Reborn Action Star: Starting in Hollywood

“I understand how you feel, and I support you,” Lin Yuan said. “I believe your group will be very successful.”

"Do you really think so? You're not just being polite, are you?" Kim Tae-yeon asked in surprise.

As is widely known, Lin Yuan's business acumen is renowned.

Over the years, he has almost never lost money on the movies he starred in or the projects he invested in.

To investors around the world, Lin Yuan is a walking god of wealth, and they wish they could cling to him at all times.

The Wall Street Journal once described him as having "the Midas touch," and even more exaggeratedly, last year Harvard Business School even incorporated the "Lin Yuan coefficient" into its risk assessment model—when he publicly expressed his optimism about a project, market confidence would surge by an average of 37%.

If Lin Yuan's current expression of optimism about his group is true, it's an incredibly auspicious sign!
Lin Yuan replied sincerely, "Yes, I'm not just being polite. I believe your group will become a legend in K-pop history."

Kim Tae-yeon's breath hitched.

Having been a trainee for three years, she had heard far too many empty promises and empty promises.

The company directors said they had "potential," and the producers said they were "special," but no one ever dared to use the word "legend"—just as no one would predict the towering height of a seedling that hasn't even broken through the soil.

"Legend? A legend?" Her throat tightened, her fists clenched tightly. "I wouldn't even dare to dream of something so extravagant. I'd be grateful if I didn't end up as just background noise at a subway station commercial performance."

Lin Yuan's eyes were quite certain.

He was well aware of the immense heights this timid young girl would rise to in the future.

The history of South Korean boy bands is a battlefield where many powerful groups vie for dominance.
The initial fervor sparked by HOT still brings tears to the eyes of middle-aged people today.

The fact that TVXQ was the headliner at the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle) is still described by Japanese media as a "subcultural spectacle."
Bigbang's music chart records are etched like tattoos on the charts;

The number of steps BTS took on the Grammy red carpet was even calculated to have economic effects.
But the throne of girl groups has always had only one name: Girls' Generation!

"Um," Kim Tae-yeon said timidly, "when I get back, could I tell my group members what you said?"

Faced with Kim Tae-yeon's cautious question, Lin Yuan said confidently, "Tell them without worry, just say that Lin Yuan has high hopes for them."

No matter what difficulties you encounter in the future, grit your teeth and persevere. You will surely usher in your own era.

He naturally knew that if Kim Tae-yeon relayed the news that she was optimistic about Girls' Generation to the other group members, it would be disastrous.

They will surely be greatly encouraged and filled with hope for the future.

With such encouragement, when the "Black Sea incident" happens in the future, they should have more hope for forbearance and perseverance when they are suffering in their hearts.

"Thank you! No matter what difficulties we face, we will not back down. We've made a promise to cherish each other's time and create a future together." Kim Tae-yeon's eyes were full of anticipation for the future.

She smiled so brightly, completely unaware that fate had already laid a cruel foreshadowing.

Lin Yuan sighed inwardly, but said nothing and made no plans to do anything in the future.

Girls' Generation is legendary not only because of the heights of their achievements, but also because they are a girl group that has risen from the ashes.

This is like if someone becomes a legend, you can't just look at how glorious they are when they stand at the peak, you also have to look at how they are when they are in the most painful trough, and more importantly, they can't stay down forever, but must be reborn from the ashes and return from the ashes.

The "Black Sea Incident" was a painful low point for Girls' Generation, but also the starting point for their rebirth.

Simply put, it's because of the company's marketing needs that the members of Girls' Generation, who had only recently debuted, were bundled together with members of some popular boy groups for marketing purposes.

It didn't actually reach the level of "creating a couple" in later generations; it was just that there were some slightly intimate interactions during the filming of the music video.

Even a simple music video collaboration is enough to ignite the jealousy of fervent female fans.

So these female fans started to link up and publish a lot of unfounded and baseless rumors online to smear the members of Girls' Generation.

