311: Chapter 291 Taurus

The scent of tea permeated the private room, and the conversation seemed to be proceeding steadily on a professional track.

But Jiang Zhiyu knew well that the groundwork had been laid, and it was time to reveal his true purpose.

The information he had seemingly shared casually earlier—revealing project details, explaining the difficulty of the roles, and even mentioning "personal guidance"—was not aimless, nor was it mere showing off.

Everything ultimately pointed to one core: money.

More accurately, it was the working capital that TG Entertainment was most lacking on its balance sheet at the moment.

The project "the crab" was ambitious, and the production costs were high.

Although a strategic cooperation intention had been reached with a Chinese technology company, that belonged to a long-term layout; in the short term, it not only could not bring in cash flow but instead required continuous investment in R&D expenses.

Although the revenue brought by "twelve star envoys" and "Red Velvet the collapsed daily life" was considerable, TG Entertainment was in a period of high-speed expansion; new project incubation, team building, technical investment, office space upgrades... money was needed everywhere.

Wanting to independently support a film production of "the crab"'s magnitude while maintaining the normal operation of other projects, the tension in the capital chain had become increasingly obvious.

Seeking external investment was an urgent and realistic necessity.

Jiang Zhiyu and Kim Soo-yeon had long analyzed potential investors.

SM? Although the cooperation had been pleasant, binding the dominance and financial lifeblood of such an important project too much to a traditional giant with a huge scale and complex interest relationships was not a wise move, as it was easy to be restricted.

Old friend CJ ENM? They were indeed in negotiations, but the conditions offered by the other party and their demands for the right to speak on the project still required repeated games.

And the seniors of Girls Generation? The relationship was close, and they had a certain financial capacity, but... Im Yoona.

This potential lead candidate made this option delicate.

If he invited them to invest under the pretext of "supporting Yoona's appearance," and if Im Yoona were eventually eliminated in the strict casting interview (although he believed in her, the procedure had to be fair), how would he face the "care" and "accountability" of the older sisters?

Letting emotions dictate actions was not the right way in business.

After much thought, the most ideal and suitable target gradually became clear—IU, Lee Ji-eun.

The reasons were sufficient and almost impeccable:

Financially strong: As a top solo singer and successful actress, IU had substantial personal assets and was a true "rich woman," capable of making large investments.

Deeply connected with TG: She was the "god sister" officially recognized by Lee Tima (Suwon hometown), had a close relationship with TG's core figures, and naturally possessed a foundation of trust and willingness to cooperate.

Promising project prospects: With IU's vision, it was not difficult to see the potential of "the crab" script and the production capabilities of the TG team.

This was an investment predicted with high probability not to lose money, and possibly even to make a huge profit; it was extremely attractive in terms of business logic.

Clear demands: IU's desire to transform, broaden her acting path, and access high-quality film and television resources had been fully revealed.

Investment was not just a financial act, but an excellent springboard for her to deeply intervene in the project and obtain priority cooperation rights.

Jiang Zhiyu could not think of any reason for IU to refuse.

This was simply a win-win opportunity tailor-made for her, allowing her to both make money and achieve a career breakthrough.

The preparatory conversation came to an end, and the discussion about project details and the casting process paused temporarily.

Jiang Zhiyu picked up the teacup and took a sip of the tea that had already cooled slightly, taking this opportunity to briefly organize his thoughts and make his tone more steady and natural.

He put down the teacup, looked at IU with a calm and direct gaze, and threw out the long-brewed question in a tone of stating facts rather than making a request:

"I wonder... does IU xi have any interest in investing in the project 'the crab'?"

As the words fell, a brief silence appeared in the private room.

The expression on IU's face froze for a moment; she blinked, doubting if she had heard correctly.

Investment? This word was like a pebble, smashing the pink Bubbles (and dark ambitions) in her mind about character traits, personal guidance, and being alone together (?) into pieces.

Immediately, a feeling of extreme absurdity and even a bit of annoyance that made her want to laugh surged up.

Aish! She cursed internally, almost unable to maintain her superficial elegance.

Investment?! So he went such a big circle, said so many script details and role requirements that shouldn't have been easily revealed to outsiders, and even hinted at "personal guidance"... was the fundamental purpose to make me pay?!

A feeling of being "calculated" arose spontaneously.

She felt like a silly rabbit lured to the edge of a trap by a hunter with delicious bait; just a moment ago, she was immersed in the desire for the "prey" (the role and Jiang Zhiyu himself), but in the blink of an eye, she discovered the hunter had pulled out a bill.

Jiang Zhiyu, you son of a bitch! She gritted her teeth secretly, her eyes becoming sharp.

What do you want to do? Take my money to cultivate Im Yoona?

Let her shine brightly under your "personal guidance" and then achieve fame and success?

And what about me? The sucker who pays? Shit!! Don't you know I'm a taurus?! The taurus who is most sensitive and cautious about money! Want to get something for nothing?!

Although there were stormy waves in her heart, on the surface, IU just raised her eyebrows slightly, revealing a hint of just-right surprise and inquiry, and asked in a steady tone: "Oh? Investment? TG Entertainment... is it short of shooting funds now?"

She asked very directly, without beating around the bush.

Jiang Zhiyu nodded, without any concealment, frank enough to be surprising: "Yes. TG Entertainment's current development direction involves variety shows, music, film and television, and other fields; the expansion speed is relatively fast, and capital turnover is indeed a bit tight. As our first film, 'the crab' will have a relatively large investment, and seeking high-quality investors to jointly develop it is a safer and more efficient choice."

