The number one playboy on the Peninsula!

Chapter 410 Daily Life at SM: Collaboration.

In the past two weeks, only three topics in the local entertainment industry have sparked huge discussions: First, "Tarot" suffers from depression.

A simple topic led to the discovery of his illness, which in turn gave rise to all sorts of bizarre versions of what caused his illness, and also provided a livelihood for a large number of media outlets and paparazzi.

Second, the release of the film "Parasite" raked in huge box office revenue in China. With the support of the Palme d'Or, the box office continued to climb, and the three major cinema chains began to increase the number of screenings. Meanwhile, the entire creative team was giving interviews to promote the upcoming European and American film awards.

Thirdly, there's the "Summer Comeback Battle" of local K-pop, but it pales in comparison to the first two topics.

On the evening of June 14th, Maze Entertainment released a concept poster of "Tarot's" upcoming return to the music scene, instantly making Gong Cheng a hot topic and generating a lot of buzz.

"..."

The media, fans, and admirers instantly erupted in celebration...

Time slipped away quietly amidst the trending topics that dominated the internet.

……

"Has the return date been set yet?"

Park Jin-young sat in his office, talking on the phone with one hand, while looking at "Misamo" sitting on the sofa in front of him. Minatozaki Sana, Mina, and Hirai Momo were sitting obediently on the long sofa, waiting for Pdnim to hang up the phone.

Through the hands-free speakerphone, Gong Cheng's magnetic voice came through the receiver: "Not yet, but it'll be soon, probably by the end of the month. The MV shooting and album production are almost finished..."

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Park Jin-young took a sip of coffee and tapped his fingers on the desk.

Even though this junior colleague left the company, he still hoped that his first album with Maze Entertainment would be a great success, just like before.

Junior brother, what will you do without me...?

Gong Cheng's voice was full of laughter: "No need, senior brother. Although the company is small, at this size, marketing and promotion are superfluous. Besides, this album doesn't have any particular purpose."

“Araso.” Park Jin-young nodded in agreement. “Tarot” already has enough influence and brand recognition that it doesn’t really need any more promotion.
He glanced at Misamo sitting on the sofa and couldn't help but say sarcastically, "I heard that besides your treatment in Tokyo, you also got together with actress Nana Komatsu, who's the same age as you? What's it like working together on a music video?"

"Is it your new love?"

Park Jin-young rattled off a few words, then glanced at the instantly crumbling faces of Minatozaki Sana, Mina, and Hirai Momo out of the corner of his eye, and felt a little smug.

Kids, my junior brother is a good person, but he's a scumbag and not a good match for me.

He also wanted to take this opportunity to make these fools give up on Gong Cheng. In his heart, he was also a little annoyed by his junior brother's behavior. You've ruined five members of TWICE already.
He took it, dusted himself off, and went to Japan to hook up with actors there?
Is it a person...?

Gong Cheng's voice was filled with dissatisfaction: "What new love? It's just a simple collaboration..." Then, his tone shifted, becoming somewhat disdainful: "Zhenying, when you say these things, you sound like someone who's been abandoned..."

"Moragu?" Park Jin-young asked curiously.

Gong Cheng: "Old sister-in-law, hehe."

Park Jin-young's face immediately turned green upon hearing this, while Hirai Momo, Minatozaki Sana, and Mina, who were not far away, lowered their heads to suppress their laughter.

"Bye!"

Haki angrily hung up the phone.

Then, glancing at the three Misamo members who were smirking, he took a deep breath and said, "Since he's coming back at the end of the month, let's officially set the date for your Misamo subunit for the end of next month."

"Inside," x3.

……

On June 20th, Gong Cheng boarded a flight back to Seoul, with Kim Dae-woo and Cha Gun-ho by his side.

In first class.

As usual, before Gong Cheng rested, Kim Dae-woo reported on the upcoming schedule: "There's an Armani commercial shoot tomorrow. The crew has already arrived in Seoul and is waiting for you to start filming... There's a fashion gala on the 23rd; the invitation has arrived. See if you want to go..."

"By the way, SM Entertainment's CEO Lee Soo-man invited you to produce the title track for Ryderbabes' comeback..."

The schedule wasn't long; aside from the Armani ad shoot, the rest were all things he could decline. Gong Cheng listened for a while, then tilted his head to look at Jin Dayu, asking curiously, "Didn't Red Velvet just have a recent comeback?"

"They called it a summer comeback campaign, creating a lot of hype," he said with a laugh.

This month, Red Velvet held a press conference at BLUE SQUARE in Hannam-dong, Seoul, to release the first sub-album of their third album, "The ReVe Festival" Day 1, and unveiled the title track "Zimzalabim".

According to Daegu Girls, they've been quite busy lately. They're releasing the second sub-album of their third album, "The ReVe Festival Day 2," in August. This kind of comeback project usually involves giving the group album information and starting choreography and music recording.

