318: Chapter 298

When leaving the LOEN building, the sky was already as gloomy as dusk.

Dark clouds hung low, and the air was filled with the damp scent unique to the time before rain.

Jiang Zhiyu glanced at his watch—2:47 PM.

There was less than an hour left until the meeting time agreed upon with JYP Entertainment.

He started the car, and the black sedan merged smoothly into the traffic, driving in the direction of Cheongdam-dong.

Raindrops began to tap sporadically on the windshield, gradually becoming denser.

The wipers swung rhythmically from side to side, and his vision alternated between blurry and clear.

Seoul's rainy season was always like this, arriving suddenly and capriciously.

Jiang Zhiyu turned on the car audio, and this time it randomly played an old song—that track "Constrict" that Lee Tima had written for Park Jin-young when she was still at JYP Entertainment.

The heavy and tense electronic beat echoed in the car, strangely fitting his mood at that moment.

The meeting at LOEN... it could not be called smooth or rough.

That final boundary-crossing remark from IU was like a thorn, pricking a corner of his heart.

He knew it wasn't a joke, nor was it a whim.

In that woman's eyes, there was something he was familiar with yet wary of—possessiveness, an out-of-control, almost paranoid possessiveness.

Four years ago, when he first met IU, she wasn't like this.

Back then, although she was already honored as the "Nation's Little Sister," she still maintained a pure passion for music and her career.

When did she start to change?

Perhaps it started when his anonymous submission, "White Frost and Bright Moon," became an instant hit?

Perhaps it started when he helped her plan the "IU Twinkle Twinkle" personal IP, taking her career to a new level?

Perhaps it started when he left SM, established TG, rose at an astonishing speed, and became a partner that even LOEN had to respect?

Power, talent, youth, looks... these labels attached to him attracted all kinds of gazes like honey attracting bees.

Jiang Zhiyu didn't fail to understand; he was just accustomed to building high walls with politeness and distance.

But IU clearly had no intention of staying outside the wall.

"Sweet enough to make one want to take a bite..."

Jiang Zhiyu's fingers tapped the steering wheel unconsciously, and his lips curled into a smile devoid of warmth.

Then let's see whose teeth are stronger.

Twenty minutes later, the sedan parked in a parking lot near the JYP Entertainment building.

The rain grew heavier, and Jiang Zhiyu took a spare black long-handled umbrella from the back seat, opened it, and walked toward that familiar building.

He had been to JYP Entertainment many times—mostly for Lee Tima.

During the time that girl was "infiltrating" JYP Entertainment, he had to come and "inspect" from time to time, while incidentally mooching a few meals treated by Park Jin-young.

But as the President of TG, this was his first official visit.

People were coming and going at the building entrance.

Trainees, staff, and occasionally a few artists entering and exiting in a hurry while wearing masks and hats.

The atmosphere at JYP Entertainment was different from SM; it was looser, more casual, and more like a... university club?

Jiang Zhiyu closed his umbrella, shook the water droplets off the surface, and was about to head inside when he caught a glimpse of someone standing in the corner of the entrance.

That person was wearing a loose black tracksuit, with her hat pulled down very low, wearing a signature black mask on her face, and leaning against the pillar by the door, her posture as lazy as a college student waiting for a bus.

If not for that overly slender figure and the exposed half-section of fair wrist, Jiang Zhiyu might have just assumed it was some slacking staff member.

But that person looked up, clearly stunned when she saw him, and then quickly stood straight and performed a standard ninety-degree bow.

The movement was crisp and clean, even stirring up a gust of wind.

Jiang Zhiyu was startled—there was absolutely no warning!

"Annyeonghaseyo, President Jiang."

The voice came from under the mask, muffled, but Jiang Zhiyu recognized her immediately—Shin Ryujin, ITZY's main dancer and sub-vocalist, famous for her outstanding dance skills and unique "dance-game" style.

He steadied himself and gave a slight nod in return: "Ryujin, hello."

Shin Ryujin straightened up, pulled down her mask, revealing a delicate face with a hint of boyish charm.

Her eyes were bright, currently carrying a bit of curiosity and... awkwardness?

