Chapter 60 Chapter 60 Testing my charming little friend...

In late November, SBS announced the upcoming filming of the comic-based Korean drama "Office Blind Date," with the male and female leads to be played by the popular new actor Ahn So-seop and the most talked-about female idol Jeon Seol-ae. Following the SBS news release, the two simultaneously uploaded a photo of themselves at the TV station on social media. From their height to their looks, they are a perfect match of handsome man and beautiful woman, attracting attention to the drama before filming even began.

D agency then released a photo of the lead actors, seemingly in a piano room, their expressions unusually serious. This news also fueled the drama's official announcement. Jeon Seong-ae was at her mother's rehearsal when she saw the D agency news. Oh Hyun-ho, speechless and serious, called Jeon Seong-ae away and asked, "Are you and Ahn So-seop in a relationship?"

"How is it possible..." Quan Xingai was puzzled. The official recording was going to start in the evening, so why were they suddenly asking about love now?

"Just check the news yourself." Wu Xianhao handed him the phone, and then Quan Xingai saw the photos taken by D agency of them going to the theater that day. Through the crack in the door, they took a photo of Quan Xingai playing the piano and An Xiaoxie looking at her.

Their postures and expressions were normal, and both of them had serious expressions. It was the day when they had made things clear.

"We were talking about Korean dramas the other day, and he was trying to convince me to take on this role." Quan Xingai didn't think there was anything wrong with the innocent, but Quan Zhilong might misunderstand again, so she had to explain.

"Also, what are the fans' reactions now?" Quan Xingai asked again.

"Most people don't believe you're in a relationship, but they've probably been conditioned by your occasional scandals to automatically ignore the possibility that it's a real relationship." Perhaps compared to previous public opinion, the current RD group, although there are various scandals from time to time, is much better in public opinion now. The biggest advantage of singer-songwriters is that fans are more tolerant of Star Love. Even if they are really in a relationship, it's no big deal. After all, all the rumored partners of Star Love are not ugly, but they are all ugly.

"Let's clarify this."

"The company will help you clarify it later." Wu Xianhao saw that Quan Xingai didn't take it seriously, and he hesitated to say something and finally just said clarification.

"Oh, okay - wait a minute, Brother Hyun-ho, ask the TV station and Ahn So-seop's company, and ask them to issue a clarification together. I'm not in a relationship." Quan Xingai thought for a moment, turned around, grabbed her agent and said.

"What? The clarification is so quick this time? Has Xing'ai's heart begun to waver?" Wu Xianhao teased with a smile.

"Brother, when did you become so gossipy? It's normal to just clarify." Quan Xingai didn't want to admit that she clarified so quickly because she hoped Quan Zhilong wouldn't see it...

But Chi Mingzhen came over...

"Xing Ai, Senior Zhilong has called your phone several times."

"...I understand, unnie. I will call Oppa back." Quan Xingai had an expression that said, "As expected."

After putting on makeup and before going on stage, she hid in a corner backstage and called Quan Zhilong.

"Oppa."

"Let's record the MAMA today. Are you nervous? You will definitely win a prize." Unexpectedly, Kwon Ji-yong did not mention the scandal at all, nor did he ask about the news about Jeon Star's love. Instead, he talked about work and life as usual.

"I'm going to be on stage in a while, and then I have to sit in the audience to watch the performance. I probably won't have time to look at my phone." Quan Xingai squatted in the corner and played with the tassels on her skirt.

"I'll pick you up after it's over. I'll contact Mingzhenxi about the time. My little friend will definitely win the grand prize."

"Aren't we dividing the pork?" Quan Xingai was not in a good mood, nor was she nervous, but after hearing Quan Zhilong's voice, she seemed to gradually recover her mood and become happy.

"If it's given to RD, then it's not considered pork distribution. Our Star Love didn't win the award, so it's just pork distribution. We don't care about it." Kwon Ji-yong smiled and then said jokingly.

"Okay, I get it. I'm going on stage. Well, D Agency is just trying to attract attention, you know. I'm not in a relationship. If I were, I would definitely tell you first." After thinking about it, Quan Xingai took the initiative to tell the other party.

