After signing with Starship, Liang Yun-ssi did not immediately move into the dormitory provided by the company for new artists.
He was still accustomed to his small but “otaku-esque” rented room.
Director Kim Ji-yeon did not insist, merely reminding him that the company could arrange it anytime if he needed.
Liang Yun-ssi thought this was good; at least until he adapted to the new environment, he could still keep a small corner of his own.
The rented room still wafted with the unique scent of instant noodles and the paper smell of comic books, mixed with the faint scent of sweat from Liang Yun-ssi, which made him feel at ease.
Becoming Starship’s exclusive Producer/songwriter sounded cool, but in reality, Liang Yun-ssi’s initial days were not as “star-studded” as he imagined.
His main task each day was to report to the company, then be led by Director Kim to familiarize himself with various departments and meet some colleagues.
He found that Starship’s atmosphere was much more relaxed and lively than he had imagined.
His colleagues were all friendly, but Liang Yun-ssi’s introverted nature still left him somewhat at a loss.
Every time he met a stranger, he would blush involuntarily, and his speech would become stammering.
“Liang Yun-ssi, this is our company’s studio. In the future, you can create and record here,” Director Kim Ji-yeon introduced, pointing to a spacious room.
Liang Yun-ssi stared at the professional equipment inside, his eyes wide.
His pupils slightly dilated, as if he saw a whole new world, and an indescribable excitement surged in his heart.
“Wow… that’s amazing!” He couldn’t help but exclaim.
“You can use all this equipment freely in the future, and the company will provide all support,” Kim Ji-yeon said with a smile, “However, your most important task right now is to first get familiar with the company’s artists.”
As soon as Liang Yun-ssi heard the words “artist,” he immediately tensed up.
He imagined himself face-to-face with those dazzling idols on TV, and his own awkwardness of stammering and being unable to speak, which immediately made his stomach churn.
“Um… Director Kim, I… I’m not very good at communicating with artists,” he said softly.
Kim Ji-yeon smiled: “It’s okay, take your time. We believe your musical talent will eventually make them look at you with new eyes.”
A few days later, Liang Yun-ssi received his first official assignment at Starship—to compose the title track for MONSTA X’s upcoming first English album, “ALL about Luv.”
MONSTA X!
That was a powerful boy group known as “beast idols” in the K-Pop world!
Liang Yun-ssi was both excited and nervous; excited that he could finally write songs for real idols, and nervous that he was about to meet this group of hormone-filled seniors!
As arranged by Kim Ji-yeon, Liang Yun-ssi met several members of MONSTA X for the first time in a large practice room at the company.
When he pushed open the door and saw five tall, powerful-looking men standing in the practice room, he froze.
They had just finished practicing, still covered in sweat, their T-shirts clinging to their muscular physiques, exuding a powerful charm.
“Hello, Producer-nim!” Leader Shownu was the first to step forward, extending his hand with a smile, his voice deep and steady.
“Uh… hello! Hahaha,” Liang Yun-ssi felt his tongue tie into knots.
He nervously shook Shownu’s hand, his palms starting to sweat again.
A wave of tension rushed from his neck straight to his ears, and his legs felt a bit weak, as if he were walking on cotton.
He could even smell the mixture of sweat and male hormones on them.
As an introvert who wished to stay in his room 24 hours a day, interacting with such a group of idols was truly uncomfortable.
“This is our new Producer, Liang Yun-ssi,” Director Kim said, seeing the situation, and took the initiative to break the ice for Liang Yun-ssi, “He is the lyricist and composer of ‘isolation’, and he will be creating the title track for MONSTA X’s English album this time.”
Upon hearing the name “isolation,” the MONSTA X members all showed surprised expressions.
“‘isolation’? Wow! I’ve heard that song! It’s amazing, it’s really not easy to write such a good song,” Minhyuk said cheerfully, with a sunny smile on his face.
“I didn’t expect Producer-nim to be so young, yet able to write such a resonant song. I thought it was written by an established Producer,” Kihyun also said with a smile, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
Liang Yun-ssi felt a little more relaxed hearing their praise, and scratched his cheek: “Thank you, I’m also very happy that ‘isolation’ achieved such results.”
Seeing this, Director Kim took the initiative to guide the conversation for Liang Yun-ssi: “Producer Liangis here today mainly to discuss the creative direction of the English album with everyone and hear your thoughts on the title track.”
Liang Yun-ssi then looked up.
He took a deep breath to calm himself down.
“Um… MONSTA X seniors, what… what are your expectations for the English album’s title track? Or, is there any particular style you’d like to try?” he asked, trying to use the simplest words possible.
Jooheon thought for a moment and spoke first: “We hope this song can showcase MONSTA X’s unique sense of power and sensual charm, and at the same time, allow our overseas Monbebe (MONSTA X fans) to feel our sincerity.”
Hyungwon added: “We want to try some more mature and emotional melodies. Since it’s an English album, we hope it can be closer to international pop trends.”
Liang Yun-ssi listened carefully, occasionally jotting something down in his notebook.
He found that when he focused on music, his nervousness and social anxiety seemed to lessen considerably.
He began to ask questions actively, discussing musical details with the members, and even offered his own opinions on their vocal lines and stage performances.
“MONSTA X’s stage presence is very strong, and the members’ vocal lines are also very distinctive,” Liang Yun-ssi suddenly said, “I think we can center it around love, and through the clever fusion of diverse musical styles, weave a musical tapestry full of emotional tension, precisely touching the softest parts deep within the listeners’ hearts.”
His words made the MONSTA X members fall into contemplation.
Shownu was the first to react; his eyes lit up, and he excitedly said: “Diverse musical styles! That idea is fantastic! Producer Liang, you are truly a genius!”
Other members also nodded, all showing expressions of agreement.
Minhyuk even couldn’t help but pat Liang Yun-ssi’s shoulder: “Producer Liang, we are really looking forward to your work!”
Liang Yun-ssi flinched as Minhyuk patted his shoulder, but a warm current surged in his heart.
He knew that his music was being heard and recognized by more people.
A sense of accomplishment and the joy of being understood swelled in his chest, making him feel an unprecedented satisfaction.
“Finally, I have the opportunity to do what I love,” Liang Yun-ssi thought to himself.
This first meeting, though Liang Yun-ssi was still a bit awkward, his musical talent and sincerity had already left a deep impression on the MONSTA X members.
This was his first important assignment at Starship, and also his first step into the core circle of K-Pop.
There was still a long way to go, but he was no longer afraid, because he had music, dreams, and a group of powerful seniors who had high expectations for him.
After returning to his rented room, he immediately opened his computer and began to conceptualize the English title track for MONSTA X.