The number one playboy on the Peninsula!

Chapter 328 of "Blinding Lights" is released (Seeking monthly votes)
"Tsk tsk, so it's starting..."

Liu Zhimin, Jin Minzheng, and Ning Yizhuo squeezed into the crowd, taking out their phones to film the scene shown on the LED screen above their heads.

The song title, "Blinding Lights," appears in black and gold lettering. In the instant it vanishes, the music video unfolds like frames of retro film soaked in neon lights, creating a psychedelic visual effect through the light and shadow filters of the 80s…

"Ah!"

“Tarot…”

Amidst the screams that echoed through the COEX shopping mall plaza, Ning Yizhuo watched as the music video began to play on the streets of New York at night.

The neon lights surged forth like a tidal wave, painting the entire city in a dazzling, intoxicating hue… Ning Yizhuo watched the MV's visual quality and whispered, “How about we watch it again after practice tonight?”

"It's a 24-hour loop, and you can watch it here even at night. I always feel that the visual effect is better when watching it at night..."

Although the three members had accompanied the filming in New York, they had no idea about the final product. But now, the quality of the music video and the massive promotional campaign left them looking on with a mixture of admiration and envy.

"Makes sense!"

Kim Minjung tapped the puppy's head, staring intently at the screen.

The music video, flowing like an old movie, flashes through a few frames against the backdrop of neon-lit New York streets. Then, the camera shifts to Gong Cheng, who is wearing an eye-catching red suit, his face splattered with blood. His slightly parted lips reveal bloodstains on his bright white teeth. The red suit collar, the black shirt, and his raised chin highlight his blood-stained Adam's apple, creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere...

Through the retro sunglasses, the camera clearly reveals those lonely eyes and brows... His raised cheeks and faint smile at the camera instantly capture the viewer's attention with a fatal attraction!

"Oh my god!!!"

"Wow, this part is so cool!"

"Will the new album include this picture of Little Camo Oppa?"

……

At Piccadilly Circus in London, many passersby and Arcana members gathered after seeing the viral video online. As one of London's famous shopping and entertainment centers, the square's LED screens displayed a full-screen display. However, due to the time difference, it was nighttime in London at that moment…

Inside the enormous LED screen, the lens, like light spots shattered by the night wind, followed Gong Cheng's slightly "shaky" shoulders, carrying a sense of "precariousness" as if he might fall at any moment. Sometimes it would suddenly lean forward, almost touching Gong Cheng's flippantly raised jawline, and sometimes it would abruptly retreat, causing his profile to be out of focus for half a second in the neon light.

"Holy crap? Did he take drugs or drink alcohol?"

"It looks kind of divine!"

Behind him, the opulent casino hall bustled with people, a lively and noisy scene. Yet, Gong Cheng seemed detached from the glitter. In the dappled light of the dazzling lights that shimmered on his handsome face, he slowly raised his left hand, the black leather glove rolling up his fingertips inch by inch, exuding an almost ascetic sensuality…

Immediately following, a powerful electronic intro pierced the noise of the square, rushing past people's eardrums... Distinctive and unique synthesizer effects, carrying a strong retro feel, swept over the audience. In the music video, Gong Cheng stands in an empty tunnel, the lights above his head like electronic pulses, as if given life, accurately simulating the constantly flashing rhythm of the city's neon lights...

The rapid and powerful drumbeats follow closely behind, like a rapid heartbeat or a frantic footstep, each beat striking the listener's heart. The intro alone is enough to make one's body sway freely to the strong retro disco vibe.

"...This intro sounds awesome! The heavy drum sounds like the pedal sounds in 80s movie soundtracks."

"Wow, this is wild!"

The scene shifts to a wide street in New York City, where a new Mercedes low-slung sports car lies quietly in the night. Its sharp body lines intensify with the drumbeats, and the three-pointed star emblem on the front suddenly lights up with a cold light. The headlights and taillights flash alternately in sync with the rhythm of the song, their "eyes" snapping open, creating an eerie resonance with the beat of the electronic music...

Gong Cheng, wearing black leather gloves, got into the car and listened to the drumbeats and intro of "Blinding Lights." When the drumbeats reached their peak, he slammed on the gas pedal, the engine roared, and the gauges on the dashboard vibrated violently to the Mercedes' signature roar, the red needles soaring wildly like a beast breaking free of its restraints.

"Yeah~"

Gong Cheng's singing voice suddenly rang out at this moment, with a slightly hoarse and grainy quality: "I've always harbored a longing~ I've been alone for so long~"

He turned his head slightly, and as the car window rolled down, the night wind whipped up the stray hairs on his forehead, while the roar of the car's engine and the beat of drums intertwined...

