103: Chapter 102 Chicken Little

The group chat went silent instantly.

A few seconds later.

[Choi Yena]: ...?

[An Yujin]: Wonyoung, are you okay? What did... Producer Jiang do to you? (Cautiously)

[Kwon Eunbi]: It seems there's a story here... (Stroking chin)

[Miyawaki Sakura]: Wonyoung's reaction... doesn't seem like ordinary fear. (Curious)

[Lee Chaeyeon]: So this variety show... is it really fun, or is it terrifying? (Confused)

Jang Wonyoung's "tearful accusation" and overreaction were like a depth charge dropped into a calm lake, casting a mysterious and horrific shadow over the seemingly grand and beautiful "twelve star envoys" project within IZ*ONE. The members' curiosity was thoroughly ignited, but at the same time, they developed an unprecedented wariness (and a strange sense of anticipation?) toward this "genius PD," Jiang Zhiyu.

On the other side, Jiang Zhiyu, who was preparing to show his skills at the official meeting, had no idea that his yet-to-be-released new project had already received such "enthusiastic" (negative) publicity from Jang Wonyoung, the core member of IZ*ONE he was so "fond" of.

TG Entertainment's path of "troublemaking" always seemed accompanied by the "screams" of their targets and the "hahaha" of fans. This time, facing IZ*ONE with its 12 members and the already alerted Jang Wonyoung, could Jiang Zhiyu's "twelve star" plan still be successfully "lit up"?

An offensive and defensive battle surrounding "shearing wool" and "anti-shearing" (protecting oneself) in variety shows seemed about to quietly begin in the IZ*ONE dorms and the Starship meeting room.

Jang Wonyoung's group chat message, filled with panicked exclamation marks and "run fast" warnings, was like a depth charge dropped into IZ*ONE's peaceful daily life. Although the girls appeared to be going about their schedules or resting on the surface, their private group chats and dorm whispers were completely occupied by the keywords "Producer Jiang Zhi Yu" and "twelve star envoys."

"What on earth did Wonyoung experience? Her reaction is way too big!"

"Golden Toilet... I think I've heard a bit about it. Was it really that Producer Jiang who came up with it?"

"Zodiac puzzle-solving sounds fun, but Wonyoung said to be 'cautious'..."

"He doesn't really have some 'special hobby,' does he? Like enjoying seeing idols embarrassed?"

"Should we protest collectively? Or demand the company strictly review the process?"

Worry, curiosity, gossip, and a slight natural fear of a large-scale unknown project fermented among the members. Especially when the Manager officially notified them that TG Entertainment's President Jiang Zhiyu would personally come to have a preliminary conceptual exchange and seek opinions from some members, the tension reached its peak.

IZ*ONE Dorm, Living Room.

The members notified to participate in this informal meeting—including leader Kwon Eunbi, the acknowledged smart one Miyawaki Sakura, the energetic Choi Yena, and Yabuki Nako, who happened to be in the dorm due to her recent personal schedule and was bursting with curiosity—had already gathered here in advance. Jang Wonyoung was supposed to be present as well, but she retreated to her room on the grounds of a "sudden stomachache" (dubious), leaving only a message: "Unnies, take care! Call for help anytime!"

The air was filled with a heavy sense of gravity, as if they were about to face a "Great Demon King."

"So, what kind of person is this Producer Jiang, anyway?" Nako asked, her round eyes wide. Being petite, she looked even more like a wary yet curious small animal as she sat on the sofa hugging her knees. "Wonyoung is so scared, but didn't Taeyeon-sunbaenim, Yoona-sunbaenim, and the aespa girls all work well with him and have a lot of fun?"

As the leader, Kwon Eunbi tried to stay calm: "I've asked around. His professional ability is indeed very strong, and the content he produces is very topical. It's just... his style is quite unique, and sometimes it can be... beyond imagination."

"The 'exclusive segments' Wonyoung mentioned..." Miyawaki Sakura said thoughtfully, "Could it be that he designs segments based on everyone's weaknesses or fears? For example, Wonyoung is afraid of losing face, so..."

Choi Yena shuddered: "No! Then wouldn't my weakness of being afraid of bugs be..."

In the midst of this collective slight panic triggered by half-guesses and "rumors" (based on Jang Wonyoung's fear and limited information), the doorbell rang.

"He's here!" Kwon Eunbi took a deep breath and stood up to open the door.

