292: Chapter 272 I Don't Want to Go to Work

Her eyes darted around; clearly, she hadn't given up on the idea of "scoring benefits" from Jiang Zhiyu.

Jiang Zhiyu also sensed Sunny's persistent, probing gaze, as well as the subtle atmosphere at the dinner table that was gradually heating up (and becoming increasingly prone to veering off track) due to the consecutive mentions of Kim Taeyeon and Im Yoona.

He knew deep down that if they kept chatting about the two of them, given Lee Tima's outspoken "assisting" ability and Sunny's opportunistic guidance, the situation would likely become difficult to control, potentially even showing signs of another "battlefield" like the Red Velvet dinner.

Therefore, he made a swift decision, changed the subject, and proactively steered the conversation toward a broader, "safer" territory—the current status and future plans of TG Entertainment.

"Speaking of which," Jiang Zhiyu set down his water glass, leaned back slightly, and spoke with a more formal, business-oriented posture, "The current development focus of TG Entertainment, in addition to content production, is also actively expanding its strategic partnership network."

He paused, his gaze sweeping calmly over those present, and dropped a piece of news with significant implications:

"Currently, we are in negotiations with SM Entertainment, hoping to establish a deeper strategic partnership. This is not limited to any specific project, but covers multiple levels such as artist exchange, content co-creation, technology R&D, and even market expansion."

This news caused everyone present to freeze slightly.

Sunny's brain immediately began high-speed analysis: Strategic partners? Jiang Zhiyu and SM? Doesn't that mean his future interactions with SM artists will be more frequent and in-depth? Especially... aespa!

No wonder he gifted aespa such a special Lemm! Before, she thought it was purely out of junior-senior affection or old acquaintances (he had mentored them at SM), but now it seems there were likely commercial considerations involved! Pre-emptive binding, showcasing technology, strengthening relationships... killing multiple birds with one stone! He truly deserves to be a President at such a young age; his mind runs deep!

Thinking of this, the look in Sunny's eyes when she glanced at Jiang Zhiyu, aside from the previous "calculation" and "covetousness," added a bit of "as expected, he's impressive" recognition.

But recognition is one thing, and her goal hadn't changed! Since Jiang Zhiyu voluntarily mentioned the cooperation with SM and set the stage so grandly... Opportunity!

Sunny's face immediately piled up with a bright, almost sycophantic smile. She leaned forward, lifted her juice cup with both hands, and spoke to Jiang Zhiyu in a tone mixed with exaggerated respect and half-joking playfulness:

"Wow—! President!" She specifically used the more formal honorific, her eyes shining startlingly bright, "Look! We, Girls Generation, are also a resounding, time-tested 'gold-standard brand' under SM! Unlike emerging forces like aespa, we represent SM's heritage and foundation!"

She paused, observing Jiang Zhiyu's reaction. Seeing his calm expression and lack of impatience, she struck while the iron was hot and directly threw out the proposal she had been brewing for a long time:

"Since you are going to have a strategic partnership with SM, then... would you consider 'privately customizing' an exclusive variety show for us, Girls Generation?"

As soon as these words were out, the atmosphere at the dinner table changed instantly.

Kim Taeyeon had been digesting the "strategic cooperation" information, but upon hearing this, her eyes lit up instantly like little stars being ignited. She subconsciously stole a glance at Jiang Zhiyu, her heart pounding. A variety show planned by Jiang Zhiyu... The experience and gains from "music steps" were unprecedented for her. If it were customized for Girls Generation... what would that be like?

Im Yoona was also visibly moved. She had just been thinking about her movie role and the "necessary support" Jiang Zhiyu mentioned, and now her expectations for a variety show were stirred up. As an actress, appearing on variety shows during movie promotional periods was an essential step, but those routine games and cookie-cutter interviews were sometimes really boring. If there could be a unique promotional variety show helmed by Jiang Zhiyu, tailored for Girls Generation (or at least for the members who were actresses)... the effect would be absolutely incomparable! It wouldn't be a "maybe," it would "definitely" go viral! She had already witnessed Jiang Zhiyu's creativity and control in programs like "twelve star envoys."

Even Lee Tima stopped chewing, looking at Jiang Zhiyu curiously, wanting to know how Oppa would answer.

