108: Chapter 108 The Gears of Fate Turn Once Again

As soon as these words were spoken, Choi Sulli immediately frowned and said subconsciously, "Oppa, I don't want to reduce my activities. I want to work together with everyone."

She was used to going on schedules with her members and enjoyed the feeling of being on stage; the sudden instruction to reduce activities made her very reluctant.

Krystal Jung also looked up, her eyes seemingly brimming with tears. Was this man trying to make things difficult for her?

However, she only pursed her lips tightly and didn't speak, just listening quietly.

Liu Zijun patted Choi Sulli's head and said in a firm tone, "Jin-ri, this is not a discussion; it is a decision you must carry out."

I have already made arrangements for you. This September, you and Krystal will enter the Seoul Institute of the Arts to study."

Choi Sulli's eyes widened, her face full of resistance.

"Oppa, I don't want to go to school. I just want to be an artist."

Liu Zijun's tone didn't yield an inch as he said, "No, you must go."

Sending you to school isn't about making you give up your identity as an artist; it's to let you learn more things and improve your abilities."

You can't always rely on others. You must learn to be independent and learn to overcome the fragility in your heart."

In the future, even if I'm not by your side, you'll be able to take good care of yourself."

Choi Sulli's eyes were already filled with tears. She suddenly left Liu Zijun's embrace and hugged Victoria Song.

It was because of his understanding of Choi Sulli during this period, combined with her experiences in his past life, that Liu Zijun hardened his heart like this.

This girl had been a trainee in Seoul since she was a child. How much parental discipline could she have had? Her academic status was also unknown.

Growing up in such an environment was what led to the tragedy in her previous life.

When Victoria Song heard this, she actually understood Liu Zijun's intentions in an instant.

She held Choi Sulli and said softly, "Seol-ri, Ji-Jun is right about this."

With your current level of self-reliance, going to school will be good for you. It can make you more independent and more excellent."

As the leader, she had always been very tired. How could she not know the state her members were in? But she was also just a girl in her twenties.

Choi Sulli relied too much on others. Now that Liu Zijun was handling these matters, she could also feel a lot more at ease.

Most importantly, she had always kept Dr. Klein's words buried deep in her heart.

Choi Sulli, however, said while crying, "It's not that I'm unwilling to go to school, but if I miss too many group activities, it will affect the group."

Liu Zijun stepped forward to hug her and said, "Jin-ri, the company will have its own considerations for that."

Then he looked at Krystal Jung, who had been keeping her head down in silence, and his tone softened a bit.

"Krystal, your situation is different from Jin-ri's. I won't force you. Whether or not you go to school is a decision you'll make for yourself."

If you choose to go, the company will support you fully."

You and Jin-ri will only participate in necessary group schedules, but the focus will still remain on your studies."

It's just that it will be very hard for you both, and your popularity might be affected."

But the company will coordinate high-value resources to compensate and maintain your popularity."

Furthermore, entering university to learn more professional knowledge is better for your own development."

Of course, if you don't want to go, I will respect your choice. However, the group's non-essential activities will still be reduced to give you all more time to improve yourselves."

Krystal Jung fell silent, her head lowered as her fingers unconsciously rubbed the hem of her clothes.

Going to school was a brand-new choice for her. She didn't know if she was suited for it, nor did she know what impact this decision would have on her career as an artist.

Liu Zijun didn't rush her, giving her enough time to consider.

"You don't have to reply to me now. Discuss it with your family after you go back."

Think it through carefully and just tell me your answer before the school term starts."

Seeing his serious expression, Krystal Jung also nodded seriously.

Liu Zijun finally turned to look at Victoria Song, Amber Liu, and Luna, his tone sincere.

"Because the group will be missing many activities from Seol-ri and Krystal, everyone will definitely be affected."

The three of you will have to work much harder then."

From now on, the group's workload will certainly decrease accordingly. As compensation, the company will tilt resources toward the three of you."

In the future, when there are good variety shows, commercial performances, or film and television resources, priority will be given to you. I hope you can understand."

"The company's definition for you in the future will no longer be focused on making money, but on refinement—focusing on high-value advertisements, movies, variety shows, and dramas."

"Sister Qian! There's no need for us to participate in those shows that make you do the splits at the drop of a hat anymore!"

"JS Investment's expectations for f(x)'s future have never been limited to just The Peninsula and Japan! That's also the reason why I had you all learn Chinese and English earlier."

Im Yoona stared blankly at Liu Zijun, thinking he looked very handsome, yet feeling a bit aggrieved.

Victoria Song and the others didn't speak. Was this the future of f(x)?

Some of the changes were too big, leaving them somewhat overwhelmed!

Liu Zijun smiled. "This is the company's decision; you don't need to be afraid. Would I ever harm you?"

After Seol-ri and Krystal reduce their activities, there will definitely be a decrease in popularity in the short term, but we will still be the best f(x) on stage."

Choi Sulli watched as everyone remained silent, only offering her own silence.

In her heart, she was still somewhat unwilling. Hadn't she worked so hard as a trainee since childhood just to stay on stage?

Son Ye-jin stepped forward and took Choi Sulli's hand, saying, "Seol-ri! I think Ji-Jun is right. When there's an opportunity to continue improving yourself, it's always good, even if it's a bit hard."

"And Ji-Jun didn't say he wouldn't let you stand on stage anymore."

Running schedules is also very bitter, isn't it? It's tiring and doesn't earn much money, and it doesn't do much to increase popularity."

How much hardship did everyone go through before to make more people recognize f(x)?"

Now we can switch to a better way to harvest even more love!"

Besides, our Seol-ri is so capable. While completing your studies, you can also continue your activities and participate in more programs."

Choi Sulli hugged Son Ye-jin tightly. To her, Liu Zijun's news today was like a bolt from the blue.

No wonder he had been saying such mysterious things ever since he returned to The Peninsula.

She had been so silly back then!

In fact, the members of f(x) all knew they could only accept this decision. Liu Zijun had even asked for their opinions and clearly stated there were detailed arrangements.

If the company had arranged it directly, what else could they have done?

Although Choi Sulli was still a bit reluctant, she still nodded. "Okay, oppa, I'll listen to you. I'll go to school."

Seeing her aggrieved look, Liu Zijun's heart softened. He raised his hand to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes. "Silly girl, I'm doing this for your own good. When you graduate, you'll realize all of this was worth it."

The yacht sailed slowly across the sea, the sea breeze blowing past with a faint salty scent.

The girls' moods were all different; Choi Sulli was still a bit unhappy about the schooling matter.

Krystal Jung was also lost in thought.

Looking at the girls beside him, Liu Zijun's heart was full of emotion.

How could he ever want to forcibly interfere in their lives?

He knew this decision might make Choi Sulli and Krystal Jung temporarily uncomfortable, but he believed it was the best choice for their future.

He only hoped they could grow slowly under his protection, becoming more and more excellent, so that in the future, even without his guardianship, they could walk bravely through this complex world.