Time rewound to last night at the moment when Li Chenglu pointed at himself and said, "Me!"
Hearing Li Chenglu’s reply, Bae Juhyun showed a puzzled expression.
Why would Li Chenglu become her reason for going to China?
Granted, Manager Kim had the idea of poaching Li Chenglu when he heard me mention him last time. But still, they’re just an entertainment company.
There’s absolutely no place where a top-notch interpreter like Li Chenglu could really shine. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs N0velFire.ɴet
For ordinary translations, you could easily find a local student to do it, and it’s much cheaper. There’s no need to hire a big shot like Li Chenglu.
"Chenglu, you... How could you be my reason to convince Manager Kim?"
She voiced her inner confusion.
Li Chenglu lifted her extremely envy-inducing long leg.
She crossed her leg over the other, adopting a "boss" pose, "I vaguely heard that Xiaopo Station plans to spearhead a multinational music show, and I even have the preliminary invitation list here."
Bae Juhyun suddenly seemed to realize something.
Red Velvet settling on Xiaopo Station...
Providing a platform for Seungwan...
A multinational music show...
Connecting these three things together, Bae Juhyun showed a surprised expression.
"Does Seungwan really have a chance to develop in China?"
"Mhm, of course, that’s not important. The important thing is... how I got this information."
Bae Juhyun was a bit puzzled, was that really important?
"Of course it’s important!"
She hadn’t spoken yet; could this person read minds?
"Since it’s an international show, I naturally received an invitation from Xiaopo Station. Translating for you guys would be beneath me, but for negotiations with your agency, that’s where I come in~"
Most agencies have specialized translators for such negotiations.
But platforms like Xiaopo Station don’t have such specialized positions.
They usually outsource this kind of work, and this time it landed with the company I’m with.
As an important member of the company, Li Chenglu had naturally known about this beforehand.
However, she didn’t know that Xiaopo Station had also extended an invitation to Liu Xin’an. Otherwise, she would have informed Liu Xin’an earlier.
The preliminary invitation list she held was full of foreign names, so there was no need for her to accompany Liu Xin’an for communication.
"If nothing unexpected happens, in another month or so, I’ll be contacting the person in charge of your team with the head of this show from Xiaopo Station."
Li Chenglu’s words made Bae Juhyun’s eyes gradually light up.
She seemed to understand what Li Chenglu meant.
"Xiaopo Station wants to collaborate not only with your S-M company. If you inform your company leader about this, do you think he would agree to you coming to China with me?"
Time jumped back to the present.
"Did you know about this?"
"She’s our fan, so when she invited me yesterday, she told me about it."
"Given this relationship, I don’t think I can refuse her invitation this time. At the very least, I don’t want to miss this opportunity..." She lowered her head, speaking slowly with an apologetic tone.
Manager Kim didn’t respond immediately but looked up at Bae Juhyun, who was full of guilt.
Due to her missteps, casting a shadow over all of Red Velvet was indeed Bae Juhyun’s fault.
However, given her good attitude in admitting her mistake, the company didn’t want to lose such a popular member, so they found ways to keep her.
Her one-year suspension was the company’s punishment, but for a responsible artist, if possible, she wanted to make up for the trouble she’d caused.
Previously, there hadn’t been any chance, but now there was finally an opportunity for Bae Juhyun to "atone" for herself.
And this was indeed a very tempting offer for Manager Kim.
The project was significant, involving not just their S-M. The entertainment industry was never dominated by S-M alone.
But since aespa had just debuted, this job couldn’t fall to them.
Similarly, Girls’ Generation didn’t have any foreign members other than the ones who’d left. Even Hwang Miyeong, who could still participate as part of Girls’ Generation, hadn’t renewed her contract.
So Red Velvet, who were relatively free these days, were the only ones fit for this job. Plus, Wendy, aka Son Seungwan, was indeed a Canadian citizen.
However, he knew that there were a few other girl group members competing with Son Seungwan on stage this time.
In terms of popularity, Son Seungwan might be the lowest among them...
But now there might be a "brilliant move" to turn this around.
Manager Kim stopped pondering, took a deep breath, and looked at the somewhat nervous Bae Juhyun.
He had no reason not to approve.
"Okay, I approve." The words had barely left Manager Kim’s mouth when he saw Bae Juhyun’s eyes instantly light up.
"However, I hope you can answer one question honestly."
Her excitement quickly calmed, and she swallowed hard, nodding.
"What would you like to ask?"
Had her romance been discovered?
"You and this Li Chenglu..."
Manager Kim didn’t finish his sentence.
But Bae Juhyun immediately understood what he meant, waving her hand quickly with an absurd smile on her face.
"You misunderstood, Manager. We’re just very good friends, nothing more."
"I see... When do you plan to leave? Your visa shouldn’t be expired."
"This afternoon!" Bae Juhyun suppressed her urge to scream and gave her timing.
Manager Kim nodded without saying more.
Bae Juhyun quickly stood up, bowed to the leader, and left the office with an excited heart.
She didn’t dare release her excitement until she reached the stairwell.
She waved her arms excitedly in the stairwell, venting for a while before pulling out her phone to call Li Chenglu, who was waiting for news at Liu Xin’an’s house.
A few seconds later, Li Chenglu’s familiar voice came from the other end of the call.
"Chenglu! I love you!!"
Her idol’s straightforward confession nearly made Li Chenglu’s heart stop. She deeply regretted not pressing the record button in time.
So she took a deep breath and asked with a pleading tone.
"Irene, can you say it again?"
If she was fortunate enough to record such a declaration from Bae Juhyun, she would probably use it as her ringtone, message tone, but not as an alarm. If it were an alarm, she’d likely end up hating it.
"What? Say what again?"
"Chenglu!! I love you!!"
Bae Juhyun didn’t realize anything was wrong with what she said; for her, they were truly heartfelt words.
It solved the massive problem before her.
She’d only been apart from Liu Xin’an for around 24 hours and already found it unbearable.
Frankly, Bae Juhyun couldn’t imagine if this continued for half a month.
So now, with Li Chenglu’s timely assistance, saying, "You’re my savior," wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
"I should tell Xin’an about this!"
"Wait, wait, Irene, there’s no rush to tell Liu Xin’an."
The "temporary savior" Li Chenglu’s words made Bae Juhyun pause, "Why?"
"Well... wouldn’t it be more interesting to surprise him in person tomorrow?"
Sitting in the stairwell, holding her phone, Bae Juhyun blinked lightly, then curled her lips into a cunning smile.
In a way, Li Chenglu had successfully "corrupted" Bae Juhyun.
The quiet stairwell echoed with Bae Juhyun’s peculiar laughter.