111: Chapter 110 Don't Hit 110

While composing the main melodic framework, lyrics gushed into her mind like a spring. Humming fragments of the melody, she rapidly filled in the lyrics:

[Verse A]

“The rings of the old locust tree carve someone's childhood secrets,

The wind at the intersection turns the corner, carrying away the crisp ring of an old bicycle bell.

Time is a transparent river, we stand on different banks,

Watching that self in the reflection who didn't dare look up, gradually blurring into a dot of ink.”

(She cleverly materialized the old locust tree, the intersection, and the childhood worries mentioned by Kim Taeyeon, using 'wind' as a connecting image.)

[Verse B]

“The chalk writing on the blackboard is gently wiped away by the student on duty,

Like those blurted-out promises, scattered in the dust of the afternoon sun.

You say the wind has no shape, yet it wrinkles the corners of the calendar,

Bleaching the hair at mother's temples, blowing away the far ends of the world we clamored to reach.”

(Expanding from personal memory to more universal marks of growth, using 'wind' to connect micro and macro traces of time.)

[Pre-Chorus]

“It passes through the clamor of the alleys, through the silent graduation photos,

Through the sea of sleepless city lights at night, through the fictional coordinates in my palm.

It comes from the past, goes toward the future,

What stays for this moment is only what has been kicked up—

Three Thousand Strands of Worry, unable to tether a single wisp of the passing wind.”

('Strands of worry' is a pun, referring both to actual hair and to sorrowful thoughts; the imagery is exquisite and poetic.)

Writing to this point, Lee Tima had entered a state of complete self-forgetfulness. Looking at the melody and lyrics flowing from her pen, she was overwhelmed by an unprecedented emotion—a mix of creative ecstasy and extreme satisfaction with her own talent. She seemed to see the song being listened to by countless people in the future, being praised by music critics, and sweeping the digital charts...

“Jie jie jie...” A low, evil laugh, carrying a full sense of villainy and narcissism that was extremely inconsistent with her cute appearance, escaped uncontrollably from her throat. Her shoulders twitched slightly, and her small face was full of 'the loneliness and ecstasy of a genius':

“Genius... I, Lee Tima, am a genius!”

“This concept! This melodic progression! This lyrical tension!”

“Zhiyu Oppa will definitely cry when he sees this! Taeyeon Unnie can definitely win ten more first-place trophies if she sings this!”

“Copyright fees... royalties... ahhh, I'm going to be rich, jie jie jie...”

She was completely unaware that her eerie laughter and self-muttering had already attracted the attention of everyone around her.

Staff members, cameramen, the female assistant, the Manager... they all stopped what they were doing and stared dumbfounded at the tiny figure sitting on the stone block, sometimes giggling at her notebook, sometimes making 'jie jie' weird noises, and sometimes dancing as if conducting an invisible orchestra. The sunlight shining on her should have been a warm and cute scene, but at this moment, due to her overly 'immersed' and 'abnormal' state, it was tinged with a hair-raising comedic color.

The director opened his mouth, wanting to shout 'cut,' but felt that Kim Taeyeon's monologue just now was very emotionally on point. Moreover, although Lee Tima's state was eerie, it seemed to be part of a 'real reaction'? He was momentarily hesitant.

And Kim Taeyeon, who had been immersed in her own emotions with her back to Lee Tima, finally noticed something was wrong. The camera behind her seemed to have stopped moving? Why were the staff so quiet? And... why was Tima silent?

With a hint of doubt, she slowly turned around.

What met her eyes was Lee Tima's terrifying appearance as she laughed 'jie jie' at a notebook, and the expressions of the group of people around her, as if they had collectively petrified.

“Tima?” Kim Taeyeon called out in confusion.

Lee Tima didn't hear her at all, still immersed in her 'genius world.' Her pen tip was scratching out the [Chorus] section as she muttered: “The chorus needs to be more impactful... yes, the imagery of the 'windmill' should highlight rotation and reincarnation...”

Kim Taeyeon frowned and walked a few steps closer. She saw the notebook spread out on Lee Tima's lap, covered in dense musical staves and... lyrics?

Out of curiosity, and out of concern for her junior (even if she was a strange one), Kim Taeyeon bent down and leaned in closer. Her gaze fell on the lines of lyrics Lee Tima had just written.

