Chapter 739: Grabbing the Spotlight

After things were temporarily settled, it was almost three o'clock when we returned to EXO's dormitory, but what was interesting was that more than half of the members were still awake. As soon as Chi Kyung-won came back, he was surrounded by Kim Jun-myeon who was sitting in the living room watching a horror movie. Kim Min-seok found out.

The two brothers each hugged a pillow tightly. They seemed to have seen the critical moment. They just said hello to Chi Jingyuan and ignored it.

The past few days have not been very busy. Each member's energy is quite sufficient, and there are usually some special activities in the evening.

However, there are also a few local Seoul members who have gone home to live in the past few days... According to the news heard by Ji Kyung-won, it is estimated that SM will no longer force EXO members to live in dormitories next year. Normally local Members who have apartments and places to live can go back to live on their own. Only during the return period or when there are team activities will they be asked to live in a collective dormitory.

This is also a normal trend in the development of groups... It is said that in Girls' Generation, no one lived in the dormitory very early. At that time, there were only one or two lonely otakus living in the huge dormitory.

For Chi Jingyuan, there are advantages to living in a dormitory and living at home by yourself. The latter has better accommodation conditions and more free time, which is especially convenient for falling in love or dating.

But the dormitory is actually not that bad. At least it’s lively with so many people living together. It’s really interesting a lot of the time... I woke up early in the morning and saw two people there because of toilet arrangement issues or snoring last night. The quarrel, with you exposing each other and me ridiculing, made Chi Jingyuan wake up from his sleep. This kind of fun is something you can't experience if you live alone.

After washing up and returning to the room, he found that his two roommates, Oh Se-hun and Do Kyung-soo, hadn't slept either. They were lying on the bed playing with their phones.

"Why did you come back so late?"

After seeing Chi Jingyuan come in, Wu Shixun glanced at the time on his phone: "Didn't you go on a date with Irene? Does it take so long to get back together?"

"Who told me to get back together?"

Chi Jingyuan glanced at him, changed his clothes and sat down on the bed, lying straight down, resting his head on his arms and looking at the ceiling above.

So many things happened tonight. He just drove back and forth in Seoul for an unknown amount of time. He didn't feel it just now, but now he feels a little tired after going here... But he is still in good spirits, and there is nothing in his mind. Consciously thinking about the scenes tonight.

"You can't..."

Seeing Chi Jingyuan's expression, Wu Sehun seemed to feel something, and blurted out reflexively, but stopped mid-sentence, sat up from the bed, and looked at each other with Do Kyungsoo, exchanging glances.

He seemed to see that Chi Jingyuan and Bae Zhuxuan really had problems and separated this time, but at this time Wu Shixun did not try to persuade them to reconcile from the side like before. Instead, he was quiet for a while, and then looked over and offered to : "Would you like to go out for some late-night snacks? Have a drink or something to relax?"

Hearing this, Chi Jingyuan came back to his senses. Of course he understood what this person meant, and looked at him with a strange look: "Hey, you are so loyal... Why didn't you look so enthusiastic when we broke up several times before?"

"How can you call the few times you dated in the past? You just dumped them after you were done playing with them. You were so comfortable that there were no emotional fluctuations at all. I don't even bother to talk about you..."

Hearing what Chi Jingyuan said, Wu Shixun curled his lips disdainfully and said with a very understanding expression: "But you and Irene obviously feel different this time, right, Kyungsoo hyung."

Do Kyungsoo also nodded and agreed: "Well, Jingyuan seems to be in a bad mood."

"Look... do you want to go? Drinking some wine is the best thing when you are in a bad mood like this. After all, I'm still a little hungry..."

"Well……"

Chi Jingyuan puffed out his cheeks and exhaled.

This guy's eyes are really sharp... he is indeed a good doctor after a long illness.

But despite complaining in his heart, Chi Jingyuan still felt the kindness of his teammates, which was quite useful to him.

But after thinking about it, he still declined: "Forget it, I have something else to do tomorrow."

If he was in a very irritable mood just now, Chi Jingyuan would have really wanted to find a few friends to have a late-night snack and drink some wine or something, but now his mood has improved a lot, and there is no need for this.

And although there may be some problems now, who can say for sure what will happen in the future.

After hearing what he said, the two roommates didn't force it, nor did they say anything else. They seemed to have created a quiet atmosphere.

Chi Jingyuan, who was lying on the bed, felt sleepy. He took one last look at the dazzling overhead light, reached out to turn it off, and closed his eyes to prepare for sleep.

