A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 209

The editor’s pointed questions might have unsettled Do-hyun, but he didn’t betray any reaction.

“That’s a very interesting question. Refreshing, even. In a good way. I honestly never expected to be asked something like that.”

“Oh? So, is that a yes or a no?”

“I’ve already stated that I won’t comment on my dating life, so I’m afraid I can’t answer any questions related to that. I hope you understand.”

The editor clicked her tongue, feigning disappointment.

However, Do-hyun felt a wave of relief wash over him, having navigated the topic successfully.

“There are so many rumors floating around, even I’m surprised by some of them. I hope you’ll understand my position, Editor.”

Do-hyun added a few polite words, preemptively addressing any potential backlash.

“That’s a shame. I thought I was about to uncover a new side of Do-hyun.”

“Haha… I’m answering as honestly as I can within reason. I’m happy to discuss musical stories or related topics openly, but I believe personal matters should always be protected, regardless of who’s involved.”

The editor persisted with a few more personal questions, feigning disappointment, but Do-hyun remained silent and offered no further information.

After the magazine interview, Do-hyun removed his makeup, changed into comfortable clothes, and headed back to the company.

He made a quick stop at the PR team’s office; something was on his mind.

He was still thinking about what the editor had said.

“Team Leader, do you have a moment?”

Do-hyun called the PR team leader over.

The PR team leader inquired about the matter.

“Actually… I just came from a magazine interview.”

“Yes, I’m aware of the schedule. What did they say?”

“I heard there’s some chatter about my having a girlfriend in the industry. I was wondering if you’d heard anything about it.”

“Huh? A girlfriend? Do you have a girlfriend, Do-hyun?”

The team leader’s question seemed genuinely surprised.

“Ah… so it’s just a rumor then. I responded that I couldn’t comment on the rumor about a girlfriend I didn’t even know I had.”

“That probably made you look even more suspicious! Don’t say ‘no comment,’ just say ‘no.’ You know how many ridiculous rumors circulate in this industry. It would have been better to simply deny it if there’s no truth to it.”

“You’re right. I was overly cautious.”

The team leader’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Just to be sure… your girlfriend isn’t actually someone in this industry, is she? Someone I might know…”

“That’s not going to happen. If I were to date someone, it would definitely be a non-celebrity. Someone in the same industry… hmm…”

Relieved, Do-hyun left the PR team’s office and headed up to the studio.

[How was my interview today? Is the photo too much? I can’t imagine even a dedicated fan would buy it!]

Do-hyun eagerly awaited Hana’s reaction.

Hana’s response was swift.

[Even as your longtime fan… I’m not sure about this one. What’s with the outfit? And the heavy makeup?]

“Pfft… If I’d known you were so honest and funny… I should have asked you to meet me sooner… This is great. Hearing these opinions directly.”

Do-hyun chuckled, looking at his phone.

He was undisturbed in the studio.

After exchanging messages with Hana, Do-hyun activated focus mode on his phone and began working in earnest.

It had been decided that Irae’s first album would be a full-length one.

Typically, artists start with a single or mini-album, but Do-hyun wanted to take a different approach.

He wanted to showcase Irae’s diverse potential to the public through a comprehensive full-length album.

First and foremost, the title track would be a collaboration with producer Lee Joon-hyuk.

As promised, producer Lee Joon-hyuk had moved his base of operations to The Dreamer Label.

Of course, this was contingent on him also working on Huent’s songs, as it was a label under Huent.

However, the proportion of his work on Huent’s songs would be reduced.

In any case, he was now located right next door to producer Lee Joon-hyuk, so he frequently visited and collaborated on projects.

After a blind listening test to determine whose song would be Irae’s title track, producer Lee Joon-hyuk’s song was chosen.

However, it was also decided that the label representative should have input, so Do-hyun would contribute to some of the lyrics and the chorus.

Do-hyun decided to focus on the b-side tracks.

Irae lacked songwriting experience, so she would only participate in this album by writing lyrics.

Irae planned to undergo intensive training in composing, lyric writing, and producing after completing her first full-length album.

“Hmm… ‘Wicked’. This song seems to suit Irae perfectly. It’s dreamy and captivating. The idea of singing as if an evil spirit is whispering… I think it can really highlight Irae’s vocal strengths.”

Do-hyun felt a surge of pride at the thought.

Even though he had created the song himself, he felt it was flawless.

Irae was likely in the practice room right now, receiving vocal training.

Do-hyun contacted the vocal trainer.

“Hello, this is Do-hyun. Could you please tell Irae to come to my studio when she’s finished? Ah, there’s still about 30 minutes left of training? Okay, please send her over after that.”

Do-hyun listened to ‘Wicked’ again, the song he had prepared for Irae, to identify any potential shortcomings.

Then, he sent Hana a guide recording version of ‘Wicked’.

The read receipt appeared almost instantly, but there was no reply for about ten minutes.

Do-hyun, growing impatient as Irae’s arrival time approached, hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should call.

‘No… she must be listening to the song intently.’

Just as he was thinking that.