"Why is President Jiang here?" she asked, then immediately added, "Ah, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that..."

"It's okay," Jiang Zhiyu smiled. "I'm here to discuss some matters with President Park. But Ryujin, why are you here by yourself? And wearing this..."

His gaze swept over her overly casual tracksuit.

Although it was normal for idols to dress like this in private, there was still a risk of being photographed by fans or reporters at the company entrance.

Shin Ryujin's expression became even more awkward; she touched the back of her neck and whispered, "I lost a game."

"A game?"

"Yes... a small game within the team." Shin Ryujin sighed, her tone resigned. "The person who loses rock-paper-scissors has to be responsible for today's takeout, and has to come downstairs to get it themselves."

Jiang Zhiyu raised an eyebrow, finding it somewhat amusing: "So you are waiting here specifically for takeout?"

"Yes..." Shin Ryujin glanced at her phone. "It should be here soon."

Jiang Zhiyu nodded: "Having variety games within the team is a good thing; it can enhance chemistry and also help relax. ITZY's current momentum is very good, aside from that so-called 'dance-game' nickname—"

He paused, seeing Shin Ryujin pout when she heard the term, "It's also possible to broaden and explore some different characteristic routes."

This was said very tactfully, but Shin Ryujin understood.

Since their debut, ITZY had become popular for their intense dance style and girl crush concept, and were jokingly called "dance-game" by fans.

This label achieved them, but also limited them to some extent—when everyone expects you to dance the hardest dances and perform the most explosive stages, any attempt to deviate from this route could trigger controversy.

But this sentence from Jiang Zhiyu was like a small key, gently turning open some kind of possibility.

Shin Ryujin's eyes lit up, she leaned in a bit closer, and lowered her voice, as if sharing a secret: "President Jiang, coming to our JYP Entertainment today... could it be?"

She didn't finish, but the expectation and probing in her eyes were already very obvious.

Jiang Zhiyu chuckled. This girl, she looked cool, but actually she was quite good at fishing for information.

"Ryujin," he deliberately put on a straight face, but his eyes carried a smile, "spying for information is not right."

Shin Ryujin chuckled "hehe" twice, not afraid of him, but instead becoming more assertive: "President, you have clearly filmed variety shows for so many idol groups—IZ*ONE, aespa, Red Velvet... Before, when we had the Haidilao dinner, didn't you also say you would plan a variety show for us ITZY and our TWICE seniors?"

Her memory was quite good.

Jiang Zhiyu remembered that Haidilao dinner, the absurd scene where Im Nayeon and he were flattering each other, and the later wary yet expectant gazes of the ITZY members.

At the time, he did indeed mention the possibility of cooperation, but that was more of a polite social pleasantry; he hadn't expected Shin Ryujin to remember it all this time.

"TG will be conducting necessary business cooperation with many entertainment companies in the future," Jiang Zhiyu chose an official and safe way of speaking. "However, we have a lot of things going on lately, and you know, filming a movie—it's our first movie after all—so some things just have to be pushed back."

He was telling the truth. The "the crab" project occupied a large amount of TG's resources, and they were in a tight state from funding to manpower.

Although the cooperation with JYP Entertainment was important, its priority indeed had to be a bit lower.

Shin Ryujin heard this, and her eyes dimmed, but she quickly perked up again: "Then... if there's a chance in the future?"

"Future things, we'll talk about later." Jiang Zhiyu didn't give a clear promise, but he didn't completely refuse either.

Just at this moment, the roar of a motorcycle approached from a distance.

A delivery person wearing a bright yellow raincoat rode a motorcycle and stopped at the building entrance, taking out a large paper bag with a fried chicken shop logo printed on it from the thermal box.

"Shin Ryujin?" the delivery person checked the order.

"Here!" Shin Ryujin waved and trotted over to take the paper bag.

The delivery person handed her a pen to sign, then curiously glanced at Jiang Zhiyu standing to the side—although Jiang Zhiyu was wearing a mask, his temperament and attire really didn't look like an ordinary person.

However, the delivery person was very professional, didn't ask anything, and rode away on the motorcycle.

