Peninsula Platinum Era

Chapter 289 Rewarding Her

"Director Chen... will he really support me in continuing my studies?"

Before she knew it, half of Xiaochi's time at Hanlin Arts High School had passed. According to the company's plan to debut next year, she would likely face the pressure of the college entrance examination less than a year after her debut.

Although she felt she had boundless energy, the company never promised her the opportunity to take exams or attend university. On the contrary, they always hoped that trainees would drop out of school to focus on their debut.

Back when she was at Source Music, she was in the same boat. Maybe if Chen Shijun hadn't come along, she wouldn't have even been able to go to high school, and she wouldn't be in this dilemma today.

"You're still carrying some psychological burden, aren't you? Director Chen promised you, how could he go back on his word?"

Koike's graduation time was indeed quite awkward. Even Eunhye was worried that she would overwork herself. The first year after her debut is undoubtedly very tough, and adding the pressure of further education at this time is undoubtedly a huge challenge to her limits.

"However, if it's too strenuous, could we postpone it for a while? I and Councilor Chen will help you with your enrollment."

Eunhye spoke highly of Chen Shijun. Although Xiaochi rarely saw Chen Shijun, she knew that this director was very kind to her, and she was extremely happy.

At a critical moment when the company wanted her to drop out of school and face a major setback in her life, she unexpectedly met her prince charming. Although there was a slight age difference between them, Xiaochi really felt like she was in an idol drama.

Even now, that snowy night remains vivid in my memory. I can still smell the faint fragrance of Chen Shijun's car when I close my eyes. My poetic and picturesque girlish feelings are slowly budding.

"If possible, I still hope to continue my studies according to the schedule. As for my idol career, I will manage to balance it well."

Even so, she accepted the model of enrolling first and then taking a leave of absence. She had invested too much in her life to debut. In fact, if the company's attitude had been firm at the time, she would have had to give up her desire to continue studying.

"What kind of person is Director Chen? Sometimes Ms. Min gets very angry just hearing Director Chen's name. Do they have some kind of intense conflict?"

When she thought about how Fan Yuxin had bumped into Chen Shijun in the elevator a while ago, and how she came back and they were discussing how handsome the young executive was and how aloof he was, Min Xizhen overheard them and gave them a good scolding.

Although the stated reason was that it was forbidden to talk about company leaders behind their backs, Xiaochi keenly sensed a kind of hostility towards Chen Shijun, so she used this as an excuse to bring it up today.

“This matter is complicated. Just treat it as some disagreements in company operations, nothing serious. But I also want you to avoid revealing your relationship with Director Chen, otherwise you might be targeted.”

Eunhye said that even with her best friend Fan Yuxin, she must be a little wary. The infighting in the group has always been cruel, and even the legendary girl group that has reached the top can still produce some leg-related stories.

If Xiaochi is targeted by Min Hee-jin, although she could debut given her current importance and Chen Shijun's strong support, she wouldn't be able to achieve a surprise effect at crucial moments.

Moreover, this could very well lead to the girl being ostracized. Secretary Li hated Min Hee-jin to the core, but the more this was the case, the less he could allow Xiao Chi to be exposed prematurely.

"Has Unnie bought a house yet? Why are you looking at furniture?!"

Koike found it strange; Seoul's housing prices are ridiculously high these days, how could this woman buy a house at such a young age?

Since she's looking at high-end furniture, she probably won't put it in her rented apartment. Xiao Ji also wants to own property in Seoul. I wonder how long it will take for her to realize this wish after her debut.

"Buy a house? Yes, that's right, I've already looked at almost all of them."

Living in Seoul is not easy; at least among Eun-hye's peers, very few can afford to buy a house with their own income.

Without family support, most people will likely live in affordable areas like Gwanak Ward, or in Gyeonggi Province where the commute isn't too long. Even after years of hard work, most people will still choose relatively affordable areas like Dobong Ward, JB Ward, and Ason Ward.

High housing prices have resulted in a low homeownership rate in Seoul, at only about 45%, with more than half of the residents needing to rent to solve their housing problems.

"Seocho District? Unnie, are you that rich? Wow, that's amazing!"

The girl looked at the older sister with a hint of admiration. Eunhye smiled awkwardly. Chen Shijun was very supportive, and they eventually chose an apartment in Songpo District.

As one of the three districts in Gangnam, although its housing prices may not be as high as those in Gangnam and Seocho districts, it is still in the top tier and is an important residential area in the Gangnam area.

"Once you're all settled, be sure to come over often! I'll cook you some delicious food."

When talking to Chen Shijun, she would jokingly call Quan Enbi and the others "shortcut girls," but then again, none of them took shortcuts as early as she did! The boomerang still hit her.

But only those who have actually taken the shortcut know how hard it is to resist such temptation. By leaping ahead at an extremely fast pace, surpassing the efforts of their peers that take ten or twenty years, they probably wouldn't regret it no matter how many times they were given the chance.

"Of course, I will bring a gift when the time comes."

Xiaochi happily agreed, and the heartwarming scene of her eating snacks and playing games with her friends in the new house was truly delightful.

But then it suddenly occurred to me that this older sister and Chen Shijun had a very special relationship. Could it be that Chen Shijun made some great contribution inside?
However, it would be impolite to ask such a question, so he simply kept quiet and slowly followed Eunhye around.

There's a question that's been lingering in my mind for a long time: there's no such thing as kindness without a reason, especially in the entertainment industry where relationships are so complicated.

Chen Shijun's appearance was like a salvation, helping her when she was in trouble, but behind this good fortune, is there a price that we have not yet seen?

Maybe so! But the girl doesn't want to delve into it now, and even has a hint of anticipation, even if there are some more complicated considerations of self-interest, she doesn't see any harm in it for herself.

The man said he was more like his sister, and Zhang Yuanying was always used as a comparison point for her, but is that really the case? Xiaochi thinks it may not be.

Time will tell. The most important thing now is to seize the opportunity he fought for, prepare well for her debut, and pave the way for her studies.

"Unnie! You can let Director Chen know that I will always listen to him."

The girl's face was flushed, which made Eun-hye secretly smile. Chen Shijun was quite popular with young girls; he was truly a king of the kids.

"I think you should tell him yourself in a couple of days. I think he'll be very happy."

……

Whether Chen Shijun was happy or not is another matter, but An'an was overjoyed and kept saying that there was no need to be polite, as it was all she should do.

"If it weren't for Yu-jin, this new group might have been in big trouble. She eliminated a huge hidden danger for us. I think the company should give you a bonus."

How could the captain of Starship receive HYBE's bonus? It was obviously impossible, but An An felt that Chen Shijun could treat her better.

(End of this chapter)