He doesn't know if Pei Zhuxuan and Zhou Ziyu, who have disturbed him these past few nights, are asleep at the moment...

…………

Chi Jingyuan got up very early the next day, went directly to the company to sort out yesterday's songs, and then rushed to the recording studio to record a demo himself.

Although some parts are not yet completed, at least the melody and lyrics are already there, and you can already hear the quality of the song.

Because he sent the message in advance, after recording the demo and having lunch, Chi Jingyuan went directly to Li Xiuman and was going to listen to him. Kenzie happened to be there too. This sister was also very interested in Chi Jingyuan's new song, so she listened to it together. Check it out.

"We once fell in love, when we met."

"It becomes an unforgettable memory."

The melody that had just been released for less than 24 hours was played from the speakers with Ji Jingyuan's voice, and several people listened carefully.

"Very good, the whole is very complete, the beginning and the chorus are very catchy, especially the melody is really great, you can sing along after listening to it once, and it is a rare style in Kpop... But isn't the arrangement a little too simple?"

After listening to it twice in a row, Kenzie couldn't help but nod and praise before Lee Soo-man spoke. It seems that she likes Ji Jingyuan's demo very much. While commenting, she asked questions:

"Noona, it's just a preliminary version now, and the arrangement is not yet perfect."

"Well, I think so... I think it would be more appropriate to use more keyboards and percussion instruments. You can consider it when the time comes. ..." As she spoke, she seemed to remember something and reminded him, "Also, Jingyuan, have you checked for repetition? I feel like one of the chorus lines sounds a bit familiar."

"I checked it last night. The melody of one line is a bit similar, but the rhythm is different. Only a few syllables are similar and it is not considered repetitive. And this is the only line that sounds similar. The other differences are very obvious and have little impact."

Chi Jingyuan said seriously. Even if there is no subjective plagiarism, some very similar songs often appear under similar inspirations. Therefore, after a song is created, the first thing to do is of course to check for repetition and plagiarism.

"That's fine." Kenzie nodded and smiled at Chi Jingyuan, saying, "Remember to let me listen to this song after it is finished..."

Lee Soo-man didn't say much. After chatting for a few words, the two left the music room first. After saying goodbye to Kenzie, Chi Jingyuan followed Lee Soo-man to his office. After pouring water, the two chatted.

"Teacher, what do you think of this song?"

"I think it's pretty good. It would be good as the title song of your solo album..."

Lee Soo Man hesitated for a moment and adjusted his glasses. He first gave a positive evaluation, but then changed the subject: "But I think the quality difference is not that obvious compared to the songs the company prepared for you before and some songs collected from outside. ”

He laughed again: "Of course, I've said it before, Jingyuan, you will be in charge of your solo this time. If you decide on the title song, the company will of course support you..."

"..."

Chi Jingyuan looked at Lee Soo-man, who was laughing so hard that his eyes were invisible, and blinked.

He could tell that Lee Soo-man was actually a little dissatisfied with the fact that his solo album had been dragged on without any progress. This also represented the attitude of SM, because as the top of EXO's popularity gap, his first solo is one of the most important projects for the entire company in the second half of the year, or even the whole year, which is related to SM's planning and adjustment of the personal development of EXO members.

As a result, the solo project has been launched since the beginning of the year, but there has been no progress until now. In fact, the company is a little anxious and has urged him several times. If it weren't for Chi Jingyuan, the song would have been rejected by the company long ago. The producer has made it.

...But Lee Soo Man seems to have only complained a little, and he is still very satisfied with Ji Jingyuan.

Ji Jingyuan understands Lee Soo Man and the company's urging and complaints, but he disagrees with his evaluation of the song.

The company has indeed provided him with a lot of song resources, almost open to him to choose from, which can be regarded as a preferential treatment. There are also songs of excellent quality and hit song level, but after listening to them, there is no song that can make his eyes light up, feel that it is very suitable for his appetite, and will definitely be a hit.

Kenzie nodded directly after listening to this new song, and Ji Jingyuan also felt that this kind of melody is catchy, and the style and lyrics are well matched. It is rare to see a song like this. But when it comes to Lee Soo Man, he feels that it is just okay, not much different from those in the company's music library.

