HLnovel Chapter 195 : A Few Suggestions
Chapter 195 : A Few Suggestions
In a secluded corner of Sierra.Kim Jinsoo quietly sat, watching the stage.
Even amid the lively atmosphere of the club, he remained the only one sitting in silence.
Like a dull gray island in the middle of a vivid 4K video.
As though he were determined to prove something.
Like someone who already knew the answer, yet desperately wanted to confirm it one more time.
'...This feels awkward.'
It was completely different from the feeling he'd had a few days ago when he'd secretly watched from the second-floor seating.
Today, he had come here as a "real" audience member.
Before entering the club, he'd been a little worried.
What if someone recognized him?
What if young people mocked him for acting foolishly?
What if people criticized the future head of the conglomerate for idly spending his time listening to music at a club?
But...
Those worries had been completely unnecessary.
With relaxed eyes, he slowly looked around.
Everyone was too busy enjoying the moment.
Enjoying the atmosphere.
Who was around them.
What anyone else was doing.
None of that seemed to matter.
He glanced toward the seat beside him.
His executive secretary was reacting in much the same way.
Gone was the stiff, tense expression he'd worn all day.
Instead, he looked around excitedly like a child visiting an amusement park for the first time.
Right.
To have become an executive secretary, he'd probably never had the chance to enjoy life even for a moment.
This was probably his first time in a place like this as well.
Kim Jinsoo casually nudged him.
"Aren't you thirsty?"
"Excuse me?"
For a brief moment, it looked as though a giant question mark had appeared over the secretary's head.
But with the sharp intuition expected of an executive secretary, he immediately understood what Kim Jinsoo wanted.
"I'll bring something light with a fruity flavor."
"Get one for yourself too."
"Ah, that's alright. I have to drive...."
"They probably have non-alcoholic drinks too."
The secretary hesitated briefly.
Not long afterward, he returned carrying two cocktails.
Kim Jinsoo gently swirled the glass in his hand, listening to the ice clink together.
It sounded brighter than he'd expected.
Refreshing.
He took a sip.
The aroma was surprisingly pleasant.
"Not bad."
"It's called a Peach Fizz. I was told it's their most popular cocktail."
The secretary quietly observed Kim Jinsoo's expression.
Whether it was because of the atmosphere.
Or perhaps because of the cocktail itself.
He wasn't sure.
'...I didn't know Executive Director Kim had this side to him.'
The tense expression Kim Jinsoo had worn all day had long since disappeared.
Watching him sitting comfortably among the younger crowd no longer felt strange.
Then—
"Kyaaaaa!"
"Hold the beat!"
Amid thunderous cheers, a DJ wearing a black hoodie and a black mask stepped onto the stage.
Blackhole.
The moment he appeared, Kim Jinsoo straightened in his seat.
The energy radiating from that DJ was unquestionably special.
Watching the performance hidden among Sierra's genuine audience brought a completely raw kind of enjoyment.
Gradually, the cheers died down.
Blackhole raised one arm and shouted,
"Hold the beat!"
"Wooooooah!"
The first song of the night began.
Unlike the previous performance.
This time, relentless EDM pounded against his ears.
The powerful, rapid beats were so overwhelming that he could barely think straight.
Ordinarily, he probably would've covered his ears and complained about the noise.
The vibrations were incredible as well.
The beat struck his entire body.
It was a sound unlike anything he'd ever experienced.
'So this... is what a real club feels like.'
The song playing was
Originally by a French band.
Now reborn as EDM layered with Blackhole's signature dense sound.
The so-called Blackhole Remix Version.
Of course...
Kim Jinsoo didn't know any of that.
He simply...
Enjoyed it.
So this was what a real club was.
A small sigh of admiration escaped him.
"Hoh... I like it."
The moment he muttered those words, his secretary turned his head.
"Sir?"
"Nothing. It's just... more comfortable here than I expected."
