310: Chapter 290: IU's Darkening Progress 20%

Inside the private room, the scent of tea drifted in the air.

A seemingly ordinary business meeting quietly unfolded, against a backdrop where someone's heart was already storming with purpose and clear objectives.

In the corner, Lee Tima, holding her cheek, looked at IU Unnie with her "nuclear-friendly" smile, then at the calm and composed Zhiyu Oppa, and suddenly felt... that she might not just be a third wheel today, but an unlucky witness to history (or a battlefield).

In the corner of the room, Lee Tima turned her sorrow and anger into appetite, launching a "retaliatory" attack on the equally exquisite cappuccino cake just brought over by the waiter.

She stabbed her small silver fork into the soft cake, scraped up a thick layer of cream and cocoa powder, shoved it into her mouth, and chewed with extra force, as if every bite was chewing on "unfortunate destiny" and "Unnie's tyranny".

While eating, she pricked up her ears, secretly monitoring the conversation between the two at the main table, her inner voice constantly running: Talk away, talk away, hopefully it falls apart! Let IU Unnie know that Zhiyu Oppa's script isn't so easy to get! Hmph!

At the main table, the atmosphere was completely different.

After the small opening disturbance (mainly directed at Lee Tima), the conversation between Jiang Zhiyu and IU quickly entered a professional and rational work channel.

IU picked up the aromatic herbal tea in front of her, blew on it gently, and with an elegant posture, initiated the conversation, her tone carrying just the right amount of flattery and probing: "TG Entertainment's reputation has been growing larger and larger lately. I guess there must be quite a few companies coming to seek collaboration, right?"

Jiang Zhiyu did not feign modesty, nor did he deliberately show off, but responded in a calm tone, like stating a fact: "IU xi is very well-informed. Indeed, ever since the positive response to IZ*ONE's 'twelve star envoys', and the increase in online buzz and real-world attention brought by the pilot filming of Red Velvet's new variety show, the collaboration offers received by TG Entertainment have indeed increased compared to before. The market is always more interested in production teams that can bring traffic and freshness."

His answer was frank; he affirmed TG's current upward momentum without over-hyping it, attributing the success to "market choice" and "project effectiveness," appearing pragmatic and calm.

IU nodded, set down her teacup, and gently rubbed the warm cup wall with her fingertips, seemingly inadvertently cutting to the core: "Actually... I only vaguely heard from Tima that child's occasional rambling that President Jiang seems to be preparing a... action-crime genre movie?"

As she spoke, she glanced at Lee Tima, who was furiously eating cake in the corner, with a hint of feigned reproach, as if saying "Look, it's this little tattletale again."

Jiang Zhiyu followed her gaze to look at Lee Tima, with no intention of blame on his face; instead, he smiled, seemingly having anticipated this.

He withdrew his gaze and naturally took over the topic, even directly revealing the answer: "Tima sometimes can't keep things to herself. That's right, we are indeed pushing forward a movie project named 'the crab'."

He paused, as if giving IU time to digest the name, and then continued to summarize in concise language: "The main plot is not complex; it tells the story of a retired mercenary trying to distance himself from the past, who is accidentally dragged into a mysterious murder case, forced to pick up weapons again, and struggles to survive under the dual pressure of investigating the truth and evading capture."

IU did not expect Jiang Zhiyu to tell her the project name and core outline so directly, or even, one could say, "casually."

This could be an extension of trust due to her relationship with Lee Tima, or it could be a manifestation of confidence—not afraid of you knowing, because the true core and threshold do not lie in the story framework, but in the execution level.

She quickly adjusted her mindset, focusing on savoring the name 'the crab' and Jiang Zhiyu's description.

" 'the crab'..." IU repeated softly, a glint of contemplation flashing in her eyes, "This name is very interesting. the crab, walking sideways, hard shell, but soft inside, its movement trajectory hard to predict, and in some contexts, it even carries a bit of 'domineering' or 'reckless' implication. Using it to metaphorize a protagonist who lives in a gray area, acts unconventionally, and has a rough fate is indeed very fitting, full of tension and room for imagination."

