Chapter 96: Next time
breaks in the afternoon. Her heart was restless and couldn't settle down.It wasn't until almost 10 p.m. that Chi Jingyuan finally replied to his message:"That's it then."…………On November 7, after EXO-...“We like to party~~YEAHYEAHYEAHYEAH!”
"We like to party ~~until the sun rises in the west~."
In EXO's waiting room, the melody of BIGBANG's new song "Welike2party" echoed. About ten people inside swayed their heads and bodies to the music in a rhythmic manner. Several even raised their hands high and waved them about, closing their eyes as if deeply engrossed. With some appropriate and dazzling nightclub lights, the room at this moment resembled a miniature club.
This comeback's sales volume has noticeably increased compared to the previous two months. The YouTube MV views have set a record, turning what was once one of the group's weaknesses into a peak that other teams find difficult to surpass. More importantly, the sound source, which had always been suppressed by BIGBANG, has made a significant comeback. The title track remains firmly at the top spot on most charts even after a week of release.
The heat and attention have reached a fever pitch, surpassing even the heyday of "Roar." Simultaneously, the tangible benefits are something everyone can personally feel.
Because the results were unexpectedly explosive, all of EXO's members have been in very good spirits lately. Even after returning to Seoul and continuing their busy schedules of promotions and activities, they remain enthusiastic and full of energy.
I didn't know who had put on their phone speaker in the lounge, and it was even a new Big Bang song. I almost turned it off, but when the music started, I realized everyone knew the lyrics and was singing along. A few lines in, and everyone was really into it, dancing and having fun.
Even while playing a game, Chi Jingyuan was infected by the atmosphere. During the chorus, he also raised his hand and waved along with everyone else, humming two lines of "Welike2party~~". He even clapped for the most enthusiastic few people, and suddenly the entire lounge felt like it had been lit up—it was truly a party vibe.
If someone were to knock on the door at this moment, they would probably think they had the wrong place.
It's true, though BIGBANG is EXO's biggest rival now, their relationship isn't very close. But their music is really good, including last month's "Loser", there are several songs that Ji-won really likes.
People say there's a reason why he's so popular. The other EXO members clearly pay attention to this rival too, otherwise they wouldn't all sing along when the song comes on. Just listening to Wu Shixun sing, his dedication and enjoyment make it feel like he sings with more emotion than when he performs his own parts in XO songs.
I wonder what the seniors who came before us would think seeing this scene, seeing the junior boy group, our biggest rivals at that, singing our song so happily to celebrate. Would they feel a sense of satisfaction, or perhaps a strange kind of irony
"We like to party…"
"Stop singing, they're ready over there. We're about to start recording soon, it's almost time."
"Barabara!"
But before they could enjoy themselves, Lee Seung-hwan barged in without knocking, slapped the table, and interrupted their gathering. Under his urging, everyone sighed with some reluctance, checked their appearance in the mirror, and then followed him out.
Today is the last time for comeback performance this week. From Thursday's "M! Countdown" to now, it has been the fourth stage already. Unlike senior groups like BIGBANG who don't actively promote even without concerts, maintaining a mysterious aura, EXO will fill in the three major music shows and "M! Countdown" every week as long as there are no important schedules or specific reasons preventing them from doing so. Even if it's programs like "The Show" or "Show Champion," they will make time to appear once if invited by the program team.
Although I am tired, it's true that the promotion was effective. And the fans seemed happy watching it. It's great to have something to look forward to every day and be able to see your idols on TV.
> When recording, to create atmosphere and give back to fans, the audience is usually made up of pre-selected fans chosen by the group themselves. After some communication with the on-site PD and VJ, all nine members of EXO stood on stage. The fans who had been waiting for a long time, some even wanting to arrive in the middle of the night and wait outside the SBS building, immediately erupted into excited cheers.
Chi Jingyuan stood in the middle, posing with his back to the stage, waiting for the start. He seemed to feel that the earpiece on his left was a little uncomfortable, so he reached out and adjusted it gently.
"Ahhhh..."
...but what wasn't expected was that a simple action caused Ai Li in the audience to scream loudly.
The music hadn't started yet, but after hearing the screams, Ji Jingyuan adjusted his earphones while turning to look at the fans in the audience. He seemed a little surprised and blinked.
