Chapter 50: A Proposal and an Unexpected Meeting

I have a collection of legendary songs from my previous world—two hundred of them, to be exact.

The problem is deciding which one to release first.

It’s best to start with a song that only requires a piano accompaniment.

That way, it’ll be easier for Yua to work on. After carefully listening to several tracks, I made my decision.

Once I chose the debut song, I immediately called Yua.

The ringtone played for a while. Is she still asleep? Judging by the time, that doesn’t seem likely.

[Hello?]

Finally, Yua answered.

Thud! I heard something being placed on the floor.

As expected, she was busy working.

There’s no way she’d still be sleeping at this hour—my situation is just an exception.

“Hey, it’s Shin Yuseong. Are you busy right now?”

[No, a customer just left, and I was organizing the storage room. I can talk.]

“I checked the YouCube channel. I’m really satisfied with how it looks. I’d like to meet in person today to discuss things. What time would work for you?”

[I’m working at the convenience store until 2 PM. Anytime after that is fine.]

“Alright. I’ll stay nearby and call you around 2 PM. Where’s the store located?”

Yua was working part-time at a convenience store on the Central University campus.

That’s near the goshiwon where I used to stay.

I could take care of some things and arrive just in time.

Maybe I should check YouCube.

I’m curious about the reactions.

This is my first-ever live broadcast, after all. If the views are high, I might consider appearing on camera more often.

[Meeting Actor Lee Seolhyeon]
Views: 970,000

[Both of them are on another level]
[I’ve never seen a guy hold his ground next to Seolhyeon like this.]
[I wasn’t really into Yuseong before, but ever since he got famous, I can’t watch dramas anymore. The male actors all seem underwhelming now.]
[Can they just shoot something together? ]
[Their chemistry is insane. Seolhyeon getting pouty is so cute.]
[He treats her so casually. Is that his charm? It’s refreshing.]
[Man-crush vibes ]
[I heard Seolhyeon has a fiery personality, but she seems to tolerate Yuseong lol]
[That moment was the highlight of the video ]

I uploaded it at dawn, and it’s already nearing a million views by lunchtime.

At this rate, it’ll hit at least three million by midnight. Everything is going so smoothly.

My subscriber count had surpassed three million, now sitting at 3.02 million.

With income from personal broadcasts, YouCube views, and my upcoming MCN contract, I’d soon be filming commercials.

Not to mention, the copyright revenue would be massive.

Where should I spend all this money? If things continue like this for a few months, I’ll be sitting on a fortune worth hundreds of billions of won.

I need to think carefully—managing wealth properly is just as important as making it.

Closing my browser, I launched my recording software.

It was time to practice the song I had chosen.

Damn, this is tough. The high notes in the chorus kept tripping me up.

I could force my way through it, but it felt strained and unnatural. There’s no way I could release it like this.

I’d have to either lower the key or take vocal lessons from Yua.

My voice was damaged, but my knowledge of singing was solid.

Still, I had to finish the song at least once.

Yua needed to hear it. After multiple attempts, I finally managed to complete the recording and saved the audio file on my phone.

When I checked the time, it was already 1:20 PM.

Almost time for my meeting.

I quickly posted a break notice on Twika TV and rushed outside.

I arrived at Central University just in time for our meeting.

As I walked through the campus, several students approached me, recognizing me immediately.

Even with my cap pulled low and a mask covering my face, people still figured out who I was.

It was surprising. My private life was disappearing fast.

It was becoming common for people to block my way after just a few steps.

Even in the department store shopping video, the comments had been wild.

Many assumed Dajang was my girlfriend.

Luckily, she was a well-known Twika TV manager and a respected editor, so I didn’t have to explain myself.

Being famous isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

There are restrictions everywhere I go.

From now on, I should arrange meetings where the other person comes to me instead.

“Hello, I’m Song Yua.”

I spotted the GU 27 sign. As I arrived at the store, Yua, who had been waiting outside, greeted me first.

She had long, straight hair and a slender figure.

Her gentle expression practically screamed, I’m a good person.

This was the first time I had met someone like her in this world.

Until now, every woman I encountered had strong personalities and dominant auras as if it was their default setting.

Yua was the complete opposite. She had the refined elegance of a noblewoman from a historical drama.

Maybe it was because things weren’t going well for her, but she looked somewhat dejected.

That, in turn, made her strangely endearing.

It’s a shame. She’s beautiful—if only she could sing better, she could’ve been famous. But vocal cord nodules had blocked her path.

“Shin Yuseong. Nice to meet you. Are you done with work?”

“I just finished my shift.”

“Shall we head to a café nearby?”

“Sure.”

Yua and I walked into a nearby café and sat across from each other.

Originally, I had planned to visit her place to assess her skills directly.

But since we were on a university campus, too many people recognized me.

Going to her house together could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.

Yua would have a harder time dealing with that than I would.

For today, I’d stick to business and leave it at that.

“Where do you usually work on your music? I don’t suppose you have a studio in your place.”

“I save up my wages and rent one whenever I need to record. It’s charged by the hour.”

“I see.”

She was working incredibly hard.

I couldn’t help but admire her determination—pursuing her dream despite the tough conditions.

I was just lucky. I had overwhelming talent in what I wanted to do.

If I were in her shoes, I might’ve chosen a more practical path.

“So, you know how to use composing equipment, right?”

“Yes.”

