Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 356



Only Noblemtl

Episode 356

“Um… … .”

Baek Seol-ha, who received Seong-pil’s offer, waved her hand with a humble expression.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to come. Even if you do come, you probably won’t hear anything good… … .”

Snow White was laughing heartily, but the meaning behind her words was far from laughter.

Because the idol activities themselves portrayed a situation where they were not properly recognized by their parents.

The members felt a renewed sense of empathy for their leader’s situation.

‘It must feel like you have no foothold… … .’

Rika looked down gloomily. With her gaze down, she saw her feet standing on the ground.

People need something to stand on.

Family plays that role.

No matter how successful you are in society or how much you are praised by your friends, it will be difficult to fill the void without the recognition of your family.

‘Unlike us, the teacher kept moving forward without any ground to stand on… ‘

Suddenly, Jang Ha-yang was caught in Rika’s sight.

Jang Ha-yang read that gaze and smiled at Rika.

“what’s the matter?”

“This, this (no).”

I once again feel that Jang Ha-yang is a truly strong person.

While Rika was thinking about the hardships of Baek Seol-ha and Jang Ha-yang, Baek Seol-ha explained to Seong-pil in detail why she did not need to go see her parents.

“Joe, it won’t be a good atmosphere. Yes. I can go alone. It’s a family matter. I can take care of it.”

Since it was a family matter, she would take care of it herself. This was Baek Seol-ha’s claim, but her true feelings were different.

Snow White still remembers her mother’s cold gaze. It felt like all the hard work Snow White had put in was being completely denied.

‘You’re going to do that again?’

Just thinking about her mother’s voice saying those words makes Snow White shrink.

The mother who supported Baek Seol-ha’s dream more than anyone else in the world now opposes Baek Seol-ha’s dream more than anyone else in the world.

Because I saw my daughter being ruined and ruined in the most miserable way. And because my mother, who saw that, was also heartbroken.

I never want to go through that again.

‘But… … I succeeded… … .’

It’s not yet at a stage where we can call it a success or anything because we haven’t received the settlement money yet.

However, Snow White is proud of having succeeded in overcoming her mother’s worries by several dozen levels. However, her mother was still the same when she last met her.

‘It’ll be the same if you go back again.’

He didn’t want to let Seongpil face his mother, who had the same old attitude.

I didn’t want Sungpil to hear harsh words from his mother. I didn’t want him to feel needlessly hurt.

The meeting between the parents and Seongpil was as positive as possible…

‘……huh?’

Oh, yeah, positively.

I hoped that the meeting between my mother and Seongpil would be as positive as possible.

“therefore…….”

Snow White stopped talking.

This was because the corners of Seongpil’s mouth were turned up with a lot of playfulness.

“Director?”

“No, I was just saying.”

“……yes?”

Seongpil knows Baek Seol-ha’s circumstances.

I saw her run away from her parents’ house crying, so there’s no way I wouldn’t know.

“Because Seol-ha might be embarrassed to say, ‘Director, I’m scared. Can you come with me?’”

“Me?”

“I asked just in case. But since you refused so desperately, I’m a bit… … .”

Seongpil let out a faint laugh again.

He had just made a light-hearted suggestion without much thought. But Snow White refused so seriously and apologetically that it was impossible not to laugh.

“Seol-ha is so sincere… … .”

“I guess I should go see it together even if it means going to the zoo.”

“uh?”

“Yes, let’s go.”

Baek Seol-ha grabbed Seong-pil’s wrist tightly.

“I’ll go and show you my face. I really want to show you my producer’s face before the concert.”

“Huh, huh?”

“The person who made me become an idol that my mother absolutely hates!”

When Baek Seol-ha shouted, Seong-pil’s shoulders flinched. However, Baek Seol-ha soon smiled affectionately.

“The person I really like, the one who made me an idol. I really want to meet you.”

“… … .”

Seongpil looked at Baekseolha’s grip on his wrist. She was holding it so tightly that Seongpil’s hand turned pale and was trembling.

It wasn’t just a tight squeeze to tease Seongpil.

