shook his head, covering his chest, putting on a strained appearance.” 。"Oh, this kid…" Shin Won-ho chuckled and shook his head. 。"Well, you guys from Jingyuan should go back first. We'll discuss this...Ji Jingyuan turned his head to the sound and saw several familiar faces staring back at him. They were just a few of the female trainees he had met a few times during the program.

There were about six or seven people standing scattered a few meters behind them. Standing at the front was Yu Dingyan, whose voice had just spoken. Lin Na-yeon and Son Chae-young beside her were holding arms and curiously looking at them. Behind them were several other girls, including Myeong Seongnam who lowered her head slightly and peeked at Ji Kyeongwon with sparkling eyes.

She was wearing a navy blue striped short-sleeved shirt and dark jeans today. The white and red striped pattern on her chest rose and fell slightly, adding a touch of embellishment. With light makeup on her face and shiny lips, paired with a pair of white sneakers, she looked very youthful. Standing there, she seemed to perfectly blend into the surrounding school environment.

"Anihaseyo..."

"Anihasaiyo..."

When Exo's members turned around and saw them, they immediately bowed and greeted them.

"What a coincidence"

"Neither did he know when these girls had walked up behind them, but since they were proactively called out, and two of them were acquaintances, after a moment of surprise, Chi Jingyuan gave them a glance while also smiling and saying something."

At a glance, several people were clearly wearing different colored casual clothes and carrying bags. They had makeup on their faces, ranging from heavy to light, and they all wore a name tag around their necks, similar to an access card.

"Just now, I saw several seniors behind me. I wanted to say hello before but there were too many people around. Unexpectedly, several seniors are coming to the same place as us."

Others didn't seem very willing to speak, and even Lin Na-yeon, who was standing closest to Ji Seong-won, twitched the corner of her mouth slightly when she glanced at his face. Then, she immediately put on her signature rabbit teeth smile. However, although her face was smiling sweetly, it gave people the feeling that her smile felt very much like a performance.

And other people besides Maini Nam standing at the back weren't very familiar with him, let alone the other EXO members present. However, Yoo Seongyeon was smiling brightly, taking over the conversation and nodding in agreement.

> “…”

He nodded to show he understood. Ji Jingyuan felt the curious glances from the other members beside him, so he reached out and pointed at the girls in front of them, saying: "These are JYP's trainees, they all participated in 'Sixteen'... that's the one I went to record last time."

After a brief introduction, he looked at the members' expressions and knew they had never heard of, or seen, the show "Sixteen," so he somewhat helplessly added another sentence at the end.

Since its premiere on May 5th, has failed to make a splash, garnering attention only from devoted fans of JYP's new girl group and a handful of casual viewers. Viewership ratings have also been unremarkable.

The second episode aired the other day, but it wasn't any better. It's understandable that EXO hasn't been talked about much since they're so busy with work, concerts, comebacks, and dating.

But after adding the last sentence, several people immediately understood. After all, at that time, because of Ji Jingyuan's recording of this show, there had been a widespread discussion in the dormitory.

Seeing Ji Chengyuan's attitude, Jin Junmian and the others also smiled and nodded to them as a greeting. Their attitude was not very enthusiastic, but they cast a curious and scrutinizing look at the girls in front of them.

When I asked Chi Jingyuan about how the JYP trainees were doing, his response was rather superficial and left me quite unsatisfied.

"This is Jeongyeon, Kong Seung-yeon's older sister." After a moment of thought, he added another sentence.

"Xi's younger sister" Byun Baekhyun and several others blinked in surprise, looking at Yu Dingyan who was smiling more sweetly. His expression seemed a little warmer.

Ko Seung Yeon previously trained as a trainee at s and knows them, though the specifics of their relationship are unknown. However, being the relative of a debuted artist naturally makes her more important than an ordinary trainee.

When he saw these girls, Ji Jingyuan reacted immediately. He had heard Zhou Tzuyu mention before that they had also performed on stage at Yansei University's anniversary celebration, but he just couldn't remember which day it was.

Needless to say, it's just today.

