100: Chapter 99 Charge! Charge! Charge!

The recording of 'squirtle water gun battle' came to a successful (?) conclusion with Jiang Zhiyu, wearing a soaked turtle shell and a small straw hat, delivering a passionate (yet soul-crushing) recitation of 'Ode to the Commonalities Between Im Yoona's Beauty and the Gwanghwamun Wall.' The entire set was paralyzed with laughter, and Im Yoona herself finally broke character, laughing until she cried.

After seeing off the Girls Generation seniors, who had thoroughly enjoyed themselves (and gathered a wealth of Jiang Zhiyu's dark history), the studio became much quieter. Only the three members of TG Entertainment, the four girls of aespa, and some staff members cleaning up equipment remained.

The air was still thick with water vapor and the lingering warmth of laughter. Jiang Zhiyu finally shed that heavy 'Blastoise' armor and changed into dry casual clothes, though his hair was still a bit damp and his face wore a tired but relaxed smile. Lee Tima had long since removed her rabbit headgear, her small face flushed with excitement; she had clearly enjoyed the show. Kim Soo-yeon was as steady as ever, but a faint smile played on her lips as she looked at the 'kids' before her.

The four members of aespa had also changed back into their own clothes, shedding those embarrassing and bulky turtle shell vests to regain their fresh, youthful appearance. However, Karina's hair was still a bit wet, NingNing was using a small fan to blow on her neck, Giselle sat quietly to the side drinking water, and Kim Minjeong (Winter) was gently rubbing her cheeks, which were sore from laughing too much.

"Everyone worked hard today. Did you have fun?" Kim Soo-yeon, as the Chairwoman (and effectively the big sister), spoke first in a gentle voice.

"Yes!" "It was super fun!" "It's just that... Producer Jiang was too pitiful, hahaha." The girls answered all at once, unable to help laughing again at the end as they all turned their gazes toward Jiang Zhiyu.

Jiang Zhiyu waved his hand with a 'let's not mention the past' expression. "Alright, alright, if my 'sacrifice' could bring a smile to everyone's face, I guess it was worth it... probably." He paused and checked the time. "Everyone's hungry, right? To celebrate the successful first joint exercise of the 'Squirtle Commando' and 'Team AE,' and more importantly—"

His gaze swept over the four members of aespa, his eyes softening and becoming serious.

"To cheer on aespa in advance as they prepare for their official debut and embark on a brand new journey!"

Hearing this, the girls' eyes lit up, their faces showing anticipation mixed with a hint of nervousness.

"Let's go," Jiang Zhiyu announced with a grand wave of his hand. "My treat! We're going to the barbecue place we usually visit. Eat as much as you want today, and let's have a good talk!"

"Yay!!!" the girls cheered. After high-intensity recording and play, nothing could soothe the body and mind like a hot meal of Korean barbecue.

The group left the tvN building, got into the Manager's car, and arrived at a nearby barbecue restaurant known for its good reputation and privacy. They took a quiet private room, and as the charcoal fire was lit, the aroma of meat soon filled the air.

The atmosphere was relaxed and lively. Lee Tima, ever the live wire, chirped away as she recounted Jiang Zhiyu's various 'iconic moments' from the day, provoking more laughter. Kim Soo-yeon acted like a reliable older sister, skillfully flipping meat slices while asking caringly about aespa's recent practice and debut preparations. Karina answered seriously as the leader, with NingNing and Giselle adding comments from time to time. When talking about their upcoming debut, the girls' eyes held both longing for the future and a subtle, underlying pressure.

Jiang Zhiyu listened and watched, his heart filled with emotion. From the first time he saw these four raw but potential-filled girls in the SM practice room to now, as they were about to officially take the stage under the name 'aespa,' they had gone through so much adjustment, training, and 'special projects' like today's. He had witnessed their sweat, tears, laughter, and growth.

