Chapter 105: The TV Drama Premieres

After a series of examinations at the hospital on his right foot, it was finally confirmed that Chen Zhe had only suffered a minor sprain. It was not serious and simply required rest and care.

“Since it’s just a mild sprain, why not see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for some therapeutic massage? That should help you recover faster, Ah Zhe!”

Back in the van, Lin Xiuhao, recalling the doctor's advice to rest more and reflecting on Chen Zhe’s recent busy schedule, began to worry that the hectic pace might aggravate the injury.

Suddenly, a bright idea struck him. During his school days, whenever he sprained a joint playing basketball, he often visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic specializing in treating bruises and sprains.

The treatments there were surprisingly effective. For minor sprains, a massage session could speed up recovery by a day or two without affecting mobility.

“Is there traditional Chinese medicine in Korea? If it can accelerate recovery, it’s worth a try. After all, I still have filming ahead, and soon the promotional performances will start—I can’t let this sprain hold me back.”

After finishing editing a message to inform Pei Zhuxuan about his injury, Chen Zhe sent it out and then pondered Lin Xiuhao’s suggestion while stroking his chin.

In the end, not wanting to disrupt his schedule, Chen Zhe decided to try the clinic Lin Xiuhao had recommended.

“That clinic is run by a Chinese family. I heard their family has practiced traditional Chinese medicine for three generations. The current practitioner graduated from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. I don’t know why he ended up practicing here in Korea, though.”

Lin Xiuhao was well-versed in information about the clinic he frequented during university days; after all, he was a regular customer.

“All right, Xiuhao, let’s get going quickly. The sooner this is done, the sooner I can rest. I’m exhausted today!”

Hearing Lin Xiuhao’s words, Chen Zhe felt confident about the clinic. He patted the driver’s seat and urged Lin Xiuhao to set off promptly.

————— Time Skip —————

Several days had passed since Chen Zhe’s treatment. The traditional Chinese clinic recommended by Lin Xiuhao proved quite effective. After three or four days, Chen Zhe had almost fully recovered.

Unknowingly, the clock had struck the evening of July 24th, the official broadcast date for episodes one and two of “Reply 1997.”

That afternoon, director Shen Yuanhao had given the crew an early break to go home and watch “Reply 1997,” boosting the drama’s viewership.

“Yeah, today’s the official premiere of my drama’s first episode. It’s 10:56 PM now, and the broadcast starts right at 11!”

Chen Yuqi wasn’t at the apartment today; she had gone to her close friend Choi Sooyoung’s place. So Chen Zhe was alone in the apartment, which felt unusually quiet and spacious.

Sitting on the living room sofa, Chen Zhe placed his phone with the speaker turned on on the coffee table and casually switched the TV channel to TVN.

“I’m already sitting in the living room with the TV tuned to TVN! By the way, Ah Zhe, did you notify Sooyoung unnie and the others?”

Through the phone came the distinctive voice of Jung Soojung. Their relationship had progressed quickly, making them like close relatives, so Jung Soojung showed her lively side in front of Chen Zhe.

“Yes, I already told Sooyoung unnie and the others. How could I forget them? Besides, my unnie is with Sooyoung unnie today. I called ahead to let them know.”

If Chen Zhe had failed to inform Chen Yuqi and Choi Sooyoung, not to mention the rest of the Girls’ Generation crazies, he could easily imagine the consequences afterward.

“True, forgetting to tell Sooyoung unnie and the others would be…” Jung Soojung’s voice trailed off, interrupted by sudden, uncontrollable laughter.

“Did you forget someone? Like me, your unnie here!” Suddenly, Jung Sooyeon’s somewhat chilly voice came through.

The sound startled Chen Zhe, who had been comfortably sprawled on the sofa, causing him to jolt upright in a fluster.

“No, unnie, I was planning to call you right after I finished talking with Soojung, then watch while we chatted. That way, you could point out my acting flaws! How could I forget you, unnie!”

Realizing he needed a plausible explanation, Chen Zhe scratched his head vigorously, racking his brains for a suitable excuse.

His thoughts raced until a sudden spark gave him a barely convincing response, which he promptly shared without delay.

“Hmph, pointing out flaws, huh? Fine, then keep the call going and don’t hang up. Let Soojung and me give you some tips, rookie!”

Jung Sooyeon snorted lightly, seemingly dissatisfied with Chen Zhe’s reply but took the hint nonetheless, her tone tinged with tsundere charm.

“Okay, okay, I get it. I’ll listen carefully to both you and Soojung’s advice, unnie!”

Hearing Jung Sooyeon’s teasing yet affectionate tone, Chen Zhe nodded repeatedly like a little chick pecking at grain, showing full agreement.

Minutes passed quickly, and at exactly 11 PM, “Reply 1997” officially began airing on TVN.

Watching the opening scene from 2012, where Sung Siwon and his parents sing karaoke, Chen Zhe smiled softly at the performance of Jung Eunji, who played Sung Siwon.

He hadn’t seen this scene during filming, as he was shooting other shots then, but now it looked genuinely entertaining.

“Ah Zhe, what are you laughing at?” Jung Soojung’s voice came through, noticing his amusement. Chen Zhe had forgotten they were still on the phone.

Unable to suppress his laughter, he had inadvertently given away his mirth, promptly caught by Jung Soojung’s keen ears.

“Nothing, it’s just Eunji unnie’s performance that’s so amusing it made me laugh!”

Hearing Soojung’s voice, Chen Zhe quickly stifled his laughter and explained casually.

“Eunji unnie?” His explanation didn’t quite work; instead, the way he said Jung Eunji’s name piqued Soojung’s curiosity, making her voice sound puzzled yet intriguing.

“Yeah, Eunji from Apink, the female lead in this drama.”

Chen Zhe continued explaining, as if unaware of Soojung’s subtle implications.

“Apink? I have some impression of that girl group. I remember they’re quite talented!”

It wasn’t Soojung’s voice this time but Jung Sooyeon’s cool tone, as if recalling something.

“Right, Eunji unnie is Apink’s lead vocalist. Her singing is incredible. From my perspective, she’s on par with you and Taeyeon unnies!”

Recalling Jung Eunji at her peak, Chen Zhe couldn’t help but admire her, for she had already reached a musician’s stature by then.

“On par with us? The younger generation is getting stronger. I’ve also looked into Apink’s lead vocalist. Her skills are indeed formidable, putting a lot of pressure on us seniors!”

After Chen Zhe’s words, Jung Sooyeon’s voice paused briefly, then expressed a hint of admiration.

“Not at all. Since you and Taeyeon and Seohyun unnies are so talented, we still have to learn from you seniors. Having your guidance, how could we possibly be a threat?”

Hearing Sooyeon’s heartfelt words, Chen Zhe quickly flattered her, as if afraid his previous comment might have offended her.

“Hahaha, I was just joking earlier. Don’t overthink it, Ah Zhe!”

Sooyeon laughed, clearly pleased with Chen Zhe’s reaction.

“Phew…” After she clarified her joke, Chen Zhe finally exhaled deeply, relieved that she hadn’t taken offense.