Chapter 793: Youth, Once Again! (2)

-The truth is... I was so happy to see you that day. I thought, 'Our little lucky charm Mal-Soon finally made it big.' My husband and I cheered for you from beginning to end. I even told Ha-Na that the woman shining up there on stage was the little sister I cherished the most.

Lee Mal-Soon listened in silence.

-When the show ended and our eyes met, I was about to come over and say something. But then I spotted a few reporters near you. They were Choi Tae-Woon and Park Sung-Chan. You know the kind. The ones who knew a little about what happened to you at your old agency.

Kim Hyun-Ji paused for a moment and continued.

-If we had been seen together, those bastards would've spun their own story. So I shook my head and turned away so you wouldn't acknowledge me. I never thought it'd lead to such a misunderstanding...

From Kim Hyun-Ji's lips came the truth—the reason she had turned away from Lee Mal-Soon all those years ago.

Entertainment reporters today were already notorious leeches, but back then, they were far worse. They demanded bribes and hospitality openly, often threatening to publish nasty articles otherwise. Sometimes they even lured celebrities into parties by promising to delete damning pieces.

That was the kind of world they lived in, and Kim Hyun-Ji had only wanted to keep Lee Mal-Soon's name out of the gossip. Of course, the misunderstanding had stemmed from Lee Mal-Soon's own mistaken belief.

"So you really didn't avoid me because your life got ruined because of me?"

-Wait a second. You actually thought I resented you all this time because of that day?

"Yeah... You gave up your dream of becoming a singer because you tried to protect me. If it weren't for me, maybe you would've been the one in my place right now..."

That's when Kim Hyun-Ji raised her voice.

-Mal-Soon. That's enough!

"Unnie..."

-You're right. That day, I did give up on my dream of being a singer. But not once have I ever blamed you for it. And like you said, I'm your unnie. Of course I protected my little sister! Why would I be getting angry at you instead of that bastard? Shouldn't he be the one you're mad at?

Kim Hyun-Ji's firm voice made Lee Mal-Soon's body tremble.

"Unnie..."

-And after that day, I found a different kind of happiness. I got to spend my life with a good man, and I had my precious daughter Ha-Na. So don't ever say something like that again, alright?

At that, tears began to fall from Lee Mal-Soon's large eyes. It was as if she had gone back to her naïve, youthful self, fresh off the train from Mokpo.

"Unnie...

sob, sob

."

On the other end of the call, Kim Hyun-Ji's voice cracked with tears as well.

-You big crybaby... always bawling like this... how old are you now... still crying like a kid... what am I going to do with you...?

Lee Mal-Soon couldn't respond. She just kept crying in silence. And all around the studio, everyone else was wiping away tears as well.

***

In the end, everything returned to where it belonged. Decades of misunderstanding had been resolved, and Kim Hyun-Ji agreed to join Lee Mal-Soon on stage.

-Alright. I guess it's time for me to finally share a stage with my lucky Mal-Soon, huh?

Lee Mal-Soon wiped her tears and answered. "Thank you, unnie."

-Don't thank me. Like you said, I've raised Ha-Na into a fine adult. Maybe it's time I chased a bit of my youth again.

"Yeah, unnie. Let's tour the country together, eat great food, and hit the hot springs too."

-Hey. You show up for a few gigs early on and then step back, okay? And get back to work! Like an ox!

"Huh? Like an ox? What's that supposed to mean?"

-

Ah

~ to tell you the truth, Ha-Na's been dying to buy Hoop Entertainment stock once it goes public.

Haha

. But what if the company's top star skips work to follow me around and the stock price drops? Isn't that right, our dear Hoop Entertainment cash cow?

"

Tch

. So that's why you told me to work like an ox?"

-Haha. I'm kidding, just kidding. If you're always with me for the featuring gigs, what are your fans supposed to do? Let's save the duet for later—after I've found my footing.

"Alright, unnie. Sounds good."

That's when Kang Ha-Na spoke up excitedly. "Mom, if Mrs. Lee's busy, I'll feature for you instead!"

