Chapter 77
Chapter 77
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: A Person Not in Their Right Mind
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What's the most important thing for singing well?
"Don't strain your throat—let the sound come from your chest... Yes, just like that, keep it going... Okay."
A lot of people might say it's talent, but after attending vocal lessons like this, I've realized talent isn't everything.
The most important thing in the end is effort.
Of course, talent might be needed for expressiveness or a high vocal range.
I'm not planning to perform at a pro level where both effort and talent have to be exceptional.
For an average person to hear "Wow, she can really sing!"—that's something effort can definitely cover.
So, does that mean I have no talent?
Not quite.
My vocal trainer, Hyun-seong, said my voice itself is a talent.
I haven't recorded and listened to my own voice, so I wouldn't know.
People generally don't pay much attention to their own voice. At least, everyone around me is like that.
Maybe because they hear it all the time, it doesn't excite them.
And unless your job revolves around your voice, there's no reason to focus on it.
Plus, hearing a recording of yourself... it's just kinda awkward.
When you occasionally hear your own voice recorded somewhere, good or bad, you usually shake your head at how strange it sounds.
So I didn't know if my voice was really that great, but according to Hyun-seong, my timbre is innate.
"So from now on, don't belt out 20 songs at karaoke in one go. No matter how sturdy your vocal cords are, they'll wear out eventually."
"Yes..."
I got praised but also scolded to take better care of my throat.
At the same time, I received various tips on how to sing male songs in a way that suits this voice.
From controlling the tone, to making sounds heavier, and utilizing different ranges.
He gave examples for each one, so it was easy to follow along.
I'm not the quickest learner.
But somehow, with singing, I already have experience stacked up, so it feels like I'm picking it up smoothly.
"In my opinion, you learn fast, so no need for a full nine months. Six months at most—you could master everything from the hobby class in that time..."
Hearing that makes my chest swell with pride.
Well, there's a bit of backstory to it.
Anyway.
If I can shorten the time, why not?
Still, let's think about it a little more.
After a long practice session, it was wrap-up time.
I did one last long exhale exercise, then took the warm honey water Hyun-seong handed me and sat down to sip it slowly.
It warmed my mouth, throat, and whole body, instantly relaxing me.
Come to think of it, all I have at home is coffee.
This honey water or yuzu tea would be perfect in winter, but home only has coffee.
I should buy some and keep it stocked.
A cup after a shower would be pure bliss.
"Yeon-bi, mind if I ask something you're curious about?"
Question time during the cooldown rest.
I took a light sip from the warm mug and nodded.
"Is there a reason you're focusing on male songs?"
His question made my heart skip a bit. I gave an awkward smile while scrambling for an excuse.
Actually, no excuse needed.
I like them—what reason do I need?
So, honestly.
"The songs I like are all by male singers."
I answered straightforwardly.
Hyun-seong laughed haha and nodded, seeming convinced right away.
"Ah, I get that feeling. It's not anything else—your timbre is so good that I thought female songs would shine even more."
"...Really?"
Yeah, that makes sense.
Better than forcing male songs when my voice suits something else.
I came here not to find songs that suit me, but to sing the ones I used to well again...
It's not directly related to my goal.
But advice like this is rare.
Not anyone can pinpoint songs that match your voice.
"So, what songs would suit me?"
"Hmm... Clear, bright songs for starters. Higher-key songs would definitely fit well. Stabilize your breathing and pitch, and no one could match you. For example..."
Bright songs, huh.
Most of the examples he gave were unfamiliar, but a famous one or two slipped in.
Songs I've never even tried.
Very different from what I wanted to sing.
Fresher than emotional, lighter than heavy.
Never imagined myself singing stuff like that.
Maybe that's why I've been sticking to male songs.
Hmm...
They say more is better.
The more I can sing well, the better.
Songs are fun when sung well, like games.
And a wider repertoire means more time at karaoke.
No downside.
"Could you teach me those songs slowly too?"
"Of course. And despite my looks, I'm a female vocal specialist."
