Chapter 167: It's Fake At First Glance

have sales that surpass EXO's.However, sales figures are only one indicator of a group's popularity and not the whole picture. Other factors include music source streams, public awareness, fame, YouTu...Because Red Velvet's recent comeback has been successful, they have a packed schedule every day to capitalize on the momentum. With their busy days of early mornings and late nights, most members haven't had much rest lately. So during these past two days, when there were breaks in their schedules and they were traveling in the van, it was mostly quiet. Some took naps, while others played on their phones.

And just at that moment, a cry suddenly came from the backseat of the nanny car, as if something surprising had happened. After a while of hushed whispers, the shouts grew louder and louder. Originally, Pei Zhuxuan who was dozing off with her head drooping slightly, was woken up by this sound.

What are you doing

She woke up in a bad mood. After being woken up by the noise behind her, she was obviously unhappy and frowned as she turned around and grumbled. However, the sisters behind her didn't seem to be fazed. Sun Shengwan even directly reached out and patted her seat, saying in a shocked tone: "Unnie, look quickly! Jingyuan has been exposed for being in a relationship!"

"What's this... who"

Originally, Pei Joo-hyuk's mind was still a bit fuzzy. After hearing this, she mumbled a complaint, but she quickly reacted. The displeasure and distress on her face just moments ago disappeared instantly. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Sun Seung-wan and asked.

"Hmm..."

Son Seong-wan was startled by Bae Joo-hyeon's gaze for a moment, but she didn't mind much. She simply handed her phone over: "It's Jingyuan, oppa, look, someone online has exposed his relationship, it's still with Taeyeon unnie..."

"Who"

"...Taeyeon unnie from Girls' Generation."

Pei Zhuxuan took the phone while asking a question. When she heard it was Kim Tae-yeon, she looked at Son Seung-wan in surprise again, then lightly pursed her lips and started browsing the phone quickly.

However, after reading the entire script and those so-called intimate photos, her expression did not change much.

"This news is too explosive, it went viral as soon as it came out. Now the whole internet is discussing this." Park Soo-ryeong in the back row scrolled through her phone, seeing the overwhelming response online, and smacked her lips.

“This is Exo’s Yuan Oppa, and he's with Seohyun Unnie from Girls' Generation, both of whom are the best idols there are. Their relationship exposé is definitely a huge deal.” Kim Yeorin said in a matter-of-fact tone, but she had her own opinion: “But I think it’s fake. We’ve met them both privately so many times, and I don't think they feel anything for each other at all."

When the other sisters were discussing, Jiang Shiqi secretly glanced at Pei Zhuxuan's face. She knew about this unnie's relationship with Ji Kyung-won, only seeing each other a few times. But after noticing that besides the beginning when Pei Zhuxuan's face darkened noticeably, there was no sign of anger afterward.

But she still quickly chimed in, seeming to discuss but actually comforting her by saying: "That's right, it might not even be true... I saw, it was just a fan's post on the forum. Those few photos are obviously paparazzi shots and don't really explain anything..."

"Besides, the fans don't know, and we don't know either. Jingyuan and Taeyeon unnie have always been particularly close, and they hang out privately very casually. This kind of photo is actually quite normal."

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It seems to have sensed the comfort in Kim Gi-seok's tone, Bae Joo-hyun raised her eyes and glanced at this younger sister. Seeing the concerned expression on her face, she blinked and suddenly smiled, then looked back at the news and photos on her phone, curled her lips, and said with a natural and casual tone: "Of course it's fake, how could Jingyuan and Taeyeon Unnie…"

She hummed softly, returning the phone to Sun Shengwan, her eyes carrying a hint of reproach: "We're not strangers to them, are we Couldn't you tell Why act like fans, so surprised"

If rumors of a scandal between Park Ji-hoon and Jeong Seo-yeon, or even Bae Suzy were to be exposed, with photos as evidence, then Irene would probably believe it. She might even get angry and give them the cold shoulder. She might even take the opportunity to call them up and question them.

However, if the subject is Taeyeon Kim, as someone who knows her well, she still has her own judgment. She can tell that Taeyeon Kim and Ji-won Park are not a close and ambiguous relationship, but really just a good relationship between siblings in the industry.

She also knew that it was because of this, knowing that her relationship with Park Jeong-won was deep, Kim Tae-yeon would have actively approached her in the past few months.

So after the initial shock and anger, Bae Joo-hyun quickly calmed down. She even found Kim Se-qi's concerned expression a little funny, though of course, she was also touched.

"I didn't say it was true, I just saw this news..." Oni said to him, Son Seong-wan mumbled a few words with some grievance.

“You were making such a fuss just now, and you even woke me up while I was sleeping!” Jiang Sheqi also laughed and turned her head to join the grumbling group. It was Sun Shengwan’s exclamation that had woken everyone up just now.

After returning, Bae Joo-hyun took out her phone, opened the webpage, and saw the news that had already exploded on the hot search. She clicked on a few at random, and the content and photos were almost identical to what she had just seen.

