Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 393



Only Noblemtl

Episode 393

Yuuto… … has to come… … .

“Why aren’t you coming!”

“You can yell at me… … .”

Yuuto didn’t show up until the official opening time for Garo Enter.

But Rika waited patiently.

30 minutes later.

“Ms. Rika, please let me go now!”

Rika had no choice but to send Han Gu-in away. And she wandered around the entrance like a puppy waiting for its owner to return.

‘Did something happen to Yuu-chan?’

Unable to bear it any longer, Rika contacted her manager, Kim Soo-hee, who had gone out to pick up Yuuto, but all she got was a reply that Yuuto had not yet arrived.

It was already 10 o’clock, an hour past the scheduled time. Even though it was a vacation, I couldn’t wait forever.

‘I should go to the studio and tease my brother… … .’

* * *

“I’m sorry! Lord, I overslept on such an important day!”

On the way to Garo Enter in the car, Yuuto kept apologizing to Shuichi who was sitting next to him.

Since Yuuto cannot speak Korean, he had to have an interpreter, Shuichi, by his side.

“No, that could very well be the case. I have explained it to the boss.”

“sorry…….”

Yuuto finally persuades his parents to let him live as a trainee in Korea.

He was late from the first day he arrived in Korea.

The meeting with President Hong Gyu-heon, scheduled for 9:30, was also pushed back to after lunch.

‘What should I do? I don’t want to be thought of as someone who can’t even keep promises… … .’

Yuuto groaned and continued to think about what to say to Hong Gyu-heon. As he did so, the face of Hong Gyu-heon that he had seen a long time ago began to vaguely fill his mind.

Hong Gyu-heon, who gave off a sour adult scent (the smell of cigarettes), shimmered pleasantly like paint dropped on a palette.

“… … .”

I don’t want to be hated… … .

Yuuto let out a deep sigh and looked ahead. His eyes met through the rearview mirror with Manager Kim Soo-hee, who was driving.

Yuuto said simple words he learned using a Korean conversation app.

“I’m sorry, sis.”

“Oh, no!”

Kim Soo-hee gave Yuuto a glance through the rearview mirror and then focused on driving again.

‘Is this Rika’s younger sister?’

They say siblings look alike.

Yuuto had a similar vibe to Rika. Like Rika, he had an aura that made people feel overwhelmed by his appearance alone, making it difficult to approach him.

If Rika had not been sociable, Kim Soo-hee would never have been able to say a word to her until now.

‘Who, you said sister… … .’

It was obviously wrong to harbor such feelings toward a trainee at the company, but Kim Soo-hee had a hard time hiding her feelings that spread like pollen on a spring day.

What should I call this feeling… … .

‘When I was in school.’

There are always one or two in each school.

This is the owner of an appearance that is incomparable to that of those around him, a true standout among the crowd.

Their surroundings were filled with a bright and airy atmosphere, like flowers in bloom. Just meeting them in the hallway made Kim Soo-hee feel like a drop of refreshing spice had been added to her daily life.

Beauty is such a great power.

‘There’s a reason fans say that idols’ faces should be designated as national treasures… … .’

Kim Soo-hee also agreed.

Although Yuuto is a national treasure of Japan, he should be treated as a national treasure in Korea as well. He deserves to shine proudly next to Rika.

“Thank you, sir, I appreciate it.”

When they arrived at the company parking lot, Yuuto thanked them again. Kim Soo-hee smiled and waved her hand without realizing it.

She stayed in the car because of work, and Shuichi stood at the entrance of the company with Yuuto.

“I will tell you the password. Please remember it well.”

And so, the door to Garo Enter opened.

Yuuto had been here before, but this time it felt completely different.

It feels like we’re facing a new stage in the game.

‘This is horizontal enter.’

A place where you will have to struggle to become an idol for the next few years. You will be seeing this scenery for a long time.

“The place where Mr. Ishikawa spends most of his time is the third floor. There is a male trainee practice room and a break room. There is a mini fridge in the break room, but since there are many trainees, it runs out quickly. In that case, even if it is inconvenient, you have to come to the first floor break room to get a drink.”

Yuuto listened to Shuichi’s story as if he was possessed. Just as they were about to step on the stairs to the second floor, Lee Jae-ho from the A&R team came out from the entrance of the basement workshop.

“Mr. Shuichi! Come here for a moment!”

“ah.”

Shuichi hesitated as he looked at Yuuto, then pointed with his finger to where he should go.