He believed that today's 'Squirtle Battle' might just be a fun little interlude in a long career, but it was these shared moments—absurd or heartwarming—that would act like threads, weaving TG Entertainment and aespa, and himself and these girls, more tightly together. This bond wouldn't fade because of their busy schedules after debut; instead, it would settle and become deeper and more precious over time. In the future, they might be collaborators, partners supporting each other, or even... like family who could joke around and share joys and sorrows.

The barbecue sizzled as the conversation wandered through various topics. Before they knew it, the gathering was nearing its end. Lee Tima leaned back in her chair, patting her round belly; Kim Soo-yeon was elegantly wiping her hands; and Karina, NingNing, and Giselle were discussing whether they should do some extra practice when they got back.

Jiang Zhiyu got up to settle the bill. When he returned, he found the aespa girls also standing up to leave. He, Kim Soo-yeon, and Lee Tima stood at the door of the private room to see them off.

The girls said their goodbyes one by one.

"Thank you for the treat, Oppa (Unnie)!"

"Today was really fun!"

"We'll work hard!"

Karina, NingNing, and Giselle walked ahead. After polite goodbyes, they headed out of the shop first at the Manager's signal.

Kim Minjeong seemed to intentionally slow her pace, falling to the back. Just as she passed by Jiang Zhiyu, her steps paused slightly.

Jiang Zhiyu instinctively looked at her. Kim Minjeong tilted her small face up. Her eyes, which usually seemed a bit cold but now appeared exceptionally clear under the warm yellow lights of the shop, gave Jiang Zhiyu a quick, playful wink!

It wasn't an ordinary wink; it was a powerful 'Super Wink' filled with a hint of shyness but mostly mischief and closeness! The corners of her mouth also curled into a shallow arc, like a puppy feeling satisfied and a bit smug after being praised.

In that moment, Jiang Zhiyu felt as if he saw a 'puppy' putting away its aloofness to secretly wag its tail at a trusted person, using her unique way to express gratitude and intimacy.

Jiang Zhiyu's heart felt as if it had been brushed by a soft feather. The day's fatigue and 'humiliation' seemed to be dispelled by this tiny wink. An incredibly warm and gratified smile bloomed on his face, and his voice softened unconsciously as he called out with emotion:

"Minjeong-ah!"

"Yes~" Kim Minjeong stopped and answered obediently. The mischief hadn't quite left her face, and her eyes sparkled as she looked at him.

Jiang Zhiyu looked at her, thinking of the girl who was a bit shy when they first met, who suffered from insomnia due to pressure in 'ae training camp,' and who was now about to debut under the spotlight. A surge of indescribable emotion and pride rose in his heart. He raised his hand and, very naturally and with brotherly fondness, gently ruffled Kim Minjeong's soft hair.

"Our Minjeong..." His voice was low and full of sincere emotion. "You're finally debuting. Oppa... is really moved. You must walk the flower path, okay?"

Feeling the gentle touch on her head and hearing Jiang Zhiyu's undisguised emotion and blessing, Kim Minjeong's cheeks flushed slightly, and her heart felt warm. She seemed to hesitate for a moment, then suddenly stood on her tiptoes, leaned into Jiang Zhiyu's ear, and in a volume only the two of them could hear, whispered quickly and secretly with a bit of smugness from a successful prank:

"Oppa, that's not right~"

"Based on birthdays... I'm actually the Noona!" (Kim Minjeong's birthday: January 1, 2001; Jiang Zhiyu's birthday: December 26, 2001)

After saying that, she quickly stepped back, her beautiful eyes wide with a bit of challenge and anticipation as she looked at Jiang Zhiyu, as if saying: "Hurry up and call me Noona!"

Jiang Zhiyu was stunned for a moment, then realized and laughed helplessly. Right, he had forgotten about that. This little girl's birthday really was earlier than his!

Seeing Kim Minjeong's cute 'I've got something on you' look, the smile in his eyes deepened. He followed her lead with a teasing yet incredibly affectionate tone, ruffling her hair again:

"Yes, yes, I know~"

"Minjeong... Noona."

He intentionally dragged out the word "Noona" with total doting and indulgence.