The secretary nodded before cautiously asking,
"Is it one of your favorite songs?"
"No."
"...Excuse me?"
Suppressing the excitement inside him, Kim Jinsoo answered,
"I've never heard it before... but it's worth listening to."
The secretary stared blankly for a moment.
But Kim Jinsoo had already turned his attention back to the stage.
There was no businessman in his eyes anymore.
No investor.
No future heir.
For this moment...
He was simply another member of the audience.
Kim Jinsoo finished the rest of his cocktail in one gulp and tightly gripped the envelope he'd prepared.
After successfully finishing today's performance...
Just as I stepped off the stage to the sound of the audience's cheers, my phone rang.
[ My Older Brother ]
Why was he calling?
He said he was coming to watch today's performance.
I wonder if he enjoyed it.
I quickly slipped into a quiet corner and answered.
"Hyung, were you here today?"
Yeah. Yeonhee said she was tired, so I'm taking her home. Sorry I couldn't say goodbye! She said she had an amazing time.
"Really? That's good. See you at home."
Hey, Taeyoon.
"Yeah?"
Unlike his usual self, he hesitated for a moment before speaking quietly.
Do you happen to have plans tonight?
"Tonight? No? Other than getting my CD from you."
It's already past three in the morning.
What plans could I possibly have now?
That's strange. Then wasn't he here to see you?
"What are you talking about?"
I'll send you a link. Check it out. Anyway, I'll give you the CD at home. Good work tonight!
The moment the call ended...
A social media link arrived.
...Huh?
What's this?
[ Why Is KW Group Executive Director Kim Jinsoo at a Club? ]
(Photo)
↳ Probably just someone who looks like him. ㄷㄷㄷ
↳↳ Yeah, exactly. Isn't that Kim Minsoo?
↳↳↳ Nope. Kim Minsoo doesn't dress like that.
↳↳↳↳ Wait... then is it really him?
↳ I think it actually is.
↳ He probably went because of the KW Hotel club project.
↳↳ Even if it's work, an Executive Director going to a club at this hour???
↳ Even Executive Director Kim Jinsoo can't resist a Blackhole performance.
↳↳ Seriously. ㅋㅋㅋ
↳ He probably came again after seeing that invitation performance for KW Group the other day.
↳ Doesn't Sierra have an age limit?
↳↳ Nope. As long as you're not a minor, you're fine. Getting tickets is the hard part.
↳ Just imagining a chaebol trying to buy club tickets is hilarious. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
↳↳ His secretary probably handled it.
↳↳↳ Come on, amateurs. He probably got invitation tickets.
Hmm?
Whether he'd bought tickets or received invitations...
I didn't know.
But one thing was certain.
He hadn't come specifically to see me.
I didn't know about anything else.
But every important person I'd ever met always arranged appointments in advance through their secretary.
People that busy naturally had schedules to manage.
Either way...
I was happy he'd come to watch my performance.
Still...
If he'd told me beforehand, I would've put even more thought into the set list.
Today's performance had been unusually wild and niche.
Thinking that, I entered the waiting room.
"Yo, Blackhole. Good work."
Seeing CEO Kim Minsoo sitting there wasn't particularly surprising.
But the person sitting beside him...
"Can chaebols clone people too?"
There was another middle-aged man sitting there who looked exactly like CEO Kim Minsoo!
"Ahem."
Wait.
Even his cough sounded identical.
Hold on...
Is that really Executive Director Kim Jinsoo?
I couldn't tell from TV or newspaper photos.
But seeing him in person...
They looked almost like doppelgängers.
"H-Hello."
At my greeting, the man I presumed to be Kim Jinsoo stood up and extended his hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a great deal about you. I'm Kim Jinsoo."
Wow...
I wanted that voice.
Was this what people meant when they talked about the elegance of a chaebol?
Even an ordinary greeting carried dignity.
Completely different from Kim Minsoo.
Calm.
Refined.
