Devil’s Music

Chapter 38: Star?

Geon departed China and traveled through Japan before returning to Korea.

Before leaving China, Geon met Lin and expressed his refusal to sign the contract. While Lin was deeply disappointed, she understood Geon's desire to finish his studies and let him go. She requested him to contact her first when he eventually started his entertainment career, a plea he acknowledged formally before leaving China.

Upon arriving in Japan, Geon wasn't as widely recognized as Lin had suggested. Despite his popularity in China, only female audience members who had seen Geon at the actual event venue recognized and cheered for him since his preview wasn't aired in Japan. The live footage from the event circulated on YouTube across Japan afterward, but by then, Geon had already returned home.

Back in Korea, Geon couldn't leave his house due to reporters camping outside. Similarly, Shihwa found it difficult to step out due to reporters bombarding her with questions about Geon's daily life whenever she ventured outside. When Yeongha discussed Geon's earnings, Shihwa nearly fainted upon hearing the amount. If Taewoo hadn't come home just then, she might have fainted for real.

Taewoo gathered the family for a meeting.

"Firstly, we need to solve the issue of restricted outdoor access. What do you think, dear?" Yeongha inquired.

"It's tough even going to the market. How about your shop?" Taewoo replied.

"No, the news hasn't reached the real estate yet, so I haven't been approached. Shihwa, how about you?"

Shihwa grumbled in frustration, "I thought I'd have fun during the break, but because of Geon, I can't even leave the house! Friends keep pestering me for photos of Geon's daily life, and when I step outside, reporters even ask about the color of Geon's underwear! Ugh!"

Taewoo shook his head as if to say otherwise. "No, becoming famous means more contacts from friends and more attention from Dad. Don't think of it as causing trouble."

Yeongha chimed in, "That's right, our son has become famous for something good. Your mom and I are proud. Don't think you've caused trouble. Shihwa, watch your words in front of your brother!"

Shihwa rolled her eyes and exclaimed, "Still! It's vacation, but I can't even go out! And after going abroad, he just gives out peanuts from the plane and calls it a gift!! Huh?"

Suddenly noticing a white envelope poking her side, Shihwa grinned mischievously and looked at Geon.

Geon chuckled and said, "Shihwa, it's pocket money from me, because I'm sorry."

Shihwa's face lit up upon hearing this. "Wow! This changes everything! I wonder how much our big brother put in from the money he earned overseas? Huh? If it's not over 100,000 won, it's invalid."

Geon smirked lightly. Shihwa playfully brandished the envelope, then burst into laughter as she saw a stack of 10,000 won bills inside. Overjoyed by the substantial amount, she showered Geon with dozens of kisses, something she wouldn't usually do.

Yeongha disapproved of Shihwa's behavior. "Shihwa, no more pestering your brother now that he's given you money. Got it?"

Shihwa vigorously nodded, showing no signs of relenting. Taewoo then asked Geon about his plans.

"So, what's the plan now? Vacation will end, and you need to go to school. Will you go considering the situation outside?"

Geon glanced at Yeongha and calmly said, "Actually, I'm thinking of quitting school and taking the qualification exam."

Yeongha was shocked, "What? Quitting school? Why?"

Geon calmly explained, "In this situation, going to school would affect everyone negatively. I'll finish the second semester, take the qualification exam, and plan to enter university after that. I'll be 19 when I enter college, so don't worry; I'm ahead."

Concerned, Yeongha said, "Our son is good at studying, so I'm not worried about the qualification exam, but school life creates lifelong memories. Can you think so simply about it?"

Taewoo, comforting Yeongha, said, "Dear, let's trust him. Should our son cause trouble for other kids just because he's excellent?"

Geon added, holding Yeongha's hand, "Mom, trust me. The qualification exam won't be difficult now. I received a call from the teacher; they suggested that in the second semester, I attend classes briefly like celebrities, and after the test, I plan to go to college. I realized how much trouble it would cause my friends if I continue attending school."

Yeongha stressed about Geon and Shihwa not causing trouble to others. Despite Yeongha scolding for making noise after 10 pm, Geon couldn't ignore his concern for others.

Eventually, with Yeongha's agreement, Taewoo asked Geon, "What about those reporters outside? It doesn't seem right to keep suffering from them."

Glancing at the reporters clustered outside, Geon said, "Well, Yeongseok hyung advised me anyway. If I'm going abroad for education after the qualification exam, I should show my face properly on broadcasts until then."

Taewoo questioned, "Going abroad for education? Are you considering studying overseas?"

Geon nodded, "Yes, I'd prefer famous universities in the US or UK now that it's financially viable."

Taewoo nodded and asked, "I support you going for a better education abroad rather than a Korean university. You've grown up well, unlike me. But what do you mean by 'show your face properly'?"

Geon chuckled as he raised the curtain outside, "Exactly as it sounds. Anyway, when I start broadcasting, the reporters won't bother coming here anymore because they'll see me at the broadcasting station."

Shihwa was astonished, "Brother! You're going to be on TV? I've seen your name a lot in Chinese news and portals, but never on Korean TV! Can I see you on TV now?"

Geon nodded, and Shihwa dashed to her room with her phone.

"It's a big deal! I need to tell Joohee unnie about this! Guns & Roses will go crazy!"

As she ran into her room and closed the door, Shihwa swiftly peeked out again, "Hey, have you been in touch with Guns & Roses unnie recently? Do you know how many people are in their fan club?"

Geon hesitated, "No, I heard it's around two hundred?"

Shihwa closed the door, saying, "Two hundred? That's ancient! It's been over five thousand for a while, dummy."

Geon stood there, stunned, gazing at the closed door, frozen.

>

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