Hyun-seong grinned wide as he said it.
It was funny, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Today's the day he'll teach me something solid.
Kim Han-sol arrived at the vocal academy.
This was his second lesson.
He grumbled inwardly that the first class taught nothing, but entered hoping for something new today.
The entrance and debut classes were bustling as usual.
Pitying the serious singers, he headed to the hobby class practice room.
Definitely emptier than the others.
No one's here, huh.
Quiet was nice, but disappointing—no one to show off to.
Lost in random thoughts while walking the hall,
he spotted someone exiting hobby room 3.
"Listen to the list I gave you and think it over carefully."
"Yes, thank you for your help."
Huh?
A woman he'd never seen was chatting happily with Hyun-seong.
Not his girlfriend—she's too good for him.
Just looking at their faces, they didn't match.
From the conversation, she seemed to be in hobby class like him.
Or maybe debut class?
Possible.
With that face in a vocal academy.
She looked exactly like an idol trainee.
Room was full, so she stepped out.
As he thought that, the idol-like girl brushed past him and left slowly.
Once she was gone, Kim Han-sol cautiously entered the room.
Hyun-seong greeted him with a much blander face than before, scribbling notes.
In a curt voice.
"Have you practiced projecting your voice?"
"Uh, no."
Hyun-seong slowly looked up at his flustered reply, then nodded.
A face that expected it.
A face showing no offense.
That subtle expression irked Kim Han-sol a tiny bit.
"Then let's practice voicing again today. You have to do this steadily to internalize it..."
And it was the exact same drill as last time.
Again?
He joined to sing well, especially for the school festival in a few months.
He wanted quick improvement, but kept getting home-practice stuff.
If it's this, I could've just watched videos at home...
Irritation bubbled up, and the woman's face from earlier popped into his head.
Doing this because of her?
He suspected Hyun-seong was intense with her as a trainee, half-assing his lesson.
Of course, Hyun-seong (Lee Hyun-deok) taught them the same.
The issue was the students' attitudes.
Choi Yeon-bi diligently did assignments and practiced 20 songs at karaoke.
Kim Han-sol thought skills would magically improve just from attending, no extra practice.
As with such types,
he grew baseless jealousy toward the nameless girl. And
So he's a 'female vocal expert,' huh? Just a girl simp.
toward Hyun-seong too.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Normally, I'd head home after vocal training.
But today, I had business, so I drove a bit farther.
My destination: the securities firm where my 12 billion was bulking up.
A few staff and the branch manager waited at the entrance.
Better warn them ahead or it'd be chaos again.
They know my status now.
Like a division commander...
Someone whose surprise visit flips the unit upside down.
They even parked my car like at the department store.
Anyway, my reason today:
to find a new house.
Guess I've become a person not in their right mind.
No choice.
They say sooner is better for a house.
Since I decided on karaoke and home theater, better act fast.
So, I'm looking at houses.
Not just any—luxury houses.
Hundreds of billions ones can't just be bought outright.
More precisely, buyers and sellers need tons of docs and checks; the scale makes it unlike regular deals.
Regular sales: buyer, seller, broker.
Luxury adds tax accountants, lawyers, inspectors, appraisers, etc.
Post-sale: remodelers, furniture—it's a hassle.
Of course, with money, you can pay for it all. Like me.
But hassle is hassle.
Without help, I'd never even consider it.
"We checked houses in the neighborhoods you mentioned. Six listings; three match your criteria..."
In the familiar VIP room, sipping warm tea, I listened intently.
Summary: three spots fit my pre-mentioned conditions.
Under 10 years old, big yard, large parking.
Those were the essentials in my head; they were surprised it was so simple.
Asked if that was really enough.
Can't know till you've bought one.
"...So we recommend these two. One available for viewing today if you want."
I'll check in person anyway, so basic filters then decide on-site.
Plenty of time.
Plenty of money.
"Can we go now?"
"Yes. We'll guide you."
Alright then, first candidate for New Yeon-bi House.
Heading to meet you now.