Shin Ryujin walked back carrying the heavy fried chicken takeout, steam still rising from the paper bag, and the enticing aroma unique to fried food could be smelled through the bag.

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze fell on the logo on the paper bag, and he raised an eyebrow.

"This place..." his voice carried a hint of a smile, "the taste is good."

Shin Ryujin looked at him in surprise: "President also knows this place?"

"Yes, I've eaten there a few times." Jiang Zhiyu didn't say much, but a trace of nostalgia flashed in his eyes.

This fried chicken shop was very famous in Gangnam District, specializing in traditional Korean-style fried chicken with specially made sauce.

Lee Tima liked it especially; when she was at JYP Entertainment before, she often pestered Park Jin-young to order takeout from this place, and sometimes she would "incidentally" bring him a portion.

Come to think of it, that girl was now with IU, eating nothing but boiled chicken breast and vegetable salad... he wondered if she was secretly missing fried chicken.

Shin Ryujin watched Jiang Zhiyu's expression, keenly capturing something, but she was smart enough not to probe further, only smiling and saying: "Then our ITZY's taste is quite classy. Would President like to eat with us? We ordered a lot."

"No need, thank you." Jiang Zhiyu glanced at the time. "I should go up, President Park is still waiting for me."

"Ah, right!" Shin Ryujin just remembered the important business, quickly bowed, "Then I won't delay you, President, please go ahead."

Jiang Zhiyu nodded, opened his umbrella, and walked back into the rain.

After walking a few steps, he suddenly turned back and said to Shin Ryujin, who was still standing at the entrance: "Ryujin."

"Yes?" Shin Ryujin looked up.

"Eat the takeout while it's hot," Jiang Zhiyu smiled, "and also, next time you lose a game, remember to let your Manager help you get the takeout—it's not good to get photographed."

His tone was gentle, like a senior advising a junior, without any sense of preaching, just pure concern.

Shin Ryujin was stunned, then nodded vigorously: "Yes! I know! Thank you, President!"

Jiang Zhiyu waved his hand and turned to walk into the JYP Entertainment building.

Shin Ryujin stood at the entrance, watching his back disappear behind the glass door, then looked down at the fried chicken takeout in her hand.

The rain was still falling, the aroma of the fried chicken wafted out through the paper bag, mixed with the smell of the rain, giving a strange sense of warmth.

She suddenly remembered the sentence Jiang Zhiyu just said—"It's also possible to broaden and explore some different characteristic routes."

And the nostalgia that flashed in his eyes when he recognized the fried chicken shop.

Shin Ryujin pursed her lips, carried the takeout into the building, and in a corner of her heart, quietly planted a seed of expectation.

Perhaps... the cooperation between TG and JYP Entertainment really isn't just talk?

And at this moment, in the elevator, Jiang Zhiyu watched the rising numbers, also calculating in his mind.

ITZY was indeed a good partner for cooperation. Youthful, energetic, talented, and the members each had their own characteristics, with strong plasticity.

If he could plan a suitable variety show for them, perhaps he could really break the "dance-game" stereotype and showcase more diverse charm.

Of course, the prerequisite was to get the matter at hand sorted out first.

The elevator door opened on the top floor.

Park Jin-young's secretary was already waiting at the entrance, and upon seeing him, bowed respectfully: "President Jiang, welcome to JYP Entertainment. President Park is already waiting for you in the conference room."

"Thank you."

Jiang Zhiyu adjusted his suit, and a professional smile hung on his face again.

The second round of the game was about to begin.

And the rain outside the window was falling even harder.

— —

Park Jin-young's Selfish Motives and TG's "Inspiration Selling"

At the same time as Jiang Zhiyu stepped into the JYP Entertainment building, in the high-level conference room of JYP Entertainment, the atmosphere was subtle and tense.

On both sides of the long table sat key figures from various departments of the company: the Head of Content Production, the Director of Artist Management, the Director of Marketing, the CFO, and several senior producers.

On the projection screen, a detailed analysis report was being displayed—the title was "In-depth Analysis of TG Entertainment's Business Model and Feasibility Assessment of Cooperation."

