Chapter 35: Mini Second Return

iffer somewhat. The laziness and sarcasm he displays are quite different from his sunny smile and approachable demeanor."It's probably so..."Finally, Sunny smirked and nodded reluctantly."So, let's do...Peninsula asteroid

Soon, Ji-yeong and Se Hun changed their clothes and walked out from backstage, standing in the middle of the stage. Park Chan-wook chuckled and moved to the side.

Before, Chi Jingyuan wore a suit set. Now, he has replaced it with a black short-sleeved tailored suit. He is not wearing a tie or buttoning up his jacket, letting the edges drape loosely on both sides to reveal a pure white shirt underneath.

Wu Shixun standing next to him was also in a suit, but his lining was black, and he buttoned it up to distinguish the two.

They stood in the center of the stage, glanced at each other, pouted slightly, took a deep breath and lowered their heads.

All the audience members below were also very excited, watching the two youngest members on stage who had just come of age. Their expressions were full of anticipation.

As the accompaniment began, the familiar prelude echoed into everyone's ears. Hearing it, fans in the audience all screamed with delight. This melody was simply too familiar and beloved.

Pu Zhiyin's "Coming-of-Age Ceremony".

Park Ji-yun is a female singer who debuted in 1997. She is considered the senior sister of JYP Entertainment and was quite popular at the turn of the century. This song, "Coming-of-Age Ceremony," is her most well-known song.

Because the song title and lyrics are very fitting, many female idols will choose to perform this song when they come of age or on special stages. Over the years it has remained popular, and you can almost always see it performed every year.

But the point is, this is a girl group song.

The reason for this stage is that a staff member from s company, who was in charge of planning the birthday party, suggested it recently. They hoped to have a special stage prepared by Ji Jingyuan to give back to the fans attending. After much deliberation, they chose this song "Coming-of-Age Ceremony". They said that this song is very appropriate for a coming-of-age birthday party and that Ji Jingyuan's version will definitely give fans a big surprise.

The girl group's song repertoire includes many dances, such as "GEE" and "Tell Me Your Wish," but the choreography in this song "Coming-of-Age Ceremony" is something that men really couldn't pull off.

But what the others said also made sense, and after some persuasion he agreed. However, he made some significant changes to the original choreography, removing some moves that were specific to girl groups, and also got his birthday boy from last month, Woo Se-hoon, involved.

"Don't hesitate any longer."

Just as you wait, I also wait for today.

As expected, the moment the music started, the two began to move, and the fans below immediately went wild. Their screams rose and fell continuously without a break, they were incredibly excited while watching the two on stage with great surprise.

Fans certainly understand that this stage was specially prepared for them.

On stage, the two men in suits danced to a sensual piece like "Coming-of-Age." Especially Park Kyung-won, looked very handsome under the fitted suit.

But because of this song, he couldn't laugh. He kept a serious face, but his movements were actually very teasing and suggestive. The strong contrast made the fans below blush, wishing they could rush up and hug him.

Exo's choreography since their debut has always been cool and intense. The dance for songs without accompanying music is more alluring.

The newly edited dance pool scene felt a bit awkward, and the original version even more so.

It seems the original choreography was still done by Park Jin-young himself. I don't know how he came up with that sexy and alluring choreography in the original version. Ji-Seung Kim can hardly imagine what it would be like to see Park Jin-young performing "Coming of Age."

Just the thought of Pak Je-yeong, with his apelike face raised high, twisting his hands in the air, sent a jolt through him.

This special performance directly blew the roof off the venue. Even after the stage ended, the heated atmosphere lingered throughout the audience seats, refusing to dissipate. All the fans who received birthday party tickets truly felt incredibly lucky.

Then came the cake-cutting ceremony. K-team members, led by Kim Junmyeon, pushed a cart with a cake onto the stage. After cutting the cake, everyone immediately started playing around, smearing cream on each other amidst cheers from the fans below. Everyone's face was covered in white whipped cream, looking quite messy and comical. Amidst the laughter, the gift-giving ceremony began.