“If you go up the stairs and go straight to the left, you will see a place with a sign that says ‘Break Room.’ Please wait there.”

“Okay, thank you for your guidance.”

“Yes, then I will go.”

With Shuichi gone, Yuuto climbed the stairs alone. His pace gradually quickened, and soon became as light and refreshing as a waltz at a ballroom.

It’s a beginning.

‘The challenge toward my dream starts today!’

Yuuto stepped onto the second floor.

Now let’s go up one more floor… … .

‘uh?’

I can see Rika’s profile in the hallway far away. She’s talking to an employee.

Judging from Rika’s expression, it didn’t seem like it was a serious story.

Yuuto felt happy. He was about to approach her and greet her.

“It’s dangerous!”

Suddenly, a hand reached out from the third floor stairs and grabbed Yuuto by the shoulder. Then, it dragged him up as if kidnapping him.

“Hey, who are you! Whoa, whoa!”

Yuuto was caught by an unknown human and struggled. How could he have been attacked by robbers right after declaring a new beginning!

“Ugh!”

Yuuto bit the hand covering his mouth. The villain groaned and let go of Yuuto.

‘Poem, I have to report it… …!’

Yuuto took out his phone and prepared to dial 110 (112 in Japanese). Then he looked up at the top of the stairs with a frightened look in his eyes.

“What are you doing… … !”

“What are you doing!”

The opponent got angry because he was being treated unfairly.

Although Yuuto didn’t know Korean, he could tell that he was extremely embarrassed and angry.

He, Samuel Kim said.

“New trainee? Haven’t you heard the rules here?”

“Ha, hi (yes)?”

“Why are you suddenly greeting me… … .”

Kim Samuel frowned as if in displeasure when he saw Yuuto’s teeth mark on his index finger.

“You finally saved me.”

Kim Samuel sighed and shook his hands.

“If you say even one word to the senior members of the Girls’ League, you will be expelled immediately. Remember that.”

“… … .”

Yuuto blinked and then spoke again.

“Hi (yes)?”

Kim Samuel glared.

“Are you picking a fight with me?”

* * *

If someone were to ask Snow White, “Are you friends with Erica?”, she would answer without hesitation like this.

‘huh!’

I became friends with Erica from ‘Music Companion’. Although we haven’t been in touch much lately, Erica is a precious person who approached Baek Seol-ha first.

After filming, I contacted him first, so we talked frequently, met on holidays, and kept in touch.

Today was the first day I met Erica like that in a long time.

‘It’s the 15th again this time.’

Erica asks Baek Seol-ha to meet her every 15 days, as if it were some kind of homework assignment.

‘Homework… … Wouldn’t the word be rude to Erica?’

It’s not homework, but it’s probably because she wants to meet Snow White herself somehow even in the midst of her busy schedule.

There is no way in the world that someone would maintain relationships like homework. It’s not like someone made them do it or asked them to do it, so they became friends.

“Really?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Director Park, it really seems like you come to the company just to tease me.”

“That’s funny.”

A cafe with a sensual interior and soft lighting.

Ambient sounds that are neither too loud nor too quiet.

Above all, the fact that the friend sitting in front of her was Erica put Baek Seol-ha’s mind at ease.

Erica seems to have a knack for putting people’s minds at ease. When talking to her, Snow White was able to forget about anything and focus solely on the happiness of the moment.

“I want to be good at speaking like Erica.”

“Hmm, I think listening is more important than speaking. There’s even a saying about the skill of listening.”

“Ki, technology?”

“That doesn’t mean I listen to what my sister says mechanically.”

Erica lightly squeezed Snow White’s round hands, and stroked them as if a pianist were sweeping the keys horizontally.

Although it was clearly her own fault, Snow White felt a strange sexual aura from Erica’s touch. Snow White’s hands began to sweat due to nervousness.

Snow White’s heart pounded as she thought Erica might notice that she was nervous.

“It means that you have to concentrate when talking.”

“Ah, that’s technology… … .”

“Mochiron (of course) Sister, you can concentrate even if you don’t try to concentrate.”

Erica stared at Baekseolha. Baekseolha turned her gaze to where her gaze was fixed.

Down.

“Where are you looking?!”

“It’s amazing that Director Park came to the company to tease my older sister. Her reaction was funny.”

“Well, fun… … .”

As Baek Seol-ha was about to lose her cool at the thought of being teased again, an idea flashed through her mind.

