Chapter Forty-One: I Am His Rice

ed all the artists, regardless of seniority, to stand up and applaud. The EXO members sitting in the back row stood up with smiles on their faces and bowed repeatedly as a gesture of gratitude. Sever..., the Korean Peninsula asteroid

"Did we get one"

Ji Jingyuan lay on the small sofa beside the private room, swinging his legs and playing a game console, not even glancing sideways at Wu Shixun who was some distance away. He asked him a question.

At this moment, all twelve members of EXO, who had just finished rehearsing at the concert venue, were gathered in a large private room at a nearby hotel booked by Kim Junmyeon.

Today is Captain Kim Jun Mien's birthday. Taking this opportunity to have a meal together not only allows us to celebrate but also brings all the members together to relax and unwind, it's truly a win-win situation.

He originally planned to have all the members come to his house for a gathering, as that would be the most effective. His house is conveniently located in Jiangnan District, and he also owns an apartment complex near the company.

They just didn't have enough time to rest after dinner in the evening because they still had to go back to the rehearsal venue. So they gave up on meeting, but they made plans to go to his house next time they got together.

He really seems very hospitable.

Pool Kyung-won remembered that Kim Jun-myeon once mentioned that his parents were both professors and teachers at a school, his relatives were also in business, his family had a good network of contacts, and they even ran their own company. He didn't know what industry it was in, but judging from his usual habit of often treating guests, he didn't seem to care much about money, and before his debut, he bought an apartment in Gangnam, his family background should be pretty good. Among EXO members, he is considered one of the top ones.

This time, his company didn't hold any birthday parties because it just so happened that the next day was the first concert. They were planning to celebrate and give him their blessings in front of all the audience at that time.

Although it was a day late, the atmosphere and meaning were definitely extraordinary.

While the dishes were still being prepared, the members sat loosely in the private room, some playing with their phones and chatting in small groups.

"Don't you know how to look You need to ask about this kind of thing"

Wu Shih-hsien gave Chi Kyung-won a withering look. He saw that Chi Kyung-won was seriously playing the game console, not even glancing at him. Wu Shih-hsien grumbled a few things under his breath, then tapped his finger on his phone screen a few times before nodding. "Got it. For today's 《!c》 we're one team, nothing unexpected right… our alternate is us and apk."

"APK Didn't they say they were ending their promotions last week"

Ji Jingyuan laughed when he heard this.

Before, I heard that En-Di said this week APK probably wouldn't be participating in music shows anymore. However, EXO can't participate in most music shows this week because of their concert, so they won't be able to attend, and their final score will definitely be lower.

Maybe the company behind the APK still thinks they have a chance to get first place in this situation, so the singing competition has been postponed for another week.

"What is the score" he asked curiously.

"9906 against 4729."

"Isn't this a double kill"

Laughing happily, Ji Jingyuan's hand controlling the game trembled slightly. He suddenly felt a little regretful that he wasn't there in person. Otherwise, he could have seen what expression Jung Eunji had at that time.

After two minutes, Wu Shixun suddenly looked up and said, "By the way, I want to show you a video. It's really interesting."

"Where are we going" As soon as they finished defeating that boss, Chi Jingyuan, he casually saved the game and powered down the console. He fished out his phone from his pocket and looked at it curiously.

"Posted it in the group, check it yourself."

"Which group"

“We are the k team’s group.”

"Let me take a look…" Chi Jingyuan nodded and opened the chat software Kakao, clicking into the EXO-K group to have a look.

Before EXO's debut, leader Kim Junmyeon had already created several chat groups, including ones for K-team, the dance team, and one with everyone. Whether there were any smaller, more private group chats is unknown.

After the team activities, the group of 12 seemed a little quieter. However, their own k-team chat was quite lively. Park Chan-yeol and Wu Shi-hun liked to chat in there when they were free, and Ji Kyoung-won occasionally chimed in with a few words, which was pretty interesting.

And Jin Jong-In, who is usually quite reserved in everyday life, surprisingly became more talkative in the group. He likes to post pictures to show his presence.

In the group, they didn't use their real names but all changed to IDs in the same format, which is their surname plus the last syllable of their stage name. Kim Jong-in became Kim kai, and Woo Shi-hoon became Woo hun.

