Black Label [EN]: Chapter 65

Black Label 64

65. Before Leaving (3)

The instructor at the Practical Music Academy, who taught about UK music, reacted much more favorably than I expected.

– You must be Jaeseung? Yeongguk has told me so much about you. He’s really proud and says you’re an amazing friend….

“Ah, yes.”

– Anyway, Yeongguk was an incredibly hardworking student, a rare find. It’s really unfortunate.

According to the music teacher, while Yeongguk wasn’t overflowing with natural talent, his passion surpassed that of any other student.

Since he didn’t have a personal studio, he stayed in the communal practice room until the academy closed. When assigned homework to copy one song, he would copy two or three instead.

The reason why Yeongguk suddenly gave up on music was quite simple.

– It’s a bit difficult to talk about personal family matters so carelessly….

The instructor paused for a moment before continuing.

– I only heard a little, but it seems his father’s business has run into trouble.

“Excuse me? His father’s business…?”

– Yes. Apparently, he can no longer receive support from his parents.

The music teacher continued to explain that Yeongguk is currently working part-time delivering chicken after school.

And after graduating from high school, he plans to get a job at a factory right away.

“Why a factory?”

– It seems he’s working towards having his own ‘personal studio’ for now.

“A personal studio?”

– Yes. He seems to think that once he has his own studio, he can continue to make music steadily… but I don’t know if that’s realistic.

“Pardon?”

– It probably won’t be easy. Music is tough to do alone, even for a grown adult. Equipment costs a lot, and it’s the same even if you have a studio. Basic living expenses, studio maintenance, and then registering a single track….

The problems that Yeongguk’s music teacher is talking about—all the obstacles blocking Yeongguk’s dream—are all related to money.

Listening to the music teacher’s voice over the phone, I looked up at the sky, which was red with the evening glow.

Money.

Money is the problem, huh? Well, maybe that’s a relief. If it’s a problem related to money, it’s a problem that can be solved.

After continuing to speak in a calm tone for a while, Yeongguk’s music teacher sighed deeply and said.

– Anyway, please comfort him. Even if he doesn’t show it, he must be having a very hard time right now.

* * *

Soon, a few more days passed. The problem with Yeongguk was set aside for a while, and I lived as I had been.

During the day, I focused on the work at Wallflower.

Even though it had been well over a month since the new product was released, sales still showed no signs of declining.

Thanks to that, the office was still hectic.

After Wallflower’s office hours ended, I spent time preparing for college entrance.

I wrote the application and essay to submit to Parsons School of Design, organized my portfolio, and worked on the ‘Parsons Challenge’ project that had to be submitted along with the application.

But, all of that is done as of today. Today, I was able to finish all the tasks that had to be enclosed with the application to Parsons.

Now all the work related to college entrance was over. All that was left was to submit the application and wait for the acceptance announcement.

‘Wow, has time really passed this quickly…?’

Glancing at the clock, it was already close to midnight.

While organizing the files scattered on the office desk, I spoke to President Song over the phone.

“Actually, I have something important to tell you. Could you possibly spare some time on the weekend?”

– On the weekend?

“Yes. Which is more convenient, Saturday or Sunday?”

– Anytime is fine. Call me again on Friday and tell me which day works best. But what kind of major announcement are you trying to make, setting it up like this?

I was planning to talk with President Song about the brand operation this weekend.

I wanted to leave it to President Song if possible, but there’s a saying that ‘even a local magistrate can quit if he doesn’t like it,’ right? [Meaning even someone in a position of authority can leave if they are unhappy.]

I was planning to have a detailed conversation and, if he showed any reluctance, to immediately look for a professional manager.

“Just this and that… But President, haven’t you left work yet? I think I can hear the sewing machine running intermittently.”

– Yeah. Not yet. We received a big order for the first time in a while, so everyone is scrambling to meet the deadline.

“Are there other places placing big orders besides us?”

– Of course, there are. I’m actually quite good at business.

“Wow, our president. Are you going to sweep up all the money in the world by yourself?”

– Shut up, you. I’m breaking my back paying off loan interest, what nonsense are you talking about… Okay, decide on a date and call me again on Friday.

“Yes, I understand. Take it easy and rest, thinking about your health.”

After exchanging a few more words with President Song, I hung up the phone.

