326: Chapter 306 One Wave After Another

The training base was located halfway up a mountain in the outskirts of Seoul, surrounded by dense pine forests and far from the city's hustle and bustle. The towering barbed-wire fences, clusters of gray-white concrete buildings, and the massive sandy training ground in front of the main building made the place look more like a military base than an entertainment company facility.

Im Yoona's van arrived punctually at nine in the morning.

As she stepped out of the car, a morning mountain breeze blew by, carrying the scent of pine needles and earth, which cleared her head, groggy from a hangover.

She wore a simple black tracksuit today, her hair tied in a neat ponytail, with no makeup except for sunscreen. Her Manager had intended to follow her in, but was politely stopped at the base entrance by TG staff—"Sorry, assistants and Managers are prohibited from accompanying during the training period."

Im Yoona walked into the main building's lobby alone, carrying her sports bag.

There were already people in the lobby.

A woman in a dark blue tracksuit with her hair in a bun was leaning against the wall, looking at her phone. Hearing footsteps, she looked up, revealing a face familiar to Im Yoona—Kim Seo-woo.

At thirty-four years old, she was a powerhouse actress from Chungmuro, famous for her delicate acting and incredible versatility. Although not considered a top-tier box office guarantee, she had an excellent reputation within the industry and had won numerous acting awards.

“Hello, Yoona-xi,” Kim Seo-woo greeted her proactively with a gentle smile. “I've heard a lot about you.”

Im Yoona quickly bowed. “Hello, Senior Kim Seo-woo. I am Im Yoona. Please take care of me.”

As the two shook hands, another figure walked down the stairs.

It was a man.

Over 185 centimeters tall with a robust physique, his muscle lines were clearly visible under his tracksuit. Short hair, a square face, and sharp eyes—Park Hae-soo.

Forty-three years old, he was one of the representative actors of Korean action films. Originally a theater actor, he later transitioned to the big screen, becoming known for his tough-guy image and solid action choreography skills. Several crime action films he starred in had performed well both at the box office and with critics.

“Hello, you two.” Park Hae-soo's voice was deep and powerful as he gave a slight nod. “I am Park Hae-soo.”

The three greeted each other, the atmosphere polite but distant.

On the surface, Im Yoona maintained her composure, but inside, waves were surging.

Kim Seo-woo and Park Hae-soo.

Either of these names was synonymous with being a top-tier actor.

Especially Park Hae-soo—he was a professional action actor with years of experience in fight scenes. His physical stamina, techniques, and even his recovery ability after injury were far beyond what she could compare to.

And what about herself?

An idol-turned-actress who had starred in a few dramas, most of which were romances or light comedies. The only thing she had done that was remotely related to 'action' was probably dancing in music videos.

Was President Jiang doing this on purpose?

This thought popped up uncontrollably.

Placing her in front of such competitors was practically like throwing a sheep into a pride of lions.

Was he testing her ability to handle pressure? Or... did he have no intention of choosing her at all and was just going through the motions?

Im Yoona bit her lip, her fingers quietly clenching inside her tracksuit pockets.

No matter what, since I've come, I won't back down.

Just then, the door on the other side of the training ground opened.

Two people walked in.

The one walking in front was Jiang Zhiyu.

He was wearing a dark gray training suit today—not an ordinary tracksuit, but a professional one with tactical elements, crisp fabric, and a sharp cut. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing smooth, toned forearms. His hair was casually styled, not as meticulous as usual, giving him a bit more of a relaxed, youthful vibe.

But what surprised Im Yoona was the person following behind Jiang Zhiyu—

Kim Soo-yeon.

The genius girl chairman of TG Entertainment was also wearing a black training suit. Her long hair was tied in a high ponytail, her face was bare, and while that seventeen-year-old face showed no expression, her eyes were calm and her steps steady; her aura was in no way inferior to Jiang Zhiyu's beside her.

Why was she here too? And wearing a training suit?

Im Yoona was puzzled.

Jiang Zhiyu walked up to the three, his gaze sweeping over them in turn as he gave a slight nod.

“Hello everyone, I am Jiang Zhiyu, President of TG Entertainment and the person in charge of 'the crab' project.”

His voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear in the empty training ground.

“First of all, congratulations to the three of you for passing the director's interview and entering the final candidate stage.”