[Hana noona]

A phone call came through.

“Yes, Noona. Have you heard it?”

[Are you crazy? Is this song the title track? Or is it a b-side? If it’s a b-side, we need to push it as a double title track immediately!]

“…You mean you listened to it thinking it was my song?”

[Uh… isn’t it your song?]

“No. This is a song that Irae will be singing… Haha… Noona, you listened to it thinking it was my song.”

[Then there’s only one solution. You have to sing this in your version at the concert… please… It’s a waste for only I to hear this. Do you know how much I wanted to scream as soon as I heard it?]

“Is it really that good? Is my voice that captivating and dreamy…?”

[I can’t say your name because I’m at the company… but it really suits your voice. Seriously, it’s amazing.]

Do-hyun laughed, hearing Hana’s unwavering conviction.

Hana was so attractive in moments like these.

Her honesty was refreshing.

The fact that she openly expressed her thoughts without reservation was also a reason why Do-hyun was so drawn to her.

Firm when necessary, honest when appropriate.

In an industry filled with people who often conceal their true feelings, Hana’s authenticity was incredibly appealing.

“Thank you. I’ll definitely make sure you hear the Na Do-hyun version of this at the concert. Are you working right now?”

[I just came to the pantry to make some coffee. Nothing exciting has happened today; the entertainment industry is unusually quiet… There are days like this. So, I was writing an album review while listening to the new song.]

“Ah… I guess there’s nothing going on today. Noona, I had an interview today, right? The editor asked me… There’s a rumor that my girlfriend is someone in this industry. Is that true?”

[What? Which magazine is it? It hasn’t been that long since we started seeing each other! I wish we could have a proper date!]

Hana whispered into the phone.

Do-hyun could practically picture the scene without even seeing it, and he chuckled.

“It’s G Magazine. The editor from G Magazine mentioned it. So, what do you think I said?”

[You didn’t say you had a girlfriend, did you? Right? If you get caught, we’ll both be in serious trouble!]

“Would I ever say I had a girlfriend? Of course not. I remained silent. She asked so many personal questions that it felt intrusive. It was a little annoying because she seemed more interested in my personal life than my musical achievements.”

He heard a deep breath on the other end.

Ding-dong?

“Noona, I need to let Irae listen to this song, and it sounds like she’s here. I’ll call you again.”

Do-hyun hung up the phone with Hana and opened the door.

Irae, wearing a beanie, stood there.

“Aren’t you hot? Why are you wearing a beanie?”

“Representative, I’m hot… only my head is hot… But I woke up late today and didn’t have time to wash my hair, so I had no choice but to wear it.”

“Ah, I see. I thought you had a cold. Have a seat.”

Irae sat down in the chair Do-hyun indicated.

“I told you that this album is the first full-length album, so you know that, right?”

“Yes, of course! Of course, I remember. I know that artists usually release several singles and mini-albums before releasing their first full-length album… I thought your persistence was amazing.”

Do-hyun laughed at Irae’s words.

“Honest talk with the representative. Is this attractive? I think it would be great if you went on a talk show later.”

“That’s a relief then. Anyway… what’s the title of the song I’m going to listen to today?”

“The song title is ‘Wicked’. It’s a song with a dark, dreamy melody that sounds like an evil spirit is tempting you. It’s an alternative song, and I worked on it thinking it would suit your voice well. Let’s listen to it.”

“Oh… the title itself is very intriguing.”

As Do-hyun played the song, Irae’s playful expression instantly turned serious.

Irae focused intently on the music.

Do-hyun watched Irae’s reaction.

When Irae started humming along to the rhythm from the second verse, he knew the song was resonating with her.

‘The song is being received even better than I anticipated. If Irae can really nail this…’

After the 3 minute and 40 second song concluded, Irae stood up and applauded.

“Bravo! Is this song really for me? Not for the representative?”

“Uh, it’s your song. I worked on it from the beginning with you in mind. Why?”

“No, it’s just that the representative’s guide version is too good! Do you have any plans to feature on it? I think it would be great to divide the male and female parts and sing them together.”

“Oh? I hadn’t considered that. Why didn’t I think that dividing your part and my part and singing it together would complement the song’s atmosphere so well?”

“I know, right? I think it would be even better if the two of us sang it together! If you put more effort into the featuring like this, wouldn’t more people listen to it? I’ll perform my solo version at the concert, and we could release the featuring version as a music source.”

Do-hyun pondered Irae’s suggestion for a moment.

Even if he participated, he wanted to ensure it remained Irae’s album.

He wanted to showcase Irae’s vocals as much as possible.

Of course, if he featured on the track, his fans would be more likely to listen to Irae’s music….

But would Irae’s vocals truly shine as brightly?

After a moment of contemplation, Do-hyun spoke.

“Are you sure you’re comfortable with that? I thought it would be best to feature only your vocals on the track.”

“Yes! I really think it would be great. The representative’s voice is also captivating and has a subtle, dreamy quality, so I think it would be fantastic if the two of us sang it together!”

“Hmm… Okay, then let’s do it together. This song.”