Although she knew it was probably fake news, seeing so many hot searches and heated discussions made her feel a little uneasy and dissatisfied. Especially after seeing the crazed love for Kim Taeyeon's various insults and attacks, she even felt a little scared.

Finally, she flipped open her contacts, found Ji Jingyuan's name, tapped on the messaging interface and hesitated for a long time. In the end, she just let out a soft hum, didn't type anything and closed it.

"Humph..."

She didn't want to see this news at all, so she quickly sent a message.

As an older sister, of course I have to be patient.

…………

On the other side, a few people from ice had just finished class and returned to the practice room. They hadn't even taken two sips of water or sat down for a moment before another shout caught their attention.

"Oh!"

Park Ji-hyo just opened her phone and saw a sea of crimson hot search terms. Upon clicking, she was shaken to the core, her half-swallowed water fell from her lips, and she exclaimed loudly, "Look at the hot searches, Park Ji-hoon and Kim Tae-yeon are dating!"

"Huh"

"What are you doing"

Who and who

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the practice room was shocked. Lin Na-yeon heard it first and her eyes lit up. She reacted instantly, rushing over and grabbing Park Ji-hyo's phone, reading aloud, "Male idol and female idol suspected of being in love! According to our sources, EXO member Yuan and Girls’ Generation member Taeyeon were allegedly seen on a date today... dating photos leaked... currently ** Entertainment has not given a clear response..."

She read the script like an announcer, her voice gaining strength with each word of the news. The further she went, the louder she became, and finally, she delivered a dramatic and impassioned recitation.

While others were shocked by the news, some became anxious and couldn't focus on her performance. They quickly took out their phones and started browsing online. In a short while, everyone had finished reading the full article and learned about this now viral news.

"Wow, I didn't expect to see such amazing news right after class. The title is really accurate, both Park Ji-young and Kim Tae-yeon are indeed idols."

After reading several news articles, Lim Na-yeon stared at her phone, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she smacked her lips. She seemed very excited and exclaimed, "I really didn't expect it! It turns out that Ji-sung is dating Taeyeon sunbae from back in the day. His relationship being revealed like this has caused quite a stir. Let me see, wow, the heat level is truly terrifying! There are netizens discussing it everywhere…"

Even though Na Yeon is a yuan black, she has to admit that the popularity and heat of her in Kpop now, just one exposed rumor, has reached the level of full-network discussion.

Yu Dingyan quickly skimmed the news: "EXO's fans and Girls' Generation's fans have already started fighting online, but EXO's fans are still obviously more dominant. You guys go see Taeyeon's comment section, these fans are really terrifying."

"They've always been like that." Lin Na-yeon immediately empathized and agreed.

"EXO just became the number one boy group, and now a dating scandal isn't good at all..."

Of course, with EXO's current popularity, fans immediately went crazy when news broke that a core member was rumored to be in a relationship.

"Haven't said if it's true or not..." As most members were engaged in a heated discussion, Minazuki Saria glanced at Nanami Minegishi who wasn't saying much, and uttered the words weakly, but no one paid attention.

Minami actually isn't that bad. Although she was also surprised to see this news today, she knew a long time ago that Ji-yeong had a partner. After all, last year at CB, she saw how close he and Suzy were.

Moreover, she didn't have any special relationship with Ji Jingyuan. She just had a good feeling for him and wanted to be closer friends and learn from him as a senior.

But because there's a good feeling, seeing it does make me feel a little uncomfortable. Unlike other members who gossip about it enthusiastically.

And Tzuyu's mood at this time was very bad. She had just finished class and was about to take advantage of the break time to send a message to Jiyeong complaining about something, when she saw this news.

He already has a girlfriend...

Actually, Chou Tzu-yu has always known that Park Ji-sung isn't some innocent boy. She could even hear him mention things about this aspect during their usual conversations.

But I didn't feel anything about it before, on the contrary, I found it quite interesting to gossip and listened with relish.

But now it's different. When I actually saw the exposure, a feeling of indescribable restlessness surged within me.

She sat cross-legged on the floor of the practice room, a bottle of mineral water beside her. There were still some sweat stains on her forehead from dancing just now, but she didn't feel like wiping them away.

With her head hung low, she seemed to have not heard the heated discussion of the sisters beside her. She bit her lip and stared at the "intimate photos" of Park Ji-sung and Kim Tae-yeon on her phone screen. Her eyes had lost their focus, while inside, she was in a mess of confusion and anxiety, a feeling that was both chaotic and frantic.

She wanted to send Chi Jingyuan a message, but she didn't know what to say. She just sat there, her legs crossed, the curves of her thighs outlined by her sweatpants, staring at the photos blankly.

I don't know how long it had been, when another gasp broke my train of thought.

"Huh, s clarified it!"

It was still Park Ji-hyo's voice, she was the first to see the latest news and exclaimed loudly. Then, standing beside her, Lim Nayoung leaned her head over and read it out: "EXO member Yuan and Girls' Generation member Taeyeon's agency, S Entertainment, has released a statement: After confirmation, the online rumors about a romantic relationship between their artists Yuan and Taeyeon are untrue. The two are not in a romantic relationship, they are just close seniors and juniors..."