Quan Zhilong was silent for a moment and then chuckled. Jeon Xingai heard the sound of a lighter on the other end of the phone. She could already imagine the other person chuckling with a cigarette between his lips. "Isn't Xingai's boyfriend called GD? Who is An Xiaoxie? I don't know him."

"Oh who? GD? How come I didn't know about this? Oppa, this trick of yours can only be used to fool kids. You can't win over girls." Quan Xingai also laughed, and her mood seemed to have improved.

"My charming little friend, please go to the waiting room. You will see me after it's over." Quan Zhilong smiled indifferently, and then heard the child on the other end of the phone say goodbye and hang up.

Curled up on the sofa, the whole house was pitch black and surrounded by smoke. Only the tablet not far away was still flashing the report of D agency. The man with a cigarette in his mouth had an unshaven beard and was flipping through the paparazzi photos with an expressionless face.

Theater, piano, sniff...

Quan Zhilong narrowed his eyes and his expression was far less calm than on the phone. He was very concerned when he first saw it, but then he thought about the Korean drama they still had to film. Although he told himself that Xing Ai was just discussing work and was even rejecting her that day, he shouldn't mind it so much...

While thinking this, he couldn't help but call Xing Ai but no one answered. He knew rationally that today was the day of MAMA's recording and she was very busy, but he couldn't help but let his mind run wild with thoughts. Just when he started to make fun of himself for how outrageous his love life after he turned 30 was, it was even more outrageous.

Until Quan Xingai's call finally came, Quan Zhilong's anger disappeared as soon as the voice of this hateful woman sounded. He pretended to be a mature and steady senior, as if he didn't care about the scandal and completely believed the other party. His tone was gentle and his smile was gentle, but his face fell after hanging up the phone.

Quan Zhilong threw away the tablet and smoked one cigarette after another in the dark environment, while staring blankly. Finally, he smiled bitterly. What could he do? He just liked her.

"Oh, Zhu He, what's up?" Kwon Ji-yong received a call from Li Zhu He, and a dull voice came from the other end of the phone.

"...Zhilong, are you okay? I saw the D-company gossip."

"Oh, that." Kwon Ji-yong's tone sounded quite depressed to Lee Joo-hyuk.

"Actually, it's been so long, why not... find another woman to like." Li Zhuhe suggested hesitantly and sincerely. This is the second woman after Sarah that Zhilong is so obsessed with. As a friend, he doesn't want Zhilong to get hurt.

"Joo Hyuk, are you trying to say that she's just trying to hook me?" Kwon Ji-yong shook his head. He was also trying to figure out why Xing Ai liked him but didn't want to be in a relationship.

"Not really. I think if she wants to be an actress, this kind of thing is unavoidable. The TV station will also require hype about the on-screen CP. Although we haven't had much contact, Xing Ai is not the real Aquaman. And I met Song Jiang a few days ago and talked to him. He asked me to tell you something."

"What?" Quan Zhilong asked curiously.

"He said that Xing'ai seemed to have been hurt in love. She was reluctant to take that real step and was afraid of conflicts between people. She actually had the same hot-outside-and-cold-inside attitude towards everyone." Li Zhuhe spoke. He met Song Chang in the gym. The two later went out for a few drinks and became familiar with each other. When he met him again a few days ago, Song Chang took the initiative to mention Xing'ai and Kwon Ji-yong to Li Zhuhe.

"He also said, 'Although Xing Ai is warm on the outside and cold on the inside, he knows that Senior Zhilong is special to Xing Ai. He is the only one who is different.'"

"Oh, this kid... is unexpectedly good." Quan Zhilong laughed, and after hearing Song Kang's words, he seemed to feel better.

"Is the sky clearing up after the rain? Are you confident again?" Li Zhuhe joked.

"I've always been confident, okay? Zhu He, I'm going to pick her up. Let's talk next time. Bye." Kwon Ji-yong's voice became louder again.

