Chapter 133 Let's call it I

her voice growing softer under Chi Jingyuan’s intense gaze. Eventually, she was so flustered by his stare that she stamped her foot angrily and shoved him in the chest with a huff, throwing caution t...Have you seen Naeun

Jeon Eun Ji gave him a suggestive look. “Do you have any regrets at all”

“......”

Chi Jingyuan, who was eating, paused and responded to the woman from Busan with a helpless look.

He knew what Jung Eun-ji meant. In the recent APK comeback teasers, Sun Na-eun's several looks were quite beautiful and became a hot topic. Especially one with light brown side braid hairstyle looked very eye-catching, as well as some Bohemian style long shirts, and a blue sailor dress. At the same time, because of the summer style showing off a much stronger body line than before, she could be called fair skin, beautiful face and long legs.

Seeing Ji Chang-wook's expression, Jung Eon-ji giggled and added mischievously, "I'll tell you, Na Eun is obsessed with fitness now. Whenever she has free time, she wants to work out... Don't you regret it a bit now"

Chi Jingyuan blinked and pondered her question for a moment.

If you want to say that you regret it, I guess there isn't.

But to say you feel nothing at all, I'm not sure about that.

But it's been so long, the Kpop versions have already been updated several times. It doesn't really make sense to talk about this now.

However, Jung Eun-ji wanted to see him smile, and that trick wasn't hard for him to figure out.

"Yes, I regret it very much."

Chi Jingyuan half-closed his eyes and smiled, nodding repeatedly. He looked very sincere, but although he said so with his mouth, his expression had nothing to do with remorse.

"Ugh, I've got no energy."

As soon as Ji-won saw Chi-yeong's expression and tone, Jeong-in's interest instantly waned. She waved her hand dismissively, feeling quite bored.

Given her understanding of Ji Jingyuan, if she truly regretted it, she should have completely denied it. But now that she says this, it means there's no such feeling at all.

She wasn't really looking to set anything up, she just wanted to see the joke of this self-important man.

It was probably because they hadn't had such a casual conversation in ages. Both of them were relaxed and having fun. They drank quite a bit of beer. Though not completely drunk, Ji Jingyuan felt a warmth in his head, slightly tipsy, yet strangely clear-headed at the same time.

Ji Jingyuan, seeing Zheng Eundi's disappointment, laughed and casually steered the conversation towards her: "Why are you so concerned about Na Eun Don't worry about her, worry about yourself"

"What do I care about Don't underestimate me, you know I'm a popular idol now, with lots of fans."

It seemed as if Jeong Eun-ji sensed a hint of disdain in Ji Chang-wook's tone. Her pride stung, and she immediately changed color, lashing back with an air of superiority: "There are popular idols both inside and outside the circle. The idols within are all very popular and talented, and they're all quite handsome... What's with that look Yeah, they're probably a little better than you."

"Almost"

"Die, I'm... so far behind, aren't I"

Caught by Ji Jingyuan's piercing gaze, Zheng Endi felt a little embarrassed. After struggling for a long time, she waved her hand in self-deprecation, then sighed and picked up her glass, taking a hearty gulp. Her expression became much more serious: "I've tried getting to know him...but honestly, I didn't feel anything. It was just, boring."

She took another sip, not knowing what she was thinking about: “You know, compared to love, I value my group and my development more. Besides, who else is like you, making so much money and not caring about this I just paid off the debts at home not long ago. Although there are no debts now, I still feel a sense of urgency. So after thinking about it, I think my career is more important.”

"Business..."

Jeon Eun-ji clearly spoke from the heart, sharing some of her innermost thoughts. Ji Kyeong-won listened attentively without interrupting. However, when he heard the last sentence, his expression became somewhat strange, as if he had thought of someone.

"Is there anything wrong with valuing your career Why that expression" Jung Eon-di looked at him with displeasure.

"No, of course it is... I just accidentally remembered a friend."

"Who is it You look so strange..." She looked at Chi Jingyuan's face, squinting for a while before trying to guess: "Could it be someone you're pursuing, or dating"

She suddenly became very interested, stopped drinking, propped her hands on the table and leaned forward, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the other person.

