Chapter 66: Dumped

n drama. Even the production cost was tight, and there wasn't much promotion. Compared to other major channels with numerous hit dramas during the summer season, it wasn't taken seriously at all.The m...The sound wasn't sudden. It seemed to have been there, on and off, before they arrived, only becoming audible as they drew closer.

Besides some choked sobs, there were also words that sounded like comfort, soft and low. Even in the quiet surroundings, they were hard to hear clearly.

But Chi Jingyuan listened to a couple of these sounds, and felt they didn't sound like the language spoken locally on the Peninsula. Instead, it sounded a bit like the pronunciation from Neon Country.

He and Kim Taeyeon exchanged glances and both furrowed their brows.

There must be something going on if there's so much commotion. If it were ordinary people, they probably wouldn't be able to resist the urge to join in and see what was happening. But as idols, we try to avoid getting involved in these kinds of situations in private. One wrong move could lead to negative repercussions for us. Even if we're curious inside, we usually suppress our desire to join the crowd and try to stay out of it.

However, that road conveniently leads to the parking lot. Taking another path would require us to walk a long way back.

They looked at each other, Chi Jingyuan lightly tapped his chin, and they both pretended not to hear as they continued walking forward.

After a while, Chi Jingyuan finally saw the source of the sounds and commotion. However, when he saw the familiar faces, his heart couldn't help but sink.

Three girls were sitting on the roadside not far ahead to the right. At a glance, Chi Jingyuan recognized all three profiles. They were exactly the three neon trainees from JYP that he had met several times before. It also matched the Japanese voices he had just heard.

Pingi Momoko is sitting in the middle, her legs together and her hands covering half her face as she sobs. Her cries are likely coming from her. Meanwhile, Mizaki Sazanami and Naminame are on either side, huddled close together whispering something to each other. On the left, Mizaki Sazanami even gently pats Pingi Momoko's back in a comforting gesture.

A sense of absurdity and surprise welled up in him. Pool Jingyuan really didn't expect to run into these people here, at this time, especially Ming Yinan. It felt like he could see her anywhere. This left Pool Jingyuan speechless and unsure what to say.

Apart from that, it was also because of several too coincidental encounters. A strange feeling arose in my heart inexplicably, a tingling sensation, like a feather scratching at my heart.

Upon closer inspection, I saw several empty beer cans lying at their feet. Some were unopened, while others were finished and lay scattered on the ground, tilted precariously. The chaotic scene reflected their current state of mind.

I don't know how many people have become adults yet, and where they got the beer.

After a glance, Kim Tae-yeon withdrew her gaze and buried her head, walking straight ahead for fear of being recognized. Meanwhile, Ji Kyoung-won, after recognizing several people, didn't say anything. He simply adjusted his baseball cap and walked alongside her.

Although it was a coincidence, they weren't very familiar with each other. He knew Namine pretty well, so he didn't plan to say hello proactively. He just wanted to act like a stranger and walk past them.

Moreover, Chi Jingyuan felt that these girls probably wouldn't want to be seen in this awkward and private situation.

The two of them walked forward as if they hadn't seen each other, but the sobs were very clear here, and their footsteps were still so audible. The heavy footsteps were getting closer, directly silencing Tai Mo Ping's crying. She just didn't raise her head, while the two people beside her looked in the direction of the sound.

Two figures, one tall and one short, gradually walked closer. They didn't look over here but walked forward naturally, both wearing masks. However, Nami only glanced at them, her gaze circling the tall boy's hat and shoulder bag before finally settling on the eyebrows visible beneath the brim of the hat. Her eyes widened suddenly, her heart skipped a beat, and she immediately recognized it as Jingyuan Chi.

Although it's not very late, this place is already quite remote.

How could he be here

Could it be this coincidental

Who is that over there

She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but in an instant, astonishment spread across her whole body, and for a moment, she didn't know what to say.

Mizuki Asahina blinked on the left, only feeling that the man in front of her had a rather familiar feeling. She glanced at Nanami's expression from the corner of her eye, her eyes fixed on the half-exposed face and the hat above it, and suddenly understood.

Then, as if by reflex, she stood up with a jerk, her body tilting downward like she was about to bow. However, just as she opened her mouth and started to move, she stopped again: “Yuan-senpai, Aniha…”

She stopped because she sensed that the two of them didn't seem interested in talking to her. They hadn't even looked over when they heard her crying.

