298: Chapter 278 is so annoying!

The morning hours slipped away amidst the professional and slightly tedious process of equipment installation and debugging.

The technical team from TG Entertainment worked meticulously in the Red Velvet dorm, functioning like a precision machine.

It was not just about installing the various types of cameras; more importantly, they were deploying and debugging the core that supported the entire "Ruined Daily Life" concept—an AI software system integrated with motion sensing, environment recognition, and even preliminary emotional analysis.

This system was an experimental product developed through a partnership between TG Entertainment and a Chinese tech company, aimed at achieving a more intelligent, "immersive" observational filming style with less human intervention.

It could automatically recognize specific behaviors or scenes based on preset rules (such as "Ruined Points" trigger conditions), adjust camera focal lengths, switch angles, and even mark potentially interesting clips.

At the same time, it could also monitor the operational status of the equipment to ensure the continuity and stability of the filming.

Because this was the first time this technology was being officially deployed for the actual filming of a variety show, Jiang Zhiyu placed extra importance on it.

The "test shoot" in the afternoon went far beyond just letting the Red Velvet members get familiar with the environment; its deeper purpose was to comprehensively identify any potential bugs, latency, misjudgments, or compatibility issues in this software and hardware system within an actual application scenario.

This concerned the smoothness of the subsequent official filming and the final presentation effect, so there was no room for even the slightest carelessness.

Therefore, from the arrival of the equipment, unboxing, cabling, and camera positioning, to software installation, parameter configuration, multi-device linkage testing, and signal connection with the on-site director's console... Jiang Zhiyu was present for every step, personally supervising and occasionally exchanging low-voiced words with the technical lead to give instructions or confirm details.

He did not just oversee the big picture like some big-name PDs; instead, he delved into the technical level, demonstrating an astonishing familiarity with various parameters and feedback, as well as high professional standards.

This kept the TG Entertainment technicians from slacking off in the slightest, and also made the watching Red Velvet members and the SM Manager click their tongues in private—this young CEO's range of expertise and depth of study were truly beyond imagination.

The entire installation and debugging process lasted from morning until afternoon, taking a total of about six hours.

During this time, apart from occasionally standing up to stretch or taking a few sips of that strawberry milkshake that had long since melted (later replaced with warm water by an assistant), Jiang Zhiyu hardly left the scene.

His attention was highly focused, his gaze sharp, as he would check the data streams on his tablet, observe the actual camera feeds, or raise questions about some abnormally fluctuating parameter.

That focused, rigorous, and even somewhat "tech geek"-like persistent work state was completely different from his usual gentle-as-jade or occasionally sly and teasing image, yet they blended together strangely to form a unique and highly charismatic professional aura.

The Red Velvet members were initially watching curiously from their respective rooms or the edge of the living room, but seeing that the process was long and highly professional, they gradually went about their own business, only occasionally having their attention drawn by the technicians' discussions or Jiang Zhiyu's clear instructions.

Soon, it was approaching noon.

After a busy morning, everyone was feeling famished.

According to common sense, as the hosts and partners, it was only right for Red Velvet to play the role of host and invite Jiang Zhiyu and the TG Entertainment staff to have a meal together.

Yeri took the lead and actively suggested, "PD Jiang, and everyone from TG, you've worked hard all morning! It's almost lunchtime, and there are a few good restaurants nearby. Let's go out and eat together? It's our treat!"

Joy also chimed in, "Yeah, it's a way to thank everyone for the hard work installing the equipment."

Wendy and Seulgi nodded in agreement, and even Bae Joo-hyun, who had been somewhat distracted (or rather, sulking the whole time), lifted her eyes reluctantly at her teammates' signal, which counted as tacit approval of the proposal.

However, facing Red Velvet's kind invitation, Jiang Zhiyu smiled and shook his head politely but firmly.

"Thank you all for your kindness, but please don't go to the trouble."

His gaze swept over the equipment that was mostly installed and undergoing final joint debugging, and he explained, "The equipment debugging is still at a critical stage, and we need to ensure nothing goes wrong for the afternoon's test shoot. Our TG Entertainment team needs to seize the time to resolve a few small issues discovered during the test and conduct final stress tests. Time is tight, so we'll just grab a simple lunch here."

The reason he gave was very sufficient and legitimate.

As the project lead, ensuring the stability of the core technical aspects clearly took priority over a social lunch.

Moreover, his tone was gentle yet unquestionable, revealing an attitude of extreme responsibility toward his work.

