199: Chapter 197 premiered this morning: Hakimi's Guardians intercept trucks in a highway tollbooth showdown.

In another corner of the restaurant, the plushies began a silent "war"—the Golden Retriever plushie tried to steal the meat from the Hello Kitty plate, and Hello Kitty slapped its "hand" with a paw. The Zang Zang Bao plushie "watched the battle" from the side, accidentally spilling sauce on itself, making the already dirty-looking plushie suit even worse.

Jiang Zhiyu watched all this, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly. He took out his phone and sent a message to Lee Tima:

[The day after tomorrow at 3:00 PM, don't be late.]

He received a reply almost immediately:

[I knew Oppa was the best! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧]

Jiang Zhiyu smiled, turned off his phone, and took a sip from his water glass.

The streets of Hongdae outside were still brightly lit, with young men and women weaving through the night streets, searching for their own happiness. Inside the barbecue restaurant, a bizarre story about idols, plushies, and a producer had only just entered its halftime break.

But everyone knew that as long as Jiang Zhiyu was around, the break wouldn't last long.

Who knew what "wicked ideas" he would come up with for the next shoot?

Kwon Eunbi chewed on her Hanwoo while secretly making up her mind: next time, she had to be prepared in advance—not for the performance, but for any potentially embarrassing situation that might arise.

After all, when working with Producer Jiang Zhi Yu, the most important skill wasn't singing or dancing, but strong mental resilience.

And she believed that after today's baptism, every member of IZ*ONE had already maxed out this skill.

TG Entertainment's new office was located in a medium-sized office building in Gangnam District. Although not exactly luxurious, it was a world of difference compared to their previous basement. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of the chairman's office was the Seoul skyline, with the morning sun casting light through the glass onto the polished wooden desk.

Kim Soo-yeon sat behind the desk, dressed in a well-tailored cream-white suit skirt, her long hair tied back meticulously. Several thick documents were spread out before her, and the computer screen displayed complex financial reports.

“The advertising revenue and sponsorship fees for the first phase of 'twelve star messengers: records of survival in the mortal realm' from last month have all been received.” Kim Soo-yeon's voice was calm and professional, contrasting sharply with the soft morning light outside. “The total is 37% higher than our expectations, mainly because seven new sponsors added investments in the later stages.”

She clicked the mouse, and a set of bar charts and data tables appeared on the projection screen.

“The biggest portion comes from Jufu Zhai Roast Duck. They not only paid the title sponsorship fee but also signed Choi Yena as a brand ambassador for a two-year contract.” Kim Soo-yeon paused and added, “Choi Yena's personal share has already been transferred to her personal account according to the contract.”

Jiang Zhiyu sat on the sofa opposite her, playing with a Hello Kitty-shaped USB drive—Lee Tima had forced it on him yesterday, saying it contained "essential materials for the Jeonju trip."

“Negotiations for the global endorsement of Iceberg Source Crystal Mineral Water are progressing smoothly. They are interested in Jang Wonyoung's 'noble but not pretentious' image in the program.” Kim Soo-yeon continued her report. “The other party proposed a three-year tiered contract, and the base endorsement fee for the first year is this much—”

She typed a number into her tablet, and the digits on the projection screen jumped, finally settling on a staggering amount.

Jiang Zhiyu raised an eyebrow. “They're certainly generous.”

“The brand's marketing director told me privately that the clip of Jang Wonyoung with the 'Crown Aquarius' went viral on Chinese social media with the tag 'This is the true noble drinking water'.” Kim Soo-yeon's lips curled up slightly. “Although the show itself hasn't officially aired in China, the social media spread has instead created a sense of 'mysterious high-end quality'.”

She switched pages, and more brand logos and numbers appeared on the screen: “The annual cooperation with orion pie has been upgraded to a full-group endorsement, and they plan to launch 'Twelve Zodiac Limited Edition Packaging'; ZZ Toys' sales volume increased by 230% within a week after the show aired, and they have now added a second sponsorship fee...”

