Chapter Thirty-Four: The Radio Show

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Entertainment by My Side

Story takes place: February 2005

Recommended song: Pu Shu — “Radio In My Head”

Disclaimer: This is a work of pure fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is entirely coincidental.

At 8 a.m., Jiang Yihan was dragged out of bed by Li Ran. There was a radio appearance scheduled for the morning, and Jiang Yihan was still half-asleep, only vaguely aware that he was sitting in the nanny van on the way to the radio station.

After completing her leave-of-absence paperwork, Jiang Ziyi officially began her job as his assistant. Her primary tasks were to help Jiang Yihan with various small matters, manage his online presence—organizing and being the point of contact for activities on his official website with Jiang Zaimin and others, sending out gifts, managing CY, browsing messages, and keeping up with news about him so Li Ran could always be updated on media coverage. Thus, today found Jiang Ziyi seated at the back of the van with Xu Xian, both starting their new routine of accompanying Jiang Yihan on his schedule.

“Jiang Yihan, are you awake?” Han PD from MPick had arrived on time that morning as well, sitting in the car and smiling at the drowsy Jiang Yihan.

“Let me sleep a bit more,” Jiang Yihan replied, eyes closing again as he slumped in his seat, impossible to rouse.

“Jiang Yihan, get up, get up! You can’t keep doing this. We’re almost at the station—you need to be alert.” Han PD tugged at Jiang Yihan’s sleeve. The camera captured his entire sleeping face, which, though bare of makeup, still showed his adorable features and rosy cheeks.

After lying “dead to the world” for a while longer, Jiang Yihan finally sat up. “Why can’t I just sleep? Why?” He rubbed his eyes and patted his face, finally waking up.

“Jiang Yihan, do you remember leaving the house just now?” Han PD asked with a laugh.

“Not at all. I just remember being dragged out of bed by Xiao Jin, then being shaken around, and now I’m in the van,” Jiang Yihan replied with a helpless smile.

“You can really sleep! No wonder your manager calls you a lazy cat—it’s spot on!” Han PD swung the camera to the front, hoping for a reaction from Li Ran, but she remained completely silent. “Your trip home—our show already aired three of the five episodes we filmed, and the ratings were excellent. Any thoughts?”

“How high are we talking?” Jiang Yihan was skeptical until Han PD raised three fingers—over thirty percent—which left Jiang Yihan genuinely astonished. “What did you even film? The ratings are that good?” He racked his brain, but couldn’t recall doing anything noteworthy at home.

“Just your daily moments with your family, outings with friends, and shopping trips. According to feedback on our official website, viewers say they’ve gotten to know a warm and cheerful Jiang Yihan, and have seen your private side, which is very endearing. So more and more people are becoming fans,” Han PD said, leaving Jiang Yihan embarrassed by the praise.

Before long, they arrived at the radio station, and Jiang Yihan was finally wide awake.

“Lazy cat, did you know we’re moving today? I mentioned it to you last night,” Li Ran said as they walked toward the recording studio.

“I vaguely remember you saying something. Why are we moving all of a sudden?” Jiang Yihan tilted his head, giving up on recalling last night’s details.

“Because our place is too small. President Li Tong said we should move to a bigger place—it’ll be much more convenient for clothes and everything else. And more people know where we live now. It’ll get inconvenient coming and going,” Li Ran explained, knowing Jiang Yihan well enough not to press him about forgetting.

“Trust me, no one’s going to be waiting outside our place. I’m not nearly that famous!” Jiang Yihan winked in mock nonchalance. “But a bigger house sounds good—who wouldn’t want to live somewhere nicer? So, what’s on my schedule today? When do we get to see the new place?”

“You’ve got this radio show in the morning, it’s live and will end around ten. I’ll pick you up then, and you have a magazine shoot—lunch will be at the studio. We’ll probably be home by two or three, and we’ll need to help with the move. I’ll take Xu Xian and Xiao Yi over first to start organizing, then come back for you,” Li Ran recited the day’s plan.

“Got it. See you in a bit.” At the door of the recording studio, Jiang Yihan greeted them before heading inside.

In Korea’s music scene, radio is a vital promotional tool. Besides music shows, live performances, and variety shows, radio programs are the main form of publicity. There are music-related programs almost 24 hours a day, so if you run the circuit diligently, you’ll be spinning from studio to studio all day like a top, never pausing to rest. That’s how central radio is to an artist’s promotional efforts.

Today’s show was hosted by Yoon Do-hyun, a legendary figure in the music scene and a pioneer of rock. It was a morning program devoted to interviews and promoting new songs, a live hour that would pass quickly.

