262: Chapter 242 The Undercurrents in the Haidilao Private Room, the Shameless "Meeting of the Century," and the Evil Gaze

At the Haidilao branch on XX Road, it was peak dinner time, and a line of customers was forming at the entrance. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of beef tallow and mushroom broth. Jiang Zhiyu had booked one of the restaurant's most private and spacious rooms, large enough to accommodate over a dozen people without feeling cramped.

He wore a comfortable dark gray hoodie and jeans, his hair tousled casually. Compared to the "Director Mode" he displayed during the day's shoot, he looked much more relaxed now, yet his amber eyes remained bright, carrying a hint of harmless curiosity and a subtle, creator's desire to scrutinize.

The five members of ITZY—Hwang Yeji, Lia, Shin Ryujin, Lee Chaeryeong, and Shin Yuna—arrived first. Accompanied by their Manager and assistants, they entered discreetly through a side door and were quickly led to the private room by a waiter.

Pushing open the door, they were greeted by warm yellow lighting and the steaming heat of hot pot. In the center of the massive round table, the dual-flavor pot (spicy oil + mushroom broth) was already bubbling, surrounded by an array of shabu-shabu ingredients, meat platters, and the colorful fruit buffet and seasoning bar that the ITZY members couldn't help but stare at.

"Wow... he actually came," Lia whispered, her eyes already glued to the watermelon and cantaloupe.

"Is Producer Jiang not here yet?" Shin Ryujin scanned the room cautiously, confirming that only the waiter was busy inside.

Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna felt restless, harboring a mix of "shame PTSD" from the afternoon's shoot and nervousness about the upcoming dinner and potential "situations."

As leader, Hwang Yeji tried to maintain her composure and arranged for everyone to be seated, though her own heart was pounding.

Just then, the door to the room was pushed open again.

Jiang Zhiyu walked in with a perfectly gentle smile on his face: "Sorry, traffic was a bit heavy, I'm late. Good evening, members of ITZY."

"Good evening, President Jiang!" The five of them stood up immediately and greeted him in unison.

Jiang Zhiyu waved his hand, signaling them to sit, his gaze naturally and appreciatively sweeping across the face of each ITZY member present.

His eyes first landed on Hwang Yeji, who was sitting across from the head seat. The girl wore a simple black knit sweater today, her long hair smooth, and a polite, slightly distant smile on her face. Her distinctive eyebrows and clear facial contours looked even more refined and high-class in the soft lighting of the room, like an elegant yet vigilant feline, quietly observing her surroundings.

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze was sincere, devoid of any frivolity or offense; it was purely an appreciation for beauty and unique charisma. He nodded gently and sighed genuinely:

"I've long heard that the members of ITZY are not only highly talented but also top-tier in looks. Seeing you up close today, it's well-deserved. Especially Yeji-xi," he looked at Hwang Yeji, his tone frank, "You are truly charming. You have that... face full of story and power, which will look fantastic on camera."

He looked at the other members: "Lia-xi's temperament is unique, Ryujin-xi has plenty of fashion sense and swag, and Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna go without saying—today they've fully displayed their cute and promising sides." He was referring to the Hello Kitty and Golden Retriever looks from the afternoon, but using the word "promising" now both affirmed their efforts and left room for interpretation.

This direct, unreserved praise made the five ITZY members feel a bit shy, but they couldn't help but be pleased. After all, being affirmed by a producer recognized for his sharp eye and for creating multiple hit projects is always gratifying.

"Thank you for the compliment, President Jiang." Hwang Yeji replied politely on behalf of the team, her smile looking a little more genuine. The other members also thanked him, and the initial tension in the room seemed to ease slightly.

Jiang Zhiyu smiled as he sat down, signaling everyone to start eating and not to be restrained. The atmosphere seemed to be heading in the direction of a harmonious and warm dinner.

However, those who knew Jiang Zhiyu's style knew that his "sincerity" and "foreshadowing" were often just to lead into more "startling" statements later.

