Chapter Forty-Eight: Visiting SM, the Noisy Everyday Life Ends

(Placeholder for writer’s block, Chapter 47 is nearly revised)

“Ayu? That works, as long as you know what you’re doing. Let’s hang up now—international roaming charges are expensive! Save some phone credit for Ayu!” Hearing that Chen Zhe planned to ask his childhood friend for help, his father finally relaxed and hurriedly mentioned the costly phone bill before abruptly ending the call.

Chen Zhe shook his head, speechless; there was truly nothing he could do about his parents. Picking up his phone again, he dialed the number marked “Feather.”

“Well, the sun must have risen in the west today; our busy man actually remembers to call me!” The moment the call connected, a voice came through, tinged with mock sarcasm.

“All right, I admit it—my mistake. Is it really necessary to be so snarky just because I didn’t invite you on my trip to Korea?” Chen Zhe was at a loss for words with his friend’s quirky, silly personality. He wondered how they’d become best friends when their characters were so different; wasn’t it supposed to be birds of a feather flock together?

“Hmph, you’re lucky you realized. This time, I’ll forgive you, but let me warn you, don’t let it happen again!” Xu Yu, on the other end, put on an exaggeratedly proud tone, making Chen Zhe’s scalp tingle.

“By the way, why are you suddenly calling me internationally? Is something urgent?” After his antics, Xu Yu finally got serious. He knew Chen Zhe wouldn’t make an international call without good reason—there must be something important.

Chen Zhe began to explain his experiences in Korea, including his conversation with President Kim Ji-seok of LOEN. He repeated the story, still omitting anything about Wu Xiarong.

“So that’s how it is! Zhe, are you really planning to stay in Korea and enter the entertainment industry?” Xu Yu found it hard to grasp Chen Zhe’s sudden decision to join the Korean entertainment scene and asked his best friend again for confirmation.

“…Yu, you should know my character.” After a brief silence, Chen Zhe spoke calmly.

“…Alright, I understand. I’ll call my family’s lawyer now. Send me photos when you’re ready!” Hearing Chen Zhe’s words, Xu Yu realized his friend had made up his mind and that no amount of persuasion would change it.

“But if you transfer to a Korean school this year, will you be able to keep up academically?” Xu Yu asked after another pause.

“Of course, I’ll be fine! I’m a genius, remember?” Chen Zhe replied with feigned pride.

“Hahaha, Zhe. What if I transferred over there like you?” Xu Yu laughed and suddenly posed the question.

“Transfer? Would Uncle Xu even agree? Plus, you don’t know Korean, your English is mediocre—how would you communicate?” Chen Zhe immediately listed a host of practical issues.

“Well, I’ve got you, haven’t I? You’ll help me, right? As your best brother, you must help me…” Xu Yu quickly responded in a pitiful tone, his words firing at Chen Zhe like a barrage.

Holding the receiver a little away from his ear, Chen Zhe rubbed his temples, helpless against his childhood friend’s antics. Still, he understood; after all, they’d always been in the same class since childhood, even through junior high, and a sudden separation was hard to get used to.

“Alright, quiet down and listen to me!” Chen Zhe told Xu Yu to settle down and let him speak.

“I can help persuade Uncle Xu! But I have one condition!” Chen Zhe decided to help his silly friend out; having a childhood companion here would mean he wouldn’t be alone.

“You’re the best! What’s the condition? Tell me, I can surely do it!” Xu Yu cheered loudly, then quickly pressed for details.

“The condition is that your Korean must be up to standard—you need to be able to write and converse normally with locals. The deadline is before June next year. Only then will I help convince Uncle Xu!” Chen Zhe chuckled, laying out his terms.

“Ah… That’s tough!” Xu Yu’s voice deflated instantly, like a punctured ball.

“So, do you still want to come to Korea or not? Can you do it?” Chen Zhe, unaffected by his friend’s theatrics, asked calmly.

“I do! Yes, sir! I can do it!” Xu Yu answered energetically.

After chatting a bit longer, Xu Yu let Chen Zhe know the lawyer had arrived and he could proceed. Reminding Xu Yu to pay attention to the photos he was about to send, Chen Zhe hung up and returned to Kim Ji-seok’s office.

“President Kim, I’ve spoken to my family and we can proceed with the contract. But I’ll be sending photos of the agreement to my lawyer for review—I hope you understand.” After exchanging a glance and a nod with Cheng Dahai, Chen Zhe addressed Kim Ji-seok.

“No problem, that’s perfectly reasonable.” Kim Ji-seok appreciated Chen Zhe’s caution. He had no intention of hiding anything in the contract; let the lawyer scrutinize it—if flaws are found, it only proves the lawyer’s skill.

Without consulting the board, Kim Ji-seok handed Chen Zhe a contract he had prepared after Han Zelyu and others succeeded in recruiting him, referencing benefits given to other Chinese artists.

Chen Zhe skimmed through the contract, then took photos and sent them to Xu Yu.

1. Five-year contract with the signatory

2. LOEN and the signatory will split album copyrights and song profits 60/40

3. The signatory will debut in August 2012

4. Trainees are not allowed to date; after debut, relationships must be reported to the company in advance

5. …

Chen Zhe was surprised by the official debut date—just over a month away.

“The contract is fair, no traps at all! LOEN is giving you a great deal. Just over a month until your debut—looks like I’ll soon have to call you a superstar.” Minutes later, Xu Yu replied.

“Got it. Thanks for your help! Please thank your lawyer for me—when I get back, dinner’s on me!” Chen Zhe nodded in satisfaction, sending his thanks.

“One dinner isn’t enough—I want three, superstar! Alright, get busy. We’ll chat again when you have time!” Xu Yu replied quickly, adding a big smiley face.

“No problem!” Chen Zhe finished his message and slipped his phone back into his pocket.

“President Kim, I’ve confirmed everything. The contract is reasonable, I’m very satisfied! I agree to join LOEN!” Smiling at Kim Ji-seok, Chen Zhe picked up the pen and signed his name.

“Welcome to LOEN! May I call you Zhe? You can call me Uncle Kim or Uncle Ji-seok—no need for such formal titles. From now on, we’re family here at LOEN!” Kim Ji-seok was delighted after Chen Zhe signed, shook his hand warmly, and began to foster a closer relationship.