Chapter 72: Concert
tilting his head to meet his eyes.Chi Jingyuan twitched the corner of his mouth, picked up his chopsticks and continued eating, choosing to temporarily retreat.In this matter, he was indeed a bit outm...“Are you changing clothes already This outfit looks really good on you, I haven't had enough of it yet.”
Seeing the VCR start playing on the big screen again, knowing it was time for a scene change and costume change, Jung Eun-ji muttered something dissatisfied.
After gaining popularity with their album "luv" late last year, Apink shifted their focus to Japanese activities earlier this year under the company's operations. Aside from holding their first concert, they dedicated most of their energy and time to promoting in Japan. They released their second Japanese single in February and are currently preparing for the release of their third Japanese single.
Because their focus shifted and they didn't capitalize on the momentum, their popularity on the peninsula has decreased. As for their performance in Japan, it's alright...
And these two days were considered a return to Japan before the comeback, I could rest and adjust my mood during my busy schedule. So, I went to see EXO's concert with three members who were interested.
The tickets were naturally obtained from Chi Jingyuan, but she didn't want a seat in the front row. She specifically chose a level-one viewing stand at a 45-degree angle for a more comfortable view.
"Changing a few outfits for three or four songs isn't common practice at most concerts, is it"
Wu Xiaorong, who was sitting closest, seemed quite excited. His face was flushed, and his bangs were a little disheveled. He looked at the VCR playing on the big screen and said, "But their outfits are really good, and the lighting effects are amazing."
"I also think the stage and lighting design is amazing, ** really has a talent for this. I wonder which team designed it."
“The last time I heard from Jingyuan, it seemed like their company was collaborating with a well-known team in the US.
Among them, several members of exo gave quite a lot of input…”
Knowing some of the circumstances, Jung Eun-ji gave a brief explanation and then sighed with a hint of envy: "I wonder when our company will be able to achieve such good results."
"Come on, don't talk about that. Look at the handsome guy instead!"
That is...
Son Naeun sat there silently, listening to the members' discussion, smiling as she watched the VCR. Although she had dated Park Kyung-won and had always been somewhat reluctant and unable to let go, they had been apart for so long, and after meeting EXO last year, she even hinted at him using the lyrics from "luv" and later proactively messaged him to ask him out, her intentions were very clear. Unfortunately, although Park Kyung-won seemed to have understood, he either didn't reply or politely declined.
So she also understood the other party's meaning, and after feeling down, she also made an effort not to dwell on it.
Moreover, they had only been dating for a few months and their relationship wasn't deep enough for her to feel like she couldn't live without him. It was just that the other person's excellence made her inevitably feel like she had tasted the ocean and nothing else could compare.
Of course, even so, the other party still holds a very special place in her heart, and she always wants to keep an eye on them from time to time.
Here it is!
"This clothes..."
Jung Eunji whispered, "The VCR is finished," as the music began and the screen door slowly opened. EXO, now in cartoon jester overalls, returned to the stage, continuing their performance from Peter Pan.
"A soft kiss is x, a tight hug is o."
From "Peter Pan" to "XOXO," are classic tracks from EXO's regular one album, but the fans' response is extremely strong, every time the beat drops they shout along loudly. But these few insiders in Apink apparently don't get the point of these songs, after watching for a while Kim Na-jung leaned into her ear and commented: "These songs are clearly not as cool as before."
"Didn't you hear how great the atmosphere was These songs are all sung for fans, aren't you a fan" Wu Xiaorong gave her a sideways glance.
"Of course! I'm still a fan of Yuan and variety shows…"
"Hahaha... Oh my, what are they doing Changing clothes right here on stage" Before Wu Xiaorong could even finish laughing, she shrieked in surprise and watched as someone onstage rapidly patted her twice.
As soon as 《xoxo》 ended, the stage transitioned to 《lucky》. At this time, a huge rectangular screen was pushed onto the stage from behind by the staff. All the EXO members who had been performing at various positions earlier walked to the back of the screen. Under the spotlight specially brought in, their shadows were vaguely reflected on the screen, and one could clearly see the images of each member's new outfits.
"Ahhhh..."
