Peninsula: I'm the Top Streamer

Chapter 607: Trip to Busan (6.2k)

After saying goodbye to the (G)I-DLE members, Kwon Heonhyuk did not leave the TV station directly, but turned around and walked towards the corridor where the PD's office was located, the core area of ​​the production team.

The corridor was still bustling with activity, but Quan Xuanhe, with a clear goal in mind, walked steadily and quickly found the office with the nameplate "Chief Director - Shen Donghao".

He raised his hand and knocked on the door.

"Please come in." A steady voice came from inside the door.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk pushed open the door. The office wasn't large, but it was piled high with documents, screens, and charts. Behind the desk in the center sat a slightly overweight middle-aged man, Shin Dong-ho, the PD in charge of the MCD program.

When PD Shin looked up from behind the screen and saw who it was, a warm and slightly surprised smile immediately appeared on his face.

"Oh my! Hyunhyuk-ssi?" PD Shin quickly stood up, walked around the desk and extended his hand warmly, "It's been a long time, what brings you here today?"

"I bet they're here to support Gidle, right?"

After a long time, Kwon Hyun-hyuk is no longer the newcomer actor he once was; he's now a top star, while Shin Dong-ho is still the same PD. He has to communicate with him with even greater care than before.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk smiled and extended his hand to shake hands with PD Shin: "PD Shin, it's been a long time. Yes, I just finished filming Challenge with Mi-yeon and the others, and I came to see you."

PD Shin led Kwon Heonhyuk to sit on the guest sofa next to him, and then sat back down in his office chair.

"Oh my, after all this time, Xuanhe still remembers me."

Shen Donghao said with a smile.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries about old news from the TV station and Quan Xuanhe's recent situation, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

Seeing that the groundwork had been laid, Quan Xuanhe subtly steered the conversation toward the main topic.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk looked into Shin PD's eyes and continued in a consultative tone, "Miyeon is an artist with a great stage presence and a lot of ideas. For her comeback next month, they originally invited me to do a collaboration stage."

He paused for a moment, then emphasized the last word, "If it can be realized, it will definitely add a lot to the stage. It should be very helpful in generating buzz and is also good for the show itself."

PD Shin's fingers tapped the table unconsciously as his mind raced.

Quan Xuanhe makes a good point.

Because he is Kwon Heon-hyuk, what he said makes sense.

He's from the production team, and his goal is to increase the show's buzz. Since he said that, it could bring Kwon Heonhyuk back to the stage.

He still remembers how popular their pairing was back then.

The farewell stage performance by Kwon Heon-hyuk and Cho Mi-yeon has now garnered over 50 million views!

It's in the top five most-viewed K-Pop stage performances to date!
Back then, Kwon Heon-hyuk and Cho Mi-yeon weren't top idols; they were just on the rise. Yet, they achieved unparalleled success.

The return on investment is incredibly high.

This is also one of his achievements as a director!

He carefully considered his words before speaking: "The idea is good."

This was exactly the prelude that Kwon Hyun-hyuk had been waiting for.

"Oh, this?" Kwon Hyun-hyuk gave a knowing smile.

"It's actually quite understandable. The company naturally wants to protect its artists and consider all aspects. However, if we can take the initiative to communicate with the senior management of Cube Entertainment, I believe Cube will also seriously consider the matter."

“PD Shin, as the chief director, I think you would be much more persuasive if you communicated with Cube.”

"From the perspective of the production team, we promoted the cooperation and explained that it was to jointly create a wonderful stage, rather than it being a sudden idea of ​​the artist," Kwon Heonhyuk added, cleverly dispelling the embarrassment of "personal ideas being difficult to realize" for Cho Miyeon and packaging it as a positive measure by the production team.

“I believe that with your communication skills, PD Shin, you will definitely be able to reach a consensus with Cube, and I will actively cooperate.”

As Shin PD listened to Kwon Hyun-hyuk's clear and logical analysis and suggestions, his eyes gradually lit up.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk's move was indeed brilliant! By having the production team proactively suggest and explain the plan, he achieved the desired effect while also saving face for the company and the artist. Moreover, the plan was genuinely beneficial to the program, and he was happy to see it succeed.

