Chapter 66:Money and Talent Pour In

Chapter 66: Main OST

It was time to give the acceptance speech.

This was a first for me. Back in my school days, I absolutely hated giving presentations, but right now, I was actually enjoying the situation. The way all eyes were fixed on me in this moment stirred a strange excitement in my chest.

"Well, first of all, thank you so much for this Excellence Award. My feelings are the same as those who stood here before me, so I’ll skip the formalities and share one specific ambition instead."

Ryuseong gave a gentle smile.

"Though I had to settle for the Excellence Award in this competition, I will make sure to hit number one on the music charts. Thank you."

It was a short and punchy speech.

Applause erupted.

Ryuseong bowed slightly and stepped down from the podium. On his way back to the table, he noticed Yulia’s uncomfortable expression but chose to ignore it.

[That was a wonderful speech. Now, for the final announcement: the Grand Prize! Congratulations! Lyricist Yulia, please come up to the stage!]

Yulia stood up and headed for the podium. Meanwhile, Ryuseong, who had returned to his seat, looked up to watch the ceremony.

[Clearly, Dracula Studio’s reputation isn't for nothing. I’m glad everyone here has such a keen eye. It’ll be even more apparent once the singer, Ma-iyu, records it herself—that my lyrics are the best fit for this drama. I can’t wait for the day it airs on Appflix. I’m already looking forward to it.]

It was an assertion every bit as confident as Ryuseong’s.

Well, whatever.

With that, the awards ceremony concluded and the festival began.

[We’ve invited a special guest for the celebratory performance.]

The singer, Ma-iyu, made her appearance.

A few people, forgetting they were at an awards ceremony, let out cheers.

That was the kind of impact she had. Ryuseong found himself just as excited as the rest of them.

*Ma-iyu...!*

However, he was soon drawn in by her calm yet husky voice. The cheering died down, and everyone began to immerse themselves in the music itself.

"...This is insane."

Hearing the song live was even more incredible than listening to the digital track.

**Inside the CEO's office at Dracula Studio.**

The CEO, the composer, and Ryuseong gathered for a brief chat.

"I’m composer Jeon Eun-ah," she introduced herself.

"Ah, I’m Ryuseong."

"The lyrics were so good. I fell in love with them."

"Thank you."

"Haha, Composer Jeon was particularly talkative about you," the CEO added.

"CEO...!"

"Alright, alright. Don't be shy."

It was a pleasant conversation, but Ryuseong noticed that as time passed, no other winners showed up. Curious, he asked:

"But why am I the only one here...?"

"Ah, we got too caught up in chatting. Ahem, let me get to the point. First, the Grand Prize went to Yulia because her lyrics best suited the original guide track we were looking for."

He already knew that.

"Currently, your lyrics, Ryuseong, haven't found a song yet. According to the contest guidelines, the Excellence and Runner-up winners will collaborate with other composers to produce OSTs for the drama."

"Yes, I remember that."

"However, your lyrics were so compelling that the composer of the original guide track—Jeon Eun-ah here—felt inspired and has already written a new song."

Ryuseong turned his head to stare at Jeon Eun-ah.

*She already made one?*

A look of surprise naturally crossed his face.

"Don't look at me like that. When the lyrics are good, the music just follows."

"No, still..."

"Shall we give it a listen?"

"Oh, yes. I'd love to."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

The person who entered was Ma-iyu.

"Hello? Am I a bit late?"

"It’s fine. Please, have a seat."

"Yes, thank you."

Ma-iyu sat directly across from Ryuseong.

His heart thudded.

*Is this... a dream?*

He shook his head and looked again, but Ma-iyu was indeed sitting within arm's reach.

"You’re Ryuseong, the lyricist, right?"

She asked with a bright smile, making it even harder for him to keep his composure. Had his "Composure" passive skill not kicked in at that moment, he might have been remembered as a fool.

"Yes, that’s me. I’m a bit startled—I’m actually a huge fan."

"Really? Thank you."

Her beaming smile was truly beautiful.

"Well then, let’s listen to the song."