Then, even more excited cheers erupted immediately, as if they could hardly contain themselves before the recording even began.
Maybe these Ai saw them and were really happy.
It's also possible that it's because their styling today is pretty good. This week being the last performance for "Fighting Song", DY didn't have them continue with the MV outfits and hair color. All members were in crisp suits on stage, and besides his dark fitted suit, Ji-won had seemingly ordinary black hair.
The color doesn't seem particularly striking, but after careful styling, paired with his tall figure and suit of the same tone, he looks very comfortable. When he isn't smiling, there is a hint of abstinence in his aura, but when he smiles, it creates a contrasting and approachable feeling. Many fans in the audience were instantly drawn to him after seeing this, some fans locked their eyes on him after scanning around, and it was really hard to look away.
Chi Jingyuan briefly turned his head back, and all the fans in the audience were holding EXO's cheering banners, looking very orderly. In the front row under the stage, he also noticed that several assistants arranged by the company were holding equipment and preparing to shoot their official fan cams.
Hearing the cheers one after another, he couldn't help but laugh out loud. Then, he quickly turned away before the upcoming screams could reach him, but his mood was just as bright and passionate as Alice's.
"Woo~~woo~~woo~~woo~~woo~~"
The director's cue is given, and the music begins. Shedding any extraneous thoughts, Chi Jingyuan immediately enters his zone, reflexively starting to move along with the other members. Facing away from the camera and audience, he rhythmically sways his shoulders, feeling the groove.
"woo~~woo~~woo~~woo~~woo~~"
He quickly reached the groove, skillfully turning his head to look at the audience below and the close-up camera right in front of him. He lightly pursed his lips, but the corners of his mouth were raised just right, looking upwards with a curious expression, his eyes clearly filled with amusement.
He didn't lick his tongue with the teasing meaning like in the MV. That kind of action is fine just once in an MV, but if he were to actually do it on stage in reality, it would indeed feel a bit embarrassing. Plus, doing it every time they perform would make it lose its initial impact. Besides the debut stage, Ji-seong hasn't done that move much anymore.
However, today this casual expression seems to be working quite well too. Several fans in the back have already gotten excited and stood up.
"I'm curious to hear about your day, how are you doing today"
"Oh tell~"
After turning back, he quickly retreated to the next formation position. At the same time, Bian Chengxian's charming opening voice sounded, with a flirtatious tone echoing throughout the arena. He couldn't help but laugh when he heard it.
Every time he heard that voice, he couldn't help but laugh. Just hearing it, he could imagine him making a delicate orchid finger gesture and swaying back and forth coquettishly. As the instigator, Chi Jingyuan would inexplicably feel a sense of absurdity, finding it very amusing.
Who would have thought that Bian Berhen could have such talent
Because he was distracted, when he stepped back, he almost bumped into Kim Jun-myeon who had moved out of the way. The two of them tacitly both sidestepped to let each other pass, then exchanged a glance and smiled at each other before quickly passing by.
Today's fans' support was unexpectedly enthusiastic and powerful. Coupled with the good mood from their performance, the EXO members on stage were obviously very happy and invested. Even though they were holding microphones while dancing, which wasn't very convenient, their dance moves were still very relaxed and free-flowing, clearly enjoying the atmosphere of the performance. Their smiles and interactions were also much more than usual performances.
Under focus and relaxation, the stage effect seemed particularly smooth. In the continuous cheers, the chorus part arrived soon.
"oh~yyy~~oh~yyy~~"
All the fans present let out their voices and, with practiced ease, began to sing along in unison. The sound that erupted for a moment completely drowned out the accompaniment from the speakers.
Because this part was a feat by Seohyun, and it's a female vocal, she wouldn't be on stage during the performances. So, for EXO, if they opened the mic during singing, it would be inconvenient, so from the second music show broadcast onward, all the fans quickly developed an understanding. As soon as it reached that "prat" part in the chorus, everyone would sing along together.
In the whole song, all the "oh~yyy~~" parts are sung by Ji Jingyuan, they don't even need to sing a single word. They just harmonized and danced as backup dancers honestly.
"oh~yyy~~"
"EXO!"
"oh~yyy~~"
"EXO!"
