Peninsula: I'm the Top Streamer

Chapter 669 Soothing & Tenderness
Jisoo's feet were rooted to the spot, her heels clicking sharply on the floor.

She turned around abruptly, her beautiful eyes widening instantly with surprise and annoyance at having her thoughts exposed, staring at Quan Xuanhe's profile, which was so close to hers.

"you--?"

She raised her voice for a moment, then immediately realized they were still in the bustling backstage corridor and forcibly lowered it again.

"What do you mean by 'can't squeeze her out'? Kwon Hyun-hyuk, what exactly do you mean by that?"

The corridor lights shone on her face, and even her meticulously applied stage makeup couldn't completely conceal the look of sudden pain.

That sentence really got to me.

But Quan Xuanhe merely turned his head slightly, his gaze lingering for a moment on her face, which held a hint of animalistic anger. Instead, a smile curved his lips, revealing a knowing look.

"It means exactly what it says."

He didn't stop; instead, he took another step forward, subtly shortening the distance between them that had widened when she suddenly stopped.

"Tch..." Kim Jisoo thought to herself, annoyed, and let out a sound.

"Hey, Kwon Hyun-hyuk, do you think I'm..."

"Hurry up, buying food is the priority, your members are waiting."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk interrupted Kim Ji-soo, urging her naturally, as if the conversation that had just stirred up a storm in her heart was nothing more than trivial chatter that had been blown away by the wind.

All of Kim Ji-soo's remaining angry questions were choked back by his light, dismissive remark.

A feeling of pent-up frustration stuck in her chest, making her face turn slightly pale.

She wanted to press him to tell her where he intended to place her, and to question his basis for concluding that she and Mi-yeon were in different positions.
I wanted to unleash this indescribable frustration and resentment onto his hateful face.

However, Kwon Hyun-hyuk had already started walking again, his steps steady as if nothing had happened.

That composed attitude, and the atmosphere where a deeper conversation couldn't be held due to the "occupation," left Kim Ji-soo with a bellyful of resentment, yet she couldn't even find an excuse to vent it.

She stood there, watching his tall but somewhat aloof back, her teeth unconsciously biting the soft flesh inside her lower lip, leaving a deep mark.

ah….
So infuriating.

Under the bright lights of the corridor, her chest heaved violently a few times. In the end, she could only close her eyes tightly, forcibly suppressing her surging emotions, and quickly followed after him in her high heels that seemed to wear through the floor.

But no matter how you look at that back view, it exudes a strong sense of suppressed resentment and unwillingness, a feeling of being unable to vent one's anger.

...

Quan Xuanhe's voice still echoed in my ears, gradually fading away at the end of the corridor as they walked side by side.

However, this did not bring Zhao Meiyan any comfort at all; instead, it was like a bucket of ice water that extinguished the last bit of composure she was trying to maintain.

The assistant's voice, with its characteristic coolness reserved for work, drifted into my ears, its tone formulaic and businesslike: "Miyeon-xi? Get ready, we need to confirm the follow-up arrangements after the Blackpink interview."

"Inside?"

Zhao Meiyan responded almost subconsciously, her voice light and hollow, carrying a sense of emptiness that even she herself found unfamiliar.

She snapped back to reality and found herself staring intently at the clean but empty floor in front of her. The direction where Kwon Hyun-hyuk had left was now filled with the figures of staff coming and going.

My heart was pounding wildly in my chest, making my eardrums buzz, and the sound of the music coming from the distant studio was eerily overlapping with the drumbeats.

However, what was even clearer was the pair of eyes that had been gazing at her just moments before, those of Kim Ji-soo.

That phrase, "Long time no see," is understated yet incredibly powerful.

Why is it at this time?
Why would Xuanhe bring her here?

A set visit? Were they... did they arrange it beforehand?

Countless sharp questions clashed wildly in her mind, leaving her thoughts in chaos.

“Miyeon-ssi? The part you were talking about earlier…” the PD in charge of stage coordination spoke again, his tone filled with doubt.

He keenly noticed her absent-mindedness.

She jolted awake, hastily raising her head and trying to focus on the process card. "Ah... um?" she stammered, her voice tinged with obvious unease.

The PD's slightly inquisitive gaze fell on her face.

Zhao Meiyan then realized that she hadn't heard what the other person was saying at all.

My mind went blank, as if all the information was stuck the moment I turned around and saw those two people.

She hurriedly lowered her head, her gaze unconsciously fixed on the pitiful process card in her hand.

The once-flat paper had been twisted and deformed by her grip, the finger marks as deep as the creases on her heart being gripped tightly by an invisible hand.

The subtle trembling at your fingertips doesn't lie.

That scene kept replaying in my mind.

Under the corridor lights, Xuanhe led Kim Jisoo away.

The last glance Kim Ji-soo gave before leaving seemed to be contempt, pity, and a silent declaration.

A tremendous sense of shock and sorrow welled up inside me.

Zhao Meiyan gripped the process card tightly, trying to suppress the surging sourness with the stinging pain in her palm.

