Chapter Fifty-Three: A Stir

all. Chi Jingyuan didn't say anything, though he felt that this outfit wasn't as good looking as any random hooded sweatshirt he could throw on.After finishing his water, he put the cup down. He open..."Ah!"

In a classroom on the first floor of Dongdeok Girls' High School in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, during a break between classes, a piercing and earsplitting scream erupted unexpectedly, instantly drawing the attention of all the students who remained in the room.

"EXO's dating news!"

Faced with the disapproving and confused glances from her classmates, the girl who had spoken up didn't seem to care at all. Instead, she stood up, holding her phone, turned her head, and loudly shouted something to the others, her face full of panic.

"What No way"

"Who is who Is it Chan-yeol Or Se-hun"

It can't be yuan, right...

“Don't be yuan, Haji!…”

Similar flustered responses rose one after another, some of those with weaker resilience even tinged with sobs.

After hearing this explosive news, more than half of the girls in the classroom panicked and quickly returned to their seats to take out their phones to check the news subject and its authenticity as fast as possible.

Because boy groups inherently have a lower level of recognition and popularity compared to girl groups, EXO isn't exactly a household name throughout the peninsula. Even though they are popular now, many older people or those who aren't interested in K-pop might not even know their names.

But among student groups, EXO is definitely a household name. Especially among female students in their teens and twenties, EXO fans completely dominate the scene. They have been the "student group rulers" since the second half of last year and are still sitting on that throne. For example, in this class at Dongduk Girls' High School, over half are EXO fans. Hearing this news, some were immediately overwhelmed with emotion.

Among them, half were fans of the group and the other half were individual fans of each member, with the most popular being Ji-seong Park.

"It's Bo-Hyun!"

The fan who first screamed shouted again, her voice a mix of sadness and anger. As an EXO fan, any dating news hit her hard. She read out the news she saw word by word: "S Entertainment's top boy group EXO member Baekhyun is reportedly in a relationship with Rainbow member Jisuk. According to insiders, the two have been dating for over four months since February of this year."

"EXO's agency and R.A.W.'s DSP are currently confirming this news."

Below the news, there are several photos that clearly look like they were taken secretly. The photos show a man and a woman, who appear to be a couple, walking very close together on the street. The man is wearing a white baseball cap and no mask. While one of the photos is somewhat blurry, you can faintly make out from the side view that it is Bian Chengxian.

And in several photos, Kim Jisook only showed half her face, looking very much like Taeyeon at first glance.

Several photos show nothing out of the ordinary: just walking, chatting, and waving goodbye. However, anyone can see that the two people are very close.

Although the economic company is still confirming, many people immediately recognized the authenticity upon seeing these photos.

"It's Bo-hyun, it's actually him, that's too much."

"It's good it wasn't Chanyeol."

"Phew, as long as it's not yuan, it's fine, as long as it's not yuan, or else I would go crazy."

"I told you, Yuan Oppa is so good to his fans, how could he possibly fall in love during his career's peak He definitely wouldn't do that."

But even Berhyeon is hard to get along with, xo he's only been debuted for how long

After hearing that the protagonist was Bian Berhen, many people immediately patted their chests and breathed a sigh of relief. For some fans, as long as it wasn't their own idol who broke up in love, even if it was someone from the same group, it didn't have much impact on them.

Of course, you'd probably also feel anger and dissatisfaction, and worry if your idol is also in a relationship.

This, a girl walked into the classroom from outside. As soon as she saw the atmosphere inside, she felt something was wrong.

And the other students, upon seeing her, were also taken aback, their eyes couldn't help but show a trace of sympathy.

This girl is a very famous Byun Baekhyun fan, the kind that is extremely passionate.

"Zhixi..."

A female classmate hesitated for a moment and said to Zhimin as she walked in, "You should go check the news."

"What's wrong" Zhixi was still munching on the newly bought snacks, chewing curiously and looking over.

"Bo-hyun has been rumored to be in a relationship."

"How is that possible..." Zhixi laughed and ate another potato chip, confidently stating: "Oppa promised us fans during the interview that he wouldn't fall in love before he turned 35."

