K-Producer C80 Preparing for the music awards

The next morning, Byul-ho's eyes cracked open, immediately assaulted by the harsh sunlight streaming through his window. As he tried to sit up, a wave of nausea hit him like a truck.

"Oh god," he groaned, stumbling out of bed and barely making it to the bathroom before emptying the contents of his stomach.

From the doorway, Seon-woo watched with a mix of concern and disapproval. "Aish, look at you. Is this how a chairman behaves? You're not a high school student anymore, young master."

Byul-ho, still hunched over the toilet, managed a weak chuckle. "It was a special occasion, Seon-woo."

"Oh? And what occasion warrants this level of... celebration?" Seon-woo asked, his tone softening slightly.

Wiping his mouth, Byul-ho turned to face his butler with a proud, if somewhat queasy, smile. "Ascend got nominated for the Korean Music Awards. Rookie of the Year category."

Seon-woo's eyes widened. "They're nominated? That's... that's incredible news!"

Byul-ho nodded, immediately regretting the motion as another wave of nausea hit him. "Yeah, it is. Hence the celebration."

Seon-woo's expression softened further, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Well, I suppose that is worth celebrating. But next time, perhaps consider a more... moderate approach?"

Byul-ho laughed, then winced. "Noted. Now, any chance you could get me some hangover soup?"

Seon-woo shook his head, but there was fondness in his exasperation. "Of course, young master. And perhaps some painkillers as well?"

As Seon-woo left to prepare the remedy, Byul-ho couldn't help but smile despite his pounding headache. The nomination was a big step for Ascend, and even with the hangover, he couldn't bring himself to regret last night's celebration.

Byul-ho settled onto the couch, flicking on the TV while waiting for Seon-woo's hangover cure. Soon enough, a steaming bowl of haejangguk appeared before him, along with a glass of water and some painkillers.

"Thanks, Seon-woo," Byul-ho mumbled gratefully, downing the pills before digging into the soup.

Two hours and a shower later, Byul-ho felt somewhat human again as he headed to the company. As he approached the practice room, he was surprised to see a familiar face among the Ascend members.

"Min-ji?" he called out, curiosity evident in his voice. "What brings you here?"

Min-ji turned, a smile lighting up her face. "I heard about Ascend's nomination for the Korean Music Awards. Wanted to congratulate you and the group personally."

Byul-ho's eyebrows shot up. "How did you find out so quickly?"

Min-ji's smile turned slightly mischievous. "Jae-sung told me."

From across the room, Jae-sung waved sheepishly. "Sorry, hyung. I was excited and... well, Min-ji asked how things were going, so..."

Byul-ho shook his head, but couldn't help smiling. "I see news travels fast around here."

Min-ji laughed. "Well, it is big news. You should be proud, Byul-ho. This is a huge step for Ascend."

Byul-ho nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "You're right," he said, glancing at the Ascend members nearby. "It's a huge step for them."

Min-ji's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You'll definitely be receiving a lot of endorsement offers now."

"Absolutely," Byul-ho agreed. "And we'll be using this opportunity to increase Ascend's market value. The Iniseu skincare deal, and our other endorsements - we'll be renegotiating for better terms."

Min-ji grinned, a hint of playful challenge in her voice. "Oh? So my family's companies that you're endorsing will have to suffer too with the increased prices?"

Byul-ho chuckled, meeting her gaze. "It'll be worth it, I promise. After the awards ceremony, Ascend's popularity is going to skyrocket. The endorsements will be even more effective."

"Always thinking ahead, aren't you?" Min-ji shook her head, but her tone was admiring. "Well, I can't argue with that logic. Just don't push it too far, or my father might start reconsidering our partnership."

"Don't worry," Byul-ho assured her, his voice warm. "I know how to strike a balance. It's a win-win situation for all of us."

Min-ji nodded in agreement. After a moment, she said, "I've heard your company is now endorsing the financial company of Hong Jae-hoon's father?"

Byul-ho nodded, a slight smile on his face. "Yeah, I've got to say, their financial company was very generous with their payment."

"It's natural," Min-ji replied. "After all, Jae-hoon's family is very wealthy."

Byul-ho looked at her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "They own Samsung... Your family must be feeling lucky that Jae-hoon is pursuing you, huh?"

Min-ji shifted uncomfortably, her gaze dropping for a moment. "Actually," she said, her voice softening, "I'm not really interested in a relationship right now. I want to focus on my studies and career."

Byul-ho nodded, his expression neutral. He clearly didn't want to get involved in other people's personal matters. "I see," he said simply.

After a bit more small talk, Min-ji glanced at her watch. "I should get going," she said, standing up.

Byul-ho stood as well, walking her to the door. "Thanks for coming by," he said. "It was good to see you."

As Min-ji left, Byul-ho couldn't help but ponder the complexities of balancing personal relationships and business in their world. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside, turning his focus back to the tasks at hand.

Byul-ho waited for Ascend to finish their training before gathering them in the dressing room. As they entered, their eyes widened at the array of outfits laid out for them.

"These are for the Korean Music Awards," Byul-ho explained, gesturing to the clothes. "Let's see how they look on you."

The members exchanged excited glances before heading to the changing booths. A few minutes later, they emerged one by one, adjusting collars and smoothing down fabric.

Byul-ho nodded approvingly as he looked them over, but there was a slight furrow in his brow. "It's good, but... something's not quite right."

Jae-sung tilted his head. "What do you mean, hyung?"

"I'm not sure yet," Byul-ho admitted. "Let's try a few more options. Min-jae, try that blue jacket instead. Sung-ho, let's see how you look in the white shirt."

As the members cycled through different combinations, the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and fun. They joked and complimented each other, clearly enjoying the process.

"How about this?" Hyun-woo asked, stepping out in a sleek black ensemble.

Byul-ho's eyes lit up. "That's more like it. Jae-sung, try something similar but with the silver accents."

Gradually, a cohesive look began to emerge. Byul-ho watched with satisfaction as the group's image came together, each outfit complementing the others while allowing individual personalities to shine through.

"I think we've got it," he said finally, a smile spreading across his face. "You guys look great."

The members beamed, clearly pleased with the results. As they admired themselves and each other in the mirror, Byul-ho felt a surge of pride. They looked every bit the rising stars they were becoming.