Just as Zhao Meiyan gripped the process card tightly, trying to suppress the surging soreness in her nose and move towards the studio entrance with less unsteady steps, a series of hurried yet steady footsteps sounded from her side.

Almost the instant she realized someone was approaching, a familiar, crisp scent enveloped her.

Immediately afterwards, her wrist tightened, and a gentle yet undeniable force stopped her from moving forward.

Zhao Meiyan froze, abruptly turning her head to meet Quan Xuanhe's gaze.

He has already come looking for me.

He left Kim Jisoo and rushed over.

The corridor lights illuminated his sharply defined jawline, and his breathing was slightly rapid, indicating that he had caught up quickly.

"Miyeon."

His voice was low, clear, and steady, carrying a force that pierced through the chaos and confusion in her heart, drilling directly into her ears.

His gaze was fixed on her inexplicably evasive eyes and the way she unconsciously bit her lower lip, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

"Let go, I need to go in, it's a live stream..."

Zhao Meiyan struggled for a moment, her voice carrying a hint of harsh coldness, but the slight tremor at the end of her voice betrayed her true state.

Her gaze was fixed on the entrance to the studio not far away, like a drowning person refusing a lifebuoy, only wanting to maintain her last bit of dignity as she sank.

Quan Xuanhe did not let go; instead, he gripped it even tighter, his fingertips conveying a soothing warmth through the thin fabric of his sleeve.

"There are many people."

Zhao Meiyan struggled again.

This is a corridor, crowded and easily visible, not a suitable place to do anything.

People came and went in the corridor, with staff and artist teams passing by from time to time, their inquisitive gazes sweeping over them.

Instead of loosening his grip on her wrist, he used an irresistible force, his steady voice lowering even further.

"follow me."

Before he finished speaking, he had already grabbed her without hesitation, giving her no chance to struggle or argue, and turned to walk towards a relatively quiet stairwell door with a green "Emergency Exit" sign not far away.

Zhao Meiyan stumbled a step as he pulled her along, her body almost instinctively being drawn by him.

The high heels made a rapid, short clattering sound on the floor, like her frantic, disordered heartbeat.

Quan Xuanhe pushed the door open nimbly, put his other hand behind her back, and almost half-hug, half-push her in. Then he gently closed the heavy fire door behind him.

A soft "click" shut out the noise and lights of the corridor outside.

The stairwell suddenly fell into a dim, quiet chaos with an echoing sound, with only the pale, weak light from the emergency lights overhead. The abrupt change in environment made Zhao Meiyan feel dizzy for a moment.

The warmth of his tight grip on her wrist and the familiar, cool scent emanating from him that filled the small space enveloped her, shattering her strong defenses.

The grievances, bitterness, embarrassment of being "provoked" to his face, and panic of being abandoned in the crowd erupted like a flood after a brief silence.

"What are you doing? Let me go."

With her pent-up emotions finding an outlet, Zhao Meiyan forcefully pulled her hand back, her voice trembling with obvious sobs. The tears she had been holding back burst forth again upon seeing Quan Xuanhe, rolling down like beads from a broken string.

"The live stream is about to start, are you trying to embarrass me in front of all the staff? You and Kim Jisoo..."

Zhao Meiyan's speech was somewhat incoherent.

She leaned against the cold fire door, her body trembling slightly from emotional distress. Her hands clenched and unclenched helplessly at her sides, like a trapped little animal, fragile and helpless.

Seeing her like this, Quan Xuanhe took a step forward and, before she could retreat and almost touch the door, he suddenly opened his arms and pulled her into a tight, forceful embrace.

His arms were strong and powerful, fully accepting all her trembling and resistance at that moment.

"I'm sorry, Miyeon."

Quan Xuanhe's voice was deep and sincere, his hot breath falling on her tear-dampened neck and ear.

"It's my fault, I didn't think it through."

His large, warm hands gently and soothingly stroked her cold, trembling back.

The vibrations from his chest were clearly transmitted to her through her clothes.

"You shouldn't have let her see it, and you shouldn't have embarrassed yourself in that kind of situation."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk gently rested his chin on the top of Zhao Meiyan's head, inhaling the familiar scent of her hair mixed with the fragrance of cosmetics.

"It was my fault for not considering your situation and feelings."

Zhao Meiyan's tense body softened for a moment at the strong, warm embrace and the deep apology in her ear, but then an even greater sense of grievance welled up inside her.

She buried her face in his chest, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably, and muffled sobs escaped her lips.

"You bastard...did you see the look in her eyes when she looked at me...what did it mean...?"

Kwon Hyun-hyuk tightened his arms, holding her even closer.

His large hand slid up and gently cupped her tear-streaked face. His fingertips tenderly and carefully wiped away the smudged mascara and tear stains from her cheeks, with a gentle touch, as if he were polishing the most precious porcelain.

The lights were dim, and her red, tear-filled eyes were still misty, filled with accusation and vulnerability.

Quan Xuanhe lowered his head, looking into her eyes. His fingers lingered on her delicate skin, and his voice was softer and more resolute than before.

"I won't say anything harsh. But I'm sorry you had to suffer today, but that won't happen again."

