Chapter One Hundred and Ten: The Wedding

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Entertainment at Your Side – No Ads
Story Timeline: November – December 2006
Recommended Song: Victor Wong & Fish Leong — “aybanettolove”
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional. Please do not take it personally. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental!

Jiang Yihan’s contract signing and comeback were proceeding smoothly and orderly. Though he hadn’t participated in any public events, the anticipation surrounding him was steadily rising, nearing its peak. Today, Jiang Yihan’s appearance was both unexpected and, in a way, predictable—because today was Kang Hodong’s wedding.

It was originally thought that Jiang Yihan would remain hidden from the public eye, as before. But due to Kang Hodong’s special status and their close friendship, Jiang Yihan decided to attend the wedding privately.

He arrived at the venue with the members of TVXQ, while Li Ran had already gone ahead. It was only natural for Li Ran to help out at Kang Hodong’s wedding, so he was one of the event’s MCs and had come early to assist. When they arrived, it was time to get out of the car, but Jiang Yihan remained seated.

“Jaejoong, you all go in first. I’ll enter directly from the parking lot,” Jiang Yihan said as he adjusted his bow tie.

“Brother, don’t you want to come in with us? It’s okay, just ignore the media,” Kim Jaejoong urged.

“Jaejoong, you guys are the center of attention. Cameras will follow you wherever you go. I just don’t want to be on camera right now,” Jiang Yihan sighed.

“Alright then, you come find us after you get in. Let’s sit together at one table,” Jaejoong gave up.

“Okay, you all go ahead,” Jiang Yihan said as he sent the five of them off. Immediately, flashes from cameras and cheers from fans erupted outside.

Jiang Yihan peered through the window curtains, watching the crowd packed along both sides of the road, with media lining the path as artists continuously arrived. He sighed quietly as the car left the bustling area and entered the underground parking lot.

Taking the elevator directly to the banquet hall, Jiang Yihan straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and stepped into the venue, carefully avoiding the steady stream of guests at the entrance. He approached the registration desk, took out a prepared red envelope, signed the guestbook, and wrote down his name.

The backs of his departing figure left two staff members at the registration desk a bit stunned.

“Was that Jiang Yihan just now?”

“Yes, he signed here,” they said, clearly surprised.

“Looks like he really is close with Kang Hodong,” one remarked, but before they could further comment, another guest arrived for registration.

Inside the hall, Jiang Yihan found a quiet corner and sat down, watching the crowd pouring in, everyone smiling happily. The number of attending artists was overwhelming, a testament to Kang Hodong’s popularity within the industry. Seeing Kang Hodong warmly greeting guests with a beaming smile, Jiang Yihan couldn’t help but smile himself. Happiness truly was contagious.

Today, Kang Hodong was not his usual outgoing, boisterous self. Rather, he seemed a little shy, his expressions somewhat awkward, with a faint blush on his cheeks. His voice was softer than usual, sometimes slightly stumbling. The laughter that mingled with his shy anticipation made everyone present feel just how truly happy Kang Hodong was.

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Jiang Yihan chose a seat in the corner. The table was surrounded by some office workers—friends of Kang Hodong from outside the entertainment circle. Since Jiang Yihan didn’t purposely raise his head, and with the lively atmosphere, no one recognized him.

As time passed, the wedding ceremony began.

Kang Hodong stood nervously at the front, waiting for the banquet hall doors to open. When MC Yoo Jae-suk announced the bride’s entrance, Kang Hodong’s expression grew tense—a rare sight. The doors swung open. The bride, in a pure white wedding gown, holding a vibrant bouquet and wearing a shy smile, was escorted in by her father.

The moment the piano music began, an indescribable feeling stirred in everyone’s hearts. At the wedding, watching the bride and groom gaze at each other affectionately, the bride’s father handing her hand over to the groom along the long red carpet—it was all so ordinary yet brimming with boundless happiness, stirring deep emotion. Jiang Yihan sincerely wished the couple the best.

