291: Chapter 271 We're out of options, brother.

The atmosphere at the dining table felt somewhat... fragmented, caught between Lee Tima's enthusiastic explanation of the secrets to making fish soup ("The key is that soup stock packet Oppa brought, and the heat control when searing the fish head to remove the fishy smell at the start!") and Sunny's suddenly abnormally "kind" gaze.

Kim Taeyeon felt completely uncomfortable under Sunny's meaningful gaze, which seemed to see through everything while harboring ulterior motives. She couldn't even drink her soup anymore, so she quietly kicked Sunny under the table, using her eyes to warn her to tone it down.

Sunny winced in pain, letting out an exaggerated "Sss," but the smile on her face didn't fade; instead, it became even brighter. She even took the initiative to pick up a piece of charred, fragrant pork belly for Kim Taeyeon: "Taeyeon-ah, eat more. You look like you've been... hmm, needing some nourishment lately." She deliberately emphasized the word "nourishment" in a suggestive tone, her eyes darting toward Jiang Zhiyu sitting opposite.

Kim Taeyeon's face turned red in a "whoosh" again. She gave Sunny another hard kick under the table, this time putting some real force into it.

"Ah!" Sunny couldn't hold back a yelp this time, causing both Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona to look over.

"Sunny Unnie, what's wrong?" Im Yoona asked.

"N-nothing!" Sunny rubbed her kicked calf, grimacing, but still didn't forget to wink and make faces. "The floor is a bit slippery, I almost fell. Luckily, Taeyeon 'reminded' me." She said the word "reminded" through gritted teeth.

Jiang Zhiyu looked at Kim Taeyeon, who was blushing and burying her head, pretending to be focused on picking fish bones, and then at the expressive Sunny. He seemed to understand something, a flash of knowing amusement crossing his eyes, but he didn't point it out. He just said gently: "Be careful. Do you need any help?"

"No need, no need!" Sunny waved her hands quickly, but she was blooming with joy inside. Look at that, look at that! How much Jiang Zhiyu cares about Taeyeon's reaction! This "bridge" practically comes with its own sensor!

Dinner continued, but with undercurrents flowing. Sunny stopped trying to "slow-slice" Kim Taeyeon with her gaze and began to put her "resource utilization" plan into practice.

She first mentioned, seemingly unintentionally: "Speaking of which, today was really thanks to Jiang Zhiyu and Lee Tima. Yoona learned the techniques, and we got to have such delicious fish soup and grilled meat. It feels like we're celebrating in advance." She deliberately didn't mention what they were celebrating, but her gaze swept between Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona.

Im Yoona paused, feeling a bit embarrassed. Jiang Zhiyu smiled: "Yoona Noona was very serious and learned quickly."

"Right, right!" Sunny immediately chimed in, her tone exaggerated. "Our Yoona is really determined! For that... uh, character experience, she even killed the fish herself! This kind of professional dedication deserves a big reward!" As she said this, she looked at Kim Taeyeon again, "Taeyeon, don't you agree? As the leader, shouldn't you show some appreciation?"

Kim Taeyeon was called out and froze for a moment, nodding subconsciously: "Ah? Yeah... Yoona is working very hard."

"Verbal praise isn't enough!" Sunny waved her hands, then her eyes lit up as if she had just thought of a brilliant idea. "Hey! Jiang Zhiyu, doesn't your TG Entertainment have a lot of novel and fun things? That... what was it... Lemm? The smart assistant? I see the kids in aespa have them, they're fun and practical! If you could get one for our Yoona too, to put in the lounge or at home, it could help remind her of her schedule and help her relax. It would be a souvenir and a reward for her hard work 'experiencing life' this time! Plus, how convenient would it be for Yoona to have a smart little helper when she's filming later on!"

She finally revealed her true intentions, tossing out the "Lemm," but cleverly wrapped it in the guise of "rewarding Im Yoona's professionalism" and "assisting with future work." She also dragged Kim Taeyeon into it with the stance of "a leader should show appreciation," making it sound reasonable and even full of concern for her juniors.

Upon hearing "Lemm," Lee Tima immediately looked up, her mouth still stuffed with meat, and said vaguely: "Lemm? Our TG Entertainment's Lemm is great! It can even transform! Does Yoona Unnie want one? I can ask Oppa to make a special version for you!"

Im Yoona was a bit bewildered by this sudden "reward." She glanced at Jiang Zhiyu and quickly waved her hands: "No, no, that's too much trouble..."