After hanging up the phone with Li Zhuhe, his mood did recover. Thinking of the similar handwriting, similar little movements, and similar personality... the answer in Quan Zhilong's heart seemed to have come closer. He changed his clothes, shaved, turned on the lights, and changed the air in the room.

He took the car keys and drove to MAMA's recording site.

*

"Now we present the most popular girl group of the year! Congratulations - RIOT DOLLS, for breaking out of their cocoon and becoming a butterfly, and making a comeback. Congratulations!" The camera was pointed at the several selected groups in the stage audience seats. Even though they were sitting next to other top beauty groups, RD still stood out completely, was completely beautiful, and made a complete comeback.

When the presenters read out their names, the girls couldn't help but shed tears. This was the third extremely important award they had won from all other artists tonight. Although the most important MAMA Best Girl Group Award was finally given to BP and the Song Award was given to the Boy Group, 2020 is just the beginning of RD's counterattack, and they still have unlimited possibilities.

"Thank you everyone, and thank you to all the staff. Without you, there would be no RIOT DOLLS today. We will work hard to create more and better music." Quan Xingai said simply and handed the microphone to his teammates.

The teammates were in tears and were obviously more emotional than Xingai. Before speaking, everyone hugged and thanked Xingai. Although there had been some injustices in the middle, in the end, the feelings of being together for many years overcame everything. As long as Xingai loved them, they would be fine.

"...Especially thanks to our captain, Xing'ai, you are the best."

At the end of the MAMA Awards Ceremony that night, RD reaped great rewards, surpassing all other girl groups and winning three important awards: Most Popular Girl Group, Best MV Award, and Best Stage Award. They were the girl group with the most awards that night. Although they lost the most important award, the Song of the Year Award, All Star Love was not discouraged, but instead raised their fighting spirit.

Next time, she will not only win the Best Female Group award, but also defeat the male group to win the song award!

Standing in the center of the spotlight, All Star Love shines brightly and is full of fighting spirit. Although BP and B*S are the two most popular groups now, All Star Love is still full of confidence. She has analyzed the idol ecology in Korea and believes that they like to bloom outside the wall and smile inside the wall. As long as she has loyal fans across Asia, she can venture into the world.

Backstage, the girls were greeted by ribbons and champagne from all the neon staff. This year was definitely a fruitful year for them. The new boy group won the Best Newcomer award, and the girl group won three major awards. Among them, the Best MV award was snatched from the boy group that won the grand prize, making it even more precious.

Amidst the crowd and everyone's cheers, Quan Xingai immediately saw Quan Zhilong standing at the back, who was wearing a mask but had a pair of smiling eyes. He was holding a large bouquet of daisies and quietly looking at the girl enjoying everyone's cheers.

It was not until Oh Hyun-ho and Chi Myung-jin brought out the celebratory cake that Jeon Seong-ae was pulled to cut the first piece before she escaped from the crowd with the small cake.

"Hey, boss, this cake is for you." Quan Xingai had glittering ribbons on her head and body and had not yet removed her makeup. She looked like she was glowing as she handed the cake to Quan Zhilong.

"You've done a great job. Keep up the good work next year and create new KPIs for the company."

"Does the boss have a bonus?"

"There is no bonus, it's up to the boss himself whether he wants it or not." Quan Zhilong smiled and touched Quan Xingai's head.

"Xing Ai——come to take a photo——"

"Oh, here it comes."

Oh Hyun-ho pulled Jeon Seong-ae away from Kwon Ji-yong and toward the staff taking celebratory photos. She was standing in the center, clutching a large bouquet of daisies and a cake. Photos uploaded by the staff showed a chaotic backstage scene, with four girls hugging each other. Jeon Seong-ae was still the most eye-catching, clutching flowers in one hand and a plate of cake aloft in the other. She was tightly embraced by her three teammates, and colorful fireworks bloomed all over them.

After taking many photos with various behind-the-scenes staff and MAMA staff and collaborators and receiving a lot of praise, all the talents of Neon went to the celebration party that Moon Eun-joo had booked for them.