The ceremony continued enveloped in pink hues until the special moment arrived. The groom would invite someone special to perform the wedding blessing song. This performer was not only a close friend of the groom but also held special commemorative significance. The choice of the singer was made long before the wedding, so Jiang Yihan knew it wasn’t him but grew curious about who it would be.

When Kim Jong-kook appeared, Jiang Yihan applauded sincerely, a happy smile on his face. Though they hadn’t interacted much, Kim Jong-kook’s good character left a deep impression on Jiang Yihan. Kim was a good senior and an excellent singer. Listening to the romantic tones of Kim’s distinctive voice, Kang Hodong and the bride shyly looked down.

When Kim Jong-kook finished singing “Trust,” it seemed the wedding would proceed, but Kang Hodong and Yoo Jae-suk exchanged a glance and nodded. Then Yoo Jae-suk said, “Everyone knows Kang Hodong is well-liked, a great senior and an even greater junior. Kim Jong-kook’s blessing is both a blessing for Kang Hodong and an honor for Kim. Now, the next person to sing a blessing for Kang Hodong will give him a very special blessing.”

Everyone was puzzled. Usually, only one group sings the blessing at a wedding. Why were there two today? Was it because Kang Hodong’s status and connections were so impressive that he invited two groups?

“Everyone knows there have been many incidents in the industry this year, but this person is still Kang Hodong’s best younger brother and the most outstanding young master in our hearts. Please welcome Jiang Yihan,” Yoo Jae-suk’s brief introduction immediately captured everyone’s attention.

Jiang Yihan, still seated, was momentarily stunned. “What? I’m singing? Kang Hodong didn’t tell me! Oh man.”

At that moment, Kang Hodong took the microphone and said, “Yihan, brother’s getting married, aren’t you going to come up and sing a blessing? Come on, get up here.”

Instinctively, Jiang Yihan stood and instantly became the center of attention. After a brief hesitation, he stepped forward, unexpectedly becoming the focus of the entire hall. Walking down the red carpet felt unreal, as if walking on clouds.

He caught Li Ran’s encouraging gaze, saw Kim Jaejoong and others applauding joyfully, noticed Han Geng’s supportive expression, Kim Jong-kook’s expectant smile, and glimpsed Yoon Eun-hye, Chae Yeon, Park Kyung-lim, and Park Myung-soo... Most importantly, he saw Kang Hodong’s happy face. That short red carpet walk showed Jiang Yihan so much.

Standing on stage, Jiang Yihan took a deep breath, looking at Kang Hodong. Kang’s smile warmed him from the heart. Indeed, so many things had happened this year; the elder brother had done so much for him—words couldn’t express it, so he would send his blessings through this song.

After a quiet word with the pianist, Jiang Yihan took the microphone.

“The door slowly opens, you walk in. The moment I see you, I know you belong to me. You walk slowly towards me, your lowered face so beautiful, shining brightly.”

Yes, Jiang Yihan was singing “Can I Love You?” His elegant voice filled the room with tender happiness, enveloping everyone in a shy warmth.

“You’ve already captured my heart; I must carefully confess, gathering courage. From today, can I love you? This obvious feeling is the first in my life; I don’t want to miss it. Perhaps love insists on coming—I’m willing to give you my best. After many farewells and tears, maybe it’s because I can endure that I met you, whom I regret not meeting sooner. Now, sitting in front of me, can I love you? With my heart, always giving you the best—can I love you?”

Jiang Yihan’s song carried the sweetness of love, while Kang Hodong felt not only happiness but also touched and a hint of sadness. This song was not only a wedding blessing but also Jiang Yihan’s anthem of 2006. Now that Jiang Yihan had the courage to perform it publicly again, Kang Hodong understood his feelings deeply. Without hesitation, Kang Hodong stepped forward and embraced Jiang Yihan.

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“You’ve got to work hard from now on, so those people will see your true strength, understand?” Kang Hodong’s voice cracked with emotion.

Jiang Yihan’s eyes moistened slightly. He whispered softly, “Brother Hodong, I hope you and sister-in-law live happily.”