Sure enough, after everyone had shabu-shabu'd a few slices of beef and tasted the first round of food (Lia had already started researching her "fruit salad" recipe), and the atmosphere had gradually warmed up, Jiang Zhiyu set down his chopsticks as if casually, wiped his hands with a wet towel, and then looked up. His gaze swept over the five ITZY members again, a seemingly harmless but actually "trapped" smile at the corners of his mouth, and he spoke in a tone as relaxed as discussing the weather:

"Speaking of which, seeing the performance of Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna on set today, and the overall feeling of everyone just now, I suddenly had an idea."

All of ITZY: "..." The hands holding chopsticks, the movements of picking up food, and the chewing mouths all paused imperceptibly. Here it comes! The real show is about to start!

Hwang Yeji and Shin Ryujin exchanged a "just as I thought" look. Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna tensed up instantly, the memories of being "dominated" in the afternoon starting to attack them. Lia... Lia had just put a perfect piece of watermelon into her bowl, and hearing this, she looked up, her expression still a bit dazed.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed not to see their subtle reactions, continuing in that seductive tone of his, as if sharing a brilliant idea:

"That little girl Lee Tima has been bragging to me lately about how happily she's collaborating with President Park at JYP, and how many 'interesting' projects she's done." He pouted slightly, showing a hint of childish "defiance," "I was thinking, if the members of ITZY were willing to collaborate with me once..."

He paused intentionally, observing the nervous yet curious expressions on the girls' faces, then threw out the sentence that made the five of them instantly widen their eyes in shock, word by word, clearly and slowly:

"I guarantee, I can absolutely make something more stimulating, more interesting, and more capable of showcasing your completely different charms than anything Lee Tima has done. How about it? Are you interested?"

The room went quiet instantly.

Only the hot pot base was "bubbling" and boiling, with white steam rising in curls.

"St... stimulating?!" The watermelon in Lia's hand almost fell into her bowl.

"More... than Tima Unnie..." Shin Yuna opened her mouth wide, her mind instantly flashing through Lee Tima's "glorious deeds" like "anonymous posts exploding music charts," "planning 'love declaration' to sweep the Chinese market," and "jumping repeatedly between JYP and SM"... More stimulating than those?! What level would that be?!

"Damn it!" Shin Ryujin roared inwardly, looking at Jiang Zhiyu with sharp eyes. [He revealed his 'true nature' so fast! The setup didn't even last three minutes! He threw the 'collaboration' bait directly! And he even used Lee Tima for a challenge! Too cunning!]

As leader, Hwang Yeji tried to maintain her composure, but her fingers holding the chopsticks tightened slightly. Her brain worked at high speed: Refuse? It would seem like stage fright, and might miss a real good opportunity. Accept? God knows what "more stimulating" means in the mouth of this "genius"! Would it be a project 100 times more shameful than the one Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna did today?!

Lee Chaeryeong felt a chill down her back; she was the one who had personally experienced "Jiang-style stimulation"! She frantically signaled to Shin Yuna next to her: [Quick, think of a way! Say something to change the subject! Like praising the hot pot! The fruit is sweet!]

Shin Yuna received the signal, but her mind was blank, and she could only squeeze out a dry sentence: "Um... President Jiang, this shrimp paste... is delicious, haha..."

Jiang Zhiyu seemed not to hear Shin Yuna's stiff interruption, still smiling and looking at Hwang Yeji, waiting for the leader's answer. His eyes were clear, his expression sincere, as if he were really just inviting them to participate in an "interesting" game, with no signs of "digging a hole."

But that was exactly what was most terrifying! The five ITZY members' alarm bells were ringing loudly at this moment, realizing with absolute clarity: this young President with a gentle smile and sincere words was essentially a walking "creative nuclear bomb" and "shame eliminator"! His "collaboration offer" was definitely a double-edged sword wrapped in honey!

The air in the room seemed to freeze, and the delicious hot pot seemed to have temporarily lost its appeal. All of ITZY fell into a difficult dilemma of how to deal with this sudden and tempting (and dangerous) proposal.

