Chapter 2: New Member

involve themselves much in business affairs. They have entered their retirement years.Although I often post videos and messages, it's been over a year since we've actually met. Since I'm in LA for fil..."1, 2, 3..."

"Kimchi!"

Ji Jingyuan and Kim Jong-hyeon stood together, making scissors hand gestures towards the front camera of a raised smartphone and laughed heartily as they took two selfies.

Today at lunchtime, I ran into a few of shee's brothers at the company. I chatted with them for a bit and learned that Jin Jong-hyun is going to be soloing very soon! Jong-hyun was also very enthusiastic when he saw Ji-sung and asked him to come to the practice room to play around when he has free time, as well as give him advice on his stage performance.

Originally, Jiyeong was waiting in the practice room for Park Jaehyun to pick him up for an advertising production meeting. He had nothing to do, so he thought about it and ran to Jin Jong Hyun's practice room to watch the fun. He and this brother have a pretty good relationship, and since the other party is going solo, he took a picture with him as well, and it would be nice to help promote him too.

"Brother, when are you officially returning" After taking two selfies, Ji Jingyuan took the orange juice that had just been given to him, took a sip, and asked.

“From the 7th to the 8th, a sound source of a included track will be publicly released for pre-heat promotion, and the official return is on the 12th.” Kim Jong Hyun, who had just finished dancing, was sweating profusely on his forehead and gestured with his hands while smiling.

Kim Jonghyun is really talented. This time his solo album has seven songs in total, four of which he wrote himself. He also submitted a lot of his own compositions to the company's music library. Pool Geon-won remembers that last year when EXO was selecting songs for their new album, he saw two songs co-written and composed by Jonghyun. They almost made it into the final tracklist.

"Number 12 Isn't that next week" Chi Jingyuan heard the date and spread his hands: "Then, isn't your brother going to clash with EXID They're really hot right now."

The two hottest girl groups in the music scene recently are APK and EXID.

Last year, at the end of the year, V dominated the charts with their hit song. Since their comeback on November 21st, they swept almost all first place spots on music shows throughout December.

The reason I say almost is because EXO snatched one Music Bank trophy from them with their song "Let Me In," making APK's December results seem a little less than perfect. If it weren't for EXO's interruption, APK would have achieved something truly remarkable: a complete sweep of all music show wins throughout the entire month of December.

This achievement is really amazing. No music group has ever achieved this to date.

Because of this flaw, Jung Eun-ji called Chi Kyung-won a couple of days ago and gave him a good scolding. As a result, she was made even more miserable by Chi Kyung-won's gloating.

Although they were robbed of the number one spot by xo and couldn't achieve this epic feat, it only deprived fans of a bragging right. Overall, the result was insignificant. Thanks to their strong subsequent dominance, apk returned with a bang this time, achieving 17 music show wins with , setting a new record for girl group music show wins.

Even Ji Jingyuan didn't expect their comeback momentum to be this strong. EXO's highest record to date is also 17 music show wins, which was achieved thanks to last year's hit song "Growl".

Besides their APK, EXID's popularity has been fueled by Hani's direct camera sound source. They were called back to perform on music shows after gaining popularity. Their music source finally topped the major charts at the end of last year and continued to gain popularity in 2015. On March 3rd, they just reached number one on the waiting list, looking set to be the next big hit. It remains to be seen if G-Dragon's solo performance will be able to compete with them.

“Sigh, the Korean music scene is so small yet there are so many artists. No matter when you make a comeback, there are always strong competitors. It’s still important to focus on yourself and improve the quality of your music.” Jonghyun waved his hand, acting like a senior who had been through it all. He spoke with deep feeling.

"Brother, your enlightenment is truly profound." Ji Jingyuan seemed to have been blinded by the holy light emanating from behind his brother's head.

"Haha, it's like this, the company wants me to go on a date with EXID, that's fine, but if they want me to go on a date with EXO, I definitely wouldn't agree, haha..."

