Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Premiere

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Entertainment Is Around Us—No Pop-Ups
Story takes place: January 2006
Recommended song: Tins—You Are the Brightest
Statement: This story is pure fiction. Please do not associate it with real people. If there are any similarities, it is purely coincidental!

“I am curious about Jiang Yihan’s feelings when composing ‘Can I Love You?’ One cannot help but admire his deep grasp of the song. The melody is light and gentle, the lyrics simple and direct, yet they vividly portray the mood of a confession. This confession song is permeated with the sweetness and shyness of first love, making it unforgettable after just one listen.

Jiang Yihan’s second album maintains a high level of completion. As for ‘Secretly Loving You’ and ‘Confession,’ I can only say these are Jiang Yihan’s usual standard, with the duet adding some bonus points. However, the true brilliance of the album lies in its title track ‘Can I Love You?’ and ‘Don’t Want to Part.’ Just ‘Can I Love You?’ alone is enough to make Jiang Yihan’s album a high-quality work—a perfect blend of pop and artistry. Among his two albums, I believe this is the best-completed song. ‘Don’t Want to Part’ can only be described as outstanding. The subtle sadness and plain lyrics burst forth with astonishing emotion. If you close your eyes and quietly listen to Jiang Yihan’s clear and pure voice, you will find your eyes involuntarily moistening.

Jiang Yihan’s answer sheet with this second album brings another surprise and tells us that his sweeping momentum last year will likely continue this year.”

The above is the review from the renowned music critic Liu Taifeng on Jiang Yihan's second album. Known for his strict standards, Liu Taifeng was amazed by Jiang Yihan’s debut last year, recognizing the rise of a new star. This year, without Li Ran having to send albums everywhere, many professional critics proactively approached to write reviews. Liu Taifeng’s evaluation remains objective, only briefly mentioning other songs on the second album, but breaking precedent by loudly praising his favorite two tracks. One can easily see Liu Taifeng’s fondness for Jiang Yihan from his words.

Jiang Yihan’s concert on January 15th was a huge success, drawing attention to his second album. But what truly captured everyone’s interest was not just the album, but Jiang Yihan’s first movie, about to premiere.

January 18th, 2006, Wednesday—Premiere.

The film’s promotional campaign over the previous two weeks caused quite a stir. Although the main cast did not participate in the publicity schedule, the announcement of the cast lineup still left everyone shocked. Critics worried about such a new cast, fearing it would not achieve the expected effect. Almost all critics were pessimistic after seeing the cast and the synopsis, as pure romance films were hardly rare anymore. “My Sassy Girl,” which once swept across Asia, was a paragon of its kind. Now, a familiar story performed by an entirely new group of actors naturally raised concerns about the film’s prospects. Fans, meanwhile, were surprised by the unexpected cast. They had always known Jiang Yihan was filming, and Kim Jaejoong was supposedly recovering from a leg injury, but no one expected such a lineup—a group of beautiful young men paired with the sweet and adorable Jin Xiaoxi and the girl-next-door aura of Han Zhihui, causing all fans to eagerly anticipate what kind of pure romance this drama would present.

The film’s synopsis was just a few scattered sentences: When the right people meet at the right time, when the right people meet at the wrong place, when the wrong people meet in the right space—what kind of ending will result? Jiang Yihan, Kim Jaejoong, Jin Xiaoxi, and Han Zhihui invite us to experience the first love at twenty.

Such a vague synopsis left all media reporters scratching their heads, guessing what the film’s content might be and what kind of performances Jiang Yihan and Kim Jaejoong would deliver, and what effect the two new actresses would bring. No one expected what Jiang Yihan was up to.

Jiang Yihan was holding his phone, mumbling to himself. Listening closely, it turned out he was figuring out how to ask Li Yimei to attend the premiere. Since their last birthday outing, the two hadn’t had a chance to meet again. Jiang Yihan’s tightly packed schedule left him with no time to rest.