Her eyes swept over 'old locust tree,' 'old bicycle bell,' 'river of time,' 'blackboard chalk,' 'hair at mother's temples,' 'Three Thousand Strands of Worry'... these images were so familiar, and they so accurately hit the memories and sentiments she had just shared.

Almost subconsciously, following the notes and lyrics on the paper, Kim Taeyeon used her clear and infectious voice to softly hum the [Pre-Chorus] part Lee Tima had just composed:

“It passes through the clamor of the alleys... through the silent graduation photos...”

“Through the sea of sleepless city lights at night... through the fictional coordinates in my palm...”

“It comes from the past, goes toward the future...”

“What stays for this moment is only what has been kicked up—”

“Three Thousand Strands of Worry... unable to tether a single wisp of the passing wind...”

The melody was ethereal and distant, the lyrics had a strong sense of imagery, and the emotions built up layer by layer. Kim Taeyeon's humming seemed to breathe soul into these words and notes, making them come alive instantly. An unspeakable sense of resonance and shock spread with her voice.

After humming these few lines, Kim Taeyeon herself was stunned.

This melody... these lyrics...

She suddenly looked up at Lee Tima, who was still immersed in her own world, then suddenly looked down at the notebook again, her face filled with unbelievable astonishment.

This... was this something an eight-year-old child created on the spot in the short ten-plus minutes since she had shared her memories and sentiments?!

Not only was the melody moving, but what was even more terrifying was the depth of the lyrics, the selection of imagery, and the grasp of emotion... it didn't look like the work of a child at all! It was even... more exquisite and impactful than the works of many of her professional musician friends!

The shock of having her inner thoughts instantly pierced through and then accurately expressed through art made Kim Taeyeon's scalp tingle.

“What the—?!!” Kim Taeyeon finally couldn't help but cry out, her voice slightly out of tune due to shock.

She grabbed Lee Tima's shoulders and shook them gently, trying to wake this 'little genius' from her creative frenzy:

“Lee Tima?! Did... did you write all of this just now?!”

Lee Tima was dragged out of her 'genius dream' by Kim Taeyeon's exclamation and shaking. She looked up and saw Kim Taeyeon's face close at hand, filled with shock, and the surrounding circle of people looking like they'd seen a ghost. Only then did she realize in hindsight—did she... cause another big scene?

She blinked her big eyes, looked at the wet ink of 'windmill' in her notebook, then looked at Kim Taeyeon. The 'evil genius' expression on her face quickly faded, replaced by her most practiced innocent and slightly smug smile:

“Yes~ Taeyeon Unnie! It was what you said just now that gave me inspiration! The theme of 'wind' and 'time' is so great! I just tried to write something... how is it? Is it okay?” She handed the notebook toward Kim Taeyeon, her eyes bright as if she were a puppy waiting for praise.

“Is it okay...?” Kim Taeyeon repeated the words. Looking at Lee Tima's innocent 'asking for praise' look and recalling the shocking melody and lyrics from just now, she was momentarily speechless.

This child... what kind of 'monster' was she?!

The director finally came to his senses and shouted excitedly: “Cut! Fantastic! This segment! This segment must be kept! The raw creative process! Taeyeon-xi's subconscious humming! It's divine! Simply divine!”

The female assistant and the Manager looked at each other, both seeing the same thought in each other's eyes: they must report this to the company (and Jiang Zhiyu) immediately! This child, Lee Tima... was probably not just a 'variety show star' or a 'medicinal cuisine little chef'! Her musical talent... was at a level sufficient to cause a massive stir!

Under the complex gazes of everyone, Lee Tima carefully tore the page with 'windmill' from her notebook, folded it neatly, tucked it into her inner pocket, patted it, and showed a satisfied smile.

“Hehe, Unnie, I'll give this song to you as a gift! But I want half of the copyright!” she didn't forget to add, instantly dragging the artistic atmosphere back to the reality of business.

Kim Taeyeon: “...” She no longer knew what expression to use when facing this little one who was sometimes innocent, sometimes a demon, sometimes a genius, and sometimes a money-grubber.

In the early morning of Jeonju, the wind still blew softly through the streets and alleys of the ancient city. But Kim Taeyeon knew that because of Lee Tima's addition, her 'music steps' was no longer just about finding traces of the past; it might... unexpectedly harvest a 'surprise' (or 'shock') wave pointing toward the future called 'windmill.'