Smart.
Sophisticated.
"I've also heard a great deal about you. I'm Blackhole, Seo Taeyoon."
After awkwardly greeting him, I quickly leaned toward CEO Kim Minsoo and whispered,
"Is that really Executive Director Kim Jinsoo?"
"Yep. Why? Do I look that different?"
"No. You look exactly alike. I was seriously shocked."
If you didn't know Kim Jinsoo in Korea, you were basically a spy.
No...
Even spies probably knew who he was.
But maybe it was because of the casual clothes.
Instead of looking like the future heir of a chaebol, he looked like the friendly man next door.
Seeing my dumbfounded expression, Kim Minsoo laughed.
"You really shouldn't be saying that."
"Huh? Why?"
"You look exactly like Dongyoon too. You're just smaller. Otherwise you're practically identical."
I instinctively shouted,
"No, we're not!"
My older brother looked like a mountain bandit....
"Oh my, our Taeyoon sure has a loud voice. Sit down first."
"Please. You must be tired."
Executive Director Kim Jinsoo gestured warmly.
I carefully sat down across from him.
Leaning comfortably against the sofa, CEO Kim Minsoo said,
"Relax."
After every performance, I was completely exhausted.
Normally I'd practically melt into the sofa.
But...
Somehow I found myself sitting unusually straight.
At this point, flopping down comfortably would've been embarrassing.
So I stayed exactly as I was.
Smiling slightly, Kim Jinsoo looked directly at me and asked,
"May I ask what your opening song was?"
"Ah, it was a song called
"It was excellent. I think my heart stopped twice while listening."
What was I supposed to say to that?
"...I'm sorry."
There really wasn't any other response.
Executive Director Kim Jinsoo burst into laughter.
"No, not at all. I really enjoyed the performance. It left a deep impression on me. Even more than the one I saw the other day."
"I'm honored."
"I was very pleased. It reminded me that I judged people correctly. What you showed during Orbit wasn't the end of your abilities after all."
He seemed remarkably skilled at praising someone right in front of them.
My face suddenly felt hot.
Watching my reaction with interest, Kim Jinsoo continued,
"I wanted us to have a comfortable conversation. Whether about music, clubs, or everyday life. Anything at all. So I came here without making an appointment. If that was rude of me, I sincerely apologize."
Then he actually bowed his head.
I immediately sat up straight and hurriedly bowed as well.
"Not at all. If it's about music, you're always welcome."
"I'm relieved to hear that."
Afterward...
We talked for a while.
Strictly speaking, unlike his younger brother, CEO Kim Minsoo, Executive Director Kim Jinsoo wasn't particularly knowledgeable about music.
How should I describe it?
It felt like someone cramming the night before an exam.
No...
More like someone who'd received perfectly targeted tutoring on the key points.
He smoothly recited all the general knowledge.
I didn't dislike that.
He'd clearly prepared all of it specifically so he could talk to me.
Despite how busy he was.
"Did you always enjoy DJing?"
"No. I didn't know much about it. But I became curious. Then I started liking it. Thanks to your performances, Blackhole."
That was good enough for me.
I smiled and nodded.
Then Kim Jinsoo suddenly took out a large envelope and placed it on the table.
Ah.
I knew this pattern.
I could tell just by looking.
There was definitely a contract inside.
But...
That was a problem.
I already belonged to KIM Entertainment.
Surely he knew that.
Even if he somehow didn't...
It would still be strange when his own younger brother—the other party to my contract—was sitting right beside him doing absolutely nothing.
Confused, I looked toward CEO Kim Minsoo.
He simply smiled mysteriously.
Ah...
If only I were a little better at reading people, I might've understood that expression.
But this was someone who'd survived countless battles to become an Executive Director.
I couldn't casually jump to conclusions.
So I pretended not to know and asked,
"What is this?"
"It's nothing special. Open it."
So I casually opened the envelope.