After handing out pre-prepared small gifts to the audience members, they took a brief bow before retreating backstage for a quick face wash and then performed one final special act, “eedu” on stage.

All in attendance were EXO fans, and they naturally all knew about the sound source leak incident. They had basically all seen the leaked video, but how could the blurry resolution and watered-down movements compare to the carefully prepared stage performance live

Although the music is exactly the same, it gives people completely different feelings.

The entire party reached its peak when the music of "" started playing at the end. This was probably the song's first official live performance.

After the stage concluded, the hour-long birthday celebration was nearing its end. Pool Keung Yuen bowed to all his fans goodbye. However, as soon as he turned around to leave for backstage, the entire audience erupted in cries of "Hajima!" and "Don't go!". The heartfelt and earnest pleas, almost bordering on tears, made it quite difficult for him to handle.

Chi Jingyuan thought for a moment, then picked up the microphone again to chat with them for a while. Finally, they took a group photo before officially ending the meeting.

"Bro, how's it going"

Backstage, Chi Jingyuan panted and asked Li Chenghuan, who had been watching the whole time.

“It was really great, the atmosphere throughout the entire event was very warm and cozy. This is definitely the best atmosphere for a birthday party.” Lee Seong-hwan took a bottle of drink, twisted it open, and handed it over, sighing: “Wow, Kyung-won, you’re really good to your fans. The fans who came today are really lucky.”

"An idol's job is just this..."

Chi Jingyuan took a large gulp, licked his lips and said matter-of-factly.

“The company's VJ has filmed the whole birthday party, and the final 'eedu' stage will probably be edited and released online. The rest might not be released until later.”

Lee Seung-hwan passed a few bottles of water to the other members beside him, not stopping his chatter: “But we haven’t forbidden filming on site. There might be fancams uploaded online later.”

"Wow, Jingyuan and Sehun, you two really dance well! Even I, a guy, watching from the side felt my heart skip a beat." Park Chan-yeol took a swig of water then smirked wickedly as he leaned over to grip Ji Changwook's shoulder.

He gave him a sideways glance, Chi Jingyuan remaining noncommittal.

It might be pretty cool looking, but the person jumping looks pretty embarrassing.

"It's really good, especially the sense of contrast."

Kim Jong-in also came over at this time. He has always liked this style of dance: “When are we going to choreograph something like this”

"Don't, I think our sensual style should be discussed in two years." Wu Shixun quickly spoke up: "The style of 'eedu' is particularly good, Jingyuan's choreography is also great, it's much better than something like 'Coming-of-Age',"

After finishing watering the plants, Lee Seong-hwan went outside to greet someone and then came back in, clapping his hands loudly.

Alright, everyone get ready, we're going to eat.

"Nothing else to do this evening, go back and rest early. Busy tomorrow."

………………

All the way, Ji Chang Wook's phone never stopped buzzing. He received well wishes from all his friends, including some close friends like Jung Eunji and some seniors he knew but wasn't very familiar with, like Lim Yoona.

IU is really interesting. From the time she got to know Ji Sung-won, every festival and holiday has been properly celebrated without going overboard, and they haven't gotten too close either. It's just the kind of casual greetings you would exchange with acquaintances, not overly enthusiastic but very enduring.

The way this kind of relationship is built and maintained makes people unwittingly develop a good impression of her. For example, even though Ji Jingyuan isn't very close to her, he feels that she's a really nice person, and it's not because she's beautiful.

At the same time, it's impossible that only one person would do this with IU. It's probably like this with all her friends she knows and is close to. She's really amazing.

No wonder she is popular and well-liked.

Besides receiving messages, a few closer relatives called directly. While the other members were chatting in the private room, Ji Jingyuan went out and took several calls after finishing his meal.

For example, this call that is currently in progress.