-I'd love that.

It was a big deal. Kang Ha-Na's mother had once been vehemently against her becoming a trot singer. That was why Kang Ha-Na had refused to go the trot route when the agency tried to push her that way and instead went on

Global Produce 47

to become an idol.

But now that she had established herself as a singer-songwriter with me, she happily agreed to join her mom on a trot stage, even just temporarily.

"Yay!"

After everything was decided, Kim Hyun-Ji spoke to me.

-Mr. Jung, I'll be counting on you to look after me and my husband from now on.

"Of course, ma'am. No, Mrs. Kim Hyun-Ji. I'll make you into a top star."

-Now, if I expected that, I'd be getting ahead of myself. I'll just be waiting for a chance to sing a good song.

And so, 'Youth, Once More!' found its singer.

Once the call ended, Lee Mal-Soon wiped her eyes and turned to me. "Chief Jung, thank you. Really."

"Not at all. This would've been resolved with just one phone call between you two anyway."

"Still... if you hadn't set the stage like this, I never would've had the courage to speak."

"Congratulations."

Lee Mal-Soon smiled warmly, then suddenly gasped. "

Oh

, right! I actually came to see you today for something else. Our company's going public on April 1st, right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"If I put in 10 billion won as a subscription deposit, how many shares would I get? Around 500 million won? 1 billion?"

'

Ten billion in one go

?'

My jaw dropped. With IPO subscriptions, the more deposit money one put in, the more shares one was allocated. Due to skyrocketing competition, depositing 100 million won got individuals around 100 shares these days.

Currently, Hoop Entertainment's IPO price was thirty-five-thousand won per share. So a 100 million won deposit got one about 3.5 million won worth of shares, and the rest was refunded. Meaning, with a deposit of 10 billion won, Lee Mal-Soon would get about 350 million won worth of shares.

"At the moment, you'd likely receive about ten thousand shares. That's 350 million won at IPO price, but if the stock doubles and hits the upper limit, it could be worth 910 million."

"What? That much?"

"Yes."

"Then I should just put in another 10 billion, right?"

I felt dizzy. A single individual casually offering 20 billion in deposits was insane. It was no wonder they said trot singers who can fill a dinner show were practically walking corporations.

However, I had to set limits.

"I'm sorry, but the maximum deposit per person is capped at 10 billion."

Lee Mal-Soon clicked her tongue. "Really? What a shame."

I hesitated, then asked, "Just checking... you do know that all investment responsibility falls on the investor, right?"

Lee Mal-Soon smirked. "Of course. But more importantly, I'm not investing in the Hoop Entertainment stock."

"Ma'am?"

"I'm investing in the blue-chip known as Chief Jung."

To think she was making that massive investment because she believed in me, my heart swelled with emotion.

"Thank you, ma'am. I won't let you down."

"You've never disappointed me before. So on the day of the subscription, I'll put in 10 billion. You manage my shares however you see fit. I'll sign a proxy authorization."

Just then, everyone began to shout.

"Me too, oppa!"

"Same here, hyung!"

Yoo-Jin, Bang Seon-Woo, and Kang Ha-Na all said they would sign over their proxy rights to me. This second life I had, working with upright and kindhearted talents, was already exceeding anything I had imagined. I bowed deeply and thanked them all again.

That's when Lee Mal-Soon asked, "

Oh

, by the way. Didn't you say Yoo-Jin was recording today?"

"Yes. Yoo-Jin is going to sing the theme song for the upcoming movie."

"Really? Should I give her a bit of help? I can do vocal training too, you know."

This was Lee Mal-Soon, who had been singing live for over 30 years. Although she was a trot singer, she was just as skilled in classical and ballad styles. Her dinner shows were especially famous for having a wide and rich repertoire.

"Everyone in Korea knows how talented you are, Mrs. Lee."

"Well then, since I'm already here, I'll take a look at Yoo-Jin's singing. Yeon-Woo went to the

Project I.O.A

set in Ilsan, right?"

