a group that topped charts before a member left, so I estimate that EXO's next comeback will be slightly more stable, and they will maintain their position as a top-tier boy group, that's about it. Fu...Aren't you practicing dance now

"Take a break for a while, you've been practicing for so long... Let's watch the MAMA live stream this year."

"Didn't we have some senior colleagues from other companies participating this year"

"Watch Big Bang and EXO..."

The sound of trainees practicing not far away reached her ears. Zhou Tzuyu glanced over once before turning back, sitting beside Kong Xue and sharing a phone with her to watch the MAMA live stream together.

Kǒng Xuě is a friend she made recently at the company. She's also a trainee from Xiá Guó. They chatted a few times and became familiar quickly. Usually, they practice together often, and sometimes they play together in their free time.

"That kiss scene with Endg just now was amazing, Tzuyu, look, all over the internet is talking about it, Zhang Xian Sheng is so handsome."

At this moment, MAMA is showing a mid-stage commercial break. They took advantage of this time to browse online comments. Most netizens were discussing Kim Hyo-na and Jang Hyun-seung's performance just now, while a small number were talking about Zhao Rong-bi who won the song of the year award.

Some people are still talking about the outfits of the artists who participated today. Kwon Ji-yong and Park Seo-joon's outfits were the most eye-catching and discussed by many.

"Beast is so handsome, it's a pity only Hyunsung came today, BigBang is also good, TOP is definitely a stylish man..."

"By the way, Tzuyu, which combination do you like better"

While flipping through the forum and chattering away, Kong Xue said after a while curiously to Zhou Tzuyu:

"What about me..."

Chou Tzu-yu, with her sweet Taiwanese accent, hesitated for a moment before saying, "EXO."

She first learned about the group EXO when it wasn't popular yet because she searched for Park Kyung-won. After EXO became popular, she heard the name of the group frequently and saw news reports about them every day.

To be honest, although she was quite familiar with this male group, she didn't really have much feeling for the other members. She had always been interested in and kept an eye on only one person.

"Wow, are you an XO fan too I love them so much! XO is seriously the handsomest group out there. They have the most good-looking members in all of boy groups, and they're still super popular right now..."

As a fan of boy bands, Kong Xue immediately nodded and excitedly said:

“Sehun and Chanyeol are so handsome…… Especially Yuan this member, I really think he's super charismatic. He’s not just good looking, he's the type that when you see him, you feel close to him and want to be friends. And from what I hear about Yuan's personality on variety shows, his private side is very different, he's a very interesting person. It must be really fun to be friends with him.”

"Oh, it's a shame. He's EXO's top idol, so popular. We're just little trainees. I don't even know if we'll ever debut, let alone be friends with him. I heard he's hard to get close to..."

Hearing Kong Xue's evaluation and longing for Chi Jingyuan, Zhou Ziyuan inexplicably felt a sense of pride, as if the other party was praising herself.

Then seeing Kong Xue's eager desire to get acquainted with Chi Jingyuan, Zhou Tzuyu couldn't help but blink her eyes and a subtle smirk played on her lips.

…………

After the first part of MAMA was over, EXO left the artist's seats during the break and didn't go back after the second half started. They remained backstage preparing and on standby.

Their performance time was actually quite late, starting around 37 minutes in. They were the last performing group in the middle of the awards ceremony, and after their performance, they would go straight into the presentation for the second-largest award. They certainly had a lot of prestige.

Being here backstage this early, besides the time-consuming preparations like changing clothes and makeup touch-ups, there's another issue: after their performance, artists like HyunA, Hyunsung, and f(x) have also returned to the artist seats. However, there are not enough seats in the artist seats now.

After they changed their clothes, they waited and watched the live broadcast in the backstage lounge.

Actually, there's no camera constantly recording. It's much more relaxed backstage compared to the artist area. You can chat freely and don't need to manage your expressions. You can just lounge on the sofa or even cross your legs—it's really comfortable.

"How come we haven't won any awards yet Even APKs have awards."

