Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 316



Only Noblemtl

Episode 316

Seongpil’s Beef Wellington challenge was a huge failure.

I thought I copied the recipe book as is, but what actually popped out was something I couldn’t tell if it was a chunk of meat or a dish.

The members had fun playing Sungpil’s masterpiece and just ordered delivery food.

After finishing a big meal and returning to their accommodations, the members brought up a topic they had been unable to bring up in front of Sungpil.

“Why is Soyou approaching Director Park?”

The host of the meeting was Jang Ha-yang.

“I wonder if we won’t get an answer even if we talk about it among ourselves.”

“Sister, at least you can imagine.”

“imagination…….”

Baek Seol-ha’s imagination quickly turned to an unfortunate direction. Just like back in the old days, when Sung-pil met Erica before filming ‘Music for Companionship’.

What came to her mind was Seongpil, who turned his back coldly, the hem of his coat fluttering.

Seongpil walked forward without even looking back at Baek Seol-ha, who was begging him not to go. In front of him was Jin So-yu, smiling brightly.

“right…….”

Just thinking about it makes me want to cry.

It was so stimulating that I wondered if that was why people watched morning dramas.

“Sister, does anything come to mind?”

“Oh, no. Nothing in particular.”

Snow White decided to hide her embarrassing imagination.

Because of this delusion, I have seen blood many times.

“I hope everything is fine.”

Rika reacted calmly.

“Maybe there’s a practical reason we don’t know about, but we need to meet with Director Park!”

“For practical reasons?”

“Yes, we don’t know!”

“Where is that?”

“So we don’t know!”

“Are you kidding me?”

The story is going on parallel lines.

“Hey Rika. What was Soyou like when you were a trainee?”

“Sister Soyou?”

Rika thought back to Jin So-yu during her trainee days.

Jin So-yu, who never gets tired of looking at herself in the mirror during breaks, stares at her body and face…

She already had a bad reputation among the trainees. Jin So-yu’s strange behavior was the perfect subject for gossip.

“He was an ordinary person who didn’t cause any harm to those around him!”

“Come to think of it, you said you haven’t really talked to that person.”

“Oh, well, that’s right.”

Jin So-yu is an unknown figure even to the Girls’ League.

Jang Ha-yang was the one who interacted with her the most. However, Jang Ha-yang also had no idea what kind of person Jin So-yu was.

All I know is that he has a bad personality.

“I heard it from Hyomin.”

Shin Areum added her opinion.

“You said he was someone you didn’t want to associate with? Sister Hayang said something similar.”

“I didn’t say anything like that… … .”

Woo Hyo-min said that he teased his teammates so much while preparing for the special year-end stage.

“But seeing that you helped Hayang, you seem like a good person.”

“You helped me?”

“It’s Twitter.”

“ah.”

This is what happened when Jang Ha-yang posted about her family history on Twitter.

In order to comfort Jang Ha-yang, the ‘people’ tried to put tags supporting her on the real-time Twitter trend.

But at the time, when I was frustrated because I lacked firepower, Jin So-yu came to my aid.

So, wasn’t Jang Ha-yang also impressed by the results that exceeded initial expectations?

“What? You already forgot about me, Unnie?”

“Well, I remember… … .”

It was simply difficult to match Jin So-yu’s good deeds and attitude.

Because the first impression was so strong.

If you suddenly grab someone and ask them, “Are you a victim of domestic violence?”, it’s unlikely to leave a good impression.

What makes it even worse is that it was true.

“Sister Hayang, you are following Director Han’s teachings well! Director Han said that you should forget kindness but not resentment!”

“Rika, why are you suddenly making a Korean medicine doctor look like trash? I disagree.”

Suddenly silence came.

“I hope you are doing well, Doctor… … .”

Everyone missed the horizontal enter.

I’ll be returning to Korea in less than a month, but can’t we still meet now?

It’s about time the perfume started to get stronger.

“But aren’t you, Hayang, the one who knows Soyou the best?”

Everyone is silent.