Are there any performances at the Yan Shi school anniversary today

Although he knew in his heart, he still specifically asked a question. At the same time, he glanced left and right, and added with a slightly puzzled tone: "Just you guys Where are the others"

"It wasn't us..."

Upon hearing this question, Yu Dingyan's tone faltered for a moment: "The other group is backstage, they should be preparing."

As soon as he heard, he immediately understood. These people in front of him must definitely be from the "second-rate student group". This time they didn't get the chance to perform.

Don't be fooled by the smiles on these girls' faces. They've been excitedly preparing the stage with another group for days, and will soon be performing in front of a large audience. I bet they aren't as happy as they seem.

Chi Jingyuan's gaze swept over a few people before finally meeting the eyes of Mingi Nan in the back row. He ended the topic without further questioning, and proactively smiled and said, "Good luck."

Through occasional messages over this period, the closest among these people should be Naminori, but even when facing others, they didn't say anything suggestive. Besides, looking at Ji-yeong's position, it seems she isn't particularly close to Lina and a few others either.

And the other members of EXO were there too, and they weren't from the same company, so they didn't say much. After greeting each other, several people turned around and walked towards the small theater. Several female trainees carefully followed behind, except for a few people like Nana who muttered in hushed tones. The others were relatively quiet, apparently surprised to encounter EXO here, as well as the former judges. They seemed to not have fully reacted yet.

“This is a small open-air theater that Yan Shi often uses. The main stage area is too large and isn't frequently used, so this part is usually more lively. They often hold performances and other art events here. I even participated in one last year when I was still in school...”

Without walking to the front, Ji Jingyuan, just like before, briefly introduced this open-air theatre to the members.

She didn't pay too much attention to the few people behind her, simply introducing them all together.

"How far is it to the main stage" Do Kyung-soo looked around and asked.

It's not that far, it's quite close. I took a detour in the opposite direction because I wanted to give you a tour. If we walked straight, it would only take a few minutes.

Namie followed quietly behind, her lips slightly curved upward, her eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement. Although several members of EXO blocked the view of Chi Kyung-won's back, she could only hear the clear voice coming from the front, but her gaze seemed to pierce through them, focusing on the person explaining something to his companions.

Because she had seen the news beforehand, she knew EXO would be attending Yonsei University's anniversary today. Although *Sixteen* would also be there, to be honest, the gap between them was still quite large. She hadn't told the other party about this news beforehand, so it was quite a surprise to bump into each other like this.

Isn't it such a coincidence

Pool Jingyuan obviously brought the members to visit her alma mater. She knew that Pool Jingyuan was a current student at Yanxi University, and this academic record was really outstanding in the idol circle. Ai Li didn't know how many times she had boasted about it. These girls occasionally chatted about this topic in private.

Remembering that smile and that seemingly intentional comfort, she quickened her pace a little and, with the girl beside her, secretly listened to the chat of some senior male idols.

"Speaking of Jingyuan, when you come to class, like during public lectures, do the students in your class get really excited and gather around you to ask for autographs or something"

Prior to this, Wu Shixun's voice had reached them. After a tour, the several members of XO now had a unique feeling about Yeonsei University’s renowned student newspaper. They couldn't help but develop an interest in Ki Kyungwon's ordinary study life.

“It’s an interesting question,” said Ji Jingyuan, recalling his infrequent visits to school. He remembered some female classmates and juniors acting quite intensely, but instead of answering directly, he countered, “When you were in high school, after becoming popular on xo, would you have been very popular at school”

Of course.

Wu Shih-Hsun felt he was being questioned and quickly defended himself: "But we are more popular. It's after , right By then I had already graduated. Didn't you all go to the graduation ceremony"

"And before the big fire, I was popular too, right Everyone would stare at me whenever I went to school. You probably were the same way."

He wore a self-satisfied expression, his face beaming with obvious pride as he spoke, and even flicked his bangs.

After all, being adored and liked by people is something to be proud of.

"Oh, I remember now, early 2013 right I think there was also Girl's Day's Hyeri that day. You guys, some of the debuted artists, graduated together..."

