Hobbyist VTuber

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Kim Jung-hyun was a girl cherished by everyone around her since birth.

The expression “a flower in a greenhouse” perfectly described Kim Jung-hyun.

The only granddaughter of one of the finest noble families in Joseon.

Her exceptional looks and temperament made not only her family, but also the guests who visited their home, treasure her.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that everyone who knew the name Kim Jung-hyun held her dear.

However, for Kim Jung-hyun, this affection…

“With the enlightenment, everything in Hanseong is changing. But my world remains as calm as a narrow lake.”

…was also the decisive reason that made her an ignorant frog in a well.

“Live like the lotus flower on a tranquil lake. That is the life that suits you.”

This led to a confrontation with her grandfather, Kim Ja-gyeom, who blocked all external influences, believing they could harm Kim Jung-hyun.

“In the capital, Westerners and Japanese come and go as if it’s their home, and the number of women dressed in Western clothing instead of traditional hanbok is increasing.”

“That’s of no concern to you.”

“If the affairs of Joseon have nothing to do with Joseon people, then who do they concern?”

“Do the current events appear to be actions taken by Joseon? Joseon is merely being swept away!”

Kim Ja-gyeom was aware that his granddaughter was suffocated living in a tiled house.

Yet, he believed it was better than exposing her to the chaotic world outside.

She was a child cherished more than any precious treasure.

Even if it meant making Kim Jung-hyun resent him, he refused to allow her safety to be compromised.

At last, Kim Jung-hyun faced the unwavering gaze of her grandfather, Kim Ja-gyeom.

The robust aura of Kim Ja-gyeom, who was almost eighty, forced Kim Jung-hyun to close her mouth once more.

After all, Ja-gyeom was the strongest person among those Kim Jung-hyun knew.

At the same time, he was a man who had lived his life with rigid thoughts as a member of the Joseon aristocracy.

As the head of one of the finest noble families in Joseon, he was respected for his commitment to the duties of a nobleman, ‘beomjung-eom’.

However, when it came to aspects like “the division of realms” created by differences in status and gender, he was incredibly strict, and no one could sway his will.

Commoners were commoners.

Yangbans were yangbans.

Men were men.

Women were women.

He believed that the roles and lives assigned to each would never change, no matter the time.

He believed that they should never change, no matter the time.

Thus, even more so…

There was no room for compromise in the “loved” role given to his beloved granddaughter or in the life of “meeting a good man and living beautifully until the end.”

“If you bring another strange book into your room, your governess will be furious, so keep that in mind!”

In the end, after confiscating Kim Jung-hyun’s books, Kim Ja-gyeom sternly warned her.

This only elicited a mixed expression of distress and frustration from Kim Jung-hyun, who had no choice but to relent.

Thus, with heavy steps, Kim Jung-hyun departed towards Kim Ja-gyeom’s love chamber.

It was then that director Kwon Jae-hyeop, who had quietly watched the scene, gave a satisfied sign of approval.

“I never thought it would fit so well. The feeling is already good.”

In the gaze directed towards Ha-eun on the other side, there was the noble aura of Kim Jung-hyun.

It felt like there was something innate along with what could simply be called acting.

She seemed to know how to express what kind of person someone like Kim Jung-hyun, who held a relatively high position, might be.

At the same time, she appeared to understand well what it felt like to be a flower in a greenhouse.

“Should I say her understanding is exceptional? Or should I say her acting is proficient…?”

Although Kim Jung-hyun was loved by everyone around her and lacked nothing from her home, clothing, or food, she was not free.

The most important aspect of portraying Kim Jung-hyun was the longing for the world outside the tiled house.

This high ambition of Kim Jung-hyun became the principle of her actions.

Moreover, it served as a clear basis to explain to the viewers why she was so eager to venture out of the safe tiled house.

Kim Jung-hyun’s longing for freedom was a recurring theme from the beginning to the end of [The Sunshine].

Though its form may change over time, her desire for “freedom” will never change until the very end.

Therefore.

Ha-eun’s performance as Kim Jung-hyun fit better than Kwon Jae-hyeop had expected.

“Baek Tae-hoon has a real eye for people.”

“…Is that so?”

It made Kwon Jae-hyeop presume that the upcoming filming would also go smoothly.