Hearing that "Noona," Kim Minjeong smiled contentedly. That smile was pure and bright, even more dazzling than the wink from before. She gave a final wave to Jiang Zhiyu, Kim Soo-yeon, and Lee Tima, saying, "Goodbye Oppas and Unnies!" then turned and jogged to catch up with her waiting teammates, her back looking lighthearted.

Jiang Zhiyu stood there, watching her join her teammates and disappear into the night outside the shop, the smile on his lips lingering for a long time.

Beside him, Lee Tima poked her head out curiously. "Oppa, what secret were you whispering to Minjeong Unnie? You even ruffled her hair!"

Kim Soo-yeon also cast an inquiring glance.

Jiang Zhiyu withdrew his gaze and smiled, not explaining in detail, only sighing with emotion:

"It's nothing. I just feel... our 'Winter Noona' has really grown up and is getting cuter and cuter."

"Let's go, we should head back too. Tomorrow is a new day."

The night was gentle, and the warmth of the charcoal seemed to linger in his heart. The tension of the impending debut was miraculously blended by this night of laughter, the scent of barbecue, and a 'Noona' declaration accompanied by a wink into an infinite expectation and warm certainty for the future.

The seeds of bonding had long been planted and were quietly growing into a lush canopy.

——

Once 'squirtle water gun battle' aired as a special episode of 'Let's Fight, ae!', it immediately triggered an explosive reaction.

aespa's variety sense was uncovered and recognized like never before. Karina's contrast as she tried to maintain her dignity as a leader amidst chaos only to fail repeatedly; Kim Minjeong's (Winter) growth from being shy to letting loose and even 'ambushing' PD Jiang at the end; NingNing's lively and blunt roasts along with her amazing athletic nerves; Giselle's 'silent but deadly' attribute of creating unexpected laughs while being quiet... The four girls showed a real, interesting side of themselves in the program that was different from their stage charisma. This greatly enriched their public image, narrowed the distance with fans, and accumulated a massive amount of public goodwill and anticipation for their upcoming debut. 'AE Squirtle Squad' even became a trending term online for a time.

The other unavoidable focus of the show was TG Entertainment itself, especially its core trio:

Kim Soo-yeon, the 'mysterious beautiful girl of the Han River Bridge' who had left a legendary impression with just a glimpse, appeared in the show as the Chairwoman of TG Entertainment. She was incredibly young (official age 18) and stunningly beautiful (visuals certified at the Gwanghwamun Wall level), yet she showed a steady demeanor and clear mind that belied her age and appearance during the lunch meeting with SM executives and her calm observations and occasional precise critiques of aespa's performance. The label 'Youngest and Most Beautiful Chairwoman' was quickly attached to her by the media and netizens, sparking countless curiosities and discussions. Was she relying on talent or background? What magic did this emerging company, TG Entertainment, possess? These all became hot topics.

Jiang Zhiyu, the President and Chief Producer of TG, was the undisputed 'victim' and 'source of comedy' in the show. From being victimized by Im Yoona's 'special fruit and vegetable juice' to running out of ammo in the 'Blastoise' duel and ending up as a flipped turtle, and finally being forced to recite the 'Wall Ode,' every bit of his 'misfortune' was filled with drama and laughs. But at the same time, as the planner who could create such hilarious variety content, his 'genius' ability and 'dedication to art (ratings)' were also recognized. The title 'TG Genius PD' spread far and wide.

Lee Tima, although her role as a 'mascot' and recorder wasn't the largest in this episode, her quirky personality and natural, funny interactions with Jiang Zhiyu and Kim Soo-yeon also left a deep impression. This core trio of TG Entertainment, with their gravity-defying visuals and talent, was dubbed by netizens as the 'TG Visual Genius Combo' or the 'TG Three Phantom Gods,' with their discussion levels at one point rivaling the idols participating in the show.

TG Entertainment, an originally obscure company even mocked as a 'basement startup,' saw its discussion heat skyrocket like a rocket thanks to its deep cooperation with SM (the aespa variety show), the mysterious aura of Chairwoman Kim Soo-yeon, the wacky talent of President Jiang Zhiyu, and the unique charm of its artist (Lee Tima). The industry began to truly notice this emerging force with its unique style and amazing potential.

