223: Chapter 210 skips at least 30,000 words, but it's not a big deal.

Kim Taeyeon froze at the dining room entrance, caught in a dilemma of whether to enter or retreat.

“Taeyeon, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and sit down,” Mother Kim greeted her.

Kim Taeyeon took a deep breath, braced herself, and walked over to sit in the seat opposite Jiang Zhiyu. She tried her best to make her movements look natural, her gaze fixed on the tableware in front of her as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.

“Morning, Noona,” Jiang Zhiyu’s voice rang out, gentle as usual.

Kim Taeyeon’s heart gave a sudden leap. She forced herself to look up and squeezed out a smile: “Mor—morning...”

Their eyes met briefly in the air. Jiang Zhiyu’s eyes were clear and calm, without any abnormality, as if what happened this morning really was just 'sleepwalking'.

But Kim Taeyeon knew it wasn't.

Her cheeks began to heat up again, so she quickly lowered her head and pretended to focus on spreading jam on her bread.

The atmosphere at the dining table was subtle and quiet. The Kim family seemed to have a tacit understanding not to mention the morning's events, but that vibe of 'we all understand but we're all pretending not to' made Kim Taeyeon feel even more like she was sitting on pins and needles.

Only Lee Tima was completely immersed in her own world.

Sitting next to Kim Taeyeon, she was eliminating the breakfast before her at an alarming speed—two fried eggs, three slices of bacon, a bowl of pumpkin porridge, and two pieces of bread. Now, she was attacking a second bowl of porridge.

“Tima, eat a bit slower,” Mother Kim couldn't help but say.

“Mm-hmm...” Lee Tima’s mouth was full of food as she responded unclearly, but her hands didn't slow down a bit.

Jiang Zhiyu watched her eating manner, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly, but he quickly reined in his smile and turned to business:

“Regarding the variety show, I’ve already communicated with the director. There will be some adjustments to the filming direction for the next few episodes.”

His tone became professional, instantly switching from 'the other party in an awkward incident' back to 'professional producer'.

Kim Taeyeon also forced herself to concentrate. This is work, work, work...

“The tone for each episode needs to involve role-playing from various angles,” Jiang Zhiyu continued. “It’s not about jumping out of your identity as ‘Girls Generation Taeyeon’—that identity is a part of you and doesn't need to be completely abandoned—but rather filming more from the perspective of ‘Kim Taeyeon’ herself.”

He paused and looked at Kim Taeyeon: “It fits our theme of searching for the original intention of debuting and the creative concepts behind song arrangements. The goal is to break through your inherent song style and become a multi-style singer.”

These words were very precise. Although Kim Taeyeon had tried different styles over the years, the public's impression of her still leaned towards lyrics and ballads. If she could really show more possibilities in a variety show, it would undoubtedly be a plus for her career.

She nodded: “I understand.”

Lee Tima swallowed the food in her mouth at this point and raised her hand: “What about me?”

She looked at Jiang Zhiyu with sparkling eyes, her face practically screaming 'praise me, praise me'.

As someone already certified by Jiang Zhiyu as a 'multi-style singer' and 'diva of the generation', she was clearly asking on purpose.

Jiang Zhiyu looked at her and gave a gentle but slightly teasing smile: “You? Learning has no end. Although your strength is great, right now you're just a little kid. If you were at Noona's age, I wouldn't be so picky.”

This was phrased cleverly—it acknowledged Lee Tima's strength while reminding her that she was still young and needed to keep learning.

Lee Tima was momentarily choked up, but she quickly reacted. She tilted her chin up and said proudly: “It's fine! I'm still young~ I have plenty of time~”

That 'I'm young and I'm proud' look made the atmosphere at the dining table much more relaxed.

Breakfast ended in such a subtle atmosphere. Jiang Zhiyu checked the time and stood up:

“Uncle, Auntie, Jiyong Hyung, Xia Yan, thank you for the hospitality these past two days. I should head to the station now.”

His tone carried sincere gratitude.

The Kim family was a bit reluctant to see him go. Over the past two days, Jiang Zhiyu had already won the love and respect of the whole family.

“Leaving so soon...” Xia Yan grumbled.

“Come back and visit next time.” Father Kim patted his shoulder.

Mother Kim thought of something, her eyes lighting up: “Taeyeon, why don't you take Zhiyu to the station!”

Kim Taeyeon, who was silently clearing the dishes and trying to lower her presence, suddenly looked up: “Huh? Me???”

“Yes,” Mother Kim said as if it were a matter of course. “You have nothing to do today anyway; it’s more convenient for you to drive Zhiyu to the station. Besides, you two can talk about the variety show on the way.”

This reason... was logical and impossible to refute.

Kim Taeyeon looked to the others for support, only to find—

Father Kim nodded: “Yeah, let Taeyeon take him.”

Kim Jiyong: “I have no objection.”

Xia Yan: “Unnie, drive carefully~”

Lee Tima was still buried in her last piece of bread, completely oblivious to what was happening.

Kim Taeyeon was in despair.

She looked at Jiang Zhiyu, sending a signal with her eyes that said 'hurry up and refuse'.

But Jiang Zhiyu just smiled at her: “Then I'll have to trouble Noona.”

His gaze was calm, without any playfulness or teasing, purely the attitude of a professional partner.

But the more he was like this, the more Kim Taeyeon felt... awkward.

But the arrow was on the string and had to be fired.

“O—okay then...” She accepted, biting the bullet.

Ten minutes later, Kim Taeyeon’s black coupe stopped at the door. Jiang Zhiyu had already packed his simple luggage—actually just a backpack; he hadn't brought much when he came.

The Kim family stood at the door to see him off.

“Zhiyu, be careful on the road.”

“You must come again next time!”

“Remember to stay in touch!”

Jiang Zhiyu responded to each one, polite and sincere.

Finally, he looked at Lee Tima: “Tima, be good here, don't cause trouble for Taeyeon Noona.”

Lee Tima poked her head out from Mother Kim’s arms: “I know! Oppa, don't miss me too much either~”

Jiang Zhiyu smiled helplessly and turned toward the car.

Kim Taeyeon was already in the driver's seat, seatbelt fastened, hands tightly gripping the steering wheel, her expression as serious as if she were about to carry out some important mission.

Jiang Zhiyu opened the passenger door, sat inside, closed the door, and fastened his seatbelt.

“Noona, we can go now.”

His voice echoed in the enclosed car, carrying a hint of morning hoarseness.

Kim Taeyeon’s heart skipped another beat.

She took a deep breath, started the car, and slowly drove away from the Kim residence.

In the rearview mirror, the figures of the Kim family grew smaller and smaller, finally disappearing around the street corner.