Just then, familiar, crisp laughter and footsteps came from outside the room—the TWICE Unnies had arrived too.

The saviors (or, more "victims"?) had arrived!

The five ITZY members breathed a sigh of relief in unison, while also secretly sweating for the sisters about to enter. Tonight's dinner, indeed... would not be peaceful.

Just as the five ITZY members were choked by Jiang Zhiyu's "more stimulating collaboration" and didn't know how to respond, and the atmosphere in the room was subtly stagnant, crisp, pleasant, and lively laughter and footsteps came from outside the door, along with the respectful guidance of the waiter.

"Is it here? Thank you!"

"Wow, it smells so good! Has it already started boiling?"

"Nayeon Unnie, slow down!"

Immediately after, the door was pushed open with a "clatter."

The nine members of TWICE, like a fresh, fragrant breeze, poured into the room. Walking in the front was Im Nayeon, full of excitement and sparkling eyes, followed by members with different expressions: Yoo Jeongyeon watching the show, Sana looking around curiously, Momo heading straight for the fruit area, Mina smiling elegantly, Park Jihyo steady, Chaeyoung lively, Kim Da-hyun quiet, and the tall Tzuyu.

"President Jiang! ITZY kids! We're here!" Im Nayeon greeted them energetically, her voice instantly igniting the atmosphere in the room.

"Good evening, Unnies!" The five ITZY members stood up and greeted them, Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna acting like they had seen saviors, their eyes full of anticipation for "someone say something to break this awkwardness."

Jiang Zhiyu also stood up, wearing an impeccable business smile: "TWICE seniors, welcome, welcome, please sit down."

His gaze naturally met Im Nayeon, who was walking in the front and looking at him as well.

The moment their eyes met—

Jiang Zhiyu: "Tsk." (Tilting his head slightly, a flash of "it really is you" understanding and appreciation in his eyes)

Im Nayeon: "Tsk." (Raising her eyebrows at the same time, the corners of her mouth curling into an arc of "we meet again, you interesting guy")

The two of them clicked their tongues almost simultaneously, imperceptibly, exchanging complex signals in their eyes that only they could understand, mixed with "nostalgia," "teasing," and "we're about to start performing again."

The sound wasn't loud, but in this room that had suddenly gone quiet because of the many people, it was exceptionally clear.

ITZY five: "...?" (What kind of new greeting is this?)

TWICE other eight: "...?" (Nayeon/Producer Jiang, what are you doing?)

Jiang Zhiyu took the lead, extending his hands (but keeping social distance), his tone full of exaggerated surprise and "sincere" admiration:

"Oh my! Isn't this our TWICE's vitality core, the beloved Nayeon senior! Hearing about you is not as good as meeting you, and meeting you feels like an old friend! This spirit, this infectious energy, I could feel it through the door! Truly the anchor of JYP!"

Im Nayeon immediately refused to be outdone, stepped forward half a step, put her hands together, and responded with her signature, super-sweet voice, her eyes curved into crescents:

"President Jiang! You are too polite! When I saw you, I felt like it was a meeting long overdue! It's been so long, and you are still as handsome, dashing, and talented as ever, making people feel happy just looking at you!" Her words were cheesy, but her expression was as natural as if it came from the bottom of her heart.

The room went quiet for a moment.

The room fell into a brief, strange silence.

Only the "bubbling" sound of the hot pot base, and... the ellipses and exclamation marks frantically scrolling in everyone's hearts.

TWICE (except Nayeon): [...] (Yoo Jeongyeon held her forehead, Park Jihyo covered her face, Mina lowered her head and chuckled, Sana and Momo were stunned, Kim Da-hyun and Chaeyoung were struggling to hold back laughter, Tzuyu blinked, a bit confused.)

ITZY: [...] (Hwang Yeji and Shin Ryujin's eyes died, Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna's mouths twitched, Lia finally put down her fruit bowl and focused on watching the show.)

Choi Yena & Lee Chaeyeon: [...] (Silently took a sip of their drinks to suppress their shock.)