Some might think that the brainwashed female fans of later generations are extreme, but compared to their predecessors, they are nothing.

Those female fans weren't just content with spreading rumors; they started an organized boycott of Girls' Generation, even going so far as to disrupt commercial performances to make sponsors hesitant to pay, all in an effort to completely destroy Girls' Generation's commercial value.

The boycott reached its climax during three subsequent large-scale commercial performances.

As soon as Girls' Generation appeared, all the fans "tacitly" turned off their glow sticks.

The entire concert audience area was pitch black, as if it were empty.

Those female fans are using this method to express the ultimate humiliation of Girls' Generation: In my eyes, you don't exist at all.

Ignoring it is the greatest insult.

On stage, these young girls, with an average age of 18, faced a dark audience and could not utter a single complaint; they could say nothing.

All I could do was, with tears in my eyes, meticulously fulfill my duty to perform on stage, even as the entire audience humiliated me.

The three Black Sea incidents became a permanent source of pain for Girls' Generation.

Faced with overwhelming opposition, SM Entertainment had no choice but to adopt a low-key approach.

After all, Girls' Generation at that time were not yet the "Korean Wave Queens" they would become. They were just newcomers who had just debuted and had no fan base or anyone to speak up for them.

Like seedlings in a storm, their survival depends entirely on their resilience.

The group suspended its activities for nine months following the "Black Sea incident."

Only Kim Tae-yeon and Im Yoon-ah maintain a small number of individual activities, keeping the group's presence barely noticeable.

Kim Tae-yeon hosted a late-night radio program, enduring the cold stares of the TV station staff, and sleeping wrapped in a blanket in the cold corridor.

Yoona went to act in a low-budget TV series, while the other members endured the disappointment and loneliness of the low point.

But it was in this adversity that perseverance finally brought about a turning point.

Kim Tae-yeon often sings for listeners on the radio, and has gained a lot of love with her beautiful voice.

Lim Yoon-a also won the Best New Actress award for her role in the drama "You Are My Destiny".

Under their leadership, Girls' Generation's reputation gradually reversed, culminating in the breakout hit "Gee".

gee, gee, gee, baby baby baby…

It's very catchy, a song you can hear the moment you listen to it.

Lin Yuan will not interfere in the "Black Sea incident".

This is different from Taylor Swift's "record incident".

For Taylor Swift, the "record incident" was a stumbling block that prevented her from achieving greater success, so Lin Yuan had to take the initiative to remove it.

But the "Black Sea Incident" was the flame that forged Girls' Generation into true gold.

If you want to wear a crown, you must bear its weight.

Without the experience of the "Black Sea incident," Girls' Generation would not have been able to maintain a calm mindset in the face of tremendous success, nor would they have been able to unite and go further.

There's a saying within Girls' Generation: the popularity of the members is like the four seasons, with good times and bad times, but we value the vitality of the whole team more than individual popularity.

So Lin Yuan asked, "Have you almost finished practicing your debut song?"

Upon hearing this, Kim Tae-yeon immediately became distressed: "I've practiced countless times, but I still occasionally make small mistakes. The main problem is that the dance is very difficult, and it's too hard to sing and dance without making mistakes."

"Is it that song, 'A New World,'?"

"Huh? You know that?"

"Yes, it's a fantastic song. It will definitely become your signature piece and a lifelong calling card."

"Really? You think so highly of this song? I like it too, but I didn't expect you to praise it so much!"

Lin Yuan thought to himself, how could he not know this song?
When talking about Girls' Generation, many people will think of "Gee", which is considered one of the two most popular Korean girl group songs along with "Nobody".
Or perhaps it's "Genie," which earned Girls' Generation the nickname "the era of thighs";
Or perhaps it's "The Boys," the song that propelled her to the top of the charts.

But actually, Girls' Generation's most influential song is their debut song, "Into the New World".