Lee Kangjun, who had been engrossed in drawing patterns in his seat, tilted his head and carefully asked.

“President, were you talking to the owner of the sample factory?”

“Yes. How did you know?”

Jaeseung widened his eyes in surprise at the question, and Lee Kangjun tapped his temple and continued smoothly.

“I don’t know if the president knows, but my nickname is ‘Eagle Eye.’ You seemed especially happy when you were talking to the owner of the sample factory.”

“Huh, is it that obvious…?”

“Of course, it is. There’s no need to look closely.”

Just as Jaeseung was nodding, exclaiming “Oh….” once, Lee Kangjun asked again.

“President, you have concerns these days, right?”

“Pardon?”

“Um, it just seems like it.”

“Ah, that’s….”

Jaeseung trailed off and then gave a bitter smile.

Did this also show? It would be a lie to say that I had no worries.

I was dealing with Parsons entrance exam-related issues and Wallflower management rights issues first, so I hadn’t even been able to think about solving the problem with Yeongguk yet.

Thanks to that, I was suffering silently inside.

“Kangjun, you know my friend, right?”

“Yeongguk?”

“Yes.”

I suddenly thought that my relationships had become very simple.

Yeongguk was the only peer friend I was maintaining a relationship with.

Soon, Jaeseung opened his mouth, explaining Yeongguk’s situation in a calm tone.

Lee Kangjun, who listened to the whole story with a serious expression, asked back in a serious tone.

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I don’t have a grand plan… I was thinking about giving him a studio as a gift.”

“Excuse me? A studio? The whole thing?”

“Yes.”

I wasn’t just thinking of providing a studio.

I was thinking of creating an environment where he could completely immerse himself in music.

Soon, Jaeseung began to rattle off the plans he had briefly set up.

“I’m going to provide equipment that’s not the best, but at least decent. I’m also thinking of prepaying two years’ worth of rent. With that much, wouldn’t he be able to focus solely on music for the time being?”

“That’s definitely true….”

Lee Kangjun answered quietly, then bit his lower lip and added in a low voice.

“President.”

“Yes?”

“You’re really cool.”

“Suddenly?”

“No, just….”

Lee Kangjun trailed off, then carefully continued, looking embarrassed.

“Um, how should I put it? It’s like you know how to spend money in a cool way?”

“Pardon? Me? No. I know how to waste it very well, though….”

“I’ve felt that way sometimes. I’m not just saying it. Really.”

Lee Kangjun smiled after speaking.

It was a truly sincere compliment.

Jaeseung didn’t seem to spare any money on ‘valuable consumption.’

For example, there was the welfare of the employees.

Starting with the bonus pay that came out when they were exhausted from overwork, the cost of fabrics and subsidiary materials that employees used to make samples, ‘lookbooks’ [a collection of photos compiled to show off a model’s or photographer’s work] issued by other brands, textbooks related to design, and all kinds of fashion magazines, etc….

If it was something that would help improve the skills of the employees even a little, or if it was something deemed necessary, he would buy it right away without hesitation.

Only an awkward atmosphere lingered for a while thanks to the sudden compliment.

“Actually, even if I don’t know about other things, I try not to spare money on people.”

“Um? Why?”

Soon, Jaeseung paused for a moment and answered.

“Although you can’t buy the future or time with money, you can influence someone’s future.”

“Ah….”

The reason why he had invested generously in the employees and the reason why he had decided to provide Yeongguk with a studio were the same.

Soon, Jaeseung shrugged his shoulders and suddenly brought up the main point.

“But there’s one problem.”

“Um? What problem?”

“I’m completely ignorant about music.”

Even if I wanted to buy equipment, I couldn’t help because I didn’t know what equipment Yeongguk needed right now.

I couldn’t completely trust the data I could collect from the internet, no matter how hard I tried.

Soon, Lee Kangjun smiled with confidence and snapped his fingers.

“President, don’t worry. You can leave that part to me.”

“Pardon? To Kangjun?”

“Yes. I have a friend who is working as a beatmaker.”

“Wow, really? Then, could we possibly get help from him?”

“Of course. It’s a bit much to say this myself, but he’s a very helpful friend.”

I thought it was really fortunate. With the help of an expert, things would definitely be easier.

“Thank you. Then I’ll get some help.”

It was time to solve the problem that might be the most important of the problems that had to be settled before leaving.