Jiang Zhiyu's fingers began to tap the table unconsciously, making a rhythmic, light sound. He didn't answer Sunny immediately but fell into a brief contemplation.

Girls Generation... The name itself was a symbol of an era, the national girl group, with an unshakable status. But as Sunny said, they were now more like a "gold-standard brand," symbolizing a glorious past and a stable present. Each member had already cultivated deep roots in their respective fields (solo singer, actress, variety personality, fashion, etc.), possessing relatively independent careers and life trajectories. Forcing them together to do a "group variety show," if the content were mediocre and lacked innovation, would likely be criticized by picky audiences as "rehashing old stuff" or "kidnapping nostalgia," and might even invite sighs like "Girls Generation cannot be Girls Generation forever." The risk was not small.

But... In Jiang Zhiyu's mind, images began to construct rapidly.

What if... he didn't make it a traditional "team variety show," but positioned it as a "special project with a limited theme, serving promotional purposes"?

His gaze lingered on Im Yoona for a moment. Movie promotion... A thought flashed like a spark.

Among Girls Generation, the proportion of members with acting backgrounds was high. Im Yoona, Kwon Yuri, Choi Sooyoung... even Kim Taeyeon had a unique camera presence and narrative quality.

What if he used a nonsensical, comedic "adapted script" as the core framework? For example, setting an absurd background (similar to "twelve star envoys" but closer to reality?), and having the members play characters with distinct personalities within it. Taking some elements from the movie "the crab" (such as tension, pursuit, identity puzzles) and adapting them into a comedy style, integrating them into variety show tasks and plotlines.

Adding some special props unique to TG Entertainment that carried a sense of technology or fantasy (for example... a simplified version of Lemm's functions? Or fun equipment like in "squirtle water gun battle"?) to increase the show's watchability and buzz.

This way, it could satisfy the needs of movie promotion (naturally embedding "the crab" elements), fully leverage the individual charm and variety sense of Girls Generation members (especially the acting talent of the actresses), and utilize TG's innovative advantages in variety production to create a special program that had both nostalgia and freshness, dramatic tension and plenty of laughs.

It seemed... quite promising. Risks and opportunities coexisted. But if planned properly and executed well, this might become a classic case of a win-win for multiple parties: boosting movie popularity, consolidating the Girls Generation brand, showcasing TG Entertainment's production strength, and even... paving the way for other future collaborations.

Jiang Zhiyu's fingers tapping the table stopped. He raised his eyes, meeting Sunny's expectant (and calculating) gaze, as well as the hope flickering in the eyes of Kim Taeyeon and Im Yoona.

His lips slowly curled into an arc filled with contemplation and interest.

"An exclusive variety show for Girls Generation..." He mused, his tone no longer as business-like as when discussing the strategic partnership, but instead adding a hint of a creator's eagerness, "This proposal... is quite interesting."

The remnants of dinner were tidied up simply, and it was getting late. Jiang Zhiyu checked his watch and stood up to leave.

Lee Tima was hugging a sofa cushion, clinging to Kim Taeyeon's side like a koala, her little face full of reluctance, clearly saying, "I don't want to leave, there are delicious Unnies and a comfortable sofa here."

"Tima, it's time to go back." Jiang Zhiyu's voice was gentle but carried an undeniable firmness.

"Oppa~ let's stay a little longer~" Lee Tima acted coquettishly, the scent of wax plums seemingly carrying a clingy air, "Taeyeon Unnie's home is so comfortable! And I still haven't finished what I promised IU Unnie..."

"Don't forget," Jiang Zhiyu interrupted her, reminding her in a flat tone, "Your IU Unnie is still waiting at Loen for her 'slave' to return and report for duty. An 'empty-nester' alone at home will get lonely."

He deliberately used the term "empty-nester," clearly having heard the phrase Sunny previously used to tease Kim Taeyeon, and now returned it intact to Lee Tima and her "creditor," IU.

Lee Tima's little face instantly fell, and her shoulders slumped.

She could act shamelessly with Jiang Zhiyu, but when she thought of IU Unnie's seemingly calm but actually "murderous" face, and the possibility of double the "slave" punishment... she chickened out.

"Fine..." Lee Tima reluctantly let go of the pillow and stood up dejectedly. She sighed like a little adult, "IU Unnie is really something... She clearly has plenty of work herself."