"The artist under her agency, Taeyeon, is currently preparing for a solo debut, and Yuan is the main producer. Photos circulating online show the two discussing matters related to the album. After confirmation, it was revealed that the artist's manager was also present throughout the process. (Attached photo) Therefore, the rumors about their dating are unfounded..."

"Please cease the defamation and harassment of the artist in question. We reserve the right to sue those who spread rumors..."

This time and just now are a bit different. Lin Na-yeon's voice sounds increasingly weak, and by the end, there was no more emotional expression, it was simply reciting.

“There are pictures, too. Let me take a look…” Park Ji-hyo added at that moment. “Really, s even included the original images of those ‘intimate date photos’ from before. The manager was sitting right next to them, and the person who leaked it specifically cropped them out… Turns out it's fake! Who would bring their manager on a date”

She said that, and others also discovered that the hot topic was s company's recent announcement. They clicked on it to take a closer look and discussed it again.

"Yes, the agency has already released an announcement, so it must be fake."

"But s's reaction is too fast, right It's only been a few hours since the rumor was debunked."

"EXO's fans are going to explode, it's too exciting... It turns out Yuan is Taeyeon sunbaenim's producer! Is Taeyeon sunbaenim going solo That's amazing, I've always liked her so much."

"Hey, Nayeon, why aren't you talking"

"...the relationship is not real..."

Twice Tzuyu silently read over the statement s had just released. As she absorbed the contents, the restlessness in her heart gradually subsided until it was completely gone by the end.

He mentioned to me that he and Kim Taeyeon are very good siblings...

I knew it was fake news!

She let out a long 'wu~' and relaxed her stiff legs, shuffling them around to change positions. She curled up in front of herself, propping her phone onto her knee, finally lifting her head to join the discussion between her sisters.

After chuckling a few times, she suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, when is Taeyeon sunbae going solo"

As soon as he said that, a group of people all took out their phones.

's released another announcement, announcing Taeyeon's solo debut. Wow, promoting this way during such a hot topic is perfect! It feels like everyone in the country knows now. Let me see...'

She was still the most interested in this gossip. After finding s' new announcement, she read it aloud instead of Lin Na-yeon, who had become strangely quiet and withdrawn beside her: "Girls’ Generation Taeyeon is currently preparing for a solo debut. EXO member yuan will be the main producer for this album. The title song was co-composed and arranged by yuan, while the lyrics were written in collaboration between Taeyeon and yuan. This song is to express...Wow, that's amazing..."

"Taeyeon's solo album is scheduled to be released in mid-October..." Until he got to that point in time, Park Ji-hyo didn't know what she had thought of, her passionate voice suddenly dropped a notch.

mid-October…

And at this moment, as this time was mentioned, the practice room suddenly fell silent. The enthusiasm for gossiping just moments ago, like a bucket of water being poured over it, vanished instantly.

Because they had already been notified, their planned debut date was also around this time. After careful selection by JYP, they finally decided to let ICE debut around mid-October. This was a time when there weren't any overly strong competitors. In this way, by leveraging the remaining popularity from "Sixteen," they could maximize the chances of achieving high popularity and a successful response after their debut.

However, at this moment, it was suddenly announced that Kim Taeyeon would be making her solo debut at this time.

According to the trailers, Taeyeon was already a popular and well-loved leader of Girls' Generation, with her national recognition and large fanbase. Furthermore, she has Yuan from EXO as the producer and composer for her title track, and is leveraging this "relationship" theme for extensive promotion...

The K-pop music scene is incredibly competitive, especially during the same period. Since there's a limited pool of fans and audiences, it often results in "winner takes all" scenarios where one artist or song dominates for a while, occupying all platforms and attention. Others are left trailing behind, sometimes not even getting a sip of soup.

>Exo has experienced this situation several times this year. The songs "Call Baby" in March and "Boy With Luv" in June swept the music scene directly upon release, grabbing a massive amount of heat and attention. Apart from Bigbang, most other artists who made a comeback during the same period could be considered to have had ineffective comebacks. As for newly debuted groups, it's like they never existed; hardly anyone remembers them.

And Taeyeon's this solo outing, no matter how you look at it, is a formidable opponent like a mountain crushing down.

As soon as this was mentioned, everyone on ice realized they were very likely to face off against this newly ‘revealed relationship’ sibling duo.

Whether it's Girls' Generation's Taeyeon or EXO's Chanyeol, these two names are already resounding in the music industry, becoming objects of admiration and respect for their juniors. Just seeing these two names brought heavy pressure to these nine girls who haven't debuted yet but are full of longing and beautiful expectations for their debut.

And just as Zhou Tzuyu's mood was brightening, she pursed her lips and fell silent again along with her sisters.

Peninsula Asteroid

First published on the Traditional Chinese Novels Networkf Ji Jingyuan, smiling brightly at him and saying:Nearby actors, assistants, and crew members all subtly glanced this way.Whenever Jung Soo-jung was acting, she kept calling out "Chan-yeong ah," but o...