Luhan looked a bit unhappy and couldn't help but complain when he saw Apk receiving the award on stage.

As time passed, the awards ceremony was halfway through. From the opening act until now, EXO has yet to win a single award.

"Brother, I received a participation award. Of course, I can't leave empty-handed after coming to the scene."

Chi Jingyuan silently glanced at the impatient Luhan, and said a word for Apk.

The award Apk received is called the "Next-Generation International Star Award". The name of the award sounds impressive, but in reality, it's a participation award because it was prepared specifically for them since Apk performed. You never know if they will give it out next year.

This kind of participation award is completely outdated for EXO now.

But today, several members of Apk were dressed quite nicely. A black dress with yellow trim and a black lace hemline subtly covered their long legs, giving off a look that was a departure from their previous youthful style, hinting at a touch of sexiness.

Especially with Sun Na-eun wearing this, she looks really good....

"Not winning an award is a good thing, it means we're getting closer to the ultimate prize. The organizers wouldn't let us go home empty-handed, right"

Jin Jun-myeon's mindset is good, and he even feels that the current situation is very good.

"Brother, have you finished thinking about your big prize"

"Of course, we'll just wait for them to call our names."

Kim Jun-myeon jokingly opened a joke, and then patted the person next to him: "By the way, if we win the grand prize today, remember not to cry when you go on stage, keep smiling, we are XO after all."

"Tsk, I wonder who went back last time and cried their eyes out..."

"Haha..."

At this moment, the mid-show has reached the 35th minute and is currently awarding the 'International Most Popular Singer Award'. As expected, the winning act is the Norwegian brother duo Ylvis.

Ylvis's hit song "The Fox," also known as "What Does the Fox Say," was originally created as a promotional song for their new show. The entire song is like a children's rhyme, full of humor.

But after they uploaded to YouTube on September 3rd, they generated a huge reverse reaction. In 32 days, their views broke one hundred million, and they topped the iTunes single charts in many countries. It can be considered a very popular song internationally recently, even in Asia it is often heard.

"Alright, get ready! It's our turn now, kids. Good luck, don't be nervous, just do what you practiced!"

At this time, Lee Seung Hwan ran in to remind the members that they were about to go on stage. Everyone stood up and took a deep breath, looking at each other and shouting “fight!” with a loud voice.

Luhan has already gone out to stand by, unlike the other members. His opening is running up the stairs with a girl.

The other 11 members left the practice room and quickly walked backstage to the waiting area, which was behind the opening backdrop of a fake mountain. When the VCR started and the lights went out, they would take this opportunity to walk down the stairs from behind the fake mountain to their positions and lie on their desks, ready for the official performance.

At this point, the members were all dressed in their stage outfits. They wore grey and black sequin suits that commanded attention. Paired with their carefully crafted hairstyles, everyone looked incredibly cool.

And Chi Jingyuan, in order to prepare for the stage performance later, wore a pair of non-prescription black-rimmed glasses. The glasses perched on his nose bridge added another layer of charm to him.

As the stage lights dimmed, EXO's VCR officially began to play. The fans in the audience erupted in cheers and screams. Just as the members were about to climb onto the faux mountain, Park Ji-won suddenly said:

"By the way, when you jump down from the desk later, remember to be careful. I almost twisted my ankle during rehearsal today. Although it's not very high, you guys have to pay attention to your center of gravity."

"Got it, don't worry, we'll be careful." A few of them nodded to show they understood. The closest one, Doyoung, patted Jiyoung's shoulder, signaling that he got it.

"Ready to go on stage." With a greeting from Kim Jun-myeon, all the members held their breath and walked up the stairs onto the hill.

After much anticipation and waiting, EXO's highly-anticipated stage has finally begun.

First published on the Chinese novel website making revisions. In the end, they both stretched and let out a long sigh. Ji-seong placed the song sheet on the table, tapping it neatly and smiling at Kim Tae-yeon who was still bright-eyed next t...