260: Chapter 240 "Prisoners of the Demon King's Castle" Filming Set - The Ultimate Boss? No, it's the Ultimate Chef!

No longer a single team, but a mixed formation.

In a relatively spacious main corridor, Choi Yena and Lemm had just hidden inside a recess decorated as a "giant macaron" when they heard two distinct, competing humming sounds and footsteps coming from ahead.

From the left corridor, a Kitty Cat patrol team walked out. Five pink figures, taking cat-steps they thought were elegant but were actually clumsy; the leading cat captain even tried to puff out its chest, but it looked somewhat ridiculous because the headgear was too heavy. They were humming their self-composed, long-drawn-out "Meow Meow Patrol Song": "Meow~ la~ meow~ la~ We are~ the eyes~ of the castle~ Evil~ has nowhere~ to hide~ meow~"

From the right corridor, almost simultaneously, a Golden Retriever patrol team walked out. Also five pale yellow figures, with relatively more powerful (but also clumsy) steps, their tails (props) neatly (attempting to) wagging from side to side. They were roaring that childish "Woof Woof Guard Team Anthem" with great spirit: "Woof woof! We are the guards of the castle! Woof woof! Bones are our delicacy!..."

The two groups met unexpectedly in the middle of the corridor.

The air instantly froze.

The music, which had been humming in different tunes just a moment ago, came to an abrupt halt. The team members on both sides stopped, and standing a few meters apart, they "stared" (headgear-to-headgear) at each other.

The Golden Retriever squad leader snorted with its nose (headgear) and looked askance at the Kitty Cat sergeant, speaking with a hostile tone: "Woof! It's you bunch of dawdling lazy cats again! The patrol efficiency in this area is being dragged down by you! Look at you, your formation isn't even neat!"

The Kitty Cat sergeant was not to be outdone, "glaring" at the other side with its eternally smiling cat face (with a comical effect), and retorted shrilly: "Meow! Shut up, you drooling stupid dogs! Besides being loud and breaking the floor (referring to the Golden Retriever's clumsy steps), what else can you do? For tasks that truly require keen insight and elegant posture, you are absolutely incapable! Meow!"

"Woof! Who are you calling a stupid dog?!"

"Meow! I'm calling you that! What about it? Want to fight? Come on! This sergeant's claws (furry) are not for show!"

"Woof! As if I'm afraid of you! Brothers, show your fangs (plastic bones)!"

"Meow! Sisters (?), let them see the agility of the feline kind!"

The team members on both sides also stepped forward to assist, pushing each other (the doll suits collided with muffled thuds), and the war of words escalated:

"Stupid Golden Retriever! Only bones in your brain!"

"Detestable Kitty Cat! Besides acting cute and being lazy, what else can you do?"

"Your team anthem sounds terrible! Woof!"

"Your cat-walk looks like a drunkard! Meow!"

"Did you steal the teething biscuits we hid last time? Woof!"

"Nonsense! It was clearly you who knocked over the rainbow yarn balls we collected! Meow!"

They were arguing incessantly, and it looked like the verbal altercation was about to escalate into a "furry brawl" (though it had little lethality).

Choi Yena hid behind a pillar, watching with her jaw dropped, mentally complaining wildly (in the form of a post-production voiceover, using Choi Yena's voice, but with a calm, analytical tone):

[I see... The internal unity of the Star Demon Legion seems to have serious problems. The conflict between cats and dogs is deeper than imagined. Is it because of different habits? Or uneven distribution of resources (snacks?)? However... this might be an opportunity that can be utilized.]

After much difficulty, the two teams of cats and dogs were dispersed by a scolding voice from a superior in the distance ("What are you arguing about! If you argue again, I'll deduct your dried fish/bones!"), and they left angrily. Choi Yena and Lemm slipped into a narrow passage that seemed to be for logistics transport.

The passage was piled with some empty "candy boxes" and "biscuit buckets". They had just hidden when they heard footsteps and conversation coming from the other end of the passage.

It was two solitary guards who were slacking off (?), a Kitty Cat and a Golden Retriever. They were leaning against the wall, seemingly exchanging "intelligence" or just complaining.

