308: Chapter 288 Five Wangs arrived, but not a single Chen. Fine, let's replace them directly!

The silence in the office of the President of TG Entertainment was broken by a rhythmic knock on the door.

"Come in." Jiang Zhiyu shifted his gaze away from the draft of the official collaboration proposal sent by JYP on his computer screen.

The door was pushed open, and in walked the Deputy Director of the Variety Department at TG Entertainment, a woman in her early thirties wearing black-rimmed glasses, known for her decisive and efficient work style, whose surname was Park.

She held a tablet in her hand, walking with hurried steps but a focused expression.

"President, did you call for me?"

"Yes, Director Park." Jiang Zhiyu pointed to the chair opposite him. "Sit. You've seen the collaboration proposal sent over by JYP regarding the variety show to accompany TWICE's comeback, right?"

Deputy Director Park nodded immediately and sat up straight in the chair: "Yes, President, I just finished reviewing it carefully. Their intent is very clear; they want us to create an exclusive, viral variety show to accompany TWICE's next comeback, drawing on the successful elements of our 'the collapsed daily life' and 'twelve star envoys', while emphasizing the need to integrate TWICE's unique characteristics and JYP's overall planning."

Jiang Zhiyu nodded slightly, tapping his fingertips lightly on the smooth desktop, and mused: "JYP is very proactive this time, and their timing is spot on. TWICE's public recognition and fan base are unquestionable, so making an accompanying variety show has great potential for generating buzz. However..."

His tone shifted, and his eyes became sharp: "We cannot just position ourselves as an 'outsourced variety show production team'. What is the core competitiveness of TG Entertainment? It is our comprehensive creative integration ability and deep understanding of the idol industry chain. From concept planning, music production, and visual presentation, to variety content, promotional marketing, and even derivative development, we should be providing packaged solutions, not just one single link in the chain."

Deputy Director Park's eyes lit up, and she immediately understood the President's meaning: "Does President mean... our reply to JYP shouldn't just be a quote and proposal for 'making a variety show'?"

"That's right." Jiang Zhiyu leaned forward, clasping his hands on the table, his tone steady and powerful, "Do you remember the 'Business Expansion Document No. 5' that we discussed and passed at the last company strategy meeting? The one regarding the concept of tiered cooperation models."

"Of course I remember!" Deputy Director Park quickly pulled up the index for the relevant document on her tablet, "That document initially outlined several standardized service packages tailored to the needs and depth of cooperation of different partners."

A confident curve appeared on the corner of Jiang Zhiyu's mouth: "Now is one of the best times to bring it out and introduce it to the market. JYP is a great litmus test and also a window to showcase TG's new model to the entire industry."

He gave clear instructions: "Director Park, work some overtime and organize the core content of 'Business Document No. 5', especially those three main cooperation package models, into a clear, professional, and attractive presentation document. Focus on highlighting our advantages, the value differences between the different packages, and the comprehensive benefits we can bring to our partners."

"Yes! President!" Deputy Director Park replied immediately, her fingers already rapidly recording the key points on her tablet.

Jiang Zhiyu continued to elaborate: "Then, you will go to JYP in person, not with the sole purpose of 'discussing the TWICE variety show', but as a 'TG Entertainment Business Cooperation Representative' to formally introduce our new package-based cooperation model to them."

He paused to ensure she understood his strategic intent: "Focus on explaining the following three models, and let them see that collaborating with us offers a much broader, more worry-free, and efficient choice than 'just making a variety show'."

Deputy Director Park listened with full attention, her eyes growing brighter.

Jiang Zhiyu explained clearly:

"【New Package Model A: Comprehensive Deep Customization】

Core: The agency provides the personnel (artists), and everything else—including the overall concept planning for this comeback, the creation and production of the title track and B-sides, the creativity and filming of the MV, the choreography design for stage performances, song recording and production, the planning and execution of exclusive promotional variety shows during the comeback period, and even the design and development of related merchandise—is all handled by TG Entertainment.

Selling Point: A one-stop solution that maximizes the integration of creative resources, ensuring a high degree of unity and explosive buzz from music to visuals to promotion. The agency only needs to focus on artist management and final decision-making. Suitable for groups seeking a complete transformation, a major comeback, or trying a brand-new style."

