Just after replying to the text message, Li Xiuman and several directors walked in after a while, and the door of the conference room was closed immediately. Chi Jingyuan also took the opportunity to put back his mobile phone that had been muted.
The timing of Zhou Ziyu's message was just right. If it were a little later, he wouldn't have time to reply, and the next time he sees it will probably be a few hours later.
But maybe he will be too lazy to go back by then.
Today's news not only caused great repercussions and sensation in the outside world, but also for SM and EXO themselves. As soon as the news came out early in the morning, Chi Jingyuan immediately received congratulatory text messages from many friends.
After half a day of traveling, the next few people were moved back and pushed away, and several people were called to the company for a meeting at short notice.
It would be strange not to hold a meeting to study such a hot matter.
He can roughly foresee the content, which is nothing more than some analysis of this time's appearance on the B list and EXO's popularity in Europe and the United States. Maybe he will also discuss whether it is necessary to change the expected plan and try to break into the American market.
of.
Chi Jingyuan raised his head and glanced at the room directors and staff sitting in a circle across from him. Although each person did not have many obvious expressions, he could only feel each person through occasional eye contact and the obviously hot atmosphere in the room.
Everyone seems to be in a very hot mood.
That's right. Although I was called over for a meeting at short notice, the topic discussed was something that everyone was looking forward to and longed for. The development of the US market is already a big deal for SM. What if Park Jin Young saw it?
How envious it would be.
After Li Xiuman and several directors praised EXO's recent achievements with a smile, the head of the department, who had made a lot of preparations after receiving the news, began to report:
"...Regarding XO's airborne single hit 100 this time, although this unexpected appearance on the B chart is a very worthy celebration, after calming down, through the SNS popularity, search index, and album sales,
Coupled with a series of analyzes of data provided by our Ami branch, we found that EXO's ranking on the list mainly relies on strong downloads and surging album sales..."
“…and the growth of streaming media, including this record-breaking surge in YouTube clicks.”
"...To put it simply, it is mainly due to the rapid development in the past two years, which has gradually formed a size and group of European and American fans. They are very enthusiastic in supporting XO, including supporting, buying fans, and ranking.
They are not inferior to the local Ariel at all, especially compared to fans in Asia. They are very, very enthusiastic about spontaneously promoting EXO. Without any income, you can often see their celebrity accounts on Twitter or Instagram.
The above actively promotes and promotes Amway, and often spontaneously organizes some offline activities..."
"...In short, XO can only be said to be very popular in small circles now, with a group of fixed and crazy fans, but in terms of popularity and public awareness in the mainstream market, it is actually not that high. After all, there
We all know the circle of some things... No, XO is already the highest peninsula artist besides PSY in the category of Kpop. Although it is still far behind PSY in terms of various statistics and popularity, it is still with the third
The name has created a huge distance, it can be said to be a complete disconnect."
"Of course, the quality of this title song "Boy with Luv" is also one of the important factors. According to our statistics, quite a few ordinary listeners expressed their appreciation for this song, saying that they were attracted by the melody or the unique dance charm.
Come on, with this song and this week's ranking, XO's popularity should have increased significantly. According to this curve, the ranking should be improved next week..."
Although they are quite surprised by today's news, they have actually been paying attention to it since 2013. The various data and market analysis obtained in the past two years allowed them to quickly figure out the general reason for this time, and their
advantages and disadvantages.
Don't listen to the exaggerated rainbow farts blown by the local media, such nonsense as "writing a new history" and "defining a new mainstream". They are all false and lose the aura of excitement and vanity. They will soon find out that this time on the list
The main reasons are the following: because the local fans in the United States are loyal and hard-working enough, because Kpop’s popularity has gradually increased in recent years, and the audience has become brighter, and because this time the song has an unexpected appetite there.
The former and the latter should be the most critical factors.
"Hmm..." Han Shimin, as the company's representative director, nodded, glanced around and then glanced at Li Xiuman next to him: "Then do we need to adjust XO's development strategy? Use this limelight to try to enter the US market.
?”
SM has always been praying for the US market. After all, it is the largest entertainment center in the world. In terms of influence, especially revenue, it far exceeds that of the mainland of the peninsula. As soon as these words came out, many people's eyes lit up.
"Neon's debut has been decided, and the lease of the Tokyo Dome has been negotiated for a long time. It's definitely impossible to change it now."