“For the next two weeks, I will serve as the primary instructor, teaching you the mercenary mindset, basic firearms knowledge, and fundamental solo combat methods.”

His gaze fell on Kim Soo-yeon.

“Chairman Kim Soo-yeon will not be stationed here permanently like me due to work reasons. She will primarily be sparring with me during close-quarters combat demonstrations.”

He paused, a faint, slightly proud smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.

“Soo-yeon is very formidable~”

This was said very softly, but the intimacy and trust within it were obvious.

Kim Soo-yeon stood beside him expressionlessly, as if she hadn't heard the compliment, but a very faint trace of warmth flashed deep in her eyes.

“In a moment,” Jiang Zhiyu continued, “we will first conduct necessary physical fitness tests, including endurance, explosive power, flexibility, and other basic items. The test results will not be used as a basis for elimination, but will serve as a reference for adjusting subsequent training intensity.”

The three nodded to show they understood.

Just then, as if suddenly remembering something, Jiang Zhiyu added:

“Right, before training begins, I want to introduce the largest investor of this drama—”

Before he could finish his sentence, the training ground doors were pushed open again.

A group of people walked in.

Walking at the very front was a woman wearing a light pink training suit with her hair in twin tails—IU.

Her look today was completely different from her usual 'Nation's Little Sister' image. Although the training suit was a soft pink, the style was capable and crisp. Her hair was tied in two low ponytails, she wore no makeup, and a bright smile was on her face.

Following behind her was her Manager, Jung Han-teuk, carrying a large pile of things—water bottles, towels, sports gear, and even a small first-aid kit.

IU walked up to everyone, bowed slightly, and said in a clear voice:

“Hello, seniors. I am IU. Starting from today, I will also be training alongside everyone.”

This sentence left the three people present stunned.

Tra... training alongside them?

Im Yoona looked at IU's training suit, then at Jung Han-teuk behind her holding all those bags, her brain failing to process it for a moment.

Jiang Zhiyu explained at the right time:

“IU-xi is here for the experience.”

His tone was flat, as if stating an inconsequential fact.

“As the primary investor, she wants to personally understand the training intensity of the project and also... learn some basic self-defense techniques while she's at it.”

This explanation sounded very reasonable.

But Im Yoona's gaze couldn't help but move back and forth between IU and Jiang Zhiyu.

Kim Seo-woo and Park Hae-soo's expressions didn't change much—as seniors who had been through the ups and downs of the entertainment industry for many years, they were long used to various 'whims' from investors. Since IU had invested so much money, it was perfectly normal for her to want to experience the training.

Moreover, the relationship between IU and Jiang Zhiyu... there had long been rumors in the industry. The two had collaborated for many years, from music to variety shows and now to this movie; their relationship was definitely extraordinary. Otherwise, why would IU invest so much money in a rookie director's (Jiang Zhiyu's) first film?

So IU appearing here was perfectly logical.

But Im Yoona didn't think so.

Her gaze landed on IU's face.

The woman hailed as the 'Nation's Little Sister' was currently standing beside Jiang Zhiyu with a beaming face. Her smile was radiant, her eyes curving into crescents, looking innocent and enthusiastic.

But Im Yoona keenly noticed—

IU's gaze wasn't actually looking at the three candidates at all.

Her vision, seemingly unintentionally, was glued to Jiang Zhiyu the entire time.

Furthermore, her nostrils were twitching slightly, as if she were... taking a deep breath?

Im Yoona suddenly remembered the unique scent on Jiang Zhiyu, like that of ripe fruit.

She was smelling his scent.

This realization made Im Yoona's heart tighten.

Looking closer at IU's smile—that smile was indeed radiant, but deep within her eyes, there was a hidden sliver of greedy, possessive light.

Like a beast that had set its sights on its favorite prey.

One didn't even need to think to know why IU, instead of being her solo queen and the Nation's Little Sister, had run over here to 'experience training'.

IU's intentions were clear to everyone.

Im Yoona pursed her lips, her doe-like eyes staring fixedly at IU.

And IU seemed to sense her gaze, turning her head to meet Im Yoona's eyes.

The two women's gazes met in mid-air.

In an instant, there seemed to be invisible sparks flying in the air.

IU's smile deepened, but there was no warmth in her eyes.

Im Yoona also returned a smile, but it was very faint, with undisguised scrutiny and vigilance in the depths of her eyes.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed completely unaware of the undercurrents between these two women. He clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention back.

