iewership of 2.7%. It has been steadily growing in popularity.Meanwhile, the public's acclaim for "Reply" had reached a fever pitch. Discussions and praise for the drama were everywhere. At the same t...The 2013 KBS Song Festival was held on the evening of December 27th. EXO made an appearance during the first half of the celebration, performing at around 15 minutes in.

They were the second act of the entire evening, following Crayon Pop's performance of "Barbarbar". The organizers probably intended to directly raise the atmosphere to its peak with two consecutive hit songs on stage.

This time, besides the impossible-to-miss "Roar", EXO also performed a special arrangement of "dubsteptro" with a new choreography.

This version's opening instrumental and group dance were truly impressive, allowing EXO, who were already widely welcomed upon their appearance, to directly ignite the audience's enthusiasm as desired by the television station.

However, KBS's year-end celebration usually doesn't have too many fancy things, it's just a more ordinary idol performance. Compared to SBS, which is good at putting on a show, the stage is also smaller and there are fewer spectators. Overall, in terms of viewing and topicality, it still lags behind.

The event concluded with an 8-member Girls' Generation stage performance of "I Gotta Boy," absent was Lim Yoona.

Overall, besides one of the hosts, Suzy Bae, who sported a ponytail and a few long dresses that looked pretty nice, it didn't leave a deep impression on Ji-young.

Originally, EXO was not scheduled to have a stage performance or attend any celebrations on the 28th. However, due to scheduling conflicts, EXO could not attend the MBC Gayo Daejejeon, which was originally planned for December 31st.

Because on the 31st, Park Bo Gum had to attend SBS Drama Awards with the cast of "The Heirs" as the male lead, while EXO-M was going to China for a live New Year's Eve event at Dragon TV.

And EXO is the biggest idol group right now, their absence would really detract from the event if we're being honest. MBC wouldn't want that, so they allowed them to pre-record their stage and played the recording during the live broadcast, making it seem like they were there.

After communication with MBC, on the 28th, XO went to MBC ahead of time to record a stage. To enhance the stage effect, MBC also opened a fan channel, and all positions were filled in just a few minutes. For the sake of watching their idols record a stage, fans are truly desperate.

The entire venue was packed with EXO fans, excitedly watching them record.

To give back to the fans' enthusiasm, after discussion, the stage flow was temporarily changed. The original unchanged "Roar" stage, at the end of the chorus, all members will come down from the stage and run from both sides of the passage to a small stage in the middle of the audience seats to finish the last chorus.

While it was called a small stage, it was actually just a small platform in the middle of the audience seating area. It was very small; even twelve members had trouble moving around freely while dancing.

Moreover, the stage is very close to the audience; fans can practically reach out and touch them.

This up-close and personal experience with their idols truly made many fans scream in excitement, saying that this time was definitely worth it.

After the recording ended, the members and fans bowed to each other, and finally they left under the reluctant gaze of everyone.

Time flies, and it's already the 29th.

"How's it going Is the lift stable"

Looking at the four dancers Le coming up and down from the lift, Chi Jingyuan asked them a question.

They are currently rehearsing for tonight's SBS Inkigayo at the first hall of Ilsan KT&G Center.

Speaking of which, it's quite a coincidence that the location for this year's SBS Song Festival is the same as where their ** family concert was held just a few days ago. Going back there after a few days, EXO could be considered revisiting familiar grounds.

The venue for SBS's year-end show is significantly larger than that of KBS and MBC. The surrounding facilities and stage are also much better, clearly indicating a greater investment of resources and money compared to the other two TV stations. It's no wonder they consistently lead in viewership ratings at the end of each year.

The entire venue has a total of 5 stages. Besides the biggest main stage, there are also left, right, middle, and back four smaller stages.

While the right stage was set up as an artist's lounge, the middle one featured a special round stage with a lift and rotating function. This stage tonight only had one group performing on it.

It's EXO.

Tonight, EXO will only have one group stage performance, opening the second half with "Growl".

