Huayu: Traffic is king

Chapter 185 Oh no, I'm surrounded by beautiful women!
As soon as Gu Jingyi finished speaking, the person he was holding in his arms jumped back half a step like a startled rabbit.

Kim Jisoo straightened up, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress.

Her eyes darted around, staring at the end of the corridor, and she retorted somewhat awkwardly, "Who...who was waiting for you? I was just passing by looking for Jennie and heard people talking inside..."

Finally, her voice grew softer and softer, until the last words were almost swallowed up.

Seeing her reddened earlobes, Gu Jingyi didn't expose her. He stepped aside to make way, "If you want to find Jennie, go to the waiting room next door."

Gu Jingyi spoke in a calm tone, but his gaze lingered for a moment on the faint dark circles under her eyes.

"You're having a hypoglycemic episode, and you still dare to drink an iced Americano on an empty stomach?"

Gu Jingyi's voice came from above. Kim Jisoo was startled and looked down to see that the iced Americano cup she was holding was covered with water droplets.

Did this person install a surveillance device on her? How could they know she hadn't eaten breakfast?
Kim Jisoo stubbornly insisted, even taking a sip of her iced Americano: "Mind your own business..."

"Why not?"

Gu Jingyi chuckled and reached out to snatch the iced Americano. His fingertips brushed casually against the back of Kim Jisoo's hand, the dry yet warm temperature making her shiver.

The next second, Gu Jingyi stood still and threw the iced Americano, which only had a "superficial injury," into the trash can.

The coffee flew in a parabola through the air before landing steadily in the trash can.

"Wait here for me."

Before Kim Ji-soo could react, Gu Jingyi turned and left.

Jisoo watched his tall, slender back and muttered under her breath, "Damn it, who do you think you are? Why should I listen to you..."

Her slightly upturned lips betrayed her good mood.

Not far away, the crisp sound of coins being inserted rang out.

With a "clatter," she heard the drink spill out.

Thoughts drifted back to when the two of them were still trainees.

This is how Gu Jingyi always coaxed her during their cold wars.

Sometimes it's a can of orange juice, sometimes it's a can of grape juice.

South Korean trainees receive a stipend of only about 1,000 RMB per month, and South Korea is a country with high prices.

Aside from the relatively cheap skincare and cosmetic products that are the mainstay of the economy, eating out in South Korea is quite expensive. The cheapest iced Americano costs around 30 yuan, and Mixue Ice Cream, which will be opening in South Korea in the future, will also cost 18 yuan a cup.

Trainee life is tough, but the drink Gu Jingyi handed her became a small moment of happiness in her day.

She would frown and say, pretending to be magnanimous, "Alright, I'll forgive you this time."

Then, as usual, she affectionately linked arms with Gu Jingyi. They went to the convenience store to eat rice balls, and she shared her day's experiences with him.

Gu Jingyi would rest his face on his palm and listen gently.

Looking at that handsome face that was so striking, Kim Jisoo's mood brightened as well.

So what kind of drinks will he bring after this "cold war"?
Kim Jisoo was both expectant and shy.

"Ugh, how can I get distracted even when I'm just standing here for a short while?"

Gu Jingyi returned at some point, and he handed over the drinks he had bought.

The warm touch crept up my palm and into my heart, like a hot cocoa.

During her trainee days, she loved to have a can of that every winter night.

I didn't expect that Gu Jingyi would still remember after all this time.

The beverage can was warmed by his body heat, making her fingertips numb.

"Who...who drinks hot drinks in autumn? You really are..."

Kim Jisoo lowered her eyes to hide her embarrassment.

"Ha," Gu Jingyi laughed in exasperation.

"Kim Jisoo, you drank something cold on an empty stomach this morning? Are you trying to make yourself look too healthy and faint on stage during the performance to entertain everyone?"

Gu Jingyi spoke without any politeness, but Kim Ji-soo didn't get angry at him at all.

A sense of relief and a faint joy even rose in my heart.

Gu Jingyi wasn't scolding her at all; it was clearly just awkward concern.

She knew that the grand love affair of her adolescence was not yet over!

Her eyes shimmered as she looked at Gu Jingyi. If this weren't a place for reminiscing, Kim Jisoo would have jumped up, cupped Gu Jingyi's face, and kissed him long ago.

