Chapter Fifty You Already Are
two usually connect through social media messaging. They don't call each other very often, usually only when they need to talk about something important.When Jiang Shiqi heard Chi Jingyuan practicing..."Slow down, don't push, queue up! Hey, that person over there, don't shove!"
The assistants and security guards shouted loudly to maintain order, but no matter how hard they tried, they seemed utterly overwhelmed by the surging crowd.
At this time, all members of EXO are holding a signing event at a commercial office building in Sinsa-dong, Seoul. After performing and chatting, the signing session has been ongoing for over half an hour now.
From the trailer to the MV release, and then the official release of "Roar," breaking records and topping countless hot searches, EXO's popularity has skyrocketed like a rocket.
During EXO's "MAMA" era, they were basically unknown. Only Park Kyung-soon (Pool) had any individual popularity, dragging the group along. Fan signings had only a handful of people, mostly fans who came to see him specifically. It was common for fans to ignore the members in front of them and jump to get Pool's autograph.
Not only were the members uncomfortable with this kind of signing, but also Pool Jingyuan himself was very embarrassed. Therefore, for each member, that period's autograph session was not a good memory.
During the “Wolf” era, things got a lot better. Every signing event was packed with fans, and having hundreds of them show up made all the members feel incredibly happy and energized.
And now...
Chi Jingyuan recalled the scene when he first entered. The entrance was crowded with people, shoulder to shoulder, like a bustling market, filling the entire street from end to end, watertight and leaving no space at all.
Standing tall, one could see a vast expanse below, a sea of darkness teeming with ants marching in formation. The sight was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
Some people were even so eager to catch a glimpse of them that they dined at the second and third floors of nearby restaurants, opened their windows, and sat directly on the windowsills peering down without any safety precautions whatsoever. They were truly devoted fans.
This time it wasn't a public signing event, but rather a chance to get a signing opportunity by purchasing the album at a designated record store. There were only a few hundred spots available in total.
That is to say, thousands of fans gathered at the entrance just to catch a glimpse of EXO.
When they arrived, it caused a stir and almost resulted in a major incident. It took all the strength of their assistants and security personnel to get them into the signing event venue. Once backstage, everyone let out a sigh of relief as if reborn.
To be honest, with so many fans coming, besides the joy, it also brings them a lot of pressure.
Ji Jingyuan just finished signing an autograph for a fan and was smiling as he said goodbye. At this moment, a new fan stood in front of him, looking at him with excitement that was hard to contain.
"Anihasayo." Keijuro smiled and greeted her.
This girl looks to be fourteen or fifteen years old. She has a slightly round face and her hair is tied back with a red ribbon. Overall, she looks pretty cute.
"Oppa! Oppa! I really like you." Hearing Ji Kyung-won's voice, at such close proximity, this female fan immediately became flustered. Tears welled up in her eyes and she couldn't help but reach out to grab Ji Kyung-won's arm.
At this moment, the assistant beside him immediately rushed over, ready to pull away this out-of-control fan.
A Peninsula artist's signing event usually involves some interaction with fans, such as wearing a hat or decoration given by fans, or shaking hands.
However, ** Company's signing events are known for being impersonal. They dislike fans and idols getting too close, and there are always assistants watching during the event. If a fan acts out of line, they will immediately step in and remove them.
"It's okay, brother," Seeing the assistant rushing over here, the female fan showed a desperate expression. Ji Jingyuan waved his hand to the assistant, motioning for him not to come over.
If it were another member, the assistant might have to consider things carefully, but as a well-known privileged member within the company, the assistant simply obeyed.
"Oppa, I really like you." After seeing the assistant leave, the female fan let out a sigh of relief, gripping Park Ji-won's arm tightly and repeating herself excitedly.
"Inside, I see it clearly. Thank you very much for your support. What's your name"
Chi Jingyuan extended his right hand and gently patted the back of the woman's hand who was holding onto his left arm. He asked in a soft tone,
"Oppa, my name is Choi Seon-mi. I've liked you since your debut." Choi Seon-mi shouted her name loudly.
"That's such a lovely name, where should I sign" Ji Jingyuan smiled and nodded at her.
"Here." Choi Sun-mi pointed to a spot on the album. Seeing Ji Kyeongwon begin to sign, she still held onto his arm tightly and kept chattering away:
"Oppa, I bought ten copies of your debut album, but I didn't get your photo card. This time I saved up all my pocket money for over a year and even asked Mom for some, buying fifteen albums at once. Finally, I got your photo card and a signing session ticket this time! It's so lucky."
"All of us in the fan group really love the song "Roar," oppa is so amazing, he writes such beautiful songs. We've been charting and voting every day since it was released, everyone is working hard. Seeing EXO and oppa now so popular and successful, we are all really happy."
"Right now, EXO is the hottest thing at our school, they're really popular!"
That day, someone online slandered that the song "Roar" which is such a good song wasn't written by oppa and said some very hurtful things. It was infuriating! Our Yuan fan group people directly shut down his private messages and he didn't dare to show up again.
"Oppa, can't you please stop dating Jung Eun-ji She's not attractive at all. Her mouth is so big, and she's a country bumpkin from Busan. She doesn't deserve you."
"Oppa, when are you going to act again I and Oh Ma really liked watching "Reply 1997", except for Jung Eun Ji's parts."
Ji Jingyuan's left hand was held by Cui Shanmei, and his single right hand signed a little slower.
Choi Sun-mi kept talking to herself throughout the process. Even when Ji Kyeong-won only occasionally gave her a smile without saying anything in response, she continued talking nonstop, wanting to express all of her love for him through this opportunity.
After a while, she finished signing and her signing session was almost over. Seeing that it was time to leave, Choi Seon-mi hesitated for a moment before asking tentatively:
"Oppa, what kind of girl is your ideal type How can I become your ideal type"
Hearing this question, Chi Jingyuan pursed his lips, looked at the other person's expectant face, and suddenly smiled. His bright eyes looked seriously into the other person's pupils and said softly:
"You already are."
…………
Chi Jingyuan leaned on the sofa in the backstage lounge with some fatigue, moving his sour wrists.
Signing continuously is a bit tiring, especially after finishing it, my hand feels a little powerless.
But seeing himself so genuinely liked and supported by so many people, Ji Jingyuan was truly touched. Compared to this, the fatigue was nothing at all.
It's break time now, and there aren't many people around him. Some members have gone to the restroom, while others went out to answer phone calls and haven't returned.
"Ringing..."
At that moment, Ji Jingyuan's phone suddenly rang. He took it out and glanced at the screen to see that it was Park Jae-hyun calling. Afterward, he answered directly.
"Hello."
"Jingyuan, you guys have been on fire lately, how does it feel"
"Well, that's good. Just a little tired."
"Be sure to rest... Oh, and your uncle's assistant sent me a file. I just wanted to ask about your intentions."
What was said
"SBS is about to start filming a highly anticipated drama that was delayed due to some casting issues earlier on. Casting has recently resumed, and if you have any ideas, we could try to get you an important role in it."
(**)
First released on the Traditional Chinese Novels Network, they walked towards the company building together.Park Ji-hyun and Jeon Hye-young, the two managers, walked ahead, whispering to each other and leading the way. Ji-sung and Sung-wan, along with Gai...