Chapter 21: Girl Group Project

ess beads of sweat, glistened like a mirror. The blue sky and white clouds on the wall remained unchanged.Everything looks exactly the same as before, but something feels off about the practice room n..., Peninsula asteroid

"Bah, why don't you just die"

Jeong Eun-ji was taken aback by his tone and angrily retorted.

Just as Ji Jingyuan was about to retort, the elevator doors opened in front of them, and the five members of fx walked out.

After seeing them, Ji Jingyuan, who was holding his phone, quickly moved aside and made a gesture of greeting. The few people from fx also saw that he was on the phone and did not disturb him, waving at him with a smile.

Jung Soo-jung, walking in third place, had been fixated on Ji-seong since she saw him. Her gaze held a mixture of delight and hostility. However, having not said anything on the phone, she simply glared at him before flicking her hair and swiftly departing.

Then Choi Seol-ri playfully made a 'phone call' gesture to Ji Kyeong-won. After receiving a nod from Ji Kyeong-won, she happily shook her hand and gave him a 'K' before following the rest of her teammates away.

"What's wrong" Jeong Eun-ji asked through the phone when she noticed Ji-yeong had been silent for a long time.

"It's nothing, just greeted a few seniors from the company... What were you saying just now"

"Oh well, it's nothing."

Given Jung Eun-ji's understanding of Ji Chang-wook, she figured he wasn't interested in getting back together and didn't bother saying much. She changed the subject: "Your comeback got delayed"

"Yeah, the specific time hasn't been determined. But I guess it'll be delayed by one to two weeks."

Chi Jingyuan walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the 3rd floor: "If we knew you apk was going to return soon, we wouldn't have postponed it. When the time comes, we'll just knock you down. Then see if you can still be so arrogant."

"Aisi, you really are... if you have the guts, come at me! Let's see who knocks the other one flying, hahaha..."

Jung Eun-ji fired back without hesitation, and after a while, her hearty laughter echoed through the phone. One could imagine just how wide her mouth must have been stretched into a grin without even looking at Ji Kyoung-won.

"Alright, I'm heading to the practice room to start working. Talk to you later."

Ji Jingyuan walked out of the elevator and came to the practice room door. He gave a final instruction over the phone: "By the way, aren't you about to join the cast of a TV drama I think it's a KBS drama... When the time comes, oppa will send you a support vehicle, so you can show off."

"Hmph, just you, a 94 year old, calling yourself oppa Who cares"

Jung Eun-ji said dismissively, but her tone sounded rather cheerful, clearly because she was happy that Park Kyung-won was paying attention to her schedule.

"Bye then."

"Goodbye."

Hung up the phone, Chi Jingyuan smiled and shook his head, pushing open the practice room door and walked in.

After a few days of finally getting some rest, EXO's members started working overtime again.

But as long as he doesn't get sick, Ji Jingyuan doesn't really care. After all, idols are like that.

…………

Because there are many things happening recently, besides the final progress of the album, there's also the preparation for the Neon fan meeting and various concert preparations. The entire EXO is like a tightly wound spring again, starting non-stop efforts.

To allow them to fully prepare, the company has basically stopped taking on any team schedules or variety shows during this period, even refusing commercial performances. Only some members' newly accepted individual activities, such as Park Chan-yeol and Beon Baekhyun, are still going ahead.

Although they are very busy, they are also very hardworking and responsible. They make up for the practice time lost due to their schedules by working late into the night, just like the former pool player, Ji Jingyuan, who never clocked out before 3 a.m.

While Chi Jingyuan didn't have any other schedules besides some personal advertisements, he dedicated himself entirely to work and practice.

They finished the music video shooting for "overdose" these days, and they also re-recorded "dope", with half of the music video shot. The progress is pretty fast.

Time flew by and it's March 29th already.

"Please give this to Ji-Hye later."

In the stairwell between the second and third floors of a company building, Chi Jingyuan handed Jiang Sheqi a wrapped gift box and then gave her a reminder.

"Today night, Ji-hyeon unnie's birthday. Are you really unable to make time for it"

Ginger took the gift, looking at him with a hint of regret.

