Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 794



Only Noblemtl

Episode 794

“Ahahaha!”

The Girls’ League members watched ‘Newasa’ on the television in their dorm rooms.

As soon as Seiko started her ‘Apple Crush’ stage, laughter erupted as if it had been planned.

The one who got the biggest laugh was Jo Ara. She kept laughing, clutching her stomach and grimacing as if she was almost crying.

“Are you a trainee?”

Seiko on the screen danced with restraint, with movements that seemed to come out of a textbook.

She is smiling brightly while doing the ‘crab’, one of the basic dance steps.

“It feels like a bone has been dug in!”

Jo Ara laughed and clapped her hands. The other members also burst into laughter.

Thinking back to Tomoe, who came before Seiko, Seiko’s stage seemed like a comedy.

That’s understandable, Tomoe had been singing X Japan’s “Endless Rain” passionately in the thick smoke.

Without even the slightest arrangement, he used all his skills to create the song, as if paying homage to the original singer.

It was creepy.

But next up was Seiko, with her short hair and outfit that didn’t match her age.

[I never thought Seiko would show a stage like this… … .]

The guests, MC, and other guests on the show also had a hard time hiding their embarrassment.

Although she didn’t smile like the Girls’ League, she will still have similar feelings. A graceful female singer in her early 30s is bursting with juicy charm as if she had gone back 10 years.

“really…….”

Jo Ara, whose laughter had barely stopped, let out a sigh filled with regret.

“I tried hard… … .”

“Be quiet.”

It was snow white.

‘Apple Crush’ is a AAA format song. The same structure is repeated over and over again.

However, it doesn’t get boring because the sounds and instruments used in each verse are varied, and the monotony is overcome by the ever-changing vocals.

How would Seiko express the title song of Girls’ League that has the highest vocal difficulty?

“quietly…….”

Of course, Baekseolha already knows the answer. This is because she was involved in the stage production process of Seiko together with Seongpil.

However, because Snow White also had a schedule, she couldn’t check the details and couldn’t see the general practice.

This is the first time I’m watching it on TV.

As the leader became more serious, the members’ reactions also changed.

“… … .”

When we peel away the prejudice against Seiko’s ridiculous appearance (by the standards of the Girls’ League), what we see is her overwhelming vocal technique.

She’s not just belting out three-octave high notes. But the reason she’s described as overwhelming is because she embodies all five parts of the Girls’ League.

As the verse changes, the tone changes and the facial expressions and gestures also change.

“a little…….”

Although this may be her first time on stage singing and dancing so lively, there is no hesitation in her expression or movements.

It’s an expression that only someone who has no doubt that they are the best can make.

“That’s amazing.”

It was an assessment that even Snow White agreed with a hundred percent.

Seiko would cry whenever Seongpil and Baekseolha suggested costumes and dance moves. But she didn’t refuse and accepted them earnestly.

This is the stage that came out like that.

‘This man has no fear.’

When Baek Seol-ha created ‘Apple Crush’, she was gripped with fear.

I was filled with the feeling that I was crossing a line that shouldn’t be crossed as an idol, and I continued to cause trouble to Sungpil and the people around him.

How much courage did it take to cross the line drawn by others and the line drawn by oneself?

But Seiko passes it by without hesitation, as if she has no limitations.

‘A person who does something once they decide to do it.’

Seiko is involved in all aspects of composition, lyrics, arrangement, costumes, music videos, stage direction, and producing.

That time has passed more than 15 years.

You must have experienced countless failures and the bitter taste of relying on other people’s advice.

The reason Seiko accepted Seongpil and Baekseolha’s production plan was because she was confident.

Because I was confident that I could win with this concept.

[lalala lalalala]

The Girls’ League, who were immersed in the stage, suddenly came to their senses. A part that wasn’t in the original song ‘Apple Crush’ was added.

The bridge right before the finale ends after the second verse. Seiko sang the ‘lalala’ melody and clapped her hands above her head.

She slowly looked around to the left and right, eliciting responses from the audience.

The backup dancers behind Seiko also came forward and clapped along with bright smiles.

Before we knew it, the applause of hundreds of people on stage had merged into the music.

And then something fell from above.

“what…….”

The stage was blurred.

It was literally blurred and swaying.

“Water curtain?”

A thin film of water poured down from the ceiling, separating the audience from the stage.

A thick mist began to gather around the area, and the screens and lights behind the stage began to glow a bright red.

“Did the teacher suggest this too?”

no.

Snow White couldn’t answer and just stared at the screen.