"Maybe you can teach me how to love~"

"Maybe~"

The camera pulls back to the exterior, sparks flying as the Mercedes speeds through empty yet neon-lit streets, its reckless, headlong rush forward a testament to its power… Outside the window, lights streak across the street like shooting stars, blurring into dazzling streaks of light and shadow…

"I always feel like giving up~ Actually, you don't need to do much~"

"Baby~ Just a slight touch is enough to stir my heart~"

As the melody progresses, the scene shifts to an empty street. Gong Cheng dances freely and unrestrainedly on the deserted street, swaying with simple steps. Bathed in the warm, yellow glow of the streetlights, the asphalt road beneath his feet seems like a special stage. The hem of his red suit, with his movements, resembles a dancing flame. The "Burning Loneliness" melody seems to be a declaration of his inner loneliness and longing to the world...

"Oh oh~~"

"I said~~ooh~I'm blinded by the lights~"

As the melody climbed to its most intense point, Gong Cheng's voice suddenly took on a psychedelic quality... The Mercedes sports car lying behind him suddenly turned on its headlights, and the red and blue beams of light flashed and reflected on his sunglasses-wearing face, blurring the entire scene.

Dazzling neon lights covered LEDs around the world that were playing music videos. In an instant, Gong Cheng's singing and the visuals of the music video seemed to forcefully pull the dreamy and seductive night scene in the song into everyone's hearts!

Switching to the drone's camera lens, Gong Cheng's originally tall figure seemed to be swallowed up by the dazzling lights, becoming a blurry mess...

"Fuck! That gave me goosebumps!"

"It's practically a slow-acting anesthetic for the ears!"

"Based on my twenty years of experience listening to music, this song is absolutely explosive! Oh my god! If you listen carefully, you'll find that the drumbeats in this song are exactly like the pulses of flashing neon lights. Moreover, during the climax of the chorus, the drumbeats suddenly stop, creating a 'dizzying moment,' just like the lyrics describe, giving you a suffocating feeling..."

In Times Square, New York, many tourists sway and look up at the music videos displayed on the LED screens.

"I can't sleep because I can't feel your warmth."

As the Mercedes drove through the night, Gong Cheng's arrogant face gripped the steering wheel. His sexy, captivating voice emanated from him as he removed his sunglasses. His handsome features and the interplay of neon lights outside the window shimmered with a mesmerizing and alluring quality.
I almost suffocated in the darkness~~

As the song ended, the sports car drove into a dark tunnel. The dazzling neon lights faded, leaving only utter darkness in the scene, with only the roar of the Mercedes engine breaking the silence. It was clear that many passersby wanted to race.
While everyone was captivated by the dynamic arrangement...

"...Baby~ I'm starting to go on a high-speed rampage~"

"This city is indifferent and desolate."

"oh~"

As the roar of the engine grew increasingly deafening, the pitch-black music video seemed to pierce through a "long night." The taillights, like sharp swords, left two scarlet, dazzling "lightswords" on the streets of New York. The neon lights of the surrounding buildings, both cold and fiery, formed a stark contrast to the darkness just moments before.

The atmosphere, both perilous and captivating, the dashing face of Gong Cheng as he recklessly accelerates, and now, as he hums the lyrics, his eyes filled with a sense of bewilderment and longing amidst the flickering light and shadow, have captivated many listeners.

"No one is there to push me forward."

I'm not quite sure when you left.

“oh~oh~”

The scene shifts, and the Empire State Building, with a total height of 443.7 meters, stands like a sword against the night sky. Gong Cheng is wearing his signature scarlet suit, but this time, the same red suit is adorned with many small diamonds on the fabric, so that when the lights of the night surround him, the sparkling diamond light dances on his body.

"I was blinded by the dazzling lights!"

"..."

"I was just passing by and thought I'd let you know."

A tall figure stood atop the Empire State Building in New York, her graceful and unrestrained posture repeating simple dance steps while singing her heart out... Stepping, turning, head tossing, the rhythm of her heels hitting the ground perfectly matched the drumbeats.

The wind lifted the hem of his red suit, fluttering it like a flag raised in the dark night. His eyes were closed, a faint trace of blood seeping from his pearly white teeth. His handsome features were filled with longing, and his body swayed gently to the melody, every movement exuding a subtle elegance and sophistication—as if the stage standing atop the world wasn't his stage, but rather his own spontaneous stage…

"I just couldn't say it over the phone."

"This time, could you please not leave?"