Perhaps it was because, from the very first shoot, Kim Jung-hyun, who could easily appear like a spoiled child, was made to exist as “a young lady.”

It seemed that the nickname “noble lady” wasn’t given without reason.

Even when not filming, she maintained a composed expression and a weighty aura, making her presence more distinct.

Regardless, a clear presence was a significant advantage for an actor.

If an actor can capture people’s attention, their performance tends to be more focused.

“If she shows such presence already, what will happen later?”

“Hmm… I think you are being too fond of her.”

“How can you not cherish a well-mannered child? If I had a granddaughter like that, I would have no regrets.”

“…Your age has come to the point where you can have a granddaughter?”

“It just happened that way.”

About twenty minutes later, the scene where “adult Park Joo-ho” returns to Joseon was filmed smoothly without significant noise.

Thanks to Baek Tae-hoon, who was an exceptional actor in his own right, there were no delays in the shooting.

*

After the first shoot of [The Sunshine] successfully wrapped up.

Ha-eun’s daily life, which had begun to densify once again, was now filled with additional upcoming schedules beyond the filming of [The Sunshine].

One of them was the [Infinite Challenge Music Festival], which was set to begin the day after tomorrow.

According to Lee Joon, other singers aside from Ha-eun would also participate and carry out their own PR as artists, so Ha-eun had to prepare for the PR of Pinocchio too.

Regardless, the PR as a singer had to center around song.

Unlike other singers who were cast purely based on their abilities and status, Ha-eun felt she had been cast more due to her popularity as an actress.

“──────♪”

There was a need to show her skills as a singer more definitively.

That was why she practiced a song that required superior vocal skills, even getting feedback from Lee Joon.

“You need to sing hard, thinking of it as a way to take the lead. They might underestimate you since you’re young.”

Just as Ha-eun as an actress left a strong impression on the viewers, Lee Joon kept saying that Ha-eun as a singer should do the same.

He soon added that there were quite a few people who only knew Ha-eun as an actress.

“You’re going out as a proper singer, not just an actress who sings fairly well. You can’t take it lightly, right?”

“Yes.”

After a prolonged period of rigorous practice.

However, the reason for heading to the double lee’s studio was not limited to just the [Infinite Challenge Music Festival].

-Ding!

[Yuna Cover Song Recording File_Final_Once Again_Last_ReallyFinal.mp3]

[Yena (Yuna)] – Please save me, instructor, I feel like my throat is going to tear apart.

[Yena (Yuna)] – (Shivering duck emoticon)

[Lee Ha-eun (Dia)] – Hmm…

[Lee Ha-eun (Dia)] – I’m a bit disappointed since it sounded like you were tearing your throat out.

-Ding!

[Yuna Cover Song Guide Vocal_v11.mp3]

[Lee Ha-eun (Dia)] – I adjusted the breathing difficult parts, so try singing along.

[Yena (Yuna)] – (Rolling duck emoticon)

[Yena (Yuna)] – Can’t I just use yours? Do you know how demoralizing it is to hear that I sing worse than the guide vocal?

[Lee Ha-eun (Dia)] – Then you should practice until you don’t feel that way.

[Lee Ha-eun (Dia)] – (Thumbs up otter emoticon)

[Yena (Yuna)] – Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!

Currently, Pinocchio was not only part of the cast for the [Infinite Challenge Music Festival], but also a special vocal instructor for the cover song project of the Fantastic Dimension.

Focusing particularly on Yena among the vtubers from Fantastic Dimension, Ha-eun had been recording the guide vocal for Yena’s cover song.

Moreover, every time Yena’s singing ability gradually improved, Ha-eun would take it step by step, increasing the difficulty.

Startled by this, Yena questioned through calls and chats why she was going to such lengths.

“I think you can do it.”

The response from Ha-eun was simply clear-cut.

Later, out of curiosity, when Yena asked if this was a consequence of the teasing from the kissing scene in [The Moonlight Cut by Clouds], the answer came back.

“That’s not entirely absent.”

What followed was an incredibly honest reply.

She added that she would not give up until she was satisfied, right after that.

Thus, ultimately, Yena had no choice but to alternate between silent screams and audible cries.

When you think about it, everything was Yena’s own doing, so there was truly no one to blame.