"Seriously, don't believe me Check the news online yourself. Although the company hasn't admitted it yet, the pictures are out there and they're pretty clear."

...Looking at her classmates speaking so confidently, Zhixi also panicked a little. She lost all appetite for chips and quickly returned to her seat to take out her phone and flip through it.

After seeing those dating photos, Zhixi felt as if she had been hit on the head by a hammer. She was completely stunned and speechless.

Even if the photo was blurred into a mosaic, she could recognize at once that boy as her favorite idol, Baekhyun.

Just moments ago, Chihi was smiling brightly. But as she looked on, tears began to stream down her face. Her phone slipped from her grasp and landed on the table with a thud. She sat there, frozen and utterly heartbroken.

"Clearly we had an agreement..."

…………

Love scandals are one of the most popular and sensational news stories in the entertainment industry, especially when the stars involved are the hottest members of a boy group right now. They always attract a lot of attention.

Since debuting in 2009, Rabow has maintained a decent level of popularity. While not as popular as the top-tier girl groups, they have consistently garnered a fanbase. To date, they haven't secured a win on a music show.

...while EXO needless to say, they just finished a very successful comeback and their heat is still maintaining at an overwhelming level. Currently, they are the hottest male group on the peninsula, even without any competition.

However, now it's just news. Many EXO fans, especially those who stan only Baekhyun, still hold onto the hope that the company will deny this dating news.

Although the photos are actually quite clear, as long as the company denies it they can pretend they didn't see anything and still fully believe s's words.

However, a few hours after the news broke, S company released a statement through a press release: "The two previously had a senior-junior relationship and recently developed feelings for each other and started dating." This confirmed the romance between EXO's Bian Baekhyun and Kim Ji Soo.

This statement came as a thunderbolt to the vast number of xo fans.

The already agitated internet instantly erupted with even more fervor.

Since Oppa likes it, we all support it.

After all, Berkeley is already over twenty years old. It's the age to be in love, so I can only say best wishes for happiness.

This is a message from a Rationalist. Although they are in a bad mood, they still expressed their blessings.

But this type of meal still accounts for a very small number. Most are ordinary fans whose heads are filled with anger and disappointment, and countless fans flocked to leave messages in the s of Bian Beran and Jin Zhishou instantly.

"Where was the promise we made You've let us down."

"I've unfollowed you, I liked you so much at first, now I hate you that much."

"Can you be more professional You've only just debuted. Don't you feel sorry for the other xo members"

The main reaction to Bian Bai-xian is extreme disappointment and anger from many fans who are leaving him. Compared to him, Kim Ji-seok has been subjected to vicious attacks from a large fan base.

"Damn woman, die! Die! Die! Die! Die!"

"What's with these 18-line girl groups trying to ride on the coattails of our Oppa, they love flirting with men so much why don't they just sell themselves"

"Do you think just because you look like Taeyeon, you are Taeyeon Can't you look in the mirror"

“…………”

Rabo fans naturally also support their own combinations, but their number is negligible compared to the ever-popular Planet Fans. Their combat strength is not even in the same league, they can be crushed at any time.

When this news was exposed, EXO, who was on an outdoor schedule, was also urgently recalled to the company. All subsequent activities were either cancelled or postponed temporarily.

After attending LG's product launch event in Shanghai, Ji Jingyuan also returned to the peninsula on the 18th. When he was urgently recalled by the company, he happened to be with the group and came back together.

After they returned, they were taken to a small meeting room on the fourth floor. Besides Doh Kyung-Soo, who had joined the TV drama filming at the peninsula and Beakhyun, who was taken away by Lee Seung-Hwan as soon as he returned to the company, all ten other people were present, their expressions weren't good as they discussed the matter.

"Berxian is too careless, how could he take such a clear picture Look at this one, I'm looking right at the camera and I want to shove it in his face! He doesn't even realize it."

Park Chan-wook was looking at his phone, pointing at a picture and complaining.

"And look at the photos, isn't the street they are walking on the alleyway next to our dormitory, the one with that barbecue intestine shop that makes really good food"

"I guess so, it looks like it."