Wu Xianhao and Ji Mingzhen took the other three RDs to the party in a nanny car. Everyone automatically ignored Quan Xingai. The big guy Quan Zhilong was standing there. Since the superstar came to neon, everyone has been together for a few months and they have almost guessed the ambiguity between him and Xingai. He came to pick up Xingai after get off work, so they, the bystanders, naturally did not want to interfere with the two of them "dating".

After changing into comfortable clothes and sitting in Kwon Ji-yong's car, both of them were in a good mood. Jeon Seong-ae chattered that watching the performance on stage was so boring.

"Honestly, who invented the candid camera from the audience seats? I feel like I've become a reaction blogger, or a cynic, cheering and clapping for no reason, regardless of whether the performance is good or not."

"Are you not happy about winning an award? You surpassed BP and won three awards tonight."

"It's not like you can win this just by quantity, and these three prizes aren't particularly important."

"You're pouting again. You've only been creating for a year and you've already achieved such results. How much more amazing can you be, genius girl?"

"It can't be much worse than Gdragon."

"I like your ambition, but GD debuted after many years, how can he compare to Star Love... Well, Star Love has been through more than me. Thank you for your hard work, my talented little friend. There's a box in the back seat as a gift for you."

Quan Zhilong pointed behind him with a proud look on his face. In his opinion, Xing Ai was indeed amazing.

"What gift? Today's grand prize is not that great. I'll celebrate next time when I surpass those two teams that reached the top and win the grand prize - Oh my, Mr. Kuan, you are really rich. What is this? A fire necklace?" Quan Xingai was still feeling aggrieved that she didn't get the most important prize, while she fished out the gift box from the back seat and opened the velvet box. Inside was a ruby ​​necklace cut into the shape of a small heart.

"I was recently discussing a joint collaboration with Jacob & Co and saw this necklace and thought it was perfect for you, so I bought it. My child deserves the best reward whether or not he wins the grand prize." He drove with one hand and reached out with the other to hold Quan Xingai's hand and squeeze it, a smile in parentheses on his face.

"Pigeon blood red, it looks like it's at least 1.5 carats. How much is it? Can I afford it?" Quan Xingai liked it at first sight, but she restrained herself when she thought of the money in her card. She still had to move house.

"Why think about money when giving it to you as a gift? Oppa, what I have the most now is time and money."

"Oppa, you just mentioned a collaboration? Are you planning to officially start the activities next year?" Quan Xingai didn't continue to dwell on the topic of gifts.

"Well, the group song will be released next month. I will record a video for fans in the New Year, and then I will start the formal album production to prepare for my comeback." When he talked about his comeback, an expression of anticipation appeared on his face. The past few years of pause were also the years when he reconciled with life.

After leaving Waiji and working with new friends, he discovered that there are still many beautiful parts of the world. After he set up his own studio, most of his colleagues who had worked with him at Waiji for many years followed him to the new company to work together again. He was very happy to be with his former partners again after many years.

If he hadn't seen the scandalous photos of Xing Ai, he would probably be happier.

"What type of album will it be? It's been 4 years since my last album, let's release a black bubble album to shock the world." Quan Xingai was very excited because she has recently been thinking about what kind of self she wants to express in her first solo album after her rebirth.

"It's been so long since I've returned, I didn't think about doing a black bubble style first. Although I like to express my true self through music and works, I think I probably need to test the market first. Besides, I still have a lot of room to express myself even without doing black bubbles." He began to talk endlessly about music again. "I've gained a lot of insights and ideas in the past few years. The new album will probably be an interesting and rich collection of works. As for Star Love, you should start working on your solo album after the group album is finished."

"As for me, I do have this plan and have already written a few songs, but it's too early to start production. I have to finish filming the Korean drama first, and I'm a little hesitant about what kind of me I want to express." Quan Xingai lay on the window, looking at the speeding street scenes and the brightly lit city in the night, seeming a little lost.

"Oh, that's right. The Korean drama "Star Loves" is a hot topic. The scandal is known to the whole world before filming even starts." Kwon Ji-yong couldn't help but be a little sarcastic.