Golden Retriever guard (voice depressed): "Woof... Recently, the Warlord is pushing hard, patrol frequency has doubled, but bone supplies haven't increased... I'm exhausted."

Kitty Cat Guard (similarly listless): "Meow... Who says it isn't. The quality of the dried fish has also dropped. Previously there was the individually packaged "Dream Star" series, now it's all bulk... And why can their dog team apply for the new "XX Brand Dog Food" trial, but our cat team can't apply for high-grade cat grass or catnip spray? Meow, unfair!"

Golden Retriever guard: "Woof! You cats only know about these flashy, impractical things! We dogs want real, solid nutrition and strength!"

Kitty Cat Guard: "Meow! What do you know! Elegance and comfort are the most important! You rough dogs!"

Golden Retriever guard: "Woof! Who are you calling a rough dog?!"

Kitty Cat Guard: "Meow! I'm calling you that! What about it?!"

It looked like they were about to argue again, but perhaps because they were too tired, they just glared at each other and turned their heads away to sulk, but were still muttering and complaining about each other and their superiors.

(Choi Yena voiceover continues) [The points of conflict are clear: uneven resource distribution, high work pressure, and mutual dislike. This tense relationship is like a stretched rubber band; it only needs a little external force...]

Her gaze moved back and forth between the two furry figures about to fight. A bold, cunning thought, like a ripple on the surface of water after a stone is thrown, spread rapidly in her mind.

[Since they dislike each other and explode at the slightest provocation... then if I... make some noise, like pretending to attack one side, or throw something...]

Choi Yena and Lemm were just about to leave the logistics passage, and as soon as she poked her head out, she saw another "small accident" happen at the corner of the main corridor ahead.

A Golden Retriever patrol soldier walking hurriedly with head down (perhaps thinking about something) and a Kitty Cat patrol soldier walking while trying to groom the bow tie (prop) on its chest with its paws, "thumped" into each other!

The two furry guys fell to the ground at the same time, rolling into a ball.

"Woof! Do you not have eyes! Meow!" The Golden Retriever soldier cursed dizzily, not even noticing the slip of the tongue.

"Meow! You're the one without eyes! A stray dog rushing around!" The Kitty Cat soldier climbed up angrily, looking heartbrokenly at its slightly crooked bow tie.

"Woof! Who are you calling a stray dog?!"

"Meow! I'm calling you that! Apologize!"

"Woof! You bumped into me first!"

"Meow! You bumped into me first!"

The simple collision quickly escalated into an argument over responsibility, attracting several nearby companions to gather around. Some spoke for the cat, some for the dog. The small corner suddenly became chaotic again, until a soldier who looked like the "Warlord's Royal Guard," wearing a more exquisite doll suit (suspected to be a wolf or fox?), passed by and scolded them severely, which finally calmed the commotion.

(Choi Yena voiceover, tone gradually becoming clear and strategic) [Frequent friction, tempers that flare at the slightest provocation... It seems I don't need a very complicated plan. If I make some "noise" that is enough to attract the attention of both sides, and easily misunderstood as being done by the other party... for example, creating traces of suspected dog sabotage near the cat team, or leaving some cat "provocations" in the dog team's territory... could I successfully trigger a large-scale cat-dog commotion?]

Her brain raced, combining the "intelligence" collected previously: Cats and dogs accuse each other of stealing snacks (biscuits/yarn balls). Cats are dissatisfied with the declining quality of "Dream Star" dried fish. Dogs are resentful about the unfair distribution of the new dog food trial rights. Both sides think the other is rude/useless.

A rough draft of a bold plan gradually took shape in her heart. Her gaze fell on the tactical vest pocket, those few "rainbow jelly beans," those two "Dream Star dried fish," and that... colorful yarn ball of unknown use.

The corners of her mouth curled into a cunning and spirited arc.

[While they are in a mess, accusing each other, and possibly fighting... the castle's guard force will inevitably be attracted and dispersed. Then, will there be a gap in the defense of the top-level magic platform?]

[Okay! Let's do it!] (Voiceover tone firm)

She looked down at Lemm, who was waiting quietly at her feet, and gave a "you know" look.

Lemm's yellow eyes blinked, and the gears inside its body turned gently, as if to say: Understood, making trouble, I'm good at it!