Watching his younger sister's expression, a hint of a smile flashed in Jiang Zhiyu's eyes. He nodded to Kim Taeyeon and the others, "Then we shall take our leave. Thank you for your hospitality, Taeyeon Noona, and to all the other Noonas, sorry for the intrusion today."

Kim Taeyeon also hurriedly stood up, "Not at all, it was thanks to you and Tima's help today."

Im Yoona and Sunny also rose to see them off.

Seeing that Jiang Zhiyu was about to leave with Lee Tima, who kept looking back every few steps, things should have ended there.

However, how could Sunny let go of this perfect opportunity for "observation" and "a little push"?

"Oh! Wait!" Sunny suddenly called out, a look of extreme "enthusiastic hospitality" on her face. She darted behind Kim Taeyeon, pressed her hands onto Kim Taeyeon's shoulders without giving her a chance to resist, and gave her a gentle push forward—

"The guests are leaving, how can the host not see them downstairs? This is basic etiquette! Taeyeon, go, go!"

She used her strength cleverly. Caught off guard, Kim Taeyeon stumbled forward two steps, heading straight toward Jiang Zhiyu, who had already turned around and was about to open the door!

"Ah!" Kim Taeyeon let out a low cry, about to collide with Jiang Zhiyu's back.

Jiang Zhiyu's reaction was extremely fast. Hearing the commotion, he immediately sidestepped and reached out, firmly steadying Kim Taeyeon's arm as she lunged forward due to the loss of balance. His palm was warm and strong, transmitting through the thin fabric of her sleeve onto Kim Taeyeon's skin.

The distance between the two instantly shortened until they could almost feel each other's breath. Kim Taeyeon looked up, still shaken, and met Jiang Zhiyu's eyes, which were right in front of her, filled with inquiry and a hint of concern. That familiar, rich fruity scent enveloped her even more intensely, causing her heartbeat, which had just calmed down, to lose control again.

"Are you okay, Taeyeon Noona?" Jiang Zhiyu's voice sounded in her ear, low and gentle.

"I-I'm fine!" Kim Taeyeon stood upright abruptly as if scalded and pulled back her arm, her cheeks flushed red. She glared fiercely at Sunny, who was covering her mouth and giggling behind them, "Sunny, what are you doing!"

"Seeing the guests off!" Sunny replied righteously, blinking her eyes, "Look, Zhiyu even steadied you, isn't that perfect? Hurry up and go see them off!"

Jiang Zhiyu also let go of his hand, seemingly understanding Sunny's "good intentions," but he didn't say anything, just smiled at Kim Taeyeon, "Then... it would be a trouble for you to see us to the elevator, Noona."

Since he had put it that way, Kim Taeyeon couldn't refuse anymore. She could only, with a burning face, under Sunny's "Go for it" look and Im Yoona's somewhat complicated gaze, follow Jiang Zhiyu and Lee Tima out the apartment door.

Im Yoona watched the three figures disappear at the doorway, the smile on her face somewhat strained. Her hands hanging by her sides unconsciously clenched slightly. A subtle emotion, which she herself might not even fully understand, spread in her heart. Was it because of Sunny's obvious matchmaking? Or because of the natural intimacy (in her view) when Jiang Zhiyu steadied Taeyeon Unnie just now? Or, was it simply because of... some indescribable sense of disparity?

Sunny, meanwhile, stroked her chin and watched the closed door, a weird smile on her face—the kind that appears when one discovers a shocking secret, tinged with a bit of lewdness (?)—and muttered to herself, "Tsk tsk, that steadying was so smooth... that reaction was so fast... these two, definitely—have something going on!"

"Unnie!" Hearing her words, Im Yoona couldn't help but frown, her tone carrying a hint of irritation she hadn't even noticed herself, "Stop talking nonsense!"

"How am I talking nonsense?" Sunny spread her hands, her eyes shining brightly, "My intuition tells me, tonight's 'gossip' is definitely ripe!"

Inside the elevator, the space was narrow, and the lights were soft.

Kim Taeyeon stood beside Jiang Zhiyu, still feeling a bit uncomfortable, trying hard to calm her heartbeat. Lee Tima, on the other hand, was looking curiously at the elevator buttons, her little head wondering what she was thinking about.

Jiang Zhiyu suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. One hand was casually tucked into his dress pants pocket, while the other was raised to rub Lee Tima's head beside him. The gesture was affectionate, but the force of the rubbing seemed... a bit heavier than usual?

