264: Chapter 244 Haidilao Private Room: From "Baby Face" to "Serious Business"

The lingering effect of that sudden "TT" × "Baby Face" collaborative stage between Jiang Zhiyu and Im Nayeon hung over the steaming Haidilao private room like a thin layer of sweet yet awkward frosting.

The gleam in everyone's eyes had not yet fully returned, and a subtle silence permeated the air, filled with the sentiment of, "What just happened? Should we applaud, but why does it feel like something is off?"

Jiang Zhiyu also seemed to sense the awkward atmosphere (or rather, he finally cooled down from the excitement of his impromptu performance).

He cleared his throat, the playful smile on his face receding slightly, and returned to his seat, picking up a wet towel to wipe his hands and the sweat from his forehead.

Im Nayeon also sat back down with a grin, picked up her glass, and took a big gulp of plum juice. Her face still carried a flush from the exertion, but her eyes were slightly more "serious," as if the energetic person from just a moment ago was merely one of her "variety show personas."

Everyone else in the private room secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Was it finally... time to return to "normal" dinner conversation?

However, Jiang Zhiyu's next words made it clear that his so-called "serious" was only relative to his previous "madness."

He set down the towel, his gaze becoming focused and sharp again. He swept his eyes slowly over the members of TWICE and ITZY, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable seriousness as he began to speak:

"I apologize for the playfulness just now; I hope you all weren't too embarrassed." He nodded slightly, providing a nonchalant footnote to the previous "impromptu performance," before immediately changing the subject. "However, taking advantage of this rare opportunity with the elites of JYP present, as the President of TG, I do indeed have some ideas I would like to share with you all—or rather, more importantly, I would like to convey them to President Park and JYP through you."

Hearing the words "ideas" and "convey," the nerves that had just relaxed instantly tightened again. Yoo Jeongyeon raised an eyebrow, Shin Ryujin sat up straight, and Hwang Yeji set down her chopsticks, adopting a listening posture. Even Tzuyu, who was still savoring the melody of "Baby Face," and Lia, who was agonizing over her fruit salad recipe, looked up.

Jiang Zhiyu's voice was clear and steady, sounding exceptionally distinct in the quiet private room:

"As everyone knows, our main focus at TG Entertainment recently has indeed been on the project 'twelve star envoys,' in collaboration with IZ*ONE." He candidly admitted TG's current core business. "This project is very important to us; it is not only a commercial experiment but also an important training exercise for TG in the production of large-scale idol group variety shows."

He paused, his gaze revealing certainty and ambition for the future. "However, TG's vision will never be limited to just one project or one group. Variety shows—especially high-quality ones that can deeply explore an idol's charm, create unique memorable moments, and even lead trending topics—will be the field that TG focuses on developing and cultivating in the future."

His gaze swept across the faces of every member of TWICE and ITZY.

"And in this field, TWICE and ITZY are undoubtedly among the top-tier groups in the industry with the most value for collaboration. Whether it is their public recognition, fan base, the individual charm and variety sense of the members, or the rich possibilities inherent in the teams themselves, they make me—and TG Entertainment—very interested."

This was stated very directly; it was both an expression of appreciation and a business assessment.

"Therefore, as the President of TG, I sincerely hope that in the future, I will have the honor of engaging in deeper and more diversified collaborations with TWICE and ITZY. Not just guest appearances or participation in a single program, but exploring projects that can better reflect your unique value, spark greater chemistry, and have more long-term planning."

He clearly raised the level and ambition of the "collaboration."

Immediately following this, he changed the subject again, mentioning a key point—company relationships.

"I know that many people, because of my early experience at SM, place great importance on the connection between TG and SM. That is true; we do have a good foundation for cooperation with SM, such as our multiple collaborations with Red Velvet, aespa, and the seniors of Girls Generation." He did not shy away from this point.

"However," he emphasized, his gaze becoming meaningful, "everyone seems to have overlooked one point—Lee Tima."

Mentioning this name, the expressions of the ITZY members were somewhat subtle. They were all too familiar with this "unofficial Unnie/rival."

"That girl Tima spent quite a long and quite 'eventful' period at JYP." Jiang Zhiyu's mouth curled into a helpless yet doting smile. "Her collaboration with President Park, the commotion she 'stirred up' within JYP, the connections and 'grudges' (jokingly) she built with ITZY and TWICE... all of these constitute a very unique and solid bond between TG and JYP."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone sincere. "To be honest, in my view, the connection and potential for collaboration between TG and JYP are in no way inferior to those with SM. In fact, because of the existence of this 'variable' named Tima, it might be even more flexible and have the potential to spark even more unexpected chemistry."

These words both elevated the value of JYP and its artists (emphasizing TG's desire for collaboration) and cleverly used Lee Tima as a "connection" to serve as a bridge, narrowing the psychological distance between TG and JYP, implying that collaboration was not a castle in the air, but had a realistic foundation and mutual "acquaintances."