Candy soldier Choi Yena's "fishing in troubled waters" operation plan, officially launched! Goal: Utilize the cat-dog conflict, create chaos, and take advantage of the chaos to seize the top-level magic chocolate! Action plan, entering the next stage — "Framing and Inciting"!

[Things that can cause contention... can it immediately trigger a bigger commotion, and even make them fight each other?]

Her gaze fell on the colorful yarn ball in the side pocket of her tactical vest, which she had just scavenged and whose use was unknown. Cats... seem to have no resistance to yarn balls? Although the "cats" here are actors in doll suits, in the setting...

[In the chaos, the defense will inevitably have loopholes! The patrol team's attention will be completely attracted! By then, the road to the top floor might be revealed! I can take the opportunity to slip over and execute the real mission — steal the chocolate!]

Plan successful!

Choi Yena's eyes grew brighter and brighter, feeling she had found the key to breaking the deadlock. Compared to forcing her way through or dealing with these guards one by one—who looked stupid but were likely numerous—creating infighting was clearly a more effortless and efficient choice!

She carefully took out the yarn ball from the side pocket and weighed it in her hand. She then looked at the two teams of cats and dogs outside, who were arguing incessantly and might stage a full-scale martial arts (furry martial arts) at any moment.

[Right now! While they are arguing the fiercest, and their vigilance is at its lowest!]

She gave Lemm a look, and Lemm seemed to understand her intention; its yellow eyes flickered, and it was ready.

Choi Yena took a deep breath and calculated the angle and force. She couldn't expose herself; she had to make the yarn ball look like it appeared by "accident," or like a "sneak attack" from the opposite camp.

She aimed at the open space between the two teams, slightly behind the Golden Retriever team—this way, the yarn ball would look more like it "accidentally" dropped from the Kitty Cat side, or was a provocation "thrown" over!

With a flick of her wrist, the colorful yarn ball traced an inconspicuous arc and rolled silently to the designated spot, stopping right near the heel of a Golden Retriever team member who was facing away from the argument, with its attention focused ahead.

The Golden Retriever team member was cursing vigorously when it suddenly felt its heel touched by something, and subconsciously looked down.

A brightly colored, furry ball of yarn was lying quietly at its feet.

Golden Retriever team member: "...?"

It tilted its big head, seemingly not realizing what this was.

However, in the opposite Kitty Cat team, a sharp-eyed cat immediately spotted it!

"Meow! Look! Over at the Golden Retrievers! They are actually hoarding a yarn ball for playing! And during duty hours!" A Kitty Cat shrieked, its tone full of the triumph of "caught you red-handed."

The attention of all the cats and dogs was instantly attracted.

The Golden Retriever team member hurriedly tried to use its paw to push the yarn ball away to explain: "No! This appeared suddenly! Woof woof!"

But it was already too late.

The Kitty Cat Captain seemed to have grasped a massive piece of leverage, its voice rising: "Evidence is conclusive! You Golden Retrievers are not only stupid but also derelict in your duties! Carrying contraband toys (?! )! I'm going to report this to the Gray Wolf Overseer! I'll have your dog food rations docked completely! Meow!"

"Nonsense! This is a frame-up! You Kitty Cats threw it over here!" The Golden Retriever Captain was furious, convinced this was a feline conspiracy.

"You're the one talking nonsense!"

"It was you!"

"Attack them!"

"Woof! You think we're afraid of you?!"

The already tense atmosphere was completely ignited by the sudden appearance of this "unidentified ball of yarn"!

"Meow-ahhh—!"

"Woof-woof—!"

No one knew who threw the first blow (perhaps some cat pushed with a paw, or some dog bumped with its head), but regardless, the two teams of furry "soldiers" instantly tangled together!

Calling it a brawl was more like a clumsy doll collision contest. They bumped into each other with their round bodies, swatted at each other with furry paws (with zero lethality), and head-butted with their hoods, all while incessantly cursing "Stupid!" and "Dastardly!" The scene was chaotic, with meows and woofs filling the air, while the colorful ball of yarn was kicked and stepped on at the edge of the "battlefield."

