God of Music

Chapter 125. Upholding the Promise (3)

Lee HyunJi shook her head. Although there was no one other than the Lunas’s manager residing over there, there would be in the future. But KangYoon was saying that we should drop the office space for a practice studio. Where would they host the visitors then?

KangYoon’s opinion was that it was fine to do so.

“We’ll use the 3rd floor as the practice room, and then combine the office work into the 4th floor.”

“But we separated it because of the difference in work.”

“If we consider the priorities, it’s better to have a practice room than not. Also, I want to modify the basement storage room as well; so that it’s capable of hosting vocal training sessions.”

“Aaah…”

Lee HyunJi grabbed her head. The contract deposit for Eddios, as well as modifying Lunas – she could practically feel her hair whitening due to stress.

However, she couldn’t retort since KangYoon was correct. It wasn’t just because of Eddios. If they wanted to house musicians capable of dancing in the future, such a space was definitely necessary. If there was a vocal training room as well, the musicians would have an easier time practicing as well.

That was good and all… just that all of it needed money!

“The money that Mr. JaeHoon earned for us is melting away like snow….”

“It won’t be long until Eddios gets it all back for us.”

Lee HyunJi looked down when she heard KangYoon’s confident words. She knew that it would all go as KangYoon had said, but as she was the one who had to take care of what little budget they had, she had it very difficult.

Though, KangYoon didn’t seem to understand her difficulties as he just sat down and started his work.

‘JaeHoon’s schedules are gearing towards the countryside. That needs some adjustment.’

As Kim JaeHoon’s album was going very well, he was running around across the whole country. His schedule consisted of ones within the capital as well as other large cities in the country. KangYoon adjusted it so that it wouldn’t tire JaeHoon out so much.

In White Moonlight’s case, there were gradually more and more audiences in their regular performances. They were maintaining that boost they received from the Rock Festival in Summer. Moreover, they were trying to show something new every time they performed, so they had practically become the big boss of Lunas now.

‘If things go well, I think I can pull the date of their major debut forward. Let me look for a TV program that I can sneak them into.’

After that, KangYoon worked on things regarding Kim JiMin. As she was being taught in many things in preparation for her debut, the budget allocated to her was enormous. The fact that Lee HyunJi’s signature of approval was a little squiggly showed her nervousness.

‘She’ll last 10 years at the very least. We need to invest in her boldly.’

He was assured that Kim JiMin would bring back to him 10 or even 100 times the amount he invested into her and did not hold back in his investment.

After matters about their musicians, he had work left to do regarding Lunas.

‘October saw a little decrease in booking, while November sees an increase. But wait, why does it fall again in December?’

KangYoon tilted his head. There was no definite pattern to the number of reservations for Lunas. Perhaps it’s just because it hadn’t been a long time and he did not have a sufficient amount of data.

Looking at the attached reports about Lunas, there were many rumors and news inside it – that other locations were spreading bad rumors about Lunas, or that the ones that booked Lunas were rejected from performing in other places because of various excuses that the owners gave them.

‘Were their measures effective?’

KangYoon had a look at the next page in the report. Lunas gave the bands that were exploited by the other venues more time than others. They were able to use better facilities with cheaper fees so their reactions were very good.

The people had a very good opinion of Lunas. In the first place, he had no plans on profiting off Lunas. Since they had a good public opinion, the names of World Entertainment and Whtie Moonlight were also being spread around more.

‘Money is important, but gaining a reputation for ourselves is even more important at the current stage.’

KangYoon was satisfied while reading the report. He flipped over another page and read that the various locations were decreasing their rental fees as well. This was also one of the reasons that the bookings for December decreased slightly.

‘That’s a good thing.’

Although his profit decreased, he achieved what he set out to do so he felt good about it. KangYoon smiled while looking at the report.

***

“Hey, hey! Did you hear that Derace lowered their prices?”

“Derace too? I saw that Green Light did as well!”

A cafe in Hongdae.

Amongst indie bands, the latest hot topic was the decrease in rental fees. Everyone felt joyful since those places had become even cheaper than Lunas.

The man put his djembe to one side and spoke.

“Looks like they’ve set their minds to beat Lunas.”

“Is Lunas that good?”

Another man asked. He held a guitar in his hands.

“Of course! The acoustics are just… out of this world. Don’t even start about the lights. The outside may look a little old-fashioned… but the insides … you just need to go there. No words are necessary.”

“It’s that good? And the rent is that cheap?”

“Yeah, well. It’s more expensive now. This is how it should be. It’ll be bad if the place with worse equipment was more expensive.”

Others very much agreed with the djembe-man and the guitar-man.

“Well, then. Why don’t we do a jam to celebrate!”

The occupants inside the cafe took out their respective instruments.

Like that, the cafe was immersed in music.

***

“Really? The ones going to Lunas have decreased?”