At the same time, it also implicitly responded to the outside speculation that "TG is closer to SM," expressing TG's sincerity in seeking to deepen cooperation with JYP.

The private room fell quiet again, with only the subtle bubbling sound of the hot pot broth.

The members of TWICE and ITZY were all digesting these words. Jiang Zhiyu did not paint a specific "pie in the sky" or mention any embarrassing projects; instead, he expounded from a higher and more "serious" level, such as company strategy, group value, and cooperative relationships. This, in turn, made them take it even more seriously.

Because they knew that the "crazy" President in front of them, who could dance to "TT" and sing "Baby Face," was also a true businessman and producer who started from scratch, built TG into a flourishing company in just a few short years, possessed sharp insight, and had astonishing execution. His "ideas" were absolutely not just a joke.

Im Nayeon put away her playful demeanor, her eyes becoming more serious. Park Jihyo and Yoo Jeongyeon exchanged a thoughtful look. As the leader of ITZY, Hwang Yeji felt the responsibility on her shoulders grow a little heavier—President Jiang's words were meant not only for the seniors of TWICE but also for them, ITZY.

Jiang Zhiyu watched the expressions of everyone lost in thought, knowing that his words had taken effect. He did not continue to apply pressure but smiled relaxedly, picked up the serving chopsticks again, and dipped a slice of beef into the mushroom broth pot.

"Of course, these are all possibilities for the future. Tonight is mainly about eating and relaxing." He placed the cooked beef into Im Nayeon's bowl next to him (the action as natural as serving a younger sister). "However, if you all think that TG's philosophy and ideas are at least a little interesting, you might want to talk to President Park and the company's team after you go back. Perhaps we can really find some starting points for cooperation that will surprise each other."

His words both stated his attitude and left a hook, while politely returning the ultimate decision-making power and the initiative to JYP, appearing well-measured in his advance and retreat.

A seemingly relaxed dinner, after the absurd interlude of "Baby Face," ultimately circled back to the core topic of "cooperation" and "the future." And Jiang Zhiyu, with his unique method that blended "unconventionality" and "business acumen," successfully planted a seed named "possibility of TG collaboration" in the hearts of the core members of JYP's two top girl groups.

Whether the seed can sprout and what kind of tree it will grow into still requires time, opportunity, and more practical considerations.

But at least tonight, Jiang Zhiyu let everyone see that TG Entertainment and he himself are serious about collaborating with JYP and have come prepared.

Next, it depends on how JYP responds.

—— Haidilao Private Room · A Silent Consensus and the Prologue to the Future

Jiang Zhiyu's words, which cleverly blended "playfulness" with "ambition" and "personal connection" with "corporate strategy," were like a carefully polished stone thrown into a calm lake, sending clear ripples through the hearts of the TWICE and ITZY members.

The brief silence was not a lull in conversation, but rather a moment where everyone was rapidly weighing and digesting what had been said.

Capability.

This word hammered repeatedly in everyone's minds.

The capability of TG Entertainment is no longer just empty talk.

It is like a rapidly rising mountain, with a clear silhouette that draws attention:

Music Production: From anonymous "Z" and "Y" exploding on the music charts to creating multiple hit songs for Kim Taeyeon, IU, Red Velvet, and even ITZY (indirectly through Lee Tima), the music production capability of TG (especially Jiang Zhiyu and Lee Tima) has long been tested by the brutal market and is hailed as having a "Midas touch."

For any idol group, a good song is a lifeline, and TG happens to hold the key to continuously producing these "lifelines."

Variety Show Filming: The success of destined kim hyo-soon has proven its ability to tell stories and unearth the potential of artists; twelve star messengers: records of survival in the mortal realm has become a hot topic before even airing, with explosive buzz.

Its production model, which is "embarrassing but effective" and "absurd in creativity yet precisely capturing memory points," may make participants feel "miserable," but the attention and commercial value brought by it are visible to the naked eye.

More importantly, TG has demonstrated innovation and control with a highly personal style outside of traditional idol variety shows.

TV Drama Field: Although there is currently only one representative work, the word-of-mouth, viewership ratings, and commercial returns of destined kim hyo-soon are enough to prove TG's mature system in content planning, production quality, and commercial operations.

For idols seeking breakthroughs in the film and television field, this is undoubtedly a highly attractive platform.

Jiang Zhiyu himself is the most concentrated and complex embodiment of TG's capability—a talented producer, a businessman with unique vision, a "genius" who doesn't follow common sense, and... the "social terrorist" who just danced to "TT" and sang "Baby Face."

But no matter which side it is, it cannot be denied that he and the TG Entertainment he leads are currently at the strongest point of an upward trajectory.