"Thank you." I immediately got Yoo-Jin ready. "Yoo-Jin, get ready to sing."

At the same time, Bang Seon-Woo handed Yoo-Jin a tablet. "Here are the lyrics, Yoo-Jin noona."

"Thanks, Seon-Woo."

Yoo-Jin looked over the tablet and focused on the lyrics, while Kang Ha-Na and Lee Mal-Soon also began checking the lyrics on their own tablets.

And just like that, Yoo-Jin began vocal training for the theme song of the movie

She Was Beautiful

, titled 'Dreams Come True.'

***

『...These difficult moments will pass.

So face them head-on.

Stay strong. You can do it.

And once more, say the words—

That your dreams will come true~ ...』

The rock ballad-style theme song for

She Was Beautiful

, 'Dreams Come True,' echoed through the recording studio.

The song had been composed by Han Hye-Jung and Yoon Sae-Yeon in a semi-basement room when they didn't even have ten thousand won to their names. They wrote it while watching the dawn light come in through the window, dreaming of one day becoming Korea's top songwriters. And now, that earnest dream was coming alive through Yoo-Jin's clear, powerful voice.

Yoo-Jin's diction and vocal delivery were excellent, and the lyrics came through crisply with every word. After 4 minutes and 30 seconds, the playback stopped with a click. Inside the booth, Yoo-Jin was catching her breath.

Lee Mal-Soon, who had been watching her intently, didn't comment right away. Instead, she turned to Bang Seon-Woo.

"Before I give any feedback on Yoo-Jin's singing, let's talk about the arrangement. Seon-Woo, what do you think? Should we tweak it?"

Bang Seon-Woo glanced at the two composers before replying. "To be honest, arranging it would probably increase the song's polish and completeness. But..."

"But?"

"I don't want to touch it. I like the raw, alive feeling just the way it is."

Lee Mal-Soon smiled gently. "I agree. If we mess with it, we might ruin it."

Bang Seon-Woo looked at me. "Hyung. I think we should leave this track as-is, no rearranging."

"Do it your way, Mr. Producer~" I answered

Bang Seon-Woo was in charge of all music for

She Was Beautiful

. Besides, I knew better than anyone where this original song was headed. It would become the No.1 most sung track in karaoke rooms across the country—a national favorite.

"Ms. Sae-Yeon, Ms. Hye-Jung. Congratulations."

The two original composers trembled with emotion. "Thank you so much!"

Lee Mal-Soon also smiled warmly, offering praise. "This song is wonderful. Honestly, if I weren't a trot singer, I'd ask to sing it myself. Anyway, from here, we need to coach Yoo-Jin. If her interpretation feels off, feel free to speak up."

"Yes, Mrs. Lee!"

Usually, composers or producers helped interpret the song, but experienced singers could figure that out instinctively. And with her years of experience, Lee Mal-Soon had instantly grasped how to bring out the soul of this track.

Click.

Lee Mal-Soon pressed the mic button to speak to the booth. "Yoo-Jin. You sang well, but your song... lacks shadows."

-Lacks shadows?

"Yeah. It feels like it's being sung by someone who's already achieved everything. That's fine during the climax, but it dilutes the emotional buildup."

-What should I do, then?

"

Hmm

. Try recalling your hardest times, and channel those feelings into the intro. Let the emotion grow as the song progresses. Actually, I'll just show you."

-Thank you!

And with that, Lee Mal-Soon took a short breath and began singing a cappella.

『An endless tunnel.

I'm walking this pitch-black path. But I know—

This darkness will end.

And there's light waiting for me at the end.

So I won't give up...』

Everyone's eyes went wide.

Her singing wasn't just a performance, but it was a story. A deep, soulful ballad of someone who had clawed through despair and was now facing the future with resolve. For 4 minutes and 30 seconds, Lee Mal-Soon's voice left a lingering resonance.

"

Phew

~ So? That's the vibe I'm talking about. Feel it?"

Yoo-Jin, clutching her chest in awe, nodded over and over.