He paused. "Give me a chance to make it up to you, okay? After we're done with today, it'll just be you and me, and I'll spend some quality time with you."

Zhao Meiyan's tense body finally softened little by little in his embrace, his whispers, and his gentle movements.

The pent-up anger and sharp edges seemed to melt away little by little under the overwhelming apology and heartache. Although the immense grievance and unease had not completely dissipated, his promise to seek solitude, his tender care in holding her face, and his burning kiss... all acted like a powerful soothing agent, gradually replacing her turbulent emotions with a heavy weariness and a dependence on his embrace.

She stopped arguing and just sobbed softly and heavily, leaning against him as if all her strength had left her, letting him hold her. She also tightly gripped the clothes on his side, like a child who had finally found someone to rely on.

In the cramped space of the stairwell, only her suppressed sobs and his steady, powerful heartbeat could be heard.

The air was filled with the salty taste of tears, the cold dust, and the calm aura emanating from him.

The faint stage drumbeats and noise coming from outside the fire door seemed to come from another world.

Quan Xuanhe held her close, his chin resting on the top of her head, feeling the weight of her body and her gradually calming trembling.

Quan Xuanhe's deep and earnest words, carrying the warm vibrations of his chest, seeped into Zhao Meiyan's heart.

The strength of that embrace was like a tight net, catching her falling emotions.

"...Let's not let it happen again..." Zhao Meiyan's voice was muffled in Quan Xuanhe's arms, with a heavy nasal tone and a suppressed weakness.

Her fingers, which were gripping the fabric of his waist, loosened and tightened again, finally giving it a final, forceful squeeze, as if to warn him and confirm his suspicions.

"...Don't...make me so sad again."

"Mm." Quan Xuanhe's response was without hesitation, short and forceful, like a reassuring pill settling in her heart.

He tightened his arms around her, gently rubbing his chin against her slightly damp hair, conveying a silent tenderness.

"No more."

His fingers remained on her tear-stained, slightly cool cheek, his fingertips warm, and he continued the wiping motion slowly and gently.

Her tense body finally relaxed little by little, her forehead gently resting against his collarbone, her eyes closed, feeling his strong heartbeat through her clothes.

The rhythm was steady and powerful, and strangely, it gradually synchronized with her breathing, making it long and even.

The suffocating feeling, as if I had been thrown into ice water and then boiling oil, was gradually replaced by this warm and firm embrace and the gentle whispers in my ear.

That sense of security was what she had always relied on, and it was the only remedy that could heal the lingering fear after the turbulent waves.

"So tired..." she murmured indistinctly, sounding both like a coquettish complaint and a lingering sense of grievance. Her slender fingers unconsciously pressed her temples.

The intense work and tense nerves of the past few days, coupled with the emotional turmoil just now, have caused a wave of fatigue to wash over me as I relax.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk immediately understood.

A large, warm hand covered the back of her neck, pressing down on her neck with just the right amount of pressure.

The thumb then slides to the temple, massaging in gentle circles with just the right amount of pressure.

"Relax. You'll be on stage later, looking your best as the MC."

His hand moved from the back of her neck to her back, patting her gently and rhythmically, like soothing a fussy child.

This familiar and safe rhythm finally allowed Zhao Meiyan's tense and aching nerves to completely relax. The lingering grievances and resentment were soothed little by little by this meticulous care.

She leaned against him, the familiar, comforting scent of his body filling her nostrils, and her chaotic heartbeat gradually calmed down.

But the fingers that were tightly gripping the hem of his clothes stubbornly refused to let go completely.

Outside in the corridor, the clamor of drums from the stage faintly drifted through the thick fire door, as if from another world.

But this small, slightly dim corner of the stairwell has now become the only place of tranquility after the storm.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk maintained the embracing posture, patiently waiting until the heavy breathing of the person in his arms became completely even and shallow.

"Okay, I still need to host the event and touch up my makeup."

Upon hearing this, Quan Xuanhe slowly released his embrace and gently straightened Zhao Meiyan, who was leaning against him.

He didn't completely pull away, but only created a little distance so she could stand firmly, while quickly using his fingertips to gently press down on her slightly swollen eye sockets.

Zhao Meiyan took a deep breath, as if she had just woken from a deep dream. Her eyes, which had been hazy for a moment, quickly focused, regaining the professional look that belonged to MC Zhao Meiyan.

Although a slight redness could still be seen around her eyes after careful concealing, the grievance and panic had disappeared, replaced by a slightly tired but incredibly clear determination.

"I'll be waiting for you tonight."

Quan Xuanhe looked at Zhao Meiyan and said gently.

Zhao Meiyan nodded slightly, looking at Quan Xuanhe standing in front of her, and forced a smile.

"I am leaving."

She took a deep breath, straightened herself, wiped away the forced smile, and looked much more refreshed. Then she turned and opened the door.

"I'll be watching your hosting closely today."

Hearing Quan Xuanhe's voice behind her, Zhao Meiyan paused for a moment, then nodded slightly without turning around.

"it is good!"

(End of this chapter)