This already shows that they have all the tracks for their album, and it's not difficult for SM to find some girl group comeback songs in their music library.

So, judging from Red Velvet's series of actions this summer, it doesn't seem like they're preparing for a comeback. Joo-hyun should be sitting on her toes...

Kim Daewoo scratched his head: "I don't know the specifics. Who knows about SM's plans? But I guess they're asking you to prepare for Red Velvet's year-end comeback?"

Seeing that Gong Cheng remained silent, Che Qianhao asked, "Should we go back to Jue Mo?"

But Kim Daewoo immediately gave him a wink and blurted out his thoughts: "Actually, Cheng, I think that given your relationship with Irene, you should talk to President Lee Soo-man."

Irene, this is all the help I can give you...

Let's get back together—my partner!

"You think highly of me and Irene?" Gong Cheng chuckled and glanced sideways at Jin Dayu.

As Gong Cheng's loyal subordinate, Jin Dayu always spoke his mind: "Older people are more caring~ When you were hospitalized in Jakarta, how did she take care of you? What a wonderful girl..."

"What a perfect match! What a perfect match!"

At this point, he started randomly matchmaking.

"What about TWICE?" Gong Cheng asked, finding the topic of the two managers' opinions on the other female celebrities quite interesting.

He also wanted to hear what others thought of his tangled love life.

"They're all very good," Che Qianhao said succinctly.

Kim Daewoo thought about it seriously and still firmly chose Irene: "Anyway, all I know is that when you were sick and hospitalized, it was Irene who came all the way here to take care of you, love you, and cherish you. She is a very gentle girl who knows how to take care of you."

"Actually..." Gong Cheng revealed his thoughts, "They are all very good, and I am very good too..."

After saying that, he laughed twice, picked up his orange juice and took a sip: "You don't need to tell me, bro. How could I not be concerned about Joo-hyun's affairs? Can you help me schedule a time with SM Entertainment? It'll be soon."

"I'll go see what's going on!"

This isn't the first time we've produced a title track for Red Velvet. It's just that every time they make a comeback, the title track becomes a hit, but after the comeback period, the group mysteriously goes quiet again. Red Velvet is a popular group, but compared to TWICE, they're a tier below.

Currently, starting this year, BLACKPINK, who have increased their activities in Europe and the United States, have begun to enter a period of rapid growth.

"By the way, what's the situation with the fashion gala?" Gong Cheng asked curiously about one of the events. Since he had decided to return, it wouldn't be bad to pick a few events and appear in the public eye.

These past few months of treatment and rest have been quite monotonous and dull.

Kim Dae-woo explained, "In the end, it's just a gala held by multiple fashion brands. On the one hand, it increases the exposure of the artists, and on the other hand, some of the brands' Asia-Pacific executives will also come to the event to scout the artists. It's quite a large event, and many local actors and K-pop groups have been invited."

"For example, all members of TWICE will attend. Since their individual information was made public, most of the members have secured endorsements from fashion brands. They are a group with abundant fashion resources. Last year, you helped them get deals with LV, and Burberry recently renewed their contracts with Sana, Tzuyu, and the others..."

"That's good." Gong Cheng smiled after hearing about it.

The brands had already mentioned the contract renewals of his ex-girlfriends and current girlfriends to him a while ago... Whether it's because his girlfriends have strong sales power or because the brands want to use them to tie him to their image, it doesn't really matter. For the brands, it's just a title, it's worthless, after all, the girlfriends' endorsement fees aren't high, and they can still rake in money from their fans.

"going or not?"

Kim Dae-woo asked a question, ready to check or cross out the itinerary at any time.

"Go ahead..."

……

The next day.

Gong Cheng arrived at SM Entertainment. He first went to the floor where the artists were located, intending to greet Daegu Girls, Kang Seulgi, Wendy, and the others.

But as soon as the elevator doors opened, they bumped into the "35-year-old guy who won't date before he's 35"~
This guy is quite famous in the fan circle. Besides being a popular member of XO, he is now also called "35" guy by some antis, haters, or fans who have left the fandom because of his "promise to be 35 years old".

Some fans, however, ignored the situation and clarified the matter.

It was pointed out that the "35 years old" the man mentioned did not refer to romantic relationships, but rather that before the age of 35, it was not the stage to enjoy romantic relationships, and one could only maintain ordinary friendships with members of the opposite sex.

Gong Cheng then asked, "What's the difference?"

"Tarot." Brother 35 greeted Gong Cheng's tall figure with an unexpected look, "Long time no see."

Gong Cheng stood by the corridor with a faint smile, "It's been a long time, Baekhyun-ge."

Thinking about it carefully, it seems that apart from occasionally bumping into Bae Joo-hyun when I went to SM to see her and occasionally visiting XO's practice room, we haven't had much interaction since.