Just thinking about seeing her parents with Seongpil makes her nervous to the point where she can’t control her strength.

Seongpil smiled faintly and placed his hand over Baek Seol-ha’s.

“Are you going now?”

“Anytime is fine.”

“Then let’s go a little later.”

So Seongpil went to Baek Seol-ha’s home and saw her parents.

Jo Ara, who was watching the scene, tapped Shin A Reum on the shoulder next to her.

“Hey, Shin A-reum. The uncle and the teacher are giving the tickets to their parents? Are you okay?”

“what?”

“No, you?”

“I decided to go later… … .”

“What is it, sir!”

As soon as it was revealed that Baek Seol-ha was not receiving special treatment as a leader, Jo Ara ran out.

“As a producer, you have to treat the members fairly. Some people ask their parents to vote for them, and some people go with them to vote for them. When I first came in, you said that the old man and the oriental doctor were raising me instead of my mom and dad.”

But, is it really necessary to not show your face even once before an event like a concert?

Joara’s opinion was valid.

But Seongpil seemed displeased.

“Uh… … Ara, your parents… … ?”

Seongpil seemed really, really displeased. Jo Ara was shocked when she saw his reaction.

“… … What? I can’t?”

“Oh, no, it’s not possible. We met before when we went overseas for filming. Of course it’s possible.”

“But why did you react like that?”

“What about me?”

Seongpil took off his watch. He pretended to be calm to hide the pounding of his heart.

‘If I go with Ara and give her the ticket, I’ll have to go all the way to her house… … .’

The moment his thoughts reached that point, Sungpil suddenly remembered his past life and couldn’t control his expression.

In her previous life, one day Jo Ara said that her parents wanted to see Seongpil.

Of course, Seongpil questioned what that meant and thought it was too soon, but in the end, he went.

And when I got there, I immediately noticed what kind of place it was.

‘You wanted to see which thief’s son was dating your daughter… … .’

The two met for quite some time. It seemed that Joara even enjoyed talking about Seongpil whenever she went to her parents’ house.

You must be curious.

Of course you’re curious.

Even Seongpil would have been curious.

‘That day was really… … .’

I don’t even want to think about it again.

Because I now know how the word ‘thorn bed’ came to be, and I feel like I want to show my utmost respect to the person who coined the word.

“Me too!”

Rika raised her hand.

“As a producer, you even come to my house… …!”

“Japan is too far.”

“This is too much… … .”

Seongpil refused outright, but Rika didn’t even think about objecting.

The reason that ‘Japan is too far’ had an overflowing sense of legitimacy, if not sufficient.

Seongpil was a busy man, and Rika knew it.

“But still.”

Seongpil said with a fake air of arrogance.

“If Rika asks me to do it, I can’t help it… … .”

“I guess I should go with Director Han, who is free!”

“Director Han is not idle.”

“Director Park is in Korea!”

“If you want, go… … .”

“are you okay!”

Seongpil imagined Hanguin and Rika giving concert tickets to her parents.

“… … .”

A dark jealousy rises from within.

As a producer, I couldn’t leave that historic mission to someone else.

I wouldn’t mind if Rika gave it to me alone, but I can’t just ignore it if Rika and someone else follow along and give it to me.

“Rika, Director Han is busy… … .”

“Well, if Director Park really, really wants to go with me, then I can’t help it.”

“Come with me.”

“Be honest! It’s not the job of an adult to hide your true feelings!”

All the members were dreaming of this moment, whether vaguely or clearly.

The moment they first decided to become idols, they left the home that had warmly embraced them.

They had vowed.

I will definitely succeed and return as an idol recognized by everyone.

I promised myself that I would turn all of those things around, the worried expressions on my family’s faces, the disbelieving looks on their faces, the pitiful attitudes.

And finally, the moment has come.

‘This is the result of my three years.’

The moment has come to confidently hand over the ticket.

Although the degree of difference was different, everyone had a determined and warm expression.

In the friendly atmosphere, as if they had made a promise, one by one, everyone’s gaze turned in a certain direction.

It was Jang Ha-yang.