It wasn't just them, this segment immediately got all the fans excited, screaming like they could pierce eardrums. Their eyes were wide open, their mouths slightly agape, drooling as they stared at the screen on stage, so excited they could barely contain themselves.
It's a pity that the light only lasted for less than two seconds before it vanished. The reflection instantly became blurry, leaving many Alice with unfulfilled desires and swallowing their saliva in anticipation.
But seeing all nine members of EXO rise from behind the screen, with Lu's head bobbing constantly and joyfully singing "Lucky," a song that is already upbeat, I couldn't help but smile and sink into the music and stage presence alongside them.
As the song reached its final part, a group of people including Ji Jingyuan wearing a pink overalls ran onto the stage from behind a screen that was ripped open simultaneously, amidst screams. As the music seamlessly transitioned to the song "3.6.5", everyone picked up plastic baskets filled with small gifts that had been placed nearby beforehand. They sang while running to their designated areas and distributed the gifts within the frames to fans.
These are some candies and snacks that companies specially prepare for their fans. They aren't anything very expensive, but they're mainly a way to interact with fans and show them some appreciation.
And Chi Jingyuan's area just happened to include Zhou Tzuyu's side. He had glanced at her earlier and remembered her position. When he passed by the edge of the stage, he casually glanced in that direction. He saw Zhou Tzuyu smiling and waving at him, looking very expectant. He lowered his head and rummaged through the basket briefly, grabbed a handful of candy, and threw it in the direction of Zhou Tzuyu's side, missing her position completely.
He strode forward without looking back, a smirk playing on his lips as he pictured the girl's expression right now.
Chi Jingyuan had no restraint, after walking a few steps, he almost finished all the candies in the basket. He carried this half-empty basket and walked around the stage for half a circle, but instead of disappointment, the fans were even more excited. They stood up and crowded near the stage, frantically reaching out to clap and interact with him. Chi Jingyuan readily smiled, clapped his way through, and his hands were so red from clapping that they hurt a little.
He returned to the stage, and the other members had also come back to line up and begin the chat segment. He took out a candy that he had specifically saved, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth. Standing beside the team, he leisurely ate it in front of the audience.
Suddenly, the camera zoomed in on him. On the big screen, Chi Jingyuan's cheek was puffed up by a piece of candy on his left side. He didn't notice it until he was caught on camera, still giggling and slacking off. This immediately caused an eruption of laughter and applause.
After a brief respite through chatting, the performance quickly resumed.
First Snow, Spring Day, Miracle of December
Every song is a classic with familiar energy for fans, and just the beginning of the melody can instantly bring the name of the song to mind.
Two songs represent EXO's past glory, while "Spring Day," which is still in the top spots of music charts, represents their return to the peak.
Even those who were not particularly familiar with EXO before, only out of curiosity and following the hype, or ordinary audience members brought to the concert by friends or family, could hum along to the catchy tunes and enjoy this gentle and enduring atmosphere.
Especially "December's Miracle", when all other members went offstage to change, only the four main vocalists, including Ji Jingyuan, remained quietly standing on the lift as it slowly rose. They bowed their heads and sang softly with calm expressions.
Many overly invested longtime fans found it difficult to hold back tears, even starting to tear up at the first few notes and lines. They gazed longingly at the four people on stage and couldn't help but think back to the happiest days when they first fell in love with this group.
It's a pity that "Miracle of December", representing twelve people, is also gone. From twelve to nine, the lead singer is also missing.
It is precisely because of this that the feeling of incompleteness and regret makes this song more profound, becoming a pain point for many Ai fans.
Zhou Tzuyu's eyes were clear as she gazed at Ji Jingyuan, who was very close to her. He stood on a platform, bowing his head and holding a microphone in his hand. His voice was clear and bright, yet he sang a deep Korean melody. She also slightly opened her mouth, following along with the song from beginning to end:
"Now I wish so much that there wasn't..."
"This pathetic superpower."
She really loves the song "Miracle of December", she listened to it a lot when it came out in 2013. She remembers both the Chinese and Korean lyrics clearly, and even made a short video with her friends singing the Chinese version of the song.
After Chi Jingyuan sang the last line, the stage ended. The slightly melancholic atmosphere of "Miracle in December" lingered in the hall, many audience members seemed to still be immersed in a somewhat low mood, even the cheers became a little less enthusiastic.