Her interpretation was precise and insightful, showing her quick understanding of the project concept and her sensitivity as an actress.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed very satisfied with her reaction, the smile at the corner of his mouth deepened a bit, and his eyes carried a bit more interest in the exchange: "IU xi's interpretation is spot on. However, for the movie 'the crab', our expectation is not just to present an action story full of visual stimulation."

His tone became slightly more serious, revealing a creator's pursuit of the work's core: "We hope more to explore some more essential things in the film through the protagonist's encounters and choices in extreme, abnormal environments.

For example, the flash and distortion of human nature in desperate situations, the difficult choices individuals make when facing survival, morality, and emotional conflicts, and the complex relationship between 'marginal people' or 'rule breakers' like the protagonist and the inherent social rules, laws, and moral systems we live in—a relationship that is both contradictory and potentially forms subtle mutual benefit or checks and balances at specific moments."

He paused and added: "Of course, these topics will be cleverly wrapped in a tight suspenseful rhythm and exciting, realistic action scenes. The appeal of commercial elements is always the foundation that makes more audiences willing to walk into theaters and subsequently encounter and think about these deep topics."

IU listened very attentively, even leaning forward slightly without realizing it.

Jiang Zhiyu's exposition far exceeded her expectations for an ordinary action-crime film.

This was not just a project pursuing box office thrills, but a work with clear authorial expression and artistic ambition.

This raised the level of interest and importance in her heart by another notch.

"President Jiang's ideas have a lot of depth," IU said sincerely, her eyes bright, "In current Korean cinema, and even the international film scene, this type of action-crime genre is indeed very easy to slide into pure popcorn entertainment, pursuing sensory stimulation while ignoring internal expression.

But if the script is solid enough, and can, as you said, perfectly combine profound topics with high-level commercial elements, then once successful, the influence it produces, as well as the sharpening of the lead actor's acting skills and the elevation of their career, will be phenomenal."

She cleverly steered the topic from macro discussion to a field more relevant to herself: "Then, regarding the soul of this movie—the choice for the protagonist 'Withe', I wonder what President Jiang has in mind regarding the image design for this character, or rather, what core qualities do you expect the actress playing her to possess?"

IU's question was asked very skillfully.

She did not directly ask "Do you think I am suitable?", but instead asked about the director/screenwriter's "expected qualities" for the character.

This was both a professional discussion and allowed her to judge her own fit with the character, as well as... Jiang Zhiyu's casting inclination.

Her gaze landed calmly and focused on Jiang Zhiyu's face, waiting for this key answer that might determine her next strategy (whether it be fighting for the role or adjusting the cooperation method).

Lee Tima in the corner also temporarily stopped chewing, pricked up her ears, curious about how Jiang Zhiyu would describe that "former mercenary" who made her Yoona Unnie collapse from killing fish.

Jiang Zhiyu's answer was clear and direct, just like his working style, analytical and leaving no room for ambiguity:

"For the character 'Withe', after internal discussions, we believe she needs to possess several core qualities."

He extended his slender fingers, listing them one by one, "First, the deep-seated indifference and disregard for life brought about by a mercenary background.

This is not simple 'coolness' or 'expressionlessness', but a sense of alienation and defense mechanism towards life, death, and human instincts after experiencing too much slaughter and betrayal.

It is a chill that seeps from the bones, but in specific situations, it may be torn open, revealing the part underneath that is not yet completely numb."

He paused and continued: "Second, absolute calmness in the face of sudden crises and extreme environments, as well as the matching high-IQ thinking and adaptability.

She cannot just be a brute who only knows how to use her hands; she must have keen observation skills, quick situational judgment, and a brain that can formulate effective strategies.

This is the key to her surviving time and again in encirclements and conspiracies."

"Third," Jiang Zhiyu's finger tapped lightly in the air, as if finalizing the last element, "Outstanding martial arts and firearms action skills that can withstand the scrutiny of big-screen close-ups.

This not only requires the actor to have good physical fitness and learning ability, but also requires training to internalize combat movements into near-instinctive reactions, looking realistic, powerful, and full of dangerous beauty, rather than a performance of flashy, superficial moves."

These three qualities each pointed to an extremely high threshold for performance and physical requirements.

