Chapter 4, the draft?
Kwon Da-mi sat opposite Han Yoon-sung with her arms crossed, looking at her with a forced smile.
That was incredibly uncomfortable.
With no other option, Han Yunxing took the initiative to attack, making a big heart shape with her hands above her head, staring intently at the person opposite her, pouting but not saying a word.
"Oh! Han Yunxing, you're using this trick again!" Quan Damei couldn't help but laugh, breaking the tense atmosphere.
"You heartless girl~" Kwon Da-mi rolled her eyes at her, but then picked up a piece of food for Han Yoon-sung with her chopsticks.
This restaurant serves Singaporean cuisine. The interior is decorated in a simple and refreshing style, with white walls, several leaf collages, and green potted plants in the four corners.
Kwon Da-mi and the others sat by the window. It was already dark, and the indoor lights shone warmly, making for a very pleasant meal.
"Oh, by the way, come over for dinner this weekend. It just so happens that your Jiyong oppa is here too." Kwon Da-mi almost forgot to invite Han Yoon-sung because they were having such a great time talking about the previous topic.
Recently, Kwon's mother has been nagging about having a meal together. Kwon Da-mi was thinking to herself that Han Yoon-sung hadn't even thought of her.
We managed to schedule it in advance; Han Yunxing seems to be quite busy lately.
When Kwon Da-mi first learned from Kwon Ji-ryong that Han Yoon-sung had become a trainee, she was very surprised. Now she asked curiously, "Yoon-sung, are you still taking a break from school?"
"I'm planning to go back to school in September so I can take the college entrance exam next November." Hearing that Han Yunxing had a plan, Quan Damei felt relieved.
Han Yunxing's grades have always been excellent. Although she hasn't been to school for over a year, I still believe in her learning ability. It's just that being a trainee is really exhausting and tiring.
Han Yunxing had also thought about it for a long time. Everyone's energy has its limits, and it's not easy to maintain the level of a top student in the past. Since she chose to become an idol, she was prepared for the possibility of her exam results dropping.
"I'll definitely come this weekend. I miss Auntie's cooking so much!" Han Yunxing clasped her hands together, resting them on her chin, and unconsciously licked her lips like a greedy little cat.
"Last time, Mom heard that you and Ji-yong were living in the same neighborhood, and she was thinking of sending you some vegetables, but you ended up staying in the company dormitory." Kwon Da-mi looked at Han Yoon-sung's regretful eyes and snorted.
The two had almost finished eating, and Han Yunxing stood at the door waiting for Quan Damei to pay the bill, looking up at the stars in the sky.
As soon as Kwon Da-mi came out, she saw the girl staring blankly and immediately put her arm around Han Yoon-sung.
"Huh?" Kwon Da-mi looked at Han Yoon-sung in surprise: "Baby, you've gotten taller!"
Han Yunxing stood on her tiptoes with a smug grin, "Hmph, I'll grow even taller~"
"Let's go, little radish!" Quan Damei, who was over 1.7 meters tall, dragged Han Yunxing, whose lips were pouting, forward, her eyes full of smiles.
After sending Han Yoon-sung back to her dorm, Kwon Da-mi couldn't help but send a message to Kwon Ji-yong.
Wow, Yunxing has grown so much taller! Kids these days grow so fast, I hope she'll be taller than you someday.
[...]
Upon receiving her younger brother's reply, Kwon Da-mi burst out laughing.
It's really funny to tease Kwon Ji-yong.
*
Inside this private residence in Cheongdam-dong, the warm yellow lighting creates an eye-catching contrasting color design, with brightly colored artworks hanging on the walls.
Kwon Ji-yong was curled up on the turmeric-colored beanbag chair, scrolling through his phone, while gently stroking Iye's head with his other hand.
"Heh." Seeing the message from his sister, Kwon Ji-yong laughed in anger, licked his back teeth, sat up straight, and sent Kwon Dami three dots.
The kitten was startled awake and easily jumped off the sofa, leaving Kwon Ji-yong with only a fleeting afterimage.
What? Kids these days eat way better than I did back then.
Kwon Ji-yong realized he hadn't contacted Han Yoon-sung recently, and casually tapped a few times on his phone.
Han Yunxing had just finished washing up and was about to cover herself with the blanket to go to sleep when she heard her phone beep. She looked at the message from Kwon Ji-yong, completely bewildered.
[...]
【Is Oppa still awake?】
These three points were so strange that Han Yunxing didn't know how to respond, so she simply inquired about Kwon Ji-yong's sleep.
【Yunxing, sweet dreams~】
Goodnight, Oppa!
Han Yunxing was a little confused, but her double eyelids were very strong, and she fell asleep instantly after putting down her phone.
Kwon Ji-yong chuckled at the absurd conversation he had created, covered his head as he stood up, ran his hand through his fluffy hair, and smoothed it back.
He was about to go back to his bedroom to rest when he unconsciously glanced at himself in the mirror as he passed by.
Kwon Ji-yong realized what was happening, froze, and quickly walked back to his room.
*
The practice room was a bit noisy the next day. When Han Yunxing and the other three arrived, they found that several pairs of eyes were watching Quan Shaoyan and Han Yunxing.
Unable to find out anything immediately, Han Yunxing and his group felt like they were in a vacuum, so they had no choice but to start warming up.