As for communicating with Cube?
This was not a difficult task for him, who had worked in television for many years and frequently negotiated with various talent agencies.

Quan Xuanhe even offered the words "I can actively cooperate," clearly indicating his willingness to do his utmost to make this matter a success; his attitude was clear enough.

“Hmm…” PD Shin pondered for a moment, then a decisive smile appeared on his face. He stood up and picked up the landline phone on the table.

"Xuanhe-xi, your idea is excellent. Indeed, in order to create a better stage effect, the production team has a responsibility to come up with innovative solutions."

"Okay, I'll contact Cube after today to have a focused discussion. I believe that for the sake of the final result of the show, everyone will be able to find a balance."

Seeing that PD Shin took immediate action, Kwon Heonhyuk knew that the matter was already mostly settled.

A satisfied smile appeared on his face, and he stood up: "Thank you very much, PD Shin. You've gone to a lot of trouble."

"Not at all, Xuanhe-xi gave me a great idea! It's all for the sake of the show's quality!" PD Shin laughed heartily.

"Wait for my news! I believe I can give Xuanhe and Meiyanxi a satisfactory answer soon."

Quan Xuanhe smiled and nodded: "Okay, then I won't disturb your work any longer."

After saying that, he turned and left the PD's office, gently closing the door behind him.

After talking with him, Quan Xuanhe felt that there was probably no major problem with the matter.

In SM Entertainment's practice room, the aespa members had just finished intensive training on the choreography for their new song.

As Liu Zhimin was wiping her sweat with a towel, her agent pushed open the door and waved the schedule in her hand: "Kids, the company has arranged a five-day holiday for you."

"Your vacation starts tomorrow. Remember to keep your phone accessible."

The manager looked at Kim Dong-won, who was slumped on the floor, and Yoo Jimin, who was silently drinking water, and added, "As the leader, Jimin especially needs to keep her phone accessible."

"Inside."

Liu Zhimin raised her hand and responded.

"After five days, I need to work hard when I get back. Even if there's nothing else going on, I need to practice diligently."

"You guys are going to Coachella in April, and you'll have to sing live. If you don't perform well, you'll get yelled at."

The agent looked at everyone and repeatedly urged them, "Cherish this time, and get back into shape as soon as you come back."

"Arathor."

Coachella.

A mainstream American music festival, this stage has become an important springboard for K-pop groups to enter the American market since BLACKPINK performed there, enjoying extremely high attention and exposure.

Now, aespa has become the second combination to reach Coachella.

SM's determination to make America beautiful is fully reflected in them.

After the manager left the practice room, everyone completely relaxed, and one by one they prepared to leave and go back to their dorm.

"Unnie, where are you going on vacation?"

Kim Dong-won casually asked Yoo Ji-min this question.

"Let's get ready to go out and have some fun."

Liu Zhimin's sense of crisis was immediately aroused, alarm bells rang in her mind, and she spoke vaguely.

"Really? Where to?"

Jin Dongtian stared at her blankly, asking curiously.

"I don't even know where we're going with my unnie."

"But maybe we'll go to the beach?"

Liu Zhimin kept her date with Quan Xuanhe a complete secret from Jin Dongtian.

Clearly, she was wary of Jin Dongtian doing anything to annoy her again.

"I see." Kim Dong-won nodded thoughtfully.

"Where's Min-yeon?"

Just in case, Liu Zhimin asked her one more question.

"Me? Maybe I'll go home?"

Jin Dong thought for a moment and replied in a very natural tone.

"it is good."

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhimin nodded and did not ask any further questions.

The next morning, before the mist had completely dissipated and Seoul was fully awake, a Porsche Macan silently pulled up at the agreed-upon intersection not far from the SM dormitory.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk, in the driver's seat, wore a comfortable beige casual jacket, sunglasses clipped to his collar, his fingers lightly tapping the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the direction of the road.

He was in a good mood. Yesterday's communication with PD Shin got off to a good start, and after returning home, he enjoyed another day. Today, he just wanted to put work-related matters aside for the time being and focus on the date in front of him.

Who wants to work during their vacation?

Not long after, a figure wearing a baseball cap and a mask, dressed in a similarly casual but deliberately low-key style, carrying a small suitcase, quickly emerged from the street corner.

