Translator: Synopsis

  “Ah…. No, I don’t mean anything special by it….”


  Lee HyunAh panicked at her own unexpected offense.

  It was past midnight, and the road was empty. Only the sound of cars swooshing by could be heard. Shy expression, redden face. KangYoon felt strange after hearing those words.

  “I…. Oh, the taxi’s here.”


  Just as KangYoon was about to reply, the taxi arrived. It was perfect timing.

  “I’ll go first then.”


  Lee HyunAh got into the taxi as fast as possible. She immediately told the drive her destination and waved at KangYoon.

  “Be careful on your way home. And do send me an album if you make one.”


  “Yes. Then I’ll be on my way.”


  Lee HyunAh acting like it was nothing was more awkward. Like that, she would probably kick the seat on her way home…. Imagining such a scene, KangYoon felt that she was cute.

  KangYoon also grabbed another taxi and went home.

  ‘A girlfriend, a lover, eh…. I still don’t know yet.’


  KangYoon smiled in bitterness after thinking that. Now, he started getting more room financially, but he still had many things to do. He also had to take care of HeeYoon’s matter, and he also thought that his work was also not stable yet. Matters about lovers was still too early for him.

  ‘Fuu….’


  Driving through the night Han river, the taxi he was on headed to his house.

  ***

  “Chief, have a look at this.”


  Vice-chief Yoon MinSeo, who was selected from the PR team for KangYoon’s projects, called for Chief Oh ChaeSung, who was likewise called into the team. Chief Oh ChaeSung approached her with questions on his face.

  “What is it?”


  “You know about the DRO Mart thing? It went up on a blog.”


  “Let’s see. Isn’t this guy a power-blogger? With 100,000 views a day?”


  “Yes, it was posted on the site as a shoe store with good music.”


  The blog paid attention to the fact that some of the songs could only be heard from the store. The blog also put a 1-minute preview of the song with Owner Gu YoungSoo’s approval and many visitors were pressing ‘recommended’.

  “This is good. Are there any other places?”


  “It’s also spreading around on social media sites. Should we do it as well?”


  “No, if we do it, we might be flagged as advertisers so let’s just keep watching. Just don’t let any bad rumors spread around.”


  “Okay.”


  Vice-chief Yoon MinSeo accepted her orders and did her work.

  While the team members were doing their work, KangYoon entered; his hands full of sushi.

  “Let’s eat first.”


  It was 5 p.m. Everyone knew that they were going to work overtime today, and they rejoiced. They all ate the sushi in the meeting room.

  While eating, KangYoon asked Chief Oh ChaeSung.

  “I’ve heard that rumors about DRO Mart are circulating around the web.”


  “The fact that there is music which could only be heard from that store is becoming a hot issue. There are even famous blogs where they give out 1-minute previews.”


  “That sounds nice. For now, keep a look out on things. Let’s try to finish up by 8 today.”


  “Yes!”


  After a light meal, and when everyone was about to get up, KangYoon spoke.

  “There will be special bonuses this month. It will be quite good.”


  “Yeeeees!”


  Everyone cheered at KangYoon’s blessing.

  ***

  After everyone went home, KangYoon visited his office. Just as he was about to leave with all his work done, a call came from the President’s office.

  ‘What is it?’


  He didn’t feel so good to be called when he was about to leave. However, he still went there thinking that something must be up, and when he did, President Lee HyunJi was sitting together with a young lady.

  “Sorry to bother you so late. I have someone to introduce you to. Miss HyoMin, this is Mr. KangYoon.”


  President Lee HyunJi introduced KangYoon to the lady. She was a lady in her late twenties wearing casual jeans and a t-shirt. Other than her dark expression, she didn’t look that special.

  “It’s our next work, Team leader Lee. We’ll be opening Miss Gye HyoMin’s piano solo recital. There was originally a group that took care of her solo recital, but things didn’t go well. And that’s why we’re here.”


  “Oh, is that so?”


