Raising a Neglected Singer-Songwriter - Chapter 177



Only Noblemtl

177. A fun bet

Those were the words I was waiting for.

– When? Where?

When I asked Bobby, he replied quickly.

– How about Now? (How about now?)

This was followed by an address.

– Jung-gu Myeongdong 8 Na-gil 38, Le Péridien Seoul Myeongdong, Room no.XXX

Since the address was written in English, it was natural to assume that it was an address in the United States or somewhere overseas.

Maybe his luxurious mansion or a villa on an island somewhere in the south with a nice view and warmth.

‘But you want to see me right now?’

I checked the address, thinking it might be one of his mischievous pranks.

“Where should I look, Jung-gu… Myeong-dong… 8 Na-gil 38… Huh?”

Seongjun’s eyes widen as he reads the address carefully.

The place Justin Bobby sent him to was neither his mansion nor a villa somewhere on the southern island.

It was a five-star hotel in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea.

‘What happened? Barbie came into the country?’

Justin Barbie, a super global world star.

His every move is followed by the paparazzi and the media.

If such a Barbie had entered the country, there would have been an uproar among fans and reporters.

Even though he must have been very busy preparing for the concert and was out of his mind, he must have heard that much news, but he never heard anything.

Just in case, I quickly searched for the article on my phone, but as expected.

“doesn’t exist.”

There was no news about Barbie’s entry into Korea.

‘What the…? What happened?’

Is the Korean address a joke or a hoax?

Or is Bobby overseas and the one in the country is his agent?

I just can’t get the hang of it.

In the midst of my confusion, a message from Bobby rang.

– Why aren’t you answering, bro? Oh, I see. You must be wondering if I’m really in Korea? I was like that last time, and I’m still cautious.

And here’s a photo that arrived.

– Look. Tower of Namsan.

Last time, it was like the selfie certification when I was doubting whether ‘Tutu’ was ‘pants’.

A blond, blue-eyed, handsome man with a bright smile showing off his teeth.

In one hand is a newspaper with today’s date clearly visible, while behind it is a high-rise city view through a transparent window.

And what you see there is the pointed landmark of Seoul, Namsan Tower.

‘This guy really likes authentication.’

But thanks to you, my doubts have been put to rest.

The date written on the front page of the newspaper is also today.

I just checked and the article in it is from today.

Barbie is really in Myeongdong now.

And the fact that he came to Korea secretly, by any means necessary, to meet her was probably because he assumed that it would be difficult to have time alone together in a public setting.

I still have some doubts, but it’s polite to go see him anyway.

And if not now, then who knows when I’ll be able to meet him.

– Wait. I’m going now.

Seongjun left the studio.

*

The time when Sungjun was texting with Justin Bobby.

In the studio of hit songwriter Choi Ha Na, a beautiful woman with a deep thoughtful expression is sitting with her chin resting on her hand.

Anyone who looks at her can tell that she is giving off an ‘I have worries’ vibe.

This is Seol Hye-yoon, who recently became a part-time member of Choi Ha-na’s studio.

“Phew.”

A low sigh escapes Seol Hye-yoon’s lips.

What on earth made her sigh?

‘I’m going to confess to Seongjun oppa.’

My younger brother’s sudden confession a while ago.

Yuna said she would convey her feelings through a love song in the coming December.

And the fact that she had told him of such a plan was a consideration for herself, her rival and older sister.

It meant to compete fairly.

As much as her younger brother thought of her, it was only right that she also prepare a confession for Seongjun.

Not half-assedly, but properly and with sincerity.

So, I thought my head would explode for several days just thinking about how to do that.

‘The way for me to convey my true feelings to Seongjun is…’

The only means that comes to mind now is ‘writing lyrics’.

In fact, Seol Hye-yoon has already timidly expressed her feelings in the lyrics three times.

[Cherry Blossom Road]

He said that he wanted to walk along the cherry blossom path holding hands in the spring.

[Do you like the sea?]

He said that he wanted to go see the sea together in the summer.

[Under the Moon]

Most recently, I used the metaphor of the ‘moon’ to convey that I am always looking at you.

‘But there was no answer.’

It was natural.

