104: Chapter 103 Eh Eh Eh Eh

The planning meeting for "twelve star envoys" successfully ignited the enthusiasm of the IZ*ONE members and partners. However, once the initial excitement passed, a realistic and severe question loomed before everyone: where would the money come from?

Creating movie-grade practical sets, customizing magnificent costumes, performing complex post-production special effects, arranging cross-border or cross-regional filming, and ensuring the operation of a large team... every item required a massive amount of capital. Although TG Entertainment's recent income was good, bearing this project alone would still be incredibly stressful and might even cause serious financial damage. Starship and CJ ENM, as the main partners, would share some of the burden, but for an investment of this scale, there had to be a more stable and larger source of funding as a backbone.

In the meeting room, the brows of the production team and the investors' representatives began to furrow slightly. The focus of the discussion shifted from "the story is great" to "how do we calculate the budget?"

Right then, Jiang Zhiyu stood up unhurriedly, a familiar, confident "fox-like" smile appearing on his face. He tapped on the table, drawing everyone's attention.

"Everyone, regarding the funding issue, I don't think you need to worry too much," his voice was steady and confident. "A project of this scale and potential will naturally attract partners with the vision to join hands with us. In fact, at the very beginning of conceiving 'twelve star envoys', I had already simultaneously planned its commercial monetization model. This isn't just simple product placement; it's about deeply integrating brand philosophies into the show's world-view and segment designs, achieving a symbiosis between content and commerce."

He signaled his assistant to open another PPT file. The title was striking: "twelve star envoys" — Star Energy, Brand Resonance: Business Cooperation Plan.

"Our show has a clear narrative line, distinct characters, and diverse scenes and segments. This provides an excellent, customized stage for brands of different categories." Jiang Zhiyu began to demonstrate his "money-attracting method."

Page one: Technology and Connection — Star Communications Officer.

A conceptual image of an avant-garde smartphone with a starry sky luster appeared on the screen.

"Imagine, when the Star Envoys need to crack encrypted messages from the Star Palace in remote ruins, when they are scattered in different locations and need urgent contact to formulate strategies, when they record the starlight and insights from their journey... a high-end smartphone symbolizing 'Interstellar Connectivity and Wisdom' will be their indispensable 'Astral Divine Tool'. We can design exclusive AR star-finding functions, constellation-themed UIs, and even special apps linked to the show's puzzle-solving segments. This isn't just a prop; it's a key element that drives the plot and showcases a sense of technology." (Potential sponsors: Samsung, LG, etc.)

Page two: Healing and Fragrance — Galaxy Flower Language.

The screen switched to a dreamlike garden where various exotic flowers emitted a faint glow.

"Remember the 'dawn immortal grass' that is key to saving the Sun God? We can cooperate with a high-end flower brand or a floral supply chain company. What they provide isn't just beautiful flowers for filming, but the real-world incarnation of the 'immortal grass'. We can set up 'Flower Language Puzzles' and 'Fragrance Healing' levels in the program, and even turn a certain filming location into the brand's exclusive 'Galaxy Garden' experience zone. It conveys a brand image of nature, beauty, and healing, which fits perfectly with the show's themes of salvation, purification, and hope." (Potential sponsors: large flower markets, high-end floral brands, botanical essential oil brands)

Page three: Energy Supply — Starlight Food Moment.

The screen showed a warm scene of IZ*ONE members sharing delicious food during a break in their adventure, with cute constellation patterns on the food packaging.

"Adventure requires physical strength! We will establish a deep cooperation with a food company to provide energy replenishment during the journey. This isn't just a simple logo reveal; we can develop co-branded products like 'Star Energy Bars' and 'Constellation Limited Snacks'. More importantly—" Jiang Zhiyu paused specifically and looked toward the IZ*ONE members, especially Kang Hye-won, "We plan to establish a 'Gourmet Detector' segment exclusively sponsored by member Kang Hye-won-xi's agency (Yuehua Entertainment)! Hye-won-xi's love for food is well-known. She can serve as the 'Starlight Gourmet Officer' in the show, responsible for identifying local specialties or products provided by partners, using her authentic reactions to bring fun and credibility." This utilized Kang Hye-won's personal traits while also looking after the interests of her agency, killing two birds with one stone.

Hearing her name and the role of "Gourmet Officer," Kang Hye-won's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly.

Page four: Pure Origin — Wonyoung's Star Spring.

The screen showed Jang Wonyoung drinking natural mineral water by a clear stream or atop a high mountain, with sunlight refracting through the water bottle like a rainbow.