Kim Soo-yeon reported non-stop for a full twenty minutes, from advertising revenue to copyright distribution, from individual endorsements to group collaborations. Every payment was clear, and every partner was marked with priority and development potential.

Jiang Zhiyu listened quietly, nodding occasionally. When Kim Soo-yeon finally finished her report, he gave a light round of applause.

“Our Soo-yeon truly lives up to being the student council president of Shengyuan High School,” he said with sincere admiration. “You're great at everything you do. These reports and analyses are better than what a professional CFO might produce.”

An almost imperceptible blush crossed Kim Soo-yeon's face, but she quickly regained her professional expression. “This is just the basic work. What's truly important is how we use this money next.”

She closed the financial reports and opened a new PPT file. The title page read: 'TG Entertainment Five-Year Development Plan (2021-2026)'.

“In the first phase, we proved our content production capabilities with 'destined kim hyo-soon'.” Kim Soo-yeon switched pages, and the screen showed the series' viewership ratings curve and internet popularity data. “In the second phase, 'twelve star messengers: records of survival in the mortal realm' proved our innovation and commercial monetization capabilities in the idol variety field.”

“Now, we have enough capital and industry credibility to enter the third phase.” Her eyes grew sharp. “Which is also the most important phase—technological layout.”

The next slide of the PPT featured several keywords: VR/AR technology, virtual idols, AI content generation, and immersive entertainment experiences.

“Traditional entertainment companies make money from content, but content has a lifecycle and aesthetic fatigue.” Kim Soo-yeon stood up and walked to the window, her back to Jiang Zhiyu. “The true moat is combining content with technology to create new forms of entertainment.”

She turned around, the sunlight forming a halo behind her. “When I was in Tianxuan Continent, TG Entertainment was already a leader in virtual reality entertainment. We held holographic concerts for tens of thousands, produced immersive movies with brain-computer interfaces, and even developed AI idols...”

Jiang Zhiyu sat up straight; he knew what Kim Soo-yeon was about to say.

“In this world, VR technology is still in its early stages, and the concept of virtual idols is just beginning to sprout.” Kim Soo-yeon walked back to the desk, leaning her hands on it as she looked directly into Jiang Zhiyu's eyes. “We have concepts and experience that are at least ten years ahead. This is our greatest advantage and our deepest secret—it must not be told to anyone.”

Jiang Zhiyu nodded. “I understand.”

“So my plan is to use the money we're making now to find technological partners in China.” Kim Soo-yeon switched pages, and profiles of several Chinese tech companies appeared. “China's hardware manufacturing capabilities, software development talent, and market size are all what we need. We can provide the creativity and entertainment content, while they provide the technology and production.”

“The first step is to invest in or form a joint-venture technology subsidiary focusing on the development of VR/AR entertainment applications.” Kim Soo-yeon's speaking speed increased; clearly, this plan had been brewing in her mind for a long time. “At the same time, we can begin preparing TG Entertainment's first virtual idol project—not simple animated characters, but virtual artists who can truly interact, have a 'personality,' and participate in variety shows and live streams.”

“The second step is to launch the first VR concert product within two years, allowing fans to 'attend' an idol's concert at home through their devices.” Kim Soo-yeon's eyes were shining. “The third step is to develop AI-based content generation tools to reduce the production costs of high-quality content...”

She detailed the funding requirements, timeline, expected returns, and risk assessments for each stage. The entire plan was massive and meticulous, both ambitious and grounded.

Jiang Zhiyu finished listening and remained silent for a few minutes. The only sound in the office was the faint hum of the air conditioning.

“How much startup capital is needed?” he finally asked.

“The first phase of investment will require about 70% of our current funds,” Kim Soo-yeon said frankly. “The risk is high. If it fails, TG Entertainment might be sent back to square one.”

“But what if it succeeds?”

“If it succeeds,” Kim Soo-yeon's mouth curled into a confident arc, “in five years, TG Entertainment will no longer be just a production company, but an entertainment technology group spanning content, technology, and hardware. We will define the standards for the next generation of entertainment.”