The camera slowly pulls back, revealing the "bright red flames" dancing on the rooftop of the Empire State Building, with disheveled black hair, and lying prostrate in the nighttime Manhattan. Slightly to the left of Gong Cheng, a straight, sword-like skyscraper suddenly lights up with a giant vertical LED screen.
Against the backdrop of the pitch-black curtain, Gong Cheng's poster unfolded slowly in the night like a vertical scroll painting—a tall figure leaning casually against the new Mercedes-Benz AMG sports car, a warm, faint smile on his lips. His black shirt and trousers exuded cleanliness and crispness; the shoulder lines of the shirt and the straight creases of the trousers perfectly echoed the streamlined curve of the sports car's hood, standing side by side…

"Oh~ I'm blinded by the dazzling lights~"

The poster evokes a sense of calm elegance...

The music video focuses on a temporary stage atop the Empire State Building, where Gong Cheng's figure is bathed in a hazy light amidst the night. His body sways with the rhythm of the chorus, his scarlet suit distorting in the night wind, casting distorted shadows. As the camera zooms in, his wild dance moves and the sweat beading around his handsome features exude a captivating, alluring sensuality…

As the chorus of the song progresses, the unstoppable vocals and carefree expression suddenly make the retro pedal sounds of an 80s dance hall in the arrangement even more urgent.
"hey~hey~hey~"

A smile suddenly spread across Gong Cheng's carefree face. He pointed both fingers to the sky in the night, and in an instant, fireworks burst forth in the night sky around the Empire State Building, enveloping his crimson figure...

The golden-red fireworks showered down on his upturned face, turning his scarlet suit even more intensely orange. Then, countless fireworks, like awakened fireflies, soared from between the Manhattan buildings, purple, silver, and green orbs blooming one after another in the night sky…

"hey~hey~hey~"

Gong Cheng's vibrant figure, sweating profusely, stands in the center of this vortex of fireworks, while on the other side, the LED vertical screen poster created earlier with special effects is frozen in time under the dazzling fireworks.

"Oh my god!" Exclamations erupted in Times Square, New York. "Isn't that sports car next to Tarot in that poster the same one from the music video?"

"Mercedes-Benz is really going to sell like hotcakes!"

"I really don't know what to say about this song, and the music video too... Mercedes really has money!"

Amidst the stark contrast of the crowd of onlookers, the music video's visuals were extremely exaggerated. Under a sky filled with fireworks, two "Tarot" singers stood side-by-side: one atop the hundreds-of-meters-tall Empire State Building, igniting the night with his song, while the other stood alongside a new Mercedes sports car in the nearby LED lights of a building...

The two figures, one moving and one still, create an extremely exaggerated visual effect and tension in the music video. "Damn! No wonder Mercedes-Benz is willing to spend $4000 million a year to sign Tarot!"

"I just checked Twitter, and this song and the new Mercedes model are already trending!"

……

"I was blinded by the dazzling lights!"

"I can't sleep because I can't feel your warmth~~"

In the finale of the music video, Gong Cheng's tousled hair is tousled by the night wind. As his voice grows deeper, he stands atop the Empire State Building, arms outstretched, letting the night wind caress his face, as if embracing the city's brilliance... The sounds of pedals, singing, the explosions of fireworks, and the howling wind intertwine at this moment, creating a mesmerizing and dazzling effect...

The camera then slowly pans to the building in front of the poster of Gong Cheng, taken from an empty, high-altitude perspective.

The poster's content is clearer: beneath Tarot's warm gaze leaning against a sports car, the blank space on the left displays Mercedes-Benz's official announcement: "Tarot—Mercedes-Benz, Global Ambassador..."

"Aigoo! I can't take it anymore, unnie!"

Kang Seulgi clutched her chest, exclaiming in surprise, "The Empire State Building again, and New York City again, how much did this music video cost?"

"In that high-speed chase scene, there wasn't a single person on the road... Mercedes really has money!"

"Don't talk about unnie cheating... no, your first love was really amazing. Putting aside his character, he was really handsome, and this song was really incredible..." She looked seriously at the almost frenzied crowd in the shopping mall plaza.

The discussion focused on the recently played music video. As an artist who debuted as an idol group, although she doesn't understand songwriting, she has at least the basic ability to distinguish between good and bad songs. The song "Blinding Lights" is very catchy and addictive.
And the emotions are very strong...

"Indeed...it sounds quite nice."

Bae Joo-hyun was still savoring the lyrics of the song. Her first love, who had only been in the industry for three years, had won three Grammy Awards in just one year in the US. She had never denied his talent.

