118: Chapter 117 Minor Weather

Led by leader Kwon Eunbi (who took several deep breaths to suppress the urge to call the company and complain immediately), the twelve girls, with a tragic mood as if heading to an execution ground, pushed open the screeching iron door of a room on the first floor of that old apartment building.

The expected assault of musty smells and dust did not occur. Instead, a faint scent, a mix of disinfectant and lemon freshener, wafted from inside the door.

They cautiously poked their heads in.

The interior of the room formed a subtle contrast with the mottled exterior walls.

The space was larger than imagined, a suite structure that had been knocked through and simply divided into a living room, an open kitchen, and two relatively independent bedroom areas (separated by curtains). The furniture was indeed of an old style, with the corners of the wooden tables and chairs worn smooth, and the fabric on the sofa washed until it was a bit pale, but without exception, everything was wiped clean and spotless.

The floor was old but well-maintained composite wood flooring, with no dust even when stepping on it barefoot. The window glass was bright, letting in sunlight that illuminated the fine dust floating in the air (proof of cleanliness). Although the kitchen sink and stove were of an ancient style, they were as bright as new; when the faucet was turned on, the tap water flowed out clear and odorless. Although the bathroom was small, the gaps between the tiles were scrubbed snow-white, and after turning on the water heater, hot water really did flow out after a while.

“Even though it looks dilapidated...” An Yujin looked around, and as a more pragmatic member of the team, she commented objectively, “But... it really does look very dilapidated!”

This was an undeniable fact. The wall paint had small cracks in some places, there was a faint yellow stain on a corner of the ceiling suspected to be from a water leak, and the style of the furniture was old enough to be in a museum; the entire space exuded a thick atmosphere belonging to a bygone era.

“But...” Honda Hitomi touched the smooth tabletop, somewhat surprised, “It’s been tidied up very cleanly, and... everything works.”

The lights could turn on, the water could flow, the gas stove could be lit, and the refrigerator (a small single-door fridge that looked like it had many years on it) started humming and cooling normally after being plugged in. The production team had even prepared an old-fashioned but functional CRT television in the corner (complete with a DVD player), as well as a semi-new washing machine.

This was much better than the “no water or electricity, covered in spider webs” haunted house scenario they had expected. At least the basic living facilities were complete and usable.

“The production team... actually cleaned it?” Choi Yena found it hard to believe; she thought Jiang Zhiyu would thoroughly implement the 'start from zero' approach, where they would even have to do the cleaning themselves.

“They must be afraid we'd actually go on strike.” Kim Chaewon hit the nail on the head as she checked the sockets to confirm they all had power.

At this moment, everyone's gaze involuntarily, and with a hint of guilt, turned toward Jang Wonyoung, who had been standing quietly in the corner since entering this 'home,' pursing her lips, her eyes carrying a bit of 'I told you so' grievance, but more of a complex 'see, I knew it would be like this' emotion.

Recalling Jang Wonyoung's previous 'accusations' and fears regarding Jiang Zhiyu, and their attitude at the time of more or less thinking Wonyoung was 'making a mountain out of a molehill' or 'overreacting'... looking at the current environment, which was clean but still dilapidated beyond imagination, and recalling the absurd 'Sorry Sorry' dance in front of the building and Jiang Zhiyu's nonsense about 'funds flying away' earlier...

A strong sense of guilt suddenly welled up in the Unnies' hearts.

Kwon Eunbi was the first to walk up to Jang Wonyoung, reaching out to ruffle the maknae's hair, her tone sincere: “Sorry, Wonyoung, we Unnies... didn't fully believe your words before. Producer Jiang, he... really is someone who can always 'exceed expectations'.” She emphasized the words 'exceed expectations' heavily.

“Exactly, exactly!” Sakura also walked over, putting her arm around Jang Wonyoung's shoulder. Although she was also having a breakdown, she felt more distressed for this maknae who had been receiving 'special care,' “Our Wonyoung has suffered! Those 'Golden Toilet' and 'orion pie' things before... must have been terrifying, right? We Unnies completely understand now!”

Choi Yena and Lee Chaeyeon also crowded over, apologizing and comforting her all at once:

“Wonyoung-ah, I'm sorry!”

“We were wrong! We should have formed an 'Anti-Jiang United Front' with you earlier!”

“From today on, we Unnies will be your strongest support!”

The other members also gathered around, looking at Jang Wonyoung with warm and apologetic gazes.