Today's performance also included a special dance section, transitioning into a variation at the end of the second chorus. While the other members crouched low, Kim Jong-in, Woo Se-hoon, Han and Y, the four dancers, ascended on a rising platform. As they rose halfway, they danced together in unison.

When they were rehearsing just now, Chi Jingyuan watched them slowly ascend, feeling as if the entire elevator was swaying with their dance. He couldn't help but feel a little nervous. After finishing this performance, he couldn't hold back his curiosity and asked a question.

"Shaking, why isn't it shaking I feel like I can't even stand steady. It feels like this elevator could collapse at any moment. I don't dare to use any force."

"I'm a bit afraid of heights, just like Jingyuan. This time, I even got this thing, I don't know who came up with it."

Wu Shih-hsien and Han listened, their faces immediately fell into grimaces as they started to complain. It seems like they have strong opinions about this elevator idea.

"Oh well, it's a shame I'm not the main dancer. I didn't get to enjoy the lift with you all. It's a bit disappointing..."

Chi Jingyuan not only failed to comfort them, but instead said something smug and sarcastic. His expression looked incredibly regretful, so much so that the two of them couldn't hold back and launched a double-pronged attack, grabbing him and pulling him around.

Today, many idols participated in the SBS Gayo Daejeon, almost all of the artists who appeared on the recording of "You Are My Miracle" were there.

What left Jiyoung speechless was that just as they EXO were coming out from backstage to prepare for their dress rehearsal, they happened to run into f(x), APK, and Girl's Day.

fx just finished rehearsal and the next two are going to have a collaboration stage, preparing to go to rehearsal together.

Four groups were having their photos taken behind the scenes, and as soon as Chi Jingyuan looked over, he saw that all three girl groups had female idols with complicated relationships with him.

That's quite a coincidence.

Fortunately, only Chi Jingyuan knew these things in her heart. They didn't know each other, otherwise, the scene would be even more exciting.

The venue was also very lively at this time, with idols rehearsing on various stages. Not far away, several MCs were familiarizing themselves with the script and going over the hosting process for tonight's show.

I practiced twice more, and I'm almost getting used to this special elevator rotating stage.

Just as they finished dancing and were taking a breather, one of the MCs, Kim Hee Chul, walked over and greeted EXO enthusiastically.

Oh my gosh, wuli XO is so handsome...

After Kim HeeChul walked over, he exaggeratedly praised them, then secretly glanced back and turned his head to whisper, "I saw it all, there are several female idols over there who have been paying attention to you. Do you need hyung to help you get a practice method"

"Hyecheol hyung, this kind of thing is definitely more fun if you do it yourself."

Park Chan-wook seriously put forward his own opinion.

"Haha..." Several people laughed together.

As a popular member of SJ, Kim Heechul, after two years of military service, was discharged this year on August 30th and returned to the entertainment industry.

Just as SJ was at the tail end of its peak, it brought him a lot of heat. The company is also quite fond of Kim Heechul, and after his discharge, the resources have been constantly supplied, allowing him to quickly return to the ranks of popular artists in a short period of time.

It can be said that the two-year hiatus didn't have much of an impact on Kim Heechul.

Kim Hee-chul is a talented artist with excellent looks, singing ability and personal qualities. He's also well-mannered and has his own way of interacting with people. It's said that he is particularly good at socializing, especially with female artists.

Looking at Kim Heechul, who immediately came across as familiar and effortlessly lifted the atmosphere, even Ji Kyeong-won couldn't help but nod in approval. Being able to mix with others so well is indeed a skill for an idol, even if he wasn't particularly close with him, he still felt a sense of warmth and familiarity.

Ji Jingyuan heard that Lee Hyo-ri, for some unknown reason, seemed to particularly like Kim Heechul, so she gave him a special status at **. Although he wasn't as high-ranking as Ji Jingyuan, he was definitely better off than ordinary artists under the agency.

"Jin-won!" And after a warm exchange with the members, Kim Heechul turned his gaze back to Park Jin-won and happily waved.

"Greetings, senior." Chi Jingyuan lightly bowed.

"Aniyo, don't be so polite, just call me gege."