"Ah, Ji Jingyuan, all of us celebrated our birthdays before yours, inviting you to join. But you… snored… didn't even have a private party for your birthday Especially on such an important day like turning an adult"

Kim Taeyeon's interrogation over the phone was fierce, but halfway through she stopped as if thirsty or something, took a sip of her drink. The sound of the liquid rushing up the straw and friction with the air was very clear, adding a touch of comedy to her stern questioning, diminishing her senior aura instantly.

"Nana, weren't you Girls' Generation on a Japan tour Even if I threw a private party, you wouldn't be able to come."

Chi Jingyuan found a secluded spot in the corridor and smiled into the phone as he replied.

He's not really into hosting private parties. He has many close friends who are good friends with Ji Jingyuan, and if he were to have a gathering, he'd definitely invite them all so as not to appear biased. However, they didn't know each other before, which would be quite awkward and troublesome.

And some people still prefer not to meet each other.

"What's our relationship, anyway If you threw a birthday party, we'd definitely fly back from Japan to give you face. I don't have any concerts these days and I'm resting... Pani already flew back, right..."

"Besides, it's just a few hours on a plane, we'll be there soon, right Sunny... "Kim Taeyeon patted her chest emphatically, stating that she and Ji Kyeong-won were really close. If it happened, she would definitely make time to come back. To increase her credibility, she even specifically asked Lee Seong-gwi, who should be beside her.

But soon, a lazy voice came through the phone: "

"If you want to go, go ahead. I don't have the time for this, and it's not my concern..."

"You..."

Ji-yeong smiled, an image flashing before her eyes: Lee Sun-gu sprawled beside her, playing on his phone with a deadpan stare aimed at Kim Taeyeon's artwork. She also saw Tae-yeon, choked by the sudden burst of laughter, unable to utter a single word.

"Oh! If she doesn't go, I'll go! I'll go by myself!"

After a few seconds of stunned silence, Taeyeon let out a furious roar, her voice thick with anger as she emphasized into the phone, “Kyungwon, do you know now which Sooyoung truly cares for you”

"Inside, I felt it completely."

Ji-yeong chuckled, "Taeyeon unnie is like the sun, shining on me. I'm even a little regretful that I didn't throw a party."

"Ho ho ho, just know that. When we get back, Nunna will call you for a drink...."

Kim Taeyeon giggled happily, but her words were cut short by Sunny's dismissive voice beside her: "With your pathetic alcohol tolerance, you dare ask Jungwon to drink Are you planning to get drunk in one gulp and pass out there, needing someone to carry you home Don't try to be so sly. At your age, you're getting more shameless by the day."

"Hey, Lee Soon-kyu, are you out of your mind Are you looking for a fight today"

Ji Jingyuan only heard Kim Taeyeon's roar, followed by a second of silence. Sunny didn't reply but possibly used her eyes to attack. Then there were the sounds of the two fighting, with various cushions and pillows being thrown at each other. The muffled sounds of impact intertwined.

Now even the phone is unknown if it's still in Kim Tae-yeon's hands.

After a while, Kim Taeyeon gasped for breath and said into the phone again, "Jeong-won ah, wait for me to go back and call you, happy adulting! Happy birthday!"

"By the way, also look forward to XO's comeback!"

"Inner, Nuna Kong Samida."

Chi Jingyuan readily agreed and hung up the phone after thanking them. He estimated that the two sisters' fight would continue for a while longer.

I wonder who would win in a fight, Kim Taeyeon or Lee Sun-kyul...

It feels like it should be Lee Sun-gyu.

However, Girls' Generation has been around for many years, and there have definitely been all sorts of competition and conflicts within the group. After going through so much, it's really enviable that these two sisters can still get along so easily in private, playfully teasing each other.

As he was thinking, Chi Jingyuan prepared to return to the private room. However, he had only taken two steps when he received another phone call.

He looked down at the phone, connected it, said a few words, nodded, then hung up and returned to the private room.