[ Club Lunatic Joint Management and Brand Partnership Agreement ]
[ This agreement concerns the joint management and delegation of authority regarding Club Lunatic (hereinafter referred to as "the Club") between KW Group (hereinafter referred to as "Party A") and Blackhole (legal name: Seo Taeyoon, hereinafter referred to as "Party B").... ]
...What?
Joint management?
Did that mean...
I'd be managing Club Lunatic in Gangnam together with them?
Equity?
What was this?
They said that when someone became too shocked...
Their body froze.
That was exactly what happened to me.
I was so happy I thought my mind might stop working.
Kim Jinsoo wanted nothing more than to immediately take out the Montblanc fountain pen he'd prepared and place it in Taeyoon's hand.
Meeting him in person only made him want him even more.
Faced with such an extraordinary proposal...
Yet calmly reading every page without the slightest excitement or hesitation.
That inspired tremendous confidence.
Ordinarily...
Anyone presented with a contract like this would break into a huge smile.
Some people even jumped around with excitement, unable to hide their emotions.
But Taeyoon was different.
Far too composed.
Almost as though he'd expected an offer like this all along.
Kim Jinsoo quietly turned toward his younger brother, Kim Minsoo.
Seeing him simply nod as if he'd known all along...
Everything suddenly made sense.
So this was why his younger brother had become so attached to this young man.
'Yes... I suppose that's understandable.'
He picked up the instant mix coffee sitting in front of him.
Normally, he wouldn't even touch such cheap coffee.
Yet today, it somehow tasted fragrant.
"Take your time reading it."
Even before Taeyoon had finished reading...
Kim Jinsoo already knew.
This young man wouldn't hesitate.
He was bolder than any risk-taker Kim Jinsoo had ever met in his life.
Far more dangerous.
And...
Far more dependable.
No matter how long it took.
No matter how many times Taeyoon reread the agreement.
He intended to wait.
Until Taeyoon smiled and extended his hand.
However...
Contrary to his expectations—
"Actually... rather than this...."
Closing the contract, Taeyoon asked seriously,
"I have a few suggestions. Would it be alright if I talked about them here?"
What?
Was the equity insufficient?
Or perhaps...
The contract period?
Suppressing the complicated thoughts running through his mind, Kim Jinsoo answered,
"Of course. Let's hear them."
Only then did Taeyoon pull out a mysterious notebook and begin speaking.
"First...."
Gulp.
Kim Jinsoo swallowed hard.
What exactly did he want?
If he said becoming the main DJ felt like too much responsibility...
That would be a serious problem.
Club Lunatic could only be complete with Blackhole standing at the forefront.
If Blackhole became merely a supporting DJ, everything would become meaningless.
What if he asked for a larger ownership share?
It could be done.
But that would require convening a shareholders' meeting.
He could certainly create a convincing argument...
Yet just imagining how he'd persuade those stubborn old men already gave him a headache.
As those possibilities raced through his mind, he watched Taeyoon intently with a tense expression.
Then—
As though he'd been waiting for this opportunity, Taeyoon enthusiastically began listing everything he wanted to say.
"If we're going to run it together, I'd like authority over recruiting the DJs. There's a particular DJ I've had my eye on, and if I want to build the club the way I envision it, I really need that authority."
"...?"
"Ah, and I'd also like to hold some special events! Things like another Forty-and-Over Night, K-Pop Medley Night, Breakup Party Night, Band Special Night.... Ah! I think Mask Day would be great too! Everyone enters wearing masks and enjoys the club anonymously. Also...."
Watching Taeyoon excitedly ramble on...
Kim Jinsoo stared blankly for a moment before looking toward Kim Minsoo.
Kim Minsoo was practically shaking with laughter.
'...Is this what people call an otaku?'
Ownership shares.
Being the main DJ.
None of those things had ever been the real concern.
If these were the requests...
He could grant one thousand of them.
Ten thousand, if necessary.