"【New Package Model B: Core Link Collaboration】

Core: The agency provides the personnel and is responsible for the most core aspects: song creation, choreography, and the basic direction of the comeback concept. TG Entertainment undertakes the creative filming and production of the song's MV, the planning and execution of the accompanying variety show during the comeback period, and the design and development of various merchandise.

Selling Point: While respecting the agency's core creative leadership, it introduces TG's professional capabilities in visual presentation, content planning, and derivative development. It's a powerful combination that enhances the overall quality and topic dimension of the comeback. Suitable for groups that have strong self-creation capabilities but hope to seek breakthroughs in promotion and content expansion."

"【New Package Model C: Specialized Content Cooperation】

Core: TG Entertainment is only responsible for the planning and production of the accompanying variety show for the comeback.

Selling Point: The most flexible and focused way of cooperation. It is highly targeted and can quickly utilize TG's expertise in variety show production to inject fresh topics and traffic into the comeback promotion. This is the direction of cooperation that JYP has initially proposed."

Jiang Zhiyu concluded: "Present these three options clearly to them. Let them see that collaborating with us is not a yes-or-no question of 'to make a variety show or not', but a multiple-choice question of 'how to integrate resources in the optimal way to maximize the value of the comeback'. Prices and service content will naturally correspond to different package tiers."

Deputy Director Park had fully understood the President's strategic intent. This was not just responding to a collaboration proposal; it was a key step in TG Entertainment's transformation and upgrade from a "project-based content provider" to a "standardized solution provider". It was about using a clear, professional, and competitive package model to proactively define the rules of cooperation and showcase comprehensive strength.

"I understand, President!" She stood up, her tone full of drive, "I will go back immediately to prepare the materials, guarantee that I will finish a high-quality presentation proposal within tomorrow, and then schedule a time with JYP."

"Very good." Jiang Zhiyu nodded with satisfaction, "Remember, your posture must be professional and confident. We are going there to provide more value choices and possibilities for a win-win situation, not to beg for cooperation. We will finalize the specific price ranges for the packages once the proposal is ready."

"Yes!"

Deputy Director Park left the office with clear instructions and high spirits.

After the door closed, Jiang Zhiyu leaned back into his chair, his gaze falling back onto the JYP invitation document, but this time his eyes were completely different.

Reacting passively is never as good as taking the initiative to make the first move.

JYP's invitation was the perfect opportunity for TG Entertainment to officially introduce the "package model" to the industry and showcase a brand-new commercial stance. He wanted to let Park Jin-young, let JYP, and let all the peers who were watching see that what TG Entertainment provides is no longer just a hit variety show, but a complete solution capable of systematically enhancing the commercial value and artistic presentation of idol groups.

If JYP chose package A or B, it would mean that TG's business scope would achieve a qualitative leap, deeply intervening in music production and visual creativity, and its profit margins and industry influence would be incomparable. Even if they ultimately chose the conservative package C, TG would still have successfully exported its new business model and ambition to the market.

Regardless, this move would not be a loss for TG.

Jiang Zhiyu picked up the coffee on the table that had already gone slightly cold, took a gentle sip, and after the bitterness came a clear, sweet aftertaste. The joy of commercial gaming sometimes lies in this process of cleverly transforming the opponent's "pieces" into the "layout" on one's own chessboard.

Outside the window, night was gradually falling, and the lights in the TG Entertainment building lit up one by one, reflecting the countless figures inside the building who were busy working towards the same goal. A small storm regarding the innovation of cooperation models in the idol industry, quietly initiated by Jiang Zhiyu, was beginning to brew from this President's office, and was about to blow towards JYP and towards a wider market.

——

In Seoul's Gangnam District, inside a high-end beauty salon known for its privacy and technology.

In an independent VIP makeup room, the lights were soft, and the air was filled with high-end fragrance and the faint, distinct scent of cosmetics. IU (Lee Ji-eun) was closing her eyes, letting the salon manager personally wield her tools and work magic on her face. Her request today was exceptionally "specific" yet exceptionally abstract.

"Manager," IU said, eyes closed, her voice clear and earnest, "Please, you must, you must capture that... hmm, a sort of cuteness that carries an undeniable handsomeness, and within that charm, a hint of aloof, cold detachment. The eyes need to look like they have a story, but the overall vibe shouldn't be too heavy; it needs to feel light, just like... the mist of early winter morning, that crisp and mysterious feeling before the sun comes up?"

