Just when Ji Hyo thought it was over, his phone buzzed non-stop with calls and messages.
The first caller? Glint Entertainment.
Of course.
Ji Hyo stared at his phone, expression unreadable.
Because of that one video, companies were swarming to get him.
Glint was quick to act, offering him an exclusive promotion and a solo debut.
But they weren't the only ones.
Super Music, one of the biggest agencies, wanted him for their upcoming debut group. Other entertainment companies sent similar offers.
And it wasn't just the music industry.
Modeling agencies.
Acting agencies.
Even random producers flooded his Naver inbox, trying to get his attention.
Ji Hyo frowned.
How did they even get his email and contact number?
Naver messages were expected—producers and employees could easily reach out there.
But emails? Calls?
That meant… some companies dug deep.
Ji Hyo felt a slight chill.
It was a harsh reminder of how easy it was for people to gather personal information.
If this kept up, it wouldn't be long before his background was completely exposed.
His past. His real identity. His connections.
…Would he even be able to hide anything anymore?
He lay down on the couch, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
What now?
This level of interest from companies was a huge step forward.
It meant he was closer to reaching his goal.
But… why did he still feel hesitant?
There were still too many unknowns.
His family background.
What kind of business did they actually own?
He had tried searching online, but… nothing. No results. No traces.
It didn't make sense.
The old Ji Hyo never talked much about his past, only about his trainee days.
And then there was his brother.
That gathering. The cryptic words.
Ji Hyo exhaled sharply.
Would it come back to haunt him?
If his past surfaced, would it ruin everything he was building now?
He closed his eyes, deciding to stop thinking for now.
No point in stressing over it.
Right now, he just needed to focus on developing his skills.
But before he could fully relax
Ding Dong.
Someone was at the door.
Ji Hyo furrowed his brows.
Who could it be?
He got up, approached the door, and hesitated for a second before calling out—
"Felix?"
No response for a moment.
Then, a deep voice answered,
"Young Master, Madam asked me to deliver this to you."
Ji Hyo blinked.
Oh. The butler?
He opened the door and, just as expected, saw the butler carrying a box of food.
Without a word, he gestured for him to come inside.
Ji Hyo took the box, placing it on the table, when the butler suddenly took out something else.
A black card.
"Young Master, Madam asked me to return your credit card. It has been unfrozen, so you may use it now."
What?
Ji Hyo froze.
I have a credit card?
And it's black?
Wait. Does that mean it doesn't have a limit?
The butler simply nodded.
"Yes."
Ji Hyo stared at the card in disbelief before slowly accepting it.
The butler gave a polite bow.
"If there is nothing else, I will take my leave."
And just like that, he was gone.
Ji Hyo was overjoyed.
He thought the 10 million won from before was the biggest money he ever had.
But who would've thought—
Now, he had a credit card with no limit.
No limit.
His mind raced, already thinking of what to buy, when suddenly—
Ring! Ring!
His phone rang.
Mom.
He immediately picked up.
"Hello, Mom?"
His mother sighed dramatically on the other end.
"Do you know how much I had to fight with your father just to get that card unfrozen?"
Ji Hyo blinked.
Wait
His mom argued with his dad for him?
"Almost went to war," she continued, "but in the end, he agreed."
Ji Hyo felt a rush of gratitude.
"Thanks, Mom. Seriously. I owe you so much."
His mother simply huffed.
"Just make sure to eat the food I sent."
"Of course! I'll eat it right now."
"Good."
And with that, she ended the call.
Ji Hyo turned his attention to the box of food and opened it—
Oh my god.
There was so much.
Does his mom want to make him fat or something?
There was no way he could finish all of this alone.
He hurriedly called Felix.
Ring… Ring…
The moment Felix picked up, he joked right away
"I was just gone for a few hours, and you already miss me?"
Ji Hyo frowned.
"Shut up."
Felix chuckled.
"What's up?"
"My mom sent me a lot of food. I can't finish it all."
Felix hummed. "So?"
"So, come over and help me eat."
"Hmm… tempting—"
"If you can't, I'll just give it to my neighbor."
"WAIT."
Ji Hyo smirked. Got him.
Felix immediately changed his tone.
"I'm almost done here. I'll head straight to your unit after."
Ji Hyo smiled and leaned back.
"Good. Hurry up."
And with that, he ended the call.
While waiting for Felix, Ji Hyo searched for an online music shop to get more equipment.
He wanted to go all out this time.
At this rate, his apartment would basically become a real studio—but he didn't care.
He scrolled through pages of high-end gear, from mixers to soundproof panels.
Checkout… checkout… checkout.
Just as he was finalizing his orders
Ding-dong.
Felix.
Ji Hyo hurriedly opened the door
And was immediately pulled into a hug.
"What the—"
He pushed him away instantly.
"DON'T DO THAT."
Felix just smiled, unfazed.
"I thought you missed me?"
Ji Hyo scowled and gestured for him to come inside.
Felix grinned as he walked in.
Ji Hyo went to the kitchen and started preparing the food.
Felix sat at the table, resting his chin on his hand.
And just stared at him.
He didn't even say anything—he just kept looking.
Ji Hyo felt the stare.
He turned around and met Felix's gaze.
"What?"
Felix didn't blink.
Ji Hyo huffed, grabbed the utensils, and shoved them into his hands.
"Eat. And stop doing weird things."
The two of them ate while chatting.
Ji Hyo casually mentioned the interest he had been getting from different companies.
Felix listened attentively, occasionally nodding while chewing.
"Glint Entertainment even offered me a solo debut," Ji Hyo said.
Felix raised an eyebrow. "That's a big deal. Are you considering it?"
Ji Hyo twirled his spoon between his fingers. "I don't know yet."
Felix didn't push the topic further.
Instead, Ji Hyo turned the conversation around.
"What about you? What were you doing after breakfast?"
Felix's expression didn't change.
"Just something I needed to process."
Ji Hyo stared at him for a moment.
Felix continued eating as if it was nothing.
Ji Hyo could tell there was something deeper behind those words…
But he decided not to ask further.
Ji Hyo leaned back in his chair. "Are you free this afternoon?"
Felix didn't even hesitate. "I'm free whenever you ask me."
Ji Hyo rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Seriously?"
Felix just grinned.
Ji Hyo exhaled. "Since you're free, how about staying for a while and practicing with me?"
Felix's smile widened. "Anything for you."
Ji Hyo clicked his tongue but couldn't hide the small smile forming on his lips.