Chapter 43

After hearing Jiny Tae-yeon's words, Xia Hou Zhongying was speechless, not expecting that this matter had really caused quite a stir.

This time, the movie he was preparing to shoot was just a sudden inspiration, and it was a small-scale project, almost a form of self-entertainment. However, after the involvement of various parties, it was destined to be a significant event.

Behind this, there were not only the efforts of S.M. Entertainment but also the support of Kent School. Xia Hou Zhongying's contribution was also indispensable. If it weren't for him spreading the news to various schools in Seoul, the impact wouldn't have been so wide, and S.M. Entertainment wouldn't have joined in.

Xia Hou Zhongying looked around and saw that even Zheng Xiu-jing, who was usually fearless, seemed a bit nervous, which made him feel a bit depressed. He asked, "Xiu-jing, are you nervous too?"

"Brother, there are reporters here today," Zheng Xiu-jing said. To maintain her image, she didn't hug Xia Hou Zhongying's arm as she usually did, which made Xia Hou Zhongying wonder why she was so well-behaved today. Now he knew the reason.

Although Zheng Xiu-jing was only 10 years old, she had come from an agency and had been taught about image management. She knew what was appropriate and what wasn't. With reporters present, she didn't dare to act too out of line. Even though they were just trainees, today was their first public appearance as actors, so it was important to maintain a good image.

"Reporters?" Xia Hou Zhongying was stunned. He never thought reporters would come to cover his report meeting. This was a bit exaggerated. Besides, the report meeting was only confirmed yesterday morning. How did the reporters know about it?

"How do you know there are reporters here?" Xia Hou Zhongying asked, puzzled.

"Brother, look over there," Zheng Xiu-jing pointed out softly.

Xia Hou Zhongying followed her finger and saw several groups of people carrying cameras, wearing press credentials, and holding microphones. They were clearly reporters. He felt a bit embarrassed for not noticing them earlier. He had been so busy that he hadn't even had time to look around.

Some of these reporters had come because they received information from the school, some were from media outlets friendly with S.M. Entertainment, and others had heard about it through their children who attended the school and thought it was a good story to cover.

Seeing such a large presence, Xia Hou Zhongying started to feel a bit nervous. He had never dealt with reporters before and only knew about them from others. The paparazzi, he heard, were not easy to handle.

Xia Hou Zhongying took a deep breath and said to the group, "Don't be nervous, it's not a big deal. Having reporters here is actually a good thing. They can help us with publicity, and it looks like we won't have any problem getting sponsors this time."

"Big brother, but I'm scared," the fat boy said, his face showing fear, and he couldn't even speak clearly.

The other two assistants also nodded rapidly, looking pitifully at Xia Hou Zhongying, hoping he could give them some advice.

"What are you afraid of? They won't eat you. What's there to be afraid of? They're just reporters," Xia Hou Zhongying said, feeling annoyed by their cowardice.

"Big brother, but they are reporters. What if we make a fool of ourselves and it gets reported?" Song Zhen-huan said, his face showing fear.

Xia Hou Zhongying's face turned dark, and he glared at the three assistants, saying, "If you're afraid, just don't speak. I'll answer the questions."

The three assistants immediately felt relieved and nodded in agreement.

"Are you all okay?" Xia Hou Zhongying turned to the eight girls and asked.

"We're fine," Zheng Xiu-yan and the others replied. Although they were nervous, they had experience from their agency and knew how to manage their emotions.

But Li Lixiu was different. Even though she said she was fine, her trembling voice and clenched, shaking hands revealed her nervousness.

Xia Hou Zhongying couldn't help but feel a headache and covered his forehead. He said to the group, "If any reporters ask you questions, just say you don't know and push everything to me. Got it?"

"Yes," the group replied.

"Also, if they ask about the script or other content, just push the questions to me. I'll answer them," Xia Hou Zhongying added, worried that the group might reveal too much due to nervousness. The project was already causing a big stir, and they hadn't even started yet.

