Chapter 103
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: Do I Need to Be Careful?
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"...Just by adding a new live singer, sales shot up 1300%? You're kidding, right?"
"You think it's a joke even after seeing all these customers?"
Kim Seungjun glanced around.
He swallowed dryly at the sight of the live cafe packed to the brim.
Sure, compared to the sparse crowds like a school library during break time that he'd seen on previous visits, this was a massive difference in revenue.
That's why he'd quoted 300%.
But to think the numbers would jump to an entirely different league.
Even Kim Seungjun, who had introduced Yujin, was starting to suspect if President Jeong was exaggerating.
As if sensing his doubt,
President Jeong smirked and spoke up.
"Besides, if those two were just 'some new live singer,' I wouldn't have had you introduce Yujin, and you wouldn't be coming here every day to persuade them."
"Well..."
"What, am I wrong?"
"..."
Kim Seungjun shut his mouth.
It wasn't just because he'd hit the nail on the head.
Rimon had finally finished tuning his guitar and strummed the strings, signaling the start of their live performance.
Don't look at me―
A husky voice rang out.
And an incongruous silence blanketed the cafe.
The chatter that should have been there, the clinking of dishes, the slurps of drinks, even the sound of breathing.
In that space stripped of all noise, the guitar and song echoed—filling the cafe yet feeling whisper-quiet.
No skill involved, yet more skillful than any skill.
A power dwelled in their melody, one that made listeners forget to breathe and lose themselves completely.
"Seungjun."
"Yes, President."
"I'm not one to meddle since I've stepped away from that world, but as your senior, I'll say this much."
Awe like beholding raw gems.
Regret that he couldn't polish them himself.
With eyes complex from that mix, President Jeong gazed at the two on stage and murmured lowly.
"Grab those two, no matter what. If you let them slip away, you'll regret it for life."
"I know."
Anyone with ears couldn't miss it.
Kim Seungjun nodded in agreement and let out a light sigh.
"The problem is they don't see it."
They'd spark a frenzy the moment they debuted, and long-term, they had the potential to become world-class musicians overflowing with talent.
Yet one was utterly indifferent, the other refused like she had an allergy to broadcasting.
How was he supposed to convince them?
Just thinking about it felt hopeless.
"Huh? Hey, isn't that the bastard?"
"What bastard?"
That's when President Jeong glanced toward the cafe entrance with a sour expression.
Kim Seungjun, already nursing a headache from his worries, made no secret of his disinterest and merely flicked his eyes over.
But the moment he turned and saw who Jeong was pointing at.
"You know, Moon, the section chief from WIM Guild who screwed up your program this time."
"...!"
Flames ignited in Kim Seungjun's eyes.
* * *
"Whew, another great soul today."
"Cut it out. You planning to stay up all night singing again?"
"I like it!"
"I don't, you song idiot."
It took quite a while for Rimon and Yujin to step off the stage.
The encore requests kept pouring in, and Yujin happily obliged each time.
Luckily, Rimon had near-infinite stamina, and Yujin never seemed to tire—or any normal musician would have collapsed long ago.
"What's with the vibe?"
But once they were off stage,
Rimon wore a suspicious look.
Normally, Kim Seungjun would be praising their incredible talent by now, launching into his debut pitch with all the bells and whistles.
It wasn't just that Seungjun looked pissed off.
A stranger sat across from him.
Clap clap clap.
"Great performance. Truly unique vocals and masterful playing."
Legs crossed.
A tone like he was judging them.
Sunglasses perched on his face.
The man's demeanor grated on Rimon's inner old-man sensibilities, furrowing his brow.
"Who are you to act all chummy?"
"Hm? You don't know who I am?"
"Should I?"
"Ah, my apologies. With everyone in the industry knowing me these days, I assumed."
As if he never expected a country bumpkin musician who didn't recognize him.
The man let out a hearty laugh and pulled two business cards from his pocket, sliding them across the table.
"Sorry for the late intro. I'm Moon Cheonyeop, section chief at Entertainment Guild WIM."
"Hm?"
Rimon narrowed his eyes.
Not that he'd suddenly recognized the name.
He didn't even bother remembering the president's name in this era—why would he know some entertainment guild section chief?
But something else clicked for a different reason.
"Moon, the section chief? That singer Claire's manager?"
"Hahaha! Among the artists I manage, Claire is the most famous, sure."
Rimon made an odd face without realizing it, watching Moon Cheonyeop puff up proudly.
Above his head, Yuna Kyung muttered sourly.
[Now I get why PD Kim looks so rotten.]
