Chapter 603: Welcome to Korea (2)

Zhou Shishi.

The woman in the suit walking beside Ling Ling, pulling a suitcase, was Deputy Director Wang Min's closest bodyguard and personal aide.

At 173 cm with a slender, model-like build and beauty rivaling that of celebrities, most people who saw her felt charmed rather than wary. But she was a former elite soldier of the Chinese Special Operations Command without question.

Before the regression, I once sparred in boxing with her shortly after she left the military. Even as a national-level boxer, I had a hard time keeping up. Thanks to that level of skill, Zhou Shishi was assigned the critical role of guarding Wang Min at the young age of 26.

And yet, such an important figure had shown up here—not by Wang Min's side, but directly in Korea. She was here to act as Ling Ling's personal assistant and talent agent.

As I puzzled over why she would be here instead of guarding Wang Min, a thought flashed through my mind.

'

Could it be... because of Chairman Jiang Wei?

'

Until now, Wang Min had been fending off Jiang Wei at my request. But under the orders of the Communist Party, Wang Min could no longer stop him. So I thought perhaps Wang Min had sent Zhou Shishi to protect Ling Ling from Jiang Wei, who was always looking to break into Korea.

I figured I should check with Wang Long to confirm if my guess was right.

At that moment, my eyes met Zhou Shishi's. She gave a slight smile and bowed her head. She must have thought her disguise was perfect, but having a military background left her with more than a few awkward tells.

Her eyes scanned me from head to toe, trying to assess me. But maybe because she hadn't been out of the army long, her movements were still unnaturally rigid. It was just like when I gave her advice after sparring with her before the regression.

Once she finished evaluating me, she stepped forward and introduced herself. "I'm Zhou Shishi. I'll be working as Miss Ling Ling's talent agent while she's staying in Korea. I look forward to working with you."

Because her mother was Korean, Zhou Shishi's Korean was fluent and natural.

When I bowed my head in return, Ling Ling bouncing beside Zhou Shishi jumped in to introduce her. "Mr. Jung, please take good care of Shishi unnie. She's no different from family to Wang Long oppa and us."

Then Wang Long came over and joined in. "Yeah, Shishi was taken in by my father when she was young, so she's basically family. To me, she's like a little sister, so treat her well. Okay?"

"Of course."

At that moment, Wang Long noticed the wary look I was giving Zhou Shishi and cautiously asked, "Wait... did you figure it out?"

I debated whether to say it, then replied honestly. "Her eyes and her posture when she greeted me... She scanned me and checked her surroundings. She's no ordinary assistant. Looks like a soldier. Am I right?"

Wang Long let out a whistle. "Wow~ Yoon-Ho, you're amazing. Most people think Shishi's a model or actress. You're the first to peg her as a soldier!"

'

Sorry, Wang Long. You told me all that before the regression.

'

I just shamelessly shrugged. Ling Ling and Lily standing nearby also looked surprised.

Wang Long chuckled and turned to Zhou Shishi. "See, Shishi? I told you. No matter what you do, you can't hide it from Yoon-Ho. What made you so confident, only a month out of the army?"

At that, Zhou Shishi's previously smiling face stiffened. "Are there many people like Mr. Jung in Korea?"

I asked, "What do you mean?"

"It might be hard to protect Miss Ling Ling if there are a lot of people like you who can tell I'm military just based on how I move."

Just like I had before the regression, I began pointing out the weak spots I could see. "Your stride is too crisp and precise for an ordinary assistant. It gives off a strange vibe. And your watchful, scanning gaze too. If you ease up a bit and smile more, it'll be fine."

I shared some acting tips, like how performers practice facial expressions in the mirror.

𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Zhou Shishi seemed lost in thought for a moment, then nodded in appreciation. "Relax, huh... That's what my instructor used to say before I was discharged. Got it."

After responding, Zhou Shishi took a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders. She looked noticeably better.

Wang Long nodded. "That's much better, Shishi. Now that we're at it, can't you just call me oppa?"

Zhou Shishi smiled and shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't do that, young master."

Wang Long looked at me with a pout. "Yoon-Ho, you're in charge of her now, so try and get her to loosen up a bit. We've grown up together since she was seven, and she's still like this."

Even before the regression, Wang Long treated Zhou Shishi like a sister. Nevertheless, she never once addressed him comfortably. It wasn't because she was uncomfortable or disliked him, but she simply felt deeply indebted to the Wang family.

Just then, Ling Ling chimed in. "Yeah, Shishi unnie. And can you stop calling me Miss Ling Ling already?"

"I'm afraid I can't, Miss Ling Ling. Once titles break down, everything breaks down."

We really needed to do something about that title. If she kept calling her Miss Ling Ling, people would definitely take notice.

"Miss Shishi, if you want to stay beside Ling Ling, please drop the Miss. In Korea, people will find it strange."

"But... how could I casually call a lady by her name...?"

"Didn't you just say you wanted to protect Ling Ling? That title could actually put her in danger."

Zhou Shishi hesitated, then nodded as if she agreed with me. "Understood. I'll correct it."

I decided to keep the momentum going and started speaking more casually. It was to help her fully disguise her background.

"Since Wang Long and I are friends, I'll treat you like a younger sister. That way, you can adjust more quickly."

"Understood..."

"Then from now on, try to speak more casually."

"...Got it."

"There you go."

In any case, I no longer needed to worry about Ling Ling's safety with Zhou Shishi.

As we all headed out of the VIP arrival area, I walked up to Wang Long and asked, "Wang Long, did you send someone this skilled because of Chairman Jiang Wei?"

"I was going to tell you anyway, but you always see through everything. Yeah. Just in case."

Apparently, they had received intel that Jiang Wei had started moving earlier than expected. It was months ahead of schedule. And since he entered Korea, Wang Long sent Zhou Shishi to stay close to Ling Ling. My guess was right.

"Sounds like he's really got it out for us."

"Probably."

"Then what about Ryu Shin? Is the chief secretary moving too?"

I asked about Ryu Shin, Jiang Wei's right-hand man and chief of staff.

"Well... Rumor has it he's already entered Korea."

"Do we know where he is?"

"Not yet. We're still trying to find out. I'll let you know as soon as we do."

Hearing that Jiang Wei was trying to break into Korea again definitely made me uneasy. But I wasn't the same Jung Yoon-Ho I used to be, so I wasn't exactly scared either.

"Got it. And don't worry too much. I'm not the old Jung Yoon-Ho anymore. I'll take good care of Ling Ling."

"I'm counting on you."

After that exchange, we all started walking out of the VIP area together.

Just then, Ling Ling scurried up beside me. "Oh, right! Mr. Jung! I saw your article as we came into Korea! It was amazing!"

"Don't even get me started. The airport was chaotic because of that. We'll have to use a different exit."

"Now you're a celebrity, Mr. Jung."

"Celebrity, my foot."

"Huh? But it's true! They called you a star talent agent. Or was it a max-level talent agent?"

"Max-level? Please. Not even close."

Ling Ling was definitely chattier than before. Though she still had a scarf wrapped around her neck to protect her vocal cords, I was worried.

"How's your throat? Are you okay to be talking like this now?"

Ling Ling was born with weak vocal cords. Before my regression, she had been known as a tragic idol who retired after only a year. To prevent that, I had her see Doctor Kim Soo-Myung and Seo Yeon-Woo, who both taught her how to care for her voice.

Ling Ling made a peace sign with her fingers as she answered, "Mr. Kim Soo-Myung has been checking in on me through video calls. Want to see for yourself?"

She wanted to show me just how much her throat had improved.

"Then should we head to the company?"

"Yes!"

We were originally going to go straight home, but I changed direction toward Hoop Entertainment to test Ling Ling's voice.

***

As we parked at Hoop Entertainment's underground parking garage and got out of the car, Lee Dong-Min, Eun Ji-Yoo, and Do Ran-Hee were waiting to greet Ling Ling with a bouquet.

"Welcome to Korea. Let's do great things together."

Ling Ling, clearly moved by the bouquet, teared up a little. "Thank you. I'll work hard."

Lee Dong-Min smiled as he spoke. "Mrs. Ahn Ye-Eum wanted to come too, but she couldn't make it because she had to coordinate the Global Idol Project with SBC. She asked me to say hello on her behalf."

"Yes, thank you."

"And Hee-Joo will be here later."

Seo Hee-Joo was the daughter of Yeon Hwa-Seon, a Korean traditional dance Living National Treasure, and one of the pre-selected members of the Global Idol Project.

After a brief welcome, Lee Dong-Min pointed to the elevator. "Seon-Woo and Yeon-Woo are waiting in the recording studio. Shall we head down?"

Ling Ling's face lit up. "Mr. Yeon-Woo is waiting for me too?"

Seo Yeon-Woo was currently topping the charts across all three major networks with 'Hwayeonga.' Even though he had a packed schedule, the fact that he had come just to hear Ling Ling sing had her visibly excited.

"He stopped by just to see his student. He's going to check your voice and then head back for his next recording."

During her last visit, Seo Yeon-Woo had seen Ling Ling's vocal condition and offered guidance.

Ling Ling's eyes sparkled. "I won't let him down!"

"Good."

Everyone smiled at Ling Ling's bright attitude.