After listening, IU couldn't help but take a soft breath, her eyes flashing with a mix of awe and desire for a challenge: "Such a character... the requirements for the actress playing her are truly very harsh.

Not only does it require extremely superb acting skills capable of handling complex inner drama to interpret that indifference and potential struggle, it also requires investing a large amount of time and energy to undergo strict physical and action training to reach a near-professional level.

This is not just 'acting', but more like a 'reshaping' of the actor's physical and mental limits."

Jiang Zhiyu expressed agreement with her summary, a gentle but unquestionable smile appearing on his face: "Therefore, for the actress finally confirmed to play the role, I will personally participate in polishing her acting and guiding the character.

Not just theoretical analysis, but also including some concrete acting methods, emotional mobilization, and even how to understand and present 'Withe's' instinctive reactions and thought patterns in specific situations."

The word "personally" was like a pebble thrown into IU's heart lake, stirring up ripples far greater than she had expected.

"Oppa's acting skills are super good!" Lee Tima in the corner interjected at the right moment, licking the cream off her fork, and adding in a tone of "I am the victim, I have the most right to speak," "When we were doing variety shows before, like the 'the kings card' duels, and various hidden missions, he acted like it was real, playing all of us for fools!

Expressions, tone, reactions, seamless! If we hadn't known the truth in the end, we would have been kept in the dark!"

Her words seemed like complaining, but were actually corroborating from the side Jiang Zhiyu's superb ability in "acting" and "controlling the situation."

Jiang Zhiyu smiled modestly upon hearing this, his gaze sweeping over Lee Tima and returning to IU: "Everyone's acting is very good, especially the on-the-spot reactions and variety sense."

He said this officially, but did not deny Lee Tima's "accusation."

Lee Tima immediately looked like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, widening her eyes and retorting through gritted teeth: "That was all trained! Forced out!

At the beginning, I didn't understand, I was too naive, and Oppa used all kinds of tricks to win against me over ten times! Points lost, forced to be a 'slave', doing all sorts of shameful tasks!

Who doesn't want to get that 'the kings card' that can order others around! It's all blood and tears of lessons!"

Her little face was filled with "miserable" memories that she couldn't bear to look back on, vividly interpreting what it means to "grow under oppression."

This little interlude gave IU a more concrete imagination of Jiang Zhiyu's "personal guidance"—it probably wouldn't be gentle director coaching, but rather more like a high-intensity "special training" full of games and mental battles.

And the "personally" in Jiang Zhiyu's words was like a hook, firmly grabbing IU's attention.

Personal guidance... long-term, in-depth, one-on-one contact?

This possibility made her heart rate quietly accelerate.

Setting aside the character itself, this seemed... like an excellent, legitimate opportunity to observe, understand, and even... "conquer" Jiang Zhiyu up close?

She suppressed the distracting thoughts that surged in her heart, trying hard to maintain a professional discussion posture, and followed up: "What exactly does President Jiang mean by 'personal guidance'? Is it limited to character analysis during script readings, or does it include more specific..."

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to have anticipated this question, explaining it clearly and concisely: "It will be a rather comprehensive process. From the most basic script understanding, character background breakdown, and psychological motivation analysis, to the emotional immersion in specific scenes, and the control of micro-expressions and body language. Especially for 'Withe,' that sense of tearing between the intense inner turmoil that might arise in extremely tense or dangerous situations and the composure desperately maintained on the surface—how to present that through subtle control of eyes, breathing, and muscles—all of this requires meticulous guidance and repeated practice."

He paused, then added: "Of course, this is just one aspect of our efforts regarding the 'actor-character' fit. After all, this is the first film in the true sense for TG Entertainment, and it holds great significance. Both Chairwoman Kim and I hope to make it the best it can be, without any regrets." His tone was calm, yet it revealed an unquestionable determination and a high standard for the quality of the work.

IU raised an eyebrow. Jiang Zhiyu's explanation was professional and reasonable, entirely based on project quality and directorial responsibility. But to her ears, especially when combined with his previous 'track record' of being 'highly skilled in acting' and 'deeply manipulative,' as well as that word 'personally,' it seemed to automatically translate into another layer of meaning.