Surrounded by the Unnies' sudden apologies and warmth, Jang Wonyoung's tense little face, which had been filled with grievance and vigilance, finally began to soften. Her big eyes blinked, welling up with a few tears of being moved (or perhaps fear of the future), but mostly it was the relief of being understood and acknowledged... and a little bit of 'vindication' grievance.

She sniffled and said loudly in a slightly milky but exceptionally firm tone:

“Unnies! Wonyoung would never lie to everyone!”

“Producer Jiang... he's really, really, really... scary! His head is full of strange, cringeworthy ideas! And he doesn't care about our idol image at all!”

“But!” She clenched her small fists, her gaze becoming sharp, “We know now! The twelve of us are together! As long as we unite, be cautious, and remind each other, we will definitely... at least be tricked by him a little less!”

“That's right!” Kwon Eunbi raised her arm and shouted, her sense of responsibility as a leader perfectly combining with her current 'resentment' towards Jiang Zhiyu, “I propose that we, IZ*ONE, officially establish here—the 'Anti-Producer Jiang Zhiyu Improper Creative Persecution of Girls Alliance'! Shortened to 'Anti-Jiang Girls Alliance'!”

“Agreed!”

“Alliance established!”

“Protect our idol dignity (and the bottom line of our sense of shame)!”

The girls responded one after another. For a moment, the dilapidated apartment was filled with a tragic (and somewhat chuunibyou) atmosphere of shared hatred and unity. They high-fived each other, as if they had found the spiritual pillar to survive the upcoming 'hard' filming.

However, just as the 'Anti-Jiang Girls Alliance' was declared established and morale had received a brief boost, the old television in the living room suddenly made a 'sizzle' sound and turned on automatically!

The static screen flickered a few times, and then an image appeared—it was Jiang Zhiyu's face with a kind (?) smile; it seemed to be a pre-recorded video.

“Hi~ dear 'Goddesses'! It seems you have successfully moved into your new home!” Jiang Zhiyu greeted enthusiastically on the screen, “Are you satisfied with the environment? Although it's simple, it's full of the breath of life (and filming convenience), right?”

The girls glared at the television.

“So, as the production team's first friendly tip for you—” Jiang Zhiyu's smile became meaningful, “Everyone, tidy up properly and get familiar with the environment! Conserve your strength! Because—”

He deliberately dragged out his tone, and the smile on the screen gradually became 'perverted':

“Tomorrow's activities... will be quite powerful!”

“So. Powerful. It. Will. Exceed. Your. Imagination!”

“Please look forward to it! I wish you a... pleasant night! Goodnight~”

The video ended, the TV screen returned to static, and then it turned off automatically with a 'pop.'

The apartment fell into a dead silence once again.

The faces of the members of the newly formed 'Anti-Jiang Girls Alliance' instantly froze, and then were slowly replaced by a new, deeper fear.

“Quite... powerful?”

“Exceed imagination?”

“What on earth does he want to do again?!!”

“I knew he wouldn't let us off that easily!”

“Can we even sleep tonight?!”

The wails rose again, more desperate than before.

Jiang Zhiyu's 'preview' was like the Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads, causing this 'new home,' which had just gained a hint of warmth from unity, to be instantly shrouded in the huge shadow of the unknown 'powerful activity.'

But no matter what, they had no way out. The mortal survival (Anti-Jiang) journey of the twelve 'Amnesiac Goddesses' (and the newly formed 'Anti-Jiang Girls Alliance') officially began in this clean but dilapidated old apartment full of the breath of life (and the PD's malice).

And tomorrow, what kind of 'powerful' test awaited them?

In the early morning, sunlight passed through the clean glass windows, illuminating the fine dust floating in the air and waking up the twelve 'Amnesiac Girls' who were sleeping haphazardly on floor mats and simple beds. Under the shadow of Jiang Zhiyu's 'quite powerful' preview from last night, most of them hadn't slept well, and faint dark circles were under their eyes.

Hunger was the first reality to strike. The refrigerator was empty, with only a few bottles of mineral water (Jang Wonyoung's brand) 'thoughtfully' left by the production team. There was rice and a few packs of ramen (the cheapest kind) in the kitchen cabinets, but no vegetables or meat.

“I'm so hungry...” Lee Chaeyeon said weakly, clutching her stomach.

“We need food and money.” An Yujin analyzed the situation relatively calmly, “The 'activity' Producer Jiang mentioned must be related to this.”