Jiang Yihan greeted Yoon Do-hyun as soon as he entered and took his seat, only to notice a large group sitting in front of him. Before he could ask, Yoon Do-hyun explained during his opening remarks, “Good morning, everyone. This is ‘Yoon Do-hyun’s Morning Time.’ Today, we welcome the hottest new star, Jiang Yihan. Also joining us are twenty of his fans—let’s give them all a warm round of applause.”

Jiang Yihan nodded and greeted his fans, who shyly hid their faces behind albums and placards with his picture.

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“Jiang Yihan, have you met all the fans sitting across from you?” Yoon Do-hyun began the interview.

“Ah, I’m afraid I haven’t. To be honest, I haven’t met many fans yet. I always thought I wasn’t that popular, since I never saw anyone with my album or anyone coming up to me. Only during music show recordings do I see some fans in the audience seats. So, I don’t really know most of my fans—sorry about that.” Jiang Yihan smiled sheepishly.

“Is he telling the truth?” Yoon Do-hyun turned to the fans. “Are you disappointed he doesn’t recognize you?”

“He’s right, but that’s because he hasn’t had many public appearances lately. We want to follow him, but there’s nowhere to go. We really want to meet him, but there just aren’t any opportunities,” one representative spoke up, and everyone agreed.

“Jiang Yihan, why haven’t you had many public appearances lately? I thought you’d be busy these days,” Yoon Do-hyun pressed on.

“I don’t know either—you’ll have to ask the company. But as far as I know, my schedule gets packed starting next week, so I probably won’t have much time to rest,” Jiang Yihan replied. “By the way, can I see the albums you’re holding? Honestly, I don’t even have a copy of my own album yet.” He burst out laughing.

“Why don’t you have your own album?” Yoon Do-hyun asked, flipping through a fan’s copy.

“Well, after recording the album, I immediately started preparing for my debut and was busy practicing. I only went to the record store once before debut, then went home for a while. I just got back a few days ago, so I never got a copy. I saw it once, but I barely remember,” Jiang Yihan said, taking a copy and examining it, marveling at how surreal it all felt.

While Jiang Yihan leafed through the album, Yoon Do-hyun chatted with the fans. When Jiang Yihan handed the album back, Yoon Do-hyun joked, “This album was personally handed back by Jiang Yihan himself—now you all have a reason to be jealous!” The owner of the album beamed with happiness.

“Jiang Yihan, you’ve been in showbiz for a month now. Any particularly memorable moments?” Yoon Do-hyun asked.

“Let me think.” Jiang Yihan tilted his head. “Yes. Just the other day on my way to school, I ran into two of my fans. They came up and asked for my autograph. It was my first time signing for someone, and I didn’t even know people would want my signature, so I’d never practiced it. I just wrote it out stroke by stroke—so embarrassing. That really stuck with me.”

“Another reason for everyone to be jealous—Jiang Yihan’s very first autograph!” Yoon Do-hyun teased the fans. “What about gifts? Have you received any?”

“Yes, just one directly handed to me. The rest are probably at the company. My official website fans put together a ‘book’ for me, filled with their own essays and diaries. It was really touching. I’ve read it carefully and kept it safe,” Jiang Yihan replied with a smile.

“Being your fan is so rewarding—you remember them all,” Yoon Do-hyun said. “Let’s listen to a song by Jiang Yihan now. We’ll be back after ‘Castle.’”

Jiang Yihan picked up the mic and sang live. The performance ended quickly.

“Was it good?” Yoon Do-hyun asked the fans. “Did you like it?” They answered in unison, “Yes!” making Jiang Yihan blush. “Now it’s time for fans to ask questions. If you have anything to ask Jiang Yihan, now’s your chance,” Yoon Do-hyun announced.

“Yihan oppa, I want to ask if you have a girlfriend, and what’s your ideal type?” came the first question.

“Everyone wants to know! Tell us, Jiang Yihan,” Yoon Do-hyun grinned, eyes full of curiosity.

“No girlfriend at the moment—though I wish I had one. But no one wants me,” Jiang Yihan pulled a comical face, prompting everyone to chorus their disbelief. “As for my ideal type, no specific requirements—anyone is welcome to approach me!” He laughed.

“Really, no requirements? Age, weight, looks?” Yoon Do-hyun pressed.

“Well, one thing—I hate betrayal. Absolutely no betrayal, I can’t stand it. As for looks, really no requirements, but I do like someone like Son Ye-jin,” Jiang Yihan admitted shyly.