He thought to himself that he was getting a little ahead of himself. If he had seen through it just now, Kosaki Saki wouldn't have proactively greeted him at this time.

Kim Taeyeon just gave up, but Park Jung-won originally thought that since they were wearing masks and he was wearing a hat, as long as he didn't take the initiative to greet them and slipped away from the side, there wouldn't be much impact.

However, he really didn't expect it. He disguised himself very well, but he was still recognized at first glance.

"Well, hello..."

Pool View stopped his steps and looked over. He immediately met Nanakusa Minami's eyes, her soft long hair framing a pair of clear and surprised eyes that were very striking. Beside her, Asahina Sazuka seemed a little uneasy, as if she sensed that her own initiative to speak was a bit inappropriate.

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“Why do we still need to be so formal Are you guys this polite in private, too” Seeing her gesture, Ji Jingyuan took off his mask. Even though he was at ease inside, a smile appeared on his face. He casually waved his hand, indicating not to make such a fuss about formalities, and switched to Japanese to greet them.

His naturalness and approachability made the somewhat flustered Minori Kazumi relax her breath. She didn't smile, but her eyes curved as she looked at him. Meanwhile, Namiki Nanami, who was about to bow, and Momo Hina, who had been bowing her head in sadness, both looked up. Momo stopped her movement of standing up with red eyes.

Your friend

Jin Tae-yeon, who was about to walk straight past, came to a halt. Though she didn't understand Japanese, she understood the greeting and stopped in her tracks, looking left and right with surprise as she stared at Ji-yeong.

"Um..."

It's not really that much.

Hearing this question, Chi Jingyuan thought to himself, but he glanced at Minami. After seeing the other person's expression and eyes, he didn't say much, just nodded: "That's right, these are some JYP trainees I met while participating in a JYP program before."

He gave a simple explanation, but there was no indication of introducing each other.

"Well, you sure have a wide circle of friends... But they all seem to have something in common."

When Kim Taeyeon heard this, she glanced at the three people, then looked at Ji-seung with strange eyes. She looked left and right, and said something sarcastically, sneering at him before taking off half of her mask and greeting the three of them proactively: "Hello!"

Seeing three people recognize her, she was surprised and quickly wanted to stand up to salute and greet them. She waved her hand casually: "It's alright, there's no need for such formalities with Jingyuan's relatives."

But today he didn't say much either. He then looked at Chi Jingyuan and pointed his chin forward: "Then I'll leave first"

"Chi Jingyuan shrugged. He was recognized, and once someone greeted him, he naturally had to say a few polite words."

Kim Taeyeon gave the three trainees a strange final look with her eyes, waved at Ji Kyeong-won, and left with a, "Remember to check what I gave you." She then stomped away on her short legs, not wanting to stay for even a second longer.

She had absolutely no interest in these female trainees. If Park Kyung-won hadn't said they were his friends, she wouldn't even have bothered to say hello.

Four people watched her leave, and after the sound of her footsteps faded, they looked at each other. A few girls lowered their heads first, as if returning to their previous state, appearing listless and silent for a moment.

Because business was slow, only a few shops on either side of the alley were still open. The glow of their incandescent lights was somewhat glaring in the night sky. In the distance, a shop owner forcefully pulled down a rolling shutter, breaking the silence of the night with an earsplitting sound.

Another store has gone out of business.

"What is this"

Seeing the state of these people, especially Pingmei Tao who was crying with short gasps and not even lifting her head, Chi Jingyuan quickly made his own judgment after thinking for a moment. Since they weren't going to practice or rest in their dorm at night, but ran to this secluded place with alcohol, there were only two possibilities...

He glanced around, and tentatively asked the guess he thought most likely:

"Dumped"

"Hearing that word, Ming Nan suddenly faltered, wanting to laugh but holding back. She glanced at Chi Jingyuan and hurriedly spoke in a soft voice: "No..."

It's rather surprising that some people would associate the concept of a speechless pool with this kind of speculation. However, I can't help but feel that this situation with Momoko Tai is somewhat similar right now.

"Oh."

Nodding, Chi Jingyuan immediately understood. Looking at Hiroi Momo who was staring blankly ahead without speaking, he paused for a moment: "Could it be that...she was eliminated"

When these words were uttered, the entire scene fell silent. Even the choked sobs ceased.