But as the lights dimmed and brightened, the four main vocalists who had just performed had left the stage. Park Chan-yeol, who had already changed his clothes backstage, returned to the stage.
Wow, everyone's gotta go crazy from now on! Let's play a game together…
He held the microphone and waved his hand toward the audience in the middle of the field and on the upper decks: "Friends on the second and third floors, stand up!"
"ye~"
Many fans were intrigued and responded in unison.
"Ahem..." Park Chan-yeol cleared his throat and held up the microphone: "isayex, yousayo!"
"ex…"
"Oh!"
"ex……"
He first demonstrated one side, and when he got to the second time saying it, as soon as Park Chan-wook said the first two syllables again, all the audience immediately gave a very enthusiastic response, loudly and in unison shouting out the "o" sound.
"Speak up!"
"I say, you say!"
"ex……”
"Oh!"
"ex…"
"Oh!"
"Ok, let's go!" With his loud command, the previously plain and ordinary lights instantly became rich and colorful, injecting an incredibly vibrant emotion into the atmosphere that had become somewhat subdued because of the sentimental songs.
The intense beat and drum began to surge, a diamond-shaped DJ booth descended slowly from the ceiling onto the center of the raised six-pointed star lift, Parchan moved to the console, at the same time several members who had already changed their clothes walked onto the stage from different passages, Kim Jun Myeon took the microphone and shouted: "Are you ready for a good time"
"Come on up, folks from the second and third floors!"
With the EXO members' beating heart, the rhythm and drumbeat became increasingly urgent and intense. Just when people's blood was surging, it finally burst forth.
"Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! Exo!"
"Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! We are... EXO!"
Several members jumped up and down on stage, putting all their energy into each jump. They sang the straightforward and exciting lyrics loudly into the microphone, while their other hand continuously waved in the gestures typical of a sitting rapper. The atmosphere, which had been building for a long time, instantly boiled over, giving the audience, whose emotions had been stirred up, an outlet for release.
After a long rap by Park Chan-lye, several vocalists including Ji Kyeong-won, who had just finished their performance and were changing offstage, appeared on stage through a lift. A spotlight shone directly on him as he leapt from the yellow-colored lift onto the stage, seamlessly taking the microphone to continue the performance: "Raise your hands, raise your hands".
"Raise your hands, raise your hands"
"Raise your hands, raise your hands"
"Oh, really Exodus path!"
"Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! Exo!"
"Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! We are... EXO!"
Seeing Chi Jingyuan, several lead singers taking the stage, the already heated atmosphere in the venue with cheers and screams escalated to a new level.
He was dressed in a pure black suit with a white shirt underneath. He didn't button his jacket or wear a tie, singing and moving around the stage, jumping and running... It wasn't really singing, more like shouting. The surrounding colored lights were dazzling - blue, green, red, with colorful laser beams sweeping across the entire venue, making it a dizzying spectacle. The diamond-shaped control booth was constantly changing colors as well.
Powerful drumming, passionate rhythms, a boisterous crowd, an agitated audience and the crazy young men on stage directly transformed the entire gymnastics arena into a giant, hot nightclub.
The people who appeared later, like Chi Jingyuan, wore flat shoes with LED lights wrapped around the edges, which emitted white light. These were very eye-catching and trendy under the dim lighting and colorful lights.
At this point, all the audience members were completely immersed and intoxicated by this enjoyable and irresistible fiery atmosphere. Fans on multiple levels couldn't contain their excitement anymore, following EXO on stage and standing up to jump and bounce incessantly. Every time a part needed a response, they would shout out the syllable with all their might. This unfamiliar song had already captivated them deeply. It was rare to see EXO perform a song of this style. The entire scene seemed about to explode with passion.
This song, "dropthat," is a single by EXO that has not yet been officially released and was not included in their second regular album, *EXO-L*. The company plans to add Japanese lyrics to it and include it in the Japanese album scheduled for release in the latter half of the year.
But this did not prevent the performance from being sung ahead of schedule at this concert.
This song departs from EXO's usual cool and handsome style, directly going for a passionate nightclub vibe. Listening to it, there are some similarities to the style of some Bigbang songs. It doesn't care about the melody or the lyrics, the only purpose is to hype up the atmosphere and get everyone dancing and energized.