"In summary," standing in front of the screen was Chief Kim from the Strategic Analysis Office, a middle-aged man with black-rimmed glasses and a serious expression, "TG Entertainment's positioning is very clear: they do not launch idol groups to grab a share of the already saturated market, but instead position themselves as 'inspiration providers' and 'creative solution suppliers'."

He clicked to the next page, and the organizational chart of TG Entertainment appeared.

"The core team only has three people: President Jiang Zhiyu, Chairwoman Kim Soo-yeon, and the head of the variety department, Lee Tima. But it is these three people who support the entire company's creative output."

The next page was the project list for TG Entertainment:

"destined kim hyo-soon" (Drama + Special)

"twelve star envoys" (Large-scale Idol Reality Show)

"ae training camp" (Idol Training Documentary)

"Taeyeon's Search" (Music Travel Variety Show)

"Red Velvet the collapsed daily life" (Life Observation Variety Show)

"the crab" (Movie to be filmed)

"white horse" (Drama adaptation to be filmed)

And dozens of hit songs produced for artists from major companies.

"Judging from the data," Chief Kim's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet conference room, "Since its establishment, TG Entertainment has not had a single failed project, with an average return on investment as high as 210%. The most exaggerated one is 'twelve star envoys', with a production cost of about 1.5 billion won, and the direct revenue generated so far has exceeded 8 billion, not to mention the brand value and indirect revenue, which are immeasurable."

A slight gasp echoed in the conference room.

"This does not include the long-term income they have obtained through channels such as music copyrights, product placements, and IP licensing." Chief Kim pushed up his glasses, "According to our estimates, TG Entertainment's current annual revenue is at least over 30 billion won, and it is still growing rapidly."

The CFO couldn't help but interject, "They haven't even been established for five years, right? This growth rate... is too abnormal."

"It is abnormal." Chief Kim nodded, "But if we analyze their core competitiveness, we will find that this is not a coincidence."

Three keywords appeared on the screen: Inspiration, Execution, and Resource Integration.

"First, inspiration. This is TG's most terrifying weapon." Chief Kim's tone became complicated, "The outside world calls Jiang Zhiyu 'the man who gets inspiration just by taking a few steps'. Although exaggerated, it reflects reality to a certain extent. From music to variety shows to film and television, he seems to have inexhaustible creativity in all fields."

"And it's not just him." The Director of Artist Management chimed in, "Although Kim Soo-yeon is now focused on company management, she is a musical genius herself. The three songs released after the Han River Bridge crossing incident, 'eclipse: prologue', are still at the top of the music charts. Not to mention Lee Tima, who could write works like 'windmill' at the age of eight, and the 'Constrict' she wrote during her time at JYP also proved her ability."

"A company founded by three super geniuses; inspiration is not a problem for them." Chief Kim concluded, "This is also the reason why other 'creative support' companies cannot make it—what they lack is not capital, not channels, but the most core, continuous inspiration."

The conference room fell into a brief silence.

Several producers had complicated expressions. They were also creators and knew the preciousness and scarcity of inspiration well. But those three people at TG seemed to treat inspiration like tap water, available as soon as the faucet was turned on.

"Secondly, execution." Chief Kim continued, "TG's team is small but extremely efficient. From planning to execution to post-production, the process is optimized to the extreme. Moreover, their employee benefits are top-tier in the industry—according to the information we have, the average annual salary of TG's ordinary employees is more than 30% higher than that of the big three agencies, and they also have benefits such as flexible working hours, unlimited annual leave, and project bonuses."

"Really?" Someone asked skeptically, "With these benefits, how do they make a profit?"

"That's why there have always been rumors that there is mysterious capital supporting TG." The Marketing Director said, "But we can't find any clues. Their shareholder structure is very simple, just the three of them: Jiang Zhiyu, Kim Soo-yeon, and Lee Tima, without any external investment."

"Then where does this money come from?"

"It might just be... earned." Chief Kim smiled bitterly, "Don't forget, TG's gross profit margin is shockingly high. What they sell is creativity, the cost is mainly human resources, and their core human resources—those three people—hardly need any additional costs."

There was another silence.

This silence contained a bit more envy, even jealousy.

Everyone is in the entertainment business, so why can TG do it so easily and earn so much?