“Son Ye-jin? She’s a beauty, and you say you have no requirements!” Yoon Do-hyun laughed. “Next question.”

“Do you have any friends in the entertainment industry? Is Kim Jae-joong your good friend?” asked the next fan.

“How did you know I know Jae-joong?” Jiang Yihan smiled.

“I’ve watched all your shows. Your first program was with Kim Jae-joong, and your CY is full of photos with him. I even contributed to that ‘book’ you mentioned,” the fan replied proudly.

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“What’s your name? You seem to really like Jiang Yihan—why?” Yoon Do-hyun asked.

“My name is Sung Young-joo. I started liking Yihan oppa after listening to ‘Bittersweet Farewell.’ I’d just broken up with my boyfriend, and the lyrics really spoke to me. He felt like a big brother who understood and comforted me. The more I learned about him, the more I liked him,” Sung Young-joo said, growing embarrassed.

“Thank you so much for all your support—I’m really not as great as you think,” Jiang Yihan replied, overwhelmed. “Actually, Kim Jae-joong and I are good friends. We met by chance before I debuted. Now that I’m new, everyone else is my senior, so I can’t really call them friends yet, but a few have looked after me. Like Jang Dong-gun, Lee Hyori, Park Kyung-lim, Yoo Jae-suk, Kang Ho-dong, Chae Yeon, Koyote, Shin Jung-hwan, and Park Myung-soo—they’ve all been very kind to me, and I’m really grateful.”

“Those are all top stars! It seems you’ve received a lot of support from seniors,” Yoon Do-hyun remarked. “Jang Dong-gun? How did you meet him? From the sound of it, he really looks out for you—he’s one of Korea’s biggest stars.”

“Yoon Do-hyun sunbae, you’re one of Korea’s top stars, too!” Jiang Yihan’s praise made Yoon Do-hyun grin. “I met Jang Dong-gun at an unexpected gathering—at Shin Ji sunbae’s get-together. You were there too, right?”

“Oh, that gathering!” Neither spelled out the details, since it was a sensitive topic, but those in the know understood. “I didn’t expect that event would lead to such a connection. Jiang Yihan, luck is on your side. Let’s move to the next question.”

“Yihan oppa, are you satisfied with your looks? What’s your favorite feature? When do you think you look your best?” came a third question.

“Are you all satisfied with Jiang Yihan’s looks?” Yoon Do-hyun turned the question to the fans.

“Of course!” came the unanimous reply.

“What do you like most about him?” Yoon Do-hyun asked.

“His eyes—they’re so captivating,” answered the fan who asked.

“Thank you so much!” Jiang Yihan quickly replied. “I don’t have any strong feelings about my appearance, but I do like my smile—don’t you?” He flashed a dazzling smile, prompting wild screams and laughter. “I think I look best right after a shower, when I’m toweling my hair.” He added.

“You rascal, trying to give everyone something to imagine!” Yoon Do-hyun laughed as well. The fans’ expressions were worth savoring—they were clearly lost in thought.

…

The hour-long program ended quickly. At the fans’ request, Jiang Yihan performed “Bittersweet Farewell,” then signed albums for them. This time, his signature was more practiced—though still clear and deliberate, it flowed a bit more smoothly.

After leaving the station, Jiang Yihan rushed to the magazine shoot. The session was both simple and troublesome—simple because all he had to do was pose, troublesome because of the constant outfit changes and the challenge of satisfying the photographer. He changed into five different looks, from suit to hip-hop to punk, experimenting with various styles. It was his first time wearing makeup, and to match the outfits, he even tried smoky eyes. Fortunately, with his natural good looks, the makeup was light and the shoot progressed quickly. They finished by 1:30 p.m., with the photographer showering him with praise.

Then Jiang Yihan and Li Ran headed home to start moving.

A word from Broken Cat: Regarding questions about X-Man, I intentionally didn’t write much about it—it felt too much like a daily log, and I wasn’t happy with the result, so I deleted it. I’ll try again next time. This is my first time writing a novel, so please forgive the flaws!

As for resuming two chapters a day, the manuscript is almost 160,000 characters now. By chapter 20, it should take another week or so. After 20 chapters, I can’t stay in the newcomer section anymore. If I haven’t gone abroad by then, I’ll resume double updates immediately; if I have, I’ll wait until I’m settled overseas.

Regarding the female lead, I’ve seen your suggestions: Lee Hyori, Yoon Eun-hye, Han Chae-young, Song Hye-kyo, Han Ga-in, Lee Da-hae…

Finally, writing a book is like brewing tea. I’m just starting out and don’t know if you’re looking forward to this cup of tea!