‘for a moment.’

Snow White has been treated like this often. Everyone unanimously said that Snow White’s reactions were funny.

Until now, I just thought it was unfair.

‘Maybe this is the weapon I have?’

Isn’t being teased by others your true strength?

If we can make our human relationships more fruitful through this… … .

“… … .”

I don’t like that… … .

If I’m going to do it, I’d rather tease than be teased.

“Sister.”

Erica let go of Baekseolha’s hand.

Erica’s fingers left a lingering, sticky sensation before they fell off Baekseolha’s hand, like water droplets stuck to the tip of a glass.

“Being a funny person is a completely different thing from being a ridiculous person.”

“huh?”

“A funny person is literally someone who is funny, but a fun person is someone who is fun to be around. Sister. I am happy to be around you.”

Snow White blushed.

“Other people will do the same thing.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. So from now on, when Director Park teases you, feel free to be funny.”

“Isn’t that funny?!”

“Oh, mistake. Show me a funny joke.”

“Learn more Korean!”

Erica’s eyebrows twitched with excitement. Seeing her happy, Snow White’s pouty lips curled up in joy.

“Hey, Erica.”

Snow White brought her upper body closer to her as if telling her a secret story.

“Be careful, sister!”

“ah!”

The Americano cup on the table hit Baek Seol-ha’s chest and almost made her fall over.

Snow White pushed the glass aside and leaned forward to tell her secret story again. Erica also brought her ear closer to her.

“I’m actually leaving ‘The Unknown Singer’.”

“Can I report this to the PD as a leak of confidential information?”

“Oh, no!”

“Why did you say something that was not possible? Hold out your palm.”

“right…….”

When Baekseolha held out her palm, Erica slapped her palm with the straw.

“That sounds fun. I wanted to go out too.”

“But why didn’t you go out?”

“Umm… … .”

Erica pressed the straw she had used to hit Snow White’s palm against her lips.

“It’s just a ‘I want to try it’ feeling. You know, like, ‘I want to go somewhere and play’?”

“Ah, I get it.”

“You say, ‘Where do you want to go?’ when you’re not actually going, and ‘I want to buy this?’ when you’re not actually buying anything. That’s about it. Wasn’t that you, Unnie?”

“I am…….”

Snow White cleared her throat and cleared her throat to maintain her composure. Then she placed her hands on her hips and declared with dignity.

“I want to be recognized just for my singing.”

“Ah, with a song.”

“There’s something like that… … right? It’s like, ‘I can’t do it because I’m an idol’… … .”

“I know.”

“Joe, it might be a little creepy, but I’d like to get rid of that perception even just a little bit… … .”

“Hmm.”

When Erica didn’t agree much, Baekseolha spoke faster, feeling her feet tingle for no reason.

“Oh, anyway, I hope people will recognize me! I sing… … .”

no.

“She sings well too. Doesn’t Erica have something like that? Erica sings well too. She wants to be recognized.”

“well.”

Erica placed the straw she had been pressing against her lips on top of the tissue.

Ironically, Snow White looked at the straw and thought, ‘If I sold that, it would probably be worth over a hundred thousand won.’

“I never really thought about that. I just wanted people to know my songs and stuff like that.”

“Oh, yeah… … .”

“Don’t you feel this way, Unnie? ‘Idols are singers too! They’re musicians too! Why don’t you recognize that!’”

That was the point.

However, the way Erica imitated her speech sounded like a child throwing a tantrum, so Snow White was reluctant to admit it.

“K-pop is a very large category. I mean, K-pop idols. There’s the song, the dance, the music, the visuals, the artwork, the music video, the costumes, the makeup, the performance, the production, all of these things. An idol is a collection of all of those things. So, if you just pick one song and think, ‘I want to be recognized for this’… … .”

Erica raised the corners of her lips with bitterness.

“Sister, if that’s the case, there’s no end to it. Even if you’re satisfied with one thing, the other thing will turn into dissatisfaction. So what can you do? You have to know how to let go of the appropriate part.”

“… …Erika.”

“yes.”

“So, what does Erica want to be recognized for? No, what kind of artist do you want to be remembered as?”

“Idol, Erika Sakuraba.”

Erica smiled without any worries.

“I’m satisfied with just the word ‘idol’. Have you ever thought about that? What will people in 50 years from now remember today’s popular music as? If a book called the history of popular music is published, what will the chapters of this era be called?”

