Chapter 70: Acting Lessons, Two People Growing Closer

Expelled from the office by Kim Jung-min, Chen Zhe and Lee Ji-eun exchanged a helpless glance. Their movements were perfectly synchronized—they both shrugged. Noticing the other had made the same gesture, they paused in mild surprise, but as the moment registered, they shared another glance, this time with knowing smiles touching their lips.

“I’ll take you to meet your acting class teacher first, Chen Zhe,” Ji-eun said, schooling her features into a more composed expression. After witnessing their earlier moment of rapport, she found herself warming further toward her new junior apprentice. She beckoned him to follow, preparing to set off.

“You can just call me Zhe or Chen Zhe like the president does, IU sunbae. There’s no need to keep using ‘Chen Zhe-ssi,’ it feels a bit awkward!” Although the exaggerated smile had faded, a gentle, sweet curve still played at the corners of Ji-eun’s mouth, dimples adding a further touch of charm to her expression.

“Alright, then I’ll call you Zhe. And you don’t have to keep using my stage name either—it feels too formal. We’re in the same company now, like a family. You can just call me by my real name.”

Having developed a good impression of Chen Zhe—and seeing something of her own younger brother in him—she nodded in affirmation.

“Yes, Ji-eun noona, I look forward to your guidance in the future!”

Hearing footsteps from inside the room, Chen Zhe and his companion looked toward the source. A pretty girl, about 161 centimeters tall, came running over.

“So you’re the singer of ‘Melody’?” she asked, wrinkling her nose slightly as she examined Chen Zhe with curiosity.

“Yes, IU sunbae. I’m Chen Zhe from China, just signed to the company. It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I hope to learn a lot from you in the future!” Noticing her scrutiny, Chen Zhe hurried to introduce himself politely.

“Chen Zhe-ssi from China! Pleased to meet you. Your Korean is impressive! I’ve heard your ‘Melody’—it’s really good. Keep working hard!” After a few words, the girl smiled, reached up to pat his shoulder in encouragement.

“I will do my best, IU sunbae!” Surprised and grateful for her encouragement, Chen Zhe immediately expressed his thanks.

“Alright then, don’t just stand in the doorway and block the entrance. Come in and have a seat!” With a clap of her hands, IU motioned everyone inside.

The three nodded and followed Ji-eun into the lounge. Seated on the sofa, Chen Zhe looked around with curiosity, intrigued by the artist’s lounge.

“Are you curious about my lounge, Chen Zhe-ssi?” After pouring water for everyone, Ji-eun noticed his interest and asked with a smile.

“Yes, sorry, IU sunbae! It’s my first time seeing an artist’s lounge, so it all feels a bit novel,” he replied, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

“Haha, it’s alright! The first time in an artist’s lounge is always interesting, but you’ll get used to it soon enough.” She waved off his embarrassment with a laugh.

“By the way, Chen Zhe-ssi, has the company decided when you’ll debut? Have you picked your debut song?” Suddenly recalling something, Ji-eun asked eagerly.

“According to the president, I should debut in August, and my debut song will probably be ‘Melody.’” Chen Zhe thought for a moment and decided to be straightforward, knowing he would need Ji-eun’s support when the time came.

“August? That’s just over a month away. Are you sure you’ll be ready?” Ji-eun was surprised. With only a month to prepare, the training would be intense. She couldn’t help but worry.

“It’s alright, IU sunbae. I’ve already been evaluated by the company’s music theory teacher. As long as I perform steadily, I should be fine. Most of this month will focus on etiquette and variety training.” Touched by her concern, Chen Zhe reassured her with a gentle smile.

“If the music teacher says so, then you should be fine. And you really don’t have to keep calling me IU sunbae. As colleagues, just call me Ji-eun noona or Senior Ji-eun,” she responded with a nod and a smile.

“Yes, Ji-eun noona! And you can just call me Zhe. I’ll be counting on your guidance from now on!” Chen Zhe immediately adapted, changing his way of addressing her without hesitation.

“Alright, Zhe. When you debut, your noona will bring her friends to cheer you on!” Ji-eun patted her chest in promise, as if to say everything could be left to her.

“Thank you so much. I’ll be depending on you!” Seeing her manner, Chen Zhe was struck by a sense of familiarity, as though he’d seen this in someone else before.

Their conversation continued in a cheerful atmosphere, and before they knew it, more than an hour had passed. The spell was broken only when Chen Zhe’s phone vibrated.

It was a message from the tour guide, asking if everything had been handled. Chen Zhe replied that all was settled and promised to explain in detail once back at the hotel.

Since he had joined LOEN and would begin training the day after tomorrow—not to mention a planned visit to SM Entertainment the next day—he had to withdraw from the tour group. He’d need to inform both the guide and the company in charge of the prize event.

“Zhe, by the way, Ga-in unni isn’t at the company today. After you come in the day after tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to her,” Ji-eun promised to introduce him to the senior artist next time.

“Thank you, Ji-eun noona. I’ll be counting on you.” Chen Zhe expressed his gratitude, knowing it would be easier to meet the company’s seniors with her help.

“Zhe, it’s about time. The president invited you to dinner tonight, so we should head over now,” Han Ze-lu reminded, checking his phone.

“Sorry, Ji-eun noona, we have to go now!” Chen Zhe apologized hastily.

“No worries, Zhe. Since it’s the president’s invitation, you should hurry. We’ll talk more next time!” Ji-eun waved them off, urging them not to be late.

After saying their goodbyes to Ji-eun and Jung Han-te, Chen Zhe and his companion made their way to the staff lounge to meet up with Seong Dae-ha before heading to the president’s office.

“Ah, I forgot to exchange numbers with Zhe. Never mind, I’ll get his contact when he reports in the day after tomorrow.” Only after they left did Ji-eun smack her forehead, realizing what she’d forgotten.