Suddenly, the music faded away, leaving only the applause of hundreds of people. Seiko’s figure, reflected in the hazy water curtain, disappeared into the red mist.

And then the music exploded like firecrackers.

A shift from the original ‘Apple Crush’ to electronic pop filled with all sorts of sound devices and instruments.

At the same time, Seiko appeared from the fog, splashing water in all directions. Seiko, who appeared through the water curtain, was soaking wet, as if she had just entered the sea.

A luscious red glow reminiscent of apples gilded her body.

[One of one

This heart you took away

Only one of them

Don’t pretend you don’t know]

Seiko smiled with her flushed cheeks. She bit and pulled on her little finger to take off the gloves she was wearing.

Her innocent smile and fresh rhythm like that of the trainee that Jo Ara had laughed at earlier combined to make her look like a girl.

The water mist that had suddenly turned pink, the bright lights shining down from the ceiling, and the refreshing summer images projected on the screen were all intertwined together, turning the stage into a true tropical moment.

A stage filled only with red.

No matter what anyone says, the one burning the brightest inside was Seiko herself.

So people can only see her and hear her. All eyes and ears are taken away.

“ah…….”

Snow White groaned without realizing it.

When I helped with Seiko’s stage direction, I saw a half-finished performance.

I thought it was great even then.

The girl’s innocence, which was hard to believe for her age, even created the illusion that sweet juice was splashing on Snow White’s face.

But now this stage is a wave.

It covers Snow White and drags her into the ocean, trapping her in the strong currents. Snow White is dragged around and crashes into rocks before sinking deep into the ocean.

I was overwhelmed.

A cute dance with backup dancers, full of smiles. A beautiful vocal technique that is millions of light years away from that dance.

‘Yeah, I… … .’

I think they wanted to create this kind of ‘apple crush’.

After the stage ended, Seiko took an ending pose like an idol. She squatted down, resting her elbows on her knees and resting her chin on the back of her hands. Seiko turned her head and looked at the camera.

She smiled bashfully and winked lightly.

* * *

Seiko came down the stage holding the ‘New Asa’ winner’s trophy. Tomoe was standing in the hallway leading back to the waiting room.

Seiko tried to pass by Tomoe, but then sighed and faced her.

“Have you been waiting for me?”

“I just wanted to say hello.”

“I’ll take it.”

The corners of Seiko’s mouth twitched. She tilted her head to keep herself from laughing openly.

“You didn’t think you’d win, did you?”

“Of course. Who am I dealing with?”

“Surprisingly docile?”

“Anyone would do that in front of a senior.”

Seiko is a singer who has never left the mainstream since she was in middle school.

How can we dare think of victory when faced with the mountain of history that has driven an inescapable wedge into the flow of J-POP?

“You too… … .”

Seiko scratched her cheek and chuckled.

“You did okay. You weren’t as good as X, but don’t be too upset.”

“Don’t be sad. My victory is not here.”

“hmm?”

Just as I was about to ask what was going on, I saw Misato approaching me quickly from the other end.

Seiko took a step back and patted Tomoe on the shoulder.

“Misato will comfort you. I may have been too overwhelming, but don’t give up on your dream of becoming a singer. You have talent, even if it’s not as good as mine.”

“Seiko-chan!”

“Oh, I didn’t swear… … !”

Misato hugged Seiko tightly. Misato was practically running when she hugged Seiko, so Seiko couldn’t hold out and took a few steps back.

“Hey, Misato?”

“You did a great job! You were the best!”

Seiko showed her social skills in an unexpected way. When she slowly looked at Tomoe, Tomoe turned her head away as if trying to avoid anything.

“You did so so well!”

Misato kissed Seiko on the cheek. Seiko grumbled, but remained still, as if she didn’t mind.

“He’s right next to me… … Is this okay?”

“Congratulations come first! Seiko-chan, congratulations on winning!”

‘Newasa’ wins.

That’s what Seiko missed three years ago.

Although it was a competition held after a break from singing, the loss was a bitter memory for the best singer of the era.

Seiko received the trophy on stage as if it were a given, but when she received congratulations from Misato, it didn’t feel so natural.

“Was it very difficult?”

“Yeah, I worked hard… … .”

Misato gently stroked Seiko’s back as if she understood everything.

“Let’s make something delicious today… … .”

“Huh? It’s Paku Isa! Paku Isa!”

Seiko pushed Misato away and ran into the hallway. Misato staggered and barely managed to hold on by grabbing Tomoe’s shoulder.

Misato watched Seiko walk away in confusion.

“They say raising children is useless… …!”