These two... is their skin made from the bridge piers of the Han River Bridge?! It's too thick!! This level of commercial mutual flattery, this hypocritical performance, these lines and improvisation... it's a waste not to act in a dog-blood drama!!

However, Jiang Zhiyu and Im Nayeon clearly entered their "duo act" channel, completely ignoring the awkward air condensing around them and everyone's silent roasting.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to be greatly encouraged, and continued to use his "sincere" broadcasting voice to start a new round of "flattery" toward all of TWICE (mainly toward Im Nayeon):

"It is truly an honor that you seniors could come! Especially Nayeon senior, truly JYP's secret weapon! This lively and cute rabbit-like beauty, this vitality that is always charged, this infinite possibility of a multi-style charismatic female idol! Every time I see your stage and variety shows, I am deeply impressed! You are simply a treasure of the KPOP world!" His words were flowery, his tone earnest, as if he were reading an award speech.

Im Nayeon listened, beaming, waving her hands repeatedly (but with small movements, obviously enjoying it), and then started her "commercial mutual flattery" mode, her voice sweet and bright:

"President Jiang, you are too flattering! Compared to you, I still have a long way to go! You are the youngest entertainment company President of this century! Talented and with a unique vision! Just look at the works of TG Entertainment and you'll know! You are also the most handsome and dashing Producer Jiang!" (This comment made Yoo Jeongyeon, who was drinking water nearby, choke.) "More importantly, your whimsical ideas are as numerous as the stars in the sky! Every time I collaborate with you, I can have a brand new, unexpected experience! This is the true 'genius' Producer!" She packaged all of Jiang Zhiyu's "traits" (including those mind-blowing ideas that made people laugh and cry) into advantages, blowing them up to the sky.

The two talked, becoming more "congenial" with every word, blowing more "sincere" smoke, as if sparks (and the electric current of mutual commercial flattery) crackled between their eye contact.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed ignited by Nayeon's words, his creative passion (or desire to perform) stoked, and he spread his arms wide, using an even more passionate tone as if introducing a superstar on stage:

"Nayeon Unnie! You are too modest! Do you know? In my heart, you are one of the deepest, most underrated secret weapons in JYP, or even the entire K-pop world! You possess the approachable charm of a lively and cute rabbit-like beauty, while also having the multifaceted charisma to master various musical styles and concepts! Your variety sense, stage presence, and audience appeal are all top-tier! You are simply the collaborative partner every producer dreams of!"

Nayeon's eyes curved into crescents as she listened, seemingly very pleased, and she immediately activated her "mutual commercial flattery" mode, her voice dripping with honey:

"President min~~~! It's you! The most young and promising entertainment company president of this century! The most handsome and talented gold-medal producer! Those whimsical ideas of yours are as countless as the stars in the sky and as endless as the waves of the Han River! Working with you once brings so much buzz and growth (and memes)!"

Finally, under the stunned gazes of everyone, Jiang Zhiyu and Nayeon seemed to reach a "mutual appreciation" consensus, stepped forward simultaneously, and reached out their hands—shaking them tightly and vigorously!

Jiang Zhiyu: "Unnie understands me!"

Nayeon: "President understands me!"

In unison, with genuine sincerity.

Then, the two looked at each other and smiled, that smile filled with the tacit understanding of "finding a kindred spirit," "happy to work together (let's hurt each other again next time)," and "mutual commercial flattery achieved."

"..."

The entire private room fell into a three-second, pin-drop silence.

Everyone was stunned by the shamelessness of these two, blowing smoke at each other in public, with skin thicker than the corner of a city wall.

The ITZY girls were young and still a bit confused, not knowing if this was adult social etiquette (Machiavellianism) or if they were truly... birds of a feather?

As for the TWICE members, they simply couldn't bear to watch.

