The latter just glanced at him, took it but didn’t eat it.
"What’s the situation now, are your fans okay?"
"Hmm... it’s quite serious, did they say anything to you?"
"No, no private messages mentioned it. If Taekyon hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known about it."
While waiting for Liu Xin’an, Bae Juhyun checked the private messages on her social media and was very surprised at the results.
Usually, even the smallest matters would be lovingly pointed out by everyone in private messages.
But this time, such a big event, no one had even mentioned it to her. She even suspected that there was an issue with the private messaging function on the platform.
"In general, that provocative video has been deleted... but people are still stirred up by it and are demanding answers from the show team."
"...Could it be a deliberate publicity stunt by them?" Juhyun’s first reaction was that her boyfriend was being plotted against.
Liu Xin’an shook his head. This possibility was very low, and he had confirmed it with the show team. Director Yang had no reason to lie to him. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ N()velFire.net
"Then... it was just a coincidence?"
"That’s probably it. After all, Xin’an’s surge in popularity this time... was beyond my expectations," Seong Taekyon added, taking a sip of his opened beer.
The weather was getting hotter, and having a cold beer was quite refreshing.
"So Xin’an, do you want to step up and calm everyone down?"
"Let’s let it ferment for a while."
Juhyun was a bit confused. Liu Xin’an’s answer didn’t match his usual behavior, nor was it what she expected.
In her imagination, Liu Xin’an should be frantically trying to solve the issue.
"Don’t you hate seeing things get out of control? Is it really okay to just leave it be?"
"Hmm... I plan on leveraging this popularity surge to do something."
Juhyun’s face showed horror. Had he been replaced?
The always cautious, step-by-step Liu Xin’an... was now thinking of capitalizing on the hype?
"Why are you so surprised?"
"It’s just... I thought you’d hurry to calm the fans down, to control the situation. What are you planning to do?"
Liu Xin’an looked at Seong Taekyon, which made Juhyun stunned.
"I’ll explain. The surge in Xin’an’s popularity this time is not only related to his already good reputation but also another crucial factor."
The two of them looked at Juhyun in understanding. Juhyun pointed to herself and murmured, "Me?"
"Yes, the chemistry between you and Xin’an has attracted many of your fans to him as well."
"So, after this show ends and Xin’an goes back with us, I’ll apply to the company to continue the chemistry between you two, updating content on his and our official accounts."
"But Taekyon, didn’t you say... not to deliberately market the chemistry between us too much?"
"Yes, which is why not only you will appear, but also other members. In other words, we’ll bind Xin’an to Red Velvet."
Juhyun was, as expected, dizzy.
And could this really be achieved?
"Is this possible? Not to mention our company, but Xin’an’s side..."
"What’s wrong with me?" Liu Xin’an smiled at Juhyun’s scrunched-up face and asked.
Juhyun pursed her lips and hummed softly. She had almost forgotten that Xin’an managed his account himself. Whether he agreed depended entirely on his own mood.
As for the company... hmm... Juhyun couldn’t think of a reason for them not to agree.
Yes, the company would probably be thrilled to use this to warm up their comeback.
The company had no reason to refuse, and Xin’an’s decision was up to him...
No way! No one asked about her feelings!
She raised her little hand high, trying her best to make her presence known.
No one had asked for her opinion. Juhyun felt she was being underestimated.
She hoped the two would realize this, or else she might not cooperate!
"I... at least you should ask for my opinion. Also, are the benefits really greater than the downsides? Xin’an and I are only popular in China. Will we really be liked back home?"
She was indeed more popular and better received in China, but it was only limited to this side.
Whether Korean fans would accept her being paired with a Chinese man was still unknown.
"So, for now, it’s just a plan. We’ll decide based on the feedback from fansites. If the response is not positive, we’ll consider another way."
"...Taekyon, you have so many ideas."
Juhyun genuinely praised, earning an exasperated eye roll from Seong Taekyon.
"Come on, but as it stands now, your chemistry is well-received in our country as well."
"Yes, men like Xin’an are popular around here... at least in the eyes of your female fans, they all think Xin’an is a great person."
The public praise made Liu Xin’an a bit embarrassed. He didn’t think there was anything worth boasting about—most Chinese men were as considerate and meticulous as he was.
"What about the male fans?"
"The male fans’ feedback is certainly not as great, but you don’t have to worry too much. Anyway, in the eyes of all fans, the two of you are ’fake.’"
The word "fake" made both Liu Xin’an and Juhyun show an awkward smile.
"Don’t smile. Just know that I haven’t figured out how to manage public relations if you two accidentally get exposed, so make sure to keep your relationship a secret from the media!"
Liu Xin’an and Juhyun sheepishly responded.
Let’s not forget, Juhyun planned to go public after their comeback...
Does this count as a backstab against Seong Taekyon?