Hiding in the shadows, Choi Yena watched this absurd "cat vs. dog war" she had personally directed, suppressing the urge to burst into laughter, and gave Lemm a "success" gesture.

The center of the corridor was a mess, with both sides completely distracted by each other. Who had time to care about patrol routes or intrusion alarms?

Now was the time!

Choi Yena seized the opportunity and whispered to Lemm: "Lemm, quick! Look around and see if there's a path to the upper level while they're distracted!"

Lemm quickly "flowed" out from behind a "macaron," its yellow-light eyes rapidly scanning the environment around the chaotic battlefield. Soon, it pointed to the end of the corridor at a small door, half-blocked by the bodies of the two guard teams, inlaid with "starry sugar sprinkles." The door bore a sign with an upward arrow and a star.

"Found it! Lemm, let's go!"

Choi Yena lowered her body without hesitation. Taking advantage of the perfect opportunity while the cats and dogs were "battling" in full swing and unable to pay attention to anything else, she darted like an agile fish, quickly and silently crossing the edge of the corridor and sprinting toward that "starry door."

Lemm followed closely behind, like a glowing green shadow.

A few seconds later, they successfully arrived at the door. Choi Yena tried pushing the door, and it opened at her touch, revealing a spiraling staircase covered with a "Galaxy Frosting" carpet.

She took one last look at the "intense" plush doll brawl still happening behind her, the corners of her mouth curling into a sly and triumphant smile.

Plan successful!

Chaos created!

Path opened!

"Top floor, magic chocolate, here I come!" she muttered to herself, and with Lemm, stepped onto the spiral staircase leading to the top of the castle without hesitation.

Behind her, the "battle of the century" between cats and dogs continued, playing the most absurd yet effective background music for her infiltration.

The spiraling "Galaxy Frosting" staircase seemed endless, the cloyingly sweet air gradually thinning, replaced by a strange scent... a mixture of roasting grease and spices?

Choi Yena (Candy Soldier) and Lemm finally stepped onto the last stair, and the view suddenly opened up. The end of the staircase connected to a relatively small but ornately decorated arched vestibule. The walls of the vestibule were inlaid with sparkling "Starry Sugar Crystals," and the floor had a smooth "dark chocolate marble" pattern. At the other end of the vestibule was a heavy, closed door carved with intricate star and candy totems—that must be the final obstacle leading to the top floor's magic platform.

However, to reach that door, one had to cross this vestibule. And at this moment, in the center of the vestibule, an unexpected "obstacle" stood in the way.

It was... an old Kitty Cat.

It wore a patched, faded, old-style Kitty Cat mascot suit, the color no longer bright pink but a warm, weathered light apricot. It was facing away from the staircase, crouching in front of a small, portable grill emitting curling wisps of blue smoke (dry ice effect). On the grill, several skewers of golden, crispy dried fish were sizzling, grease dripping, and a charred aroma wafting (a mix of food essence and the scent of actually grilled dried fish props). The old Kitty Cat skillfully flipped the fish skewers, occasionally using its furry paws (wearing heat-resistant mini-glove props) to sprinkle on some "secret spices" (colored sugar powder).

It looked completely non-aggressive, even a bit... heartwarming? Just like a kind old grandpa focused on grilling skewers on the street, if that grandpa were a giant cat wearing a faded mascot suit. But Choi Yena instantly became vigilant, immediately pulling Lemm back into the shadows of the staircase entrance.

(Choi Yena's internal monologue, voice lowered)

[Wow... this look, this aura, it's clearly a mini-boss! Even though it's just grilling fish... it's definitely not going to be easy to deal with! It's blocking the only path; how am I supposed to get past?]

She quickly thought of a countermeasure. Sneak attack? The opponent's back was turned, which seemed like an opportunity. But what to use for the attack? The ball of yarn had already been used to trigger the cat-dog war. Dried fish? The opponent was a grilled fish expert; that probably wouldn't work.

She subconsciously touched the "QQ Gummy Assault Rifle" slung on her back, and then weighed the "Rainbow Jellybean Pistol" at her waist.

[Force my way through? Defeat him with weapons?] Choi Yena hesitated. The opponent looked very old (the feeling given by the mascot suit), and it was just grilling fish; attacking directly didn't seem very "saintly." But this was an enemy camp! She couldn't go soft!