However, Haji-cheng doesn't have a habit of making friends with male celebrities. His closer relationship with XO and others is also due to his connections with Erpao, Sanpao, and Lay...

Let's have a drink sometime when we're free.

Gong Cheng had no intention of chatting any further. He politely said something and then waved with a smile.

"Yes." Byun Baekhyun had the same thought. Putting aside looks and popularity, this junior in front of him was more than ten centimeters taller than him, and for some reason.

Byun Baekhyun always felt that "Tarot" was only close to Chanyeol, Sehun, and Lay, who were not active in Japan for many years. He was rather cold and distant to the other members, including himself.

Thinking of the nickname "35" that the antis used to insult him, he looked back at Gong Cheng's figure as he walked further and further away, and recounted all sorts of scandals and gossip about "Tarot". For the first time, he was amazed at how tolerant the fans could be.
"..."

"Are you going to the fashion gala the day after tomorrow?" In EXO's practice room, Park Chanyeol greeted Gong Cheng and then asked with his arm around his shoulder.

Gong Cheng shook off his hand. "Go ahead, sit down for a bit. You're coming too?"

“Of course, Sehun and I will both go.” Park Chanyeol nodded and glanced at Oh Sehun, who was chatting with his mother next to him.

SM's planning for XO has been somewhat lackluster. In addition, several members have started their military service, and the group has entered a period of military absence. Despite this, even Park Chanyeol and Oh Sehun, who rose to become one of the top male idol groups in Japan after their "Boo-Bun" days, still have relatively limited resources due to their contracts.

"Why should I?" Gong Cheng joked, adding a sarcastic remark, "Would Lee Soo-man really let you guys go out and do your activities?"

After flirting with his female friend, Oh Sehun looked up at him and said, "Maknae, it seems you're not looking forward to our Seoul Three Musketeers reuniting at all?"

"Aren't we good brothers?"

Gong Cheng opened his mouth, unable to suppress a laugh: "Damn, how can you say such a derogatory nickname as 'Seoul Three Cannons' so confidently, just like a good one?"

"Isn't it a good reputation?" Park Chanyeol cared a lot about this question; he even felt that all the men in the country cared about it, so it was something to be proud of. Then, he clapped his hands with a smile:

"Sehun and I are CK brand ambassadors, why can't we go to fashion galas?"

Hearing this, Gong Cheng curled his lip in disdain: "Yeah, the Second and Third Cannons endorse CK, shoot underwear ads, they're the epitome of gay." Seeing their stiff expressions, he continued his witty remark:

"Hey, Chanyeol hyung and Sehun hyung, no wonder they're childhood friends! Haha~"

As he spoke, he burst into laughter, but immediately faced Oh Sehun and Park Chanyeol's chokeholds and merciless elbows.

"..."

The three of them laughed loudly in the practice room. Bae Joo-hyun had arrived at the door of EXO's practice room at some point. The door was not closed. She had arrived at the company late today. As soon as she entered the practice room, Wendy told her that her first love had arrived.

But seeing that she wasn't there, he didn't exchange many pleasantries with the other members. Before Bae Joo-hyun could even ask where her first love had gone, the laughter of the "Seoul Three Cannons" playing around came from the hallway.

However, Bae Joo-hyun stood at the door without going in immediately. Instead, she smiled and looked at Gong Cheng, who was begging for mercy from Oh Se-hun and Park Chan-yeol. Her warm face was beaming with a hearty smile.

Compared to when I saw him a few days ago, he was in a very different, depressed and melancholic state. He has visibly improved.

Wu Sehun spotted Bae Joo-hyun standing at the door, then grinned wickedly and looked at Gong Cheng, who was being "subdued" by Park Chanyeol, asking with ill intent, "Maknae, I suspect that every time you come to our company to see me and Chanyeol hyung, you're just casually checking out us, right? You're mainly here for Irene, aren't you?"

"Yeah, maknae, we're really hurt." Park Chanyeol continued to lock Gong Cheng's neck, but not with much force.

It's all just a joke. If it really came down to a fight, the maknae (youngest member) would probably be beaten to death by the two of them. They've sparred a few times in the gym when they used to go to the gym together.

Gong Cheng clicked his tongue and replied, "Of course I'm here to see Irene, you lunatic! Why would I want to see you two?"

"Really are……"

He was speechless at the question Wu Shixun had asked; it was truly absurd.

However, fearing he might hurt his friends' feelings, Gong Cheng added, "Don't we usually meet at clubs in Jiangnan? Why would I come to your company to see anyone else but Irene?"

As he spoke, he suggested, "How about we go for a couple of drinks tonight? I'll pay, and we'll call Jae-beom and Hero, too."