Yoo Jeongyeon covered her face with her hands, Park Jihyo shook her head helplessly with a smile, Sana and Kim Da-hyun covered their mouths to giggle, Chaeyoung simply turned her head to pretend to study the bottom of the pot, Mina elegantly sipped her tea, and Momo... Momo's attention finally shifted from the fruit section, watching her eldest Unnie and President Jiang's "performance," blinking her large eyes as if she found it interesting.

Tzuyu widened her beautiful eyes slightly, a bit unable to keep up with the rhythm.

Choi Yena and Lee Chaeyeon silently lowered their heads, focusing on the food in their bowls, pretending they didn't exist.

Finally, the experienced Park Jihyo cleared her throat, attempting to steer the derailed atmosphere back on track: "Ahem, Nayeon, President Jiang, everyone is hungry, let's sit down and eat while we chat? The pot is about to boil dry."

"Ah, yes, yes, yes!" Nayeon immediately switched from "flattery mode" back to "enthusiastic Unnie mode," ushering the members to sit down, "Kids, sit down! Don't be shy! President Jiang is treating us, so we must eat well today!"

Jiang Zhiyu also resumed his "host" posture, smiling and calling the waiter to add dishes and drinks.

The atmosphere in the private room finally livened up again, and everyone began to use their chopsticks, chat, and greet one another.

But that brilliant "shameless mutual flattery session" just now had undoubtedly set a certain... unusual tone for tonight's dinner.

Everyone knew deep down that with Jiang Zhiyu and Nayeon, these two "social bandits" (one dared to flatter, the other dared to accept), together with the side-eyeing (?) ITZY and Choi Yena and others who had already experienced the Jiang-style, tonight's hotpot was likely about more than just food; it was full of "drama" and potential "cooperation signals."

And the two culprits, separated by the swirling hotpot steam, exchanged a smile, with everything understood without words.

The "thicker than a city wall" mutual flattery between Jiang Zhiyu and Nayeon finally came to an end, and under the "suppression" of Park Jihyo and Yoo Jeongyeon, the two finally sat back in their respective seats.

The room was filled with a subtle air mixed with the aroma of hotpot and a hint of awkwardness (and perhaps a little admiration?).

The members on both sides silently exchanged a few glances, reaching a silent consensus:

TWICE internal eye contact:

Yoo Jeongyeon (rolling her eyes): [...I absolutely don't want to admit Nayeon is our eldest Unnie.]

Park Jihyo (shaking her head helplessly): [Just get used to it, just get used to it...]

Chaeyoung & Kim Da-hyun (looking at each other while holding back laughter): [Unnie's social butterfly syndrome has leveled up again.]

Mina & Sana (smiling politely, lowering their heads to swish meat): [Focus on eating, focus on eating.]

Tzuyu (quietly picking up a slice of tripe): [...] (Internal thought: Hotpot is delicious.)

Momo (already stuffing her mouth with beef): [Mmm-hmm! (Agreeing on eating!)]

ITZY & IZ*ONE eye contact:

Hwang Yeji & Shin Ryujin (silently picking up chopsticks): [...Forget it, let's just eat.] (If you can't afford to offend them, just hide.)

Lia (finally able to study the fruit in peace): [Yeah! Eating!]

Shin Yuna & Lee Chaeryeong (exchanging a glance, turning grief and indignation into appetite): [Eat! Eat hard! Eat back all of today's shame!]

Choi Yena (giving a bitter smile to Lee Chaeyeon): [Let's eat too.] (Internal thought: I have a feeling Producer Jiang isn't done yet...)

Thus, the atmosphere in the room quickly shifted to the safest and most harmonious topic—eating.

The yin-yang pot was boiling, the spicy oil rolling, and the mushroom broth was delicious.

Various plates of meat, seafood, and vegetables were picked up by pairs of chopsticks, rising and falling in the boiling broth, becoming coated in tantalizing colors and aromas.

Shin Yuna and Lee Chaeryeong exchanged a glance, both seeing the tragic heroism of "fellow sufferers" in each other's eyes.

The experience of that incredibly shameful cameo this afternoon seemed to have transformed into a raging fire of appetite (though forced to burn only towards vegetables and fruits).

