Chapter Sixty-One: My Choice Is

"My own thoughts? I've considered them many times. After comparing the conditions offered by both companies, my choice is LOEN." Lowering his gaze, Chen Zhe recalled the options SM Entertainment had presented him. Of those three methods, none matched what he wanted, leaving LOEN as his only remaining choice.

He had thought about JYP as well, but he predicted their offer would not differ much from SM Entertainment's—likely, they would not launch him directly as a solo artist. As for YG, that company truly never entered Chen Zhe's consideration; it was simply outside his range of options. So, the best remaining choice was LOEN. He believed they had the ambition to debut a solo male singer to complement IU.

"LOEN, is it? For you, that really is the best option." Hearing Chen Zhe’s decision, Chen Yuqi nodded. In her view, it was indeed a wise choice, and it eased her concerns about her younger brother a bit.

"Soo-young and I also think you should choose LOEN. SM Entertainment has too many uncertainties. Even though you'd have us to look after you, those three methods would slow your development." Looking at Chen Zhe’s resolute expression, Choi Soo-young dropped her Commander Ikari pose, nodded with satisfaction, and began to explain the conclusions she and Chen Yuqi had discussed.

"I agree. LOEN's artists are at an awkward transitional stage right now—IU is their only pillar."

"If I join at this moment, they will surely invest most of their resources in me. With LOEN backed by SK and their own music distribution site, my development will be greatly supported." Stroking his chin, Chen Zhe began to elaborate on his reasons for choosing LOEN, now that his sister and Soo-young shared his perspective.

"Indeed, LOEN has plenty of resources and a solid background, yet for some reason, they managed only to produce IU as a major star, and have failed to successfully launch any new artists since. It's truly a golden opportunity for you." Soo-young had many complaints about LOEN's strange history. She simply couldn’t understand how they could squander such a winning hand.

"Honestly, after hearing Soo-young, I thought LOEN was bizarre too! They nurtured IU to superstar status, yet managed to turn a great hand into this mess!" Chen Yuqi couldn’t help but vent her frustration about LOEN’s baffling decisions.

"But if it weren’t like this, LOEN wouldn't have offered such favorable terms to Zhe. Alright, since we’re all in agreement, what about Uncle and Aunt’s opinions?" Seeing everyone united, Soo-young stretched lazily, clapped her hands, and ended the LOEN complaints, drawing attention back to the main issue.

"I already called Mom and Dad this morning. They said they support Zhe's own choice, and asked me to keep an eye on things." Talking about her parents, Chen Yuqi felt a surge of resentment—they left both son and daughter unattended, passing the responsibility to her as the older sister. Truly irresponsible.

"If Uncle and Aunt are on board, let's set up a meeting with President Kim to discuss Zhe’s contract terms. The copyright for the songs must remain in Zhe’s hands—that’s the most important thing." Now certain of Chen Zhe’s parents' opinion, Soo-young stroked her chin and crossed her legs, offering advice based on her experience.

"Absolutely, song copyright is crucial. I'll call President Kim now." Chen Yuqi didn’t need Soo-young to explain the importance of copyright; it was a golden goose, and it certainly had to stay with her brother.

After Chen Yuqi called Kim Jeong-min, Chen Zhe and Soo-young fell silent, quietly listening to the conversation. Kim Jeong-min seemed anxious, perhaps waiting for this call all along—when Chen Yuqi dialed, it was answered after just one ring.

"Hello, is this President Kim? This is Chen Yuqi, Chen Zhe’s older sister." As soon as the line connected, Chen Yuqi spoke first, her tone gentle and calm—a stark contrast from her usual demeanor.

"Hello," came the reply.

(A brief pause, writer’s block.)

"The contract is quite fair, with no hidden traps! LOEN's offer is impressive. Debuting in just over a month—looks like I’ll soon have to call you a superstar." A few minutes later, Xu Yu replied to the message.

"Got it. Thanks! Please thank your family’s lawyer for me. When I return, I’ll treat you to a meal!" Chen Zhe nodded in satisfaction and sent Xu Yu a message.

"One meal? I want three, superstar! Alright, get back to work. We’ll talk when you’re free!" Xu Yu replied quickly, adding a big smiling face.

"No problem!" After replying, Chen Zhe slipped his phone back into his pocket.

"President Kim, I’ve reviewed it. The contract is very reasonable, and I’m satisfied! I agree to join LOEN." Chen Zhe smiled at Kim Ji-seok, picked up the pen, and signed his name.

"Then, welcome to LOEN! Can I call you Zhe? You can call me Uncle Kim or Uncle Ji-seok—no need for formalities. We’re family now." After Chen Zhe signed, Kim Ji-seok was clearly delighted. He shook hands with Chen Zhe and began to draw him closer.

"...Alright, Uncle Ji-seok. Please take care of me from now on." Knowing Kim Ji-seok wanted to build rapport, Chen Zhe paused, then followed suit and called him uncle.

"Zhe, you’ll need to prepare carefully for the recording and MV filming of 'Melody' in the coming weeks! Your debut is scheduled for August, so I’ll have to ask you to work hard." Kim Ji-seok patted Chen Zhe’s shoulder, speaking earnestly.

"I understand. I can handle it, Uncle Ji-seok!" Chen Zhe knew what Kim Ji-seok meant—such favorable contract terms meant he had to prove he deserved them.

"Excellent, that’s the spirit! Zhe, the company will also arrange some acting opportunities for you. Just like Ji-eun, we’ll strive to develop you into a versatile entertainer!" Kim Ji-seok nodded with satisfaction and outlined the next steps.

"A versatile entertainer? Acting?" Hearing that LOEN would arrange film and TV resources for him, Chen Zhe’s eyes lit up. He was intrigued—he’d always been curious about acting, and now he had a chance to experience it himself.

"Exactly. That’s the preliminary plan for you. Later, I’ll discuss with the board to create the best development strategy." Kim Ji-seok nodded, promising Chen Zhe.

"I’m looking forward to seeing what the company has in store for me!" Chen Zhe nodded, smiling lightly in anticipation.