As for the other two members of the "artillery squad," Jackson Wang and Lay Zhang, they are doing quite well in China. While they may not be wildly successful, they are certainly making waves.

Bae Joo-hyun stood outside the door, looking at Gong Cheng, who was lying on the sofa with his back to her, while Park Chan-yeol held him firmly on the shoulder.

A smile appeared at the corner of her eye as she listened to Gong Cheng's reply.

Is this a case of a "prostitute" falling in love with a "client"?
"Of course I'll go if you pay the bill." Wu Shixun released Gong Cheng's leg, nodded seriously, and then said with a smile, "Alright, that's enough. Go back and see who's at the door?"

"Who?" Park Chanyeol also released Gong Cheng.

The two turned around at the same time, and then Park Chanyeol winked at Gong Cheng.

Gong Cheng stared at Bae Joo-hyun, who was wearing a gray short-sleeved T-shirt. Below her fair and flat waist and abdomen was a light blue denim skirt. White knee-high socks were neatly fitted around her calves, with slight wrinkles at the top, adding a touch of casual laziness. She was wearing a pair of Vans checkered canvas shoes.

Her face was delicate and pretty without makeup, with slender and natural eyebrows and slightly upturned eyes that gave her an unintentional sense of aloofness. Yet, there was a faint warmth hidden in her eyes, which shone gently as she looked at him.

"When did you arrive, Nuna?" Gong Cheng immediately ignored Erpao and Sanpao beside him, got up and walked over.

Bae Joo-hyun smiled and curled the corners of her lips, her smile deepening at the corners of her eyes: "From the moment you burst into laughter."

"Are you in a good mood today?"

"I'm in a good mood because I get to see Noona today~" Gong Cheng shrugged, leaned against the wall, and chatted with the rather short Daegu woman in front of him.

Park Chanyeol and Oh Sehun stared at the two people in front of them with gossipy eyes.

The two of them knew in their hearts that Irene was also one of the mothers who had been manipulated by this youngest member.

What a scumbag!
Gong Cheng glanced at the increasingly disdainful looks from the two people on the sofa and said, "I'm leaving."

He patted the woman from Daegu on the back and prepared to leave.

When Erpao and Sanpao saw this guy's behavior of prioritizing women over friends, they couldn't help but tremble at the corners of their mouths, but they got used to it.

Wu Sehun called out to him, "Remember to come to Gangnam to pay the bill tonight!"

"Arathor."

Gong Cheng picked up his shoulder bag and nodded: "Bring your new girlfriend along, let's meet her together?"

Before Oh Sehun could answer, Park Chanyeol spoke up for him: "There's no need, Sehun is about to break up."

Gong Cheng stopped in his tracks, somewhat curious: "Weren't you just chatting so enthusiastically? Sehun looked so sweet. Is it really that bad?"

Bae Joo-hyun was also by his side, her eyes filled with a hint of gossip.

Although they are artists under the same company, they don't actually interact much in private. The "First Love" and "Second Cannon" in front of me both have fixed circles of friends and don't easily go out to expand their circle of friends, except for female artists, of course.

None of these three have a very good private life.

The fact that the cool and somewhat cheesy group name Bombardment Meteor has evolved into the nickname "Sex Band" is inextricably linked to the fact that all seven members of the group were exposed for cheating, dating, and other confirmed scandals or gossip during their first two years of activity.

"Hehe..." Wu Sehun scratched his head awkwardly, a little embarrassed: "Let's talk about the next one!"

"..."

Bae Joo-hyun's lips twitched as she tried to turn and leave.

What kind of people are these?!
"Scumbag!" Gong Cheng spat out, then turned and left.

Once they left the practice room and entered the hallway, he nudged Bae Joo-hyun's small frame and muttered, "Aigoo, tsk tsk, Sehun hyung really is something else, not even a break from being single! He hasn't even broken up with his current girlfriend yet, and he's already found someone else. What a scumbag!"

As he spoke, Gong Cheng's tone and expression were full of disdain.

Bae Joo-hyun stopped in her tracks, tilted her head slightly, and looked at her first love with a complicated expression: "Oppa, how dare you say that about him?"

The term "Oppa" carries a strong sense of sarcasm and helplessness.

"I did have a break from dating," Gong Cheng said, narrowing his eyes and smiling innocently. "At least after we broke up, I didn't date any new women."

Bae Joo-hyun took a deep breath, let out a long sigh of frustration, and chuckled, "During your single period? Let's not talk about the issue of you juggling multiple relationships at the same time. During your single period, did you really not date any new women?"

"What's wrong with that idiot Jisoo?"

She immediately exposed Gong Cheng's lie. He was really taking advantage of her first love's kindness, which was just too awful!

Gong Cheng gave an awkward smile: "You're quite well-informed!"