He reminded him, Ji-yeong recalled that Wu Shixun's graduation ceremony was attended by all twelve members of EXO. They even met Girls' Day, who weren't very familiar at the time.

He didn't doubt anything Chi Jingyuan said. Just looking at his face, he did seem like someone who was very popular. After all, Chi Jingyuan had been there himself and relied on his looks when he was in school to see firsthand how it worked.

The next few people listened silently, not daring to interject. They occasionally glanced at each other, finding it quite amusing.

Usually, one only gets to see groups like EXO in their glamorous on-screen performances. This private interaction and conversation is quite novel for them.

Seeing Park Woo-seok's smug expression earlier, Ji Seong-won felt it was necessary to let him know that the difference between high school and university was like a chasm.

"High school, it's like that."

He waved his hand, looking as if he had long been aware of this. Then, he put on a smug smile and, with a hint of pride typical of students from prestigious schools, nodded at Wu Shixun and the others: "Don't underestimate college students. After going to university, people become much more rational in certain aspects and they won't act like naive girls anymore..."

"Ahhh..."

But before he could finish, a suppressed voice from beside him cut him off. Though clearly hushed, the excitement and astonishment it conveyed were palpable to everyone.

There, in the surrounding area, a girl dressed as a college student volunteer—wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and a hat—suddenly dashed toward a group of people. She looked at Chi Jingyuan with disbelief, her wide eyes sparkling with excitement. She covered half her mouth with her hand, seemingly unable to believe it, and asked, "Perhaps, it's Senior Chi Jingyuan"

Just moments ago, Chi Jingyuan was boasting to a few people when this sudden girl caught him off guard. He glanced at the several members beside him who immediately started stifling laughter. Unable to help himself, he paused, pursed his lips, then curved his eyes into a smile and nodded, "Yes."

"Ahhh..."

Actually, this female student had already recognized Chi Jingyuan as a person. Otherwise, she wouldn't have approached him with such certainty in her tone. Even after receiving confirmation from him directly, she still exhibited intense excitement, covering her mouth to force herself not to shout out loud and disturb the surroundings. Her eyes greedily stared at Chi Jingyuan's face, filled with amazement.

Chi Jingyuan could tell that this girl was a student at Yenching University, probably a junior or younger. Looking at her appearance, he estimated that she was also likely an Alice or a ViVi fan.

He had just boasted about the rationality of college students, and immediately ran into this situation. Even with his composure, he couldn't help but feel a little awkward.

And the few people around Wu Shixun, as well as the several female trainees behind him, naturally all saw it. Xo didn't seem to react much. They were used to being spotted by fans like this. It was just that associating this with Chi Jingyuan's earlier smugness felt quite comedic and he couldn't help but smile.

This girl was being looked at by several handsome guys, especially her idol whom she'd always liked. She felt like her heart was going to jump out of her chest! With great difficulty, she patted her chest to calm herself down, then excitedly said to Ji Jingyuan:

“Senior Jingyuan, I’m Lee Mi-yeon from the Statistics Department. Ah! I've always been your fan. Every time you came to class before, I got the message too late and tried so hard to catch a glimpse of you, but I never succeeded. Plus, you didn't come often. I never expected to run into you today when you were volunteering at the Student Union’s anniversary celebration! It's such a lucky coincidence… I chose to attend Yonsei University because I knew you went here…”

Chi Jingyuan smiled as he listened to the college student fan in front of him express their admiration for him. This kind of situation was not uncommon for him, although each time felt different, he had already gained experience. It wasn't until he heard the last sentence that he couldn't help but look up and down at this pretty and slightly chubby schoolmate with surprise, then exclaimed in a slightly surprised tone:

"Jia But Meiyan xi, you're making me nervous... But you actually did this well Yeonsei is something everyone wants to get into, I put all my effort into getting here..."

"Hee hee…"

Perhaps it was the praise that made her happy, or maybe she was reminded of the widely circulated stories about Ji Jingyuan's grades among students. Li Meiyan immediately smiled with joy, waved her hand, and modestly said: "Grades, they're okay."