Tomoe comforted Misato by patting her shoulder. Meanwhile, Seiko had already reached Seongpil and was showing off.

“If I show my sincerity, it’s like this. Did you see it clearly from the audience?”

“Yes, it was great.”

“Do you know now how good of a singer I am?”

“That’s great.”

Seiko observed Seongpil with suspicious eyes. Just as a dog that has been abused does not immediately run to the bone thrown by its owner, Seiko was wary.

“Why are you so obedient… … .”

“Is it strange?”

“It’s not weird, but… … .”

“Aren’t you cold?”

Seongpil took off his coat and placed it on Seiko’s shoulders. Seiko stuttered in embarrassment.

“I, I’m wet! I got splashed! What if my clothes get dirty?”

“It’s okay. If this continues, I’ll catch a cold on my way to the waiting room.”

“But the clothes… … .”

“I’ll make it a prize for winning.”

“gift…….”

Seiko held onto the collar of the coat on her shoulders with both hands.

“Then I can’t help it. I’ll gratefully accept it. Also, uh… … thank you for coming to see me.”

“Seiko invited me, so I should come.”

“Will you come if I invite you?”

“It depends. Okay, let’s go.”

Seongpil and Seiko walked side by side. As they walked, Seiko took off the coat on her shoulders and asked.

“I want to receive a different gift.”

“With what?”

“Please kiss me with your tongue.”

“Oh really… … .”

“I’m joking.”

Seiko laughed heartily and put her coat back on.

“It won’t be a joke in three years.”

“Sometimes I think about this.”

“Oh, then that’s right! Is Director Paku also moved?! Now, tongue!”

“Isn’t it bad of me to leave room for it…? Let’s just not see each other for three years?”

“I told you, I was joking.”

Seiko put her tongue into her mouth.

* * *

“It’s a good thing Seiko won.”

Sungpil sat down with Himura, who had come to the idol training center in person, at a restaurant. Himura leisurely ate a late lunch and commented on the ‘New Asa’ stage.

“I never thought I would win the championship with an appearance that didn’t suit my age.”

“The response was really good, wasn’t it?”

“People who don’t know would be like that. From my perspective as a frequent viewer, there has never been a horror film like this. I’ve been watching her since she was in middle school. That means I’ve seen the entire process of Seiko changing from a girl to a young lady to a woman. Seiko’s adolescence must have passed, but why… … I feel that kind of cognitive dissonance. We’ve gone too far, together… … .”

“I guess I would do that if my friend wore a school uniform or something.”

“That’s it!”

Himura let out a deep sigh as he dipped his bread in the soup.

“I looked into the reactions to ‘New Asa’ and felt that I was very lucky that I didn’t become a producer. If it were me, I would never have imagined that a 30-year-old Seiko wearing a frilly miniskirt and tank top would be popular. It’s like I was born with no sense.”

“Anyway, isn’t that a relief?”

“Yes, Tomoe’s ‘Endless Rain’ was great, but it was nothing compared to ‘Apple Crush’. At least we avoided the worst-case scenario of Tomoe defeating Gafu and becoming Japan’s supernova, but… … .”

That’s not all good either.

“As expected, this time, ‘New Asa’ is said to have an average viewership rating of over 12%.”

“Yes. The moment Seiko-san appeared, the viewer ratings were… … .”

“Oh, please stop. It hurts.”

Himura kept mumbling, “Average viewer ratings 12%… ”

This is something I’ve been worried about ever since Seiko and Tomoe said they were going to ‘New Asa’.

Seiko’s brand recognition in Japan is unparalleled, so it will have a trickle-down effect on Tomoe.

Thanks to Misato’s extensive manipulation of Tomoe, calling her the “second Kafu,” this “New Asa” was promoted as a showdown between a rookie and a senior.

Naturally, Tomoe received a lot of media attention even after her album promotion period was over.

“Hasn’t ‘Girls League X Bugbug Invasion!’ not even reached 10% in viewership ratings yet?”

“Yes.”

When Rika trampled the Bugbug members as if she were the Demon King, it exceeded 9%.

This is also a big record. Junpei did a somersault, so that says it all. But he still couldn’t get over the 10% barrier that Seongpil had asked for.

A viewership rating of 10% means that at most 12 million people will watch it. Even if we take a conservative estimate, it means that at least 3 million people will watch it.

More than 3 million viewers is a record that cannot be compared to the number of views on iTube. This is because television viewing is continuous and takes place in real time.

The ripple effect that will spread through iTube, SNS, and communities can be compared to tens of millions of views.

“There are two episodes left.”