Because they were lyrics that did not target a specific person so as not to reveal my true feelings.

So, if you want to convey your feelings through lyrics this time, you have to express them much more boldly, actively, and directly than before.

If you want to make even a dullard who looks like he’s been entrusted to a pawn shop understand that.

Anyway, these were the worries that had been occupying Seol Hye-yoon’s mind recently.

Knock knock-

First, Seol Hye-yoon writes down a letter to Sung-jun on a notepad wherever her hand takes her.

The sincerity that has been kept deep in the heart is revealed in the form of lyrics, line by line.

‘When I first saw you, I didn’t know that my heart would grow this big-‘

My fingers that were typing on the keyboard stopped.

I feel a hot sensation on my face.

‘I feel somehow embarrassed and ashamed…!’

But I have to write it.

It was the moment when I was trying to calm my mind and resume writing lyrics with a light breath.

Suddenly-

At the sound of the door opening, Seol Hye-yoon’s fingers quickly press the ART + F4 buttons.

The notepad disappeared from the laptop screen in an instant at the speed of lightning.

When I looked back, I saw Choi Ha-na, the owner of the workshop, coming in after finishing a phone call.

“Sorry, Hye-yoon. The call took a long time. I’ve kept you waiting.”

“No, sis.”

When Choi Ha-na makes an apologetic expression, Seol Hye-yoon shakes her head.

Two people who have become ‘older sister’ and ‘younger sister’ at some point.

After they became priests, Choi Ha Na used honorifics for a while, but after they became close friends while studying songwriting together, she started calling Seol Hye Yoon, who was younger than her, by her name.

Seol Hye-yoon also felt uncomfortable receiving respect from Choi Ha-na, so she agreed to speak freely, and as expected, once they started to speak freely, the wall between them broke down and they quickly became close.

Thanks to that, Seol Hye-yoon feels like she has a reliable older sister who is also resourceful.

“I got a request to write lyrics.”

For star lyricist Choi Ha-na, these calls were a daily occurrence.

And this request was from a girl group.

This time, a famous Korean webtoon is being produced as a Japanese animation, and they asked me to write lyrics for its demo.

“I guess it’s [Heavenly Demon Reincarnation].”

“Yeah, how do you know? I guess you like webtoons?”

“Just a little bit.”

Rather than saying that I know [Cheonma Hwansang] because I like the webtoon, I didn’t say that I know it because I like the singer who sang the OST for the work.

“Anyway, I heard that these days, K-pop idol songs are also used a lot as anime songs. They just sent me a demo song. Do you want to listen to it?”

“yes.”

Choi Hana, who connected her phone to the speaker, plays the demo song.

As much as it supports Japanese anime songs, K-pop music with band sounds is played.

The song’s atmosphere, which is intense and flashy from the beginning, is far from the lyricism of the songs Seol Hye-yoon has worked on so far.

But even so, Seol Hye-yoon’s heart is pounding.

‘If you add straightforward ‘love’ lyrics to such a passionate song···.’

Seol Hye-yoon was able to finish reading [Cheonma Reincarnation] thanks to Sung-jun.

[Cheonma Reincarnation] is a fusion martial arts genre.

The most striking feature is the eye-catching and splendid action scenes.

However, Seol Hye-yoon read the work’s message from a slightly different perspective.

‘tie’.

A past relationship during the Cheonma era.

The current relationship where I was reincarnated into a student’s body.

And a fateful relationship that transcends the past and continues to the present.

The moments when the main character Cheon Ma-on changes most passionately in the work are always intertwined with the precious relationships he has built up over time.

And the end of ‘fate’, which means a bond between people, ultimately connects with ‘love’.

Because a ‘relationship’ that passes by like a coincidence develops into ‘love’ like fate.

Looking back, my meeting with Sungjun was like that too.

A chance relationship that started at a karaoke party.

And the feelings of love that sprouted from the layers of those relationships.

‘If I put all the emotions I felt during that time into the lyrics…’

Will I be able to reach that person then?

It was when I was trying to put the lyrics I had written in my head onto the demo song.

“Hey, Hyeyoon, do you want to try this?”

Choi Ha Na suddenly asked.