"Gosh, this road is so close to our dorm. Even without paparazzi, it's easy to run into fans. He actually chose to have a date here I wonder what he was thinking... At least find a more secluded spot, or just stay in the car!"

"

“Sigh…” Several people let out a sigh.

"

"The company has already admitted to the relationship." Kim Jun Myeon saw the latest news and shook his head: "I don't know how our fans will feel, and Baekhyun's fans are probably going crazy right now."

"He really cursed quite harshly."

Pool-side viewer, Bian Bo-hyun and Kim Ji-suk's s, watching the constantly surging above, some unbearable aggressive comments, could not help but sigh.

Although I knew their fans were quite passionate before, and had attacked many other idols online, like how Suzy was targeted during the "so" era.

It's just that it was a collaboration song at the time, so it seemed closer. There wasn't anything too ambiguous about it, so fans didn't overreact that time either, they just kept it to a minimum.

But this time it really touched the bottom line of Planet Rice.

This time he truly saw the fighting spirit and fervent passion of these fans.

To be scolded like that, it's hard for anyone to bear. I estimate that Kim Ji-seok will close the comments soon.

There are quite a few people who criticize Albert Cheng, and many of them target his past statement "I won't fall in love before the age of 35."

This sentence was not said in a formal setting, but rather in an interview for a magazine.

But no matter where it is said, as long as it is made public, it naturally becomes a tacit understanding between the idol and their fans. Before many EXO-Ls saw this statement from him, they felt reassured and didn't worry about their idol's relationship problems.

I didn't expect to be slapped in the face so quickly.

Therefore, it's important not to casually say things like this, even if you're trying to establish a character. You shouldn't be so absolute about it.

When asked on the show "Golden Fishery" if anyone was in a relationship, all the K-Team members smiled and remained silent. They said that saying yes was definitely impossible, but saying no wouldn't guarantee anything about the future. Who knows what could happen tomorrow Maybe someone would be caught in a relationship, and then they would look foolish for claiming otherwise. It would make them appear untrustworthy.

So, a promise like this from someone like Bian Berhen is only going to backfire. There are no benefits to making such a statement.

Because it's impossible for idols to fall in love at 35 years old, let alone those who constantly interact with handsome men and beautiful women and are adored by countless fans. It's simply unrealistic for normal men and women as well. It's just nonsense.

Now, something I casually boasted about has become my biggest weakness.

"Why did the company just admit it directly without dragging it out or denying it"

On her phone, she kept swiping up and down, frowning and asking, "Shouldn't media outlets that usually break stories like this first communicate with the company, and wouldn't the company normally try to stop it"

He also makes sense. In general, this kind of situation should be like this. It's impossible for Girls' Generation to have only dated once in so many years. The reason why a lot of their past relationships were exposed this year is probably because S Company didn't stop the news from coming out.

"Who knows, maybe they don't want to stop it, or maybe they can't stop it..." Wu Shixun curled his lips: "Maybe they're targeting us."

"Oh..."

Another sigh.

Since "Growl" or even "Wolf," EXO, who have been sailing smoothly all the way to their imminent peak, finally encountered a difficult problem.

After a while, Lee Cheng-hwan came back first. After entering the door, he stood in front and clapped his hands. He looked at the members with some seriousness: "Berhian, this is very sudden and unexpected, but the company already has corresponding measures. You must not post any opinions on SNS, and be careful to avoid answering when asked by the media, understood"

"Understood." They both replied in unison.

Li Chenghuan nodded, then looked at them anxiously and said, "Also, the fact that Beixian's relationship was suddenly exposed caught the company off guard. There was no preparation beforehand... Is there anyone else among you who is dating"

"...Members looked at each other, blinked, but no one spoke."

Everyone here is not a fool. Do you really think confessing will be lenient Besides Chi Jingyuan, if any other member said they were in a relationship, they'd probably be taken aside for a scolding first to clarify the situation, then have their phone confiscated and be forced to break up. They might even have their activities suspended.

Although Bian Berhyen is not back yet, his fellow members have a pretty good idea of what will happen to him.