  KangYoon asked President Lee HyunJi for the details. Pianist Gye HyoMin’s solo recital would take place at the end of March. There was a management company that was originally in charge of that, but thanks to the owner of that company going dormant after gobbling up the money, the recital was annulled. In the end, she used her own funds to request the General Music team of MG Entertainment and the work came to KangYoon.

  KangYoon finally understood why the lady had such a dark expression. Even though it was a ‘concert’, a classical musician had to ask for help to a pop music company. She wouldn’t be able to do this without courage.

  “We have knowhow regarding pop music, but classical music is a different field altogether. Of course, I can tell you about the audio quality and how to bring in the audience, but it will be hard for us to support you in any other way.”


  KangYoon was honest here. And since he was, Gye HyoMin also spoke in a small voice.

  “…I don’t care about any of that. Just allow me to do the recital.”


  Her conditions were simple – to let her safely do the recital that would take place at the end of March. KangYoon asked again and again about any other conditions she may have, but she replied with a shake of her head.

  President Lee HyunJi judged that this was the right time and took out the contract. Gye HyoMin signed the contract and the contract was achieved. They exchanged contracts and KangYoon extended his hand for a handshake. However, she didn’t react at all. He had to retract his hand in awkwardness.

  “…You just need to make the stage.”


  “Understood.”


  It seemed that the shock of the scam was still lingering on her as her gaze was filled with distrust. It wouldn’t be a surprise if KangYoon felt bad, but he just looked over it.

  With the contract done, Gye HyoMin went home immediately. When only two of them were left in the office, KangYoon spoke carefully.

  “She doesn’t seem to trust us at all.”


  “It’s not surprising. It looks like she was quite shocked…. She paid the contract with her own money and not the management company. She must have it really hard.”


  “Hmm…. It’ll be hard to work without her trust.”


  “But don’t you think that she’s seen some hope to sign the contract? She looks desperate, and it’s you we’re talking about, so I’m sure you’d do well. I’ll leave you to do the rest then. Tell me if you need anything.”


  “Understood.”


  KangYoon left the president’s office after that.

  ***

  “SoYoung!”


  HeeYoon called out to Park SoYoung from afar. The two friends chattered a lot since it had been some time since they saw each other. They stuck together.

  Park SoYoung ordered a fruit shaved ice with HeeYoon. Shaved ice in winter was great.

  “When’s your brother coming?”


  “He’ll be here soon.”


  As they were talking to each other, the door opened and KangYoon entered.

  “Oppa!”


  HeeYoon waved her hands and Park SoYoung stood up. To Park SoYoung, KangYoon was her savior.

  “SoYoung, it’s been a while. Have you been well?”


  “Yes. Did you just become cooler?”


  “Thanks, you became prettier too.”


  They greeted each other lightly and sat down.

  Park SoYoung said that she was staying in Seoul for her exam. She had applied for Hallyeo Arts university and various other music colleges in Seoul and came here for her practical exam. She was currently staying at her relative’s house.

  “Do you think you’ll get in?”


  “I don’t know. I did do my best….”


  Park SoYoung shook her head when HeeYoon asked that. Everyone would be worried about exams, regardless of whether they’ve done well or not. KangYoon switched to a brighter topic.

  “Hey. Do you girls have time this Saturday?”


  “Saturday? What, are you going to show us something good?”


  Park SoYoung showed strong interest. HeeYoon was the same. KangYoon gave her two tickets. HeeYoon laughed when she saw their name ‘The Formidables’.

  “Oppa, the band name is ‘The Formidables’?

  “Yeah, the name might sound funny, but their songs are decent. They’re performing in Hongdae. Let’s go watch them.”


  “I’m of course going. SoYoung, how about you?”


  Park SoYoung didn’t say much.

  “I’m also good. Oppa, may I?”


  “Of course. It’s this week so just keep that in mind.”


  “Yes.”


  After that KangYoon paid for the shaved ice. Park SoYoung said she’d pay for it, but KangYoon said that it wasn’t good to make minors pay and took out his credit card. Then, he gave the card to HeeYoon saying he had to go back to work.

  “Oppa, I’m fine.”


  “Treat yourselves.”