Jiang Zhiyu stood up and walked to the window, looking at the bustling street below. He knew Kim Soo-yeon was right—in Tianxuan Continent, it was because they had laid out their virtual entertainment strategy early that they were able to stand out in the fierce competition.

“I agree.” He turned around and said to Kim Soo-yeon, “Execute it according to your plan. However—”

He walked back to the sofa, picked up that Hello Kitty USB drive, and tossed it in his hand. “Before we get into this high-end tech, we still have to handle the matters at hand.”

He opened his laptop and connected it to the projector. A video file appeared on the screen titled 'twelve star envoys: Unreleased Behind-the-Scenes'.

“Want to see our 'Red Carpet Ceremony' in Hongdae yesterday?” Jiang Zhiyu asked with a smile.

Kim Soo-yeon sighed helplessly but sat back in her chair. “Let's see it.”

The video began playing, showing the IZ*ONE members in their silly hoodies, striking various embarrassing poses on the crude red carpet. Kwon Eunbi's effort at a "lion's roar," Jang Wonyoung's awkward smile while sitting on a plastic throne covered in mineral water labels, the "cat and dog fight" between the Hello Kitty and Golden Retriever plushies...

The video also interspersed shots of the crowd's reactions—some laughing hysterically, some with mouths wide open in surprise, others filming frantically with their phones.

As Kim Soo-yeon watched, she couldn't help but laugh. “Oppa, you really are...”

“Was I too much?” Jiang Zhiyu looked innocent.

“Other companies aren't like our TG Entertainment,” Kim Soo-yeon shook her head. “It's not good to take the joke too far. Although these kids are professional, they also need protection.”

“I know where the line is.” Jiang Zhiyu turned off the video. “That's why I need you, the chairman, to handle the big picture. I'm responsible for creating buzz and traffic; you're responsible for making sure the company goes the distance.”

Kim Soo-yeon looked at Jiang Zhiyu with a complex gaze. This man sometimes acted like a mischievous child, coming up with a bunch of "creative ideas" that made people not know whether to laugh or cry; other times, he was the most reliable partner, supporting her every decision unconditionally.

“Right,” Jiang Zhiyu suddenly remembered something, “I have to go to Jeonju the day after tomorrow. That girl Lee Tima insisted I go.”

“Is Taeyeon sunbaenim's variety show filming going smoothly?”

“Supposedly it's going well. Lee Tima even edited some kind of 'Director's Cut,' which she says has high artistic value.” Jiang Zhiyu shrugged. “But knowing her, there's bound to be plenty of prank content in that video.”

Kim Soo-yeon smiled. “The two of you...”

There was a light knock on the office door, and the secretary's voice came through: “Chairman, Director Kim Young-min from SM Entertainment is here. He says he wants to discuss the follow-up cooperation for aespa.”

Kim Soo-yeon immediately regained her professional expression. “Please show him to the conference room. I'll be there shortly.”

She straightened her suit jacket and said to Jiang Zhiyu, “I'll start the preliminary research for the tech company. As for the next shoot of 'twelve star messengers: records of survival in the mortal realm'—”

“I'll design some plots that aren't quite so embarrassing,” Jiang Zhiyu promised ahead of time.

Kim Soo-yeon walked to the door and glanced back at him, her eyes filled with a smile. “I hope so.”

The door closed softly, leaving Jiang Zhiyu alone in the office. He reopened the behind-the-scenes video, watching the expressions of the IZ*ONE members change from embarrassment to relief, the corners of his mouth curling up.

Indeed, he couldn't always play it this far.

Next time, maybe try a different style? For example... something warm? Something healing?

This thought circled in his mind for a few seconds before being replaced by another, bolder, and more interesting idea.

Well, he already had an inkling for the next project.

Jiang Zhiyu turned off his computer, grabbed his coat, and prepared to head to his next meeting. The sounds of Kim Soo-yeon and the SM Director's conversation drifted from the hallway—professional, appropriate, and full of strategy.

And he, the PD of TG Entertainment, needed to think about how to create the next "perfectly-timed storm of embarrassment."

After all, that was the style of TG Entertainment—finding the most charming balance between madness and reason.