Chapter 112: Christmas Gift

ore Qi Jingyuan came in, she sat there looking at some document, her whole person radiating a powerful aura. 。But the woman used a completely different tone in this short sentence. When speaking to Ji..."Guide me, and take me to your dwelling place."

My gaze follows you relentlessly, even to the edge of the world.

"Follow every step of yours, never stray from my sight."

Guide me, even when dawn approaches, do not disappear.

The gentle and lively "Butterfly Girl" echoed throughout the Osaka Castle Theater. XO's nine members were scattered across the venue, singing their parts along with the accompaniment while smiling and waving to enthusiastic fans, clapping, and interacting until the very end.

After the last performance of "Butterfly Girl" today, the concert was nearing its end. The nine members of EXO stood in a line at the center of the main stage. Snowflakes that had started falling earlier continued to descend from the sky, blanketing the white-washed stage and landing on everyone intermittently. Ji-sung's nose, clothes, and hands were covered with many snowflakes.

Sweat slowly trickled down their foreheads. Everyone was panting lightly, gazing up at the countless cheering sticks in the black hall ahead, swaying and flashing with light incessantly.

Today is December 24th, Christmas Eve, and it's also the last day of EXO's three-day concert in Osaka. It's also the final performance of their first world tour this year, a total of 30 shows.

The Osaka concert was a little different from the previous shows. EXO prepared several Japanese versions of their songs and special stage performances. Besides the original planned main tracks and included songs, they also performed two new winter songs released in December, "Let It Be" and "December, 2014", which was just revealed through a game the day before yesterday.

The brand new song truly surprised the audience at the scene, directly bringing the concert to a climax.

And today, it finally arrived at the last day.

As members spoke one after another expressing their gratitude and getting them translated, as the main speaker for the Neon concert, Ji-seong stood at the center of the stage.

Because only the main stage roof lights were on, the stage lighting was the brightest. All other lights in the venue were turned off. Under the dark night sky, the silver-white light spots stood out as particularly eye-catching and magnificent.

"This is the last song, I'm really going to miss you all."

Looking at the countless cheering lightsticks shining like a brilliant galaxy ahead, Ji Jingyuan began his final speech with some feeling. But just as he had uttered a sentence and hadn't finished speaking, the audience in the front row of the stage suddenly started to move.

Suddenly, countless fluorescent sticks in the hands of fans in the three stands on the left, center, and right were extinguished. The others began to arrange themselves quickly and orderly, they were clearly organized and had rehearsed many times beforehand. In a short period of time, all the fluorescent sticks in the middle of the three stands were connected together, countless silver-white dots, bright or dim, were pieced together by fans into a line of English letters;

"Thank you!! EXO, See you again."

At this sight, all nine members were somewhat stunned.

This is not an official organization from **, even the members like Pool Jingyuan themselves didn't expect fans to do this. It seems that these Japanese fans prepared this farewell gift specially to commemorate their last concert of the year and celebrate the successful completion of their tour this year.

A surge of warmth flowed from their hearts to their minds, and several members, unable to contain their emotions, had tears welling up in their eyes. Some, like Baekhyun, Jinwoo, and Wooyoung, even covered their mouths and moved the microphones away, worried they might choke up with emotion if they spoke. The others were equally overwhelmed, faces filled with shock, joy, and excitement. It was clear that they were touched by the gifts from the fans in attendance.

Chi Jingyuan stood in the middle, staring at this row of letters that were shimmering like the Milky Way. He was stunned for a long time, trying hard to suppress the turmoil in his heart. He felt his eyes slightly moist. He shook his head gently, and the sunshine smile returned to his face. He cleared his throat and finished his final farewell.

Thanks to everyone... We successfully concluded our first EXO solo tour this year. Although the six months of touring were hard work, both we and the fans created many wonderful memories together. Thank you all for your support. Having EXO-L's company is truly happiness, and I hope we can continue walking together in the future...

"We are one, we are EXO."

