God of Music

Chapter 64. The Result of 1 Year?(3)

President Lee HyunJi didn’t even read KangYoon’s report properly. She only read the title page before signing the paper.

“Are you not going to read it?”

“I know you’ve done well.”

“…….”

“I was joking, okay? I’ll talk to the chairman about it.”

KangYoon was at a loss of what to say after seeing the fast track entry into signing. Of course, President Lee HyunJi and Chairman Won JinMoon were going over the details.

When KangYoon was about to leave, President Lee HyunJi called out to him.

“Do you have some time this evening?”

“Is it a get-together?”

“It’s too early to celebrate for this. I have a schedule with ChanYang-seonbae, can you come as well?”

“Okay. I got it.”

KangYoon immediately accepted. Although he couldn’t attend too many lectures since he was busy with work, he was still revising the music theory he had learned. Professor Choi ChanYang was his savior.

“I’ll see you at 7 then.”

KangYoon headed to his office.

Although he had a lot of things to do, he did them one by one. Spending time like that, he realized that it was already time. KangYoon hurried to the lobby.

“Let’s go, then.”

The place he went to along with President Lee HyunJi was a restaurant in Gangnam. It was a place that had quiet music in the background, and was perfect for having quiet talks in.

When he entered while being guided by the attendant, Professor Choi was waiting for them.

“Seonbae.”

“HyunJi, and Mr. KangYoon.”

After light greetings, they sat down and talked about the recent matters. President Lee HyunJi was quite relaxed, unlike her usual self. Her usual stiff attitude was barely present, and Professor Choi also talked with his unique soft voice.

‘Are they lovers?’

Even KangYoon was confused about the relationship between the two.

When they were filling their stomachs with the steak, Professor Choi spoke to KangYoon.

“The students want to see you again, Mr. KangYoon. Are you busy nowadays?”

“Yes. It’s hard to make any time at all. Oh, what happened to Recovery? They should have received a lot of attention after the festival….”

“They’re doing well. Please make some time for them when you can. ChanMin wants to have a drink with you again.”

When Professor Choi raised his glass, the two raised their glasses and cheered before tasting the wine. When the faint fragrance of wine lingered in their mouth, he started talking again.

“It’s good to become a singer, but most of them wanted to become composers. They put their heads together, and in the end, refused. Though, HyunAh seems to think differently.”

“Oh, that’s why she went to Hongdae.”

“So you knew.”

“I was contacted by her. Apparently, she’s looking for the members herself. I don’t know what happened to her now though.”

“She said that she got people for the drums and the bass, and is looking for the guitar. Looks like she saw someone amazing on the street. Apparently, she’s chasing him down for days now.”

“HyunAh has been quite active then.”

KangYoon was surprised. She was very different from back when she couldn’t even present her own idea to her seniors. On one side, he was very proud of her as well. Since she had decided to stand up alone, she had to do this so it was kind of obvious as well.

President Lee HyunJi took interest in this matter she didn’t know about. She knew a little of the winners of the bronze medal at the College Pop Festival, Recovery, but she knew nothing about what happened to the team after that. And KangYoon did something? Of course, she was interested.

“That HyunAh girl is the vocal for Recovery, right?”

“Yes.”

“How old is she?”

When President Lee HyunJi asked, Professor Choi thought for a little before speaking.

“21. She’ll be 22 next year. What, are you going to scout her?”

“Well, if Team leader KangYoon says so.”

She was trying to get a reaction from KangYoon. However, KangYoon shook his head without hesitation.

“She’s different to what the company is striving for.”

“Really? Then what about someone you are striving for, Mr. KangYoon?”

“Then, I’m not really sure.”

KangYoon smoothly skipped over the topic. He implied that he would consider it if it was KangYoon Entertainment and not MG Entertainment. However, KangYoon didn’t talk further about it and stood up from his seat saying he wanted to go to the toilet.

When one person leaves from a group, the conversation would naturally switch to being about the person that just left.

“Seonbae, how was Mr. KangYoon in class?”

“He was diligent. He scored well in exams and did well in homework as well. Though, it’s a pity that he couldn’t get close to the students.”

“Well, he has nothing to lose. Can I ask you to take care of him next year as well?”

“I’m all welcome. He’s someone I have a lot to learn from, you know?”

“Thank you, seonbae.”

President Lee HyunJi asked for a toast with the wine glass. When the two met glasses, a clang from the glasses spread out.

“But HyunJi.”

“Yes, seonbae.”

“Have you found a lover yet?”

“……..”

Her expression instantly turned into that of the devil’s.

***

Sunday.

Since it was a rare holiday, KangYoon slept quite a lot. When he woke up later, he headed to meet up with Professor Choi ChanYang. It was to catch up with the music theory classes.

“HyunAh.”

However, when he arrived, Professor Choi and Lee HyunAh were discussing a score. The two greeted KangYoon.

“Don’t you think you need to drop it down a semitone here?”

“Really? I’ll try.”

Lee HyunAh played the melody with a guitar after receiving Professor Choi’s suggestion. However, she didn’t seem to like it as she kept repeatedly writing and erasing notes. KangYoon watched the two with interest.