President Kang ShiMyoung was satisfied with his secretary’s report and asked the next question.

“How much of our budget did they use?”

“Derace and Green Light are fully booked for December. As we have to support Live Start and Spot Hall as well, we had to spend a not so small amount of money. Here….”

The secretary cautiously handed him a budget report. President Kang ShiMyoung had a look at the papers before his hands shivered.

“Whoa, wait. Why is it so expensive?”

“We had no choice. The rental fees were so expensive….”

“But this is still too much. Just how much are they extorting from the bands?”

President Kang ShiMyoung was flabbergasted. He had left the work for his secretary to do thinking that it wouldn’t take that much money since the performances were on Friday nights. However, due to the exploitation of the owners of those venues, money was practically bleeding. Moreover, he was supporting many other places as well.

“Until when do we have to do this again?”

“It is, three months, sir.”

“So we can make Lunas close its doors in 3 months?”

“Uhm….”

The secretary hesitated for a moment before talking about Lunas. Lunas seemed to be working without pay as they were undertaking losses when they operated. A facility on Lunas’s scale would require a lot of maintenance funds. They didn’t seem to flinch at all despite the costs necessary.

What was even more absurd was that Lunas did no public advertising. However, due to the rumor mill, indie bands were walking there of their own accord. Although the number of reservations had decreased in December due to the price competition, no one would say for sure that it would continue to decrease.

President Kang ShiMyoung sighed.

“A loss in managing that place, huh? Looks like they’re using the company’s money to run it. Phew, let’s see how long it lasts. Since we decided to do this, let’s go with it until the end. Instead….”

President Kang ShiMyoung glared at his secretary.

“I want to see some good results.”

“Yes!”

The secretary shouted out loud as if to show his resolve.

***

It was an early first snow.

As the cold had arrived earlier than people expected, people took out their scarves and winter clothing.

KangYoon was busily walking on the street while passing by the couples who were sharing their warmth.

“Ugh, so cold.”

KangYoon tightened his long coat and entered a high-class tea house. It was a very expensive tea house that only a few select fans knew of.

He was guided by the employee to a room where director Lee HanSeo greeted him.

“Director Lee.”

“Team Leader, no, I guess you’re a president now. President KangYoon, hello there.”

Director Lee HanSeo shook hands with KangYoon with a delightful tone. He changed his usual call of KangYoon to ‘president’ and expressed his joy.

“Ka, I mean, President Lee looks as young as ever.”

“Director, you too.”

“I’m old now. Just going out to buy tea tires me out already.”

After exchanging greetings, the two sat down. They talked about recent matters when their tea was ready. Director Lee HanSeo poured KangYoon some tea before speaking.

“I should have treated you to some better tea, but this is all I can do.”

“Not at all. This smells very fragrant.”

The faint fruity, flowery smell stimulated KangYoon’s nose.

Director Lee HanSeo poured the tea with elegance and spoke again.

“I wanted to treat you to some better tea, president Lee… but it’s a pity.”

“Not at all. I’m really fine with it.”

“I heard from MinAh that you visited America.”

This was the main topic. KangYoon put down his teacup and focused on the story.

“Everyone looked dejected.”

“It’s due to my lack of ability.”

KangYoon was qualified to say those words, though he didn’t say anything to director Lee HanSeo since he knew that he had done the best he could. However, they couldn’t help but talk about the other directors.

“I was never able to understand why you’ve sent Eddios to America. Japan is closer to us, and if we take some risks, there’s China as well. But America all of a sudden? Even Chairman Won JinMoon told us not to eye America until we were completely sure about the American market and their culture.”

“He did. However, ever since he left his seat due to his illness, those words were all but forgotten. After that, President Lee HyunJi was thrown out of her seat. Right now, president Won JinMoon’s son is acting as his deputy. He has a good personality, but he majors in mechanical engineering. He’s completely in the dark in regards to the entertainment business. There was a limit to the authority chairman Won JinMoon could give to his son. In the end, the directors monopolized power. This is where the problem began.”

(T/N: Earlier, or later in the story (I don’t remember), Chairman Won JinMoon says that his son should just do Art as he did in the past (son’s name is Won JinPyo according to ch 89). So it’s a mistake on the author’s part, not that it matters in the story. Since I can’t find it.. it’s probably later.)

Director Lee HanSeo sighed.

A few of the directors colluded and handed in a project that made Eddios go to America. Director Lee HanSeo objected with all his might, but as the other directors pressed on, Eddios had no choice but to fly to America. This was a case where even the direct supervisor’s opinion was crushed.

When he thought about it, he still couldn’t sleep at night. He just felt so sorry.

KangYoon sipped his tea before speaking.

“…And JooAh had paved a way for them in Japan.”

“The title of being ‘first to succeed’ was important. Going to Japan was done when you were still in MG, president Lee. That time was when JooAh had failed to succeed in America. If Eddios was able to succeed in America, they would then possess authority above anyone else.”

