Chapter 217: Long-Lost Card Draw
There's no need to even mention the Twin Stars; even among the four 'hangers-on,' Lily was undeniably number one after NMIXX's debut, and even the visual, Xue Yun, had a significant gap in popularity compared to Lily.
This is normal; no matter how beautiful, they are still at a disadvantage compared to 'seniors' who have already accumulated popularity.
Although the hangers-on might be overlooked due to the Twin Stars, they are not completely without presence. Within the massive popularity of the former IVE, even a pig would find fans, let alone Lily, who is also the main vocalist of the group.
Therefore, NMIXX's initial buzz is entirely sustained by Lily.
And Liu Zhimin, as one of the Twin Stars, is number one when not compared to Zhang Yuanying.
However...
Not comparing her to Zhang Yuanying is unrealistic, after all, Liu Yuan has been embroiled in disputes since her debut, to the point where they are now inextricably linked.
No disputes?
Currently, it's impossible.
Even if Liu Zhimin and Zhang Yuanying both announced their retirement from the industry now, their fans would not stop fighting.
To end this war of words, one or both sides must fade into obscurity, losing all public attention, only then can it be achieved.
Just like the great war between Cassiopeia and Elfs back then, it was a complete mess, with online family trees being disrespected and real-life physical altercations.
Later, with the withdrawal of TVXQ members and the disintegration of Super Junior, the grand war between the two fanbases also came to an end.
Rather than saying the war between Liu Yuan's fans was due to their incompatibility, it's more accurate to say it's a reenactment of history.
A different name, a different group of people, re-enacting the same scenario in exactly the same way.
"Your reminder is very accurate," Jiang Shu nodded and said. If it weren't for Choi Ji-yeon's words, he would still be struggling with how to balance Liu Yuan's popularity.
"Agree to their terms, and try your best to get them to sign Xiao Yuan for a longer period. Let's go through the process."
"Are you that optimistic about this game?" Choi Ji-yeon asked in surprise.
"Of course." Jiang Shu smiled and nodded, "Also, urge Xiao Yuan a bit; she now has another reason to learn Chinese."
"Yes." Choi Ji-yeon bowed to Jiang Shu and then exited the office.
"Genshin Impact..."
Jiang Shu clicked his tongue in wonder. More and more unexpected things were happening. Had his butterfly, flapping its wings so many times, finally started to reveal the storms it had stirred up?
Jiang Shu remained in a daze for a long time, then reached out and picked up the trainee roster.
This roster recorded the information of all the company's trainees. There were only three copies in the entire company: one electronic file accessible to middle and high-level management, one stored in the archives, and this one in Jiang Shu's hand.
Every time a new trainee arrived, Choi Ji-yeon would bring the information to update Jiang Shu's trainee roster. Jiang Shu hadn't looked at it for a while.
He wanted to look at it after he met Liz last time, but he got busy and forgot again.
Thinking of this, Jiang Shu opened the roster in front of him and flipped directly to the back.
Most of the names were unfamiliar, but occasionally he would see some familiar faces.
Given DM Entertainment's current reputation, aspiring female idols primarily choose their company for training, to the extent that DM Entertainment's standards for regular trainees have been raised repeatedly, yet a large number of trainees still join the company every year.
As for exclusive trainees, because Jiang Shu hadn't spoken up, only Kim Jiwon had been added so far.
"Hmm?"
Jiang Shu's expression subtly changed, and he stopped flipping the page.
Lee Wonhee, June 26, 2007, from Busan...
Isn't this the cute Lee Wonhee?
Jiang Shu looked at Lee Wonhee in the photo with some surprise. She looked even more immature and childlike compared to his impression of her.
No, she was a child to begin with.
ILLIT...
Their debut song was actually quite good, but they offended people by being overhyped. Fortunately, after experimenting with several groups, Hybe had basically mastered S.M.'s 'black-and-red' strategy. Although not as skilled as S.M., they at least successfully turned public opinion around and allowed the group to successfully join the ranks of well-known girl groups.
Jiang Shu recognized Lee Wonhee, but he was completely clueless about her 'Bonds' because...
The damn game version hadn't updated to 2024 yet!
The last version update featured the QWER group, which Jiang Shu used once and then couldn't be bothered with. All C-tier cards, what's the point?
Groups debuting in 2024, like BabyMonster and ILLIT, hadn't been updated yet, so Jiang Shu was completely in the dark about their Bonds.
But...
Jiang Shu looked at Lee Wonhee's information.
Since she's already here, and he recognizes her, he might as well keep her.
DM Entertainment is quite a large and prosperous company now, so why not keep her?
He pulled out Lee Wonhee's information and set it aside, planning to move her to the exclusive trainee list later.
As Lee Wonhee's information was pulled out, the trainee information below it came into view.
Jiang Shu's eyes suddenly lit up.
Hong Eunchae, November 10, 2006, from Seoul...
Holy cow, isn't this 'Fresh and Lively'?
Hong Eunchae (A)
Bonds: Seraphim (5/6), Buffalo (5), Fresh and Lively (1).
Fresh and Lively: Hong Eunchae's exclusive Bond.
Effect One: During her minor years, she has an extremely strong appeal to artists older than herself, significantly increasing their affinity for her, but it will continuously increase the audience's dislike towards her over time. This effect is removed.
Effect Two: After reaching adulthood, convert the audience's dislike towards her into positive popularity. This effect only accumulates until her first stage after reaching adulthood. After conversion, this effect is removed.
The 'Fresh and Lively' Bond, if used well, can be a point of explosive popularity. If used correctly, combined with the negative effects of the Six Seraphim, it might even create a top-tier stage with artificial buzz.
Oh, I'll take it, I'll take it!
He pulled out Hong Eunchae's information and placed it on top of Lee Wonhee's data sheet.
He flipped through a bit more, but there were no other trainees worth noting.
As for LESSERAFIM, besides Heo Yunjin, who was still a copycat of BLACKPINK, everyone else was already under his control.
However, Heo Yunjin was also a rather troublesome point.
From the perspective of the Three Greats' standards, BLACKPINK had flopped; even without that standard, they weren't particularly successful.
Although YG hadn't given up on the group yet, they wouldn't prioritize them as much as they did initially.
The problem was that rookie contracts started at seven years, and YG had high expectations for BLACKPINK, so they signed a 7+3 contract: seven years plus three years of intent.
Even ignoring the three years of intent, it would be 2026 before their contract naturally expired.
2026? By then, it would be too late.
No, he had to break up her group.
Jiang Shu rubbed his chin, beginning to ponder how to dismantle this copycat BLACKPINK.
You, YG, broke up my anomalous version of IVE; I'll break up your copycat BLACKPINK. One for one, I'll take a slight loss, no problem, right?
As for how to dismantle this copycat BLACKPINK, he still needed to plan it carefully. He couldn't just open his mouth and expect YG to obediently let him dismantle it.
"How to get rid of it..."
Jiang Shu rested his chin on his hand, his gaze gradually becoming blank.