“I know you so well,” Bae Joo-hyun said, her faint smile vanishing as she swore. The Daegu accent echoed in Gong Cheng’s ears, and only then did her anger subside: “Zhao Meiyan told me.”

"You believe whatever she says?" Gong Cheng asked in surprise, raising his hand to her shoulder and tucking away some cotton wool that had gotten stuck there from somewhere.

Are Miyeon and Joohyeon irreconcilable enemies?

Bae Joo-hyun didn't resist his actions, and snorted, "I don't believe in Jo Mi-yeon, I believe in your shameless and despicable nature!"

"Shh!" Gong Cheng saw that they were about to reach Ryderbebe's practice room, so he immediately changed the subject: "Don't talk about it, give me some face."

"I wouldn't be willing to talk if you didn't act like a jerk!" Bae Joo-hyun glared at him, then unexpectedly punched Gong Cheng, venting her anger.

...Walking into Ryderbebe's practice room. Kang Seulgi looked like she had just started work, and stared at Gong Cheng with a surprised look: "Cheating..." Before she could finish the sentence, she saw a certain younger man in her line of sight, and her handsome face twitched.

"Why are you here?" Kang Seulgi felt it was a bit impolite, so she softened her tone.

Bae Joo-hyun chuckled as she watched Gong Cheng's changing expressions, secretly delighted, not at all bothered that the members were helping her get back at him.

"Aren't we good friends?" Gong Cheng looked at Jiang Seulgi with a hurt expression. Oh, little bear!

Kang Seulgi shook her head and glanced at him, "You should go and befriend Sehun and the others. Birds of a feather flock together!"

"Is this a cut?" Hagi Cheng shamelessly sat down next to Bae Joo-hyun, not taking Kang Seul-gi and Wendy's complaints to heart. On the contrary, he felt that Joo-hyun was quite good to have such a member. But actually, he always felt that this group was a bit like a girl group.

Kang Seulgi snorted indignantly and didn't continue speaking.

"Forget it, the innocent will clear themselves." Gong Cheng gave himself a way out.

Son Seungwan sipped her coffee, looking at him with a barbed tone: "You haven't been to our company for a while. What brings you here? Or have you started dating some other woman at SM Entertainment besides our unnie?"

But Gong Cheng's shamelessness exceeded her expectations: "The targets are still being selected..."

As he spoke, he gazed at Son Seung-wan with a faint smile, "I think you're pretty good. Want to give it a try with me?"

"Don't dare..."

Son Seungwan tossed her hair and turned her head away from him.

Seeing this, Bae Joo-hyun glanced at Gong Cheng's smiling face, unsure whether he was angry or not, but she didn't want to continue the topic.

In short, it's acceptable for the members to stand up for her a little.

But if there's too much interference, not only will Gong Cheng feel uncomfortable, but even she herself will feel uncomfortable. After all, relationships are a matter between two people, and who can really say for sure?
What brings you to the company?

Gong Cheng picked up Bae Joo-hyun's coffee, took a sip from the lipstick mark, and said, "Lee Soo-man called me here to discuss a collaboration with Red Velvet."

"Oppa is cooperating with us?"

Kim Ye-rin spoke up at this moment, her words tinged with surprise.

Compared to her past fangirl mentality of calling Gong Cheng "Oppa" every time she saw him, that mentality has completely vanished today, or rather, not long ago.

Originally, she thought it was a good thing that this guy was dating Joo-hyun, the leader of the group, and that it would be normal even if they broke up. Relationships are complicated, especially since everyone is in the entertainment industry, a place of fame and fortune.

Although Yeri is young, having been in the industry for so long, she doesn't really believe in relationships that last from beginning to end. Breakups and makeups are normal, but it's a pity that her unnie, a "strong woman," had her first relationship end so abruptly.

Not long ago, Kim Ye-rin heard from another good friend's tearful account that the guy in front of her had actually dated another of her good unnies, TWICE's Lim Na-yeon, and that their relationship ended the same way as Joo-hyun's unnie's.

Therefore, at this moment, it is really difficult for Kim Ye-rin to bring up her former mindset and face Gong Cheng in front of her, or perhaps her filter has been shattered.

I know you're a party animal, but aren't you going a bit too far?

"Yes, they said they wanted me to produce the title track for your winter album, no, the final chapter of your recently released third album." Gong Cheng hadn't had a chance to discuss the specific details of the collaboration with Lee Soo-man yet, but that was the general idea.

Starting this month, Ryder Baby's third album, according to SM's plan, is divided into a first sub-album, a second sub-album, and the final chapter for which they are discussing collaboration today. The first sub-album, which was released not long ago, has achieved good results in the summer comeback campaign thanks to Ryder Baby's popularity, but it is only good.

"..."

After discussing this topic, Ryderbe and the others immediately perked up.

