Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Episode 10. A Night with the Vocal Trainer (1)
“C-CEO.”
At Cha Yeseung’s sudden appearance, the engineer jumped up from his seat in surprise.
“It’s fine. Just continue what you were doing.”
Cha Yeseung gestured to Cha Seungjun, then turned her gaze to Park Siwoo.
“How far along are you?”
“We’re currently recording the album’s title track.”
“May I listen?”
“Of course.”
Park Siwoo nodded confidently, turned around, and took the microphone.
“We’ll do about three more takes. Engineer.”
“Yes. Neon Heart, please get ready. One, two.”
Once again, Neon Heart’s performance began.
Listening quietly to the song, admiration gradually appeared in Cha Yeseung’s eyes.
She had expected it to be good since it was a Guitar Hero composition, but—
“I didn’t expect it to be this good.”
At this level, it wasn’t just a matter of reaching the top 10 on the charts—it could easily reach number one.
No, number one was already practically guaranteed.
The real issue was whether they could secure the necessary support.
Starlight Entertainment still hadn’t fully resolved its lobbying risks.
Even with a well-made song, they might not be able to get proper backing.
In today’s music industry, where countless tracks are released, that would be a massive loss.
These days, a song’s success depends heavily on influencers and company promotions.
“Over the next period, I’ll be producing about seven more tracks. At the earliest, we should be done recording everything within a month.”
Park Siwoo’s words cut through Cha Yeseung’s thoughts.
Her eyes widened.
“You can do that within a month?”
There was no way.
Even composers who devoted themselves entirely to music wouldn’t be able to maintain that pace.
And Park Siwoo was also handling sales work alongside composing.
No matter how talented he was as Guitar Hero, that seemed impossible.
As she thought this, Park Siwoo continued,
“I’ve already completed two more tracks. They just need recording. Of course, I won’t push things too hard. The Neon Heart members also need time to adjust to the songs. What I’d like to request is…”
“I know. You’re telling me to go secure some advertising. How bold.”
Park Siwoo smiled faintly.
Watching from behind, Cha Seungjun’s mouth fell open in disbelief.
How many people in the world could speak like that to a CEO?
And even after hearing it, who could respond without being reprimanded?
No one but Guitar Hero could do this.
Because he was that extraordinary.
Cha Yeseung grumbled,
“Where else in the world does a producer give orders to a CEO?”
“It’s not an order. It’s a request.”
“Ha! And sales is your job too, you know.”
“I’ll secure it, so please don’t hold back on support.”
Cha Yeseung ran a hand through her hair.
“Park Siwoo really never backs down, does he?”
Even as she said that, a smile spread across her face.
Talking with him had resolved all her worries.
‘It’s a Guitar Hero track.’
What was there to worry about?
And on top of that, the Guitar Hero himself was handling sales.
There was no way they wouldn’t secure investment.
“Anyway, keep up the good work. I’m sure you’ll do well, but I’ll be heading out now.”
“Before that, I have one request… Could you assign a vocal trainer?”
“A vocal trainer? Hmm… we don’t have any available right now. Ah, there is one, but she’s a recent hire… If you need one, I’ll assign her.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
Park Siwoo bowed politely as she left, then clapped his hands.
“Let’s refocus.”
“Yes! We’ll resume recording. One, two!”
Instrument recording was completed.
“I think the third take was the best.”
Park Siwoo said, and Cha Seungjun nodded.
“Yes, but listening individually might reveal differences. I’ll compile the best takes and send them via email.”
“Let’s wrap up the instrument part like that.”
Park Siwoo turned his head.
The Neon Heart members were one by one leaving the recording room.
“Good work.”
He said to Ha Seungjin, the leader, who had come out first. The leader smiled awkwardly.
“The song is just too good.”
Lee Sua, who followed, also spoke.
“Are we really allowed to receive a song like this…?”
They seemed slightly overwhelmed.
Understandable—one day they were an indie band, and overnight they had become a commercially backed group.
Park Siwoo waited until they were all outside, then said,
“Your skills are excellent, which is why I reached out to you. You’re doing well, so don’t worry too much.”
“…Yes, thank you.”
Ha Seungjin bowed his head.
“Take a break for now. Ayeon, are you ready to record?”
She was already drenched in sweat, so he asked out of concern.
If she was too tired, they could postpone to tomorrow.
But Seol Ayeon nodded calmly.