"Star Envoys need to maintain purity and vitality of body and mind. We will create a mineral water endorsement tailored for Jang Wonyoung-xi. Emphasizing a brand tone of 'purity, nature, health, and vitality' matches perfectly with Wonyoung-xi's youthful, energetic, and fresh image. She can act as a 'Health Water Advocate' in the show, replenishing water after arduous challenges or enjoying nature's gifts in quiet moments, showing her most authentic and beautiful state." When Jiang Zhiyu said this, he looked specifically at Jang Wonyoung with a sincere gaze, as if saying: See, this time it's a positive and beautiful endorsement, definitely not a "Golden Toilet".

Receiving this look, Jang Wonyoung's face turned slightly red, and the lingering resentment in her heart dissipated a bit more. This endorsement... indeed sounded quite good.

Page five: Chaos and Fun — Instant Noodle Battle Royale!

The screen suddenly became comical, showing a "disaster scene" composed of countless instant noodle bowls, seasoning packets, and noodles, with the IZ*ONE members laughing and playing in the chaos.

"Of course, the show can't just be high-end; it also needs grounded laughs and national resonance." Jiang Zhiyu showed a sly smile. "We will design a special spin-off episode or a mid-term large-scale game segment — 'Instant Noodle Chaos'! In cooperation with a national instant noodle brand, we'll create a maze, battlefield, or challenge level entirely made of instant noodle elements. Members will need to find clues in a 'sea of instant noodles', complete relays, and even have an 'Instant Noodle Cooking Duel'. It'll be chaotic, funny, and full of surprises, definitely enough to explode in topics and ratings!" This was Jiang Zhiyu's specialty: turning commercial placement into hilarious, iconic moments.

Page six: (Ultimate "Malice") — Nako's Cloud-Climbing Ladder!

The last PPT page popped up, and the image was actually a close-up of a pair of cute sneakers or insoles with a hidden height-increasing design. Next to it was a chibi manga of Nako trying hard to stand on her tiptoes and look up at the starry sky (but with a clear height difference), with the caption: "Look up at the stars, one step closer!"

The meeting room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in suppressed chuckles. The IZ*ONE members couldn't help themselves either, all looking at Yabuki Nako (Nako), who had turned to stone with her small face flushed bright red.

Jiang Zhiyu held back his laughter and explained solemnly, "Ahem, this is a special collaboration full of 'care'. We all know that Nako-xi possesses amazing talent and cute charm, but in certain situations that require 'altitude'—like taking a wide-angle group photo or needing to reach clues in high places—she might encounter a 'tiny challenge'."

He deliberately used very euphemistic wording.

"So, we plan to cooperate with a high-quality brand of height-increasing insoles or hidden height-increasing shoes to provide Nako-xi with a boost like a 'Cloud-Climbing Ladder'! This isn't just product placement; it's a gag full of variety show potential. We can design some well-intentioned little games or plots around 'height' in the show, letting Nako-xi cleverly use her 'secret weapon' to create gap moe and laughs. This is definitely a win-win—the brand gets a unique and memorable promotion, Nako-xi gains 'thoughtful' equipment and variety effects, and the audience gets happiness."

He looked at Nako, who now wished she could shrink into her chair, and said in his most "sincere" tone, "Nako-xi, this is absolutely out of 'deep exploration' and 'special care' for the show's effects and your personal image. Please do understand our 'good intentions'."

Nako: "..." (Inner OS: Producer Jiang!!! This is definitely revenge! Revenge for me being the most scared last time! What 'care', it's clearly 'malice'! Pure, unadulterated 'malice'!!!)

But seeing the people around her holding back their laughter and Jiang Zhiyu's "I'm doing this for your own good" expression, Nako also knew she probably couldn't escape this "gag". She could only accept this "exclusive endorsement" with tears in her heart, silently marking another tally against Jiang Zhiyu in her mind.

After presenting all the commercial cooperation concepts, Jiang Zhiyu summarized: "The above are just some of the commercial cooperation directions we've initially planned that are highly integrated with the show. We believe that through such deeply customized, fun business models that are closely combined with the members' traits, we can not only solve most of the show's funding needs but also feed back into the content, creating a 'one plus one is greater than two' effect, making 'twelve star envoys' a model of both critical and commercial success."

In the meeting room, the gazes of the investors' representatives had changed from worry to admiration and excitement. Such a clear, creative, and highly executable business plan undoubtedly provided the strongest insurance for this grand project.

