Chapter 117: Returning in Droves

r: "EXO-K, get ready for rehearsal! You're next.""Inner!" Kim Jun Myeon responded with a nod. Several members stood up, tidying their hairstyles in the mirror. Ji Kyeong Yuan took off his glasses and...Smiling, he waved goodbye to the clearly touched female fan who lingered and didn't want to leave. Ji Jingyuan shook hands with her and bid farewell, letting out a breath of relief as he organized his thoughts before facing the next fan for signing.

What he just said to this female fan wasn't entirely for business; it was actually quite sincere because that's really how he felt.

To be able to follow EXO from their debut, even before their debut, from the release of individual teasers and during their debut showcase, and to have journeyed with them through those tough and challenging early months after their debut... that would be the best thing ever.

From their debut, they were shelved for over a year without a comeback. They accepted a commercial performance, with the pay barely enough rice to make all the members happy, until their first music show win with "wolf," and then their meteoric rise with "咆孝."

From 14 in December to 9, and now to the top of the mountain today.

If we can walk side by side all the way, of course it's the luckiest thing for idols and fans to have for each other.

These fans are now a very valuable asset to them.

But if there's no such thing as a valley, it doesn't matter much. After all, meeting at the peak and showing each other your brightest side, leaving behind the best, most sunny and handsome impression in fans' hearts, is also a happy and romantic thing for both parties.

"You're really good at this..."

After signing a few, they entered a short break. Wu Shixun came over and looked at Ji Changwook who was drinking water. In an odd tone, he said something that was hard to tell if it was praise or sarcasm: "Did you think of the words beforehand"

"Ahni, moved by the moment."

Chi Jingyuan immediately knew he was talking about the female fan from just now. He put down his water bottle and shook his head.

"Are you kidding me You came up with such a meaningful sentence on the spot" Wu Shixun looked a little disbelief. He had been listening the whole time and was truly impressed by Ji Jingyuan's business of flirting with fans. His words and methods were really admirable.

Hearing his questioning, Chi Jingyuan chuckled lightly, shrugged at him, and nonchalantly pointed with his mouth: "College students, that's how it is."

"Achoo..."

……

After a short break and a meal following the afternoon signing event in Seoul's Mapo district, EXO held another signing event in the Gangnam district.

Just in the first three days of July, there are already five scheduled signing events. After the Neon Town tour ends, there will be a few more. To thank and give back to fans for breaking records with this regular second album, S has arranged two signing events for EXO in mainland China later on, waiting in the wings.

The past few months haven't had any, this time it can be said to be a real grand affair.

Although the signing quota was actually very limited, and it was difficult to get a ticket, many fans bought several or even dozens of albums but didn't get a signing ticket. It's indeed a pity that they couldn't make it to the scene, but it's not entirely without benefits.

After each signing event, the company, fan club, and front-row stan girls will upload videos and photos from the signing event as well as some dialogue between members and fans after editing them. This allows many fans who couldn't attend to enjoy a glimpse of the event.

After the first signing event ended, photos of Kiyo Source taken from several angles with his Pikachu ear headband, smiling at fans, became somewhat popular. Besides Aeri's fans sharing them widely, it also caught the attention of many who weren't initially interested, making some curious enough to search for him specifically.

And after some of his conversations and interactions with fans at the scene were circulated online, many fans who didn't have a chance to meet him felt even more envious. They were heartbroken seeing those lucky fans get close to their idol, expressing their envy in various places.

"It's so heartwarming, yuan really lives up to the hype. This is exactly the kind of person I've always yearned for and loved."

I bought ten albums but didn't get any signed cards. I cried for a long time that night, and today after seeing the on-site materials, I couldn't help but cry again.

"Ahhhh, why Why Why Please hold more signing events for the Oppa's! So many people want to go!"

...

……

"You look pretty cute wearing that yellow ear headband!"

Pei Zhuxuan was looking at the few photos of Ji Jingyuan's signing session that had become somewhat popular these past two days, saved on her phone. Especially that side-profile photo with the headband and smiling.

After taking a good look at the photos, which she had already seen many times, she gently nudged the main subject sitting beside her with her elbow and chuckled.