Very well... Jiang Zhiyu. The little devil inside her made another appearance, brandishing a trident and letting out a silent, sinister chuckle, her eyes flashing with excitement. You really are... 'very good at understanding' my thoughts. How is this just casting? This is clearly a perfect reason tailor-made for her to openly, for a long time, and at close range, contact and 'study' this man! The more demanding and challenging his description of the female lead's traits, the more her desire to 'get this role' burned like a fire doused with oil.

My desire for the female lead... is truly getting stronger and stronger. IU mused to herself, not just out of ambition for professional development, but also mixed with a dual pleasure of wanting to conquer a high-difficulty challenge and 'capture' the man in front of her through this role.

She suppressed the intense possessiveness and excitement surging within her, which were almost threatening to break through her line of reason, and asked in a more stable, even slightly scrutinizing work tone: "Then, does the 'personally' that President Jiang mentioned also include guidance on some physical training and action techniques? After all, the item 'excellent martial arts and firearms action skills' cannot be achieved just by relying on performance theory."

Jiang Zhiyu nodded, acknowledging her question: "Of course. The realism and impact of the action scenes are one of the commercial cornerstones of 'the crab.' If the actor is finalized, corresponding physical training, basic fighting techniques, firearm safety operation, and gun-holding posture will all require systematic training." Having said this, he suddenly turned his head to look at Tima, who was digging into her cake in the corner, a meaningful smile curling on his lips: "Actually, whether it's fighting techniques or some special ways of exerting force, both Tima and I can serve as instructors."

Tima, who was suddenly named, almost choked. She looked up, looking bewildered, with her mouth still stuffed with cake: "Huh? Me?"

Jiang Zhiyu retracted his gaze and explained to IU: "Tima has high talent in... certain areas, and she learns things very quickly. However," his tone shifted, becoming matter-of-fact, "she is still young, after all, and her experience, patience, and ability for systematic teaching might be lacking. Therefore, from a comprehensive perspective, it should be the most suitable and efficient choice for me to lead the main action design and actor training."

His words both affirmed Tima's 'talent' (though he didn't specify what) and clarified that he was the 'best' candidate for mentor, revealing an unyielding confidence.

IU's gaze fell back on Jiang Zhiyu following his words, this time with more obvious investigation and a hint of... interest. She looked him up and down, from his upright shoulders and back, to his arms that looked not overly exaggerated but had smooth lines, and then to those hands with distinct joints, currently resting casually on the edge of the table. It was hard to imagine that this young President, who looked gentle as jade and more like an academic elite or a commercial upstart, would be good at fighting?

She tilted her head slightly, a curve between curiosity and teasing tugging at the corners of her mouth, her voice carrying a subtle, imperceptible tease: "Oh? President Jiang... you look very confident. Are you very good at fighting?"

This question was somewhat unexpected, even bordering on a probe into his private sphere. Jiang Zhiyu was clearly stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting IU to ask so directly. But after just a momentary surprise, he quickly returned to his normal state. In that gentle smile on his face, a hint of sharpness and the composure belonging to a strong person quietly blended in. He did not act humble, nor did he exaggerate, simply replying in a calm yet unquestionable tone: "It's alright."

Three simple words, without any superfluous explanation, yet they seemed to contain a huge amount of information and confidence.

And Tima in the corner, upon hearing 'fighting' and Jiang Zhiyu's answer, seemed to recall some 'painful to look back on' or 'thrilling' memories, and couldn't help but shiver slightly, almost dropping her spoon onto the plate. She shrank her neck, her inner monologue going crazy: 'Fighting? Zhiyu Oppa is super amazing! Although... although we seem to be practicing the same strange thing called 'internal energy' (transmigration benefit? Basic Breathing Method of Tianxuan Continent?), and it seems that Oppa taught it to us and Kim Soo-yeon Unnie first... But! How strong Oppa really is, she doesn't even know herself! Anyway, he is definitely, definitely very strong! Back when we were 'sparring' (unilaterally being abused) in the TG Entertainment basement, that sense of oppression, and the look he occasionally revealed inadvertently...'

She didn't dare to think any further, quickly digging another big spoonful of cake to calm her shock.

