Devil’s Music

Chapter 160: Song of the Himalayas

Geon made an immediate decision to join the show after a drinking session with Yeongseok. Slightly intoxicated, Yeongseok went straight to the broadcast station, instructed his subordinate to prepare the contract, and called the station president. Hearing it was Geon's return to broadcasting, the president enthusiastically welcomed the idea with open arms. Yeongseok, having received verbal approval over the phone, read through the contract quickly prepared by his subordinate, then presented it to Geon in the meeting room.

"Here, just sign this after reading it carefully."

Geon, his face flushed from alcohol just like Yeongseok's, smiled.

"If hyung prepared it, I trust it's all good."

Yeongseok playfully smacked Geon on the head.

"Hey, man. You're an adult now, not the high school student you used to be. You need to read through contracts carefully. I'll read the important parts for you first. Then, read it again yourself, twice, three times, before signing. Got it?"

As Geon scratched his head and nodded, Yeongseok highlighted sections of the contract with a pen while explaining.

"First, the signing fee. Normally, there's just an appearance fee, but since we're heading to a remote location like Nepal, it's common to include a signing fee in case you decide to quit midway. You've had a break, but you're still highly rated, so the fee is substantial. Typically, the signing fee is set at the rate of four episodes' appearance fees, and you'll have to pay triple in damages if you break the contract. Understand?"

After Geon nodded, Yeongseok continued.

"Your appearance fee per episode is 8 million won. This program is a pilot, so if it receives a good response, it will be scheduled as a regular broadcast. You're only required to appear in the pilot, likely around ten episodes, each running for about an hour and a half. The shooting period is two weeks. So, that's 32 million won for the signing fee, right? Got it?"

As Geon diligently read the contract alongside him, Yeongseok tapped Geon's head with the pen.

"The important part is here. 'The Participant agrees to abide by the rules established by the Producer to ensure the broadcast's entertainment value, and the Producer accepts violations of these rules if they enhance the show's entertainment quality. However, the Participant must adhere to basic rules, and failure to do so constitutes a breach of contract.' When you do shows in the future, always ensure to include a clause stating 'rules will not damage the Participant's image.' Understand?"

Geon asked, puzzled, "Why is that?"

Yeongseok looked exasperated.

"Idiot, what if they tell you to strip down to your underwear and dive into the Himalayas for the sake of entertainment? Contracts are not just the starting point for a good outcome; they're a safeguard for the worst-case scenario. Remember that."

"Ah, I see. No need to look at me like that; how am I supposed to know?"

"Kid, if it weren't for people like me, you'd be ripe for the picking!"

Geon joked with a playful look.

"Hyung lives without the law?"

Yeongseok nodded emphatically.

"Of course! I'm a good citizen who pays his taxes by smoking two packs a day."

"What? Smoking daily is paying taxes well? Ha!"

Waving his hand dismissively, Yeongseok pushed the contract towards Geon.

"Enough chit-chat. Read this again. Make sure to read it at least three times before signing. I'm watching."

After mimicking the action of watching Geon and pointing towards him, Geon began reading the contract with a smile. Yeongseok, after a while, slammed the table to stop Geon from signing after only two reads.

"Kid, I know you only read it twice. Read it again."

Chuckling, Geon re-read the contract from the beginning before filling in his bank account details, social security number, name, and signature. Yeongseok then presented another copy of the contract.

"Normally, you sign twice. Check if this contract is the same as the one you signed."

Geon, making a face, asked, "Read it again? But it's the same?"

"What if it's different? Well, if it's different, the contract would be void, but check anyway."

After Geon meticulously reviewed and signed the contract, Yeongseok placed both copies together.

"Now, sign here in the middle. Only then is it considered that you've thoroughly reviewed and agreed to both copies of the contract. Stop making that bothered face and hurry up. Can't you see I'm trying to help you succeed? Go on."

Once Geon signed, Yeongseok called over the waiting subordinate to hand over the contract. The subordinate, after receiving the

contract, passed a thick file to Yeongseok and left the meeting room. Yeongseok flipped through the file.

"I'll give you a brief on the program. We'll have a detailed briefing later, so just come back to the station then."

Geon nodded, and Yeongseok showed him the file page by page.

"We'll first head to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. After spending a night at the Baber Mahal Vilas hotel, we'll take a helicopter."

"A helicopter? Where are we going that we need a helicopter?"

"That's a secret. You'll be blindfolded in the helicopter, and you'll only find out where we are after landing. Our goal is to reach a designated destination within a set time to complete the mission and receive a reward."

"What's the reward?"

"Items that will help with your survival in the wilderness."

"Am I going alone?"

As Yeongseok flipped through the file, profiles of two beautiful girls appeared.