"...".

Chi Jingyuan didn't deny nor admit, he just lay back with his hands slumped and shrugged his shoulders. Although he didn't say it explicitly, the implication was already very clear.

He thought of Jennie.

This girl has always been more reserved when it comes to feelings, but at the end of last year, because of a song, maybe she was stimulated and finally couldn't hold back her surging emotions. She took the initiative to express her good feelings. Now, she and Ji Jingyuan are actually very close. They've had several instances of intimate physical contact. Sometimes, their way of getting along looks almost no different from that of a couple who is dating.

Many of EXO's members, close friends of Kim Taeyeon like Park Kyung-won, and even some staff members on Music Bank probably already believe that these two are dating.

But in reality, both of them were very clear that there was nothing.

As a female idol who debuted at an older age, Pei Joo-hyeon is very aware that this opportunity doesn't come easily. Ji Kyeong-won knows she's a very ambitious person and has always placed Red Velvet and her own career as top priorities. When the two chat privately, they often talk about their group. Although she doesn't show it outwardly, she is actually often happy because of the increasing number of fans and popularity, but can also become disheartened and anxious when things don't go smoothly.

Given his strong work ethic and position as leader, he likely doesn't want to be the first member in the group to date, so he hasn't crossed that line yet.

Because once exposed, love affairs are a devastating blow to any girl group and female idol in their rising period.

Chi Jingyuan wasn't actually in a hurry, and he didn't have any opinions on it. He just felt that since their relationship was already like this, the little sister acting this way felt like she was deceiving herself.

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He was even thinking, maybe it's because Bae Joo-hyun knows people like Jung Soo-jung, and Suzy... he has a sense of distance.

Or is he waiting for him to make the first move

I don't know.

As a close friend who knew Ji Jingyuan very well, Jung Eun-ji could tell just by looking at him that she was right. Then, seeing him give a noncommittal expression, she seemed to understand something. For some reason, a surge of anger welled up in her chest. Instead of asking who this person was, she, slightly tipsy, looked at him seriously and spoke.

"I think this is the right way to look at it. Love in the idol world is inherently unstable. They might fall for each other and start dating impulsively, but due to conflicting schedules, they can't see each other often. It wouldn't be surprising if they broke up in just a few months. I've seen and heard too many examples like this... You must have seen quite a few as well, right I bet you've had your own share of experiences..."

"People don't know how long a real relationship with you could last... So besides those love-struck individuals, in my opinion anyone should prioritize their career... Unless there's a deep emotional foundation, or they truly like you uncontrollably..."

"I didn't say anything, why are you suddenly so serious"

Seeing Jung Eun Ji's solemn expression, Park Ki Woong couldn't help but chuckle wryly, feeling that he had been somehow implicated.

He proactively raised his glass and leaned closer: “I think having ambition is a good thing. Knowing what you should do best and persevering with seriousness actually has a different kind of charm.”

But if you have ambition and also can't help but be moved by love, then that would be even better.

He didn't say the next sentence.

"You really said it all."

Jeong Eun-ji glared at Ji-yeong briefly, then clinked glasses with him before downing her beer in one gulp. She let out a satisfied sigh and relaxed, remembering what Ji-yeong had said earlier, she rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Speaking of which, don't underestimate Na-eun just because she seems like an ice queen. In my opinion, she's actually a bit lovestruck... you should regret it."

"Didn't I tell you I regret it so much!"

"A genius, huh... Uh, I might have had a little too much to drink today... By the way, our comeback stage on Music Bank on the 17th, you're C that day, right"

"It's a shame, our concert on the 18th, I have to fly to mainland China on the 17th and will have an event that day."

"Absent again This is how many times you've been absent You're still fixed at C"

"Don't talk nonsense, it only happened twice..."

After a cheerful toast, both Ji Chang-wook and Jung Eun-ji, who were already slightly tipsy, finished their last glass of wine. They tidied up their things and ended their friendly gathering for the day. Jung Eun-ji generously paid the bill with a wave of her hand, and under the farewell of the proprietress, the two walked out of the restaurant together.

