The group exchanged glances and finally, all eyes settled on Liu Xin’an.
Being stared at by five pairs of big eyes didn’t feel good, and Liu Xin’an got goosebumps instantly.
"I’m not familiar with Kim Heechul, I can’t comment." Liu Xin’an shrugged, looking innocent. After all, he didn’t know Kim Heechul and today was their first meeting.
"Practice, practice, don’t overthink it."
"Yerin, go play the music."
Not long after Kim Heechul left, Seong Taekyon opened Red Velvet’s practice room again.
His arrival didn’t interrupt the women’s practice, but Liu Xin’an subconsciously looked towards the door.
Seeing Seong Taekyon beckon him, he hurried over.
"Bro, are we meeting Director Kim now?"
Seong Taekyon wasn’t too busy. He mainly gave Liu Xin’an and Bae Juhyun some time to meet and chat.
That’s usually how it is with young couples. Besides, Liu Xin’an had never seen Bae Juhyun and the others practice, so it was good for him to see it more.
Estimating the time had passed, he came to find Liu Xin’an.
Since Bae Juhyun and the others were practicing hard, Liu Xin’an and Seong Taekyon left without saying a word.
After a short while, Seong Taekyon led Liu Xin’an to the office door.
He gave Liu Xin’an a reassuring look and knocked on the door.
After getting a response, he opened the door and led Liu Xin’an into the office.
The office wasn’t large, not as big as Han Jaeduk’s office at JYP.
"Director, I brought Xin’an."
Director Kim, who was sitting behind the desk, stood up and extended his hand to Liu Xin’an with a smile.
"Long time no see, Mr. Liu Xin’an."
The last time they met in Shanghai was long ago, so saying it had been a while wasn’t strange.
Liu Xin’an smiled and nodded, sitting across the desk as indicated by Director Kim.
"Have you had a tour of our SM?"
"Taekyon took me around. It’s definitely the largest agency in Korea. Calling it a star museum isn’t an exaggeration at all."
"Haha, those are just some outside jokes; did you see the kids’ practice?"
By "kids," he naturally meant the five members of Red Velvet.
"I did, and I listened to the new song. Although I don’t know much, I think the new song is quite good. It should be well-received by fans."
"No one can guarantee that, but thanks for your kind words. By the way, Mr. Liu Xin’an, have you thought about the proposal I mentioned last time?"
Last time, Liu Xin’an used "still recording, will think about it after" as an answer. Now that the recording was over, he was in a free period.
Using the same excuse to delay wasn’t appropriate now.
Besides, he didn’t plan on refusing.
"I’m curious, as per your suggestion, you want me to co-star with Red Velvet on an online program, right?"
"Why would doing that help with their comeback?"
"The variety show you filmed with Wendy will air until the end of July. Until then, your and Irene’s promotional videos will continue to release simultaneously. Given the current situation, the popularity this show brings to you and Irene is obvious."
It seemed Director Kim had thought this through and avoided mentioning the Chinese market behind Liu Xin’an, focusing solely on the importance of the show.
"Therefore, we believe investing in you is a lucrative deal until the show ends."
"Where will the show be released, on Bilibili?"
"It will be on Bilibili and YouTube simultaneously."
"Hmm... So what do I get out of this?"
Director Kim raised an eyebrow, his smile widening, "This will significantly boost your popularity and fame in our country. Despite Red Velvet’s ups and downs, they’re undoubtedly one of today’s top girl groups."
"Uh... Director Kim, I think you misunderstand something. Why would I necessarily want to advance here? If it’s about popularity, can’t I just advance in my own country?" Liu Xin’an smiled playfully, teasing in return.
"SM will meet your demands as much as possible." Knowing this answer wouldn’t easily sway Liu Xin’an, Director Kim added as such. The source of thɪs content is novel✦fire.net
When seeking favors, one should offer a high price. Director Kim was prepared to feel the pinch.
If they could leverage Liu Xin’an and Bae Juhyun’s relationship to enter the Chinese market and mend relations with China, it would be worth it.
Now, it depended on Liu Xin’an’s demands.
But Liu Xin’an’s demand was somewhat unexpected for Director Kim.
"Well, in that case, if I need support in public opinion in the future, I hope SM will stand by me and... won’t use matters related to me for publicity."
"... Your request seems a bit too broad, doesn’t it?"
That was indeed too broad. If Liu Xin’an encountered severe public opinion issues in the future, they couldn’t support him unconditionally.
Liu Xin’an didn’t say anything, just shrugged. While he wanted to help his girlfriend, he didn’t want SM to take advantage of him easily.