"..." Gu Jingyi saw that she was absent-minded and assumed that she was just daydreaming.

Just then, he was about to say goodbye and leave because he was also going to rehearse soon.

Kim Jisoo suddenly brought up a name, "You withdrew from the competition before, was it because of Ahn Joon-young...?"

"It doesn't matter anymore, it's all in the past."

A person's mindset changes with their circumstances; he's doing very well now.

When I think of the name Ahn Joon-young again, my previous resentment gradually fades away.

Kim Jisoo's body stiffened, and her fingers, gripping the hot cocoa, tensed until her knuckles turned white.

The language system she had prepared before arriving completely collapsed, leaving her somewhat distraught.

Footsteps suddenly came from the other end of the corridor; Lin Ze was returning after seeing off his guests.

Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Kim Jisoo, in her panic, bumped into Gu Jingyi. She crouched down and slipped into the waiting room through the door.

Just before the door clicked shut, Gu Jingyi heard her gruff warning: "If you dare say I'm here, you're dead!"

As Lin Ze approached, he saw Gu Jingyi standing in front of the door with his arms crossed and a barely suppressed smile on his lips.

"What are you laughing at standing at the door? Did you find some money?"

Lin Ze looked at him suspiciously; it was truly baffling.

Gu Jingyi rolled her eyes and pulled the tab on another can of hot cocoa in her hand.

A sweet fragrance mingled with the white mist, making his flawless, handsome face appear even more ethereal.

Gu Jingyi took a few sips of his drink, then suddenly spoke up: "Do you think I'd bend down to pick up a Korean won bill? A 1000 won bill is only 6 RMB..."

"Just kidding, don't take it seriously," Lin Ze said with a grin, seemingly in a very good mood today.

"Ze-ge, does Dior have any fashion events planned for the second half of the year?"

Gu Jingyi suddenly spoke up, asking a completely unrelated question.

"The second half of the year? It's almost the end of the year. Paris Fashion Week is over. What major events can there be? Unless you go to the Dior Fall/Winter 2019 event."

Lin Ze found it a little strange, but didn't ask any further questions.

"Okay, go ahead. Remember to get two Dior invitations for me later."

"Two?" Lin Ze raised an eyebrow.

"Who's the other one for? Which ex?"

Outside the door, Kim Jisoo held her breath, closed her eyes, and pressed her ear tightly against the cold door, suppressing her anxiety and eagerly awaiting Gu Jingyi's answer.

There was no sound coming from outside the door for a long time, and Kim Jisoo became a little anxious.

After a while, Gu Jingyi's voice came through again.

“Jisoo, who else could it be? She already has a Chanel global brand ambassador in her group. I can’t possibly let this ‘BP sister’ be ridden on by her younger sister, can I?”

Inside the door, Kim Jisoo bit her hand so hard she could barely keep from screaming.

Gu Jingyi's warmth was like hot cocoa, burning down her throat and into her internal organs. It was so hot that she curled her toes, and a feeling of happiness gushed out.

Only then did Kim Ji-soo's heart finally settle down like a stone.

"Let's go, Ze-ge. Let's go visit the female idol and take some photos of Challenge while we're at it."

Gu Jingyi noticed Lin Ze staring at the door in standby mode several times, and his pupils contracted slightly.

They quickly changed the subject to divert Lin Ze's attention.

"Okay, then let me tell you about the things to keep in mind when visiting someone. First of all, you should use respectful language when you meet a senior..."

Gu Jingyi felt a headache coming on, so he interrupted, "Okay, I got it. Stop reading and go visit them first."

Kim Jisoo, who was inside the door, suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as she wasn't discovered, she quickly said goodbye to Kim Jisoo. Gu Jingyi and Lin Ze then prepared to go to the girl group they had arranged to record "Challenge" together.

Because Black Pink is a girl group under YG Entertainment with whom Gu Jingyi had a dirty secret, Gu Jingyi didn't include Black Pink in the list of people to record "Challenge" together from the beginning.

Twice was at the height of their popularity in 2018, having won the "Song of the Year" award for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017.

In the first half of this year, he once again exploded in popularity with his song "What is Love," achieving extraordinary success.

He's currently on tour and wasn't involved in the comeback this time.