………………

Near Dongdaemun, Ji-won and Soo-jeong stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. They walk side by side, following the clear stream, listening to the gentle murmur of water and the cool night breeze. The tranquility brings a sense of peace and delight.

Cheonggyecheon Stream is a long stream located within Seoul. It extends from Gwangwhamun Square to Dongdaemun. The sidewalks along the stream are a popular place for citizens to relax and take walks in the evenings. In summer, there are often exciting performances on the path.

But now it was nearly morning time. Looking down the corridor, there were hardly any people left. After a while, only a few figures would pass by occasionally.

I thought you'd take me straight to that apartment.

Jung So-jung was wearing a white shirt and jeans, with a light-colored jacket over it for warmth at night. Her long, straight black hair fell from both sides of her head, her gaze returning from the flowing stream. A pair of eyes blinked in the darkness, gazing at Ki Cheong-won.

Just now, while having dinner, Jung Soo-jeong called to ask for a meeting. After thinking about it, Ji-seong agreed and met her here. He finished his meal, told his agency representative that he would be back in a moment, and then took a car here.

"Because...we haven't seen each other in a few days, I wanted to talk and walk with you. Going there directly this time isn't very appropriate."

Chi Jingyuan tilted his head and looked at her: "Next time, but if you're really in a hurry..."

"Go to hell."

Without finishing her words, Jung Seo-jung, wearing white canvas shoes, lifted one foot and kicked Chikyeongwon on the calf. However, she probably controlled her strength, it was just a tickling sensation.

Zheng Xiu-jing gave him a withering glance, smoothed her hair in feigned anger, but a hint of a smile played at the corners of her mouth.

He wasn't wrong either. Although the two often greeted each other at the company, they hadn't spent dedicated time together for over a month. The last time was at the beginning of April.

I heard that Jung Soo-jeong is really busy lately.

"Has your reality show finished filming yet"

Kicking aside a stone blocking the way, Chi Jingyuan asked a question.

"Do you know I'm filming a reality show" Jung Soo-jung looked over with some surprise.

"You're not talking nonsense, are you You don't think I won't pay attention to you just because we can't see each other"

"Cut it out, do you need to pay attention"

She hummed softly and gave him a withering look, saying, "Besides, it wasn't some kind of reality show," It was a special project from the company. Oni and I filmed it together. If the results are good, there might even be a second season, and maybe we could keep going like that. The name is..."

“Jessica, AP, AP, AP, Krystal.”

Chi Jingyuan interrupted her, glancing over with a smirk: “You don’t really think I don’t know, do you Premiere on the third of next month, right”

"This is inside."

Cici gave a crisp response, Zheng Xiujing looked over sweetly and after staring at Ji-seong for two eyes, she thought for a moment and said: "We're almost finished filming the first episode, and in the future plans, every episode will have relatives and friends as guests. Would you like to come once too"

“Line What’s the content”

"It's just that we came to the program group's rented residence for a visit, had some food and chatted." Jung Show-jung explained with a smile.

"It sounds pretty boring."

Ji Jingyuan raised his eyes and thought about the scene, feeling it was quite uninteresting: "You're not someone who likes to speak in front of the camera, and I heard that your oppa is also like that. Will the variety show you two film together be interesting"

Of course, many fans really want to see me and Oni doing activities together. You don't know how popular the news of jap;ap;ap;ap;k was after it came out...

Jeong Se-jung gave him an annoyed glare, but she seemed to have thought of something and pursed her lips: "But you'd better not go. I feel like if we're not careful, my unnie might notice us. She has sharp eyes."

"Are you so afraid of your unnie"

"It's not that I'm afraid..."

Two people walked slowly forward, the faint sound of the wind and water blending together in a constant melody. Under the yellow light, two shadows overlapped.

Chi Jingyuan thinks that taking such a leisurely stroll is really quite nice.

"We're about to go back to work soon. We've been busy preparing for an album and filming variety shows lately. Sometimes we're so busy that we can't even eat properly."