After chatting for a while, Chi Jingyuan glanced at the time and stood up from the floor, patting his pants: "Brother, I'll go first... When you return, I'll send you some cheering messages to support you."

Then, thanks!

Waving goodbye, Ji Jingyuan and Kim Jong-hyun said their farewells, leaving his practice room. They took the elevator up one floor, preparing to return to XO's practice room for a short rest.

Right now, there aren't many people in the practice room. Besides Park Ji-sung who has a personal ad shoot today, B.A.P members like Bang Yongguk and Kim Jong Dae have all gone to their individual schedules. All the other members are doing live broadcasts.

This is a new group ad they just received. Besides needing to shoot relevant photos, for promotion liv also has a group live streaming activity to do. The specific content is that five or six members go out together to camp in a tent, play some small games and chat, and by the way, promote liv.

Although Ji-won wasn't there, he figured that with EXO members having so many variety show cells, it would probably be quite boring to watch.

As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, before even taking two steps, the other elevator on the side stopped at the third floor. With a 'ding' sound, the door opened and several familiar figures walked out one after another. Chi Jingyuan glanced sideways and found that it was just a few members of Red Velvet.

But this time there were not four of them, but five.

“What a coincidence” After the elevator door opened, several people led by Debby immediately saw Ji Jingyuan in front of them. Several people's eyes lit up. Pei Zhuxuan quickly took two steps forward after getting off the elevator, with a beautiful smile on her face, she blinked and looked up at him.

"Jingyuan How come there's only one person here" Jiang Shiqi and Sun Shengwan were also smiling and waving their hands, striding over happily. It seemed like everyone was in a good mood.

"I just took a quick walk around JongHyun's practice room," Ji Kyung-won greeted them with a nod and a smile, then his gaze simply settled on the girl standing in the crowd. She seemed familiar, but he hadn't really paid much attention to her before. "

Her long black hair was tied up in a braid at the back of her head. Although she wasn't wearing much makeup, her face was very fair and her skin looked good, giving her a pure and innocent appearance.

At this moment, Chi Jingyuan was looking at her. She stood there, sizing him up with her bright eyes that sparkled and shone. It wasn't a sneaky or shy look either, more like "even if you know I'm looking, I'll still look at you." She didn't have the usual nervousness and shyness of a newcomer.

After taking two glances, he lowered his head and leaned in close to Park Soo-hyun, whispering, "Is this the new member you told me about two days ago, who joined your group"

Although Ji-won and Seulgi haven't met recently, the two often keep in touch via phone at night. The other day, Seulgi told him two important things: firstly, the company has already announced their next comeback, and Red Velvet has been having several album production meetings with producers and staff these past few days.

Ji Jingyuan had long known about their comeback and it wasn't much of a surprise. However, seeing Pei Zhuxuan say how happy and excited she was in her phone message about the comeback, he was genuinely happy for her too.

But being able to make a comeback is a good thing, it means the company hasn't given up on them and their group still has hope of becoming popular again. After two consecutive failures, this comeback for Lovelyz is really crucial, even more important than EXO's comeback this time, because EXO's comeback this time only decides whether they can wash away last year's gloom and make further progress, while Lovelyz's comeback this time, the good or bad results will largely determine whether this group will continue to go on.

If this time turns out like the last two, with no water splashes and just a storm of criticism, then Red Velvet's future might be really tough. Even if they don't disband, they'll probably be put on hiatus for a very long time.

However, there's no need for Ji-seong to specifically remind them about this. Pei Joo Hyuk and the others surely have some understanding in their hearts. Let's just talk about it after we fail. At least for now, they can still put their whole heart into preparing with a better attitude.

And the second thing is that Red Velvet has a new member, the girl Ji-sung just looked at.