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The heads of Starship and CJ ENM also nodded frequently, deeply impressed by Producer Jiang Zhi Yu's thorough preparation and business acumen.

The members of IZ*ONE, however, felt conflicted: there was anticipation for high-end endorsements (Jang Wonyoung's mineral water), longing for fun segments (the Instant Noodle Chaos), and a mix of helplessness and amusement regarding exclusive memes (Yabuki Nako's height-increasing insoles)... But regardless, they clearly felt that Producer Jiang Zhi Yu was serious this time, and he was playing for high stakes with great dedication.

It seemed that the gates of funding had been successfully pried open by Producer Jiang Zhi Yu with these ingenious (and "malicious") business plans. The Starship of the twelve star envoys had officially entered the countdown to being fully fueled and setting sail!

As for Yabuki Nako, she had likely already started thinking about how to "gracefully" face her "Ladder to the Clouds" endorsement, which was destined to trigger countless memes and trending posts.

After the meeting for the twelve star envoys, filled with shocking stories and "unique" business plans, ended, the IZ*ONE dormitory remained restless for a long time.

The dignity and reserve maintained in the conference room during the day completely dissipated upon returning to their own territory, replaced by chattering, excited discussions.

In the living room, it was like a post-mortem analysis after a small fan meeting.

"Wow... that story of the Star Goddess really is like a movie script! Are we really going to film something like that?" Choi Yena sat cross-legged on the sofa, her face still flushed with excitement, gesturing with her hands, "Purifying the palace, flying back to the heavens, just thinking about it is so cool!"

"The key is that President Jiang has considered everything very thoroughly." As the leader, Kwon Eunbi thought more deeply, "How to film each segment, where the funding comes from, and even how to incorporate each of our characteristics—he has thought of it all. The setting of the 'Star Communications Officer' makes the phone advertisement not abrupt at all, but rather very cool."

"My 'Starlight Food Officer'!" Kang Hye-won's eyes sparkled, and for once, she spoke at length, "Unnies, in the future, I'll help everyone test the delicious food on the show first!" She was already completely immersed in the wonderful anticipation of being able to openly taste food and have it count as work.

Miyawaki Sakura elegantly sipped her herbal tea and nodded: "The business plan part is indeed impressive. Moreover, the 'endorsements' or connection points he envisioned for each of us, although some are..." She glanced at Yabuki Nako, who was burying her face in a pillow next to her, and couldn't help but smile, "...some are special, but they really captured our individual traits and weren't just arranged randomly. Wonyoung's mineral water fits her fresh and healthy image very well."

When Jang Wonyoung was mentioned, the eyes of the older sisters involuntarily drifted toward the maknae, who was sitting in a single sofa in the corner, hugging her knees with a gloomy expression that screamed, "Everyone is drunk but I alone am sober."

An Yujin scooted over to Jang Wonyoung and nudged her gently with her elbow: "Wonyoung-ah, look, the plan President Jiang prepared this time is completely different from those previous... uh, 'special' segments! It's grand and thoughtful; it feels like he really wants to do an amazing project with us, IZ*ONE."

Lee Chaeyeon also chimed in: "Yeah, yeah, and when he was explaining, his eyes were so focused, and he spoke very logically. You can tell he's someone who takes his work seriously."

Kim Minju added in a low voice: "Actually... President Jiang's appearance is also quite outstanding. He's tall, has a good physique, and the way he wore a suit today... was very handsome." After saying this, she lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

This sentence seemed to flip a switch.

Yabuki Nako, though still "indignant" about the "height-increasing insoles" endorsement, couldn't help but lift her flushed little face from the pillow upon hearing this. With a crying tone (but more out of shame and anger), she joined the discussion: "Handsome... what's the use of being handsome! His heart is very 'bad'! Didn't you see the cunning light in his eyes when he said he would give me the 'Ladder to the Clouds'?! He was absolutely doing it on purpose!" Although it was an accusation, it sounded more like acting spoiled.

Honda Hitomi gently patted Yabuki Nako's back, but her face also carried a smile: "Nako, don't be angry. President Jiang might just think this has better variety show effects, and... it really does fit your image, small and very cute." (Yabuki Nako: I was not comforted at all!)

Kim Chaewon laughed: "But seriously, putting aside this 'special care' for Yabuki Nako, the impression President Jiang gives off... is actually quite charming. He's capable, has ideas, and looks good too. Was Wonyoung perhaps a bit... misunderstood about him before?"

Misunderstood?!

