Chapter 33: We Made It Through

ar" virus, and whenever they had free time, they would sing "I Eu-Reu-Reong you." They haven't stopped since yesterday until now.Now, seeing Chi Jingyuan appear in front of them, several people immedi...The music video teaser for the lead song "Spring Day" from the album 《x》 was not as grand as the debut single "callbaby" from 《e》, which involved filming in various locations worldwide and a hidden clue decryption. Instead, it followed a typical promotional format, featuring a snippet of the chorus and outro harmonies along with a few selected shots from the music video, creating a 52-second teaser video.

This is what the music industry generally calls a song preview, while "callbaby" before can be said to be purely a show of S's skills.

Whether they are EXO fans or casual K-pop listeners, everyone is interested in EXO's monthly comeback strategy. Coupled with the outstanding performance of their pre-release single album "e," which brought a successful revival for EXO, generating a lot of heat and discussion, the announcement for "" naturally received widespread attention. After being uploaded at 12 o'clock, the webpage became sluggish due to countless clicks as everyone rushed to watch the trailer.

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"A lyrical piece"

"Come on, their first album was such a success, XO's momentum is so obvious, you're going with a ballad for the second title track Did s really think this through, or are they joking"

After watching the trailer and knowing that the main song of 《x》, "Spring Day", is a ballad, many people immediately expressed dissatisfaction and surprise. Because everyone who understands the K-pop scene and frequently follows idols knows that there are very few idol groups that choose ballads as their title tracks. Even if there are a few cases occasionally, their performance is generally not ideal.

However, to EXO's luck, their popularity in March was sky-high, giving listeners a general sense of confidence. Plus, they had released quite a few ballads over the years, with songs like "Miracle in December" and "Let It Be," which earned them their only No. 1 hit, doing fairly well and establishing some small amount of reputation. Compared to the pre-"e" comeback filled with black fans' mockery and the general public's dismissal, this time around "x" saw more people expressing anticipation.

Whether it's pop or ballads, EXO-L will always support you, XO **!

After watching the trailer, I think the melody is pretty good. I hope it can continue the popularity and success of "callbaby," or even go further.

“The scene in the trailer where yuan wears that black coat with a turtleneck is so cool! I took a screenshot and set it as my wallpaper. I don't get tired of looking at it after a month……It's just a pity that yuan returned to his original black hair color in this v, I can't see his coolest ash-gray hair color anymore……”

“Why don't the Oppa’s hold a signing event, what is S doing has had a month of activities and not one signing event, hasn't even announced an estimate yet…No, S arranged for the Oppa's to go on so many radio shows, what's the point … Won’t there be no more single albums later As far as I know, a lot of fans have lost their enthusiasm for buying albums because there are no signing events. This really affects overall sales.”

“If it’s back on April 1st, then shouldn't the 《！》 stage debut be on the 2nd That means it’s a direct clash with issa! Perfect! I’ve been so fed up with Bae Suzy this woman, she keeps riding off the hype of 《so》, it’s really annoying! This time xofightg! Directly take down issa and let those dumb fans stop coming to make trouble!”

"Full support!"

JYP company announced JYP's return plan in the middle of the month and released a teaser video for the title song "onlyyou" on March 27th. At the same time, it was also announced that the sound source and V would be released tomorrow, March 30th, and the album would be officially released on March 31st. The stage debut will be on April 2nd.

The release date was a little earlier than EXO's, but the debut stage was on the same day. It can be said that the two groups collided head-on.

The members of ATEEZ have no issues with I-ssa, but many fans hold a strong dislike for Suzy Bae. This negativity has unfortunately extended to I-ssa as well, causing her to be unfairly targeted. Since last year's "So" era, this animosity has persisted and even intensified, creating an atmosphere where her name seems to evoke immediate hostility and the need for criticism.

>This is probably just a habit.

exo has basically finished all the schedules for their album 'e', and they've started preparing for their comeback with 'x' these past two days. They've already had two meetings about the comeback, just to confirm details and key schedules.