"Vegetables... can also be eaten vengefully!" Shin Yuna muttered softly, viciously picking up a large chopstick-full of lettuce, enoki mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms, stuffing them into her small bowl, dipping them in low-calorie seafood sauce, and eating them in big bites, as if she weren't chewing vegetables, but the head of that "silly Golden Retriever" from the afternoon.

Lee Chaeryeong was much the same, burying her head in eating the tofu, winter melon, and... a large amount of fruit from the clear broth pot.

Especially when she saw the juicy watermelon, cantaloupe, and cherry tomatoes in the buffet area, she seemed to have found an emotional outlet, taking them plate after plate, eating until her cheeks were bulging.

Lee Chaeyeon (Chaeryeong's older sister) sat next to her sister, watching her "turn shame into appetite" appearance, feeling both heartbroken and amused.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was watching, she quietly wrapped a small piece of freshly boiled crispy pork, dipped in a little low-fat sauce, in a lettuce leaf, placed it into Lee Chaeryeong's bowl without drawing attention, and gently nudged her arm, signaling with her eyes: [Don't just eat grass, eat some meat too, you worked hard today.]

Lee Chaeryeong froze for a moment, looking at the small "heartfelt lettuce wrap" in her bowl, her nose stinging, but she held it back, silently picking it up and eating it, feeling a warmth in her heart.

The other three members of ITZY were relatively restrained.

Hwang Yeji and Shin Ryujin maintained their idol self-awareness, boiling mostly vegetables and a small amount of protein, eating elegantly, while vigilantly monitoring the dynamics at the table, especially Jiang Zhiyu at the head of the table.

Lia, although full of enthusiasm for food, knew her limits, focusing on researching her "healthy version of fruit salad" and tasting some of the light mushroom broth ingredients.

Choi Yena, as a "half-host" (show collaborator), sat at a position neither too far nor too close to Jiang Zhiyu.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to be genuinely chatting with her, the topics revolving around the fun things from today's shoot, her understanding of the character, and some relaxed ideas for the future show.

Choi Yena gradually relaxed, answering questions, and a smile returned to her face.

Except for Yoo Jeongyeon, who needed to strictly manage her figure, was holding a small bowl to carefully calculate calories, and was only boiling clear soup vegetables and a small amount of high-quality protein, everyone else seemed to have had their "hungry tiger descending the mountain" switch pressed.

Momo had long since entered "gourmet" mode, her eyes sharp and hands fast as she used a strainer to scoop up the tripe, beef, and shrimp paste that had just floated up in the rolling spicy oil pot, her movements so precise and skilled that Sana next to her kept exclaiming, "Momo-ya! Slow down! Leave a piece for me!"

Momo, with her mouth stuffed full, didn't forget to give a "professional" review of the broth and ingredients: "Mmm! The beef quality at this place is good! The shrimp paste is bouncy! The spicy broth is fragrant but not dry... *hiccup*~"

Chaeyoung and Kim Da-hyun were boiling vegetables while whispering to each other about something, occasionally bursting into laughter, but their chopsticks never stopped.

Park Jihyo, as the former leader, was slightly more restrained, but she was eating with great relish, and from time to time she reminded the younger members to be careful not to get burned.

Mina sat quietly in a slightly off-center position, eating small bites of bamboo fungus and baby bok choy from the mushroom broth, her movements elegant, occasionally looking up at the lively table with a faint smile on her lips.

Tzuyu was chewing slowly and carefully, savoring every bite of food, her beautiful face showing no extra expression, but her slightly shining eyes showed that she was quite satisfied with this "unexpected treat."

As for Nayeon, after ending her "performance" with Jiang Zhiyu, she quickly switched to "eating mode," energetically picking up food for the members and grabbing meat (mainly "competing" with Momo), while constantly saying, "Delicious!" "This is great!" "Kids, eat more!", making it impossible to see the "commercial flattery" look from earlier.