With a shout of the iconic slogan, all members gave the signature thumbs-up, then nine people bent down together in a deep bow. Under the silvery starlight and the fans' sincere blessings, the lift slowly descended, their figures gradually disappearing above the stage, and the concert officially ended.

After Chi Jingyuan's performance, the entire venue plunged into darkness. However, fans didn't rush to leave at all. Instead, they began waving their light sticks frantically, and everyone in the audience started chanting "weareone" together.

"We are one."

"We are one."

"We are one."

After a few seconds, the big screen lit up and began to play the ending VCR of the concert. The BGM of the VCR happened to be the last song they just performed, "Butterfly Girl".

This gentle melody, like a commentary and embellishment to the fans' cheers, makes every "we are one" even more beautiful.

Even though EXO's nine members had already walked down from the elevator, they could all hear the orderly and enthusiastic chants of fans in front. They could still hear clearly even after several layers of Jingyuan.

The English pronunciation of the fans on this side of Neon isn't very standard, but it's remarkably neat and loud. Every sentence goes directly into the heart of each member, leaving its mark, making it fiery and enduring.

The last scene of the final game of the tour, they probably won't forget it for a long time.

……

The next day, on Christmas Day (December 25th), EXO flew back to Seoul in the morning.

The successful concert also marks the official end of their year-long world tour. EXO, who had been busy preparing for it for a long time, can finally take two days off to relax.

After more than two hours of flight, they got off the plane around noon. Under the attention and photography of the fans who came to pick them up, Chi Jingyuan and his entourage left Incheon International Airport and sat in the waiting nanny car. As soon as they got in the car, everyone felt a little tired and slumped in their seats.

"Oh well, this concert ended suddenly. I'm still a bit unaccustomed to it." Wu Shixun felt listless, as if he was lost in thought and sighing about something.

Chi Jingyuan glanced at this troublemaker: "Uncomfortable Don't worry, there should be a second round next year. Then I'll give you more stages so you can get used to it."

"That's still fine, preparing for a concert is really tiring..." Thinking back to the first half of the year when he was preparing for the concert, memories of hard work and exhaustion instantly flooded his mind. Wu Shixun directly shook his head, as if he had never said it.

Giving him a dismissive glance, Ji Jingyuan suddenly remembered something. He looked at Jin Junmian in the back row and asked, "By the way, brother, that concert yesterday should have been filmed throughout the whole thing, right Was the scene where fans waved their light sticks to spell out words captured on camera I really liked that scene. I want to save it on my phone."

“There should have been filming, I saw the cameramen, but whether they captured that scene is unclear. You should ask Seung-hwan about it later…” Kim Jun-myeon’s eyes lit up when he heard this, and he also nodded: “That scene was really awesome, I liked it too. The neon fans were so enthusiastic.”

Lee Seung-hwan is in another van.

"He is very enthusiastic."

"How do they combine those letters with the light sticks I didn't even react before it was finished..."

When they mentioned the members in this car, everyone's interest was immediately piqued. They began chattering excitedly among themselves.

Ji Jingyuan was just about to speak, in the middle of excitedly saying something, when his phone suddenly buzzed. He turned his head and picked it up. It was a message from Zhou Tzuyu.

Congratulations on the successful conclusion of Jingyuan xi's concert!

This brat always brings up irrelevant things at the beginning whenever he has something to say. Ji Jingyuan rolled his eyes and quickly replied, “What’s there to congratulate Just say it, what do you want to ask”

"Hee hee (smiling face), Jingyuan, are you free tonight"

Today is Christmas Day, the 25th. Tzuyu's intention with this question is already very obvious, but Ji-sung didn't answer directly, instead he asked back, “Are you going to give me a Christmas present”

"You guessed it! (Laughing)"

I bet your head's turned black.

"But I didn't prepare a Christmas present." Pool Jingyuan had never been in the habit of giving each other Christmas presents, unless it was a romantic gesture between boyfriends and girlfriends. If ordinary friends sent them too, it would be really troublesome.