-Yes, ma'am!

At that moment, Yoo-Jin spoke urgently as if she remembered something.

-I think I was too focused on just singing. This time, I'll try acting out the song's narrator.

"You'll act while you sing? I like that. Become your movie character. Embrace her emotions. The public doesn't expect technical perfection, but they rather want to feel something. And you're an actress."

Lee Mal-Soon knew exactly how to guide Yoo-Jin, identifying both her weaknesses and her true strengths.

Yoo-Jin took a deep breath, and started embodying Han Bit-Na, the lead in

She Was Beautiful

, at her lowest point after a car accident and falling into depression.

"Seon-Woo. Play it."

The intro of 'Dreams Come True' began flowing from the booth speakers. As the music swelled, Yoo-Jin shivered and began to sing in a tiny, fragile voice.

『An endless tunnel.

I'm walking this pitch-black path. But I know—

This darkness will end.

And there's light waiting for me at the end.

So I won't give up...』

As the song continued, Yoo-Jin's shoulders lifted and her chest opened up. Yoo-Jin's voice grew stronger, and her face glowed with hope.

This version of 'Dreams Come True,' even though it lacked the vocal finesse of Park Eun-Bin from before the regression, was so full of raw emotion that it made hearts tremble.

'

This is it. This is going to be huge.

'

***

"Yoo-Jin's got great instincts."

Lee Mal-Soon praised Yoo-Jin's emotional expression, saying it rivaled any pro singer.

"So this is what it means to be one of Korea's top actresses...

Sigh~

no wonder she's in the business."

Lee Mal-Soon nodded, deeply immersed in Yoo-Jin's performance for all four and a half minutes.

When the song ended, the entire studio erupted in cheers and applause.

Clap clap clap.

"Jung Yoo-Jin, you're the best!"

"Mom~~ that was amazing!!"

"Jung Yoo-Jin!!"

As the cheers filled the room, Yoo-Jin clenched her fist proudly inside the booth.

At that moment, a Kk Talk message popped up on my phone.

Zing~

It was from Kang Gam-Chan.

[President Kang Gam-Chan: Executive meeting room. Now!]

'

The executive meeting room? Could it be that the executive meeting about recruiting Min Gyu-Ri had already started

?'

Just then, Lee Mal-Soon looked over at me. "Chief Jung, is there something wrong?"

"

Ah

, the vice president is trying to bring Min Gyu-Ri from TNT Entertainment into our company, and I raised an objection. I think that's why I'm being called to the executive room."

Lee Mal-Soon tilted her head. "Gyu-Ri? The one from the popular soju commercial lately?"

"Yes."

"What's the problem? What's wrong with signing on an actress?"

"She's... a bit of a grenade."

Lee Mal-Soon immediately got it. "If that's the case, should I come with you?"

"No, I'll go alone. Can I leave Yoo-Jin in your care?"

"Of course. I'll handle things here with Seon-Woo and the composers. You go."

Leaving everything in their hands, I headed straight for the executive meeting room.

***

Before entering, I called The Best Detective Agency to check if they had found anything on Min Gyu-Ri. However, Chief Choi Go-Yoon said they hadn't yet secured a full intel file.

-Apologies. We've been tailing Min Gyu-Ri, but we haven't caught anything solid yet.

"Please don't let your guard down and keep close eyes on her. Especially be ready for cases where she leaves her residence for only an hour and comes back."

-Understood.

After ending the call and giving those instructions, I opened the door to the executive meeting room.

Click.

Inside were President Kang Gam-Chan, Vice President Kim Gwan-Woo, Director Kang Ji-Yung, Finance Director Jung Soo-Hyuk, Legal Team Lead Kwak Moo-Hyuk, and Managing Director Kim Jang-Bi.

But across from them sat someone who had no business being here. It was Sung Hak-Soo, former chairman of Daechon Inc and the husband of former Vice President Kim Ae-Ryeon.

The very man I had helped remove from his chairman's seat was now smiling at me.

'

What are you doing here

...?'