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

At noon, the production team arranged lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant in Jeonju that had been around for quite some time.

The interior was rustic and elegant, with wooden tables and chairs gleaming with a warm luster.

As the host, Kim Taeyeon ordered Jeonju's specialty bibimbap (this time, Lee Tima didn't dare to comment on it being "swill" again, but silently pushed her portion a little further away), refreshing buckwheat noodles, and various delicious side dishes.

She herself maintained her figure by ordering only a small vegetable salad and a tiny portion of buckwheat noodles, chewing slowly and carefully.

In front of Lee Tima sat a full bowl of cold, smooth buckwheat noodles, accompanied by a sweet and spicy sauce, which looked very appetizing.

At first, she ate with great relish, her little mouth stuffed full.

However, as she ate, her big eyes began to dart around, observing the state of the filming.

Kim Taeyeon ate her salad in small bites, occasionally whispering to the Manager about the afternoon's schedule.

The director and cameramen were also rushing to eat to replenish their energy.

The entire lunch process, although recorded by cameras, was quiet and casual, fitting the tone of "music steps" which focused on documentary-style filming and inner exploration.

But Lee Tima thought… it was too boring!

She recalled the scenes when she followed Jiang Zhiyu to film "Fight, Ae!" and the "Squirtle Battle," which were so lively!

Water guns flying everywhere, non-stop laughter, members "framing" each other, and the PD coming up with all sorts of tricks!

That was what you called variety! That was what made people want to keep watching!

Looking at the current situation… although Taeyeon Unnie was beautiful, the story was moving, and she had even "geniusesly" created a "windmill" song… wasn't the overall pace a bit too… plain as water?

If this were broadcast, wouldn't the audience fall asleep while watching?

No! As the variety representative of TG Entertainment (self-proclaimed), and as the direct disciple of Zhiyu Oppa (self-claimed), she had an obligation to be responsible for the "watchability" of the program!

Thinking of this, Lee Tima slammed her chopsticks down with a "clack," and the expression on her little face shifted from enjoying the food to a serious "variety director" mode.

Kim Taeyeon was just using her fork to roll up a piece of lettuce. Seeing Lee Tima suddenly put down her chopsticks with a grave expression, she thought she still didn't like the buckwheat noodles or was feeling unwell, so she asked with concern: "What's wrong? Tima? Are the buckwheat noodles not tasty? Or are you feeling unwell?"

She hadn't forgotten the power of that "highly nourishing medicinal meal" from last night.

Lee Tima shook her head and didn't answer Kim Taeyeon. Instead, she stood up directly, her small figure carrying an inexplicable aura.

She turned to the director who was shoveling rice into his mouth in the corner, took a deep breath, and announced loudly in a crisp, clear voice that was loud enough for everyone in the restaurant to hear:

"Director Min! I request to add a variety game!!"

"Pfft—!" A staff member next to her who was drinking soup sprayed it out.

The director choked on a mouthful of rice, his eyes widening as he looked at this little bean who had said something so shocking in disbelief: "Huh???"

Kim Taeyeon was also stunned, and the lettuce on her fork fell back onto the plate.

The Manager covered his face, having a foreboding feeling.

Lee Tima ignored everyone's reaction, puffed out her little chest, and continued her impassioned speech as if delivering an important address:

"Director! Don't you think so? Our program so far, although very deep and emotional, is… too plain!"

She waved her little arms, imitating Jiang Zhiyu's demeanor when analyzing ratings:

"The audience needs stimulation! They need laughter and topics! Just watching Unnie walk, reminisce, and eat will cause aesthetic fatigue after a while! We need a little… explosive point!"

The director finally swallowed his food, laughing bitterly: "Tima xi, this is a music documentary variety show, not an outdoor competition…"

"I know!" Lee Tima interrupted him, her eyes shining brightly, obviously having already thought of a "plan," "We don't need large props! Let's just use what's available!"

She pointed sharply at the bowl of buckwheat noodles on the table that was almost untouched and piled high, and then pointed at herself:

"One-bite buckwheat noodle big eater challenge!"

Everyone: "???"