It's Friday, July 3rd, and it's time for the recording of "Music Bank" again. Ji-sung went to Goyang this morning to finish his autograph session after that he rushed back directly. Right now, the two of them are resting and preparing while waiting to start the interview with today's guest.

"You're not cute."

Ji Jingyuan was half-reclining on the sofa, looking at a very interesting post on the forum. It was an insider's deep exposé on last month's peaceful breakup of Girls' Generation's Hwang Meiyung and 2PM's Nichkhun.

It is said that Nichkhun already has a new love, and not just one. There's a bartender with a really good figure who surpasses Yellow Meiying in attractiveness. Also, there was once an incident at a club where someone got into a conflict in front of Nichkhun.

And Huang Meiying is also said to have moved on, suspected of becoming bisexual because 2P has been active in Japan, leading to a cooling relationship. Recently, she seems to have fallen for a younger male idol junior and is reportedly pursuing him.

All kinds of plots are written in a thrilling way, even some very private whispers between only two people, the poster knows everything about it, just like he's been hiding under their bed and eavesdropping. He finds it fascinating.

I don't know if that's true.

To know this much about Hwang Meiying, it couldn't be a post made by her older sister Kim Taeyeon, could it...

He still remembers that at the end of last year, when he attended several award ceremonies, the host would specifically mention these two top idols who had just announced their relationship. Whenever one of them performed or received an award, the director would also give a close-up shot to the other person 100% of the time. It made Ji Jingyuan feel a bit tired.

I didn't expect them to announce their breakup after just a year, the actual breakup must have happened much earlier.

Even Pool Jingyuan, who wasn't initially a big fan of this CP, couldn't help but feel that way. The passion of celebrity couples in the entertainment industry comes and goes quickly. Because of their different schedules, they often can't see each other, and no matter how intense things were at first, most relationships end up dismal.

By the way, I wonder how another senior is doing…

He was looking at something fondly when suddenly, after hearing from Park Soo Hyun that he was cute, Ji Kyeong Yuan responded with a helpless sigh. Without even lifting his head, he gave a very perfunctory reply.

Although it sounded extremely insincere, Bae Joo-hyun didn't mind. She giggled and shook her head playfully, accepting the other person's praise and self-deprecating remarks with grace.

You said so yourself, then I must be adorable!

She cocked up her leg and lowered her head to continue scrolling through her phone. After two minutes, she seemed to remember something, saw that Chi Jingyuan had changed his sitting position, and then took the initiative to ask: "By the way, did you write the song《ifyou》"

"It's just that some of the work for composing, arranging and production wasn't done by me alone."

Chi Jingyuan glanced at her and casually replied.

"It sounds good, Seqi especially likes it..."

"After mentioning it, Bae Ju-hyeon blinked and turned her head to look at Ji Kyeong-won, asking the most curious thing: 'But this is a song about heartbreak and missed opportunities, how did you write it' "

Chi Jingyuan immediately understood what the older sister wanted to ask, but he wasn't interested in replying. Facing her sparkling eyes, he just lightly pursed his lips: "How do you know I've never been heartbroken"

Upon hearing this, Pei Joo-hyeon's eyes lit up, and her interest piqued instantly.

This kind of gossip is already intriguing, let alone when it's about Ji Jingyuan.

Although she was quite curious after hearing Ji Jingyuan's tone and seeing his clear reluctance to talk more, the little sister didn't continue to ask. She just tilted her head, her eyes flickering as she looked at him for a moment, then frowned and continued looking down at her phone.

The two of them chatted idly, their conversation gradually shifting to the reality show "We Got Married".

Red Velvet member Park Soo-young began her role as a fixed guest on “We Got Married” last month, partnering with BTOB’s Lee Sung-jae as a fictional couple. Since the show's premiere, they have topped several hot searches and generated considerable buzz and discussion.

Although it hasn't been broadcast for a few episodes yet, judging by the current momentum, these two people have hope of becoming another popular couple in this variety show.

"How did the show feel to film Was it as interesting as we said it would be What about that feeling of innocence, shyness, sweetness, and so on"

When it came to this pool, he felt a surge of interest and asked curiously.

Although "We Got Married" is just a variety show and its viewership isn't particularly high, it has gained immense popularity due to its unique premise. It generates constant buzz among fans and even idols frequently mention it in conversations. Many people within the industry are genuinely interested in this program.

