, it was him that was unsatisfied by the recording and not the producer, but working with KangYoon, it was the opposite . Also, Lee HyunAhs song didnt seem that good at first glance, but now that he got to sing it, it felt really good . It was quite a strange phenomenon .

Like that, they spent 6 hours on the recording . As Kim JaeHoon was someone who spent 12 hours or even 24 hours recording, this was considered very short .

KangYoon gave Kim JaeHoon a handkerchief as he came out of the recording booth .

Thanks . It sure is faster working with you .

Its good to be efficient .

I guess . Hey, you dont happen to be able to see music, do you?

KangYoon flinched for a moment, but he passed it over .

I wish .

I want to see the musical notes at least . Anyway, todays work is completely done . Oh, I heard from the director that well be doing a showcase .

We have a theater so well make use of it . Im planning to invest a lot and do it properly . And lets do a music video this time too .

Yes!

Kim JaeHoon shouted out in joy .

A showcase!

He was now able to stand in front of people again with his new album . This felt very new to him, as in May, he was busy digesting the hellish schedule .

KangYoons words didnt end there though .

If this album goes well, lets consider doing a country-wide tour .

YES!

Kim JaeHoons voice became even louder as KangYoons plans became larger .

***

Mid-October was when the change in trees was the most dramatic, and it was also the season Kim JaeHoons new album aimed to release on .

The album, the music video, and everything else necessary were finished .

All that was left now was the showcase where he would first show his new music to the public .

They decided Lunas to be the location since they could . KangYoon sent invitations to the members of Kim JaeHoons fan club as well as the record labels in the industry .

On the day of the showcase .

Welcome .

Jung HyeJin was busy greeting the members of the fan club . The fans had brought many presents and banners and entered Lunas with excitement . These were the people who had won the fierce competition for tickets . Of course, the invitation was free of charge .

KangYoon and Lee HyunJi were greeting the record labels .

Hello?

Please, come in .

There were people in suits whose jobs were related to record labels and music streaming sites who had come to watch the showcase . Lee HyunJis relations in the industry, as well as Kim JaeHoons fame, were brought to the forefront here .

KangYoon led them to the specially prepared seats at the front .

I was surprised to hear that Kim JaeHoon made a comeback recently, and now hes doing a new album . Congratulations .

Thank you .

These people were all surprised that Kim JaeHoon managed to return to the industry . To be exact, they were surprised at KangYoon who made that possible . Everyone thought Kim JaeHoon to be dead as a musician . Although there was the issue with his debt, the real problem was the long-term absence from the industry that included his service in the military . It was not easy to decide whether to invest in him or not . However, not only did an owner of a small entertainment company invest in him and managed to make his return to the industry, now there was a new album for him as well .

Everyone thought that if this album went well, World Entertainment would no longer be considered a small company .

President Lee . Hello .

President Kang ShiMyoung . Welcome .

(T/N: The dude that owns Yerang, and tried to recruit Lee HyunAh without the band, and tried to poach the band members when everything went wrong . )

KangYoon greeted President Kang ShiMyoung, who, unlike the others, was wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt . He also seemed surprised by this showcase and did not hide his excitement while looking around .

Nice venue you have here .

Thank you .

Im envious, you have both a great venue and a great musician .

Not at all . We just took our first step .

KangYoon led president Kang ShiMyoung to a good seat . When the others saw him, they hurriedly stood up to greet him . It was no wonder since he ran a big entertainment company .

KangYoon had to greet several other guests after that as well . He was like a husband-to-be at a wedding . Lee HyunJi was the same .

President Kang ShiMyoung took glances at the facilities like the stage, and the tall ceiling while greeting the others in the industry .

It shouldnt have been easy for a company like World to invest so daringly . Id rather build an office instead if I had the money . Did he get some loans? Who knows?

Money sufficient to build this building may be better invested in building a completely new office . However, KangYoon had gone against that common sense . He himself would never do this .

Were those words actually true? These kinds of facilities at that price should definitely be tempting . Hm .

President Kang ShiMyoung held his chin and fell into thought .

Time flowed and the lights started dimming . Then, the stage lights turned on . At the same time, todays MC, comedian Park ChanHyung, came up on stage . Park ChanHyung was a trendy comedian who created many popular punchlines recently .