While rubbing Lee Tima's hair (Lee Tima: "Aigoo~ Oppa! It hurts, it hurts!"), he turned his head to look at Kim Taeyeon and asked in a casual tone:

"I heard from Tima... that you want me to make a Lemm, Noona?"

"Neh—?!" Kim Taeyeon's reaction was huge. She whipped her head around, her eyes wide, her face full of shock and confusion, and her voice involuntarily raised a pitch.

When did I say that?! I didn't even know about it! She screamed internally. Could it be that she had muddled through and admitted something when Sunny was interrogating her earlier? That's not right! Sunny asked about her relationship with Jiang Zhiyu! What does that have to do with a Lemm?! Lee Tima, that brat! Spreading rumors again!

Jiang Zhiyu took in her overreaction, a flash of knowing amusement in his deep eyes, along with a hint of... subtle mischief? The force with which he rubbed Lee Tima's head increased by a fraction, as if punishing a certain little liar who was spouting nonsense.

"Is it not?" He asked back deliberately, his tone carrying a touch of confusion, "But... I'm already making it."

These words were like a thunderbolt, striking Kim Taeyeon once again.

Already... making it?! Because of a (suspected) lie from Lee Tima?!

Lee Tima was being rubbed until she was grimacing in pain and finally couldn't take it anymore. She shouted aggrievedly, "Oppa! Go easy! I was wrong! I shouldn't have lied and said Taeyeon Unnie wanted a Lemm! I just... I just saw that Sunny Unnie wanted one so much, and thought Taeyeon Unnie might like one too! Ouch!"

So that was it! It was this little girl who, to help Sunny (or simply just messing around), had deliberately lied in front of Jiang Zhiyu! And Jiang Zhiyu... actually believed it? And really started making one?

Kim Taeyeon watched Lee Tima's pitiful state as she yelped under the "punishment," then looked at Jiang Zhiyu's seemingly calm expression, which actually held a smile in his eyes. She was torn between laughter and tears, and the surprise of being suddenly "accused" turned into resignation and a hint of... strange softness.

She couldn't help but reach out and tap Jiang Zhiyu's arm lightly (it felt solid), her voice carrying a hint of coquettishness and restraint that she hadn't even noticed herself: "Neh! I do want it. Stop bullying Tima."

Once the words were out, she was stunned herself. This was equivalent to... admitting to this "nonexistent" request?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhiyu indeed let go of Lee Tima's head. Lee Tima immediately hugged her head and hid to the side, aggrievedly rubbing her hair.

Jiang Zhiyu turned his head to face Kim Taeyeon directly. The elevator light fell on his face, outlining clear contours. His eyes were gentle, and a shallow, genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Okay," he said in a low voice, his voice sounding exceptionally clear in the narrow elevator car, "I'll give it to you in a while, Noona. Don't tell anyone else."

His tone was very natural, carrying a touch of intimacy like sharing a secret, as if he were talking about an ordinary matter, yet it contained an unmistakable promise.

Kim Taeyeon's heart felt as if it had been gently bumped by something, aching and softening, and then a sweet, warm current surged up. All the awkwardness, panic, and the resignation of being manipulated seemed to be smoothed over by this sentence in this moment.

He is really going to make it for me. This realization appeared in her mind with absolute clarity, accompanied by his focused gaze and the comforting fruity scent on him.

Not because of Lee Tima's lie, nor because of Sunny's plotting, and perhaps even... not entirely because she "wanted" it. But rather because... he wanted to give it?

The elevator gave a soft "ding," arriving at the first floor. The doors opened slowly.

Jiang Zhiyu nodded to Kim Taeyeon, "Noona, you can stop here. It's cool out at night, go back soon."

Lee Tima also waved obediently, "Goodbye Taeyeon Unnie! Come eat you next time... ah no, come see you!"

Kim Taeyeon stood at the elevator entrance, watching Jiang Zhiyu rub Lee Tima's head (this time the force was much gentler), the two of them walking side by side toward the apartment lobby entrance. The evening breeze blew in from the gate, carrying a hint of coolness, but it couldn't blow away the sweet, warm feeling gradually permeating her heart and a hint of secret excitement.

He really... is going to make a dedicated Lemm for me.