No joke, this song is even called South Korea's second national anthem.

In many historical events, such as the Sewol ferry disaster, the Choi Soon-sil scandal, and even the martial law protests initiated by President Yoon, people would take to the streets hand in hand, singing this song as they marched.

Whenever there is a major event in South Korea, the melody of "Into the New World" will play.

Because of the uplifting and positive emotions expressed in this song:
"A flawed world will definitely change!"

"In countless uncertain and unknown paths, I chase after the faint light. We will always walk side by side until we finally meet again in the world."

This song is absolutely amazing; it's far more valuable than any so-called annual song champion.

"Reunited Worlds" has become a cultural symbol in South Korea, and even a banner for resisting injustice.

99.9999% of singers, including even the titans of the music industry, will never have a masterpiece like this in their entire lives.

Even someone as famous as Taylor Swift didn't have a song like this.

Of course, "Reunited Worlds" only has such influence in South Korea; it doesn't receive the same level of recognition abroad.

But that doesn't change the fact that this song is the most important song for Girls' Generation. It's truly invaluable to have such a debut song.

Looking at Lin Yuan, Kim Tae-yeon suddenly felt that he was no longer so aloof.

The man in front of her was very willing to understand her and could communicate with her on an equal footing.

This is truly rare!
In South Korea, let alone chaebols, which man with any social standing would even look down on idols?
They both lust after their bodies while simultaneously criticizing them for not being well-educated and thinking they are lazy and good-for-nothing.

Kim Tae-yeon admits she hasn't read many books, but she disagrees that she lacks knowledge.

Do they know how much professional knowledge she has learned in music in order to be able to sing well?
The idea that he's lazy and good-for-nothing is a prejudice. In any way, how has he put in less effort in his training than those who work as laborers?
But Lin Yuan was different from them. Whether he was lusting after his own body or not, he was really approachable and not arrogant at all.

Under the influence of alcohol, Kim Tae-yeon felt dizzy, but also had a kind of blissful euphoria. She even had an impulse to reach out and hug Lin Yuan.

A hug shouldn't be a problem, right?

Kim Tae-yeon's gaze was a little strange, making it difficult for Lin Yuan to discern her meaning for a moment.

There seems to be a sense of anticipation?

Does she want me to praise her more?
So Lin Yuan said, "I will support you when you officially debut. I believe you will become a very excellent singer."

Kim Tae-yeon has said "Really?" countless times tonight.

"Well, it's hard to say about other things. But at least in South Korea, I believe you will become a memory of an era," Lin Yuan nodded and said.

He wasn't making this up; Kim Tae-yeon is arguably the most popular and longest-reigning K-pop girl group idol.

In her previous life, she debuted in 2007 and remained at the peak of her career until 2024.

Even though Girls' Generation has gradually come to an end, she is still incredibly popular as a solo artist.

It is well known that it is very difficult for idol singers to maintain their popularity, at least more difficult than for actors.

First, there's body and appearance management. Just like actors, long-term self-discipline in diet and exercise is essential; otherwise, it's impossible to maintain one's appearance.

Secondly, singers need to practice their vocals every day; otherwise, they'll know if they don't practice for three days, and the audience will know if they don't practice for a week.

Many singers, once they fall into a decadent lifestyle, start smoking and drinking, damaging their voices and neglecting training, then they can only lip-sync when they go on stage.

If someone dares to sing live with a microphone, they'll create a memorable "failure" moment in no time.

Upon hearing Lin Yuan's praise, Kim Tae-yeon asked with a mixture of delight and doubt, "Do you really think so highly of me? It's not true, is it? You've never even heard me sing."

“I’ve heard it, I’ve heard you sing Chihiro Onitsuka’s ‘Moonlight’.”

"what!"

Kim Tae-yeon never expected that Lin Yuan would recognize the song she sang during her audition at SM Entertainment.

Was it sent to him by CEO Lee Soo-man?
Lin Yuan noticed Kim Tae-yeon's confusion, but he didn't explain.