However, although this proposal is very tempting, if you can come in for a meeting, of course no one will be blown away by the propaganda of the domestic media. Faced with the established plans and risks, some people soon put forward different opinions, and the fellow director
Li Zhongren shook his head after thinking for a while.
"I don't think it's possible. Even if we start formal preparations now, including collecting and selecting songs, practicing, and contacting companies in the United States for cooperation, no matter how fast we rush for the official release, it will still have to wait until a few months later. By then
This craze has long since passed, and I think it’s hard for an album made in a hurry to be of high quality... Now that EXO has such a good foundation, it already has a good fan base as a foundation, and its popularity and popularity are both high.
Far more than other combinations in the company, I think they really have a good chance of success, so you must be cautious when trying to enter the United States for the first time, and let's wait and see the subsequent reactions."
"At the same time, I think that even if we release a album, we should not exclusively release English singles. We should not cater to the market too much. We should maintain the unique characteristics and appeal of Kpop."
"And XO also has a big language problem now. It will take a long time just to learn English."
Hearing this, Chi Jingyuan looked up at the representative who spoke.
If SM attaches great importance to a country's market and wants to break into it, it will make a lot of preparations, which will be reflected in many aspects. The most important of which is that it will strictly emphasize internally many times that it is absolutely not allowed to discuss anything about this country.
Sensitive topic, and secondly, all artists will be asked to learn the language of the country.
It’s not just about having someone who is fluent in foreign languages as the main spokesperson, but asking everyone in the group to study seriously.
Although there were three members of Xia Guo in Team M at the beginning, the other two still worked overtime to learn Chinese for activities in the mainland, even though they didn't actually use it much.
The same is true now. In preparation for Neon's debut in the second half of the year, before the plan has been fully finalized, the company has already arranged for teachers to give lessons to all employees. If you want to enter the United States, you will probably have to seize the time to learn English.
Regardless of how well you studied, this attitude is definitely very rare among Peninsula Entertainment.
In addition to the directors, many department heads have also expressed their own suggestions, some are in favor and some are against. Generally speaking, it is about half and half. Many people do not want to change the established plan, but there are also many people who covet the United States.
The market is so huge that even if you don’t release a record, you can make a lot of money just by touring.
However, the important decision that determines the development of EXO, the company's biggest cash cow, cannot be discussed and concluded in one meeting. It will definitely take a long time to discuss afterwards, and the company should also look at "Boy with Luv" in the follow-up
How is the development in the United States? There is a big difference between being off the charts in one week and continuing to climb.
"Jingyuan, when you were arranging the music, did you already consider the Ami market?"
After the meeting, Li Xiuman took Chi Jingyuan and chatted for a few words in the corridor.
He had a new pair of eyes, and the oval black frames were decorated with conspicuous gold rims. They revealed luxury in a low-key manner and looked expensive.
At the same time, Lee Soo Man smiled happily and looked in a good mood.
"It doesn't specifically cater to the market, but some elements from there are used in the arrangement and music video."
Chi Jingyuan walked beside and shook his head.
When they released the song, they never considered the US market at all. To be honest, he was actually quite surprised by the results this time.
However, compared to other people's expectations for expanding the market and earning more income, Chi Jingyuan's excitement is weaker, and he focuses more on the recognition of his songs.
"Okay, I understand... Although it hasn't been decided yet, I guess there won't be any changes in XO's activities in the near future. As for the United States, it will take some time."
Li Xiuman didn't ask any more questions. After a few words of greeting, he was about to get on the elevator and leave. After a special reminder, he seemed to be thinking about something, and turned around and confessed:
"By the way, Taeyeon has already started working on her solo album. You can listen to a few options for the title song, but Taeyeon doesn't seem to like it very much... Time is already tight. If you have your own
If you have any ideas, remember to record a demo for me when the time comes, and the rights will be handed over to you."
"I see."
…………
Due to the media hype in the past two days, and the follow-up reports from various other marketing accounts, the news of EXO’s single being on the Hot 100 has been spread all over the peninsula. Although it is not known to all women and children, at least it is known.
There should be more people than people who don’t know.
But to put it bluntly, it was just a one-time appearance on the list. It did not really successfully enter the US market and did not hold a European and American tour. The real substantive benefits, such as income, were not much, and more were actually reflected in
Some hidden aspects.
In addition to the obvious and subtle improvement in their professionalism, the biggest gain should be that their national popularity has suddenly become much higher, and many people's impressions and opinions have also improved a lot.