Today is Park Ji-hyun's birthday, she specially called Park Jeong-won the day before yesterday, but unfortunately…

"Even now, I'm taking time out of my busy schedule to give you a gift. You should know how busy we've been these days."

Chi Jingyuan sighed.

Being busy preparing an album is already enough, now there's also a concert added on.

He really underestimated the intensity of the concert rehearsal work. Rehearsing almost twenty songs' stage movements and choreography, as well as preparing for many individual stages, plus filming a special VCR for the concert, it can be said that it was truly exhausting.

My Iceberg Beauty Wife

Before, when Kang Se-qi and Son Seung-wan's birthdays came around, it was because this was their 94th year of birth that Ji Kyeong-won specifically made time to go.

Pei Zhuxuan has been an adult for a long time, and it's not like she has a boyfriend or anything. It's just a small birthday, so there's no need to make a big fuss.

Although he couldn't meet her in person, he had specially prepared a very delicate Pokémon figurine for her, thinking that she would probably like it.

"By the time I'm done today, it will definitely be past midnight. That means Ji-Hyun's birthday would already be over, so let's skip today and do it next time."

Well then.

Jiang Sheqi nodded slightly, pursed her lips, and after a moment said, “I was going to tell you some good news tonight, but I guess you already know…”

"What good news" Chi Jingyuan looked at her.

“…………”

Mentioning this, Ginger Shiqi's face was filled with joy, which became increasingly apparent. She seemed to be completely surrounded by happiness. Her hands waved excitedly as if trying to express her emotions. After holding back for a few seconds, she couldn't help but burst into laughter and told him happily:

"The company has started a new girl group project, and they selected many trainees to be on the candidate list. Me, Seungwan, and Ji-Hyun unni, we are all on it."

Jiang Shiqi's whole face blossomed into a flower, her eyes twinkling like a crescent moon, her cheekbones rising, and her mouth stretched wide open in an exuberant grin. Her unparalleled excitement radiated outwards, as if even the cold stairwell was warmed by her passion.

"What's up"

Chi Jingyuan's eyes widened in surprise.

“Inside, it was revealed a few days ago at a meeting. The list of winners was announced then.”

She nodded vigorously in affirmation, then questioned with a hint of confusion: "Jingyuan, don't you know"

"These days I've been so busy that my head is spinning and I haven't paid attention to the news."

Chi Jingyuan shook his head, paused for a moment, then smiled knowingly. Looking at Jiang Sheqi's earnest congratulations, he said, "Congratulations to both of you."

Debut is the most longed-for thing for any trainee. These trainees have worked hard in the company for so many years, all for this opportunity.

And suddenly this opportunity appeared before him, Chi Jingyuan could completely imagine how excited and thrilled they would be when they heard the news. It was a feeling of trembling all over and disbelief.

It must be hard to control your emotions.

"Hee hee..." Faced with Chi Jingyuan's blessing, Jiang Sheqi laughed happily, her naive smile was really contagious, making Chi Jingyuan couldn't help but laugh.

"Weren't you guys crying when you found out about this that day" he asked curiously.

"Of course I cried, how could I not cry about this After the win, she held me and cried for a long time, and Hyuna unnie too, she cried so hard."

After a moment of thought, Jiang Seqi looked at him and retorted.

"Then you're crying now, what will you do when you actually debut"

Then you'll get to cry again.

"Haha, that makes sense."

Chi Jingyuan chuckled, watching her confident demeanor. He shook his head and gave her a thumbs-up before saying, "Keep going."

"Give me a call if you have anything."

"Well then!" Ginger Sheqi replied with a grin.

Then I'll be going, don't forget the gift!

"Don't worry, take care of yourself too. The news a couple of days ago was really scary."

"Haha, got it."

Chi Jingyuan and Jiang Sheqi waved goodbye to each other and turned up the stairs.

He was quite surprised by the news of the company's new girl group project. In his estimation, he had thought it would be a while longer before anything like this came up, so he was taken aback by how quickly it materialized.

For some reason, he suddenly thought of his teenage years.

At the end of March, Girls' Generation finished promoting this comeback.

After "So," they enjoyed a week of success before being caught in the intense competition among various girl groups, ultimately winning 5 number-one trophies throughout the entire duration.

