Chapter 27: The Last Leisurely Moments

“I see. Then, Sooyoung, help us accept Director Lee’s invitation!” Chen Yuqi stroked her chin, her gaze deep and thoughtful. Based on the news she’d just learned, her younger brother had become quite the sought-after talent among entertainment companies. If he didn’t want to enter show business, it wouldn’t matter, but if he did, they’d have to choose the best and most suitable company. LOEN and SM would both be considered.

“Yuqi, which time should we set with the teachers?” Sooyoung, having heard her friend’s words, could already guess what she was thinking. Without hesitation, she picked up her phone, ready to call Lee Sooman back, but as her finger hovered over the call button, she realized they hadn’t decided on a time.

“LOEN is set for tomorrow, so let’s schedule SM Entertainment for the day after,” Chen Yuqi replied absentmindedly, her thoughts still occupied with what to do if her brother really did choose to join the industry. She simply pushed SM’s visit one day back from LOEN’s.

Having received a specific time from Yuqi, Sooyoung left the siblings to themselves and stepped aside to call Lee Sooman. Only Chen Yuqi and Chen Zhe remained, both silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

When Sooyoung finished her call and returned, the three of them resumed their cheerful, carefree manner, chatting and laughing as they searched for fun attractions, as if the earlier matters had been left far behind.

————— Evening, Grand Hyatt Hotel Suite —————

The family of four gathered for a video call, holding a family meeting. First, Chen Yuqi reported on the day’s events, then Chen Zhe recounted what had happened yesterday in Myeongdong.

“So, you composed and performed a song, which became a huge hit, and now a lot of entertainment companies want to sign you?” Their father, Chen Kaiming, summarized the situation after a moment’s thought.

“What about you, Zhe? What do you want? Do you want to enter show business?” Their mother turned to Chen Zhe, her expression serious, exuding the authority of a homeroom teacher.

“It really does depend on what you want, Zhe. I’ll just ask you directly—do you want to enter the entertainment industry?” Chen Kaiming looked at his son, his gaze encouraging, as if urging Chen Zhe to speak his mind without fear.

“Uh, alright, Mom, Dad, I’ll be honest. I want to join the entertainment industry. I want to stand on stage, under the spotlight.” After a long silence, feeling the weight of his parents’ gazes, Chen Zhe finally gave in to the pressure. In a moment of resignation, he ruffled his hair and spoke out loudly.

“Why? I remember you used to dream of being a painter or a designer!” His mother, seemingly wanting to be absolutely sure, pressed him for more.

“That was before, but when I stood on that stage yesterday, hearing the audience cheer and applaud for me, there was this rush of excitement I hadn’t felt in a long time. I think I’ve fallen in love with that feeling.” As he answered, Chen Zhe closed his eyes, recalling the sensation of performing on the street. His tone grew more resolute.

When he opened his eyes again, the other three could clearly sense the change in him. The lost look he had after high school entrance exams (and since his rebirth) was gone, replaced with longing for the future he’d chosen.

“Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t say much more. You’re growing up now, and some things you’ll have to learn to handle on your own. Your sister and we can’t always be by your side.” His mother nodded, apparently pleased, though she couldn’t resist a few more words of advice.

“Alright, enough lecturing. Zhe, do you want to join the Korean entertainment industry, or go back home?” Fearing his wife would go on and on, Chen Kaiming cut in, getting straight to the point.

“About that, I already called Uncle Jing and talked to him about it,” Chen Zhe admitted sheepishly, scratching his cheek. After all, he’d made the call behind his parents’ and sister’s backs, seeking advice from Uncle Zhou Jing.

“Little Zhou? I remember he’s now an associate professor in the Drama Department at the National Defense University of Military Culture, isn’t he? Asking him makes sense—he understands this business. What did he say?” Chen Kaiming perked up at the mention of his old comrade, who was well-versed in the workings of the entertainment world.

“Uncle Jing asked if I wanted to pursue this seriously or if it was just a whim. I told him I wanted to go far, and he suggested I stay in Korea for now, saying it would suit me better at the moment. He also advised me to observe how Korean entertainment companies operate, as it would be useful in the future.” Chen Zhe scratched his head as he recounted Uncle Zhou’s advice.

“The operating models of Korean entertainment companies, huh? So, Zhou’s already paved the way for you, you rascal. Chen Zhe, your uncle is right. You should observe how these companies work. It will come in handy one day.” After pondering Zhou Jing’s words, Chen Kaiming, an astute businessman, quickly grasped his old friend’s intention and admonished his son seriously.

“I understand, Dad,” Chen Zhe replied. He realized the meaning behind his father’s and uncle’s words. Are they hoping I’ll run my own company someday? You really think highly of me, don’t you, Dad, Uncle Jing? Although he kept a serious face, Chen Zhe couldn’t help but mutter inwardly.

“Alright, Yuqi, you’ll handle your brother’s agency and contract matters. If you run into trouble, call the legal department for help. I’ll give them a heads-up,” Chen Kaiming instructed his daughter after finishing with Chen Zhe.

“Got it, Dad. Don’t worry!” Chen Yuqi, who had been acting the perfect model daughter, nodded quickly and patted her chest in assurance.

After a few more words, the siblings were sent off to bed by their parents, who insisted they needed a good night’s sleep before visiting LOEN the next day.

————— A Certain Female Artist’s Dormitory —————

“This song, ‘Melody,’ is really something—the more I listen, the better it gets, especially with Chen Zhe’s original vocals!” Lying on her bed, Lee Ji-eun scrolled through videos related to “Melody” on YouTube, watching and commenting to herself.

“Ahh, I really want to meet this guy, to talk and spar with him about composing and vocal techniques!” Tossing her phone onto the bed, Lee Ji-eun rolled around like a child, pouting and whining playfully.