330: Chapter 310 Targeted by a Career-Oriented Woman~

The meat sizzled on the iron grill, fat dripping into the charcoal and sparking tiny embers as the aroma filled the air. The waiter skillfully flipped the slices, cutting the cooked portions into bite-sized pieces and distributing them evenly onto everyone's plates.

The atmosphere in the private room underwent an indescribable shift the moment Jiang Zhiyu spoke.

"The independent film Kim Seo-woo xi mentioned just now, 'Silent Breath,' right?" Jiang Zhiyu picked up a piece of perfectly grilled pork belly and dipped it in some sauce. Instead of eating it immediately, he looked up at Kim Seo-woo across from him and said in a gentle voice, "It was the Special Award winner in the New Currents section of last year's Busan International Film Festival."

Kim Seo-woo's eyes widened in surprise. "President Jiang knows about it too?"

"I've seen it." Jiang Zhiyu nodded slightly, his gaze holding no deliberate flattery but rather a pure, professional level of recognition. "Your portrayal of the aphasiac woman, using only body language and your eyes to convey emotion, was outstanding. Especially the third scene, that three-minute wordless monologue in the old apartment corridor—the camera movement and your performance rhythm were perfectly coordinated."

His tone was calm, as if stating an objective fact, but every word struck exactly where Kim Seo-woo cared most.

It wasn't a vague "you acted well," but specific down to the scene, the acting style, and the cinematic language.

The surprise on Kim Seo-woo's face gradually turned into a sense of being understood and comforted. She put down her chopsticks and leaned forward slightly, her tone becoming more sincere. "That scene... we really did film it many times. The director wanted a 'sense of frozen time' and required me to do only three movements in three minutes: turn around, pause, and lower my head. But the emotional progression between each movement had to be peeled away layer by layer."

"You achieved it," Jiang Zhiyu said, the corners of his lips curving slightly. "That transition from daze to memory and then to relief was very delicate. Many actors would have overacted, but you showed great restraint. Restraint is often harder than an explosion."

As those words fell, Kim Seo-woo's eyes visibly brightened.

Having spent over a decade in this industry, she had heard plenty of compliments. But evaluations like Jiang Zhiyu's—not flamboyant or empty, but based on actually watching the work and understanding the difficulty of the performance—were few and far between.

"Thank you, President Jiang." Kim Seo-woo picked up her teacup and toasted him, using tea instead of wine. "I am honored to receive such a review from you."

Jiang Zhiyu raised his cup in response, his movements natural and smooth.

IU, sitting in the seat of honor, watched this scene. Her smile remained sweet, but her fingers tightened slightly around her teacup.

"President Jiang is truly young and promising."

Park Hae-soo raised his cup, his tone carrying heartfelt admiration. "When I was your age, I was still playing bit parts in a theater troupe."

Jiang Zhiyu raised his glass and nodded slightly. "You flatter me, Senior. The experience and works you've accumulated over the years are the truly precious treasures."

His voice was warm and smooth, like polished jade—neither high nor low, yet possessing a strange piercing quality. Every word was articulated clearly, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, perfectly balancing respect and confidence.

"Indeed," Kim Seo-woo chimed in, her eyes showing a senior's appreciation for a junior. "President Jiang's insights into film and your guidance during training... they really don't seem like something a twenty-year-old would have."

Jiang Zhiyu smiled, his expression clean and humble. "It's just superficial knowledge. When it comes to actual filmmaking, I still have to rely on the expertise of seniors like you."

As he spoke, he naturally picked up the tongs and began flipping the meat on the iron grill. His movements were skilled and his posture relaxed; he didn't look like he was at a formal business dinner at all, but rather having a meal with friends.

Then, Park Hae-soo spoke up. "Speaking of performance difficulty, President Jiang, I've actually had a question for a while."

"Please, go ahead." Jiang Zhiyu turned to him, his gaze focused.

"Those combat moves you demonstrated during training," Park Hae-soo's tone carried the investigative curiosity unique to professional actors, "I've observed them for a long time. Those techniques and ways of applying force don't seem like martial arts routines or traditional military and police combat. They seem more like... some kind of highly personalized system honed through actual combat?"