Kim Heechul waved his hand and then stared at Ji Changwook for a while, shaking his head and sighing: "Ah, I always heard Taeyeon and Hyo-yeon talk about you before. It's nice to finally see you with my own eyes."

"As expected, what they said was true. Seeing it in reality is really like this…." He said while giving a thumbs up.

Under Kim Hee Chul's active social engagement, Ji Kyung won also laughed and chatted with him.

Kim Heechul has good relationships with several members of Girls' Generation, especially Kim Taeyeon, and Kim Taeyeon also has a good relationship with Ji Chang Wook. Thanks to this connection, the two became close easily.

"Jingyuan, remember to give me your contact information later, and I'll introduce you to some girls..."

"I'm leaving first."

After chatting for a while, he bid farewell and left. EXO then danced again, and the rehearsal was considered over. They panted heavily as they walked off the stage and returned to the backstage.

For such large-scale events, rehearsals are taken very seriously. Every time, they basically treat it like an actual performance. With a choreography as intense as “Roar,” even a group as seasoned as EXO would be exhausted after performing it repeatedly. Everyone would be sweating profusely, catching their breath as they walked backstage through the corridor.

And at this point in time, not only were they ending rehearsals, but several other groups also finished practicing and trailed behind them.

Just after entering the backstage, Ji-won was walking behind the members when he saw two familiar faces approaching from afar: f(x)'s Sulli and Na. Both were each carrying a bag filled with coffee and other beverages, looking like they had just finished buying them.

"Here comes Kyung-won!" The two of them also saw EXO and immediately smiled and greeted them. After Choi Soo-ri and the other members waved, she ran straight to Ji Kyung-won's face.

"Did... just finish rehearsal"

Choi Seol-li rummaged through her bag and pulled out an iced coffee, handing it to Ji-gyeong. She looked at the sweat on his forehead and said,

On the other hand, Na wouldn't act like Shirley, ignoring everyone around her. She greeted the other members with a smile and then passed out drinks to them one by one.

"Alright, that's finished for now. We might have to run through it again later."

Chi Jingyuan nodded, twisting open the lid and taking a sip. The icy liquid slid down his throat and into his heart and lungs, bringing relief to him after dancing in the heat.

He put down the bottle and asked, "How come you guys bought drinks yourselves Where's your assistant"

There are many merchandise booths set up inside the venue, where you can find a wide variety of snacks and drinks.

One assistant went out with the manager, and the other two went to buy takeout. So we just went by ourselves.

"Choi Seol-ri blurted out, then giggled: "Things like this are more fun when you do it yourself. A lot of idols go alone, you know why"

"Hmm"

Qi Jingyuan took another sip and questioned with his nose.

"Because I can meet the opposite sex, you know While I was queuing up, I saw several male and female idols exchanging glances... And they were even couples who had already confirmed their relationship meeting each other. Let me tell you, I just..."

Choi Soo-ri gave off an air of knowing a secret. She mysteriously approached and whispered to me about idol couples exchanging contact information, meeting, and dating.

"So familiar Seems like you've experienced it too"

“Well, of course, I have a lot of admirers too.” She proudly raised her chin.

"Let's go back. We can talk as we walk."

Na was talking with Jinjuman and a few others at the front of the line, while Ji-seong walked behind them chatting with Seol-ri. Several members in between quietly drank water as they walked towards the resting room together, looking very harmonious.

"Is the movie finished How did it go"

Chi Jingyuan walked, holding a cup of coffee in his left hand and taking sips every now and then while casually asking questions.

"Oh, I'm so exhausted. August and September are the busiest months for filming. It's scorching hot and we have to wear these thick costumes from morning till night. And even if you're really tired, you can't show it. Forget about it..."

When she mentioned Choi Soo-ryeon, her face crumpled, looking a little afraid. But after the fear, there was reminiscence, and a hint of yearning as she continued, "My role wasn't big... but filming did feel quite different."

