150: Chapter 149 Watatatata

"Launch—!!"

With Jiang Zhiyu's command, the Lion Robot's right arm jerked violently!

"Swoosh—!! Whoosh—!!"

A golden-brown (roast duck-colored) stream of light, accompanied by the crisp snap of a releasing spring and the whistle of compressed air (sound effects?), shot out from the robot arm's launch port!

That lifelike Jufu Zhai Roast Duck model, like a... delicious cannonball, traced a slightly parabolic path (due to its weight) at high speed, heading straight for the Gray Wolf Mascot on the stage!

The staff member inside the Gray Wolf Mascot had clearly received instructions to "cooperate with the test." He didn't dodge, only symbolically raising the plushie's paws (holding a fish bone) to try and block it.

However—

"Smack!! Squelch—!"

The roast duck model hit its mark perfectly, striking the Gray Wolf Mascot right in the chest! It made a duller, more... textured impact sound than yesterday's rubber duck to the face. The duck's caramel-colored crispy skin (model texture) even "cracked" slightly at the moment of impact (special effect?), and the duck body was firmly "embedded" into the Gray Wolf Mascot's fluffy fur (Velcro?).

The Gray Wolf Mascot was knocked backward by this "delicious strike," stumbling several steps before barely managing to steady itself, letting out a "Awoo..." distorted howl of grievance(?).

Then, exactly as Jiang Zhiyu had "designed"—

After the roast duck model made contact with the Gray Wolf Mascot, a device on the duck seemed to be triggered. An almost invisible thin line suddenly tightened and then retracted at extreme speed!

"Whoosh—!"

The delicious roast duck that was just "embedded" in the wolf's chest, under the astonished gazes of everyone (including Im Yoona), was pulled like it was on an invisible fishing line. With a "swoosh," it detached from the Gray Wolf Mascot and flew back rapidly along its original path, precisely clicking back into the storage compartment at the Lion Robot's waist with a "snap"!

The entire launch—hit—recovery process was seamless, taking no more than three seconds.

On the stage, only the Gray Wolf Mascot remained with its chest fur ruffled, still "awoo-ing" in grievance, alongside the stunned Golden Retriever Mascot (though the costume had no expression) and the Hello Kitty who was still rolling a ball of yarn.

The scene fell silent.

Only the slight "click" of the mechanical device could be heard as the robot's waist received the roast duck back.

Jiang Zhiyu was the first to snap out of it. He pumped his fist hard, a proud and brilliant "I really am a genius" smile appearing on his face:

"Success! Perfect!"

"Precise launch! Effective hit! The recovery system is operating normally!"

"‘Lion Charge Duck Punch’ MK-I, test successfully completed!"

He turned to his assistant, who was also somewhat dazed, and said excitedly, "Quick! Record this! This data is very important! Initial launch velocity, parabolic angle, recovery response time... these are all valuable combat(?) parameters! When IZ*ONE arrives, we might need to fine-tune the launch elevation and recovery sensitivity based on their height and ‘skill proficiency’..."

Im Yoona: "..."

She looked down at the cup of Iced Americano in her hand, which was no longer very cold, then looked up at the Gray Wolf Mascot on the stage whose chest was still "smoking" (likely a dry ice effect?), and then at the perfectly intact roast duck model at the robot's waist, as if nothing had happened...

She suddenly felt that she might not be here to watch a variety show warm-up.

But rather to visit the filming set of some sci-fi children's drama with an exploding budget (but cheap effects), broken logic, and bizarre settings.

Jiang Zhiyu's "creativity" really could break through the bottom line of her imagination every single time.

She was even a bit curious now. When those twelve poor children from IZ*ONE arrived here and saw this "upgraded version" of the "Lion Charge Duck Punch" launch live, along with the "Astral Colosseum" filled with plushies, bones, fish skeletons, and robots...

What kind of expressions would they have on their faces?

It would probably be ten times more bitter than the Iced Americano in her hand, right?

Jiang Zhiyu was still immersed in the joy of the successful "launch system" test and the pride of having his "genius idea" validated. Like a child who had just finished a complex Lego model, he circled the Lion Robot twice, checked the "unscathed" roast duck model in the recovery bay, and nodded in satisfaction.

Turning his head, he saw Im Yoona still standing aside, holding that barely touched Iced Americano. Her expression behind the sunglasses was unreadable (though he couldn't see clearly anyway), but she radiated a subtle aura of "I don't understand, but I am greatly shocked."