Seol Hye-yoon asks again with her eyes widening.

“Yes? But this is a request from my older sister.”

“I was going to reject it anyway. You know, you’re a star lyricist. You have a lot of work to do right now.”

Choi Ha Na added with a shrug.

“And the person who requested it would be happy if ‘Shine-nim’ said he would write the lyrics. After all, you, Hye-yoon, are the hottest lyricist in the industry right now.”

‘Shine’ was especially popular among girl group idols.

From Breeze’s debut song ‘Bright’ to Sisters’ ‘Do You Like the Sea?’, to Breeze’s new song ‘Moonlight’ which was a huge hit at the last Rock Cup.

This is because all the songs featuring rookie lyricist ‘Shine’ swept the top spot on the music charts.

Thanks to this, there was also a ripple effect when articles were published that Shine was in charge of writing the lyrics.

“Can I really take charge of it?”

When Seol Hye-yoon asked cautiously, Choi Ha-na nodded and answered.

“Then, then. And you came to me because you wanted to try writing lyrics for various styles of songs. Now that I have a chance to show you the results of my studies, let’s do it. And-”

‘Hye-yoon, your eyes were so sparkling.’

Choi Ha-na, who was about to add one more word, swallowed her next words and laughed.

“So, I’ll ask them first. I’m listening to the demo song and writing some lyrics.”

“Yes, thank you, sis.”

Choi Ha Na left the studio to make another phone call.

And Seol Hye-yoon’s eyes, left alone, shine.

‘Yeah, it’s a chance.’

As Choi Ha-na said, it is an opportunity to show the results so far.

And a chance to tell Sungjun her honest feelings.

Knock knock-

My fingers move quickly over the notepad.

A pleased smile appeared on Choi Ha-na’s face as she quietly entered the studio and watched the scene.

*

If you want to hide a tree, hide it in the forest.

Following the old saying, Sungjun came out to Myeongdong Street during the dinner time when there were the most people.

An office worker who has finished work at the company.

Foreigners visiting Seoul.

Couples out on a date.

With every step, countless people pass by.

But no one recognized Sungjun wearing [ordinary glasses].

“Is this it?”

Seongjun, who was looking for directions using a map on his cell phone, entered the entrance of a hotel.

As I got on the elevator, I felt a sense of floating and the number of floors rose rapidly.

“Whew, I’m nervous.”

Sungjun visits the hotel to meet Justin Bobby.

I used some of the coins I had saved up to prepare for the unexpected and raised my [Self-Defense] skill to level 12.

Since he’s gotten stronger since he easily subdued the Japanese gangster Shibasaki, there’s no need to worry no matter what happens.

In addition, he left a message for his manager, Oh Hae-soo, asking him to come find him if he couldn’t contact him for a while.

This is quite sufficient for the comparison.

Ding-

Soon the elevator door opened.

We arrived at the top floor of the hotel.

I walked over to the only exclusive suite there and rang the doorbell.

Ding dong-

Then, Barbie’s voice was heard from inside.

“Knock, knock. Who’s there?”

It’s a game that American kids often play.

“it’s me.”

I answered dryly, thinking that I wouldn’t be able to get along easily.

Then there was no answer.

Doesn’t open the door.

‘shit.’

It’s clear that the guy is symbolically saying he’ll only open the door if you ‘answer to the message sent’.

“I’ll ask you again. Knock, knock. Who’s there?”

Seongjun’s lips, which had been fluttering, opened slightly.

“···D to the V to the OICE.”

As soon as I said those words, [Myeonggyeongjisu] almost shook.

As I was trying to pull myself together, the door that had been closed opened with a click.

and-

“Welcome. Devoice.”

Barbie, wearing a bathrobe and square swimming trunks, greeted me with a smile.

As if she had just finished playing in a jacuzzi, water droplets dripped from her damp hair.

Although she had a beauty that could captivate not only women’s hearts but also men’s hearts, she did not catch Sungjun’s eye.

His gaze was directed to the interior of the suite.

Barbie is famous for being a free-spirited and thought-provoking person.

I was wondering if maybe he was making a mess at the drinking party-

‘It’s neat…?’