Hearing this, the Red Velvet members, although a bit disappointed (mostly Yeri and Joy, who felt they had lost a good opportunity for gossip and observation), expressed their understanding.

After all, he was working overtime to ensure the quality of their show.

Wendy asked with concern, "Then... do you need us to help bring anything back? Or should we order takeout for you?"

Jiang Zhiyu politely declined again, "No need, we've already arranged it. Thank you."

Seeing that he was firm, the Red Velvet members didn't press the issue any further.

They also needed to eat and rest to prepare for the afternoon's test shoot.

Thus, the five members of Red Velvet, accompanied by their Manager, left the dorm to go find food.

The dorm became much quieter instantly, leaving only the sounds of the busy TG Entertainment technical team and the low hum of the machines.

Jiang Zhiyu watched their departing backs, and only after the door closed did he let out a soft sigh of relief.

It wasn't that he was unsociable, but the afternoon's test shoot was crucial, and he had to concentrate all his energy on technical preparation and process control.

Socializing could be left for a more appropriate time.

He turned around, refocusing his attention on the console screen in front of him, and said to the technical lead beside him, "Alright, they've left. Let's hurry and troubleshoot those three potential conflicts we marked earlier, especially the AI's recognition logic for complex multi-person scenes..."

His voice was steady and clear, his gaze became sharp and focused again, and he was completely in work mode.

Meanwhile, the Red Velvet members out for a meal sat in the restaurant, and the topic of conversation naturally circled back to the young CEO who was focused on his work back at the dorm.

"Wow... PD Jiang is really serious when he works; he barely moved all morning." Seulgi bit on her straw and sighed.

"After all, it's the first time their company's new technology is being used, so it's only right to be cautious." Wendy analyzed rationally.

"But... didn't he refuse a bit too bluntly?" Yeri blinked and lowered her voice, "Do you guys think... he doesn't want to eat with us? Especially... with a certain Unnie?"

Her eyes glanced meaningfully at Bae Joo-hyun, who was silently cutting her steak across from her.

Bae Joo-hyun's hand cutting the steak paused imperceptibly, then returned to normal, though her fingers gripping the knife and fork tightened slightly.

She didn't respond, but a ripple uncontrollably arose in her heart.

He didn't want to eat together?

Because... he didn't want to see me?

Or... was it really just because of work?

She shook her head, forcing herself not to think about that man who disturbed her peace of mind.

Focus on eating and prepare for the afternoon's filming, she told herself.

However, that side profile of him wearing a suit and staring intently at the screen seemed to be imprinted in her mind, unable to be shaken off.

In the dorm, the debugging work was in full swing; in the restaurant, the lunch with different thoughts proceeded quietly.

The afternoon's test shoot was approaching, and what it would bring might be far more than just a simple equipment test.

The five members of Red Velvet finished their lunch at a well-regarded Korean restaurant nearby, then stopped by a dessert shop and a convenience store, buying some snacks and drinks to bring back to the busy TG Entertainment staff (even though Jiang Zhiyu said it wasn't necessary, they felt it was only polite).

Carrying a few small shopping bags filled with delicately packaged macarons, handmade cookies, and a few cans of fruit juice, they returned to the apartment building while chatting and laughing.

Just as they reached the entrance of the apartment building, a large, luxurious van that was pitch black, sleek, and clearly expensive was slowly starting up, preparing to drive away.

The car windows were tinted with dark privacy film, making it impossible to see inside.

And just as the door was about to close, a figure nimbly jumped out from the passenger seat.

It was a tall young man wearing a crisp, well-fitting black suit, white gloves, and with his hair meticulously styled.

After getting out, he bowed slightly toward the driver's seat, then turned and walked briskly with steady steps toward the passageway on the other side of the apartment building. His movements were clean and efficient, and his demeanor was as professional as a high-end hotel doorman or a private butler's attendant.

The Red Velvet members happened to brush past this "Suit Man" and couldn't help but take a few extra looks.

"Mwoya?" Yeri was the first to make a confused sound, her eyes wide, watching the departing black van and the direction the "Suit Man" had vanished, "Are delivery workers this high-end now? The car they drive is even more impressive than our van? And the clothes... that's a suit, right? Is it custom-made? Shouldn't they be wearing helmets, riding buzzing motorcycles, and wearing colorful uniforms covered in logos?"

Joy also looked confused, "Could it be... exclusive delivery from a private restaurant? But isn't this a bit too much? A bodyguard-cum-delivery person?"