'He's holding back well. I'd have thrown a punch first.'
[Only someone who's thrown their life away like Team Leader could do that.]
'Want me to ruin your life too?'
As Rimon bantered with Yuna Kyung in his mind,
Yujin, who'd been pulling a sour face since glancing at Moon Cheonyeop's card, finally spoke up bluntly.
"What does a singer's manager want with us?"
"I heard there were some amazing musicians here and came to check it out... You're even better than expected."
"Yeah?"
"Ahem. Of course, there are rough edges, but with steady guidance from a proper entertainment guild, you could iron them out easily."
Moon Cheonyeop nodded as if impressed for unknowns.
Rimon tilted his head sideways watching him.
"A proper entertainment guild... You mean like WIM?"
"Hahaha, no brag, but there's no entertainment guild more proper than WIM."
Moon Cheonyeop boasted without calling it a boast.
Countering him was Kim Seungjun, who'd been glaring the whole time.
"Does a proper guild ditch a promised program slot out of nowhere?"
"Hey now, watch what you say—people might misunderstand. If a KTB rep frames our guild, a lot of folks could get in trouble."
Kim Seungjun's face twitched.
A major broadcast or popular cable? Fine.
But if a failing small station like KTB sued a giant like WIM?
All their programs would fly out the window, and the station itself might fold.
Seungjun would get canned first, probably.
"Anyway, I hear from PD Kim you two don't have an agency. How about it? Sign with WIM while you're at it?"
Moon Cheonyeop brushed off the nuisance easily.
Victorious general-style, he pressed on.
"From what I dug up, you've been exploited here big time."
"No, that's—!"
"Hey, PD Kim, if you have any conscience, stay quiet. A PD overlooking unfair contracts? Come on."
"..."
Kim Seungjun looked wronged.
Yujin's terms were her demand, period.
He and President Jeong had pushed for fair deals, foaming at the mouth, but Rimon and Yujin ignored it.
Unaware of that, Moon Cheonyeop confidently continued.
"Sign with us, and no more dives like this dump. We promise top conditions, top stages."
"Top stages?"
"Yes. Terrestrial if possible, but cable's easy too if you don't mind."
Pausing, Moon Cheonyeop glanced at Kim Seungjun with a meaningful smile.
"Funny thing—a PD I know is looking for a last-minute sub for his show."
'That bastard Moon...!'
Kim Seungjun swallowed a groan.
He caught the offer: cooperate, and you'd get on the program.
Threat first, carrot second.
Obvious ploy, but with his program and KTB on the brink, it was a checkmate for Seungjun.
No wonder Moon was called WIM's power player.
'Not on your watch!'
But Kim Seungjun smirked confidently instead.
He'd anticipated what came next.
"And the signing bonus is..."
"No need."
"Pardon?"
"Money. Contract. No need. Go."
Yujin wrinkled her nose like she'd seen filth at "signing bonus" and issued her eviction notice.
"Hm, thanks for the offer, but we're not interested. Door's that way."
Rimon shrugged nonchalantly, pointing her out.
"Wait, hold on. What the...?"
Moon Cheonyeop gaped, stunned by the clean rejection, lost for words. Kim Seungjun barely held back his belly laugh.
If they swayed for money or stages, he wouldn't be suffering like this.
Ignoring that and strutting like an idiot, only to get shot down!
"Hey, do you even know what you're turning down? This is WIM Guild! WIM!"
"So?"
"What's WIM?"
"..."
Rimon and Yujin treated Korea's top entertainment guild like nobodies.
Finally realizing they didn't think like normal people,
Moon Cheonyeop flushed red and blue.
"...Fine. I was too hasty today. We'll talk later."
Sensing he couldn't push it,
Or maybe choking on humiliation.
He left trying to play it cool, but his angry stride gave him away. Seungjun finally burst out laughing.
Regaining composure with a cough, he eyed the two cautiously.
"Ahem! I'm thrilled things turned out this way, but are you two really okay with it?"
"Why wouldn't we be?"
"WIM's influence is huge. If Moon sets his mind to it, he could block your debuts forever..."
"What's that got to do with us?"
"We're not debuting anyway?"
"Ah, right. Fair enough."
Seeing their unshakable stance, Kim Seungjun gave a wry smile.
Nice screwing Moon, but it reminded him how tough scouting them would be.
"Anyway, be careful. I hear Moon plays dirty, no holds barred."
"Eh. No clue what that punk's got up his sleeve, but I won't need to watch out."
Rimon chuckled.
Propping his chin on one hand, he tossed in a playful line.
"My fiancée's got a bit of money."