Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 349



Only Noblemtl

Episode 349

Lee Jae-ho of Garo Enter A&R team entered the office after finishing work.

His boss, Son Hye-bin, was on the phone, so he returned with a brief nod.

“Okay, okay, I understand.”

Son Hye-bin waved her hand to greet Lee Jae-ho. He sat down in his seat and waited for Son Hye-bin to finish her call.

“Okay, Seongpil. Okay, stop. Oh, you didn’t cry? Okay, honey.”

Son Hye-bin hung up the phone, looking tired but with a warm smile on her face.

“Are you Director Park?”

“yes.”

“I cried… … .”

“Ah, Sungpil does this every day. He says that Hayang is so good at acting, that she’s so pretty, that she’s stealing the talent from the Korean theater world, things like that.”

“iced coffee…….”

Lee Jae-ho roughly guessed what kind of speech Sung-pil had. Sung-pil’s love for idols was so well-known that there was no one in Garo Entertainment who didn’t know.

“So, Jaeho.”

When Son Hye-bin called, Lee Jae-ho straightened his back.

“Yes, team leader!”

“What happened?”

The first thing Lee Jae-ho learned when he joined the A&R team was to save the contact information of all the companies he might need to work with in the future on his phone.

That is, the job he heard was the most important and the one he had to learn first was ‘recruitment’.

He was doing some recruiting work these days.

“I kept looking, and as expected, all the A-class session men had full schedules.”

“Have you searched everything properly?”

“Yes. I contacted them by phone and also visited them in person.”

“Umm… … .”

Son Hye-bin touched her knee as if she was in trouble. Lee Jae-ho knew that it was a habit that came out whenever she thought about it.

“Are you looking at my thighs right now?”

“No no no no no!”

“Rags. Why are you so upset?”

“……haha.”

Ahem.

Lee Jae-ho cleared his throat and continued his report.

“I think the Girls’ League concert is scheduled for late December or early January.”

“Yes.”

“That’s the peak season for the entertainment industry… … I think most of the sessions are already scheduled.”

Lee Jae-ho’s job was to recruit band sessions to support the concert.

At idol concerts, there are cases where they only play the original sound source, but if it is a concert of a certain scale, they always bring in a band.

Because the depth of the sense of presence is different when there is a band. In fact, idols practically rearrange all the songs in their concerts into band versions.

“This is a big deal. Since this is our first performance, we wanted to use talented people.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It’s a big deal.”

“yes?”

“Oh no!”

Son Hye-bin slammed the desk.

Lee Jae-ho trembled and shrugged his shoulders like a puppy being scolded.

‘I don’t want to get scolded. I don’t want to get scolded. I want to be praised… … .’

Lee Jae-ho was in a state of longing for praise from his superiors. That was how he started his social life and was educated that way.

And the method is already prepared.

In the past few days, I have been contacting famous session men while also moving independently.

“That’s why I looked into it separately.”

“Oh, I believed you!”

“Because all the people I said I could trust and leave it to are gone… … .”

This was because Garo Enter was late in moving. Garo Enter also recognized that the time when the Girls’ League concert was held was the peak season for the performing arts industry.

But there was something more important than that.

The next step was to decide on a venue.

After weighing the two options, the Olympic Hall and the handball stadium, we finally reached the limit and made a decision.

Since it is impossible to hire a famous session musician without confirming the performance date, Garo Enter had to move late as they decided on the performance venue late.

“I turned my attention to new faces.”

“… … Mr. Jaeho. When you say new face, you don’t mean someone who has never been on a session before, right?”

“Choi, of course I did the bare minimum of verification! I’m currently receiving the guide session file for the Girls’ League song… … . I, I’m thinking of going to visit them in person later and listen to the sound myself… … .”

“To whom?”

“Uh, uh, maybe get introduced to someone else from the rejected session members. Or maybe rock bands… … .”

Son Hye-bin made an ambiguous expression.

‘I didn’t ask for this.’

What Son Hye-bin wanted was for Lee Jae-ho to somehow make things happen by holding onto the session men’s trouser legs and hanging on while shedding tears.

‘Surely you’re going in the direction of finding new people?’

The reason I left this entire task entirely to Jaeho Lee was to help him develop his abilities as an A&R.

Just as the PR team’s Kang Ji-hye was given a blank sheet of paper with the question, “Get sponsored,” Lee Jae-ho was given a blank sheet of paper with the question, “Get recruited.”

‘Still, it’s not bad, I guess.’

It was hard to criticize Jaeho Lee when I thought about his hard work. It was easier said than done to find a new session. He must have searched for information on the Internet and even worked hard at the same time.

This isn’t something that can be solved just by making a phone call.

‘You must have hung around places like Hongdae after work.’

He really works hard even though he doesn’t get paid much.