* * *

A few days later, Yeongguk, who had just finished his part-time job and left the store, suddenly received a phone call.

“Hello?”

It was a call from his close friend, Jaeseung, who would soon be leaving Korea.

– Hey, Yeongguk. Where are you?

“Just outside. Why?”

– Can you help me with something?

“Um? What’s wrong?”

– I just need you to check if there are any items in the fabric warehouse?

Soon, Jaeseung began to explain his situation over the phone.

“So, you’re saying I just need to go to the address you tell me and check the fabric stock, right?”

– Yeah. That’s right. But are you okay right now? If you’re working part-time….

“No, no. I just finished and came out.”

– Really? Then please. Thank you so much.

“It’s okay, you. Buy me a meal next time.”

Yeongguk’s body was heavy, but he immediately accepted because it was Jaeseung’s request.

After finishing the call, Yeongguk smiled.

‘That guy, he must be doing really well these days….’

Even though I don’t know well, if he has a separate fabric warehouse, his business must be growing more and more.

Looking at his friend’s appearance, who is rising higher and higher, I felt a sense of relief rather than envy or jealousy.

He was a friend who was grateful just for his existence.

The sight of a friend who had been wandering the streets together pulling himself together and succeeding sometimes became a clear ‘motivation.’

At that time.

Ding-!

[ Lee Jaeseung: 1 Madu-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do… This is the address of the fabric warehouse, and the password is ‘486#’. Just check how many yards of denim fabric there are. ]

Yeongguk, who checked the contents of the message that arrived from Jaeseung, stretched for no reason.

“Hoo-.”

It was to shake off the fatigue remaining in his body.

Soon, he searched the address he had just received on his smartphone and continued to move his steps.

* * *

“President, how did it go?”

“I just sent him the address by text.”

“Wow, I’m getting nervous.”

Lee Kangjun, who spoke in a somewhat exaggerated tone, put his hand on his chest.

With the help of Lee Kangjun’s friend, who is working as a beatmaker, I bought a lot of useful equipment from Nakwon Arcade [a famous shopping arcade in Seoul specializing in musical instruments and equipment].

Also, I rented a commercial building located within walking distance from Yeongguk’s house and prepaid two years’ worth of rent.

Since it wasn’t originally used as a music studio, the soundproofing was perfect.

It cost a lot of money, but I didn’t regret it at all.

‘It’s a gift, Yeongguk.’

It’s compensation for the help you’ve given me so far, and it’s compensation for the support you’ve given me by my side.

Please accept it and cheer up.

Cheer up and keep dreaming.

Dream like a fresh wildflower, like a nineteen-year-old.

* * *

“Huh? Is it here…?”

In front of the commercial building located at the entrance of the apartment where Yeongguk is currently residing.

Yeongguk tilted his head as if he was wondering, and slowly began to move his steps.

It was inevitable that he would be puzzled because Wallflower’s fabric warehouse was located in his apartment complex.

Soon.

Click-

The moment he turned the doorknob and entered.

“Ah….”

Yeongguk couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

The latest iMac monitor and keyboard placed on the table in the center. Also, the large speakers standing tall on both sides of the monitor, and the soundproof pads surrounding the entire wall.

It was clearly a music studio.

Soon, Yeongguk strode over and picked up the piece of paper neatly placed on the table.

It was a handwritten note from Jaeseung.

– I was worried about what to give you before leaving, but it seems like this is the best. It’s made up of the unpaid part-time wages and a little extra, so don’t think it’s burdensome. Pay me back ten times later when you succeed.

Yeongguk, who was blankly reading the words written on the note, quietly began to sob.

There are moments when a few rough words touch you more deeply than long, elaborate speeches.

For Yeongguk, now was such a moment.

“Hic… sob….”

For the past few weeks, I had been overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness that I had never felt in my life.

The dream I suddenly had one day was so wonderful.

It had such great power that it was no exaggeration to say that it made me feel what it was like to be alive.

But suddenly, I was in a situation where I couldn’t even try, couldn’t even make the slightest effort.

How can that sense of loss be expressed in words?

But.

But….

“Thank you… really, thank you so much….”

Soon, Yeongguk knelt on the floor and began to cry out loud.

Someday, if I succeed.

Really someday, if I even get close to it.

It’s all thanks to you.

Really, it’s all thanks to you.