Chi Jingyuan is just Chi Yuan.

He entered the chat and saw Wu hun posted a video link, titled "BTS Kris Interview," Ji-seong's eyes lit up and he clicked on it directly.

The video begins with Wu Sicong standing in front of numerous advertisement billboards displaying various logos, seemingly recording an interview. A reporter holding a microphone bearing the logo of a well-known Chinese website is asking him questions.

This is a full Mandarin interview, but it was moved to the Peninsula Network.

"BTS has been very popular in China recently. There were even news reports about fans crowding during their activities a few days ago. Kris, what are your thoughts on BTS's achievements this time"

"Well, first of all, I really want to thank our fans for their support."

When facing the microphone, Wu Saike thought for a moment before responding with a sincere expression and a bright smile: "We are very honored that they like our music. We will definitely continue to work hard and live up to all the expectations of our fans."

A very official and expected response.

Chi Jingyuan leaned against something, watching the video and silently evaluating it in his heart.

After the reporter asked a few more questions, things got interesting.

Before BTS, EXO focused on the Chinese market from their debut and achieved tremendous success. Now they are highly renowned throughout Asia and are considered one of the best-performing boy groups in our region. What are your thoughts on this senior group who paved the way for TXT

BTS has been doing well in China these past few months, gaining popularity and a fan base. However, compared to EXO, they are still lacking in terms of both fame and fanbase size. They are quite far behind.

All the groups on the peninsula are boy bands. Fans in Xia country aren't blind or deaf, EXO and BTS aren't even in the same league domestically. Even if they were chasing stars, most people would chase the hottest and coolest group, which also means that after BTS broke into Xia, they encountered EXO everywhere they went, like a shadow looming over them.

And their combination of handsome guys also had a slightly lower proportion.

The journalist asked this question with the intention of getting Wu to say some nice things to please EXO's fans and create an image of BTS and EXO having a good relationship. This would not only win over a lot of goodwill but also attract some fans to switch allegiances.

"Hmm..."

Wu Saice frowned slightly and nodded gently: "Exo, whether in the peninsula or in mainland China, are our seniors. Their successful activities have also set an example for us. Their stage presence and songs are really great, and I've tried to learn from them in some aspects."

After he finished speaking, he let out a long sigh, as if he had lifted a weight off his shoulders.

"You guys should know each other from the peninsula, right"

"Well, I recognize you."

"Are you familiar with this"

"We're pretty close."

He nodded, his smile seeming a little strained.

"Do you know Yuan, the popular member of EXO

"Alright, let's do it."

There was something slightly off about the way he looked at the host.

"What do you think of him Did you have any interactions with him while on the peninsula"

“……………”

Wu Saik gave the host a strange look, then lowered his head and pondered for a long time. His mouth and eyebrows twitched as if he was struggling internally. After a while, he looked up at the camera and showed a wistful smile:

"EXO's Yuan senior has always been a highly respected senior of mine. We had friendly interactions during our time on the peninsula, and he shared some of his experiences in activities with me, which I found incredibly beneficial."

Maybe it was just my perception, but the reporter felt that he seemed to touch his teeth a little more frequently while speaking.

"Our senior Yuan achieved great success both as a member of an idol group and as an actor, setting a good example for us, and we learned a lot from him..."

He hesitated for a moment, his face stiffening slightly.

"He's my meal..."

"Hahaha…" Before even finishing watching, Ji Jingyuan couldn't hold back his laughter. Especially seeing Wu Saike's last stiff expression and gaze, as well as the words he said gritting his teeth, truly hit his funny bone. He collapsed on the sofa laughing non-stop.

He probably wanted to shove the microphone into that host's mouth.

It's really not easy being an artist.

By the end, Wu's expression actually gave quite a few people away. The video.

It seems like they're doing well in Xia Guo, aren't they Are they very popular

... will make you feel...

"Not bad, I heard it's pretty good." Wu Shixun nodded, but then smiled nonchalantly and added: "Of course, it's still far worse than ours."

After a few words, the door to the private room was knocked on. The waiter began to serve the dishes, and the members returned to their seats at the dining table. They took a few certification photos and sent them to their manager before starting the evening's captain birthday party.