After all, who wouldn't want a publicly funded romance

"Not at all."

Pei Zhuhyun shook her head, their Red Velvet had obviously discussed this beforehand: "Joy said that recording it was actually quite strange. Every time they filmed, besides her and Lixingcai, there were dozens of people from the program crew surrounding them, watching their every move. Even their sweet lines and scenes were all written by the writer in advance, and many of them were performed. "

"At first, she was really looking forward to it. After filming a few episodes, she started complaining, saying that it was very troublesome and awkward."

The little sister spoke while also biting her lips, it's unclear if she was disappointed or relieved.

"That...being watched by so many people, it's not really sweet." Chi Jingyuan nodded, then his eyes shifted, his tone sounding a little strange: "Filming this program, isn't it easy for male and female guests to develop feelings for each other"

Since the premiere of "Our Wedding", many guests who participated in the show have become real couples after leaving the program. Although their relationships didn't last long, they truly brought the feelings from the show into reality, making the fans very happy.

After all, even if it's acting, seeing each other often and spending time together, it's not hard to accidentally fall for each other.

"It's not that I felt attracted to him, but it definitely made it easier to get closer. She and Lee Seongjae also exchanged contact information, and just the other day..."

Pei Zhuhyun tiptoed over and whispered to Ji Kyeong-won, just about to gossip when suddenly the staff knocked on the door interrupting them. They informed the couple who had been resting for half a day that they needed to go onstage with the guests for script review and interviews.

"Let's go."

Two people stood up and straightened themselves out, then followed the staff out of the break room.

Are you interested in the show "We Got Married"

Walking side by side in the backstage corridor, Pei Zhuxuan leaned close and whispered.

"It's not really my thing, I guess. The production team invited me to be a guest a while back, like back in 2013, but my company turned it down."

He reminisced for a moment, Chi Jingyuan smacked his lips, seeming to have a slight regret.

It's true that this happened. He only heard about it from Li Chenghuan afterward. The positioning of s for EXO is that they wouldn't accept this kind of love reality show unless the production team was very sincere and the female guest was a very suitable match.

"After hearing this, Pei Zhuxuan nodded slightly. After a few seconds of silence, she suddenly looked forward and said to herself: "Actually, the company considered letting me participate this time, but after discussion, they decided to let Joy go, and I also expressed my refusal."

“...”

Let me know if you'd like me to translate anything else!

Chi Jingyuan turned his head and looked at the sister who was staring at the bowl of noodles in front of her. Although she was talking, she didn't look at him. She even smoothed down her hair, looking very reserved and waiting for him to ask questions. He couldn't help but smile inwardly, and he also put on a curious expression: "Why refuse This variety show is quite popular."

He cooperated very well, seeming to genuinely know nothing about it.

Because I don't want to take it.

When asked directly, Bae Joo-hyun only pursed her lips self-consciously and glanced over with a slight tilt of her head. "Besides, I think 'Music Bank' is way better than 'We Got Married'... What do you think"

At this moment, her eyes were sparkling and her voice soft. Her steps also unconsciously slowed down, clearly hinting at something.

Only that Chi Jingyuan seemed to not understand at all. He raised his eyes, thought for a moment, and lazily replied, “Not bad.”

He walked quickly, with no intention of stopping to wait for anyone, and left Bae Joo-hyun far behind in an instant.

"Cut!"

The little sister let out a soft hum upon hearing this, looked at his retreating figure with a tiny eye roll, and a smile in her eyes she quickly caught up to him.

……

Today's guests are Sistar and AOA. It's a coincidence that both girl groups made their official comeback with albums on the 22nd of last month.

Sistar's sound source performance has always been very outstanding, and this time it is also extremely dazzling. The traditionally weak sales have reached 20,000 copies, which shows some improvement. The title of 'Summer Queen' is indeed well-deserved.

And "Shake It" is a really good song, Ji Jingyuan has been replaying it several times before.

Although aoa's comeback coincided with sistar's strong performance, their shift from a sexy concept to a vibrant and youthful one in "Heart Attack" has been well-received. The song has garnered positive reviews and achieved respectable results across various charts.

These two girl groups immediately kicked off the summer girl group competition.

