But why did Seong Taekyon suddenly bring this up?
"Bro, why are you asking this all of a sudden?"
"This concerns the possibility of your relationship with Irene being exposed. If someone points this out, don’t outright deny it. Just ignore it unless it becomes a big deal and a lot of people start pressing you about it."
"I know." Liu Xin’an nodded. Of course, he knew this. If he adamantly denied it now, it would be quite difficult to come clean later.
Playing dumb would suffice, and if their relationship was exposed later, he could easily argue his way out of it.
"We never denied it from the start; people just didn’t think that way~"
Hmm... If he said that, he’d probably get flak from his followers.
"As long as you understand. It would be great if someone could point it out... Maybe try to lead the fans to think in that direction?"
Seong Taekyon suggested thoughtfully, to Liu Xin’an’s amazement.
Liu Xin’an was dumbfounded, "Bro, are you serious or just joking."
"Serious. If you and Irene are sure there are no definitive leaks, I actually recommend letting the fans speculate a little. It would benefit both of you."
Since the situation was already so complicated, it might as well stay that way.
Liu Xin’an gave an awkward smile and remained silent.
He didn’t think this was a good idea. Perhaps it’s just a difference in how people from different countries perceive things.
He wasn’t that clueless outsider anymore. Having been in this circle for so long, Liu Xin’an had formed his own views on these matters.
"I won’t actively lead the fans to think that way. In my eyes, it’s too risky. We can’t control what the fans think."
The unknown only brought uncertainty. No one could guarantee a good outcome by doing this. Confronted with the unknown, Liu Xin’an remained his cautious self.
Having known him for so long, Seong Taekyon understood that Liu Xin’an wasn’t the type to take uncalculated risks, so he didn’t push further, simply nodding his head.
"Alright, I’ve conveyed the message. I’ll send you the restaurant details, and we’ll see you tonight."
"Got it, Taekyon bro."
With the serious matters discussed, Seong Taekyon saw no need to linger. He bid Liu Xin’an a quick farewell with a wave and left.
Liu Xin’an watched Seong Taekyon leave, standing alone in deep thought for a moment.
Finally, he shook his head, dismissing some distracting thoughts.
For now, the current level of attention was entirely manageable. The agitated fans were gradually calming under his reassurance, and the rational fans were reappearing.
Everyone also noticed that many of the so-called "neutral parties" and "longtime fans" stirring up trouble were actually deliberate provocateurs. Compared to the show’s unfair treatment, these troublemakers were the bigger issue.
This spontaneous celebration from Liu Xin’an’s fans came to an abrupt end.
At the end of the day, he was a streamer, having more followers than actual fans.
Now that things had settled, he saw no reason to stir things up again.
If possible, he didn’t want to see his followers arguing with Bae Juhyun’s fans.
In his eyes, his followers and Bae Juhyun’s fans were the same.
How could there be any logic in family members arguing with each other?
Just like that, time slowly passed. Before he knew it, it was already half past six in the evening.
They had planned to meet for dinner at seven o’clock. Since he was invited, Liu Xin’an couldn’t just show up right at seven.
Don’t think he was making a fuss over nothing. He didn’t want to lose face for his country over such a small matter.
After tidying up his outfit a bit, Liu Xin’an walked into the restaurant that Seong Taekyon had told him about at 6:50.
After mentioning to the host that he was there to meet someone, the host led him to a private room.
The restaurant they had chosen was a very authentic Chinese restaurant, probably chosen by that manager considering his taste.
Since the door to the private room wasn’t closed, when the host brought Liu Xin’an in, everyone inside stood up.
Besides the familiar faces of Bae Juhyun, Son Seungwan, and Seong Taekyon, there was also a middle-aged man wearing glasses who seemed meticulous. He was likely the main person who had invited him tonight.
"Xin’an, you’re here."
"Let me introduce you. This is Manager Kim, who is in charge of Red Velvet’s schedule." Seong Taekyon first introduced Manager Kim to Liu Xin’an, then looked at Manager Kim, "Manager, this is Mr. Liu Xin’an."
Manager Kim smiled warmly and extended his hand, "Mr. Liu Xin’an, you look even more handsome in person than in pictures. It’s really beyond imagination how handsome and humble you are."
"You’re too kind, ah, and Irene, Wendy, how have you been lately?"
After responding to Manager Kim, Liu Xin’an didn’t forget his own girlfriend and her sister. He turned his gaze to the two women and asked affectionately.
Bae Juhyun and Son Seungwan nodded. The former remained expressionless, while the latter beamed at him.
Making it seem as if Son Seungwan had a better relationship with him...
Cautious! Too cautious!
"Sit down, Xin’an. I wasn’t sure what dishes you’d like, so I ordered some of your usual favorites. This place has a great reputation, so you shouldn’t be disappointed." The source of thɪs content is N0veI.Fiɾe.net