The only group left to record "Challenge" with Gu Jingyi is Red Velvet.

standby room
Park Soo-young held her phone, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She actually knew Gu Jingyi was coming a long time ago, and was secretly sending him messages, waiting for his reply.

"Joy has been distracted since earlier, is something good happening?"

A familiar yet slightly teasing voice rang in her ears, startling Park Soo-young so much that she jumped!
"Hey! Yeri!" Park Sooyoung instantly broke down, looking at the maknae with a burdened expression and complaining, "Why do you walk so quietly! Also, you have to call her unnie, use honorifics!"

"What? It's clearly because my sister is too engrossed!"

Yeri said with a grin, completely ignoring what he said.

"Those two are arguing again. Should I go and do something about it?" Kang Seulgi whispered to team leader Bae Joohyun.

Bae Joo-hyun, who had been looking down at her script, glanced at the two playfully bickering and said with a smile, "You have the best temper in our group, can you really keep these two naughtiest maknaes in check?"

Kang Seulgi choked up, the answer was self-evident.

A little while later, Wendy also pushed the door open and came in. Looking at Yeri and Park Soo-young, who were making a ruckus again, she asked in confusion, "What's going on now? They were fine just a moment ago?"

Bae Joo-hyun thought it was about time, and it was time to step in.

"Hey! How long are you two going to keep this up?"

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a hint of coldness. Combined with her strikingly beautiful face, she was like an ice queen.

The two, who had been playfully bickering, suddenly fell silent, as if a pause button had been pressed.

Seeing that the two had calmed down, Bae Joo-hyun's expression softened slightly: "Gu Jingyi will be here soon, so get ready."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a series of knocks sounded on the door.

The Red Velvet members exchanged glances, knowing that the main attraction had arrived.

"Please come in."

"Hello, I'm Gu Jingyi." Gu Jingyi walked in with a smile, followed by his manager, Lin Ze. Both managers were present, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Gu Jingyi got straight to the point.

“I’m here today to invite Red Velvet to join my ‘Challenge’ on TikTok with my song ‘Butter.’ I believe this kind of relay will become one of the mainstream ways for idols to promote their comebacks in the future.”

He spoke slowly, but his words carried an undeniable confidence.

"Ok."

As the team leader, Bae Joo-hyun accepted the proposal on behalf of the team. This suggestion had actually been discussed with SM Entertainment executives beforehand. As a leader in the South Korean entertainment industry, SM has always had a keen sense of the market.

From Fx's "concept pioneer" to Red Velvet's dual style, and the future Aespa virtual idol, their creativity has always been bold and innovative.

When Gu Jingyi's proposal about "Challenge" appeared on the company's desk, SM Entertainment quickly guessed its brilliance.

Actually, there had been similar instances of inviting friends and family to promote songs before.

However, it is mostly seen on variety shows, and mostly in game segments.

Its entertainment value surpasses its professionalism.

Since its emergence, TikTok's influence has begun to grow.

When combined with short videos, this format can be very effective for promotion.

Moreover, it will soon become a traffic driver, with every comeback inevitably featuring the "Cha" (a popular internet meme). Like a viral phenomenon, it will quickly create a new trend among young people.

This kind of targeted and engaging interactive promotion using short video platforms like TikTok will become the norm in the future.

As for the potential risks of romantic rumors arising from the "Challenge" collaboration...

With Gu Jingyi's current achievements and works in the fields of singing and acting, he has the confidence to transcend scandals. His strength and works are the strongest credentials.

Red Velvet also took advantage of Gu Jingyi's popularity to open up the "Chinese market".

Red Velvet's manager glanced at the concept video about "Challenge" on the tablet Gu Jingyi handed over and nodded in agreement.

Since none of the company's senior management had any objections, he naturally dared not have any either.

"Can we watch the video too?" Bae Joo-hyun suddenly asked, her gaze falling on Gu Jingyi.

Gu Jingyi wouldn't make things difficult for them on such a small matter, as their partners today. For better collaboration, a quick review would give him a clear understanding of the situation.

This video shows Gu Jingyi dancing with his backup dancers; it's very casual, but it's captivating.

Several other girls curiously gathered around Bae Joo-hyun.

