Ji Yong nearly fell of his seat with his jaw hanging. "E-excuse me... did I just hear it right? A contract? I t-thought this was an audition?" he said in disbelief. Yang Hyun Suk looked at him directly and cleared his throat. He then looked at Mr. Lee. Mr. Lee handed him a brown envelope.

"Our contract calls for a maximum of four years of training with basic necessities included plus allowance. Training at the same time with school is okay but it is a harder track. So we are also offering alternative classes until you can finish your high school. Also, it is fine if you choose to drop out of school completely. It is the trainee's personal choice. The four years can be shortened depending on your training performance. After training years, you will be debuting as part of YG Entertainment's growing number of artists and talents. After your debut, you will be under our management for eight years, renewable." Yang Hyun Suk continued and summarized the contract that he handed to the speechless Ji Yong.

"Ji Yong-ssi, this is a once in a lifetime experience, and truthfully, it is very rare for us to offer an artist contract immediately." Mr. Lee said with a smile.

"Well, but we ask you to think about it very seriously, since we are very serious in this business. What makes our company different from others is that we also offer creative freedom to our artists." Yang Hyun Suk said and crossed his arms with authority.

"Creative freedom?"

"Yes, we do not dictate to our artist what kind of music we want them to sing or perform. We give them outlet to create their own music and even produce it themselves with the help of our coaches and professionals. Take that contract home and think about it. Discuss it with your parents and see what's good for you."

"Oh... Yes, I will."

"Ji Yong-ssi, we hope to work with you in the future." Mr. Lee said.

"Well, Kwon Ji Yong." Yang Hyun Suk stood up and shook Ji Yong's shaky hand. "It's a pleasure meeting you. I know you've got raw talent that our company could even further hone. I'll see you in a week? I hope that's enough time for you to think this over."

"Kamsahamnida, sir." Ji Yong bowed a 90 degree bow. He left the office with Mr. Lee. He patted Ji Yong on the back.

"Congratulations, kid. I hope you'll be the next big thing in Korean music industry. If that happens, and I know that will happen, don't forget to thank me, arasseo?" Mr. Lee kidded with him. "Don't be too nervous, eh?"

"Arasseo...uhm, Mr. Lee?"

"Yes?"

"I was wondering, are you also looking for a new female talent?" Ji Yong said hopefully. He played with the edge of the brown envelope.

"Female talents? I'm not sure, but tell me what you have in mind."

"Well, you were at the showcase right? The girl who sang the chorus with us, you remember her right? Miss Park Bom?"

Mr. Lee looked at him with a frown. He thinks hard for a while before he nodded. "Oh, yes, I remember her. The shy girl who sang."

"Are you interested in taking her in the company too?" Ji Yong asked and crossed his fingers behind his back.

"I don't think she is the type of material that our company is looking for, Ji Yong-ssi. You see, what differentiates YG Ent. from others out there is our concept of edgy and fierce artists who are not afraid to push the boundaries of themselves. That's what I exactly saw on you. But that girl, I don't think she is the type we were looking for, but she has a great voice, I'll admit that."

"But isn't there a chance at all? And what about Seunghyun, my partner back when we performed at the park?"

"I kind of understand what you're feeling Ji Yong-ssi. I'm sure you're friends will understand why you got chosen, but not them. Why not tell them of the YG Open Auditions this coming autumn? Your friends are welcome to showcase their talents in this audition." Mr. Lee said with an apologetical smile. He shrugged his shoulders to say there was nothing he can do. They reached the elevator and Mr. Lee pressed the down button.

"Please, Mr. Lee, just consider about it."

"Aigo, this kid... I'll see what I can do." Mr. Lee said with a sigh. The elevator door opened and Ji Yong stepped in. "Well, I'll see you next week with that contract, okay?"

The door closed even before Ji Yong could reply. Alone in the elevator, he took out the contract and read the carefully typed words on the pristine white sheet of paper. The elevator stopped on the third floor which startled him. A girl in workout clothes stepped in with a smile. Her monolid eyes disappeared every time she smiled.

"You're new here?" she asked as she looked at the contract in Ji Yong's hands.

"Ah.. Sort of." he answered and quickly put the contract back in the envelope.

"I'm Lee Chaerin, I'm a trainee here." she offered her hand which Ji Yong shook.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Kwon Ji Yong, actually, I've just been offered a contract today." he said and pointed to the envelope.

"O, good luck then. I'll look forward in seeing you around the practice rooms."

"How long have you been a trainee?"

"Around a year or so, I guess."

The elevator reached the ground floor and they stepped out. Miyu bowed to them as they leave. Ji Yong tried to catch up with Chaerin.

"Chaerin-ssi!"

"Ne?"

"C-can I ask you something?"

"Anything." Chaerin shrugged and slung her gym bag over her shoulder.

"What does YG Ent. look for in a female trainee?" Ji Yong blushed from his question.

"O, what's this~ for your girlfriend?" Chaerin teased.

"Ne." He nodded proudly.

"Well, for one thing, I know a strong voice is preferred. There should be something interesting about her too." she answered.

"Interesting? Does eating corn all the time count as interesting?"

"Aigo, of course it has to be something related to being an artist."

"Arasseo, arasseo."

"O, and another thing... She has to be fierce on stage."

"Aishh, it's hard to imagine Bom-ah as fierce.." Ji Yong frowned and shook his head.

"Yah, I wish your girlfriend the best. I hope she also gets in so you won't feel lonely when you're a trainee." Chaerin smiled and waved her hand. "I have to go now, I hope I helped."

"O, see you soon Chaerin-ah. Thank you for your help." he said and bowed again. Ji Yong turned to walk to the bus stop. The wind blew his hair from his eyes. He tucked the envelope between his arm and sighed.

"Park Bom-ah, this is my dream. And I want to continue dreaming this dream with you by my side." he thought on his way home.

~~