"I am also a victim. I was the one who was secretly photographed, and it's nothing. We were just talking about TV series and scripts." Quan Xingai said it frankly. She has no fish to feed now.

"It's so sweet in the piano room. Everyone is looking forward to it even though the Korean drama hasn't been filmed yet. Wow, this is Xing Ai's first love drama, right? Speaking of which..." Kwon Ji-yong thought of what Ji Myung-jin told him when they were filming Sweet Home, that Xing Ai would be very dedicated and immersed in the role, so he turned around and wanted to ask her.

"Ah - we're here. We can talk about other things later. The most important thing now is not to keep everyone waiting! Come on, let's go to the celebration party together. Hurry up, boss!" Quan Xingai interrupted Quan Zhilong and pointed to the luxurious hotel in front of President Wen's house. The topic change was very abrupt.

"You..." Quan Zhilong drove into the parking lot helplessly. He had no way to deal with this girl. Who made him like her?

*

The car parked in the hotel parking lot. Once inside, even luxury hotels were deserted. On the way here, the streets of Seoul were deserted, and most of the shops on both sides of the road were closed. In the past, celebrations were usually reserved for bars and nightclubs, but now that the epidemic is raging and offline activities are suspended, Moon Eun-joo has simply opened the hotel owned by the consortium to all staff. Drinks, movies, swimming, entertainment, presidential suites... all can be enjoyed freely tonight.

"President Wen and his brother are truly a breath of fresh air among the chaebols! Oppa, I tell you, it will definitely be worthwhile for you to come to neon." The two chatted as they went upstairs.

"You bought off a small hotel for a day trip? The president just wants you to relax. How do you want to relax at night?" Quan Zhilong just wanted to accompany her, so he could do anything.

"Relax? Oh, I haven't relaxed in a long time. I've been busy like a taut string all year. If you ask me what I want to do now, I'll be blank. I can't think of anything."

"Let's go to the bar and have a drink with everyone, then go to bed early." Quan Zhilong touched the girl's hair, his fingers running down her hair to her thin cheeks. Six months later, she had lost weight again. The baby fat had faded and she was no longer the little girl she used to be. Her eyes drooped slightly, and when she wasn't smiling, the corners of her mouth drooped naturally. Although she had a sweet face, she was gradually maturing, becoming a little cold and unpredictable.

"Okay." The sweet girl raised the corners of her mouth to reveal a dimple, and the indifferent face disappeared.

As the protagonist of tonight's celebration banquet, Quan Xing Ai naturally attracted everyone's attention. When she arrived at the bar box, she was immediately pulled to drink. When she arrived at a crowded place, she turned into a sweet girl with energy, and followed the crowd to socialize around the venue, clinking glasses and chatting with the staff one by one, acting as a "people-pleaser" to create the atmosphere.

Everyone likes Xing Ai very much. Yes, how could they not like her? Such an easy-going, beautiful and interesting person, everyone would like her.

Only Quan Zhilong didn't drink anything. He just leaned against the wall and looked at Xing Ai's smiling face, somewhat lost in thought. Song Kang's words made him want to observe and understand this woman carefully.

In fact, during the month I was with her in Japan, I could see that Quan Xing Ai was obviously interested in many things, but she always only tried a few things superficially. She stretched out her hand and quickly retracted it. She seemed to be very enthusiastic and nice to everyone, but when you wanted to get in touch with them in depth, you found that the other party had already run away and did not give you the chance to understand them.

Watching her socialize, she always listens, then uses "wild, unstructured nonsense" to mask her true thoughts, making it difficult for others to truly understand her. In short, this girl is incredibly contradictory, full of maturity and sophistication that belies her age. That maturity isn't the result of growing up independently in an orphanage, but rather a stress-induced self-protection after experiencing so much and being hurt.

In fact, this is often the case with Kwon Ji-yong's social status, so he saw through it at a glance. Jeon Star Love's status is exactly like his past self. He has experienced countless fatigues, but still has to wear GD's mask to support himself to be a big star.