With a slight buzz in his head, he emerged from the air-conditioned private room, permeated by the scent of alcohol and food. Standing at the door, he felt the sweltering heat surrounding him, listening to the cicadas chirping and cars honking. At that moment, Chi Jingyuan only felt a sense of reality returning after a dreamlike experience.

"Goodbye."

Before, Jung Eun-ji had called and asked him to come over. Her assistant had already driven up and was waiting at the door. Ji Kyeong-won watched as she stumbled a bit getting into the car and helped her in. Then, the two waved goodbye to each other from across the window.

Looking at the departing nanny car's back, he stood there, shaking his head, and let out a long sigh.

Well, I've really enjoyed our chat today. It's not easy to find such close friends in this circle who are so free and open with their words like Pool Jingyuan.

Then he took a few steps back, sat in his own nanny car parked beside him, greeted his assistant Cui Zhichang, and the car drove towards the dormitory. Chi Jingyuan was sitting in the back row by the window, opening the window to enjoy the cool evening breeze.

It was close to dawn, and there were only a few cars left on the streets. Cui Zhichang drove fast, speeding across the Han River Bridge. In the distance, the Panyu Bridge was brightly lit, its lights reflecting on the river surface like dancing golden butterflies. They shimmered and sparkled, moving with the waves towards the distance, captivating Ji Jingyuan's gaze for a long time, so much so that he didn't even notice his focus slowly fading.

He fell silent, staring out at the city lights for a long while. He shook his slightly tipsy head as if recalling the conversation he had just had with Jung Eun-ji, or perhaps remembering someone else. He let out a sigh and reached out to close the window, then took out his phone from beside him. After flipping through his contacts, he found the name and dialed it.

The ringing sound seemed to last for ages. After several rings, the call finally went through.

"...."

"...What's up calling me so late"

First came a panting breath close to the receiver, followed by a low, soft voice from Bae Joohyun. Her tone sounded curious and seemed to contain a hint of happiness.

Because…

A familiar voice reached his ears. He guessed that this sister had quickly climbed out of bed after seeing the incoming call, put on her slippers and hurried to the balcony, closed the door, and squatted there to answer the phone.

Chi Jingyuan couldn't help but chuckle. He leaned back in his chair, gazing at the ceiling, phone to his ear, and drawled, "Suddenly, I really want to hear you sing."

"Have you been drinking"

Pei Joo-hyuk, through Ki Jung-won's tone and cadence of speech, immediately understood some things. However, she reflexively asked a question and didn't ask any further, like why he was drinking or who he was with. She just chuckled softly and didn't refuse at all. In a somewhat coquettish tone, she replied, "What do you want to hear"

Then, before Chi Jingyuan could reply, she answered herself: "How about 'Let It Be' That's the song I sing best."

The tone seems a bit boastful, like a child who wants to be praised.

"Haha, I knew you'd say that."

Hearing these words and the familiar song title, Ji Jingyuan couldn't help but chuckle. After laughing, he continued, "I won't be listening to this song today... I know it too well... And it doesn't really fit the mood right now."

"I want to hear..."

At this moment, both fell silent. Ji Jingyuan gazed at the distant bridge that had disappeared from view, his voice soft as he broke the unspoken silence: “Butterfly Girl.”

"Okay."

She replied in a crisp voice, and after a few seconds, a low hum came through the receiver from Pei Zhuxuan. There was no accompaniment, just a pure human voice, which was incredibly clear and pleasant to the ear:

"...".

Guide me!

"Take me to your living place with you~"

"Never leave my sight."

Even when dawn arrives, don't disappear~

"...."

With gentle singing and soft breaths, the nanny car sped through Seoul City, heading towards the distance.

……

To his surprise, Park Ji-young's singing made Ki-won incredibly alert. He could hear every detail: the tremor in her voice, the rhythm of the melody, even the pauses between breaths. During the chorus, he even hummed along a couple of times.

It seems like Jennie is quite familiar with this song, she's clearly heard it more than just once or twice.

