I Will Raise This Family to Greatness - Chapter 243

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 243
The rehearsal had ended.
Everyone seemed moved by how Justin Bieber’s youthful voice, untouched by the deepening of adolescence, harmonized beautifully with Min-guk’s tender vocal tone, which had just begun transitioning through that very stage.
Quiet applause echoed from behind.
I turned to find Scott Brown standing there.
Though it was a rehearsal, this stage was being recorded as well.
I quickly introduced Scott Brown to Justin Bieber’s mother.
“Mother, this is the producer Scott Brown I mentioned.”
“Scott Brown. Thank you so much for giving me the honor of witnessing your son’s live performance firsthand.”
Then I introduced Bang Mu-hyuk to Scott Brown as well.
“Scott, this is Bang Mu-hyuk—a producer and renowned composer from Korea who does the same work you do. By the way, Min-guk is studying under him.”
“Wow, you’re teaching Min-guk! You’re truly fortunate. I tried so hard to convince him… but Sung-guk wouldn’t budge. So how did you manage to persuade him?”
“I was just lucky, I suppose.”
Bang Mu-hyuk broke into his characteristic hearty laugh.
“Well, now that everyone’s here… shall we see the real performance?”
At my words, Justin Bieber and Min-guk exchanged meaningful glances with each other. Then, as the backing track began, they started to sing.
It was far more stable than during rehearsal.
And truly, no matter how many times I heard it, Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World” was a masterpiece.
* * *
“Sung-guk, you became the CEO of YouTube in the meantime?”
Scott Brown stared at me with an expression of disbelief.
“Yes, Scott.”
[Soon enough, I’ll own nearly all of it, Scott.]
“Wow, that’s incredible. I’ve been thinking that YouTube will become a new communication channel for American singers. Conservative record companies still hesitate, but the influence of singers who upload their music and interact with fans will be truly remarkable.”
“Scott, I think the same way. That’s why I plan to upload videos of Min-guk and Justin Bieber to YouTube, and have both of them continuously post cover songs and dance videos to build a strong connection with their fans.”
Scott Brown nodded vigorously at my words, then his expression turned regretful.
“But… Sung-guk, are you really going to debut Min-guk in Korea? From what I can see, it seems like he has potential to succeed in America too.”
Of course, his future possibilities are limitless—but only as part of the idol group Sevens.
“Scott, Min-guk is already under contract, so it won’t be possible.”
A slave contract with me, but I had no intention of breaking it.
Scott Brown rubbed his hands together with regret.
“That’s a shame. Still, thank you for introducing Justin Bieber. The moment I saw him, I felt compelled to develop him properly.”
[Justin Bieber instead of Min-guk…]
This backstory was probably something only I would ever know.
“Scott, the truth is Justin’s family situation is quite difficult. I arranged the hotel and plane tickets as compensation for this video shoot, but they don’t even have a place to stay in America.”
“Sung-guk, don’t worry about that. I provide full support to every singer I film until their debut. Justin clearly has the potential to become a star.”
[Of course. In the original timeline, you should have discovered Justin before I did.]
I made one final request and proposal to Scott Brown.
“Scott, I’ll mediate the contract with Justin Bieber. After all, I’m the one who brought Justin and his mother to America.”
“That means ‘Jeon Sung-guk from FaceNote is backing this,’ so don’t mess around with the contract, right?”
I simply smiled and changed the subject.
“And I have a proposal for you.”
“What kind of proposal?”
“Scott knows the American Entertainment Company scene better than I do. We want to service music videos from singers through YouTube. We’ve invested massive capital and manpower into YouTube so far, and we’re now at a level where we can provide HD-quality video service.”
“Hmm… In that case, Entertainment Companies wouldn’t have any reason to refuse. Actually, YouTube’s service quality hasn’t been great until now.”
“That won’t be an issue going forward.”
“Then I should repay the debt of introducing Justin Bieber to you, so I’ll go around promoting YouTube’s potential. Of course, after that, it’s up to you to handle it.”
“Of course, Scott.”
I smiled broadly.
