Chapter 63: Signing with LOEN and the Manager

Although, given Chen Zhe’s family circumstances, arranging for him to study in Korea would not be particularly difficult, it would naturally be ideal if LOEN could handle everything for him, sparing his family any trouble.

“Yes, in that case, I have no further concerns, President Kim!” Having received Kim Jung-min’s assurance, Chen Zhe was quite satisfied. Still, being so enthusiastically grasped by a middle-aged man left him feeling a bit uncomfortable. After responding politely, Chen Zhe quickly extricated his hand.

“Since everything has been settled and confirmed, let’s proceed with signing the contract, President Kim!” With the contract verified and Kim Jung-min’s promise, Chen Yuqi felt assured and was ready to begin signing. Because Chen Zhe was a minor, not only did he have to sign himself, but his sister Chen Yuqi also needed to sign as his guardian, ensuring the contract’s validity.

After Chen Zhe signed his name, Chen Yuqi penned hers in the guardian’s section, then handed the contract back to Kim Jung-min. Once he added his signature, the contract officially took effect; Chen Zhe had formally joined LOEN, becoming one of its members. The contract was prepared in duplicate—one copy for LOEN to keep, the other entrusted to Chen Yuqi.

“Now that Chen Zhe has joined LOEN, we are practically family. There’s no need for such formal address—no need to tack on honorifics!” Though eager to foster a close relationship with Chen Zhe, Kim Jung-min understood the importance of moderation. Since Chen Zhe was now with LOEN, there would be plenty of time to nurture their connection. For now, he simply asked Chen Zhe to drop the formalities.

“Yes, I understand, President! You can call me Chen Zhe or A-Zhe from now on—there’s no need for the formal ‘xi’ anymore!” Chen Zhe agreed, recognizing that he would be working with LOEN for a long time, and that continuing to use formalities would only create unnecessary distance, hindering his efforts to build good relationships.

“Speaking of which, A-Zhe, where are you and Chen Yuqi currently living?” Kim Jung-min naturally adopted the more familiar ‘A-Zhe’ in his address, and since Chen Zhe had joined LOEN, it was time to fulfill his promises.

“Yes, President, my sister and I are staying at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.” Chen Zhe didn’t answer immediately but glanced at Chen Yuqi. Only after she nodded did he reveal where the siblings were living.

“In that case, let the company arrange accommodations for you!” After confirming their situation, Kim Jung-min promptly offered to arrange a place for them—naturally, an apartment in the complex where LOEN’s artists reside, which would also help Chen Zhe build connections with other artists in the company.

“President Kim, just leave one room in my brother’s apartment for me. I only need it for days off; most of the time, I stay in the university dormitory.” Hearing that accommodations would be arranged for herself and her brother, Chen Yuqi’s lips curled with satisfaction. Still, she voiced her own request.

Her insistence on having a room in Chen Zhe’s apartment stemmed from her desire to spend more time with her brother and look after him whenever she had a break. After all, she knew that once he became an artist, he would likely be very busy, with little time to spare.

“Rest assured, Yuqi. We’re providing A-Zhe with a three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment, the same standard as for other LOEN artists.” Kim Jung-min seemed to understand Chen Yuqi’s intentions. Without calling attention to them, he simply nodded and explained the standard accommodations for LOEN artists.

“President, when can we move in, and how will my schooling be handled?” Chen Zhe was quite eager about the artist apartment and couldn’t wait to ask. At the same time, he inquired about his studies, curious to know which high school LOEN would arrange for him.

“Move in? You can do so today. First, let me introduce the manager assigned to you; later, your manager will escort you to the apartment. As for your studies, I’ll see if we can arrange for you to attend Seoul Hanlim Arts High School.” Kim Jung-min called his assistant over, whispered a few words, and sent him off. After watching the assistant leave, he smiled and explained matters to the siblings.

“Manager?” Hearing that he was to be introduced to his manager, Chen Zhe’s eyebrows rose in surprise. He hadn’t expected LOEN to have already arranged a manager for him before his debut, as if all preparations were already in place.

“Seoul Hanlim Arts High School! I recall Little Crystal studies there, doesn't she? If A-Zhe goes, he’d become her schoolmate, even her junior!” Upon learning of Kim Jung-min’s intended arrangement, Choi Sooyoung’s lips curled into a smile. The plan matched her own intentions perfectly, paving the way for her scheme.

“Little Crystal? You mean Jung Soo-jung of your company’s F(x) group, right? Seoul Hanlim Arts High School is indeed a fine school for aspiring stars. A-Zhe would be well suited to attend.” Kim Jung-min was momentarily puzzled, then realized whom Choi Sooyoung was referring to. He was quite familiar with artists from various companies, and a brief thought brought the right person to mind.

“That’s right. As far as I know, Seoul Hanlim Arts High School offers several disciplines. President Kim, which one are you considering for A-Zhe?” Choi Sooyoung was quite knowledgeable about the school, having helped gather information when Jung Soo-jung applied.

“For A-Zhe, it would probably be a choice between the Performing Arts Department and the Practical Music Department. After all, our aim is to nurture him as an all-rounder like Ji-eun, so we can’t neglect either performance or music.” The subject of Chen Zhe’s department had been discussed in this morning’s board meeting, but no final decision was reached.

Since Choi Sooyoung had broached the topic, Kim Jung-min chose to share a bit about LOEN’s vision for Chen Zhe’s development. He also hoped to let Chen Zhe choose for himself, as his decision would shape his future path.