And her singing was really good, even when it was just pure a capella. She didn't need to amplify her voice, but her voice still had its own flavor and feel, making Ji Jingyuan realize that he had underestimated the little sister's singing ability before.

He's totally not inferior to anyone, especially Sun Wukong.

But as the song ended and the van was about to arrive at its destination, his previous intoxication and drowsiness came over him all at once. He soon felt a heavyheadedness in his brain, and after saying goodbye to Jennie with a few words, he returned to the dormitory to quickly wash up. He didn't even have time to respond to his roommates' teasing as he flopped onto the bed and fell asleep.

I slept soundly and woke up the next morning to my phone alarm. After getting ready, I hurried to work because there was an important matter to confirm this morning.

"Ai~~~~Nuna, isn't it that we don't use onomatopoeia..."

In the music room, Ji Jingyuan was reading the lyrics that Kim Taeyeon had just given him. He looked up after only a couple of lines and stared at Kim Taeyeon, who was looking expectantly at him, before speaking wordlessly.

Yesterday night, while I was having dinner with Jung Eunji, I received a call from Kim Taeyeon. I learned that her lyrics were already finished, and since both of us had time this morning, we made an appointment to meet at the music studio.

After getting the lyrics, the anticipation I had before instantly dropped a little. In the end, he couldn't help but add: "Is this Girls’ Generation's habit"

He was furious because in the lyrics he received, the last part of a phrase in both choruses had been replaced with nonsensical onomatopoeia.

"Who told you that this is completely different from gee, okay... But I can't really think of any appropriate words here, so I just tried singing it a bit and replaced it with the sound I thought sounded good..."

With her heart full of anticipation, when Jin Tae-yeon was denied, she immediately became a little agitated. She forcefully and strongly tried to explain, but towards the end, she probably felt a little embarrassed, and her voice slowly weakened.

"Well... Let me finish reading this first... These few sentences are quite good."

Chi Jingyuan didn't say anything else. Instead, he lowered his head and continued reading. As he read, his eyes lit up involuntarily.

The petals fall.

"My past suffering, I followed the faint light, and the days of uncertainty gradually faded away."

"A brilliant departure, in a radiant sky, in a brand new perspective, flying towards the distance. I soar higher and higher, a unique and beautiful sight."

"The moment your eyes close."

"Time stood still."

"I take off again."

Every lyric's ending can be emphasized, and it's not simply meaningless forced connection. Each line seems to contain a kind of emotion, as if there's a story hidden within.

Pool Jingyuan suddenly remembered the notebook that Kim Taeyeon had given him before. Through these lyrics, he easily sensed some of Kim Taeyeon's heavy and profound life experiences and journey.

"It's really pretty good." He spoke again, praising her once more, and looked at her seriously.

"Hahaha," she said, a little embarrassed by the praise but mostly surprised and excited. Kim Taeyeon bit her lip twice before bursting into a smile that made people wrinkle their noses.

Although she wrote it with great care, incorporating a lot of her own real experiences and emotions, to be honest, she didn't have much confidence. Unexpectedly, Ji Jingyuan was actually very satisfied.

"Wow, you're really amazing. This must be a song from your life..."

Chi Jingyuan looked at the smug woman in astonishment, then also perked up and seriously considered the lyrics sheet.

And Kim Taeyeon didn't disturb him, sitting beside him and watching with him.

He silently sang the song a few times, pondered for a while, then picked up a fountain pen and pointed to the sheet music. “The last part of the lyrics is really great,” he said. “Just make a few minor changes, for rhyme and overall flow, replace some Korean words with English, and remove some unnecessary words, and it can be used directly...”

"Then there are these few lines, although they're quite interesting, I don't think they work well in the lyrics. I feel like they should be modified..."

"Like this sentence." Ji Jingyuan made a gesture with his pen, Jin Taeyeon leaned over and looked intently: "Forgotten dreams, I want to find them again."

"This word is a bit too straightforward. The song's tone and style are already pretty much set, it's definitely not your average pop song. It needs lyrics that are more romantic, more touching... I think..."