Since his debut in 2012, he has basically never celebrated Christmas. The end of each year is the busiest time for artists on the peninsula, and this year, he will be spending his third consecutive Christmas while on a schedule.

"Then you should treat me to a meal, as a thank you."

Seeing Tzuyu's reply, Ji-yeong couldn't help but laugh. This little girl had a good idea.

He thought about his schedule for today, then replied, "It's not impossible, but I have two brand events tonight. If it ends late, maybe in a few days"

"That's it..." The tone of his reply clearly conveyed disappointment.

"You really brought a gift"

"Um."

“That…”

…………

"Bang." The car door slammed shut. After getting in the car, Zhou Tzuyu smiled at Ji Jingyuan before looking around curiously with wide eyes at this nanny car that belonged to Ji Jingyuan.

After returning to Seoul at noon, he first went back to the dorm to put down his luggage. Then, Ji-won said goodbye to the members and started his solo schedule. Today's main activities were several end-of-year events for the brands he endorsed, including an end-of-year party for one company, as well as booth appearances and autograph sessions for two other brands.

Evenings are indeed going to be busy until quite late, but the afternoon time isn't very tight. There are several gaps and intervals between the two schedules. When he saw Zhou Tzuyu's enthusiastic joy being dampened earlier and her dejected look after sending a message, Ji Kyeong decided to complete an activity after lunch and have something to eat near JYP. He also made an appointment with her to meet briefly in the car, giving her a chance to give away whatever Christmas present she had prepared.

It's been quite a while since I last saw Tzuyu.

Just after finishing their meal, Park Jinyoung drove the car to an alley near JYP. Ji Kyeongwon sent a text message, specifying the location and license plate number, and not long after, Zhou Tzuyu arrived.

After she sat down, her chest rose and fell rapidly, her mouth slightly open as she gasped for breath. It was obvious that she had rushed over in a hurry. Ji Jingyuan's gaze lingered on the diamond headband on top of her head for a second before he asked proactively, "Why did you rush over Are you going back to company for classes later"

"No need, the afternoon dance class just finished." Zhou Tzuyu gently shook her head.

Then what were you running for in such a hurry

"Hee hee…" She grinned twice, her small white teeth very noticeable. As she laughed, her eyes turned and she leaned over to take out a wrapped gift from the bag she was carrying on her back. She handed it to Chi Jingyuan with a smile: "Here you go, Christmas present!"

"Thanks... but I'm serious, I'm really not prepared."

Qi Jingyuan smiled and took it, not intending to open it in front of her. He held it in his hand for a moment, then placed it on his lap. Then he picked up a cup of red bean hot drink they bought during lunch from beside him and handed it to Zhou Tzuyu: "Here."

"Thank you," he said as she thanked him and took the hot drink. She cradled the cup, happily sipping it a few times before Pool Jingyuan turned his gaze back to the gift box on his lap. "Do you, a person who loves Christmas so much"

“It’s not like that.” Zhou Tzuyu puffed out her cheeks and raised her head, swallowing the drink in her mouth before licking her lips and saying: “But a lot of trainees at the company are into this, and students at school also exchange gifts. I received a lot of Christmas presents yesterday and today.”

“So popular” Ji Jingyuan blinked, sizing up Zhou Tzuyu with a slightly smug air. He had to admit, the boy really did have good taste. This headband Zhou Tzuyu was wearing suited him quite well, adding a touch of elegance to his already youthful and spirited look. Besides his complexion, he wasn't bad-looking at all.

After that, Zhou Tzuyu didn't reply. She held her drink, a straw in her mouth, and looked up at Ji Jingyuan with a reserved smile. Though she didn't speak, he saw the smugness on her face immediately.

Although he enjoys her silly smiles, Ji Jingyuan thinks Zhou Tzuyu is actually quite lively sometimes.