As if to verify her words, the old TV in the apartment automatically turned on again with a 'sizzle.' This time, it wasn't Jiang Zhiyu who appeared, but a well-produced (and completely out of place in the apartment) animated short film, accompanied by a spirited narration:

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

"Oh, Star Goddesses lost in the mortal realm! Yesterday's fall caused you to lose your memories and powers, but the gears of fate (the production team) have already begun to turn! You have gathered here by providence (arranged by Producer Jiang Zhi Yu) and face the first test of survival—'The Mortal Trial'!"

"Now, listen to the guidance!"

The animation switched to text and graphics:

[Phase One: Assembly and Division of Labor]

Core Task: Obtain basic resources (food, necessary daily supplies) and initial startup funds sufficient for 12 people to survive until tomorrow.

Team Status: Amnesia, no special abilities (temporarily), possessing basic mortal physical fitness and... idol skills (?).

The screen focused on Kwon Eunbi, and the Leo sign and the word "Leadership" appeared.

"As the Leo in the team who naturally possesses an aura of command and a sense of responsibility—Kwon Eunbi, please boost the morale of your lost companions and reasonably assign members based on the following branch tasks!"

Kwon Eunbi took a deep breath and stood in the center of the living room amidst the expectant and anxious gazes of the members. She tried hard to recall the feeling of being the leader of IZ*ONE and cleared her throat:

"Everyone! Although we have lost our memories, don't know who we are, or why we are here..." (reading off a script)

"But! We can feel the bond between us! That we can gather here must be the arrangement of fate (the production team)!"

"There are difficulties ahead, but we are not alone! We are... twelve people!" (almost said IZ*ONE)

"Hunger is not scary, and the unknown is not scary either! As long as we are united and each use our strengths, we will definitely be able to overcome the difficulties!"

"Now, I will assign tasks based on our... mysterious intuition (task list)!"

Although her speech had a clear sense of being scripted and the haziness of just waking up, her intention to unite the team still slightly lifted the members' spirits.

The TV screen timely listed the detailed branch tasks:

[A. Physical Labor Group (4 people)]

Task: Go to [Brothers Ramen Shop] three blocks away for part-time work. Work content includes: washing dishes, wiping tables, greeting customers, and assisting in making ramen (simple parts).

Goal: Earn today's basic wages and possible customer tips.

Requirements: Hardworking, quick-handed, and positive attitude (facing potential recognition and onlookers by passersby).

[B. Creative Challenge Group (3 people)]

Task: Stay in the apartment or go to a nearby park to complete a TikTok video challenge.

Choose one of two contents:

Dance challenge: Create a dance of about 15-30 seconds with strong rhythm that is easy to imitate, accompanied by the provided BGM (several pop songs to choose from). Goal: Attract people to watch and dance along.

Abstract funny challenge: Use the prop box provided by the production team (containing various weird costumes, funny masks, special effects makeup pens, strange sound effects, etc.) to create a nonsensical, memorable funny short video.

Common goal: Publish in the team's name, and by 6 PM today, reach 100,000+ video views and 5,000+ comments. Success will earn "high" food funds provided by the production team.

Requirements: Creativity, internet sense, expressiveness, and thick skin.

[C. Market Promotion Group (3 people)]

Task: Go to the nearest traditional market and act as a "one-day salesperson" for a grocery stall.

Work: Actively solicit customers and promote designated items (possibly kimchi, gloves, socks, and other daily groceries). At the same time, use the earned commission or bartering methods to purchase the food needed by the team for today (budget is limited).

Goal: Complete a certain sales volume and successfully purchase enough dinner ingredients for 12 people.

Requirements: Communication skills, affinity, and adaptability (dealing with bargaining and market aunties).

[D. Exploration and Retrieval Group (2 people)]

Task: Explore the area around the apartment to find clues or items that might trigger "memories" or "powers." The task description is very vague: pay attention to special signs, listen to whispers in the wind (?), and contact strangers or places that feel familiar.

Goal: Discover at least one "meaningful" item or piece of information; after reporting, you can receive an additional reward (unknown).

Requirements: Observation, intuition, patience, and mental preparation for various unexpected (strange) situations.

As soon as the task list appeared, sighs and discussions erupted one after another in the apartment.

"Part-time work? Go to a ramen shop?"

"100,000 views on TikTok? Within today?!"

"Market promotion? I don't even know how much vegetables cost per jin..."

"Exploration? Finding memories? How are we supposed to find them?!"