"This time, can you please not leave?" "I can't sleep without feeling your warmth." These lyrics kept swirling in her mind. She remembered the text message Gong Cheng sent her not long ago, saying that this song was written for her.

It seems... that really is?

Suddenly, she remembered, immediately pulled out her phone, and opened JYP's official website. Bae Joo-hyun's lips trembled slightly as she scrolled down the page, reading JYP's announcements, if she remembered correctly!
[Cheater] apparently gave a preface about "The Lovers" before the album was released.

At first, no one paid attention, but occasionally some fans speculated whether "Cheating Bro" was dating or had broken up. Some fans even thought that the words in the preface were written for Akana.

She also believes that the message was written for her fans.

Her heart pounded wildly as Bae Joo-hyun scrolled down to the initial announcement for "The Lovers," and then a preface to the album, personally explained by the "cheating guy," appeared before her eyes...

“I don’t know if you’ve come to hear the truth, but I know I’ve been hiding something from you because I want you to stay by my side as always.”

Bae Joo-hyun stared at the words before her, her heart trembling. Her mind involuntarily replayed the songwriting ideas she'd discussed with the "cheating guy" earlier. She woke up from the dream in a fright, terrified of leaving, terrified of being exposed…

And the lyrics of "Blinding Lights," with the line "This time~ can you please not leave~"... it all matches up! It all matches up, this bastard still has some conscience.

A glistening of tears welled up in Bae Joo-hyun's eyes as she flipped through the other concepts in "The Lovers".

Main concept: "When torrential rain washes away money and fame—only love remains in the world."

The concept of a secondary line is divided into 1 and 2.

1. "Turn the world upside down with love."

2. "The antonym of love".

Is this really a song written for me?

……

"Dafa!"

"Unnie, listen to my advice. If Tarot oppa hasn't done anything to wrong you... and you still like him, you absolutely must get back together!" In (G)I-DLE's dorm, Jeon So-yeon earnestly gripped Jo Mi-yeon's wrist, reminding her...

"The song 'Blinding Lights' feels like it's going to be even more popular than 'STAY' and 'Seorita'!"

As a fellow producer, Tian Xiaojuan deeply felt the difference in talent at this moment, the talent of the Grammy winner and the strength of the Billboard charts champion. This song, full of 80s retro flavor, blends multiple styles.

The song incorporates elements of Synth-pop, Pop, Retro New Wave, and disco. It centers on retro synthesizer sounds and makes extensive use of classic electronic synthesizer melodies from the 80s. Most importantly, it features simple and catchy melodies, a smooth structure, and an easy-to-remember chorus, making it appealing to a wide audience for popular music.

Drawing inspiration from the arrangement of 80s New Wave music, the music is fast-paced and dynamic, with a distinct retro feel, while incorporating modern production techniques to create a unique blend of old and new styles.

Upon the release of "Blinding Lights," Jeon Siu-yeon was convinced that the song would definitely become one of the representative works of the "retro trend" in recent years' pop music.

With Mercedes-Benz's global promotion, this song might actually surpass all of Tarot's previous number-one singles. As for the current Billboard charts, where "STAY," "Seorita," and "In My Feelings" are vying for supremacy, they might all have to give way to "Blinding Lights" when the charts are refreshed in a few days...

It's so brainwashing, it's like a drug among sound-based medications, incredibly addictive...

Zhao Meiyan, dressed in white pajamas with her hair tied in a low ponytail, blinked her watery eyes and glanced at Tian Xiaojuan. 'If Oppa hadn't done anything to betray me...' But he had!
More than once.

She secretly glanced at the message Gong Cheng had sent her before watching the music video. He earnestly explained the creative process behind the song "Blinding Lights," saying that he wrote the song because he was afraid of leaving after waking up in the middle of the night...

In fact, Zhao Meiyan believed it, just like the song "STAY," which was also written by Gong Cheng for himself.

But now, the person who left him wasn't him, it was Bae Joo-hyun...

Therefore, she suspected that her boyfriend might have said the same thing to Bae Joo-hyun in an attempt to win back that senior's heart.

For a moment, Zhao Meiyan pursed her thin, delicate lips, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Her heart belonged to her husband, and seeing the current situation, she didn't know what to do to firmly hold onto his heart...

"Unnie, do you think this song might have been written for you by that oppa?"

“The lyrics all seem so ambiguous…” Song Yuqi flipped through the lyrics on the music streaming site, then suddenly looked up and teased her absent-minded unnie with a grin.

Zhao Meiyan looked somewhat embarrassed; she wasn't quite sure herself.