The question was very direct, even somewhat sensitive.

The atmosphere in the private room froze for a subtle moment.

Both Kim Seo-woo and Im Yoona subconsciously looked at Jiang Zhiyu, and even the waiter's movements in flipping the meat slowed down.

Only IU's smile deepened—she was also waiting for this answer.

Jiang Zhiyu put down his chopsticks and picked up a wet towel to wipe his hands. His movements were slow, but without any hesitation or fluster.

"Park Hae-soo xi, you've observed very closely." He spoke, his voice still that warm, convincing tone. "It indeed isn't any existing system."

He paused, seemingly weighing his words, but his gaze was open.

"I lived abroad for a period during my youth and came into contact with some combat instructors from different backgrounds. There were former special forces, underground boxers, and traditional martial artists. But my learning was quite varied; I didn't specialize in any one discipline. I just extracted the most effective and direct techniques from actual combat and combined them with my own physical conditions to form a set of habitual movements."

This explanation was perfectly logical—youth, abroad, eclectic learning.

It answered the question without revealing too much personal information, while also explaining his combat abilities that surpassed his age.

"I see." Park Hae-soo nodded thoughtfully, his gaze holding a few more degrees of respect alongside the curiosity. "No wonder those moves seem to... lack a set pattern, yet every strike goes straight for the vitals. This requires immense body control and combat awareness."

"You're overpraising me." Jiang Zhiyu smiled humbly. "Actually, it's mostly instinctual reaction. In a real fight, who has time to think about specific moves?"

When he said this, his tone was light, as if chatting about an inconsequential matter.

But everyone present understood the weight behind those words.

"Instinctual reaction" was often more terrifying than "deliberate moves"—it meant those lethal actions had already integrated into his muscle memory and become a part of his body.

Kim Seo-woo took a sharp breath inwardly.

Im Yoona lowered her eyes, looking at the meat cooling on her plate, her thoughts unknown.

IU suddenly spoke, her voice cloyingly sweet. "President Jiang is always so humble~ You're clearly so amazing, yet you make it sound like it's no big deal."

Jiang Zhiyu looked at her, his gaze calm. "IU xi, you're overpraising me. It's just some small self-defense techniques, nothing compared to your achievements in music."

This response was extremely clever—it acknowledged IU's praise while shifting the topic from the sensitive "combat ability" to IU's strongest field.

And it complimented IU in the process.

Sure enough, IU's eyes curved into crescents. "President Jiang really knows how to talk~"

The atmosphere became relaxed once again.

Jiang Zhiyu looked at Im Yoona, who hadn't said much, and spoke naturally. "Yoona Noona," he turned his head toward her, "this beef tenderloin is almost ready. Give it a try."

Im Yoona was spacing out and was startled by the word "Noona."

Noona.

He called her Noona.

Yet for IU, Park Hae-soo, and Kim Seo-woo, he collectively used "Senior."

The closeness of their relationship was glaringly clear in these different forms of address.

"Ah... thank you." Im Yoona quickly held out her plate.

Jiang Zhiyu picked up a piece of perfectly grilled beef tenderloin and placed it on her plate. The meat was still steaming, its edges slightly charred and golden, while the center was an inviting pink.

"Noona has worked hard in training these past few days," his voice softened slightly, carrying a near-gentle concern. "Eat more to keep your strength up."

Im Yoona looked at the meat on her plate, then looked up at him.

Under the lights, the lines of Jiang Zhiyu's profile were clean and sharp, his eyelashes casting faint shadows on his eyelids. His expression was serious, as if he were doing something very important.

Clearly... clearly he was so much younger than her.

Im Yoona had done the math—when she was in middle school, Jiang Zhiyu might have just been born. No, maybe he wasn't even born yet.

She was born in 1990, and he was born in 2001.

A twelve-year age difference.

When she was already a member of Girls Generation, standing on stage receiving the cheers of thousands, he was still a child in kindergarten.

But now...

He was like a guardian who cared for her the most, serving her food, reminding her to take care of her health, and dominating the entire situation with that gentle yet unquestionable tone.