Snow White felt as if she had done something wrong and shrank down for no reason.

“Why is everyone like this?”

“No, it feels weird to hear you call me ‘sister’!”

“… … .”

“Wow, you’re the oldest to us! But… … .”

Jin So-yu is old enough to call Baek Seol-ha her older sister. Even though they are only 25 years old, there is only a one-year age difference between them.

“The person who knows you best is me… … .”

Yes, that’s right.

Jang Ha-yang is right.

But I had no idea why she had called Seongpil.

Other than the explanation that KS Entertainment was taking Sungpil away, nothing came to mind.

“You two aren’t awkward with each other. Why don’t you at least give her a call? You said you liked the birthday wishes I sent you last time. I think she’ll like it if I call her again this time.”

“……no.”

“Are you okay? Weren’t you worried?”

“After thinking about it, I don’t think it’s something we should be arguing about.”

Whatever I do, whoever I meet, it’s Seongpil’s heart. Even if it’s Caius.

* * *

A meeting of team leaders and designers for the brand ‘Fukuyo Hidaka’ was running into difficulties due to one problem.

The opening ceremony of the ‘Fukuyo Hidaka’ F/W season fashion show had a personnel issue.

This meeting, where the heads of the six designer teams would each recommend one celebrity, has continued for decades without any major conflicts.

But today was different.

“Mahara.”

The leader of Designer Team 2, a man named Atomu Irie, glared at Team 1 Leader Tatsuya Mahara with a troubled expression.

“It is right for you to step down.”

Atomu is a character who competes with Tatsuya for the position of the next ‘Fukuyo Hidaka’ chief designer.

He was very jealous and competitive, so he often clashed with Maharajah.

There were many trivial and meaningless reasons for the conflict, but this time, Atomu’s opinion was right.

“We can’t have two Koreans at the opening show.”

The person chosen by Team Leader Tatsuya was Jang Ha-yang, who is currently active as a K-pop idol.

“If one person has to stay… … .”

And the person chosen by Team 2 Leader Atomu is.

“Cayers’ ownership is right.”

The other team leaders secretly agreed with those words.

It is no exaggeration to say that KARA is currently the hottest K-pop idol group.

In a short period of time, they have gained a huge fandom, and their influence is widely spread across iTube, SNS, and the Internet all over the world.

“Soyou is someone we previously recommended as an ambassador. No, even if that’s not the case, it’s right to leave Soyou behind because of the ripple effect.”

Kaius’ music video has surpassed 300 million views.

Both the debut song ‘Chaos’ and the comeback song ‘Gaia’.

Even American pop stars, who are considered the pinnacle of popular culture, celebrate when their music videos surpass 100 million views.

So, it was easy for even those who weren’t interested in K-pop to gauge how influential a group KARA was.

In addition, the number of followers on the group account on SNS Stargraph exceeded 10 million.

Even if you upload a video that doesn’t look that great on iTube, the number of views easily exceeds 1 million.

K-US is definitely the best partner to conquer the Korean market and also to appeal to the global market.

“Is there a law that says you can’t have two Koreans in the opening show?”

Tatsuya broke the long silence.

At those words, Atomu spoke in an angry tone.

“Even without that, all the other kids picked Western kids! At least there’s one Japanese person! And there are two Koreans! And they’re both idols!”

“I thought you meant that there was no law that said you can’t have two Koreans.”

“I don’t understand.”

Even the team leader level designers had already checked out Jang Ha-yang’s videos and photos in advance.

It is beautiful.

But it’s just beautiful.

If you ask Tatsuya if he is worth protecting like this, it is difficult to give an easy answer.

“Did you receive any money from the idol named Hayang?”

“Atomu.”

A senior designer in his 50s pointed out Atomu’s remarks.

Atomu snorted and looked away.

“Atomu’s words and actions may be harsh, but I can understand them. Tatsuya, we have to get Hayao into our show at all costs.”

Tatsuya’s spirits were also dampened by the chief designer’s question.

“There was a request from our Korean general manager, Hashimoto. It was a very earnest request.”