  KangYoon left HeeYoon with his card and returned to work. Seeing him leave, Park SoYoung spoke with her eyes glistening.

  “HeeYoon. I…. want to have your brother.”


  “Never.”


  “It was a joke, but you’re strict.”


  Park SoYoung looked at HeeYoon in envy since KangYoon gave his card to her.

  Meanwhile, KangYoon had returned to the company and resumed his work. It was matters related to Gye HyoMin’s piano recital.

  ‘The most urgent thing is to get a venue.’


  She wanted a recital at the end of March. KangYoon was worried. From his report, he saw that classical concert halls were already reserved from February to March. The fact that Gye HyoMin’s recital venue was taken away by someone else after it was canceled was also quite big.

  ‘Do we need to go away from the capital?’


  KangYoon thought about that for a moment but shook his head. The number of people attending the recital would drop drastically as soon as he planned it outside the capital city. The facilities in the concert were important, but transportation was a big factor as well.

  He looked for concert venues with phone calls and other documents, but in the end, KangYoon couldn’t find any suitable places. The liaison team was also busy looking for places, but they couldn’t find any suitable venues either.

  “Looks like I should look around town halls tomorrow.

  Getting off work, KangYoon decided that he would work away from the company tomorrow. There was a limit to just talking with the bottom-of-the-hierarchy employees. He felt like there was only a possibility of meeting with the higher-up people of various art halls such as their owners.

  The next day.

  Bringing his company car, KangYoon started going around various art halls and other classical concert halls. He had borrowed power from President Lee HyunJi and arranged for meetings beforehand. He met with various owners of various halls, but it was hard to find a suitable place.

  “I apologize, we already have a booking.”


  “Understood. Please call me if it gets canceled by any chance.”


  Leaving one hall, KangYoon would say the same line along with giving the opponent his business card. Presents were a must to leave a good impression. It was very tiring, and although he didn’t have any ties with classical concert halls, he consoled himself by making the ties here.

  It became late in the afternoon. KangYoon arrived at SeJin art center in Gangdong-gu. When he said that he had an appointment at the lobby, he was immediately guided to the center owner.

  “Good evening.”


  KangYoon politely greeted after entering the office. The owner Lee RaYoung pushed her glasses up and met KangYoon. Soon, coffee arrived in luxurious cups, and they started conversing.

  “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from President Lee HyunJi. Team leader Lee KangYoon, was it?”


  “Yes, ma’am.”


  “A classical music concert from MG, eh? Looks like you are widening your business. Even though the pop and classical are drastically different.”


  Owner Lee RaYoung gracefully drank the coffee. However, the eyes hidden behind her glasses were glaring at KangYoon. Her line implicitly asked why MG was extending their hand to classical music and not sticking to pop culture.

  KangYoon saw through that and answered calmly.

  “I was really worried at first. Despite that, Miss Gye HyoMin, who we are working with, was really exceptional at music. I became rather greedy as a planner.”


  “Oho, really? Desire, eh?”


  Even to KangYoon’s eyes, she didn’t look like someone who had a good opinion about pop music. He did hear from somewhere that some of the classical music people looked down on pop music, but it looked like she was one of them. However, KangYoon didn’t confront her directly.

  “Planners always have a lot of desire. They are people who want to produce the best performance once they come in contact with good music. I’m the same. And to do that, I need your concert hall.”


  “Is that so? Your pretext sounds nice.”


  She received the documents from KangYoon. She was picky, but she was very delicate with her hands. KangYoon continued to talk while she flipped through the papers.

  “I’ve heard that SeJin Recital Hall is a classical concert hall built 3 years ago. It can house 500 people and I’m also aware that the structure of the building is suited for classical music. The sound-dampening materials in the side ceiling nullifies any exterior noise and the suitable height of the ceiling allows for the music to travel far. I know it as the most suitable place for us.”


  “Looks like you’ve done your homework.”


  She smiled while looking at the documents. He had written details about the venue itself and the reason he had to borrow the venue. All of them written clearly and concisely. Honestly, she was quite tempted to accept.

