244: Chapter 229: The sudden writer's block caught me off guard, so I had no choice but to write a variety show.

The barbecue continued, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics.

Jiang Zhiyu continued to play the role of the "grill master," his movements professional and his service attentive.

He tried hard to look normal, tried to calm his heartbeat, and tried not to let his gaze keep drifting toward Bae Joo-hyun.

But the effect was limited.

Every time Bae Joo-hyun spoke, his attention would uncontrollably focus on her.

Every time Bae Joo-hyun laughed, his heart would race.

Every time Bae Joo-hyun looked at him, his fingertips would tremble slightly.

And yet, his gaze would still unconsciously drift toward Bae Joo-hyun.

And she seemed to have noticed as well.

Occasionally, their eyes would meet in the air.

Then they would quickly look away.

It was like a silent understanding.

This afternoon, in this highly private barbecue restaurant, a conversation about variety shows, music, and the future proceeded quietly amidst the aroma of grilled meat and a faint, lingering ambiguity.

And Jiang Zhiyu's heartbeat never fully settled down.

Damn Bae Joo-hyun.

Damn Baek Ji-xin.

Damn this... heart-fluttering feeling.

As he grilled the meat, he was frantically complaining in his heart.

But the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled into a very faint, almost imperceptible arc.

Perhaps some things are beyond the control of reason.

Just like now, even though he knew he shouldn't, he still couldn't move his gaze away from that face.

Perhaps this was a joke played by fate.

To have him meet someone in this world who was so similar to his true love.

And then, to let him fall into a heart-fluttering feeling that was destined to be complicated.

The sunlight outside the window gradually slanted westward.

In the private room, laughter was constant.

And this afternoon was destined to be unforgettable for Jiang Zhiyu.

Not because of some important collaboration discussed.

But because, after many years, his heart was beating so wildly for someone once again.

Even if that person might never know.

—

The atmosphere in the private room froze for a subtle moment because of Jiang Zhiyu's cautious response regarding the "entire album," but it was soon refilled by the sizzling sound of grilling meat and occasional laughter. Jiang Zhiyu continued to play the part of a competent "grill master," distributing perfectly grilled Hanwoo, pork belly, and beef tongue onto everyone's plates, while he only occasionally picked up a leaf or two of vegetables or took a sip of barley tea.

Wendy was the first to notice this. Looking at the mountain of meat on her plate and then at Jiang Zhiyu's almost untouched plate, she couldn't help but speak up: "Zhiyu, don't just focus on grilling, eat more yourself! You've grilled all this meat, but you've barely had a few bites."

Joy also nodded in agreement: "Exactly, you're one of the main characters today, you can't go back on an empty stomach."

Yeri went even further, picking up the communal chopsticks and placing a large piece of charred and fragrant beef belly onto Jiang Zhiyu's plate: "President-nim, come on, taste your own handiwork!"

Jiang Zhiyu looked at the meat that had suddenly appeared on his plate, stunned for a moment before revealing a gentle but slightly distant smile: "Thank you, Seniors, I'm actually not that hungry. And..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone as he skillfully shifted the topic, "Rather than eating, I'm more interested in hearing your own thoughts on your future development."

He put down his chopsticks and leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming serious. The aura belonging to the President of TG and a professional producer inadvertently leaked out.

"Red Velvet has been debuted for many years and is recognized as the Concept Queen of the K-pop world, with a solid fan base and unique musical colors," Jiang Zhiyu's voice was clear and steady. "We at TG Entertainment have collaborated with SM many times. Through 'IRACEBETH' and previous contacts, I have gained a systematic understanding of each of your strengths and potential."

He wasn't just being polite. Back when he was creating "IRACEBETH" for Red Velvet, as a producer striving to perfectly fit the group and members' characteristics, Jiang Zhiyu had conducted in-depth "research" on the five members of Red Velvet. He had performed detailed analyses of their vocal characteristics, stage presence, personality traits, roles within the team, and even their potential for public image versus private contrast. Based on these analyses, he had once drafted rough personal development suggestions for each of them.