Jiang Zhiyu's eyes darted around as a "brilliant" (and suicidal) idea suddenly popped up. He immediately plastered on a bright, incredibly "sincere" inviting smile, stepped closer to Im Yoona, and said in his highly provocative tone:

"Yoona Noona! Look, aren't the Astral Colosseum and the upgraded Lion Charge Duck Punch super interesting? They're full of challenge and fun!"

He opened his arms as if showing off an amusement park. "Anyway, the IZ*ONE kids haven't arrived yet, and the venue and equipment are all ready... Noona, do you want to go up and play? Experience it? It's super fun!"

He emphasized "super fun" with sparkling eyes full of expectation (or mischief?), as if he truly were just inviting a friend to try out a novel amusement ride.

Im Yoona: "..."

Her fingers gripping the coffee cup tightened imperceptibly.

I suspect you just want to see me make a fool of myself!

Internal alarms blared in Im Yoona's mind. To let her, Girls' Generation's Im Yoona, the National Goddess, an actress, go and "battle" those staff members in ridiculous mascot costumes on the streets of Myeong-dong in broad daylight (even if it was just a warm-up, there were still staff and scattered onlookers)? Or to experience that robot that launches roast ducks?

Just imagining the scene made her toes curl in embarrassment; the "career dark history" alarm was ringing frantically. How was this an invitation from Jiang Zhiyu? He clearly wanted to drag her into his absurd, nonsensical world and turn her into another "victim" of his "creativity"!

However, on the surface, Im Yoona merely took an elegant sip of her coffee (though it was already lukewarm), then gently set the cup down and raised her hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her movements calm and composed. She even offered a gentle smile, filled with senior-like care and a hint of helplessness, as she refused in a soft but firm voice:

"Aniyo (No), Jiang PD. I appreciate your ‘kindness’."

She pointed at the stage and the robot. "This is the ‘trial stage’ and ‘exclusive skill’ you’ve painstakingly prepared for the IZ*ONE juniors. How can I, as a senior, go up there and steal the spotlight from the kids?"

"It’s better to leave this ‘unique’ experience for those who need it more."

The reason was sound, her posture graceful; she expressed care for her juniors while skillfully avoiding the "trap." Im Yoona felt she had handled it very appropriately.

However, Jiang Zhiyu was clearly not that easy to brush off. It was as if he didn't hear Im Yoona's tactful refusal, or rather, he heard it but chose to ignore it. The smile on his face grew even brighter, even carrying a sense of reliability(?), as if saying "Don't worry, I've got everything covered." He patted his chest and guaranteed:

"Noona! Don't worry! There absolutely won't be any problems!"

"Look, the mascot costumes are all very cute(?), and the robot is already calibrated. It's perfectly safe!"

"Besides, Noona, you're so agile (knowing she had good athletic nerves) and your reactions are fast. You'll definitely ‘clear the stage’ easily!"

"Just think of it as... ‘testing’ the difficulty of the level for your juniors in advance? Helping them eliminate potential risks?"

Jiang Zhiyu coaxed her, trying to wrap this absurd proposal in a reasonable cloak of "thinking for the juniors." "I promise, the process will be absolutely fun and will leave you with a unique ‘Myeong-dong Special Experience’ memory!"

The more he spoke, the more excited he became, as if he could already see the image of Im Yoona "showing off her skills" (making a fool of herself) on the stage. His eyes were practically beaming.

Looking at his "won't stop until the goal is reached" excitement, the ominous premonition in Im Yoona's heart grew stronger. She knew Jiang Zhiyu too well; once this guy got a weird idea, he wouldn't stop until it was realized, and it often came with even more outrageous "surprises."

She frowned slightly (hidden by her sunglasses), her tone carrying a trace of imperceptible caution and warning:

"Jiang PD, it's not that I don't trust the equipment." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the Lion Robot that was still "clack-clack" pacing, and the Gray Wolf and Golden Retriever Mascots on the stage who were starting to get restless again, seemingly wanting a second round of "beak-poking duel." "It's you I don't trust."

"I feel like..." Im Yoona weighed her words, trying to find the most fitting description, "you'll definitely wait until I'm not paying attention and do something like a ‘Human Cannonball’ stunt!"

"Human Cannonball" was a term she used offhandedly, referring to those thrilling amusement park rides where people are launched into the air. She felt that with Jiang Zhiyu's wild imagination and his craze for "variety effects," it was entirely possible he'd add some device to the "stage" to hang people up, throw them around, or launch them, all in the name of "increasing the challenge" or "embodying Astral Power."

However, she never expected that her casual remark would instantly light up a previously dim bulb in Jiang Zhiyu's mind!

Jiang Zhiyu's expression, which had been working hard to persuade her and dispel her concerns, suddenly froze the moment he heard the words "Human Cannonball"!