"At 0:00 on April 1st, the sound sources of both songs, "Spring Day" and "Golden Country," from V's album and single will be officially released. On that day, there will also be a press conference for "My Neighbor is EXO." ChanYeol, you guys need to get prepared in advance... Also, tomorrow, several main actors will need to record an interview for "My Neighbor is EXO." Oh, and Jingyuan, you need to participate too."

In the small meeting room on the fourth floor, agency head Lee Seung-hwan was holding a schedule and explaining and arranging the key itinerary for the upcoming week's comeback. All of EXO's members and other agency staff were sitting there listening attentively.

There's no need to record it, because after the meeting, the agent will send everyone's schedule via email. They've already had many of these pre-return meetings.

"Me too" Chi Jingyuan hesitated, as if he had misheard. He pointed at himself and asked in disbelief.

His screen time in this web drama probably adds up to less than a minute, he even had a recorded interview

"Yeah, it's more of a promotional gimmick, that's what the production team requested specifically," Li Chenghuan also found it interesting and nodded with a smile to confirm.

"Understood." Chi Jingyuan didn't say anything more, he gave a hand gesture to indicate that he understood.

"Don't forget about the premiere of No. 1, Chanyeol, and the movie 'Long Life Guild'... April 2nd, on [!] stage, their official performance will begin."

“On April 3rd, Music Bank…”

"Number 5..."

Lee Seong-hwan went through the week's schedule, then specifically mentioned an important event: "And there's the 'EXO Debut 3rd Anniversary' Naver live broadcast on the 8th. This is really important. Once the flow and Q&A sheet are finalized, we'll send them to you right away. We'll organize a few rehearsals beforehand, so remember to prepare in advance."

"Alas."

"Okay."

Seeing Lee Cheng Hwan so serious, the members also responded in unison, and then several people inexplicably fell silent, including Ji Kyeong Won, who seemed to be lost in reminiscence.

Originally, I didn't realize that EXO had already debuted for three years.

To be honest, Ji-seong's memory of EXO's debut showcase on April 8th, 2012, three years ago, is a bit blurry now. Looking back, he remembers that there were a lot of people at the event, many calling his name and that he was quite nervous. Other than that, he can't recall much else.

At that time, my memory was very clear.

But that's just a passing thought. If they were really asked to go back three years, no one would want to, after all, people always look forward.

Who on earth would be willing to go back and be frozen out for that long

The confirmed itinerary is all that's been decided so far, and the company may make temporary reductions based on the situation at the time.

After talking for a while longer, Li Chenghuan made a final summary: "Whether we can continue the success of this time depends on the second return. Come on everyone!"

"Fight!"

……

After lunch, we went back to the practice room and went through the dances for "Golden Age" and "Spring Day," which are needed for our debut stage. Then, we got ready and did a promotional activity for a brand. By the time it ended, it was already past six o'clock.

Chi Jingyuan sat alone in the middle of the nanny's car, by the window. He didn't participate in the lukewarm chat among the few people behind him, but instead wore earphones and watched the video that had just popped up on his phone.

>This is a fan-taken video from Red Velvet's signing event yesterday, the 28th, in Daegu. Fans at the event sang "Happy Birthday" in unison, and while sitting at the signing table, Joy covered her mouth, visibly moved. After holding back for a while, she finally couldn't help but cry. She was comforted by Yeri who hugged her for a while before calming down.

Although Jennie's birthday is actually on the 29th, which is today, the date doesn't really matter anymore. What matters most are the meaning and the genuine feelings.

Ji Jingyuan looked at the screen, where Pei Zhuxuan was pulling her hair to cover her eyes while wiping tears with her hands. He felt a bit emotional himself. Knowing Pei Zhuxuan's personality well, he understood that she was an introverted person who didn't like to express her emotions openly. To be able to cry in front of so many people this time, it showed that she was truly moved.