Just as she was having an internal battle, her fingers quietly resting on the strap of the toy rifle, preparing to find an angle to fire a "gummy volley" to test the waters—that old Kitty Cat, as if it had eyes in the back of its head, suddenly stopped flipping the fish skewers.

It didn't turn around, but with an aged (the actor trying their best) and gentle (?) voice, it spoke slowly, its voice echoing in the quiet vestibule:

"Hmm... the heat of grilling fish requires a crispy outside and tender inside, with the aroma kept subtle. One minute too long and it becomes burnt and bitter; one minute too short and it remains raw and fishy. Just like... waiting for the moment an opponent reveals a flaw, meow~"

"How many years has it been... Ever since 'that disaster,' the 'Star Wish Kitchen' has never welcomed a new challenger..."

Choi Yena: "???"

Kitchen? Challenger? She gripped her gun tighter, alarm bells ringing in her heart.

The old Kitty Cat (hereinafter referred to as the Old Chef Cat) continued speaking to itself, its tone filled with nostalgia and a hint of fanaticism: "I, the last guardian of the 'Star Wish Kitchen,' the legendary dried fish artisan, Migu Meowhart, have been waiting here for a long time..." It paused, the spotlight intensified again, and a sound effect "Clang!" played with a heavy emphasis.

"Young traveler (Saintess), on you... I smell the intertwined scent of 'Deep Sea Gift' and 'Soul of Innovation'..." The Old Chef Cat's cat nose (painted on) seemed to twitch for real. "You have crossed countless obstacles to reach this forgotten sacred kitchen ground; surely not for that gaudy magic chocolate, but to participate in—"

Its voice suddenly rose, filled with immense passion and solemnity:

"—the 'Best Dried Fish Maker in History' Ultimate Challenge, which has continued for three hundred star-moon cycles!!!"

As its final drawn-out, oddly accented "Meow-ha~" trailing note faded, the lighting in the entire vestibule changed abruptly!

The originally shimmering "Starry Sugar Crystal" walls suddenly dimmed, replaced by bright spotlights cast from the ceiling, like those over a professional kitchen workstation! The "dark chocolate marble" pattern on the floor twisted and shifted, instantly turning into clean white tiles! The cloyingly sweet candy scent in the air was replaced by the rich aroma of grilled fish, spices, and even the faint metallic tang of cookware!

What was even more absurd was that behind the old Kitty Cat, next to the heavy star door, two side-by-side, fully equipped mini-cooking stations appeared out of thin air (quickly set up by the prop team)! They were filled with various miniature but realistic kitchen utensils, seasoning bottles, and even a small cutting board and a gleaming (plastic) chef's knife!

Choi Yena was completely dumbfounded, caught off guard by this sudden scene change, and walked out of the shadows, her face clearly expressing, "Who am I, where am I, what just happened?"

(Choi Yena's internal breakdown, eyes widened)

[What is going on?! What do you mean 'Kitchen Arrival'?! Why did it suddenly turn into a chef competition scene?! This sudden change in tone is too much! President Jiang, what on earth are you thinking?!]

At this moment, an exaggerated voiceover, like a variety show host (voiced by Jiang Zhiyu himself, tone impassioned), resounded throughout the "Kitchen Vestibule":

[Welcome to—the Star Demon Legion Top Floor Vestibule Special Challenge Round!]

[Face the mysterious culinary elder guarding the final level—'Charred Old Cat, Migu Meowhart'!]

[Challenge content: Not a battle of force, but a peak contest of taste!]

[The 'Best Dried Fish Maker in History' Battle—starts now!]

The spotlight "whooshed" and split into two beams. One shone on the old Kitty Cat—now to be called "Charred Old Cat, Migu Meowhart"—and the other precisely illuminated Choi Yena, who was still in a state of petrification!

(Choi Yena's internal monologue, post-production voiceover, tone shifting from confusion to breakdown)

[Wh-what?! K-kitchen Arrival?!]

[What 'Best Dried Fish Maker in History Competition'?! What kind of development is this again!! President Jiang!! Is your brain made of chocolate?! Why would a boss fight suddenly turn into a chef competition!!!]