Son Hye-bin smiled with satisfaction.

“Yeah, you’re doing well, Jaeho.”

Son Hye-bin patted his shoulder.

“Heh, hehehe.”

Lee Jae-ho laughed like a man with a loose screw.

After the short meeting, Jaeho Lee left the office again to do some recruiting work.

He ran down the hallway silently, fists clenched, raised high, until he ran into another employee.

It was Shin Jun-seong from the new talent development team and Kang Ji-hye from the public relations team.

“… … .”

“… … .”

“… … .”

The two pretended not to see Lee Jae-ho’s antics, nodded briefly, and leisurely went on their way.

Jaeho Lee leaned against the wall with a red face and swore softly. Then he suddenly raised his head and slapped himself on the cheek.

‘Let’s work hard, Jaeho!’

Band recruitment is a very important part of a concert! Son Hye-bin trusted Lee Jae-ho and entrusted him with this important part.

‘I must repay your trust.’

And, the band sound was something that Baek Seol-ha of the Girls’ League was particularly concerned about.

One of the concert setlists includes Baek Seol-ha’s guitar solo. It is supported by a band session, which Baek Seol-ha is also very interested in.

‘To create the best concert for Seol-ha… … .’

Jaeho Lee, the back office, background person, does his best.

* * *

Snow White looked around her room in solitude.

Since Jang Ha-yang left for France, this room was occupied solely by Baek Seol-ha for two days.

Although I didn’t feel any particular inconvenience while living with Jang Ha-yang, I couldn’t deny that I was a little excited about the fact that I could have a room to myself.

‘A room of one’s own.’

A room of one’s own, how many years has it been?

It seemed like more than three years had passed.

Until now, Snow White has never been strictly alone. She has always been with the members.

‘I’m alone.’

After Jang Ha-yang left, Baek Seol-ha made up her mind.

Let’s make the most of this precious opportunity.

And just the day before leaving for France.

“… … .”

Snow White sat in bed, feeling lonely without Jang Ha-yang.

I enjoyed everything that I could enjoy alone, but it wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be.

‘I miss Ha-yang… … .’

Snow White looked at the desk where Jang Ha-yang often sat. Usually, she would be sitting there reading a book.

If Baek Seol-ha asks, “Ha-yang, do you know that?”, Jang Ha-yang will put the bookmark in and look at Baek Seol-ha.

And then she will turn to Snow White with a smile full of affection. She will concentrate all her nerves to listen to what her beloved sister has to say.

I missed that kind of Jang Ha-yang.

‘Hayang-ah… … .’

Like a parent missing their independent child, Baek Seol-ha swept Jang Ha-yang’s bed with her hand.

Then, realizing something, she put her nose to the bed sheets and sniffed.

“……perfume?”

Jang Ha-yang seemed to be spraying perfume on the bed.

It’s not true at first.

The faintly spreading scent was so strong that you couldn’t smell it unless you got very close. It was a scent that lingered faintly around the bed.

‘That’s unexpected. Hayang cares about this kind of thing.’

There are people who have their own scent. They spray perfume like they wear clothes.

Just like Seongpil.

‘Director Park said that he was happy when he was surrounded by his favorite scents while sleeping.’

It has been said that sleeping wrapped in comfortable clothes and your favorite scent is also good for your mental health.

Jang Ha-yang also seemed to take care of her identity and mental health with fragrance.

‘however…….’

This scent didn’t seem like something a woman would wear. It was dry and cheap, and rather sharp than soft.

‘I feel like I’ve smelled it somewhere… … .’

Someone’s face began to vaguely appear in Baek Seol-ha’s mind.

At that moment, Snow White’s head stood on end like a herbivore being stared at by a predator. She turned around in a panic towards the door, and saw Shin A-reum staring at her with a disgusted expression.

Snow White reflexively made an excuse.

“Ah, no, no… … .”

What was it about Baek Seol-ha that made Shin A-reum’s expression like that? Baek Seol-ha was completely buried in Jang Ha-yang’s bed.

“This is, this is… … .”

Shin A-reum disappeared without even listening to the answer. She had learned a lesson from spending time with members with such strong personalities: when something incomprehensible happened, she simply left.

It was the same this time too.

“No, that’s not it… … .”

Snow White was worried. She wondered what kind of teasing the members would do tomorrow.

While she was fidgeting, her cell phone buzzed. Snow White quickly picked up her phone, forgetting her frustration.

It was a video call.

Snow White ran her hand through her bangs a few times and then answered the phone.

[Hello, Seolha.]

“Yes, hello, Director Park.”

Even though he was overseas, Sungpil would call the members every day to check up on them.

It wasn’t anything new.

He often called the members when he was in the US with Joara.

Rather, it felt good that people from overseas were paying attention to me.

“The sun has risen there?”

