The minor incident with the drunkards doesn't dampen the spirits of the crowd; instead, Sebastian's words make an impression, causing everyone to take the young president more seriously.
Such maturity at a young age—no wonder he started a company.
In the barbecue restaurant, people are dancing with joy, the mood lively and high. Only Patrick Anchor seems down. He understands the reasoning behind Sebastian's words, but it still leaves him feeling gloomy.
"What, still can't get over it?" Sebastian asks, laughing as he tries to comfort Patrick. "Think of it this way: when you encounter an idiot, stay far away until you can completely take them down. Entanglement is the worst way to deal with them."
Sebastian then turns his back completely to Jessica's direction.
"I get it, but it's frustrating," Patrick pouts. The eighteen-year-old is full of vigor; he understands the principles but feels uncomfortable inside.
"So, what should we do?" Sebastian puts an arm around Patrick's shoulder, laughing. "How about we give a special bonus to our great contributor to celebrate?"
Patrick's eyes light up with excitement, but Sebastian preempts him. "Stop thinking about places like night clubs."
Patrick's enthusiasm dims, and he mutters, "What's the point then?"
As a key member of KG, having already enjoyed his first hefty salary, Patrick has lost interest in ordinary bonuses. However, his eyes wander to the piano in the corner, deep in thought.
"Seb?"
"Hm?"
"I haven't seen you play the piano in a long time."
"Why are you bringing that up now?" Sebastian asks curiously.
"Play us a song!" Patrick grins widely, as he let go the bad mood lingering in his mind, he finally finds something interesting.
"Play a song?" Sebastian's expression becomes slightly dazed. He learned the piano to show off to Charlotte, but he never had the chance. Memories from that time come rushing back.
If he recalls correctly, he had only been learning the piano for about a year at this point. He was quite talented, though not on a professional level. Still, he could play everyday tunes.
But... Sebastian hesitates, feeling a pang of regret about playing for others first, despite having let go of his feelings for Charlotte.
"What are you hesitating for?" Patrick taunts. "Aren't you a good brother to me anymore?"
Then Patrick glances at Jessica, and his eyes light up. "Aren't there singers and composers here? Trainees too?"
"Isn't Pretty Generation's 'Into the New World' popular recently?" Patrick laughs loudly. "Do you all know it?"
"Let's do it!" Jessica stands up confidently. Wearing a light purple short-sleeved shirt and jeans, she exudes youthful vitality. Trainees around her gradually stand up.
"Well-known songs like this are often part of company practice," Jessica adds.
Soon, cheers grow louder around them.
"Play it, Sebastian!"
"Play it, Mr. President!"
"Play a song!"
Sebastian smiles. "Alright, let's do it!" He stands up. Any more hesitation would be a waste of everyone's good intentions.
After a quick word with the owner, Sebastian unbuttons the top two buttons of his blue shirt and sits at the piano. His fingers move, and a familiar feeling washes over him.
"I have the sheet music for 'Into the New World' on my phone," Jessica offers, thinking he might be unfamiliar with the song.
"This won't be necessary." Sebastian smiles and declines. How could he not know "Into the New World"? He spent countless hours practicing songs, hoping to impress his beloved one someday, even if it never happened.
His fingers start to play.
Inside the barbecue restaurant, the lights are bright, and the pleasant sound of the piano fills the air. Smoke from the barbecue stove curls up as the trainees, in position, begin to dance energetically.
People take out their phones, humming along to the song.
"That sorrowed time I want to share,
Its whisper lingers in the air.
Close your eyes, let your heart see,
Feel the pulse inside of me.
My heart, it stirs, my eyes on you,
Waiting for our dreams to come true.
In the stillness, I believe,
A special miracle we'll receive..."
In front of the large floor-to-ceiling windows, Sebastian plays the piano, deeply immersed in the music. As the melody begins, visions of old music videos play in his mind.
Sebastian doesn't know when he closes his eyes, but a figure he longed for appears in his thoughts. As a halo expands, everything becomes hazy. He wants to dispel the light to see the figure clearly, but as it fades, no one is there.
"Bang---"
Sebastian stands, supporting himself on the piano keys, gasping for breath. But when he looks up again, his pupils vibrate. His dark eyes reflect the scene outside the window—something he's thought about for countless days and nights. The surroundings suddenly become quieter.
"A ten million endorsement contract—Jessica really made an incredible signing."
"Yes, a solo endorsement fee of ten million sets a record for her generation, right?"
"The stage this afternoon was also popular. The internet is already calling Jessica the 'Muse of the World.'"
"Money earned and a name made—so enviable!"
"..."
"..."
"Alright, stop being envious. Haven't you seen how many pairs of stockings Jessica has torn in the dorm recently?" Claire teases.
Even as she teases, Claire can't hide her amazement. They have produced a top-tier artist among them. Although they were mentally prepared, they thought the breakout star would be Charlotte or Victoria, not Jessica.
Their blessings are genuine. When one member gains exposure, the whole group benefits. But there is also a hint of jealousy—they're all artists from the same company, so why did Jessica get famous first?
"We're here." The manager stops the car.
"I'll go," Charlotte says with a slight smile. "It's just the right time to clear my mind."
She gets out of the car, and Victoria follows. In early May, the night breeze is cool but carries a hint of warmth.
Charlotte, in a khaki windbreaker, exudes a contradictory maturity beneath her youthful looks. She wants to see Sebastian, even if just for a moment.
As she passes by the glass window, Sebastian, with his eyes closed, is playing the piano with all his might.
Charlotte stops. Gazing at his familiar face, her eyes become slightly dazed. When she regains her senses, she meets Sebastian's vibrating gaze.