Looking at it now, the effect is really good.
Toward the latter half, the three main vocalists consciously walked back to the center of the stage. Starting with Do Kyung Soo, they incorporated the previously purely shouted lyrics into a moving melody: "Maybe I rely on the moon to dream every day."
"Eye to eye, just like the sun and the moon, me and you!"
Then it was Bian Bai-xian's turn. His final drawn-out note had raised the pitch to a certain height, and the notes of the two parts were higher than each other.
He stood on the raised platform at the very last pool, with a dazzling control panel and giant screen behind him, pouring his heart into singing the final high note.
"Throw yourself into this suffocating world, let the crazy waves come!"
"Are you ready to change the world..."
Each syllable is at its highest point, a piercing high note that seems to pierce through the clouds and resonate on the ceiling. It surrounds everyone in three dimensions, like a waterfall of flowing water—pure and clear, yet not at all harsh or grating.
The last note was held for a full ten seconds, even Chi Jingyuan had exerted every ounce of his strength. He stood on the platform, one leg slightly in front of the other, his body bent forward, eyes closed, completely absorbed in controlling his breathing and vocalization.
The dazzling lights, the burning atmosphere, the sweat on his forehead, temples, and bridge of his nose, the unbuttoned collar that shines against the light, the dazzling and bright smile, the slightly exposed veins, the serious and focused expression, the sci-fi looking flat shoes radiating light, paired with a straight and stiff black suit, this formal and serious outfit made Chi Jingyuan's current appearance extremely charming and full of contrast. Coupled with his shocking and amazing high-pitched singing voice, Chi Jingyuan at this moment completely became the only focus in the entire venue. Whether it was an idol or a fan, they couldn't take their eyes off him.
Until the drawn-out final note of the ten seconds subsided, he stood up explosively, waving his left hand with force. A smirk curled up at the corner of his mouth, and in the close-up shot, his eyes gleamed with excitement, fanaticism, and a distinct sense of pleasure. His entire demeanor had undergone a noticeable shift.
Seeing this scene, many fans felt like they were struck by lightning, their whole body tingling with excitement.
"Hey~hey~hey~hey~, Exo!"
"Hey~hey~hey~hey~we are…"
"Exo!"
In the frenzied chorus of the final sentence, this song that made everyone jump and enter a state of excitement, "dropthat," came to an end. The screams rose and fell, vying with each other, and many watched as Ji Jingyuan walked down from the lift, sweating and panting, savoring the thrilling three-part high notes he and the other two lead singers had just performed. A moment of lingering and reluctance filled their hearts.
"Is this a new song What's its name"
"Never heard of it, is it a regular track from the album The style is so cool..."
Many fans began to buzz quietly about this unforgettable song.
"Oh my, Jingyuan is really… I don't know how to describe it…"
After seeing this performance, Jiang Sheqi's eyes glistened. For a moment, she was speechless.
Stage performances can greatly amplify an idol's personal charm. Many idols who may not be conventionally attractive or have average figures can become very captivating on the right stage.
...Chi Jingyuan himself is an excellent person in many aspects. Coupled with his just-performed astonishing performance and the lingering high notes that still echo in our ears, his charm has been magnified completely, even leaving someone as close to him as Jiang Sheqi a little stunned.
Her gaze shifted to the side, and as expected, Oni Pei Zhuhyun, like she hadn't heard her words, had a pair of sparkling eyes that kept searching for a figure on stage. Her eyes followed the other person's every step, her pursed lips forming a very pleasing curve. Her expression was filled with satisfaction mixed with surprise, and she seemed so focused that she didn't have the heart to listen to her lamentations.
With a knowing smirk, Jiang Sheqi had a pretty good understanding of the relationship between these two. For a moment, she felt a tinge of envy.
I took a look at Peo-Hyun's profile, she tilted her head towards Seung-Wan and asked curiously, "Seung-Wan, how is this high note of Jingyuan"
"Need I say more Perfect!" Sun Sheng finished with a face full of admiration, giving a big thumbs up. It seemed he was also interested in the high-pitched performance just now, and he opened his mouth to make an 'ah' shape, trying to sing along.