“Hashimoto?”

“He’s the manager who was in charge of the Hirajuku branch.”

“Are you from Abybee’s side?”

The atmosphere was finally set for a productive conversation. Tatsuya softened his tone.

“What has been the recent wish of Fukuyo Hidaka, including our company Abaibi? It was to enter the Korean market.”

The size of the Korean luxury goods market is ranked within the top 10 in the world.

It is a golden field that many luxury brands are anxious to enter. That is why Fukuyo Hidaka has also been trying to gradually expand into Korea.

“But it was impossible no matter what we did, whether it was to open a department store or a standalone store. I thought Abybee would end up in a similar situation, but look.”

Hashimoto did it.

The designers gathered there couldn’t tell exactly what was going on, but Hashimoto was working some kind of magic that was producing significant results.

“If Abaibi is able to settle down smoothly, we can aim for Korea again. And the ones who provided a foothold for Abaibi are the Girls’ League.”

“Girls League?”

“It’s the group that Haayang is in. It’s famous in Japan these days.”

The chief designer seemed completely oblivious.

Well, there’s no way a man in his 50s would memorize the names of girl groups.

“Haayang is the official promotional model for Korea Ababe. She is famous. And this time… … .”

“Are you saying we should put an idol who worked as a commercial model on our show?”

Atomu came rushing in.

Tatsuya frowned in disgust.

“Selecting show models is the exclusive domain of team leader designers, so why do they keep… … .”

Tatsuya, who had been responding sharply, soon realized that the atmosphere was not good.

The other team leader level designers were also sending unfavorable glances at Tatsuya.

Eventually, Tatsuya softened his tone. And rather than dealing with his obvious enemy, Atomu, he targeted the chief designer.

“… … If Ha-A-Yang appears on our show, it will be quite a hot topic in Korea.”

“Is the group Girls’ League as famous as KAUS?”

“no.”

I can say that for sure.

But this show will be just as famous as Caius.

No, since the Girls’ League and KAIST are going together, they can focus a lot of attention on Korea.

“Imagine if Girls’ League’s Ha-A-Yang and Kaius’s So-Yu appeared on our show at the same time. Wouldn’t it be a hot topic in Korea?”

According to Hashimoto, there will be a flood of videos and posts with titles like, “K-pop idols are taking over the Japanese fashion world! Japanese people are so jealous, envious, and angry about Korea that they’re on the verge of losing their minds!”

“Our name ‘Fukuyo Hidaka’ will be remembered by tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people.”

For a luxury brand to enter a market, it is enough to simply become known as a luxury brand.

If people think, ‘Fukuyo Hidaka is one of the luxury brands,’ that in itself is a huge success.

“‘Fukuyo Hidaka’ falls into the category of luxury goods in the minds of Koreans.”

One of the purposes of a fashion show is to promote, that is, to make something known.

“From our perspective of advancing into Korea, isn’t there a better promotion than this?”

“That makes sense. So putting Ha-yang on the show is purely a marketing consideration?”

“No. Something like that… … .”

Tatsuya made a right angle with his thumb and index finger, as if Jang Ha-yang’s face was inside it.

“Haayang has an edge.”

That statement surprised everyone there.

If a designer of Tatsuya’s caliber would defend him like this, then he was definitely an extraordinary person.

“Then first… … .”

The chief designer engraved the name Jang Ha-yang on the tablet.

“Let me tell you that. Since it’s Tatsuya’s words, I’ll believe it this time.”

“Thank you, Grand Couturier.”

“Stop using those obscene terms.”

Atomu, the team leader, was still sullen, but he didn’t argue anymore.

Others had similar reactions.

“We’ve been on this topic for too long. Let’s move on to the next topic.”

It’s an opening ceremony anyway.

It’s just an event that invites celebrities to attract attention, nothing more, nothing less.

Those who appear there are not expected to do much as long as they meet the minimum requirements.

In the first place, there is no way to compare celebrities and models on the catwalk.

