164: Chapter 164 f(x) The Busy Pre-Return

f(x)'s new album comeback was set for ten days later. Ever since Choi Sulli went public with her relationship and donated ten billion korean won, the group's popularity had reached an unprecedented peak.

Voices of doubt that originally existed gradually transformed into those of passersby or fans, bolstered by the exposure of JS Investment's background and the support of charitable acts.

The "junsulli cp" topic continued to dominate the trending searches. Choi Sulli's personal social media followers skyrocketed, and even f(x)'s old songs returned to the top of the music charts. Taking advantage of the momentum, the company pushed out teasers for two tracks from the album, receiving an even more enthusiastic response.

Now, with only about ten days left until the comeback, the entire team had entered the sprinting phase.

Victoria Song, Amber Liu, and Luna had long been incredibly busy, needing to rush through promotional schedules while repeatedly refining stage details.

While Choi Sulli and Krystal Jung were specially looked after by the company, their schedules were still quite full.

When Liu Zijun felt like going to the company, he would follow Im Yoona and Choi Sulli on their schedules; when he didn't, he would just lounge around at home.

When he returned to the apartment that day, a small, warm yellow light was still on in the living room.

Son Ye-jin, wearing cream-colored loungewear, was sitting on the sofa looking at a script. Hearing the door open, she immediately looked up, a gentle smile appearing on her face.

"You're back? Are you hungry? I saved some porridge for you."

Liu Zijun took off his coat, walked over to sit beside her, and naturally pulled her into his arms.

The faint scent of gardenia lingering around his nose made the exhaustion of several days seem to vanish instantly.

"A bit hungry, and a bit tired."

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his voice carrying a hint of lazy hoarseness.

Son Ye-jin gently patted his back, her movements incredibly tender.

"The porridge is in the thermal pot. I'll go get a bowl for you."

She stood up and walked toward the kitchen, her white skirt swaying gently. Looking at her back, a steady warmth surged in Liu Zijun's heart.

For the past few days, he had been busy accompanying Choi Sulli to variety shows and Im Yoona to Japan, neglecting this sister by his side who had always been silently understanding.

Son Ye-jin had never complained. She always gave the gentlest support when he needed it. This clarity and consideration made him cherish her even more.

The porridge was a light vegetable and lean meat porridge, simmered until soft and flavorful.

Liu Zijun sat at the dining table, drinking it mouthful by mouthful. Son Ye-jin sat opposite him, watching him quietly and occasionally asking about interesting things from the schedules.

Liu Zijun put down his utensils and looked at her seriously, saying, "Actually, I should thank you the most. You've worked hard during this time, contributing silently without any complaints."

Son Ye-jin's cheeks flushed slightly. Avoiding his gaze, she said softly, "We're family; saying that makes us sound like strangers. Besides, these past few days, it's just been the two of us together. I'm already very satisfied."

She paused, then looked up again, her eyes holding a trace of anticipation and nervousness.

"By the way, after Sulli's album comeback is over, should we also find some time for you to take me to see your parents?"

Liu Zijun's heart skipped a beat. He nodded and said, "Sure. I originally planned to take you this time, but you said you were afraid. Have you prepared yourself now?"

Son Ye-jin smiled until her eyes curved into crescents, the light in her eyes brighter than the lamp on the table.

"Yes! I've thought it through!"

Over the next few days, the entire Seoul entertainment industry seemed to be enveloped by f(x)'s popularity.

As soon as f(x)'s comeback teaser was released, it quickly topped the trending searches on major platforms. Choi Sulli's individual clips were shared frantically, with netizens leaving comments one after another.

Thanks to the reversal in Choi Sulli's popularity, the group's commercial collaborations also exploded. Three new endorsements were added, and even brand owners who had been hesitant before took the initiative to extend an olive branch.

The company's PR department was incredibly busy.

Lee Soo-man watched all this without saying much. An experimental group was actually going to become a top-tier girl group!

Choi Sulli went out early and returned late every day, either practicing with the members in the practice room or rushing to film comeback materials.

Although busy, she was in great condition. Every time she saw Liu Zijun, she would chatter away, sharing interesting stories from practice.

"Oppa, our title track stage this time is amazing. You must follow me for the comeback stage."

Liu Zijun crouched down, wiped the sweat from her brow, and smiled. "I'll definitely go. But you also need to rest. Don't get too tired; look, you've lost weight these past few days."

Choi Sulli immediately puffed out her chest and countered, "I haven't! My muscles have just become firmer. I found time to go to the gym yesterday, and Jong-kook oppa said I've made great progress."

Nearby, Krystal Jung watched their interaction, a faint, imperceptible smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Meanwhile, Im Yoona had also entered a peak busy period. Magazine shoots, brand events, and TV drama script negotiations filled her schedule to the brim.

The script for my love from the star, which she was planned to star in, had completed its preliminary preparations, and she had been confirmed as the female lead.

During this time, she had been cramming relevant knowledge and had even specifically asked Son Ye-jin for many acting tips.

"Oppa, I have to rush to a schedule tomorrow. I need to get up at five in the morning. Can you wake me up early?"

Im Yoona had managed to come over today. Lying on the sofa, her voice carried a hint of exhaustion.

Liu Zijun felt a bit distressed and quickly said, "Okay, I'll go with you tomorrow. After the shoot, I'll take you to that Samgyetang place you've been wanting to eat at lately."

Im Yoona's voice instantly became cheerful, and then she ducked into the guest room.

"Then I want two servings of Samgyetang to nourish my body."

She didn't dare to be reckless today!

Liu Zijun looked at Son Ye-jin, who was reading beside him, and smiled helplessly.

"This Im Yoona, clearly exhausted, but she perks up the moment she hears about food."

Son Ye-jin put down her book and said with a smile, "Yoona has indeed worked hard lately, rushing through schedules and preparing for the new drama. It's only right for you to take more care of her."

She paused and added, "But that's just how we female celebrities are; if we don't work hard, we'll be forgotten!"

Liu Zijun smiled. "Isn't this your dream too? For the sake of your dream, don't complain about being tired."

Son Ye-jin spoke softly, her tone carrying a hint of emotion.

"Sulli is becoming more and more confident, and Yoona's career is going smoother and smoother. You don't have to worry about everything like you used to."

Liu Zijun squeezed her hand and said tenderly, "None of this would be possible without your support. Yejin, I recently contacted Hollywood through Jiang Hongshao."

"There is a role, actually. If the negotiations go well, you might have to stay there for a while."

Son Ye-jin's cheeks flushed slightly. She immediately looked up at him, her eyes filled with pleasant surprise.

"Really? Won't it be difficult for you all?"

Liu Zijun smiled. "I've always been busy with those two girls; I still need to look after my little noona's feelings."

"And how is that difficult?"

"You know, we're family. Family should support each other."

Liu Zijun shifted his body and turned to pull her into his embrace.