CH51

No matter how small the entertainment industry seems, there's always talk. 

'Is this even possible?' 

No matter how extraordinary Ian is, there's a limit to everything. Was the song that had been receiving so much admiration actually sung with a modulated voice? 

Of course, even if it's modulated, there's not a huge difference, just a difference in atmosphere. 

The problem was that it was hard to even suspect that Rai was just a primary school student. 

'And there are two of them.' 

Of course, there were claims that there was a separate composer. It's just that there wasn't a claim that the composer was also a primary school student. 

Nick, who became an agent after learning the truth, thought that he had to do well. 

This was Ian's matter, not anyone else's. He didn't want to make excuses that he had done his best. 

Ian patted Nick's side to calm him down. 

"Are we going to fight now? You don't have to be too stressed. You just have to do well in the role of mediator. After all, Ayla will make the decisions regarding the contract." 

"But I'm the one who's going to meet them directly from now on. It's a loss for you guys if I seem too light from the start." 

Rachel whispered to Ian, who was doubting whether it would really be okay. 

"Don't worry. You don't seem as nervous as I thought." 

"Really?" 

Rachel's words were believable because she was sensitive to voices. 

The place the three of them arrived at was a small cafe. Elliot was seen as they opened the door, which had a sign indicating it was not open for business. 

Making drinks like a cafe owner, he jokingly asked. 

"Isn't the song selection here good?" 

Rai's song was playing softly in the cafe. 

Instead of blushing Rachel, Ian responded with a playful tone. 

"The owner's taste is quite good. But I'm not sure how you're playing it without dealing with copyright issues." 

"If you don't want to be sued, you definitely need to make a contract." 

Elliot laughed lightly, guided them to their seats, and placed some simple drinks and snacks on the table. 

"I was expecting it, but I didn't think you would contact us so quickly." 

"Ayla said that you are the best partner for now." 

"It's an honor to hear that from Ayla Olson herself. But from what I hear, it seems like you plan to keep hiding your faces like now?" 

This was the biggest stumbling block in this contract. 

Worried about how Elliot would react, Ian nodded. 

"Hahaha, that's going to be really fun, isn't it?" 

He burst into a cheerful laugh. 

Rachel, whose reaction was too different from what was expected, widened her eyes, and he shrugged his shoulders. 

"There's no need to look at me like that. You're not planning to hide forever, are you?" 

"That's true." 

"Joining in on something that will surprise the world is naturally fun." 

It was clear. Like Nick, who only insisted on wearing white suits, this man was quite eccentric. 

"It might not make much money for a while?" 

"Money can be made to some extent if the song is good. Hmm, let's confirm one thing first. The song was sung by Mr. Pryce, and was the composition done by the lady next to you?" 

Receiving Elliot's gaze, Rachel took a short breath and said, 

"I'm Rachel Grace. I made the song." 

"I see. It didn't seem like Mr. Pryce would have composed it." 

I understand discovering Rai's identity through the uniqueness of the voice. But I was curious about why he thought there was a separate composer. 

"Why did you think that?"

"I felt it when you appeared as an extra so often. You really love acting. Usually, people like that don't easily turn their attention elsewhere."

Whether it was due to a wealth of experience or insight, I couldn't tell. 

'He's right.'

Rather than becoming a famous singer, acting, even to the extent of wandering from one extra role to another, was more appealing.

For Ian, singers and actors could never be on the same scale. 

"That's why I acted hastily. Rai could disappear like bubbles with the slightest whim."

Elliot pushed forward a contract he had prepared in advance. 

"I've prepared well so it won't vanish into thin air."

Nick was surprised when he saw the advance payment written on the contract. 

"Four million dollars for three albums?"

"Of course, there will be additional earnings based on album sales."

The advance of billions in Korean won is too generous for a newcomer, especially considering no external activities. 

Nick quickly scanned the contract for any poison pill clauses. The conditions were incomprehensible if there wasn't any hidden trick. 

After a thorough review, Nick put down the contract. 

"I'll have to check with a lawyer, but from what I see, there's nothing unusual."

"Didn't I tell you? I've prepared well to ensure Rai doesn't disappear. I think I've heard 'Are you crazy?' at least a dozen times for bringing this contract."

"Is it really okay?"

"It's a routine matter for me. It's better to suffer a loss than to regret missing out, right?"

Despite saying this, a sense of confidence in his decision was palpable. 

Only those who have succeeded in their own abilities can show such confidence. 

Ian asked Rachel. 

"What do you think? Does it seem okay?"

"Yeah. I think it's okay to trust and sign."

As long as Rachel was fine with it, there was no issue. 

"So, it is decided then."

"There really is a power player here. We'll have to make a good impression moving forward."

The conversation then moved away from the contract to lighter topics. 

From why Rai was created to what songs they wanted to do in the future, the conversation flowed widely. 

Elliot was a good conversationalist. Even Rachel, who was usually reserved, opened up. 

Looking at his watch, he said regretfully. 

"It's already this late. I can't keep you here too long, let's promise to meet again."

"That sounds good."

As Ian was getting ready to leave, Elliot called out to him. 

"Do you know what EGOT is?"

"Of course."

Related to a television show, the Emmy;

for sound media, the Grammy;

for film, the Oscar; and

for live theater arts like plays and musicals, the Tony. 

It's an acronym for the most prestigious awards in American pop culture, and achieving a Grand Slam by winning all four is a highly honorable title. 

In its long history, less than twenty people have achieved this. 

"Most EGOT winners have been composers."