“Alright, since everyone is here, let's begin.”

He pointed to the equipment area on the other side of the training ground.

“Warm up first, then we'll do the physical fitness tests.”

“Kim Seo-woo-xi, Park Hae-soo-xi, Im Yoona-xi, please follow me.”

“IU-xi... you should warm up too.”

After speaking, he led the way toward the equipment area.

Kim Soo-yeon followed behind him with a composed stride.

IU immediately jogged to catch up, naturally walking on Jiang Zhiyu's other side.

Jung Han-teuk followed behind them with a bitter face, carrying that pile of things.

Im Yoona stood in place, watching the backs of those three—Jiang Zhiyu in the middle, with Kim Soo-yeon on his left and IU on his right.

One was his most trusted partner, and the other was the investor who coveted him.

And she, Im Yoona, was just one of the three candidates, standing five meters away like an outsider.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions churning in her heart, and stepped forward to follow.

No matter how many distractions there were.

No matter how strong the opponents were.

No matter what that IU was planning.

Now, the training had begun.

And I must win.

—

The physical fitness test was more brutal than anyone had imagined.

Over two hours, they went through long-distance running, shuttle runs, explosive power tests, core endurance tests, flexibility assessments... every item was watched by Jiang Zhiyu and Kim Soo-yeon with emotionless eyes as they recorded the data.

By the end, Im Yoona could barely feel her legs. Sweat soaked her tracksuit, her ponytail was loose, and a few strands of wet hair clung to her forehead. She leaned on her knees, panting heavily, her vision blurred.

Beside her, Kim Seo-woo wasn't doing much better. This actress, known for her delicate acting, was pale and had dry lips; clearly, a body usually immersed in characters was not used to such high-intensity exercise.

Only Park Hae-soo seemed to handle it with ease—after all, he was a professional action actor who maintained high-intensity training year-round and had a solid physical foundation.

And IU...

Im Yoona glanced out of the corner of her eye at the woman standing in the shadows at the edge of the field.

IU hadn't participated in the tests at all.

Wearing that soft pink training suit and holding a bottle of water, she stood there quietly, her gaze always glued to Jiang Zhiyu.

From beginning to end, her eyes had never left the young President who was currently explaining the key points of a movement to Park Hae-soo.

That focus, that greed, made an indescribable discomfort well up in Im Yoona's heart.

“Fifteen-minute break.”

Jiang Zhiyu's voice pulled Im Yoona's thoughts back to reality.

She slumped on the ground in relief, grabbed the water bottle, and downed half of it in one go. The cold water slid down her dry throat, bringing a brief moment of clarity.

On the other side of the training ground, Jiang Zhiyu and Kim Soo-yeon were warming up.

Their movements were casual but professional—stretching shoulders, rotating ankles, and moving wrists. The range of motion wasn't large, but one could see the muscle lines and joint flexibility.

Jung Han-teuk stood nearby holding the pile of things, his eyes wide. Although he didn't understand it, he instinctively felt it was "very impressive."

After warming up his neck, Jiang Zhiyu looked up at the people in the rest area.

His gaze swept over Im Yoona sitting on the ground, Kim Seo-woo panting against the wall, and finally landed on Park Hae-soo—the action actor was watching him with a scrutinizing look.

Jiang Zhiyu smiled.

"While everyone is resting," he said, his voice echoing in the empty training ground, "Soo-yeon and I will have a sparring match first."

This sentence made everyone look up.

Kim Soo-yeon nodded without speaking and simply walked to the open space in the center of the training ground.

She looked at Park Hae-soo—the action actor's eyes were now filled with clear doubt.

This senior was obviously interested in the script, but he had doubts about this young president, Jiang Zhiyu, "instructing" physical fitness and combat. After all, movies are movies, and real training is another matter.

Kim Soo-yeon read that look.

She spoke softly, her voice calm: "It's not teaching, just a sudden whim."

She paused and added:

"It's also to show everyone why we didn't hire a professional martial arts director."

This was said very lightly, but the confidence and provocation within were self-evident.

Park Hae-soo raised an eyebrow and didn't speak, but he sat up straight.

Jiang Zhiyu walked opposite Kim Soo-yeon, and the two stood three meters apart.

He faced the people in the rest area and explained:

"In the upcoming fight, we will slow down so everyone can see the movements clearly."