Why?

Im Yoona looked down at the clear water in her cup.

The surface of the water rippled slightly, reflecting the warm yellow light from the ceiling and her own somewhat distorted, abstract face.

Her features were blurred and her silhouette was out of focus, like a painting soaked in water.

Water...

She suddenly remembered that day in Kim Taeyeon's kitchen.

Jiang Zhiyu had been standing beside her, holding a knife and preparing a fish. His movements were clean and swift, the blade making a light rustling sound as it slid over the scales.

At that time, he had said—

"Noona, if you were to compare yourself to water, what temperature would you be right now?"

His voice had been very soft, as if asking an inconsequential question.

Im Yoona had been stunned for a moment, then thought about it seriously.

She had been stunned for a moment, thought about it seriously, and answered, "55 degrees."

Not scalding, but not cold either. Just the right temperature to drink—gentle and non-aggressive.

Jiang Zhiyu had smiled then, a very faint smile, but something had flashed in his eyes.

"Then, Noona," he continued to ask, his voice even softer, "when... can you keep boiling?"

Keep boiling?

Im Yoona hadn't understood back then.

Because she didn't know how to answer.

Boiling?

Had there ever been a time when her life was boiling?

Those years at the peak of Girls Generation? I suppose so. Standing on stage, cheered by millions, bathed in spotlights—that kind of heat was indeed boiling.

But after that?

The members went their separate ways, group activities decreased, and she began transitioning into an actress. She filmed a few mediocre dramas; although her popularity remained, that "boiling" feeling seemed to have gradually cooled.

Until now.

Until she decided to take on the challenge of the crab, until she stepped into the training ground, until she gritted her teeth to complete those training sessions that almost pushed her beyond her limits...

Until this moment, sitting in this private room, hearing Jiang Zhiyu announce that she would be the lead. Sitting at this BBQ table, watching Jiang Zhiyu handle the room with ease, hearing him call her "Noona" again and again, and seeing him hint both overtly and covertly—

That although Im Yoona would play the lead, please don't take offense, as there would still be opportunities to collaborate with everyone in the future.

That pool of warm water in her heart seemed... to be bubbling again.

But it was still far from boiling.

He had said those words flawlessly.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

He affirmed Im Yoona's strengths, soothed the other candidates, and incidentally emphasized the possibility of TG Entertainment continuing to work with everyone in the future.

Three birds with one stone.

And all of this was done naturally under the guise of "Noona," a term that was both intimate and kept a certain distance.

Im Yoona gripped the water glass in her hand.

The water's temperature... 55 degrees.

Not hot, but not cold either.

Then what about Jiang Zhiyu?

What is his temperature right now?

Is it a permanently calm 25 degrees?

Or...

Jiang Zhiyu looked at the waiter again: "Please add another vegetable platter, with plenty of lettuce and perilla leaves. Also, the tea for IU-xi has gone cold, please bring her a hot one."

"Certainly, coming right up."

The waiter replied and stepped away.

Watching this series of smooth, effortless arrangements by Jiang Zhiyu, IU's smile remained perfect, but deep in her eyes, a flicker of complex emotion flashed by.

He was too good at this.

It wasn't the kind of deliberate fawning or flattery, but rather a silent, subtle thoughtfulness and control.

He would take care of everyone's emotions—affirming Kim Seo-woo's acting, answering Park Hae-soo's questions, looking after Im Yoona's well-being, and even noticing that her tea had gone cold.

His words were always gentle, yet carried an unquestionable sense of certainty that made people believe in him involuntarily.

His demeanor was always humble, yet the natural aura of a leader he exuded made it impossible for anyone to ignore his presence.

Just like spring rain.

This was the metaphor that popped into IU's mind.

Jiang Zhiyu's way of socializing was like the light rain of spring—not intense, not flashy, soaking in silently, yet capable of making everyone feel comfortable, respected, and seen.

And... the way he put meat on Im Yoona's plate just now was too natural.

So natural that it left her unable to react.

So natural that it seemed as if it were truly just an elder caring for a junior.

So natural that... the fire in her heart burned even brighter.