* * *
While the adults were busy discussing business with each other, Justin Bieber and Min-guk were occupied in the lounge, conversing through English and gestures.
“Min-guk, so you’re debuting as an idol group?”
“Yeah… it looks like that’s how it’ll be, Justin. Since you’re being scouted by Scott… you’re debuting soon, right?”
“I’m not sure about that… I want to be a solo artist.”
“Your voice is perfect for that… it’s really good!”
Min-guk gave a thumbs up.
Justin Bieber broke into a shy smile at Min-guk’s candor.
“Min-guk, even if we each debut separately, I hope we can share the same stage someday.”
“Wow, that would be like a dream. Justin, I’ll keep in touch with you.”
“Me too! When I debut, I’ll definitely send you my first signed album!”
* * *
As I watched Justin Bieber and Min-guk chattering in the lounge, Justin’s mother handed me a small box.
“Justin’s mother, what is this?”
“It’s a token of my appreciation. You watched our son’s video and came to this meeting, and you even introduced us to a wonderful producer like Scott Brown. It’s really nothing special. When you think of Canada, you think of maple syrup.”
[It really is nothing special.]
But I accepted the maple syrup with a smile.
The maple syrup I received now was more valuable as a connection with Justin Bieber, who would become a world-class singer in the future, than for its monetary worth.
“My mother will love this.”
“I can’t even imagine what it must be like to be the mother of a son like you. It must be happiness every single day.”
“Justin’s mother will experience that same happiness.”
“Justin is my pride, but I’m not sure if others will see him that way too. And… I spoke with Scott earlier, and he said you’d review all of our contract details. I’m really grateful.”
“My younger sibling is also an aspiring singer, so it doesn’t feel like someone else’s business.”
[Justin’s mother, I’m the one who should be grateful.]
One thing was certain: Justin Bieber would become a massive hit before Sevens, so Min-guk could earn pocket money from videos even before his debut.
“Scott said he’d fully support Justin so he can focus only on music, so we’ll probably go back to Canada, get things in order, and move to the United States quickly. I still can’t believe he’s actually going to be a singer… I won’t forget your kindness. Let’s stay in touch.”
“Of course.”
Just then, the door opened and Justin Bieber and Min-guk came out.
“Justin, let’s go back to the hotel and prepare to return to Canada.”
“Mom… are we just going back to Canada?”
Justin didn’t yet know the detailed proposal Scott had made.
“Let’s go to Canada, get things sorted quickly, and come back to the United States. Scott says he’ll give me full support to debut in America.”
“That’s amazing!”
Justin threw his arms around Mother, tears of joy streaming down his face.
“Justin! Congratulations!”
Min-guk also genuinely congratulated Justin on this opportunity to become a star.
* * *
Sunday evening.
The edited video was uploaded to YouTube.
Thanks to all the hard work Sam and his team had put in, YouTube’s chronic streaming and video quality issues had been dramatically improved.
And I had deliberately suggested uploading a rehearsal version featuring Justin Bieber and Min-guk.
The reason was the tension that came from their unfamiliarity with each other.
A few mistakes here and there.
But what made it truly exceptional was how Justin Bieber and Min-guk ultimately harmonized perfectly together.
Plus, Scott Brown’s perfectly timed applause added the finishing touch.
In the living room, my family, Jeon Tae-guk, Secretary Park Sung-hee, Mark, Lim Mi-mi, and Bang Mu-hyuk were all gathered together watching the video.
I stood a little apart, observing the scene.
Mother kept stroking Min-guk’s head proudly, and Father patted his back as well.
Everyone showered Min-guk with praise.
I took a long drink of water as I watched.
[Next year, I’ll finally be able to have a glass of wine….]
Just then, someone tugged hard at my pants.
It was Ji-hee.
“Ji-hee, what are you doing here?”
“Oppa… you worked hard too.”
What did I just hear?
“Ji-hee, what did you say?”
“That you worked hard. You know, you were the one running around busily making all the arrangements so our little brother could film that video. He was the one on stage, but you did all the work behind the scenes. Ji-hee knows.”
[Sigh… Ji-hee really is a genius.]