“There’s China as well.”

“At that time, Min JinSeo was in China. So, the only one left was America.”

“Oh, JinSeo….”

(T/N: I’m sorry if anyone’s offended that those idiotic directors think that there are only 4 countries in the world…)

Was the ‘first’ title so important? Just what was up with those power struggles? He felt flabbergasted the more he thought about it.

Since Min JinSeo came up, KangYoon decided to ask about her.

“How’s JinSeo doing?”

“JinSeo, she’s…. amazing. She’s currently filming a movie, but the important thing is that the director of this movie is the most famous director in China. Of course, she’s the main character. Not a single one of the directors can do anything to her. Directors call her this – a walking bomb.”

“JinSeo’s not that type of girl….”

KangYoon shook his head. He couldn’t understand why the word ‘bomb’ was used to describe her.

‘It’s because of you.’

Director Lee HanSeo couldn’t say those words. Instead, he coughed awkwardly and switched topics back to Eddios.

In the end, the directors had forced Eddios to go to America. However, the only result was that they lost any footing they had in Korea and had no achievements in America whatsoever. Shouldn’t they at least extend their contracts with the girls and take responsibility for their future? This was KangYoon’s opinion.

“Does MG have any intentions of extending their contract with Eddios?”

When KangYoon asked, director Lee HanSeo shook his head.

“No. The company has decided to invest the money required for the deposit into raising a new group of kids into idols. They have judged that Eddios has 2 years to go at most. They calculated that it would be much more profitable to raise a group from scratch.”

“I knew it. I did predict that when I saw that you didn’t even have management over them. But it still feels bitter to listen to the actual facts.”

“Even I feel bad about it, much less you. I understand how you feel.”

Director Lee HanSeo had spilled the beans for their internal matters. In fact, it was KangYoon who asked if it was fine to leak so many internal matters. However, director Lee HanSeo said it was okay with a powerless smile.

“I’m planning to leave the company once Eddios leaves. With this kind of management, MG is definitely doomed. I’m planning to sell whatever shares I have in the company before it goes down and set up a tea house. I keep craving for more tea after all this time I spent at a place I don’t belong to.”

Director Lee HanSeo seemed more fatigued than ever. KangYoon knew from Lee HyunJi that he had worked in Eddios’s best interests. It was his achievement that Eddios hadn’t strayed further than they already were.

“A tea house. That suits you. I’ll take the girls and frequent it.”

“I’ll call you later if I do set it up. Hahaha.”

An I-give-up-on-life laughter filled the room. Director Lee HanSeo looked very depressed. KangYoon was able to see just how much he cared for Eddios.

Now, KangYoon had finished his tea already. Director Lee HanSeo refilled his cup. The fragrant smell of tea tickled his nose again.

“The tea smells really good.”

“The faint sweet aroma is good, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Director Lee HanSeo’s tea pouring had a certain elegance behind it. His arm movements, his grip on the teapot and everything else. KangYoon exclaimed.

At that moment, director Lee HanSeo spoke with a faint smile.

“Please take care of Eddios.”

KangYoon could feel the sadness behind those words.

“Director.”

“I was incompetent and could not provide a better environment for them. In the end, I gave them over to you in a messy state. I’m very sorry.”

“……”

KangYoon felt pained when he heard those words. His eyes trembled.

To lighten up the mood again, director Lee HanSeo smiled softly.

“I did say I’m leaving, but I won’t be able to abdicate my director position so easily. Even though I’m a paperweight director, I am still a director after all. I need to transfer my work to my successor and also take care of the shares.”

“So it’s not easy retiring either.”

“Tell me about it. I don’t know how long I could stay there, but while I do, I’ll tell you if there’s anything interesting that happens.”

KangYoon doubted his ears. This practically meant that he was spying for him! Director Lee HanSeo knew what KangYoon was thinking and spoke on.

“I want to do something that helps Eddios out. Helping you, president Lee should be helping them in some way. This is the only thing I can do now.”

“Director.”

KangYoon couldn’t say anything. He could feel the deep affection the director had with Eddios.

“Why don’t you come over to our company instead?”

“Where are you planning to use an old decrepit man like me? If I set up a tea house later, please bring the girls over to visit.”

Despite director Lee’s refusal, KangYoon offered him several times. He even went into detail that someone of his mindset was necessary for a growing company like them.

“…I’ll have to think about it.”

“Please think about it positively.”

In the end, director Lee HanSeo told him that he would consider it. It would be a lie to say that he didn’t have any interest in World Entertainment’s rapid growth. A tea house was good and all, but working at KangYoon’s company didn’t sound so bad either. It was just that his failures up to now were dragging him behind.

KangYoon felt that someone like director Lee HanSeo would become a warm place of rest for everyone. He wished that the director would consider this seriously.

The meeting of the two ended like that.