"Mercenary close-quarters combat is basically all killing moves—attacking the Adam's apple, eyes, temples, groin—aiming for a one-hit kill, with no aesthetic value."

"But movies are different. Movies need texture, beauty, and a balance between realism and visual appeal."

He moved his fingers, his joints making a slight "crack" sound:

"So our demonstration will lean more towards technique and... coolness."

He said the last sentence somewhat playfully.

But no one laughed.

Everyone held their breath.

Kim Soo-yeon lifted her chin. On that seventeen-year-old girl's face, a clear emotion appeared for the first time—a mix of excitement and provocation.

"Oppa," she said, her voice clear, "it's been a long time since I've fought with you."

She tilted her head:

"Can those old bones still move?"

Jiang Zhiyu sneered:

"Little girl, don't be so sarcastic."

Kim Soo-yeon also sneered:

"Acting all high and mighty because of your age."

The moment the words fell—

Kim Soo-yeon moved.

It wasn't the movie cliché of striking a pose before rushing in.

It was an unannounced, explosive burst forward.

She covered the three-meter distance in just a step and a half—not running, but lunging off the ground, her body pressed low like a leopard pouncing on prey.

Raising her hand, fingers pressed together into a blade, she stabbed straight for Jiang Zhiyu's throat.

The movement was fast, accurate, and ruthless.

No unnecessary flourishes, no warning.

"Ah—!"

Kim Seo-woo was the first to cry out, covering her mouth with wide eyes.

Im Yoona subconsciously covered her own throat—as if that strike were aimed at her.

The small portable fan in Jung Han-teuk's hand fell to the ground with a "clatter," but he didn't even pick it up, just staring blankly at the center of the field.

Even the experienced Park Hae-soo's pupils constricted.

He had filmed many action scenes and seen many fights designed by martial arts directors. But those were all choreographed, performances to coordinate with the camera, editing, and safety measures.

But this scene before him...

There were no protective measures.

No prior communication.

If Kim Soo-yeon's strike were real, and at full speed... Jiang Zhiyu's throat would have been crushed on the spot.

This wasn't a "demonstration" at all.

This was a real life-and-death struggle.

And IU, standing on the sidelines—

She didn't cry out, she wasn't afraid.

Her fingers tightly gripped the hem of her clothes, her body trembling slightly.

Not from fear.

But from excitement.

So excited she was shivering.

Her eyes were fixed on Jiang Zhiyu, watching how he would react.

Just as Kim Soo-yeon's hand-blade was about to touch his Adam's apple—

Jiang Zhiyu moved.

Not retreating, not blocking.

He turned sideways, lowered his head, and simultaneously blocked upward with his left hand.

The movement was so fluid it was as if it had been rehearsed a thousand times.

Kim Soo-yeon's hand-blade brushed past the side of his neck, while his blocking arm pressed down, his right hand simultaneously reaching out for her ribs.

Kim Soo-yeon withdrew her hand, spun, and raised her knee to block.

Their movements were almost too fast to see, but every offense and defense carried clear killing intent.

Jiang Zhiyu leaned towards defense, but every time he caught an opportunity, his counterattack was ruthless—elbow to the temple, knee to the abdomen, joint locks...

Kim Soo-yeon was more direct—every one of her attacks aimed at vital weak points: eyes, Adam's apple, temples, back of the head, spine...

Their fight had none of the movie-style "back and forth," none of that "I punch you, you kick me" turn-based rhythm.

It was a continuous, rain-like exchange of offense and defense.

Every strike could end the battle; every dodge was a matter of life and death.

The people in the rest area watched in stunned silence.

Im Yoona covered her mouth, her heart pounding.

She suddenly understood what Jiang Zhiyu had said before—

"Why we didn't hire a professional martial arts director."

Because they didn't need one.

Because they themselves were the most professional killing machines.

Kim Seo-woo was completely speechless, just staring blankly.

Park Hae-soo's gaze changed from doubt to solemnity, then to shock.

As an action actor, he knew better than anyone—this level of combat wasn't something achieved by practicing martial arts or forms for a few years.

This required real combat.

A massive amount of real, life-and-death combat.

And Jiang Zhiyu and Kim Soo-yeon... how old were they?

Nineteen? Seventeen?

Where did they learn this?

What on earth... had they been through?

And IU—

She was completely immersed in her own world.

Her gaze greedily devoured Jiang Zhiyu's every movement, every dodge, every counterattack.