After a chorus, the part after EXO's verses would be followed by cheering chants. Each phrase was shouted out at the highest volume possible, but the Alees seamlessly switched between them with ease. Their synchronization and breathing rate were as if they had received specialized training, reaching a professional level that echoed through the room, leaving even the nearby staff speechless in awe.
《boywithv》's choreography is truly unique, featuring elements like tap-dance inspired quick footwork, continuous wave motions striking themselves, synchronized high kicks from the group, and everyone moving in unison with small side steps while the leader calls out each member. The choreography isn't simply about showing off the members' coolness; every move is eye-catching and presents a lively and playful vibe to the audience.
Coupled with appropriate k expressions and musical melodies, the entire stage effect is very outstanding. Just looking at it makes people feel very relaxed, and their mood easily becomes cheerful.
As the song reached its latter half, with a consecutive rap section, all members stood or squatted in a horizontal line across the stage. Ji-seong, who had no part during this segment, sat squatting on his left side position. He was slightly out of breath from dancing intensely moments before, while lifting his head and looking sideways at Chan-yeol, who was the center (C) and being given close-up shots by the VJ. Ji-seong lightly nodded his head along to the rap rhythm as he enthusiastically watched Chan-yeol’s performance.
It sounds like this guy's rap has improved.
Then Ji Jingyuan's body twisted back, his gaze casually sweeping around the stage, and he happened to meet Wu Shixun standing next to him. It was obvious that the fiery atmosphere today had also made this kid very excited and in a good mood. He winked at Ji Jingyuan and
>>>
He glanced in their direction, and the excited fans surged forward in a wave of cheers. You could clearly see several girls closer to him blushing and jumping excitedly on the spot.
Turning his gaze back, Ji Jingyuan shrugged at Wu Shixun before suddenly bursting into a brilliant smile.
This atmosphere is really great, and even Wu Shixun in his white suit looks a bit cooler.
After hearing the change in rhythm, Ji Jingyuan, who had been taking a brief break, immediately stood up. He followed Wu Shixun and began to move to the center of the stage. As he danced, he held a hand microphone and started to wrap up the entire song.
"Love is nothing stronger."
"EXO! EXO!"
"Thanaboywith~~~Thanaboywithv."
"EXO! EXO!"
Under the cheers of all the audiences, EXO struck the Endgpose, concluding their first stage pre-recording.
>Maybe today's state is really good, there are no obvious mistakes, whether it's the stage effect or the fans' cooperation, it all highlights a smooth and enjoyable performance. In the past, pre-recorded segments that needed to be filmed several times, the program team passed it after watching the filming effect once, not even needing to film again for insurance. EXO, who just stepped on stage not long ago, finished their work today.
After bidding farewell to their reluctant fans, the crowd happily walked backstage. From the midst of the crowd, one could faintly hear the echoes of "welike2party".
"yeah~yeah~yeah~yeah……”
…………
"In two days, do you want to really have a party Go to cb and play together There are several pretty good ones in Itaewon..."
Or go to a KTV and sing some songs...
Just us few
"How is that possible, we have no meaning, why don't we eat snacks in the dormitory... We definitely need to invite some female idols."
After finishing their live broadcast of "Inkigayo," EXO is currently having a meal at a restaurant next to SBS. Ji-sung is quickly scooping up bibimbap with his spoon while listening to the other members excitedly chatting about relaxation and leisure activities.
Although we've been chatting, everyone has kept eating. We have a pretty packed schedule these few days. We need to head to SBS afterwards for two shows and a radio broadcast. We need to go right after we finish eating.
As for Park Chan-ryeol's proposal, Ji Kyeong-won remained noncommittal. He didn't mind, after all; if there was a team activity, he'd just go along with it.
Although the few people sitting beside him were already excitedly discussing which familiar female idols they should invite out to play, Ji Jingyuan, although he listened attentively, remained silent throughout the meal. He ate the fastest, finishing his last bite and taking a sip of water before reaching for napkins to wipe his mouth and distributing one to each person. Then he took out his phone, preparing to check how Ai Li felt about the stage performance of "Inkigayo" that had just aired. Was she satisfied or not
I had just unlocked my phone when I coincidentally received a message.
"BoyWithUve's music is really good, and his live performances are great too."
