Peninsula: I'm the Top Streamer

Chapter 686 Warm-up, the allure of contrast...!
"Bye-bye, see you next time."

A look of confusion crossed Liu Zhimin's face, but after a few deep breaths, she smiled, waved to Zhao Meiyan, and then slowly walked towards her dormitory.

The neon lights on the street reflected in Liu Zhimin's somewhat unfocused pupils, but they couldn't leave any trace in her mind.

Her thoughts were like a jumbled mess, with only Zhao Meiyan's last few words at the core, especially that one.

"Shall we get a little closer?"

"Closeness?"

Liu Zhimin murmured unconsciously.

Zhao Meiyan… what does this mean?
The most intense feeling at this moment is the unexpectedness, which almost overwhelms the lingering embarrassment and guilt on set.

She had anticipated all sorts of possible reactions from Zhao Meiyan: indifference, disregard, or even a warning with a victor's air.

But I never expected it to be such a conciliatory suggestion.

"Jisoo and Tzuyu seem to be getting along quite well lately."

Zhao Meiyan spoke of them in a very ordinary tone, but those words struck Liu Zhimin like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

Jisoo and Tzuyu?

She did notice the news circulating online, but she didn't pay much attention to it.

But from the vague implication Zhao Meiyan conveyed…
They've gotten mixed up together?
Liu Zhimin frowned, looking somewhat dazed. What Zhao Meiyan had told her on her way back was quite revealing.

Kim Jisoo and Kwon Heonhyuk…

The relevant impressions came to Liu Zhimin's mind.

They are even well-known couples in the entire Korean entertainment industry, and some have even been exposed by legitimate media. They have been the subject of various gossip topics to this day, and there have been countless rumors about them in between.

To some casual observers, Kwon Heon-hyuk and Kim Ji-soo had indeed dated, but they were just being stubborn and refusing to make it official.

He has talked to Jennie and G-Dragon, and he has talked to Kim Taehyung. The photos have been leaked several times, but he has stubbornly refused to respond.

Yoo Jimin always knew that Kim Jisoo was a potential rival.

Chou Tzu-yu...

Need I say anything more about my ex-girlfriend?

The one who kept getting entangled with her, the one she couldn't untangle, was regarded by Liu Zhimin as her greatest enemy, her number one foe, even Zhao Meiyan had to take a backseat.

Zhao Meiyan specifically mentioned them to tell her that someone had already "formed an alliance"?

Is he trying to win her over?
This idea made Liu Zhimin feel even more absurd.

Try to win her over?
She, Liu Zhimin, was the one who coveted someone else's boyfriend and even tried every means to climb up to him.

Shouldn't Zhao Meiyan be keeping a close watch on her, even to the point of loathing her?

And wait, why does it have to be like a TV drama, with this kind of plot?

"Aigu..." She let out a barely audible hum from her nose, tinged with self-mockery.

What kind of move is Zhao Meiyan making?
The magnanimity of the empress?
Or is it another form of warning and confinement? Is it about keeping oneself in line under her nose?

An inexplicable sense of unease welled up inside me.

She hated the feeling of being arranged and controlled, especially when the person in question was her love rival.

But deep down, a very faint wavering, one that she herself was unwilling to admit, quietly began to grow.

Liu Zhimin pulled her suitcase and swiped her card to enter.

The dormitory was quiet; it seemed that none of the members were there.

The quiet allowed her to relax her nerves, which had been tense all day.

She casually tossed her suitcase into the entryway, kicked off her shoes, and collapsed onto the soft sofa in the living room.

"Hoo..." He let out a long sigh, as if to expel all the pent-up feelings of embarrassment and surprise from his chest.

Scenes from the film set flashed uncontrollably through my mind.

Zhao Meiyan sat gracefully next to Quan Xuanhe, Song Yuqi looked at her curiously, Quan Xuanhe served her food, and finally, in the hotel lobby, Zhao Meiyan calmly made that earth-shattering suggestion.

“Close…?” Liu Zhimin repeated the word again.

She took out her phone, and the screen lit up.

No new information. Kwon Heon-hyuk is probably still filming.

Zhimin tossed her phone aside again and looked up at the ceiling.

What was the real meaning behind Zhao Meiyan's words? Was she telling herself that someone had already taken action? Was she implying that she should also choose sides?
Liu Zhimin felt her mind was even more confused.

Her feelings for Kwon Hyun-hyuk were serious, even bordering on desperate and predatory.

She had thought she was going to kill indiscriminately until she kicked everyone else out, but Zhao Meiyan's sudden friendliness seemed to push her into a more complicated situation where she couldn't see the way forward.

