195: Chapter 193 So painful, so painful, so painful

After experiencing a series of mental shocks including the "Shameful Bus," "Dolls Boarding," and the "Embarrassing Hip Assist Incident," the twelve girls of IZ*ONE finally boarded that dream (nightmare?) bus one after another with a tragic "let's just get it over with, at worst we'll all go down together" mood, urged by the "ticket inspector" staff member (and Jiang Zhiyu's gentle but firm gaze from behind).

The interior was unexpectedly spacious and bright, with comfortable aviation seats and an appropriate AC temperature. If it weren't for the miniature "Star Envoy" promotional stickers on both windows and the LED screen at the front scrolling through highlights (shameful clips) from today's recording, it would have looked like an ordinary luxury tour bus.

What made their feelings even more complicated was that the "Star Demons Claws" dolls who had boarded first—Hello Kitty, the Golden Retriever, the Gray Wolf, Zang Zang Bao, and Soft Baby—were currently sitting quietly (relatively speaking) in the rear half of the bus. Some were "looking at the scenery" by the window, some were "whispering" (rustling sounds from the doll suits), and the Golden Retriever even had a bone toy in its "mouth," looking like a good dog. If they hadn't seen their "vicious" (?) performance earlier (and during the day), this scene would have been considered harmonious and friendly.

"I feel... weird," An Yujin muttered, picking a front-row seat slightly away from the doll area.

"It's like participating in some strange mixer..." Jang Wonyoung also lowered her voice and sat down next to An Yujin.

The others sat down one after another, trying not to look at the "non-human passengers" in the back, but their peripheral vision couldn't help but glance over, fearing they might suddenly act up (even though they knew they wouldn't).

Once everyone was settled, the bus doors slowly closed. At that moment, a staff member started from the front row, handing out a pure white baseball cap to each member (including the dolls in the back), with a small, simple "TG" (TG Entertainment logo) embroidered on the brim. Even for those dolls, the staff found ways to put the hats on their round or furry heads (Hello Kitty's hat was tilted next to her bow, the Golden Retriever's hat was perched on its ears, and Zang Zang Bao's hat was nearly swallowed by its "stains"...).

Jiang Zhiyu was the last to board. He also held a hat, but its color was an extremely eye-catching bright red, also with the "TG" logo. He walked straight to the very front of the carriage, stood facing everyone, naturally put the red baseball cap on his head, and then adjusted a handheld microphone fixed to the handrail.

"Ah, ah, ah—" He blew into the microphone to test the sound. "Mic test, mic test~ Hello? Can you hear me? Friends in the doll area at the back?"

The dolls were very cooperative (actually controlled by internal staff), letting out a mixed response of "Meow!" "Woof!" "Awoo!" and "Guji!" accompanied by nodding or waving of arms (paws).

IZ*ONE members: "..." As expected, it's still very weird!

"Good! It seems communication is clear!" Jiang Zhiyu nodded with satisfaction, a friendly smile appearing on his face that was somewhere between a work summary and a team-building rally.

"First of all!" He cleared his throat and said in a clear and infectious voice, "Thank you to our twelve Star Saints of IZ*ONE, as well as the actors of our 'special guest' Star Demons Claws troupe, for your hard work and wonderful performances throughout the day! Everyone—you've really worked hard!"

He took the lead in applauding, and the dolls in the back also "clapped" (thumping their bodies or seats with their paws or round hands, making pitter-patter sounds), and a sparse but eerily atmospheric round of applause rang out in the carriage.

"Now, as the chief producer of twelve star messengers: records of survival in the mortal realm and the president of TG Entertainment," Jiang Zhiyu changed the subject, his tone becoming slightly more formal, "while we are on the way to our next destination, I will briefly report today's work results and... some initially reached subsequent commercial cooperation intentions."

Hearing this, the girls, who were originally a bit wilted and immersed in shame and fatigue, instantly perked up their ears, and their eyes brightened. Although the process was too painful to look back on, if it was about serious matters like "making money," "endorsements," or "individual/team development," it was worth paying attention to!

Jiang Zhiyu seemed very satisfied with everyone's reaction. He pulled several sheets of paper (likely printed emails or memo summaries) from his folder and began to list them off:

"First, regarding brand feedback and cooperation invitations—"

"Jufu Zhai Roast Duck is very satisfied with the effect of today's 'Roast Duck Man Dance' and 'Pre-battle Resupply' segments. They have formally proposed an exclusive title sponsorship for the next season and specifically requested to discuss an individual endorsement with 'Pisces Sausage Saintess' Choi Yena-xi. The initial quote..." He mentioned a figure that made Choi Yena herself gape in surprise.