Then, his eyes lit up at a visible speed! That light was even more dazzling than when the test succeeded just now, and even more... full of dangerous sparks of inspiration!

"Hu... Human Cannonball?!!"

Jiang Zhiyu repeated the words, his voice carrying a tremor and ecstasy like he had discovered a new continent.

He whipped his head around, no longer looking at Im Yoona, but staring fixedly at the space above the stage with a gaze so hot it could almost ignite the air—where, besides the crooked "Astral Colosseum" neon sign, there was only the clear Myeong-dong sky.

But it was as if he could see through that sky to some brilliant, unprecedented, epic scene that could push the show's effects (and shame levels) to another peak!

His brain began to work at the speed of light:

"Human Cannonball... right! Why didn't I think of that!"

"Just ground fighting and launching roast ducks isn't enough impact!"

"It needs to be more three-dimensional! More dynamic! More... visually cool effects that defy physical common sense(?)!"

"For example... mid-air combat using ‘Astral Power’ (wires)?"

"Or... being launched into the air by a ‘Special Attack’ (spring device) from the ‘Star Demons Claws’ (mascots)?"

"Or even better... when releasing the ‘Lion Charge Duck Punch,’ the person flies out along with the roast duck, achieving the ultimate secret technique of ‘Man and Duck as One’?!!"

Absurd ideas that were logically self-consistent(?) in his mind exploded like fireworks, making him so excited he almost started dancing.

Looking at Jiang Zhiyu's sudden change in expression and those eyes instantly ignited with the "fire of creation" (or possibly destruction), Im Yoona's heart sank, and she thought to herself, ‘Oh no.’

Crap!

I said the wrong thing!

It seems... I unintentionally opened a more terrifying and outrageous ‘creativity’ door for him?!

She watched Jiang Zhiyu, who seemed possessed, muttering to himself and tracing trajectories in the air with his fingers. A chill ran from the soles of her feet straight to the top of her head.

"Jiang, Jiang PD?" Im Yoona tried to call back his reason. "Are you... okay? I was just saying that casually..."

However, Jiang Zhiyu was already completely immersed in his new "blueprint." He snapped his head back to look at Im Yoona, his eyes terrifyingly fervent. He grabbed her arm (with both hands this time!) and said excitedly:

"Noona!! You really are a genius!! ‘Human Cannonball’! That’s great! This idea is fantastic!!"

"This is absolutely the key to elevating the show's effects! It's a pioneering move that breaks the fourth wall! It's..."

He suddenly stopped, seeing Im Yoona's somewhat pale face (guessed through her sunglasses) and her attempt to pull her hand back. He seemed to realize his loss of composure and calmed down a tiny bit, but the fire in his eyes didn't diminish at all.

He let go, took half a step back, but the excitement on his face only increased. He clapped his hands hard and shouted decisively to the assistant nearby:

"Quick! Contact the wire team! No, contact the VFX and props teams! And the safety consultant! Meeting, now!"

"We’re going to add a ‘Low-altitude Floating Combat Unit’ and a ‘Sudden Ejection Interaction Device’ to the Astral Colosseum!"

"Budget is not an issue! Safety first! But the effect must be explosive!"

Assistant: "...Yes, PD!" (Though he had no idea what the PD was talking about, it was always right to agree first.)

Im Yoona: "..."

She silently backed away two steps, distancing herself from Jiang Zhiyu, who had clearly entered "berserk creative mode."

She was now very certain, and absolutely positive.

That her "Human Cannonball" remark just now was the biggest mistake of the day.

Not only did it fail to dispel Jiang Zhiyu's idea of putting her on stage (he probably had a head full of new ideas now and couldn't be bothered with her for the moment), but it had likely brought even more terrifying and unimaginable "surprises" to those twelve poor kids from IZ*ONE.

She only hoped now that Jiang Zhiyu's so-called "safety first" was for real.

Otherwise...

Im Yoona glanced at those innocent(?) mascots on the stage, then at the robot with the roast duck ready to go at its waist, and then imagined the "floating" and "ejection" devices that were about to be added...

She suddenly felt that IZ*ONE's "Myeong-dong Adventure" today would probably be ten thousand times more "exciting" than she had anticipated.

And she should probably consider finding an excuse to slip away early before things got completely out of control.

After all, watching the fun was one thing, but being caught in the center of Jiang Zhiyu's "creative storm"... that was another matter entirely.

She didn't want to become the first member in Girls' Generation's history to be targeted by a roast duck launcher or launched into the air by a mascot on the streets of Myeong-dong.