Chapter 32

Yin Xian, who originally had not planned to promote his new play, suddenly became busy.

The reason for his busyness was that several things happened simultaneously.

First, on the first day of the New Year, New Year's Day, Yin Xian uploaded the concert version of "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky," which he recorded in S.M Company's studio, to the internet.

Riding on the brilliant performance of "Infinite Challenge" at the MBC Entertainment Awards, this song, which had been rumored since July as a miraculous impromptu creation, finally revealed its true face and almost instantly became a keyword as popular as "Yin Eun-hui and Yin Xian."

Subsequently, Yin Xian made the song available for download on Melon.

LOEN, which had already become accustomed to making money through music downloads, was very pleased with Yin Xian's approach. For them, this kind of almost cost-free business was much easier and more pleasant than the hard work of producing an album and then selling it through channels.

Then, as expected, "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky" debuted at the top of the download charts...

However, this top position did not last long. In less than a week, with the broadcast of a drama, a song from that drama, with an even more overwhelming presence, directly overshadowed "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky."

This drama was "Fast Blade Hong Gildong," which began airing on the second day of the New Year, and the song was "If" performed by Kim Tae-yeon.

Seeing this situation, Yin Xian could only smile bitterly.

However, on the internet, it was far more than just a bitter smile.

Those who understood music could clearly see that the lyrics and melody of the song were only moderately good. What truly made the song so touching came from the singer's understanding of the song and the producer's control over the music. Or, more directly, it was tailor-made.

One was LOEN's only star artist, and the other was the leader of S.M Company's hopeful girl group, plus the keyword that had consistently topped search results. It was impossible for Yin Xian to be linked with any scandal involving Kim Tae-yeon, but this did not mean that no one was speculating in other directions.

Thus, Yin Xian had to issue a statement online, explaining that he had only submitted the song to the drama production team, and the choice of the singer was entirely the director's decision. He also praised the director's keen eye, Kim Tae-yeon's perfect performance, and Yu Yong-jin's outstanding arrangement.

In return, S.M Company issued a statement in Yu Yong-jin's name, explaining that Yu Yong-jin had invited Yin Xian to participate in the recording, and Yin Xian played a crucial role in the recording. Yu Yong-jin also highly praised Yin Xian's music and his understanding of music.

Seeing the two companies working so well together, various gossip quickly disappeared.

However, the song "If" began its long reign at the top of various music download sites...

But if there was one thing these two songs had in common, it was that they both brought substantial income to Yin Xian.

Then, Yin Xian donated the earnings from "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky" to charity under the name of "Infinite Challenge."

Finally, as the ** Festival approached, which was also Yin Xian's birthday, his big-screen debut, "The Chaser," was about to have its premiere.

Yin Xian was now staring at the phone.

Tonight was the premiere of "The Chaser." According to tradition, Yin Xian could invite some friends to participate, both to give them a chance to appear and to use their popularity to promote the movie.

It was a win-win situation.

But now, Yin Xian was worried.

He didn't know who to invite.

His sister was definitely going to be invited. Yoon Ji-hye? As an actress, she would probably support him. Eun-hui? She would likely come, although the recent rumors had made things a bit awkward between them.

As for others, Yin Xian was really unsure.

From his personal perspective, he wanted to invite Ham Eun-jeong, Jeon Bo-ram, and Lee Ji-hye. However, after the previous incident where Lee Ji-hye declined his invitation to perform "Gangnam Style" with him, Yin Xian was cautious, fearing rejection and losing face.

Other friends... Yin Xian really wanted to invite the MCs of "Infinite Challenge," but in the Korean entertainment industry, comedians were at the bottom of the hierarchy. Although Yoo Jae-suk was already a national MC, would he refuse to come because he was worried about not receiving the respect he deserved?

Others... Yin Xian couldn't think of anyone else he really wanted to invite.

At this moment, Yin Xian truly felt that he had no friends in the entertainment industry...

So, he just stood there, lost in thought.

Suddenly, the phone rang, startling Yin Xian, who almost dropped it.

"Hello." Yin Xian answered the call without checking who it was.

"Uncle... OPPA! What are you doing?" Hearing this distinctive address, Yin Xian immediately recognized it as the beautiful-eyed Lin Yoon-ah.

"Yoon-ah... Why did you think of calling me?"

"Uncle, I've been waiting for your call. You've really disappointed me."

"Disappointed? Disappointed about what?"

"The movie! Isn't today the premiere of your movie? You didn't even call to invite me to watch it! I've been with you every step of the way from being a nobody to becoming the lead actor in a movie! You're so ungrateful!" Lin Yoon-ah said, a bit angrily.

"I... I didn't call because I was afraid you wouldn't give me the face to do so." Yin Xian laughed, but in truth, he hadn't even thought about inviting Lin Yoon-ah...

"Alright, I feel your sincerity." Lin Yoon-ah was satisfied with Yin Xian's response, "We'll be there tonight."

"We... Are you talking about Girls' Generation? All nine of you are coming?" Yin Xian was taken aback.

"What? You don't welcome us?" Another voice came from the other end of the line, and Yin Xian recognized it as Kim Tae-yeon. It seemed this girl was in a playful mood...

"Not at all, I'm just surprised by your support! I'm honored!" Yin Xian tried to sound very excited.

"Okay, that's better. See you then." Lin Yoon-ah hung up, satisfied.

Since he had already answered the call, Yin Xian decided to start making calls. As expected, his sister was already prepared to attend and was now deciding which dress to wear.

And Kim Tae-hee? She was currently helping her sister decide...

Yin Eun-hui also readily accepted Yin Xian's invitation.

Then, Yin Xian took a deep breath and called Yoo Jae-suk.

To his surprise, Yoo Jae-suk readily accepted the invitation and said he would inform the other members of "Infinite Challenge" to attend as well.

Feeling more confident, Yin Xian was deeply moved.

However, Ham Eun-jeong, Jeon Bo-ram, and Lee Ji-hye all declined his invitation... Their reasons were different, but the message was the same: they were acquaintances, but they didn't want to cause trouble in such a formal setting... Especially Jeon Bo-ram, who had been convinced by Yin Xian, but upon hearing that Lin Yoon-ah was coming, she immediately declined, saying she wanted to stay consistent with Lee Ji-hye...

This hurt Yin Xian deeply.

In the end, without asking for her opinion, Lee Ji-eun, like a small piece of luggage, was dragged into the car by Yin Xian. Although she kept complaining about having plans to practice, the joy in her eyes clearly contradicted her words.

Since it was a movie premiere, Yin Xian was dressed in a formal black suit.

Although she was wearing a little black dress, Lee Ji-eun knew she didn't have the status to walk the red carpet yet, so she quietly went into the cinema.

Accompanying Yin Xian on the red carpet was Kim Tae-hee, who was currently the most successful of his friends in the film industry.

Walking the red carpet with the first beauty of Korea, Yin Xian's smile was genuinely happy.

"Xian, you're smiling so happily today." Kim Tae-hee noticed the sincerity in his smile.

"Of course, walking the red carpet with Tae-hee-ssi and being the lead, it feels amazing! I never even dreamed of such a day!" Yin Xian smiled and responded to the photographers while whispering.

"You weren't this smooth-talking before. Looks like you've learned a few tricks in the entertainment industry!" Although her words were accusatory, no woman dislikes being flattered, even the first beauty of Korea.

"I can only be honest with Tae-hee-ssi. It's hard to find someone who can be honest in this industry." Yin Xian continued to smile.

"I think Eun-hui is not bad. She's only three years older than you, which isn't much..." Kim Tae-hee started to play matchmaker.

"My dear sister, don't say such things. Eun-hui-ssi wouldn't be interested in me." As they reached the end of the red carpet, Yin Xian quickly changed the subject, as the routine interviews were about to begin.

"What do you have to say about this movie, Yin Xian-ssi?" The MC, a pretty girl whom Yin Xian vaguely recognized as an actress, asked.

"I just want to say that my character in the movie is a complete villain, but I'm a good person in real life. I hope no one throws eggs at me after watching the movie... Ha ha..."

"It seems Yin Xian-ssi is very confident in his performance! Kim Tae-hee-ssi, what do you expect from Yin Xian-ssi and this movie?"

"Yin Xian-ssi is my very dear younger brother. I'm happy to see him as the lead in this movie. I'm looking forward to his performance. If he's playing a villain, I think it's a role that suits him." Kim Tae-hee joked, and the MC joined in with a laugh.

As they were being interviewed, the red carpet suddenly became lively.

"Ko Eun-chan!" Hearing this shout, Yin Xian knew that Yin Eun-hui had arrived.

"Go, go meet your forever Eun-chan!" Kim Tae-hee let go of Yin Xian's arm and gently pushed him towards Yin Eun-hui.

"Do you think I won't?" Seeing Kim Tae-hee's teasing look, Yin Xian was a bit annoyed and walked directly towards Yin Eun-hui.

"What are you doing, Yin Xian?" Seeing him approach, Yin Eun-hui's smile froze.

"Nothing, I'm here to meet my sister." He then directly took the arm of Yin Ji-hye, who was walking beside Yin Eun-hui, without much presence.

"Brat!" Yin Ji-hye was a bit amused and exasperated.

After this small joke, Yin Xian arranged for his agent, Kim Soo-yeon, to take the three women he couldn't afford to offend inside, while he stood next to the MC, waiting to welcome his friends.

The next group of friends to arrive was Yoo Jae-suk and the other MCs of "Infinite Challenge." Haha, who was about to enlist in March, was making his last public appearance, and his signature long hair had been cut into a standard short cut, making him look much more spirited.

"During the filming of this movie, Yin Xian was also participating in the 'Infinite Challenge' ballroom dance special. We know very well how much Yin Xian-ssi put into this movie. Especially the day after the last shot was filmed, when we were recording the calendar special, Yin Xian-ssi was supposed to join us, but he couldn't even walk and was in a wheelchair. So, he didn't appear in that episode." Yoo Jae-suk spoke quickly during the interview.

"Park Myung-soo-ssi, what performance of Yin Xian-ssi in this movie are you most looking forward to?" The MC directed the question to Park Myung-soo.

"I really want to see the fight scene between Yin Xian-ssi and Kim Yun-seok-ssi. I'm curious how Kim Yun-seok-ssi beat Yin Xian-ssi so badly. I have something to say about it..." He then said seriously to the camera, "He did a great job!"

Then, all the MCs burst into laughter.

As the "Infinite Challenge" MCs were chatting, the red carpet became noisy again.

"Girls' Generation!" Jung Jun-ho was the first to get excited.

"Why are you so excited?" Yin Xian was a bit speechless.

"I'm their fan!" Jung Jun-ho was still very excited.

"You just like pretty girls, right?" Park Myung-soo gave him a disdainful look, "Just like No Hong-chul."

No Hong-chul, standing nearby, was helplessly opening his mouth. Since he sang "Girls," almost all "Infinite Challenge" topics related to girls ended with him...

Originally, Yin Xian wanted the usher to take these men inside so he could greet the nine Girls' Generation members, but these six old men were like they were nailed to the spot...

As the nine girls approached the stage, the area became very crowded.

Helplessly, Yin Xian and the MC stepped aside, standing to the side and watching their overexcited companions harass or interview Girls' Generation...

Finally, with the appearance of the next main actor, Xu Young-hee, on the red carpet, Yin Xian led the group into the screening room.

"Yin Xian OPPA, congratulations!" Xu Hyun managed to say a word to Yin Xian.

"Thank you, Xu Hyun-ssi!" Yin Xian had always had a good impression of this straightforward girl.

As for the other members of Girls' Generation, they had almost no chance to have a private conversation with Yin Xian. Lin Yoon-ah even forgot why she was there...

Since Yin Xian was the least experienced among the main actors, he was the first to appear on the red carpet. After entering the screening room with his friends, Yin Xian still had time to thank those who came to support him.

As the director entered, the premiere officially began.

Unlike many pop performance premieres, director Roh Hong-jin set up a few chairs and invited Yin Xian, Kim Yun-seok, and Xu Young-hee to the stage, where the MC conducted a Q&A session before the screening.

At this moment, Yin Xian realized the female MC's name was Song Ji-hyo. He then remembered that she and Yin Eun-hui had acted together in "Gung," which explained why she was egging on Kim Tae-hee earlier...

The interview was very technical, focusing on the origins of the script, the themes the director wanted to convey, and the actors' insights into their performances.

After a 30-minute interview, the movie officially began.

"Ji-eun, if you feel uncomfortable, go outside," Yin Xian suddenly remembered something and said to Lee Ji-eun, who was sitting next to him, "This movie is rated 19 and above. You're still young, and some scenes might be a bit..."

"It's okay, I have OPPA beside me." Lee Ji-eun was in a particularly good mood today. She noticed that the two people sitting next to Yin Xian were herself and Yin Ji-hye, his real sister, which made her feel very important to him!

"Well, if you still feel that way after the movie, it would be great." Yin Xian, knowing his character in the movie, was a bit speechless.

The movie slowly unfolded on the screen. From the beginning, the oppressive story captured the hearts of the audience.

Finally, the movie reached its first climax, with Yin Xian telling a story with a faint smile amidst a group of police officers.

Even watching his own performance, Yin Xian felt a chill, let alone the other audience members.

The most direct reaction was that Lee Ji-eun, who had been holding Yin Xian's hand due to the dark and gloomy atmosphere of the movie, withdrew her hand.

It's over. This child will have a psychological scar. Yin Xian thought sadly.

As the plot progressed, the incompetence of the police and the cunning of Yeong-min plunged the audience into a nearly hopeless state.

Finally, a ray of hope appeared: Ma-jeon escaped!

The audience, who had been in a state of extreme tension, let out a few long sighs.

Yin Xian heard this and gave a bitter smile. What is tragedy? Tragedy is showing the destruction of something beautiful.

So, when Ma-jeon was captured again by Yeong-min due to the convenience store owner, the entire audience fell silent.

The plot further developed. When a shot of Ma-jeon's head in the fish tank was shown just before the final confrontation between Yeong-min and Jung-ho, Yin Xian even heard some gasps and low sobs.

Then, the plot entered its final stage...

When the credits rolled and the lights in the screening room came on, the entire audience fell into a deathly silence.

Yin Xian naturally knew why. He looked at the director, who was sitting nearby, and then at Kim Yun-seok, who was also looking at him.

As the two main actors decided to stand up together through their eye contact, the first applause came from somewhere in the screening room.

Then, applause quickly spread throughout the entire room.

In the midst of the continuous and enthusiastic applause, Director Roh Hong-jin, who had been sitting in his chair since the end of the screening, finally stood up and came to the stage, bowing deeply to the still applauding audience.

Yin Xian and Kim Yun-seok, who had already stood up, clapped hard from their positions.