Ji Jingyuan now feels that Lee Soo Man's ability to appreciate songs seems to have some problems in the past two years. Not to mention his appreciation of "Cheer" last year Up" made Twice popular this year. It's OK that he's not particularly optimistic about "Love Scenario". Which songs of NCT, the junior group that debuted this year, can be selected by people?

Fortunately, Chi Jingyuan has enough say in his solo album.

"After the whole song is perfected, I'll give it to the teacher to listen to... But if there are no accidents, the title song should be this one."

Chi Jingyuan said tactfully at first, and then he also explained his thoughts seriously.

"Well, let's decide it. Since the title song is confirmed, Jingyuan, your solo project can be officially prepared... As for the included songs, have you considered it?"

Nodding, he actually thought about this many times, counting on his fingers: "This time, we are not going to use two main songs. In addition to the main song "Love Scenario", "Music Box" will be added. If there was no "Love Scenario", I was going to use this song as the main song... "Butterfly Effect" will also be added. I like this song very much. ”

“Save me” and “I’m fine” are twin songs that complement each other. If they are included, they can echo each other and make the interpretation of the concept of youth in this album more complete.”

"Then there are a few songs that have been released before, including "You=I" from the first tour, "Answer" from the third tour, and "Rooftop" from last year's Song Festival. However, the audio source of "Rooftop" has already been released. If you want to include it, it's better to make a remix version..."

Detailed thoughts, but Chi Jingyuan frowned as he spoke: "In addition to these songs, there are actually some candidates... But the number of songs is a bit too much. For a mini album, six or seven songs are enough..."

The original solo plan was to release a mini album, but Chi Jingyuan might be a little excited for his first solo, and he wanted to express and show more things, and it happened that his song resources were sufficient, so it seemed that the number of included songs exceeded the limit.

"This is not very important. No matter how many songs there are in the album, as long as the quality and style of the songs are guaranteed, it's fine."

After hearing this, Lee Soo Man smiled and waved his hand to show that it didn't matter:

"With your popularity, Jingyuan, you don't actually need to test the waters with a mini album. It doesn't matter if you release a regular album directly... Besides, the various resources provided by the company for your solo this time are enough for other people to release two regular albums."

As the first solo member in EXO, whether it is Lee Soo Man, SM Company, or even Ji Jingyuan himself, they all have a clear idea about this album. Everyone actually has a kind of confidence that it will be successful no matter what, even if he releases a whole album of children's songs, it will be popular.

EXO has a discontinuity in the popularity TOP, and the most popular idol in the music industry currently has this confidence.

However, with a large number of fans as a prelude, it is popular, but if the quality of the album songs does not meet the requirements and expectations, it will greatly damage Ji Jingyuan's personal reputation, which is not conducive to his second solo album and even the subsequent solos of other members. Therefore, both Ji Jingyuan and the company attach great importance to the quality control of the album.

"Please consider the songs included, or we can discuss it together at a meeting..." Lee Soo Man first set the tone, and then talked about other things in the plan: "This time your solo will have a very specific and complete plan. In addition to the most important physical album, there will also be supporting concept promotions, including preheating, suspense, gimmicks, etc. will be prepared." "There will also be a comeback live broadcast, personal debut showcase, fan activities, filming your personal variety show, and even personal concerts will be on the agenda." "Since the title song has been selected, then according to the original plan, if the album is released at the end of this year, preparations will begin next month... Jingyuan, you must be prepared and must take it seriously." SM's investment in Ji Jingyuan's solo this time is indeed enough, much more than what Kim Taeyeon, the captain of Girls' Generation, invested in her first solo last year. Basically, all the resources needed for a Kpop idol solo are involved. Although he is looking forward to his personal album, Ji Jingyuan still feels a little overwhelmed when he hears so many activities. "I'll try my best." That's all he can say. "It's just..." But as he spoke, Chi Jingyuan seemed to remember something and looked embarrassed again: "It's just that I will join the crew at the end of August, and I will be filming from September to the end of the year. There will also be a concert for the group in the middle. At the end of September, I will go to the fashion week to cooperate with various GUCCI promotions. There will be an advertising song in October, and then various schedules at the end of the year..." "It feels like there is not enough time." He had a headache when he talked about his scheduled schedule for the next few months. If he added a solo album, Chi Jingyuan felt that he might not be able to do so many things even if he was divided into two people.

The others are not bad, whether it is the advertising song or the concert, it's actually okay, "Goblin" filming is the most time-consuming... But this drama is what he wants to take, so he can't blame others.

Lee Soo-man smiled and added: "And XO's winter special..."