(Other TWICE members' internal OS exchanging glances)

Yoo Jeongyeon (looking at the happily eating Nayeon, deadpan): [Who was that person with skin thicker than a city wall who was blowing smoke with Producer Jiang? I don't know her. I am just a heartless vegetable-boiling machine.]

Park Jihyo (shaking her head helplessly): [Forget it, let's eat. As long as Nayeon Unnie is happy... even if it's a bit embarrassing.]

Sana (smiling): [Nayeon Unnie is full of energy no matter when it is~ Ah! Momo! That piece of luncheon meat is mine!]

Mina (eating quietly): [(Ignoring the farce just now, focusing on the food in front of her and... a certain gaze that occasionally drifts over?)]

Jiang Zhiyu, as the host, naturally ate with great relish too.

But he didn't seem completely immersed in the food.

He sat at the head of the table, chatting with Choi Yena beside him about the fun things from the afternoon's shoot and ideas for the subsequent script, his tone relaxed and the topics interesting, letting Choi Yena temporarily forget her previous breakdown, and she gradually became engaged in the conversation.

However, if someone observed carefully, they would find that Jiang Zhiyu's amber eyes, which seemed to scan the whole room casually, had their peripheral vision, or rather, their core of attention, always falling, consciously or unconsciously, and extremely covertly, on the TWICE side, or more accurately, on Mina.

He wasn't staring the whole time; that would be too obvious and too rude.

Instead, in the intervals of chatting with Choi Yena, in the moments of boiling vegetables and picking up meat, and when seemingly casually looking around the private room to confirm if everyone was eating and drinking well, his gaze would always, as if attracted by an invisible magnet, quietly sweep over Mina's direction.

His observation was very detailed and also very covert.

He noticed the unique, quiet, and focused posture Mina had when eating, the elegant curve of her neck when she slightly lowered her head, her cheeks slightly flushed from the hotpot steam, her brows and eyes appearing softer than usual, and the fleeting yet real arc of a smile at the corners of her lips when she whispered and laughed with Sana beside her.

It was a temperament between aloofness and gentleness, carrying a sense of distance yet inexplicably attractive.

It faintly overlapped with some vague labels in his memory regarding "brokenness," "narrative," and "cinematic presence."

He even quickly sketched a few vague scenes in his mind: for example, a scene in a cold-toned, artistic MV where Mina dances alone or stares into the camera; or, in a drama film, where she plays a character with a complex inner world and an aloof exterior...

Of course, these were just fleeting, professional associations.

He did not lose his composure, nor did he make any overstepping gestures; he was simply, as a top content creator, instinctively and keenly capturing and evaluating a potential "muse" or "excellent material."

He knew that as a top girl group, TWICE's individual schedules and company planning were very strict.

He also knew that Mina herself seemed to prefer quiet and art-related activities.

But this didn't prevent him from making a note in his heart: [Mina, extremely photogenic and has great potential for emotional expression, unique temperament, plasticity to be observed. If there is a suitable opportunity in the future (music, fashion, film?), it is worth deeper contact.]

He hid his thoughts well, and on the surface, he remained the reliable President who chatted and laughed with Choi Yena and enthusiastically hosted everyone.

Except for Shin Ryujin, who was sitting opposite him and observing secretly, who seemed to vaguely capture that extremely subtle half-second pause of Jiang Zhiyu's gaze in the direction of TWICE (especially near Mina).

She narrowed her eyes slightly, but didn't say anything, just becoming more certain of her previous judgment: This meal was indeed not simple.

Producer Jiang was definitely observing and evaluating something.

The hotpot continued to boil, food was constantly consumed, and laughter was mixed with the light clinking of bowls and chopsticks.

On the surface, this was a celebration dinner where everyone was enjoying themselves.

In secret, observation, evaluation, and thoughts were flowing, like the undercurrents at the bottom of the pot, proceeding silently.

And after everyone was full and satisfied, the real "topics" or "confrontations" might only then officially surface.

For now, let appetite and delicious food temporarily cover up all the undercurrents and considerations.