But she still managed a charming smile, her watery eyes narrowing as if she wouldn't answer...

……

【New Dawn】: "Jisoo~ Have you listened to my new song?"

"This is written for you. I tried to keep you back then... but you left... Does hearing this song evoke any memories?" Kim Jisoo stood outside the COEX shopping mall plaza in Seoul, completely covered up. A black knitted scarf wrapped around her face under her baseball cap, bringing her jawline to her eyelids. She had been dragged over by Lisa, Jennie, and Rosé to watch the music video for this song.

After watching the music video, she squatted on the cement edge of the flower bed, wrinkled her nose, and looked at the sarcastic remarks sent by someone named "Newborn Dawn," "Heh, are you trying to fool me like that paunch Zhao Meiyan?"

She replied to the message, and then couldn't help but look back at the LED screen, where the music video was still playing on a loop amidst the screams of the crowd.

Her eyes gleamed as she gazed intently at each and every lyric...

When she broke up with Gong Cheng, she secretly talked to him on the phone about the love triangle involving Zhao Meiyan, herself, and Gong Cheng. But he insisted on meeting in person to talk about it, just like the lyrics say, "After all, I can't say it over the phone~", "This time~ can you please not leave~"

After a brief meeting, I didn't bring myself to slap him back then, and that very night I blocked and deleted all of that bastard's contact information.

Here’s the thing…

【First Dawn】: "First Love, you're really cold-blooded and ruthless~"

"Stop talking nonsense! Me, cold-blooded? More heartless than you?" Kim Jisoo was furious, her delicate features catching in her throat as she looked at the message. "Besides, what kind of first love am I? If I were your first love, you wouldn't have accepted that Pabu from Jo Miyeon!"

【Newborn Dawn】: "If I reject Meiyan, she will be sad. I can't do anything that makes a girl sad and cry!"

"Besides, I'll be sad too! I've told you before, I like both of you, but you never believe me..."

Kim Jisoo simply stopped watching the music video behind her and squatted by the roadside, arguing through gritted teeth, "You're fickle, and you still think you're right? How can you be so shameless?! Then why is it that I only like you?"

"Can't you just like me?"

【Newborn Dawn】: "I'm wrong, but that's just how I am. I like both you and Miyeon. I can't just lie to my own feelings, can I?"

"You son of a bitch!" Kim Jisoo's brows twitched, wishing she could strangle the bastard on the other side of the screen. "You don't lie to your own feelings? Instead, you lied to that pab, Jo Mi-yeon, when you were secretly flirting with me!"

"Now you're going to deceive Joo-hyun unnie again, huh?!"

【First Dawn】: "I know I was wrong, but things are already like this. I'll try to figure out a way to handle it. Okay, I'm too lazy to talk to you anymore, First Love. I just wanted to let you know that this song was written for you. Whether you believe it or not is up to you!"

"Anyway, we haven't had any relationship for a long time..."

The carefree content made Kim Jisoo take a deep breath!
What do you mean, "newborn"?
"Can you speak properly?"

【New Dawn】: "Okay, Kim Jisoo-ssi~"

"Ugh!" Kim Jisoo was so angry that she wanted to throw her phone away, but she still angrily turned off the screen, stood up and looked back at the MV. She had already watched it once, but Lisa, Rosé and the others were reluctant to leave and stood there like statues, wanting to watch it a few more times.

After watching the music video for a while, I saw Gong Cheng driving a Mercedes sports car through the desolate night, his voice singing, "Maybe you can teach me how to love~"

Scenes from the past involuntarily surfaced in her mind. In fact, the current cheeky Tarot was the one who matched Gong Cheng back then.

"..."

After a moment of swirling thoughts, Kim Jisoo took out her phone again and couldn't help but ask in the chat box, "This...you really wrote this song for me?"

It feels like many of the lyrics resonate with the two people's past experiences.

She didn't know what was wrong with her, but after learning that [Chu Sheng Dong Xi] was dating Joo Hyun unnie, she became extremely irritable. The emotions that had been buried deep in her heart began to surge wildly that day.

Perhaps, I can teach this "newborn dawn" how to love?

Kim Jisoo wanted to tell him that his views were wrong! Pathological! Obsessive! They hurt both himself and others!
Even after debuting, countless nights she would secretly regret that she hadn't been one step ahead of Zhao Meiyan and Pab. But because she was just one step too late, their relationship ended without a trace...

Strictly speaking, that bastard could really be considered my first love, even though we never officially dated.