Bugbug after Baekseolha’s declaration of ‘Let’s fight each other from now on’.

And the final meeting is ‘Tokyo Fashion Collection’.

“I hope we reach our target viewer rating of 10% by then… … .”

Himura put his spoon down on the plate.

“Director Park, is it possible? Of course it’s great now, but will Bugbug and the Girls’ League have that kind of buzz on stage?”

“… …the completion of the growth narrative.”

Seongpil sipped the coffee that Himura had bought.

“The key lies in the perfection of the stage. This is a reality drama, and in a drama, the main character deserves to be rewarded for his or her hardships in the final episode.”

“So, what about the main character?”

Himura’s eyes took on a desperate look, as if Seongpil’s answer would determine success or failure.

“Can you get the buzz to beat Tomoe?”

* * *

“I’m working hard.”

This was Jang Ha-yang’s answer.

Despite her busy schedule, she always returned to the idol training center after finishing her schedule. And the next day, she would hide her tiredness and coach Bugbug.

She said it was because it reminded her of her past self.

“My physical strength has improved noticeably, so I have enough energy to handle a performance. The key is whether I can maintain the physical strength I’ve built up so far even after losing weight, as I’m managing my diet to keep up with my body type.”

Seongpil and Hayang Jang were sitting on the floor in the corner of the auditorium where Bugbug was practicing.

The two continued their conversation without taking their eyes off the practicing bugbug.

“They have great coordination skills in military dances. After all, they’ve been active as idols for over a year. The difficulty of the performance isn’t that high, but it’s clear that they’ve been practicing physically demanding choreography with a knife-like rhythm. If they keep doing this, it’ll be okay, right…?”

Jang Ha-yang turned her gaze to Seong-pil and nodded.

“I think so.”

“You’re looking at it in great detail.”

“Of course. I am a mentor. And also, it is related to my dream.”

Jang Ha-yang glared at Seong-pil. It seemed like lasers were coming out of his eyes.

“I remember. You said you were going to open a comprehensive performance academy. Is that why you work harder?”

Jang Ha-yang took back the laser beam coming out of his eyes.

“You remembered.”

“Of course. White is one of my dreams. I thought about it too, and while an academy would be good, adopting a different business model seems like a good idea.”

“Another way?”

“How about collaborating with Garo Enter for now? That is, Garo Enter outsources the training.”

“I feel bad because it seems like family businesses are giving each other work.”

“We can continue our collaboration only if Hayang produces results.”

“But most big agencies have training systems within the company.”

“What I thought was, we should completely transfer that training system to another company. Just like the president’s family spun off the concert business team that was part of ‘HPT Media’ into ‘Sisyphus.’ Then, in addition to training internal personnel, we could also receive trainees from outside the company and make money… … .”

Seongpil furrowed his brows in thought.

“But this is also exposing training know-how to the outside world. I think I need to think about it more.”

“… … Director.”

“huh?”

“If you keep doing this, I can’t stand it anymore.”

When Seongpil looked at her to see what she meant, she was pouring out her gaze burning with desire towards him.

“If you remember and think about in such detail what I just said, I can’t stand it anymore.”

“What can’t you stand?”

“I’ve always thought seriously about making Director Park’s dream come true. But I have to think more seriously than this. He’s already doing his best to become the best idol, so I don’t know what else I can do for him. That’s why I can’t stand it.”

“Hold on.”

“I haven’t said anything yet… … .”

“I don’t know what to do if I get any more than this.”

Jang Ha-yang and Seong Pil burst into laughter at the same time.

“What about Miyoshi-san?”

“Miyopi is… … .”

What is Miyopi?

“I worked hard and did well before, but after becoming the center, I worked even harder and did well.”

After Snow White’s ‘Let’s fight each other from now on’ task, it was Miyoko who became the center.

Her skills improved day by day, and she was recognized as the center by all the Bugbug members.

As a result, I ended up performing a duo with Baek Seol-ha in the bridge part.

Miyoko’s improvement in skill is so dramatic that if the main character of the show “A Close Match”, Yeo Mong, sees Miyoko, he might also give her a try.

“I guess genius is what they call a child like Miyopi… … .”

Jang Ha-yang smiled bitterly.

“It’s a world of difference from the old me.”

“… … .”

Seongpil thought about telling Jang Ha-yang the truth, but ultimately decided not to.

Seongpil didn’t think he had the right to expose Miyoko’s performance, which she had put all her effort into.

He was leaning his head against the wall, looking at Jang Ha-yang’s shadowy face, when he suddenly said.

“Talent is like heaven and earth.”