At one look at their reactions, Jingyuan knew he was right. Even though Asahina Kuzuki and Taiga Himekawa seemed quiet, Nanami Minase secretly lifted her head and exchanged a glance with him, confirming his guess.

Although it was a surprise and a delight to run into Chi Jingyuan here, returning to reality brought mostly sadness and worry.

Ki-jeong's guess was right. The reason they appeared here today is because this episode of "Sixteen" was being recorded. After several rounds of competition and selection, as a member of their Japanese group, Momoko Hirano was eliminated.

Because of various reasons, several Japanese trainees from JYP started forming cliques as soon as they joined the company. For example, Mizaki Sashu and Iwai Momoko even entered JYP together through a joint program on the peninsula. And, Mimai Nan was also absorbed into the smaller group shortly after joining the company.

They were already very familiar with each other and had a good relationship. After the three of them were selected for , they even privately thought about debuting together and supporting each other. However, they didn't expect that halfway through the show, one of them would be eliminated.

Ideals and reality are so fragile when compared. The beautiful fantasies that we had, they were shattered like bubbles very soon after they formed.

And what's even more unexpected is that it was Momoko Taira who got eliminated. Her skills were considered very good among the trainees. Her singing might have been a bit lacking, but her dancing was definitely among the top. Her sudden elimination is truly hard to accept.

When P.K was just announced during the recording of the show, Nami Minato and Sakura Minakata couldn't hold back their tears on camera, and after the filming ended, they were also sad for a while. After seeing Momoko Taira who couldn't stop crying, they even went out together in the evening to comfort her. Momoko Taira had already had some drinks at the restaurant before coming out. As she walked, here she probably thought of something and broke down again, emotionally out of control. The two could only sit beside her and comfort her until now.

"It shouldn't be like that. I think you dance really well, and you stand out among so many trainees. How could it be you who was eliminated..."

Although he had guessed it, Ji Jingyuan was a little puzzled. As someone who had served as a judge before, he had a general impression of the level and quality of the trainees on . Besides some outstanding ones like Lim Na-yeon, although Pingi Taome didn't say she was amazing, at least she could be ranked among the better ones.

If he were to give an evaluation, no matter how harsh, it wouldn't reach her.

"...Mikoto Minami and Sumiya Natsuko looked at each other, pursed their lips, and didn't know how to answer. In fact, the two of them were quite puzzled, and even if they had some guesses in their hearts, it was not appropriate to say them at this time."

"Isn't it just the company playing favorites Where am I weaker than her Where do I jump worse than her Every PK, she deliberately chooses me to lose. The first time was like this, and the last time too. This time, she directly eliminated me. Every time the standards are different. There are so many people weaker than me, but they're still here…"

Just now, she had been softly sobbing, burying her head in her legs. Even when she saw Ikejiri Kenzou and Kim Tae-yeon, she didn't react much. However, upon hearing this word 'elimination', it seemed to have triggered something within her. She suddenly burst out, a little out of control, angrily blaming the company. At the end, while sobbing with grievances, she also lifted her foot and stomped the ground forcefully, who knows if this kick was for someone in particular.

What she said was all in Japanese, and because she was emotionally unstable her words seemed to carry the slang from some unknown region of Japan. She cried and scolded, and even Chi Jingyuan couldn't quite understand what she was saying.

Though her anger and sadness were evident, it was through her tone of voice, the occasional slips into dialect, and that final, forceful kick.

Although he looked pitiful, the two friends beside him quickly comforted him in low Japanese. To be honest, however, Ji Jingyuan felt a sense of calm inside.

Whether he was "eliminated" or "favored," he had almost never experienced this kind of thing before.

I can't empathize.

And actually, he wasn't very familiar with the other person. If it had been Zhou Tzuyu, or even Mina, he probably would have reacted and considered comforting them a little.

Seeing the three members of Neon, huddled together and with their spirits visibly downcast, Ji Jingyuan seemed to understand how they were feeling.

Speaking of which, it seems the last time cb came was just these three people. It's quite a coincidence, isn't it

After a few minutes, the cries gradually subsided, leaving only a faint whimper. Minasaki Sashina thoughtfully held oo, and even Nam井 Nan seemed to be affected, her eyes red and watery, wiping her tears with her hand. She would occasionally raise her head pitifully with a pout before quickly looking down and snuffling.