Composer Jeon Eun-ah naturally shifted the topic and played the music.

The intro flowed out.

At first, the song carried a deep, emotional vibe, similar to the guide track.

> [At the end of a long, tiring day...]

> 

In that moment, Ma-iyu’s voice broke through.

He was instantly captivated.

> [When I look in the mirror, the reflection I see

> As if I am all alone

> No one looks at me]

> [When the darkness falls

> Even if I can't see the path ahead

> Beneath the empty alleyway

> You are still there, holding your place]

> 

But that wasn't all.

Solid pillars of "steadfastness" were planted throughout the song, supporting the melody.

It was distinctly different from the guide track provided during the contest. Even though the lyrics were the same, the feeling they evoked was entirely different.

> [Even if the storm clouds gather

> And the light fades, halting my sight

> You, to me today

> And I, to you tomorrow]

> 

Between the thick layers of darkness, a hidden strength could be heard.

A resolve to never give up. A will that would not succumb to any frustration.

The music stopped, but the lingering resonance was long. Ryuseong listened with his eyes closed before slowly looking up.

Seeing him like that, the composer, Ma-iyu, and the CEO all smiled.

"How is it, Lyricist?"

Though his talent as a lyricist had vanished, he wasn't so much of a fool that he couldn't recogn

ize a difference of this magnitude. The song itself was telling him with absolute clarity.

"It’s different. It’s clear that my lyrics... belong here."

"Right? Actually, the guide track from the contest was primarily focused on sadness. It was a song overflowing with deep emotion. Your lyrics were wonderful and fit that version well enough, but as I listened to it repeatedly, I started to see a problem."

"What kind of problem?"

"The female lead has lived a devastating life in a society where money is everything. The early part of the story needs to capture that life of hers. Your lyrics didn't quite match the OST that will appear in those initial stages."

"Ah...!"

Only then did it click.

The guide track from the contest was an OST meant to reflect the female lead’s desperate situation.

"Your lyrics, Ryuseong, seem to pierce through the entire drama. I was inspired by that and was able to churn out a new song quickly."

"I see."

Now, it was time for the real point of the meeting.

"Lyricist Ryuseong."

The CEO, who had been leaning back in his chair, leaned forward slightly.

"Yes, sir."

"I have decided to release 'Double Main OSTs' specifically for this drama."

"Excuse me...?"

The situation finally became crystal clear.

Double Main OSTs.

Ryuseong's lyrics had been chosen for another main OST that encompassed the entire series. That was why they had called him in separately to talk.

To be honest, he was a little moved.

A *main* track.

Perhaps it felt even more significant because he had already given up on the idea.

"Hehe, this is a bit embarrassing."

A voice came from directly in front of him.

Ma-iyu was giggling.

"In the end, I'm the one who gets to sing both songs, right?"

*Ah, that's true.*

It was a fresh challenge for Ma-iyu as well.

"Pfft."

"Hahaha, I suppose so."

The composer and the CEO clearly found her reaction endearing.

Laughter filled the room.

In the relaxed atmosphere, Ryuseong fully absorbed the news he had just received.

In the near future, his lyrics would be heard in an Appflix drama. It would be a main OST that pierced through the narrative, reaching a global audience.

He went down to the hotel parking lot and got into his car.

"Whew."

His head was still spinning.

He had seen Ma-iyu in person.

Not only had he spoken with her, but he was now part of a double main OST project.

The song? It was good, beyond words.

Far better than the original contest guide track.

He loved everything about it.

*Vroom!*

He started the engine and sank into the driver’s seat while the car warmed up. After a few moments, his head cleared.

"...I'm really looking forward to this."

He wished the drama would come out sooner.

Well, there was still some time left.

For now, it was time to focus back on the present.

Naturally, Moontopia came to mind.

He pulled out his smartphone and opened the app; notifications were flashing. Several comments on the latest chapter, Chapter 9, caught his eye.

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he checked them. He saw supportive comments left by readers.

Things like they were looking forward to more.

That it was fun.

That they were really enjoying the read.

"Ahem."