"Perhaps we could design it as an interactive activity, with Gu Jingyi jumping first, and us joining from the sidelines, eventually converging in the center?"

"The visual impact of a single, continuous shot is also very strong; EXO's 'Growl' is a prime example. Using it in a challenge would have an even better effect."

Bae Joo-hyun held a different view and refuted Park Soo-young's initial suggestion.

"I think it's okay..."

The members were all talking at once, and it was difficult to reach a consensus.

Seeing that neither of them could convince the other, Gu Jingyi made the decision directly: "Let's record both. Both will be good. We can see whose point of view is more insightful by looking at the click rate."

Efficiency is paramount; he still needs to go to the golf league later to promote Chopin.

The waiting room for top girl groups is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate six people.

Lin Ze on the other side quickly set up his camera and adjusted the angle.

"Everyone, stretch a bit, we're getting ready to begin," Gu Jingyi reminded them.

The chorus wave of "Butter" seems simple, but it's not easy to break free from that lazy and casual charm.

Lin Ze found a good spot and set up the camera tripod. With the simple setup complete, Gu Jingyi's purpose for this trip began.

Several people were warming up, preparing to begin.

This song is indeed quite challenging, for example, the wave in the chorus.

Several missteps, with a wave on the chest.

It's easy to get started, but difficult to break free from that lazy feeling.

"Jingyi, you jump first. Let's familiarize ourselves with the moves, and then we'll add the rest later."

In front of her manager, Park Soo-young boldly used a more intimate term of address.

But because she was right under her agent's nose, her intimate tone sounded open and natural.

Gu Jingyi raised an eyebrow at her: "You should have already mastered the movements, right?"

He told Park Soo-young about this "Challenge" yesterday. With an open-book exam, he didn't believe she was completely unprepared.

“Hey,” Park Soo-young’s eyes lit up, her tone carrying a hint of coquetry.

"Should I dance the opening routine with you? Wouldn't that seem like I'm stealing the show?"

Gu Jingyi scoffed inwardly; he knew they were waiting for him here.

He didn't respond to her comment, but turned his gaze to Bae Joo-hyun: "Then Joo-hyun and I will record the opening part first."

Bae Joo-hyun's appearance suits him better, making the scene more harmonious.

"I'm OK."

Bae Joo-hyun stood up happily and walked lightly to Gu Jingyi's side. Under the camera's lens, her smile was just right.

"Ah! No, I want some too!"

Park Soo-young immediately stood up and joined the "battle".

She didn't want to be left out of such a great opportunity for exposure.

Of course, she didn't want Bae Joo-hyun to be the only one to win.

The two have been vying for resources and popularity for the past few years.

Seeing that Gu Jingyi didn't respond, Park Soo-young persisted.

“Jingyi, the three of us together make the scene even more interesting! You’re in the middle, and we’re on either side, which perfectly matches the feeling of being surrounded by stars in ‘Butter’?”

She winked playfully at Gu Jingyi, her face beaming with smiles. At the same time, she deftly took off her baseball jacket, revealing a tight-fitting, sexy top underneath.

Her curvaceous figure was on full display under the lights, creating a stark contrast with Bae Joo-hyun's slightly slender, girlish appearance.

Two stunningly beautiful women, each with a distinct style, stood on either side of Gu Jingyi, exuding an aura of authority.

“I’ll record a solo part first,” Gu Jingyi said, ignoring Park Soo-young’s hint. “You guys can practice a few more times and join in once you’re familiar with it.”

Lin Ze was already adjusting the camera, and Gu Jingyi quickly finished recording his solo part.

"Seulgi unnie! Wendy unnie! Yeri! Let's dance together!" When Park Sooyoung saw that her idea had failed, she immediately changed her strategy and cheerfully tried to pull the other members "into the water" to make the scene more lively.

"No need, you guys can jump."

Kang Seulgi and Wendy politely declined with smiles.

Only the energetic maknae Yeri responded enthusiastically: "Yes, yes!"

She skipped and jumped in, quickly joining in the laughter and playfulness with her sisters.

“Yeri, look, the movement is like this…” Park Soo-young took the initiative to take on the “teaching” task, breaking down and demonstrating the movement.

Yeri learns very quickly; after dancing it twice, she can already do it quite well.