Where is the difference

"It's... how do I say it, it's just that you feel like your own identity and status have suddenly been elevated. Do you understand this feeling"

Chi Jingyuan nodded knowingly. In the entertainment industry of the Peninsula, besides directors and writers like behind-the-scenes personnel, film actors had the highest status among those in the spotlight. Their status was much higher than that of idols in the music industry.

Therefore, most idols after becoming popular want to transition into the film and television industry. Being able to act in a TV series is already considered successful, while being able to act in a movie is even more of an upgrade.

Of course, if the work fails, it wouldn't be a good thing. It would also affect its original business.

"I understand, it's a normal feeling, nothing bad about it." Chi Jingyuan nodded to show that he understood.

"Jingyuan, what about you "The Heirs" is so popular, you should be one of the most outstanding young actors now, don't you think"

"Yeah, maybe. But I see it pretty openly. For me, acting is a way to increase my popularity and recognition. As for things like status or refinement, I don't really care much. Personally, I still prefer the stage."

Although Chi Jingyuan knows the unspoken rules about hierarchy in the Peninsula entertainment circle, he doesn't really care much about the so-called status difference between artists.

Even the highest-ranking movie actors, in some people's eyes, are just that.

However, Chi Jingyuan didn't care because his background and family gave him confidence. But most people in the entertainment industry still value this very much.

"Sigh... I feel like my mindset has been a bit unstable lately. Even when practicing and preparing for the stage, I can't seem to get myself fully into it."

"I feel like this isn't right, is there anything I can do"

Choi Soo-young whispered to Ji Kyeong-won about her recent worries. After finishing filming, she felt a bit less enthusiastic about being an idol for some reason.

This already counts as a very private heart-to-heart, it's clear that Choi Soo-ri didn't treat Park Ji-won like an outsider.

This kind of mentality is actually quite normal. If an idol transitions to acting and does well, more or less they will have this issue. It mainly depends on adjusting oneself.

Chi Jingyuan nodded, thought for a moment before opening his mouth and saying, "However, if you want to know the specific method, there is one."

"What method" Cui Xueli stared at him curiously.

"It's simple, act in a few more TV series like "To the Beautiful You," get rejected harshly a few times, and your mindset will naturally become more peaceful."

"Because at that time, you probably wouldn't be able to act anymore," Chi Jingyuan said something ridiculous yet looked earnestly at Cui Xueli.

After finishing, he happily took a sip of coffee.

"You...!"

Choi Se-ri had originally been very serious, preparing to listen carefully to her relatives' advice. Unexpectedly, she heard such a nonsensical and funny suggestion. Her expression changed dramatically, and she cried out in surprise, not paying attention to Ji-yeong's actions, and pushed him angrily.

"Oh, phew..."

Although the push wasn't strong, Ji Jingyuan, who was drinking coffee, had no defense. His whole body's center of gravity shifted directly to the side, and he stumbled several steps before hitting someone and coming to a halt. The coffee in his hand splashed out due to the impact and shaking, splattering on both himself and the other person's upper half.

"Aisi, %#ap;￥%……”

Before Chi Jingyuan could make out who it was, a barrage of insults, laden with profanity, came from beside him.

The voice is still familiar to the ear.

After Pool Jingyuan decided where he wanted to stand, he didn't blame Cui Xueli for bumping into him. Instead, he first glanced at his coffee-stained clothes, pursed his lips, and then turned his head to look at the person he had bumped into, preparing to apologize.

Upon seeing this, he couldn't help but narrow his eyes. He was indeed an acquaintance.

Dynaibsp;Duo, a hip-hop veteran and senior figure in the industry.

Because many artists participated in the K-pop Battle today, and it was currently rehearsal time, the backstage waiting room was frequently visited by artists coming and going. Dynaibsp; Duo didn't know when they walked up to Ji-yeong and his group.

The voice of the powerful and imposing man immediately caught the attention of the EXO members ahead. They all stopped and looked back, curious about what was happening. Once they realized something was going on, they quickly gathered around to see what it was about.

...and several groups who were originally slated to follow EXO and return to the backstage area, like Secret and AOA's members, couldn't help but stop their steps a little distance away, watching the sudden unfolding situation in front of them.

