The bus pulled into the parking lot of the Beijing National Grand Theater about 30 minutes later. Contrary to the filming team's expectation that there wouldn't be many fans gathered an hour before the event, numerous fans had camped out with tents since the night before to secure good spots. Although fans shouted and stomped their feet when the bus appeared in the distance, they couldn't approach since they'd have to go to the back of the line if they left their spot.
Inside the bus, Yeongseok's walkie-talkie buzzed.
"Chijik. PD-nim. The venue staff suggests parking at the VIP parking lot behind the event area to prepare for potential chaos. Please turn right towards the building from your current location."
Yeongseok acknowledged the message.
"Okay, got it. Driver! Turn towards the building's right side. Head to the VIP parking!"
As the bus turned towards the building's right side, several Chinese-looking staff, about a dozen or so, directed the vehicles. They conducted brief checks at the yellow barricades before allowing entry. Unlike the crowded exterior parking with numerous cars and people, the VIP parking located behind the building accommodated several luxury cars. It seemed to be a designated space for high-ranking officials or the venue's management.
Once the bus safely stopped, the filming team hurriedly unloaded their equipment.
"All right, actors. Filming starts as soon as you step off the bus. This is for the behind-the-scenes, so just act natural. No need for foul language, just be yourselves as usual."
After Yeongseok's instructions, everyone nodded in understanding.
Soon after, a signal came indicating that the camera setup outside the bus was complete. Yeongseok gestured with his fingers and spoke up.
"Okay, let's start filming. Actors, please disembark and head over to where the Chinese broadcasting station staff is waiting."
Five people, including Yeongseok, exited with bright expressions. Each of them was followed by a dedicated VJ. Accompanied by their respective VJs, they approached the staff waiting at the building's entrance.
Two personnel from the Chinese broadcasting station were surrounded by a newly hired security team. Over a hundred security personnel were on high alert, while the team that had come from Korea safeguarded the actors.
Yeongseok quickly went towards a woman who seemed to be an official and looked around for a translator.
"Where's the translator? AD!"
As he searched, the woman extended her hand and spoke.
"There's no need for a translator. Hello, I'm Son Lin from the Chinese Central Government Broadcasting Station, CCTV."
Surprised by her fluency in Korean, Yeongseok shook her hand.
"Oh? You're fluent in Korean. That's very welcoming from our end for smoother communication. Nice to meet you. I'm Kim Yeongseok, PD from Korean TVN Broadcasting Station."
Son Lin smiled slightly.
"I'm well aware, PD Kim. We monitor all the programs you produce. We also have high expectations for your upcoming entertainment program."
Yeongseok scratched his cheek.
"Oh, I see. Well, the upcoming show might not be that noteworthy, haha. But it's quite surprising how many fans turned up. It was almost risky at the airport."
Son Lin slightly lowered her head.
"We apologize for that. We didn't anticipate the impact would be this significant. Please accept our formal apologies."
Yeongseok waved his hand vigorously.
"Oh, no need for that. You've improved the security measures, which is great. Also, your Korean is excellent, not just the typical speech of ethnic Koreans but standard Korean. Have you studied in Korea?"
Son Lin nodded slightly.
"I hold an F5 visa for South Korea. My mother is Korean, and my father is Chinese. I attended school in Korea until middle school."
Understanding, Yeongseok nodded.
"I see. It felt like talking to a Korean. I'll rely on your assistance for the next two days."
As Son Lin smiled and nodded, Yeongseok introduced the actors to each other.
"Then, for the next two days, we'll be under the guidance of Son Lin from Chinese CCTV. Here's the lead actor, Jang Hyuk, and next to him is Oh Ji-ho, the tall guy with darker skin, and next to him is our heroine, Lee Daehae."
Son Lin exchanged greetings with each actor, bowing respectfully as they reciprocated.
Finally, to complete the introductions, Yeongseok stood beside Geon, waiting for the greetings to finish.
"And here is Kim Geon, who sang the requested 'OST Stigma.'"
Geon, taken aback, looked up. Son Lin approached him, grabbed his right wrist, and pulled him closer, indicating her heart. Geon, puzzled, looked at her.
"I've been waiting for you the most. In fact, everything that happened at the airport and this massive gathering of fans here, it's all because of you."
"Um... What do you mean, Miss Lin? It's because of Geon?"
Without understanding, Geon was bewildered. Yeongseok stepped in.
"What does it mean, Miss Lin? It's because of Geon?"
Without averting her gaze from Geon, Lin explained.
"The teaser trailer you provided has reached 4 million views on Chinese YouTube. Out of the 5.32 million calls received after the teaser aired, 3.97 million were inquiries about Geon. Even the inquiries to Seoul International Airport regarding Geon's arrival time in China reached tens of thousands. Geon is currently a hot topic in Chinese broadcasting. 'First come, first served' was our plan, but unintentionally, we've taken the lead. Hoho."
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