‘It went over easily.’

Tatsuya wasn’t particularly impressed that things went his way.

I knew this would happen.

It was a problem that could be easily overcome anyway.

‘This isn’t even the main event selection.’

Whether it’s an idol or something else, if you pick and choose based on profit, that’s it.

No one has any particular expectations or disappointments.

However, Tatsuya was different.

‘This is the first time I’ve cared this much about a celebrity.’

What kind of aura will Ha Ah-yang be able to show on the catwalk?

This was something of an experiment.

Tatsuya was excited like a child who received a toy.

‘At least out of the six people appearing at the opening ceremony, he’s the most noticeable.’

Team Leader 2 also chose Jin So-yu, a K-pop idol. However, Jang Ha-yang, whom Tatsuya personally saw and chose, is no less talented than Jin So-yu.

‘And what if it’s not enough?’

Just play a fun game and it’s over.

* * *

Seongpil was just as confused as the other members.

No, I was even more confused than them.

That was because he also had no idea why Jin So-yu wanted to meet him.

‘Even if you ask why, he just says he wants to eat.’

Usually, asking someone to eat or drink means that you have something to talk about.

For close friends, just saying “let’s eat” is enough, but for people who don’t interact much, it’s not.

At the very least, a comment like ‘I have something to tell you’ is necessary.

But Jin So-yu was different.

‘Is the meal okay?’

That was all Jin So-yu said.

Just the right amount of food, no more, no less.

‘If your purpose is really to eat… … .’

That could possibly mean that he wants to build a personal relationship with Seongpil.

But why?

Is there any reason to build personal relationships with executives from other agencies?

‘It’s not like there was anything special like Ginger or Erica.’

Seongpil went to the meeting place with such a confused mind.

As I gradually became familiar with the geography of Japan, it wasn’t difficult to find places.

Jin So-yu was standing near the statue of the loyal dog Hachiko. She was wearing big sunglasses and a hat, but you could tell it was Jin So-yu right away.

‘You said you were 174cm tall.’

It’s only 1cm different from Seongpil.

The one-piece dress with a pattern of red, green, yellow, white, and various colored flowers scattered in a mess on a deep blue background, combined with Jin So-yu’s ideal body shape, made the person herself look like a masterpiece of nature.

He didn’t seem like someone who was trying to hide his identity.

I don’t know if you’re trying to advertise that you’re here.

‘People are staring at me so much.’

Of course, men’s eyes were focused on Jin So-yu, as well as women’s eyes.

It’s like our gazes are entangled and forming a net.

And Sungpil has to get over that net and approach Jin Soyu. Naturally, Sungpil will also get caught in the net.

I don’t have any interest in enjoying it, but… … .

‘I guess I should go.’

Seongpil swallowed hard and walked towards Jin Soyu. And as he walked, he had the illusion that she was getting bigger.

As Jin So-yu began to recognize Seong-pil, Seong-pil realized that it was not an illusion that she was tall.

‘Me, am I bigger than you?’

She was wearing killer heels that made her tall enough to look down on Seongpil.

Seongpil absentmindedly looked down at his shoes.

‘I should have worn heels… … .’

But it already happened.

Jin So-yu noticed Seong-pil and approached him step by step. His walking was so cool that it made you wonder if he was running towards you.

“Hello, Director Park Seong-pil.”

“Yes, hello to you too, Soyou.”

“Shall we go?”

After finishing his speech, Jin So-yu hurried on his way.

The two headed to the store they had researched in advance.

‘This is a big deal. I’ve been planning things to say when we meet, but I can’t remember a single thing!’

If I kept my mouth shut, Jin So-yu might get bored.

Seongpil looked to the side, trying to demonstrate the communication skills he had learned from many years of experience as a manager.

But Jin So-yu wasn’t there.

“Mr. Soyou?”

Jin So-yu followed one step behind Seong-pil.

She asked with a dizzying, dazzling smile.

“Shall I stand next to you?”

“Oh, no. If it’s more convenient, you can stay in the back.”