Faced with this sudden attention and heat, the interior of TG Entertainment maintained a peculiar calm and efficiency.

TG Entertainment, Chairwoman's Office.

Kim Soo-yeon sat in her spacious and bright new office (a benefit of the company moving out of the basement), with a detailed business plan spread out before her. Her gaze was focused and sharp; unlike the "Wall-like Beauty" she was teased as on the show, at this moment, she was a true decision-maker strategizing for the future.

"Popularity is just a stepping stone; we must convert it into actual competitiveness and a foundation for development," Kim Soo-yeon said in a clear, calm voice to Jiang Zhiyu and Lee Tima (the latter was secretly watching an IU MV on a tablet) sitting across from her.

Her corporate development plan was very clear, divided into three steps:

Content Consolidation and Brand Deepening (Short-term): Strike while the iron is hot to solidify the partnership with TVN and turn the "Let's Fight, ae!" series into a brand. This wouldn't be limited to aespa; more collaborating artists could be introduced (the success of the Girls Generation special has already proven its feasibility). Meanwhile, push for the broadcast of the "destined kim hyo-soon" main drama and the post-production of the special episodes to consolidate TG's reputation in drama production. In music, launch Kim Soo-yeon's solo debut plan and map out a suitable music or variety show path for Lee Tima.

Industrial Chain Extension and Capital Operation (Mid-term): Utilize current popularity to attract high-quality investment, expand the team, and establish an in-house music production department and artist training system. Explore cross-border cooperation possibilities with more entertainment companies (such as JYP, Starship, etc.), transforming TG into a "creative platform" that connects multiple resources with high-quality content at its core rather than just a simple talent agency. Begin focusing on and attempting to intervene in IP operations, derivative product development, and other fields.

Technology Integration and Future Layout (Long-term): This was the part Kim Soo-yeon valued most and was her most ambitious. She initially proposed cooperating with tech companies to explore cutting-edge fields such as VR/AR virtual concerts, AI-assisted music creation, and immersive interactive variety shows. She even envisioned that in the future, TG Entertainment might become the definer of a "new entertainment form" that fuses top-tier entertainment content with innovative technology. The initial combination of the "AE" concept and virtual technology had already shown its first signs with aespa, and TG could lay out its plans earlier and more deeply.

"We need capital, we need more talent, and we need a stronger content library to support all of this," Kim Soo-yeon summarized, her gaze shifting to Jiang Zhiyu. "Especially music content—this is one of the core assets of an entertainment company and is currently TG's relatively weak link."

Jiang Zhiyu had been listening intently, his fingers unconsciously tapping a rhythm on the desk. Hearing Kim Soo-yeon's words, he looked up, his eyes flashing with a familiar light that mixed madness and excitement.

"Music... content library..." he muttered to himself, then his lips pulled back into a grin. "Understood, Chairman-nim. Leave this part to me."

In the days that followed, the basement of TG Entertainment (now a dedicated creation studio) was brightly lit once again.

But unlike before, when they stayed up late revising scripts, this time the room echoed with various styles of melodies, rhythms, and lyric fragments. Jiang Zhiyu seemed to have entered a state of "frenzy creation."

He was no longer just writing songs for TG's own projects. Inspiration gushed like a geyser, and songs of various styles collided and took shape in his mind—addictive dance tracks suitable for idol groups, lyrical ballads for solo singers, alternative hip-hop, and even some experimental electronic music.

He knew that simply stockpiling songs for TG was too slow and wouldn't allow for quick market validation or capital accumulation. Thus, a bold (or rather, "sly") plan was born.

Jiang Zhiyu began frantically creating smurf accounts.

Utilizing the musical literacy brought from his previous life (Tianxuan Continent) and his deep research into the K-pop market in this life, combined with current trends and potential future hotspots, he used different pseudonyms and styles to sell a large number of high-quality demos or complete scores through hidden channels to major entertainment companies, famous producer studios, and even independent singers in desperate need of good songs.