“Ahaha.”

Jang Ha-yang took a step back as if he were an intruder.

“I’m satisfied with my sister and the members’ parents coming.”

Because to Jang Ha-yang, the members are family.

So, I am satisfied with that alone, and it is not enough to prove my achievements.

“Sister, I’m fine, so don’t be so sorry. You guys too.”

Jang Ha-yang spoke in a soft tone as usual.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.”

I’m fine.

* * *

Giving tickets to your family and inviting them to a concert is ultimately an expression of your desire to have your journey recognized.

So, Jang Ha-yang is okay.

Because everyone who wants to prove and show their efforts comes to the concert.

It’s okay.

“Almost all of our company employees come to our concerts.”

During the break in practice, Baek Seol-ha said.

It is said that Garo Enter employees also received one or two tickets each.

“Jaeho oppa really liked it!”

Rika told the story of Jaeho Lee from the A&R team.

They say he was so excited when he received the ticket that he almost started tap dancing.

“Do you really like watching our concert that much… … ?”

“Every time my parents asked me, ‘What exactly do you do?’ I was at a loss for an answer!”

“ah…….”

Lee Jae-ho’s parents were happy about their son’s employment, but they were worried because he came home every day looking tired.

So I often asked them what they were ordering there.

But Jaeho Lee could only mumble and was unable to answer properly.

Checking music charts, reading columns, checking trends, recruiting, analyzing idols, receiving songs… … Even if I told you about it, it was something that outsiders wouldn’t easily understand.

But what if you have concert tickets?

‘I do this kind of thing. Come and see for yourself.’

Showing is worth a thousand words.

Jaeho Lee was happy to be able to show his parents what he does.

I was able to get rid of the misconception that I was working for a company that only made me do strange chores.

“Then, will your family come too?”

When Joara said that, interest appeared in Baekseolha’s eyes.

“Yeah. A-reum, did Director Park get an invitation too?”

Shin A-reum seemed uninterested and focused only on tying her shoelaces.

“Well, I guess so.”

“Have we met before?”

Snow White was curious about what Seongpil’s family looked like and what his personality was like.

But instead of answering, Shin A-reum tied the string tightly and jumped up.

“I’m going to get some water, do you need anything else?”

“Huh? Oh, no.”

Shin A-reum left the practice room.

Joara comforted Baek Seol-ha, who was devastated by being ignored by her younger brother.

“I think he’s out of his mind 365 days a year until his concert.”

“That’s… … No, you shouldn’t say that… … .”

Jang Ha-yang got up from his seat at a surprisingly fast speed.

Snow White shivered as if a rocket had been launched.

“Hayang… … ?”

“I’ll be back in a bit.”

Jang Ha-yang quickly left the practice room.

Jo Ara said to Baek Seol-ha, who was blankly staring at the door she had exited through.

“Unnie Hayang, until the concert too… … .”

“You shouldn’t use that kind of language towards your older sister.”

* * *

Seongpil brought Jang Hayang into the reception room and gave her tea.

Her story is concise and surprising.

“My parents?”

“Yes. Are you going to give me the table?”

Jang Ha-yang listened to Seong-pil over and over again about the meaning of the concert.

It is the final stage that a musician can reach, and it is what everyone must aim for.

In that case, the concert would be a meaningful event not only for the idol but also for the producer.

Just as the Girls’ League members give tickets to their parents, Sungpil will definitely have to go through that ritual.

“Oh, let’s go.”

“Director Park, if you don’t mind… … .”

Jang Ha-yang’s speech was vague.

It was not like her, who was used to being assertive and confident.

Seongpil could tell what she was going to ask for.

“Can I come see you too?”

“… … .”

Seongpil kept his mouth shut and remained silent.

Jang Ha-yang was not enveloped in silence.

He unconsciously leaned his upper body forward slowly, as if asking for his claim to be accepted.

“I really want to meet you in person and say hello.”

The members decided to give concert tickets to the people they are most grateful to in the world: their families.

Jang Ha-yang can’t do that.

The person I’m most grateful to already has a ticket to the concert.