"Finally, resource integration." Chief Kim clicked on the last page, and a network diagram of TG's collaborations appeared—in the center was TG Entertainment, radiating outwards were the logos of SM, LOEN, TVN, CJ ENM, and even some Chinese companies.

"The smartest thing about TG is that they don't monopolize resources, but act as connectors and integrators of resources." Chief Kim's tone carried admiration, "They plan variety shows for SM, produce music for LOEN, collaborate on dramas with TVN, and distribute with CJ... They don't fight for territory with anyone, but help everyone make the cake bigger, and then take their own share."

"So they have few enemies and many friends." The Head of the Content Production Department was thoughtful, "This model... is indeed very smart."

"But it's also dangerous." The CFO frowned, "What if their inspiration runs dry one day? Or, what if other companies learn this model?"

"That is the focus of our discussion today." The conference room door was pushed open, and Park Jin-young walked in.

Everyone immediately stood up: "President!"

Park Jin-young waved his hand and sat down in the main seat. He was wearing a dark gray suit today with a serious expression, but those who knew him could see that there was a certain excitement suppressed beneath that seriousness.

"You have all studied the 'package cooperation model' recently launched by TG, right?" Park Jin-young asked.

"Yes." Chief Kim nodded and switched the PPT, showing TG's three cooperation plans:

Package A (Comprehensive Deep Customization): TG handles all aspects including concepts, music, MVs, variety shows, and merchandise. The artist/group is equivalent to being "entrusted" to TG, and the company only needs to provide personnel and basic support.

Package B (Core Collaboration): The agency is responsible for core creation (such as song concepts), and TG undertakes MV shooting, variety show planning, merchandise development, and other aspects.

Package C (Specialized Content Cooperation): Cooperation only for a single project, such as customizing a variety show or producing a song.

"Package A has the greatest risk, but the return may also be the highest." Chief Kim analyzed, "It's equivalent to betting the artist's career on TG's creativity. Package B is relatively balanced, and Package C is the safest."

The conference room began to discuss.

"Package A is too risky. What if TG's creativity doesn't suit our artists?"

"But what if it's TWICE or ITZY? TG's ability is obvious to all. If they could tailor a complete comeback plan for our group..."

"That also depends on whether TG is willing to take it. I heard that SM wanted TG to do Package A for aespa, but they were politely declined."

"TG is not short of clients now; they have the power to choose."

Amidst the discussion, Park Jin-young remained silent.

He folded his hands on the table, his gaze falling on the three package plans on the projector screen, something burning deep in his eyes.

Selfish desire.

This word rolled in his heart, wrapped in a layer of sugar-coating called "President's responsibility."

His subordinates were all discussing the possibility of cooperation for the company's groups, but Park Jin-young was thinking about something else—

Himself.

Yes, the founder of JYP, one of the godfathers of K-pop, Park Jin-young, who is 49 years old this year, still has that boy living deep in his heart who longs for the stage and longs to move the world with music.

When was his last solo comeback? Three years ago? Four years ago? It had been so long that he had almost forgotten the feeling of standing under the spotlight, hearing only his own heartbeat.

It's not that he didn't want to return, but... he lacked a sufficiently convincing reason.

"The President is old, why release a solo?"

"Just manage the company well, leave the stage to the young people."

"JYP's songs are all created by teams now, the President's personal musical style may already be outdated."

Park Jin-young hadn't failed to hear these voices. He had even doubted it himself—can my music still move today's young people?

Until TG Entertainment appeared.

Until he saw Jiang Zhiyu and Lee Tima—those two young people, one calm and rational like a precision instrument, the other unrestrained like a wild horse, yet both able to create amazing works.

Until he saw 'Snow White: The Cracked Ivory Tower' created by TG for aespa, 'twelve star envoys' planned for IZ*ONE, and 'Taeyeon's Search' produced for Kim Taeyeon...

A collision of inspiration.

This word struck him like lightning.

What if... what if he collaborated with Jiang Zhiyu and Lee Tima?

What kind of chemical reaction would occur when three musicians with completely different styles, generations, and backgrounds collided?

Annual solo song award? Best Producer Award? Best Arranger Award?