In his previous life, he often listened to this version on the internet.

Kim Tae-yeon was only 14 years old at the time, but she had already shown exceptional talent. It can be said that, apart from Chihiro Onitsuka herself, this is his favorite version.

Lin Yuan didn't explain, so it's no wonder Kim Tae-yeon misunderstood.

She glanced at Lin Yuan somewhat guiltily:

He's so busy, yet he knows our group's debut song and has even heard me sing songs from several years ago.

Is he paying special attention to me?

Kim Tae-yeon didn't dare to dream that Lin Yuan liked her; she was already very happy to receive Lin Yuan's attention.

"Puff! Puff!"

Kim Tae-yeon felt her heart beating very fast. Was this what it felt like to be in love?
She looked up at the wall clock:
Before she knew it, she and Lin Yuan had been chatting like old friends for a long time, and it was now past three in the morning.

Dawn seems to be approaching.

The thought of dawn sent a shiver down Kim Tae-yeon's spine.

Li Fuzhen is coming to check the results tomorrow morning!

Although Lin Yuan said he would handle it, Kim Tae-yeon knew it was definitely not that simple.

It wasn't that she didn't trust Lin Yuan, but rather that she didn't want to create a rift between Lin Yuan and Li Fuzhen.

As a fan of Lee Boo-jin, she was well aware of how terrifying Lee Boo-jin's methods could be.

Over the past year or so, the rumors surrounding the "purge" of the Samsung Group could fill a novel.

Kim Tae-yeon also knew that she could never hide it from Lee Boo-jin.

It's best for her to deal with this herself.

Looking at Lin Yuan's handsome face, Kim Tae-yeon felt the dizziness from drinking was fading, but her desires were quietly growing.

If she was initially somewhat resistant, after chatting all night, she now feels that if something were to happen, it might not be unacceptable.

So she gritted her teeth and said, "Were you caught in some awkward situation under the table just now?"

"what?"

Lin Yuan was surprised that Kim Tae-yeon would bring this up.

"Ms. Aragaki isn't here tonight. Are you planning to go back and take care of things yourself later?"

"..."

That's exactly what I think, but it's embarrassing to admit it!

Did you just see my underwear?

Lin Yuan felt he couldn't handle it anymore; he had indeed seen it and even picked it up.

He even curiously touched the dried-out mark; it was a little sticky.

This immediately made him realize what it was.

That's a bit awkward...

"We are all human beings, it is normal to have a reaction."

Lin Yuan was both amused and exasperated, never expecting to be lectured so earnestly by a little girl.

After saying that, Kim Tae-yeon leaned closer and said, "We need to give Chairman Lee an explanation tomorrow, so don't move. I'll take a picture after it's all over."

Lin Yuan: (ω)
Kim Tae-yeon lowered her head.

Lin Yuan, who could dodge bullets with his reaction speed, was stunned at this moment.

Under the lights, the girl's innocent face, accompanied by her swallowing and spitting, was breathtaking.

Soon, she started foaming at the mouth.

Lin Yuan also felt it was absurd; how could it have come to this?

Kim Tae-yeon took out her phone and snapped several photos of the murder weapon and her own face.

Lin Yuan: !!!
I was photographed?
This is the first time I've ever encountered something like this!

After taking the photos, Kim Tae-yeon put away her phone: "These photos should be enough to get by tomorrow."

That's true, as importing is much more difficult.

Imports are permitted, and there are no other obstacles.

A strange smell lingered in the air. Just as Kim Tae-yeon was about to clean it up, there was a knock on the door.

"Boom boom boom!"

"Unnie, you're still awake, aren't you?"

It's Yoona's voice.

Lin Yuan: "..."

Kim Tae-yeon: !!!

“I see you still have the light on, I’m coming in.”

"Crack!"

The sound of the doorknob turning rang out. (End of Chapter)