“Great. Try putting these on. I’ll play something for you.”

I handed Yua a pair of wireless earbuds and played my recording.

Her eyes widened instantly.

She listened intently before exclaiming in amazement.

“That was great! I can’t believe a guy can sing this kind of song… Did you compose it yourself?”

“Calling it composing is a bit much. I just put together some melodies that came to me occasionally and made a song.”

“No way. You have a natural talent. It’s almost frustrating how good you are.”

“Just listen first. We can talk afterward.”

Once the song ended, I took out my earbuds.

Yua’s expression was priceless. Her mouth hung open, unable to close. She looked utterly shocked.

Was it really that impressive? My confidence soared.

If I release this track, it’s bound to be a hit.

“I’m a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I never formally studied music, so I don’t know how to compose. That’s why I’m asking you, Yua. When I record this song, could you play the piano accompaniment for me?”

“I’d love to, but… Are you sure? This song is so good that maybe someone more skilled should—”

“No, I want you to do it, Yua.”

A more skilled composer would be expensive.

Worse, they might insist on sharing the copyright.

Yua is perfect—no complications.

It’s a bit cold-hearted to say, but she’s easy to win over.

There won’t be any issues later.

“I… I’ll try.”

“Thank you. I know you’ll play beautifully.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best. Then…”

“Don’t feel pressured. Just speak your mind.”

Yua fidgeted, bowing her head and shifting uncomfortably.

I already knew what she wanted to ask. There was only one reason for such hesitation.

I sipped my coffee, waiting patiently for her to speak.

I had already decided—I would reward her generously.

Enough to make her feel like her status had changed overnight.

Giving back what you receive is the right thing to do.

“How much will you pay me?”

“I’ll give you a million won. And I’ll provide the studio. All you have to do is come and play.”

“A million won?! Thank you!”

Yua jumped up from her seat and bowed repeatedly.

For someone working a part-time job at a convenience store, this must feel like a huge sum.

Probably half a month’s salary at least.

But I planned to offer Yua an even bigger reward.

This wasn’t going to be a one-time deal.

I intended to make her my own person. Only then could I entrust work to her without worry.

“Instead of this… how about becoming my full-time staff?”

“What?”

“You’d give me vocal lessons, help with my broadcasts when needed… And I’ll make sure you never have to worry about living expenses. Your salary will be more than enough.

You have a sore throat, right? I’ll find a good hospital and cover the treatment for free. What do you think?”

Yua, who had been bowing repeatedly, froze in place, looking stunned.

Even I thought it was an incredible offer.

A perfect escape from her bleak reality.

There was no way she’d refuse.

“Yes…”

Tears welled up in Yua’s big eyes.

She clenched them shut, and a single tear rolled down her cheek.

She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and looked straight at me.

“I’ll do it. Please, let me.”

***

After verbally sealing the deal with Yua, we parted ways.

First Dajang, now her—I really needed to draft proper employment contracts soon.

Things had grown too big.

I couldn’t keep managing people so haphazardly.

To do that, I’d either have to sign with an MCN company or register as a one-person agency myself.

But I kept putting it off.

Was Moonhwa still not ready?

I’d ask when we met later.

“Take me to Luxury The Hill, please.”

I got into a taxi again.

I called Yua and told her to start by creating sheet music for the song.

That was essential before she could make the accompaniment.

Next was vocal training.

We agreed on two-hour sessions every day until I could sing the song flawlessly.

If it became impossible, I’d have no choice but to lower the key.

But I really didn’t want that.

It would feel like I was ruining the original, and that would bruise my pride.

The taxi entered the complex.

I stepped out, went up to my apartment, and changed into the new clothes I’d bought at the department store.

Then I fixed my hair in front of the mirror.

Was this good enough?

I was meeting Moonhwa tonight.

It wasn’t a date, but I didn’t want to look shabby.

I put in as much effort as I could.

By the way, what time were we meeting?

We hadn’t set a time, so waiting around felt vague.

I took out my phone from my pocket but put it back in.

Forget it. She’ll call me first.

No need to bother her while she’s working.

Ding!

Just as I was planning content for tomorrow’s YouTube shoot, my phone rang.

It was Moonhwa.

Was it nighttime already?

It didn’t feel like much time had passed.

I checked the time—it was only 5 PM.

“Yes, Hyejeong? When do you get off work?”

[I’m on vacation today. I’ll be at your complex entrance in about 30 minutes, so get ready. I’ll call again when I arrive.]

“Oh? Got it. I’ll be waiting.”

She had the day off?

I thought we’d meet late at night, but our plans moved up.

Good thing I prepared in advance.

No need to rush.

I called Dajang to check the video editing progress and had a brief meeting about tomorrow’s shoot.

Ten minutes before Moonhwa’s arrival, I left my apartment and walked toward the entrance.

I sat on a bench and waited.

Before long—Honk!

A short beep rang out.

I looked up.

A black sedan had stopped in front of me.

“It’s been a while. Get in.”

“Yeah, good to see you.”

I opened the passenger door and got in.

A pleasant fragrance instantly filled the air.

She was wearing perfume.

It was intoxicating, the kind that made you want to keep sniffing.

Of course, I didn’t actually do that.

Now that I looked closely, her hair was down today.

Soft waves framed her face beautifully.

She had looked lovely at my housewarming and when she visited me in the hospital…

But now, there was something different.

A certain, undeniable feminine charm.