“Here, this is our new maknae, Yelin…” The voice coming from so close and the heat radiating off of him made Bae Joohyun’s ears feel a little itchy. After a small flutter in her heart, she quickly moved to the side, creating some distance, then waved back, calling out in a friendly tone.

Kim Yeri, upon hearing this, rushed over in three big steps and stood beside him. She looked at Ji Kyeongwon with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, her smile radiant: "Senior Yuan Anihaseyo, I'm Kim Yeri, Yeri...hihihi..."

She looked at Chi Jingyuan and didn't know what she was happy about. As she introduced herself, she laughed out loud.

"Annyeonghaseyo..." Ki-yeong smiled and nodded in greeting, taking a look at this new maknae of Red Velvet.

Originally, this girl named Kim Ye-rin wasn't very memorable to Ji-won. However, after being reminded by Seulgi, he remembered seeing her twice at a family concert. She was part of the rookie group and had even performed on stage.

Unbeknownst to many, a few months later, Kim Ye-rim underwent a transformation. She went from being a trainee to becoming the newest member of Red Velvet.

Before the last two times they met, Ji Jingyuan didn't pay much attention. This time, he carefully observed her and found that this little girl was quite special. Unlike many group maknae who are so low-key and timid, she seemed to have a slight dominance, very cheerful and loved to laugh. She left him with a good impression just by saying hello.

According to Pei Zhuhyun, this girl seems to be from 1999. Although there's an age gap, they were quite familiar with each other when they were trainees. She said that they took good care of this little girl back then...

But wasn't she the same age as Zhou Tzuyu in 1999

When seeing this birthdate, Ji-yeong always instinctively equates it with a kid. It's just that Kim Ye-lin appears more mature than Zhou Tzuyu.

Although the impression was good, Ji Jingyuan didn't say much either. After all, they weren't very familiar before, and she was just a newcomer. After nodding to Kim Yeoreum, Ji Jingyuan strode towards the practice room, while Bae Ju-hyeon also quickened her pace, walking side by side with him. The two were quite close, talking softly as they walked.

“...." Kim Ye-rin blinked, watching her captain and XOs' senior Yuan walk together so naturally, side by side, whispering in each other's ears like they were close friends. She opened her mouth as if she had just realized something, pointing at their backs and tentatively asking the person beside her, Kang Se-qi, "Unnie, they... could it be..."

"Ani-o... not yet." Jiang Seqi saw the new maknae had some misunderstanding, and quickly waved her hand to deny it. But thinking about the situation she had been stealing glances at recently, she hesitated for a moment before adding, "Not yet, but who knows about later..."

I've always felt that there was something special about the way Jennie and Kyung-won interacted. They seemed very close and had great chemistry.

And for the past two days, at night in their dormitory, Pei Joo-hyeon would often suddenly have fits, rolling around on her bed and laughing uncontrollably. At first, even Kim Ji-woo didn't know what had made her so happy, thinking it was a funny joke she’d seen. However, after secretly observing her, she realized that the older sister was chatting with someone through messages.

Although she didn't ask who it was, the other party probably wouldn't say. However, she was so smart that she guessed it immediately, and it was most likely Ji Jingyuan.

Ginger felt confident she was right. If she was wrong... then she really would have to give this Oni more credit...

"Hahaha…" Sun Sheng finished speaking and burst into laughter, reaching out to playfully punch Jiang Sheqi.

"...Kim Ye-rin seemed to understand something, nodding knowingly. She glanced at their backs with bright eyes and followed the other sisters' steps toward the practice room."

"Is the meeting finished" Ji Jingyuan asked softly to Pei Zhuhyun.

“I’ve been rehearsing for a few days now, and I think we have a few more to go. But this comeback, the overall style and framework are already set, our producer is really amazing.” When talking about the comeback, Bae Joohyun's eyes curved up, she licked her lips lightly and said quickly.

What style

"It's... I won't tell you!" With a smug glance, she chuckled gleefully.

