Chapter 97: Favorite Song

XO-K, only Park Chanyeol, who lived in China for several years as a child, understands Chinese. Although the other members have studied it, their level is far behind. They can barely listen and speak..."Again, you're accusing me of being black... How can you be so hateful"

Seeing Zhou Tzuyu's reply, Ji Jingyuan's eyes widened involuntarily.

Wow, this girl seems to have become more vivacious than before.

It seems like the reactions are also more intense than before.

At first, when they met in 2013, Zhou Tzuyu was only fourteen or fifteen and wouldn't dress up. She wore her school uniform and stood there looking clueless, giving off the impression of a country bumpkin. Her 'dark' skin was the memory that made the biggest impression on Ji Jingyuan at the time. After getting to know her better, he would occasionally bring it up to tease her.

At first, Zhou Tzuyu was just a little dissatisfied. She complained a bit when she was criticized, but she didn't dare to retort and acted like a pushover.

She obviously also knows that her skin isn't very white.

But recently, I don't know if it's because I've grown up or something, or maybe I just understand dressing up better and care more about my appearance than before. Every time this topic comes up, I obviously get annoyed, and when I'm sulking, I even learn to retort.

I can only say that everyone is growing and changing.

"Yes, Tzuyu is not black at all. In terms of whiteness, you are the one in JYP who surpasses everyone."

But Chi Jingyuan just couldn't stand her, even though the little girl looked quite unhappy, he still said something sarcastic.

As expected, a few seconds later, Chou Tzu-yu's angry reply came through, her tone and expression both showing the dissatisfaction in her heart.

"Ugh, I'm not talking to you anymore (angry)."

After seeing this, Chi Jingyuan blinked but didn't reply. Seeing that most of the others had finished their meal and were standing up to leave, he naturally put his phone into his pocket, slung his bag over his shoulder, and followed behind, preparing to leave.

"I hadn't even walked out of the restaurant when I felt another vibration. I took it out to see, and there was another text message."

"You...what are you"

In just a few words, Chi Jingyuan sensed the resentment and dissatisfaction in Zhou Tzuyu's heart. However, driven by curiosity and reluctance to end the conversation, he hesitated for a while before asking anyway. His words were filled with a helpless grievance that was almost comical, like a bullied child who couldn't fight back.

"Hee hee…"

It seemed as if he had pierced through space and saw Zhou Tzuyu's expression of frustration, her brows furrowed and lips pursed. Ji Jingyuan couldn't help but burst out laughing, causing the several members walking ahead to turn back at him with strange looks.

"Ugh, I'm not talking to you anymore (angry) hahaha... We'll see later, if I'm free before the 11th, I'll call you."

"What if you don't have time"

"Then I won't say anything."

"Humph."

……

"Wow, when they arrived just now our whole production team went wild with excitement. Several female writers had smiles on their faces that I've never seen before, it's really enviable."

Welcome today's guests, during the break time of "oldschool", spend time with EXO's SUHO, Chanyeol and Yuan together, hello!

As the MC of the program, Kim Chang-ryeol shouted into the microphone with overflowing enthusiasm. Not only were the three EXO members sitting in front of him clearly feeling it, but even the viewers watching remotely through electricity could feel it.

"123, weareone, Annyeonghaseyo, we are EXO."

Hello everyone, I am SUHO, the captain of EXO.

"I am the voice of EXO, Chanyeol."

"I'm the maknae of EXO, Yuan."

Facing the host's enthusiasm, the three members who participated in the recording today also quickly smiled and introduced themselves.

"Oldschool" is a visual radio station on SBS. It has been broadcasting since 2006 and has almost reached its tenth anniversary. It has a loyal audience and is considered one of the more popular programs among all radio shows.

Today, under the company's arrangement, it's Chi Jingyuan and three others' turn to participate in this radio station for some promotion.

"Just three of them coming really got this studio hot, it's amazing! 7611 viewers commented that EXO is really hot right now. Just three of them felt like they filled the studio... but why only three people"

Before we started recording, we had already gone over the basic script. After the introductions, a few people quickly got into the groove. MC Kim Chang-ryeol directly jumped in with his usual first question as always.