Just imagining it, Park Jin-young felt his blood boiling.

Of course, as President, he couldn't just think about himself. TG's cooperation model was indeed an opportunity for JYP—if they could get TG to tailor a comeback for TWICE or ITZY, perhaps they could really break through the existing bottleneck.

But... why couldn't he try it himself first?

Using his identity as President to "clear the mines" for the company's cooperation.

Even if he failed and was scolded as a "shameless old man" or "clinging to the popularity of young people," so what? Was he afraid of losing face?

But what if he succeeded?

Park Jin-young's breathing quickened slightly.

He remembered Jiang Zhiyu's calm and sincere attitude during the dinner at Haidilao; he remembered Lee Tima's talented but troublesome appearance when she was at JYP; he remembered all those dazzling success stories of TG.

The first person to eat the crab.

This metaphor was very appropriate—'the crab' was TG's first movie, and he, perhaps, could become the first client of TG's "Package A".

Not for the company, at least not entirely.

It was for that 49-year-old Park Jin-young who would still write songs late at night, dance in the practice room, and get as excited as a child when hearing good music.

"President?" Chief Kim's voice pulled him back to reality, "What is your opinion?"

Park Jin-young looked up and scanned the faces in the conference room waiting for his decision.

He took a deep breath and said in the calmest tone, "TG's cooperation model is an opportunity for us. But opportunity also means risk. My suggestion is—"

He paused, seeing everyone holding their breath.

"I will personally push for this cooperation."

There was silence in the conference room.

A few seconds later, someone asked cautiously, "President, you mean... you want to negotiate with TG yourself?"

"Not just that." Park Jin-young smiled, a smile that contained both the majesty of a President and the eagerness of a musician, "I intend to become the first collaboration partner for TG's 'Package A'."

"Wh-what?!" Someone gasped.

"President, this is too risky! What if..."

"It is precisely because it is risky that I should be the one to do it." Park Jin-young interrupted him, his tone unquestionable, "I am the President and also the representative of JYP. If the cooperation is successful, it can open up a new path for the company; if it fails, I will bear the losses and the notoriety, and it will not affect the company's artists."

He spoke high-sounding words, flawless.

Wrapping his inner selfish desire with the responsibility of a President.

Although a bit embarrassed, there was more of a sense of justified self-confidence—he was Park Jin-young, the founder of JYP, a legendary figure in the history of K-pop. Collaborating with TG was a strong alliance, mutual achievement, not "clinging to popularity."

Yes, that's it.

Park Jin-young convinced himself in his heart, and the expression on his face became more determined.

"It's settled. Today's meeting ends here. Everyone go back and prepare. Once I have discussed the results with TG, we will make the next deployment."

The executives looked at each other, but no one dared to contradict the President. They left one after another, leaving only Park Jin-young in the conference room.

He walked to the window and looked downstairs. The rain had eased, the streets were wet, reflecting the city lights.

A few minutes later, a black sedan came into view and stopped at the entrance of the JYP building.

The car door opened, and Jiang Zhiyu got out with an umbrella.

Even from such a distance, Park Jin-young could recognize that figure—upright, composed, with the unique sharpness of a young person and the seasoned experience of a veteran.

His heartbeat quickened involuntarily.

The assistant knocked gently: "President, President Jiang has arrived."

Park Jin-young turned around, adjusted his tie in the mirror, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly.

The expression on his face adjusted to the most perfect state: enthusiastic but not lacking majesty; friendly but keeping a distance; both a senior and a partner.

He pushed open the conference room door, wearing a carefully calculated smile on his face, his voice loud and sincere:

"President Jiang, welcome to JYP!!"

In the corridor, Jiang Zhiyu, who was preparing to go to the conference room, heard this voice, paused for a moment, then smiled and walked up to meet him.

The two men shook hands in the JYP corridor.

One was 49 years old, with flames of unwillingness to be silent burning in his eyes.

One was 19 years old, holding an amazing future in his hands.

The sunlight after the rain pierced through the clouds, casting mottled light and shadows on the corridor floor.

A new cooperation was about to begin.

And where this cooperation would eventually lead, no one knew at this moment.