16: Chapter 16 Stubborn Choi Sulli

After the afternoon schedule ended, on the way back.

The afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the windows of the van, falling on the tired faces of the f(x) girls.

Han Jaeran sat in the passenger seat reporting the day's events to the company, while Liu Zijun was the one driving.

The five girls were squeezed into the black van, all looking at their phones, with occasional exclamations or angry mutters echoing in the cabin.

"unnie, look! It's already third on the trending searches! f(x) targeted by antis #Choi Sulli attacked by coffee cup# #Handsome bodyguard steps up to protect Sulli#. Even senior Son Ye-jin and senior Gong Hyo-jin have tweeted!"

Amber Liu held up her phone, eyes wide, and thrust the screen in front of Victoria Song.

Victoria Song took the phone, her eyes scanning the content on the screen, her brows furrowing instantly.

On Son Ye-jin's Twitter homepage, it clearly read: "Encountered f(x) performing in Myeongdong today, but witnessed a chilling scene.

An artist's stage should be respected, and malicious harm should never be tolerated. I hope f(x) remains unaffected and that Sulli is safe."

The attached photo was of a mall's Christmas decorations, but a corner of the stage downstairs was clearly visible.

Gong Hyo-jin retweeted this post with the comment: "The most nonsensical malice I've ever seen. Supporting f(x), supporting Sulli, Sulli is the best, the best!"

Within half an hour of the two posts being published, the number of retweets surpassed ten thousand. In the comments section, fans of Son Ye-jin and Gong Hyo-jin, f(x) fans, and passersby left messages one after another, condemning the anti's behavior.

While feeling sorry for Choi Sulli, many people also noticed the handsome bodyguard who blocked the coffee for her, asking about Liu Zijun's identity.

"Senior Son Ye-jin and senior Gong Hyo-jin actually spoke up for us. Sulli, do you know the two seniors?"

Luna asked in a low voice, her eyes filled with surprise.

In the Korean entertainment industry, it's not common for seniors to take the initiative to speak up for juniors, let alone top actresses like Son Ye-jin and Gong Hyo-jin.

Krystal Jung leaned against the car window, watching the video clip on the screen.

It was the moment Liu Zijun blocked the coffee, captured by a fan. Although the footage was blurry, Liu Zijun's back as he rushed forward like lightning and the look he gave Sulli when he smiled were clearly visible.

She suddenly felt a bit envious of Sulli, an envy that came out of nowhere.

Well, this was the love-hate relationship of the double maknaes.

Choi Sulli sat in the innermost seat, clutching her phone but barely looking at the screen. Her eyes would occasionally drift up to the back of the person driving, her fingers unconsciously picking at the corner of her clothes.

Victoria Song put down her phone, reached out to ruffle Sulli's short hair, and said distressingly, "Sulli, don't overthink it. The internet is full of voices supporting you right now.

The company just issued another notice for us to go straight back to the dorm. For the next few days, except for schedules, try to stay at the company or the dorm to avoid encountering this kind of thing again."

However, Choi Sulli suddenly looked up, her eyes shining like stars, and looked at the Manager, Han Jaeran, sitting in the front row.

Then she quietly glanced at Liu Zijun.

"Oppa Zaeran, the company wants us to go back to the dorm? But... but I promised Joon oppa before that I would accompany him to buy clothes."

Her voice carried a hint of urgency and a trace of stubbornness, her cheeks flushing slightly from anxiety.

Liu Zijun said, "Jin-ri! It's okay. Didn't I buy one this morning? Let's go after you're done with the year-end rush!"

Han Jaeran also agreed with Liu Zijun's words.

He glanced at her through the rearview mirror and sighed helplessly, "Seol-ri, in this situation, the company definitely won't let you go out. Besides, there might be paparazzi waiting outside; it's too dangerous."

"Joon oppa, but I already promised you! Today, to protect me, your clothes were ruined by coffee. I promised to go with you to buy new ones, I can't break my word."

As she spoke, she looked at Victoria Song again, grabbing her arm and shaking it gently.

"unnie, please help me speak up. I really want to go. Just for a little while, we'll be back soon. Nothing will go wrong."

Victoria Song looked at her in this state, her heart softening completely, but she also knew the company's rules. She could only look at Han Jaeran with a pleading gaze.

Amber Liu and Luna also chimed in: "Oppa Zaeran, just let Sulli go. She already promised Joon oppa. If it weren't for the fear of a bad impact, we would all want to go together. Besides, Joon oppa is so capable, he'll definitely protect Sulli."

Krystal Jung also nodded: "And since the internet is full of positive reviews right now, going out once should be fine."

Liu Zijun shook his head and looked back at Choi Sulli.

The girl gave him a big smile in return!

The words of refusal he was about to say were swallowed back down!

If she wants to go, let her go. With him around, nothing would happen!

Han Jaeran was swayed by the girls' words, and seeing Choi Sulli's stubborn look as if she were about to cry, he finally compromised.

"Alright, I'll give the company a call and ask, but I can't guarantee whether it'll work."

Choi Sulli immediately burst into a smile through her tears and nodded vigorously, "Thank you, Oppa Zaeran!"

Han Jaeran took out his phone and dialed the PR department of SM Entertainment Company, explaining Choi Sulli's idea.

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds, followed by the voice of the head of the PR department.

"Let Sulli go. This is actually a good opportunity. Right now, the internet is praising Mr. Liu Zijun for protecting Sulli, and with the statements from Son Ye-jin and Gong Hyo-jin, the buzz is just right.

We can take advantage of this for a PR wave. We'll release a press release saying Sulli is showing gratitude by specifically accompanying her bodyguard to buy clothes to thank him. This can shape Sulli's image as a sensible person and further dilute the negative impact of the anti incident."

Han Jaeran was stunned for a moment, then realized, "You mean, you agree to let Sulli go?"

"Agreed, but make sure Mr. Liu Zijun guarantees Sulli's safety.

Additionally, have them stay as low-key as possible and try not to let the paparazzi capture too many shots.

We'll arrange for some internet water army on our end to guide the public opinion a bit."

Hanging up the phone, Han Jaeran looked at Choi Sulli and said with a smile, "It's a go. The company agreed, but Ji-Jun, you must guarantee Sulli's safety and keep it as low-key as possible."

Choi Sulli jumped up in excitement, nearly hitting her head on the car roof. She quickly covered her mouth, her eyes full of joy.

This sight made everyone in the car smile helplessly.

The van soon stopped at the entrance of f(x)'s dorm complex. Victoria Song and the others gave Sulli a few instructions to stay safe before getting out of the car first.

Seeing this, Han Jaeran also got out, telling Liu Zijun to just drive the car directly here tomorrow.

Tomorrow, everyone will go directly from the f(x) dorm to the SBS Television Station for the year-end Gayo Daejeon rehearsal.

Finally, only Liu Zijun and Choi Sulli were left in the van.

Choi Sulli a smile appeared on her face. After waving to Han Jaeran and the others, she quickly hopped into the passenger seat.