It's clear that meeting up with her friend put Zhou Tzuyu in a good mood. She held a drink in her hand, sipping it as she chatted with Park Jinyoung. She was very enthusiastic about talking about school and practice at the company, sharing anecdotes like how she'd improved during practice, received praise from teachers, and her Korean had gotten better. Basically, anything she could brag about, she did. Anyway, Park Jinyoung couldn't confirm whether what she said was true or not.

There was also a casual mention of some former trainees from the debut group who, due to the cancellation of the debut project, returned to training as trainees again.

"I think several of them seem pretty angry, but we rarely practice together… I heard that a senior trainee from the debut group just didn't come to the company anymore and went out to work…"

“However, many people say that although the company’s girl group project was canceled this time, it is estimated that it will not be long before they will try to select trainees for their debut, because they said our company is a girl group expert, and it is impossible not to form a girl group…”

"Girl group royalty…" Ji-yeong tasted the title, nodding noncommittally. “I guess so.”

In recent years, JYP Entertainment has seen some success with girl groups like TWICE and Miss A. While Miss A achieved a major award upon debut, it's not accurate to say they were particularly successful overall.

Of course, WJSN's popularity was at its peak a few years ago, overshadowing even Girls' Generation. However, due to strategic missteps by the company, their golden development period was delayed. After several lineup changes, WJSN still enjoys public recognition today, and their song releases achieve decent sound source rankings. Nevertheless, they have long since lost the momentum of their prime.

He felt that the weight of this "girl group expert" title was slightly lacking.

“By the way, XO's winter single 'Let it Be' this year is really good, I especially like this song!” As she said this, she started talking about Pool Kyung-won and his group EXO. Zhou Tzuyu’s eyes lit up as she looked at him with admiration: “He sings very well, and the songwriting is also really good, especially the lyrics are great.”

"Well... thank you." Ji Jingyuan nodded, accepting her compliments gracefully, but still spoke honestly: "However, the lyrics weren't written by me."

"Huh Who is that" Zhou Tzuyu seemed a little stunned. "It says Yuan for the lyrics and composition on here, I even checked it."

"Well... it was written by a friend of mine, I just summarized it." Of course, the specific details are not easy to say, Chi Jingyuan could only give a simple explanation.

"So, your friend's writing is really good then... By the way, will the song "Go With the Flow" be published"

It can be seen that Zhou Tzuyu really seems to like this song. Even in her breaks, she imitated Ji-won's final harmony 'wu~~' twice.

"It probably will, but this year is definitely too late. Besides, even if it's published, I won't be the one writing the lyrics anymore."

Chi Jingyuan shrugged. Even if the company wanted to give him the songwriting task, he would refuse it.

After chatting for a while, Chi Jingyuan looked at the time. He was almost due to leave as he had other appointments waiting. As he was preparing to say goodbye, he thought for a moment and specially asked, "How are you spending New Year's this year Is your mother coming to see you"

"Yeah, we already agreed on that."

When Tzuyu mentioned her mom coming to visit, she brightened up immediately. It was clear that the mother-daughter relationship was very close. She grinned and nodded: “My mom will definitely bring me a lot of specialties from our place. I’ll share some with you later.”

“You keep it for yourself……” Ji Jingyuan originally wanted to retort, but seeing Zhou Tzuyu smiling happily, he held back. After a moment’s pause, he smiled and nodded: “Thanks then…”

Closing the car door, Zhou Tzuyu waved quickly at the person inside the car window. The vehicle soon started and turned at the intersection ahead, disappearing from view. She glanced twice after it then turned around, a smile on her face as she walked briskly towards the company's direction.

...and Chi Jingyuan in the car, after bidding farewell to Zhou Tzuyu, picked up the gift box and quickly opened it. When he looked inside, he was speechless.

A white, wide-mouthed mug with a Pikachu design on it. It's unclear whether the print was pre-made or drawn by Zhou Tzuyu herself. The drawing is somewhat abstract and rough in execution, making the usually cute and cool electric mouse appear endearingly clumsy.

