Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: Again, Writer
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Gu Jin-mo opened his mouth in a subtle tone.
He especially emphasized the word Gangnam.
“It's fine. No need to go all the way to Gangnam.”
“But if we're going to drink, we might as well do it right, don't you think? This place is just an appetizer.”
As befitting a high-end Japanese restaurant, the food was excellent not only in taste but also visually.
But when it came to portion size, that wasn't the case, so Gu Jin-mo fidgeted in his seat as if about to stand up.
His true intentions were different, however.
He had instinctively sensed that things were going south.
‘This sly fox!’
Realizing Jo Jin-gu hadn't taken the bait, Gu Jin-mo unleashed a torrent of curses in his mind.
His expression remained consistently smiling, though.
“Then let's head to round two. There's a spot nearby that I know—small, but perfect for a quiet chat.”
“Sounds good.”
He couldn't provide the lavish entertainment he'd hoped for, but at least nothing was set in stone yet.
With that in mind, Gu Jin-mo stood up with a smile.
‘Hooking Big Hit was a breeze...’
His face soured at the situation not going his way.
He'd expected it to be tough, but not this tough.
Still, he wasn't giving up.
No outright refusal had come yet.
“Shall we?”
“Yes.”
Gu Jin-mo followed behind Jo Jin-gu, who had gone ahead to pay, flashing a bright smile.
* * *
Feeling the winter chill creeping in, Woo Ji-hyun straightened his clothes.
Even dressed with the weather in mind, it felt a bit brisk.
“Must be from getting out of the car.”
He'd gone straight from home to the underground parking, then stayed in the car the whole time, so he hadn't felt the real outdoor temperature until arriving in Seoul.
Woo Ji-hyun shivered once and entered the luxury villa.
Ding-dong!
Having confirmed the visitor in advance, Woo Ji-hyun took the elevator right after parking and got off on the fifth floor.
A pristine white-toned hallway filled his view.
“No wonder it's pricey. Can't underestimate a villa like this.”
“Of course. You know how much these places cost?”
“You've got good instincts. Opening the door ahead of time and all.”
“When the lyricist graces us with his presence, it's only natural to open the door. Can't keep a precious guest waiting.”
The front door at the end of the hallway suddenly swung open, revealing Elder.
Dressed in casual training pants and top since it was home, he somehow didn't look sloppy at all.
If anything, he exuded a strong air of sophistication.
“Those training clothes look pretty sharp.”
“They're expensive. Expensive things show their worth.”
“How many tens of thousands of won?”
“You could afford a few yourself.”
Elder chuckled at Woo Ji-hyun's wide-eyed inspection of the outfit and beckoned him over.
Woo Ji-hyun naturally headed toward the open door.
“Spacious.”
“I don't keep a separate studio. Started making music in a semi-basement anyway.”
“I know a bit about your past. Tough until twenty-five, right?”
“Day labor works. Not wrong. And I'm not ashamed. It's proof I worked hard.”
Elder smiled, knowing Woo Ji-hyun had omitted certain words on purpose.
He truly didn't mind, anyway.
He even stated it proudly in interviews.
No such thing as high or low professions.
“I think the same, but it's a sensitive topic sometimes. Personally, I respect you. Dropping everything for one passion isn't easy.”
“Why say that? You're the same. You've chased writing single-mindedly.”
“Not successful like you yet. I've got a long way to go. You're a rap star; I'm not.”
“From where I stand, you'll be there soon. Webtoon power.”
“Hope so.”
Treated as top-tier everywhere, Woo Ji-hyun knew his place all too well.
He knew the future and had leveraged it to get this far.
“Why so lacking in confidence? Even if the webtoon flops, you've done plenty. No one could point fingers.”
“But why the sudden ego boost? Because of the lyrics?”
“No, I tried writing ten thousand characters a day myself. Felt how brutal it is. Lyrics are tough, but novels? How do you churn out ten thousand? A book is twelve thousand five hundred, right? And that's the minimum.”
Elder grimaced.
He'd tried writing for fun and hit a massive wall.
He managed a thousand characters, but beyond that? Impossible.
“Different fields. I know zilch about composing. Lyrics too.”