When will you return

"It'll probably be early July, the exact date isn't set yet... But this album preparation hasn't been very smooth. Because of some things, the main song lyrics have changed a lot and the style is quite strange. I feel like the main song isn't very popular, and the styling is also very unique."

"How peculiar You wouldn't wear an eyepatch and pretend to be a pirate, would you"

"How do you know I'll be wearing an eye mask"

"That's...quite peculiar, isn't it" Chi Jingyuan blinked. He hadn't meant to say anything serious; he just blurted it out, yet somehow it turned out to be true.

He turned his head to look at Jeong Seow-jung, his eyes seeming to picture what it would look like if the white face in front of him were wearing a black half-eye mask.

This design is truly something an average company couldn't come up with, I guess S is up to their usual conceptual shenanigans again.

"You'll know when the time comes..."

Zheng Xiujing pouted and turned her head away, not letting him look at her. Then she kicked her foot and continued, “ …The other day the company got me an audition opportunity for the female lead in a television drama. It's Ra's first TV drama after his discharge, and I heard the competition is very fierce.”

What's your name

"As for me, I think "The One Who's Adorable to Me," penned by Lu Zhixue, is quite interesting. I have gotten a portion of the script and find it very engaging."

"Which TV station... has a greater chance of getting the role"

"It's SBS, my manager said it's pretty big. The company connections at SBS are already really good to begin with, and plus because of our drama 'The Heirs' last year being so popular, I got a lot of exposure as well. Lee Bo-na's role received a lot of praise, making my resume look much better. Speaking of which, I have to thank you, Kim Tan xi."

"Didn't you already thank me"

"What do you mean... are you saying, ah!"

He slapped her forcefully, and Jung Soo-jung's face was a little flushed.

"If that wasn't a thank you before, how about another one now"

Chi Jingyuan stopped and turned back, smiling down at her.

"Didn't you just say you were going back to the dormitory later" Jung So-jung tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked up, her eyes glistening.

"As you said, it's just a matter of waiting a little while, right"

…………

Last night, both Ji-sung and Se-jung didn't do much. After getting back in the car and cuddling for a while, he sent her home. Ji-sung also returned to EXO's dorm.

The day before yesterday, he had stayed out all night once already, and now he was returning very soon. Even if his manager didn't say anything, Chi Jingyuan wasn't too keen on doing this again.

Anyway, there are plenty of opportunities. He's not someone who gets easily excited about them.

On May 14th, EXO-K held their second mini album comeback showcase at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul. Meanwhile, EXO members in China also held a comeback showcase at the Mercedes-Benz Culture Center at the same time.

Actually, the company's original plan was for a 12-member showcase comeback, both in Seoul and in Xia Guo.

But later, because of time and location issues, the focus changed. And this time, with Xia Guo's return to the scene, the reaction was incredibly intense. Even before an official announcement, they were completely overwhelmed these past few days and couldn't spare any time to come over.

It seems that Bian Baekhyun and Kim Junmyeon joined SBS's "Inkigayo" as fixed MCs in February. Recently, they have had to take leave from the show because they are unable to return.

Since their debut, EXO has held numerous showcases, and everything went smoothly. After the opening performance, the six members of KAI stood on stage, introduced themselves, and then started chatting. They played a few small games in between to liven up the atmosphere. Finally, they ended the stage with a performance of their title song, "Overdose."

Apart from the blurry image that wasn't leaked, this is the official first public reveal of exo's title song stage.

The on-site audience of tens of thousands responded with great enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere comparable to a concert. At the end, there were even shouts of "Encore".

It's a shame that there was no encore at this showcase.

One night has passed, and it's May 15th. The mini album is released, the audio source v is public, and EXO-K's two teams officially return in both countries.

This novel is first published by [繁體小說網]er didn't dare to be too presumptuous in front of them. He quickly took out his watch and glanced at it.After a while, no one spoke, as if hesitating."It's best to sign up for something you're most sk...