Chapter 309

“I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for you!”

Hugo almost rubbed his throbbing temples without realizing it. That peculiar Grant had struck again.

“Really, me?”

He was staring at the woman who had just walked in with an oddly heated gaze.

Even if he didn’t know much about Eastern etiquette, that kind of blatant stare would surely make anyone uncomfortable, so Hugo cursed Grant silently dozens of times.

“I was really looking forward to this meeting too. Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Debonaire Do-hee.”

But what returned was a smile that sparkled brighter than fluorescent lights. Since she’s a professional facing the public, she must have a strong sense of professionalism.

“You can proceed now.”

And the other party’s president nodded with a strange smile. Hugo snapped back to reality because of that smile.

“Yes, I’m pleased to meet the artists this way.”

Sure, the presence of artists with looks that could surely captivate the world, regardless of nationality, was enough to momentarily throw him off, but there wouldn’t be any significant changes to the contract wording, which was left with only the final stages remaining.

“Then let me thoroughly explain our detailed provisions and future vision once more.”

Hugo calmly stared at the documents, reflecting on this.

“Our Warner Records prioritizes reliability and fairness so that your talents and efforts can be properly recognized—”

Not out of embarrassment for looking straight at the members, mind you! It would be a tremendous rudeness to stare like that old guy Grant.

“Don’t do that.”

But Hugo couldn’t continue his sentence.

“Shall we put the boring talks aside for now?”

Grant’s eccentricity had him suddenly shove the documents aside.

“Do-hee, I heard you personally planned and produced this album.”

It seems he couldn’t contain that strange heat again.

“I’d like to talk about that first. Wouldn’t that be a priority in our vision?”

There was plenty of time for questioning after the contract, but since Grant had already jumped in, there was nothing Hugo could do.

“Oh, right. Have you listened to our album?”

“Of course! An album singing emotions aligned with the date! It was an exceptionally excellent and elegant quality album!”

Even in that state, Grant was the long-standing CEO of Warner Records. He was someone you couldn’t dare ignore at the negotiating table.

“In fact, I came to know about this due to quite the buzz in Korea this time, and it was very interesting. There was probably some disagreement in the album interpretation between music critics and YouTubers involved in producing, right?”
“Was it a matter of differing opinions?”

In the end, Grant’s inquiry towards Do-hee naturally shifted the atmosphere of the negotiation over to a conversation between the two.

“Of course, I agree with the YouTuber’s opinion! But I wanted to meet the producer of this wonderful album and ask directly. Do-hee, is that the right interpretation of this album?”

“Ah, um… well.”

And the member, Do-hee, was clearly feeling quite awkward, wringing her body.

“Should I say it’s roughly right…? Actually, it is, isn’t it? Not a hundred percent, though, hehehe.”

Ah, she must really like it.

“Just as I thought!”

Moreover, with that youthful laughter, Grant’s composure was getting all floppy and loose.

“I guess it’s worth my visit here!”

This forgetful old man seemed to have forgotten he had been boasting about his work trip to Korea just moments ago.

“Alright then. Sounds good!”

But all Hugo could do was internally curse at Grant, who was still messing up the contract. Their Q&A had no choice but to continue.

“So, do you have any thoughts on the next album? Ah! Of course, if it’s confidential, you don’t have to reveal anything.”

“Uh, well, there’s nothing set in stone yet…”

As everyone looked at Do-hee, she glanced towards the director next to her.

[If you have something to say, go ahead. They won’t leak anything from their side.]

She seemed to receive some sort of permission.

“That’s right. Actually, if the flow from our debut album to this album represents what kind of group Debonaire is, then the completion of this series, regardless of any external opinions, ultimately boils down to what songs Debonaire really wants to do. More simply, I think it’s about what I want to express.”

“Music that Debonaire wants to do! Just hearing that really makes me excited. So, what’s the genre?! What’s the genre?!”

“Um… I don’t know, right? It could be punk, disco, or electronic house, or maybe R&B or even something really classical?”

Do-hee once again dodged the question.

“Well, any one of those works…”

The vague answer somehow sounded like a confirmation that anything was possible, and everyone was confident.

“Okay! Honestly, if I were to sign with Debonaire, I would really want to push this album a lot.”

After observing the responses a bit longer, Grant picked up a pen and declared loudly.

“However, perfectly promoting the storyline of this album is certainly not an easy task. The emotional impact of this album peaked on the release day, and if Debonaire were to rise to the top artist position in North America, everyone in the world would pay attention to the album’s completeness. But in terms of North American recognition now, it’s currently only prioritized by each single track.”

As Grant tightly gripped the pen, he scribbled wildly on the document in fancy handwriting as if organizing his thoughts.
“That’s just how it is. In terms of popularity, an entire album can’t take precedence over a single.”