Hearing this, Jang Wonyoung finally couldn't sit still. She stood up with a "whoosh," her pretty little face filled with anxiety and "frustration at her sisters' lack of foresight."

"Unnies! Wake up!!!" Jang Wonyoung's voice raised an octave, attempting to awaken this group of sisters who seemed to have been bewitched by the "Star Myth" and his "handsome appearance."

"Don't be deceived by his facade!!!!" She waved her arms, as if dispersing some mist that was confusing people's minds.

"Have you forgotten? How he smilingly tricked me to the side of that 'Golden Toilet' prop back then? How he used 'artistic sublimation' to talk me into climbing out?"

"And that orion pie! A three-meter-high pie! He made me hang on wires to fly up and bite it! And then Im Nayeon sunbaenim took a picture and posted it on SNS!"

"He looks professional, handsome, and thoughtful today, but that's because we're talking about serious work! It's his 'business mode'!"

"Once he starts filming, once those 'Instant Noodle Chaos' and 'Ladder to the Clouds' segments really arrive, you will see his true face as a 'Devil PD'!"

"He will use the gentlest tone to give the most 'terrifying' instructions! He will use the most reasonable excuses to design the most 'shameful' games!"

"Handsome? That's his disguise! It's the sugar-coated bullet meant to paralyze us! Once we let our guard down, he will..."

Jang Wonyoung spoke excitedly, her little face flushed red, trying to use her own "bloody" lessons to awaken her sisters' "vigilance."

However, what she was met with were the sisters' eyes, which were slightly teasing and even felt she was overreacting.

Kwon Eunbi held back her laughter: "Wonyoung-ah, we know you experienced some... um, memorable filming before. But the nature and scale of this project are completely different, and President Jiang has repeatedly guaranteed safety and respect. We must trust our partners and also have confidence in ourselves."

Choi Yena nodded: "Yeah, even the 'Instant Noodle Chaos' sounds super fun! It's better than just sitting there chatting, right?"

An Yujin put her arm around Jang Wonyoung's shoulder and said with a grin: "Don't be afraid, maknae, this time we have all twelve of us together! If he dares to bully you, us Unnies will protect you! Besides... maybe those segments will actually be really fun? Look at how much Kang Hye-won Unnie is looking forward to her food segment."

Kang Hye-won: "Mhm! I'm also very good at instant noodles!"

Yabuki Nako also added gloomily: "At least... Wonyoung, your endorsement is pretty mineral water, but mine is the 'Ladder to the Clouds'..." Her tone was full of shared misery, but she also seemed to have resigned herself to her fate.

Watching her sisters, one by one, either full of anticipation or accepting it calmly, and even starting to appreciate President Jiang's "talent" and "appearance," Jang Wonyoung felt a deep sense of powerlessness.

She seemed to see the future filming scene: the sisters attracted by President Jiang's glib tongue and fun segments, having a great time, while she was on the side, terrified, but with no one to understand, and possibly even being treated as a "coward"...

"Unnies... you guys..." Jang Wonyoung held back for a long time, and finally could only stomp her feet angrily, leaving behind one sentence: "When you get scammed by him, don't blame me for not warning you!!!"

After saying this, she turned and ran back to her room, leaving behind the sisters in the living room who looked at each other, then burst into a round of happy laughter.

"Wonyoung is really something, her 'trauma' from President Jiang is just too deep."

"But the way she gets nervous is so cute."

"Looks like our maknae has made up her mind to be the 'vigilant sentry' this time."

"That's good too, with Wonyoung helping us keep an eye on Producer Jiang Zhi Yu, maybe we can discover the 'traps' in advance?"

"Hahaha..."

The dormitory was filled with a relaxed and happy atmosphere. The sisters' anticipation for the twelve star envoys was maxed out, and their impression of Jiang Zhiyu had also greatly changed, from "the Devil PD that Wonyoung fears" to "a talented, thoughtful, handsome, and although occasionally having a bit of bad taste, generally reliable collaborator."

Only Jang Wonyoung, in her own room, faced the mirror, clenched her little fists, and had a firm look in her eyes.

"Producer Jiang Zhi Yu... no matter how well you disguise yourself this time, I will definitely keep a close eye on you!"

"Don't even think about using those glib words and handsome appearance to deceive my Unnies again!"

"The dignity of IZ*ONE shall be guarded by me!!"

A "Vigilant PD Operation," unilaterally declared by Jang Wonyoung, quietly kicked off inside the IZ*ONE dormitory. And the upcoming show filming was destined to add many unexpected "comedic effects" and "surprises" because of this "high-alert" maknae.