Sunny cut her off: "What trouble? Jiang Zhiyu is a 'genius,' making a Lemm is just a piece of cake for him, right? Right, Jiang Zhiyu?" She put the pressure on Jiang Zhiyu while frantically signaling Kim Taeyeon with her eyes: Speak up! Help out! This is getting benefits for your Yoona!

Kim Taeyeon was dizzy from Sunny's maneuvers, but hearing that it was about getting benefits for Yoona (even if the motive was suspicious), she hesitantly spoke up, her voice not loud: "If... if it's not too much trouble..." She looked at Jiang Zhiyu, her eyes somewhat complex.

Jiang Zhiyu took in everyone's reactions. Sunny's agitation, Lee Tima's teasing, Im Yoona's helplessness, and Kim Taeyeon's gaze, which held hesitation and a hint of imperceptible anticipation (perhaps for Yoona, perhaps... for something else).

He put down his chopsticks and wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin, his movements elegant. Then, he looked at Sunny, his face still wearing that gentle and peaceful smile, but his eyes held a bit more clarity of insight.

"Sunny Noona," he said slowly, his voice clear. "The production of Lemm involves some patented technology and special materials. It is currently still in the internal testing and improvement stage, not a mass-produced toy or tool. The ones given to the members of aespa and IZ*ONE were also based on specific cooperation projects and camaraderie. Making new ones rashly would not only require time and technical evaluation, but could also disrupt the existing balance."

He explained with sound reasoning, neither directly refusing nor easily agreeing, and he pointed out the "camaraderie" and "specific cooperation."

Sunny's heart skipped a beat; she knew it wouldn't be that simple. But would she give up easily? She immediately put on an "I understand, I understand" expression: "Ah~ I understand, I understand! After all, it's high-tech! But, our Yoona is going to be the female lead in the movie you're writing! This cooperation is 'specific' enough, right? Doesn't this camaraderie deserve a special souvenir?" She threw out the heavy bargaining chip of "movie female lead" again, and emphasized "the one you're writing."

Im Yoona's face turned even redder. She wanted to explain that the script hadn't been finalized yet, but was stopped by a gentle kick from Sunny under the table.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhiyu turned his gaze toward Im Yoona, his eyes deep. Im Yoona met his gaze, and her heart skipped a beat for no reason.

"If," Jiang Zhiyu's voice was very steady, with no discernible emotion, "if Yoona Noona can ultimately successfully interpret the role of Withe, and the movie can achieve good results... then, as the screenwriter and a participant in the project, a special, commemorative gift is indeed within the scope of consideration."

He gave a future promise full of prerequisites. By linking the gift of the Lemm directly to Im Yoona's performance results and the movie's success, he elevated the value of the gift, cleverly avoided Sunny's aggressive "give it now" demand, and kept the initiative firmly in his own hands.

Sunny opened her mouth, wanting to fight for an "advance" or a more explicit guarantee, but Jiang Zhiyu had already smilingly changed the subject, asking about Lee Tima's plans for tomorrow and reminding her not to forget her "slave" time back at Loen.

The topic was brushed aside, and the first wave of Sunny's plan seemed to have been lightly defused by Jiang Zhiyu. But Sunny was not discouraged. She looked at Jiang Zhiyu's composed response, then at the thoughtful Kim Taeyeon and the slightly disappointed Im Yoona (perhaps because of that "if") beside her, and the gleam in her eyes grew brighter.

It doesn't matter, this is just the beginning. With the pretext of "if the movie succeeds, I'll give a Lemm," there will be plenty of opportunities for contact in the future! And... her gaze fell on Kim Taeyeon again, and a more "thoughtful" plan slowly took shape. Perhaps she could cut in from the angle of "helping Taeyeon get one too"? After all, the relationship between Taeyeon and Jiang Zhiyu... seems more "deserving" of an exclusive gift!

Dinner was nearing its end, and the food on the table had been mostly wiped out. Outside the window, the night deepened, and the apartment was filled with a mix of the aroma of grilled meat, the freshness of fish soup, and the faint scent of fruit and wintersweet.

Sunny's "Pink Lemm Capture Operation: Chaotic Resource Utilization Edition," although it didn't succeed at the first attempt, had already completed its strategic transformation. The next battlefield might be more tortuous, but it was also destined to be more "exciting." After all, with cards like Kim Taeyeon, Im Yoona, and Lee Tima in her hand, was she afraid of not finding a chance to "checkmate"?

She licked her lips, as if she had already tasted the sweet flavor of victory (and the pink Lemm).