“that…….”

If you look at the music charts, you’ll find the answer.

“It will be remembered as the ‘age of idols.’ So, I only want to be called an idol. If possible, my name should be… … .”

Sakuraba Erika, Caius.

“I wish I could represent the times. ‘Idol?’ ‘Cause!’ I think it would be better if there was a small picture of me at the beginning of the chapter. In short, I think the overall evaluation I receive as an idol is more important than minor recognition.”

“……I see.”

Snow White nodded with a complicated expression on her face.

“But why do you keep trying to sing to Director Park?”

“That and this are different stories.”

Is that so?

“That’s it.”

I see

The two left the cafe. Before leaving, Erica took out another cup of Americano.

As she stepped outside, the midwinter cold pierced through Baekseolha’s coat. As she shook herself, Erica handed her a steaming cup of coffee.

“Have a bite.”

“Yeah, thank you… … .”

Snow White took the cup and tried to put it in her hand. At that moment, she saw a clear lip print on the black lid of the cup.

It was a bright pink, Erica’s lipstick.

“Sister?”

When Erica called, Snow White laughed, saying it was nothing, and put her mouth on the cup lid… … .

“Oh, I don’t want to eat it. It’s okay.”

“Please have a sip. It’s cold.”

“no.”

Snow White passed the glass back to Erica.

‘Well, an indirect kiss is also a first kiss… … .’

I have to save it.

* * *

“This is not for me to touch.”

Jung Ji-eum declared confidently, crossing her arms. A look of confusion appeared on Baek Seol-ha’s face.

“yes yes?”

“I dare not touch it.”

“But I need to arrange it… … .”

Baek Seol-ha asked Jeong Ji-eum to arrange the songs for the 2nd and 3rd rounds of ‘The Unknown Singer’ and for the ‘The Unknown Finals’ if there was one.

I have to be on stage in a few days.

But the stop sound is just a cold, ‘no’.

“Let’s just go with the original song.”

Snow White looked at Seongpil, hoping for help. But.

“That’s right.”

“yes……?”

“Seolha, what songs did you choose?”

“It’s a pop song… … .”

“That’s right, pop!”

Pop is a word that commonly refers to popular music, but without any modifiers, it naturally means ‘American popular music.’

American music itself is the world’s popular music.

“American pop is world music. It is the music of a country that was born as popular music and still maintains cultural hegemony today… … It is the music of a country that is incredibly culturally advanced, where cutting-edge techniques and technologies are born naturally as if breathing, and where geniuses are born every year. It is something that can’t be touched by mere compositions.”

“Brother, do you really want to see me quit my job?”

“I’m joking.”

Seongpil said with a hearty laugh.

“Seolha, why did you choose these songs?”

“Uh, um, because I like it.”

“Why do you like it?”

“Uh, I don’t know. I just like it. So, honestly, I think it’s because of the nostalgia factor… … .”

“That’s right, memories. Memories are beautiful when they are memories. It would be better to compete with the original song.”

“But whenever previous performers brought old songs, they always rearranged them in a modern way… … .”

“Isn’t the song you chose modern?”

no.

It’s still good to listen to it now.

The pop songs that Baek Seol-ha chose were huge hits even in their time. Even if they were released now, they would definitely sweep the Billboard charts.

“therefore.”

Jeong Ji-eum said, pointing at Baek Seol-ha.

“Don’t touch what you have to touch.”

“You’re touching me?!”

“At this point, I’m starting to suspect that Seol-ha is just pretending to be cute on purpose.”

“What Ji-eum means is that what you should be concerned about is not the arrangement, but Seol-ha’s vocals.”

“My vocals… … .”

“of course…….”

Jung Ji-eum laughed bitterly.

“It’s also because my skills are lacking. I don’t even know how to handle these songs. I don’t know if it makes sense to say that they are finished in this state. It’s irresponsible as a music producer, but I want to leave it to Seol Ha. Let’s try to make some changes or put more effort into the vocals.”

You can trust the words of music producer Jung Ji-eum, who has created all kinds of miracles.

Snow White nodded, looking slightly uneasy.

‘Is the song I chose really that good?’

The song is finished.

So the only thing you need to worry about is the vocals.

Snow White’s shoulders became heavy.

At that moment, the door to the studio opened and Kwon Ah-in, the accountant, popped her head out.

“Director Park, Globe Sera is here.”

“… … Again?”