"Iceberg Source Crystal Mineral Water highly recognizes the fit between Jang Wonyoung-xi's 'star spring messenger' image and the brand's high-end positioning. They have initiated contact for a global brand ambassador role with generous terms."

"orion pie, XX Juice, YY Soap, ZZ Toys, AA Instant Noodles, BB Sports Drinks, CC Energy Bars... all the brands featured today have expressed strong interest in subsequent cooperation, either by adding sponsorship or exploring the possibility of individual and team endorsements. The relevant business teams are already in urgent contact."

"Roughly estimated, the potential commercial value brought by today's show alone has far exceeded the exposure effect of regular music shows or ordinary variety programs over several months," Jiang Zhiyu concluded, with undisguised pride on his face. "Although the process was... well, quite unique, the results are obvious to all."

The carriage fell into a brief silence, with only the hum of the engine and the sound of the clips playing on the LED screen. The girls processed this sudden information, their expressions extremely complex.

Was it shameful? Shameful to death.

But... for personal development and the team making money, it seems really powerful!!

That contradictory feeling of "wanting to die while feeling like they hit the jackpot" welled up in their hearts once again. Even the dolls in the back seemed to understand (?), letting out a series of strange noises signifying "congratulations" or "envy."

"So," Jiang Zhiyu put down the papers, his gaze sweeping over the girls with their various expressions, and his smile became even brighter and... more relaxed, "to celebrate our 'painful but happy' fruitful results today, and to reward everyone for their hard work—"

He deliberately dragged out his voice, building up the suspense.

"The next location we are going to is—"

He suddenly threw his arms open, as if announcing a major award, and shouted in a voice full of enthusiasm and temptation:

"—An all-you-can-eat! Top-tier Hanwoo BBQ restaurant!!!"

"Wow—!!!"

"Awoo—!!!"

"Guji guji!!"

"Meow meow meow!!!"

The moment the words fell, the entire carriage, including the "Star Demons Claws" doll area in the back, erupted into a deafening burst of ecstatic cheers and strange cries! The dolls waved their arms excitedly, bumping into each other; Hello Kitty's ball of yarn even rolled onto the floor, the Golden Retriever tossed its bone toy into the air, Zang Zang Bao shook with excitement, and the Soft Babies bounced up and down...

Clearly, whether human or doll (staff), no one could resist the ultimate temptation of "BBQ"!

The members of IZ*ONE were also startled by this sudden, overly "normal" and "practical" benefit. They were just listening to a high-brow commercial report, and in the blink of an eye, they were going to a BBQ restaurant for a team dinner?

"All... all-you-can-eat BBQ?" Kwon Eunbi repeated, somewhat uncertainly.

"Is it really just... to eat?" An Yujin also looked suspicious.

"It feels... like a normal company team-building dinner?" Jang Wonyoung whispered to An Yujin beside her.

Despite saying so, after experiencing a whole day of "surprises" (scares), the string of vigilance deep in their hearts was already pulled tight.

"But! Definitely! It won't be that simple!" Kwon Eunbi sent signals to the members with her eyes.

"Exactly! Why would Producer Jiang just arrange a normal dinner? There must be a conspiracy!" An Yujin also nodded.

"We must be careful!! Maybe there are hidden levels in the BBQ restaurant, or those dolls will launch an attack at the dinner table (poking people with bones?)..." Jang Wonyoung had already begun to imagine various possibilities.

Thus, against the background noise of the dolls' jubilation (and clamor), although the twelve girls of IZ*ONE also showed expectant smiles for the BBQ (after all, they were truly tired and hungry), everyone sounded the highest level of alarm in their hearts, prepared to deal with a "Special Episode BBQ Restaurant Adventure" at any time.

The bus drove smoothly through the night in Seoul, carrying a busload of "passengers" with different thoughts toward that unknown BBQ restaurant that seemed to emanate an aura of conspiracy (and the smell of meat).

Whether what lay ahead was a delicious feast or a new "shame challenge," they knew that as long as they were with Producer Jiang Zhi Yu, there would never be a moment of true "relaxation."