233: Chapter 219 The Journey to Find Ayo (아휴) Finally, on HelloTalk, they met the kind-hearted Nuna.

"It’s... the kind where you pour cheese all over the BBQ!" Kang Hye-won's eyes sparkled. "I saw it online! This place has it!"

The waiter was clearly infected by her enthusiasm and nodded with a smile. "We do. Would you like it served now?"

"Yes!" Kang Hye-won nodded vigorously, then added, "I also want a Coke! With ice, and make it a large!"

"Certainly, please wait a moment."

Choi Yena: "!!!"

After the waiter left, Kang Hye-won continued to focus on gnawing her ribs, completely oblivious to the "death stare" Choi Yena was sending her way.

Jo Yuri and Kim Minju also exchanged helpless glances.

They had originally wanted to stop Kang Hye-won from coming along—this Unnie's "foodie" nature was known to the whole group, and letting her join a stakeout mission was simply a disaster.

But Kang Hye-won had a sound reason: "I want to protect Yena too! And... I heard this BBQ place is really delicious..."

The last part was the real point, wasn't it?!

But Kwon Eunbi had thought about it and actually agreed: "It's fine for Hye-won to go. She looks the most harmless and won't easily arouse suspicion."

Indeed, with Kang Hye-won's pure and innocent face combined with her naturally dazed aura, it was truly hard to associate her with being a "scout."

It was just that... no one expected her to start eating so blatantly!!

The gazes of the three met in the air.

Choi Yena covered her face, unable to watch any longer.

She looked at Jo Yuri and Kim Minju, pleading for help with her eyes: Stop her, quickly!!

Jo Yuri and Kim Minju also looked helpless. They tried to signal Kang Hye-won to keep a low profile, but Kang Hye-won didn't notice at all; her attention was entirely captured by the other items on the menu.

"Those fried onion rings look good too..." Kang Hye-won murmured to herself, her finger sliding across the menu.

Choi Yena was in despair.

She suddenly felt that the so-called "Operation Protect the Duck" might have been doomed from the very beginning.

With a "clueless teammate" like Kang Hye-won, any plan would go down the drain.

Jo Yuri signaled frantically with her eyes: Hye-won Unnie! We're on a secret mission! Low profile! Low profile!

Kim Minju covered her face.

But Kang Hye-won didn't get it at all. Seeing the waiter nod, she smiled happily. "Thank you, Auntie!"

Then she turned to Choi Yena, gave a thumbs-up, and mouthed: I'll taste-test the food for you!

Choi Yena: "..."

Right now, she just wanted to rush over, cover Kang Hye-won's mouth, and drag her out of the restaurant.

Choi Yena took a deep breath and composed herself again.

She looked out the window—the sky had completely darkened, neon lights on the street were lit, and traffic flowed like a river.

PD Jiang should be arriving soon, right?

She wondered what he would say.

A solo variety show arc... what would it be like?

Anticipation and nervousness intertwined once more.

She picked up her water glass and took a sip, trying to calm her heartbeat.

But it was already too late.

The waiter soon brought out the so-called "Cheese Waterfall Set"—a huge iron platter filled with grilled meats and vegetables, topped with a deluge of melted cheese that flowed down like a waterfall, creating a stunning visual effect.

Kang Hye-won's eyes widened. She immediately picked up her fork, swirled a large glob of cheese-wrapped meat, and stuffed it into her mouth.

"Mmm~~~" She let out a sigh of satisfaction. "So good!"

That sound and that expression were practically like filming a food commercial.

Her intoxicated look made guests at several surrounding tables couldn't help but look over.

Choi Yena turned her head back in despair, pretending not to know her.

How embarrassing.

She didn't want to admit that this person currently vacuuming up the cheese waterfall was her teammate.

But what made her collapse even more was that Kang Hye-won, while eating, actually waved at them: "Are you guys really not going to eat? It's super delicious!"

Her voice wasn't quiet; Choi Yena heard it loud and clear.

As for Jo Yuri and Kim Minju, they had already given up.

The two exchanged a look, both seeing the same thought in each other's eyes: Forget it, let it be. Anyway, PD Jiang probably won't notice...

But they were wrong.

Who was Jiang Zhiyu?

The CEO of TG Entertainment, the chief producer of IZ*ONE's variety shows, and a man with terrifyingly sharp observation skills.

If he came and saw this scene...

Choi Yena didn't dare think about it.

She could only pray that Jiang Zhiyu would be late, or... just not come at all?

But she quickly dismissed that thought.

No! This was her solo plot line! Her opportunity!

She sat up straight again, tidied her clothes and hair, and practiced smiling at her reflection in the glass window.

Must be cute.

Must be invincibly cute.

Must make PD Jiang's heart soften the moment he sees her, so he won't have the heart to tease her.

She practiced her smile, adjusting the angle, trying to find the most perfect expression.

Outside the window, cars came and went on the street.

Inside the restaurant, the aroma of grilled meat intertwined with the rich scent of cheese.

Choi Yena waited.

Jo Yuri and Kim Minju stayed alert.

Kang Hye-won... continued eating.