But this is actually quite important for a group that aspires to become a summit team.
At the same time, Chi Jingyuan and the others have indeed become a lot busier, and they have temporarily added several itineraries and interviews that were not originally available.
"Jingyuan, the radio station behind you won't participate, right?"
"Well, brother, I have something to do later."
On the evening of the 10th, just after an interview, when Chi Jingyuan was packing his things, Li Chenghuan handed over a bottle of water and confirmed at the same time.
Originally Chi Jingyuan had made an appointment with someone else for today's dinner, but due to the time of the B list this time, EXO had several more cases today and was delayed, so he had no choice but to cancel the dinner he had with Zhou Ziyu.
A meal promise.
He had been so busy that he could finally take a breather. He originally had a group pre-recorded radio variety show later, but after looking at the schedule and time in the afternoon, after thinking about it, he directly made an excuse to ask for a leave from his agent.
It's probably twelve o'clock when the case is finished, but it doesn't matter to him. Young trainees like Zhou Ziyu don't want to go out.
If he hadn't agreed with the person before, or if he had changed to someone who wasn't that important, that would be fine, but since he had already made an appointment, he didn't want to let anyone go.
After receiving the reply, Li Chenghuan didn't say much. Seeing Chi Jingyuan telling the members to put their bags on their backs and prepare to leave, he nodded and reminded: "Come back early, there is still a flight to Wanwan tomorrow morning.
"
"Don't worry, brother." After making an OK gesture, Chi Jingyuan walked out quickly.
First, I sat in the nanny car and returned to the dormitory to wash my face and take off my makeup. Then I changed my clothes and made some disguises. Then I drove to the JB area, on the roadside near the "sixteen" dormitory. After I stopped, I sent a text message.
.
JYP is really affordable. You can tell from the location of this dormitory that it is not a high-end apartment.
But SM is almost done, and EXO has just escaped poverty.
After a while, a tall but not thin figure came into view, wearing a baseball cap with his head lowered, and bumped towards this side.
"boom."
The gull-wing door was opened and then quickly closed. Zhou Ziyu, who had used it many times, was no longer as green and ignorant as he was at first. He sat up with a swing of his long legs. After taking off his hat, he shook his head and started to tidy up.
hair.
Her brown hair shimmered white under the lighting in the car, and her figure with long arms and legs was still very good-looking even if she was not slender. As soon as she put her body there, the entire seat was filled. As soon as the car door was closed,
A fresh shampoo mixed with a faint fragrance began to spread around.
The white short-sleeves paired with denim shorts and sneakers have nothing special except for highlighting the style of a young girl. Under the rendering of the white light, the exposed round thighs look much whiter, which looks deceptive.
The pattern of a cartoon golden retriever on the chest of the top looks very silly, adding a helpless childishness to the originally sultry innocence.
"I run so fast every time..." Chi Jingyuan turned his head and looked at Zhou Ziyu, who was sitting neatly in the passenger seat with her legs together and twirling her hair. He heard her gasping slightly because she was running too fast.
The voice habitually said something strange and then suddenly stopped.
Because he found that it seemed that every time Zhou Ziyu got in the car, he would say this sentence.
Because, every time she came running.
After shaking her hair for the last time, Zhou Ziyu raised her head, turned to the side and smiled after hearing the words. At the same time, she also took a careful look at Chi Jingyuan beside her.
The original black hair, loose-fitting white short-sleeved shirt and black casual nine-point pants are as casual as if you just went for a walk after dinner, but the minimalist color combination creates a harmonious and refreshing feeling.
and handsome.
Zhou Ziyu couldn't help but blink his eyes when he saw the familiar figure so close, and felt a little ups and downs in his heart.
I feel like every time I meet him, no matter what he is wearing, he always suits me.
"If you are so busy, actually..."
After taking one look, he looked away, and then couldn't help but take another look. Zhou Ziyu paused and whispered.
EXO is leaving Seoul tomorrow, so we had made an appointment a few days ago to have dinner together tonight to celebrate their birthday in advance. However, due to the sudden increase in schedule, we had to cancel it. They said it would be a little later, but there has been no news.
Just now she thought Chi Jingyuan would not come out. Although she would definitely be a little disappointed, Zhou Ziyu actually didn't want to cause him such trouble.
Until I just received the text message.
"We've already agreed, and we just don't have any plans anymore... Aren't you thirsty? I was so busy that I didn't buy a drink... You went back to the dormitory so early?"