Then Do Ran-Hee, who had gotten close with Ling Ling during the last visit, came over and took her hand. "Alright, Ling Ling. Let's go."

"Okay~"

As Ling Ling and Do Ran-Hee walked off together, Zhou Shishi quickly caught up behind them.

"Let's follow."

"Yeah."

We trailed behind the two to the elevator.

***

We entered Studio 4 on the second basement level.

Inside the control room, Bang Seon-Woo and Seo Yeon-Woo greeted Ling Ling with wide smiles.

"Ling Ling~ you're finally here."

"There you are, Ling Ling."

Bang Seon-Woo and Seo Yeon-Woo looked at her like a beloved niece, clearly thrilled.

"It's been a while, Mr. Bang, Mr. Seo!"

Ling Ling bounced with excitement, her trademark ponytail bobbing.

Watching her cheerful and eye-catching behavior, I thought that this is what a born idol looks like.

Bang Seon-Woo pointed to the recording booth. "Alright, Ling Ling. Let's see how much your voice has recovered."

Seo Yeon-Woo nodded. "Yeah, Ling Ling. Let's hear how your vocal cords are doing."

"Okay!"

With a confident expression, Ling Ling took off her long ivory coat and placed it on the sofa. Then Bang Seon-Woo asked which song she planned to sing.

Ling Ling looked at him and answered, "I want to sing 'Hwayeonga.'"

'Hwayeonga' was the original soundtrack of

Hwaranjeon

sung by Seo Yeon-Woo and currently holding the number one spot. But because of its emotional depth and technical complexity, Bang Seon-Woo tried to dissuade her.

"That song's full of tricky techniques. Maybe you should try something else?"

Ling Ling wore a determined expression. "I want to be evaluated with it even more

because

it's difficult. I know it won't be perfect, but it'll clearly show my limits."

Bang Seon-Woo looked at me for guidance.

A song with that much technique meant it would be physically demanding. There wouldn't be a single song that would be a burden for a singer with strong vocal cords like Seo Yeon-Woo. But for Ling Ling, whose cords were fragile and whose technique wasn't yet professional, it was an extremely difficult song.

In fact, Ling Ling hadn't been allowed to sing at all for the first month after arriving in China, focusing solely on healing her vocal cords. Once after she recovered, she was permitted to sing only two songs a day using the proper vocal method taught by Seo Yeon-Woo.

I still didn't know exactly how well her voice had healed, so I was worried. But there was only one answer. She was going to be a professional now. I had to set aside my worries and trust her.

I nodded to Bang Seon-Woo, then said to Ling Ling, "Alright, Ling Ling. Get ready."

Ling Ling bowed her head. "Yes, Mr. Jung!"

She bounced on her feet and dashed into the recording booth.

Click.

The recording booth door closed. Ling Ling put on the headphones mounted inside.

Bang Seon-Woo pressed the button to speak into the fully soundproof booth. "Ling Ling, I'll raise the key by two steps."

When switching from a male to a female key, it was usually raised two and a half or three steps. Bang Seon-Woo chose only two, still showing some concern.

-Alright~

Ling Ling took a few deep breaths and gave the okay sign.

-I'm ready!

"Good. Then I'll play the accompaniment. Ready... and go!"

Bang Seon-Woo hit the button, and the instrumental for 'Hwayeonga' began to play. A beautiful and poignant melody flowed through the studio speakers. Then, Ling Ling's voice gently layered over the melody.

Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.

'

She sounds so much better.

'

While there still wasn't much technique, her voice conveyed a clear and wistful emotion.

As she sang, Ling Ling moved her hands and body slightly. Maybe because of that, it was strangely hard to take my eyes off her. And then I realized Ling Ling wasn't just singing. She was acting, pouring emotion into her performance.

Now I could understand why Ling Ling had become China's top idol before the regression. Technique could be taught, but that level of emotional expression simply couldn't be learned. It was a gift.

Lee Dong-Min seemed to notice it too and couldn't hide his amazement. "She's born with it. She's a natural."

Ling Ling had grown remarkably to the point it was dazzling.

A moment later, Ling Ling finished the first verse and looked at us, catching her breath. Her face seemed to ask, "Should I stop here?"

Just then, Seo Yeon-Woo pressed the mic button to speak into the booth. "Ling Ling, go ahead and finish it."

-Okay!

Ling Ling straightened up and began the second verse. Shortly after, she finished the second verse without any issue but was now panting.

-

Huff huff

...

huff

...How did I do?

Everyone looked at Ling Ling who had just sung the entire 'Hwayeonga' with pride, but no one spoke.

Seo Yeon-Woo had his eyes tightly shut since the second verse began. Then, a moment later, he slowly opened his eyes.

Taking a deep breath, he began to share his thoughts.