181: Chapter 179

Jiang Zhiyu seemed completely unaware (or unconcerned) about their complex reactions, still full of enthusiasm: "Go change and rest for a bit! The next segment is even more exciting! I already have new inspiration!" He winked, a look that made everyone's hearts tighten.

The members felt like they had been granted amnesty, quickly picking up their pace, wanting nothing more than to get to the dressing room and take off these embarrassing outfits.

Just as they were about to turn into the hallway of the dressing area, another figure appeared ahead.

It was Im Yoona.

She had already taken off her sunglasses, her hands casually tucked into the pockets of her cream-white trench coat, standing there quietly. She seemed to be waiting for them, or perhaps just passing by. The afternoon light slanted in from the backstage window, casting a soft rim light around her. Her face held no particular expression, still that usual, gentle and appropriate look, but her clear eyes, as they swept across these eleven girls wearing ridiculous headgear, dressed in sauce-stained tracksuits, with faces still flushed from the performance and a lingering sense of daze, a flash of an extremely complex emotion flickered deep within her gaze.

In that emotion, there was surprise, a smile, and understanding, but more than anything, it was a kind of... sympathy and pity that was hard to describe precisely in words.

As a senior who had also struggled through trainee days, experienced countless variety show "baptisms," and knew the various realities behind the industry's glamour, Im Yoona understood all too well what the segments on stage just now meant in terms of psychological challenges and "sacrifices" for these young idol girls who valued their image. It wasn't just completing a job; it was practically taking an idol's "dignity" and "image" and leaving them on the streets of Myeong-dong for countless people to watch and laugh at, potentially becoming fodder for gossip and "dark history" for a long time to come.

Although the effect was indeed explosive, and although Jiang Zhiyu's theory of "being remembered" wasn't without merit, seeing these juniors (including Jang Wonyoung and others she was familiar with) being "tossed around" like this made a soft pang of heartache rise in Im Yoona's heart.

"Yoona-sunbaenim!" "Hello, Yoona-sunbaenim!"

Seeing Im Yoona, the members of IZ*ONE immediately stopped, instinctively and neatly bowing in greeting. Even with the ridiculous headgear and their disheveled appearance, basic etiquette and the concept of seniority were still etched into their bones. The headgear bobbed up and down with the motion of their bows, looking somewhat comical yet tinged with a hint of sadness.

Im Yoona quickly took a step forward, gesturing for them to stop bowing. Her voice was her usual soft and pleasant tone, but at this moment, there seemed to be something more in that gentleness:

"Girls, you worked hard."

"Really... you worked hard."

She didn't say "you performed well" or "it was very funny" or anything that might make them more embarrassed; she just softly and repeatedly said "you worked hard." Her gaze swept over their eyes, which might be slightly red behind the headgear (perhaps from the heat, or perhaps something else), over the sauce-stained corners of their clothes, and over their eyes that were trying to stay spirited but couldn't hide their fatigue.

This simple "you worked hard," spoken here and now by a senior who understood their situation, seemed to carry a thousand pounds of weight, instantly hitting a soft and aggrieved corner in the girls' hearts.

Almost instantly, several members—like Jang Wonyoung, who had just experienced the "water bottle head" blow; Sakura, who was forced to recite "Benevolence Mermaid"; and Kim Chaewon and Jo Yuri, who sang the cringey song—felt their eyes turn red and their noses sting. It wasn't because they were sad, but a complex surge of fatigue, grievance, the solace of being understood, and the feeling that "finally someone knows it wasn't easy for us."

They quickly lowered their heads, using the plush headgear as cover, blinking desperately to push back the urge to cry. They couldn't cry; their makeup would run, and... it didn't seem like there was anything worth crying about, it was just work. But Yoona-sunbaenim's "you worked hard" really... made them break down a little.

As the leader, Kwon Eunbi tried to sniffle, looking up (in her lion headgear) and responding in a relatively steady voice: "Thank you for your concern, Yoona-sunbaenim. We... we're okay." But her voice carried a hint of imperceptible sobbing.

Watching them try to suppress their emotions, Im Yoona's pity grew even stronger. She didn't say more, just nodded gently and patted the shoulder of An Yujin (in the goat headgear) who was closest to her. The movement was very light, carrying a sense of comfort.

"Go change and rest quickly." She stepped aside, her voice gentle.

The members of IZ*ONE bowed again and then hurried, almost fleeing, into the nearby dressing room area. The moment the door closed, it was as if they were isolated from the absurd world outside and from the senior's heart-softening gaze.

The dressing room was quiet. Only the rustling sound of everyone taking off their headgear and changing clothes could be heard.

After a long while, someone whispered in a nasal voice:

"Yoona-sunbaenim... is really nice."

"...Yeah."

After a brief silence, someone—it wasn't clear who—let out a soft, long sigh.

That sigh contained so much.

Outside the hallway, Im Yoona stood where she was, watching the closed door of the dressing room, then looked back at Jiang Zhiyu, who was not far away, still excitedly discussing something with the staff, his face still glowing. Her eyes flickered with a complex light.

This PD Jiang really... "used" the girls quite thoroughly.

But it was undeniable that the effect was also quite astounding.

She shook her head and turned to leave, but in her heart, she had a deeper, indescribable impression of that little man who smelled of kiwi and always managed to cause such a stir.