198: Chapter 196 Anyway, these Hakimi guardians were all born pure idiots.

This word of encouragement cheered Miyawaki Sakura up a bit. She walked in front of the backdrop and struck a classic idol pose—forming a heart with both hands, a forced smile on her face.

“This is the incarnation of love and beauty—the Saintess of Sakura! Her gentleness can heal all pain, and her beauty can light up the darkness! Although she sometimes hides her true strength due to shyness, when she fights to protect someone important, she will explode with amazing power!”

When it was Choi Yena's turn, she actually appeared quite excited. She skipped onto the red carpet and shouted into the microphone, “I am the Dreamy Twin Spirits · Choi Yena! My ultimate move is ‘Bubble Mystery · Pisces Playing in Water’! And... I am also the Pisces Sausage Saintess! My sausages are the best in the universe!”

After saying that, she actually pulled a sausage (a prop) out of her hoodie pocket and waved it at the camera.

The onlookers burst into laughter and applause, clearly infected by her lively performance.

“This is the team's source of joy—the Dreamy Twin Spirits! She possesses a wild imagination and an optimistic spirit, always bringing smiles to everyone in the most difficult moments! At the same time, she is the ‘Sausage Saintess’ coveted by the Star Demon, possessing a mysterious secret sausage recipe!”

Jang Wonyoung bit the bullet and stepped up. She walked to the microphone, took a deep breath, and said in her signature clear voice, “I am the Star Spring Guide · Jang Wonyoung... my ultimate move is ‘Pisces · Purifying World Star Spring’...”

As she spoke, her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the plastic throne next to the backdrop, which was covered in mineral water labels, and a sense of foreboding rose in her heart.

Sure enough, Jiang Zhiyu's commentary came: “This is the symbol of purity and wisdom—the Star Spring Guide! She has the ability to guide those who are lost, and her ‘Star Spring’ can purify all filth! At the same time, she also represents... the ultimate taste of 400,000 Korean Won!”

That last sentence almost made Wonyoung break down on the spot. She practically walked with stiff limbs to the backdrop, sat on that plastic throne, and struck a standard 'elegant idol' pose—though the 'throne' beneath her and the silly hoodie she wore made the pose look incredibly ridiculous.

The members took the stage one by one, each introduction accompanied by laughter and applause from the onlookers. When the last member, Jo Yuri, completed her 'Gemini · Mirror Duet' pose, the twelve Star Saints finally stood in a row before the backdrop.

On the opposite side, the Star Demons Claws also realigned their formation.

The two groups faced each other across the red carpet: on one side were idol girls in silly hoodies with various expressions, and on the other was a doll army with ridiculous designs and strange behavior.

Jiang Zhiyu walked to the center of the red carpet and raised his megaphone: “Alright! Now, I announce—the introductory ceremony for the special episode of 《twelve star messengers: records of survival in the mortal realm》 is a complete success! Next...”

He intentionally dragged out his voice, looking at the nervous expressions of the IZ*ONE members, and showed a mischievous smile as if his prank had succeeded:

“Everyone can go in and eat barbecue! Real, unlimited, top-tier Hanwoo buffet barbecue!”

“Wow—!!!”

This time, even the members of IZ*ONE couldn't help but cheer—though their voices were mixed with relief, exhaustion, and the sentiment of 'it's finally over'.

The dolls were even more excited, turning into a chaotic mess. Hello Kitty and the Golden Retriever even temporarily put aside their grudges and rushed toward the barbecue restaurant's door together.

Jiang Zhiyu stood by the red carpet, watching the group of girls and dolls swarm into the barbecue restaurant, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

Across the street, several passersby holding phones and filming the whole process were excitedly discussing:

“When will this variety show air? I have to watch it!”

“IZ*ONE is so hardworking, they actually took on a project like this?”

“That PD is so handsome... although he seems to have a bit of a devilish side.”

“Those dolls are so funny, especially that Hello Kitty. That underworld boss vibe is amazing!”

The night in Hongdae was still lively. A feast was about to begin in the barbecue restaurant, and the story of the special episode of 《twelve star messengers: records of survival in the mortal realm》 had only just begun.

The enticing aroma of meat filled the barbecue restaurant, and the IZ*ONE members swarmed toward the food area at almost a sprinting pace. Having endured a whole day of 'shame challenges,' their only thought right now was—eat!

“Meat! It's real meat!” Choi Yena, with tears in her eyes, picked up a thick slice of Hanwoo and carefully placed it on the grill. The 'sizzling' sound of fat hitting high heat was like celestial music to their ears.

“Wuwuwu... I shouted ‘Lion Charge Duck Punch’ at least fifty times today...” Kwon Eunbi said indistinctly while stuffing meat into her mouth. “I need to replenish my energy... a lot, a lot of energy...”

Jang Wonyoung elegantly (or rather, tried her best to be elegant) used scissors to cut the grilled meat, but the speed of her hands was not slow at all. A small mountain had already piled up on the plate beside her.

“The shot of that Golden Toilet... I don't think I'll ever forget it for the rest of my life,” she whispered to An Yujin next to her.

An Yujin nodded, the meat in her mouth not yet swallowed: “At least... at least we have meat to eat now.”