But now, even Joo-hyun unnie has gotten one step ahead of her! Perhaps it is because of this that Kim Ji-soo's feelings for him have become increasingly complicated lately. She definitely likes him, but how can she accept such a wrong view of love?
Sometimes, she felt unlucky. Why were the people around him always one step ahead of her?!
【First Dawn】: "Written for Miyeon, for Joohyun, okay? (rolls eyes)"

"No... why are you always so impatient with me these days?" Kim Jisoo looked at the message he sent, feeling a surge of anger. The emotions she had just been immersed in, reminiscing about their youthful days, were instantly shattered and collapsed. "You bastard from Yeongdeungpo!"

【New Dawn】: "When will you be gentler with me? You're always so gentle and wise to others, like a big sister, but you become a completely different person when you're with me!"

"Besides, I already told you it was written for you, but you didn't believe me! What can I say? I do like more girls than others... but you can't stereotype me because of this, right? Do you think I wouldn't be sad or upset, Mo Jin Zhi Xiu?"

"(Feeling wronged)~"

Looking at the message he sent, Kim Jisoo couldn't help but snort. It really was written for me? Then, looking at the complaints and rants he sent, she inexplicably felt an urge to burst out laughing!
That's exactly what I'm going to do to you! Actually, she didn't mean to treat him like that; it was just that what happened back then had been a huge blow to her! Afterwards, she often found herself being invited out to dinner by Zhao Meiyan, like a third wheel!

That's when we started bickering and teasing each other. It became a habit. That jerk has a sharp tongue and always makes people uncomfortable.

"You haven't been secretly contacting Joo-hyun unnie lately, have you?"

Kim Jisoo was inexplicably happy, and she tentatively asked a question.

【New Dawn】: "How could I tell you something like this? You'd probably give me another beating, wouldn't you? But we've been in touch lately..."

"You still dare to contact Joo-hyun unnie?"

Kim Jisoo bit the corner of her mouth beneath her scarf. That forgetful brat! She pondered for a moment, then tapped on the keyboard, trying to soften her tone, "Aren't you afraid that Pab will get angry?"

"Gong Cheng, to be honest, I don't care who you date, but you can't do something like two-timing!" She carefully chose her words. "If you don't get back together with Miyeon, I'll wish you both happiness if you're single and dating Joo-hyun unnie!"

I wish you a damn blessing!

"But what kind of mess have you made now?" Kim Jisoo scratched the skin near her temple and tentatively continued, "If you and that Pab broke up, who would care?"

Do you understand what I mean?

【New Dawn】: "Are you hoping I break up with Zhao Meiyan? Who are you trying to sow discord between?! (Speechless)"

"I will not let Miyeon down!"

"You son of a bitch..." Kim Jisoo cursed inwardly! Stubborn to the end! You're not going to let Miyeon down, are you? Who was it that broke Miyeon's heart so badly just a couple of days ago, Joohyun unnie? Wasn't it you or me?
What a terrible memory!
……

Malaysia, evening.

Gong Cheng kicked off the final day of his tour in Kuala Lumpur. In the tens of thousands of people in the venue, the atmosphere became even hotter and more intense after he released all the songs from the album "The Lovers" today!
"..."

Amidst cheers and screams...

……

The next day, while Gong Cheng was still resting in his hotel suite, the 24-hour performance data for "Blinding Lights" was displayed on various entertainment sections.

From noon yesterday until now.

In nearly many countries, trending topics are filled with hashtags related to Makoto Miyazaki, such as #Tarot#, #Blinding Lights#, #Mercedes-Benz#, and #Video-style MV#.

Meanwhile, Kim Dae-woo was in his room at a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur, watching the throngs of media and reporters below.

They were all brought here because of the huge scandal of "Blinding Lights" and Mercedes' announcement of its global brand ambassador. He guessed that there weren't too many media and reporters at the moment, but he expected that the real congestion would be when he went to the airport in the afternoon!

In the evening, they will take a flight to the next stop of the tour, so Gong Cheng can catch up on his sleep and rest now.

"..."

On various social media forums, trending topics related to Makoto Miyamoto and reviews of the entire album "The Lovers" continue to gain momentum!

Singers, music critics, social media bloggers, official accounts of major music streaming apps, fans, and fashion publications are all jumping on the bandwagon of this wave of traffic and popularity.

#Blinding Lights sets a new streaming record!#
"Blinding Lights" is a song released yesterday by Tarot that blends synth-pop, electronic pop, and new wave styles. It is included in his second full-length album, The Lovers.

