236: Chapter 222 I want to eat barbecue! ————

But...

"PD-nim," she said cautiously, "it sounds like there's no prank involved... but something still feels a bit off."

"What's off?" Jiang Zhiyu blinked, looking innocent.

"It's just..." Choi Yena struggled to organize her words, "the dried fish darts... the sausage missiles... and that subtitle 'The Gluttonous Pisces Saintess'..."

Her voice grew quieter as she spoke.

Individually, these things seemed fine, but combined, why did they exude such a sense of... embarrassment?

Watching her conflicted expression, Jiang Zhiyu's eyes darted around as he suddenly shifted strategies.

His expression turned serious, and he leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice:

"Yena-ya, do you know the commercial value behind this project?"

Choi Yena was stunned for a moment.

"This is a major investment," Jiang Zhiyu pointed to the list of logos in the corner of the PPT. "There are no less than a dozen endorsement investors involved—candy brands, chocolate brands, snack brands, toy brands... even kitchenware brands, because you might need to 'cook' something to clear a level."

His tone became like that of a business negotiation:

"Even if the script is a bit... well, uniquely creative, the exposure opportunity for your current and future idol development is quite considerable. A personal exclusive variety show line, joint promotion from a dozen brands, and promotional resources across all platforms..."

He paused, looking into Choi Yena's eyes:

"Moreover, the core of this project is actually to showcase your personal charm—intelligence, agility, cuteness, and perseverance. Those seemingly funny settings are just to add fun and memorability. What the audience remembers in the end will be the person Choi Yena, not those dried fish or chocolates."

He spoke very sincerely.

And it did make sense.

Choi Yena fell into deep thought.

She looked at the cute concept art on the PPT, imagining herself adventuring in a candy castle, using dried fish darts against doll guards, and searching for chocolate keys...

Although it was a bit embarrassing, it... also seemed quite fun?

Besides, PD Jiang was right; this was a rare opportunity.

A personal exclusive variety show line, collaboration with a dozen brands, and exposure across all platforms...

For any idol, these were dream-level resources.

She looked up at Jiang Zhiyu.

His eyes were clear and serious, without any hint of joking. The faint fragrance of ripe fruit drifted in the air, inexplicably making one feel at ease.

"PD-nim," she finally spoke, "for this project... how long is the specific filming cycle? Do I need to make any special preparations?"

This question meant she had begun to consider it seriously.

The corners of Jiang Zhiyu's mouth curled into a satisfied arc.

He took a more detailed plan out of his briefcase and pushed it in front of Choi Yena:

"The filming cycle is expected to be four weeks, broadcast over eight episodes. Not much preparation is needed, mainly getting familiar with basic puzzle-solving game logic, and... practicing your aim with the dried fish darts."

As he said the last part, a mischievous glint flashed in his eyes.

Choi Yena couldn't help but laugh: "Throwing dried fish..."

Imagining that scene was indeed quite hilarious.

But she suddenly felt that if she filmed with a relaxed and happy mindset, it might not be a bad thing.

After all, the essence of variety shows is to bring joy to the audience.

If she could bring joy to the audience while also showcasing her charm and gaining more opportunities...

Then why not give it a try?

"Alright," Choi Yena took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, "I'm willing to try."

Jiang Zhiyu's smile grew even more brilliant.

"A wise choice," he said, taking a pen from his pocket. "Then, let's talk about the specific details."

The night deepened outside, and the customers in the restaurant cycled through wave after wave.

But at this table by the window, the conversation continued.

About variety shows, about the future, and about a Pisces Saintess's candy castle adventure.

Meanwhile, diagonally behind them, Jo Yuri and Kim Minju were nervously live-broadcasting in the group chat:

Jo Yuri: [Yena seems to have agreed to something!]

Kim Minju: [PD Jiang took out a thick planning document!]

Jo Yuri: [They are discussing seriously!]

Kim Minju: [Photo.jpg] (A profile shot of Choi Yena looking seriously at the plan)

Kwon Eunbi: [It looks... like it's not a bad thing?]

Jang Wonyoung: [But that title... 'Captive of the Demon King's Castle ~ The Gluttonous Pisces Saintess'... I still feel like something's not right...]

An Yujin: [Observe first! Stay alert!]

As for Kang Hye-won...

She had already finished the cheese waterfall set, grilled sausages, potato wedges, and salad, and was now eating dessert—chocolate lava cake.

When the waiter brought the cake and lightly sliced the top with a spoon, the warm chocolate sauce flowed out like magma—

Kang Hye-won's eyes lit up again.

"Wow..."

She hadn't noticed at all that in tonight's 'Operation Protect the Duck,' the protagonist seemed to have... voluntarily jumped into the 'trap'.

But who knows?

Maybe it wasn't a trap.

But a wonderful new world full of candy, adventure, and opportunity.

At least, that's what Choi Yena thought right now.

Looking at Jiang Zhiyu across from her, who was seriously explaining the filming details, she suddenly felt that while this PD's creativity was a bit... unique, he seemed like a decent person.

And he was really handsome.

The thought flashed through her mind, making her cheeks heat up slightly.

She quickly lowered her head, pretending to focus on the planning document.

But the corners of her mouth unconsciously lifted into a faint curve.

This night seemed to be much more interesting than she had imagined.