149: Chapter 149 Press Conference

Early the next morning, the square in front of the SM Entertainment building was already packed with media, dozens of cameras aimed at the entrance.

The reporters, clutching voice recorders and notepads, all looked somewhat anxious. Their hushed conversations intertwined into a low hum as they waited for the day's press conference.

At exactly 10 a.m., the venue doors slowly opened. Lee Soo-man entered first, his deep gray suit lending him a serious air as he walked with steady, measured steps.

Following closely behind was Jiang Hongshao. Her burgundy curls were tied into a neat bun, and her white suit set exuded an aura of total command. The folder in her arms was held tightly.

Choi Sulli walked in the middle. A pale blue dress accentuated her fair skin. A small pearl hair clip adorned her hair. Her face held a hint of perfectly measured nervousness, yet it couldn't conceal the smile on her face.

Liu Zijun followed at the rear. He was, as usual, in a black work-style suit, his posture as straight and tall as a pine tree. He stood unobtrusively at the edge of the venue, forming an invisible protective ring with Lee Taeyong, Kim Young-chul, and others.

The temporary venue was already full. As the group entered, camera flashes instantly erupted. The rapid clicking of shutters became so dense it almost drowned out the human voices.

Choi Sulli sat down beside Jiang Hongshao, placing her hands gently on her knees, her fingertips curling slightly, yet maintaining a proper smile all the while.

Jiang Hongshao tapped the microphone and was the first to speak, her voice clear and bright.

"Thank you to all our media friends for attending this press conference despite your busy schedules."

"Today, we are holding this conference primarily to address two matters: first, regarding the personal relationship status of f(x) member Choi Sulli, and second, the subsequent schedule planning for the f(x) group."

As soon as she finished speaking, a reporter immediately raised a hand. After being acknowledged by Jiang Hongshao, the microphone was passed to him. "President Jiang, hello. After Sulli-xi publicly confirmed her relationship, many fans have expressed they will stop supporting her. Will this impact f(x)'s development? How does the company plan to respond to this?"

Jiang Hongshao gestured to Choi Sulli, indicating she should answer herself.

The young woman took a deep breath, took the microphone, and spoke in a gentle but very firm voice.

"First of all, I fully understand how the fans feel, and I am sorry to the fans who have supported me."

"But Joon oppa and I are seriously in love. He is the light that illuminates my world. I don't want to hide my true feelings just because of my identity as an artist."

She paused, a faint glimmer appearing in her eyes.

"I know this decision will bring some challenges for the group, but I will work hard to balance my relationship and my work. I won't let down everyone's expectations for f(x)."

"The company has also given me great support. I believe the fans who truly love me will understand my choice."

Jiang Hongshao took over, adding, "SM Entertainment always respects the personal choices of our artists. Sulli-xi's bravery is commendable."

"Regarding the issue of fan loss, we will increase the group's output of work. 'Amazing f(x)' is currently airing, so please tune in. A new album is also in preparation. f(x) will have a full-group comeback in July, so please look forward to it."

Another reporter immediately followed up: "Sulli-xi, your boyfriend, Mr. Liu Zijun, is a company security staff member. There is a significant difference in your statuses. Some netizens have questioned the authenticity of this relationship, suggesting it's a publicity stunt. How do you respond to that?"

Choi Sulli looked up towards the edge of the venue where Liu Zijun stood, her gaze tender and sweet.

"My relationship with oppa has nothing to do with status; it's only about the companionship and cherishing we share."

"From him protecting me from danger to showing me the world, the sense of security and warmth he gives me cannot be measured by status."

She raised her left hand, revealing the Peach Ring on her ring finger.

"This ring is a gift from him, representing our promise. I believe time will prove everything."

At that moment, a reporter noticed Liu Zijun at the edge and suddenly exclaimed.

He shouted loudly in that direction, "Why is Mr. Liu Zijun only standing in the corner? Is it inconvenient for him to appear publicly?"

Following his shout, the cameras instantly swiveled to focus on Liu Zijun amidst the crowd.

Celebrity dating wasn't rare, but getting news on this Chinese Bodyguard was the real novelty.

Jiang Hongshao immediately said, "Mr. Liu Zijun is currently still responsible for f(x)'s security. His attendance today is to ensure Sulli's safety."

"Considering he is not a public figure, the company respects his personal privacy and it is not appropriate for him to be overly exposed. We ask for your understanding."

Upon hearing this, Liu Zijun simply gave a slight nod towards the cameras.

But the reporters still wanted to dig for more content.

Seeing this, Liu Zijun walked forward, took the microphone, and said softly, "I will protect Sulli with my life!"

After speaking, he retreated back.

In the SM Entertainment lobby, and from those watching secretly upstairs, the girls all gasped in surprise.

"Wow! So cool! Senior Sulli is so lucky."

The subsequent questions focused on relationship details and the impact on the group. Choi Sulli responded to each one sincerely, with Jiang Hongshao supplementing appropriately by her side. Lee Soo-man occasionally spoke up, emphasizing the company's commitment to f(x). The atmosphere in the venue gradually shifted from its initial sharpness to a more peaceful one.

Once the questions related to the relationship had concluded...

Jiang Hongshao shifted the topic, saying, "Next, we will announce the second matter."

"After discussions and negotiations between the company, Choi Sulli, and Krystal Jung, the two will reduce their non-essential schedules after enrolling in the Seoul Institute of the Arts' Film Department in September."

This statement instantly caused an uproar in the room. This was an unexpected surprise!

Reporters raised their hands one after another, and camera flashes became dense once again.

"President Jiang, does reducing schedules mean the two will gradually fade out of the Entertainment Industry? What impact will this have on f(x)'s development?"

Jiang Hongshao said firmly, "It is not fading out. The company believes that an artist's long-term development requires the support of education and personal growth."

"After enrolling, their studies will be the priority. They will only participate in core schedules such as group album comebacks and important brand events."

Lee Soo-man added, "The Seoul Institute of the Arts has excellent educational resources. We believe this period of study will enhance their artistic literacy, allowing them to bring even better works to everyone in the future."

"The other members of f(x) will also have more opportunities for individual development. The company will plan comprehensively to ensure the group's steady progress."

Choi Sulli nodded in agreement, saying, "I'm looking forward to university life. I will also use my spare time to seriously prepare for the group's work. I won't let everyone down."

Afterwards, reporters asked questions about balancing studies and work, new schedule plans, and other related topics. The group patiently responded until 11 a.m., when the press conference concluded with Jiang Hongshao's closing remarks.

When leaving, Liu Zijun stepped forward first, positioning himself protectively at Choi Sulli's side. He vigilantly but restrainedly blocked cameras and reporters who got too close, his movements efficient and controlled.

Choi Sulli gave a slight bow to the reporters, then flashed a brilliant smile at Liu Zijun.

This scene was fiercely captured by the reporters' cameras.

Back at the company, Choi Sulli and the other four members of f(x) were called by Jiang Hongshao to discuss the details of their upcoming schedules.

Liu Zijun returned to the Security Department office, idly flipping through his phone.

Kim Young-chul leaned over and laughed, "Ji-Jun, you're now the most envied bodyguard on The Peninsula. You've won the beauty's heart, and you even have the company's support like this."

Liu Zijun smiled but didn't respond.

It had been a turbulent period, but with the press conference over, things had finally settled down for the time being.

Remembering the coffee he hadn't managed to have with Bae Joohyun and the others last time, he got up and left the office.