“I can do it.”
“You don’t need to push yourself.”
“I’ll give it a try.”
“Alright. Let’s listen once and then proceed.”
Park Siwoo nodded.
Seol Ayeon wiped her face with a towel handed by guitarist Jang Junhyuk and entered the recording room.
—Ahh. Beyond the pale blue dot… mm.
As she warmed up her voice inside the booth, a knock sounded.
Park Siwoo said to Jang Junhyuk standing nearby,
“Junhyuk, could you open the door?”
“Yes.”
Jang Junhyuk quickly opened the door.
Two people stood outside.
One was an older woman, and the other was a very young man.
After a brief silence, the young man bowed.
“Lead Producer, I’m vocal trainer Bae Suwon.”
His voice was disciplined and formal.
In contrast—
“Vocal trainer Han Eunjeong.”
The older trainer spoke in a slightly dismissive posture.
It seemed—
‘She’s trying to assert dominance, thinking I’m a rookie producer.’
Han Eunjeong then addressed Ha Seungjin, who was drenched in sweat.
“Ugh, the smell of sweat. This is quite inconsiderate in a recording room.”
“Sorry, sorry.”
She brushed past him and stood in front of Park Siwoo.
“You’re the new producer, right?”
“Yes… I’ve recently taken on the role.”
She smiled faintly.
She seemed to assume he was inexperienced.
“So you didn’t know. This isn’t how things are done. You need to follow proper procedures.”
But Park Siwoo was a seasoned veteran of the industry.
“How should I do it? Could you show me?”
At his question, Han Eunjeong’s smile stiffened.
She couldn’t answer—that much was obvious.
She had simply been talking nonsense to assert dominance.
“I’ll teach you later. For now, I assume I’m supposed to work with that girl?”
Sensing the situation turning unfavorable, she quickly changed the subject.
After glancing around, she pointed toward Seol Ayeon inside the booth.
Seol Ayeon looked slightly startled at being pointed at so abruptly.
It was rude enough to do to someone she knew, let alone someone she had just met.
And from a mere trainer at that.
‘I see.’
Park Siwoo smiled.
‘Even without the system telling me, I understand what that black thread means.’
He exhaled softly.
A black thread was tied to Han Eunjeong’s hand as she chattered away.
‘It means someone who will cause harm to me.’
Even if that wasn’t the case—
He had no intention of working with someone like her.
He couldn’t stand people lacking respect and consideration.
“Producer, I’m asking if I should train that girl.”
Seeing him sitting calmly and smiling, Han Eunjeong snapped irritably.
Park Siwoo slowly stood up.
Standing at 185 cm tall, he looked down at her, and the pressure was overwhelming.
Han Eunjeong instinctively took a step back.
“Han Eunjeong, was it?”
Feeling her pride wounded, she shot back defensively.
“What?”
“Please leave. I’ll be working with Bae Suwon.”
“What? I’ve been in this field for 10 years, and you’re telling me you’d rather work with some kid who’s only been around for a year?”
“Watch your words. There isn’t a single person in this room you can look down on.”
Park Siwoo’s cold tone made Han Eunjeong flinch.
She tried to hide her fear, but to Park Siwoo, it was all visible.
“Hah. Unbelievable.”
Her face flushed red with fear, shame, and anger as she fanned herself.
“Do whatever you want! And I’ll formally report this to the board for intimidation. Do you know who my husband is? Acting like this… I’m leaving because this is disgusting!”
Bang.
As the unpleasant woman left the room, the atmosphere became noticeably lighter.
But then—
“U-um…”
Bae Suwon, who had come in with her, spoke nervously.
“Is this going to be okay? That person’s husband is a director at Starlight Entertainment…”
“It’ll be fine. Even a director won’t be able to interfere recklessly.”
“R-really? How…?”
“I’m Guitar Hero.”
In an instant, Bae Suwon’s eyes widened.
“Y-you really are Guitar Hero?”
“Yes. I’m currently preparing my new song.”
“Oh my god…”
His face, previously filled with anxiety, brightened instantly.
Watching him, Park Siwoo smiled bitterly.
‘This isn’t easy either.’
Revealing himself as Guitar Hero to others.
Surprisingly, it was quite embarrassing.
But in this case, he had no choice.
Because tied to Bae Suwon’s hands—
Was a golden thread.
Someone he had to secure at all costs.