"This song became an instant global phenomenon upon its release, achieving remarkable commercial success. Overnight, it topped the charts on major music streaming platforms and debuted at number one in Australia, the UK, the US, and other countries, forcefully dethroning 'STAY' from its previous dominance. On Spotify, its first-day streaming count surpassed all of Tarot's previous streaming records, becoming the platform's most-streamed single in 24 hours. Meanwhile, the album 'The Lovers' topped the charts in over 40 countries..."

“In the behind-the-scenes footage of the album released by JYP last night, we can see that Tarot revealed in an interview that the songs convey a strong longing for emotions. The lyrics are simple yet vivid, such as “I have always longed for it, I have been alone for a long time”, which directly expresses the loneliness in his heart, and “Maybe you can teach me how to love, maybe”, which reveals the confusion and expectation for love, and is very easy to resonate with the audience.

"Blinding Lights is not just a catchy song, but a cultural phenomenon. It brought retro synth-pop back into the public eye, sparking a retro trend in the music scene. Globally, its melody and rhythm have permeated streets, radio broadcasts, and parties, becoming the background music of the era."

"From the lyrics and the filming of the music video, we can see that Tarot is still the most unruly star who blossomed on the Han River Bridge in 16. However, his inner fragility and sensitivity, as well as the melancholy artist temperament that is different from his usual style, are integrated with the decadent atmosphere and dark style of this work, singing out the voice of the lonely and sensitive young generation in this information-saturated virtual age!"

"From Tarot's sixth number-one single this spring, 'God's Plan,' to the seventh, 'Seorita,' the eighth, 'STAY,' and the ninth, 'In My Feelings'..."

"The release of 'Blinding Lights' is enough to foresee that in three days, Tarot, this 22-year-old pop superstar, will unlock his 10th number-one single and enter the even-number club!"

"..."

……

Three days have passed, and Gong Cheng is still busy with the tour. On today's Billboard chart update, "Blinding Lights" unsurprisingly debuted at number one, followed by the song titles "STAY", "STAY", "In My Feelings", "Seorita", and the simple word "Tarot".

"The Lovers" also successfully topped the album charts.

"..."

Amid the global phenomenon of "Blinding Lights," almost everyone is buzzing about "Tarot unlocking his tenth number-one single." With overwhelming coverage in Europe and America, numerous artists, including Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Kanye West, Eminem, and The Weeknd, have offered their congratulations on social media.

In Asia, the Blue House (Presidential Office) and the Mayor of Seoul both tweeted their congratulations, praising him as an outstanding singer of this century and saying he has had a huge impact on Seoul's culture and entertainment scene.

Meanwhile, major authoritative media outlets and daily newspapers in China and abroad published articles stating: "Our singer Tarot (Gong Cheng) has today achieved his tenth number-one single on the US Billboard charts... A unique and dazzling new generation pop superstar... His globally popular voice and influence..."

The congratulatory article was widely shared by fans in China, while some fans explained to the general public what the Billboard charts are, their authority and role, and the significance of the 10 number one charts.

"No wonder Tarot didn't come back to his home country! My god, a signing fee of forty million US dollars a year, that's one of a kind! He's making money all over the world!"

"In his second year in the US, the value of 10 first-time champion singles is undeniable. Does anyone understand? High output and high quality!"

"How can someone write such an addictive song in a country with a ban on drugs?! Qiuqiu, please don't become popular on TikTok!"

"Little Zhong is here again..."

"...I always thought listening to Tarot was a very niche thing..."

"Niche, my ass! Stop spouting that nonsense! My pigeon is famous all over the world, you call that niche? Are you out of your mind? Are you out of your mind?"

"The songs on 'The Lovers' album are really top-notch! No wonder Koreans call this guy the 'Seoul Playboy,' he can't write these songs without some romantic experience. Qiuqiu, why don't you play a few more idols? Or you can play a few Hollywood actresses, I'm a fan of Yoona and Kim Yuen-yuen, TTTarot, remember to play a few, okay? You've had your fun, and I'll have new songs to listen to too!"

"..."

……

Indonesia, Gong Cheng's [Cashflow] World Tour, the last stop in Asia.

As night fell, the scene of thousands of light sticks flashing faded away like a dream... Gong Cheng then stepped off the stage and went to the dressing room.

Kim Dae-woo anxiously handed over a water bottle and the fever reducer he carried with him. "Take the medicine first, then I'll take you to the hospital."

"...Alaso."

Gong Cheng, feeling a headache and fever, swallowed some pills. The dizziness, the increasingly cold weather, and the tiring journey made him feel extremely unwell today. During the break, he took his temperature and found that he had a rather high fever.

Fortunately, this was the last concert in Jakarta...