  However, she didn’t show any of her emotions on the outside.

  “However, Mr. Lee KangYoon. We were booked by another team in March.”


  “If that team was going to borrow this place for sure, I wouldn’t be here.”


  “…Please continue.”


  KangYoon continued to explain. He knew that this was the decisive part and postured himself properly.

  “I think the reason you’re conflicted about your decision is that of the performing team’s ‘name value’. In the case of the cellist, Kim HaYoung, who made you unable to pick yet, is a very well-known youth right now. However, in my opinion, I believe that Miss Gye HyoMin is much higher in terms of being a hot issue. The comeback stage of a new star after 3 years. I think it’s also very suitable to advertise the venue. And this is also why you are conflicted.”


  “Doesn’t the fact that there was no news of her for three years mean that it is very risky for me instead? In this field, one day of no practice is very noticeable, you know?”


  “If that was the case, would I have come here? Just because she wasn’t publicly active for 3 years doesn’t mean that she did not practice.”


  “…….”


  She became silent at KangYoon’s firm resolution.

  “…Looks like I’ll have to think about it for a moment.”


  KangYoon quietly sipped his coffee saying it was alright. The coffee had cooled down while he was passionately speaking, and it cooled his throat as well.

  Lee RaYoung was also very conflicted. KangYoon’s words were definitely correct. As the owner of the venue, she had to talk about which side was more profitable. After thinking for a while, she organized her thoughts and spoke of the outcome.

  “…Very well. Let’s sign the contract.”


  “Thank you, ma’am.”


  “I think that Miss Gye HyoMin’s recital will be more desperate. After all, she is making a comeback after three years and this is the first time for you, Mr. Lee KangYoon, to do something in this field. I will trust in that eagerness. It might be difficult since it’s your first time in this field, but do go ahead.”


  She was very arrogant. However, KangYoon could notice how much calculations she did in her head about profits. It was a victory from meticulous preparation.

  She stood up and extended her right hand and KangYoon grabbed her hand.

  Like that, KangYoon got a contract from SeJin Recital Hall.

  ***

  Min JinSeo came to the company and met with Chairman Won JinMoon. It was to talk about the movie she would be starring in soon. Having read the scenario in the Chairman’s office, she shook her head.

  “I think the plot is too difficult. The main character place is very tempting, but still….”


  “Are you going to reject?”


  “Yes, I apologize. Even though you went through that trouble.”


  “Not at all. The actress can’t do it, so what can they do about it?”


  Chairman Won JinMoon immediately accepted her opinion. Being the main character of a movie was a big thing. This would be her first time as the main character as well, but seeing her reject it, he judged that her opinions could be trusted.

  “There will be another scenario tomorrow. Let’s have a look at it then.”


  “Yes.”


  Having finished the meeting, Min JinSeo left the Chairman’s office.

  ‘Should I visit?’


  She pondered for a moment before heading to KangYoon’s office. When she entered, she could see KangYoon sweating in front of the computer.

  “Sir.”


  “JinSeo?”


  KangYoon stood up from his seat to greet her. He immediately pressed some coffee from a machine in his office and gave it to Min JinSeo.

  “Thank you.”


  The coffee she drank in KangYoon’s office was always nice. No, even if it was the same coffee, her feelings were different. KangYoon sat opposite to her and handed her a ticket.

  “Sir, what’s this?”


  “A ticket. JinSeo, you don’t have any schedule today, do you?”


  “Yes. What is it?”


  KangYoon said that it was the ticket to a performance by the band formed by Lee HyunAh, who took bronze in the College Pop Festival, and her expression became strange.

  “If it’s alright with you, do you want to come with me? You let me ride the van last time too… It’s somewhat awkward to call it paying back, but…. These guys are decent, so it should be nice to watch.”


  “Really? Today, I…. do have time. Let’s go.”


  “You do need to disguise yourself though.”


  KangYoon scheduled her to meet in the lobby after work. Min JinSeo left the office saying yes.

  And as soon as she closed the door…


  ‘Yes!’


  She cheered due to the unexpected gain.