245: Chapter 230 TAEYEONTHESPECIAL- 'Journey (여정) 'OfficialTeaser

The five members of Red Velvet looked at the young man before them. Wearing a simple shirt and suit jacket, he sat in a BBQ restaurant filled with the atmosphere of everyday life, still lingering with that pleasant fruity scent. His expression was calm and composed, devoid of any overbearing aura or deliberate humility. Yet, beneath this tranquility, there was a powerful, grounded confidence.

This confidence was no castle in the air; it was built on a foundation of solid achievements, a clear strategy, and a profound understanding of the industry. It wasn't as oppressive as the majesty of some superiors, nor as illusory as a visionary's blueprint. It was more like a solid promise: *Leave things to me, I will handle them properly, and you can focus on what you're good at with peace of mind.*

It was a strange feeling. In the fiercely competitive and highly volatile entertainment industry, especially when personal development is often constrained by a company's overall strategy, meeting someone who is both capable and willing to consider the long term for you—and who can provide practical support—is undoubtedly precious.

Wendy felt something tight in her heart loosen slightly. Seulgi's eyes held a bit more trust and expectation. Joy crossed her arms, sizing up Jiang Zhiyu with interest, as if re-evaluating his worth. Yeri, on the other hand, wore a smug expression that said, "I knew PD Jiang was the most reliable."

As for Bae Joo-hyun...

She lifted her eyes and met Jiang Zhiyu's gaze once more. This time, she didn't look away immediately.

Jiang Zhiyu's heart raced uncontrollably again, but he forced himself to maintain an outward appearance of calm as he met her gaze.

Bae Joo-hyun's gaze was complex. There was scrutiny, reflection, perhaps a touch of being moved by his words, and... a tiny, almost imperceptible sense of relaxation and warmth—one she hadn't even noticed herself—born from this sudden "solid sense of reliance."

Deep in her eyes, he saw the slight longing for more possibilities belonging to "Bae Joo-hyun" as an individual—obscured by her identity as the "leader," her "visual" label, and certain invisible pressures—as well as the faint exhaustion and resentment carefully hidden away due to resources being intentionally suppressed.

How similar this was to Baek Ji-xin's situation back then, yet slightly different. But the desire to protect her and break the shackles for her resonated strongly with his distant memories at this moment.

Jiang Zhiyu took a silent breath.

This time, perhaps things would be different. He was no longer that small producer who could only fight alone and use drastic measures against the company. He had TG, resources, a voice, and... a more mature mindset and approach.

Perhaps he really could do something.

Not just for the group Red Velvet, nor just for the unfulfilled regret regarding Baek Ji-xin in his heart.

But more for the woman named Bae Joo-hyun before him, who made his heart race out of control, yet whom he couldn't help but want to approach, understand, and... protect.

Although he couldn't yet fully clarify where this flutter in his heart originated.

But the determination to "do something" had already quietly taken root.

"It sounds like," Bae Joo-hyun finally spoke, her voice still cool but with less distance and a hint of gentle inquiry, "President Jiang already has some specific ideas for cooperation?"

The moment he heard her voice, Jiang Zhiyu's heart skipped a beat again.

But the smile on his face became increasingly steady and certain.

"Yes, Sunbaenim. I have some preliminary thoughts. Perhaps... we can talk while we eat?" He gestured toward the unfinished BBQ on the table, and the atmosphere became relaxed and constructive once again.

Night had fallen outside the window, and the city lights sparkled like a galaxy. Inside the private room, the conversation about the future, cooperation, and more possibilities had only just begun to deepen.