After rehearsing in his mind, Jiang Yihan took a deep breath and dialed Li Yimei’s number: “Yimei? Do you have time this Wednesday to attend my movie’s premiere?”

After much consideration, Jiang Yihan finally decided to use the simplest and most direct approach.

Li Yimei’s gentle laughter came from the other end: “I was just wondering when you’d call to invite me.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yihan smiled, a little embarrassed. “So, you agree? I’ll pick you up then.”

“Hehe, you’re silly. You’re the main character that day, how could you attend with me?” Li Yimei replied with a laugh. “I’ll go by myself. When I arrive, I’ll text you where I am, okay?”

“Is that so?” Jiang Yihan weighed the situation in his heart and nodded. “Alright, we’ll do it that way. Remember to text me when you arrive so I know where you are.”

The two chatted a bit more before hanging up. Sitting there, thinking over their conversation, Jiang Yihan revealed a sweet smile.

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On the evening of January 18th at 7pm, a certain cinema’s long red carpet was flanked by railings, with “Castles” and “Fairies” standing on either side. Thanks to Jiang Yihan’s good relations with TVXQ, many Fairies were part-time Castles, making the scene quite spectacular.

The cinema for the premiere could accommodate 1,500 people, and tickets had sold out early. Across Korea, 85% of cinemas chose to screen this film simultaneously—a result of Li Ran’s two months of effort. All tickets sold out well in advance.

The first to step onto the red carpet were Koyote’s Shin Ji, Kim Jong-min, and Baek Ga. They had maintained a good relationship with Jiang Yihan, so upon receiving the invitation, they immediately agreed to attend.

When Kang Ho-dong and Yoo Jae-suk appeared together on the red carpet, the first wave of excitement swept the venue. The popularity of these two national MCs was evident, and their good relations with Jiang Yihan were a favorite topic among the Castles. Kang Ho-dong’s exaggerated expressions and Yoo Jae-suk’s composed demeanor in formal attire made everyone laugh.

Next, Chae Yeon, Park Kyung-lim, Shin Jung-hwan, Kim Jong-kook, and many other celebrities walked the red carpet. Shinhwa’s Andy, MS Company’s Fly, and others appeared before everyone, making it clear Jiang Yihan enjoyed excellent connections in the industry.

Lin Erxiang wasn’t keen on attending the premiere, but Cheng Shi said understanding your opponent is the first step to self-improvement, so Lin Erxiang obeyed his curiosity and came. Lin Erxiang had always been skeptical of Jiang Yihan’s abilities, so he chose to participate this time to observe Jiang Yihan’s acting.

Han Geng, due to visa issues and MS Company’s reasons, could not appear in public. After texting Jiang Yihan, Han Geng promised to see the movie afterward.

The first climax on the red carpet came when TVXQ’s five members appeared together. Five tall, handsome young men stepped out of the limousine, and the scene erupted in deafening screams. Kim Jaejoong stood in the center, waving to fans. For his first movie, he had mixed feelings—half anticipation, half nervousness.

When Jiang Yihan finally appeared, everyone scrutinized his companions—Li Hyori and Jang Dong-gun, top stars on either side. The protagonist’s arrival sent the crowd’s screams to unprecedented heights. Jiang Yihan could feel his eardrums vibrating with tension.

“Yihan, you’re impressive. Only a year since your debut, and you’ve achieved so much,” Jang Dong-gun whispered in Jiang Yihan’s ear.

“Big brother, I heard I got the Samsung commercial thanks to your recommendation. Is that true?” Jiang Yihan smiled at everyone, trying to maintain his composure.

“Don’t worry—even without my recommendation, with your current achievements, Samsung would have sought you out themselves.” Jang Dong-gun smiled and greeted the reporters.

“Yihan, why is Jang Dong-gun here today? Isn’t he filming overseas?” Li Hyori’s voice sounded in Jiang Yihan’s right ear as soon as his left ear quieted.