It was almost nine o'clock when they drove out of the EXO dormitory. Chi Jingyuan was originally going to pick her up from JYP, but he didn't expect that they would have already returned to the dormitory by this time. Chi Jingyuan breathed a sigh of relief.
He waved his hand to indicate it was okay and asked casually.
"Well...practice ended early today."
"What about the rest?"
"Everyone in our group is in the dormitory, probably waiting to watch the show in the evening..."
When she said this, Chi Jingyuan remembered that today is the broadcast time of the sixth episode of "Sixteen". This program has been broadcast since the beginning of May, and unknowingly, more than half of it has been broadcast.
However, he was more concerned about the first few episodes, because not only did he participate in the recording at that time, but also because Zhou Ziyu was not going well at the time and lacked confidence and often asked for his opinions.
He didn't read much of the later issues because he was too busy with his schedule and wasn't very interested in other people.
However, the voting has been ongoing. Although the number of votes is not large, Zhou Ziyu and Mingnan have the current rankings, and he has also contributed a lot.
But after listening to the girl's voice and tone at this time, Chi Jingyuan did not ask about the program, but focused on her. He turned to look at Zhou Ziyu's face and saw her pursed lips.
With fatigue evident between his brows and eyes, he asked with some concern: "What, are you in a bad mood?"
In just two sentences, he realized that something was not right with this girl.
"kindness……"
Nodding slowly, Zhou Ziyu glanced at him quietly and quickly withdrew his gaze. After hesitating for a second, he began to speak in a soft tone: "I feel quite tired recently, and I feel that my time has passed well.
Come on, the show is almost halfway to the end in no time..."
"Half of the people will be eliminated, and I don't know if I will be able to debut by then. Every time I think about this, I feel bad and worried, and I feel a little overwhelmed... Everyone has been practicing a lot lately.
I just feel, I feel…”
She obviously had not prepared her words before, and her words were not coherent. She got stuck while talking, as if she was thinking about what words to use to express her feelings.
“Feeling very stressed and worried that I won’t be able to choose and stay?”
Chi Jingyuan helped her add it.
"..."
After looking at him, Zhou Ziyu pursed her lips and nodded, and responded in a low voice through her nose: "Yes."
There seemed to be an obvious sense of uneasiness and anxiety surrounding her. As the program progressed and the final spot was chosen, the girl began to feel more and more pressure.
Also, the pressure of debut is unbearable for any trainee. Under pressure, it is easy to understand that these little girls become extremely sentimental. In private, it is normal to wipe away tears every day.
Although Chi Jingyuan may not be able to understand this feeling of empathy, he understands the little girl and Zhou Ziyu.
He had watched two episodes of "Sixteen" before, and also read some comments about Zhou Ziyu on the Internet. Most of them said that this girl didn't have many scenes, but she was very eye-catching every time she appeared, and her non-competitive look was particularly endearing.
But having said that, in fact, how can any trainee who wants to debut really not fight for it? How can he be an idol if he really doesn’t fight for it?
Therefore, Chi Jingyuan knows very well that Zhou Ziyu is actually very competitive and has his own little thoughts. Especially he is very eager to debut and is not weaker than other peers.
As for why I feel that way in front of the camera...
But now, when the winner of the show really comes to a close in the later stages of the show, she can't help but become worried about gains and losses.
Zhou Ziyu might be in a bad mood, or he might be a little embarrassed, his head drooped and he stopped talking, and soon the car fell into silence.
"Let's go..."
After a minute of silence, Chi Jingyuan started the car and turned around while turning the steering wheel and saying something.
"Where are you going?" Zhou Ziyu raised his head and asked curiously.
"Just take a walk around, aren't you in a bad mood... Open the window a little and let some air in, it might be better. I like this every time I encounter this situation."
"profound."
After fastening her seat belt, the girl straightened her body, sat there very upright, and responded obediently.
After the car started and drove for a distance, Chi Jingyuan was thinking about where to go for a spin when he felt something was wrong. He glanced at the passenger car out of the corner of his eye and reminded: "Open the window. It doesn't matter if you don't open the window."
What a ride."
"profound."
"..." There was a rustling sound and then there was no movement.
"What are you doing? Open the window."
"..."
A few seconds later, Zhou Ziyu's grimace with a wrinkled nose appeared in his sight. His face was short, but such an expression made people laugh. The previous frustration seemed to have been covered up a lot: