Chapter 45

Although currently in a semi-reclusive state, Yin Xian has never really left.

For example, today he came to the recording site of "Infinite Challenge" again.

"Yin Xian-xi, do you have time?" During a break in filming, PD Kim Tae-ho approached Yin Xian.

"What's up, PD Kim?" As an MC who had fully integrated into the show, he deeply understood that being called out by the PD alone would definitely not be a good thing.

"It's not about 'Infinite Challenge,' but a friend of mine wants to meet you." Kim Tae-ho also knew his current reputation, and if he didn't explain, Yin Xian would definitely not move...

"Friend? A PD?" Yin Xian was taken aback.

"Hello, I'm PD Cho Jung-shin from MBC." A somewhat introverted person greeted Yin Xian.

"Oh, hello, PD Cho!" Yin Xian was taken aback and quickly returned the greeting.

"Let me introduce you. This PD Cho is currently producing a variety show called 'We Got Married' at MBC." Kim Tae-ho, seeing his colleague's introversion, spoke on his behalf.

"'We Got Married'? A marriage-themed variety show? About married life?" Yin Xian was taken aback.

"Do you remember the Yoon Eun-hye special on 'Infinite Challenge' before?" PD Cho tried to explain.

"Imaginary marriage?" Yin Xian immediately understood.

"Yes, it's a variety show where two artists record as if they are married." PD Cho was very impressed by Yin Xian's quick understanding.

"It sounds interesting. But aren't you afraid of the negative impact of rumors? Would any agency allow their artists to participate... except for S.M?"

Yin Xian's words made the two PDs laugh; everyone in the industry knew S.M.'s habit of stirring up rumors...

"Not necessarily. Since it's clearly stated as an imaginary marriage from the beginning, it's more likely to be seen as acting or a variety show, making it less likely to generate rumors." PD Cho explained further.

Yin Xian nodded in agreement. In the previous Yoon Eun-hye special, he and Kim Jong-kook had been so exaggerated, but in the end, there was no major fallout.

"But you came to me... not to ask me to appear, right?" Yin Xian was taken aback.

"Well, I originally contacted LOEN Entertainment, but your company's representative said that since the previous incident, they haven't assigned you a manager, so you handle all your activities yourself. That's why I had to resort to this method to invite you." PD Cho said a bit embarrassedly.

"I'm actually quite interested in this show," Yin Xian thought for a moment and said, "But I might be quite busy in the coming period, so I might not be able to... How about this, if you need me for the second season, I'll participate, okay?"

"Alright... Okay." PD Cho nodded hesitantly.

"What show? Sounds interesting!" Jung Hae-dong, who had been listening, came over.

PD Cho explained to Jung Hae-dong again.

"Wow, sounds interesting. I was so jealous of the Yoon Eun-hye special. PD, can I be part of this show?" Jung Hae-dong volunteered.

PD Cho, having recovered from the failure to invite Yin Xian, enthusiastically engaged with Jung Hae-dong...

But before leaving, PD Cho still left Yin Xian's phone number.

It was once again December, the season of awards.

Yin Xian was really idle this year. Apart from the MBC Entertainment Awards for "Infinite Challenge," he didn't receive any invitations from other award ceremonies.

Or perhaps these people couldn't even get in touch with Yin Xian...

Then, under the humble request of the MBC Entertainment Department, Yin Xian agreed to perform a live acoustic version of "The Brightest Star in the Sky" at the MBC awards. This became his only live performance at the end of 2008.

The tickets for the MBC Entertainment Awards, which were announced in advance, were quickly snapped up by Yin Xian's fans...

Perhaps because of "Infinite Challenge's" dominant performance at last year's awards, this year's Entertainment Awards announced early on that they wouldn't give as many awards to "Infinite Challenge" as last year.

But everyone still came to the awards ceremony with high spirits.

"Infinite Challenge" only received a PD Special Award, similar to a lifetime achievement award.

However, the highlight of the evening was still the "Infinite Challenge" team. Even the grand prize winner, Kang Ho-dong, somewhat sourly said that people would only remember Yin Xian's live performance and not care who won the grand prize.

Yin Xian's live acoustic performance of "The Brightest Star in the Sky" was the original version in his mind.

Unlike the version he recorded for the concert, the acoustic version more effectively captured the attention of everyone at the scene.

With MBC's efforts to create a starry sky on the screens and the cooperation of hundreds of fans, the live performance video quickly topped the search charts that night.

Afterward, on Yin Xian's café, people started a petition for him to release another album...

But on the cusp of the new year, Yin Xian was busy with other things.

Yin Xian was invited to S.M. Entertainment by Yoo Young-jin.

Because the girls of Girls' Generation thought the song Yin Xian wrote for them was too simple and refused to sing it.

Although Yoo Young-jin immediately recognized the song's uniqueness, he was more interested in how Yin Xian would persuade these girls, especially the stubborn Kim Tae-yeon and Jessica, who believed in their singing abilities.

Moreover, although the album production was nearing completion, the song "Gee," which Yoo Young-jin had designated as the lead single, still lacked a track, choreography, and MV.

He had been waiting for Yin Xian.

So, now Yin Xian was in the Girls' Generation practice room, trying to persuade, or rather, educate these nine proud girls.

"Did you hear that you think the song I wrote for you is too simple?" Yin Xian said calmly.

But he exuded an aura of authority.

The nine girls obediently sat in a row on the floor but remained silent in unison.

"Hmm, not bad. It seems you've grown a lot after some experiences." This was the first time Yin Xian had seen these nine girls since the Black Sea incident. He had prepared a lot to say when they met again, but he never expected it to be in this situation.

His response was still nine stubborn silences.

"Alright, since you won't speak, just sit there. Kim Tae-yeon, come with me." Yin Xian said coldly.

"Don't you dare bully Onee Tae-yeon!" Before Yin Xian could turn around, Lim Yoon-a immediately spoke up.

"Lim Yoon-a, I hope you understand that since Yoo Young-jin-xi entrusted you to me, I am now the producer, even if it's just for one song. I am the producer." Yin Xian stared coldly at Lim Yoon-a.

Yin Xian's gaze was terrifying, and Lim Yoon-a shrank back in fear but ultimately bravely stood in front of Kim Tae-yeon.

During the turbulent times of Girls' Generation, Lim Yoon-a and Kim Tae-yeon had carried the group's banner. The two, as the only active members during that period, had endured countless criticisms and hardships, known only to themselves. At that moment, they were the closest comrades. Now, as her comrade faced an attack, the decision was not difficult to make.

And her intuition told her that Yin Xian wouldn't really get angry with her...

"Yoon-a, it's okay. OPPA Yin Xian won't make things difficult for me." Although Kim Tae-yeon felt a bit wronged and scared when she was called out, the past six months of training had given her a preliminary air of leadership. She stood up and followed Yin Xian out of the practice room.

Yin Xian led Kim Tae-yeon into a nearby vocal practice room and had her lock the door.

"Let's make a bet?" Yin Xian suddenly smiled.