He did not cry poverty, nor did he exaggerate the difficulties; he just stated the facts and positioned seeking investment as "joint development," with an attitude that was neither humble nor arrogant.

The sense of absurdity in IU's heart was even greater, but she also quickly calmed down and began to think rapidly.

Jiang Zhiyu's frankness, on the contrary, made her feel that things might not be that simple.

He could completely find wealthier chaebols or large investment institutions; why did he specifically find her? Just because of Lee Tima?

A smile with scrutiny and probing reappeared on her face; she leaned forward slightly and asked in a tone that was half-joking and half-serious: "Then if I invest... will President Jiang arrange a role for me?"

She asked for "arranging a role," not "leading role," which was both a probe and leaving room for herself.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to have expected her to ask this, answering without the slightest hesitation, his smile still gentle: "Of course. For important investors, on the premise of meeting role requirements and the overall quality of the film, we will prioritize cooperation opportunities."

His answer was very official, but the words "prioritize" had already given a commitment.

IU's heartbeat skipped a beat, but her greed (or goal) was clearly more than that.

She almost blurted out, with a hint of provocation: "For example... 'Withe'?"

Jiang Zhiyu chuckled, shook his head, his tone carrying a bit of unquestionable firmness: "The final choice for the lead role needs to be decided through an open and fair interview process; this is not up to me alone. President Kim Soo-yeon and the casting team will be responsible."

He cleverly pushed the decision-making power to the system and the team, both rejecting IU's direct request and appearing reasonable, not intentionally targeting her.

Damn guy! IU gritted her teeth secretly; it was indeed a posture of getting something for nothing!

Using investment as a cover, and I still have to fight for the role myself? Dream on!

The smile on her face faded a little, but her eyes were brighter, as if her fighting spirit had been aroused.

She leaned back slightly, crossed her arms, and said in a posture of regaining the initiative: "Investment... of course no problem. I am very interested in the future of TG Entertainment and the project 'the crab'."

She changed the subject, her eyes staring straight at Jiang Zhiyu, her voice carrying a hint of laziness but undeniable meaning: "It's just... President Jiang, just 'dividends that might make money' and 'priority cooperation opportunities' cannot move me. After all, good investment projects are not non-existent outside."

She paused for a moment, her gaze like a searchlight, carefully scanning every trace of expression change on Jiang Zhiyu's face, as if wanting to find a crack or wavering under his calm appearance.

Unless... she added in her heart, you, President Jiang, have any more weighty 'chips' that you can take out to make me, Lee Ji-eun, willing to pay out of my pocket?

The moment this thought arose, her gaze fell back on Jiang Zhiyu's face unconsciously.

That handsome face at close range, under the slightly dim light of the private room, had even clearer and deeper contours.

The scent on his body, that strange fruity fragrance that was plump and dripping like a ripe fruit, as if it could splash juice with a light touch, seemed to become even more rich and alluring at this moment, drilling into her nostrils in wisps, teasing her nerves.

Jiang Zhiyu... you also have times when you need to ask for help.

A thought so bold that it was almost crazy split her chaotic thoughts like lightning.

Since you took the initiative to come to me, wanting my money... then I, Lee Ji-eun, have taken a fancy to your skin, can't I?

Wanting me to invest, there should be some 'sincerity,' some 'expression,' right?

For example...

A word, carrying scalding temperature and forbidden stimulation, jumped into her mind—seduction.

Hey~ Her heart jumped wildly, and a trembling feeling mixed with revenge, conquest, curiosity, and strong physiological attraction instantly swept through her whole body.

This thought was so absurd, so inconsistent with her consistent image and reason, yet so... blood-pumping!

As if to respond to the frenzy in her heart, that little demon holding a trident jumped out again impatiently, letting out a silent roar of excitement and trembling in her ear:

'Lee Ji-eun! Lee Ji-eun! Look! What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this is!'

'Don't you want to see this Jiang Zhiyu, who is always planning and seems to have everything under control, take off his calm and composed mask to get your investment and bow down to you?'

'Don't you want to see that expression of forbearance and having to comply when he is clearly proud in his heart, but has to do things he might originally disdain or be unwilling to do according to your requirements and hints?'

'That must be extremely wonderful! More wonderful than any movie!'

The little demon waved his trident, pointing at Jiang Zhiyu, his eyes fanatical:

'And! Don't you want to... verify for yourself whether he is really as perfect on the outside, and on the inside... fresh and juicy as the fragrance permeating this air?'

'Investment? Role? Those are all incidental! The most important thing is this process! It's the pleasure of controlling him, exploring him, and finally taking him together with his talent into your pocket!'

'Agree to him! But don't agree easily! Offer your terms! Make him exchange it with 'sincerity'!'

The little demon's bewitchment was like the strongest wine, making IU's breathing become slightly rapid.

She looked at Jiang Zhiyu, looked at his eyes that were slightly focused because of waiting for an answer, looked at his thin lips that were slightly raised because of the chuckle just now, and were alluring in color...

An unprecedented, almost barbaric possessiveness and hunting pleasure overwhelmed all rational weighing and business calculations.

She licked her lips, which had suddenly become a bit dry, met Jiang Zhiyu's gaze, and slowly and clearly pushed her "terms," or rather, this game, to another more dangerous and charming dimension:

"My meaning is, President Jiang," IU's voice became lighter and slower, but carried an unmistakable hint and provocation, "Investment can be discussed. But besides the returns of the project itself... I personally also need to see some... more 'personalized' guarantees, or rather, sincerity."