Dark IU's inner thoughts: Damn it, Jiang Zhiyu, why are you so excellent and yet so mysterious...

She thought of the information she had investigated—Jiang Zhiyu's personal info was pitifully sparse. He appeared out of nowhere at SM in 2017, bringing amazing musical talent, and then rose all the way from music to variety shows to TV dramas. Now, he was not only a rising star in the industry but also the screenwriter for a new movie...

And now, he was showing such incredible combat prowess in front of her.

He was practically a real-life Mission Impossible Tom Cruise.

No.

Even more than that.

Tom Cruise only risked his life in movies, but Jiang Zhiyu...

The look in his eyes when he dodged Kim Soo-yeon's attack just now left IU with no doubt:

He had truly killed people.

This realization made her whole body tremble.

Not from fear.

But from desire.

A twisted, almost pathological desire.

She wanted to see more.

Wanted to see his expression in extreme states, wanted to see his reactions on the edge of life and death, wanted to see him use those killing moves.

Even more...

She wanted him to use those things on her.

Not to really hurt her, but that feeling of controlling and being controlled.

To have him look at her with those calm eyes, touch her with those hands that could easily snap someone's throat, and treat her with the instincts honed in life-and-death combat.

Imaginary scenes flashed through her mind:

Jiang Zhiyu pinning her against the wall, his arm across her neck, the force perfectly controlled—not enough to suffocate, but enough to make her feel absolute suppression.

His breath hot against her ear, his voice deep: "Noona, don't move."

His hand gripping her wrist, pinning it behind her back, the movement as practiced as if done a thousand times.

His knee pressed between her legs, making it impossible for her to struggle.

And him looking at her, his eyes calm, but with something dark churning deep within...

"Ha..."

IU took a deep breath involuntarily, her fingers tightening at her side.

Her body was burning.

Not the heat after exercise, but a deeper, more dangerous excitement.

Her gaze fell on Jiang Zhiyu's neck—fine sweat beaded there from the intense movement, the blood vessels under the skin slightly bulging.

She wanted to bite it.

Wanted to feel his pulse with her teeth, taste his sweat, and leave a mark on him.

Wanted to make him lose control too.

Wanted to see his mask of calmness shatter.

In the center of the field, the exchange between Jiang Zhiyu and Kim Soo-yeon was coming to an end.

After Jiang Zhiyu blocked Kim Soo-yeon's high kick, she used the momentum to spin and elbow the back of his head—but at the moment it was about to hit, Jiang Zhiyu ducked and simultaneously reached out to grab her wrist, twisting it in a joint lock.

Kim Soo-yeon spun with the movement to shed the force, her other hand stabbing straight at Jiang Zhiyu's eyes.

Jiang Zhiyu tilted his head to dodge and simultaneously raised his knee—

Both stopped at the same time.

Jiang Zhiyu's knee stopped two centimeters from Kim Soo-yeon's abdomen.

Kim Soo-yeon's finger stopped one centimeter from Jiang Zhiyu's eyeball.

Time seemed to freeze.

Two seconds later, both withdrew their hands, stepped back, and opened up distance.

Their breathing was slightly hurried, but their expressions were as calm as if they had just been taking a walk.

The demonstration ended.

Dead silence filled the training ground.

Then—

"Clap, clap, clap."

IU was the first to clap.

Her applause was light, but exceptionally clear in the quiet space.

Then, the others reacted and began to clap as well.

Park Hae-soo clapped the hardest, the doubt in his eyes completely replaced by shock.

Kim Seo-woo and Im Yoona also clapped mechanically, their eyes still immersed in that deadly dance.

IU walked to the edge of the field, her eyes shining brilliantly, looking at Jiang Zhiyu:

"That was wonderful."

Her voice was a bit raspy:

"President Jiang... you always manage to surprise me."

Jiang Zhiyu wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled at her:

"Thanks. But that was just the basics."

He looked at the three candidates:

"Break's over. Next, we begin the basic combat instruction."

His tone returned to its usual calm professionalism, as if the life-threatening struggle just now was merely a routine warm-up.

But everyone knew—

This training camp was far more dangerous than they had imagined.

Standing beside Jiang Zhiyu, IU looked at his profile, her lips curling into a deep, dangerous arc.

Jiang Zhiyu...

You won't get away.

I will definitely...

Get you.