Kim Chang-ryeol is a well-known musician on the peninsula and also works as an MC. He collaborated with Ji Kyeong-won and others in last year's variety show "EXO90:2014," and at the time, he seemed to have a pretty good personality and was quite enthusiastic. He's considered a fairly familiar acquaintance, so the few of them were all relatively relaxed.

"Actually, every member really wants to come on , but if there are too many people, the conversation will become too scattered..."

"Kim Jun-myeon had already prepared his statement and explained it, then he couldn't help but glance at Ji Chang-wook who was sitting in the middle. He added, “Sometimes when the whole group attends, many members just come to sightsee and leave after making their introductions. They hardly say a word for the rest of the time…”

Chi Jingyuan chuckled and nodded in agreement, but inwardly he felt a little speechless.

Just say what you want, what are you going to do You've been debuting for 3 years, how about your facial management

“Ah, so that’s how it is…” Kim Chang-ryeol also nodded to pass over the topic and then went straight to the main point of today: “XO's fourth comeback was recently released, and their title song 'boywithv' performed really well. As soon as it was released, it topped all the music charts, and it has been firmly holding onto first place ever since. The momentum is truly astonishing…”

After blowing rainbow farts, he suddenly also shared some real feelings: "Ah jjia, I truly feel the popularity of XO. These days, no matter where I go to work or eat, I can hear people talking about this new song..."

"Oh, yyy~~" he said, and even sang out the catchy chorus that had been playing everywhere on the streets these past two days.

Seeing MC giving him so much face, Chi Jingyuan and the other two also smiled and clapped their hands to keep time for him, humming a couple of lines along.

"With such great results this time, did you ever imagine it before" After setting the mood, Kim Chang-ryeol asked.

"A little bit," the three members looked at each other, Kim Jun-myeon nodded without concealing anything: "In fact, I had already foreseen it a little bit before."

“We thought this song was really good when we first heard it. The melody is catchy and the chorus is very addictive. The choreography that was later created is also really unique. The whole song has a cool and lively vibe, and it's more upbeat than 《callbaby》…”

After speaking at length, Kim Jun-myeon concluded: "Actually, we already encountered some things back then."

"I can only say, after all, it's EXO," MC Kim Chang-ryeol commented.

“Back then, in the practice room, the maknae showed us his recorded demo version. The moment I heard it, I fell in love with it… I remember because I really liked it, Kai and Baekhyun a few people kept jumping around in the practice room, chewing on things like ‘Wow, this is amazing! This is so good, I love it!’”

Park Chan-yeol, who was beside him, also reminisced for a while and described the reactions of some people like Byun Baekhyun in an exaggerated way.

What he said is actually true. When I first heard the EXO song, I thought it was really good and felt confident about it.

However, Kim Jong-in and Beomgyu while those guys were indeed a bit excited and jumped around a few times, they didn't go crazy like he said they would.

What about SOHU What was your first feeling when you heard about it

"I really love it too, because the melody and style are totally my style. I wanted fans to hear it as soon as possible."

And what about Yuanxi In the end, Jin Changlie looked at Chi Jingyuan. But before Chi Jingyuan could speak, the two people beside him burst into laughter first: “He didn't react at all back then.”

"Oh, why"

"Because he, the maknae, had already listened to it countless times..." Kim Jun-myeon pointed at Park Ji-hoon and specifically introduced, "He is the creator of our title song this time."

"Oh, really"

Even though the script clearly stated it, Kim Chang-rye still acted as if he had just heard this for the first time, with an expression of extreme surprise. As a variety show performer, his performance was very effective: “Wow, Yuanxi is really amazing. She’s already created several hit songs, right”

However, there are indeed many viewers who don't really care about the lyricist or composer, even for popular songs. When watching the live broadcast and hearing this for the first time, many people were very surprised. Some people who didn't know him before had a much better impression of Ji Jingyuan.

"Indeed, just like "Roar", "Spring Day", many of our XO title tracks are busy with songwriting."

"There's really no other way to say it, it's amazing."