The cup had a red Santa hat perched on top, with a big smiley face painted on the brim using watercolor. It looked very festive when paired with the cup, instantly bringing Christmas cheer.

At first glance, it was a bit speechless, but as I watched, Ji Jingyuan was also infected by the joyful atmosphere of Pikachu's smiling face and ugly appearance, and couldn't help but smile lightly.

Of course, it's just a child, their drawing isn't very good...

……

After finishing all his errands, it was almost eleven o’clock when Ji Jingyuan returned to the dormitory. He opened the door, changed his shoes, and walked in. He greeted a few brothers who were sitting on the sofa watching TV. After walking around, he realized that there were only five people in the dormitory including him, and almost half of the members had not come back yet, such as Wu Shixun, Park Chan-yeol, and Bian Baekhyun.

Although Ji-seong just finished his schedule, they were all personal endorsements. Because he's so popular, he has a lot of individual activities. Actually, after EXO returned from Japan today, there weren't really any activities. They disbanded in the afternoon.

Today is Christmas, which is also an excellent day for couples to go on dates. A few people want to know where everyone went, and they'll figure it out.

The people on the peninsula place great importance on Christmas. It is not only a public holiday, but many businesses also conduct large-scale discount promotions. Many products can be purchased with "buy one get one free" offers.

This is also one of the most popular promotional activities among people on the peninsula.

And landmarks like Lotte World, Myeongdong Cathedral, Hyundai Department Store, and Times Square will also host many events. These places are also must-visit spots for couples during Christmas.

In short, it was very grand and lively.

Chi Jingyuan now can also go out directly to make an appointment with Pei Suzy or someone else, but after thinking about it, she felt that it was a good idea. Three days of concerts plus running around all day today were really tiring, and she was just too lazy to go out again.

And to be honest, there was a bit less enthusiasm.

As for (literal translation of 裴珠泫, but you could also use "Jennie" here depending on context), ...

"Hey bro, didn't you guys go out tonight" Chi Jingyuan finished washing up and walked past the living room. He saw Kim Jun-myeon, Kim Jongdae, and a few others watching TV and laughing happily. He couldn't help but ask curiously.

"Ani, we're back." Kim Jun Myeon replied seriously and then asked, "What about you, Jingyuan"

Shrugging, Chi Jingyuan didn't speak. He gave an 'OK' gesture and then returned to his room, closing the door.

D.O., who was lying in bed playing on his phone, greeted and chatted with Ji-sung for a few minutes. Ji-sung first placed the mug that Tzuyu had given him on the bedside table and then sat down on the bed to scroll through his phone.

From tonight until now, many people have sent Christmas greetings, such as Sun Na-eun, Jung Eun-ji, Choi Soo-young, and Kim Taeyeon, these are very familiar friends. Especially Sun Na-eun even tentatively asked if he was busy tonight, with the meaning of wanting to meet up being quite obvious.

After hearing that Ji Jingyuan had a busy schedule, he wasn't disappointed at all. He smiled and expressed his Christmas greetings before casually chatting for a bit. This natural and approachable manner actually made Ji Jingyuan feel quite good.

After scrolling through my phone for a while, I replied to all the messages from friends that I hadn't gotten around to answering before. As I was replying, the screen suddenly lit up and Pei Zhuxuan sent me a message.

The picture is a selfie. She is wearing light-colored plain pajamas and has two deer antlers on her head. She is making a scissor hand gesture, pursing her lips and trying not to laugh, her face flushed with joy. The caption is "Merry Christmas".

Chi Jingyuan looked at the picture for a few seconds, then tapped on the screen and replied quickly:

"Are you Santa Claus"

(**)

First Release on the Traditional Chinese Novel Networkers holding microphones, stood expectantly at the door of a resting room with the label 'exo-k' on it. After finishing their discussion, they knocked on the door, turned the doorknob, opened the door...