Accept? What does that even mean? Liu Zhimin felt a little uncomfortable.

Refuse? If Jisoo and Tzuyu really get closer for some reason, wouldn't I be left all alone?
"So annoying!" Liu Zhimin muttered under her breath, grabbing a cushion next to her and pressing it hard against her face, as if that would shut out all her chaotic thoughts.

As Liu Zhimin dragged her suitcase and her figure gradually shrank, Zhao Meiyan's gaze turned to the flowing light and shadow outside the window.

How did I even manage to say it? It feels a little unfamiliar even to myself.

Seeing Liu Zhimin's hesitant yet timid demeanor, her awkward attempts to compete, made her realize that it wasn't entirely so irritating after all.
The image of Jisoo and Tzuyu approaching flashed through my mind like a tiny thorn.

The glances they exchanged, the photos of their shared lunch...

How much of that is about their tacit understanding?
If they could form such a subtle alliance so naturally, then was Zhao Meiyan, the official girlfriend, destined to be the passive one, waiting for others to declare war or show goodwill?
Why?
Liu Zhimin's shocked and bewildered expression was proof of the first step.

Zhao Meiyan wasn't sure if this move was the right one, but the feeling of taking the initiative was a little better than being passive.

She looked away and let out a soft breath.

"Unnie?" Song Yuqi's tentative voice came from the front row.

"Hmm?" Zhao Meiyan looked up.

"Are you okay?"

"fine."

Zhao Meiyan shook her head, a light and sweet smile appearing on her face. "Let's go back."

The car started and merged into the traffic of Seoul's nighttime streets.

The light and shadows outside the window quickly swept across Zhao Meiyan's face, illuminating it and then dimming it again.

...

...

...

No matter what, life goes on.

The cover and inside photos of Kwon Heon-hyuk and Kim Yoo-jung for the fashion magazine "20th Century Girl" have finally been released.

The photos ignited the enthusiasm of fans as soon as they were released.

Kwon Heonhyuk hasn't been shooting many magazine covers lately, which is actually quite inconsistent with his treatment in high-end luxury brands.

Ultimately, it's because he's too busy, so getting magazine covers isn't that important to him. Unless the brand he's signed with actively pushes it, he doesn't feel the need to compete for a spot.

The point of using magazine covers is to grab resources, right? He's already got everything in one go, so there's no need for him to rely on magazine covers to boost his image.

Moreover, he already had an unprecedented cover for ELLE France, putting him ahead of other celebrities in terms of fashion treatment.

Closer to home.

The magazine perfectly captures the nostalgic atmosphere of the late 90s youth conveyed by the film, while also incorporating top-notch fashion sense.

The cover features the two standing side by side under the flashing neon sign of an old-fashioned video arcade. Kim Yoo-jung is wearing a retro plaid dress, her bright smile exuding the charm and vitality unique to young girls, perfectly replicating the impulsiveness and innocence of "Ra Bora".

Standing beside her was Kwon Seonhyuk, who was wearing a slightly oversized white shirt and khaki pants. Beneath his fluffy black hair, his eyes were clear and gentle, and a faint smile played at the corners of his mouth.

He had the perfect image of a clean-cut senior from the 90s campus, the kind of guy who would make your heart flutter.

The interior photos are even more varied in style.

The film captures everyday moments of two people laughing and joking around in a room filled with cassette tapes and old magazines.

There are quiet scenes of people standing side by side on an empty rooftop, gazing into the distance.

There was also a set of close-up shots of Kwon Hyun-hyuk, in which he was wearing a simple school uniform, either seriously fiddling with a cassette player or looking back while riding an old-fashioned bicycle. His refreshing youthful vibe and unparalleled good looks immediately caused the fan forum to erupt in a frenzy of screams such as "So handsome it's suffocating," "My heart is purified," and "This is my high school fantasy boyfriend."

The natural intimacy between the two in the photos became a hot topic, and Netflix seized the opportunity to hype it up.

In particular, several photos of Kim Yoo-jung gazing at Kwon Soon-hyuk with sparkling eyes, or Kwon Soon-hyuk looking down at her with a gentle smile, were hailed as divine images by CP fans. They were wildly shared with tags such as "the gaze of the century" and "the atmosphere is amazing," sparking a lot of speculation and discussion about "whether there is something between them?"

#Kwon Heon-hyuk and Kim Yoo-jung Magazine#
#20th Century Girl Atmosphere#
#Kwon Heonhyuk's school uniform gives off a first love vibe#
Related topics such as these have surged in popularity.