And what IU cared about even more was the way he addressed her.

"Noona."

Jiang Zhiyu turned to Im Yoona and naturally placed a freshly grilled mushroom onto her plate.

"This isn't hot anymore, Noona, try it."

His tone was casual, as natural as saying "the weather is nice."

But that "Noona" was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake inside this private room.

Park Hae-soo and Kim Seo-woo both paused.

And for a fleeting moment, the smile on IU's face almost faltered.

"Thank you..." Im Yoona replied softly, her earlobes turning slightly red.

Jiang Zhiyu nodded and turned to the others: "Senior IU, Senior Park Hae-soo, Senior Kim Seo-woo, you should try some too; the mushrooms here are wild-picked, very fresh."

Senior.

He used "Senior."

Polite, respectful, yet carrying a clear sense of distance.

The degree of closeness was made obvious in these forms of address.

Park Hae-soo and Kim Seo-woo were both sharp, immediately understanding the implication.

The two exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

Jiang Zhiyu was hinting, both openly and covertly, that the lead role in "the crab" would most likely be Im Yoona.

But he did it extremely skillfully.

"It is TG Entertainment's honor to be able to work with all of you Seniors this time," Jiang Zhiyu raised his teacup, his tone sincere.

"Especially Senior Park Hae-soo's action direction and Senior Kim Seo-woo's interpretation of the character's psychology; both have been incredibly enlightening for me."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "Film is a team art. While the lead role is certainly important, the radiance of every character is indispensable."

That was well said.

It both affirmed the fact that Im Yoona might get the lead role and soothed the other candidates—I see your efforts, and I recognize your value.

"Of course," Jiang Zhiyu continued, his voice carrying just the right amount of outlook, "TG Entertainment will have many more projects in the future. If this collaboration is pleasant, I believe there will only be more opportunities to follow."

He didn't make any promises.

But everyone understood the implication—not getting chosen this time didn't mean there wouldn't be opportunities later.

The ship that is TG Entertainment welcomes those with talent.

Park Hae-soo was the first to raise his glass in response: "President Jiang is right, happy collaboration!"

Kim Seo-woo also smiled and raised her glass: "Looking forward to future collaborations."

Watching this scene, IU's fingernails nearly dug into her palms.

Of course she understood.

Jiang Zhiyu was paving the way for Im Yoona, and he was also giving her, IU—this investor—a clear signal: I have already decided on the candidate, but I will say the polite things, I will provide the follow-up resources, and everyone will save face.

Clever.

Truly so clever that it was infuriating.

Darkened IU's inner thoughts:

Spring rain?

Hah.

Spring rain can drown people too.

Jiang Zhiyu, do you think you can fool me with this?

You are so thoughtful to everyone, so considerate to everyone, so your kindness to Im Yoona is just a part of "to everyone," is that it?

I don't believe it.

I don't believe the way you look at her is the same as how you look at others.

I don't believe the way you place meat on her plate is the same as when you do it for others.

I don't believe it.

The barbecue dinner continued.

Jiang Zhiyu steered the direction of the conversation, at times analyzing the film market, at times discussing acting, and occasionally chatting about lighthearted industry anecdotes.

His breadth of knowledge was astonishing; from Hollywood production models to the Korean independent film ecosystem, from traditional acting theories to the latest virtual production technologies, he could handle it all with ease.

And his way of speaking was very unique—he never imposed his views from a position of superiority, but rather used an inquisitive tone to guide everyone to participate.

"Park Hae-soo-xi mentioned the market bottleneck for action films earlier, and I actually have an idea."

Jiang Zhiyu picked up his teacup and gently blew on the steam.

"Traditional tough-guy action films are indeed declining, but 'action' as an element is merging with more genres. For example, the 'John Wick' series is essentially a revenge flick, but the action design makes it stand out; and take 'The Bourne Identity,' where action serves psychological thrillers."

Park Hae-soo listened intently, nodding repeatedly.

"So the positioning of 'the crab' is very clear," Jiang Zhiyu continued.