Because it was a joyful day, everyone readily participated, and they enthusiastically completed a long-awaited private dinner party with all twelve people present.

…………

On May 23rd, at the Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Arena, workers were still bustling about in the already set-up venue, meticulously checking the details of lighting, sound systems, elevators, platforms, and other equipment and facilities. They aimed to prevent any unforeseen issues during EXO's long-awaited first solo concert.

And the members were rehearsing their positions and flow in the final run-through. Although they had practiced countless times from beginning to end, every detail was ingrained in their minds, but when it came down to the actual concert about to start, there was still a sense of anxiety in their hearts. Several members were visibly nervous at this point, their hands trembling slightly, their legs bouncing restlessly, and sweat beading on their foreheads.

Although they had participated in many family concerts of town before, back then EXO was just one of the participants, more like a supporting role. But now, this is their true solo concert, each of them is the real protagonist here, there's no way they wouldn't be nervous.

"Jingyuan is really cunning; he refused to go in the basket because he's afraid of heights. It just feels unfair! " At this point, Dohwa said something sarcastic to ease the tense atmosphere.

During a concert segment, the team performed on stage. The six members of K-team would sit in hanging baskets that rose into the air, circling the stadium and interacting with fans. Because Chi Jingyuan felt dizzy after being lifted up, he was given the special privilege of not having to ride in the hanging basket.

"Yeah, I also said whether dizziness can not sit."

"This cradle doesn't feel very secure. I always felt like it was going to collapse during rehearsals."

As if finding a vent, the surrounding members began to complain and grumble. Meanwhile, Park Jingwon simply smiled as he allowed them to unleash their criticisms.

It was clear that the members were all getting a bit impatient, and he was feeling it too.

"Come here, all you little xos. Let's do a final check."

At this moment, the concert's PD shouted from a distance. A few staff members next to him were talking about something, and XO's several managers were also there.

"Ok, here it is!"

Everyone hurried over and formed a circle, attentively listening to the director and other crew members' instructions. It took about ten minutes before they were finished.

"Okay, that's about it. We've been preparing for tonight's concert for a very long time, so there's no need to be too nervous. Just follow the rehearsal routine we had before."

After the director and staff left, Lee Seung-hwan smiled at the members and gave them a pep talk: "Let's go back to the backstage first. Your families have all arrived, and the company people are entertaining them right now. Chat with them for a bit, then touch up your makeup. The audience will start entering soon."

"Got it, hyung," said Lee Seung-hwant. After XO's members finished speaking, they returned to the backstage under the guidance of their assistant. They hadn't walked two steps when they saw the family members of the members gathered at the entrance of their resting room.

Because this concert is significant for xo, the company informed everyone in advance and invited all the members' families to attend the first show on the 23rd.

The peninsula is a country with many children, and the vast majority of people are not only children. Many parents, brothers and sisters came together this time, surrounding the corridor in the back tightly. Seeing the members come back, they immediately became excited and waved their hands, shouting their children's names.

Of course, not all members' parents attended. Besides a few local members who couldn't make it due to family commitments, the families of all three Xia Guo members were absent.

It is said that because going abroad to the peninsula was rather inconvenient, but s also made other preparations, inviting them to attend exo's first concert in Xia Guo, witnessing their child's growth with their own eyes.

It's thoughtful, at least.

But compared to the warm and cozy reunion with other family members, Xia Guo's few people, as well as one or two relatives who were absent for some reason, now inevitably seemed a little lonely. After bowing and greeting the parents of others, they walked into the rest room and huddled together for warmth.

Chi Jingyuan also saw his second older brother. He smiled and bowed to the members and elders beside him, then walked towards them slowly.

Pool Jingxu stood at the edge of the crowd, in the corner of the backstage corridor. He wasn't with his assistant at this time. A middle-aged man who seemed to be a high-level board member from S was standing beside him, saying something. However, when Pool Jingyuan walked over, the board member smiled and nodded in greeting before politely leaving.

"Well, well, big star, don't look so unhappy seeing me" Erge tilted his head and smiled at Chi Jingyuan.

"Well, not really. I'm actually feeling pretty good."

