Chapter Thirty-Five: A Visit to SM, the Stir Caused by Girls' Generation (Happy Birthday to the Little One)

"Let me think, how exactly did I introduce you to them?" Despite Chen Zhe growing visibly anxious, Choi Sooyoung remained as leisurely as ever, stroking her chin while recalling how she’d talked about him to her teammates in the past.

"You still have to think about it?" He couldn't believe she had to recall how she’d introduced him to her friends. What kind of ridiculous backstory had she made up for him? Chen Zhe muttered inwardly, realizing yet again just how unreliable Sooyoung could be.

"I remember I described you as single since birth, an eligible bachelor, a titanium-grade straight guy, and so on. I’d add a new label for you every now and then. Oh, right—last night, based on your song, they decided to add 'deeply passionate' to your list of traits." Sooyoung clapped her hands together as if she’d finally remembered.

"You're just slandering me at this point, Sooyoung!" Chen Zhe stared at her, eyes wide with disbelief. He’d been prepared for some exaggeration, but he had still underestimated what a character Sooyoung could be.

"Slander? I don’t think so. Those labels are all based on your actual experiences, not something I made up out of thin air!" Sooyoung was immediately displeased and shot back at his accusation.

"For example, you’ve never had a girlfriend, and also..." Sooyoung knew all about his embarrassing moments growing up, thanks to their families’ close relationship. She seemed ready to list them one by one, but before she could finish, Chen Zhe quickly covered her mouth.

"My dear Sooyoung, I was wrong, I beg you, please stop!" The memories rushed back—she knew far too many of his childhood blunders. In a panic, Chen Zhe hurriedly stepped forward and covered her mouth to keep her from saying more.

"Mmph... You brat, how dare you cover your big sister’s mouth!" Sooyoung struggled furiously. Fearing he might actually hurt her, Chen Zhe had no choice but to let go.

"Sooyoung, weren’t you going to introduce us to your group members?" Knowing he’d be completely at a disadvantage if their bickering continued, Chen Zhe didn’t hesitate to change the subject.

"Oh, that’s right! I almost forgot the main reason we’re here." Reminded by Chen Zhe, Sooyoung recalled her real purpose for bringing him to SM Entertainment today—to introduce him to more people and help him expand his network.

"Hmph, you brat. I'll deal with you later. For now, come with me!" Sooyoung deliberately snorted at him before motioning for Chen Zhe and Chen Yuqi to follow her.

Trailing behind Sooyoung, Chen Zhe made a few faces at her, sticking his tongue out playfully, only to earn a flick on the forehead from Chen Yuqi walking beside him.

"Girls, Yuqi and my brother are here—clean up a little!" After exiting the elevator and walking a short distance, the three quickly arrived at Girls’ Generation’s lounge. Sooyoung knocked on the door and announced their arrival in a loud voice.

Noticing Sooyoung’s behavior, Chen Yuqi narrowed her eyes, glanced at her still-befuddled brother, and recalled the last time Sooyoung had brought her to the lounge or when she came to tutor Yoona or Seohyun. Only then did Yuqi realize why Sooyoung was making such a commotion.

As soon as Sooyoung’s voice faded, the previously quiet lounge became noisy at once. There were sounds of chairs scraping and heavy objects falling, and Chen Zhe, whose hearing was particularly keen, even caught a faint cry of pain from inside.

"Everyone, come here for a moment, I have someone to introduce!" Once the room quieted down, Sooyoung pushed open the door and led Chen Zhe and Chen Yuqi inside.

"Unnie, who are you introducing? We already know Yuqi!" A pretty girl with lively, doe-like eyes hurried over, glancing around as if expecting Sooyoung to have brought something else with her. Because the door was only half open and Chen Zhe was at the back, she didn’t see him right away.

The others, knowing Sooyoung was bringing her and Yuqi’s younger brother, gathered around, curiosity evident on their faces.

"Stop chattering, Crocodile Yoona! And you, Chen Zhe, why are you dawdling? Hurry up and come in!" Sooyoung first pressed her hand down on the top of the girl’s head, fingers splayed like a claw, before turning to call out to Chen Zhe.

"Unnie, please don’t call me Crocodile Yoona! My mouth isn’t that big!" The girl—Yoona—pouted and feigned distress, her voice lilting in a way that made anyone want to give her a playful smack.

"Quiet down, Crocodile Yoona." As expected, her act only provoked the group’s third eldest, Sunny, whose hand landed sharply on Yoona’s backside.

With a resounding smack, Yoona’s coyness vanished, her face flushing bright red in an instant. She hadn’t expected Sunny to turn so mischievous at a moment like this.

Having just entered, Chen Zhe witnessed this “pervy” Sunny in action. His eyes widened slightly, but realizing what he’d seen, he quickly looked away.

The rest of the group, noticing Chen Zhe’s entrance and the scene that had just unfolded, fell silent, the atmosphere suddenly awkward.

"Ahem, let me introduce everyone—this is Chen Zhe, Yuqi’s and my younger brother, from China, the singer of ‘Melody.’ Today, he’s here to visit SM Entertainment at the invitation of the President and Master Soo Man." Sooyoung faked a few coughs, clapped her hands, and steered everyone’s attention back to herself, breaking the tense silence as she began the introductions.

"Hello, Senior Kim Taeyeon, Senior Tiffany, Senior Jessica Jung, Senior Sunny, Senior Im Yoona, and Senior Seohyun! I am Chen Zhe, Sooyoung noona’s and Yuqi’s younger brother. It’s a pleasure to meet you all!" After Sooyoung finished, Chen Zhe, following the forms she’d taught him, stepped forward, bowed politely, and greeted each of the women.

"So you’re the brat Yuqi’s always talking about! Hm, you look much better in person than in videos or photos. You sing, play guitar, and even compose—such a catch, and yet still single?" Sunny took a few steps forward, looked him up and down, and after a compliment, she twisted the knife with her next words, stabbing straight at Chen Zhe’s heart.