Standing outside the door was indeed Jiang Zhiyu. He was wearing a casual suit today, with his usual, mild, and harmless-looking smile on his face. In his hands, he held a tablet and a thick folder (containing the detailed plan and visual concepts for "twelve star envoys").

"Sorry to disturb you, Eunbi-xi, and everyone." Jiang Zhiyu greeted them politely. His gaze swept over the members sitting upright in the living room, and he naturally noticed Jang Wonyoung's absence, but his expression remained unchanged.

"President Jiang, please come in." Kwon Eunbi welcomed Jiang Zhiyu inside.

After brief pleasantries and introductions, Jiang Zhiyu sat down on the sofa and began to elaborate on the grand vision of "twelve star envoys." He spoke passionately, showing some scene concept art (gardens full of mythological and high-tech vibes, magnificent constellation lighting effects), explaining how puzzles would be integrated with the members' personalities, and emphasizing the show's visual impact and emotional depth.

It had to be said that, putting aside Jang Wonyoung's "fear filter," the project itself sounded extremely attractive, even heart-stirring. Kwon Eunbi, Miyawaki Sakura, and Choi Yena were gradually drawn in, beginning to think seriously and ask detailed questions.

However, there was one person who remained in a state of high tension throughout—Yabuki Nako.

She was the smallest, sitting on the edge of the sofa like a startled hamster. Every time Jiang Zhiyu showed a schematic for a segment that looked complicated or physically demanding (like climbing nets to find clues or solving puzzles in dim environments), Nako's shoulders tightened another notch. Especially when Jiang Zhiyu mentioned that "some segments might require overcoming small personal fears, such as heights, narrow spaces, or sudden noises, which are all part of the 'Star Trials'," Nako's face turned visibly pale.

She couldn't help but remember Wonyoung's warning: "If he talks to you alone about 'zodiac traits' or 'exclusive segments'... run fast!!!"

Did... Producer Jiang see that I'm timid and afraid of heights? Is he going to design an "exclusive trial" for me? Nako's mind was already playing out tragic scenes of herself screaming while hanging from a wire or crying while trapped in a claustrophobic box.

Just then, while answering Miyawaki Sakura's question about the music segment, Jiang Zhiyu's gaze seemed to sweep across the sofa area unintentionally. His eyes lingered on the nervous Nako for a mere half-second.

It was that half-second!

Under Nako's highly sensitive nerves, that half-second gaze was infinitely magnified and distorted! She seemed to see a glint of "found a suitable experimental subject" flash in Jiang Zhiyu's eyes! (In reality, it was likely just Jiang Zhiyu's unconscious gaze shifting while he thought.)

Danger! Danger! Danger!

A giant, bright red character for "Danger" seemed to light up over Nako's head, visible only to her! An alarm blared in her mind!

And all of this was witnessed by Jang Wonyoung, who was hiding behind the cracked door, peeking nervously through the gap!

Jang Wonyoung saw Jiang Zhiyu's gaze "lock onto" Nako Unnie, saw Nako Unnie instantly stiffen with a pale face, and then thought back to her own past "encounter"...

"Oh no!!!"

Jang Wonyoung's heart almost jumped out of her throat. She thought Jiang Zhiyu's target this time was her, but she didn't expect him to actually stretch his "claws" toward the innocent (and timid) Nako Unnie!

A protective instinct and a shared fear instantly overwhelmed her. Forgetting her "stomachache" disguise, she slammed the door open and, with all her might, let out a voice-cracking scream toward the living room:

"Nako Unnie!! Run fast—!!!"

"..."

The living room fell into instant dead silence.

Kwon Eunbi, Miyawaki Sakura, and Choi Yena all looked at the suddenly charging Jang Wonyoung, then at Nako, who had shuddered and almost slid off the sofa from the shout, and finally turned their bewildered and shocked gazes to Jiang Zhiyu, who was frozen in place with a look of utter astonishment while holding his tablet.

Jiang Zhiyu: "...???"

He was completely dumbfounded. He had just come to introduce a variety show project he was proud of; how did the atmosphere suddenly turn into... like he was some creepy uncle coming to kidnap young girls? What did Jang Wonyoung's "run fast" mean? And why did Nako look like she was about to faint?

Nako was scared out of her wits by Jang Wonyoung's shout and instinctively tried to shrink behind the sofa, looking at Jiang Zhiyu with a face full of terror, as if he would pull out ropes and a blindfold in the next second.