This result is already very successful for other girl groups, but for Girls' Generation, it can only be said that they barely managed to save face.

And now, with this comeback, the results speak for themselves: sales are cut in half, music streams are significantly down, and overall, it's clear that things are going downhill.

Most of the popularity of the idol group on the Peninsula stems from their sound sources exploding first, followed by a surge in sales.

And decline is also the same, both sound source and also follow decline, then sales following decrease.

It's not supposed to drop this fast, but last year’s “igotaboy” really hurt their source reputation and public image. And this year's dating scandals just make things worse, fans don’t know how many have left.

This album has had its share of big and small issues, and it's clear the company hasn't put much effort into it. This year is also Girls' Generation's contract year, and right now, negotiations are probably intense. Whether all nine members will renew their contracts is still a question mark.

Given that Girls' Generation was just returning under unfavorable conditions, it's unclear if there is a connection between this and the sudden launch of a new girl group project.

Oh, I hope everything goes smoothly for these sisters.

Chi Jingyuan silently wished for good luck in his heart and returned to the practice room, starting his demanding work again.

…………

"Aren't you supposed to have celebrated already Why are you waiting for me specifically"

Ji Jingyuan sat opposite Cui Xueli, watching her face flushed red, looking like she had drunk quite a bit. She was somewhat tired and leaned back against the chair.

It's already 30th at dawn, and the two of them are now in a small bar called "New Sand Cave" in Jiangnan District. Although the space isn't large, the decoration is quite good. The lighting is warm but not dim, and the soothing music volume is just right, creating a cozy atmosphere throughout the store.

At this time, there weren't many customers left around. A couple of individuals sat in the farther reaches. Only Ji Jingyuan and Cui Xueli remained in this area.

It's really a coincidence that Choi Se-ri's birthday is also March 29th.

She had called Ji Jingyuan beforehand to celebrate, and after learning that he would have a hard time making it, she asked him when his practice would end, and then said she would wait for him here.

As a close friend from the same year, Ji Jingyuan naturally didn't say anything. By the time he finished work today, it was already past one and approaching two. After saying a few words to his manager, he got into Park Jae-hyun's car and drove here.

"Of course we have to celebrate a birthday, you're not coming so I can't celebrate!"

Choi Se-ri glanced at him, a bit dissatisfied that Park Kyung-won hadn't been able to come earlier. But she quickly grinned and said, "Don't worry about it, that amount of alcohol is nothing, I'm fine."

Although she just turned eighteen this year, her tone is as carefree and bold as a seasoned drunkard.

"Since the celebration is over, you don't need to wait for me specifically. Didn't I already give you my gift"

"Who told you to come celebrate I just wanted to chat with you, have a talk."

"Why did those friends have to bring that up at the gathering just now Why couldn't they have just kept it to themselves It's so late." Ji Jingyuan sounded a little exasperated. After practicing all night, he was actually quite tired and was just looking forward to going home and sleeping.

And Choi Se-ri had already had a birthday party with her friends before, and Ji-seong didn't ask who they were. Everyone has their own circle of acquaintances, it's nothing strange.

"Of course, you think I can't tell the difference between someone who is just a playmate and someone who is a true confidant"

Choi Seol-yi looked seriously at Ji Kyeong-won: "You're my most important friend of the same age, so of course I can only talk to you... It's my birthday today, you wouldn't be so heartless, would you"

Feeling her slightly tipsy but unusually clear eyes, Ji Jingyuan shook his head irritably and gave her a sidelong glance: "Don't get it wrong, it's 2 am now, your birthday was yesterday."

As he spoke, he poured a cup of warm water from the teapot on the table and handed it to her.

Although the tone wasn't great, this action and demeanor made Choi Se-ri giggle, taking the cup of water and sipping it with delight.

A sudden silence fell over the table. Cui Xueli seemed to be organizing her words, while Ji Jingyuan waited quietly for her to speak.

"I'm kind of not wanting to be an idol anymore."

After a moment of silence, she suddenly spoke, holding up her cup and saying softly.

"......" Chi Jingyuan didn't show much surprise, he just nodded silently, indicating that he was listening.