At another table, the situation for the dolls was somewhat awkward. The Hello Kitty doll sat on a chair, its round body making its paws unable to reach the table at all. Staff had to help it cut the meat into small pieces and push the plate in front of it. The Golden Retriever doll was very excited, but wearing the doll head meant it couldn't eat at all—the staff inside could only struggle to feed meat into their own mouths through the gap at the bottom of the head using a fork.

The Zang Zang Bao doll was even worse off; its round body couldn't fit into the chair at all. In the end, it could only sit on a raised bar stool, swaying as it 'enjoyed' dinner.

Jiang Zhiyu sat by the window with only a small plate of salad and a glass of water in front of him. He smiled at the lively scene in the shop, when the phone in his hand suddenly vibrated.

Caller ID: Lee Tima.

“Hello?” Jiang Zhiyu picked up the phone.

“Oppa! I miss you!” Lee Tima's energetic voice came through the receiver. In the background, he could hear faint television sounds and... the sound of Kim Taeyeon humming?

Jiang Zhiyu couldn't help but roll his eyes. “We just video-called last night, didn't we? Weren't you bragging about your newly edited ‘Director's Cut’ then?”

“That was ages ago!” Tima said righteously. “Oh! A day apart feels like three years. Oppa, come to Jeonju~”

“What would I go to Jeonju for?” Jiang Zhiyu picked up a piece of lettuce and put it in his mouth. “To farm? Or to open an eyeglass factory?”

From the other end of the phone came the sound of Tima choking on water: “Cough, cough... What eyeglass factory! This isn't your hometown... cough, Oppa, do you know where I'm staying?”

Jiang Zhiyu sighed speechlessly. “Taeyeon-sunbae's house. You've mentioned it I don't know how many times. The day before yesterday you said Taeyeon's father praised your medicinal food, yesterday you said Taeyeon's mother bought you new clothes, what do you want to say today?”

“Hehe...” Tima's laughter was full of craftiness. “Taeyeon Unnie's brother came back today! He heard I'm a ‘Little Divine Doctor’ and wants me to check him out too.”

Jiang Zhiyu raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“So I want Oppa to come over too!” Tima's voice suddenly became a bit... coquettish? “I'm here all by myself. Although Taeyeon Unnie's family is very good to me, but... but I miss Oppa too.”

Jiang Zhiyu was silent for a few seconds. He could hear that trace of genuine dependence in Tima's tone. Although the two usually bickered and pranked each other, in this strange world, they were indeed each other's only 'fellow countrymen'.

“There's still wrap-up work for the production team,” Jiang Zhiyu said. “And there are issues with IZ*ONE's schedule. The filming for the next episode is set for next week, and I need to coordinate the venue and sponsors...”

As he spoke, he noticed Kwon Eunbi walking over with a full plate of meat, clearly wanting another round. Hearing his words, Eunbi's footsteps visibly faltered, and a look of despair that said 'is it starting again' appeared on her face.

“Then the day after tomorrow!” Tima said on the phone. “Oppa will definitely be free the day after tomorrow! I've already checked; TG Entertainment has no important schedules that day!”

Jiang Zhiyu rubbed his temples. “You even checked my schedule?”

“Because I miss Oppa~” Tima started acting cute again. “And I have a su—per—great project I want to discuss with Oppa! Regarding the follow-up to Taeyeon Unnie's variety show, I've thought of some awesome ideas!”

Jiang Zhiyu sighed. He knew that Tima's 'awesome ideas' usually meant two things: one, they were truly creative, and two, they would bring him a lot of trouble.

“I'll consider it.”

“Then it's a deal!” Tima immediately cut in. “The day after tomorrow at 3 PM, Jeonju Express Bus Terminal! I'll have Taeyeon Unnie drive to pick you up! It's settled! Bye-bye, Oppa!”

“Wait, I haven't—” Before he could finish, the call was disconnected.

Jiang Zhiyu looked at the phone screen and shook his head helplessly. When he looked up, he happened to meet Kwon Eunbi's cautious gaze.

“PD-nim... are we really filming again next week?” Eunbi asked, her voice carrying a hint of entreaty.

Jiang Zhiyu gave a reassuring smile. “Don't worry, the theme for the next episode will be relatively... relaxed. It won't be as high-intensity as today.”

Eunbi clearly didn't believe him, but she still nodded and returned to her seat with her plate.

“Eunbi Unnie, what did the PD say?” Wonyoung immediately leaned over to ask.

“He said we're filming next week, but it will be ‘relaxed’.” Eunbi emphasized the word ‘relaxed’ particularly heavily.

The members sighed collectively.

“I suspect the PD-nim's definition of ‘relaxed’ is different from ours,” Miyawaki Sakura whispered.

“Definitely different,” Kim Chaewon said with certainty. “To him, ‘relaxed’ might mean only having to wear one mascot head instead of two.”

This sentence made everyone burst out laughing, and even Wonyoung showed her first genuine smile of the day.

The barbecue sizzled on the grill, the aroma of meat filling the air. The girls temporarily set aside their shame and exhaustion, immersing themselves in the simple joy brought by delicious food. They served each other, shared dipping sauces, and complained about today's bizarre experiences, their laughter gradually becoming natural.