Seongpil is Jang Ha-yang’s benefactor.

In that case, the parents who gave birth to and raised Seongpil could also be called benefactors.

Jang Ha-yang thinks so. If someone is precious to Seong-pil, then he or she is also precious to Jang Ha-yang.

“I’ve always wanted to say thank you.”

Jang Ha-yang found it increasingly difficult to face Seong-pil.

Seongpil’s expression contained a variety of emotions that could not be described in detail.

Joy or bewilderment, fear and bitterness.

There are many feelings, but only one answer.

And Jang Ha-yang seemed to know the answer.

“Ahaha.”

As the silence grew longer, Jang Ha-yang smiled as usual.

“Did I go in too deep?”

Jang Ha-yang doesn’t know how it feels to go to her parents’ funeral.

Of course, Seongpil said that he considered Jang Ha-yang like family and that he thought of her as family.

Since they were family, Jang Ha-yang thought it would be possible for her to meet Seong-pil’s parents, but it seems that is not the case.

‘yes…….’

Seongpil treats Jang Ha-yang as his family. Jang Ha-yang knows this best.

However, we cannot say that they are a real family by blood.

We are a family, but we are a business family.

A family connected by money, not blood. Of course, sometimes money can be stronger and more durable than blood. In the first place, the reason Jang Ha-yang accepted the offer to become a trainee was because of Sung-pil’s trust and money.

‘I overdid it.’

It was too much to expect Sungpil to be as warm as a family that was connected by blood…

“I wonder?”

At some point, Jang Ha-yang suddenly raised his gaze, which had been lowered to the floor.

And I was surprised.

Seongpil was smiling bitterly, but fear was visible on his face.

“No, would you mind?”

Seongpil spoke with a desperate tone, as if he was making a proposal that would surely be rejected.

It was the first time he had seen Seongpil like this, and because he was so miserable, Jang Ha-yang spoke urgently, without thinking, to comfort him.

“Yes, I will go. I will definitely go.”

“thank you.”

What are you thankful for?

‘I’m the one who should be thankful.’

And what is Seongpil afraid of?

* * *

Baek Soo-hyun entered the bathroom stall and sat on the cover. He folded his arms, looked down, and banged his head against the door.

Just stayed still.

If it weren’t for the small bathroom, it might have seemed like meditation.

‘No, I told you I was really fine?’

The comforting words of Mingyu, an independent trainee who appeared together in Project For You Season 2, are ringing in my head.

‘You did a good job, hyung. Maybe it’s because you’re tall, but even when you move around a little, it looks amazing.’

Min-gyu’s comforting laughter is pleasant to the ears.

‘Don’t worry about what other people say. It was really good… … .’

bang.

Baek Soo-hyun banged his head against the door.

Then, he remembered what he had said to Min-gyu.

‘Oh, yeah… … .’

“Fuck ‘yeah’… … .”

Baek Soo-hyun squeezed his eyes shut and tears flowed out. Had he ever cried since he became a high school student? It seemed like no. Then, these were the first tears he had shed since becoming a high school student.

Those first tears were so bitter and painful.

Baek Soo-hyun was eliminated from Project For You and was discharged from the dormitory. Since he had been given a cell phone, he took it out like he had done when he was a student.

[Not a lonely Soviet room]

The group chatroom that Kim Chae-hyun, Lee Seon-ju, and Yoo Yong-tae belonged to was filled with news about the Girls’ League’s concert.

In addition, there were many messages of support for Baek Soo-hyun.

[Kim Chae-hyun: I really went around to my family, my cafe customers, my school friends, and my study cafes and asked them to pick you;;]

Baek Soo-hyun’s hand holding the cell phone was shaking.

‘I was eliminated… … .’

But, I was just sad, not angry.

Baek Soo-hyun let out a hollow laugh.

‘I know, I’m a piece of shit. I got weirdly popular with weird memes and got weirdly high.’

But I don’t have any skills whatsoever.

Most of those who appear here have been practicing dancing and singing since they were young.