Kim Jun-myeon and Park Chan-yeol sang in harmony, but looking at their expressions, they seemed to have some feelings about it.

"Ani Ani, actually it's not just me. There are also seniors in the company's arrangement team, like kenzie nuna, who have helped me a lot." Caught off guard by the praise, Ji Kyeong-won quickly laughed awkwardly and waved his hand, hastily giving a few humble remarks.

“Ah, that’s already quite impressive. Copyright fees for popular songs like “Roar” and “boywithv” must be enviable figures, right” Jin Chang-il's tone seemed to carry a tinge of uncontainable envy.

"It's alright." Chi Jingyuan shrugged, appearing unconcerned in front of the camera, as if he didn't care about that 'enviable number' at all.

Suddenly, he remembered some news from last year and Kim Chang-ryeol clicked his tongue in surprise. He sighed inwardly and then moved on to the next topic: "Besides Yuanxi, will the other members also try to make music using instruments and share it with each other"

"Inside, I often try to create some things, and I'll also upload the recorded ones to our group chat for them to listen..."

Park Chan-wook followed up, but as he spoke, his expression gradually darkened. In the host's expectant gaze, he sighed and said, "But every time, no one replies. They all just read it and don't respond..."

“Several times, I even deliberately observed in secret, finding a time when the group was relatively lively to upload. But before I uploaded, people were still chatting and sending pictures. As soon as I uploaded, everyone suddenly went silent, becoming particularly quiet... It wasn't until after several minutes that someone asked, 'What's the schedule for tomorrow'”

"Hahaha..."

When he talked about this, Kim Chang-ryeol was still holding back a laugh and looked at Park Chan-lye with some concern. However, Ji Kyung-won and Kim Jun-myeon couldn't help but burst into laughter directly. Even facing the camera, their expressions were out of control.

Because it was indeed true, what he said sounded even more comical.

"Ani, it's because...because sometimes it might be inconvenient." Jin Jun-myeon laughed twice, trying hard to control himself, a smile still on his face. He waved his hand and tried to explain.

"Well well, me too." Before he could even finish his sentence, Ji Jingyuan also chuckled and agreed, the two of them bursting into laughter. Their stifled giggles and insincere explanations left Park Chan-wook speechless as he gave them a withering look. Kim Chang-ryeol couldn't help but laugh along.

After laughing, Kim Chang Ryeol began to ask Ji Seong Yuan, "So... After Yuanxi usually composes a song, will she show it to the members"

"Annie, he isn't."

At this time, Kim Jun Mien came out to answer for him: “Yuan rarely proactively displays his creative songs. He has a personal song library that is connected to the company’s. When he has new songs, they are directly put in there. Only after a song is selected and chosen as our song will it be displayed…”

"Generally, I would first get feedback from Teacher Lee Hyo-min or Kenzie Nuna and then put it in." Ji Seong-won nodded and added.

"To already have a personal song library as a creator One can only say, Yuan truly lives up to expectations," the first half of the program ended with Kim Chang-ryeol's heartfelt exclamation. Afterward, it went into a break and advertisement time.

This visible radio station, even during breaks, has to sit in front of the camera. However, since you don't have to speak, you can relax a little.

Everyone's in great spirits today. The questions arranged and asked by the writer and audience were also quite interesting. The MC and guests responded to each other, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere filled with laughter.

Besides the general audience interested in EXO, many dedicated viewers also enjoyed watching it immensely and heard a lot of insider gossip between the members.

"What would you do if you didn't have work to do privately, Yuanxi"

"I'm kind of a passive person, I guess. If my friends don't invite me out, I'll probably just stay home or in the dorm playing games."

"So you're from the Ju family... What if someone asked you out on a date"

>If you have time… then go for it.

..."

"I don't think Yuanxi appears on variety shows very often, has she ever tried being an MC"

"Um...Bro, I'm currently a fixed MC on a singing show."

"Haha, I remember now! It's really on fire. The increase in viewership and heat is almost a miracle. We've discussed it many times during our meetings... What about other variety shows"

"Actually, I quite like variety shows... But I still mainly listen to the company's arrangements."

