The sea breeze and the aroma of bread from Pohang still seem to linger in my nostrils.

Time, however, was relentlessly rolling forward. The packed schedule, filming on the set of the TV series, and the still delicate atmosphere within the team intertwined to form an impenetrable net, firmly enveloping Ou Yangguang within it.

Occasionally, on the way back to the dormitory late at night, he would stroke the starry blue watch on his wrist, a birthday gift from Kim Ji-won when he returned.

Thinking of the sea at Tiger Tail Cape ablaze with the rising sun, and of her sparkling eyes when she handed me the bread, a warm sense of comfort rises in my heart.

October 7th arrived in the blink of an eye.

For EXO fans, this day was Lay Zhang Yixing's birthday, and social media was already flooded with blessings. For Ou Yangguang and the "The Heirs" production team, however, it was the most crucial day before the drama's premiere: the press conference.

The press conference was scheduled for noon. Early that morning, the members had a simple celebration for Zhang Yixing in their dorm, presenting him with gifts and birthday wishes. Although they tried to create a lively atmosphere, the lingering sense of distance caused by the Kris Wu incident still stood like an invisible wall between some people.

Zhang Yixing clearly sensed it too. He accepted the blessings with a smile, but a hint of weariness was hidden in his eyes. As the Chinese member of the group, and also one of the members who had a relatively good relationship with Kris Wu, he was under no less pressure than anyone else.

Furthermore, during Kris Wu's departure from the group, there were many rumors circulating online, claiming that Lay led the way in ostracizing Kris and frequently reported on him to Lee Soo-man, causing the company to be dissatisfied with Kris Wu.

It seems he was involved in this too, but Ou Yangguang doesn't have high hopes for him anymore.

"Yixing, after the press conference tonight, we'll celebrate your birthday properly." Ou Yangguang handed over the gift he had prepared, a limited edition music production device that he had someone bring back from abroad, and said earnestly.

Zhang Yixing took it and hugged him tightly: "Thanks, Xiao Guang. Tonight... we'll see how things go, don't overwork yourself."

At noon, at the press conference venue, the area was already packed with media and fans who had come to hear the news. Flashbulbs blared like a relentless thunderstorm, illuminating the red carpet area at the entrance as if it were daytime.

Ou Yang arrived alongside main cast members including Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Kim Woo-bin, and Jung Soo-jung. He wore a well-tailored dark blue velvet suit provided by the brand, which accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His hair was meticulously styled, revealing his smooth forehead and sharp features.

To better embody Choi Young-do's image, he deliberately toned down his usual sunny smile as an idol, slightly tucked his chin, and gave his eyes a touch of the aloofness and unruliness befitting a chaebol heir.

This is the first time he has attended such a large-scale TV series press conference as one of the male leads.

Standing next to a group of established veterans, it would be a lie to say I wasn't nervous.

He could feel the slight sweat on his palms, but more than that, he felt a surge of excitement and certainty. Months of hard work and countless late nights on set had all been for this moment of triumph.

Upon entering the venue, the main cast and crew took their seats in turn. Below the stage was a sea of ​​media reporters, their cameras and microphones aimed at the stage. After the host's opening remarks, it was the lead actors' turn to speak.

When the microphone was handed to Ou Yangguang, he took a deep breath, adjusted his posture, and calmly swept his gaze across the audience:

"Hello everyone, I'm Oh Yang-kong, who plays Choi Young-do. It's a great honor to participate in this excellent drama, 'The Heirs.' Choi Young-do is a character with a strong exterior but a complex inner wound. I tried my best to understand and interpret him, and I hope that through my performance, everyone can see the multifaceted nature of this character. Please look forward to the premiere on October 9th. Thank you."

His Korean was fluent, his speech was appropriate, and his demeanor was neither arrogant nor humble. He expressed his understanding of the role while also demonstrating the humility of a newcomer. Another burst of flashbulbs went off from the audience.

As expected, questions poured in during the ensuing group interview. Most focused on Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye, but some reporters also turned their microphones to the rapidly rising Chinese star in South Korea.

"Ouyang Xi, this is your first time playing such an important role. What was the biggest challenge you encountered during filming?"

"Do you feel a lot of pressure working with so many outstanding seniors?"

"As someone who started out as an idol, how do you view your new identity as an actor?"

He handled each question with composure, his answers both sincere and flawless, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. Even Lee Min-ho, standing beside him, couldn't help but glance at him with approval.

However, there are always reporters who will throw out even more pointed questions.

“Ouyang Xi, it seems like there have been some... fluctuations in EXO recently. Will this affect your focus as an actor? How do you balance group activities and personal development?”

The moment the question was asked, the room fell silent for a moment, and all eyes were on him.

Ou Yangguang's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes momentarily froze, almost imperceptibly. His fingers tightened slightly around the microphone, before he replied in a relaxed yet firm tone, "Thank you for your concern. The team and I are both in good shape. Whether as a member of EXO or as actor Ou Yangguang, I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities. I believe the other members feel the same way. We, EXO, will continue to strive forward and will not let down those who have always supported us."

He neither evaded the issue nor offered excessive explanations, his words brimming with support and confidence in his team. This response not only silenced the media but also undoubtedly reassured fans who were anxiously watching the recent controversies.