Seeing her acting so discreetly and furtively, Quan Xuanhe knew without a second thought that it was Liu Zhimin, so he opened the car door and got out to take her luggage.

"Why are you acting so furtively? Everyone knows you're a strange person. Just walk over here honestly and straightforwardly."

After Quan Xuanhe walked over, he couldn't help but smile when he saw Liu Zhimin's bright, watery eyes looking at him.

"Be careful, you not only have to hide from paparazzi, but also from the company."

The company's warning was still echoing in Liu Zhimin's ears, so she had to be very careful when she came out with him.

After handing the luggage to Quan Xuanhe, Liu Zhimin looked around warily, then quickly opened the car door and climbed into the passenger seat.

After getting into the car, Liu Zhimin took off her mask, took a deep breath, and her tense shoulders visibly relaxed, revealing a sweet smile that carried a hint of secret and relief.

Good morning, oppa!

"Good morning, Jimin." Kwon Hyun-hyuk put down his luggage and got into the car. Looking at Yoo Jimin's beautiful face under her delicate makeup, he smiled.

"How did you sleep last night? Did you pack all your luggage?"

"It's okay, I was a little excited, but I slept pretty well. I brought everything." Liu Zhimin fastened her seatbelt, took off her baseball cap, and tossed her hair a few times, her tone filled with excitement.

"Finally, I can go out and have fun!"

"set off!"

Quan Xuanhe nodded, skillfully started the car, and merged into the increasingly busy but not yet congested traffic of the morning.

"Do the members all know?"

"Of course I don't know," Liu Zhimin said immediately, her tone firm, with a hint of barely perceptible wariness. "I told Dong-il that I might be going to the beach with some unnie I know, but everyone else just said they were taking a vacation. Nobody knows exactly where we're going, let alone... if we're going with Oppa."

She emphasized, making sure Kwon Hyun-hyuk understood her cautious attitude towards the matter. She still clearly remembered Kim Dong-won's questioning gaze and thoughtful expression yesterday.

Quan Xuanhe chuckled knowingly, without saying anything more.

Actually.
Never mind, we'll see when the time comes.

As the car entered the highway, the concrete jungle of the city rushed past the car window, gradually being replaced by green countryside.

After departing from Seoul, travel south along the Gyeongbu Expressway, passing through cities such as Suwon, Daejeon, and Daegu, before finally arriving in Busan.

The entire journey is about 430 kilometers and takes about four to five hours by car.

The route will pass by Yoo Ji-min's house, which is in Suwon.

Liu Zhimin rolled down the car window a crack, letting the breeze carrying the coolness of spring and the scent of new greenery into the car. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, as if trying to inhale all the rare freedom into her lungs, and then closed the window again.

It was still a bit cold in March.

"Busan..." She reopened her eyes, looking at the changing scenery outside the window, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"It's been a long time since I've been there. I miss the seaside air."

South Korea is such a small place. If it were the other way around, it would be like traveling within a province. Almost everyone would travel to other cities and counties within the province. Yoo Jimin was no exception, having visited Busan before.

But this time it's different; it's with Kwon Heon-hyuk, and it's a very meaningful trip for two.

Isn't this an opportunity created for her by God?
Busan has many attractions worth visiting.

For example, Haeundae Yeongwol Road is a winding path through the forest, starting at Haeundae Beach and ending at Songjeong Beach, with beautiful scenery along the way.

There's also the Gwangan Bridge, the largest sea bridge in South Korea. It's located between 49 Suyeong-ro Plaza in Busan Metropolitan City and Centum City in U-dong, Haeundae-gu, and is seven kilometers long. The view is quite spectacular when the lights are on at night.

"You'll be able to smell it soon."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk held the steering wheel steadily, his mood improving with the open road and the relaxed atmosphere around him.

“We can take a walk on the beach, find a scenic spot to eat seafood… or is there anything you particularly want to do?” he asked, looking at Liu Zhimin.

"Actually... as long as I can be with Oppa, I'll do anything."

Liu Zhimin turned her head and looked at Quan Xuanhe's profile, her eyes crinkling with a smile that was completely genuine.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk couldn't help but click his tongue at the sudden sincerity of the remark, "Let's get down to business."