‘So, it’s definitely black at first.’

When Lee HyunAh played what was on the score, a thick black light hung around. However, KangYoon didn’t express his discomfort. He thought that it would become white naturally after the composition was finished.

“Mr. KangYoon, what do you think we should do here?”

“Huh? I don’t know anything about composing though….”

When Professor Choi ChanYang asked KangYoon that, KangYoon expressed his lack of composition knowledge. When he said that, Lee HyunAh approached him saying that it was alright.

“It’s fine. Oppa, you know about scales, right?”

“That I do.”

“The current song is in the B flat minor key. Then how many flats do I need?”

“Five: B, D, E, G, A” (T/N: That’s one obscure key)

“Wow, that’s right. Did you actually memorize it all? I heard you were busy, but I guess you did your study.”

KangYoon felt awkward at the flattery. Professor Choi also agreed to her words.

“It’s a difficult key but you already know about it. You can most likely write the melody as well.”

“I can?”

Professor Choi explained it to KangYoon in easier terms as he did not understand it.

“It’s actually very complex when you go into the theory, but I’ll put it into simpler terms. To put it in layman’s terms, you just need to enter whatever that fits the scale. Among the seven notes, C, D, E, F, G, A, B, there are five flats that are on B, D, E, G, A, respectively. You just need to create a melody with these seven. Why don’t you try with HyunAh?”

KangYoon fell into a panic. However, he was very curious when he heard that he was about to compose something. Lee HyunAh sat next to him and showed him the score. She urged him to do it together. KangYoon immediately took out a pen and started working on it.

Lee HyunAh played the guitar and KangYoon created the melody while talking about the key. Attaching chords to the melody required some other theory altogether so he didn’t go there. Lee HyunAh seemed to like teaching KangYoon and started explaining it in more detail.

“…Ooh. This is a good one. It’s a 3rd. Here, I….”

KangYoon also found it very interesting that the black light became fainter and fainter as his notes were inputted. Of course, that process was very long and gradual. However, the realm of composition was a completely new world for him. The joy of creating something was difficult to express in words.

The sun had set already. KangYoon’s was also gradually filled with coffee, some dessert, and dinner. However, KangYoon did not stand up in an attempt to hold his concentration in place. Lee HyunAh was also focused on her work. Perhaps she was swept by the atmosphere around KangYoon.

‘Are management company people so monstrous at concentration?’

Only Professor Choi ChanYang blinked his eyes many times in surprise.

***

In the end, the three only left the café after its hours were over.

“Let’s make this a joint work from you and me.”

“Nah, you made most of it anyway.”

Lee HyunAh shook her head though.

“Not at all. You made quite a lot of the melodies as well. I only put the chords in and the actual melody was all made by you, wasn’t it? It’s been a while since I had a melody that gave me a good feeling. Oppa, why don’t you make a band with me?”

“Nah, that’s not good with me.”

KangYoon replied to a joke with a joke. Lee HyunAh seemed to feel good as she re-fastened the guitar.

Professor Choi also thought that it was nice. Hardworking students were always nice for the teacher to see.

“Just because the composition went well doesn’t mean that the song is complete. You need to complete the melody and arrange it as well.”

“By arranging, you mean putting other instruments or other sounds in it, right?”

“Yes.”

Professor Choi explained in detail.

“If you have the time, I recommend you try arrangement as well. You should have a lot of producers at your company, Mr. KangYoon, so you should be able to learn a lot from them. It will be even better if you can get help from composers.”

“Understood. Look like I’ve learned a lot of things today.”

“I also had a great time.”

Professor Choi ChanYang took the bus home like he always did. KangYoon and Lee HyunAh headed to the station together. The two got onboard the empty train as they always did and talked to each other. They talked especially about the song.

“I’ll make you listen to the song first once it comes out.”

“I’ll be thankful if you do. I’m kind of curious to think that there will be a song that I touched.”

“I’ll definitely let you listen to it.”

Lee HyunAh even made a pinky promise that she would do so with KangYoon.

The train headed home with the two in it.

***

“HeeYoon, what are you looking at?”

HeeYoon’s neighbor at school, Jin SungHee became curious after she saw HeeYoon drawing something. However, HeeYoon couldn’t hear her due to being absorbed. Jin SungHee stood still for a moment before shaking HeeYoon a little.

“Lee HeeYoon.”

“Oh, SungHee, what’s up?”

Only then did HeeYoon turn away from her book. Jin SungHee turned her gaze to the book on HeeYoon’s desk.

“What’s this? Harmonics? Is it a music book?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you going to go to a music college?”

The most important thing for 3rd-year high school students was their future paths. However, HeeYoon had never mentioned what she wanted to do in the future until now. But the same person was currently looking at a music book. Jin SunHee was curious.

“Music college?”

“Are you not?”

“I don’t know yet. I’m just reading.”

“Really? Well, I guess it’s hard. My brother is preparing for a music college and it’s been 3 years now, and he’s a complete jerk. Don’t do something like that.”

Jin SungHee frowned after thinking about her brother. A brother that hadn’t gone to college for 3 years? He was a complete jerk in the eyes of the little sister.