[Yes. Here’s a quiz.]

“Ah, all of a sudden?”

[What is the time difference between Korea and France?]

“… … .”

[Apologize to French fans!]

“sorry…….”

Seongpil smiled brightly as if he had seen his nephew’s tricks. Baekseolha also smiled innocently because she was so used to this kind of situation.

“How was France? Did you play a lot with Hayang?”

Baek Seol-ha secretly ran her hand through her hair. There was a hairpin in her hair. It was a hairpin that Seong-pil had bought her as a gift in France a long time ago.

Will he recognize me?

[No, I’m going to the botanical garden now.]

“A botanical garden?”

[Yui recommended it.]

“It would be fun if we all went together.”

[Director Han went to the Louvre Museum.]

“Aren’t we going together?”

[Something… … He had a strong belief of his own. That’s why we decided to split up.]

“Hmm, I see.”

Snow White slightly turned her face towards the side where the hairpin was so that it could be seen clearly.

The metallic surface of the pin reflected the fluorescent light and sparkled.

“Excuse me, do I have time to go sightseeing?”

[Yes, there are. Not many, though.]

“Where are you going?”

[What? Is it a prerequisite for me to guide you?]

“Oh, no… … . I’ll look into it… … .”

[I’ll look into it too? You really didn’t look into it? Seol-ha, you, can you use the director as a guide or not?]

“sorry…….”

[Ha, Rika thinks of me as a wallet. Ara thinks of me as a toy. The leader thinks of me as a guide.]

“Uh, uh… … .”

Snow White avoided eye contact, not knowing what to do.

There was no room for refutation of Seongpil’s complaint. In fact, I had never even suspected that he would be a tour guide.

Baek Seol-ha has lived as an idol trainee since she was young, worked as an idol, and continues her life as a trainee and idol at Garo Entertainment.

She wasn’t used to doing things on her own. Rather, she was used to having her manager do things for her.

“I, I’m sorry… … .”

[Of course, I’ve thought of everything, so don’t worry and come! I got a list of places you must visit when you come to Paris from Yui!]

“… … Sir, do you find it amusing that I am in trouble?”

[Oh, sorry. I felt bad… … .]

“I, I really thought the director was upset… … .”

Snow White bowed her head gloomily.

Seongpil on the screen was completely flustered. His eyes wandered around in all directions.

He stretched out his hand as if Snow White was right in front of him. Of course, he soon realized it was a screen and stopped.

“I really… … .”

[I’m sorry, Seol-ha. It was my fault… … .]

“That’s interesting.”

[……uh?]

Snow White smiled innocently.

“I understand why you keep doing that, sir. It’s fun to see you get so embarrassed.”

[As of now, I declare war against the Girls’ League leader, Baek Seol-ha.]

“yes?!”

[It’s a war to see who can make people suffer more.]

Seongpil smiled briefly and spoke affectionately.

[Seol-ha, you shouldn’t wake up late tomorrow. Don’t put your phone on silent mode. Be sure to answer your manager’s calls.]

“Yes. I won’t be late.”

[Yes, our leader. Our Seol-ha who is good at everything.]

“Hey, why are you suddenly like that… … .”

Snow White bit her lips as if embarrassed.

[I didn’t know how to end the call, so I started with a compliment.]

“… … Director Park, stop reading Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

Seongpil always starts off by praising everything he does.

“By the way, should I end the call now?”

[Yeah. I have to go to the botanical garden with Hayang. See you tomorrow, Seolha.]

Seongpil showed signs of ending the call.

Snow White was slightly disappointed. She hoped that Sungpil would recognize the hairpin he had given her as a gift, even if it was just a little bit.

Isn’t this a gift from France?

It was an accessory with a special meaning, but Sungpil didn’t notice it at all…

[Seolha. And you don’t have to brag about it, it’s all visible.]

“Huh? What is… … this?”

[hairclip.]

Seongpil tapped his head. It was where Baek Seol-ha was wearing her hairpin.

[It suits you well. You don’t usually wear it because you practice, right?]

That’s why I tried to show it to him on the phone. I was afraid that Sungpil might be upset that I wasn’t wearing the hairpin he gave me.

I wanted to say, ‘It’s not that I don’t like it.’

[Thank you for showing me how to do it yourself.]

But Seongpil already knew everything. He knew everything even without Baek Seol-ha explaining it in detail.

[Then I’ll really hang up. Hayang is glaring at me from the side as if to say, ‘When will it end?’… ]

[I didn’t try.]

[Okay, then I’ll hang up. Bye Seolha.]

The call is over.

Snow White put down her cell phone, suddenly got up, and grabbed the electric guitar that was propped up against the wall.

I quickly connected the amp and guitar and expressed my current feelings.

A flashy guitar solo vibrated through the room. At the same time, Baek Seol-ha’s fingers were playing the fretboard and plucking the strings.

