Huayu: Traffic is king

Chapter 186 "Unlocking" Her

Knowing that his "ex-wife sister" was lurking nearby, Gu Jingyi did not turn around immediately.

He simply slowed his pace and strolled leisurely down the corridor.

Lin Ze noticed something and was about to make a joke when Gu Jingyi stopped him with a look.

As Gu Jingyi passed the emergency exit, he slowed his pace.

His voice was neither loud nor soft, carrying a knowing, playful tone. His words echoed clearly in the somewhat empty corridor:

"South Korean idols are all incredibly ambitious. Even members of popular girl groups are squatting outside the waiting room to observe and learn. No wonder South Korea is so competitive; it's no wonder K-pop has such a thriving future."

Lin Ze, who was watching the show next to Gu Jingyi, was almost laughing his head off. It was really funny how Gu Jingyi could be scolded.

Kim Jisoo, who was crouching in the emergency exit, was pale-faced.

Gu Jingyi actually discovered...

She must have lost her mind. How could her mind be in such a mess the moment Gu Jingyi came back, making one terrible move after another?

Footsteps echoed in the corridor; Gu Jingyi had already left.

Kim Jisoo squatted on the ground, hugging her knees, looking extremely frustrated.

"Jisoo Xi, I knew you were here."

The door suddenly opened, and Jennie appeared.

Although she guessed that Kim Jisoo must be in a bad mood because she hadn't been back for so long when she left home.

But when Jennie actually saw Kim Jisoo, she was still taken aback.

She wore a well-tailored off-white suit skirt, which accentuated her slender and upright figure.

Her makeup was flawless, and her long hair flowed smoothly over her shoulders. But her eyes were filled with despair.

It's like an electric doll that's been unwound.

Jennie was considerate of her feelings and spoke more gently.

"Jisoo unnie, you haven't been back for so long. So I came to find you. Let's go back together."

Kim Jisoo ignored her, staring blankly at the ground.

She murmured softly, "Gu Jingyi knows. He knows."

"What did you find out?" Jennie stepped forward, blocking her path. She half-squatted down, but didn't pull her hand out of her pocket.

Jennie has eyes that slant upwards at the corners, giving her a natural sense of looking down at people.

Just like now, when those sharp eyes scanned her face. Kim Jisoo tightened her knuckles behind her back until they turned white, forcing a smile onto her lips.

But it was all in vain. Jennie quickly guessed the truth. With a smile, she knew everything: "Gu Jingyi just finished recording Challenge with Red Velvet. Jisoo unnie, you... got caught peeping?"

Jisoo's smile froze. Was she really that clever?

Jennie snorted, "Do you want to know why I guessed it? Park Soo-young was sending messages like crazy in the chat room, constantly reporting her feelings for Gu Jingyi. That girl is practically insane."

“Jisoo, opportunities often only come once,” Jennie said, her gaze fixed on her with unwavering certainty. “If you don’t seize this opportunity to get back together with Gu Jingyi, you might not have another chance.”

Kim Jisoo's face turned deathly pale when she heard Park Sooyoung go crazy in the chat room created by 96line.

If Jennie hadn't told her today, she really wouldn't have known she had such a rival.

Park Soo-young, like her, came from one of the three major entertainment agencies and was a member of a top girl group. Their popularity and fame are on par.

Even her appearance is that of a typical "juicy" beauty. She's usually full of energy and incredibly sweet.

She has a cold demeanor that keeps strangers at bay, yet she also exudes the aura of a beautiful woman from Hong Kong.

Based on Kim Ji-soo's understanding of Gu Jingyi, Park Soo-young really does have a good eye for Gu Jingyi's aesthetics.

Kim Jisoo's breath hitched. The thought of being "stealed" made her heart ache so much she could hardly breathe. She had been there for Gu Jingyi throughout his entire trainee period.

Who would be unusually nice to someone of the opposite sex for no reason? What else could it be but liking them?
“This swordsman…” Kim Jisoo gritted her teeth, her face clouded with anger.

"She's clearly having a great time with Crush, so why is she still going after my husband?"

Seeing this usually gentle and quirky older sister suddenly become angry is quite unusual.

Jennie gave a smile, then quickly suppressed it.