Kwon Eunbi facepalmed, feeling that things were heading in an extremely absurd direction. She had to force herself to maintain her authority as leader and coughed awkwardly:

"Wonyoung, your... stomach doesn't hurt anymore? Also, President Jiang is just having a normal work discussion with us..."

Jang Wonyoung then realized she had overreacted and was exposed. Looking at Jiang Zhiyu's face full of innocence and confusion (which looked like a disguise to her!), and then at the terrified Nako Unnie, she was stuck in a dilemma, her cheeks turning bright red.

Miyawaki Sakura tried hard to hold back her laughter, while Choi Yena had an absurd expression that said, "Is this some new kind of variety show hidden camera?"

Jiang Zhiyu finally snapped out of his shock. He looked at the panicked Nako, then at the blushing, eyes-averting yet still wary Jang Wonyoung, and then thought back to her previous intense reaction...

He seemed to... understand a little.

A deep sense of helplessness and a feeling of being both annoyed and amused welled up in his heart. He put down the tablet, rubbed his brow, and then spoke in an unprecedentedly sincere, even slightly aggrieved tone:

"Um... Wonyoung-xi, Nako-xi, and everyone..."

"I guarantee on the reputation of TG Entertainment and my personal hair (?)..."

"The show 'twelve star envoys' definitely has no 'Golden Toilet,' 'giant orion pie,' or any 'exclusive shame segments' designed to make you feel extreme physical or psychological discomfort!"

"Its core is to showcase your wisdom, courage, team spirit, and unique charm through carefully designed puzzles and challenges where safety is first and fun is second!"

"If Nako-xi is afraid of heights, we will definitely not arrange bungee jumping! If you're afraid of the dark, the lighting technicians will be on standby the whole time! All segments will be fully communicated in advance to ensure challenges and growth occur within your comfort zones!"

"Please... please trust me just this once!"

He spoke quickly and urgently, his eyes sincere, even raising three fingers as if making an oath.

The living room fell silent again. Only Jang Wonyoung's slightly rapid breathing could be heard.

Nako cautiously poked half her head out, looking at Jiang Zhiyu's urgent and even somewhat flustered attempt to clarify. The fear in her heart receded a little. It seemed... a bit different from the "demon PD" Wonyoung had described?

Kwon Eunbi took the opportunity to smooth things over: "President Jiang, it seems there's been some misunderstanding. Wonyoung's memory of the previous collaboration might be... deep." She shot Jang Wonyoung a glare.

Jang Wonyoung also knew she had made a huge fool of herself. She was so ashamed she wanted to find a hole to crawl into, so she could only lower her head and say in a voice as tiny as a mosquito: "I'm... I'm sorry, President Jiang... I was too nervous..."

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

Jiang Zhiyu sighed and waved his hand: "It's alright, Wonyoung-xi is just... acting out of concern."

What could he do? His own "previous record" was too extensive; his credibility rating with Jang Wonyoung was likely in the negatives.

He picked up his tablet again, trying to restore a normal atmosphere: "Shall we... continue? Regarding the entrance design for the 'Star Garden,' I have an idea..."

The meeting continued in a subtle, awkward, and slightly amusing atmosphere.

Only Yabuki Nako sat as far away from Jiang Zhiyu as possible, while Jang Wonyoung felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, not daring to look up the entire time.

A major misunderstanding and panic caused by "Jiang Zhiyu-phobia" had temporarily come to an end with Jiang Zhiyu's "bankruptcy of credibility" and his desperate efforts to clarify.

However, the project twelve star envoys》 was destined to kick off its preparations within IZ*ONE with a unique and amusing legendary aura.

Jiang Zhiyu also realized that if he wanted to successfully "fleece" IZ*ONE, this high-quality "wool," he first had to rebuild his "safe and reliable" image in the eyes of Jang Wonyoung (and potentially other members who might have been infected).

This, he feared, would be even harder than designing twelve star puzzles.

After the subtle storm caused by "Jiang Zhiyu-phobia," the planning for twelve star envoys》 finally entered the formal multi-party meeting stage with the core members of IZONE and the production teams from Starship and CJ ENM.

This time, the location was a spacious and bright meeting room at Starship Entertainment. Attendees included Jiang Zhiyu and several core planners from TG Entertainment, relevant leads from Starship and CJ ENM, and several member representatives from IZONE—leader Kwon Eunbi, Miyawaki Sakura, Choi Yena, and... Jang Wonyoung, who had been "semi-forcibly" dragged along in an attempt to let her see the "normal planning process" firsthand to alleviate her fear (she sat in the corner farthest from Jiang Zhiyu, with An Yujin next to her to bolster her courage).