“Huh? Oh, yes, well, I see you’re back again.”

“But why did Ain-ssi do that?”

“I stopped by the break room to take a break… … .”

“all right.”

“And Mr. Director.”

“yes.”

“Shouldn’t we set up an information desk? Wouldn’t it be better to hire staff?”

“Huh, does the manager dare to give the CEO suggestions about the company’s development?”

“I will report this to the Ministry of Employment and Labor for defamation of character.”

“I’ll consider it positively. However, if there’s Ain-ssi who often goes to the break room to rest, there might not be a need for an information desk… … .”

“You’re taking a break in two hours?!”

After Kwon Ah-in left, Baek Seol-ha spoke with a puzzled look on her face.

“Sarah again… … .”

“Let’s go for now.”

This time, even Wiser didn’t wait outside the door like before. The midwinter cold must be harsh.

When Seongpil and Baekseolha appeared, Wiseora sniffled and approached with a firm step.

“Tea, hello, team leader.”

“Is it really cold? But Success Enter seems to be spacious too. You come here quite often.”

“Are you determined not to feel sorry for us now? You say such harsh words so casually. You took the time to come here.”

Wiserra pointed straight at Baekseolha with her index finger.

“For my sister… …!”

Baek Seol-ha hit Wiseura’s index finger with her palm.

“Don’t criticize me.”

“……yes.”

The three headed to the reception room.

Wisera, whose body had melted in the heater wind, seemed more energetic than before.

“Haha, I brought you some good information. Well, thank you in moderation. If possible, a lot. And you, Team Leader.”

“Sarah, you’ve become brighter since the last time I saw you. Do you have a boyfriend or something?”

“I really hope so.”

Wise-ra tilted her head in thought, then showed a bright smile that reminded her of her old self.

“If it’s bright… … Is it because I can now meet the team leader freely? In the past, it felt like I was stuck in a rut, but these days, I can somehow find my way back.”

Hehe, the way Wise said that while laughing made Seongpil’s heart swell.

If what she said was true, then life at Success Entertainment must be tough enough that it brightens up just by the mere fact that she can ‘meet’ them.

Snow White spoke brightly, trying to change the mood that was somehow starting to sink.

“What is good information?”

“Don’t be surprised. This time, ‘The Unknown’ is none other than my opponent, ‘O Sole Mio in the West.’ In the end, it became ‘The Unknown.’”

“Can I leak that… …?”

“Oh, I’m not really surprised. I understand. With that level of vocal ability, it would have been easy to predict the winner. But did you know this too?”

Wiserra smiled sinisterly.

“The identity of ‘O Sole Mio in the West’. If you know your enemy, it’s easier to win, as the saying goes, if you know your enemy, you’ll win every battle… … .”

“know.”

“lie!”

When Baek Seol-ha revealed her true identity, Wise-ra felt empty and slumped over.

“I, I was dying at the broadcasting station because of this… … .”

“Ugh, sorry.”

“… … Okay.”

Wise was a child who knew no frustration. She went straight to the next plan.

“Then the story will be quick. Analyze your opponent and find the optimal move.”

“… … Why are you doing this to me?”

“I told you I would win. I’m not the kind of person who just drops words and waits. I have to help.”

“plaguy…….”

“bothered?!”

Seongpil watched the conversation between Baek Seol-ha and Wisera with interest. Surprisingly, Baek Seol-ha was teasing Wisera.

Snow White 1 win.

“anyway!”

Although Wiseura seemed to be in despair as everything she had prepared seemed useless, she mustered up her resolve and continued the story.

“Music selection is important. Lee In-seong is… … .”

“Professor Lee In-seong.”

“This, Lee In-seong is… … .”

“teacher.”

“… … Teacher, you are not well-versed in Korean pop music. You have won so far with ridiculous vocal skills, but you look down on popular music. In a word, popular music is performance! Intensity is important! The key to victory lies there… … .”

“I already decided on the song.”

“Ha, if I had known this would happen, I would have gone to the market with Noah. I wasted all my time and came here thinking I was crazy.”

Wise sighed and asked Baek Seol-ha to give him the song list.

Snow White showed it.

“… … What is this?”

Wiseura was dumbfounded.

“What is this collection of MP3 songs that bring back memories of the 90s? It would be perfect to take with you and listen to the sound of the recorder.”

Baek Seol-ha sobbed with her hands on her knees.

Wiserra, 1 win!