The inside, which was slightly visible, was in a neat and tidy state.

“Thank you for coming. It’s rude to keep guests waiting for too long, so please come in quickly.”

I followed Justin Bobby into the living room.

The living room looked the same as it did from the outside.

Contrary to what I expected to be a mess, it was neatly organized.

There was no alcohol and no clothes strewn about.

I just lit some scented candles and put on some animation on the big TV.

That anime was the movie version of ‘I’m Alone’ that aired in the second quarter of last year.

“I was so excited when you said you were coming that I came to see you again after a long time. No matter how many times I watch it, I never get tired of it.”

Seongjun continues to quickly look around.

There is no sign of anyone other than him and Bobby.

A space for just the two of us.

Only then, when I was a little more at ease, did Bobby ask.

“Have you eaten dinner?”

“Not yet.”

“Good. I haven’t done it yet. I was just setting up the room service food I ordered. Let’s eat together. Oh, and I looked it up and we’re the same age, so let’s not be formal. Let’s be friendly and American-style. Okay?”

“Well, then.”

As we headed to the large dining table, just as Barbie had said, the food was steaming hot and fresh, served on stylish gold plates reserved for the exclusive suites.

“It’s a bit weird for two men to sit next to each other.”

I sat across from Barbie with food between us.

Seongjun wasn’t particularly hungry, but out of courtesy, he put a piece of bread on his plate before the meal.

Meanwhile, Barbie started eating like a storm.

“Aren’t you going to eat? It’ll taste better if you eat it before it gets cold.”

“Skipping the appetizers, I’m going straight for the juicy steak, slicing it into big chunks,” Bobby said.

Then, I roll the fork around the pasta and put it in my mouth, then I eat the soup that has an unidentifiable but fragrant flavor.

A rhythmic meal, with the sound of dishes colliding with each other, somehow resembling a beat.

Finally, he finished off the soda water and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before putting down his fork and knife.

“I’m a little full now.”

Bobby raised the corners of his lips as if he was satisfied.

Then, he leaned his upper body towards Seongjun and asked.

“Anyway, since you came to see me today, does that mean you’re a ‘player’?”

At first, I planned to continue to feign ignorance about being a player.

However, since they had come this far anyway, Sungjun decided to answer, thinking that if he just looked around and avoided things, the conversation would progress slowly.

“So you’re a ‘player’ too?”

“Hmm, half right, half wrong.”

Half right and half wrong?

What on earth does that mean?

When Sungjun looked at her with a puzzled look, Bobby’s eyes widened like crescent moons.

“Are you curious? But I can’t tell you easily.”

“Then I guess I have nothing to tell you?”

“Maybe so. But I think you’re probably more curious than I am.”

That was the point.

The fact that you accepted the offer to meet right away gave you room to make that judgment.

It was something I had already decided to do, but I was still a little worried when the other person came out like that.

‘I wonder what kind of demands the guy in charge will make…’

But looking at the nuance, it seems that there was some intention to share information.

“Anyway, I thought of a fun bet.”

“bet?”

“Yeah, I saw you hanging out with the ‘idiot brothers’ and I really wanted to join in.”

The idiot brothers that Bobby refers to are most likely the Johnson Twins.

That’s right.

“Let’s compete with our music scores, Devoice. If you win, I’ll tell you anything you want to know. Whether it’s about ‘players’ or ‘developers’.”

“Is this a game where if you win, you get my information?”

“Yeah. How about it? It’ll be fun, right?”

Barbie said with a playful look in her eyes.

“Player, no, let’s say we’re both chosen beings suspected of being Players for now. Anyway, let’s compete based on what you and I have achieved.”

Barbie’s eyes, flickering her tongue, glow red in the setting sun.

And then.

Tiring-

[A special mission has arrived.]

[Defeat the mysterious player(?).]

[Reward upon success: Broken music box mainspring]

A system message arrived offering the mainspring of the last music box as a reward.

Sungjun’s eyes met Bobby’s eyes through a translucent holographic message.

“Okay, let’s do it.”

Seongjun added, looking at Bobby whose lips were brightly raised at his answer.

“Prepare a bundle of stories.”