The value of this younger man is undeniable; setting aside his musical achievements, his identity as a producer is paramount.

"..."

We chatted briefly.

The door to Ryderbabe's practice room was pushed open, and Lee Soo-man, accompanied by two subordinates, was smiling as he pushed up his glasses: "Seo-sung, why didn't you tell me you were coming to the company?"

As he spoke, Gong Cheng got up to go to the office with Lee Soo-man to discuss the cooperation.

They say they're discussing cooperation, but it's really just going through the motions.

For Gong Cheng, girl group songs?

Easy to write...

This is so easy to write!

Upon arriving at Lee Soo-man's office, Lee Soo-man first inquired about Gong Cheng's situation with Yu Yu, and then offered to introduce him to a psychologist in Seoul.

However, Gong Cheng politely declined...

Next, they proceeded step by step to discuss Lee Soo-man's views and requirements regarding Ryderbabe's comeback title track for winter: "..."

After explaining the song's style, he added, "But you have experience in this area, so you can oversee the production."

"Arasso." Gong Cheng briefly summarized the style of the final chapter of the Ryder Baby album in his mind.

Lee Soo-man narrowed his eyes again: "..."

……

An hour later, Gong Cheng, with his bag slung over one shoulder, rubbed his tired eyes with his fingertips, let out a long, lazy yawn, and walked briskly out of the office.

When he turned back to leave, he went to Ryderbebe's practice room to say hello to Bae Joo-hyun.

"Are you going to a club for drinks tonight?" Bae Joo-hyun stood by the window next to the company staircase, one hand in her pocket, the other resting lightly on the windowsill. The afternoon sunlight slanted in through the blinds, casting a light golden hue on her hair and making her features appear even softer.

“Yes, it’s been a long time since I’ve gotten together with the members. Let’s say hello.” Gong Cheng’s face was beaming with a smile, his tone light and friendly. Then, noticing a hint of hesitation in Bae Joo-hyun’s eyes, he extended an invitation:
"Do you want to come together?"

"I'm not going." Bae Joo-hyun shook her head, but seeing the disappointment in Gong Cheng's eyes, she brushed a stray hair behind her ear and smiled. "Well, I think I'll go after all. What if you drink too much? But I'm not drinking tonight..."

Gong Cheng was quite pleased with this turn of events: "Then I'll drink for you. I don't have the habit of urging my own mother to drink."

"Who's your daughter-in-law?" Bae Joo-hyun asked in an affected, high-pitched voice, then added, "I'm not drinking, I'm just driving you home!"

……

After making the agreement, Bae Joo-hyun wiggled her corgi-like bottom and returned to the practice room.

Gong Cheng picked up his phone and glanced at the time. He didn't have any plans for the afternoon. After thinking it over, he decided that since he had come all the way to SM, he should go and check out the trainee department.
Just do it.

Since we're here, it would be good to say hello to the trainees...

Although the reputation and public image of the fourth generation were completely ruined, the trainee girls are a different story~
"..."

As soon as I pressed the elevator button, I bumped right into Yoona.

Lin Yoona was wearing a white dress and flashy sunglasses, looking like she had just returned to the company. She took off her sunglasses and asked in a surprised tone, "What brings you to our company?"

Seeing that the elevator was empty, Gong Cheng said, "I missed you, so I came to see you."

To be honest, Haki Makoto has a lot of noonas at SM Entertainment...

"Nonsense." Lin Yoona rolled her eyes at him, clearly not believing his explanation, but her mood visibly improved.

I couldn't help but let out a soft hum...

She really has a knack for being charming.

"...What are you planning to do?"

When Lim Yoona saw Gong Cheng press the button for the trainee department floor, she blinked, showed off her long, thick eyelashes, and asked a question.

Gong Cheng picked up his orange juice, took a sip, and smiled as he recounted his plans to visit some friends in the trainee department: "..."

"Can I go?"

Im Yoona just rushed to the company from home. She doesn't have any scenes to film recently. She was planning to wait for Lee Soon-kyu to come over, go out for coffee together, and have dinner together in the evening... But all in all, it's pretty boring.

Gong Cheng pondered for a moment, then glanced at his mistress: "I wouldn't really recommend going."

"What do you mean?" Yoona stared at him, her lips trembling. "You're not really like Chanyeol, making a move on the trainees now?"

"Don't talk nonsense." Gong Cheng retorted, embarrassed and annoyed, and stepped out of the elevator. Seeing his sister following him out, he sighed helplessly, "I'm angry for your own good!"

Yoona surveyed the corridor, pouted, and muttered angrily, "Afraid I'll catch you cheating?"

Even mistresses who are being kept have the right to catch their husbands cheating, okay?!

"Alright, alright, if you want to go, then come along!" Gong Cheng saw where she was going off to say and didn't say anything more.