“Teacher, you’re awesome!”

Rika, who had been watching, applauded. She came into the room and sat down next to Baek Seol-ha.

“Is this concert guitar solo practice? It’s awesome!”

“Huh? Oh, uh, yeah. It was concert practice.”

“Are we going to go with that? My heart is pounding for some reason!”

“Ah… … I don’t think I can do this.”

“Ehhhh.”

Because just now it was an improvisation.

Rika said she felt sorry and praised Baek Seol-ha’s guitar skills before leaving the room to wash up.

Snow White placed her guitar on her lap and stared blankly at it.

‘Guitar solo.’

She performs a guitar solo on stage for ‘Long Four’, one of the title songs of the Snow White Girls’ League.

The concert’s ‘Long Four’ performance is very unique. Up until the first verse, the members play their instruments as a band, but from the second verse onwards, they show a dance performance.

The fact that all members can play the band’s instruments is a huge strength. It’s a feat that no other group can easily imitate, unless they’re a band idol.

‘My solo is the bridge after the second verse.’

He will show off a splendid solo that will strike everyone’s heart. But… … .

Snow White played the solo she was originally supposed to play. And in the middle of it, her hand on the fretboard became slow and it became difficult to pluck the strings.

Snow White’s breathing became rapid.

I closed my eyes tightly and held my breath. And I tried to follow the original performance somehow, but halfway through, all the strength left my body.

“Haa, haa, haa… … .”

It was a solo performance created directly by Baek Seol-ha’s electric guitar teacher, Yoo Seon-yeong.

‘More here?’

Snow White continued to ask for the difficulty of the performance to be increased.

Her idea of ​​a cool guitar solo was the kind where you could barely see your hands.

I wanted to show that kind of appearance to my fans.

In the end, Yoo Seon-yeong created a result that satisfied Baek Seol-ha. However, she added this.

‘If you want to change anything, just tell me.’

You’ll be busy practicing dancing and singing, so you’ll have even less time to devote to the guitar.

Those were words filled with such consideration.

For a performance that lasts only a few dozen seconds, Snow White will have to put in a comparable amount of time into her dancing and vocals.

Baek Seol-ha felt a sense of arrogance at Yoo Seon-yeong’s consideration.

‘I will do it.’

Snow White wanted to show her fans her abilities. She wanted to show them various abilities.

A skill that is so amazing that it makes you gape in amazement.

‘I want to show it to my fans.’

You guys are such great idols.

Snow White wiped the sweat off her face and got back into playing.

* * *

Snow White stood in the hallway with her carrier in one hand and her guitar case on her other shoulder.

The members except Jang Ha-yang came out to greet her.

“Teacher, have a safe trip.”

Starting with Joara’s hug, Baekseol hugged the members one by one.

After the hug, Snow White spoke with a face full of anticipation.

“Okay, I’ll be back.”

Snow White went out the door into which the bright morning light poured in.

Now a new landscape will unfold before her.

France, new lands, filming, and above all, traveling.

Snow White took a light step forward due to her anticipation.

‘Let’s go to France.’

Snow White left her inn.

I was able to maintain some level of composure on the stairs leading down to the first floor, but I couldn’t do that once I touched the ground.

Snow White hummed a tune and walked along with cheerful steps.

‘It’s a trip.’

Snow White suddenly stopped and shook her head vigorously.

‘Well, it’s not a trip, it’s work.’

Go to France for work.

You shouldn’t get excited.

As a professional after all… … .

“… … .”

Snow White hummed again, taking brisk steps.

‘It’s a trip! I’m going to France!’

Of course, I was happy to go to France, but I was also happy to see Lee Yui, Han Gu-in, and Seong-pil, whom I hadn’t seen for a long time.

Snow White smiled without realizing it.

‘I want to see you soon.’

The story of Snow White was about to begin.

It was summer.

* * *

“I’m back… … .”

Baek Seol-ha returned to her lodgings with a tired face.

Jang Ha-yang was the first to come out to the front door to greet them. She took the carrier from Baek Seol-ha’s hands.

“Oh, thank you, Hayang.”

“No. Was it really hard?”

“Please give me the guitar!”

As her younger siblings greeted her from the front door, small hints of happiness began to bloom on Baek Seol-ha’s tired face.

“How was France!”

“Ugh, it was hard… … . Especially, I feel like I took the guitar for nothing… … .”

“Where did you go to play!”

“Rika, you must be tired. Sister, please come in first and change your clothes. Would you like to use the bathtub?”

“Ah, no, I’ll… … .”

“I’ll get ready.”

“I’ll hear from you later! Have you eaten?”

Snow White’s smile was filled with warmth.

‘I’m back, home.’

The story of Snow White has now ended.

At one point, it was autumn.