This high-quality magazine photoshoot has acted as a powerful boost to the film's pre-release hype, pushing audience anticipation for "20th Century Girl" to new heights—not just for the film itself, but also for the incredible chemistry between the two leads. The pre-release buzz surrounding the film intensifies as the release date approaches.

Netflix released some behind-the-scenes clips from the movie, focusing on the filming of Kim Yoo-jung and Kwon Heon-hyuk, highlighting a delicate interaction between them.

Offline support organized by fan clubs has also begun to play teaser highlights and photos on LED screens in shopping districts in Seoul, Busan, and other cities, creating a coordinated online and offline pre-show buzz.

Before the magazine's popularity had faded and the film's anticipation was at its peak, Kwon Heonhyuk embarked on his journey to Busan.

The dark-colored van drove smoothly on the highway, but the interior was not entirely peaceful.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk would occasionally swipe open his phone screen, and Yoo Jimin's chat window would remain on their last conversation.

The two haven't spoken since Liu Zhimin left.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk sometimes wondered if he had favored Jo Mi-yeon and angered Yoo Ji-min.

But then I thought, if she were angry, she would have come to me demanding an explanation long ago, instead of remaining silent and saying nothing.

This is somewhat unusual in itself.

Has something happened again?
However, as the car entered Busan, the sea breeze seeped in through the gaps in the windows, and the unique bustling atmosphere of the film festival hit him. He quickly focused his mind and switched to work mode.

Next up is the important moment of the world premiere of "20th Century Girl" at the Busan International Film Festival.

We arrived at the designated hotel for the film festival at the perfect time.

Busan isn't a unfamiliar city to me; it's the city where I fell in love with Yoo Jimin. I've been to all the places I wanted to go and had all the fun I wanted to do.

Kwon Heonhyuk's van smoothly came to a stop in front of the hotel designated for the Busan International Film Festival.

The sea breeze, carrying its distinctive salty scent, swept over us, dispelling the tedium of the long journey.

The staff quickly checked him in. He took the room key, and his assistant followed behind, dragging a few simple pieces of luggage, into the elevator.

The room was a business suite with a wide view, offering glimpses of the lights of the festival's main venue in the distance and the deep sea beyond.

After a short rest, his phone rang. It was a message from the film crew. He straightened his clothes and went downstairs to the private room in the hotel restaurant.

As soon as the door opened, familiar faces and laughter filled the room. Director Fang Youli was talking to the screenwriter, and several assistant directors and producers were also present.

Almost everyone had arrived; he was considered late.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk also saw Kim Yoo-jung, who was wearing a comfortable knit sweater and jeans, with the bright smile he often wore when shooting promotional photos. She was talking quietly with Noh Yoon-seo sitting next to her.

Seeing Kwon Hyun-hyuk enter, her eyes immediately lit up, and she raised her hand to greet him: "Hyun-hyuk oppa, over here!"

"Sorry to keep everyone waiting." Kwon Heonhyuk walked over, naturally pulled out the empty seat next to Kim Yoo-jung, and sat down, nodding to everyone present.

"No, we just arrived recently," the director said with a smile and a wave of his hand. "Was the journey smooth?"

"Yeah, it went pretty smoothly," Quan Xuanhe replied, picking up the kettle on the table and pouring himself a glass of water.

He noticed that Kim Yoo-jung was in great spirits, seemingly unaffected by the previous rejection of the studio invitation, and still maintaining her full enthusiasm.

This is a good thing.

Dinner was a typical Korean set meal.

The conversation naturally turned to the upcoming film festival and tomorrow's premiere.

Director Bang Yoo-ri talked about the possible reactions of the Busan audience and recalled some interesting anecdotes from the filming, especially the adjustment process when Kwon Hyun-hyuk and Kim Yoo-jung first worked together, which made everyone laugh.

They then mentioned the movie "The Hunt" starring Kwon Heon-hyuk.

It's already October, and the movie "The Hunt" is coming to an end.

The film received above-average reviews, broke even at the box office, and sold its overseas distribution rights, which were subsequently released in various countries.

Overall, it was pretty good. Kwon Heonhyuk's performance also received a lot of attention, after all, he's currently very popular.

Kim Yoo-jung was very active at the table. She turned to Kwon Heon-hyuk and casually started chatting: "Oppa, your new movie has already started filming, right? I saw the news."

"Yeah, filming started last week." Kwon Hyun-hyuk nodded, swallowing the food in his mouth. "The progress is going pretty well. How about you?"

Kim Yoo-jung smiled and said, "I'm getting ready to film a new drama!"