It's from Zhou Ziyu, she just sent a meaningless sentence.
"Get to the point."
Seeing the message, Chi Jingyuan couldn't help but smirk. With a glance, he saw through her intentions and unceremoniously exposed her attempt to get close to him.
How come there's no progress at all
"Heh heh, it sounds pretty good already... Will you be free on the 14th or 13th"
Her words hinted at some trepidation, as if there was something she was hesitant to speak of.
He only glanced, but Ji Jingyuan was speechless. He looked up at the members' eating progress and quickly tapped the screen with both hands: "What Are you hinting that your birthday is coming again Don't be so obvious! Zhou Tzuyu xi, can you stop pretending to be innocent and cute… I remember."
"What are you talking about That's not true!"
It was obvious that she had been misunderstood. Tzuyu seemed annoyed, and her discontent could be felt even through the screen. She sent two consecutive messages to explain herself:
"My mom's coming to visit me in a couple of days. She said... she wants to treat you to a meal... Um... thank you... Oh, and she said she also brought some specialties from our place to give you."
The fragmented words clearly showed the master's state of psychological conflict, and Chi Jingyuan was also stunned after seeing it.
He wasn't surprised that Zhou Ma knew about his affairs. After all, after getting to know her for so long, he had already sensed that Zhou Tzuyu was a person who cared deeply about her family. In private conversations, she would often talk about interesting things happening at home.
Between the lines, it's clear that she has a great relationship with her family, especially her mother. Every time she talks about her mother, you can tell her age seems to shrink. She loses the maturity and perceptiveness gained from her trainee days and becomes a little girl who misses her family and loves to be spoiled.
He didn't expect Zhou Ma to suddenly want to see him, it was really quite sudden.
"Your mother Come here to have a birthday with you"
"Yeah, she told me the other day... Do you have time... Are you coming"
"Let me take a look..." Chi Jingyuan slid his screen, preparing to check the itinerary in his notepad. He just clicked it open when he immediately remembered the important event in two days.
“We leave Seoul on the 11th, and we have two concerts in Taipei on the 12th and 13th. After that, there should be some related activities. We estimate that we will be back around the 15th or 16th.”
Of course, it's not made up, but a precise schedule. EXO has been practicing for this for quite some time; they just didn't react right away a moment ago.
Chi Jingyuan didn't have any objections to Zhou Ma's initiative to meet. He thought that if the other party knew him and his daughter had such a friend, it would be quite normal for her to take such action. He didn't feel awkward about having a meal together either.
It's not like she's my girlfriend or anything, nor am I meeting her mother. It's just a casual dinner with friends and their families, accepting their gratitude is all.
It's a pity that the travel schedule just missed it.
"Oh, I see. I'll tell her."
After reading the reply, Zhou Ziyu typed back, but a small knot formed in her heart.
Mingming had actually been hesitant to tell Chi Jingyuan about this before, but after the other party really said they didn't have time, she let out a soft breath and unexpectedly felt a faint sense of loss and a strange complexity of emotions.
"I've been really busy these two days, let's do it next time. When your aunt comes again, I'll treat you all to a meal... Oh, what are you free to do these two days I'll give you the gift before I leave."
Seeing Chi Jingyuan's message that came shortly after, it seemed like he had sensed the meaning behind her words. Zhou Tzuyu blinked her eyes and her mood brightened quickly.
She pursed her lips and typed: "I usually have time for dinner after practice in the afternoon... What's the gift"
"Guess!"
Zhou Tzuyu looked up at the ceiling, thinking of several possibilities. As she thought about it, a smile spread across her face, revealing her cute canine teeth with anticipation.
I can't guess!
"That is what you need most right now."
Seeing this prompt, Zhou Tzuyu immediately grinned and began to think in that direction. Her bright eyes rolled around a few times, but then quickly seemed to have thought of something. Her brow furrowed suddenly, the expectant smile on her face vanished in an instant, and even her fingers tapping on the screen became noticeably more forceful:
"You want to say I'm black... How can you be so hateful"
(
)
First Release on繁體小說網im Taeyeon's childish appearance, Ji Kyeong-won and Kim Hee-chul looked at each other and smiled.This sister, in her usual activities or when facing outsiders, always has a strong aura and presence. S...