He pursed his lips and pondered for a moment, then took out another A4 sheet of paper from the side. As he spoke, he wrote: "Repainted with forgotten dreams, my heart will depict it anew." What do you think

"Feeling… much better!"

Kim Tae-yeon stared intently at the words Ji-yeong had written, carefully taking them in. She silently pondered their meaning before lifting her head and nodding vigorously.

"Okay... Then this sentence, 'The voices that kept appearing, always surrounding me', change it to 'Words like raindrops falling, tightly encasing my wavering self'..."

Great!

"Don't get too excited, let's try singing..."

Kim Tae Yeon's lyrics were of a higher quality than Ji-seong had expected. There was a large portion that could be used directly, and although some of the wording in other parts might not be perfect, the feeling and emotion were already there, and it would only take a few modifications to make them usable.

Two people worked together, meticulously going through the entire song from beginning to end. They refined a few inappropriate phrases, instantly revitalizing the lyrics.

Then came the most important chorus part, which is the few vocalizations that Taeyeon used at the beginning.

"Actually... I think it's not necessary to use onomatopoeia here."

Chi Jingyuan stared at the lyrics sheet, humming a few lines softly, as if he had found his feeling: "Nuna, look..."

Taeyeon's head was leaning in very close, almost blocking Ji-seong's view.

The pool scene of the work state was extremely serious. He didn't care about the pungent smell of hair, holding a pen lightly erased those ridiculous onomatopoeia, said:

"This sentence, change the ending 'me' in Korean to English, using 'i' to replace it, and don't add any other words. Just drag out the sound of 'i' as the following lyrics."

The other two sentences are similar. Change "飛翔" to "fly", and "天空" to "sky". It still has the same drawn-out ending sound...

Ji Jingyuan's pen danced across the paper, creating a melody before he passed the lyrics to Kim Taeyeon. "Why don't you try singing it"

"i~~~~~~"

This song's sheet music had long been memorized by Taeyeon, so upon hearing the request, she immediately sang it out loud using newly composed lyrics.

The moment the song finished, both of their eyes lit up.

The effect is really good. It's much better than the previous Korean forced rhymes and the onomatopoeia she added, which felt out of place. Plus, it doesn't change the original meaning of the lyrics.

That's it, that's the one!

Kim Taeyeon immediately stepped up with an air of authority, waving her hand dismissively and taking charge to finalize the decision.

"ok."

Chi Jingyuan also smiled and gave a thumbs-up. The feeling of working with this kind of tacit understanding and combined inspiration is really great.

Then there's this sentence...

"... "

"

After meeting in the morning, the two of them were busy for the whole morning, going through the entire song lyrics and making revisions. In the end, they both stretched and let out a long sigh. Ji-seong placed the song sheet on the table, tapping it neatly and smiling at Kim Tae-yeon who was still bright-eyed next to him:

"Only the rap lyrics are left to perfect, but I'll revise them later and they should be fine. I specifically cut back on the rap section of this song before, as there wasn't much to begin with, so it won't take long."

"The lyrics and composition of the song can be said to be almost complete. After a meeting with Teacher Li Xiuman and others is held to confirm, it can be given to music producers for arrangement and recording. The progress of the album will then speed up, but..."

He paused for a moment, gesturing to the sheet music in front of him: "But this song's title track hasn't been named yet, Taeyeon, do you have any ideas"

"What's your name"

This question seemed to have caught Taeyeon off guard. She opened her mouth as if in thought, lost in contemplation and recollection.

After thinking for a long while, her wandering gaze shifted back to the lyrics sheet in front of her. Looking at those modified and unmodified lyrics, those she had poured her heart and soul into, reflecting her emotional journey, her eyes slowly began to brighten. She bit her lip, lifted her head, and looked up with bright, shining eyes:

Let's just call it "i".

This novel was first published on the Traditional Chinese Novels Network.s! This week's Mutizen Award on Music Bank goes to EXO with "Let Me In"!Ribbons and sequins shot up into the sky, instantly enveloping the entire stage. A wave of excited screams rose from the fans b...