If Yuanxi wants to participate in a show now, what kind of show would she want to be on

Faced with this question, Qi Jingyuan, who had been speaking fluently earlier, hesitated for a moment. After considering it carefully for a few seconds, he cautiously replied, "Well, 'Infinite Challenge' or 'runngan', actually I've always wanted to participate."

"**IA, but how come I heard from Liu Zaishi that the production teams of both programs have invited you several times, yet you declined them all"

"Is that so Ahahaha..."

Jin Chang-ryeol subtly exposed the truth and didn't pursue it further. Instead, he began to consider the feasibility of Ji Kyeong-won's participation: "If it were 'Infinite Challenge,' Yuanxi seems like he could perfectly replace Gwang-hee who just joined recently."

"Hmm..." Chi Jingyuan also began to act, raising his eyes to seriously consider the feasibility of joining in. After a few seconds, he nodded affirmatively: "If this guy goes to serve in the military..."

Before he could finish, he started laughing along with the two members beside him, waving his hand to correct himself: "Haha, Ani, just kidding. Kwang-hee's doing really well."

As the program came to an end with laughter and smiles, Kim Chang-ryeol looked at the screen in front of him and read out the last audience question: "The last question is from 4598. Yuanxi has released many popular songs so far, which have achieved great success, such as 'Roaring' and 'boywithv'. EXO has also released many songs since their debut. So, in your personal opinion, which song do you like the most among all these songs"

This question caught Chi Jingyuan off guard; he didn't speak up directly.

He didn't answer with some business-like phrases as smoothly as he did during the recording just now, instead, he carefully thought about it again.

To be honest, he's actually quite interested in this issue as well.

"Well, let's just go with the flow." After about ten seconds, Chi Jingyuan raised his eyes to look at the pendant lamp above the studio, pursed his lips and spoke, his tone shifting from some initial hesitation to a final determination: "Because for me, this song is special no matter what its inspiration, lyric choices, or creation process are, even the situation back then. It holds a lot of meaning, and even after all this time, the impression remains very vivid..."

……

After the recording ended, both Kim Chang-ryeol and the production team were very enthusiastic. The three EXO members hugged Kim Chang-ryeol one by one. After thanking all the staff, they took several photos with Kim Chang-ryeol before saying goodbye to everyone and leaving SBS.

Sitting in the returning nanny car, the three people who were full of energy during the recording session were now sprawled on their seats, exhausted and too tired to speak.

Although he was very energetic these days, it was already late and after a busy day even the best energy couldn't hold up. Chi Jingyuan was also leaning back against his chair, resting his head on the edge of the car window next to him, half-closing his eyes and watching the passing streets outside in a distracted manner.

Taking a glance back at the few people, he recalled the devilish schedule of this period. The manager in the passenger seat still took the initiative to comfort him, "When Wannwan's concert is over and we return to Seoul, we should have a day or two of holiday. We can have a good rest then. It has been quite tiring for us lately."

"Oh, is it finally time for vacation"

"When was the last time we had a holiday..."

After hearing that, I felt a little more spirited. The three of us discussed it for a few moments, but soon fell silent again.

After returning to the dormitory, the members who had no other schedules were already there washing up and watching TV, chatting. Park Ji-sung lined up to shower and then lay down on his bed, listening to the sporadic chat between Do Kyungsoo and Kim Sehun in the room, casually browsing his phone before going to sleep.

At this moment, my hand trembled. A text message appeared at the top of the screen.

"Yuanxi, what's your favorite song"

Seeing this content and the sender's name, which read "Bae Joo-Hyun," Ji Kyung-Won let out a breath. This sister clearly knew about what they had talked about during their radio broadcast earlier.

I don't know if it was specifically being watched, or if I saw the discussion online afterward. At that time, I suddenly received a text message without sleeping.

He sensed that she seemed quite interested and in a good mood. Following her lead, Chi Jingyuan echoed what he had said on the radio: "Well, 'go with the flow'... Because for me, this song holds special significance in terms of its inspiration, lyrics choices, the creative process itself, and even the circumstances at the time. Even after all this time, the impression it left is still very vivid..."