Jiang Yihan’s words brought a shy smile to Kang Hodong’s face. Jiang bowed respectfully to his sister-in-law before stepping down from the stage.

Back at his seat, Jiang Yihan was no longer hidden. Surrounded by gazes, autograph requests kept coming, but he politely declined them all. He hadn’t planned to sign autographs today anyway, and the focus should remain on Kang Hodong, not him.

The next day, news of Kang Hodong’s wedding naturally topped the headlines. Beneath it, the news of “Jiang Yihan’s Heavenly Voice Reemergence” received widespread attention.

Though Jiang Yihan had been out of the public eye for over half a year, his brief appearance and performance at the wedding showcased his outstanding live singing ability and the tender, pink-hued “Can I Love You?”

The wedding was a mere interlude, but an important one. Meanwhile, Li Ran and Jiang Haotian were steadily negotiating Jiang Yihan’s contract.

Jiang Haotian agreed to nearly all terms, making Li Ran feel like it wasn’t a negotiation at all—just him stating terms while the other party accepted.

A three-year contract worth 15 billion won instantly made Jiang Yihan the highest-paid artist in Korea. The contract’s details almost guaranteed all of Jiang Yihan’s future earnings for the next three years. This contract wasn’t just a company agreement—it was a contract signed for Jiang Yihan personally.

These days brought a flood of news: first, Kang Hodong’s lavish wedding and the star-studded guest list, which amazed everyone and revealed Kang’s excellent reputation; then Jiang Yihan’s stunning reappearance, raising expectations for him further; followed by major changes in the entertainment industry.

The names of Abnetete’s major shareholders were undisclosed, but the company’s two managers were well-known figures Lee Dong and Yang Hyun-suk. The new company’s name, “One,” was chosen to signify “first,” encompassing meanings for “Yi” and “Yi” from Jiang Yihan’s name, symbolizing uniqueness and primacy. The merger’s advantages were clear: abundant resources, complementary music styles and strengths, broader reach in the film industry through both leaders’ networks, and, most importantly, powerful connections across various sectors. Both ABC and YG had been top-tier companies in Korea, already well connected with influential figures; now merged, their strength was even greater. Not to mention the rising success of “Zi Yi” in Korea—a brand thriving amidst Korea’s protective environment of domestic products—fueled by Jiang Haotian and several major companies’ close ties with government officials, wielding decisive influence. Therefore, on paper, “One” was arguably Korea’s strongest entertainment company. But why only “on paper”? Because theory and practice differed. The two companies had distinct styles and directions; their post-merger path needed careful control. Besides hard power, soft power mattered more—the number of top-tier artists under contract was the real measure of a company’s strength. Now, as “One” had just merged, all artists had to sign new contracts. How many would stay was the key question.

While everyone was shocked by the sudden merger of Korea’s top two companies, a second piece of news emerged: “One” signed Jiang Yihan to a three-year contract worth 15 billion won, making him their first and top artist.

If YG and ABC had previously cooperated, making the merger beneficial overall, Jiang Yihan’s contract amount was jaw-dropping. It was among the highest for a top-tier Korean artist in recent years. Combined with Jiang Yihan’s previous sensational impact, he was now arguably Korea’s most renowned name. From elderly news watchers to kindergarten children, everyone knew him—and importantly, he was a genuinely good person. The positive influence was far-reaching.

After signing its first artist, “One” made more bold moves. Unsurprisingly, Abnetete artists like TVXQ, Big Bang, and Se7en were included. Among these was a lesser-known name, Cheng Yu, though his presence was overshadowed by bigger stars. Cheng Yu was a former YG artist known for strong songwriting and singing abilities; previously positioned as a ballad singer, he now sought to explore new musical styles and thus signed with the new company.

Besides the expected names on the contract list, a few surprises shocked everyone and made them take “One’s” ambitions seriously. The list included only three names: Lee Hyori, Kang Hodong, and Han Chae-young.

End of rambling—today’s update includes two chapters; this is the first!