I pretended it was nothing and took another sip of water while looking at Ji-hee.
“Ji-hee, your brother will always make you shine too… so let’s just focus on studying hard. Whether you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, our Ji-hee can do whatever you want. Okay?”
“Okay. Oppa, Ji-hee will study hard! But… oppa….”
“What is it, Ji-hee?”
“Can’t I become a singer or actress too? Like our little brother.”
I knelt down to meet Ji-hee’s eyes. Then I gently held her slender shoulders.
[Let me see. Our Ji-hee… her face has gotten quite… hmm….]
My grip on Ji-hee’s shoulders tightened.
“Ji-hee, I think studying is the best path for our Ji-hee. To become a lawyer, you need to study until midnight, but to become an entertainer, you need to practice until 2 in the morning.”
Ji-hee’s pupils trembled wildly.
“Let’s just focus on studying hard, our Ji-hee.”
“Okay! Oppa!”
Ji-hee nodded obediently.
I felt grateful that my words still carried weight with her—though I suspected it was only a matter of time before Ji-hee entered her own rebellious phase, no less formidable than Min-guk’s.
By the next time I saw them, both Min-guk and Ji-hee would have grown in body and mind alike. Beyond my control!
[So this is how younger siblings grow. Time really does fly….]
I drank the mineral water with a bitter taste in my mouth.
Today, that water felt more potent than any alcohol.
* * *
Sam came running toward me with a delighted expression, then suddenly slowed his pace as he approached.
I watched as he circled around my workspace nervously.
“Sam… just tell me what’s on your mind.”
“Sung-guk, you looked busy working.”
“I’m always working.”
“Right, of course. Sung-guk, look at this. YouTube’s user growth trend. Since Justin and Min-guk’s video went live, and music videos from singers started uploading after that… user numbers have increased by 300% in just one week.”
“Hmm… that’s decent growth.”
“Decent?! I’ve never seen numbers like this at YouTube before!”
Sam was celebrating YouTube’s growth as if it were his own achievement.
“Sam… when did we last discuss salary negotiations?”
“That was… frozen because YouTube was struggling, remember?”
“Sam, have you been going home regularly?”
“Just… whenever I had time. Why, Sung-guk?”
Sam’s expression immediately became apprehensive as he looked at me.
“Sam… I’d like you to take on the position of lead developer for YouTube officially.”
“What did you just say, Sung-guk?”
Sam rubbed his eyes behind his glasses in disbelief.
Until now, Sam had been serving as lead developer on a temporary basis.
“You’ve worked hard to make this happen, Sam.”
“Sung-guk… I didn’t do this alone. The team worked together.”
“That’s true…. Sam, are your colleagues keeping up with you?”
Of the original YouTube staff who had remained as interns, half had left and half had survived.
“Yes… everyone is doing their best to save YouTube. Those who couldn’t manage left… and like you said, you can’t always remain a good person.”
Moreover, Sam had demonstrated appropriate decisiveness throughout this period.
There was no reason not to reward someone like that.
“Sam, take the lead developer position permanently, not temporarily. And let’s finalize your salary and stock options by the end of this week. That applies to all YouTube developers.”
“Sung-guk… YouTube hasn’t even turned profitable yet. If you do this… won’t the company be in danger again?”
“Sam, if you slack off just because your position is stable and your salary increased, do you really think I’d let that slide?”
“I momentarily forgot what kind of person you are.”
“Sam, I’m counting on you going forward.”
“Yes, Sung-guk.”
Sam returned to his desk, and I stretched leisurely.
YouTube’s growth trajectory was far more terrifying than I had anticipated.
At that moment, Mark came rushing over urgently.
What was going on?
“Sung-guk, did you see this?”
“See what?”
“Someone posted on FaceNote saying they’re going to kill you!”
I scanned the FaceNote page Mark thrust toward me.
It was an account that concealed its owner’s identity while posting threatening messages about killing ten Asian businessmen.
And the final target was me.
“Does it even make sense to blame the collapse of the economy on Asians parasitizing American finance because of Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy?!”
Mark’s voice trembled with indignation.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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