"If we're eliminated... it's really a pity, but it doesn't mean there's no chance of debuting at all." He sighed inwardly and looked at the dejected few. After thinking for a moment, he still opened his mouth and said two sentences: "JYP's next girl group will probably be in three or four years. If you can wait, I think you have a good chance. But if you can't wait, it's not just JYP. You can try other companies. I think with your skills, there shouldn't be any problems."

His voice caught the attention of several people. Sana and A both watched him with expectant lips, and even Hiroi Momoko, who had been crying silently without raising her head, stopped and looked over with a parted mouth and swollen eyes.

“If you're just waiting for an opportunity, that's fine. But if you're thinking of switching companies, I suggest you talk to your JYP manager before you leave. See what other plans or arrangements the company has for you. Make sure there's no hope left before considering a change.”

Chi Jingyuan offered his opinions as an industry insider.

Trainees aren't fixed. Some stay in a company for a long time without getting or waiting for their debut opportunity, then switch companies and debut right away. It's not like you have to put all your eggs in one basket.

According to Pinai Tao, he still has some talent. If he joins a smaller company, there's a chance he could still make his debut.

It's estimated that the three-person Japanese idol group is going to disband, and they probably all feel some regret and sadness inside.

Hearing that Ke Jingyuan was earnestly giving her advice, his gentle voice seemed to soothe some of the grievance in her heart. Pingjing Tao suddenly remembered the other person's identity and quickly bowed her head with a sniffle, saying, "Arigato..."

After she finished speaking, she hesitated for a moment, as if realizing she had used the wrong language. She hurriedly bowed again and repeated: "Konnichiwa."

As soon as she finished speaking, she remembered that the other party had just been speaking Japanese fluently and naturally. There was no problem communicating at all. She hesitated for a moment, unsure what language would be more appropriate.

"Hehehe..."

I couldn't help but smile a little. Ji Jingyuan took out his phone to check the time and didn't stay any longer. With their relationship, giving a suggestion and offering a little comfort was enough.

The remaining time should be left for these few friends to chat with each other and experience the feeling of failure and elimination.

Actually, it's quite beneficial for growth and resilience. No matter what, you still have to accept reality.

After he laughed, he waved his hand and said, "Alright, you guys consider it yourselves. I'm going first."

After finishing his words, he turned to leave. His gaze lingered on Minami Mei for a moment as if he was about to say something. However, catching sight of the two girls beside her, he paused briefly before deciding against it. He waved his hand, pulled his shoulder bag closer, and with farewells like "goodbye" and "see you later, senior," from the three people watching him, he turned and quickly left.

Her gaze lingered on Chi Jingyuan's receding figure disappearing into the darkness. The three neon girls' eyes followed in that direction for a few seconds before finally turning away, glancing at each other and pursing their lips.

"What a coincidence." Mizusaki Sashara saw that Hirano Momo might have heard some of Ikedo Gen's words, her emotions eased a little, and she showed a slight smile, taking the initiative to break the awkward atmosphere.

"Yeah."

Naomi sighed, though her heart was a little disappointed and sad.

She is a girl with intense emotions. She was truly heartbroken when her best friend was eliminated. Just now, she was affected by the atmosphere and cried softly for a while. It's not something that can be overcome in just two or three sentences.

...But I was disappointed because I ran into Ji Jingyuan, but besides a few eye contacts throughout the whole time, we didn't say much to each other. Even when we said goodbye in the end, there wasn't anything special either.

I thought that after several text message chats, she and the other person's relationship had become closer.

“It's getting late, let's go home early and be careful. There wasn't even any talk like that…”

Remembering the scene just now when the other party left, Minami Namiki said in a low voice, with a hint of dissatisfaction.

I casually said a few words to Kasazaki Sumi, and suddenly I felt a jolt in my lower back. I changed my position, spreading my legs that were hugging my chest, and took out my phone from my pocket.

She clicked it open and saw the sender's message, just a few short words. Mingnan was taken aback, lightly biting her lower lip.

"Reply to dormitory."

First published on the Traditional Chinese Novel Networkut what he said sounded somewhat immature and childish."How are you talking to me like you're comforting a child" She glanced at him, her lips pursing."A little romantic, isn't it What else could I sa...