Yoo In-na, standing behind her with her arms crossed, almost spat out the sip of iced Americano she had just taken; she quickly covered her mouth, suppressing her laughter, her shoulders shaking suspiciously.

The makeup artist paused imperceptibly, her inner monologue going wild: *Cute, handsome, charming, aloof, detached, has a story, not heavy, light, crisp, mysterious... IU-ssi, how confident are you in your own looks to dare to make a request that seems to want to gather all the world's beautiful qualities onto one face?! This isn't makeup anymore; this is the job of a creator!*

But her professionalism kept her from showing anything on her face, and she maintained a professional and gentle smile, her voice steady: "Ne, IU-ssi, please rest assured, leave it to me. I will do my best to present the 'multi-dimensional charm' you want, based on your facial features and temperament."

She chose the relatively neutral term "multi-dimensional charm" to summarize that headache-inducing list of demands.

"Aigoo," Yoo In-na finally caught her breath, put down her coffee cup, wiped the corner of her mouth with a tissue, and looked at IU with an "I really give up on you" expression, "Jieun-ah, you're already someone who is cute, handsome, charming, and occasionally aloof. Do you really need to 'embody' it on purpose? Isn't your face the best proof?"

IU opened one eye slightly, glanced at Yoo In-na in the mirror, and retorted righteously: "Yah! Yoo In-na Unnie, of course I know I'm naturally beautiful!"

She paused and added, her tone carrying a sense of "perfectionism" that was taken for granted, "But, when going to meet important people and discussing important matters, of course I have to further highlight and elevate my stunning appearance and wonderful personality (through makeup and styling)! This is called respect, this is called strategic image management!"

Yoo In-na was amused by her "shameless" yet logically self-consistent remarks and shook her head, pretending to be disgusted: "Aigoo, our Jieun's skin, it's harder than cement! You don't even blink when you praise yourself."

IU hummed lightly and closed her eyes again, but the corners of her mouth curled up in a smug arc.

To deal with "professional debunkers" like Yoo In-na Unnie, one must arm oneself with stronger confidence (and thick skin).

Jokes aside, Yoo In-na was still concerned about the important matters.

She leaned in a little closer, lowered her voice, and her tone carried a hint of seriousness and worry: "That said, Jieun-ah, are you really planning to audition for that TG movie called 'the crab'? Although TG has been very popular lately, it is a new company after all, and this is their first film. The production scale and team experience are all unknowns. The risk is not small. You wouldn't have been hoodwinked by that clever little girl Tima, or..."

She hesitated for a moment before saying it, "...'lured' by what's-his-name, President Jiang Zhiyu, right? I heard he's a young man with a lot of tricks up his sleeve."

Hearing the name "Jiang Zhiyu," IU's eyelashes, which were closed, trembled imperceptibly, but her tone remained calm and waveless, even carrying a hint of casualness: "Aniyo, Unnie. You're overthinking it."

She paused for a moment, seemingly organizing her thoughts, or perhaps concealing her true intentions: "As for the movie role, of course I have to strive for it if there's an opportunity, but it's not like I must have it. What I value more is establishing a more solid and deeper cooperative relationship with TG Entertainment. Acting is just one entry point, or rather... a bridge."

A bridge?

IU sneered inwardly, acting is, of course, just an excuse!

A gorgeous, legitimate excuse that allows me to approach the core in a justified way!

Her true goal emerged clearly in the depths of her heart, carrying the calmness and calculation of someone determined to win: The goal, of course, is Jiang Zhiyu himself!

Mastering the source is what I, Lee Ji-eun, want most.

In her view, the reason TG Entertainment was able to rise so suddenly, while Kim Soo-yeon's strategic vision is certainly important, the core driving force is undoubtedly Jiang Zhiyu's creative talent and content production ability, which can be called "genius."

Music, variety shows, scripts... He seems to possess an inexhaustible treasure trove of inspiration.

Getting Jiang Zhiyu is not just about getting his pleasing face and his increasingly rising industry status; more importantly, it's about getting his unparalleled creative talent!