"We initially planned to cast Sorin and Youngmi from the girl group TOF, but now that you're joining, we'll have to change that. Getting entangled with a girl group only leads to bad rumors. Do you have anyone in mind you'd like to go with? Ah, if we're choosing a guide, let's go with a woman. Your easygoing nature might get you eaten alive otherwise."

Geon pondered for a moment before Yeongseok added.

"Decide first. A singer? An actress?"

Geon looked thoughtful and then said, "I'd prefer an actress. It's a field I'm not familiar with, and I'd like to learn."

"You want to learn acting?"

"No, I just want to understand the life of an actress."

"Hmm.. then a seasoned actress would be good. Someone of a decent age."

"That would be great."

"We need someone who can handle trekking, so not too old... Ah, how about Ryu Chae-eun? You watched a lot of TV in the military, right? The lead actress from the drama 'Replacement'."

"Ah, I've seen her. She's in her 30s, right?"

"Yeah, mid-30s. Not so young as to start rumors, but young enough. Plus, she's pretty."

"I think that sounds good."

"Yeah, she started as a theater actress. Has been doing small theater for over 10 years before making her broadcast debut last year. Fresh, and she loves music, having starred in a play called 'For John Lennon.' Seems like you two could have good chemistry. I'll arrange it."

"Sure, I agree! Let's wrap this up!"

Tired from the long meeting following their drink, Geon exclaimed for it to end, and Yeongseok chuckled.

"Alright, I'll handle the casting. You can go now. I'll be in touch."

"Thanks, hyung. Had a good time today! See you later!"

** Two weeks later, at Tribhuvan International Airport.

Geon, having been packed with survival gear by his overly excited sister Shihwa, arrived at the airport lobby pushing two large suitcases. Slightly tired from the long flight, he suggested to the shadowing director,

"Director, please have a seat too. You must be tired."

The director, smiling, waved off the suggestion and continued filming. The 'Song of the Himalayas' team, led by main PD Yeongseok, had entered Nepal with a minimal crew of seven, including one AD, two ENG camera directors, one drone camera director, and one each of lighting and sound directors. The small expedition, totaling nine including Geon and the actress, had already become quite close during the pre-departure drinking session, although unfortunately, Ryu Chae-eun couldn't join due to scheduling conflicts.

After passing through immigration, Geon asked Yeongseok, who was catching up,

"Why isn't Ryu Chae-eun here yet?"

Waving his passport, Yeongseok replied,

"She had a shooting schedule, so she's on a flight two hours after ours. She'll be at the hotel soon. Let's go!"

The group boarded a pre-rented minivan and headed to the hotel. As Geon admired the Kathmandu cityscape and noticed their destination, Baber Mahal Vilas, he exclaimed,

"Wow! That's a stunning building. It stands out so much compared to the surrounding worn-down buildings, doesn't it?"

Following Geon's pointing hand, the camera lens captured the hotel, built in a distinctive white and gold Islamic architectural style. The minivan entered the luxurious-looking compound and stopped at the hotel entrance. Yeongseok opened the door, saying,

"Let's get out. AD, check us in. Get separate rooms for Geon."

"Yes, CP!"

Check-in was swift thanks to prior arrangements. Although they had to show their passports as

foreigners, the hotel staff quickly processed them and showed them to their rooms. The staff set up stationary cameras in Geon's room, bustling about as he watched from the bed. Yeongseok approached,

"Ryu Chae-eun just landed at the airport. She'll be here in about 30 minutes, so rest up. We'll set up cameras in her room and start filming your dinner on the second floor as soon as she arrives."

"Cameras in her room too?"

"Of course, man. That's the trend these days. Though, we'll have fewer cameras in her room compared to yours, out of respect for her privacy. We'll set up for the shoot in her room and the restaurant, then head down to the second floor in 30 minutes."

After the staff left Geon alone in his room, he lay on the bed, strumming his J-200 guitar to pass the time. Getting up to head to the second-floor restaurant, he was greeted by a luxurious setting. A Nepalese waitress in clean, white attire flashed him a bright smile. Geon smiled back and entered the restaurant, noticing the quiet corner set up for filming. Approaching Yeongseok, who was standing by the camera, he saw a woman seated demurely in front of the camera. Yeongseok, seeing Geon approach, extended a rolled cue sheet,

"Ah, Geon's here. Go sit down. Say hello to Ryu Chae-eun."

Geon bowed to Ryu Chae-eun, their eyes meeting.

"Hello, I'm Geon."

Ryu Chae-eun stood up, smiling brightly.

"Kay! I'm a fan!"

Geon grinned and took his seat,

"It's been a while since I've been called Kay. Please take care of me."

>

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