"Wow, senior, you don't know how popular you are among the new students. Several of my friends who ultimately chose Yeonsei were influenced by you..."

"When I heard at the beginning of the year that you were going to attend Professor Jin's public lecture, I went there early but couldn't get a seat. In the end, you didn't come that day..."

"Well, how did this get sent out I was really busy back then and only came to school during exams..."

“…………”

Seeing this fan of her younger sister who chose to study abroad because of herself, Ji Kyeong-won also felt a bit of excitement and chatted with Lee Mi-yeon, who was full of enthusiasm.

Interestingly, several people including Lim Na-yeon, who were originally supposed to walk forward towards the theater stage, also stopped there. It's unclear whether it was because they were hesitant to cross past these seniors and leave directly, or if there wasn't really anything happening right now.

And they were quite interested in what these people were talking about, so they listened behind them, sometimes leaning closer to their ears and whispering a few words.

Including Minami, they listened to Chikage telling about bumping into his loyal fan. Their conversation touched upon school life and how popular Chikage was at school. It was actually quite refreshing and interesting.

Especially given their age and academic achievements, with time constraints, it's even more so the case that virtually none of them have had a university experience.

“Oh, I’m so sorry to bother you.” After chatting excitedly for a while, Lee Mi-yeon noticed the subtle expressions on the faces of those around her. Realizing she had been too excited, she also apologized. Finally, after hesitating for a moment, she tentatively looked at Ji Kyeong-won and said, “I know that an idol can’t take pictures with people without permission from their agency, but could you please sign my name, Ji Kyeong-won senior”

Several members of the group around them noticed that this junior was clearly a fan of Ji-yeong, getting extremely excited at his every move. However, for the others, it was more of an "love house and wife" situation - caring about him because he's their teammate. This inadvertently made the others feel a little awkward.

"Of course, ypleasure." Ji Jingyuan smiled and shrugged his shoulders before taking the autograph book and oil-based pen happily handed over by the other person. He quickly wrote "To. Li Meiyan, hope you can get a good spot in public classes later" at the top.

“Thank you, Kong Sangmida.” Lee Mei-yeon took back the autograph book and glanced at it before laughing out loud. She happily bowed in thanks and left proactively, no longer bothering the few people who were getting ready to go back to work. As she said goodbye, she also smiled and asked, "Senior, when will you come to school again I'll fight for a seat."

"Heh heh, then you have a wait." This question left Chi Jingyuan not knowing what to say, so he could only smile and brush it off with a casual remark.

Because he himself doesn't know.

"Well, college students are truly not your average rational people..." Witnessing even hardcore fan Lee Mi-yeon leaving because of her idol, Wu Se-hun remembered what Ji Kyeong-won had just said with such bravado. He couldn't help but voice his disapproval.

"Haha…"

Beside, Bo-hyun’s few friends who had been holding back their laughter for ages finally couldn't contain themselves. They bent over with their waists and forcefully patted their legs, looking at Jiyeongwon who stood there blinking, slightly embarrassed.

"Heh..." followed by a few giggles from some girls, they sounded kinda familiar.

I don't know who is so impolite.

Ignoring a few unbalanced and deliberately trouble-making members, Ji Jingyuan took out his phone to check the time. Finding that it was getting late, he grew too lazy to continue visiting. After saying a word or two to them, he turned to look at several people named Nanjing, and with a raised chin, asked: "When are you performing"

"It'll have to wait until evening." With Chi Jingyuan asking her, Ming Jingnan who had been quiet the whole time finally spoke. She clutched the ID card hanging from her chest and replied in a soft, hoarse voice.

"Alright, then we'll leave first." Chi Jingyuan paused, looking at her black eyes. He nodded and then looked at the trainees beside him, waving his hand and leaving a final sentence before turning away with the other XO members.

"Come on!"

First release on the website of Traditional Novelsool Jingyuan turned his gaze back to the gift box on his lap. "Do you, a person who loves Christmas so much"“It’s not like that.” Zhou Tzuyu puffed out her cheeks and raised her head, swallowing the d...