By then, what kind of tailor-made hit songs, what kind of top-tier movie scripts crafted for her, wouldn't she be able to choose at will?

TG Entertainment's resources would also tilt heavily towards her.

This is the most efficient and fundamental "career strategy"!

IU thought firmly in her heart, even feeling a subtle sense of superiority towards Yoo In-na: "Unnie, you are still too young (naive); you only saw the superficial cooperation opportunities, and didn't see that controlling the core talent is the kingly way."

Yoo In-na naturally couldn't hear IU's "grand strategy."

She just thought about it along with IU's words and felt it made sense.

She recalled the rumors she had heard in the circle recently: "That's true, TG Entertainment is indeed a hot commodity now. I've heard several producers and friends from talent agencies mention that they have included them in the 'list of major companies that must increase deep cooperation' for the next few years. Jieun, you are so close to Tima, and Tima is recognized as one of the 'Big Three' inside TG—President Jiang Zhiyu, Chairwoman Kim Soo-yeon, and next is Lee Tima, right? Your conditions are so much better than others!"

Speaking of this, Yoo In-na's eyes lit up, and she hugged IU's shoulder, half-jokingly and half-seriously: "When you are really deeply bound with TG, if there are any good projects, don't forget to introduce some work to your Unnie! Take me with you!"

IU was amused by her, chuckled with a sense of shared honor, and her tone carried a bit of smugness: "Aigoo~ Our Yoo In-na Unnie, there comes a time when you have to ask me for something? Don't worry, if there's a good opportunity, I'll definitely think of you!"

The atmosphere in the dressing room was relaxed and happy.

Just then, the screen of IU's mobile phone on the vanity lit up, making a "ding" notification sound.

IU signaled the makeup artist to pause and picked up her phone to unlock it.

It was a message from Jiang Zhiyu confirming the specific location and time for the meeting later.

It was a high-end membership-only teahouse known for its privacy.

At the end of the message, Jiang Zhiyu specifically added a sentence: [Additionally, considering that I might be watched by the media, in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, I have also called Tima along. This child has been talking about you lately, so it's a good chance to let her out for some air.]

Seeing this last sentence, the smile on IU's face froze for a moment, and then, a subtle dissatisfaction mixed with annoyance, helplessness, and a hint of being "seen through" or "guarded against" welled up in her heart.

Lee Tima!

She gritted her teeth and read the name in her heart.

This little traitor!

Heartless child!

Lately, she's always running to others, and now she's being used by Jiang Zhiyu as a "shield"!

But calming down and thinking about it, Jiang Zhiyu's arrangement was indeed thoughtful, even "considerate" in protecting her reputation.

A top female star meeting a trendy young male President in private, even if only to discuss business, is easily snapped by paparazzi and blown out of proportion, spawning countless rumors.

Bringing along Lee Tima, who has a "little sister" attribute, changes the nature completely; it can easily be explained as a "friends (siblings) gathering" or "taking one's own child to meet an elder (?)," instantly plugging up many possible sources of gossip.

Hmph, I guess you thought it through.

IU pursed her lips, put her phone back in its place, and closed her eyes again to let the makeup artist continue, but the faint excitement and sense of preparation that had arisen in her heart about seeing Jiang Zhiyu seemed to be a bit ruined by the presence of Lee Tima, this "lightbulb."

However... she had a second thought, it's good to bring Tima along.

It's just right to let this little girl see how her Jieun Unnie does "strategic layout."

By the way... knock some sense into this little traitor whose heart has been a bit wild lately.

Thinking of this, IU's mood inexplicably improved again, and she even added a bit more fighting spirit and... mischievousness to the upcoming meeting.

"Manager," IU spoke again, her voice carrying an unquestionable expectation, "Please, by all means, make me look... both approachable and hard to reach, both professional and intriguing."

Makeup Artist Manager: "...Ne."

(Inner monologue: Help! Is IU-ssi trying to challenge the ultimate philosophical proposition of the makeup world today?!)

Yoo In-na stood by, watching her friend's eager expression, as if she were about to conquer some important battlefield, shook her head, picked up her iced Americano, and took a big sip silently.

Jieun-ah, this is not like you're going to meet a business partner... your eyes look like you're going to snatch some rare treasure.

She muttered to herself, but wisely didn't say it out loud.