Strangely enough, those simple words gave him strength.

The view count wasn't bad, either.

Even though the latest chapter had just barely passed 100 views, it was clearly on an upward trend.

It was just as he arrived home.

**[Linked Quest ‘Welcome, Is This Your First Regular Sponsorship?’ is b

eing updated.]**

**[Sponsorship Amount: 30 million won.]**

**[You have earned 15 Good Deed Points.]**

**[Sponsorship amount has been reset.]**

The hologram I had been waiting for appeared.

As a reward for this month’s regular sponsorship, I had earned a staggering 15 points.

"…This is incredible."

With this, I had accumulated a total of 67 points.

It was happening faster than I thought. It felt like the speed at which I gathered points was accelerating as time went on.

This was a positive development. Assuming I maintained the current sponsorship amount, I was guaranteed at least 15 points at the end of every month. The amazing part was that I still didn't know what the upper limit was.

I had earned 3 points for 6 million won.

I had earned 5 points for 9 million won.

And now, I had received 15 points for 30 million won.

I had figured out the rough criteria: roughly 1 point per 2 million won. It seemed they might have rounded up the 9 million won to give me 5 points. Since they had rounded up before when calculations were ambiguous during the coin-exclusive quests, it was a fair assumption. As I continued to increase my sponsorship, my points were bound to stack up steadily.

Surely, the day would come when I’d earn 30, or even 50 points at once.

Well, for now.

I decided to use the 67 points I had gathered to purchase a piece of information.

Store open.

I went into the Information tab and fell into deep thought while looking at items No. 1 and No. 2.

Stocks or Crypto?

After experiencing the QuantumCom incident, I realized that stocks were certainly no less potent than crypto. In QuantumCom's case, it had surged 300% in a single day. While domestic Korean stocks might not see that kind of movement, the U.S. stock market held plenty of potential. The steep, volatile movements—possible because there are no upper or lower price limits—were more addictive than I had expected.

"Hmm…"

I felt like I was at a crossroads.

I had no idea why it wasn't working this time—the **Tarot Card of Fate** refused to trigger.

"Tsk, whatever."

I decided to go with whatever I was leaning toward right now. I pressed the No. 1 option: Stock Information.

**[Purchase Complete]**

**[60 Good Deed Points have been deducted.]**

**[You have acquired ‘The 2nd US-China Trade War Journal’.]**

As if it were the destined answer, a gift far exceeding my expectations appeared. A journal regarding a trade war between the U.S. and China.

I hurried to check the contents.

### **[The 2nd US-China Trade War Journal]**

 1. The anxiety that had been slowly spreading finally became a reality in early October. The world reeled from the impact of the Second US-China Trade War.

 2. On October 5th, as the US S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices plummeted, **SQQQ** rose by 13%.

 3. The downward trend that continued until October 17th finally stopped, and a rebound began on the 18th. However, the rise only lasted for five days. During those five days, **TQQQ** rose by a staggering 41%.

 4. From October 25th, the stock market began to shake again.

 5. A steady downward trend continued.

 6. On November 7th, it finally hit rock bottom. It was a terrifying market where the Nasdaq fell by 27% from its peak. Thanks to this, **SQQQ**, an inverse leveraged ETF, showed its might by rising approximately 100%.

 7. A V-shaped recovery appeared starting November 9th.

The journal ended there.

**SQQQ** and **TQQQ**.

I had been somewhat interested in these ETFs since I started investing in QQQ recently. However, since these moved by a factor of three, their volatility was extreme.

If the Nasdaq rises by 2%, QQQ also rises by about 2%. However, the triple-leveraged **TQQQ** rises by 6%, while **SQQQ**, which moves inversely to TQQQ, falls by 6%.

I had been keeping my distance because the movements felt too excessive, but if they were appearing in an investment journal like this, it was a different story entirely.

"Triple-leveraged investing, huh?"

If I used this journal to buy and sell SQQQ and TQQQ at the right moments, it loo

ked like I could make astronomical profits.

If you want to read advance chapters, you can go to my Kofi page.👉Money and Talent Pour In

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