"Why are you standing here and not celebrating together?" Wu Xianhao asked Quan Zhilong, who had a bitter and resentful expression on his face, holding a glass of wine.

"Brother, Xing loves her...what was it like before?"

"Mo? Before? You mean before that incident? This girl has changed a lot. Before her debut, she was the hardest-working one in the entire company. But Xingai actually entered the industry just to survive and make money. She didn't have much obsession with music or the stage. But she didn't expect to become a big star after her debut. After that... well, she also suffered a lot. I didn't expect her to change so much now. Music and creation have changed her."

Wu Xianhao was quite emotional. He didn't expect that the girl who just wanted to make money to go to college has now become a star in the music industry.

"Who did Xing Ai learn her creation from?" Quan Zhilong raised his eyebrows and asked.

"Oh, I hadn't noticed that. The company has always had creative writing classes, and she also took music courses at Seoul National University."

"Thank you, brother. To be a creator, you need to be able to play at least one musical instrument. This is difficult for idols who start learning halfway. But Xingai plays the piano very well. I am surprised." Kwon Ji-yong smiled.

"I don't know where this guy learned so many things. She not only knows how to play the piano but also the violin. Her learning ability is so outstanding. No wonder she succeeded in becoming a creator so quickly." Wu Xianhao looked at his 'good son' Xing Ai with the look of a relieved old father.

"I didn't know Xing'ai could play so many musical instruments. That's awesome, our Xing'ai." After hearing what Wu Xianhao said, Quan Zhilong became even more confused.

Because there was an online concert later, the celebration party did not last long. The staff took the company's benefits and checked into the boss's luxury hotel. Quan Xingai was drunk and unconscious after just a few drinks. Jin Enmei hugged her with a speechless expression.

"Senior, Xing'ai is drunk, please take her home. She has been calling your name since just now." Kim Eun-mi told Kwon Ji-yong.

"Okay, I'll take her home first, you guys continue to play." Quan Zhilong took the drunk Quan Xingai and let her lean on him. Then he carried Xingai back to the car. Seeing her red cheeks, he couldn't help but touch her gently.

"You're so mysterious. What's your relationship with Sarah? Why do you look so much like her? I've finally managed to tell you two apart, but I find you're becoming more and more alike."

Quan Zhilong pinched her face, frowning. The girl waved her hand impatiently and muttered, "Zhilong, don't disturb me, I want to sleep."

"Would you like to go home and sleep? Our new home in Hannam-dong."

"New home? You're so noisy, whatever..." Quan Xingai pouted, disliking Quan Zhilong's noisy chattering.

"Okay, let's go home. We've been chasing her for so long and still can't get her, and she's even involved in a D-Corp scandal with someone else, and she's still so arrogant. Ah, All Star Loves You is the first one, oh no, it's the second one, but maybe... who knows if it's the same one."

"Xing Ai, even the way you smile is the same as Sarah's habit. You both like to avoid problems and escape. You know, the closer I get to you, the more I realize you and Sarah are so much alike. When I realized I really liked you, I told myself that you are not a shadow. I must look at you separately from Nuna.

But that's too difficult, you know, I really doubt whether it is a miracle. You have too many exactly the same little actions and habits.

She likes to use jokes and nonsense to mask her true feelings, doesn't like Korean food, speaks Japanese very well, speaks English with an American accent but is also very good at turning it into a British accent to tell jokes, has a special liking for the Beatles, plays many classical instruments, is good at writing melodies, and always writes lyrics in English... There are so many things about her, so many that I even subjectively began to doubt this objective world. "Kwon Ji-yong smiled and said a lot to himself, then helped the girl fasten her seat belt and drove back to her home in Hannam-dong.

Quan Xing'ai felt a cold sweat on the road. She was drunk, but not that drunk. What did Quan Zhilong mean? He, why did he doubt this answer? She was drunk, right? He must have misheard.

Quan Zhilong glanced at the girl pretending to sleep, curled up the corners of his mouth, and it seemed that he had gained a lot from the test.