It reminded me of when I first came to Debébé and saw fans holding up signs with my name. I couldn't believe it was for me, thinking back on how poor and struggling I was at that time. Now, returning to my hometown, being surrounded by so many fans cheering and celebrating my birthday, the contrast is truly overwhelming. There's a sense of pride and accomplishment mixed with a bittersweet feeling.

Although the crying doesn't look very good, it must be happy, right

After wiping away her tears, she started speaking in Daegu dialect and muttering to herself.

The nanny car was stuck at the intersection, almost 200 meters away, and no one knew how long they would have to wait. After the video ended, Chi Jingyuan glanced at the time and casually tapped his phone a couple of times to watch today's live broadcast of "Inkigayo."

He arrived at the perfect time, as it was right now that all the guests were taking the stage for an award presentation.

During the almost month-long period before their comeback, most of the group's focus was on dissatisfaction and complaints. Their efforts, results, and popularity were overshadowed by "callbaby." This held true even during music shows where they faced crushing defeats against opponents who constantly outshone them, leaving them with little desire to compete.

And after EXO's three consecutive crowns graduation and the official end of their promotions, other groups who had previously been struggling to breathe and felt a sense of hopelessness finally rekindled their desire for a trophy. Today, on "Inkigayo," the three candidates vying for first place are solo artist Hyogeun, Red Velvet, and girl group Davichi.

As expected, after the scores were released, c announced that the trophy went to Dede Bebe's 《icecreacake》.

And after waiting for so many days, Red Velvet finally got their first music show win since their debut after their senior group EXO finished promoting.

With colorful ribbons raining down, as the team captain, Park Soo-hyun seemed a little lost for words. After a few seconds of silence, she began to speak into the microphone, but her emotions were clearly much more intense than her expression. She repeated the syllable 'n' several times when she first spoke, her gaze flitting erratically between the camera and the fans below, seemingly unsure where to look.

Finally easing, the long-prepared words began. She thanked Lee Soo Man, but her eyes were clearly shining while speaking, blinking constantly as if trying to stop something from falling.

But Park Seo-won next to her didn't care at all. One result came out instantly, she burst into tears and cried uncontrollably on stage.

Jin Yeri, who has just joined for a short time, doesn't seem to have as many deep feelings as the other unnies. She smiles and looks left and right, comforting Park Soo-young while occasionally reaching out to greet fans in the audience.

While Jiang Seqi stared blankly at the ground, her mouth slightly open as if in thought. She remained like that for a while. Sun Shengwan tilted her head and smiled at Pei Zhuxuan who was delivering her speech, but her hands were clenched together in front of her, and her smile wasn't as bright as usual.

It's obvious that both of them were in extremely complicated moods right now, something that couldn't be explained in just a few words.

However, after all, it was a very happy occasion. During the encore stage after the speech, every member smiled brightly. On stage, they sang and danced with some youthful awkwardness, performing their first ever encore stage. The joy radiated from their faces onto the stage, floating along with them during the encore.

Seeing this, Ji Jingyuan licked his lips and smiled. He felt a surge of happiness for Bae Joo-hyun, Kang Se-qi, Son Seung-wan, and the rest of their friends.

They made it through, too.

"Congratulations!"

The pool view swept across the screen. After sending a message to several groups of people, Ji Jingyuan tucked his phone into his pocket and took off his headphones, chatting with the members behind him.

Based on the experience of EXO getting their first win, it's likely that a few members of Red Velvet will need to vent after getting back to the waiting room. They might even cry together emotionally and comfort each other for a while. It definitely takes time to process all that, so they won't be able to recover quickly with all the running around.

As expected, when the van pulled up to the restaurant's parking lot and Ji Jingyuan and the members got out ready for dinner, a few replies finally came back.

"Are you watching too kkkkk hahaha..."

"Hehehe, we got one too!"

While Kang Seobgi and Son Seungwan both gave normal, heartfelt thanks and shared their feelings, Pei Zhuxuan was quite interesting, only sending an emoji:

“ (questioningly) "

Qi Jingyuan's lips curled up, but he saw that as if he didn't understand at all, he repeated: "Congratulations on gaining one."