"Mi ah na da, senpai."

When Ci Jingyuan saw it was Zhai Hao, he knew in his heart that things might not go well. He had been seeing the other party frequently recently, and every time Zhai Hao looked at him, his eyes were insincere with a sneer. It was obvious that he was extremely unhappy with him.

So I abandoned my plan to make a sincere apology and simply flashed him a business-like smile laced with a hint of regret. I mumbled an insincere apology to Jae-ho.

Jae-ho had been pursuing Choi Se-ri smoothly before, and he was quite good at handling someone with that kind of personality. He wasn't great with people in general, and he excelled at dealing with girls like her who weren't the most sociable.

But things took a turn for the worse after she met Ji Jingyuan that time. Cui Xueli proactively kept her distance from him, ignoring his invitations to hang out. She stopped replying to his texts and calls, and soon their contact was severed.

He knew instantly that it must have been Qi Jingyuan who had played a hand in this, and he was quite displeased with him.

>He was especially angry, convinced that Choi Se-ri must be with Park Kyung-won. After chasing after her for so long, she had just been picked by someone else. He was furious at this "nobody" and wanted to give him a good beating.

It's just that thinking about it, ** isn't something he can casually mess with.

But now, Zai Hao had been bumped into and splashed with coffee all over, he was very angry. But when he saw it was Chi Jingyuan, he froze for a moment, and the anger in his heart seemed to pause momentarily.

He glanced at Chi Jingyuan, then at Cui Xueli standing beside him. After a quick flurry of thoughts, he made up his mind. The anger on his face didn't diminish but intensified instead, and he directly seized the opportunity to lash out:

"Oh, is that how you treat your seniors Causing a commotion here in the back and splashing coffee on them Is this how your company and manager taught you"

Zai Hao, in front of everyone, shouted angrily, looking at Chi Jingyuan as if he wanted to vent all the anger and displeasure that had been building up in his heart recently.

And this time it was truly their fault, the timing was excellent.

"Jingyuan..."

After realizing she had caused trouble, Cui Xueli felt a little embarrassed. She stood awkwardly for a few seconds before taking the initiative to walk over, ready to apologize to Jae-ho and Ji-yeong. Just as she was about to speak, Ji-yeong waved her hand to stop her.

Chi Jingyuan walked towards her, smiling and said to Zhai Hao:

"Ah, senior, it was our carelessness. I am willing to compensate you for all the expenses of your clothes. I'm really sorry, we were very rude."

Chi Jingyuan's tone sounded sincere, and his smile was just right. He showed all the attitudes that a junior who made a mistake should have, there's nothing to pick on.

"Is that so Well, this outfit was sponsored by a sponsor. I'm going to rehearsal right now and have a performance tonight. Are you going to pay for it Can you even afford to Oh my goodness, nowadays young people just love to spout big words..."

Zai Hao's anger had transformed into mockery, he mercilessly mocked Chi Jingyuan aloud, his eyes and expressions perfectly coordinated, showing his displeasure and contempt flawlessly. While speaking, he kept stretching out his hand, pointing at Chi Jingyuan with his index finger.

His voice was really loud, and it could be heard through the door of the resting room by many idols in other rooms. Shortly after his voice fell, several doors to nearby resting rooms opened, with a few heads peeking out to see what was going on. After exchanging a few words, several idols quickly walked out from inside.

Issa, Sistar and FX all heard the commotion and walked out from inside. They stood to the side, watching the scene unfold while quietly asking those they knew about what had happened.

When Jung Soo-jung saw that the conflict involved Park Ki-young, she quickly walked over and stood beside Sulli, acting like a good friend by patting her on the back. However, her attention was completely focused on Park Ki-young in front of them.

At the back of the crowd, apk and girlsday, who had finished their rehearsal, also came back. Looking at the scene where so many people were cheering in front of them, they were momentarily at a loss for words and hurriedly asked those around them what was going on.

For a moment, the backstage was in an uproar.