His aliases were mysterious, but the quality of the work was astonishingly high and the styles so varied that it was difficult to trace the source. The prices were favorable, but he required the separation of naming rights or the use of specific pseudonyms. Soon, legends of "several mysterious and prolific ghost composers" began to circulate in certain producer circles. The royalty income and one-time buyout fees from these "ghost compositions" began to flow into TG Entertainment's accounts like a steady stream, providing the initial fuel for Kim Soo-yeon's blueprint.

And what was Lee Tima doing?

While Jiang Zhiyu was "working behind closed doors" in the basement (creation studio) and Kim Soo-yeon was "strategizing" in the office and meeting rooms, our young Head of Variety (and artist), Miss Lee Tima, was facing "growing pains."

Watching her Oppa and Unnie so busy they barely touched the ground, planning the company's future and creating songs that could blow up the music world, Lee Tima bit her juice straw, her little face scrunched up.

"Composing? Writing plans? Starting a company?" she grumbled, looking at her chubby little hands. "I... am still just a kid!"

Asking her to sit down and learn complex business knowledge or music theory? She'd rather die. Her talent and interests lay elsewhere.

So, one day when Jiang Zhiyu emerged from the creation studio with dark circles under his eyes again, Lee Tima bounced in front of him and declared righteously:

"Oppa! You and Soo-yeon Unnie are both busy with big things. Me staying here won't help, and I might even disturb your great creations and decisions!"

Jiang Zhiyu raised an eyebrow. "And so?"

Lee Tima's eyes lit up, revealing an incredibly well-behaved (but those who knew her knew it contained mischief) smile:

"So, in order not to waste TG's precious human resources, and for my own 'artistic cultivation' and 'networking'..."

She paused, her voice crisp:

"I've decided to go next door and play with IU Unnie!"

Jiang Zhiyu: "..."

He naturally knew that Lee Tima and IU had a good relationship (they had even borrowed IU's recording studio for Kim Soo-yeon's recording before), and he also understood that this girl was clever. Going to IU's to "play" might actually result in some unexpected opportunities or inspiration; at the very least, it would maintain this important connection.

Looking at Lee Tima's big eyes which were practically screaming "please say yes, please say yes," Jiang Zhiyu helplessly rubbed his brow and finally waved her off:

"Go on then. Don't cause Jieun-xi too much trouble, remember to bring a gift... and while you're playing, keep your ears sharp. If you hear any good songs or interesting ideas, remember to come back and report!"

"Yay! Oppa is the best!" Lee Tima cheered, looking like a happy little rabbit as she turned and disappeared, likely off to scout for a "fun gift" for IU.

Jiang Zhiyu watched her figure vanish and shook his head with a laugh. On this small ship of TG Entertainment that had just set sail and begun to accelerate, the Captain (Kim Soo-yeon) was drawing the ocean charts, the First Mate (himself) was desperately manufacturing engines and ammunition, and the youngest sailor on board (Lee Tima)... was trying to use her own way to make friends and find treasures in the wider seas.

Though their styles were vastly different, their goal was the same.

The road ahead was long, but it was worth looking forward to.

The story of TG Entertainment turned a new, even more magnificent page amidst popularity, ambition, creation, and "playfulness."

Jiang Zhiyu's "ghost composer" plan was in full swing. Smurf accounts were flourishing everywhere, and a steady stream of songs flowed into the market through encrypted channels, bringing in considerable cash flow. However, the high-intensity, continuous creative output was a massive drain even for a "transmigrator" like Jiang Zhiyu.

He felt as if he had turned into a precision song-making machine. Melodies, chords, and rhythms swirled in his mind day and night, sometimes making it hard to distinguish between dreams and reality. After the initial burst of inspiration, he had gradually entered a numb and mechanical state. He could still write qualified works that met market tastes, but the initial burning excitement and the joy of "playing with music" seemed to have been diluted significantly.