But the meaningful look in her eyes sent a chill down Yoona's fair back.

Congratulations—Yoona, after today you will gain a new "anti"... and a top-tier "anti".

"By the way, are your trainee friends the two trainees who attended our SM family concert in Tokyo a couple of years ago?" Yoona seemed to have some impression of Yoo Jimin and Kim Minjung, but not much.

For a veteran like her who has been in the industry for many years, trainees, even those who are about to debut, are nothing to worry about.

However, because we had met once in Tokyo, and because one of the songs on Gong Cheng's album last year featured several trainees from the company, I had a deeper impression of him.

Gong Cheng, carrying a shoulder bag, glanced at Lin Yoona as she handed him her handbag in a coquettish manner, and reluctantly took it, slinging it over his shoulder as well: "Yes, I heard from them that they practice very hard at your SM, and are considered very talented trainees."

All this information was given to him by Liu Zhimin, and he wasn't sure if it was true or false, though he felt there was some exaggeration involved.

On the SM trainee floor, apart from a few temporarily vacant practice rooms, there are three practice rooms for male trainees at the end of the corridor. However, on this floor, where Yoo Jimin and the others are ranked, there is only one practice room for female trainees.

"However, to be honest, our company hasn't launched a new girl group in a long time." Lim Yoona said with a smile, looking at the younger man beside her carrying her bag with satisfaction.

Gong Cheng joked, "Actually, I feel that after Girls' Generation and XO, f(x) and Ryder Baby were both very good combinations, but..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the results weren't great. They had their moments of popularity and fervor, like when he was still a student, many of his high school classmates liked the group, but none of them reached the heights of their predecessors.

“Sigh…” Lin Yoona understood what he meant and sighed.

Immediately afterwards, in the corridor filled with the sounds of practice, Gong Cheng found the practice room where the female trainee was, but did not go in to disturb her.

Instead, he looked inside from the doorway.

You won't believe it until you see it...

There were about a dozen female trainees, and dance music was playing from a speaker in the corner, but there was no teacher in sight, so it must have been free practice time.

Many trainees with good looks were practicing their seniors' hit songs and dances in front of the mirror, sweating profusely. Ning Yizhuo was among them, but she was practicing SM's singing techniques near the window. It was too far away to hear clearly what she was singing.

On the floor near the sofa, there were two people who seemed out of place.

Liu Zhimin was squatting by the wall, sipping her coffee and clutching her phone in one hand. It was unclear what she was doing or perhaps chatting with someone. She looked quite lazy, but judging from the fine beads of sweat on her forehead, she seemed to be resting.

Beside her, Kim Minjung lay casually on the floor, with a pillow behind her head. Her small body, lying flat on the floor, was wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and matching shorts. She crossed her legs and her feet dangled in the air like a fan.

Gong Cheng's eyelids twitched as he stared at the relaxed Xiao Washboard and the Executive Department Dragon in the corner. He didn't see Uchiha Eri, though he had heard that her trainee ranking hadn't been raised yet.

He turned his head and asked Yoona softly, "Noona, are the trainees at SM Entertainment this lenient?"

As he spoke, Gong Cheng's phone vibrated in his pocket.

"That shouldn't be the case?" Im Yoona frowned, staring at the two people in the corner. "Our trainee days were terrifying. There was always the risk of being punished or scolded. How could we dare to do this..."

This isn't just idle talk. Trainees in entertainment companies are nobody; being forced to kneel or having their hands slapped with a board is considered lenient. Some short-tempered managers or trainers might even physically restrain trainees.

Gong Cheng glanced down at the messages on Kakao, two messages appearing one after the other, which were—

[Dragon of the Executive Department]: "Oppa, today is another day of hard practice and sweating it out!"

[Little Washboard]: "Oppa, all the unnies have gone to the cafeteria for lunch, and I'm the only one in the practice room practicing extra. It's really tough and tiring, but Oppa, I'll work hard to debut. Can you say 'I'm okay' to me? (pouting)"

Lin Yoona glanced sideways at Gong Cheng's chat box, then pointed with a shocked expression at the two trainees in the corner: "Are those the two trainees?"

"Hmm..." Gong Cheng chuckled and nodded.

He realized that these two people, apart from one being a smooth talker and the other being a bit cunning, had one thing in common—they both loved to boast!

"Can these trainees really debut?" Lim Yoona clicked her tongue in amazement. Even though her skills weren't great, she had worked very hard during her trainee days to debut. "If their trainee teacher saw this, they'd be in big trouble."

These words were spoken very calmly, and there was certainly no schadenfreude involved; it wouldn't be that serious.

The two were standing at the door of the practice room when a surprised voice suddenly came from behind them: "Yoona-ssi? Gong Cheng-ssi?"