"If you've eaten at a roadside stall, does that mean you can't eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant?"

"West Eight" Kim Jisoo was awakened, and her dignity was completely shattered at that moment.

"Waaaaah, I can't let Gu Jingyi be deceived. How could he be with a woman like that..."

"Oh, no. Gu Jingyi and Park Soo-young aren't together yet. They've only collaborated on a challenge. There's still time."

Kim Jisoo suddenly stood up. "I'm going to find him. Even if we don't get back together, I'll stay by his side."

"Ah, Gu Jingyi went to a business event."

The next second, Kim Jisoo squatted down again, and her expression changed once more.

In less than a minute, her expression changed faster than turning the pages of a book.

Jennie sighed, "Jisoo unnie, I think the most important thing for you to do right now is to go back to the waiting room. Someone will be coming to deliver the album soon, and there will always be rumors of discord when the team isn't complete."

"And Kim Taehyung will be here today too. He'll be very disappointed if he doesn't see Jisoo unnie."

Kim Jisoo found it strange, "Does it matter to me whether he's disappointed or not? I don't even like him."

"But Gu Jingyi will come over after the event ends. He still needs to rehearse and record the stage performance."

"I'll go back now, Jennie, can you help me? My legs are so sore, I'm going to go back to the waiting room to catch up on some sleep."

Upon hearing "my dear husband," Kim Ji-soo instantly perked up.

Jennie sighed and resignedly helped Jisoo back to the waiting room.

"Jennie, you didn't see it. I'm so angry. When Gu Jingyi was recording Challenge, Park Sooyoung had a fever the whole time, but her eyes never left Gu Jingyi. She even acted cute towards him. She has no shame."

Gu Jingyi was so annoyed he was practically rolling his eyes, but he didn't want to embarrass her in front of both their managers. So he had Pei Zhuxuan join him in the shoot...

Listening to her silly older sister complaining, Jennie's nerves were pounding.

Will Gu Jingyi find it annoying? What man doesn't like this kind of thing?

Unless, he's gotten tired of it...

"Jisoo unnie," Jennie suddenly turned her head.

"Since Gu Jingyi has already discovered that you were eavesdropping, use this as an opportunity to chat on KakaoTalk."

"Oh? Won't that be embarrassing?" Kim Jisoo asked, looking flustered.

"Ha, what's so shameful about it now that it's already been discovered? At least let him know you care. Whether he's jealous or sad, if you don't let the person involved know, who are you putting on this show for?"

Listening to Jennie's words, Kim Jisoo nodded as if she understood.

Just as Jennie was feeling relieved, her arm was suddenly hugged very tightly.

"Jennie, thank you. I knew you'd be on my side between me and Park Soo-young, hehehe."

Jennie paused, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.

……

Inside the nanny van
After supporting Chopin, Gu Jingyi leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes to rest.

"Jingyi, we've arrived."

Lin Ze gave him a reminder, then stopped the car and gestured for him to get out.

The car was parked right in front of Mnet when a van pulled up. A large number of media and fans who had been waiting outside surged forward, raising their cameras to take pictures.

This is the "journey to work" for South Korean music shows, where artists have to be photographed by the media and interact with fans from the moment they get off the bus.

This is what K-pop fans call the "commuting route." Gu Jingyi and Tian Xiwei first met more than a year ago.

Back then, he was just a trainee participating in an audition, crammed into a van with his fellow trainees. He watched the popular idols pass by outside the window with envy.

Just over a year later, he's already arriving in a Bentley van to promote his music. His popularity has reached the level of an "idol's idol," with countless fans.

The fans' enthusiasm also dispelled Gu Jingyi's drowsiness, which had left him feeling listless.

That familiar feeling of excitement before going on stage resurfaced in my chest.

Gu Jingyi straightened his hair and smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothes before opening the car door and getting out.

"Ahhh, Jingyi oppa!"

"A true face genius! Legendary beauty."

"Wow, the envoy from the suzerain state is so handsome it's breathtaking and makes me forget to think!"

When Gu Jingyi got out of the car, he heard the enthusiastic shouts and cheers from the fans.

That strange feeling of being pulled by fate welled up in my heart; fate is truly wondrous.

