Chapter 111 Getting Better and Better

anghee of Imperial Boys, formed an EXO-S and joined in for the second verse and chorus.It's clear they've really practiced. Even without mics, they didn't sing the wrong lyrics, and although their dan..."We will always support you."

"Oppa, let's keep going together..."

"EXOfightg!"

Upon hearing Chi Jingyuan's words, the fans in the audience couldn't control their emotions and shouted towards the stage.

Listening to the heartfelt and sincere voices of the fans, the members on stage were deeply moved. The joy of winning the grand prize and the unconditional support of the fans made them truly touched.

Tao couldn't control his emotions, tears streaming down his face. He held the microphone, opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word for a long time. Finally, he choked out a sentence in a trembling voice, "I love you all."

And at this time, the members were also a little out of control with their inner emotions. They huddled together on stage, patting each other's backs.

To be honest, the members themselves are the ones who can best understand their own feelings now.

EXO bowed deeply to the audience below one last time, amidst the cheers of fans. They left the stage and returned to the artists' seats through a side corridor. Several members of SHee waved and gave them thumbs-up.

While other idol artists wore smiles on their faces, their eyes held different expressions. This included Beast sitting in the front row and BTS, who won the rookie award today in the second row, all with smiles that held a deeper meaning.

After feeling Ji Kyung-won's gaze sweep over him, Wu Saek of BTS immediately turned his head in another direction. He slowly clapped his hands, with a very light force, looking rather perfunctory.

"Heh..."

Chi Jingyuan saw this scene and chuckled in his heart. After returning the greetings to the several senior members who congratulated him, he sat back in his own place with the other members.

After EXO's return, the artist seats which were almost half empty immediately filled up again.

"Bro, can I see the trophy"

Just as he sat down, Kim Seon Ho whispered to Jin Jonghyun beside him, beckoning with a forceful gesture, looking extremely eager. Among the reluctant gazes of several people nearby, the trophy was passed over, reaching Kim Seon Ho from Park Jeong Woo's side.

Their eyes immediately lit up, sparkling with interest, as they gently touched it a few times.

Actually, the trophy is just a transparent glass object and isn't actually valuable at all. It's the meaning behind it that everyone in the Peninsula song world dreams of chasing after. It represents one of the highest honors an idol can receive at the Peninsula Awards Ceremony.

They hadn't looked a few times before being rushed back by a few guys over there. Judging by their expressions, they probably can't wait to sleep with the trophy in their arms tonight.

Actually, Chi Jingyuan doesn't mind doing this either.

EXO's mood was already soaring high as they sat there gleefully watching the next two major awards, cheering on their senior group SHINee from the same company.

It's rare for a major awards ceremony to give multiple grand prizes to one person or group, and it's even less likely for someone like EXO with their experience. So, the next two big awards are basically out of reach for them, they might as well just enjoy the show as spectators.

Next up was the award for Album of the Year, which went to the band BkerBker. Their self-titled second studio album, released in September this year, has been a huge success, enjoying both widespread popularity and critical acclaim.

And lastly, the grand prize, Best Artist of the Year, was given to SHINee amidst everyone’s nervous and expectant gazes.

When the presenter announced "SHINee's" name, all the audience members started screaming loudly. The artist seats also stood up as a whole. EXO's members directly walked out of their positions and rushed to the front to hug the standing SHINee members together, just like when they won the award earlier, celebrating wildly with each other.

Ji-seong smiled and followed behind, hugging each of the five SHINee members in turn. He was beaming with happiness. When it came to Si-ho and Jonghyun, he gave them a particularly firm hug, patting their shoulders at the same time and sincerely congratulating them: "Guys, you're really amazing."

"Kamsahamnida, Kamsahamnida."

These two brothers clearly seem a bit dumbfounded, as if the huge surprise has knocked them off their feet. They haven't quite recovered and are smiling awkwardly, mechanically congratulating.

After a brief celebration, SHINee went on stage to receive the award. Before leader Taemin could say two words, Key and Jonghyun couldn't contain themselves anymore.

His iconic radiant smile was gone, replaced by a downcast gaze and silent tears streaming down his face. He couldn't utter a single word, choked with sobs.

And Jong Hyun directly turned his back to the audience, sobbing uncontrollably. His body trembled incessantly, and from his earpiece came sobs that sounded like a torrential flood of emotions, completely out of control.

All the EXO members stood at their designated spots, clapping and smiling as they watched their senior colleagues on stage. Ji Kyoung-won was doing the same, watching the two close friends who seemed emotionally overwhelmed. He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for them.

This is the first major award for SHINee in six years of their debut, and also the only one.

Although SHINee is a hugely popular top-tier boy group, they actually face a lot of pressure.

For so many years since debut, we've been stuck in the middle. We can't compare to our seniors TVXQ and Super Junior when it comes to achievements, and now EXO, who debuted a year later than us, is catching up quickly after exploding across the peninsula.

In 2013, SHINee made a powerful comeback with their third full-length album and fifth mini album. The title track "Everybody" featured an incredible choreography and impressive live vocals, leaving fans amazed. Both their popularity and talent were undeniable.

To put it simply, they are flawless.

But unfortunately, EXO and their "Growl" are unreasonable.

It's obvious to many that EXO is unstoppable right now. They are also well aware that the accolades at year-end award shows won't be theirs, but most likely those of their younger, currently popular brother group EXO.

If we don't get this MMA this time, it will only become more difficult in the future.

They have debuted for six years and haven't won a major award yet. This time, their junior group EXO has already won a major award. Their status can't get any more recognition, and in the company, they will be in a very awkward situation. The road ahead is not easy.

Under so much pressure, it's understandable that some of the guys would have emotional breakdowns.

Ji-yeong's good relationship with these brothers stems from his awareness that SHINee, due to EXO's rise, found their position within the company somewhat awkward. In reality, the two groups were in a competitive situation for resources.

But every time Baekho, Jonghyun, and Key meet them, they are really enthusiastic. You can tell from their congratulatory smiles and hugs when they win awards that they are sincere and truly happy for them.

This made Chi Jingyuan feel a little surprised, but also couldn't help but feel good about it.

And at this time, Chi Jingyuan was also clapping vigorously, sincerely happy for the few friends on stage.

I hope everyone is doing well.

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First published on the Popular Novels Network.y, but also the 15th there's a "National Chorus" performance that still requires EXO's participation. Two consecutive days are this kind of very politically charged concert, it's impossible to push o...