“But you've got talent. Rap star approved—take it.”
“Maybe. Even monkeys fall from trees; humans too.”
“What? Mocking my slump?”
Elder glared.
But Woo Ji-hyun wouldn't flinch at that.
“Not that. Just saying I'm still lacking. But I can improve. Take it as potential.”
“Fair enough. Hey, how far's the second verse?”
“Done writing it.”
Woo Ji-hyun replied cautiously, pulling a notebook from his bag.
In a world of smartphones and tablets, Elder's insistence on analog made him chuckle, eyes widening expectantly.
Show me already, his expression urged.
Rustle.
The notebook bore faint marks from repeated pencil erasures, with “Common Crush” boldly written at the top in five large characters.
Below it lay the first verse from before.
“Still hits good.”
The shock and emotion from last time returned, bringing a pleased smile to Elder's face.
Raw and clumsy, yet authentic.
“Didn't revise on purpose. Needs a pro touch.”
“I like it raw. Plus, spelling's spot-on. Writer for a reason—even drafts are perfect.”
“Occupational hazard. Misspellings make me freeze.”
“Makes sense. One off-note, and I can't move on. Perfectionist trait, kinda.”
Elder shrugged.
They shared oddly similar quirks.
Woo Ji-hyun thought so too.
“Aren't you just a perfectionist? I push through typos sometimes. Catch 'em in edits.”
“I think it's knowing my limits. This lacking. Needs better. Obsession, maybe. Hey, read over the melody?”
“Good idea. Fix awkward spots right away.”
“Exactly.”
Elder clapped, reading Woo Ji-hyun's mind perfectly, and started the track.
Soon, gentle piano notes flowed from the Bluetooth speaker linked to his smartphone.
I've always just watched.
That was all I could do.
Wanted to stand by your side, but I knew.
I didn't fit there.
Your gaze wasn't on me either.
Over the soft backing, Elder hummed the second verse.
It fit surprisingly well.
Not flowing, just murmuring plainly—and it worked great.
“Wasn't this a ballad?”
“Yeah, started that way. But this style fits too, right?”
“Yeah, your tone sells it.”
“Wanna try?”
Elder grinned mischievously.
Figured the lyricist singing would feel different.
“Nah, tone-deaf unfortunately. Love hip-hop, but can't rap.”
“Huh? Woo-hyung said you sing well.”
“He was wasted when he heard.”
“Give it a shot? Studio's soundproof. Can record simple takes.”
Woo Ji-hyun didn't bite, despite the coaxing.
Knew he'd just get teased, talent or not.
“Karaoke someday.”
“Tch, no dice.”
“So, who gets this track?”
“Not giving it away. I'm singing it. Needs some arrangement, though.”
Elder shook his head firmly at Woo Ji-hyun's question.
Started as a gift track, but not anymore.
“Style mismatch for you? I like it now, but fans might differ. You know fans' needs come first.”
“I do. But showing this side isn't bad. It's me too. Not like I'm doing ballads.”
“If you're sure.”
Woo Ji-hyun couldn't argue further.
It was Elder's song anyway.
“Could be my turning point. Lyrics complete, inspiration's flooding—stuff I couldn't find before.”
“Glad to hear.”
“So, help more? Pay properly, like I said. Credit you as lyricist.”
“My name?”
“Duh. You wrote it.”
Elder stared oddly at Woo Ji-hyun's surprise.
Why balk at the obvious?
Rare opportunity too.
“My name...”
“Pen name if embarrassed. Lots of singers do. Lyrics don't match image. Even actors use 'em. Can't name names.”
“Huh.”
Woo Ji-hyun brightened.
Real name felt iffy, but pen name changed things.
He nodded unconsciously.
“Got pen names in mind?”
“Old amateur nicknames. Amcheonryu, Cain.”
“Cain's better.”
Elder picked without hesitation.
Cain beat the stale, dark Amcheonryu.
Suited Woo Ji-hyun mysteriously.
“Thought so too.”
“Let's work for real? Unleash that genius.”
“Sorry, no genius here.”
More everyman than prodigy.
Woo Ji-hyun chuckled firmly.