‘But I’m living a decent life. I just upload a few dance videos on SNS. I get some followers. I get excited because I get a lot of likes.’

Baek Soo-hyun let out a laugh mixed with self-loathing.

‘Am I a total idiot?’

What kind of idol would you become with a topic like this…?

Baek Soo-hyun wiped her tears and came out of the bathroom.

On the way out of the dormitory, my steps were heavy. It felt like invisible mud was stuck all over the soles of my shoes.

The bag on my shoulder will also be lighter than when I first came in since I’ve thrown away some of my luggage.

“ah.”

Baek Soo-hyun stopped at the dormitory playground.

The first time I came here, I pictured it in my mind. It was the middle of summer, and the place where fresh grass grew was covered in brown, just like Baek Su-hyeon’s heart.

The entire landscape loses its color.

‘I can’t even go home.’

Baek Soo-hyun had a huge fight with his mother and left home.

With only the passion and desire to debut, I committed an act that was almost like running away from home.

My older sister did it, so what can’t I do?

‘I’m really a helpless kid.’

I don’t even know how to get home.

I don’t even know the exact address of this place.

If it were other trainees, their parents would come and pick them up, but Baek Soo-hyun didn’t even contact his parents.

I just called my older sister when I was finally eliminated because I was so overcome with emotion.

‘Let’s walk.’

Baek Soo-hyun turned on the map app and decided to walk to Seoul.

It was truly the spirit of a 19-year-old. And it might actually be possible.

Baek Soo-hyun walked.

Tears came again. My vision became blurry, but I didn’t feel as depressed as I did in the bathroom.

Baek Soo-hyun has an idol.

There is a light that Baek Soo-hyun must follow, one that will not let him be broken under any circumstances.

‘Sister, you must have faced and overcome moments like this countless times.’

Much earlier than Baek Soo-hyun.

In a much more painful way than Baek Soo-hyun.

‘Yeah, I never thought it would be easy.’

It’s a dream that my older sister finally achieved after spending 9 years.

Even if you put in a little effort, you won’t be able to achieve it right away.

‘Even though I became popular because of my strange image, I’m still popular. Let’s go to a decent company and practice. Build up my skills and get into the debut group. Let’s start from there… . . ‘

“Suhyun!”

The entrance to the dormitory and filming studio at the end of the playground. A familiar voice is heard there.

Baek Soo-hyun’s head suddenly turned.

Sister, Baek Seol-ha was running towards me.

“who…….”

Baek Seol-ha ran over and hugged Baek Su-hyeon tightly.

It was the first time I felt my older sister’s embrace since I became an elementary school student.

“Soohyun, you’ve worked hard.”

“… … .”

Baek Soo-hyun hugged his older sister and buried his eyes in her shoulder. He tried to just quietly shed tears.

“Sister… … I, I’m better… … .”

Even tears came out.

“Good job, Suhyun. You worked hard.”

Snow White always held her younger sister in her arms with affection.

How much tears and sobbing must have been shed.

Baek Soo-hyun, embarrassed, took his eyes off his sister’s shoulder. The shoulder of her black blouse had become much darker, like a stain, where tears had accumulated.

Seeing that, Baek Soo-hyun became even more embarrassed because he realized how much he had been dragging his feet.

“Soohyun.”

“Uh, uh, Director Park?”

Baek Soo-hyun was extremely flustered when he saw Seong-pil. He hadn’t even noticed that he was there until now.

Baek Soo-hyun shook hands with Seong-pil without realizing it.

“Was it hard?”

“It’s okay, it’s okay, thank you… … .”

Baek Soo-hyun bit his lips and slightly lowered his gaze.

I couldn’t help but feel ashamed at the thought of seeing myself sobbing so bitterly.

“… … Ah, you came here because your older sister asked you to.”

Perhaps Seongpil came here to pick up Baek Suhyeon at Baek Seolha’s request.

The moment Baek Su-hyeon was about to bow his head to express his gratitude, Baek Seol-ha grabbed his hand tightly.

“Suhyun, let’s go.”

… … No way, horizontal enter?

“Let’s go home.”

“… … ???”