Kwon Eunbi's head ached, but she had to make quick decisions. She scanned the members, combining her usual understanding of everyone (even if they had "amnesia," their instincts were still there) with the task requirements:

"Group A, physical labor, needs those who can work and aren't afraid of being tired." She looked at An Yujin (Capricorn - perseverance), Yabuki Nako (Taurus - pragmatic), "Yujin, Nako, you two will definitely be fine." She looked at Kang Hye-won (Aries - charge) and Lee Chaeyeon (Sagittarius - vitality), "Hye-won has drive, Chaeyeon has good stamina, you go too, the four of you take care of each other."

The four nodded; although they were a bit intimidated by washing dishes and wiping tables, they felt it was at least a clear task.

"Group B, creative challenge, needs people with many ideas who can let loose." Kwon Eunbi's gaze went to Choi Yena (Pisces - agile), Lee Chaeyeon (but Chaeyeon was already assigned)... She looked at Kim Chaewon (Scorpio - insightful, perhaps has unique creativity) and Jo Yuri (Gemini - thousand faces, adaptable). "Chaewon, Yuri, you two have active minds." Still need one more... She looked at Jang Wonyoung (Aquarius - unique), but Wonyoung's market value (visuals and freshness) might be better suited... Finally, she chose Honda Hitomi (Cancer - gentle, but perhaps has reverse charm?), "Hitomi, you join too. You three must get those 100,000 views! Otherwise, we might go hungry tonight!"

The three named were under immense pressure, especially when thinking about those abstract funny props.

"Group C, market promotion, needs people who can talk and have affinity." Kwon Eunbi naturally thought of Kim Minju (Libra - elegant communication) and Jang Wonyoung (Aquarius - fresh and cute, easy to attract passersby). "Minju, Wonyoung, you go to the market." Still need someone who can carry things and has more strength? She looked at Choi Yena (but Yena was in Group B), and finally chose the seemingly reliable and articulate Miyawaki Sakura (Virgo - serious, and has the steadiness of a great senior?), "Sakura, you go too, you are the big... uh, you are the sister who looks the most trustworthy among us!" (almost let it slip)

Sakura thought about having to promote groceries to market aunties, and her vision went dark, but she could only bite the bullet and agree.

"Group D, exploration and retrieval, needs attention to detail and... luck?" Kwon Eunbi, as the leader, needed to stay in the apartment to coordinate (and deal with possible new instructions from the production team), so the remaining two... She looked at Kim Chaewon (but she was already in Group B), and finally her gaze fell on Choi Yena (Pisces - intuition) and... she herself hesitated a bit. At this time, An Yujin suggested: "Let Yena go, her intuition is sometimes quite accurate. The other person... needs to be steady, and can watch Yena so she doesn't run too far." Everyone looked at Honda Hitomi (but she was already in Group B) and Kwon Eunbi herself.

"I'll go with Yena." Kwon Eunbi finally decided, "I am the leader, exploring clues also fits my 'duty'. As for the apartment, leave it to... Yujin, your part-time group, to take care of it temporarily after you return. Group B and Group C should also return to reunite as soon as you finish your tasks."

The division of labor was complete, and the atmosphere became even more tense. Every task looked simple, especially the 100,000 views for Group B, which was practically hellish difficulty.

The production team staff appeared at the right time, distributing the meager "startup funds" (only enough for public transportation), the map of the workplace, contact information for the market stall and a product list, TikTok account passwords, the box filled with bizarre props, and an old street map with unclear meaning for the exploration group, marked with several points of unknown significance.

"Then..." Kwon Eunbi took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound full of hope, "For our dinner, to retrieve our memories and powers (perhaps for the sake of the show's effect)—let's go!"

The twelve girls, harboring their own different anxieties, determination, and prayers of "please don't let Producer Jiang Zhi Yu screw us over," set out separately from this dilapidated but temporarily safe apartment, threw themselves onto the streets of Seoul, and began the first day of their "amnesiac goddess" survival in the mortal realm.

The grease of the ramen shop, the traffic anxiety of TikTok, the sharp eyes of the market aunties, the inexplicable exploration in the streets and alleys... Waiting for them would be sweat, laughter, embarrassment, accidents, and the "quite something" "surprises" that Jiang Zhiyu had hidden in every link.

And the audience was about to witness how the top girl group would do their best for "a full meal" and "5,000 comments," colliding to create completely different sparks in the ordinary and even embarrassing daily life. This, perhaps, was the true charm (and comedy point) of the "Mortal Chapter" of "twelve star envoys".