And Zai Hao was getting more and more excited. It felt so good to show off his power in front of so many people while humiliating this annoying little white face.

"What do the seniors think should be done"

Chi Jingyuan looked up and thought for a moment, then curiously asked.

"As a junior, I made such a mistake. Please allow me to offer my deepest apologies." Zaihao waved his hand generously, seeming to put the other person at ease.

"Heh..." Qi Jingyuan laughed upon hearing this, tilting his head to look at the other party.

At this moment, Kim Jun-myeon walked over to Jae-ho and gave him a light bow. He then pulled Ji-young aside: "Ji-young, I've already told Sehun to call the manager. We just need to apologize, and we'll go back first and leave the rest to the company."

"Good."

Chi Jingyuan knew he was in the wrong, but he also saw that the other party was clearly taking advantage of the situation to pick a fight. He didn't want to tangle with Zaihao, so he nodded in agreement with Kim Jun-myeon's opinion and finally gave Zaihao a slight nod: "Ah, Senior Mi Ah Ne, your request might not be possible. Why don't you let the company handle it I'll take my leave now."

After finishing his words, he beckoned Choi Se-ri and Jung Soo-jung to follow him, then walked toward the resting room with Kim Jun-myeon and the other members, without paying any more attention to the hip-hop senior behind them.

"Hey, did I let you leave"

"Is this how you treat your seniors"

"Ace, stop right there! Can't you hear me"

Damn it……

Jae-ho watched the few people leave, shouting several times in succession. But Gil-yeong didn't care at all, acting as if he hadn't heard anything and walking away further and further. This only made Jae-ho, who kept jumping and roaring angrily, look like a clown. Under the gaze of so many female idols, the anger in his heart grew stronger and stronger.

Feeling the playful gazes of those around him, when he finally saw Ji-seong and Seol-ri huddled together with their heads close, as if whispering something to each other, Jae-ho, feeling his face burning with embarrassment, couldn't hold back any longer. Anger surged through his brain, his eyes reddened, and he snatched up a bottle of water from Gaeko, his fellow group member who stood beside him, and hurled it straight at Ji-seong.

"Ah!"

"Beware!"

A few people who had been watching from the side immediately gasped in surprise, like Jung Eun Ji and the others, after seeing it.

A scream made Ji Jingyuan, who hadn't noticed the situation behind him, react. He reflexively pushed Cui Xueli and Jung Soojung beside him to the side, then took a step back, narrowly avoiding the bottle of drink that Jaeho threw at him with force in a parabolic downward arc.

"Bang."

A water bottle, full to the brim, crashed heavily onto the ground in front of Chi Jingyuan. The water splashed onto his shoes and trousers, staining the ground with a pool of liquid. The dull thudding noise seemed to plunge the entire backstage into an eerie silence.

No one spoke, and even the sound of breathing could be faintly heard. The loudest noise was Zaihao’s chest heaving with anger, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"Hehehe..."

Chi Jingyuan ignored the curious glances from those around him. He lowered his head and stared intently at the bottle of water at his feet for a long while. Suddenly, the expressionless face on his countenance broke into a smile.

"Sigh," he shook his head, let out a soft breath, and a brilliant smile hung on his face. His gentle eyes curved into a crescent moon, he straightened his body and looked at Zaixiao, then took slow steps towards him.

"Jingyuan..." Kim Jun-myeon only felt that Chi Jingyuan's expression at this time was so familiar, that sense of déjà vu was completely like something he had experienced before.

He immediately grabbed Ji Jingyuan's shoulders from behind, and whispered with concern: "Jingyuan, this is SBS, not at the company..."

"Don't worry, Jun-Myeon." Ji-sung gently moved Jin-Myeon's hand off his shoulder, smirked, and smiled brightly, but said casually:

"Actually, there's no much difference..."

(

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This novel is published exclusively on the Traditional Chinese Novel Network.in the venue began to heat up, Ren Shun'er finally said: "Please everyone shout out the words on my clothes together after 1, 2, 3...""1…""2……""3…""EXO!!"All eyes in the audience erupted into a deafen...