The large screen in the meeting room lit up, projecting carefully crafted conceptual visuals: a deep cosmic starry sky, with twelve shimmering palaces of different styles floating within, and a slightly dim sun in the center.

Jiang Zhiyu stood in front of the screen, shedding the helplessness and grievance he had shown in the dorm earlier, as if he had been injected with the passion to narrate an epic.

He cleared his throat and, with a calm and infectious voice, began his "preface" exposition—this was the narrative framework and the cornerstone of the worldview for the entire variety show:

"Everyone, welcome to the starting point of the 'Midgard Starlight Garden.' Before we begin discussing specific levels, puzzles, and filming details, please allow me to first tell you the origin and mission of our 'journey of the stars.'"

He switched the PPT, and the image changed to a classical, romantic star map. In the center was the image of the Sun God with a slightly weary expression, surrounded by twelve goddesses in various poses, radiating soft starlight.

"In the distant Star Realm, there exist twelve Star Palaces that guard the light and order of the universe, and the twelve Star Goddesses who reside within them." Jiang Zhiyu's voice sounded like a bard's. "They govern different powers of the stars, maintaining the movement of the constellations and the threads of fate."

The image changed; the Sun God's light grew dimmer, and even a crack-like black spot appeared.

"However, one day, the Sun God who sustains all things suddenly fell ill with a mysterious, severe sickness. Light and warmth began to drain away, and the trajectories of the stars became chaotic. If the Sun God were to completely fade, the entire Star Realm and even the lower realm would fall into an eternal cold night and chaos."

The image focused on the twelve goddesses gathering; they looked determined, gazing up at the starry sky.

"To save the Sun God, the twelve Star Goddesses made a brave decision: to travel to the legendary 'Galaxy Garden' at the edge of the galaxy and collect the 'dawn immortal grass' that could cure the deity."

Jiang Zhiyu's tone intensified, and the image switched to a magnificent, fantastical garden composed of starlight and exotic flowers and plants.

"The goddesses traveled through dangerous stardust storms, finally arrived at the Galaxy Garden, and successfully collected the precious immortal grass. However, just as they were preparing to return with hope..."

The PPT suddenly went dark, and the background music became low and sinister. A hideous "evil Star Demon" image, composed of twisted starlight and shadows, appeared, waving its claws to unleash a torrent of pitch-black energy!

"The 'evil Star Demon' lurking in the darkness had long coveted the power of the Sun God and seized the opportunity to launch a sneak attack! The powerful dark energy struck the unsuspecting goddesses..."

In the image, twelve beams of starlight fell like meteors from the Galaxy Garden, streaking across the sky and plummeting rapidly toward a blue planet (Earth).

"The goddesses' divine powers were temporarily sealed, and along with the 'dawn immortal grass' they had collected, they were cast down to the mortal world, falling into the world we inhabit—Midgard."

The image froze on the twelve meteors scattering across various parts of Earth, their light fading away.

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze swept over the people in the meeting room who were listening intently, especially the members of IZ*ONE. He saw the curiosity and sense of immersion gradually lighting up in their eyes.

"And you—" He pointed to the IZ*ONE member representatives present, his voice full of encouragement, "are the reincarnations of these twelve Star Goddesses who fell to the mortal world, or rather, the 'vessels' where they temporarily store their power and consciousness in the human world—the 'Star Envoys'!"

"You have lost your memories and most of your powers as goddesses, living as ordinary people. But the call of the stars has not ceased. The shadow of the evil Star Demon is quietly eroding the Star Palaces of the upper realm, and the Sun God's condition is worsening."

He switched the image, showing pictures blending modern scenes with ancient ruins and natural wonders, hinting at the filming locations.

"The gears of fate have begun to turn. A mysterious force will guide you 'Star Envoys,' scattered everywhere, to gradually awaken and meet. You need to pass a series of trials and levels originating from the memories of the Star Palaces, and through cooperation and challenges, reawaken, master, and upgrade the 'Goddess Abilities' belonging to your respective stars (these abilities will be cleverly linked to your real-life talents, personalities, or growth experiences)."

"At the same time, you must search for and collect the fragments of the 'dawn immortal grass' scattered across the world during your journey, and finally reassemble them into the complete life-saving herb."