After Jiang Zhiyu's watertight response, which linked the "gift" to the distant "movie success," Sunny's brain was not discouraged; instead, it was like it had been wound up, starting to re-plan at an even faster speed.

The first exploratory attack was perfectly blocked... that's okay, then proceed to the second step: consolidate relationships, create atmosphere, and find new breakthroughs!

Her gaze swept quickly across everyone at the table — Jiang Zhiyu remained composed, Kim Taeyeon kept her head down to hide her emotions but her ears were slightly red, Im Yoona was looking at Jiang Zhiyu with a dazed expression, and Lee Tima was focused on battling the last piece of grilled meat.

"Ahem," Sunny cleared her throat, her face once again plastered with an enthusiastic smile. She raised her glass of juice, which she hadn't touched much (she was the "sober commander" tonight). "Come, come, come! To thank our Chef Jiang Zhiyu for making such — delicious fish soup and grilled meat tonight, and for also helping our Im Yoona solve a big problem, we must have a toast to show our gratitude!"

As she spoke, she stood up first and signaled the others with her eyes.

Kim Taeyeon hesitated for a moment before picking up her own glass (filled with plain water). Seeing this, Im Yoona also picked up her juice. Lee Tima directly raised her small bowl filled with fish soup: "Cheers, cheers!"

Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly and cooperatively raised the water glass by his side.

"Cheers — !" Sunny shouted, taking the lead, and the crisp sound of glasses clinking rang out.

After finishing this "thank you drink" (which was actually various beverages), Sunny did not sit down immediately. Instead, her gaze carefully scanned the faces of Kim Taeyeon and Im Yoona as they sat back down, capturing their subtle changes in expression — the trace of shyness and faint happiness on Taeyeon's face after being praised, and the anticipation and slight anxiety in Im Yoona's eyes regarding Jiang Zhiyu's "supportive" remarks.

Very good, the emotions are in place.

Striking while the iron was hot, Sunny leaned forward slightly and continued in a tone filled with sincere admiration (or at least, it sounded that way):

"Oh my, speaking of which, Jiang Zhiyu, you guys at TG Entertainment are really... too good!" She gave a thumbs up. "First, you tailored that variety show 'music steps' for our Taeyeon. I watched a few episodes, and the online response was just too good! The topic 'Kim Taeyeon searching for her musical roots'—I don't know how many people's hearts that touched! And now, you've prepared such a challenging movie lead role opportunity for our Im Yoona..."

She paused deliberately, looking at Jiang Zhiyu with burning eyes, her voice rising, filled with unquestionable affirmation:

"Oh my, if anyone says you aren't a genius, I, Lee Soon-kyu, will be the first not to believe it! This eye for people, this ability to plan, it's amazing!"

This flattery was loud and direct; even Lee Tima, who was busy drinking soup, couldn't help but look up, blink, and stare at Sunny Unnie, who had suddenly become so "sycophantic" (in a complimentary way?).

Jiang Zhiyu put down his water glass and looked up at Sunny. A trace of realization flashed in his deep eyes; it seemed he had already seen through the purpose behind her enthusiastic praise. However, he did not expose it, merely maintaining a gentle smile and responding in a calm tone:

"Sunny Noona, you flatter me. The cooperation model of TG Entertainment leans more towards 'private customization'." He first pointed out the core.

Immediately after, his gaze turned to Kim Taeyeon, his tone serious and respectful: "Choosing Taeyeon Noona to collaborate on 'music steps' is because she is an exceptionally excellent singer in her own right, possessing solid vocal skills, rich emotional expression, and extremely high professional standards, with an excellent reputation both inside and outside the industry. What the variety show did was simply to amplify and handle these already shining merits of hers through a more down-to-earth and in-depth lens. What ultimately attracts the audience is always Taeyeon Noona's own musical charm and sincerity."

This evaluation was objective, precise, and filled with respect for his collaborator. Kim Taeyeon kept her head down, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the side of the glass. Her cheeks were flushed, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward, emitting a few small, satisfied, and embarrassed "hehe" sounds, like a cat being petted comfortably.

Im Yoona also looked at Jiang Zhiyu, her eyes filled with obvious anticipation, wanting to know how he would evaluate the "customization" for her.

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze shifted to her as well, his tone remaining steady, but the content was much more realistic:

"As for Yoona Noona..."

Im Yoona unconsciously straightened her back.