"If that part of Jingyuan was yours, what would you do"
Hearing this question, Sun Shengwan hesitated for a moment. However, when it came to her singing ability, she was quite confident. After a brief pause, she nodded and said, “I think so…”
"I also think you can…"
"Hehehe, speaking of which, Jingyuan and their glowing shoes look so cool! Where can I buy them"
"I don't know, I'll ask him back. I think he's very handsome too."
Two bosom friends of the same age were chatting, when Jiang Seqi suddenly felt something was amiss. Jin Yilin, who had always been ecstatic about every stage before, acting like an EXO fangirl, had suddenly gone quiet. How could she be so silent at such a cool stage with such charismatic people She should have been shaking her unnie's arm and shouting 'So handsome' just like before, right
Jiang Sheqi glanced to the left and found that the usually lively maknae was now sitting quietly in her seat, her back slightly hunched as she used the back of her hand to prop up her cheek. Her eyes were intently fixed on the figure onstage, an unexpected stillness settling over her.
dorpthat instantly ignited the atmosphere of the entire concert, and even after the stage ended, there seemed to be a layer of heat and passion in the air. The fans who had already stood up didn't want to sit down, they kept jumping and participating enthusiastically until the end, remembering the stages of 《letoutthebeast》, 《dope》and 《ineedu》.
This stage's performance songs all leaned towards energetic and passionate themes. After several songs, many audience members were so excited they had lost their voices a bit. When the lights went out and EXO took offstage to change clothes after singing several more songs, they only briefly rested while discussing the just-finished performance amongst themselves.
By this point, the concert was already halfway through and it was time for the final segment. EXO still had some popular hits to perform, but what everyone was most curious about - the new title track - hadn't appeared yet.
But before they could even catch their breath, less than two minutes had passed since the previous display of superpowers played on the screen. The dimly lit large screen suddenly brightened, and a close-up shot of Pool Jingyuan's face filled the screen.
He was wearing a well-fitting blue suit and was curiously eyeing the camera as if trying to figure out how it worked.
"Wow..."
This close-up shot made quite a few people gasp in admiration.
Then, the scene showed him standing a little further away. He pulled out his phone, opened the music app, selected a song and clicked play.
The next second, a prelude that had never been heard before entered the ears of the audience in the scene.
"oo~~woo~~woo~~^"
The unique style and the extremely graceful melody stunned everyone, making them involuntarily perk up their ears to listen while staring intently at the big screen, their minds filled with various speculations.
Could this be...
As the intro music began, the camera followed Park Ji-won's back as he walked toward a room. Just before entering, he suddenly turned to look at the camera, flashed a bright smile and winked, before turning his head back and going inside before fans could even scream. The long-awaited Bian Berxian soon entered the scene.
"Being curious about everything, how are you doing today"
"Oh tell me ~~oya, oya~"
One introduction immediately caught everyone's eye, finding the tone unexpectedly pleasing and very well-matched to the previous prelude. Coupled with Bian Berhyen's intentionally reversed and alluring voice and singing style, a warm and sweet atmosphere was instantly created.
It's a pity that there were only two short sentences, and then no one spoke anymore. Only the rhythm of the drums remained, which made many fans who had just immersed themselves in it impatiently tap their feet.
At the same time, under Bian Bai Xian's introduction, the camera gradually zoomed out, all the members entered the scene and lined up to start dancing together.
Just a few simple moves later, the queue instantly dispersed and made their way towards the dark exit. As the last one to leave, Ji Jingyuan once again appeared in front of the camera. He pointed towards the exit with his thumb, smiled, and pulled open his suit jacket. He flipped his inner lining forward, blocking the camera lens, leaving the screen completely black.
And just then, the nine members of EXO walked onto the stage, seamlessly connecting with the VCR that had just played, as if they had walked out of the camera lens.
As the crowd, already anticipating what song it was, erupted in cheers with excitement, they took their positions. On the big screen, several giant English letters appeared at just the right moment, displaying the name of the song:
boywithlove
First published on the Traditional Chinese Novel Networkreased. As for their performance in Japan, it's alright...And these two days were considered a return to Japan before the comeback, I could rest and adjust my mood during my busy schedule. So, I went...