Chapter 106: Are You Jealous?

“So, A-Zhe, are you and Apink’s Jung Eun-ji close?”

Just as Chen Zhe sighed in relief after successfully handling Jung Soo-yan, Jung Soo-jung’s soft voice came through the phone again, startling Chen Zhe.

Upon hearing Jung Soo-jung’s question clearly, Chen Zhe felt a sudden pang in his heart. There was something strange about her tone that made him inexplicably uneasy.

“Well, Eun-ji and I get along fairly well. Among the cast, only Eun-ji and I are newcomers,” he replied.

“Because we often mess up and get scolded, we frequently encourage each other and offer comfort, so we’ve developed a good bond.”

Although Jung Soo-jung’s tone still gave him a slight chill, as if sensing a hint of danger, Chen Zhe didn’t dwell on it. He smiled gently as he recalled the moments spent with Jung Eun-ji.

“So, A-Zhe, what do you think of Jung Eun-ji?” After he finished speaking, a brief silence fell on the other end of the line.

After a long moment, Jung Soo-jung’s voice returned, asking an unexpected question that made Chen Zhe pause thoughtfully.

“Eun-ji? She’s very straightforward and bold but also gentle. She knows how to take care of people — she’s truly a wonderful person.”

Hearing this, Chen Zhe bowed his head slightly, lost in thought as memories of his time with Jung Eun-ji and what he’d learned about her from variety shows surfaced.

“I see! If she’s really like how you describe, then Jung Eun-ji must be quite remarkable.”

For some reason, Jung Soo-jung’s voice suddenly seemed more relaxed, losing the earlier tension that had unnerved Chen Zhe.

“Well, if I had to pick one word to describe Eun-ji, it would be kind and straightforward.”

Chen Zhe scratched his head, a little troubled over how to describe Jung Eun-ji after spending so much time with her. She had so many admirable qualities that it was hard to choose just one. After much deliberation, he settled on kindness and straightforwardness.

After Chen Zhe’s words, the phone fell silent again, save for the faint background noise of actors’ dialogue from the TV. Though the room was quiet, the occasional soft sounds of Jung Soo-jung and her sister discussing the plot came through the phone.

Time flew by swiftly; soon the first two episodes of “Reply 1997” had finished airing, and it was already midnight.

After watching for nearly an hour, Chen Zhe stood up to stretch, loosening his stiff limbs.

“A-Zhe.” Just as he was stretching, Jung Soo-jung’s gentle voice called softly from the phone.

“Yeah, I’m here. What’s up, Soo-jung? Or do you have some thoughts on my new drama?” Chen Zhe asked with a light chuckle, not stopping his stretching.

“No, A-Zhe, your drama is really good. Both you and Jung Eun-ji’s acting is excellent. At least from my perspective, there’s nothing to criticize.”

Jung Soo-jung shook her head, expressing how much she admired the drama and their performances.

“Really? That’s a relief!” Chen Zhe breathed out, feeling the anxiety in his heart lessen after receiving her praise for the storyline and their acting. Now all that remained was to wait and see the viewership ratings for these two episodes and gauge the drama’s reception.

“Well, watching this drama, I don’t feel a strong sense of immersion. Maybe if you’re a fan, the connection would be much deeper,” Jung Soo-jung said after a brief pause, sharing her personal viewing experience.

“A-Zhe, Taeyeon and the others have already posted their thoughts after watching ‘Reply 1997’ on Instagram and recommended it. It definitely has the potential to become a big hit!”

As Jung Soo-jung finished, Jung Soo-yan’s voice chimed in again. Though she was helping Chen Zhe, her tone carried a hint of self-congratulation.

“Hey, thanks, my best, most dependable Seika nuna! You’re electricity, you’re light, you’re the only legend!”

Understanding what Jung Soo-yan wanted to hear, Chen Zhe didn’t hesitate. He showered her with flattery, words of praise flowing endlessly as if they cost nothing.

“Cough, cough, don’t say nonsense. Okay, A-Zhe, remember to thank Taeyeon and the others later. They’ve all been posting about your drama on Instagram, and so have Heechul oppa and the rest.”

After Chen Zhe paused his flattery, Jung Soo-yan, inwardly pleased, pretended to clear her throat to hide her delight.

Once she composed herself, she reminded Chen Zhe to express his gratitude to those who had supported the drama’s promotion.

“Yeah, I’ve got that in mind. Don’t worry, nuna. But thanks for reminding me!”

Hearing Jung Soo-yan’s uniquely styled concern and reminder, Chen Zhe couldn’t help but smile but kept it in, not wanting to risk her holding a grudge and giving him trouble later.

“Pabo, you’re at least my brother, right? Isn’t it normal for nuna to care about her brother? Or do you not even see me as your sister?”

Jung Soo-yan pouted in dissatisfaction at Chen Zhe’s words, seizing on a loophole and teasing him with a dissatisfied tone.

“Well, it’s all my fault, nuna! Of course, you’re my best nuna. How could I not see you as my sister?”

Chen Zhe, experienced in handling such situations—after all, he had a much tougher older sister, Chen Yuqi—didn’t hesitate to admit fault immediately, leaving no room for further teasing. He then continued with a stream of compliments to smooth things over.

“Hmph, forget it. You two talk. I’m a bit sleepy, going to bed now!”

Dazed by Chen Zhe’s relentless barrage of words, Jung Soo-yan lost the chance to attack, resignedly huffing before withdrawing from the conversation.

She left Chen Zhe and Jung Soo-jung alone, as she believed her younger sister was…