"Don't you know the company is selecting trainees to participate in a talent show?" One of the trainees, disapproving of their nonchalant attitude, pouted and said, "I heard the president wants Shaoyan and Yunxing to go."
"Shaoyan's strength is undeniable, but what about Yunxing? She's only been practicing for a month!"
The topic was suddenly opened up. Hearing the noisy sounds around her, Han Yunxing looked at Quan Shaoyan helplessly, her fingers tightly gripping the hem of Yun Qi's clothes standing next to her.
“The representative hasn’t said anything yet,” Yunqi said to the trainees surrounding the four of them. “If you have any opinions, you can talk to the president.”
The atmosphere was a bit tense, but thankfully the dance teacher arrived in time, and everyone dispersed to prepare for practice.
During the break, Quan Shaoyan said cautiously, "There should be news today, but don't pay too much attention to what they say."
Han Yunxing and Yun Qi nodded silently. Quan Shaoyan looked at Jin Zhiyu, who was standing to the side with her head down and not saying a word, and sighed.
I don't really have the right to comfort everyone.
Sure enough, after the dance class, Jeon So-yeon and two other trainees from Class A were taken to the upstairs office for a talk.
Although the news from the morning differed somewhat from the actual situation, the other trainees did not express any remorse towards Han Yunxing.
They've only been practicing for a month. If they're actually sent to a TV show, what are they?
Kim Ji-woo, who had been silent to the side, looked up and stared intently at Han Yoon-sung, as if worried that she would cry, since Han Yoon-sung was the type whose emotions were easily expressed on her face.
Having been targeted and ignored all morning, and now being gloated over, Han Yunxing was a bit dazed and raised her hand to touch her head.
Actually, there was no feeling of disappointment. As long as she followed the steps, Han Yunxing believed she could debut, especially since she had a star-making system.
Kim Ji-woo stared at Han Yoon-sung, who seemed out of sorts, in surprise, then lowered her head and unconsciously started fidgeting with her fingers.
The atmosphere was a bit strange; the trainees seemed a little restless today.
The three of them didn't say much when they got back to the dorm.
As soon as Kim Ji-woo returned, she sat on the corner of the bed with her knees drawn up to her chest, her head resting on her knees, her hair falling down to obscure her expression.
Han Yunxing and Yun Qi exchanged glances, not daring to disturb her.
They knew that Kim Ji-woo had defied the pressure of her parents' opposition to become a trainee, and had been with the company for two years now, while also working part-time to earn a living.
Given their different circumstances, they wouldn't directly offer comfort to Kim Ji-woo.
Looking at the trainees constantly changing around them, no one can easily use the future to encourage others.
Quan Shaoyan returned very late; everyone was already asleep.
The next day, when Han Yunxing saw the breakfast that Quan Shaoyan had placed on the table, he walked over to her and touched her hand reassuringly.
Kim Ji-woo also recovered and chatted casually.
Han Yunxing still felt that her communication with Kim Ji-woo was like light shining through frosted glass—not clear, something was off, but she didn't think too much about it. Maybe Kim Ji-woo had been putting too much pressure on herself lately.
Seeing everyone's reactions, Quan Shaoyan felt a weight lift from her shoulders, and the four of them went to the practice room together as usual.
The company president is here today too. After everyone had gathered, the president announced that the company would be sending Jeon So-yeon, Kwon Eun-bin, and Lee Yoon-seo to participate in the upcoming audition program Produce 101.
Regardless of their thoughts, the trainees applauded to encourage the three.
The president smiled as he looked at the trainees in front of him. Before leaving, he seemed to remember something and turned back to wave to Han Yunxing: "Han Yunxing-xi, please come out for a moment."
Ignoring the curious looks from others, Han Yunxing followed the president out the door.
"I heard someone was targeting you yesterday." President Hong smiled slightly, looking at Han Yunxing, who looked bewildered.
"Your information network is too good," Han Yunxing thought to herself, but with a clear expression and a proper attitude, she replied, "Yes, but it didn't cause any trouble."
"Actually, I did consider having you participate in the show." President Hong looked at the girl in front of him, who was looking up blankly, and unconsciously softened his attitude. "But I think you can bring me a bigger surprise. I heard from the teachers that you have made great progress."
Han Yunxing felt a little shy from the praise, which sounded like that of an elder. Her ears turned slightly red and her cheeks flushed. "There are still many areas for improvement," she said.
Somewhat surprised by how quickly the girl blushed, President Hong couldn't help but laugh and say, "Yunxing, you should practice your facial expression management when you have the chance."
Before Han Yunxing could respond, President Hong patted her on the shoulder and said, "Keep up the good work."
Watching the president's departing figure, Han Yunxing pressed the back of her hand to her face, trying to cool down.
Clenching her fist, Han Yunxing lowered her head and thought: I need to practice my facial expression management!
Back in her seat to practice dancing, Han Yunxing once again garnered everyone's attention.
But seeing Han Yunxing's somewhat stiff demeanor, everyone just thought she had been given a dressing down. Those who wanted to see her fail were satisfied and completely let the matter go, practicing even harder instead.
Jeon So-yeon, who was originally going to comfort Han Yoon-sung, heard the girl next to her ask, "So-yeon, am I really that easy to blush?"
She figured the child hadn't been hurt, so she tapped Han Yunxing on the head and continued practicing.
A note from the author:
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The timeline may differ from reality.
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