The contract documents were being brutally crumpled.

“Still, I have great faith in both this album and the quality of each track. If we start promoting it now, and get on radio shows and talk shows, I predict breaking into the Billboard 100 will be an incredibly easy feat.”

Hugo, unable to contain himself, suddenly poked Grant in the side, trying to nudge him.

“Honestly, I’m seeing the flow already and have sensed it through conversations with many producers.”

Grant had no hesitation in his gestures.

“This is a common tactic around here. Emphasizing the opponent’s vulnerabilities to gain an advantage. Certainly a businessman’s attitude.”

Things escalated quickly.

“But before being a business, I cherish the purity of music. It’s unavoidable to be captivated by great artists. As a pure fan of music, I’m currently showing the utmost respect I can.”

He set down his pen.

“I believe that this album is just the spark waiting for ignition. Our production can easily assist with that.”

Patting his shoulder, he chuckled lightly.

“This album… yes, if it gains recognition just as much as Coral Blue in the K-POP scene, I can confidently say it will be deemed a classic.”

Then Grant turned the documents towards the members.

“But I want to propose something. Do you really think just making it to the Billboard 100 is that important?”

The now-obsolete contract was filled with doodles, but one word stood out.

“Don’t you have any desire to aim for a Grammy? I’m aware that no K-POP artist has won a Grammy yet. Even NND, who frequently hit number one on Billboard, has only been nominated; there’s no Grammy there, right? Of course, being nominated is a tremendous honor, so I don’t mean to belittle it.”

The Grammy Awards.

“However, I have come to highly appreciate your musicality, including its mainstream appeal in this album. I believe that aligns well with the essence of the Grammy, which values artistry over mere popularity.”

Grant gazed thoughtfully at Do-hee Lee.

“The most glorious Grammy award. Yes, I’m talking about the main prize. Do you have any thoughts about aiming for the Rookie of the Year award?”

Do-hee Lee wore a sheepish smile, but her response was surprisingly assertive.

“Our goal has always been Billboard number one…”

Grant soon withdrew his observing gaze and burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, great! Here’s my thought. Let’s just go with the flow until this album. The talk shows in North America? Let’s skip those. Radio promotion will be enough to land us on the Billboard 100. Though, since it’s not in the easy-listening category, going beyond that could be tough, but the fandom will definitely expand.”
“Yeah. Although it’s not exactly easy listening, it might be difficult beyond that, but the fandom will definitely expand.”

I stomped my feet all the way to my toes.

“Instead, in the next album, we aim for the Billboard 100 right from the start. A rookie to watch is about to enter. If the fandom is prepared and we have our support, that should be enough. Of course, we’ll need to appear on North American TV programs as well. Naturally, I’ll leave that choice to everyone here at Topist, though.”

I was really speaking spontaneously.

“However, what I’m looking forward to is the music and the album. In the next album, please create the music you truly want. And I hope to see a full-length album released next year. After all, K-POP groups usually drop a full album after their third year, right? So, next year—our first full album. With that album, let’s go for the Grammys. Sounds good.”

*

On the way out of the office after finishing the contract.

“What’s so fun about this? The contract is all messed up.”

Hugo shot a glare at Grant, who had just finished a one-on-one meeting with Do-hee. Honestly, I felt like spitting on that grinning face.

“What are you talking about? It went according to the plan we discussed.”

That shamelessness was absurd.

“I thought you were just pleased with the higher percentage.”

“Of course. No matter how you look at it, adjusting the percentage far surpassing our current scale makes no sense.”

What returned was Grant clicking his tongue.

“But we extended the period by one year.”

“Just one year.”

“We’re entrepreneurs, but also a record label. To survive in this industry, we need to share opinions directly with producers who love music.”

The laughter completely fled from Grant’s face, and he spoke up.

“The conclusion I reached by consolidating their opinions is that that last extended year will bring in profits far beyond the existing ones. Besides, the impression we create now won’t just vanish by the time of re-contracting, right?”

“That kind of reasoning often turns out to be wrong. That’s why the virtue of management is stability.”

My voice was sweetly feigned, but it had strength.

“Of course, there are plenty of hollow authors when you open the lid. But I didn’t think it would be such a loss, did I?”

Honestly, Hugo had resentment towards Grant for turning the contract he was leading perfectly into dust. But since he had a positive experience in their short meeting, he couldn’t outright deny it.

“Ha-ah, I understand. So what did you two talk about in the end?”

“It’s nothing much. The existing Grammy main awards were four: Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.”

A hint of anticipation briefly flickered across Grant’s face.

“Then, there are newly added Composer and Producer awards. Wouldn’t it be amusing if a 19-year-old girl were to receive that? I just lightly placed that burden.”

*

“What did you end up talking about?”

“I don’t know, he called me a genius.”

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