[Old Kitty Cat! Where did that 'Guardian General' aura you had just now go?! How did you suddenly become a food show host?! And what the heck is the title 'Charred Old Cat Meow Master'!!]

[Does the pisces blessing have anything to do with making dried fish?! I don't even know how to make dried fish myself!!!]

Migu Meowhart spoke to Choi Yena (and the camera) in its aged and confident voice: "I have heard that Her Highness the pisces Saintess has a unique and profound understanding of the way of 'dried fish,' and can even create dreamlike delicacies containing the 'power of the stars.' It is a rare opportunity today; I feel a sudden itch to test my skills and would like to learn from you! I wonder, Your Highness the Saintess, do you dare to accept the challenge? Meow-ha~"

Choi Yena: "..."

Her hand holding the toy rifle dropped powerlessly. The expression on her face went from tension to shock, from shock to absurdity, and finally dissolved into a blank numbness.

The old Kitty Cat didn't seem to need her answer, continuing to speak to itself, its tone filled with the mutual appreciation (?) and competitive spirit of chefs:

"Therefore, today, I do not wish to use force. Swords (toys) and magic (settings) all appear pale and powerless in the face of ultimate deliciousness. Let us use the purest way to decide who is qualified to pass through this door! Meow!"

It suddenly raised its volume, accompanied by the impassioned BGM from above:

"Come on! Your Highness the Saintess! Show your true strength as a 'Dried Fish Making Master'! Engage in a fair, just, and open competition with this old one—the 'History's Best Dried Fish Maker Competition'! No theme restrictions! Time limit of 30 minutes! The judges will be... hmm, let's have this cute little jelly friend (looks at Lemm) and a randomly selected lucky Frosting Spirit (doesn't exist) from the scene! The winner will receive the qualification to pass, as well as this old one's treasured 'Legendary Grilled Fish Recipe (Paper Slip)'! The loser... will stay behind to help this old one, grilling fish for three hundred and sixty-six days! Meow-hahaha!"

After a passionate (and completely inconsiderate of others' feelings) declaration, the old General Kitty Cat was already rubbing its hands (or rather, rubbing its plush paws together), looking eagerly at the various ingredients and tools on its cooking station.

Choi Yena stood stiffly in place, her hand holding the toy gun trembling slightly. She looked at the old cat boss opposite her, whose style had suddenly shifted and who was now immersed in the fervor of a cooking duel, then looked at her own blindingly new cooking station, and finally looked down at her "Candy Soldier" outfit and the toy gun on her back...

(Choi Yena's internal breakdown, tone bordering on frantic)

[Ahhh—! If only I had known it would turn out like this! When I was hiding behind the door just now, I should have just ignored everything and fired a shot! Even if I missed, it would still be better than suddenly having to compete in making dried fish!!]

[Jiang Zhiyu!! You've completely lost your mind! Jumping from an armed infiltration straight into a cooking variety show?! And a themed dried fish competition at that?! I'm an idol! I'm not a chef! Even if I had to make it... what would I make it with?! The Dreamy Star Dried Fish is a finished product! The kind you just eat! Do you want me to perform a live demonstration of opening a package and plating it?!]

Choi Yena took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, trying to force herself to accept this absurd reality. She took off the toy rifle from her back and placed it gently to the side (after all, bringing a gun to a cooking competition was inappropriate), and then took off her tactical gloves. She looked at the unfamiliar kitchen utensils on the cooking station, then looked at her "Candy Soldier" outfit, and finally, her gaze fell back on the old cat opposite her, who was calmly grilling fish.

Fine... since I can't hide from it.

She straightened her back, forced a "I'm very confident" smile onto her face (though her eyes were still a bit dead), and said aloud (trying not to stutter): "S-since Senior has so graciously invited me... then this junior will... show off her clumsy skills! Regarding dried fish, I do indeed... have a little experience!"

"Cut——!!!" Jiang Zhiyu's excited voice came from the director's chair, even cracking slightly, "Excellent! The emotional contrast in the scene transition! Yena's micro-expression changes from vigilance to confusion to forced acceptance were perfect! General Kitty Cat's aura was also very strong! This take is a wrap! Today's shooting is over! Thank you all for your hard work!"