"Hee hee heee, me too!"

It seems as if he felt that unspoken understanding. Chi Jingyuan couldn't help but smile, glanced at the time, and then asked, "To be loved by Irenexi of Kondo Kondo Yebobo is truly an honor... You're still not asleep this late"

"kkkkk hahaha, why are you so sweet today"

"Well, I practiced a bit late today. Just got back to the dorm and just finished showering. Getting ready for bed soon."

It's obvious that Ji-yeong's praise made Seolhyun feel very happy and satisfied. Her joy could be felt even through the screen.

"Are you preparing a new album"

"Yeah, it officially started a while ago. I've been really tired lately, practicing until pretty late. My legs are aching these days."

"Making a regular album is a bit more trouble."

Ji Jingyuan thought back to the time when they, EXO, were busy preparing for their album. Especially since he was also in charge of some choreography work, and had to work until late at night every day before he could clock out, a strange feeling arose in his heart.

Every combination is like this...

"It's fine, it's not particularly tiring actually. It's better than being idle and bored." Pei Zhuhyun probably felt the other person's concern and proactively eased the situation with a sentence, then she started happily talking about some things she had encountered in her life recently:

"I forgot to mention, the style of our main song this time is particularly interesting, and the choreography is also quite fun."

"How interesting"

"...Ding ding ding ding ding ~ kkkkkk"

"What is this thing"

"You'll know when you hear it, especially interesting, the other songs are pretty good too...."

"Recently, after winning the game, Sheng Wang's name stayed on the trending list for several days. The search volume skyrocketed all of a sudden, and his popularity really rose quickly."

"... she was still too embarrassed to bring up similar topics in the dorm, because although no one said anything, they were all secretly envious. Later, it was me and Se-qi who brought it up first, you wouldn't believe how happy she got..."

"Oh, by the way, in a few days we're going to shoot an ad for 'BaskRobbs' ice cream, still at the water park. I remember you guys have always been spokespeople for this brand, right Will you be joining us then too"

It might be because she's busy preparing for her own solo album, or it could be that after hearing what Ji-Seok said on the radio today, she remembered some past experiences. Anyway, at the moment, Bae Joo-hyun seems relaxed and happy, chattering away with him through text messages without any particular topic. She goes wherever her thoughts take her, her tone is lively and full of spirit.

Looking at the ever-refreshing text on the screen, he also felt the other person's mood. Chi Jingyuan watched and watched, and suddenly a surge of impulse arose in his heart.

After a pause of one second, he sent a message: "Are you coming out now"

He immediately felt it was inappropriate. Not to mention, it wasn't appropriate for a female idol to be going out so late. He himself was exhausted and too lazy to move. If it weren't for the message just sent by Park Soo-hyeon, he would probably have fallen asleep already.

"Right now I probably can't go out today, it's too late, I'm already in bed."

"And our agent moved back in..."

For Ji-won's sudden idea, Soo-hyeon didn't find it abrupt, she just thought about it for a while and hesitantly declined.

And they also sent another message specifically explaining the biggest reason.

"It's nothing, just a casual remark. It is really late."

Chi Jingyuan also felt it wasn't quite right. After sending one message back, he didn't take it to heart.

But after I sent that message, the reply from Park Soo-hyuk, who had always been responding within ten seconds or so, seemed to get stuck. It took a long time and I didn't see any response from her.

> It wasn't until a few minutes later, when Jiyeong was about to put down his phone and go to sleep, that he suddenly received a reply from IU.

This time it's not a text message, it's actually a video invitation.

He stared at the request that had just come through on his phone, blinking in surprise. He glanced up at his two roommates, who were each busy with their own tasks, then sat up from the bed. Putting on his slippers and yawning, he ambled to the balcony and shut the door.

His movements immediately caught the attention of Do Kyungsoo and Wu Sehun. The two watched him walk into the balcony, and after the door closed, there was a moment of silence before they looked at each other.

"It's so late calling, who do you think it is"

"I don't know, Irene Maybe someone else."

"I guess it's someone else!"

)

First published on the Traditional Chinese Novels Networklly, 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,...