Ci Jingyuan also laughed, standing beside him and licking his lips.

"Well, you're probably going to be disappointed. There's another important meeting coming up that I have to attend soon. I won't be able to stay long, I can only make it for the beginning."

Qi Jingxu winked at him, looking like he was saying, "Don't get too excited yet."

"Well then... that just happens to be perfect."

Chi Jingyuan chuckled, shrugged his shoulders, and seemed even happier.

He also didn't know if his second brother was truly busy or had noticed that he felt awkward performing in front of the family and did this on purpose.

But it's not important, I'm happy to see you anyway.

The two brothers stood there chatting, starting from the concert and then moving on to academics, before finally shifting to relationships. Unable to bear it any longer, Ji Jingyuan changed the subject.

"Why did you even get your driver's license Your car just sits there all the time. Isn't it annoying that Park Jae-hyun always has to drive you around on dates" Second brother glared at him, his expression full of disdain.

"It's a little troublesome... Actually, I also want to learn. Let me finish these busy days first."

Chi Jingyuan was a bit helpless. After he grew up, he actually wanted to get his driver's license too, but he just didn't have much time because of his comeback period.

After a pause, he looked over and said: "What kind of car did you buy again I can't even drive the ones you gave me before, they are too flashy."

"Don't worry, considering your profession as an artist, the models I've sent this time are all pretty standard ones, absolutely no problem."

Ji Jingxu patted his younger brother's shoulder, indicating that everything was under control and he had considered everything.

After chatting for a while, a shout from the assistant came from over there:

"Children, time for touch-ups! We're about to start in a few minutes!"

"Got it."

Chi Jingyuan responded with a sound, then turned his head to look at his second brother: "Then I'll go first."

Chi Jingxu smiled and nodded at him.

"Go on, big star."

………………

"Why are so many people wearing raincoats and sitting there"

Chou Tzu-yu, Kong Xue and another friend were queuing to enter. At this time, she saw the crowd densely packed around the barrier and asked in bewilderment.

At this time, the area near the fence was filled with a neat crowd of people wearing red raincoats, arranged in several formations that were too numerous to count. There were also several people who looked like workers standing nearby, maintaining order.

These days Seoul has been drizzling, on and off. The whole ground is wet.

Those are fans who didn't manage to get concert tickets but really want to see xo perform.

Kong Xue also glanced at the screen and explained knowingly, "This time, the tickets for XO's concert were too limited and sold out very quickly. Given their huge fanbase, there simply weren't enough tickets. Those who didn't get one could only experience the concert atmosphere this way and support their idol."

But there are too many people outside...

"This is XO's first concert, you think it's some other idol If it weren't for Tzuyu, we would have sat with them too... hurry up and go in, there are more and more people."

Three friends, holding banners and glow sticks, slowly moved forward in the crowd. After a while, they finally entered the venue. The misty drizzle was kept outside, and the slightly noisy environment made them feel like they had entered another world.

Follow the prompts and walk slowly forward. Finally, they found their position in an area very close to the central stage.

"Wow, this is the front row of the backstage area. This position is amazing! No wonder it's an internal ticket." Kong Xue saw the stage right in front of her, within arm's reach, and the huge screen clearly visible not far away. She felt excited all over. She had been to many concerts at Hanwha but never sat in such a good spot before.

Zhou Tzuyu, wearing a hat, curiously looked around. Seeing such a good position, she suddenly felt a little embarrassed, but her heart was also quite happy. After taking a few glances, she sat upright in her seat, chatting with her friend beside her while looking in the direction of the stage, waiting for the concert to begin.

A few rows behind the three of them, Naomi Nagata and Momoko Hagiwara also found their seats and let out a long sigh. They had queued for so long, and it was still drizzling outside, making it sticky and uncomfortable. Finally, they could sit down and catch their breath.

"Still, it's not close enough to the stage…" After sitting down, Nanami looked at the distance between herself and both the stage and the big screen, and said somewhat dissatisfiedly.

Although their seats are pretty good, being in the front row with a great view, they're still a few meters away from the stage.

What Namie Amuro truly wanted was a seat in the front row, as close as possible to the stage. She craved that feeling of being able to reach out and touch the performers, that sense of proximity where she could look up and see them so clearly.