Perhaps Jin So-yu is not used to situations where she has to push through people.

Wherever I went, my manager was by my side so I would just follow him.

Seongpil guessed her feelings. Although it was regrettable that they could not talk while they were going, he understood.

So Seongpil couldn’t see that Jin Soyu, who was following him, was imitating his gait.

“You said anything, so I chose a place that everyone would like.”

The place Seongpil chose was a formal restaurant.

“The owner of this place makes all the side dishes and dishes from scratch. Since she’s an idol, I think she cares about nutrition and health… … .”

Seongpil held his breath when he saw Jin Soyu sitting across from him.

‘how.’

How can a person be so alluring just by sitting?

Jin So-yu seemed to radiate energy just by existing. The flower petals fluttering in the warm sunlight dazzled Sung-pil’s eyes.

“I don’t really care about nutrition. I’m going to lose all that weight while preparing for the activity anyway.”

“… … .”

“It looks like the owner decides the menu here. How interesting.”

“… … .”

“It’s prepaid, right?”

“Oh, yes, that’s right.”

Seongpil did the calculation himself as if it was a given.

It wasn’t specifically to gain her favor. Since Caius probably hadn’t even received his payment yet, it was right for the one earning the money to pay the bills…

“Here it is.”

When I returned to my seat, Jin So-yu had placed bills and coins on the table according to their exact values.

Seongpil declined, of course, but Jin Soyu responded by saying that she would have to leave a tip at the store before she left.

In the end, Seongpil had to put money in his wallet.

That’s how the two came to face each other.

“… … .”

The silence that they could not possibly control became the only bond that connected them.

‘You’re not a very talkative person. When we met at the bar last time, was it because Director Jeong was there that you were treated comfortably?’

Moreover, Jin So-yu looked at Seong-pil in a burdensome manner. Seong-pil had to feel pressured as if he had committed a crime.

Don’t you feel that way?

I went on a blind date, but I felt anxious because the conversation didn’t continue.

“Did you really call me just to eat today?”

“yes.”

“… … Oh, I see.”

“… … .”

what.

Did you call me to torture you?

Luckily, the food arrived before things got any more awkward. It was a curry with lots of fresh vegetables.

The two were now able to eat food instead of being silent. Then, Sungpil felt an intense gaze from in front of him again.

‘What, what? Did I really do something wrong?’

Jin So-yu didn’t take her eyes off Seong-pil even while eating. It was as if she was trying to know every single pore on Seong-pil’s face, and Seong-pil felt embarrassed.

Seongpil felt a little thirsty so he drank the water from the cup. And about 3 seconds later, Jin Soyu also drank the water.

Seongpil took a bite of curry. Then Jinsoyu also took a bite of curry.

‘uh?’

Only then did Seongpil realize something.

‘Is Mr. Soyou following me?’

why?

Just for fun, Seongpil put down his spoon and lightly wiped his mouth with a tissue. And three seconds later, Jin Soyu did the same…

“Mr. Soyou, why are you following me?”

“Can’t I follow along?”

Seongpil’s words suddenly became silent.

It’s not that it’s impossible, though.

“If you’re following along, there must be a reason.”

“I was just curious about what kind of habits you have. They’re surprisingly ordinary.”

“Do you have any special eating habits… … .”

At that moment, a piece of knowledge suddenly popped into Seongpil’s head.

Following others is a typical behavior that attracts the other person’s attention. It is also a sign that you are appealing to your feelings.

‘no way.’

This was no simple meal.

‘It’s a date!’

… … Hey, there’s no way that’s true.

What is it that Jin So-yu regrets that makes her make such a metaphorical appeal to Seong-pil?

Even if you say ‘be my slave’ right now, Seongpil would lie down like a dog and say ‘yes’.

‘I guess it’s just an odd joke. It’s like Hayang is trying to break the awkward atmosphere by joking… ‘

“Can I touch your arm? It looks like you’ve been working out hard. It looks firm.”

Seongpil was confident.

‘Ore (I), I am being tempted!’