"The rules are simple!" Lee Tima had already started setting the rules, "Me and… um…" Her gaze swept around and finally landed on the VJ (camera assistant) who was relatively the most robust and had been eating the fastest, "That uncle! We'll compete to see who can finish this bowl of buckwheat noodles in the fewest bites and the fastest time! The loser… has to wash everyone's dishes today!"

The VJ uncle who was named looked completely dumbfounded, and the chicken leg in his hand didn't even taste good anymore.

Kim Taeyeon couldn't help but cover her forehead: "Tima, don't make trouble…"

"That's not enough!" Lee Tima clearly felt one game wasn't "explosive" enough. Her eyes rolled, and she saw the sign hanging at the restaurant entrance that read "Traditional Handmade Ice Cream," and immediately added, her voice even more excited:

"The winner must also immediately, right away, on the spot, eat—five ice creams! They must be different flavors!"

She held up five fingers, with an expression that said, "Look how merciful I am to give a reward."

"Five… five ice creams?!" The Manager cried out, "And after eating a big bowl of noodles?! People will die!"

Lee Tima said righteously: "That's why we need a competition! Only the winner is qualified to enjoy the 'ice cream feast'! It's a symbol of honor!" (Completely ignoring the risk of acute gastroenteritis it might cause)

The director was completely dazed, looking at Lee Tima's "I won't give up until you agree" little look, then at Kim Taeyeon's helpless expression, and then thinking that the program indeed needed some lighthearted adjustments… he actually started to seriously consider the "variety effect" of this proposal.

Swallowing buckwheat noodles in one bite? Five ice creams? This scene… it really seemed quite impactful and quite funny?

"No, no!" Kim Taeyeon finally brought out her seniority and firmly opposed it, "This is too reckless! It's bad for your health! And we still have filming in the afternoon!"

"Then we can compete after filming in the afternoon!" Lee Tima readily modified the plan, "Or as a special segment after dinner! Director! Think about the ratings! Think about the topics! #Kim Taeyeon variety show features big eater challenge #Lee Tima drives production team crazy… it will definitely trend!"

She had even thought of the trending hashtags.

The restaurant was silent. Everyone was shocked by Lee Tima's sudden "variety proposal," which was full of the "Jiang Zhiyu-style" prank spirit. How exactly did this child's brain work?

Kim Taeyeon looked at Lee Tima's excited, flushed little face and suddenly felt very tired. She began to deeply suspect, how exactly did Jiang Zhiyu "manage" this child? This exuberant energy for making trouble and unique "variety sense" were simply overwhelming.

The director wiped his sweat, looked at the expectant (and evil) Lee Tima, then at the sighing Kim Taeyeon who was covering her forehead, and finally at the surrounding staff members who were holding back laughter and looking a bit expectant…

"Ahem…" The director cleared his throat, "This proposal… is very 'creative.' However, considering health and subsequent filming, we need to plan carefully and develop a safe, controllable version. For example… reduce the portion, or change to another, gentler challenge?"

This was almost equivalent to implicitly agreeing to add the game segment!

Lee Tima immediately cheered: "Yay! Long live the director! Don't worry, I have experience! Oppa taught me how to safely create 'laughter effects'!" She patted her little chest to assure them, but what that "experience" and "safety" specifically referred to made people very uneasy.

Kim Taeyeon: "…" She seemed to have already seen her heartfelt music variety show, in the trailers for the next few episodes, interspersed with chaotic footage of her team members (or herself?) desperately swallowing noodles and crazily munching on ice cream…

A lunch that was originally calm and warm was thus dragged by Lee Tima, all on her own, onto a path of "variety transformation" full of uncertainty and "hilarious" risks.

The director of "music steps" had probably never imagined that one day, he would be so "actively" involved in program planning by an eight-year-old guest, and that the first official suggestion put forward would actually be a "big eater challenge"…

And Lee Tima had already started calculating in her heart which flavor of ice cream to eat first after winning, and… whether to upgrade the "one-bite buckwheat noodle" challenge to "one-bite bibimbap" (although she disliked it) to increase the difficulty and comedic effect?

The trip to Jeonju, because of Lee Tima's presence, was destined to not be peaceful. On Kim Taeyeon's journey to find her musical soul, there would likely be many more "stomach challenges" and "calorie bombs."