The image changed again, showing concept art for various levels, from simple to complex, from land to special settings: ancient star map chambers requiring wisdom to solve, cliffside plank roads testing team collaboration, starlight stages incorporating song and dance challenges, exploration missions finding clues in specific natural environments, and so on.

"When you have collected all the fragments of the immortal grass and passed the final trial, regaining enough power to return to the Star Realm," Jiang Zhiyu's tone rose, "you will be dressed in the magnificent battle attire symbolizing the Star Goddesses (costumes carefully designed by the production team) and, under the eyes of the world, soar into the sky to return to the long-lost twelve Star Palaces!"

A low murmur of exclamation and anticipation sounded in the meeting room. Even Jang Wonyoung temporarily forgot her fear, drawn in by this grand storyline.

However, Jiang Zhiyu changed the subject, his expression becoming solemn:

"However, what awaits you is not the song of victory and the warmth of home."

The image changed to a desolate scene shrouded in purple-black mist, with damaged palaces and dim starlight. The once-sacred twelve palaces now looked eerie and strange.

"The evil Star Demon has already taken advantage of the situation; its dark power has polluted the Star Palaces! Your former home has now become a battlefield that you need to purify and take back!"

"Each Star Palace corresponds to the core traits and trials of one of you. You must purify these eroded palaces one by one, drive away the Star Demons Claws entrenched within, and repair the Star Cores to restore the protective power of the palace positions."

He displayed several concept images comparing the different styles of palaces before and after being "purified," the visual effect of which was extremely stunning.

"Only when all twelve Star Palaces shine with light again can you gather all the power of the stars and open the path to the final battlefield—the Sun Palace!"

The image finally froze before a magnificent palace that was immensely towering yet surrounded by thick black clouds and hideous shadows. Twelve figures, small but determined, faced the final darkness.

"There," Jiang Zhiyu's voice was sonorous and powerful, his gaze sweeping over each member, "you will face the ultimate enemy—the true form of the evil Star Demon. To save the Sun God, to reclaim the light of the universe, to prove your mission and bonds as 'Star Envoys'... the final battle is about to begin!"

After finishing the exposition, Jiang Zhiyu turned off the PPT, and the meeting room lights came back on. He looked at the somewhat stunned crowd, especially the IZ*ONE members whose eyes were shining, and asked with a smile:

"This is the core story framework that runs through the twelve episodes of twelve star envoys》. It is not a simple game of clearing levels, but an epic adventure belonging to IZ*ONE, full of mythical color, team bonds, and personal growth. Each episode resolves the crisis of one palace while deepening the character story of one member, ultimately converging into a feat of saving the world."

He paused and added, "Of course, all 'battles' and 'dangers' will be completed through wit, collaboration, talent, and the production team's clever designs and special effects, ensuring absolute safety and fun. Our goal is to let you and the audience immerse yourselves in this magnificent star story together."

After a few seconds of silence, Kwon Eunbi applauded first, her eyes full of excitement: "This is amazing! This completely exceeds my imagination for a group variety show!"

Miyawaki Sakura also nodded: "The story is very attractive, and it fits our group size perfectly; everyone has room to shine."

Choi Yena was already eager to try: "It sounds like fun! Those level designs must be exciting!"

An Yujin whispered to Jang Wonyoung: "Wonyoung-ah, this... doesn't seem to be the same as the 'horror segments' you talked about? This is basically a female lead script!"

Jang Wonyoung looked at the gorgeous concept art and exciting story synopsis on the screen, then recalled her previous encounters with the "toilet" and "orion pie"... It seemed, indeed, not on the same level? Could it be... was Producer Jiang Zhi Yu serious this time? Was he really going to take them on a big, cool adventure?

The fear and wariness in her heart were, at this moment, finally replaced by intense curiosity, anticipation, and a hint of guilt that she might have "misjudged him."

She stole a glance at Jiang Zhiyu, who was answering questions from the production team; he looked focused and professional, seemingly completely immersed in the passion of creating this wonderful project.

Perhaps... could she really look forward to this time?

The epic chapter of twelve star envoys》 officially kicked off with this exposition meeting, full of visual impact and storytelling charm.

And the twelve girls of IZ*ONE were about to transform into Star Envoys and embark on an extraordinary journey filled with starlight, challenges, and moving moments.

Jiang Zhiyu's grand plan to "fleece the wool" had finally won its crucial first step in an incredibly magnificent and positive way.