"To be able to snag these tickets is great, the requirements were so high... Our seats are already pretty good, we can see so clearly."

"Ping Jingtao opened a bottle of mineral water and took a sip, then said angrily, “It’s not as simple as just buying a ticket. The seats in the front row are limited, and they get snatched up as soon as they’re available. Unless you know someone inside ** or EXO to pull some strings, there's no way to get tickets.”

The Legend of the Condor Heroes

"I know her!" Nanami Minami turned her head and winked, slightly pouting her lips in a cute manner.

"But they don't know you." Ping Wei Tao wouldn't fall for it, she glanced at her and puffed out her cheeks.

If it was Kasumigaoka Utaha, she'd probably just hug and cuddle him directly.

"...Upon hearing this, Ming Nan felt a little disheartened and slightly pursed her lips. She lowered her head for a few seconds before looking up and shaking her hair, regaining her composure. She wouldn't be fazed by such petty attacks."

"It's a pity sana醬 can't come." She looked around at the gradually filling seats, and said with some regret.

She went to Thailand to film the title song MV for her GOT7 seniors, I wonder how happy she is inside You think everyone likes XO like you and has to come to the concert ...Ah, no, A-chan likes...

Pingi Tao let out a soft hum and spoke, her voice laced with a hint of sourness, clearly envious. As she talked, her tone grew more petulant, taking on a teasing edge as she looked at Meiyin Nan. However, under the other's unwavering gaze, she didn't finish her sentence.

"Tsk, it's obvious anyway, yet you don't like people saying it out loud..."

He couldn't help but mutter a complaint, Pingjing Taomu twitched his mouth, then waved his hand: "Besides, we only managed to snag two tickets, and there aren't even any seats when we get here."

"It's also... Sana can shoot the GOT7 senior's title song V and was selected for the 6ix debut group, she should be able to debut soon, right..."

Mei Nan nodded lightly and said in a low voice, chewing over her words for a moment. For some reason, she felt a strange bitterness in her heart.

She pursed her lips, swallowing it down. Then she turned back and glanced around: "There are almost no seats left, it should be starting soon."

"It's almost time."

…………

As time neared the hour, 18,000 spectators in the venue lit up their glow sticks, and at the same time, the stage lights gradually dimmed. In the pitch-black auditorium devoid of any other light source, only countless flickering glow sticks resembling stars could be seen. The dots stretched endlessly, rising and falling, merging into a captivating expanse of silver-white.

The red stage lights came on, and the noise in the venue instantly grew louder. As the clock ticked to 12 o'clock, a deafening roar erupted from the sound system, signaling the start of the concert. All the fans shouted excitedly.

A large screen lights up, displaying the maze logo from EXO's mini-album *Exo* once. The drums are steady and powerful, growing increasingly intense.

As the drums accelerated, reaching a crescendo before abruptly stopping, the large screen seamlessly transitioned to play the opening video for the concert.

Twelve members appear on screen one by one, their faces visible. They run relentlessly in the harsh environment of special effects production. Some are in snowy landscapes, others in collapsing mountains, and some are trapped in a giant maze.

Even so, everyone is still running with all their might in the same direction, no obstacle can delay their steps.

Accompanied by an exhilarating and imposing bg, they crossed countless planes, shattering countless walls in their path. The twelve teenagers who wielded superpowers finally gathered together, soaring into the air and piercing through the veil of time. At the same time, the large screen also displayed a fracturing effect.

And the main stage lift slowly rose, twelve members stood silently in the dim light. It was as if time and space were shattered, breaking through the screen and arriving here.

As soon as the protagonist appeared, the entire audience erupted in cheers, their deafening roars like a tsunami sweeping through every corner. Even those waiting outside could clearly hear the earsplitting applause.

The entire Olympic Gymnastics Arena was now in a frenzy of celebration.

The lights gradually brightened, shifting from crimson to a hazy yellow. The twelve members of EXO walked forward slowly, and at the same time, sacred yet mighty, surging yet mysterious music suddenly erupted. fixed and crazy fanbase. However, in terms of mainstream recognition and public awareness, it's actually not high. After all, we all know the things happening within that circle... No, XO is almost t...