Feeling dizzy and lightheaded, Gong Cheng entered the dressing room. Under the tense and anxious gazes of Kim Dae-woo, Cha Kun-ho, and other entourage members, Gong Cheng changed into his personal clothes and followed his manager to the van in the underground parking garage.

"I need to get an IV drip. If the high fever doesn't go down tonight, we'll stay here for two days and then go back to Seoul in a few days. The tour in Europe and America is at the beginning of next month anyway, so we have a week to prepare. There's no rush..."

Che Qianhao was driving, and Jin Dayu was muttering to himself in the passenger seat, his eyes occasionally glancing at Gong Cheng, who was lying on the back seat in a daze, wearing a coat. After following him for so long, the kid's physical condition was simply amazing.

But with such an intense tour, it would be strange if he didn't have health problems... He sighed with great concern.

……

It was a little past 1 a.m. in Seoul.

Bae Joo-hyun curled up in bed, unable to sleep. In the past, even after the grief of the past few days, she could sleep soundly at this time because someone would always come and talk to her.

She replied depending on her mood, and that person would tirelessly "bother" her with a few words every day.

But today, after getting off work and returning to her dorm at eight o'clock, she was busy cleaning, eating, and checking her phone, but she still hadn't received a message from the person on the other end of the line.

"..."

Holding her phone, Bae Joo-hyun poked her little toes, which were getting their nails done, out from under the covers and couldn't help but think, "Isn't [Cheater Bro] on tour in Indonesia right now?" But at this time, Jakarta is in West Indonesia and uses West Indonesia time, which is two hours different from Seoul's time zone.

It should be a little past 11 o'clock in Jakarta now, so the concert should be over by now.

Shouldn't I send myself a message?
Suddenly, her heart began to pound with unease... Had he stopped loving her? Or had something happened...?

"..."

After thinking it over and over, another ten minutes passed before Bae Joo-hyun put down her phone, buried her head in the blanket, and prepared to stop thinking about the "cheating guy" and go to sleep. She had to get up early tomorrow.

After tossing and turning in bed for a while, she picked up her phone again, her lips pursed. The white light from the shattered screen shone on her delicate, unadorned face. Hesitantly, she reached out and tapped on the keyboard in the chat box for "Cheating Bro," "The...concert isn't over yet?"

...After a short wait...

Bae Joo-hyun found the waiting time incredibly long. Staring at the unread notifications on the screen, she sent several more emojis in one go.

But still, no one paid attention; it remained unread...

"Should I bother him too?" Bae Joo-hyun thought to herself. The "cheating guy" was always bothering her, so it wouldn't be too much for her to bother him a little, right? She just wanted to see what he was up to and why he hadn't contacted her at all today.
In the past, no matter what, he would always chat with me for a while.

Biting her lip carefully, Bae Joo-hyun opened the phone and dialed.

She thought that just one ring would be enough, so that he would hear the phone ring and see her caller ID, and Gong Cheng would probably understand why she was calling him... After the call was dialed, she listened to the "beep beep" of the waiting sound...

Bae Joo-hyun regretted hanging up the phone again. What if it was so late and he was resting after his concert?
Wouldn't that be disturbing him?
……

In a hospital ward in Jakarta, Gong Cheng lay on the bed, breathing softly with his eyes closed. An IV drip was still hanging from the back of his hand, which was dangling by the bedside.

"It's nothing serious, but he needs to rest now. I know him—Tarot. His tour over the past month has been incredibly intense. Fortunately, he's in great health, and his fever should break soon. He really needs to rest properly, understand?"

The doctor was giving serious instructions to Kim Dae-woo and Cha Gun-ho in the ward, with a translator standing beside them.

Upon hearing this, Kim Dae-woo breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, doctor. We understand. We will definitely be more careful!"

"..."

After the doctor left the ward...

Kim Daewoo didn't even dare to sit down. He just stood around Gong Cheng's hospital bed, anxiously waiting for him to wake up. But when he saw the phone on the bedside table, a phone rang briefly, then rang for a short while before hanging up.

He glanced at it; it seemed to be the nickname "Irene".

So, Kim Daewoo thought for a moment, picked up his phone, found Irene's phone number, and prepared to ask what he needed to talk to the kid about.

After all, she and this guy had dated before... Even though they broke up, since they kept in touch, she thought that Gong Cheng at least had the right to know about his illness, right?

In case anything happens that requires contacting Gong Cheng, it would be good to explain to Irene why he's currently not available to answer the phone, to avoid any further misunderstandings.

Thinking it over, Kim Daewoo raised his phone, listening to the call on the other end, "..."

(End of this chapter)