Currently, he was slumped on the creation studio's sofa, eyes staring at a small water stain on the ceiling from dampness (an old habit, he always felt like he was still in the basement), his fingers unconsciously tapping a cliché pop drum beat on the armrest. Half-written scores and scrawled lyrics were scattered nearby, next to a half-finished cup of cold coffee.

Just as he felt he was about to merge with the sofa and become a "composing zombie," there was a soft knock on the studio door.

"Come in," Jiang Zhiyu called out weakly, without even the desire to sit up.

The door was pushed open, and a petite but powerful figure walked in. She was wearing simple private clothes and no makeup, but her skin was in excellent condition, and her gaze was clear and focused. It was the leader of Girls Generation, the Solo Queen—Kim Taeyeon.

Jiang Zhiyu jolted, practically catapulting himself upright from the sofa. "Ta... Taeyeon Noona? Why are you here?" He was somewhat surprised; TG Entertainment and Kim Taeyeon didn't have much private interaction, aside from being recorded together during the previous "Squirtle Battle."

Kim Taeyeon gave a polite, slight nod, her gaze sweeping across the slightly messy room filled with signs of creation, finally landing on Jiang Zhiyu's obvious dark circles and exhausted face. "Sorry to intrude, Producer Jiang-min. I heard you've been... very productive lately." Her voice was steady, carrying a trace of imperceptible inquiry.

"Ah... it's alright, just making a living." Jiang Zhiyu scratched his head, trying to look more energetic. "What brings you here, Noona?"

Kim Taeyeon walked over and sat in the chair opposite him, her posture relaxed yet carrying the aura of a professional artist. She looked directly at Jiang Zhiyu and got straight to the point with a serious tone:

"Producer Jiang-min, I watched the 'Squirtle Battle' and heard about TG's recent moves. More importantly, I happened... through a certain channel, to hear a ballad demo with an unfamiliar name, but the melody and arrangement left a very deep impression on me."

Jiang Zhiyu's heart skipped a beat. A certain channel? Had a song from one of his smurf accounts reached Taeyeon? Her intuition was too sharp!

Kim Taeyeon continued, her gaze becoming sharper, carrying an artist's thirst for a breakthrough: "The style and completion of that song made me feel... Producer Jiang-min, that perhaps you don't just know how to write variety scripts and idol dance tracks."

She paused, stating the core purpose of her visit:

"I hope to have the opportunity to sing songs that are deeper, more introspective, and can dig into emotional complexity. Not conventional K-pop love songs, nor ballads that simply showcase vocal skills. The kind of work... that can touch the shadows and light deep in the soul, requiring time and experience to settle, and an adventurous spirit to perform."

She spoke very earnestly, even solemnly. As a diva who had reached the top countless times and possessed numerous representative works, she was still searching for new musical boundaries, longing to tell deeper stories with her voice.

Under normal circumstances, if Jiang Zhiyu heard a singer of Kim Taeyeon's caliber actively requesting a song and proposing such a challenging and artistic requirement, he would probably jump for joy. His brain would immediately start racing to match stock from his library or spark new inspiration.

But at this moment, drained by high-intensity creation and in a state of numbness, Jiang Zhiyu's brain was like a rusty gear turning incredibly slowly. Listening to Kim Taeyeon's sincere words and looking at her charming face and serious eyes, his dull senses only captured the most surface-level information:

'Kim Taeyeon... coming to me for a song... wanting something deep...'

'Oh, Girls Generation leader, Solo Queen, very charming, sings very well...'

'Depth... depth...'

His brain stalled on the word "depth," then inexplicably linked to the various cliché "deep love songs" he was sick of writing, and then jumped to an extreme contrast...

So, after several seconds of blankness, Jiang Zhiyu lifted his exhausted face and, in an almost sleepwalking, weak tone, slowly and "heartfeltly" (from a numb heart) sighed to Kim Taeyeon:

"Ah... Taeyeon Noona... you really are so charming..."

He even subconsciously gave a stiff thumbs-up:

"Totally... Song Queen, you're the best..."

Kim Taeyeon: "...?"