"What! This is my honest opinion? Am I not allowed to speak my truth?"

"The main problem is that it's hard for me to continue what you're saying, okay?"

"What's so difficult about that? Oppa just needs to say 'Me too,' pfft."

Liu Zhimin rolled her eyes at Quan Xuanhe.

"Go, go, go."

The sunlight gradually became brighter and warmer, streaming through the car windows and creating a cozy and peaceful atmosphere inside.

Kwon Seonhyuk smiled too, and a tacit tranquility and comfortable sweetness filled the car. The black sedan headed south, driving steadily and firmly along the highway towards Busan.

Yoo Ji-min and Kwon Hyun-hyuk have one thing in common: they both like to sleep.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk doesn't like staying up late, while Yoo Jimin sleeps soundly whenever she has time.

So, Kwon Hyun-hyuk focused intently on driving, while Yoo Jimin, sitting beside him, couldn't help but nod, gradually becoming drowsy, her eyes starting to wander.

The scenery outside the car window flowed by in the spring sunshine, with vast fields and scattered towns passing by in turn.

The rhythmic engine sounds on the highway and the soothing music inside the car created a hypnotic tranquility.

But this tranquility was soon broken by a soft "gurgling" sound.

While leaning back in her chair and gazing out the window, actually asleep, Liu Zhimin subconsciously touched her stomach, then glanced somewhat embarrassedly at Quan Xuanhe in the driver's seat.

"Looks like our Jimin needs an emergency supply depot?" Kwon Hyun-hyuk said with a smile, glancing at the time on the dashboard.

"It's past lunchtime, and we must be hungry."

"Mmm!" Liu Zhimin chuckled shyly twice, nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Oppa, let's get off the highway and find somewhere to eat? It feels like we've been driving for ages."

She looked around at the relatively unfamiliar highway scenery. "Where are we now?"

"We just passed Daejeon, didn't we?" Kwon Heonhyuk recalled the road signs and skillfully reduced his speed.

"There should be a highway service station not far ahead, which will be a convenient and quick way to get there."

Everyone at the service station was in a hurry. I was fully armed with a hat, mask, and glasses. More importantly, being able to have a casual lunch with Quan Xuanhe at a service station on the road felt a bit like... a couple secretly eloping?
The thought made her face flush slightly, but she immediately reaffirmed her resolve.

"It's okay, oppa!" she said, already rummaging through her bag for a hat and mask.

"Let's eat at the service area." She held up her oversized sunglasses and bucket hat, which she had just pulled out, her tone slightly playful.

Seeing that she was full of energy and well-prepared, Quan Xuanhe felt relieved.

“Okay, let’s go to the next service area.” He turned the steering wheel and steadily drove the black Porsche onto the ramp leading to the service area.

The car slowly pulled into the parking space.

Liu Zhimin promptly put on a hat, mask, and sunglasses, revealing almost only her forehead and smooth chin, truly covering herself completely.

"Safety confirmed! Let's go!" She opened the car door, her voice sounding a little muffled through her mask, but her excitement was undiminished.

Kwon Seonhyuk also got out of the car, and the two walked side by side through the parking lot and into the bustling service station building.

The aroma of various foods wafted through the air—hot soup, fried chicken, seaweed rice rolls, oden from convenience stores… mixed with the noise of the crowd.

It was similar to the scene when Kwon Hyun-hyuk and Minatozaki Sana went out for a trip before.

Liu Zhimin moved closer to Quan Xuanhe, secretly grabbed his sleeve, and when he didn't react, she confidently took his arm.

He tucked his arm into his chest.

Quan Xuanhe couldn't pretend he didn't see the commotion, so he turned to look at Liu Zhimin.

Liu Zhimin spoke confidently, her large eyes making it impossible for Quan Xuanhe to resist.

Thinking about the people around me now, Liu Zhimin definitely has the biggest eyes.

They wandered around various small restaurants and food stalls, and after doing so, they were carrying a bunch of things in their hands.

The two carried their full plates and found a corner seat where there were relatively few people.