"It is not an action film in the traditional sense, but primarily a 'crime thriller' with 'hardcore action' as a supplement. The action scenes are not for the sake of fighting, but an external expression of the character's psychology and the plot's progression."

Kim Seo-woo was thoughtful: "Is that why you repeatedly emphasized 'instinctive reaction' and 'survival consciousness' during training, rather than flashy moves?"

"Exactly."

Jiang Zhiyu looked at her with approval.

"The character Withe is not a martial artist, not a secret agent; she is an ordinary person who wants to escape her past but is forced back onto the battlefield. Her fighting shouldn't be pretty; it should be messy, vicious, and efficient. Because what she cares about is not winning or losing, but surviving."

After he finished speaking, the private room fell silent for a few seconds.

Park Hae-soo and Kim Seo-woo exchanged a glance, both seeing the same thing in each other's eyes—conviction in this young President.

He not only understood film, but even more so, the soul of the characters.

Im Yoona listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the rim of her teacup.

Survive.

This word reminded her of those moments on the training ground that nearly broke her.

Exhausted to the point of blacking out, muscles aching and trembling, but Jiang Zhiyu's voice would always sound out calmly:

"Continue."

"Can you still move?"

"If you want to give up, you can quit now."

She gritted her teeth and got up again and again.

Not because she was strong, but because... she didn't want to lose.

She didn't want to lose to Kim Seo-woo, didn't want to lose to Park Hae-soo, and she especially didn't want to lose to that elegant and composed IU standing on the sidelines.

She wanted to win.

She wanted to land this role.

She wanted to become a person who could "survive," just as Jiang Zhiyu said.

"President Jiang."

Im Yoona suddenly spoke up, her voice not loud, but very clear.

Everyone's gaze turned to her.

She raised her head, looking straight into Jiang Zhiyu's eyes: "I will do it."

An abrupt sentence.

But Jiang Zhiyu understood.

He looked at her, and in the depths of his eyes flashed a faint, almost invisible smile.

"I know," he said.

Only three words.

Yet more powerful than any long-winded encouragement.

IU, sitting at the head of the table, watched this scene, and the smile on her face finally showed a crack.

But she quickly adjusted, picked up her wine glass, and spoke in a sweet voice:

"It seems everyone is full of confidence in 'the crab'~ As an investor, I feel more assured now."

She looked around at everyone, her eyes curved in a smile:

"Come, let us all raise our glasses, to wish the movie great success, and also to wish everyone... that you all get what you want."

She said the last sentence very slowly.

Her gaze lingered subtly for a moment between Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona.

Then, she tilted her head back and drained her glass in one go.

Under the lights, the lines of her neck were beautiful, her throat moving gently.

Like a cat that is elegant but ready to pounce on its prey at any moment.

Jiang Zhiyu also raised his glass, his expression unchanged.

But deep in those calm eyes, the swaying wine in his glass was reflected, along with the undercurrents of the night beneath this banquet.

"Speaking of which," IU's voice interrupted Im Yoona's thoughts, "President Jiang seems to have high expectations for the movie 'the crab'."

She looked at Jiang Zhiyu with eyes curved in a smile, her tone carrying just the right amount of curiosity: "I heard that for this movie, President Jiang has even temporarily set aside other projects at TG Entertainment?"

Jiang Zhiyu put down his chopsticks and wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin: "It's not completely set aside. It's just that 'the crab' is my first movie, so naturally, I will invest more energy into it."

"To dare to make such a big-budget action film for your first movie," Park Hae-soo exclaimed, "President Jiang, you really have guts."

"Senior, you flatter me," Jiang Zhiyu smiled. "I just think that if you're going to do something, you should do it the best you can."

When he said this, a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

That light was completely different from his usual gentle demeanor, like a sharp sword hidden in a scabbard; occasionally showing a bit of its edge was enough to startle people.

Watching him like that, Im Yoona's heart trembled again.

And IU was deeply attracted by that light.

She looked at Jiang Zhiyu, at his young yet powerful face, at his eyes that were so deep they seemed capable of swallowing everything...

The black fire in her heart burned even brighter.

Jiang Zhiyu... You cannot escape.

I will... have you.

All of you.