An olive branch.

And it was an olive branch extended personally, face-to-face, by the President of the company in an informal but sincere setting.

In the entertainment industry, with its strict hierarchy and complex web of relationships, this level of goodwill and cooperative intent carries great weight in itself.

The signal it sends is: TG values you, and TG is optimistic about the future of collaborating with JYP (especially your groups).

Therefore, no matter how much trauma they have internally regarding those "embarrassing projects" of Jiang Zhiyu (Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Yuna of ITZY, as well as Nayeon who guest-starred, know this well), and no matter how many unspoken complaints they have about his unconventional style, at this moment, facing this opportunity that is laid out before them and is entirely beneficial to their own and their team's development, any rational professional idol and core team member knows how to respond.

On the surface, they absolutely must accept it.

This is not hypocrisy, but the most basic professional competence and survival wisdom.

Refusing or showing coldness might not only cause them to miss a golden opportunity but could also inadvertently offend a partner with huge potential.

Moreover, Jiang Zhiyu's proposal is currently at the level of "expressing intent" and "exploring possibilities," without being forced, and the posture he has taken is graceful enough.

Nayeon was the first to break the silence.

A bright smile, now with a touch more solemnity than before, bloomed on her face again as she raised her drink cup (using tea instead of alcohol): "President Jiang is absolutely right! In the future, we should collaborate more and try new things! We have all been following TG's works; they are truly amazing! I toast to you, President, and look forward to the opportunity to create fun things together in the future!"

Her words both affirmed TG and expressed a positive attitude, while cleverly pushing specific cooperation into the relatively vague but possibility-filled category of "the future" and "fun things."

As the eldest sister and the member in charge of variety show appeal, her statement set the tone.

Park Jihyo, as the former leader and main vocalist, also followed closely by raising her glass, her tone steady and sincere: "Thank you, President Jiang, for valuing us, TWICE and ITZY. TG's capability and creativity are obvious to all, and we also believe that if there is a suitable opportunity and project in the future, a collaboration will surely be very pleasant and can spark great chemistry."

Her words were more cautious, emphasizing "suitable opportunity" and "project," which not only expressed an open attitude but also implicitly suggested that cooperation needs to be built on the foundation of high-quality content.

Hwang Yeji, representing ITZY, also raised her glass.

Although young, her attitude was neither servile nor overbearing: "President Jiang, ITZY is still very young and has been learning and growing. Being able to discuss the possibility of cooperation with such an excellent production team as TG is a precious opportunity for us. We will take the President's sincerity and ideas back to discuss them properly with the company and the members. Looking forward to the future."

She placed ITZY in the position of "learning" and "discussing," which both respected TG and maintained the bottom line of the team's autonomous decision-making, answering flawlessly.

The other members, whether it was TWICE's Yoo Jeongyeon, Sana, Mina, Chaeyoung, Kim Da-hyun, or Tzuyu, or ITZY's Lia, Shin Ryujin, Lee Chaeryeong, or Shin Yuna, all raised their glasses or nodded, with polite, friendly, and even somewhat expectant smiles on their faces.

The private room was filled with the crisp sound of glasses clinking and voices of agreement.

"Looking forward to collaborating!" "Thank you, President Jiang!" "Go TG!"

The atmosphere immediately returned from the "solemn discussion" just now to a "harmonious dinner."

But everyone knew that something had already changed.

Jiang Zhiyu watched this scene before him, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

He knew that the goal for tonight had been half achieved.

He had successfully handed TG's olive branch directly into the hands of the key members of JYP's two core girl groups.

After these members returned, whether out of personal development considerations or team interests, they would inevitably convey the information from tonight and TG's sincerity to the company.

As for what kind of flowers this seed will eventually bloom into and what kind of fruit it will bear, that will require time, opportunities, specific project proposals, and games at the company level.

But at least, he successfully left a deep and positive impression of the keywords "TG Entertainment" and "in-depth cooperation" in the hearts of JYP's most valuable assets.

He smiled and clinked glasses with everyone, drank the beverage in his cup in one gulp, and then warmly greeted them: "Alright, alright, business is done! Everyone, keep eating! If the shrimp paste isn't put in now, it'll get overcooked! Tzuyu, try this, it's a standard essential for Chinese hot pot!"

The topic returned to food and daily life, and the private room was once again filled with laughter.

But an invisible consensus had already been reached: TG Entertainment is a partner worth taking seriously and with whom there is a high probability of significant future intersection.

And for the members of TWICE and ITZY, tonight's meal at Haidilao could be described as "rich in content."

From memories of embarrassing cameos to the addictive collaboration stage, and then to the serious business olive branch... the amount of information was huge and needed to be properly digested.

But regardless, they all understood that the story with TG and with this "atypical" President Jiang had perhaps only just begun.