Hello, ladies and gentlemen . Welcome to Kim JaeHoons 6th mini album showcase!

Waaaa

The applause from the audience signaled the start of the showcase . Park ChanHyung pulled some jokes to set the mood, and when he deemed that the audience was ready, he shouted .

I present to you, todays main character! Kim . Jae . Hoon!

Kyaaa!

Waaa!

Along with the shouts that filled the entirety of Lunas, Kim JaeHoon entered the stage from the back . Then, all the lights turned off before a spotlight shone down on him . The quiet accompaniment started flowing out and Kim JaeHoon put his mouth to the mic . This was the title song for the album Time with You .

I long for the person in my heart in my memories

Kim JaeHoons rich voice rang across the theater . His deep, yet thin voice was unique to him and him only, and made the audience wave their hands . The wonderful orchestra-like accompaniment and his voice mesmerized the audience .

I loved you and because my heart ached

His periodic vibrato in the chorus made the hearts of the audience flutter . His voice became deeper . Not to mention the audience, even the people from the industry were surprised .

Thats a good song .

It feels different from his past songs, but in a good way .

Kim JaeHoons characteristics were preserved, while still following the latest trend .

This was their evaluation .

Even when the accompaniment died down, Kim JaeHoons voice continued without changing . He then sang powerfully, as if to shout something on the part leading to the climax .

I am an idiot who never, ever told you but now I shout I love you

Then the accompaniment suddenly came to a halt .

The light also dimmed a little before it suddenly turned bright again along with a burst of sound . At the same time, Kim JaeHoons voice rang out as well . This was the climax part .

I love you-

I love you

The audience was already singing along the song . They were happy to listen to Kim JaeHoons new song .

Then, his voice slowly faded out until the song ended .

Waa!

Kim . Jae . Hoon! Kim . Jae . Hoon!

Everyone shouted out his name at the amazing song . Kim JaeHoon bowed towards the audience with an awkward smile .

Thank you .

Waaa-!

Kim JaeHoons title song for his 6th mini-album, Time with You .

It made its debut in the world .

***

Hahahahaha!

Park ChanHyungs smooth emceeing made the audience laugh . Kim JaeHoon scratched his chin awkwardly . His awkward expression made the audience more cheerful .

He doesnt have a lover . Well, then . Anyone interested?

Lunas became more cheerful when many people raised their hands . Of course, all of them were half-joking .

Park ChanHyung called upon a few that raised their hands to the stage and had Kim JaeHoon give them a hug . This was, of course, all fan service .

Kim JaeHoon gave out autographs and gave them a light hug . The ones that got picked to stand on the stage received the envy of other audience members .

They then talked about Kim JaeHoons life stories what he did in the 4 years of absence, what he did after joining the new company and stuff like that . The audience cried when they heard how he joined his new company . They were glad to find out that he regained all the copyrights and that his former boss was now serving time in prison .

Someone else unexpectedly came into attention, KangYoon . He was watching the showcase from behind the stage and he was suddenly pointed at by Kim JaeHoon who said that KangYoon was his savior .

Haha .

When KangYoon made an awkward expression, Lee HyunJi giggled on the side .

Its a good thing . Come on, give them a wave .

When KangYoon still did nothing, Lee HyunJi grabbed his arm and waved it at the audience . Then, the audience applauded while cheering .

Like that, the fan meeting-like event was over, and it was time to showcase the next song .

Park ChanHyung had a look at the flashcard before speaking .

So your next song is titled Only One . What kind of song is this?

This is slightly different from the songs I sang until now . Its a rock ballad .

People cheered at the word rock . This was a genre they didnt expect from Kim JaeHoon .

Rock, huh? Arent you someone whos unrelated to rock?

I was . I didnt hate it, but I didnt really like it either . But, the president recommended that I do it . So, I ended up getting this song from HyunAh, someone whos also from the company .

Now Im looking forward to that . Well, then, everyone . Give him a round of applause . Only One .

Waaa!!

The audience cheered and Kim JaeHoon stood up from his seat . The accompaniment flowed out and his second song, Only One, began .