They've only been active for a little over two years, so the company's management is still quite strict. If they had debuted four years ago, their freedom would be much greater. Even if the company knew about dating among members, they wouldn't be too serious or say much. They might even proactively help cover up the news.

Lee Seung-hwan looked around at everyone's faces, and after meeting eyes with the smiling Ji Kyeong-won, he shook his head helplessly. He knew he wouldn't get an answer anyway, but he still reminded them: "Even if you fall in love, it's best to report it to the company. That way, if something like what happened with Baekhyun occurs, the company will be prepared in advance."

"Inner!"

"Jingyuan, there will be an LG ad shoot here in a while. You should go ahead first. Also, Berhyeon's activities for today are temporarily suspended. The rest of you don't have to wait for him either. Let's continue with the rest of our schedule for today. We can discuss the rest later this evening."

Lee Seung-hwan also sighed.

"That's all for now."

…………

After that, Chi Jingyuan followed Park Jae-hyeon and his assistant out of the company to head to the filming location for the LG advertisement. The advertising work for the entire product line was very large, so during this time, his main focus was on this project.

On the shuttle bus and during breaks from filming, Ji Chengyuan was constantly checking his phone for online updates. It was still a chaotic mess. The situations surrounding Park Bo-gum and Kim Jisoo were particularly dire. Their comment sections were flooded with accusations and insults, and their fan counts were decreasing at an alarming rate.

Kim Jisoo isn't very popular because her group and popularity aren't that high, so she doesn't have many fans. However, Beomgyu already has over a million fans and is one of the top members in TXT. Just this afternoon, his fan count dropped by over 50,000, all of whom were usually active fans.

This is only the first day.

Then, in EXO's fan communities, there was also a lot of discussion. Many fans expressed disappointment and worry, even EXO's own official fan club. Fans were worried that EXO would be like Girls' Generation, with Baekhyun just being the start, and then half the group would leave one after another.

In the afternoon, several big fans who knew Ji Jingyuan's contact information, such as his first fan and one of the biggest station sisters, Park Soo-na, also sent messages to ask similar questions.

The incident at the beginning of the year involving Girls' Generation really frightened a lot of people.

If EXO were like that… just thinking about it is terrifying.

Chi Jingyuan didn't know how to reply, so he just briefly explained the situation.

He understands the dating situations of the team members and certainly can't guarantee anything when it comes to making empty promises. All he can assure is that he won't be exposed.

Even if he leaks some information, the company definitely won't admit it.

However, speaking of it, Ji Jingyuan felt like he wasn't really in a relationship at the moment.

When he got back home in the evening, it was almost twelve o'clock. As soon as he opened the door and walked in to change his shoes, he saw several members sitting on the sofa chatting. Meanwhile, Baekhyun was sitting in the middle, staring blankly at the television.

"Jeong-won, you're back," Park Chan-hyeok greeted.

"Hmm, you're not asleep yet," Chi Jingyuan nodded, changed his shoes and walked in. He went to the bathroom to freshen up first, then walked to the living room and stood behind the sofa for a while, watching the variety show playing on TV with its bursts of laughter. At the same time, he glanced at Bian Berhyen out of the corner of his eye.

As if sensing Ji Jingyuan's gaze, Bian Berxian turned his head to look at him, squeezing out a smile and giving a slight nod before turning back.

Bian Bianxian, usually one of the most cheerful and lively people in the dorm with Park Chan-hyeok, now looked like a corpse.

This guy really looks sad.

After standing for a while, Chi Jingyuan lightly patted his shoulder and then walked into his bedroom, gently closing the door.

Do Kyung-Soo is still unknown if he will be back on set today, but even if he does, it's estimated that he won't arrive until two or three in the afternoon.

"What's the situation"

Ji Jingyuan gently closed the door, then looked at Wu Shixun who had just been playing on his phone and was now sitting up. He pointed outside with his chin and asked in a low voice.

"As we expected, phones are confiscated and silence is enforced."

Wu Shih-hsuan and Chi Jingyuan walked in and, in hushed tones, spoke at length.