"Yay——!" The set immediately erupted in cheers and sighs of relief. The long and "surprise"-filled day of shooting finally came to an end.

The lights returned to normal, and the prop crew for the kitchen set began to clean up. Choi Yena seemed to have her strength drained, collapsing onto the "white tile" (actually stickers) floor, taking off her goggles, looking completely lifeless.

Lee Chaeyeon, Lee Chaeryeong, and Shin Yuna also walked over from their respective observation/waiting areas.

Choi Yena looked resentfully at Jiang Zhiyu, who was walking down from the director's chair. When he got close, she immediately said in a soft but accusing tone: "Jiang~ PD~~... today's script... was truly 'wonderful'..." Especially that last part, she almost performed an out-of-body experience on the spot.

Lee Chaeyeon couldn't help but laugh and shake her head: "It was simply..." She couldn't find the right words for a moment.

Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna were even more sympathetic. Lee Chaeryeong patted her chest: "Coming here to guest star today was simply the biggest mistake of my life... The scatterbrained General Kitty Cat? The dried fish rocket launcher? And that line 'What a hateful feeling'... My image..." She could already foresee how she would be "cared for" by the members and fans after the show aired.

Shin Yuna also made a mournful face: "The goofy Golden Retriever Corporal, with a bump on her head, still thinking about bones... The Unnies will definitely laugh at me for a whole year..."

Looking at the four girls in front of him, who were dejected and seemed to have experienced major psychological trauma, Jiang Zhiyu's face bloomed with an incredibly bright, even slightly ingratiating smile: "Oh, what are you saying! Today's shooting results are super good! Everyone's performance exceeded expectations! Especially Chaeryeong and Yuna's cameo, it's definitely the biggest highlight and funny point of this episode! Yena's growth arc and witty performance were also great!"

He paused, and announced in a tone of "I am very generous": "To thank everyone for your hard work and wonderful performance today! I'm treating everyone to a big meal! Haidilao! How about it?"

"Haidilao?" The girls' eyes brightened slightly, but immediately dimmed again.

Jiang Zhiyu suddenly remembered something and slapped his forehead: "Ah! Right! Everyone in ITZY is still in a strict diet management period, right? Hot pot... doesn't seem very appropriate?" He looked at Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna, with "innocent" eyes.

Lee Chaeryeong & Shin Yuna: "!!!"

(Shin Yuna & Lee Chaeryeong's internal thoughts, synchronized outburst, as if possessed by Team Rocket)

[Ah—!!!]

[Not only were we tricked by PD Jiang into filming a bunch of super shameful dark history clips (scatterbrained, goofy, bombarded by dried fish, shouting classic lines), now we can't even eat the consolation meal! And it's our favorite Haidilao!!!]

[Are we supposed to watch others eat delicious food while we only chew on grass (salad) or drink plain water?! What kind of human suffering is this!!!]

[Coming here to guest star today was truly—what a hateful feeling—!!!]

The two looked at each other, seeing the same despair and urge to cry in each other's eyes, but due to the occasion, they could only force a smile, squeezing out a smile that was uglier than crying at Jiang Zhiyu and Choi Yena, and said in unison, listlessly:

"I-it's okay, PD nim, Unnies... you guys go eat... we... we'll just watch..." (The voice getting smaller and smaller, full of heartache)

Lee Chaeyeon looked at the two younger sisters' faces that had collapsed in an instant, and felt a bit unbearable, tentatively suggesting: "Actually... Haidilao can be eaten with clear broth or tomato broth, right? Just blanch some vegetables, tofu, shrimp paste, etc., eat less meat and meatballs, it should... be no problem?" She said it without much confidence herself.

Lee Chaeryeong pouted, teary-eyed: "Unnie... eating boiled vegetables and tofu... might as well go back to the dorm and eat my chicken breast salad... at least the salad has dressing..." Although that dressing is also low-calorie.

Shin Yuna was even more aggrieved and about to cry, Haidilao without meat, what kind of soul does it have!