Gu Jingyi, who was a member of a boy band in his previous life, had walked this "commuting route" many times.

No matter which path Gu Jingyi chooses, it will ultimately lead him to conquer Kpop.

Gu Jingyi was still wearing the same luxury brand outfit he wore to business events, and he also had a top-of-the-line luxury watch worth more than 40 billion Korean won on his wrist.

He has large, prominent features and little blank space on his face. He has a strikingly aggressive kind of handsomeness, combined with a cool and aloof demeanor.

Gu Jingyi stunned everyone the moment he stepped out of the car. Compared to idols, he seemed more like an heir attending a high-society banquet, not someone with the kind of refined demeanor that comes from an ordinary family.

He is tall, and his height of 185 cm is no exaggeration.

When the camera focuses on him, Gu Jingyi always captures the moment precisely.

Gu Jingyi turned his short commute to work into a "road to the throne."

Gu Jingyi had already strode confidently through this area and entered the Mnet building.

The people behind him were still stunned and talking wildly about Gu Jingyi.

"My God, is this Gu Jingyi? Are you crazy? An Junying actually let a kid like this out."

"It's a loss for the entire South Korea, that Gu Jingyi, this gem, has been lost to South Korea!"

"Is this what a handsome Chinese man is like? He feels so different. He's truly handsome without any flaws, and he doesn't need a stage or makeup to create an atmosphere."

"Looks really strong, feels like a player."

"I wonder what price I'll have to pay for a one-night stand with him."

As the country with the most severe appearance anxiety, South Korea's pursuit of appearance has become pathological.

Many South Korean parents give their children money for plastic surgery after they finish their college entrance exams.

Gu Jingyi's face is a feast for the eyes.

"CG face," "modeled face," "looking at this person's face, you can forgive him no matter what he does wrong," and "unparalleled beauty" are all new memes created by South Korea for Gu Jingyi.

Gu Jingyi was already immune to these compliments. He walked towards his waiting room as soon as he got off the elevator.

The rehearsals for "M!C" were divided into several sessions, starting with casual dress rehearsals, followed by dress rehearsals, and finally a solo rehearsal and recording.

The whole process is very complicated, and the artists who participate in music shows are just using these shows to increase their exposure.

Cai Xukun's performance fee was very low, only a few dozen RMB.

Gu Jingyi's asking price for any gala event in mainland China starts at several million RMB.

Participating in South Korean music shows was really just a side thing.

He had to give an interview to Til Tok and attend these business events.

I decided to accept the invitation and give this song, which has been released but has yet to have a music video or stage performance, a proper ending.

Gu Jingyi didn't go directly to the waiting room either, because idols in rehearsals can't just wait in the waiting room.

Instead, they had to sit in the audience and watch their colleagues perform on stage, waiting for the director to call them up for rehearsals.

Only after finishing their own rehearsal can they go into the waiting room to rest, and they will not appear again until the next round of rehearsal begins.

Most idol couples do not start their relationships at the "Idol Star Athletics Championships," which is often referred to as an "idol matchmaking event."

It's on a music show!
Only groups with significant popularity can participate in the Idol Star Athletics Championships, while music shows do not consider popularity.

If a group is popular, they'll be the final act; if they're not popular or are new groups, they'll be featured during "garbage time."

Most artists fall for each other during rehearsals for music shows.

Then, ask a familiar Cody or someone in the same industry to attach a note with your contact information to the bottom of the beverage can and deliver it.

They started dating so subtly, after exchanging contact information. This is why some people say that "South Korean idols are the ones who date."

Idols see each other all the time, so there are plenty of opportunities to date.

Gu Jingyi was assigned a good rehearsal position, which was relatively close to the front.

Rehearsals are different from performances; the earlier you are in line, the better. After rehearsals, you can go back to the waiting room to rest.

Some people, as soon as they appear there, even Guangguang shows them special favor.

On stage, artists were rehearsing, and the dappled lights shone on Gu Jingyi's face, making his already handsome face even more enchanting.

This made the female artists increasingly distracted; they had no time to watch others rehearse.

She wished she could glue her eyes directly to Gu Jingyi.

Kim Ji-soo was furious at the way those eyes were fixed on Gu Jingyi.