(eyes up)

Another emoticon came over, and he couldn't help but laugh. He stopped teasing on purpose and sent a "Happy Birthday" message.

"Humph...(waving hand)"

Pei Zhuxuan obviously knew that Ji Jingyuan was doing it on purpose. After letting out a dismissive snort, she followed up with: "We probably won't be able to go back to the dormitory until almost eleven o'clock tonight."

Today is Park Ji-hyun's birthday, but the two people actually didn't communicate about this topic in advance. Ji Kyung-won didn't say anything about meeting, and Park Ji-hyun didn't mention it at all.

However, there was no need for explanation at this moment. The two seemed to understand each other perfectly.

"Got it."

……

Around eleven-thirty, after greeting his manager, Park Jiung stopped his car in an alley south of the Red Velvet dormitory. After turning off the engine, he took out his phone and sent a text message, then sat quietly in the driver's seat waiting.

Speaking of which, it's been over three years since Ji Jingyuan joined S company. This is the first time he's celebrating Birthday for Park Ji-hyun. Last year, even though they already knew each other, he didn't make it because he was too busy. He just asked Jiang Seqi to pass on a gift he had bought casually at the time.

I didn't expect that just one year would pass, and so much would change. It's really interesting.

He waited for a while before finally seeing a short figure wearing a baseball cap and mask, walking towards them with his very familiar swaying gait. Just as she was about to reach the car, Ji Jingyuan timely unlocked the passenger door, and the handle outside also popped out from its recessed state.

"How come it's so slow, irenexi"

As the car door slammed shut with a thud, Ji Jingyuan's gaze followed it to Pei Zhuxuan who had settled into the passenger seat. He cocked his head and teased her playfully.

But speaking of this rather special gull-wing door, she seemed very familiar with how to open and close it. I wonder if she's done some private research or practice.

Her golden ponytail hung down behind her, resting against the chair back. A few stray strands of air bangs floated on her smooth forehead. Tonight, Pei Zhuhyun's hairstyle was almost identical to what she wore in "icecreacake" and at the family concert a few days ago, except her outfit had changed to a hoodie sweatshirt and light-colored casual pants, paired with a stubborn pair of flat shoes.

Before she arrived, it seemed she had removed some of her makeup. Her originally exquisite features now appeared somewhat plain, with a touch of elegance like lilies after a light rain. As she filled the car with a gentle warmth, she also brought a refreshing and subtly intoxicating fragrance.

“Why are you calling me like that” Pei Joo-hyeon first propped her eyes open and looked around the interior. Although her expression didn't show it, there was obvious curiosity in her eyes. She cutely tapped a few buttons on the car door with her finger, then turned her head and looked at Ji-seong with sparkling eyes.

She completely ignored the first half of the other person's sentence, "Why are you so slow" She didn't mention that before going out, she had specially braided her golden hair into a ponytail and combed her bangs, which usually fell over her forehead, to the sides. After looking in the mirror for a while, she found an excuse to leave the dormitory.

Women are very perceptive. In their recent, though not frequent interactions, she has clearly noticed which of her several new looks stands out most in the eyes of this person beside her.

After all, Irene is now the captain of Red Velvet, a top girl group that has achieved first place on music shows, so we should definitely show her some respect.

Chi Jingyuan met her gaze and shrugged, saying with exaggerated emphasis.

"Tch…" Pei Joo-hyuk first made a disdainful face and snorted softly, but although Ji Kyeong-won's words were exaggerated, the joy of achieving her first win today resurfaced, and she couldn't help but laugh out loud. She didn't cover her mouth, and her white teeth were very noticeable.

Though separated by a screen, there was only a hint of empathy. But when close at hand, one could truly feel the vitality and vivacity radiating from Pei Zhuxuan's presence due to her burgeoning career.

"Right... Although I think I've already said it before, let me say it again... Happy birthday."

Chi Jingyuan's tone was relaxed, and at the same time, he opened the single-shoulder bag next to him, took out a sealed jewelry box from it, and casually handed it to the person beside him.

"Gifts..."

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