"Every day is tiring, with so many schedules to keep up with. Our group has also reached a bottleneck now, going nowhere and there's no hope of further progress."

"Although the members get along well and there aren't many conflicts, sometimes I feel a bit awkward. Plus, I'm always competing with Soojung for everything."

"The most important thing is that people online insult me every day. They say the worst things imaginable, and I feel like no matter what I do, it's wrong. Do they really hate me this much"

"And…"

Choi Se-ri started grumbling and venting her frustrations, seeming to have a lot of pent-up anger that she wanted to release all at once.

After waiting for her to finish, Ji Jingyuan pondered for a moment before looking at her and saying, "So, have you thought about what you'll do if you don't become an idol"

"I want to be an actress," said Choi Soo-ryeon, sounding as if she had given it a lot of thought.

"An actor What role 'To a Beautiful You'" Ji-sung blinked.

"Oh, why are you bringing this up again"

Choi Se-ri slapped him in displeasure, glaring at him angrily.

"Hehehe…"

Chi Jingyuan chuckled softly, his expression returning to seriousness: “Have you thought about it”

"Not yet, actually, I don't want to be an idol... But in my heart, I'm really reluctant, and I'm very conflicted."

Choi Se-ri frowned and pursed her lips, looking as if she was struggling with a difficult decision.

"Well... have you saved enough money" Chi Jingyuan asked.

"No, my expenses aren't low. I'm also looking to buy a property recently."

"Will that company support you in exiting fx"

>"..."

"Then, do you think company S would still provide you with film and television resources after you leave the group"

"It probably won't, but it might."

"So are you thinking of changing management companies Have you contacted anyone"

There is nothing.

"Well, do you have connections with television stations or film and television production companies"

“…………”

Her voice grew softer and softer until it was barely audible.

"Geez, you didn't even have any preparation, just thought about it and decided to become an idol out of thin air No backup plan at all" Ji Jingyuan looked at Cui Xueli with some disbelief.

"This isn't... This isn't decided yet, that's why I came to talk to you."

Choi Seol-li smiled awkwardly at him and, in a fawning manner, poured Chikyeongwon a glass of water.

He glanced at her, took a sip of water from the cup, and after thinking for a moment said, "Look, you haven't prepared anything. In this situation, unless you go all out, and even then it depends on luck."

Although many people criticize you, there are also a lot of people who like you. And FX's fan base is quite substantial, right If you were to personally withdraw, it would mean giving up the support from these fans, which seems like a loss outweighing any gains.

"I think you should at least wait until you have a popular TV show or movie as your representative work before having the confidence to communicate with the company and officially transition to becoming an actor. Otherwise, even if you don't become an idol anymore, your development will be very difficult."

" fx debuted in 2009, and this year marks the 5th anniversary. There are still two years left on their contract. It's not a long or short time; it's enough for you to prepare slowly."

Chi Jingyuan gave his opinion.

He can understand Cui Xueli's thoughts. Not everyone has a family as a backing like him, ignoring the various levels and hierarchies in the entertainment industry. It's quite normal for idols to want to switch careers to become actors. Isn't Yoona senior also on that path

Although it wasn't very smooth.

It's a bit of a gamble to just quit the group, unless he's prepared. Otherwise, he's not very optimistic about it.

"Hmm..."

Cui Xueli listened to the words, holding her water glass and thinking seriously for a while. She gently nodded and looked at Ji Jingyuan, sincerely saying, "Thank you."

She could tell who was just going through the motions and who was genuinely looking out for her.

She hadn't thought about it that much before and hadn't made a decision. The thoughts just came up and stayed in her mind, making her feel stifled. It not only affected her mood but also made her daily practice and schedule a little absentminded.

This made her feel as if she had become a little clearer.

"Good morning..."

"Why" Choi Seol-ri, who was just moved, now couldn't help but wrinkle her nose and stare at Ji Kyeong-won.

Because of your acting.

"How was my acting"

"The acting isn't good enough. What's wrong"

"Why are you saying that"

"To the Beautiful You"

"You... !"

First published on Chinese Novel Networkntact since they exchanged contact information at the Oddysee Games exchange.This girl had a good impression of Ji Jingyuan during the sports meeting. She kept chatting with him during the recording,...