She's still here! How could someone flirt with another woman's boyfriend in front of so many people?!
Fortunately, Gu Jingyi was very "iron-willed" and didn't accept any of the notes offered to him.

A few people persisted, but Gu Jingyi simply didn't give them any face. In front of everyone, he tore it up and threw it in the trash can.

Kim Ji-soo was secretly delighted, thinking that Gu Jingyi's behavior was incredibly cool.

The rehearsal started quickly; Gu Jingyi finished rehearsing just a few minutes after going on stage.

Gu Jingyi strode back to the waiting room, closed the door, and lay down on the sofa.

"Jingyi, someone might come up to visit in a little while."

Lin Ze, seeing Gu Jingyi's expression, whispered a reminder.

"so annoying……"

South Korea has many rules and places great importance on etiquette and seniority.

As a top-tier celebrity, Gu Jingyi would never visit other artists; instead, others would pay tribute to him.

Given Gu Jingyi's current popularity and status, many people will come to visit her.

Lin Ze has spent so much time with Gu Jingyi that he understands his personality very well.

Gu Jingyi is well-balanced and methodical in his work.

He didn't need to give too many instructions; he trusted Gu Jingyi completely.

Gu Jingyi was concerned about his image later, and he couldn't sit slouching like he had just done.

He leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes to rest.

"bang bang bang"

Not long after they rested, the first group of people began to visit Gu Jingyi.

"Jingyi, someone's here."

Lin Ze moved closer to him and patted his arm.

Gu Jingyi also straightened his posture and clothes.

Lin Ze then opened the door; who else could have come in?

Isn't that the same group his ex-girlfriend was in...?

Hello, we are BlackPink.

Four girls walked in, and the one in the lead was none other than Gu Jingyi's "ex-wife sister".

Seeing the childlike, unassuming Kim Jisoo putting on such a serious face, Gu Jingyi couldn't resist teasing her, perhaps because her smile was too obvious.

Noticing his gaze, Kim Ji-soo turned to look at Gu Jingyi.

"Hello... Gu... Gu Jingyi"

Hearing the hesitant greeting, Gu Jingyi was taken aback.

Surprisingly, Kim Jisoo hadn't realized she was the first to visit. She was still not fully awake when she heard someone greet her.

"It's okay, you can speak slowly."

Seeing Kim Jisoo's momentary daze upon realizing it was him visiting, Gu Jingyi smiled gently and nodded.

“Jingyi oppa, it’s been a long time.”

Luo Jie's eyes lit up when she saw Gu Jingyi.

Gu Jingyi was a trainee at YG for five years, and apart from not being familiar with Li Xia, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Black Pink was a gathering of acquaintances.

"It has indeed been a long time, Luo Jie."

Gu Jingyi looked at the somewhat timid girl from his memories, who had grown into a graceful young woman, and felt quite emotional.

Jennie's eyes swept over Jisoo and Gu Jingyi with amusement, clearly indicating that she wasn't up to anything good.

Gu Jingyi glanced at her warily, signaling Jennie not to do anything reckless in front of so many people.

Jennie immediately understood; she hadn't planned to bring it up at this moment anyway.

95% of the idols who come to perform today will visit Gu Jingyi in his waiting room.

That's the charm of the "Billboard Hot 10".

Li Xia didn't say anything, but looked at Gu Jingyi with great curiosity.

Kim Ji-soo looked at Gu Jingyi with a resentful expression, her small face looking both beautiful and haggard.

Lin Ze's gaze towards Gu Jingyi changed; it went from initially finding it amusing to now showing some resentment.

Jennie observed all the interactions between the two.

She went straight up, took the album, and handed it to Gu Jingyi, saying, "This is Black Pink's comeback album. Please give us your feedback."

Gu Jingyi politely accepted the gift with both hands and handed it over to Lin Ze, whom he had previously instructed to prepare.

It's not something very valuable, but it's something that South Koreans especially admire and like.

"Thank you, we'll head over now."

Kim Jisoo stood up and glanced at Gu Jingyi.

After saying that, she turned and left.

As for those things that are not suitable to be told to outsiders, she'll keep them to herself and Gu Jingyi on KKT.