"Didn't they say it had to be a breakup"

"That wasn't mentioned."

Chi Jingyuan pursed his lips, that's alright.

Although we didn't break up, the situation with the fans is the most heartbreaking. It's really hard to see those who once unconditionally supported me one by one turn away, and some even attack me. Anyone would feel sad about that.

However, this is also Byun Baekhyun's own problem. Dating for idols who have not been debuted for a long time is inherently a taboo.

If you want to fall in love, just keep it private and nobody will mind. Even if the company finds out, they won't do anything about it. But if it gets exposed, you'll have to bear the consequences yourself.

The team atmosphere was bad, and they weren't too keen on chatting much. They just lay in bed scrolling through their phones for a while before each going to rest.

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Even though Bian Baekhyun only stopped activities for one day, he started acting normally with the group the next day. Although Ji Sungwon did not participate in the group activities because he was filming an LG commercial, it is said that when he returned, Bian Baekhyun was frequently asked harsh questions by fans during events, and he just silently bowed his head and left.

And it seems that besides a significant drop in his SNS followers, the musical he recently starred in has also suffered from a large number of ticket cancellations. It can be said that everything is going downhill for him lately.

As a result, the rest of EXO was also affected, and the atmosphere in the team has been somewhat heavy lately.

To be honest, although many members occasionally complain, no one really blames Beomgyu. After all, everyone in private isn't that honest either. Many people are secretly dating, it's just that they're discreet enough or lucky enough to avoid being exposed.

Seeing how Beixian looks now, some members also feel uneasy in their hearts, as if they have seen what it would be like one day when they are exposed.

Ji Jingyuan is still quite good and there's no need to worry about these things. Li Xiuman even publicly stated his support for him dating before, and if he disagreed, the news wouldn't be leaked anyway. However, his mood definitely isn't as smooth as it was a few days ago.

Especially seeing the incredible fighting spirit and heartbreaking resentment that erupted after many Bian Berhyen's fans defected and criticized him, truly made Ji Jingyuan sigh in admiration.

True fans turning against their idols and bashing them are way more terrifying than pure black fans.

And after Kim Ji-suk and DSP admitted to their relationship, they kept a low profile. Both sides remained silent, and the couple made no public statements or responses, effectively burying their heads in the sand.

Online, there's a lot of buzz about them. They've chosen to lie flat and accept the ridicule, no longer doing anything to stir up fans' emotions.

It's been almost a week.

Around 5 or 6 in the afternoon, Chi Jingyuan had just returned to the company from a photo shoot for an advertisement. After putting some things in the practice room, he put on his bag and got into the elevator to go downstairs to eat.

Just now, he received a call from Kim Jun-myeon asking when he would be back. He said that the recent events have affected things not so well, and coincidentally, he had nothing scheduled for tonight. He was planning to organize a dinner gathering for everyone to eat and drink, easing the somewhat tense atmosphere within the team these past few days.

When he received the phone call, Ji Jingyuan was already in the nanny's car and about to arrive at the company. He readily agreed to be there in a while, and Kim Jun-myeon hung up the phone and sent him the address. It was a restaurant on a nearby commercial street, where they had gone as EXO once before.

Chi Jingyuan had a good impression of that restaurant. The food tasted pretty good.

As soon as he stepped out of the elevator on the first floor, Ji Jingyuan strode towards the side door. It was lunchtime, and the scattered trainees he passed along the way greeted him with bows and hellos, but he just nodded in response without much else.

Turning the corner, they arrived at the side door. Chi Jingyuan just turned around and raised his head, he was stunned for a moment, several familiar figures were standing on the corridor next to the side door.

He immediately recognized Pei Joo-hyun in a white short sleeve, denim shorts, standing with her back to him. Next to her were Son Seung-wan and an unfamiliar girl.

These few people look like they are waiting for someone, probably Jiang Sheqi who is not here.

First published on TTFN Novelshe 'major' break room door without opening it directly, he paused, turned to look at Ki Jingyuan, gave him a 'bye-bye' gesture with his mouth, and then swung the door open and went inside.With a smile...