Speaking of which, it's quite interesting. Last year, Girls' Generation, a once undisputed girl group, saw a significant decline in performance and was plagued by scandals like member relationships and departures. After a year-long hiatus, they announced their comeback in July, seemingly igniting the entire industry. Suddenly, girl groups of all sizes, from major companies to smaller ones, seemed to have coordinated a synchronized return during this period, one after another.

Last month's aaoo was on the 19th, sistar on the 22nd and aoa.

After July, yesterday's return of nees, next week the same day release songs of Girls' Generation and Girl's Day, followed by APK, Griend, Wirls and others in July.

These are still girl groups with a name and some popularity. As for those that are less well-known, there's no need to even mention them.

Of these girl groups, some had already announced their comeback dates, but many set their dates after Girls' Generation.

Although summer itself is a prime period for girl group comebacks, as people on the peninsula tend to listen to music according to the seasons, many groups also release summer specials every year.

But it is indeed intriguing that so many people would choose to return during this period.

I just don't know if these Girls' Generation sisters can hold on. If this year's comeback falls again, or even worse, it will really be over...

Ji Jingyuan smiled cheerfully with the members of Sistar and AOA after they finished going over their scripts, politely chatting for a few moments. But in his heart, he was a little worried about his idols.

However, with so many girl groups announcing their comebacks one after another, countless people outside are excitedly anticipating an unprecedented fierce battle between girl groups this summer.

...When Sistar, as expected, achieved phenomenal results and alongside the equally outstanding AOA kicked off the girl group competition, July saw a surprising turn of events. The first week's #1 on "Music Bank" went to...

"BoyWithUve, congrats xo! Caramelldansen!"

Ribbons fell, and Park Ji-hyeon excitedly announced today's winner, then with a smile, handed the trophy to the person beside her, Park Jeong-won.

The many artists behind him immediately smiled and applauded, but in their hearts, they couldn't help but complain.

It's "boywithluv" again, and EXO.

In June, EXO dominated the music charts with "boywithluv." Without appearing on any music shows or performing live, they swept all music show awards except for "The Show" from the second week onwards. This resulted in a total of fifteen number one wins, leaving all other artists who returned around the same time, including BIGBANG, struggling to keep up.

But KBS "Music Bank" and MBC "Music Core," music shows without a triple crown graduation system, still belong to EXO. Even though it's been a month since their comeback, the popularity of EXO's latest release and "boywithv" are still incredibly high.

Although everyone knows it's normal for to perform well and EXO to be popular, the recent promotions have all been centered around girl group battles, and everyone is here to see their comebacks. You, a boy group that released music last month, are still standing here. It just feels awkward.

And you don't even sing...

"Kamsahamnida, I will bring the trophy back to the members..." Ji-seung nonchalantly glanced at Sistar's four members standing on his left, also candidates, and began his acceptance speech with a microphone in hand.

Sistar's comeback has been doing really well in terms of sound source rankings, but Zhou Guan was beaten and Yi also lost. It's truly unfortunate that their luck isn't on their side right now.

But there's still a chance for other singing shows.

……

"Are you the plane tomorrow"

After the live broadcast of ended, and after thanking the program staff the day after tomorrow, as if preparing to say goodbye, Bae Joohyun asked one last question.

Immediately, on the 5th and 6th of this month, a two-day "Town Family" concert will be held at Tokyo Dome in Japan. Most artists under s will attend, and they will all fly to Japan together on the 4th by chartered plane.

"I have some things to do tomorrow and can't get away, I have a flight early the day after tomorrow.

And [name] will be going with me." Chi Jingyuan waved his hand.

EXO is going to go tomorrow, but he and D.O. have some individual schedules that can only be postponed, and then they will travel together later.

Pei Zhuhyun nodded to show she understood, tilted her head and smiled, and waved goodbye.

The next day, the other EXO members flew to Japan with company staff and fellow artists on a chartered flight through Gimpo Airport, while Park Kyung went on his own personal itinerary with his assistant.

He had been busy all morning, and just as he was about to take a break for some food, this week's episode of "Infinite Challenge," also the first episode of "Music Festival" this year, officially began airing.

First published on the Traditional Chinese Novel Network beside him, getting ready to sit down. A few of them were watching him, their expressions strange, obviously having witnessed everything that just happened. Especially Park Sooyoung, she was biting h...