Peninsula: Starting with the nation's first love, the white moonlight

End of November.

IU's highly anticipated second full-length album, "Last Fantasy," has been officially released globally.

The full music video for the title track "You and I" was also released on major video platforms.

The previously released 30-second teaser had already raised expectations to the max, and this full-length music video has not disappointed the fans who have been waiting anxiously.

The entire music video was well-produced, with expensive sets and props.

Lee Ji-eun's singing perfectly captures the emotions of a young girl wanting to transcend time and embrace her lover.

With the release of the music, it unsurprisingly topped all the charts in various metrics.

Within just one hour of its release, the song immediately topped the charts on major music streaming platforms in Peninsula, including Melon, Genie, and Bugs, and achieved a perfect all-kill within two hours.

In its first week, actual sales exceeded 300,000 units, breaking the historical first-week sales record for female solo singers from the Peninsula.

The total number of downloads across the entire network has exceeded 15 million, far surpassing all idol groups that released songs at the same time.

On major music communities, discussion threads about IU's new album practically dominate every page. The praise from netizens is overwhelming:

"OMG! This song is so catchy! The arrangement is simply a work of art!"

"300,000 copies sold in the first week? Fifteen million downloads? She's definitely secured her position as the number one female solo artist on the peninsula!"

"IU's momentum is incredible! She's only nineteen years old, and she can already write such amazing songs. Her future in the music industry is absolutely limitless!"

Of course, amidst the praise, there were also a few envious trolls making sarcastic remarks:

"Am I the only one who thinks it's just so-so? It's obvious that the hype is just based on previous scandals, and the so-called talent is all just packaging by the company."

However, as soon as this mindless bashing post was published, the company's public relations department didn't even need to intervene; it was quickly torn to shreds by thousands of passersby and fans.

"If you don't need your ears, you can donate them to someone who does! Even professional music critics gave this song a perfect score, who do you think you are?"

"Is it so hard to admit someone is good? Haters, get out of here!"

In less than ten minutes, those scattered posts questioning the issue were deleted on their own.

……

After a few peaceful days on campus, Li Luran returned to the company.

Upon entering the planning department, he could immediately sense the particularly relaxed atmosphere.

The huge success of the new album made every employee involved feel proud.

Now, when the colleagues in the planning department see Li Luran, they no longer have the same disdain for an intern they had at the beginning.

Everyone knows that this kid not only has top-notch planning skills, but he's also a favorite of IU, and even the company's leadership speaks highly of him.

As for his close relationship with Lee Ji-eun in private, everyone was used to it and pretended not to see it, and no one dared to gossip.

Li Luran had barely sat down when the office door was pushed open.

Lee Ji-eun walked in today wearing a beige coat and carrying a cup of hot milk.

In the past few days, she has made countless trips to promote her new album, and she looks a bit tired.

However, when she saw Li Luran, her eyes lit up noticeably, and she waved to him happily.

Li Luran understood, got up and followed her out of the office area to the rest area at the end of the corridor.

"Lu Ran."

Lee Ji-eun lowered her head and took a small sip of hot milk, warming her hands around the cup before looking up at him.

"I'm going to promote my song on KBS's 'Music Bank' this Friday." She paused, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. "Do you want to come with me to the show?"

"Are you going to perform live?" Li Luran was slightly taken aback, not expecting Li Zhi'en to suddenly invite him to watch her perform live.

Having spent so much time in LOEN, he naturally understood the status of music shows in the Korean entertainment industry.

To be honest, he didn't really like those kinds of events with lots of fans, but seeing Lee Ji-eun's expectant look, he still couldn't refuse.

"Sure." Li Luran nodded, agreeing very readily. "I was just thinking of going to see it for myself."

Hearing him agree so readily, Ji-eun's eyes instantly curved into two beautiful crescent moons, sweeping away her previous fatigue.

She put down her milk glass and extended her little finger to Li Luran.

"Come on, pinky promise!"

Li Luran chuckled helplessly. This girl was a dazzling superstar on stage, but in private she was as childish as an elementary school student.

He didn't disappoint her; he extended his right little finger and hooked it with hers.

"Alright, the ceremony is complete! Oh, no, the oath is made!"

She withdrew her hand contentedly, then wagged her little finger at Li Luran.

"We made a deal, okay? You can't stand me up!"

"Don't worry, since we've agreed, I'll definitely be there on time."

"However," Li Luran thought for a moment, "I've never been to a music show performance before. Is there anything I should be aware of? Or is there anything I need to do?"

"No, no!" Lee Ji-eun waved her hand. "Just stick with me. Sooyoung unnie and Hante oppa will be there too. If you don't understand anything, just ask them. Just treat it as a day trip."

"Oh, right!" Lee Ji-eun suddenly remembered something and frowned slightly. "There have been some complaints from fans in the official fan cafe that I don't post enough content online. What do you think I should film for the fans to see?"

In the Korean Peninsula, this problem does exist when artists are not in their comeback period. This is why some artists participate in regular variety shows, not only to maintain their popularity but also to entertain their fans.

After a moment's thought, Li Luran suggested, "How about we create a short, everyday video series?"

"We can show some behind-the-scenes footage, such as scenes of you dozing off or eating snacks on set when we were filming the music video, or we can simply film a more down-to-earth side of your daily life."

Li Luran's thoughts became clearer as he spoke: "You don't need very professional equipment, a small DV camera will do. When you go to do promotional events, have Hante or Sooyoung record a few clips for you. Then we can pick some interesting ones to send to the fans, or we can upload them to YouTube as a regular feature. This will not only maintain exposure but also increase fan engagement."

Lee Ji-eun nodded her little head, stared into Lee Lu-ran's eyes for a long time, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Lee Lu-ran, why are you... so smart!"

She stood on tiptoe and patted Li Luran's head: "I don't know how your brain works, how come I couldn't come up with such a great idea?"

Li Luran gently slapped her little hand away, took a step back, and smiled slyly: "Otherwise, how could my education level be higher than yours? Why don't you consider going back to school for a few more years?"

"Damn it, Li Luran, what did you say?!"

This guy actually made fun of her academic qualifications! This is absolutely intolerable!

Ji-eun, her younger sister, angrily raised her hand and rushed towards Li Luran, wanting to give him a heavy blow.

But she forgot that she was wearing high heels for the show, and as soon as she took a step, she twisted her ankle and fell straight towards Li Luran.

Seeing this, Li Luran quickly hugged her, but Li Zhi'en's nose still bumped into Li Luran's chest.

"Ouch...it hurts so much."

Ji-eun was in so much pain that tears were almost streaming down her face, and she even forgot that she was being held in Li Luran's arms.

Listening to the man's heartbeat gradually quickening, she realized that the distance between them was too ambiguous.

Lee Ji-eun's cheeks quickly warmed up, but she didn't push Lee Lu-ran away. She didn't dislike the feeling of being held by him; on the contrary, she felt a little secretly pleased.

She buried her head in Li Luran's chest, poked his arm with her finger, and whispered:

"Feed... how long are you going to keep holding me?"

Li Luran was noticeably a beat slow to react, and only released her after hearing Li Zhi'en's words.

Although I was just trying to help her so she wouldn't fall, the sensation from my palm was real, and gradually, the atmosphere became subtle.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, until...

"Ji-eun, are you alright?" Han Te's voice came from afar.

Lee Ji-eun felt like she'd been granted a pardon. She quickly straightened her clothes. "Hante oppa must be getting impatient. I have to rush to my next appointment. I'll be going now, see you on Friday!"

Lee Ji-eun left in a hurry. He watched her receding figure and sighed softly.

His mind seemed truly in turmoil.