In a train that was returning from Incheon to Seoul, Elena sat in silence, feeling disappointed and lost in thought, while the words of a female passenger were constantly ringing in her ears. "You have great potential to be a singer. So, take my advice and try for the programs that let you debut through the competition. Become a trainee and waiting for a debut will be a waste of time for you…"
Meanwhile, the excited Jaemin started listening to the music so as not to bother Elena.
One hour ago;
While tens of contestants wait outside, wondering what's taking so long, the judges are busy arguing after Taehae expressed her opinion.
"Taehae-ssi, what are you doing? Do you want to slip away such a candidate? You heard her sing, right? Her voice is stable, and the pitch is perfect."
"I'm even thinking of using the golden star badge to send to the finals directly, and you want to eliminate her right away?"
Crossing her arms to her chest, Taehae replied, "But Signature has already debuted a group this year. Our Echo has also decided on the group for the next year. If she joins either of our companies, she won't be able to debut until at least 3 years. And by that time, her age will reach 23, way past the peak stage of a female idol. Why risk over such a thing… As for Genesis, we don't even need to think about it. It's impossible as your boss won't accept a former trainee of ZC. Now, do you get my point?"
Upon hearing her explanation, as Song-Su went silent, Sangmin refuted, "Elena-ssi has a chance with our 'Signature Entertainment,' though. You know that we have a lot of solo artists. If she can prove herself to our CEO-nim, her debut won't be an issue…"
Just then, Song-Su, who was in favor of Elena from the start, suddenly changed her side, "I agree with Taehae-ssi. Since the purpose of this program is to find trainees, it's better if we fail her now and recommend her to Galaxy Entertainment later. I heard they are going to promote a new group, jointly with Scale Entertainment…"
After discussing for another two minutes, planning Elena's future without even asking her opinion, the three of them turned towards her.
"Elena-ssi."
Taehae called out to give the final result.
"Yes?" Elena holds the mic near her, waiting anxiously for the result while worrying they will fail because of her age.
Taehae then spoke, maintaining her aloof expression, "You are talented, but I'm sorry, we decided that you aren't suited for this program.
It's not that you are bad. In fact, you have great potential to be a singer.
So, take my advice and try for the programs that let you debut through the competition. Become a trainee and waiting for a debut at a company will be a waste of time for you…"
Present;
Getting down from the train, the two of them parted ways, and Elena then took a bus. With depression clearly written all over her face, Elena slowly walked towards her home.
"Mom, I'm home…" spoke Elena in a low tone as if she was exhausted while taking off her shoes.
"Hmm?" Just then, she saw extra pairs of shoes that belonged to men. "Guests?"
Taking another look at the sandals, Elena mumbled, "Based on the style and the numbers, looks like Tofu's group mates are here. I thought it was going to be next week. What a trouble…"
Taking off her sandals, she took a heavy breath to control her expression, adjusted her dress and hair before walking towards the living room, where she saw a man in her thirties sitting on the sofa along with her mother.
Meanwhile, a cameraman is pointing the digital cine camera at the dining table, where the six handsome boys are chuckling and laughing along as they have dinner together.
"Ah! Noona… You are back." Dajun suddenly stood up and greeted her, waving his hands with a wide smile on his face before her mother, making her attract the attention of everyone.
As the camera turned towards her, Elena greeted everyone with a light bow while showing exhaustion before she went to her room, silently.
The boys, who also stood from their seats to bow in return for the greetings, looked at her for a couple of seconds but didn't think much about her behavior, thinking that she might be a bit shy and returned to their shooting while her mother and Dajun wondered whether her audition went bad…
"Sigh…" As soon as she entered her room, Elena collapsed on the bed and stared at the ceiling, forgetting to put aside the contact lenses, "All my practice has gone to waste. I really invested the talent point in the wrong attribute. Should have invested in luck… Why did I bother registering at Incheon… Dammit…"
As the words of Taehae once again rang in her ears, Elena clenched her fist and punched the mattress below her. Tears started welling up in her eyes, and slowly she drifted into sleep.
***
Genesis Entertainment HQ, Seoul;
In a room located on the 13th floor, a late evening meeting is taking place with the A&R division (Artists and repertoire) and former CEO turned main producer, Yang Hye-rin (Hye-rin).
One of the employees started playing the slides on the screen, displaying the idols.
"Phoenix will release her solo album next month before going on the world tour."
"Saturn will drop another album at the end of the year."
"Everything is going well with our new upcoming international boy group. If no problem arises, Timeless will debut by mid-December."
"Imagine will finish their European tour and return by the end of this month."
"As for Clockwork, Bo-Kyung-nim informed us that they will be on hiatus for a year until things settle down."
"What about female trainees? Who is ready to debut by next year's summer?" asked Hye-rin as she played with the pen.
The employee then opened videos of different trainees from all the branches, one by one.
*Ring*Ring*
Looking at the number, Hye-rin told her to pause it and pick up the call.
"Yeoboseyo (Hello)" "Song-Su-ssi" "no, I'm in a meeting" "An eliminated contestant? Is she good?" "Oh! Is that so? Then, send me the footage. I'll see about it."
"Jun-ah… Jun-ah…"
As Elena opened her eyes, she saw her mother before her and realized sunlight entered the room. "It's already morning?"
As Elena slowly sat on her bed, feeling sleepy, her mother shook her shoulders, "Wake up, quickly. Someone is waiting for you in the living room."
"For me?" *Yawn* "Is it again that guy from the hospital? Ah!" Realizing she blurted out such disrespectful words, she quickly corrected herself, "I mean, is it So-woo-sunbae?"
Upon hearing Elena correct herself, the frown on Sa-Eun disappeared before she scolds her, and she answered, "No, it's a producer from Genesis Entertainment. She said that her name is Park Tae-hee."
"Producer Tae-hee? Not Tae-hae?" As soon as she heard the familiar name from the past life, the sleepiness completely disappeared from her face, and Elena quickly stepped down before walking out of the room in a hurry.
Taking a look at her, the famous producer in her late thirties spoke, "You must be Jang Elena. Nice to meet you."
As Elena greeted her with a bow in return, Tae-hee took out a golden-star badge from her pocket, "Sorry to disturb you early this morning, but I'm getting late for the audition. Hye-rin-nim called me and said to give this to you."
"Huh?" Elena was taken aback in shock, widened her eyes, "Seriously?"
"Eh?" This time, it was Tae-hee's turn to be surprised as she saw Elena's emerald eyes. She pointed towards it and said unconsciously, "Your eyes…"