The recording concluded successfully in a warm, touching atmosphere, with a touch of laughter mixed with tears.
Afterwards, the group moved to a pre-booked private room at the restaurant to continue their birthday dinner, which was only attended by members and core staff.
Without the cameras, the atmosphere became more relaxed and intimate. The long table was filled with food that Chanyeol and the other members loved.
Everyone took turns raising their glasses, offering their blessings. Kim Junmyeon, as the leader, raised his glass again, his tone sincere: "Chanyeol, happy birthday! You've grown another year older. I hope you can continue to infect more people with your smile, just like you are now. I also hope that we, EXO, can continue to support each other and walk together like this."
"Yes! Let's walk together!" Park Chanyeol's eyes were still a little red, but his smile was incredibly bright. He nodded vigorously, his voice loud and clear, "Thank you everyone, really... I love every single gift today! Especially..." He patted the guitar case leaning against him, "I will write songs well, for EXO, for the fans!"
"Next year, EXO will definitely be even better!" Byun Baekhyun is always full of energy. "Let's win more awards! Let everyone see us!"
"Let's win even more big prizes!" the crowd echoed, their glasses clinking together with a crisp sound.
Amidst the clamor filled with anticipation and ambition, Ou Yangguang smiled, but his eyes momentarily dazed.
His thoughts drifted uncontrollably, recalling that night not long ago, the MAMA Awards ceremony in Hong Kong on November 22nd.
That was a glorious night for EXO.
The floodgates of memory opened, and images rushed in:
Hong Kong, November 22, 2013.
Outside AsiaWorld-Expo, the air of early winter was already filled with a fiery atmosphere.
Media from all over the world had already set up their cameras and microphones. Behind the railings on both sides of the red carpet, there were densely packed fans who seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see. All sorts of support items and light sticks created a restless sea of light.
This is a live performance of the 2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), an annual extravaganza for Asian pop music.
The press conference was held first. As the thirteen people filed into the interview area, the sound of camera shutters was like a sudden storm.
As expected, the questions focused on their explosive year, their expectations for the awards, and tonight's highly anticipated special stage.
"EXO has achieved phenomenal success in the past year. Do you have any special expectations for tonight's awards?" a reporter speaking Cantonese asked.
After the translator finished translating in both English and Korean.
Leader Kim Junmyeon raised the microphone and answered with poise and confidence: "Thank you for your attention. The past year has been a year of gratitude and hard work for us. Tonight we have prepared a special stage to repay everyone who has supported us. Awards are recognition, but more importantly, it is about showing our best performance."
Several questions were asked in succession, and leader Kim Junmyeon answered them all smoothly.
Midway through the performance, a Cantonese-speaking reporter directly asked Au Yeung-yang a very pointed question: "Au Yeung-yang, as an actor, you gained a lot of popularity for your role as Choi Young-do. What are your thoughts on this? Did you have a special solo performance tonight?"
Ou Yangguang took the microphone, his voice clear and steady: "Whether as an actor or an EXO member, I strive to learn and do my best. The team has always been my foundation and source of strength. Tonight's stage," he paused, a sharp glint in his eyes, "is a presentation belonging to EXO as a whole, and we will give it our all, so please look forward to it." He skillfully steered the focus back to the team, answering the question without leaving any room for error.
They asked several more questions, some of which were answered by Kris.
After the press conference, the members returned to the lounge for final adjustments, and then it was time for the red carpet.
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