"Ah xi~"

Chi Jingyuan couldn't help but curse, but the voice was very small and barely audible.

"Let's start preparations first. It's not necessary to release a solo album this year. All aspects still depend on the specific progress of the album. We can't rush the progress..."

Lee Soo Man thought about it and didn't set a time limit: "If the progress is slow, it can be postponed to the beginning of next year..."

He said, smiling and patting Chi Jingyuan on the shoulder: "If you are too busy at that time, I will tell the company not to give you any extra schedules. Jingyuan, you still have to take care of your body. If you have any problems with your body, your brother will trouble me."

…………

After chatting with Lee Soo Man and agreeing on some things about the solo album, Chi Jingyuan returned to EXO's practice room. Liu Zaishi will come over later. They will practice the dance of "dancing kine" together. The official recording will start in two days.

EXO can also see that Liu Zaishi is really not playing around. He really attaches great importance to this cooperation. No matter how busy he is, he will definitely come to practice and shoot every two days. He also seems to practice on his own in private, and his mastery of the choreography of this song has improved every time.

Although the dance in "Dancing Kine" was deliberately made simple, it is still a very good performance for a person born in the 1970s.

When Chi Jingyuan came back, almost all the members had arrived. They were chatting and playing with their phones while they still had some time. After saying hello, he walked to the side and found a seat to sit down. Looking at Wu Sehun who was looking down at his phone not far away, he asked: "What are you looking at? What important news is there today?"

"Isn't the hottest news recently the Olympics?"

Wu Sehun glanced at him and said as a matter of course: "Today there is an archery qualifying competition. The men's group Gu Bohanxi and the women's group Zhang Huizhenxi both easily entered the 1/8 finals. They have just been on the hot search. The comments say that they have locked the gold medal."

2016 is the Olympic year. This year's Olympics was officially held in Rio de Janeiro a few days ago on August 5. The enthusiasm for the Olympics on the peninsula is still very strong, especially the first few events including archery have always been the traditional strengths of the peninsula. The public's attention is very high. In the past few days, as long as there is a competition, it is basically a hot search.

This also led to a lot of attention and popularity being diverted from the entertainment industry and the music industry. In order to avoid this period, many companies have postponed the return of their artists until the end of the Olympics.

However, Chi Jingyuan is not very interested in the Olympics. Apart from a few key events, he has not paid much attention to them in the past few days.

"Besides the Olympics? No other news?"

He sat there and took out his mobile phone and asked.

"Besides this... YG's new girl group debuted yesterday." Wu Sehun shrugged.

"Okay, it's YG, so aggressively competing with the Olympics for popularity."

Chi Jingyuan laughed and asked casually while opening the webpage: "I only watched the showcase for a few minutes yesterday, it was completely boring... Is the song out? How is the performance?"

"It's pretty good, you can see for yourself..."

"Oh, it's really pretty good..."

Before Wu Sehun finished speaking, Chi Jingyuan had already logged into the music source website. He was quite surprised to see that the first place on the daily charts of several major music source websites was all written with the name of "WHISTLE"-Blackpink.

He looked at six or seven mainstream music charts, including real-time and daily charts. The first place was all the same, and all other songs were firmly suppressed below... This can be said to be an airborne sweep of the charts.

Even if there is no fog to release songs recently because of the Olympics, and the overall market is declining, it is extremely difficult to do this. How many girl groups have been out for so long and have never won the first place in the daily chart.

Not to mention that this is a new girl group that has just debuted for one day.

"Is this song so good?"

After looking at the charts for a while, Chi Jingyuan couldn't help but ask in surprise... Of course, he would not think that a new girl group has a large fan base and how strong their personal charm is. His first reaction is that the quality of the song is too high.

Or is it that YG's marketing strategy of reheating leftovers for several years and whetting appetite every once in a while is so effective?

"It's okay, it's pretty good."

Chi Jingyuan became interested and plugged in headphones to listen.

Just as he opened the music player, his phone vibrated and suddenly received a text message.

He clicked on it and saw that it was another message from Lin Nayeon, and it was still a thank you message. I don’t know if it was because Chi Jingyuan didn’t reply yesterday, so she thought he didn’t see it, and actually changed a few words and the order of the message he sent yesterday and sent it again.

Chi Jingyuan was a little speechless about this behavior. He stared at the sender’s name note for a few seconds, then tapped the screen to reply:

“Didn’t you thank me yesterday?”