Seeing her so happy, Chi Jingyuan also shook his head and smiled.

"By the way..." He seemed to remember something and leaned closer, asking, "Is your new maknae from 1999, right"

"Yeah." Running a hand through his hair, Pyo Ji-hyeon naturally nodded.

Ji Jingyuan hesitated for a moment, but still asked, "Then... will she still call you Oppa"

"What do you mean You…" Pei Zhuhyun was stunned for a moment, her mouth slightly open as she uttered a foolish question. Then, halfway through her sentence, she suddenly reacted. A murderous aura instantly appeared in her eyes as she glared at Ji Jingyuan and angrily shouted: "Hey, Ji Jingyuan, you..."

As she spoke, her hand shot out, but Pool Jingyuan had anticipated this and quickened his pace. He surged forward two meters just as he reached the EXO practice room door. He turned back to her with a grin, pouted slightly, then flung open the door and dashed inside, shutting it behind him with a slam before disappearing.

Pei Zhuxuan looked at the closed EXO practice room door with a furious expression. She hesitated for a moment, afraid that there might be others inside, and ultimately didn't push it open. After taking several deep breaths, she remembered Ji Sungwon's mischievous look earlier and started to laugh angrily.

“Oni, what’s wrong Where's Jingyuan” Just then, Jang Se-bi and the others came up behind them, looking curiously at Bae Joo-hyun whose chest was rising and falling. They hadn’t heard what the two were saying from behind, but they saw Ji Park run out after opening the door.

"Phew... It's nothing, he went in first." Even in front of her members, Pei Zhuhyun still seemed a bit image-conscious. She glanced back once and then smoothed down her hair, too lazy to bother with that annoying person anymore. After letting out a laugh, she changed the subject and started talking to the other members, while walking towards the practice room.

By chance, he met a few people with Bae Joo-hyun and Ji-won was in a good mood. After sitting in the practice room for a while, Park Jae-hyun called him, so he packed his things and went downstairs to the parking lot. He got into the nanny car and drove towards the location agreed upon by the advertising company.

They will first go to the advertising agency to hold a production meeting, and after determining the shooting plan and process of the advertisement, they will directly go to the studio to start formal filming.

As soon as they started their car, a nanny van had pulled up to the parking lot of the advertising company. The manager sitting in the van was at that moment giving Kim Ji-soo some last-minute instructions:

“Jisoo, when you meet with PD later, remember to be polite, especially to our partners, like Ji-Seung. This case took a lot of resources from the company for you to get, and you even participated in the auditions, knowing how competitive it was.”

The agent paused for a moment, observed Jin Ji-soo's expression through the rearview mirror, and then shared some discreet intel: "My senior from the advertising agency told me that yuan's manager wasn't very enthusiastic when they first heard about this ad involving trainees. And s's relationship with our company isn't exactly great. My senior said looking at his expression, he seemed to want to veto you outright. This ad centers around yuan; if they agree to anything, both the brand and the advertising agency would have to comply... I just don't know how things didn't continue to get stuck on that issue afterward."

“Ci Jingyuan has been incredibly popular lately, you know EXO He already has a huge fan base and is very sought after by brands. The influence of "The Untamed" is still there, and the opportunity to collaborate with him on an ad shoot is really rare. If this ad turns out well and gets good exposure, it will be more than all your previous ones combined. It would be very helpful for your future debut.”

"Make the most of it."

Kim Ji-soo sat in the back row, listening intently to her manager's instructions. Her lips twitched slightly unconsciously, making her look a little dazed.

After listening, she blinked and smiled, then patted the back seat very familiarly.

"I know, don't worry, oppa."

Peninsula Asteroid

First published on the Traditional Chinese Novels Network.."Oh, you said this."As soon as he heard this, Wu Shixun's eyes lit up, and he smirked, leaning closer and whispering, "Just like you thought, it's love during dating.""A female idol" Chi Jingyuan sou...