The group nodded in agreement.

After receiving the news that some reporters had arrived, Vice Principal Li hurried over to see Xia Hou Zhongying and the others, wanting to give them some advice to avoid any embarrassing moments during the reporters' questions. If the school's reputation was damaged, it would be a big joke.

Vice Principal Li arrived just as Xia Hou Zhongying was giving the group some advice. Listening to him, Vice Principal Li nodded in approval. He thought Xia Hou Zhongying had a good presence and didn't need much worry. However, the girls and the three boys seemed a bit off, so he decided to give them some encouragement.

"Dad, why are you here?" Li Lixiu, who was in front of Xia Hou Zhongying, saw her father and asked.

"Principal, good morning," the group quickly bowed and greeted Vice Principal Li.

"Good, good, I came to see you all. How are you feeling? There are reporters here today, so don't let them make you cry, or it will be a big embarrassment," Vice Principal Li said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

The group laughed, and their nervousness eased a bit.

"Old hands are always the best," Xia Hou Zhongying thought to himself. He had spent a lot of time trying to calm everyone down, but Vice Principal Li's one joke did the trick. He couldn't help but admire the vice principal, who had been through a lot. He still had a lot to learn.

"Yes, they are all very beautiful," Vice Principal Li said, looking at the eight girls.

"Thank you, Principal," the seven S.M. girls thanked him.

Li Lixiu, hugging Vice Principal Li's arm, said with a smile, "Of course, we are all agency trainees, how could we not be beautiful?"

"Don't be so informal. Let go of my arm. You are part of the production team now. If you act too close to me, the reporters might think I'm supporting you because you're my daughter," Vice Principal Li said, scolding her playfully.

Li Lixiu stuck out her tongue and quickly let go of her father's arm, giggling.

"High, really high," Xia Hou Zhongying thought, admiring Vice Principal Li's ability to ease the tension with just a few words. He still had a lot to learn.

"You three are also great," Vice Principal Li said to the three assistants. "Work hard, boys. I believe in you."

"Yes, Principal, we will do our best," the three assistants said, their faces glowing. What could be better than being praised by the principal? If the principal thought they were great, they felt great too, and their confidence soared.

Seeing that everyone was more relaxed, Vice Principal Li nodded in satisfaction. It looked like everything was under control. He glanced at Xia Hou Zhongying, who was looking at him with admiration, and felt a bit smug. He thought to himself, "Kid, don't think you're so smart. You still have a lot to learn."

Vice Principal Li didn't need to give Xia Hou Zhongying any special advice. He nodded at him and was about to leave but was stopped.

"Principal, don't you have anything to say to me?" Xia Hou Zhongying looked at Vice Principal Li with pleading eyes.

"You? I don't have anything to say," Vice Principal Li said, turning to leave.

"Come on, Principal, just give me a few tips," Xia Hou Zhongying said quickly, thinking it was a great opportunity to learn from an expert.

Vice Principal Li almost stumbled, thinking, "What kind of person is this? Now is not the time to teach you how to handle the situation." He was both amused and annoyed.

"Is the report meeting about to start?" Vice Principal Li glared at Xia Hou Zhongying and asked.

"Ah, yes, it can start now," Xia Hou Zhongying laughed, a bit embarrassed, scratching his head. He had forgotten the context. It wasn't appropriate to ask for advice now, with a thousand students waiting below. He would have to wait for another time.

Xia Hou Zhongying quickly led Vice Principal Li to the stage, seating him in the center chair. He then arranged the two leaders and a few guests on either side of Vice Principal Li. After seating everyone, he had the production team members sit in their designated spots.

Seeing Vice Principal Li on the stage, the students below gradually quieted down, knowing the report meeting was about to begin.

Xia Hou Zhongying walked to his position, adjusted the microphone, and tested the sound. Confirming it was working, he began, "Ladies and gentlemen, teachers and students, welcome to our movie production report meeting. I now declare the meeting officially open."