“Your brother must have it hard too.”

“Gah, forget it. Everyone in the house only has him in their view. I’m in my 3rd year as well, but they don’t even see me. So, don’t you dare dream about a music college, okay?”

HeeYoon didn’t reply. However, she was pressured by her friend so she vaguely skipped an answer before looking at the book again.

‘Music college? University? Can I really go to such a thing?’ (T/N: Consider college = university in this novel, I’ll be interchanging between the two when they use the same words in Korean.)

Nowadays, she had some energy even after dialysis. She thought that she might be able to commute to college if she tried.

Her friend’s attempt to persuade her out had the opposite effect instead.

***

Setting the schedule for Eddios and Min JinSeo so that they could practice together was like fishing a star out of the sky. Min JinSeo was very busy with shooting dramas, commercials and magazine pages, while Eddios, despite having just debuted, were being called by many places thanks to the active marketing.

In the end, they could only meet up after midnight.

“Hello.”

When Min JinSeo arrived at the practice room after a night filming, the members of Eddios greeted her.

“Hello, JinSeo!”

5 girls including Han JooYeon greeted her. KangYoon was also with them.

“Huh? Sir.”

Min JinSeo was greeting the girls in delight when she found KangYoon who was at war with paperwork and approached him. It was very delightful to see him even though it was past midnight and he should have headed home.

“Oh, JinSeo, you’re here.”

“You haven’t gone home yet?”

“I was thinking of going home after I see you girls practice. MinAh will come soon as well.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll get ready then.”

Min JinSeo said that she’ll change into training clothes and headed to the changing room. When she came out, Eddios started practicing for real.

When they were in the middle of practice, a girl with long hair came in through the door. It was Jung MinAh.

“Hiiiiii!”

Jung MinAh was very lively after she had come back from a magazine interview. The music temporarily stopped and everyone expressed their greetings to her, who they hadn’t seen for the day.

“Ahjussi!”

She seemed to be excited as Jung MinAh approached KangYoon as well. However, what came back was a smack on the head.

“Ouch!”

“Where do you think we are, huh?”

“Urgh…. Fine, Team leader.”

At this point, she had to be doing it on purpose. KangYoon frowned slightly before signaling them to continue practicing. She nodded her head obediently and headed to the changing room.

‘What the hell is she?’

Min JinSeo’s eyes were lit on fire after seeing Jung MinAh being familiar with KangYoon?

After Jung MinAh came as well, the real practice began in proper formation. According to the dance routine, the trainer had made, Min JinSeo would dance alone for a little and Eddios would join after a while. After that, Eddios would have a stage of their own.

KangYoon calmly observed the light from the dances.

‘Looks like we need to set the standard on Min JinSeo after all.’

Even though she was once a trainee as well, the gap between her and Eddios was quite large. She even had a gap with Ailee Jung as well. Not to mention the rhythm, the difference showed in their angle of movement as well.

After a round of practice, Jung MinAh stepped up.

“Let’s follow JinSeo this time. HanYu, on this part….”

Jung MinAh explained to Seo HanYu her moves that she would do along with Min JinSeo since she was the closest to her. Seo HanYu immediately nodded in acceptance.

“JinSeo, on this part….”

“…Okay.”

However, Min JinSeo’s reaction was slightly strange.

‘Is it because she’s worse?’

Seo HanYu, who was at the same age as Min JinSeo, knew her personality to an extent. Min JinSeo was very prideful. Especially regarding practice. So, she didn’t say anything about it.

Practice began again and Seo HanYu followed Min JinSeo’s rhythm this time. It seemed to work as everyone’s movement gradually synced.

Rest time.

KangYoon left the practice room to let everyone rest comfortably. He also judged that he had seen enough of their practice. Since their breathing was matching as well, he didn’t see the need to stay any longer.

When KangYoon was about to leave quietly, someone poked him from the back. When he turned around, it was Min JinSeo.

“JinSeo.”

“Sir.”

She was pouting, unlike her usual self. KangYoon was confused.

“What’s up? Did something happen?”

“Can I ask you something?”

When KangYoon gave her the okay, she threw a direct ball.

“Are you very close to MinAh-unni?”

A direct ball was fine, but the direction wasn’t.

Just what the heck was she on about….

“What do you mean? Do you mean I’m biased?”

“No…. it’s not that. It’s just that you two look strangely close….”

“What?”

KangYoon was at a loss for words. Just what is this kid saying….

“Hahaha, Nah, isn’t it obvious that I’m close with MinAh? I’m close to you as well, and HanYu too.”

“…So it’s nothing special, right?”

KangYoon pushed Min JinSeo’s forehead when she tried to interrogate him further.

“Go practice already. You still have some energy remaining?”

KangYoon climbed down the stairs like that. He kept giggling on the way down as he thought that it was absurd no matter how he thought about it. Though, Min JinSeo seemed to think differently.

‘So, it’s nothing special, right?’

She knew that KangYoon put things as they were. In that case, Jung MinAh was in the same position as her.

There was nothing to worry.

‘Good.’

Having received a confirmation, she returned to the practice room with a smile.

***