At that time, he was young and high-spirited (or perhaps, driven by his experience from another world), feeling that since they were collaborating, they should do their best—not just for the team, but also for the individual members. However, when he tentatively proposed some discussions regarding individual development directions to the members, the reactions he received were somewhat subtle—polite thanks, tactful rejections, or non-committal smiles.

Back then, although his talent was beginning to show, he was ultimately just a "rising producer" in front of a giant like SM, young and lacking in seniority. His words might have been taken as the enthusiastic suggestions of a youngster, might have touched upon sensitive internal planning issues of the company, or might simply have not been trusted—after all, who would easily entrust their future to a young producer they hadn't known for long and who had a mysterious background?

Bae Joo-hyun listened quietly, her long eyelashes lowered, her gaze fixed on the teacup in front of her. Jiang Zhiyu's words evoked some memories. He had indeed sought her out privately back then to talk about topics like "possibilities beyond the leader role" and "the balance between individual and team color." His words were earnest and his insight unique, even making her heart flutter for a moment—not emotionally, but out of the touch of being understood. But in the end, she had politely ended the conversation with excuses like "following the company's arrangements" and "the team is more important." On one hand, it was because the company's plans were indeed not to be questioned, and on the other... the Jiang Zhiyu of that time, though talented, always gave off an unfathomable feeling. Coupled with his age and status, it was hard for her to completely lower her guard.

Now, hearing Jiang Zhiyu bring up the past, the members of Red Velvet felt a bit embarrassed. Wendy rubbed her nose, Seulgi smiled awkwardly, Joy raised an eyebrow, and Yeri stuck out her tongue.

Jiang Zhiyu took in everyone's reactions. There was no displeasure on his face; instead, a trace of an understanding smile appeared. He continued:

"I can understand the situation back then. However, things have changed now. Although TG Entertainment hasn't been established for long, our development philosophy and goals have always been clear—to promote the healthy development of the entire idol ecosystem, break down company barriers, and facilitate more high-quality collaborations. We hope to build a platform through multi-dimensional content like variety shows, music, and film that allows idols to show their true selves and explore diverse possibilities."

His tone was neither rushed nor slow, yet it carried a certain power of conviction.

"In terms of music creation and idol talent presentation, Chairman Kim Soo-yeon and I oversee things. I believe you've gained some understanding through our previous collaborations. In the field of television dramas, our production 'destined kim hyo-soon' and its special episode have received good reviews and market responses, proving our ability in storytelling and excavating artist potential. As for variety shows..." Jiang Zhiyu paused, a flash of confident light in his eyes, "'Twelve Star Messengers,' which is currently filming, has topped the trending searches multiple times for its pre-broadcast topics and heat. This proves TG's unique thinking in innovating variety show formats, creating positive topics, and balancing entertainment with artist image building."

He wasn't boasting; he was using facts and existing achievements as support. The speed at which TG Entertainment, this dark horse, had risen was obvious to all. As its core soul figure, Jiang Zhiyu's ability, vision, and control were no longer those of the young producer who had to carefully prove himself years ago.

"So," Jiang Zhiyu's gaze slowly swept across every member of Red Velvet, and finally, inevitably, lingered a moment longer on that face that made his heart lose control. But he quickly steadied his mind, keeping his eyes professional and sincere, "I think that with the current platform strength of TG Entertainment, as well as my personal experience and resources, perhaps... I am qualified to once again offer some potentially useful suggestions to you all, or at least, become a partner worth discussing and cooperating with when you consider your individual futures and seek diversified development."

He didn't say "I will plan for you," but emphasized "offering suggestions" and "discussing cooperation." He kept his posture low enough, yet remained full of confidence.

The private room fell silent again. Only the occasional slight crackle of the residual grease on the grill could be heard.