Gong Cheng and Lin Yoona turned around and glanced at the woman's attire. Lin Yoona spoke first with a smile, pointing out her identity as a trainee mentor: "Annyeonghaseyo~..."

"..." Gong Cheng also greeted him calmly.

But a surprised shout instantly made the trainees in the practice room stop what they were doing and turn to look.

Upon hearing their practice teacher's voice, Yoo Jimin and Kim Minjun immediately scrambled to their feet from the floor, put away their phones, and were certain that they had been practicing diligently and had only taken a short break.

As soon as he stood up, he saw two figures standing at the door. Gong Cheng's face was framed by black, tousled hair, and his profile was sharp. He wore a simple white T-shirt without any logos or patterns, but it exuded a sense of sophistication. Lin Yoona, wearing high heels, reached about the height of his nose. She wore a white backless dress, and her skin was radiant.

"..."

What made Yoo Ji-min's pupils shrink the most was that Oppa was carrying that old woman Lim Yoon-ah's Louis Vuitton bag.

Dragons have scales that cannot be touched—anyone who touches them will die!
"What brings Gong Cheng and Yun'er here?" The trainee mentor asked in a humble and gentle voice.

Before Gong Cheng could answer, Lin Yun'er shifted her high heels, pressing herself very close to him. She didn't make any intimate gestures like linking arms, but her smiling words were undeniably ambiguous: "I came here with him to visit a friend~"

"..." Gong Cheng nodded, then looked down at Yoona's expression with interest.

Deep down, I roughly understood her thoughts. Ever since this woman joined the cast of "Exit" last year, rumors about her and me dating have been circulating in the film and television industry and the idol circle, especially this year, after another of her new dramas was officially announced...

Is this confirming the truth?

Behind me, I heard whispers coming from the practice room.

"Is Yoona really dating Tarot?"

"Oh my! They're six years apart!"

"They're such a perfect match..."

"Damn it..."

Yoona listened intently to the whispers behind her, her eyes constantly shifting.

Gong Cheng blinked and looked around—Oh no, you got your pleasure!
"..."

Then, the trainee teacher in front of them called out Liu Zhimin, Jin Minzheng, and Ning Yizhuo from the practice room.

Liu Zhimin and Jin Minzheng then came to their senses, and were so ashamed of the messages they had just sent to Gong Cheng that they dared not look up...

Ning Yizhuo cautiously glanced at Lim Yoona and greeted her, "Yoona sunbaenim, annie happier, I am..."

Gong Cheng had originally wanted to invite a few trainees downstairs for a coffee, but considering Lin Yoona was there, he decided against it. Looking at Liu Jimin and Kim Minjun, who dared not look up, he smiled and said, "Didn't you want me to cheer you on?"

"Huai Ting!"

He said something with a mischievous expression.

He didn't take their boasting to heart. To be honest, whether they debuted or not had little to do with him, even though they were quite close. He had no interest in educating the kids; they had chosen their own paths...

Lin Yoona didn't understand what Gong Cheng meant at first, but when she remembered the messages that the two trainees in front of her, whose heads were huddled up like quail eggs, had sent to Gong Cheng, she couldn't help but chuckle.

She just thought it was funny; she didn't mean it as mockery.

But to Liu Zhimin, it had a different meaning. She raised her face and looked at Gong Cheng in a flattering manner: "Oppa, are you angry?"

Kim Minjung was also looking at him...

Gong Cheng chuckled, "Do you think I'm bored? Getting angry with you guys... Seriously, so what if I'm being lazy?"

"Are you really not angry?" Kim Minjung asked, seizing the opportunity.

"Would you still harbor resentment if you were angry?" Gong Cheng asked with a smile.

Liu Zhimin's eyes instantly lit up with joy: "Oppa~ You're so nice~"

Oppa, that's just the kind of person he is. His zodiac sign is Aries, which reflects that – cold on the outside, warm on the inside…

He still couldn't bring himself to scold me!

Unlike the old woman on the sidelines, who has been left behind by the times, I won't mock or hurt others!
Kim Minjung nodded repeatedly, looking adorably serious: "Oppa, don't worry, we will definitely work hard to debut."

As soon as she finished speaking, Lin Yoona glanced at the trainees in front of her with a surprised look, then reached out and took Gong Cheng's arm, looking at him with a puzzled expression: "Is he alright?"

I don't even know who they're asking...

Liu Zhimin clenched her fist like a mangosteen, wanting to give her a good whack... but she didn't dare to.
He cursed inwardly, "Why the hell are you being so affectionate with me? Are you trying to rub against us?"

"Never mind~ Go have coffee with me~" Lin Yoona asked herself, squinting her eyes and curving them into crescents as she urged Gong Cheng.

He clearly didn't take Yoo Jimin and Kim Minjun seriously.

"..." Liu Zhimin's anger level soared.

You're finished, you old vase!
(End of this chapter)