After removing her mask, Liu Zhimin looked at the steaming soup and rice in front of her and ate it in small, satisfied bites.

Rolling his eyes.

Liu Zhimin took a bite of the meat, then looked at Quan Xuanhe with a look of surprise, "Oppa! This is so delicious."

She picked up her chopsticks and brought the piece of meat to Kwon Hyun-hyuk's lips, "Oppa, want to try some?"

Quan Xuanhe glanced at her and pushed her hand back, saying, "Eat more yourself."

A dangerous glint flashed in Liu Zhimin's eyes. Seeing that her test had failed, she pouted and looked unhappy.

He ignored him, but some people would want not only meat, but even socks.

After finishing their meal and wiping their mouths, the two quickly rejoined the flow of traffic and continued towards their destination—Busan, a city filled with the scent of the sea.

After resuming their journey and taking a short break to replenish their energy, the two were noticeably more energetic.

The car rejoined the traffic on the Gyeongbu Expressway and continued its unwavering journey south. The scenery outside the window gradually took on a more pronounced maritime feel, and the air seemed to become more moist and refreshing.

After a drive of about four hours, the hustle and bustle of Seoul was left far behind.

When the navigation system displayed the words "Busan Metropolitan City" and the azure sea appeared faintly in the distance, a small cheer spontaneously erupted in the car—from Yoo Ji-min in the passenger seat.

"We're here! Oppa, we've arrived in Busan!" Yoo Jimin's eyes sparkled as she leaned against the car window, greedily gazing at the passing coastal scenery. All her previous fatigue vanished, leaving only elation.

For safety and privacy, Kwon Heonhyuk chose a high-end resort hotel in the Haeundae area, known for its privacy and excellent service.

The environment here is tranquil, the facilities are complete, and great importance is placed on protecting the privacy of guests.

The car slowly drove into the hotel's garden-style entrance driveway and finally stopped in front of the grand yet stylish lobby.

The doorman, dressed in a neat uniform, immediately stepped forward and politely asked if I needed help with my luggage.

"Jimin, wait in the car for a bit, I'll go check-in first," Kwon Heonhyuk instructed Yoo Jimin.

He was well aware of the risks of the two of them appearing together in public—although Yoo Ji-min was still wearing a baseball cap and a mask, the aura and caution of a star were especially important at this time.

"Yes~" Liu Zhimin responded obediently, pulling her hat brim down even lower, and curled up in the passenger seat like a wary little animal.

Quan Xuanhe walked into the lobby alone. The reception area was bright and luxurious, with a faint fragrance in the air. He handed over his ID to complete the check-in process, which was smooth and efficient.

He booked a high-floor ocean-view suite.

After the formalities were completed, he gestured to the waiting doorman, and Liu Zhimin quickly got out of the car. With her head down, she avoided the few guests in the lobby under Quan Xuanhe's subtle cover, and the two quickly headed towards the elevator hall leading to the guest rooms.

The private elevator ascends at high speed, with only the slight sound of the machine running in the small space.

Liu Zhimin let out a soft breath, completely shedding her "disguise" and pulling down her mask, but there was still a hint of nervousness on her face.

The moment the door opened, you were greeted by a huge, transparent floor-to-ceiling window, and outside the window, an endless, shimmering blue seascape.

Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the entire suite's living room with brightness and warmth.

"Wow...the scenery is so beautiful," Liu Zhimin exclaimed softly, looking out the window.

The outline of the Guang'an Bridge in the distance is clear, and the white sand beach and the waves with snow-white spray are clearly visible in the foreground.

The sea breeze from Busan seemed to be blowing through the glass onto her face.

Liu Zhimin turned around, her face beaming with barely suppressed excitement and happiness, as if she were shining brightly in the Busan sunshine.

"How is it? Are you satisfied with the view?" Quan Xuanhe approached her and also looked at the magnificent scenery outside the window.

Liu Zhimin nodded vigorously, her eyes seemingly encompassing the entire Busan Bay.

"This is just the beginning of the holiday! It feels like I can finally leave all the worries of practice and announcements behind!"

She nodded vigorously, her smile even brighter than the sunlight streaming through the window.

Their journey to Busan, a trip for two, has finally officially begun.

(End of this chapter)