Jiang Zhiyu looked at their pitiful appearance, rolled his eyes, and suddenly smiled and said: "Ah! I remembered! Doesn't Haidilao have free self-service side dishes, fruits, and porridge? It is said that there are many kinds of fruits, and they are free to refill! Watermelon, cantaloupe, cherry tomatoes..."

When Shin Yuna heard this, her eyes brightened with a faint light again. She sniffed and whispered to Lee Chaeryeong: "Unnie... seems like... fruit is okay to eat? And it's free..." For idols who control their diet, the combination of "free" and "can eat" has great attraction.

Lee Chaeryeong was also shaken, twisting her fingers in conflict.

Shin Yuna seemed to have made up her mind, took out her phone: "Then... then I will tell Manager Unnie and the ITZY Unnies, we won't go back to eat the diet meal prepared by the company tonight... let's go... go eat Haidilao's fruit buffet..." Speaking a bit tragically.

Jiang Zhiyu heard this, immediately waved his hand, and said generously: "Yah! Yuna! What are you saying! Oppa is treating, of course, I must invite everyone from ITZY! Anyway, you finished work early today, right? Call all the members! And..." He rubbed his chin, his smile becoming more "bright" and "ill-intentioned", "I seem to have heard... TWICE Sunbaenims are also in the gap of comeback recently, and have rest time? Why not... invite them over too? It's lively with many people! By the way..."

His "by the way" was drawn out very long, and in his eyes flashed the sparkle that Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna were very familiar with, belonging to "PD Jiang is conceiving a new project".

Shin Yuna and Lee Chaeryeong's alarm bells rang instantly!

The two exchanged eyes crazily, communicating silently with the tacit understanding of years of teammates:

Lee Chaeryeong's gaze: [His smile! Definitely nothing good! He wants to drag us ITZY and even TWICE Unnies into the water again!]

Shin Yuna's gaze: [He must want to take the opportunity to promote his 'shameful' variety show projects! Or observe our private state to find inspiration!]

Lee Chaeryeong's gaze: [What to do? Refuse? But he said he's treating... and if TWICE Unnies also come...]

Shin Yuna's gaze: [If we refuse, will it make us look stingy? And... hot pot (fruit)... want to eat...]

Just as the two were fighting with their eyes and heaven and man were fighting in their hearts, an "evil" thought, like a flame lit in the dark, almost simultaneously sprang up in their hearts:

Lee Chaeryeong (eye contact): [Yuna... do you think, letting Ryujin Unnie, Yeji Unnie, and Lia Unnie also come to experience PD Jiang's 'enthusiasm' and 'creativity'... how about it?]

Shin Yuna (eye response): [Unnie! You are so bad! But... I think it's okay! Why should only the two of us leave the dark history of 'Kitty Cat' and 'Golden Retriever'! If we die, we die together!]

[Damn it... how can this kind of embarrassing thing only be borne by the two of us (ITZY)?! If we 'die', let everyone 'die' together! If TWICE Unnies, especially Nayeon Unnie, Sana Unnie and others also come, see PD Jiang's 'true face', or... are also fooled by him into agreeing to some strange cooperation... then at that time, it won't just be us being laughed at!]

[That's right! It's better to share the joy than to enjoy it alone! It's better to share the shame than to be ashamed alone! Drag the Unnies into the water too!]

Thinking of this, a trace of "determination" and "ruthlessness" like "perishing together" flashed in their eyes.

Lee Chaeryeong raised her head and showed an unusually "sweet and well-behaved" smile to Jiang Zhiyu: "President Jiang is right! It's lively with many people! I'll message the members and Manager Unnie right now! I'll also ask if TWICE Unnies are free!"

Shin Yuna also immediately cooperated, took out her phone, her fingers typing rapidly, with "innocent" excitement on her face: "Yes, yes! I'll contact them right now! I believe the Unnies will be very happy!"

Jiang Zhiyu looked at the two who suddenly became active, although he felt their smiles were a bit too "bright", he didn't think too much, just thought the temptation of food (fruit) was big enough. He nodded with satisfaction and began to calculate how to "naturally" chat with JYP artists about the possibility of future cooperation during the dinner party tonight...

A seemingly ordinary celebration dinner might turn into an undercurrent of "dragging people into the water" and "plotting the future". And tonight's Haidilao is destined to be uneasy.