"Because all four fields use music."

"That's right. Even actors with tremendous acting skills usually face frustration at the Grammys."

Winning a Grammy as an actor usually involves OSTs or audiobooks, which are, of course, not easy feats.

Elliot seriously said to Ian, "I believe Mr. Pryce can challenge for an EGOT."

It's a thrilling statement for anyone involved in pop culture.

However, the response Elliot received was not what he expected.

"Awards? I don't need awards."

Ian recalled the time he received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

The award every actor desperately desires has no value to him.

"I just want to act."

For Elliot, it was a moment where it felt as if his breath had stopped.

The determination in the unwavering answer felt like an obsession bordering on madness.

Even if he were to die today, he wanted to die acting, Elliot sighed alone in the cafe after feeling such a strong will.

"It's impossible to persuade him."

He felt a pang of loss as if a brilliant star had been taken away by the world of acting.

***

After meeting with Elliot, Rai's music contract was quickly finalized.

It was an incredibly favorable contract for Rai, and Big Sound Records publicized the contract to increase Rai's market value.

– The mysterious newcomer RA-I signs a contract with Big Sound Records for $4 million.

– The newcomer chosen by Elliot, RA-I. Who is he?

– Elliot: "I have no plans to reveal RA-I's identity. We'll continue with the mystique as it is."

People familiar with Elliot's success stories immediately took interest in Rai, and fans were ecstatic.

– Will we finally get to know who Rai is?!

└ Elliot said he has no plans to reveal the identity just yet.

└ Honestly, I'm relieved. I'm too scared it might be someone different from what I imagined.

└ Shut up! I'm sure Rai is a young beauty!

– Who cares about the identity? We're getting three more albums, aren't we?

└ I'm so happy. I was terrified they would disappear after just one album.

└ Me too. I prayed every night about it.

With Rai not interacting with fans at all, there was always the fear that they could disappear at any moment. Just the alleviation of that fear was a cause for celebration.

There was one such fan around Ian.

"Uncle!"

"Huh?!"

Nick, who was helping out at Dylan's store from Ian's house, was surprised to see Dorothy running towards him.

"You're Rai's agent?!"

"How did you know that?"

"My friend told me! The one I met at the premiere."

Should Nick be surprised that he had made a connection with Elliot, a big shot in the music industry, or that Elliot had sold him out?

Unlike Nick's confused heart, Dorothy's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Then you've seen Rai?!"

Nick glanced at Ian and then,

'Shh!'

Receiving the signal, Nick shook his head.

"I can't say. I even signed a confidentiality agreement."

"I wouldn't ask for such an unreasonable favor. I'm a fan, so why would I want to do something you'd dislike? Can you just tell me a little about what they look like?"

It wasn't a difficult request.

After a quick glance at Ian, Nick smiled playfully. 

"They're incredibly handsome."

"Right! I knew it! Rai has to be a beautiful young man."

Dorothy was thrilled to have her imagination confirmed, while Nick received a sharp look. 

-What are you going to do? 

-What? I didn't lie.

Exchanging words through their mouth shapes, Nick felt justified. It wasn't a lie, after all.

Ian was indeed handsome. It's just that he wasn't in his twenties, as Dorothy might have imagined. 

'Someday he might become a young man in his twenties.'

Ian, facing Nick's brazen interaction with Dorothy, checked his phone and found a call from Austin. 

"Austin, what's up?"

-You haven't heard?!

"Heard what?"

It was unclear why there was such a fuss. 

-The Primetime Emmy nominations were just announced. Invisible Children has been nominated in 4 categories.

"Oh! That's great."

The Primetime Emmy Awards target programs broadcast during prime time, and usually, when people mention the Emmys, they're referring to these.

Invisible Children, being among the most successful dramas of the last year, had received several awards, but they paled in comparison to the Emmys. 

-The nominations are for visual effects, sound editing, and special prosthetic makeup.

Typical nominations for a successful zombie show. 

'Maybe we can win one.'

While visual effects and sound were uncertain, special makeup seemed like a possible win. 

But why only mention three?

"What about the fourth one?"

-Best Supporting Actor.

"Best Supporting Actor?"

It was surprising to think that someone from their drama could be nominated for Best Supporting Actor. 

"Who is it?"

-Ian Pryce. You!

It wasn't a mistake. This wasn't the kind of thing someone would joke about over the phone. 

"Me?"

-Yes! The office is in chaos with calls coming in!

The background noise made sense now.

Ian, surprised by the unexpected news, calmed his racing heart and assessed the situation realistically. 

"It's unlikely I'll win, right?"

Yes, winning seemed far-fetched. 

Even though being the youngest nominee for an Emmy at age 6 was plausible, Noah's character wasn't really award-winning material. Plus, it was hard to believe the nomination was solely for acting. 

The Herman expose had definitely played a role. 

While popularity, issues, and interests often influence nominations, it felt disappointing not to be judged purely on acting. 

-But being nominated is a big deal!

"I know. I'm not taking it lightly."

Considering the thousands of dramas produced in the U.S. each year and the number of actors in them, being nominated was an immense honor. 

"I'm happy enough. I'm just trying not to get carried away."

-Huh… It's strange. Aren't you too calm?

Austin, slightly grumbling, changed the subject. 

-Alright. Shall we talk about something else?

"What is it?"

Austin lowered his voice. 

-Lately, one of our agents has been acting strangely. The celebrities they manage are investing in unusual companies.

Ian smiled deeply. 

Good news had come in twos.