Wendy pushed up her glasses, thoughtful, "Judging by the specifications of that car and the man's attire, it looks more like... VIP transport or exclusive service staff from a high-end hotel or private club."

Seulgi simply sighed, "Wow... what a cool car, and the way that person walks is so imposing."

Only Bae Joo-hyun did not follow the black car or the "Suit Man" with her gaze; instead, it fell on a white paper bag that had just been discarded next to the trash can at the apartment entrance, which looked like it was of excellent quality.

The paper bag had been casually crumpled into a ball and thrown on the edge of the trash can, but the hot-stamped, highly recognizable logo on it was clearly visible.

The Shilla Hotel.

One of the most top-tier luxury hotels in Seoul.

Bae Joo-hyun's footsteps came to a sudden halt.

She recognized that logo.

As an artist who had debuted for many years and attended many high-end occasions, she was all too familiar with the packaging of such top-tier hotels.

An absurd yet logical conjecture pierced her mind like an ice pick.

That person wearing a suit who got out of the luxury black car... could he be a delivery staff member from The Shilla Hotel? And was that black car a VIP transport or exclusive delivery vehicle from the hotel?

Then... the things he delivered...

Bae Joo-hyun's gaze uncontrollably shifted to the small snack bags she was carrying in her hand, bought from a regular dessert shop and a convenience store, with simple and even somewhat cheap packaging.

An indescribable sense of contrast and a subtle feeling of shame, mixed with the stuffiness and anger accumulated over the morning, rushed up at once.

Damn it, Jiang Zhiyu!

She cursed fiercely in her heart.

What on earth was their lunch?!

The Shilla Hotel delivery... what level of meal would that be? Was it a signature set menu from the hotel restaurant? Or a special offering from the executive lounge? Or... was it specially customized by the chef?

Shibal...

No wonder he refused the invitation to go out for a meal with them so bluntly!

No wonder he said "it's already been arranged" and declined their offer to help bring food or order takeout!

It turned out he had long since arranged for top-tier hotel delivery! The kind that arrives in a luxury car with someone in a suit and tie delivering it to the door!

And just now in the restaurant, they had thought that Korean restaurant tasted good, and even felt the snacks they bought back were quite delicate, planning to bring them back as a gesture of kindness...

Now it seems...

Bae Joo-hyun's gaze fell back onto that discarded paper bag with the "The Shilla Hotel" logo.

The bag didn't look small; it must have contained quite a lot of things.

But now, it was crumpled into a ball and thrown by the side of the trash can, just like... just like some kind of kitchen waste.

This realization pricked her gently like a thin needle.

It was clearly packed with... what now looked like kitchen waste food...

She was referring to the small snacks in their hands that were originally intended as a "gesture of kindness."

A more surging emotion, mixed with a sense of class disparity (though she didn't want to admit it), the embarrassment of being outdone, and the feeling of being ridiculous for her "little gesture" just now, instantly overwhelmed her.

Jiang Zhiyu... you really did it on purpose, didn't you?

Purposely using this low-key luxury and casual contrast to highlight the financial power and taste of their TG Entertainment (or rather, his own)?

To silently "crush" their kindness?

Or was it simply his daily standard of consumption, and he never considered going out for a normal Korean meal with them as a viable option?

Either way, it made Bae Joo-hyun feel extremely annoyed.

She pursed her lips tightly, her delicate face covered in a layer of frost.

The frustration she had swallowed earlier from the "hit-and-run" tactic, combined with the feeling of being "dimensionally crushed" right now, put her in the worst possible mood.

"Unnie? What's wrong? Aren't we going?" Yeri's voice pulled her back to reality.

Bae Joo-hyun took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the churning emotions in her heart, and shook her head expressionlessly, "It's nothing, let's go."

She took the lead and walked into the apartment building, her steps faster and heavier than usual.

The bag of small snacks she was carrying felt exceptionally heavy and... eyesore at this moment.

The other members also noticed the The Shilla Hotel bag and exchanged surprised and complex glances, but seeing Bae Joo-hyun's bad expression, they didn't dare to ask more and quickly followed.

In the elevator, the atmosphere was somewhat silent.

Bae Joo-hyun stared at the rising floor numbers, but her heart was in a mess.

The Shilla Hotel delivery...

Jiang Zhiyu...

The afternoon's test shoot...

She suddenly had a premonition that the afternoon's "test shoot" probably wouldn't be as simple as just testing equipment.

That man always had a way of using all sorts of unexpected methods to disturb her peace of mind.

So. Annoying.