“Ahaha… … .”

Jang Ha-yang hugged her knees.

“In the past, I used to be jealous of those above me, but now I feel a sense of crisis and get jealous of those below me. I wonder if I was such an ugly person… .”

“Ha-yang means that talent is like heaven.”

“… …Me?”

“face.”

Seongpil made a V shape with his thumb and index finger and placed it on Jang Ha-yang’s chin.

“Face genius.”

Seongpil took his hand away from Jang Ha-yang’s blank face.

“Also, a genius at hard work. In every aspect as an idol, Hayang is better than Miyopi.”

“Miyopi… … .”

“It’s natural to look favorably on someone who is good at something. It’s also natural to look down on someone who is not good at something. In other words, it’s easy to look favorably on someone who is good at something, but it’s hard to be cheered on when you’re not good at something. When I think back to when Hayang was a trainee, when she was just a little clumsy, I enjoyed every moment I saw her. The word “giving up” never crossed my mind, so I was never disappointed. Maybe making someone cheer like that is a very important quality for an idol.”

Seongpil knew he had said something embarrassing, so he fiddled with his hands for no reason.

“What about someone who showers everyone with compliments?”

“Are you talking about someone like Director Park?”

“… … It may vary from person to person, but don’t you think it’s a little frivolous? So, Hayang, don’t get jealous so easily. It’s probably the best compliment to the person who’s being jealous. You don’t want to seem frivolous, do you?”

Jang Ha-yang raised the corners of her mouth and fiddled with her hands like Seong-pil.

“Did you enjoy cheering me on? Even though I couldn’t do that… … .”

“huh.”

“Have you never been disappointed?”

“huh.”

“But why did you tell me to stop… … .”

“Oh, that was a mistake. I did it just in case you were in trouble… … .”

“If only I had stopped then.”

Jang Ha-yang got up from her seat and wiped her butt.

“You must have studied for the CSAT as Director Park suggested. You must have graduated from college by now, and you must be a job seeker. You might have even joined Garo Entertainment.”

“If you had joined the A&R team, we would have continued to work face-to-face.”

“That might be good too. Maybe not as much as it is now.”

Jang Ha-yang reached out her hand to Seong-pil.

Seongpil grabbed her wrist and got up.

Jang Ha-yang smiled and stroked the wrist that Seong-pil had been holding.

“This hasn’t changed since I was a trainee.”

Jang Ha-yang returned to his expressionless face and looked at Miyoko.

“Miyopi will do well as a center. She is a friend who never slacks off in her efforts. She is currently looking at her phone, probably checking the photos of herself dancing.”

“okay.”

As Jang Ha-yang said, Miyoko’s growth, no, Miyoko’s original skills were beyond imagination.

If it continues like this… … .

‘I guess it’ll look okay.’

The appearance is so-so.

* * *

Miyoko squatted on the steps leading up to the podium and watched iTube videos.

[The Korean words we’re learning today are ‘X발’ and ‘X나’! If you know the swear words, you’ll be able to immediately recognize if you get insulted in Korea, right?]

[‘X-ball’ has many uses, but basically it feels like ‘F*ck!’]

[‘Xna’ is a vulgar way of saying ‘very’.]

[Shall we combine these two? ‘X or X-foot’.]

“Oh, I see.”

Miyoko turned off the video and looked at someone in the distance. It was Snow White chatting happily with the members of the Girls’ League in the distance.

Miyoko lowered her head and muttered.

“I feel like I’m fucking a wall… … .”

That beast of a bitch.

Weight class difference X feet.

‘No matter how many times I practice, even after practicing like that, and even after correcting it with camera direction.’

If you stand next to Snow White, you become an extra.

‘It’s actually disadvantageous to be the center. Being compared to Seol-ha in a two-shot? Sigh, f*ck.’

It’s not just about physical condition and appearance. Even the way Snow White walks is so sexy and graceful that it can’t be compared to Miyoko’s.

As the bridge begins, Miyoko walks from Bugbug and the Snow White Girls League to the center of the stage.

From that step, the gap widens.

‘Humans are not defeated by beasts because they lack technology.’

Suddenly, I remember what my brother said.

Miyoko raised her head. And she saw the Bugbug members practicing apart from her.

One in particular caught my eye. She was checking her choreography in front of a full-length mirror with a venomous look in her eyes.

‘one…….’

I cried when I couldn’t become the center.

“… … .”

Well then, should we change it now?

‘What do you say?’

Is this position too overwhelming for me?

no.

‘You are better suited for this role. So… … .’

I will yield.