IU did not miss Tima's fleeting, awe-filled shudder. This further confirmed her conjecture—Jiang Zhiyu's 'it's alright' was likely a 'quite incredible' kind of 'it's alright.'

She began to examine the man in front of her more seriously and meticulously. No longer just from the perspective of a female artist seeking cooperation, or a woman attracted by appearance and temperament, but with the focus and eagerness of a hunter evaluating the strength of prey, or an archaeologist exploring a precious cultural relic.

Under the lights, the lines of Jiang Zhiyu's profile were clean and sharp, his brows and eyes deep, his nose bridge straight. He sat there, his posture relaxed but not slack, possessing a natural sense of stability. His fingers were slender with distinct joints, currently tapping the table unconsciously with a steady rhythm. His gaze was gentle and peaceful most of the time, but occasionally when discussing professional topics or certain keywords, a flash of light as sharp as a blade would sweep across, too fast for people to capture, but truly existing.

When he talked about movies, his thinking was clear, his logic rigorous, possessing both the emotional pursuit of an artist and the rational considerations of a businessman. When he mentioned 'personally teaching,' his tone was natural, as if it were a responsibility that went without saying, revealing absolute confidence in his own abilities and extreme requirements for the work. When he admitted that he 'can fight,' the certainty beneath that blandness was far more powerful than empty boasting.

A talented creator, a businessman with unique vision, a calm and self-possessed controller, perhaps even hiding an unknown and formidable martial prowess... These traits were contradictorily yet harmoniously unified in Jiang Zhiyu alone.

The possessiveness in IU's heart, like a chemical reaction with a catalyst added, expanded and spread rapidly, instantly growing to a scale that even she herself could hardly describe or fully control. It was no longer simply 'wanting to get this role,' 'wanting to use his resources,' or 'being attracted by his appearance and talent.'

It was a deeper, more primitive, and greedier desire.

Jiang Zhiyu... She chewed on the name repeatedly in her heart, her gaze seemingly wanting to penetrate his calm facade and reach that unfathomable core. What kind of person are you, really? Where do you come from? (referring to the source of talent and certain abilities) How many secrets are you hiding? What kind of power and past are hidden beneath your gentle exterior? What is the root of that extraordinary closeness and trust you have for Tima and Kim Soo-yeon? Did you create TG Entertainment really just to make content and money? Or is there a deeper purpose?

Countless questions surged in her mind, each one full of temptation, making her unable to resist wanting to dig, to explore, to peel back his mysterious outer layer layer by layer, to see what kind of brilliant yet dangerous, fascinating yet potentially ruinous soul was inside.

Truly... makes one curious to the point of madness. IU felt her heartbeat quicken, her blood surging in her veins, an emotion mixed with excitement, challenge, desire for conquest, and intense desire for exploration firmly gripping her. It makes me unable to resist... wanting to dig deeper, to see how many more heart-stirring... no, irresistible, secrets you are hiding that I want to completely possess.

She even began to imagine, if she were to play 'Withe,' how would they interact under Jiang Zhiyu's 'personal' guidance? Would it be sweating in the rehearsal room practicing fighting, where he corrects her every move, his fingers perhaps inadvertently touching her joints or waist and abdomen? Or would it be in the late-night meeting room, repeatedly pondering the character's psychology over the script, with dim lighting, just the two of them, his voice low and magnetic, guiding her into that cold yet burning soul?

These imaginations made her cheeks slightly hot, but her eyes were even brighter and firmer.

On the surface, IU still maintained impeccable composure. She was even able to naturally pick up her teacup and take a sip after Jiang Zhiyu replied 'it's alright,' masking the surging emotions churning in the depths of her eyes.

"It seems President Jiang is very confident in your abilities." IU put down her teacup, her tone returning to the ease from the beginning, even carrying a hint of appreciation, "This is very good. Only a capable leader can lead a team to create excellent works."

She brought the topic back on track, but the storm inside her had already formed: "Then, regarding the project 'the crab,' at what stage is the progress currently? Has the casting work fully started, or is it still in the preliminary contact stage? Besides the requirements for actor traits, what other aspects does TG consider for partners, or rather, for potential future leads?"