"Although from my personal creative perspective, I am more inclined to have her interpret the character 'Withe'," Jiang Zhiyu said bluntly, affirming Im Yoona's status as his "first choice." This made Im Yoona relax, but his next words made her heart tighten again, "But 'the crab' is, after all, the first relatively large-investment film project in TG Entertainment's plan. The projected capital investment is around 10 billion KRW."

He threw out a staggering number, emphasizing the importance of the project.

"As the company's first film, the final determination of the female lead involves considerations from investors, producers, the director's team, and many other parties; it is not something I, as the screenwriter, can decide unilaterally." He clearly delineated the scope of his authority, breaking the "Jiang Zhiyu holds all the power" impression Sunny was trying to create.

"Therefore," he concluded, looking at Im Yoona with a candid gaze, "if Yoona Noona wants to obtain this role, she must still rely on her own efforts, strength, and performance in auditions and subsequent negotiations to win it."

This sounded a bit cruel, but it was the reality of the industry. Im Yoona pursed her lips, but her eyes became even more determined, and she nodded.

"However," Jiang Zhiyu changed the subject, his tone softening slightly, "in terms of script understanding, character background construction, and some preliminary preparation work... I will provide necessary support."

This was the maximum commitment and help he could offer as the screenwriter and core project planner.

"Necessary support?" Lee Tima, who had been burying her head in work, finishing off the last bit of food, suddenly looked up. Her little face was stained with a bit of sauce, her big eyes blinking curiously. Chewing on food, she interrupted with a mumbled question, "What is this 'necessary support' Oppa is talking about? Does it mean teaching Yoona Noona how to act as a mercenary hand-in-hand? Or does it mean... being locked in a small dark room with Yoona Noona, going through the lines sentence by sentence?"

She asked innocently, even with a hint of excitement that "this seems interesting," but the content of her words instantly made the atmosphere at the dining table more subtle.

Hand-in-hand? A small dark room to go over lines?

"Pfft — cough cough!" Kim Taeyeon almost choked on her own saliva.

Im Yoona's face flushed "whoosh" red, and she glared at Lee Tima: "Tima! What nonsense are you talking about!"

Sunny, however, had a flash of brilliance in her eyes, inwardly cheering wildly for Lee Tima:

Good, good, good!!! Lee Tima! Well done! My own sister! You are my long-lost sister!!!

This child always delivers a god-tier assist at critical moments! This question was asked at such a perfect time! It directly made "necessary support" concrete and ambiguous! It was simply asking the things she wanted to probe but couldn't ask directly, in the most innocent way possible!

While trying hard to maintain the calm expression of an "elder," she stared intensely at Jiang Zhiyu with burning eyes, waiting for his answer. At the same time, her peripheral vision didn't miss Kim Taeyeon's instantly stiffened profile and Im Yoona's expression, which was a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.

(Far away in the Loen recording studio or somewhere else, IU, who was paying attention to something, suddenly sneezed for no reason, rubbed her nose, and a sense of inexplicable vigilance flashed through her heart: I have a feeling... my Tima seems to have been targeted by some strange person or thing again?)

Jiang Zhiyu was also stunned for a moment by Lee Tima's sudden, vivid question. He then laughed, reached out to grab a tissue, and naturally wiped the sauce off Lee Tima's face, his movements practiced.

"What are you thinking about," he said with a helpless smile, glanced at Lee Tima, then looked at Im Yoona and explained, "'Necessary support' includes sharing more detailed character background materials, answering questions related to the script, and if necessary, arranging some targeted preliminary auxiliary courses such as action guidance or psychological analysis. As for going over lines... that is the work of the actors and the director, or during formal rehearsals."

He explained clearly and professionally, limiting "support" to the scope of work, which both responded to Lee Tima's "childish talk" and calmed any potential misunderstandings, while once again clarifying the boundaries.

Sunny secretly felt it was a pity, but she also had to admire Jiang Zhiyu's watertight response. However, Lee Tima's stroke of genius had already successfully pushed the "cooperative relationship between Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona" to a level that invited more imagination (at least, it made Sunny and Kim Taeyeon care more).

Her second step of the plan — creating atmosphere, consolidating relationships, and exploring more "usable resources" — although it failed to directly obtain a promise from Lemm, it yielded more valuable intelligence and... "assists."

It seems that to win over the pink Lemm, one still needs to plan for the long term, and furthermore, one needs to more fully "utilize" the complex interpersonal relationships present on the scene. Sunny licked her lips, looking at the increasingly interesting "chess game" before her, her fighting spirit rising even higher.