Jiang Yihan turned slightly and waved to the Castles on his right. “Big brother rushed back today just to support me; he’ll leave on tonight’s flight.”

Li Hyori showed a brief look of surprise, quickly replaced by a formal smile, but reporters caught that fleeting moment. As for why Li Hyori was surprised, there would surely be an answer.

So, when the next day’s newspaper headline read “Jang Dong-gun Personally Supports Jiang Yihan,” it was no surprise.

The fifty-meter red carpet was quickly traversed.

Once the main cast took their seats in the front row, fans outside began to enter after their tickets were checked. Some who couldn’t get tickets still waited at the entrance until the movie ended.

Before the film started, there was an interview segment with the main cast.

When the four leads and director Park Young-ho appeared on stage, the audience erupted in applause.

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“Director Park, please share your thoughts on making this film,” the host asked.

“Amazement and emotion are my feelings,” Park Young-ho composed his words. “I was amazed by the brilliant performances of the four newcomers; I have to admire their understanding. It was their exceptional talent that brought out everything I wanted, otherwise I might not have dared to present my first work to everyone. As for emotion, it’s for the movie itself. I hope everyone watches with their heart, and by the end, finds that emotional resonance within themselves.”

“It seems Director Park is very fond of his film,” the host continued, turning to others. “Han Zhihui, tell us your insights about the film.”

Han Zhihui smiled. “The original title was ‘First Love.’ The film tells a beautiful and innocent first love story. I hope everyone can find their own first love in the movie and rediscover those beautiful memories.”

“What about Jin Xiaoxi? How did you feel acting in your first movie?”

“Ah, nervous, nothing but nervous,” Jin Xiaoxi replied, wiping sweat from her palm. “I remember when Jaejoong and I first did scenes together, we were slow to get into character and got scolded by Director Park quite a bit, so I was always nervous. Even at the end, I worried whether the film would meet everyone’s expectations. I wonder what the result will be tonight.”

Her words drew knowing smiles from the audience.

“Kim Jaejoong, share your thoughts about the film.”

“The movie… Just from the title, you can tell it’s a sad story. ‘Can I love you?’ is a plea. But when watching, I hope everyone doesn’t go in with sadness, but with the hope of finding their own love in the present.”

Kim Jaejoong finished and handed the microphone to Jiang Yihan.

“Am I supposed to share my thoughts about the film? Haha.” Before the host could ask, Jiang Yihan spoke up, making the audience laugh. He winked mischievously. “I think everyone has their own definition of love. I hope you can find yours in the movie, and I also hope you’ll have the courage to confess to someone you like after seeing it.”

With Jiang Yihan’s answer complete, the host was helpless. “I asked everyone about the movie, but not one gave a concrete answer about its content. So we still don’t know what the movie is about. It seems the crew wants us to find the answer ourselves. Well then, let’s start watching.”

The secrecy of the crew left reporters and the audience resigned, forced to seek answers in the film itself.

As Jiang Yihan walked off the stage, he searched for Li Yimei’s figure. At the last moment descending the stage, he found her sitting in the far left corner. Jiang Yihan smiled. But then he noticed a shadowy figure beside Li Yimei, seemingly male, and the two were chatting and laughing. Jiang Yihan’s heart tightened, but he quickly scolded himself for overthinking. Perhaps it was Li Yimei’s friend; maybe just a stranger making conversation; maybe not even a man. After all, everything between them had been perfectly normal recently.

Seated, Jiang Yihan sent a text: “Yimei, where are you? Did you come alone?”

“I’m on the far left; I came alone. You did well on stage just now.”

Seeing her reply, Jiang Yihan finally smiled.

The screening hall darkened, the whole room in shadow. Suddenly, the big screen lit up. On a pure white background, several adorable letters appeared—Can I Love You?

The film had finally begun.

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