"What TV show?"

Kwon Hyun-hyuk asked the question knowingly, since he already knew everything when he entered Kim Yoo-jung's room.

"A Date with the Devil".

Kim Yoo-jung said with a smile, her eyes sparkling, as if she was waiting for his opinion.

This TV series was very popular, with explosive marketing and a lot of people knowing about it, but its performance was only so-so.

Her on-screen chemistry with Song Jiang was quite good, and the visuals were also commendable, but the plot was not outstanding and was criticized for being old-fashioned. In the end, the results were just average, although it was barely considered good in the Korean wave.

"Ah... Keep it up!"

Since he had already accepted the offer, he couldn't say anything, so he just nodded encouragingly. If Kim Yoo-jung had asked him for guidance, he would have given her some directions, but she hadn't asked, so he didn't interfere.

Song Jiang can be considered a rising star actor who has gained popularity in recent years, second only to Kwon Hyun-hyuk. He is popular in the Korean Wave, but his actual achievements are average. He is probably an actor who relies on his looks.

Kim Yoo-jung was taken aback when she saw that he didn't say much, and was a little confused.

"Play well,"

Kwon Hyun-hyuk smiled and nodded again.

The conversation gradually unfolded, covering topics such as Busan seafood, the weather, and their recent work.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk doesn't talk much, but his responses are always perfectly timed.

The dinner was relaxed and pragmatic, without any exaggerated praise. It was more like an energy boost and a confirmation of teamwork before the project was about to enter its final stretch.

Outside the window, Busan's dazzling night view and the faint sound of waves crashing fill the air; inside, glasses clink gently and laughter fills the room.

Quan Xuanhe occasionally responded with a few words, but most of the time he just listened.

The day's hustle and bustle and the fatigue accumulated in recent days slowly subsided in the warmth of the food and the whispers of familiar companions, allowing me to build up my energy for tomorrow.

As dinner drew to a close, everyone got up to go back to their rooms to rest.

"Oppa, did you come alone? Do you have plans for tonight?"

Kim Yoo-jung took quick, light steps to his side, tiptoed, lowered her voice slightly, and asked with a smile.

I missed a great opportunity last time, how can I miss it again this time?

Having finally seized this opportunity, how could she let Quan Xuanhe go so easily?
"I'll be there tonight..."

Seeing Kim Yoo-jung's expectant look, Kwon Hyun-hyuk knew he didn't need to say anything more.

"Since we didn't make plans, how about you come to my room?" She moved closer, her sweet, youthful scent mixed with a faint perfume wafting over her.

"I have something to show you... a surprise I've been preparing for a long time."

Her voice rose slightly at the end, carrying a hint of mysterious excitement. Her cheeks flushed even more with anticipation and a touch of shyness, but her eyes boldly met his gaze, frankly enough to be startling.

Quan Xuanhe's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

surprise?

What surprise?
At this point in time, in this atmosphere, the word itself is full of ambiguous implications.

Looking at the pure and sweet face of the nation's little sister, yet hearing such a bold invitation, the contrast creates a strong sense of impact.

Kim Yoo-jung gently tugged at the cuff of his suit jacket with her fingertips, the touch light and with a hint of coquetry.

"Shall we go? It's upstairs."

Quan Xuanhe didn't say anything more, but nodded slightly, which was considered as tacit approval.

Kim Yoo-jung's smile instantly blossomed into an even brighter one, like a child who had stolen candy, and she immediately turned around to lead the way.

After swiping her card to enter, Kim Yoo-jung closed the door behind her and turned to look at Kwon Heon-hyuk.

"Oppa, wait for me." She smiled sweetly, then quickly walked into the bedroom.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk stood in the living room and could hear a rustling sound coming from inside.

Then, very light footsteps gradually approached.

Kim Yoo-jung emerged from the dark bedroom, her figure gradually becoming clearer, which made Kwon Hyun-hyuk's gaze grow increasingly intense.

"Yu-jung...you really are...you're making me look at you in a new light more and more."

Standing before him was Kim Yoo-jung, who had rabbit ears, a devil's tail, and was holding a small leather whip.

The air in the room instantly became thick and scalding hot, as if a single spark could ignite it.

Under his deep gaze, Kim Yoo-jung's heart pounded like a drum. Being so proactive, she couldn't help but feel shy and almost wanted to bury herself in his arms, yet her fingertips tingled with excitement at his closeness and words.

She slowly walked up to Quan Xuanhe, then bent over and knelt on the cold ground, offering it to him with both hands...

(End of this chapter)