After saying goodbye to Black Pink, other groups came to visit.

After seeing off a group of people, the waiting room was bustling with activity.

This involves dozens of groups, along with their artist teams and backup dancers.

The number reached several hundred people.

NU'EST, MoMoLand, WJSN, IZ*ONE…

After seeing off a group of people, Gu Jingyi found that most of the prepared gifts were now empty.

He actually had some impression of these groups, but he couldn't match each of their faces with their names.

Even if Gu Jingyi doesn't know these idols, these idols all know him.

In 2018, Gu Jingyi was popular from the beginning to the end of the year.

He's popular and his work is excellent. Many people want to use this opportunity to win over Gu Jingyi.

Gu Jingyi didn't respond, so he didn't want to bother with him.

Soon it was time to go on stage, and Gu Jingyi made his grand entrance as the last performer.

The stage lights illuminated people's skin, making it appear bright white and virtually flawless.

The VJ was manipulating the camera crane, keeping it pointed directly at his face.

A row of backup dancers stood behind Gu Jingyi, their imposing presence commanding respect.

The audience members in the stands were all fans, holding up all sorts of light sticks.

However, as soon as Gu Jingyi appeared, everyone was calling his name and chanting support slogans to cheer him on.

"Prepare."

"start!"

When the lights shone down, Gu Jingyi's aura surged once again.

The next second, he started singing this song.

"Smooth like butter, like a criminal undercover."

"gon' pop like trouble, breakin' into your heart like that
Cool shade stunner.

As soon as he stepped onto the stage, Gu Jingyi automatically reached for the camera.

His reputation speaks for itself; he's the kind of person who can make a name for himself in a country with such severe xenophobia.

How could they not be strong?

The song was three and a half minutes long, and the whole audience sang along.

This song, "Butter," is really popular; it's played everywhere, not just on the streets.

She also successfully promoted the sale of butter, and the farmers in South Korea were very grateful to Gu Jingyi.

Gu Jingyi was performing on stage, while the audience below were buzzing with discussion.

"Wow...really? Gu Jingyi's face, figure, temperament, and strength—do they really exist in real life?"

"Those who misunderstand Gu Jingyi's abilities should apologize to his face first. It's all because of his handsome face that people think Gu Jingyi is an idol."

"So cool, a perfect example of visual impact."

The song is only three and a half minutes long, and it all flew by after I was immersed in the stage.

The audience below the stage were also very supportive, singing along in unison.

Soon it was time for the final award ceremony, and Gu Jingyi won.

After giving a brief acceptance speech, his trip to South Korea came to an end.

"Butter" is the first song sung by a Chinese person to reach number one.

Gu Jingyi's success in winning the award was likely due to the sincerity of the song on the music show, especially since it's a "Billboard Hot 10".

When promoting a song, you need to consider more than just the fans…

In the car
Kim Ji-soo had gone up there at some point, and she was clinging to Gu Jingyi's waist, refusing to let go.

She talked at length with Gu Jingyi about his news after returning to China.

It's unclear who started the change, but after one kiss, Kim Jisoo immediately settled down in Gu Jingyi's arms.

Soon, Kim Jisoo noticed that her skirt had rolled up past her knees.

A pair of hands continued to rise along the thigh.

Her delicate skin trembled incessantly.

"No!" Kim Ji-soo suddenly grabbed Gu Jingyi's hand, which was slowly turning over the fabric.

Gu Jingyi's fingertips also stopped on the plump muscles on the back of the thigh, but he was somewhat uninterested.

"Come back!" Kim Ji-soo hugged Gu Jingyi's hand again.

"Don't wrinkle it... We have other plans later, and this is all the clothes we need..."

Kim Jisoo lifted Gu Jingyi's hand to her waist and clicked it.

It looks like some latch has been unlocked.

A rustling sound came from behind, and the skirt fell to the ground along the slender legs.

"Can we get back together now...?"

"I can get back together with you, but I can't have you as my only girlfriend."

Kim Jisoo, with her hair down, lowered her long neck and began to think.

"It's okay, as long as it's you, that's enough."

Gu Jingyi felt something cold land on his collarbone, and even his enthusiasm for the affair waned slightly...

(End of this chapter)