"OK! We can begin!"

Seeing that everyone was ready, Gu Jingyi brought up the procedure again.

"Gu Jingyi, who are you planning to partner with?" Wendy asked with a mischievous grin, deliberately setting a trap.

Gu Jingyi glanced at Yeri, who was eager to try behind him, and a slight smile appeared on his lips: "Why not have all three of them together?"

He was referring to Bae Joo-hyun, Park Soo-young, and Yeri.

Upon hearing this, Park Soo-young quickly glanced at Gu Jingyi. Seeing that he looked perfectly normal, she was relieved—she had been overthinking things.

"3, 2, 1, start!"

Lin Ze pressed the record button.

The three beauties, each with their own unique charm, instantly got into character: Bae Joo-hyun on the left, exuding a cool and aloof aura; Park Soo-young on the right, bright and flamboyant; and Yeri in the back, full of energy.

Standing at 185cm tall, Gu Jingyi's presence in the center accentuated their slender figures.

"For the final ending pose, how about we all point at Kyung-yi together?" Park Soo-young suggested, gesturing with her fingers as she looked at Bae Joo-hyun.

"it is good."

Bae Joo-hyun nodded, her expression calm.

"Action!"

Music starts, camera pans out.

Professional facial expression management instantly kicked in, and the female idols' smiles were bright and charming. The three of them surrounded Gu Jingyi, creating a scene reminiscent of the real-life version of "Oh no, I'm surrounded by beauties."

Gu Jingyi's eyes darted around, meeting the three beauties in turn, and the Challenge officially began!
“Smooth like butter, Like a criminal undercove”

"Gon' pop like trouble, Breakin' into your heart like that"

As the lyrics began to play, Gu Jingyi's demeanor transformed. With a nonchalant smile, he interacted naturally with the three beautiful women, keeping time with the rhythm. His gaze and the subtle touch of his fingertips exuded just the right amount of stage presence, creating a harmonious stage response.

Bae Joo-hyun maintained an elegant aloofness, Park Soo-young exuded a slightly provocative charm, while Yeri was full of energy throughout.

As the music begins, Gu Jingyi exudes charm alone in front of the camera.

The three beautiful women cleverly added interactive elements between each line of his song:
Bae Joo-hyun tapped her fingertips with a reserved gesture, Park Soo-young raised her eyebrows slightly with a hint of provocation as she approached, and Yeri gave a high five full of energy.

The final shot focuses on the three beautiful women, each with a finger that conveys a different mood—some haughty, some charming, some playful—all pointing towards Gu Jingyi in the center.

However, unnoticed by anyone, the heavy door to the waiting room had been quietly pushed open a crack at some point.

Kim Jisoo's figure was hidden in the shadows outside the door, her gaze fixed on the radiant figure inside with a complex expression.

Gu Jingyi was completely absorbed in his seamless Challenge interaction with the Red Velvet members and was oblivious to what was happening.

"Jingyi, should we record a few more close-up shots? That would make post-production editing easier. Changing the angles would also make it look more perfect."

Lin Ze suggested.

"No need to force it, just be natural," Gu Jingyi refused.

The charm of Challenge lies in its casualness.

The performance ended, and the collaboration was successfully completed.

Several people were gathered around the camera, watching the video.

"The effect is excellent, Gu Jingyi Xi. Could you send us a copy of this video?"

Red Velvet's manager was overjoyed.

“Okay,” Gu Jingyi nodded. Lin Ze immediately stepped forward and exchanged contact information with the other party’s agent. Gu Jingyi looked at the agent’s respectful and eager expression, and remained unsure of his opinion.

Regardless of whether he changes his contact information or not, he and Red Velvet will not have any in-depth collaborations anymore.

However, their song "Psycho" next year... is actually a pretty good song.

"We should go, we still have other things to do," Lin Ze reminded him, glancing at the time.

Gu Jingyi stood up and politely said goodbye to the Red Velvet members.

As soon as I stepped out of the waiting room, a familiar, crisp, and slightly sweet perfume scent wafted into my nostrils.

He had smelled that scent on Kim Jisoo just half an hour ago.

Gu Jingyi paused almost imperceptibly, his brow furrowing slightly.

Seriously... you really love eavesdropping that much?

(End of this chapter)